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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 1978-07-10 l :Z7 TOWN OF ITHACA REGULAR BOARD MEETING July 10 , 1978 - 5 : 15 p . m . At a Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca , Tompkins County , New York , held at the Town of Ithaca Offices at 126 East Seneca Street , Ithaca , New York , on July 10 , 1978 at 5 : 15 p . m . , there were PRESENT : Noel Desch , Supervisor Andrew W . McElwee , Councilman Victor Del Rosso , Councilman Catherine Valentino , Councilwoman Gust L . Freeman , Jr . , Councilman ALSO PRESENT : Lawrence P . Fabbroni , Town Engineer/Building Inspector Robert Parkin , Highway Superintendent Barbara Restaino , Planner Robert Bonnell , Assistant to the Town Engineer Mark Jozwicki , Summer Planning Intern Henry Aron , Planning Board Beverly Livesay , County Representative Kevin H . Rorke ( ATC ) David A . Lee ( ATC ) Herbert Mahr , 103 Judd Falls Road Representatives of the Media : Philip Lerman , Ithaca Journal Paul Harvey ( WHCU ) Andy Grossman ( WTKO ) ABSENT : Robert N . Powers , Councilman Shirley Raffensperger , Councilwoman CORRECTION OF WATER BENEFIT TAX LEVY AND APPROVAL OF REFUND Supervisor Desch read correspondence from Lisa Bronfen - brenner to Mr . Fabbroni , dated June 26 , 1978 , indicating that a garage lot belonging to Professor and Mrs . Paul McIsaac ( 66 - 5 - 5 ) had been incorrectly charged for one unit of water benefit . The lot is not large enough for a dwelling unit and is not connected to water or sewer . Supervisor Desch then read a letter dated June 29 , 1978 from Mr . Fabbroni to Professor and Mrs . Paul McIsaac indi - cating that the Town of Ithaca would make a correction for the year 1979s However , in the course of looking into this matter Mr . Fabbroni noted that the water benefit charge on the McIsaac building lot was listed as 1 . 5 units rather than 2 . 1 units ( 2 . 1 units being correct ) Therefore , the assessment for the building lot in 1978 should have been 2 . 1 units + 0 = 2 . 1 , instead of 1 . 5 + 1 = 2 . 5 . Therefore , for the year 1978 the charge to McIsaac was over - assessed to the extent of 4 / 10 of a unit . The Board felt the McIsaacs should have 4 / 10 of a unit ( 4 / 10 x $ 48 = $ 19 . 20 ) refunded . Therefore , the Board acted as follows . Motion by Councilman McElwee , seconded by Councilwoman Valentino , RESOLVED , that a refund . in the amount of $ 19 . 20 shall be made to Professor and Mrs . Paul McIsaac on their dwelling lot ( 66 - 5 - 11 ) to reflect an overassessment of 4 / 10 of a water benefit unit for the year 1978 . ( Valentino , Del Rosso , Freeman , McElwee , and Desch voting Aye . Nays - none ) Town Board Minutes - 2 - July 10 , 1978 PROTESTED WATER BILLING - KENNETH R . OLSON Supervisor Desch reported that Mr . Kenneth R . Olson , 17 Muriel Street , had protested paying the minimum charge of $ 17 . 75 since the premises had only been occupied for 9 days by him . The meter was read nine days after Mr . Olson took title to the property . Supervisor Desch reported that the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission has agreed that since the usage was far less than the full quarter to waive the minimum charge and bill in the next quarter for the actual usage during the nine day period . Motion by Supervisor Desch , seconded by Councilman McElwee , RESOLVED , that the minimum quarterly charge for water service to Kenneth R . Olson , 17 Muriel Avenue , in the amount of $ 17 . 75 be refunded ( for the billing period April 1 to July 1 , 1978 ) with the understanding that the water usage for the nine day period be billed on the bill rendered October 1 , 1978 , all the foregoing to be contin - gent upon Mr . Olson first paying the bill as rendered . ( Desch , Del Rosso , Freeman , McElwee , and Valentino voting Aye . Nays - none ) There was a question whether this resolution established any kind of policy . Supervisor Desch stated that this is a matter that will have to be considered by the Southern Cayuga Lake Inter - municipal Water Commission and a firm policy settled upon . HANDICAPPED PARKING PERMITS Supervisor Desch reported that Chapter 838 of the Laws of 1977 requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to design and dis - tribute Handicapped Parking Permits to all cities , town and villages in the State . He said it is required that an official of the Town must be appointed as the issuing agent for parking permits for the handicapped . He recommended that the Town Clerk be so appointed . Motion by Supervisor Desch , seconded by Councilman McElwee , RESOLVED , that the Town Clerk of the Town of Ithaca is hereby . designated as the Town official who will issue parking permits for the handicapped . ( Del Rosso , Freeman , McElwee , Valentino and Desch voting Aye . Nays - none ) REPORTS OF TOWN OFFICIALS Supervisor Desch made his report ( copy of which is attached to these minutes and made a part thereof ) . Two items covered in the Supervisor ' s report , ( 1 ) the benefit levy for 1978 and 1979 , and ( 2 ) the designation of the Town of Ithaca as an Economic Development Center , were acted upon as follows : Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman McElwee , WHEREAS , the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission has heretofore established the benefit levy for 1976 , 1977 and 1978 to each of the four member municipalities on the basis of 1974 water consumption from City of Ithaca records in accordance with the intermunicipal agreement , and 1 2 q Supervisor ' s Report - July 10 , 1978 1 . City- Town Negotiations - Upgrading Sewage Treatment Facilities The pace of the joint City- Town discussions has quickened . For example , we are meeting at least once per month to identify the mechanics to bring about this critical service in the most cost - effective way . Although the joint ownership approach seems to offer the most for both municipalities , the creation of a Commission should not await this commitment . A coordinated effort with direct involve - ment of both parties is vital to the successful outcome of the 16 million dollar project . Neither party can afford to finance this project by itself . At the next meeting on Tuesday , July 11 , we will be dis - cussing the timetable for the whole project , including such critical decision points as : ( 1 ) Establishing value of existing City plant . ( 2 ) Population forecasts to determine how much spare capacity to build into the plant . ( 3 ) Site selection . ( 4 ) Revisions to the City Charter to authorize creation of the Commission . Once this schedule is approved by the municipalities , we will proceed with the formalization of the documents involved . The Step I Facilities Plan phase , now underway , will take about one year . . After that comes the detailed design phase Step II and the construction phase Step III . 