HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 2010-12-13 Regular Meeting of the Ithaca Town Board
Monday, December 13 , 2010 at 5 : 30 p. m .
q� 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
Minutes
Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance
The meeting was called to order at 5 : 32 p . m . and Agenda Item # 14 was moved to #6
with no objections .
Persons to be Heard
Christopher Neighborhood Watch Group Committee
Arlene Chase , Bud Dolch Hazel Brampton addressed the Board regarding their
concerns and Mr. Dolch read a letter sent by the Committee (Attachment # 1 )
Mr. DePaolo asked them what activities were most disruptive and Mr. Dolch responded
that the heavy equipment such as dump trucks , tractor trailers and backhoes were very
noisy and disruptive and they are also very concerned about the safety of the children in
the area because the equipment leaves with gravel and stone and once a stone was
came off a truck and hit a child in the face . Ms . Chase noted thatthe exit pattern for the
school changed last year and now the traff ic is awful .
Ms . Hunter asked if their concern. was traffic or safety and they replied both and
reiterated the above . Mr. DePaolo noted that the construction going on is for the Safe
Routes to School project and discussion followed on possible mitigations .
It was decided that the Public Works Committee would look into the issue and would
keep the Neighborhood Group informed . They thanked them for bringing in their
concerns .
County and City Officials ' Report -- None
5 : 45 p. m . Public Hearing Regarding A Local Law Revising Chapter 112, Titled
"Animals , " Article 1 , Titled " Dog Control And Licensing , " Of The Town Of Ithaca
Code Regarding Dog Licensing Requirements And Fees, And Revising Fines And
Penalties For Chapter 112 Violations
Mr. Engman opened the public hearing at Open at 5 :48 p . m . There was no one wishing
to address the Board at this time and the hearing was closed .
a . Consider adoption of Local Law
Mr. Engman explained for the public that NY State is getting out of the dog control
business which necessitates a change in our Town Law regarding dog licensing .
Discussion followed with questions regarding the 30 day exemption for dogs moving in
from New York City and out of New York State . Ms . Terwilliger explained that the City
Town Board 12- 13-2010
Final
was always set aside in the Ag and Markets Law so we had to explicitly add the
exemption for the City where moving from other locations in New York State , would be a
transfer not a move- in . It is a technicality . Ms . Leary asked about certain discounts and
Ms . Terwilliger responded that we have not offered discounts historically and to keep it
simple , she was suggesting we continue not to . Some questions on the fee structure
were also answered . The total fee is not changing , just the distribution of the parts of
the monies .
Mr. DePaolo had a question on the wording regarding fines and penalties and who the
"town " was . Ms . Brock responded that it is implied that it is the Town Board and for
practical purposes , an attorney for the Town would not start a lawsuit without Town
Board approval . Ms . Brock felt the wording was fine .
TB RESOLUTION N0 . 20110 - 221@ LOCAL LAW REVISING CHAPTER 112 , TITLED
"ANIMALS, " ARTICLE 1 , TITLED " DOG CONTROL AND LICENSING , " OF THE
TOWN OF ITHACA CODE REGARDING DOG LICENSING REQUIREMENTS AND
FEES , AND REVISING FINES AND PENALTIES FOR CHAPTER 112 VIOLATIONS
WHEREAS , the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca is required to make changes to
Chapter 112 of the Code of the Town of Ithaca regarding dog control and the licensing
of dogs due to changes in the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, and
WHEREAS , at its November 8 , 2010 meeting , a resolution was duly adopted by the
Town Board of the Town of Ithaca for a public hearing to be held by said Town on
December 13 , 2010 at 5 :45 p . m . to hear all interested parties on the proposed local law
entitled "A LOCAL LAW REVISING CHAPTER 112 , TITLED "ANIMALS , " ARTICLE 1 ,
TITLED " DOG CONTROL AND LICENSING , " OF THE TOWN OF ITHACA CODE
REGARDING DOG LICENSING REQUIREMENTS AND FEES , AND REVISING FINES
AND PENALTIES FOR CHAPTER 112 VIOLATIONS" , and
WHEREAS , notice of said public hearing was duly advertised in the Ithaca Journal ; and
WHEREAS , said public hearing was duly held on said date and time at the Town Hall of
the Town of Ithaca and all parties in attendance were permitted an opportunity to speak
on behalf of or in opposition to said proposed local law, or any part thereof , and
WHEREAS , pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act
("SEQRA") and its implementing regulations at 6 NYCRR Part 617 , it has been
determined by the Town Board that adoption of the proposed local law is a Type II
action pursuant to 6 NYCRR Sections 617 . 5 (c) (20) and (27) because it constitutes
" routine or continuing agency administration and management , not including new
programs or major reordering of priorities that may affect the environment , " and
"adoption of regulations , policies , procedures and local legislative decisions in
connection with any action on the [Type II ] list , " and thus this action is not subject to
review under SEQRA ,
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NOW , THEREFORE , be it
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby adopts said local law
entitled "A LOCAL LAW REVISING CHAPTER 112 , TITLED "ANIMALS , " ARTICLE 1 ,
TITLED "DOG CONTROL AND LICENSING , " OF THE TOWN OF ITHACA CODE
REGARDING DOG LICENSING REQUIREMENTS AND FEES , AND REVISING FINES
AND PENALTIES FOR CHAPTER 112 VIOLATIONS" , a copy of which is attached
hereto and made a part of this resolution , and it is further
RESOLVED , that the Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to file said local law
with the Secretary of State as required by law.
