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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 1979-04-23 TOWN OF ITHACA ADJOURNED TOWN BOARD MEETING April 23 , 1979 - 5 : 30 p . m . At an Adjourned Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca , Tompkins County , New York , held at the Town Offices at 126 East Seneca Street , Ithaca , New York , on the 23rd day of April , 1979 , at 5 : 30 p . m . , there were PRESENT : Noel Desch , Supervisor Andrew W . McElwee , Councilman Robert N . Powers , Councilman Catherine Valentino , Councilwoman Shirley Raffensperger , Councilwoman Gust L . Freeman , Councilman ALSO PRESENT : James V . Buyoucos , Town Attorney Peter Grossman ( Buyoucos & Barney ) Lawrence P . Fabbroni , Town Engineer /Building Inspector Gladys R . Alexander , 337 Stone Quarry Road William Baldini , 207 Christopher Lane Margaret Bracewell , 225 Stone Quarry Road Beverly Coe , 381 Stone Quarry Road Charles G . Crawford , 226 Stone Quarry Road Florence Crawford , 226 Stone Quarry Road Mary J . Farrell , 205 Stone Quarry Road John Hull , 389 Stone Quarry Road Mable Johnson , 200 Randolph Road Pearl Kovach , 201 King Road West Imre Kovach , 201 King Road West Paul J . Kelsey , 379 Stone Quarry Road Gertrude Schultz , 390 Stone Quarry Road Russell Schultz , 390 Stone Quarry Road Gene Snyder , 371 Stone Quarry Road Ernest Vrabel , 209 West King Road Representatives ofethe Media . Philip Lerman , Ithaca Journal Bruce Ryan , WHCU Nancy Cahn , WTKO ABSENT : Victor Del Rosso , Councilman SEWER EXTENSIONS VALLEY VIEW , WEST HAVEN , AND SLATERVILLE ROADS Supervisor Desch reported that requests for sewer service have been received from the Valley View , West Haven , and Slaterville Roads areas and that there is sufficient surplus on hand at this time to make such service possible . Supervisor Desch noted that the Town has authority to borrow up to $ 550 , 000 for sewer } extensions . The question is whether to spend the surplus or borrow less . He recom- mended that the Town proceed to have the three exte -nsions designed . The first step would be to authorize Lozier Engineers , Inc . to pro - ceed with with detailed design . The Board at this time considered holding a public hearing on this matter . However , Town Attorney Buyoucos recommended that a public hearing should not be held until an engineer ' s report was available . Supervisor Desch said the Town has that with a descrip - tion of the area ; that it is an in - house report ; that the Town is not borrowing any more money ; that it is money the Town already has . Town Board Minutes 2 April 23 , 1979 Mr . Buyoucos said there are certain procedural steps that should be reviewed and if the original resolution adequately covered the matter , only a public information meeting is necessary . It was agreed , therefore , to hold a public " informational " meeting , and the Board acted as follows : RESOLUTION NO . 71 , 1979 Motion by Supervisor Desch , seconded by Councilman McElwee , RESOLVED , that this Town Board will meet and conduct a public informational meeting on Play 7 , 1979 at 7 : 30 p . m . to consider the authorization to proceed with sewer extensions on Valley View Road , a portion of West Haven Road , and Slaterville Road , utilizing funds available as part of the five - area sewer extension project , using local funds . ( Powers , McElwee , Valentino , Raffensperger , Freeman , and Desch voting Aye . Nays - none ) PLEASANT GROVE SPEED LIMIT Mr . Fabbroni reported there has been no response to date on this matter . The County has supported the request . Mr . Fabbroni said he would follow up on this . SALT STORAGE BUILDING Mr . Fabbroni reported that the specifications for this construction will be ready by the end of May , that it will take two weeks to construct the building . An examination of and approval of the specifications will be an agenda item for the Town ' s meeting on June 11th . SAMUEL AND ANNE KRAMER ABANDONMENT After some discussion it was agreed that Mr . Fabbroni would follow up on having the Kramers , through their attorney Edward A . Mazza , prepare a description of the property to be abandoned to the Kramers . Mr . Buyoucos recommended that Mr . Fabbroni make sure there are no legitimate rights of the Town for easements , drainage , water , sewer , electric , or gas instal - lations which would be jeopardized by such transfer of property to the Kramers . FOREST HOME WALKWAY Mr . Fabbroni reported that Mr . John Hertel , the landowner , says he has a quit claim deed to the land and that is all he can furnish the Town with . Mr . Hertel will furnish the deed descrip - tion to Mr . Buyoucos so that Mr . Buyoucos may have Harry Hamilton , Mr . Hertel ' s attorney , prepare what Mr . Buyoucos will require in the way of a quit claim deed . Mr . Fabbroni stated that the land is adjacent to Cornell University land which was