20 1978 Water Benefit Levy At the noon audit meeting today , the SCLIWC approved the basis for calculating the 1978 benefit levy . Each municipality must pay its share of this benefit levy by August 10 in order for us to make the principal payment of $ 275 , 000 . At the same time , an interest payment of $ 225 , 287 is also due from water revenues . The 1978 benefit levy will be based on the water consumption for each municipality for the last three quarters of 1977 and first quarter of 1978 . Heretofore the consumption figures for 1974 were used . The new calculations show a reduction of approximately $ 6 , 000 in the Town of Ithaca share . Although the intermunicipal agreement makes provision for the assessment of this benefit charge , I would ask the Board as the Town with fiscal responsibility over the Bolton Point budget to adopt the resolution attached to this report . Budget Preparation It is once again time to begin the formal budget process . I am herewith officially requesting all Town department heads to submit their budget requests by August 15 . The Townspeople should make their wishes known to the Town Board so that the 1979 budget can be as responsive to their . needs as possible . c ; �J Among items to be considered in the upcoming budget discussion are the following . ( 1 ) Public transportation to the Northeast and the Hospital . ( 2 ) Upgrade highway maintenance program . ( 3 ) Continuation of the Town Controller position . ( 4 ) Traffic safety needs . ( 5 ) Extend assistant to the engineer and planner to full time . ( 6 ) Repairs to Town Hall . I will ask the media to publicize this announcement . 3 . Sewer Extensions We have a number of requests from West Hill , Coddington Road and Slaterville Road for small extensions to the sewer system now under construction . It is not appropriate to authorize these extensions until it is clear that the current project can be completed below budget . We will know this when most of the Forest Home system is in place . This may mean that the extensions will not be done until Spring of 1979 . In the meantime , the preliminary process of determining feasibility and possible routing can proceed by our staff in an orderly way . The Town Engineer will report on the progress of the construction project . We have our first construction warrant before us today . 4 . Coy Glen Project The Parks Committee is looking at a number of alternatives to bring about the preservation of the Glen . None of the alterna - tives have been formalized to date , but the Parks Committee and the Town Board remain committed to find answers to the questions raised at the June 12th Town Board meeting and at the public infor - mation meeting on this subject . In the meantime , the Town will forward to BOR within the next month a packet of information , including the minutes of meet - ings , copies of letters , and petitions . 5 . Pennsylvania Avenue Improvements The field survey of the Pennsylvania Avenue area has been completed . I would like to express the Town Board ' s appreciation for the cooperation of the residents of this area to the survey crew . No doubt additional contacts will be required in order to verify some of the information . It seems that the people in this area now realize that we have their best interests in mind . 130 Town Board Minutes - 3 - July 10 , 1978 WHEREAS , the intermunicipal agreement further makes pro - vision for the usage of the most current prior four quarters of consumption information , and WHEREAS , the Commission billing system was established in March of 1977 , NOW , THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED : That the 1979 benefit levy be assessed on the basis of the consumption for the third and fourth quarters of 1977 and the first and second quarters of 1978 , and , further , that the benefit levy for future years be computed on the basis of the most current consumption information available as provided for in the intermuni - cipal agreement , i . e . , the ordering of the respective quarters used in the 1979 determination . ( Freeman , Desch , McElwee , Del Rosso , and Valentino voting Aye . Nays - none ) Motion by Supervisor Desch , seconded by Councilwoman Valentino , WHEREAS , the Southern Tier East Regional Planning Board is in the process of seeking designation of the counties of Broome , Chenango , Delaware , Otsego , Tioga and Tompkins as an Economic Develop - ment District , and WHEREAS , the Southern Tier East Regional Planning Board has recognized that the Town of Ithaca , along with the City of Ithaca , and Town of Lansing offer economic stability and industrial growth potential to enhance the economic viability of the entire County area , and WHEREAS , the Town of Ithaca has the responsibility to assist our neighbors in the matter of enhancing the economic viability of the Town , the region and the State , and WHEREAS , participation in the Economic Development District will enable the Town of Ithaca to become eligible for Economic Devel - opment Administration funding for projects which will benefit our community such as the East Ithaca By -Pass Project , extension of water and sewer to light industrial districts on Elmira/Danby Roads , as ex - amples , or elsewhere as the Town Board may designate , NOW , THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED * That the Town of Ithaca desires to be designated an Economic Development Center and will participate in the County Economic Advi - sory Board by the appointment of the Town Supervisor as its