MOVED : Rich DePaolo SECONDED : Bill Goodman
VOTE : Ayes : Engman , Goodman , Levine , Leary , DePaolo and Hunter Absent : Riha
Motion passed unanimously.
b. Consider adoption of Fee Schedule
Motion made by Ms . Hunter, seconded by Mr. Goodman for discussion . There were no
questions from the Board .
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2010= 222 : - Establishing a Fee Schedule Applicable to the
Licensing and Control of Dogs in the Town of Ithaca, Including the Village of
Cayuga Heights
WHEREAS : the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca has adopted changes to Chapter
112 of the Code of the Town of Ithaca pertaining to the licensing and control of dogs in
the Town of Ithaca , including the Village of Cayuga Heights , and
WHEREAS : New York State has directed municipalities to approve and establish their
own fees , according to guidelines detailed in the Agriculture and Markets Law of the
State of New York ,
Now Therefore Be It RESOLVED : that the Town Board hereby establishes the
following :
FEE SCHEDULE
Effective January 1 , 2011
All fees are yearly
Fee Type Local Fee State Total Fee
Assessment
LICENSES
Unaltered License$ 17 . 00 $3 . 00 per dog $20 . 00
Altered License $9 . 00 $ 1 . 00 per dog $ 10000
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Final
Purebred License .
1 - 10 dogs $50 local fee $ 1 per altered dog $50 + State Assessment
$3 per unaltered dog
Purebred License
11 -25 dogs $75 local fee $ 1 per altered dog $75 + State Assessment
$3 per unaltered dog
Purebred License
>25 dogs $ 100 local fee $ 1 per altered dog $ 100 + State Assessment
$3 per unaltered dog
Exempt from Local Fees : service dog , guide dog , hearing dog , war dog , working
search dog , detection dog , police work dog or therapy dog as defined in Article 7 of the
New York State Agriculture and Markets Law.
Replacement Tag Fee
All License Types $5 per tag
Moved : Tee Ann Hunter Second : Bill Goodman
Vote : Ayes — Engman , Goodman , Leary, Hunter, DePaolo and Levine
Absent : Riha Motion passed unanimously .
5 : 50 p. m . First of Two Public Hearings Regarding Proposed Amendments to the
1993 Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan Relating to Historic Resources and the
Possible Adoption of a New " Limited Historic Commercial " Floating Zone
Mr. Engman opened the public hearing at 6 : 02 p . m . There was no one wishing to
address the Board and the hearing was closed . Mr. Kanter noted that there was no
action associated with this public hearing and the topic is on the Planning Board and
Zoning Board 's next agendas for comments/recommendations to the Board .
Consider referral of revised Scenic Resources Report to the Planning Board and
Conservation Board for recommendations
TB RESOLUTION NO . 2010=223 : Referral of Draft Scenic Resources Inventory &
Analysis report to the Planning Board and Conservation Board for comments and
recommendations .
