HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 1986-01-13 TOWN OF ITHACA
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
January 13 , 1986
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 13th day of
January , 1986 , there were :
• PRESENT : Noel Desch , Supervisor
Henry MCPeak , Councilman
Shirley Raffensperger, Councilwoman
• Marc Cramer , Councilman
Gloria Howell , Councilwoman
Robert Bartholf , Councilman
Patricia Leary , Councilwoman
ALSO PRESENT : Lawrence P . Fabbroni , Town Engineer
Robert Parkin , Highway Superintendent
John Barney , Town Attorney
Lewis Cartee , Town of Ithaca
Norman Padula , Cornell University and
Sam Peters , Inc .
Christine Rue , 229 Stone Quarry Road
Roger Brown, Satel Ccnpany
Mrs . Betty Roscioli , 152 Bundy Road
Larry Roscioli , 152 Bundy Road
Mrs . Roberta Chisa , 159 Bundy Road
Representatives of the Media :
Fred Yahn , Ithaca Journal
Ken Hughes , WHCU
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Supervisor led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance .
Supervisor Desch welcomed new Town Board member Patricia Leary .
REPORT OF TOWN OFFICIALS
Supervisor ' s Report
• 1986 Objectives
• Supervisor Desch stated that the Town Board members would find in
their packet of information , a statement of proposed objectives for
the new year . He went on to say that he would suggest that action
on the Objectives be taken at the February meeting , following
further input from staff and Board . He noted that he felt his
proposal was not at all inclusive , in fact , there are already some
further suggestions .
Liability Insurance
Town Board 2 January 13 , 1986
The picture on our coverage is not yet totally clear . We have the
minimum all right , but the proper amount of excess liability
coverage is still being put together . The Supervisor noted that
Mr . Boothroyd was here to give us the specifics .
Federal Revenue Sharing
Supervisor Desch reported that the Town has received its first FRS
check . He went on to say that apparently we can expect to receive
91 . 6 % of the last entitlement period with the lower amount to cane
in our last installment this Fall . Since we have only allocated
750 , he proposed that we proceed with the first item on the waiting
list namely , the car replacement for the Building Inspector . He
• noted that Mr . Cartee is preparing the specifications now.
Water/Sewer Bill for What ' s Your Beef
• The Supervisor reported that the operators of the restaurant
received a very large water/ sewer bill because a water cooled
compressor failed to shut off for an extended period . He went on
to say that so far he had been unable to justify a credit because
the water was actually consumed but that he would like a second
opinion and , therefore , he appointed Councilwoman Raffensperger to
look into the matter . Perhaps we can waive the surcharge but that
will only reduce the bill $150 or so .
Zoning Ordinance - Occupancy Restrictions
Supervisor Desch stated that the Town may be in for mare work on
the Zoning Ordinance as a result of the Appellant Division decision
on the Oyster Bay Zoning Ordinance with regard to restricting the
number of unrelated people . He noted that our Attorney will be
looking into the decision and together with Peter Lovi , will advise
us on changes , if any .
Town Engineer ' s Report
Town Engineer Lawrence Fabbroni reported that Town Board members
could expect to received his annual report in the mail . (Copy of
report attached to minutes ) . He then presented the highlights of
the year , which he noted was a most successful year for
improvements .
Water and Sewer
In the water and sewer area , completion of Bundy Road , West Haven
Road , Elm Street , King Road and Coddington Road . We made the
decision to put out to bid this month , the Hungerford Hill and Pine
Tree Road water tanks , as this is a more favorable time than during
good construction time . He went on to say that capital projects
are not always planned , like sewer lines . This was a banner year
• for these kinds of projects which are an outgrowth of construction
growth in this area . He went on to say that this year there were
close to ten water and sewer line extensions where there are
• usually only about three . He noted that from what he hears , there
will be a lot of activity .
Wastewater Treatment Facility
Town Engineer Fabbroni stated that his report would show an almost
complete recounting of the sewage treatment plant project . He went
on to say that construction on the lake portion of the project has
been shut down for now . Also , the pace of the overall project has
slowed down . The influent pumping building should be on line in
June or July . The Town Engineer went on to say that Segment II
Town Board 3 January 13 , 1986
will be ahead of schedule . We are looking for a trial start up
about December of this year . Paving and landscaping will follow .
The Town Engineer remarked that the new heating systems project
should come to a head now that we know about Revenue Sharing Funds .
Also , he noted that it had been seven years since any work had been
done on the outside of the building . The Engineer stated that
hopefully the Burns Road project will be completed this year . The
Pine Tree Road corridor is now in the hands of the County . The
transit system is doing well in all sectors , all show increased
ridership .
Town Engineer Fabbroni remarked that in summary , a very busy year .
• He noted that the water extension could not have been accomplished
without Bob Flumerfelt .
