HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 1981-08-10 c
TOWN OF ITHACA
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
August 10 , 1981
At a Regular 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 , at 5 : 30 P . M . , on the 10th day of August , 1981 , there
were
PRESENT : Noel Desch , Supervisor
Marc Cramer , Councilman
Henry McPeak , Councilman
Dooley Kiefer , Councilwoman
. ABSENT : George Kugler , Councilman
Victor Del Rosso , Councilman
Shirley Raffensperger , Councilwoman
ALSO PRESENT : Robert Parkin , Highway Superintendent
Lawrence Fabbroni , Town Engineer
James V . Buyoucos , Town Attorney
Gust Freeman , Board of Representatives
Beverly Livesay , Board of Representatives
Helen E . Sundell , 310 Forest Home Drive
Margery Shipe , 236 Forest Home Drive
Frank Shipe , 236 Forest Home Drive
Mary Blumen , 122 Warren Road
Isadore Blumen , 122 Warren Road
Philip Snyder , 36 Freese Road
Charles Trautmann , 236 Forest Home Drive
Nancy Trautmann , 236 Forest Home Drive
Rose Monkemeyer , 1058 Danby Road
Herbert Monkemeyer , 1058 Danby Road
Otto Schoenfeld , Box 1 , Ithaca
Representatives of the Media :
Don Ross , Ithaca Journal
Jane Waldman , WHCU
Reg Begman , WVBR
Mary Earle , WTKO .
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Supervisor led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance ,
e
REPORT OF TOWN OFFICIALS
SUPERVISOR ' S REPORT
Supervisor Desch reported that both the Town and the City have formally
decided to exercise our preferential rights to acquire the abandoned
railroad right - of - way from Stone Quarry Road to Knights Crossing . The
State Department of Parks is also interested , so we are hopeful that
a 3 74 party agreement can be worked out . I informed the County of
our interests ; prior to their meeting today .
I am distributing , to Town Board members , my thoughts on use of
Revenue Sharing funds in the amount of approximately $ 180 , 000 , involving
two years of entitlements . Our public hearing on proposed use will
be held on Tuesday , September 8 , at which time we will consider all
requests for such funds and this information will become public .
Town Board members are encouraged to provide input to me prior to
that meeting . It is important for us to decide the proposed use at
the September meeting , in a preliminary way , so that the amounts can
be properly designated in the tentative budget to be presented at the
Town Board Minutes _ 2 _ August 10 , 1981
budget hearings on September 24 at 7 : 00 p . m . . ( We need to pass a
resolution setting up this hearing) .
Our Supervisor ' s Bookkeeper , Cynthia Schoffner has been absent on
sick leave for most of the month of July with a badly broken arm .
We are encouraged that she may be returning within the next couple
of weeks , in time to get into the busy budget preparation process .
The preliminary Water Commission budget will be presented to the
Commission on August 24 . The preliminary budget indicated that no
. water rate increases will be necessary in spite of continuing in -
flationary impacts on chemicals , electric power , etc . , There will
be some increase in water sales due to the Morse Chain Plant coming
on line , but this will not reach average production levels until
late in the year . The cash flow picture for year end 1981 will be
as good as year end 1980 , indicating . . that our 12% rate ,increase
of January 1 , 1980 , was at the proper level . . As you know , this is
critical since we have an interest payment of about $ 200 , 000 due
on February 15
I am recommending that the $ 19 , 000 of unbudgeted State Aid be _
designated for the Highway Fund . Item .IV As you ]snow , - tha_ s category
is the most vulnerable to depletion , since it is weather dependent
and workload dependent . We had a deficit at year end 1980 and expenses
are again running ahead , also this year some winter weather is likely
to hit before year end . All other budget categorys are sound .
Our next issue of the Town Newsletter is due to be published in
September and there are a number of topics of interest- that should
be - included , so I expect to have a draft for our September 8 meeting
Suggested items to be included are , Fall Clean- up Day , Revenue -
Sharing Fund Usage and designation of water system engineers .