WHEREAS , the Scenic Resources Committee of the Town of Ithaca Conservation
Board prepared a report , entitled "Saving Ithaca's Views" dated November 1 , 2007 ,
which identified important views in the Town of Ithaca and outlined possible strategies
to protect those views ; and
WHEREAS , "Saving Ithaca's Views" was presented to and discussed by the Town of
Ithaca Town Board on January 7 , 2008 , and the Town Board referred said report to the
Town of Ithaca Planning Committee for its review and recommendations ; and
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Final
WHEREAS, the Planning Committee recommended and the Town Board supported and
approved by a resolution dated May 11 , 2009 the following statements concerning the
report :
1 ) That views identified in "Saving Ithaca's Views" are among significant scenic
resources in the Town of Ithaca and warrant special attention by the various
Boards and committees of the Town in their decision -making ; and
2 ) That a more detailed inventory and analysis of significant scenic views and
resources in the Town of Ithaca be conducted by Planning staff; and
3) That upon its completion , the detailed inventory and analysis should be
considered for incorporation into the Comprehensive Plan update ; and
WHEREAS , the Scenic Resources Inventory and Analysis report , requested by the
Town Board ( item #2 above) , was completed by the Planning Department and reviewed
and discussed by the Planning Committee at their meetings held on September 9 , 2010
and November 15 , 2010 ; and
WHEREAS , at their meeting held on November 15 , 2010 the Planning Committee
requested staff to revise the report to incorporate a number of suggested modifications
and voted unanimously to recommend that the Town Board consider referring the report
to the Town of Ithaca Planning Board and Conservation Board for their comments and
recommendations , now, therefore ,
BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca Town Board hereby refers consideration of
the proposed draft "Scenic Resources Inventory & Analysis ( Revised Draft December 7 ,
2010) to the Town of Ithaca Planning Board and Town of Ithaca Conservation Board for
comments and recommendations .
MOVED : Tee-Ann Hunter SECONDED : Rich DePaolo
VOTE : Ayes : Engman , Goodman , Levine , Leary, DePaolo and Hunter Absent : Riha
Motion passed unanimously .
Consider Approving Payment for Tompkins County Council of Governments '
Mutually Beneficial Projects
Mr. Engman explained and gave the example of the time TCCOG rented the State
Theater and TCCOG members used their own money to reserve the space because the
time it would take to process vouchers would have jeopardized the location . Mr.
DePaolo asked if all members were anteing up and Mr. Engman responded that the
County was not asked to contribute because they provided staff support , but all other
members are joining .
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Final
TB RESOLUTION NO . 2010 — 224 : Approving Payment for Tompkins County
Council of Governments ' Mutually Beneficial Projects
WHEREAS on occasion the Tompkins County Council of Governments (TCCOG ) needs
a modest source of funding for projects that are of mutual benefit to the majority of
municipalities within TCCOG and
WHEREAS a quick funding response to projects that arise unplanned is not currently
possible because of the nature of TCCOG that requires each member to return to each
of their municipal boards with funding requests , a process that can take months and
results in uneven and unpredictable funding amounts and
WHEREAS the continued sense of volunteerism and mutual interest that has been
important to TCCOG is still encouraged and highly valued and
WHEREAS funding proposals should be oriented toward projects that serve the
broadest interests of all TCCOG members rather than the unique interests of a minority
of members and
WHEREAS projects are of a one -time nature rather than recurring
NOW THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED that the Town of Ithaca contribute $250 fee annually on a voluntary basis .
The need for funds will be reevaluated annually by TCCOG and requested only if
needed and be it further
RESOLVED that the decision to spend TCCOG reserves on a submitted proposal will
be made based by a 2/3 majority vote of those attending the TCCOG meeting where the
proposal is being presented and discussed and be it further
RESOLVED that Tompkins County will administer the TCCOG reserves on behalf of the
members
MOVED : Herb Engman SECONDED : Eric Levine
VOTE : Ayes : Engman , Goodman , Levine , Leary , DePaolo and Hunter
Absent : Riha Motion passed unanimously.
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Final
Consider setting a public hearing for a proposed sewer improvement in the Town
of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, pursuant to Article 12=C of the Town Law, to
be known as the Town of Ithaca Hector St. Joint Interceptor Replacement Sewer
Improvement
Mr. Engman and Mr. Weber explained the project . There were questions regarding
holding a public hearing after the completion of the project and Ms . Brock noted that this is
why the City has to follow the contract.
TB RESOLUTION NO , 2010=225
PRESENT : Herb Engman , Supervisor; Bill Goodman , Councilman ; Pat Leary,
Councilwoman ; Tee-Ann Hunter, Councilwoman ; Eric Levine , Councilman ; and Rich
DePaolo , Councilman . Absent : Susan Riha, Councilwoman
In the Matter ORDER
of SETTING
A Proposed Sewer Improvement in the Town PUBLIC
of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, HEARING
pursuant to Article 12 -C of the Town Law, to
be known as the Town of Ithaca Hector St .