Town Engineer Fabbroni stated that he wanted to put one rumor to
• bed and that had to do with his accessability . With that , he
handed out papers . showing a log of when he was here at Town Hall .
Forest Home Drive
The Town Engineer noted the design of Forest Hone Drive
improvements are at the point where we are ready to hold meetings
with the City to proceed with the construction of a portion of
Forest Home Drive . The wall will be a low gabion retaining wall .
He went on to say that the least expensive way to create a twenty
foot road was by going on the upside of the road instead of
building up nine foot banks on the lower side of the road . We will
point up any existing cracks in the existing wall which has been
there for fifty years .
Councilman Cramer asked if the drainage problems have been taken
into consideration?
Town Engineer Fabbroni responded that a cut off drain will be put
in and tied into the sluce way .
Supervisor Desch remarked that the present pavement runs from
fourteen to sixteen feet wide .
Town Engineer Fabbroni responded that this was right . He went on
to say that the Cornell Plantations will have plantings available .
Councilman Cramer asked , how many hours ?
Town Engineer Fabbroni responded , we can absorb up to 3 , 000 man
hours . If we get a break in the weather there are things that both
the City and we can do . Whoever is left will blacktop .
Councilman McPeak questioned if there was to be a sharing of future
• maintenance ?
Town Engineer Fabbroni responded , we are pretty much on our own .
Highway Superintendent ' s Report
Highway Superintendent Robert Parkin reported that they have been
working on Burns Road whenever we can . The remainder of the time
we have been plowing and cindering . He went on to say that the
annual paving miles were down because of the postponement of Judd
Falls Road , Blackstone , etc . , and that the funds were carried over .
The higher mileage is up slightly because we picked up a couple
more roads . He noted that culvert footage was up last year because
Of Stone Quarry Road but we have not installed many this year .
Town Board 4 January 13 , 1986
Fuel consumption was up because of the projects involving
additional sum -er help which keeps the trucks on the go . The
Superintendent noted the repairs to truck #2 which were
considerable . (Copy of report attached to minutes ) .
Building Inspector ' s Report
Building Inspector Lewis Cartee noted that he gave a verbal report
at the year end meeting , you now have a written report . He went on
to say that the Health Department was getting out of inspecting
hotels and motels , therefore , the Town can expect to be required to
do more inspections .
• (Also attached to the minutes are copies of the Annual Reports of
the Town Planner , Landscape Architect and Assistant Town Engineer) .
• COUNTY BOARD OF REPRESENTATIVES
No County representatives were present at the meeting .
FINANCIAL REPORT
The financial report was not ready for Board consideration .
BUDGET TRANSFERS AND ENCUMBRANCES
TRANSFERS
RESOLUTION NO , 1
Motion by Councilman Cramer ; seconded by Councilman Mcpeak ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorize the following transfers for 1985 :
General Fund Townwide
Transfers to appropriation balances :
A1010 . 2 Town Board - Equipanent $ 40 . 08
A1110 . 1 Justices - Personal Services 76925
A1110 . 4 Justices - Contractual 185 . 78
A1220 . 1 Supervisor - Personal Services 35 . 05
A1330 . 4 Tax Collection - Contractual 175 . 38
A1410 . 1 Town Clerk - Personal Services 37935
A1410 . 4 Town Clerk - Contractual 287 . 86
A1430 . 1 Personnel - Personal Services 28 . 13
A1440 . 1 Engineer - Personal Services 8 , 734 . 21
• A1620 . 1 Town Hall - Personal Services 19 . 60
A5010 . 1 Highway Superintendent - Personal Services 250 . 00
A5182 . 4 Street Lighting - Contractual 6 , 999 . 53
A7320 . 4 Joint Youth & Old Age - Contractual 240 . 00
• A9030 . 8 Employee Benefits - FICA 3 , 011 . 39
Total $ 201120 . 61
Transfers from appropriation balances :
A1340 . 1 Budget - Personal Services $ 741 . 83
A1340 . 4 Budget - Contractual 451 . 14
A1450 . 1 Election - Personal Services 2 , 145 . 00
A1990 . 4 Contingency 1 200 . 00
A5132 . 1 Highway Garage - Personal Services 500000
A5132 . 2 Highway Garage - Contractual 200 . 00
A7140 . 4 Playgrounds & Recreation - Contractual 10 , 863 . 75
Town Board 5 January 13 , 1986
A9010 . 8 Employee Benefits - State Retirement 1 , 858 . 31
A9040 . 8 Employee Benefits - Workmen ' s Compensation 2 , 160958
Total $ 20 , 120 . 61
General Fund - Part-Town
Transfers to appropriation balances :
B8010 . 1 Zoning - Personal Services $ 11185946
B8010 . 4 Zoning - Contractual 137 . 35
B8020 . 1 Planning - Personal Services 1 , 302938
B8020 . 4 Planning - Contractual 136 . 95
B9010 . 8 Employee Benefits - Retirement 356 . 02
• B9030 . 8 Employee Benefits - FICA 63 . 04
B9060 . 8 Employee Benefits - Health Insurance 270 . 07
Total $ 3 , 451 . 27
• Transfers from appropriation balances :
B7140 . 402 Parks & Recreation Ways - Contractual $ 3 , 451927
Highway Fund
Transfers to appropriation balances .