As you know , we budgeted for three newsletters- in 1981 ) and have
published two . You may wish to consider publishing this one after
the tentative budget hearing , so that our constituents will have an
idea of the appropriation levels we are considering :
RESOLUTION NO . 126
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Cramer ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves
the allocation . of the 1981 State Aid Supplement to the Highway .
Department budget , for Item IV .
( Desch , Cramer , McPeak - and Kiefer voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
. l
Councilwoman Kiefer asked if this lessened the possibility of
transfering money from the Parks Reserve Fund ?
Supervisor Desch answered no ; we are holding off on redistributing
money in existing reserves until later .
TOWN ENGINEER ' S . REPORT
Town Engineer Lawrence Fabbroni reported that most of his action
items were on the agenda for tonight . However , he was in the
process of negotiating a new contract for the Northeast . Transit
to provide all day service plus peak hour service . . The additional
service was made possible by an increase in the funding from the
State ,: through a trade -. off with down . State .
He went on to say that the park projects were moving along very well .
He suggested that the Board members take a look at the progress
made so far . The storm water retention area at the Dewitt Park is
Town Board Minutes - 3 - August 10 , 1981
virtually completed . The fields have been graded .
An excellent group of kids were selected for the Summer CETA program .
Their attendance record is running pretty close to 99 % 0
The Engineer went on to say that the Cliff Street Pump Station was
virtually completed . The second pump is in place . Calibration of
I
ump and meter remains to be done .
The Town Engineer stated that Peter Lovi had started a study of a
computer system for Town Hall . He stated that he was asking the
Board to approve an additional twenty - one hours per week for twelve
weeks at $ 7 . 50 per hour , so that Mr . Lovi could complete . the study .
of in - house computers . Also , he would like to have definite
representatives come in and show there soft ware . and hardware .
RESOLUTION NO . 127
Motion by Councilman Cramer ; seconded by Councilman McPeak ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of . Ithaca hereby approves
an extension of employment for twelve weeks at twenty - one hours per
week at $ 7 . 50 per hour for Peter Lovi to complete his study of
the feasibility of an in - house computer .
( Desch , Cramer , McPeak and Kiefer voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
Councilwoman Kiefer asked if Mr_ . Lovi was looking for permanent
employement ?
Town Engineer Fabbroni answered yes , but not in this field .
Councilman Cramer stated that he had worked with Mr . Lovi and
found him to be quite knowledgable .
Supervisor Desch stated that he felt it would be a good idea to . .
let the Board know when the vendors , .presentation of _. :- .their .r. computers
will be : made .
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT
Highway Superintendent Robert Parkin reported that the ,paving , for
this year , has just about been completed . Work on the Maple Avenue
shoulders have begun .
He pent on to say that the surface treatment on the Bikeway will be
completed this month . The second mowing will be started as soon as
possible .
REPORT OF COUNTY BOARD OF REPRESENTATIVES
. Beverly Livesay reported . that the Board of Representatives had passed
a resolution authorizing a $ 500 . allotment for travel for the Re -
apportionment Committee so that they can check into weighted voting . .
She noted that quite a few counties have weighted votings , however ,
there were many variations .
Supervisor Desch noted that quite a few were trying weighted voting
for the first time .
Mrs . Livesay noted that the County had given up their preferential
rights to the abandoned railroad right- of - way running from Stone
Quarry Road to Knights Crossing . Also , the County voted to go along
with Tioga County and the Landstrom Landfill to monitor sepage :
County Representative Gust Freeman that : the Board reconsidered the
Town Board Minutes - 4 - August 10 , 1981
deer fence at the County airport . The resolution to install the
fence passed today . He also noted that the Board pass the TC3
budget , with a 10 % increase over the previous year .
POSTPONEMENT OF SEWER CONNECTION REQUIREMENTS
RESOLUTION N0 , 128
Motion by Councilman Cramer ; seconded by Councilman McPeak ,
RESOLVED , WHEREAS the ten ( 10 ) year grace period for connection to
public sewer along the segment of Slaterville Road from Honness Lane
to Pine Tree Road has passed , and
WHEREAS , Mrs . Margaret H . Marion , a widow , living alone at 1'471
Slaterville Road has requested an extension of time based on the
following unique circumstances :
1 . Use of existing system by one person in normal use
2 . A ' lot more than one acre in size below which there are
agricultural fields .