monumented at - the time the golf course was built . Therefore , there is a rather firm frame of reference for this property . Supervisor Desch said the Town wants to take title to this land for a walkway . The Town has already agreed to accept the walkway upon the presentation of a deed . CITY OF ITHACA BUDGET CUTS - FIRE PROTECTION Councilwoman Raffensperger expressed concern over the City of Ithaca ' s budget difficulties and their potential cutbacks on fire protection . She felt the Town should receive from the City assurance that the fire protection the Town has contracted for and will pay for will not be affected by City of Ithaca budget cutbacks . Supervisor Desch stated that he had already received such assurance from City officials . Councilwoman Raffensperger noted that there has been a certain amount of difference of opinion between volunteer firemen and the Fire Chief as to whether the coverage is adequate . Town Board Minutes - 3 - April 23 , 1979 She felt that the Town should be very sure it receives the ser - vices it is paying for . Supervisor Desch said he had inquired about this as well . He said that when the City was discussing the purchase of $ 85 , 000 of additional equipment ( fire truck ) , he asked whether that cost involved a commitment of future funds from the Town of Ithaca . He said it happens that that vehicle was funded from reserves partially involving contributions in past years from the Town . Councilwoman Raffensperger recommended that the Town should seek from the City some more formal assurance than verbal assurance . Supervisor Desch said this would be more appropriate when the City had actually decided what it will do . DISCONTINUANCE BY THE CITY OF ITHACA OF TWO SUMMER PLAYGROUNDS � a�7 � J2 Councilwoman Raffensperger expre ed concern over the closing of two summer playgrounds by t Ithaca Youth Bureau , in view of the fact that the Town . of thaca supports the Youth Bureau in these programs . She said hese two playgrounds serve primarily the Town of Ithaca - - No heast and Glenside . Both have been discontinued by the G. as an economy measure . She recommended that the Town look into why these playgrounds have been discontinued . She wondered if the Town of Ithaca is getting its money ' s worth if they have closed these playgrounds . She recommended also that the Town ask the to re —instate the programs . Glov�i� �vrrfgr� Councilman Powers suggested that if the playgrounds con - tinue to be closed , the Town might consider requesting a refund of a portion of the funds used to support them . Referring to Councilwoman Raffensperger ' s comments about fire protection , Councilman Powers regalled that the Town of Ithaca is paying for one - eighth of the City fire budget . If there is a cut - _ back in protection , in essence , the Town will be paying for one - eighth of . " something which is now less . " Supervisor Desch said he is not . convinced that the service is going to be less . He said he had reason to believe that it is going to be better . With regard to the Youth Bureau playground closings , it was agreed that Councilwoman Raffensperger would contact the Town of Ithaca ' s Youth Bureau representative on this matter and report to the Board at a later date . DOG CONTROL LAW Town Attorney Buyoucos distributed draft of a local law to be known as the " Dog Control Law " . This law is proposed to supersede Local Law No . 1 of 1976 and the subsequent amendment having to do with the fee schedule . Accompanying the draft was a memo from Mr . Buyoucos to Town Board members regarding the Dog Control Law and amendments to the Agriculture and Markets Law . In the new draft of the law the fee schedule was left blank for 1980 . Councilwoman Valentino recommended the following fee schedule for 1980 : For spayed or neutered dogs . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5 . 50 For unspayed or unneutered dogs . . . . . . . 10950 For purebred licenses : for 10 dogs or less 25900 for 11 - 25 dogs inclusive . . . . . . . . . . 50 . 00 for more than 25 dogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100000 Councilwoman Valentino said that based on cost estimates for con - tracting with the SPCA these fees will not entirely cover the cost . Town Board Minutes - 4 - April 23 , 1979 Mr . Buyoucos reviewed with the Board , page by page , the proposed " Dog Control Law . " The hearing on this matter will be concluded on May 7 , 1979 , the next Town Board meeting . MONKEMEYER RE - ZONING - THE ART COLONY Mr . Fabbroni reported that the Town now has in hand the site plan . for this development , a plan originally offered to the Planning Board last year about this time . He said that his depart - ment has been working with Mr . Monkemeyer and his architect and has seen the drawings they will provide for the individual buildings . He said it would be appropriate to call a public hearing on this matter at this time for May 7th since by that time he would have sufficient information so that the Board may take appropriate action . RESOLUTION NO . 