represen- tative to assure that those projects in which the Town and/ or County may participate are truly in the best interests of our respective municipalities . ( Desch , Freeman , Valentino , Del Rosso , and McElwee , voting Aye . Nays - aQjr e ) REPORTS OF TOWN OFFICIALS ( continued ) James V . Buyoucos , Town Attorney Mr . Buyoucos reported there has been a recent court case which determined that any proposal accepted by a town board by reso - lution becomes a contract . He recommended , therefore , that when a3 ► Town Board Minutes - 4 - July 10 , 1978 such resolutions are adopted they should be adopted subject to approval of the Town Attorney . Simple resolutions may not require this precaution , but other more complex resolutions should be adopted on a contingent basis . Mr . Buyoucos referred again to the matter of billboards . He said that the most recent decisions of the Court of Appeals have held that a municipality may , indeed , enact an ordinance regulating signs and that a municipality may require that after a certain period of time has expired that they be removed . He said the key question , however , is : Was there a reasonable amortization period ? Will there be a reasonable economic return during the time period allowed ? Since the billboard matter is now before the Supreme Court , he recom- mended that the Town Board take a " wait and see " attitude . He said , however , that sometime before the end of the year , the Town Board should make a decision as to what it will do in this matter ( refer - ring to the Roy H . Park , Inc . billboards ) . Mr . Buyoucos urged very strongly that with respect to the bonding of the 5 - area sewer project , his office be kept fully informed . It may be necessary ultimately for his office to render an opinion . Supervisor Desch assured Mr . Buyoucos that he would be kept fully informed . Lawrence P . Fabbroni , Town Engineer Mr . Fabbroni reported that the Town has now received approval from the State and Federal governments with respect to safety improvements on Sandbank Road and Snyder Hill Road . The Town ' s share or estimated cost for these improvements is under $ 8 , 000 . Mr . Fabbroni stated that the Department of Transportation has asked the Town to adopt a resolution authorizing a Town official to execute whatever documents may be required with respect to the Safer Off - System project for these improvements . Therefore , the Board acted as follows : Motion by Councilman McElwee , seconded by Councilman Del Rosso , RESOLVED , that the Town Engineer is hereby authorized to execute whatever documents may be required on behalf of the Town of Ithaca with respect to the Safer Off - System project for Sandbank Road and for Snyder Hill Road , subject to the approval of said documents by the Town Attorney . ( Desch , Freeman , Valentino , Del Rosso and McElwee voting Aye . Nays - none ) Mr . Fabbroni requested that out of the budget for equipment his department would like to purchase the HP97 Calculator . This calculator has capabilities in terms of summarizing statistics in various categories , in engineering , topographic surveys , and design . This type of calculator has been used successfully in compiling the traffic analysis report . Without it , some of the things his depart - ment is trying to do will be impossible . The cost is $ 675 . Town Board Minutes - 5 - July 10 , 1978 Councilman Del Rosso suggested that Mr . Fabbroni look at a T159 ( Texas Instruments ) calculator which costs approximately $ 400 . He said it is a programmable hand - held calculator . It was agreed that Mr . Fabbroni would investigate the T159 and report back to the Board . With respect to the four -wheel front end loader , Mr . Fabbroni proposed that the Board rescind the resolution to lease the Syracuse Supply Company machine and then adopt a resolution to buy the same machine outright on the basis of bids submitted on June 8 . It was determined that no affirmative action was taken by anyone in reliance on the resolution already adopted . There - fore , the Board acted as follows . Motion by Councilman McElwee , seconded by Supervisor Desch , WHEREAS , the Town of Ithaca invited bids for the leasing or purchasing of one new 1978 Four -Wheel Loader by invitation bid published June 3 , 1978 ; and WHEREAS , the Town Board , at its meeting on June 19 , 1978 , initially determined that it would lease equipment rather than pur - chase same ; and WHEREAS , at the same Town Board meeting the Board discussed the desirability of retaining the existing wheel loader rather than offering same as a trade - in ; and WHEREAS , subsequent to that meeting further analysis of the bids submitted and cash flow of the Town of Ithaca under those bids taking into account the retention of the existing loader al - tered the calculations upon which the decision to lease had been made ; and WHEREAS , the Town Board now believes it would be in the best interests of the Town to purchase a loader if the existing loader is also to be retained ; and WHEREAS , under these circumstances the lowest maximum total cost for five years without trade - in of the existing Town loader was the bid of Syracuse Supply Company , 2909 Vestal Road , Vestal , New York , 13850 , in the amount of $ 35 , 452 . 00 , and WHEREAS , it appears that all the bid documents for Syracuse Supply Company are in order with the equipment offered meeting equipment specifications ; and WHEREAS , it appears that only the equipment submitted by Syracuse Supply Company fully complies with the specifications contained in the bid documents , and WHEREAS , the Town Board has determined that no affirmative action was taken by anyone in reliance on the resolution previously adopted authorizing the leasing of such equipment ; NOW , THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED : That the resolution of this Board accepting a bid for leasing a new 930 Caterpillar Wheel Loader adopted at the meeting held June 19 , 1978 be and the same hereby is rescinded ; and it is further 133 Town Board Minutes - 5 ( a ) - July 10 , 1978 RESOLVED . That the Town Board and the Town Highway Superintendent accept the low bid of Syracuse Supply Company for the purchase of a new model 930 Caterpillar Wheel Loader on a maximum total cost basis in accordance with the terms , conditions and amounts established in the bid documents upon execution of an appropriate contract therefor to be prepared by the Town of Ithaca ' s attorney , and it is further RESOLVED . That pursuant to such bid documents the Town Board authorizes the payment to Syracuse Supply Company the sum of $ 58 , 136 . 