DB9050 . 8 Employee Benefits - Unemployment Insurance $ 165 . 69
Transfers to appropriation balances .
DB9040 . 8 Employees Benefits - Workmen ' s Compensation $ 165 . 69
Sewer Fund
Transfers to appropriation balances .
G8120e48l City Payment $ 2 , 800 . 00
Transfer from :
G599 Appropriated Fund Balance $ 2 , 800 . 00
Lighting Districts
Transfers to appropriation balances .
SL1 -5182 . 4 Forest Home - Contractual $ 2 . 90
SL3-5182 . 4 Renwick Heights - Contractual 11 . 32
SL4-5182 . 4 EastuUod Commons - Contractual 57 . 51
Transfers from :
SL599 Appropriated Fund Balance - Forest Home $ 2 . 90
SL599 Appropriated Fund Balance - Renwich Heights 11 . 32
SL599 Appropriated Fund Balance - Eastwood Ccmmns 57 . 51
• Fire Protection Fund
Transfers to appropriation balances :
• SF3410 . 491 Payment to City of Ithaca $ 110000
Transfers from :
SF599 Appropriated Fund Balance $ 110000
Federal Revenue Sharing Fund
Transfers to appropriation balances :
CF7510 . 4 Records Restoration $ 7900
CF1670 . 4 In House Computer 1 , 994 . 00
Town Board 6 January 13 , 1986
Total $ 2 , 001000
Transfers from appropriation balances :
CF5110 . 2 Forest Hcane Drive $ 2 , 001 . 00
( Desch , McPeak , Raffensperger , Cramer , Howell , Bartholf and Leary
voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
ENCUMBRANCES
RESOLUTION NO . 2
• Motion by Councilwoman Raffensperger ; seconded by Councilman
Cramer ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
• authorize the following encumbrances for 1985 :
General 'Fund - Townwide
P . O . # Vendor Aoct . # Amount
2023 NYS Industry for Handicapped A1440 . 4 $ 66 . 00
Payroll Tompkins County Trust Company A1430 . 4 40908
2001 T . G . Millers A5132 . 4 6 . 00
2048 Cayuga Landscape A7140 . 401 360 . 00
2045 Ithaca Glass A7140 . 401 31 . 00
2046 Empire Building Supply A7140 . 401 69 . 85
2068 Eagle Electronics A1440 . 2 800 . 00
2005 Ithaca Tire A1440 . 4 100000
Total Encumbrances General Fund - Townwide $ 11472993
General Fund - Part-Town
2023 NYS Industry for Handicapped B8010 . 4 $ 66 . 00
1988 Ames of Ithaca B7140 . 402 92730
2070 Environmental Seed Producers B7140 . 402 306 . 00
2068 Eagle Electronics B8010 . 200 200 . 00
2049 E . F . Schweitzer Co . B7140 . 202 186 . 00
2050 Revere Products B71409401 59 . 31
2041 Printers Gallery West B7140 . 202 192 . 50
2042 Chemung Supply B7140 . 202 359 . 70
2043 Ithaca Sign Ccnnpany B7140 . 401 240 . 00
2047 I . B . C . B7140 . 202 467 . 86
2052 Ithaca Tire B8010 . 4 126 . 94
2003 Seneca Supply B71409401 65098
Total Encumbrances General Fund - Part-Town $ 31197 . 59
• Highway Fund
2069 Charles Blackwell , Inc . DB51309460 $ 100 . 00
2039 William T . Pritchard DB5130 . 460 450 . 00
• Reg . 2428 William T . Pritchard DB5130 . 460 14 . 72
1996 Dave Haney Radiator Service DB5130 . 460 34925
2073 Zee Medical Service DB5140 . 400 51 . 65
Total Encuunbrances Highway Fund $ 650 . 62
Water Fund
2030 Jones Water Supply F8340 . 470 . $ 350 . 00
4th Qtr .