3 . Expense of construction
and ,
WHEREAS , the Town Building Inspector and Town Engineer have tested
the existing system and find it to be in working order ,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town Board gives Mrs . Marion
until October 31 ; : . 1982 .: -. sys.tem : . failure , or. :; . sale of .premises ' . whichever
occurs sooner , " as a time extension within . which to connect to public
sewer .
( Desch , Cramer , McPeak and Kiefer voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
RESOLUTION N0 , 129
Motion by Councilman Cramer ; seconded by Supervisor Desch ,
RESOLVED , WHEREAS Sandra Lee Keyes of 1578 Slaterville Road has
requested a further extension of time within which to connect her
house to the sewer system because of financial problems , and
WHEREAS , physical inspection indicates no evidence of sewage
discharge onto the ground surface ,
NOT THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca hereby extends the time for connection until October 31 , 1982 ,
prior to sale of premises , or until system failure , whichever occurs
first provided that said property hereafter pays sewer surcharge for
operation and maintenance as part of its water billing .
( Desch , Cramer , McPeak and Kiefer voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
RESOLUTION NO . 130
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Cramer ,
RESOLVED , WHEREAS Ralph W . Undercoffler of 1568 Slaterville Road
has requested a further extension of time within which to connect
his house to the sewer system because of financial problems , and
WHEREAS, physical inspection indicates no evidence of sewage .
discharge onto the ground surface ,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca hereby extends the time for connection until October 31 , 1982 )
Town Board Minutes - 5 - August 10 , 1981
prior to sale of premises , or until system failure , whichever occurs
first provided that said property hereafter pays sewer surcharge for
operation and maintenance as part of its water billing .
( Desch , Cramer , McPeak and Kiefer voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
RESOLUTION ON DISPENSATION OF RECORDS
Supervisor Desch stated that the State was aware of our Records
Management project . There are 726 different designations on the
records accumulated by a Town . The State has a prepared resolution
on the dispensation of these records . Some records have a short
retention period , others have archival retention periods . No
action will be taken on the Dispensation of Records , at this .
meeting .
NEW YORK STATE MAGISTRATES CONFERENCE
RESOLUTION N0 , 131
Motion by Councilman Cramer ; seconded by Supervisor Desch ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves
the attendance by the Town Justice , Merton Wallenbeck , . to the 72nd
Annual New York State Magistrates Conference to be held September 13 ,
1981 through September 16 , 1981 , at Liberty , New York .
( Desch , Cramer , McPeak and Kiefer voting Ay.e . Nays - none ) .
REFUND ON OVERPAYMENT OF WATER BILL
RESOLUTION N0 , 132
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Cramer ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorizes a refund of $ 22 . 89 be made to Allan Cohen , c / o
Carroll Marris , 6 Lisa Lane , Ithaca , New York by reason of the
same amount being paid on the regular quarterly bill and also on
the special reading bill . Account No . 190 - 0233526 .
( Desch , Cramer , McPeak and Kiefer voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
SPEED LIMIT REDUCTION
Supervisor Desch stated that the Zoning Board of Appeals has already
written to the State DOT requesting a reduction of the speed limit
on State Route 13 from the City line to State Route 327 , because
of sight distance problems .
Councilman Cramer stated that he was concerned because of Dr . Speno
and Dr . Perry moving their offices in from of the Buttermilk Falls
Road .
RESOLUTION NO . 133
Motion by Councilman Cramer ; seconded by Councilman McPeak ,
RESOLVED , WHEREAS State Route 13 from th . City line to SR 327
presently is controlled by a 55 MPH speed limit , and
WHtREAS , . driveway cuts exist for ingress and egress to restaurants ,
grocery stores , service stores , nurseries , union hall , numerous
motels and produce markets along this segment of State Route 13 ,
and
Town Board Minutes - 6 = August . 10 , 1981
WHEREAS , the roadway profile , roadside obstacles or landscaping ,
bridge abutments , acute intersections and large mix of non local
traffic all combine to limit sight distance for entrance onto-
SR 13 at these numerous driveways and intersections , and
WHEREAS , the business community favors a reduced speed zone for
safety of the over 10 , 000 trips per day along this segment
serving two State Parks ,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town Board favors a reduced
speed limit for this segment of SR 13 ; and
FURTHER RESOLVES , that the New York State Department of Trans -
portation immediately conduct whatever studies must support a
recommendation for reduction and posting of same , and
FURTHER RESOLVES , as part of the NYS DOT study consideration
be given to extending the City of Ithaca 30 MPH speed zone to
south of the Buttermilk Falls State Park driveways and
establishing a 40 MPH speed from the end of the 30MPH zone
south to SR 327 .