72 , 1979 Motion by Supervisor Desch , seconded by Councilman McElwee , RESOLVED , that this Town Board will meet and conduct a public hearing on May 7 , 1979 at 8 : 00 p . m . to consider the re - zoning of 1 . 05 acres from Business " C " and Residential District R- 9 to Multiple Residence District , being a portion of Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No . 6 - 43 - 1 - 3 . 2 , Danby Road , known as the " Art Colony " , property of Evan Monkemeyer . ( Raffensperger , Valentino , Powers , Freeman , McElwee , and Desch voting Aye . Nays - none ) ITHACA TOMPKINS COUNTY TRANSIT COMMISSION Councilman Freeman reported that the Ithaca Tompkins Count_y. Transit Commission met last Wednesday , that a motion was presented that the County participate in the financing of the Commission ' s proposal on the Northeast bus run . The motion was favorably received and was passed . It appears that the County Planning Board will also pass it . REPORT OF FINES IN TOWN JUSTICE COURT IN ITHACA JOURNAL Councilman Freeman reported that the Ithaca Journal will now publish weekly a list of fines assessed in Town of Ithaca Justice Court . PROGRAM PLANNING AND BUDGET WORKSHOP AT INSTITUTE ON MAN AND SCIENCE RENSSELAERVILLE , NEW YORK - JUNE 13 - 16 , 1979 RESOLUTION NO . 73 , 1979 Motion by Supervisor Desch ,* seconded by Councilwoman Raffensperger , RESOLVED , that Jean Swartwood , Town Clerk understudy , is hereby I uthorized to attend the Program Planning and Budget Workshop at the Institute on Man and Science , Rensselaerville , New York , June 13 - 16 , 1979 , at Town expense . PUBLIC HEARING - 7 : 00 P . M . STONE QUARRY ROAD WATER SERVICE Proof of posting and publication of notice of public hear - ing in this matter having been presented by the Town Clerk , the Supervisor opened the hearing . Town Board Minutes - 5 - April 23 , 1979 Supervisor Desch stated that notice of hearing was duly posted and published in the Ithaca Journal ; that at the meeting on April 9 , 1979 material was distributed covering background of the project , statement of purpose and need project budget and financing plan ; and project schedule , plus exhibit covering amortization schedule and exhibit covering water benefit fund account status with new debt scheduled . The Town has an engineering plan which identifies the scope of the work to be performed . The Supervisor asked if anyone wished to speak for or against the project . No one appeared to speak against the project . Beverly Coe , 381 Stone Quarry Road , said the residents of Stone Quarry Road definitely are in favor of the project , that it is needed badly , there is great need for water , and the residents are grateful that the Town of Ithaca is actively pursuing the matter . Mr . Buyoucos distributed to the Board members copy of proposed . resolu.tion in the matter of the establishment of a water improvement , pursuant to Article 12 - C of the Town Law , in the Town of Ithaca , Tompkins County , New York , in the Stone Quarry Road area , to be constructed and financed as a Town -wide water improvement . One of the residents of the area suggested that it might be a good idea to install sewers at the same time as the water ser - vice . Supervisor Desch said there were no funds available at this time to do that . Sewers would be much more costly than the water line . At some future time there may be enough surplus in the sewer account to consider a sewer improvement extension . Supervisor Desch said the cost to the residents for the water service will be $ 23 . 00 a unit for the water plus $ 29 . 00 a unit for the Bolton Point benefit charge , or a total of $ 52 . 00 per unit , a unit being 100 feet of frontage . He said this would not cover the water use charge which would probably be about $ 30 to $ 40 per quarter on the average . He noted , in answer to a ques - tion , that the $ 52 . 00 per unit charge would continue for the in - definite future . Some of the residents asked questions about their own particular location and these questions were answered with the aid of the map of the area to be served prepared by Lozier Engineers , Inc . One of the residents asked how soon the project would be started . Supervisor Desch explained that if the resolution is adopted at this meeting , it is subject to permissive referendum . This means if there are people who are opposed to the expenditure of Town funds for this improvement , they may petition the Town Board to have a referendum to vote for or against the project . There is a 30 - day time limit for petitioning for a referendum, the 30 - day period beginning from the date of adoption of the resolution . The petition must be signed by 5 % of the registered voters in the last election . Assuming there is no referendum , approval must then be sought from the Department of Audit and Control . Supervisor Desch said he felt this could be accomplished quickly . Construction might start about July 1 , 1979 , with the hope of completion " before the frost is in the ground . " Upon Question , Supervisor Desch said the Town will bring the water main to the edge of the right of way and the homeowner takes it to the house from there . If the water main is on the opposite side of the road , the Town brings the water service to the edge of the road right of way , and the homeowner , again , pays to extend the line to the house . The edge of the right of way is measured 25 feet from the center of the road . X63 Town Board Minutes - 6 - April 23 , 1979 One resident asked what effect the installation of the water service would have on property values , and would the home - owners be re - assessed based on the installation . Supervisor Desch said the properties would be re - assessed in due course in the usual manner , but there would be no re - assessment based specifically upon this water extension . The service , however , will increase the value . Mr . Buyoucos suggested that Mr . Fabbroni might comment on whether the project would have any significant environmental impact . Mr . Fabbroni said the Town will follow the procedures required under the SEAR law . Since the project is expected to be completely within the right of way or just adjacent to it , Mr . Fabbroni said he did not anticipate any extraordinary environmental impact . No other persons wishing to be heard , the Supervisor closed the hearing , and the Board acted as follows : RESOLUTION NO . 74 , 1979 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A WATER IMPROVEMENT , PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 12 - C OF THE TOWN LAW , IN THE TOWN OF ITHACA , TOMPKINS COUNTY , NEW YORK , IN THE STONE QUARRY ROAD AREA , TO BE CONSTRUCTED AND FINANCED AS A TOWN -WIDE IMPROVEMENT . At a meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca held at the Town Offices at 126 East Seneca Street , Tompkins County , New York , on the 23rd day of April , 1979 , at 7 : 00 p . m . : PRESENT : Supervisor Noel Desch Councilman Andrew W . McElwee Councilman Robert N . Powers Councilwoman Catherine Valentino Councilwoman Shirley Raffensperger Councilman Gust L . Freeman WHEREAS , a map , plan and report relating to the establish- ment of a water improvement in the Stone Quarry Road areas of the Town pursuant to the provisions of Article 12 - C of the Town Law to be constructed and financed as a Town Water Improvement , prepared by Lozier Engineers , Inc . , competent engineers , duly licensed by the State of New York , in such manner and detail as has been re - quested and approved by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca , have been duly filed with the Town Clerk of the Town of Ithaca and in accordance with the requirements of Article 12 - C of the Town Law , and WHEREAS , an order was duly adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca on April 9 , 1979 ,. reciting : ( 1 ) the filing of said map , plan and report , and ( 2 ) the improvements proposed , and ( 3 ) the boundaries of the proposed benefitted area , and ( 4 ) the sum of $ 250 , 000 as the maximum amount proposed to be expended for said improvement and the acquisition of all necessary easements , and ( 5 ) the proposed method of financing , and ( 6 ) the fact that the map , plan and report describing the same are on file in the Town Clerk ' s Office for public inspection , and ( 7 ) stating all other matters required by law to be stated , and ( 8 ) specifying April 23 , 1979 at 7 : 00 p . m . on that day , as the time , and the Town Offices in the City of Ithaca , New York , as the place where the said Town Board would meet to consider said map , plan and report , and to hear all persons interested in the subject thereof concerning the same , and to take such action thereon as is required or author - ized by law , and Town Board Minutes - 7 - April 23 , 1979 WHEREAS , such Order was duly published and posted as re - quired by law , and WHEREAS , a hearing on said matter was duly held by said Town Board - on this 23red day of April , 1979 , beginning at 7 : 00 p . m . on that day , at the Town Offices in said Town , and full dis - cussion of the matter having been had , and all persons desiring to be heard having been duly heard , NOW , upon the evidence given upon- the statements in sup - port of said improvement made at such hearing , and upon motion of Supervisor Desch , seconded by Councilman McElwee , it is RESOLVED AND DETERMINED . ( 1 ) That the notice of hearing was posted and published as required by law and is otherwise sufficient . ( 2 ) That it is in the public interest to make such water improvement . ( 3 ) That the area benefitted is the entire