F . H .Water
Bill Cornell University F8350 . 473 2 , 089 . 93
Town Board 7 January 13 , 1986
Total Encuunbrances Water Fund $ 2 , 439993
Capital Projects Fund
-- Crispell H5122 . 2 $ 10 , 475 . 33
2018 Landstrom H5110 . 2 214 . 22
1991 Ithaca Floor Covering H1620 . 2 32 . 54
1850 Portable John Rentals H5122 . 2 270 . 00
2068 Eagle Electronics H5122 . 2 200900
Total Encumbrances Capital Projects Fund $11 , 192 . 09
(Desch , McPeak , Raffensperger , Cramer , Howell , Bartholf and Leary
voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
• 1985 AUDIT
• RESOLUTION NO . 3
Motion by Councilman Cramer ; seconded by Councilwoman Howell ,
RESOLVED , by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca that the firm of
Ciaschi Dieters-Hagen Schaufler & Mickelson be , and hereby are ,
appointed as the Certified Public Accountants who will audit the
books and records of the Town of Ithaca for the year 1985 .
( Desch , McPeak , Raffensperger , Cramer , Howell , Bartholf and Leary
voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
WATER ACCOUNT REFUND
RESOLUTION NO . 4
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Bartholf ,
WHEREAS , Clifford E . Townsend , 526 Elm Street Extension , made a
double payment on his December 1 , 1985 water bill ,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca hereby authorizes a refund in the amount of $ 6 . 21 for water ,
$ 1 . 06 water surcharge and $ 4 . 89 for sewer , total refund of $ 12 . 61
be made to Clifford E . Townsend , 526 Elm Street Extension , Ithaca ,
New York , Account Number 163-0111019 .
( Desch , McPeak , Raffensperger , Cramer , Howell , Bartholf and Leary
voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
INSURANCE PRESENTATION
• Robert Boothroyd , Boothroyd Agency , Inc . presented the insurance
proposal for the Town for the year 1986 . Mr . Boothroyd stated that
most Board members were aware of the changes in the liability
insurance . He stated that the good new was that he was able to
• obtain the exact same coverage we had last year . Mr . Boothroyd
went on to say that the bad new was that the price has tripled .
The cost of Errors and Omissions insurance has gone from $ 6 , 000 to
$ 13 , 000 for only one million in coverage . Mr . Boothroyd stated
that Town residents need to complain to Albany as the Insurance
Companies are saying that until Albany changes the rules they are
not going to play the game or if they do play , then the Insurance
Companies intend to charge an excess amount . He again noted the
the Town was set for another year , however , he wished to inform the
Board that he was not getting rich on the excess premiums .
Town Board 8 January 13 , 1986
SOCIAL SERVICES
At this time , CamLissioner Mary Pat Dolan presented a slide show on
the Social Services Department .
Supervisor Desch thanked the Commissioner for the fine presentation
showing the services that the Social Services Department provides .
PERSONS TO BE HEARD
Christine Rue , 229 Stone Quarry Road stated that she had a petition
that she wished to present to the Board , asking the Town Board to
• amend the resolution they passed on November 7 , 1985 , as the speed
limit in the resolution is still too fast for the curves on Stone
Quarry Road . Ms . Rue then read the following petition :
• "We , the undersigned , residents of Stone Quarry Road , Ithaca ,
believe the present 55 MPH speed limit is unacceptably dangerous
considering the steep slcpe , sharp curves , and hidden driveways .
We want the speed limit reduced to 30 MPH in order that we might
enjoy our neighborhood without fear of risk or injury from
out-of-control vehicles . " (The petition was signed by 37
residents ) .
Ms . Rue stated that the petition was sent to Barry Stevens ,
Regional Traffic Engineer , NYSDOT with the following letter :
"We are residents on Stone Quarry Road in the Town of Ithaca , and
are extremely concerned about the present 55 MPH speed limit on
this road . This is a very steep and winding road with a ravine on
one side and many hidden driveways along its length . It ' s a
dangerous road even when the weather is good , but especially
perilous when it is raining or icy .
In spite of these obvious hazards , many people continue to travel
Stone Quarry Road at the legal 55 MPH limit until they have an
accident . There were twenty serious accidents reported on this
road in the twenty months between February , 1984 , and October 1985
( se enclosed police accident reports and newspaper photo) and many
that have gone unreported .
Anyone who lives on this road could tell you about dozens of
frightening close calls they have had , sometimes involving small
children . It ' s been five years since anyone was actually killed in
an accident on this road , but do you really want to wait until it
happens again before something is done to reduce the speed limit?
This issue is of great importance to everyone who lives on this
road . We have enclosed a petition from the residents requesting
that the speed limit be reduced to 30MPH . We are also aware that
• the Town of Ithaca sent to you a resolution , approved by the
County , with a similar request for a 30 MPH limit .
We strongly urge you to consider our request and act on it quickly ,
• before another tragic accident occurs .