00 as the original purchase price of said equipment . ( Desch , Valentino , McElwee , Freeman , and Del Rosso voting Aye . Nays - none ) 1978 NFPA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SEMINARS Mr . Fabbroni recommended that Mr . Robert Bonnell be authorized to attend the 1978 NFPA ( National Fire Protection Association ) Professional Development Seminars . These are four - day seminars . They involve intensive performance - oriented instruction for everyone involved in the design or maintenance of buildings or the enforcement of the Life Safety Code . Mr . Bonnell would attend the seminar in New York City September 11 - 14 , 1978 , expenses esti - mated to be about $ 295 , plus travel and living expenses . Motion by Councilman McElwee , seconded by Supervisor Desch , RESOLVED , that Robert Bonnell , Assistant to the Town Engineer/ Building Inspector , is hereby authorized to attend 1978 NFPA Professional Development Seminar in New York City September 11 - 14 , 1978 , expenses estimated to be approximately $ 295 , plus travel and living expenses . ( Desch , Freeman , Valentino , McElwee , and Del Rosso voting Aye . Nays - none ) 3 � Town Board Minutes - 6 - July 10 , 1978 HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT - MECHANICAL ANSWERING SYSTEM Mr . Parkin noted the Highway Department ' s need for some type of mechanical device to answer calls made to the Highway Department when no one is at the facility . Mr . Fabbroni recom- mended the purchase of such a device , a piece of equipment that will cost about $ 236 . Motion by Supervisor Desch , seconded by Councilwoman Valentino , RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca purchase a telephone answering device for use at the Town Highway Maintenance Facility , cost to be approximately $ 236 . 00 . ( Desch , Valentino , Freeman , McElwee , and Del Rosso voting Aye . Nays - none ) REPORTS OF TOWN OFFICIALS ( continued ) Mr . Fabbroni continued his report . He said the sewer project is moving ahead rapidly , that the good weather has contributed to that progress . The relation - ship with the contractor is good at this time . He has completed all except the lateral construction for the Coddington Road and will complete the same for Elm Street in a day or two . He is hearing the completion of the Slaterville Road extension and should be finished by the end of the week . The contractor will move on to Glenside in a few days . In the case of Forest Home , the contractor may start the boring and the rest of the work with- in a week . The construction is moving along with great haste . Discussion indicated that " extras " to this point do not appear to be in excess of $ 10 , 0000 Mr . Fabbroni reported that the contracts on the Christopher Circle Tank have gone out to the successful bidder . These will be executed by the end of the week . The Judd Falls water line has been constructed by Bolton Point and the Town of Ithaca highway men . It needs to be flushed , tested and disinfected . This is a connection which will bring E : A . I . Cooperative and the Cornell Fish Hatchery into the Bolton Point system . PERSONS TO BE HEARD Mr . Herbert Mahr , 108 Judd Falls Road , appeared before the Board to report on what he called the extremely dangerous traffic condition that exists on Judd Falls Road . He spoke at some length and with great emphasis on this matter and invited Board members to visit the area for themselves and see the situation . He noted there is a tremendous increase in traffic of all kinds - - trucks , passenger cars , police cars , joggers , bicyclists . He said the traffic pattern has changed drastically , and for the worse , and is extremely dangerous . He strongly urged the Board to do something before a tragedy occurs in the area . Supervisor Desch noted that Judd Falls Road is a County road and that the Town has been working with the County to develop a " swap " package involving Judd Falls Road and other roads . He said there are certain problems involving Cornell University , the County , and the Town and that all groups will need to work together to resolve the problem . t 3 Sr Town Board Minutes - 7 - July 10 , 1978 Mr . Fabbroni stated that discussions have been had with the Forest Home Improvement Association about instituting a " one - way " system in Forest Home . A one -way system provides something of a solution to the pedestrian problem and bicycle problem for Judd Falls Road . It was agreed this matter would be on the agenda for the August meeting . Report of Planning Board Chairwoman In Mrs . Bronfenbrenner ' s absence , Mr . Henry Aron , a member of the Town of Ithaca Planning Board , read her report , as follows . CHAIRMAN ` S REPORT - TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD Meeting of June 27 , - 1978 The Town of Ithaca Planning Board met on June 27 , 1978 to consider the following business . 1 . A public hearing was held to consider a permit for a camp on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - bay Saints property at 272 Enfield Falls Road . The motion was made and passed that a five year permit to camp on this site be granted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -Day Saints with two stipulations : ( 1 ) that the program and facilities remain the same as those presented at the hearing , and ( 2 ) that annual Tompkins County Health Department approval be obtained to operate water and sanitary facilities at the camp . 2 . A final subdivision hearing was held for a five lot extension to Northview Road West Subdivision , Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel 6 - 42 - 1 - 9 . 3 ; for Willis Hilker . The subdivision request was approved . The park land included in this subdivision will be deeded to the Town as soon as the final approval is obtained . The park will be 1 to 1 . 