( Desch , Cramer , McPeak and Kiefer voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
Councilwoman Kiefer asked what business community ?
Town Engineer Fabbroni answered the business along this part of the
ro:a_d : is Be11 ' s , Sheldrakes , McGuires , etc . , alli bf : ,whom . have written
letters _re.questng ._a reduction in the , sp.eed limit .
KENDALL AVENUE - PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE SPEED LIMIT
Supervisor Desch stated that there was no designated speed limit
on Kendall Avenue or Pennsylvania Avenue . At this time , the . State
Speed Limit of 55 MPH prevails for this area .
RESOLUTION NO . 134
:Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Cramer ,
WHEREAS , the density of the long established areas . of Kendall Avenue
and Pennsylvania Avenue suggest necessity to provide safe ingress
and egress , and
WHEREAS , the configuration of the road way at the present time does
not allow for safe ingress and egress ,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca
that the State DOT reduce the speed limit in this approximate area ,
immediately to 30 MPH , as exists in all other comparable areas of the
Town of Ithaca .
( Desch , Cramer , McPeak , and Kiefer voting Aye . Nays . - none ) .
NORTHEAST TRANSIT CONTRACT
RESOLUTION N0 , 135
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman McPeak ,
WHEREAS , there is continuing public interest for existing and
expanded public transit throughout the Northeast area of the Town
of '- Ithaca , and
WHEREAS , the Northeast Transit service has provided such service
for the Town of Ithaca , Village of Lansing , Cornell University ,
Town Board Minutes - 7 - August 10 , 1981
Tompkins County , City of Ithaca , and the Village of Cayuga Heights
for the past twenty - four ( 24 ) months , and
WHEREAS , the Town of Ithaca is asked to commit up to $ 7 , 000 to
share , with the above parties , the net deficit of the cost of this
. service for the nine ( 9 ) month period starting August 28 , 1981 and
ending May 29 , 1982 , and
WHEREAS , the $ 7 , 000 , the exact amount committed for each of the
nine month contracts for the ' 79 - ' 80 , ' 80 - ' 81 periods , was in part
budgeted for in the Town 1981 Adopted Budget ,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca agrees to a $ 7 , 000 nine month continuing commitment , a part
of which must be budgeted for in the Town 1982 Budget ,
AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town Supervisor is authorized
to sign an agreement committing such monies .
( Desch , Cramer , McPeak and Kiefer voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
SELECTION OF ENGINEERING FIRM FOR WATER EXTENSIONS
. Supervisor Desch stated that the Board members have copies of the
summary review ( attached to the official minutes ) that was prepared
by the Town Engineer and himself . Of the seven firms , the three
strongest proposals would be reviewed and an interview with these
firms should take place this week , so that we can move ahead
with the Coddington Road water extensions , which are critical .
The Supervisor proposed that a committee of three , namely council -
man Kugler , Councilman Cramer and himself form the interview
committee to evaluate the three finalists , following additional
interviews and bring back to the Board a recommendation as to the
firm to be retained .