( The letter was signed by Christine Rue and Roger L . Perkins )
Ms . Rue went on to say that if the speed limit was not reduced ,
cars would be apt to be landing in the yard at 236 Stone Quarry
Road ,
Supervisor Desch stated that the State , in its review , has a
formula which they will base their decision on . They are more
Town Board 9 January 13 , 1986
likely to approve a reduction in the speed limit if there is a
transition zone .
Town Engineer Fabbroni remarked that the State would likely approve
55 MPH from King Road to the Cemetary , then 40 MPH to about 240
Stone Quarry Road and 30 MPH the remainder of the road to the City
limits .
A lady in attendance remarked that 40 MPH was still too fast .
There should be a transition zone from King Road to the Cemetary
then 30 MPH for the remainder of the road .
Town Engineer Fabbroni stated that the State would look at the
average speed , density and the number of driveways per foot .
LOCAL LAW TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE ON SATELLITE DISHES
• The Supervisor introduced the matter by indicating that the public
hearing had been held on December 9 , with extensive discussion by
the Board at that time . The hearing was closed as no persons
attended who wished to speak in favor or against the matter . The
consensus of the Board was to discuss the matter further at the
December 31 meeting .
Robert Brown , Manager of Satel Company in Ithaca stated that the
proposed local law was infringement and that people should be
allowed to make their own decision as to whether or not they wanted
cable or satellite . He went on to question 59A , ( a ) which states a
free-standing dish antenna with a diameter or height of 15 feet or
less shall be considered a permitted accessory building and subject
to all applicable yard and height requirements , questioning the
phrase height and yard requirements .
Supervisor Desch responded that the Zoning Ordinance has
restrictions on height and yard requirements .
Town Planner Peter Lovi noted that 59A (a) considers satellite
dishes in the same category as accessory buildings which are not
permitted in front yards or side yards . Mr . Lovi continued , saying
that 59A (b ) applies to apartment buildings and Multi-Residence
Districts . The Planning Board and the Town Board want the Planning
Board to consider satellite dishes in the site plan review for
Multi-Residence Districts , Industrial Districts and Can nercial
Districts .
Mr . Brown stated that in this area a ten foot dish was needed .
Town Attorney John Barney responded , you can have a larger than six
foot dish by going thru a site plan review .
• Mr . Brown questioned what the price of a site plan review was ?
Town Planner Lovi responded , there is a $ 5 . 00 fee .
Mr . Brown questioned if 59A " e " refers to residential ?
Mr . Lovi responded yes . On the roof , the height of the top of the
dish antenna may not exceed six feet .
Mr . Brown noted that in some cases the signal is hard to receive
without a twenty foot antenna .
Supervisor Desch responded , then the person would apply to the
Planning Board . If the permit is denied , then then could apply for
a hardship and go before the Zoning Board of Appeals .
Town Board 10 January 13 , 1986
Mr . Brown noting 59A ( f ) , the installation of all roof mounted dish
antennae must be certified by a registered architect or
professional engineer . He went on to say that he thought that in
residential areas , all dishes over fifteen feet should be installed
and certified by a registered architect or professional engineer .
Mr . Brown went on to say that he felt roof mounted dishes should be
permitted in residential areas because of the hills around Ithaca .
Town Planner Peter Lovi responded that the persons who cannot
receive the signal on the ground and need a roof top mounted
antenna could present a hardship case to the Zoning Board of
Appeals . He went on to say that the need for roof top mountings
was more common in the City than in the Town .
Supervisor Desch stated that he felt this was not aF problem in the
Town , however , if there is a problem the Zoning Board of Appeals
would hear the appeal .
• Mrs . Betty Roscioli , 152 Bundy Road stated that she had a problem
with the whole proposal . She went on to ask why she had to present
a hardship to the Zoning Board of Appeals if she wanted to put an
antenna on her roof ? She also stated that she had a problem with
the possibility of having to pay for an architect or professional
engineer to certify the installation . You talk about an accessory
building , this is not a dog house . In ten years you will be saying
we can only plant certain shrubs in our front yards . Mrs . Roscioli
went on to say that she felt people should have been notified of
the proposed public hearing as not every person reads the legal
ads .
Supervisor Desch responded that satellite dishes were being treated
as accessory structures because of the hazzards they could create
during a windstorm , etc .
Town Planner Lovi added that if the satellite dishes are improperly
placed they could create a hazzard and the regulations in the
Zoning Ordinance are there to make sure they are placed properly
and to make sure certains steps are followed so that they will not
create a danger to the public .
A man in attendance remarked that the Town has a Newsletter , why
not put public hearings on things like satellite dishes in it so
that the public will know what is going on . He went on to say that
he did not subscribe to the Ithaca Journal . He remarked that if
the Town limits us to satellite dishes and where they can be
placed , the next thing they will be telling us is where and what
kind of shrubbery we can plant .