5 acres in size . 3 . A subdivision hearing was held for a three lot subdivision proposed at the corner of Slaterville and Burns Road , Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel 6 - 56 - 4 - 1 . 5 . Mr . Nusbaum , the owner , was unable to attend the meeting . Mr . Fabbroni stated that the Health Department approval will be given only to the final purchaser . He suggested that to get Planning Board approval for the proposed lots , Mr . Nusbaum request the perculation tests be done in his name . A second approval would still be required when the lots are purchased , but the earlier tests would give some indication of possible Health Department action . If the proposed lots are too small to meet Health Department standards , they might be enlarged by taking land from a fourth , larger parcel , also owned by Mr . Nus - baum . Public water is available , not sewer . The Planning Board moved that Mr . Nusbaum follow the plan suggested by Mr . Fabbroni . 4 . A sign application for a conforming sign at 1018 Ellis Hollow Road for Dr . Purdy was approved . 5 . The adjourned public hearing was continued to consider the proposal by John D MacLean to rezone from Agricultural to Multifamily 5 . 4 acres of 41 . 2 acres on Hayts Road . A ten unit apartment building to be built on that site . 156 Town Board Minutes - 8 - July 10 , 1978 A number of residents from the area attended the hearing and all spoke out against the proposal on the basis of drainage and sewage problems , possible changes to the character of the neighborhood , increase in density , and the problems a large development of this kind could create for the existing wells . The motion was made and passed not to present this rezoning proposal to the Town Board for approval for the following reasons : ( 1 ) This would be spot re - zoning in the middle of a residential/agricultural area , and ( 2 ) public opinion was against the re - zoning . Mr . Aron abstained from voting because of conflict of interest . 6 . The proposed Natural Preservation District was not discussed by the Planning Board at this meeting because the material had just been made available to the members . Liese Bronfenbrenner , Chairman REPORTS OF COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES Mrs . Livesay reported that the County Board of Representa - tives has been reviewing the Charter and Code . A public hearing has not yet been held . County Board members have had a draft of the Charter and Code and a copy is available at the Public Library . There will probably be a hearing in September or early October . The County is looking for public in -put prior to a hearing . Mrs . Livesay inquired whether the Town was having problems with the CETA office . Supervisor Desch noted that it takes an in - ordinate amount of staff time to process the applications required by CETA . Mr . Fabbroni noted again that the Town of Ithaca does not appear to get equal consideration from CETA with the County or the Hospital in regard to getting CETA people ; that in view of the dif - ficulties the Town is about ready to abandon the effort . Supervisor Desch said the Town will do so unless there is reason to be encouraged . PUBLIC HEARING - BUS SERVICE TO THE NORTHEAST Proof of posting and publication of notice of public hear - ing with respect to a proposed bus service to the Northeast area of the Town having been presented by the Town Clerk , the Supervisor opened the hearing . Supervisor Desch stated that the Northeast Area Transit Study Committee was appointed in the fall to determine if a program could be developed to provide bus transportation to the area of the Village of Lansing , Cayuga Heights , Cornell University , and the City of Ithaca . . He asked Councilman Freeman to present details of the proposal . Councilman Freeman distributed written material outlining the various alternative routes , the advantages and disadvantages , schedules and costs . Copy of this material is made a part of the master copy of these minutes . Mr . Fabbroni , using wall map , des - cribed the proposed recommended route of the bus service . Mrs . Livesay questioned whether the route outlined was the best route possible . She questioned whether such a route would eliminate sufficient car traffic to make it worthwhile . Mr . Fabbroni and Councilman Freeman said the route had been carefully considered to take in as many interests as possible . Town Board Minutes - 9 - July 10 , 1978 Local share costs for four alternatives were indicated as follows : Alternative I ( $ 38 , 837 . 50 ) , Alternative II ( $ 30 , 459 ) , Alternative III ( $ 19 , 980 ) , and Alternative IV ( $ 19 , 835 . 60 ) . Supervisor Desch stated that these cost breakdowns have not been agreed upon by any municipality or group . It is just beginning to be a subject of discussion by the Boards of the various municipalities . There is no commitment at this time to any alterna - tive . Councilman Freeman recommended that the Town indicate its intent to support Alternative III .to the extent of one - third of $ 5 , 500 from September 1 to January 1 , 1979 and $ 5 , 500 for fiscal year 1979 provided the other participants contribute their share . Motion by Councilman Freeman ; seconded by Councilman Del Rosso , RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca hereby signifies its intent to support Alternative III , as presented , as a transportation ser - vice to the Northeast Ithaca - area to the extent of one - third of $ 5 , 500 from September 1 , 1978 through December 31 , 1978 and to the extent of $ 5 , 500 for the fiscal year 1979 , with the proviso that the other participants contribute their proportionate share of the local cost . ( McElwee , Del Rosso , Freeman , Desch and Valentino voting Aye . Nays - none ) PUBLIC HEARING - TV RATE SCHEDULE Proof of posting and publication of notice of public hearing in this matter having been presented by the Town Clerk , Supervisor Desch opened the hearing . Supervisor Desch stated this is a hearing to consider the adoption of a revised rate schedule which has been under con - sideration for some time . Supervisor Desch asked Councilwoman Valentino to review for the Board and others present the proposed new schedule . Councilwoman Valentino noted that the basic rate for tele - vision service has not changed . One of the changes is in the rate for Home Box Office which is essentially a $ 2 . 