Joint Interceptor Replacement Sewer
Improvement
WHEREAS , a plan , report and map , including an estimate of cost , have been
duly prepared in such manner and in such detail as has heretofore been determined by
the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca , Tompkins County , New York, relating to the
creation and construction , pursuant to Article 12 -C of the Town Law , of sewer system
improvements to be known and identified as the Town of Ithaca Hector St . Joint
Interceptor Replacement Sewer Improvement , and hereinafter also referred to as
" Improvement , " providing such sewer Improvement including extensions , to the present
Town sewer improvement , such sewer system Improvement jointly constructed and
jointly owned by the Town of Ithaca and the City of Ithaca , and
WHEREAS , said plan , report and map , including estimate of cost , were prepared
by a competent engineer, duly licensed by the State of New York , and have been .filed
in the office of the Town Clerk of said Town , where the same are available during
regular office hours for public inspection , and
WHEREAS , the area of said Town determined to be benefited by said Town of
Ithaca Hector St. Joint Interceptor Replacement Sewer Improvement consists of the
entire area of said Town excepting therefrom the area contained within the Village of
Cayuga Heights , and
WHEREAS , the Improvement consists of the sewer improvements set forth
below, and as more particularly shown and described in said plan , report and map
presently on file in the office of the Town Clerk :
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Town Board 12 - 13-2010
Final
This project consists of replacing approximately 959 feet , of 6" and 8"clay tile ,
with 12" PVC , of the jointly-owned sanitary sewer interceptor along Hector Street
starting at the intersection with Sunrise Road and extending north until a manhole in
front of house #417 , in the City of Ithaca , New York, and
WHEREAS , the maximum proposed to be expended by the Town of Ithaca for
the aforesaid Improvement is $99 , 876 . 71 . The proposed method of financing to be
employed by said Town of Ithaca consists of expenditure of current revenues and
surplus funds from sewer rents and charges from the Town of Ithaca sewer system
benefited area ,
WHEREAS , it is now desired to call a public hearing for the purpose of
considering said plan , report and map , including estimate of cost , and the providing of
the Improvement , and to hear all persons interested in the subject thereof concerning
the same , all in accordance with the provisions of Section 209 -q of the Town Law;
NOW , THEREFORE , IT IS HEREBY ORDERED , by the Town Board of the Town
of Ithaca , Tompkins County , New York , as follows :
Section 1 . A public hearing shall be held by Town Board of the Town of Ithaca ,
Tompkins County, New York , at the Town Hall , 215 North Tioga Street , in Ithaca , New
York, in said Town , on the 30th day of December 2010 , at 10 : 05 o 'clock A . M . , Prevailing
Time , to consider the aforesaid plan , report and map , including estimate of cost , and the
question of providing the Improvement , and to hear all persons interested in the subject
thereof concerning the same and to take such action thereon as is required by law .
Section 2 . The Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to cause a copy
of this Order with a Notice of Adoption to be published once in the official newspaper,
and also to post a copy thereof on the town signboard maintained by the Town Clerk,
not less than ten ( 10) nor more than twenty (20) days before the day designated for the
hearing as aforesaid , all in accordance with the provisions of Section 209 -q of the Town
Law .
Section 3 . This Order shall take effect immediately.
The question of the adoption of the foregoing Order was duly put to a vote on roll
call , which resulted as follows :
Herb Engman , Aye ; Bill Goodman , Aye ; Pat Leary, Aye ; Tee -Ann Hunter, Aye ;
Eric Levine , Aye ; and Rich DePaolo , Aye . Absent: Susan Riha
The Order was thereupon declared duly adopted .
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Final
Consider setting a public hearing for a proposed Sewer Improvement in the Town of
Ithaca, pursuant to Article 12=C of the Town Law, to be known as the Town of Ithaca,
Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant Johnson Controls Efficiency Project Sewer
Improvement
TB RESOLUTION NO . 2010=226
PRESENT : Herb Engman , Supervisor; Bill Goodman , Councilman ; Pat Leary,
Councilwoman ; Tee-Ann Hunter, Councilwoman ; Eric Levine , Councilman ; and Rich
DePaolo , Councilman . Absent : Susan Riha , Councilwoman
In the Matter ORDER
of SETTING
A Proposed Sewer Improvement in the PUBLIC
Town of Ithaca , Tompkins County, New HEARING
York, pursuant to Article 12-C of the Town
Law, to be known as the Town of Ithaca
2010 Energy Improvements Project to the
Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Project
Sewer Improvement
WHEREAS , a plan , report and map , including an estimate of cost , have been
duly prepared in such manner and in such detail as has heretofore been determined by
the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca , Tompkins County, New York , relating to the
creation and construction , pursuant `to Article 12 -C of the Town Law, of sewer system
improvements to be known and identified as the Town of Ithaca 2010 Energy
Improvements Project Sewer Improvement for the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment
Facility, and hereinafter also referred to as " Improvement , " to provide such sewer