Norman Padula stated that he . was Purchasing Agent for Cornell
University and a partner in Sam Peter , Inc . He stated that Cornell
University had plans to expand into satellites . He also noted that
• at Sam Peters TV they have done many installations . As dealers , we
try to install the dishes in the best possible manner . He also
noted that the FCC has ruled that all federal laws preempt any
local zoning laws which are against the First Amendment . The
• Federal government has said that the First Amendment is a grey
area .
Supervisor Desch asked Mr . Padula how many dishes he thought would
be constructed in the Town?
Mr . Padula replied , sixty to one hundred small dishes which are
viewed as antennae .
Supervisor Desch asked , of the total , how many are six feet and
less ?
Town Board 11 January 13 , 1986
Mr . Padula replied that ten foot or larger is mandatory in this
area .
Councilman Cramer questioned which band relates to these sizes ?
Mr . Padula replied that "C" band is the most popular . "KU" band
will capture the signal with a smaller dish , 1 . 2 meters . He went
on to say that the ten foot dish is still a need for this area .
Mr . Brown remarked that with " K " band you get more than with "C"
band for just a small amount more of money .
Supervisor Desch stated that there has been no pressure on the Town
• to regulate , because the number of dishes already installed is very
small , but it is better to be ready to enforce and regulate before
they become too popular .
• Mr . Padula stated that Cornell University will have a free reign to
place dishes where ever they want to place them.
Supervisor Desch responded no , that is not correct . We just went
through a lengthy process with Ithaca College .
Mrs . Roscioli remarked that she could understand so many feet from
a side yard but my backyard could be somebodys front yard . She
went on to say that personally she liked roof mounted antenneas
best . Mrs . Roscioli stated that she preferred not to put the dish
in the front yard , but if that is where the best reception can be
obtained then that is where the dish should be placed . You are
asking we to go begging before the Zoning Board of Appeals to place
something on my property .
Mrs . Roscioli then asked Mr . Brown what responsibility he had if he
installed a dish on the roof and it falls off ? Do I need to hire
an engineer to certify your work?
Mr . Brown responded that he has engineers who design the dish and
the mountings .
Mrs . Roberta Chisa , 159 Bundy Road asked if part of the work has to
be done by a licensed person , why not have your installers
licensed ?
Mr . Brown stated that he was working on obtaining a license but it
takes a lot of money and time .
Town Planner Peter Lovi noted that the Building Inspector issues
the building permits , he needs to have a design which says if
attached to the building it won ' t fall off . The installer puts in
the actual screws . If it falls off its either the responsibility
of the professional engineer or the registered architect who
• designed the installation .
Bruce Vannick asked what about the person who installs the dish
himself after paying $ 900 for a kit?
Supervisor Desch responded that the person would need to hire an
engineer or architect to certify the installation .
Mr . Vannick remarked , and spend an additional $ 900 .
Town Planner Lovi responded that the Zoning Board of Appeals may
well say as a condition , you must have an installer put it in .
Mr . Vannick remarked that he would rather have the dish put on a
roof than in the yard .
Town Board 12 January 13 , 1986
Councilman McPeak noted each dish is rated for a different wind
load . We don ' t want everybody installing the dishes on their roofs
due to the risk involved .
Mr . Roscioli asked why the Town was concerned if it falls of the
roof - that ' s the property owners liability . He went on to say
that a person in this county has no rights at all . Where is the
cut off point ?
Councilwoman Leary questioned the statment made by Mr . Padula . Is
he telling this Board that whatever Cornell wants it will get ?
Supervisor Desch responded such is not the case and that Mr . Padula
• was not representing Cornell on the matter , but rather Sam Peter ,
LOCAL LAW NO . 1 - 1986
• Motion by Councilwoman Raffensperger , seconded by Councilman
Cramer ,
LOCAL LAW NO . 1 - 1986
A LOCAL LAW TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE ON SATELLITE DISHES
The Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Ithaca as re-adopted , amended
and revised effective February 26 , 1968 , be further amended as
follows :
A . Article I , Section 1 , is hereby amended by adding a new
Section 35 to read as follows :
35 . A "dish antenna" is a large parabolic antenna used to
receive television , radio , microwave , or other electronic
signals from orbiting satellites . A "dish antenna " may
also be known as a satellite antenna or satellite earth
station . A dish antenna shall be considered a structure
for purposes of obtaining a Building Permit .