00 per month increase . Mr . Kevin Rorke ( ATC ) distributed copies of the revised rate schedule . He explained that , in essence , there is no request to change the monthly charge for the basic Cable TV service in the Town of Ithaca which is presently $ 6 . 00 and will remain so . The only increase , as indicated by Councilwoman Valentino is a converter arrangement , a $ 2 . 00 increase , for the users of the Home Box Office . Ceracche ( ATC ) furnishes the converter . There is a maximum security deposit of $ 40 for the converter . Mr . Rorke noted there is no provision for free service to the Hospital . Councilman Valentino said this pro - posed $ 2 . 00 increase ( essentially for a new service ) has been re - viewed by the County Cable TV Commission and they have recommended its approval . No other persons wishing to be heard , the Supervisor closed the hearing . 13 ( Town Board Minutes - 10 - July 10 , 1978 Motion by Councilwoman Valentino , seconded by Councilman McElwee , RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca hereby accepts and approves the rate schedule as proposed and presented at this meeting by Ceracche Television , Division of ATC , and reviewed and recommended for approv- al by the Tompkins County Cable TV Commission , which rate schedule will become Schedule " A " of the new TV franchise between the Town of Ithaca and Ceracche Television , Division of ATC . ( Freeman , Valentino , McElwee , Desch and Del Rosso voting Aye . Nays - none ) PUBLIC HEARING - AMENDMENT TO TELEVISION CABLE FRANCHISE Proof of posting and publication of notice of public hear - ing to consider amendment of TV franchise previously granted to Ceracche Television Corporation and now operated by American Tele - vision and Communications .Corporation having been presented by the Town Clerk , the Supervisor opened the hearing . Supervisor Desch '-, asked Councilwoman Valentino to review briefly the highlights of the franchise ( copies of which are in the hands of the Board members ) . Councilwoman Valentino said the franchise under considera - tion is a composite of all franchises for TV in the County . There is nothing absolutely new . For the Town of Ithaca there are some parts which are not in the old franchise , but have been excerpted from City of Ithaca , Village of Groton , and Town of Groton franchises which were used as models . Mr . Buyoucos stated that there are a lot of "cosmetic " changes in terms of making the language more precise which will need to be made . He said it is not precise now . There are , he said , gaps to be filled to make the franchise more sharp in order to have adequate protection for the public . Mr . Buyoucos complimented Mr . Rorke on his cooperation in working with the Town on the franchise . Mr . Buyoucos said certain of the items outlined in his memorandum to the Town Board dated May 8 , 1978 would have to be resolved . The consensus of the Board was that acceptance of the amended franchise should be held in abeyance until Mr . Buyoucos , Councilwoman Valentino , and Mr . Rorke have agreed on a final draft . This final draft will then be reviewed by the Board at the next meeting . The concept is acceptable . It is a matter of refining the phraseology . PROPOSED SALES TAX RESOLUTION Supervisor Desch stated that the Town has been considering requesting the County Budget Officer , in the event that the Town ' s estimated share of the sales tax for 1979 exceeds the Town " s County tax levy , to return to the Town the portion in excess of the County tax levy . The Supervisor placed on the table the following suggested _ . resolution : RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca hereby requests the County Budget Officer , in the event that the Town of Ithaca ' s estimated share of the sales tax for 1979 exceeds the Town of Ithaca ' s County tax levy , to return to the Town of Ithaca that portion in excess of the 13q Town Board Minutes - 11 - July 10 , 1978 County tax levy ; further , that the Town requests that the information relating to the foregoing be available no later than the Thursday after Election Day 1978 at which time the Town budget for 1979 is normally approved ; that in the event the County budget is not approved in time to meet the November 20 deadline set by Town Law for the final Town budget , the foregoing still applies , and the excess will be returned to the Town of Ithaca to be placed in a Certificate of Deposit to be used the following year to reduce the part -Town tax rate . Supervisor Desch explained that there is no intent to adopt this resolution at this meeting , but the ramifications of such a resolution will be explored with the County Budget Committee . He said he did not feel there were legal difficulties with such a resolution , but there might be some logistical timing difficulties in receiving the required information in connection with the budget deadlines of the County and the Town . Mrs . Livesay said she would also discuss this with the County Budget Committee and /or Mr . John Murphy , the County Budget Officer . SCHEDULE PUBLIC HEARING - LOCAL LAW - ELECTRICAL CODE Mr . Fabbroni distributed copy of a sample ordinance having to do with the institution of an electrical code for the Town . It was agreed that the Town Attorney should review this and prepare a draft of a local law . Motion by Supervisor Desch , seconded by Councilman McElwee , RESOLVED , that this Town Board will conduct a public hearing on August 7 , 1978 at 8 : 30 p . m . to consider the adoption of a local law instituting an Electrical Code for the regulation of the installation and alteration of wiring for electric light , heat or power and signal systems operating on fifty ( 50 ) volts or more , in or on all real property within the Town of Ithaca . (McElwee , Valentino , Freeman , Del Rosso , and Desch voting Aye . Nays - none ) SITE PLAN APPROVAL Supervisor Desch recommended that the Town of Ithaca should process site plan approvals in