area of the Town of Ithaca lying within the boundaries of the Town but not including the land lying within the boundaries of the Village of Cayuga Heights , being the only Village in the Town . ( 4 ) That all property benefitted by the water improvement is included within the benefitted areas as described above . ( 5 ) The area within which the said improvement will be constructed and a description of the boundaries of the benefitted area are substantially described in Schedule A , appended hereto , and made a part hereof . IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED , DETERMINED , AND ORDERED , that the establishment of the said water improvement , as set forth in said map , plan , and report , be approved , that the improvement therein mentioned be constructed , and the necessary easements and lands be acquired , at the maximum estimated cost set forth above , upon the required funds being made available and provided for . Such improvement shall be known and designated as the Stone Quarry Pittman Lane - King Road West Water Improvement . IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED , that the cost of the water improve - ment , including , without limitation , construction costs , costs of acquisition of lands and easements , legal and engineering fees , and other expenses , shall be borne entirely by the benefitted area which is the area of the Town outside of any Village and such costs shall be financed by the issuance of serial bonds of said Town to mature in such number of annual installments not exceeding thirty as may hereafter be determined by the Town Board and such expenses shall be apportioned and assessed upon and collected from the lots and parcels of land in just proportion to the benefit conferred upon the same as determined by the Town Board . This resolution is subject to a permissive referendum and subject , also , to approval by the State Comptroller , if required , and the Town Supervisor is authorized to commence and complete all applications or other documents and any and all legal proceedings which may be necessary for such purpose . The adoption of the foregoing resolution , determination and order was duly put to a vote , and upon roll call , the vote was as follows : � 65 Town Board Minutes - 8 - April 23 , 1979 Supervisor Desch Voting Aye Councilman McElwee Voting Aye Councilman Powers Voting Aye Councilwoman Valentino Voting Aye Councilwoman Raffensperger Voting Aye Councilman Freeman Voting Aye The resolution was thereupon declared duly adopted . ADJOURNMENT The meeting was duly adjourned at 7 : 25 p . m . Edward L . Bergen Town Clerk I n , NORTHEAST AREA TRANSIT STUDY COMMITTEE 4 / 24 / 71 bpi 1n FINAL REPORT BACKGROUND The Northeast Area Transit Study Committee was formed in 1978 to study transit needs in the Northeast Ithaca area . The area studied includes portions of the City of Ithaca , Village of Cayuga Heights , Town of Ithaca and the Village of Lansing . ( The Committee was composed of a broad mix of elected officials , private businessmen and administrators , and transportation professionals ( see Appendix A ) . During the course of discussions concerned individuals , political boards , property owners , State transportation officials and the Tompkins County Transportation Commission have reacted and made sug - gestions for viable transit service in the Northeast . The Committee divided its . task among subcommittees for planning , operations and financing . This final report summarizes the committees ' findings and recommendations in terms of need , routes , timetables , levels of service , intermunicipal and private coordination , price and cost struc - tures , regulatory constraints , management and funding sources . DETERMINING NEED Since 1974 Cornell and Lucente Homes had jointly sponsored a limited transit service through much of the Northeast . This service carried 45 , 000 riders in 1975 - 76 , 40 , 567 riders in 1976 - 77 , and 28 , 247 riders in 1977 - 78 . Decreases have come largely with fare increases . The service was operated on a nine -month basis and initial surveys and current sta - tistics were available to the Committee for review . Additionally , Cornell engineering students had made two studies of transit potential in the Northeast area and the Town of Ithaca had conducted a town - wide planning survey in 1975 - 76 . These sources documented that a large percentage of Northeast residents were students , college employees and captive riders in need of transportation to move from Northeast residential areas to their place of study or employment . Traffic studies supported peak hour move - - ment to and from the residential areas .at morning and afternoon rush hours . Business groups sought to attract customers by sponsoring trans - ; portation service from City and Northeast residential areas during peak shopping times . Surveys , letters , increasing costs of individual transit alternatives and general public sentiment were additional factors taken into consideration by the Committee in arriving at its conclusion that : THE NEED FOR AND POTENTIAL RIDERSHIP TO SUPPORT A TRANSIT SYSTEM IN THIS AREA OF THE COUNTY IS SUFFICIENT TO CARRY ON THE TASK OF DETERMINING A METHOD OF DELIVERY THAT WOULD SERVE ALL INTEREST GROUPS AT AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL AND COST , ROUTES AND TIMETABLES Many routes were proposed and discarded as not adequately serving the needs of businessmen , residents and employees . Routes which circled through the Northeast had the advantage of providing smaller headways be - tween buses , but had a major problem of requiring a transfer . Transfer - " ring was considered a significant drawback due to climatic conditions and the short trip length of the average traveler . Other routes were proposed 4 NEATSG, - Final Report - 2 - by Committee members and private citizens which conflicted with Ithaca Transit routes , were too long to provide realistic headways , competed with existing Ithaca Transit routes , or did not serve all parties involved . The Committee ' s proposed route comes as close to a one ( 1 ) hour head - way as possible , serves commuter interests during peak morning and evening hours , minimizes trip travel length by passing points in both directions , serves shopping , medical and recreational interests and could eventually serve part - time employees . The route as shown in Appendix B provides al - ternatives for peak hour routes every half hour to and from Cornell and downtown , morning and afternoon routes through Cornell , and an off - peak route through shopping and residential areas . The Committee viewed this route as serving everyone ' s interests as realistically as possible . ( Where this route overlapped Ithaca Transit routes , if necessary , it could be operated as an express service past local transit stops and it was felt some acceptable detail could be worked out for stops in the North Campus area to avoid cutting into present Ithaca Transit ridership . ) The direc - tion of conversation in all committee meetings was toward a trial or pilot service that would be administered by Ithaca Transit and , if successful , run and operated by Ithaca Transit in the future . PRICE STRUCTURE The basic fare was set at 500 . 300 is the fare currently charged on the Northeast Transit run by Cornell and apartment owners since its incep - tion . Operators of the City , Cornell and private systems stress the im - portance of building ridership to . capacity before any rate or zone in - creases should be made which could substantially reduce potential riders before the system is given a fair test . Therefore , reduced fare tickets at 15 for $ 5 . 00 will be offered . INTERMUNICIPAL AND PRIVATE COORDINATION A legal contract whereby participating governments , associations , and private concerns bind themselves to a maximum contributing cost would be the simplest form and most straight - forward type of agreement . Exactly how the governments , associations , or private entities would charge back their share to the residents , taxpayers , or members would best be left to the discretion of each individual party to the contract . In reviewing some early alternative proposals with all parties in different forums , it was apparent one party would use general taxing authority , another favored benefit charges , another its annual transportation budget source , another monthly rents , another out - of - pocket expense , etc . EQUIPMENT , MANAGEMENT AND REGULATORY CONSTRAINTS Issues of franchise restrictions on the private carrier , City regula - tions and ordinances , and equipment capabilities of the private carrier , Cornell , and Ithaca Transit were discussed . The most expeditious way to enter into a trial period , commit minimal long range capital expenditures until the routes prove themselves and recognize the present inability of Ithaca Transit to commit equipment , is to operate the service under the Ithaca Transit umbrella but by contract with the private carrier , such as Swarthout and Ferris . As discussed in the section on funding , operational subsidies could be easily handled through this management structure . If the trial program is successful , the transition to full operation by Ithaca Transit would be much smoother . NEATSC - Final Report - 3 - ( Given the franchise agreements between the private carrier and the different local municipalities and the State , it appears that this co - operative union of the private and public carrier would be the most acceptable to all political bodies recognizing that this has been an issue of some conflict in the past . ) FUNDING SOURCES Federal and State assistance is available when the transit system is a comprehensive area service , usually coordinated by municipal or county authorities , but not necessarily excluding private carriers . The majority of funding is available through the Urban Mass Transportation Administra - tion as administered by the State of New York for areas of our size . Capital subsidies are generally for equipment purchases and facilities necessary or desirable in _ promoting a transit system ( e . g . , garage , shel - ters , graphics ) and are funded 80% federal and 2076 local . Operating sub - sidies are authorized for funding up to . 