Be Article XIII is hereby amended by adding a new Section 59A to
read as follows :
59A . Dish Antenna . Free- standing and roof-mounted dish
antennae shall be prohibited from all districts except as
follows :
a . In Residential Districts R9 , R15 , and R30 , and
Agricultural Districts , a free-standing dish antenna
with a diameter or height of 15 feet or less shall
be considered a permitted accessory building and
subject to all applicable yard and height
• requirements .
b . In all other zoning districts , a free-standing or
• roof-mounted dish antenna with a diameter of less
than six ( 6 ) feet is permitted . In such districts
such antenna with a diameter of six feet or more may
be permitted following site plan review by the
Planning Board . In the site plan review , the
Planning Board shall consider :
i ) The aesthetic effect of such antenna and
effect on neighborhood property values .
ii ) The accessibility of the particular property
Town Board 13 January 13 , 1986
to commercial cable television service .
iii ) The location of the property and its effect on
the physical effectiveness of the dish
antenna .
c . Except as permitted as part of the site plan
approval in the preceding paragraph , no dish antenna
may exceed 15 feet in height when measured
vertically from the highest exposed point of the
antenna , when positioned for operation , to the
bottom of the base which supports the antenna .
• d . No dish antenna may be located on any portable
device , including a trailer , designed principally
for the transportation of such dish antenna .
However , a portable or trailer�munted antenna may
• be placed on a lot by an antenna installer for a
period not to exceed one week for the purpose of
determining the most acceptable place for a
permanent installation .
e . A dish antenna located on a building within 200 feet
of an R9 , R15 , or R30 zone shall not exceed 6 feet
in height above the roof height at the building
line .
f . The installation of all roofmomaunted dish antennae
must be certified by a registered architect or
professional engineer .
g . No such antenna or device shall be abandoned unless
the owner removes same from the premises and
restores the surface of the ground to its original
grade and approximately the same condition as before
the antenna or device was installed .
h . Applicability . Regulations on dish antennae apply
to all types of installations , such as
i ) Dish antennae serving more than one user on a
single lot , such as apartments in an apartment
complex , mobile hones in a mobile home park ,
or separate business establishments in a
single business building .
ii) Dish antennae operated by commercial ,
regulated cable systems .
iii ) Dish antennae which serve one user on one lot .
This law takes effect immediately .
• Councilwoman Raffensperger stated that she would like to suggest
that the Board consider adding a sentence to the Zoning Ordinance
stating that dish antenna could be placed no closer than the size
of the dish to the lot line .
supervisor Desch stated that it was unlikely that the Town would
receive a request to place a dish close to a lot line as it would
be a risky . The neighbors could put up a fence .
Town Board 14 January 13 , 1986
Building Inspector Lewis Cartee stated that property owners can put
the dish antennae up next to the property line and no amount of arm
twisting will convince them not to .
Supervisor Desch reminded the Board that if they chose to modify
the wording , another public hearing to be scheduled .
Councilwoman Leary remarked that if the neighbors don ' t like it
they can put up a fence . She went on to say that she did not think
the neighbors should be asked to spend money for a fence . She went
on to say that she did not see what the hugh rush was to adopt this
law .
• Supervisor Desch called for a roll call vote .
Councilman Bartholf Voting Ave
Councilman Cramer Voting Aye
• Councilwoman Howell Voting Aye
Councilwoman Leary Voting Nay*
Councilman McPeak Voting Aye
Councilwoman Raffensperger Voting Aye
Supervisor Desch Voting Aye
Local Law # 1 - 1986 , was thereupon declared duly adopted .
* Councilwoman Leary stated that she voted Nay because she had just
been elected to the Board , therefore , she needed more time to
become familiar with the proposed local law . Also , she was in
favor of putting the adoption of the local law off another month
because of the concerns expressed by the people here tonight .
Councilwoman Leary noted she would like to have the information on
the proposed local law published in the Town Newsletter , as the
Town residents have requested .
BUILDING INSPECTORS ANNUAL REPORT
RESOLUTION N0 , 5
Motion by Councilwoman Raffensperger ; seconded by Councilwoman
Howell ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca , having
received the accounts and records of Town Building Inspector Lewis
Cartee for the year 1985 , hereby approves the same , a copy of said
accounts and records being made a part of the Town records .
(Desch , MCPeak , Raffensperger , Cramer , Howell , Bartholf and Leary
voting Aye . Nay - none ) .
• INSTALLATION OF STREET LIGHT AT SPRUCE WAY AND CODDINGICJN ROAD
RESOLUTION NO , 6
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilwoman Raffensperger ,
WHEREAS , the Town has a policy of placing a street light at all
Town intersections , and
WHEREAS , the intersection of Spruce Way and Coddington Road has no
street light ,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , by the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca that the Town Supervisor be authorized to request that NYSEG
Town Board 15 January 13 , 1986
install a street light at Spruce Way and Coddington Road as an
addition to the Townwide Lighting Program .
( Desch , McPeak , Raffensperger , Cramer , Howell , Bartholf and Leary
voting Aye . Nays - none) .