accordance with Article IX of the Zoning Ordinance . Recently because of an ambiguous situa - tion which was being resolved in the courts , the Town Board has been approving site plans also after the Planning Board has approved them , as a precautionary measure . Supervisor Desch reiterated that procedurally the Town should follow precisely what is in the Zoning Ordinance . Site plans would not be reviewed twice . Councilman McElwee recommended that the Codes and Ordinances Committee should review the procedure with respect to extending a facility in a business or multiple residence zone . The Board con - curred with this recommendation . WATER SYSTEM REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS Supervisor Desch reported that he and Mr . Buyoucos had done some research on a five - year program for major repairs to the Town water system . He said there are two ways to fund these repairs and improvements : ( 1 ) to change the water surcharge , probably from 5 % to loo which would mean an annual increase of about $ 15 - $ 16 for water customers which would generate about $ 25 , 000 to do one tank a year , and ( 2 ) to borrow enough money to do all the tanks in a cer - tain period of time . Supervisor Desch said he was reluctant to take / c/ 0 Town Board Minutes - 12 - July 10 , 1978 on additional debt for the Town considering the present market . The sense of the Board was that the former alternative ( increasing the surcharge ) is preferable to borrowing . The Supervisor , there - fore , said he would proceed to develop a program to increase the surcharge from 5 % to 10 % . He said he felt the constituency would understand that this is the only way to maintain and operate a water system . ADDITIONAL INTERSECTION LIGHTING Mr . Fabbroni reported that he had asked Mr . Parkin to list intersections in the Town of Ithaca which do not have lights at this time or poles . The list is as follows : Blackstone and St . Catherine Blackstone and Christopher Lane Siena and St . Catherine Dove Drive and Snyder Hill Road Pheasant Lane and Dove Drive Snyder Hill Road and Dove Drive Lexington and Burleigh Fidler and Route 13A Supervisor Desch said it will be necessary to consult with New York State Electric and Gas Corporation on the logistical situ - ation . The Board authorized the Town Engineer to proceed to arrange for a formal proposal for lighting these areas , service to be under - ground where appropriate . OTHER REPORTS Traffic Committee Councilman McElwee reported that Mr . Fabbroni has made some speed surveys and prepared illustrative maps ( with staff assistance ) . Councilman McElwee said he would discuss this with the police agencies in the County and receive their opinion of the statistical data which has been gathered , particularly with respect to Judd Falls Road . Codes and Ordinances Committee Barbara Restaino reported that the Codes and Ordinances Committee is proceeding with work on the Zoning Ordinance based on the 1976 draft and the staff and Committee are making revisions in the draft form with respect to agricultural zone district , mobile home park district , institutional uses , special flood hazard areas , and light and heavy industrial areas . The staff , in addition , has drawn up a draft for a conservation or preservation district based on recommendations of Mrs . Bronfenbrenner and the Park Committee will meet on Monday , July 31 , to discuss these matters further and work with the Town Board , Planning Board and Town Attorney to refine the draft . The Codes and Ordinances Committee is working smoothly and if all goes well will meet the September 1 deadline . Parks Committee This report has been covered in the Supervisor ' s report . Transit Committee Councilman Freeman reported that Tompkins County Transporta - tion Commission would like to use Mr . Fabbroni ; Mr,.-Liguori and ' his staff in the formulation of their plans . Councilman Freeman did not know how much of Mr . Fabbroni ' s time this would take . Super - visor Desch said he would like to see a list of the objectives Town Board Minutes - 13 - July 10 , 1978 of the Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Commission to deter - mine whether Mr . Fabbroni has the time available . Councilman Free - man said the Ithaca - Tompkins County Transportation Commission has formally gone on record in support of a plan for Route 96 which includes grade separation . The County Planning Board also supports this plan . TOWN OF ITHACA WARRANTS Motion by Councilman McElwee ; seconded by Councilman Del Rosso , RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca warrants dated July 10 , 1978 are hereby approved in the following amounts : General Fund ( outside Village ) . . . . . $ 3 , 563 . 08 General Fund ( Town -wide ) . . . . . . . . . . . 20 , 717 . 74 Highway Fund 16 , 371 . 07 Water and Sewer Fund 421121 . 32 Five -Area Capital Sewer Project . . . . 9 , 774 . 56 Fire Protection 68 , 250 . 00 Lighting Districts 187 . 41 ( McElwee , Del Rosso , Desch , Freeman and Valentino voting Aye . Nays - none ) BOLTON POINT WARRANTS Motion by Supervisor Desch , seconded by Councilman Freeman , RESOLVED , that this Town Board , after review , and upon the recom mendation of the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commis - sion that they are in order for payment , hereby approves the Bolton Point warrants dated July 10 , 1978 in the Operating Account in the amount of $ 42 , 118 . 35 and in the Construction Account in the amount of $ 266 . 70 . (Valentino , Del Rosso , Desch , McElwee , Freeman , and Desch voting Aye . Nays - none ) EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion by Supervisor Ddsdh ; seconced by Councilman McElwee , RESOLVED , that the Board retire into executive session . ( Desch , McElwee , Valentino , Freeman , and Del Rosso voting Aye . Nays - none ) During the executive session the Board discussed water service from Bolton Point to Cornell University . The Board also discussed the Carmichael condemnation matter . The Board then duly convened in regular session for the conduct of any remaining business . ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to conduct at this time , the Board duly adjourned at 10 : 45 p . m AOV Edward L . Bergen Town Clerk � 4 MEMORANDUM TO : Town Board s FROM : Lawrence P . Fabbroni RE : Transit Alternatives for Northeast DATE : July 10 , 1978 Over the last nine months the Northeast Area Transit Study Committee has met on many occasions to consider the potential for and feasibility of transit service between the City of Ithaca and the Village of Lansing . The route has been carefully refined to best serve all identifiable groups which could utilize a transit service while minimizing conflicts with existing City routes and balancing out all vested interests . The committee membership is shown on an attached listing . Although -we have work to do in finalizing the committee report , we present four alternatives for public and Board input at this time . The four alternatives range from the best service with the highest local cost to the most limited service with the lowest local cost . From = - a : time standpoint-;- - Alt-erna-t ve- IV could. be - accompli-shed the fastest—. - - Alt-e-rnatives - I , 11 and =-III- would require mu-lti - party. . cooperat.ion -,--but _even. _ the _:.most modest , Alterntive III , lays a broad base for continuing - -and more - comprehensive - public- transportat-ion . ' I Northeast Area Transit Study Committee Larry Fabbroni , Chairman Gust Freeman , Town of Ithaca Mike Vallone ( Jamesway ) , Lansing Business & Professional Assoc . Robert Swarthout , Swarthout & Ferris Mel Brown , Cornell Off - Campus Housing Bernie Carpenter , City . of Ithaca Don Lifton ( United - Way ) - , Village of -L- ansing Jack Ettinger ; Chamber of Commerce Frank Liguori , County Planning Director Bill Wendt , Cornell Director of Transportation Elmer Meyer , Cornell Dean of Students Jim Riley , Lansing Business & - Professional Assoc . Arnie Meyburg, Cornell. Env-ir-onmental Engineering . .. ..- Bob '"Allen . �-Arnold- - Printing) ; . City of Ithaca BPW_ Tom Hilton ( Lewton ' s ) , - Downtown - Ithaca Businessmen ' s Assoc . ALL DAY ROUTE - - ALTERNATIVE I SERVICE - 7 : 00 A . M . to 6 : 00 P . M . MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 10 : 00 A . M . to 6 : 00 P . M . SATURDAY BUSINESS STOPS BEGINNING WITH 9 : 00 A . M . RUN ANNUAL COST - WEEKDAY - - + $ 56 , 100 SATURDAY - - + $ 81320 ADVERTISING - + $ 53000 + $ 692420000 REVENUE PROJECTED - - $ 24 , 157 . 50 PROJECTED AID - - $ 6 , 425 . 00 LOCAL SHARE $ 38 , 837950 ADVANTAGES : 1 . - - Serves = all - socio - economic- :groups --and-trip - -purposes , including poor :, elderl3 , :._young ." disabled ; = 1 - car- = family . 20- Dependabil-ity =-= :Hourly --Service ." 3 . Best test for demand , effect of marketing , improvements , etc . DISADVANTAGES : 1 . Cost of Local Share . 2 . - 7 -Party Agreement . - PARTIAL DAY ROUTE - - ALTERNATIVE II SERVICE - 7 : 00 A . M . to 11 : 00 A . M . and 2 : 00 P . M . to 6 : 00 P . M . MON . THRU FRI . 10 : 00 A . M . to 6 : 00 P . M . SATURDAY BUSINESS STOPS BEGINNING WITH 9 : 00 A . M . RUN ANNUAL COST ' - WEEKDAY - - + $ 4028006 SATURDAY - - + $ 81320 . ADVERTISING - + $ 520000 + $ 54 , 120 . 00 REVENUE PROJECTED - - $ 181420 . 00 PROJECTED AID - - $ 51041 . 00 LOCAL SHARE $ 30 , 659000 ADVANTAGES . 1 . Will serve all trips ; but mid - day trips must be scheduled around - -3 hr . . downtime . DISADVANTAGES 10 No--noon service . 2 . Not as dependable as full day service . 3 . Minimum mid - day trip 3 - 1 / 2 hrs . 4' . Cost of Local Share . 5 . 7 -Party Agreement . PEAK TIME - - ALTERNATIVE III SERVICE - 7 : 00 A . M . to 10 : 00 A . M . and 4 : 00 P . M . to 6 : 00 P . M . MON . THRU FRIO 10 : 00 A . M . to 6 : 00 P . M . SATURDAY BUSINESS ' STOPS ONLY ON 9 : 00 A . M . and AFTERNOON RUNS ANNUAL COST - WEEKDAY - - + $ 25 , 5000 SATURDAY - - + $ 8 , 3200 ADVERTISING - + $ 2 , 5009 + $ 361320 . 00 REVENUE -PROJECTED - - $ 12 , 682000 PROJECTED AID - - $ 3 , 658 . 00 LOCAL SHARE $ 19 , 980 . 00 ADVANTAGES : ' 10 _ Lower-- cost ,_ -add it-ion al- - phases can- be -`added : 2 . Serves -Peak -- -Period . DISADVANTAGES : 1 . Not dependable with 6 hr . mid - day gap . 2 . Does not allow flexibility , e . g . , variable day trips . 3 . Hard to market . 4 . Does not serve captive riders . 5 . - 7 -Party Agreement . t' e IMPROVEMENT OF PRESENT WEEKDAY. PEAK SERVICE --. .ALTERN.ATIVE .IV SERVICE - 7 : 00 A . M . to 9 : 00 A . M . and 4 : 00 P . M . to 6 : 00 P . M . MON . THRU FRI . HALF -HOUR SERVICE ANNUAL COST EXISTING 9 MO . SERVICE - + $ 25 , 760 . 00 REVENUE PROJECTED EXISTING 9 MO . SERVICE - $ 5 , 924 . 40 PROJECTED AID - NOT ELIGIBLE $ 000 LOCAL SHARE $ 19 , 835 . 60 ADVANTAGES : 1 . Lower cost . 2 . Serves Peak Period . 3 . Shortest Start -up Time . DISADVANTAGES : . 1 . Not -dependable . . - . 2 . . Does not allow flexibility . 3 . Hard to market . 4 . Only serves work trip . 5 . Does not serve captive riders . 6 . Does not provide intermunicipal framework for funding or expansion . 7 . No Saturday service . 1977 - 1978 NORTHEAST - CORNELL TRANSIT SERVICE TOTAL I N C O WE CASH MONTH EXPENSES LUCENTE CORNELL CASH FARES TOTAL INCOME DEFICIT ti SEPTEMBER $ 21400 . $ 120000 $ 267 . 00 $ 480 . 90 $ 1 , 747 . 90 $ 652 . 1C )CTOBER 21520 . 1 , 0000 379 . 20 338 . 70 1 , 717 . 90 802 . 1C 40 ER 2 , 400 . 110000 330 . 30 330 . 30 12660 . 60 737 . 4C )E ER 1 , 740 . 120000 291 . 30 375 . 60 1 , 666 . 90 7391C JANUARY 41080 . 1 , 000 . 216 . 60 283 . 20 1 , 499 . 80 717 . 4C FEBRUARY 1 , 000 . 345 . 00 517980 1 , 862 . 82 MARCH 21460 . 12000 . 360 . 30 389 . 70 11750 . 00 710 . 00 kPRIL 2 , 400 . 120000 283 . 80 387 . 00 12670 . 80 729 . 20 dAY 11320 . 120000 94 . 20 253 . 50 11347 . 70 27 . 70 COTALS : . . $ 19 , 3209 $ 920000 $ 2 , 567 . 70 $ 3 , 356 . 70 $ 14 , 924 . 42 $4 , 449 . 00 1 BREAKDOWN - - EXAMPLES OF ALTERNATIVES I , II , III , IV I II III IV VILLAGE OF LANSING $ 10 , 000 ._ $ 71500 . $ 5 , 500 . $ 2 , 0000 TOWN OF ITHACA 10 , 000 . 7 , 500 . 52500 . 510009 CORNELL 61500 . 42500 . 31500 . 7 , 000 . APT . OWNERS 6 , 5009 4 , 5000 31500 . 62000 . LANSING BUSINESS 3 , 0000 3 , 0009 7500 - - DOWNTOWN BUSINESS 2 , 000 . 210000 7500 - - VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS 1 , 000 . 1 , 000 . 5000 - - CITY OF ITHACA ( ADM . ) 51000 . 4 , 000a4 210000 - - j