50% of a local deficit , but sub - sidies rarely reach this level because of federal and state appropria- tions . The best estimate of operating subsidies is the Ithaca Transit reimbursement of 9 � per mile , 1 . 40 per passenger , and 10 � per capita of service area for present planning purposes . The outlook for U . S . Depart - ment of Transportation operating subsidies beyond the next two years is not definite . However , the efficiency of the present Ithaca Transit sys - tem should put them in a good position to sustain present levels for the foreseeable future . The 1978 U . S . Surface Transportation Act approved in November , 1978 , creates a new formula grant category , Section 18 , for other than urbanized areas . Since provisions will be similar to the Section . 5 formula grant program which now covers most subsidies , including capital equipment , there is likely to be little change in the funding criteria . It will still require a comprehensive approach and will consider new services as long as Ithaca Transit remains the core of the system . It is doubtful that ad hoc transit routes not coordinated with existing area systems will be received very favorably for capital equipment or operating subsidy grants . COSTS AND LEVELS OF SERVICE As might be expected , political and individual comment on this issue range from. providing free transit service to requiring transit to pay for itself . Various levels of service have been studied ranging from an hour - ly service 7 : 00 a . m . to 6 : 00 p . m . daily ( except Sundays ) to a peak hour subscription - like service primarily serving work and school related trips . . High deficit total public service alternatives have been proposed as well as minimum self - sustaining services . In searching for a realistic compromise to all views , it appears that a phased plan to provide greater service if initial success is achieved will satisfy all concerns . Current service in the Northeast has provided valuable lessons that cannot be ignored ; one such lesson has been that as fares increase the cost tradeoff that can make mass transit attractive over personal transit drops sharply . For the individual the choice is traditionally made on daily cash output that does not take account of hid - den costs . Additional municipal costs of road capacity , repair , traffic signals , etc . , and costs to employers and business such as parking , equip- ment , enforcement , etc . , are not of direct . concer.n t.o_ the individual and NEATSC - Final Report the cost is not always apparent " today " to decision makers . In short , the Committee has proposed 50 � per ride with reduced fare booklets as a reasonable starting fare structure given today ' s operating expenses . It is felt that promotions at this fare level would be success - ful in building ridership to capacity . At that point , a decision to pro - vide more service and / or increase fares would be warranted . This strategy seems more reasonable than to start out at a high fare that counters the incentives to use mass transit . Ithaca Transit is a prime example of this theory ; it has continually increased its ridership through a stable fare and chosen to increase its capacity through larger buses . The options of more buses , peak / off - peak fare differences , higher fares , etc . , will remain open for re - examination of the service being proposed . The success of the present peak hour service being subsidized by Cornell , two apartment owners , and the Town of Ithaca lends credence to a program which adds to the level of service as demand increases rather than initially starting with an alternative that could show larger deficits . To offer service over two routes on the half hour during peak times with a third run in the morning to serve business employees and early shoppers to downtown and the Northeast is a logical starting point given data available from past years ' experiences with the Northeast Transit run . This level of service is proposed to begin in September 1979 . Costing formulae are shown in Appendix C . After a limited trial period and evaluation , modifications could be made as early as January 1980 . Possible modifications could involve ad - ditional off - peak or midday service , Saturday service , decrease in ser - vice , or some combination of these or other strategies . The end result will be