RESOLUTION NO . 136
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman McPeak ,
WHEREAS , the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca by resolution of
July 13 , 1981 , authorized the Town Supervisor to request proposals
for engineering services to accomplish the schematic engineering
design of water system improvements throughout the Town of Ithaca ,
and
WHEREAS , the Town of Ithaca has received seven ( 7 ) proposals for
engineering services after individual interviews with the Town
Engineer , and
WHEREAS , the Town Supervisor and Town Engineer- have evaluated th.e
proposals and prepared a summary sheet to rate the approach ,
availability capabilities , experience , etc . , of the package offered
and firms involved ,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca requests further in - depth interviews be held with O ' Brien &
Gere Engineers , Inc . , of Syracuse , Pickard and Anderson of Auburn ,
and Stearns & Wheler of Cazenovia to discuss each of their proposals
in more depth before selecting the most qualified firm - to service
the Town , and
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED , that a sub - committee of Supervisor Desch ,
Councilman Kugler and Councilman Cramer is hereby appointed to
conduct the in - depth interviews and participate in the selection.
process .
( Desch , Cramer , McPeak and Kiefer voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
Town Board Minutes - 8 - August 10 , 1981
AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP
Supervisor Desch stated that membership in the American Public Works
Association was authorized in December of 1980 , however , a mix up
had occurred and the membership was never forwarded to the proper
place .
RESOLUTION N0 , 137
Motion by Councilman Cramer ; seconded by Councilman . McPeak ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves
membership in the American Public Works Association for a fee of
$ 120 . 00 annually , and
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED , that Noel Desch , Town Supervisor ; Lawrence
Fabbroni , . Town Engineer ; Michael Ocello , Assistant to the Engineer ;
and Robert Parkin , Highway Superintendent be designated . for member
ship in the American Public Works Association .
( Desch , Cramer , McPeak and Kiefer voting Aye . Nays . - none ) ,
Councilwoman Kiefer asked if all four members would be receiving
copies of material published by American Public Works ?
Supervisor Desch stated that he would find out and if each member
receives duplicate material he will circulate his copies to the
Board members .
TOWN OF ITHACA WARRANTS -
RESOLUTION N0 , 13 $
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Cramer ;
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves
the Town of Ithaca Warrants dated August 10 , 1981 , in the following
amounts :
Water and Sewer Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 70 , 748 . 59
Highway Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 , 791 . 83
General Fund - Town Wide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 , 426 . 84
General Fund - Outside Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 , 434 . 45
Lighting Districts l229el. 6
Parks Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 , 146 . 44
( Dosch , Cramer , McPeak and Kiefer voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
BOLTON POINT WARRANTS
RESOLUTION N0 , 139
Motion by Councilman Cramer ; seconded by Councilman McPeak ,
RESOLVED , that the Bolton Point Warrants dated August 10 , ;1981 , in
the Operating Account are hereby approved , in the amount . of
$ 69 , 467 . 23 after review and upon the recommendation of the Southern
Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission they are in order for
payment .
( Desch , Cramer , McPeak and Kiefer voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
EAST ITHACA CIRCULATION STUDY
Councilman Cramer noted that at the last Board meeting , there was
concern expressed by the residents of the Pine Tree area inregard
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Town Board Minutes - 9 - August 10 , 1981
to truck traffic on their road . Councilman Cramer stated that he
felt perhaps the truck traffic could be . rou _ ed to .: another . route
Therefore , he had driven around , and found that trucks could take
Midline Road and go over the hill to Route 13 . He suggested that
the County defer truck traffic from Route 79 to Midline Road to
Route 13 , and that signs be installed to inform trucks , of this
change .
Supervisor Desch stated that the next step would be for the
Advisory Committee of the Town , County , Cornell and the Town of
Dryden to consider the comments . Out of this meeting , will come
a . recommendation , by the Committee , as to the routing , timing and
financing of this project .
Councilman Cramer felt there were things that have not been
addressed .
Philip Snyder stated that the general feeling was that this diverts
the traffic problem to another part of Forest Home . He felt that
TOMTRAM was the best answer to the problem . and that the Board should
pursue mass transit as the solution to this problem . He further
stated that he felt the circulation roads were ill conceived .
Supervisor Desch stated that there was bus service to parts of
Lansing . There was a proposed service to the Dryden area , only on
a limited basis .
Town Engineer Fabbroni stated that ARC funding for TOMTRAM was put
on a waiting list , and it looks like the first of the year before
it will be considered . He further noted that the request has been
cut in half .