Improvement to the present Town sewer improvement , such sewer system
Improvement to be jointly constructed and jointly owned by the Town of Ithaca , City of
Ithaca and Town of Dryden , all of which are co-owners of the Ithaca Area Wastewater
Treatment Facility, and
WHEREAS , said plan , report and map , including estimate of cost , were prepared
by a competent engineer, duly licensed by the State of New York , and have been filed
in the office of the Town Clerk of said Town , where the same are available during
regular office hours for public inspection , and
WHEREAS , the area of said Town determined to be benefited by said Town of
Ithaca 2010 Energy Improvements Project Sewer Improvement for the Ithaca Area
Wastewater Treatment Facility consists of the entire area of said Town excepting
therefrom the area contained within the Village of Cayuga Heights , and
WHEREAS , the proposed Improvement consists of the sewer improvements set
forth below, and as more particularly shown and described in said plan , report and map
presently on file in the office of the Town Clerk: The 2010 Energy Improvements Project
involves the replacement of obsolete , inadequate , damaged , destroyed and worn out
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Final
apparatus and equipment and the acquisition of additional apparatus and equipment ,
together with related ancillary facilities , at the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment
Facility, and consists of the improvements set forth below and as more particularly
shown and described in said plan and report presently on file in the office of the Town
Clerk :
( i) Lighting systems modifications , and
( ii) Installation or upgrades to energy management systems , and
( iii) Energy efficiency improvements to the building envelope and HVAC systems ,
and
( iv) Replacement of the digester mixing equipment , cogeneration facility, heat
exchanging equipment , boilers and aeration blowers and dissolved oxygen control
systems , and
WHEREAS , the maximum proposed to be expended by the Town of Ithaca for
the aforesaid Improvement is $3 , 100 , 363 . The proposed method of financing to be
employed by said Town of Ithaca consists of temporary financing under a bond
anticipation note , and upon maturity of the bond anticipation note , the issuance of serial
bonds of said Town of Ithaca to mature in annual installments over a period not to
exceed 20 years , such bonds to be paid from assessments levied upon and collected
from the several lots and parcels of land in said Town of Ithaca sewer system benefited
area which are deemed benefited by said Improvement , so much upon and from each
as shall be in just proportion to the amount of the benefit which the Improvement shall
confer upon the same , and
WHEREAS , it is now desired to call a public hearing for the purpose of
considering said plan , report and map , including estimate of cost , and the providing of
the Improvement , and to hear all persons interested in the subject thereof concerning
the same , all in accordance with the provisions of Section 209-q of the Town Law;
NOW , THEREFORE , IT IS HEREBY ORDERED , by the Town Board of the Town
of Ithaca , Tompkins County, New York , as follows :
Section 1 . A public hearing shall be held by Town Board of the Town of Ithaca ,
Tompkins County, New York , at the Town Hall , 215 North Tioga Street , in Ithaca , New
York , in said Town , on the 30th day of December 2010 , at 10 : 10 o 'clock A . M . , Prevailing
Time , to consider the aforesaid plan , report and map , including estimate of cost , and the
question of providing the Improvement , and to hear all persons interested in the subject
thereof concerning the same and to take such action thereon as is required by law.
Section 2 . The Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to cause a copy
of this Order with a Notice of Adoption to be published once in the official newspaper,
and also to post a copy thereof on the town signboard maintained by the Town Clerk ,
not less than ten ( 10) nor more than twenty (20) days before the day designated for the
hearing as aforesaid , all in accordance with the provisions of Section 209-q of the Town
Law.
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Section 3 . This Order shall take effect immediately.
The question of the adoption of the foregoing Order was duly put to a vote on roll
call , which resulted as follows :
Herb Engman , Aye ; Bill Goodman , Aye ; Pat Leary, Aye ; Tee -Ann Hunter, Aye ;
Eric Levine , Aye ; and Rich DePaolo , Aye . Absent : Susan Riha
The Order was thereupon declared duly adopted .
Added Item : Consider Authorizing the Town Supervisor to sign an engagement
letter for Legal Services for the Ithaca Area Waste Water Treatment Plant
TB RESOLUTION NO . 2010 —.227s Authorization for the Town Supervisor to Sign
an Engagement Letter for Legal Services for the Ithaca Area Waste Water
Treatment Plant with Susan Brock
WHEREAS the Special Joint Committee ( SJC) of the Ithaca Area Waste Water
Treatment Plant ( IAWWTP) has recommended the renewal of a legal services
agreement with Susan Brock and
WHEREAS as joint owner along with the Town of Dryden and City of Ithaca of the
IAWWTP the Town of Ithaca Town Board concurs with the recommendation of the SJC ,
Now, Therefore Be It
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca approves the agreement with
Susan Brock at an hourly rate of $ 170 . 00 and further
RESOLVED that the Town Supervisor is authorized to sign the letter of agreement with
Susan Brock.