to maximize ridership with efficient service while minimizing costs of operation . ( The only feasible way of proportioning costs appeared to be to governmental and institutional entities . It would then be up to these parties to solicit direct contributions from private entities or associa- tions or make up their fair share through taxing authorities . ) To summarize , the Committee recommends a nine -month experimental program with initial service to begin in September 1979 , followed by appropriate evaluation and review in January 1980 and June 1980 . Each party to the agreement will agree to an initial maximum expenditure which , coupled with eligible operating subsidies , will control the extent and direction of the program . APPENDIX A Northeast Area Transit Study Committee Lawrence P . Fabbroni , Chairman Robert Allan , City of Ithaca BPW ( replaced by : Clarence Cleveland 4 / 79 ) Mel E . Brown , Jr . , Cornell Off - Campus Housing Bernard Carpenter , City of Ithaca Jack Ettinger , Chamber of Commerce Gust Freeman , Town of Ithaca Thomas Hilton , Downtown Ithaca Business Association Donald Lifton , Village of Lansing Frank Liguori , County Planning Director Arnim Meyburg , Cornell Environmental Engineering Elmer Meyer , Cornell Dean of Students James Riley , Lansing Business & Professional Association to be replaced ) Robert Swarthout , Swarthout & Ferris Michael Vallone , Lansing Business & Professional Association , resigned S Warren , Village .of Cayuga Heights ' - William Wendt , Cornell Director of Transportation APPENDIX B 1 , Initial Service - September 1979 3 runs in the morning , 2 runs in the afternoon Village Apts . 7 : 10 a . m . Covered Bridge 7 : 00 8 : 00 9 : 00 Lansing North 7 : . 15 8 : 25 9 : 33 � Lakeview Meadow 7 : 01 8 : 01 9 : 01 Sapsucker Woods 7 : 20 8 : 30 9 : 38 Pyramid Mall 7 : 06 8 : 06 9 : 06 10 : Winston Court 7 : 25 8 : 35 9 : 43 Lansing West 7 : 11 8 : 11 9 : 11 Warren & Winthrop 7 : 32 8 : 42 9 : 50 Uptown & Cinema 7 : 14 8 : 14 9 : 14 Triphammer & Winthrop 7 : 37 8 : 47 9 : 55 Uptown Village 7 : 16 8 : 16 9 : 16 Day Hall 7 : 42 8 : 52 10 : 00 Warrenwood 7 : 18 8 : 18 9 : 18 Dairy Bar 7 : 47 9 : 00 10 : 05 Warren & Hanshaw 7 : 21 8 : 21 9 : 21 Downtown Commons 8 : 00 ' 9 : 10 10 : 18 , Carriage House 7 : 24 8 : 24 9 : 24 Pyramid Mall - - 9 : 20 - 10 : 28 Pleasant Grove 7 : 26 8 : 26 9 : 26 Day . -Hall 7 : 29 8 : 29 9 : 29 Dairy Bar 7 : 34 8 : 34 9 : 34 Downtown Commons 7 : 39 8 : 39 9 : 44 Risley & Balch 7 : 46 8 : 46 9 : 51 AFTERNOON pyramid Mall 3 : 50 Downtown Commons 3 : 50 4 : 50 Downtown Commons 4 : 05 5 : 05 Dairy Bar 4 : 05 5 : 05 Dairy Bar 4 : 20 5 : 20 Uris / Statler 4 : 10 5 : 10 Uris / Statler 4 : 25 5 : 25 Triphammer & Winthrop 4 : 15 5 : 15 Risley & Balch 4 : 27 5 : 27 Warren & Winthrop 4 : 20 5 : 20 Pleasant Grove 4 : 29 5 : 29 Winston Court 4 : 25 5 : 25 Carriage House 4 : 31 5 : 31 Sapsucker. Woad.s_ 4 : 30 5 : 30 Warrenwood 4 : 37 5 : 37 Lansing North 4 : 35 5 : 35 Uptown & Cinema 4 : 41 5 : 41 Covered Bridge 4 : 37 5 : 37 Lansing West 4 : 44 5 : 44 Lakeview Meadow 4 : 38 5 : 38 Pyramid Mall 4 : 46 5 : 46 Pyramid Mall 4 : 40 5 : 40 Risley & Balch 4 : 51 5 : 51 _ a APPENDIX C Cost Estimate of Initial Service - September 1979 2 buses @ 5 hrs . / day @ $ 20 / hr . _ $ 200 / day Total days SEPT . 3 THROUGH DEC . 21 = 78 JAN . 2 THROUGH MAY 24 = 105 183 TOTAL COST - 183 @ $ 200 = $ 36 , 600 ADMINISTRATION = $ 2 , 000 ADVERTISING = $ 4 , 000 — $ 42 , 600 REVENUE - 2500 pass / mo x 9 mos x $ . 35 = $ 71875 ESTIMATED COST SHARING VILLAGE OF LANSING = $ 7 , 000 MAX TOWN OF ITHACA = $ 71000 MAX CORNELL = $ 7 , 000 MAX VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS = $ 1 , 500 LUMP COUNTY = $ 5 , 000 MAX * CITY OF ITHACA = $ 5 , 000 MAX OTHER ( e . g . , Apartment Owners ) _ $ 5 , 000 MAX $ 37 , 500 SUBSIDY - ADDITIONAL IF ELIGIBLE 2500 pass / mo x 9 mos x $ . 014 / pass = $ 315 160 mi / day x 183 days x $ . 09 / mi = $ 2 , 635 6000 pop . served x $ . 10 / pers = $ 600 $ 3 , 540 * $ 2 , 000 of this is anticipated to be in - house administration . BALANCE SHEET . COST - $ 427600 REVENUE - $ 7 , 875 FARES SUMMER SUBSIDY - $ 1 , 000 $ 37 , 500 SUBSIDY $ 43 , 600 $ - 3 , 540 STATE $ 48 , 915 CONTINGENCY - $ 5 , 315 With this operating budget , route changes can be made in January 1980 to reflect unexpected losses or gains . The philosophy will be to buy the most service for the most people at the least cost . . 1 J, 1 'I APPENDIX D Timetable for Decision March 28 - - Committee review of Final Report March 28 - April 12 - - Comment on Final Report and Discuss with respective Boards April 25 - - Committee meeting to approve Final Report April 25 _ May 30 - - Review and approve Report with respective Boards and Contact private entities and associations as appropriate June 6 - - Review financial package for September service June 20 - - Finalize service , route , and funding