= - Beverly Livesay stated that she felt a push from the community was
necessary to get funding from the County . We _ can: ' . t keep .. putting TOMTRAM
off , have to get started sometime .
Andrea Blumen stated that he felt the study was designed to solve
several problems , access from the - north and south for Cornell , also
problems with grades . He further stated that he felt the most
important problems would not be solved at all . He stated that he
felt the solution was a very substantial price to pay for a very
bad situation . I A large price to pay for realigning Cornell ' s prob -
lems , which he felt were not a concern of the citizens of the Town
of Ithaca .
He went on to say that putting traffic on Caldwell Road would only
dump traffic on Forest Home Drive . The proposed circulation only
makes things worse in Forest Home , leaving us with a real mess . He
felt Cornell should be persuaded to solve their own problems and
that the Town should do what was best for Forest Home and Pine Tree
Road . Pine Tree Road should align with the new entrance to .Cornell .
The Town should not have to build a new road to meet Cornells new
realignment .
Helen Sundell stated that she objected to the Town putting this
money into a highway which will sandwich in a community . She further
stated that she felt it was a very bad plan and. did not want any
part of the proposed circulation plan built at all .
Charles Trautmann stated that he felt the cost figures presented
tonight were way out of line . He felt that local forces could be
diverted to this project .
Town Engineer Fabbroni stated that there was flexibility in the
schedule . There was definite slack time each year . However , to
farm out all engineering work would double the cost immediately .
Frank Shipe asked who is for the road ?
Supervisor Desch stated that. : some members of the public do not seem
Town Board Minutes - 10 - August . 10 , 1981
to be infavor of the proposed circulation improvements . However , the
Supervisor noted that the problem of traffic on Pine Tree Road and
Forest Home Drive goes back further than the 23 years that he had been
areound . He went on to say that Cornell will continue to grow and that
the County , Town of Ithaca , Town of Dryden and Cornell must address the
problem of traffic and find the best solution .
The Supervisor went on to say that with the proposed Research Park
development , traffic will be generated as this area grows . There
will be some migration to that end of the campus .
Frank Shipe asked if there would be a public hearing before the
Board took final action ?
Supervisor Desch answered yes .
Philip Snyder asked when was the traffic . count taken , during July
and August when Ithaca is dead because most people are on vacation
then ?
Supervisor Desch stated that the study . had taken place for well.
over a year .`
Frank Shipe stated that he thought the Town Board would not
indulge in such foolishness . He went on to say that we have a
traffic problem and this proposal will not solve the problem .
There are other alternatives .
Mr .. Shipe went on to say that Cornell does not want traffic
through the campus . A little bit of the Cornell Golf Course should
be taken to put traffic where it wants to . be . . He went on to question
what to do with people funnelled through Forest Home Drive by
Caldwell Road . He felt the only thing to do was accept Cornell
access , as the major portion of the traffic is Cornell traffic .
. Nancy Trautmann stated that she felt Caldwell Road must be closed .
Mrs . Helen Sundell asked why do you want this road ?
Supervisor Desch stated that the circulation was proposed because
the people of Forest Home asked for help .
Councilwoman Kiefer asked that the report be supplemented with
factual information . as she stated that she was not convinced cars
will take other routes . She further stated that the Board had
just received the proposal tonight and had not had a . chance to
read or discuss the issues .
4
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE METHOD ,
RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE WATER AND SEWER BENEFIT FORMULA
Proof of posting and publication notice of a Public Hearing to
consider the method , rules and regulations of the Water and
Sewer Benefit Formula having been presented by the Town Clerk , _
the Supervisor opened the public hearing .
Supervisor Desch stated that the Board had just received the new
document and , therefore , proposed that the hearing be adjourned
until September 8 , 1981 , at which time , the formula would be
adopted .
The Supervisor then went on to say that only one change had been made
in the latest revision of the Benefit Formula , that being , undeveloped
acreage . Undeveloped lots were, referenced in the section on Developed
Lots . Added to Undeveloped Lots is the following : If the lot has . more.
than 100 feet of average width but is less than 200 feet in average
width , the lot owner shall be assessed one unit plus 1 / 20th of a
unit for each 10 feet of average width in excess of 100 feet . If
the lot is 200 feet in average width and is of sufficient depth to
make two legal building lots , the lot owner. shall be assessed two
Town Board Minutes - 11 August 10 , 1981
units plus 1 / 20th of a unit for each 10 feet in excess of 200 feet up
to a maximum of 50 additional feet , ( i . e . , a total average width of
250 * feet ) .