MOVED : Pat Leary SECONDED : Tee -Ann Hunter
VOTE : Ayes : Engman , Hunter, Leary , Levine , DePaolo and Goodman .
Absent : Riha
Consider authorization for an appraisal of the King Road East parcel to be funded
from the Parks & Open Space Reserve Fund
There was some discussion on the estimated cost and it was determined that it was
higher than expected because it is commercial property and it may be hard to find
comparables .
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Final
TB RESOLUTION NO . 2010-228 : Authorization for Town Staff to Proceed with
Contractinq for Appraisal Services for the Potential Sale of Town of Ithaca Tax
Parcel No. 43=1 -3 .21 (off King Road East)
WHEREAS , the Town of Ithaca owns Tax Parcel No . 43- 1 -3 . 21 located off King
Road East , and wishes to sell the property and
WHEREAS , the Planning Department has solicited proposals from qualified
appraisers to provide professional appraisal services to determine the potential market
value of the parcel of land , and
WHEREAS , the Planning Department has received a proposal from North East
Appraisals , that meets or exceeds the criteria for evaluating said proposal , and
WHEREAS , the total cost of providing the appraisal given by North East
Appraisals is $600 . 00 , and
NOW , THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca authorizes the hiring of North East Appraisals to prepare the appraisal for the
King Road parcel that the Town wishes to sell , at a cost not to exceed $600 . 00 , and
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED , that the Town Board authorizes the cost of
said appraisal to be allocated from the Park and Open Space Reserve Fund ,
MOVED : Herb Engman SECONDED : Bill Goodman
VOTE : Ayes : Engman , Hunter, Leary , Levine , DePaolo and Goodman .
Absent : Riha
Discuss funding for the Intermunicipal Youth Program
Mr. Engman explained that the Board follows Robert's Rules of Order so the first
resolution is to consent to reconsider support for the program .
a. Consider Resolution to Reconsider Support for the Intermunicipal
Youth Program
TB RESOLUTION NO . 2010 — 229 : Resolution to Reconsider Support for the
Intermunicipal Youth Program
RESOLVED that the Town Board hereby decides to reconsider its decision of
November 8 , 2010 declining to indicate its intent to support the Intermunicipal Youth
Program at an additional $ 15 , 000 for the Joint Youth Commission Programs if the new
Town Board in January votes to allocate the monies .
MOVED : Pat Leary SECONDED : Rich DePaolo
VOTE : Ayes : Engman , Hunter, Leary , Levine , DePaolo and Goodman .
Absent : Riha
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Final
b. Consider Resolution of Support for the Intermunicipal Youth
Program
There was some discussion on where the additional funding will be spent and the Board
noted that there is a tentative ad - hoc committee to study the Youth Services and this
would be to ensure less disruption in the current programs while that study is happening
and does not and should not imply that future funding levels will remain the same or
future services will remain the same . This intent to provide additional funding is strictly
to allow the programs to complete their budgets and staffing estimates for the coming
year. Mr. Engman noted that TCCOG is also working on the issue of funding youth
programs . Ms . Hunter also asked that the Board have representatives present to the
board their specific budgets and where the monies are going .
TB RESOLUTION N0 . 2010 — 230 : Resolution of Support for the Intermunicipal
Youth Program
RESOLVED that the Town Board hereby indicates its intent to support the
Intermunicipal Youth Program at an additional $ 15 , 000 for the Joint Youth Commission
Programs if the new Town Board in January votes to allocate the monies .
MOVED : Rich DePaolo SECONDED : Pat Leary
VOTE : Ayes : Engman , Hunter, Leary, Levine , DePaolo and Goodman .
Absent : Riha
Discuss Clarity Connect Broadband Improvement Antennae at Sapsucker Woods
Mr. Engman and Mr.Weber explained the grant that Clarity Connect is working with and
the guidelines and requirements this resolution of support in concept is meant to fulfill .
There was some discussion on the meaning of "telecommunications" and what benefit
the Town residents will achieve . Changes were made to the draft resolution .
a. Consider resolution of support in concept
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2010- 231 : Approval in Concept of Proposed Antenna
System on the Sapsucker Woods Road Water Tank.