OFFICIAL DELEGATE TO ASSOCIATION OF TOWNS MEETING
RESOLUTION NO . 7
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Cramer ,
• WHEREAS , the 1986 Annual Meeting of the Association of Towns will
be held in New York City , February 16th - 19th , 1986 , and
WHEREAS , an official voting delegate must be designated to cast the
• vote for the Town of Ithaca ,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca hereby duly designates Councilwoman Raffensperger to attend
the Annual Business Session of the Association of Towns of the
State of New York , to be held at New York City ,_ on February 19th ,
1986 and to cast the vote of the aforesaid Town , pursuant to §6 of
Article III of the Constitution and By-Laws of said Association ,
AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED , in the absence of the official voting
delegate , Supervisor Desch be designated to act as alternate and
cast the vote of said Town .
(Desch , McPeak , Raffensperger , Cramer , Howell , Bartholf and Leary
voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
TOWN OF ITHACA WARRANTS
RESOLUTION N0 , 8
Motion by Councilman Cramer ; seconded by Councilman McPeak ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves
the Town of Ithaca Warrants dated January 13 , 1986 , in the
following accounts :
General Fund - Town Wide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 34 , 049 . 57
General Fund - Outside Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 21 , 472945
Water & Sewer Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 298 , 310 . 15
Highway Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 18 , 273 . 05
Capital Projects Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5 , 243 . 00
Federal Revenue Sharing Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 375 . 00
Lighting District Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 433 . 04
• (Desch , McPeak , Raffensperger , Cramer , Howell , Bartholf and Leary
voting Aye . Nays - none) .
• BOLTON POINT WARRANTS
RESOLUTION NO , 9
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilman Cramer ,
RESOLVED , that the Bolton Point Warrants dated January 13 , 1986 , in
the Operating Account are hereby approved , in the amount of
$ 77 , 361 . 94 after review and upon the recommendation of the Southern
Town Board 16 January 13 , 1986
Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission , they are in order for
payment .
(Desch , McPeak , Raffensperger , Cramer , Howell , Bartholf and Leary
voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
SEQR SEMINAR
RESOLUTION N0 , 10
Motion by Supervisor Desch ; seconded by Councilwoman Howell ,
• WHEREAS , the New York Land Institute has planned a Spring 1986
Seminar on the State Environmental Quality Review Act , and
WHEREAS , Susan Beeners has expressed an interest in attending this
• Conference ,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca hereby authorizes Susan Beeners to attend the State
Environmental Quality Review Act Seminar on Friday , January 24 ,
1986 , at Albany , New York , registration fee $75 . 00 .
(Desch , McPeak , Raffensperger , Cramer , Howell , Bartholf and Leary
voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
CAREER TRACK , INC . , SEMINAR
RESOLUTION NO , 11
Motion by Councilwoman Raffensperger , seconded by Councilman
Cramer ,
WHEREAS , Career Track , Inc . , has scheduled a one-day briefing on
"Getting Things Done - How to Save Time and Accomplish More on the
Job" , and
WHEREAS , Susan Beeners and Richard Schock have expressed an
interest in attending this briefing ,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca hereby authorizes Susan Beeners and Richard Schock to attend
the Career Track , Inc . , one-day briefing in Elmira , New York , on
February 4 , 1986 , tuition cost $45 . 00 per person .
(Desch , McPeak , Raffensperger , Cramer , Howell , Bartholf and Leary
voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
SNOW PLOWING CONTRACT WITH TOMPKTNS COUNTY
• Supervisor Desch stated that the Town has had a contract with the
County for a number of years for the removal of snow. This year
• the contract was in a new form .
RESOLUTION N0 , 12
Motion by Councilman Cramer ; seconded by Councilwomen
Raffensperger ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby
authorize the Town Supervisor to execute the snow removal contract
with the County of Tompkins subject the the approval of the Town
Attorney and the Town Highway Superintendent .
Town Board 17 January 13 , 1986
( Desch , McPeak , Raffensperger , Cramer , Howell , Bartholf and Leary
voting Aye . Nays - none ) .
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was duly adjourned ,
Town Clerk '
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TOWN HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT ' S MONTHLY REPORT
JANUARY 13 , 1986 to FEBRUARY 10 , 1986
Robert E . Parkin
- ' The majority of the month was spent on Plowing and Sanding
- - Cindered 19 times ; Plowed 16 times
Forest Home Drive Place and Fill Gabions
- Burns Road # ? - - Contractor. Hauling Fill from Cornen
- - We had Flagman ; Man to dump trucks ; and , Dozer
Operator ' to level Fill
- Miscellaneous - - Clean Snow from Catch Basins and Grates
- - Clean Sidewalks on Bridges
- - Repair Mail Boxes
- - Remove Dead Trees on Elm Street Ex t .
- - Construct Gabions at Shop
- Completed Hauling in Sand for 186 - 187 Season for Road Sanding
REP / nf
2 / 10 / 86