Councilwoman Kiefer asked how a unit was determined ?
Supervisor Desch stated that you take the front and back line footage
and average it . He stated that the Town has some strange lots at
the end of cul - de - sacs .
Town Engineer Fabbroni stated that the Hanshaw and Cayuga Heights
area have lop sided lots .
Councilwoman . Kiefer asked how many were in the Town ?
Town Engineer Fabbroni stated that he could only think of five such
lots in the Town .
Town Attorney Buyoucos questioned paragraph 8 and asked the . Town .
Engineer to diagram , which he did .
Supervisor Desch noted that the Town Attorney was welcome to rephrase
the formula , if he so wished .
Attorney Buyoucos asked for a definition of a developed. lot in
section one .
Town Engineer Fabbroni answered , a lot with a house on it . .
Mr . Buyoucos summed up with , a developed lot is a lot with a house
or structure on it , an undeveloped lot is a lot with no structure .
= Otto Schoenfeld asked the Board to consider his situation which he
felt was not covered . . As the result of wrong surveys , he has
remnants left over . Water lines are in the Town of Ithaca , but
serve houses in the Village . Taxes are split . He felt there should
be a waiver of charges for a certain length of time .
Mr . Monkemeyer stated that he was disturbed with Paragraph 7 relating
to Commercial Property . He went on to say that he would not call
this a formula , he would call this a blank check .
Supervisor Desch questioned how this could be a blank check when it
is on metered consumption .
Mr . . Monkemeyer suggested a better formula would be on acreage .
Supervisor Desch stated that the other way would be an ad. . valorem
base . The Town Board felt this was not the best approach .
Otto Schoenfeld asked what makes up the $ 102 . 00 charge ?
Supervisor Desch answered the $ 102 . 00 is composed of $ 50 . 00 for sewer .
debt , $ 29. . 00 to pay for water supply . debt : and . $ 23 . 00 : for . . : the water
distribution debt .
? -
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION
OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONING LAW
Proof of posting and publication notice of a Public Hearing to
consider the adoption of proposed amendments to the Zoning Law
having been presented by the Town Clerk , the Supervisor opened
the public hearing .
Shirley Egan distributed to the Board members , copies of the
proposed revisions to the Zoning Law , relating to P - 1 and P - 2
zones . ( Copy attached to the Official Minutes ) ,
Councilman Cramer stated that he would like to reserve comment on
Town Board Minutes - 12 - August 10 , 1981
the entire package until he was able to look it over .
Towh Attorney Buyoucos stated that the Town Board was not a court .
They must strive for a balance without any competing interests .
The Planning Board , Town Board and Zoning Board of Appeals look at
a matter as a whole . The impact will be a factor . to be considered .
He went on to say that the very character of a neighborhood could -
be changed .
Councilwoman Kiefer noted that schematic drawings are fine , but - later
on , construction drawings could be quite different .
Town Attorney Buyoucos asked what was- ment by thresholds ?
Supervisor Desch stated that a threshold was a cutoff zone .
Town Attorney Buyoucos stated that he did not see how changing
ownership would change a zone .
Shirley Egan stated that she did not think . large land for side
and rear yards should be required in P - 2 zones .
Town Engineer Fabbroni rioted that he felt Shirley Egans main train
of thought was special permits , which he did not like .
Shirley Egan stated that when the Planning Board considered a site
plan for a college or university , that certain revisions to the
special permit should apply to these institutions .
Town Attorney Buyoucos stated that some of Cornells concerns re -
garding P - 1 and P - 2 zones are great for Cornell , however , if adopted
they could do a great disservice to Town residents .
COUNTY CABLE COMMISSION
Councilwoman Kiefer stated that the County Cable Commission had not
met again this month . She stated that she hoped they would meet
in October .
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was duly adjourned .
To _G erk