WHEREAS , Clarity Connect , a telecommunication vendor, has approached the Town
regarding putting an antenna system on the Sapsucker Woods Road water tank; and
WHEREAS , Clarity Connect has the ability to provide service to approximately 85 % of
the Town but reception is poor in the Sapsucker Woods area ; and
WHEREAS , Clarity Connect has received a grant to expand service in the Town of
Dryden ; and
WHEREAS , this expansion of service will improve and expand broadband service in
much of the town of Ithaca as well ; and
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WHEREAS , the co- location on the Sapsucker Woods Road water tank will meet the
requirements of the grant ; and
WHEREAS , the Public Works Committee has reviewed this request and supports the
concept of the co-location of a Clarity Connect antenna system on the Sapsucker
Woods Road water tank; and
WHEREAS , the Public Works Committee supports moving forward with the process of
negotiating a lease agreement beneficial to the Town contingent on obtaining
approval (s) from any and all required boards and/or committees , and
WHEREAS , the grant timeline (s) requires the support of this Board
now therefore be it ,
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby support the
concept of the co- location of an antenna system at the Sapsucker Woods Road water
tank site pending compliance with existing Town Code and securing approval from any
other boards or committees as required .
MOVED : Rich DePaolo SECONDED : Eric Levine
VOTE : Ayes : Engman , Goodman , Levine , DePaolo , Hunter and Leary
Absent : Riha
Resolutions of Appreciation
a . Alfred Carvill
TB RESOLUTION NO . 2010=232a : Resolution of Appreciation and Recognition of
Service for Alfred Carvill
WHEREAS, Alfred Carvill was appointed the Town of Ithaca Budget Officer effective
December 5 , 1996 , and has provided his expertise and talents faithfully to the Town
continuously since that date ; and
WHEREAS , effective December 31 , 2010 , Al has chosen to retire from his employment
with the Town , after fourteen ( 14) years of dedicated service ; and
WHEREAS, during AI 's time as Budget Officer, the Town has experienced many years
of strong financial condition with stable tax rates , excellent audits and an exceptional
bond rating ; and
WHEREAS, AI ' s years of devotion and dedication in designing a final budget that is
informative , detailed and professional will be remembered for years by the Town
officials , employees , residents and other municipalities ; and
Page 14 of 24
Town Board 12 - 13-2010
Final
WHEREAS, Al willingly participated in other Town - related business , such as the
negotiations for new fire contracts and serving on the board of directors of the Human
Services Coalition ; and
WHEREAS , other municipalities and other entities recognized Al ' s knowledge and
experience on a variety of financial topics ; and
WHEREAS , the Town of Ithaca has greatly benefited from AI 's thoughtful
consideration , time , energy and desire to serve our community for the benefit of the
Town and its citizens ; and
WHEREAS , the Town of Ithaca is appreciative of AI ' s invaluable contributions and
years of dedication , devotion and exemplary service to the Town during his fourteen
years of service ;
Now , Therefore , Be It
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca , on behalf of the Town , its
citizens and employees , acknowledges the retirement of Alfred Carvill as Budget
Officer; and expresses its sincere gratitude to Al for his dedicated service to the Town
and our community .
MOVED : Pat Leary SECONDED : Eric Levine
VOTE : Ayes : Herb Engman , Bill Goodman , Pat Leary , Eric Levine , Rich
DePaolo and Tee -Ann Hunter
b . Dan Walker
TB RESOLUTION NO . 2010 — 232b : Resolution of Appreciation and Recognition
of Service for Daniel Walker
WHEREAS , Daniel Walker started his career with the Town April 4 , 1990 as the Town
Engineer and has provided his expertise and talents faithfully to the Town continuously
since that date ; and
WHEREAS, eff ective December 31 , 2010 , Dan has chosen to retire from his
employment with the Town , after twenty (20) years of dedicated service ; and
WHEREAS, Dan ' s professionalism , courteousness and helpful nature was always
appreciated when speaking with the Town residents , contractors and working with his
fellow employees ; and
WHEREAS, Dan ' s years of devotion and dedication to making sure the small things
that were nobody's responsibility got done , with a smile , will be sorely missed ; and
Page 15 of 24
Town Board 12 - 13-2010
Final
WHEREAS , during Dan ' s time as the Town Engineer he played a major role in the
expansion and improvement of the Town ' s water, sewer and road systems , oversaw
the Town Hall renovations , and helped create a Storm Water Management program ;
and
WHEREAS , the Town of Ithaca has greatly benefited from Dan 's thoughtful
consideration , time , energy and desire to serve our community for the benefit of the
Town and its citizens ; and
WHEREAS , the Town of Ithaca is appreciative of Dan ' s invaluable contributions and
years of dedication , devotion and exemplary service to the Town during his twenty
years of service ;
Now , Therefore , Be It
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca , on behalf of the Town , its
citizens and employees , acknowledges the retirement of Daniel Walker as Town
Engineer and expresses its sincere gratitude to Dan for his dedicated service to the
Town and our community.
MOVED : Pat Leary SECONDED : Eric Levine
VOTE : Ayes : Herb Engman , Bill Goodman , Pat Leary, Eric Levine , Rich
DePaolo and Tee -Ann Hunter
c. Jonathan Kanter
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2010=232c: Resolution of Appreciation and Recognition of
Service for Jonathan Kanter
WHEREAS, Jonathan Kanter was appointed by the Town of Ithaca as the Town
Planner effective May 31 , 1994 , wherein the title was later changed to Director of
Planning in 1999 ; and
WHEREAS , Jon resigned his position with the Town December 31 , 2000 , however,
happily returning to his position as Director of Planning on April 2 , 2001 , and has
provided his expertise and talents faithfully to the Town continuously since that date ;
and
WHEREAS, effective January 1 , 2011 , Jon has chosen to retire from his employment
with the Town , after a combined total of sixteen ( 16) years of dedicated service ; and
WHEREAS , Jon ' s professionalism and courteousness was always appreciated when
speaking with the Town residents , developers and when working with his fellow
employees , even when he was acting as the "Assistant Town Attorney" ; and
Page 16 of 24
Town Board 12- 13-2010
Final
WHEREAS, during Jon ' s -time as the Director of Planning he managed a huge demand
for housing requiring substantial work with developers and the Planning Board ; helped
secure many grants to improve parks and preserve open space , revised the Zoning
Ordinance , created the Town 's first Open Space Plan and Transportation Plan , and
began the detailed preliminary work on a revised Comprehensive Plan ; and
WHEREAS, Jon served as both a fine ambassador and an effective advocate for the
Town in interactions with the larger professional community, and
WHEREAS , the Town of Ithaca has greatly benefited from Jon 's thoughtful
consideration , time , energy and desire to serve our community for the benefit of the
Town and its citizens ; and
WHEREAS , the Town of Ithaca is appreciative of Jon 's invaluable contributions and
years of dedication , devotion and exemplary service to the Town during his sixteen
years of service ;
Now , Therefore , Be It
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca , on behalf of the Town , its
citizens and employees , acknowledges the retirement of Jonathan Kanter as Director
of Planning ; and expresses its sincere gratitude to Jon for his dedicated service to the
Town and our community .
MOVED : Pat Leary SECONDED : Eric Levine
VOTE : Ayes : Herb Engman , Bill Goodman , Pat Leary, Eric Levine , Rich
DePaolo and Tee-Ann Hunter
d . Susan Riha
TB RESOLUTION NO. 2010=232d. Recognition of Susan Riha Years of Service to
the Community
WHEREAS , Susan Riha served as a Planning Board Member from May 7 , 2007
through January 11 , 2010 and as a Councilwoman on the Town Board from January 11 ,
2010 , through December 31 , 2010 ; and
WHEREAS, Susan contributed her thoughtful consideration and professional insights ,
especially with respect to water resource issues , as she served as the chair of the
Planning Committee and as a member of the Public Works Committee ; and
WHEREAS, Susan contributed substantially to the Town discussions of one of the
"hottest" issues of the day — horizontal hydrofracking for natural gas ; and
Page 17 of 24
Town Board 12 - 13-2010
Final
WHEREAS , the Town of Ithaca has greatly benefited from Susan 's commitment ,
intelligence , time , energy , and her desire to serve our community in order to make it a
better place to live and work; and
WHEREAS , the Town of Ithaca is appreciative for Susan ' s invaluable contributions and
perspectives both as a Planning Board and Town Board member;
NOW , THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca , on behalf of the Town
and its citizens , expresses its sincere appreciation , admiration and gratitude to Susan
Riha for her distinguished and dedicated service to our community.
MOVED : Pat Leary SECONDED : Eric Levine
VOTE : Ayes : Herb Engman , Bill Goodman , Pat Leary , Eric Levine , Rich
DePaolo and Tee -Ann Hunter
e. Harry Ellsworth
TB RESOLUTION NO . 2010=232e : Recognition of Harry Ellsworth 's Dedicated
Years of Service to the Community
WHEREAS , Harry Ellsworth was appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals on January
1 , 1990 , and has served continuously through December 31 , 2010 ; and
WHEREAS , Harry has served on the Town of Ithaca Zoning Board of Appeals with
distinguished devotion for 21 years ; and
WHEREAS , the Town of Ithaca has greatly benefited from Harry' s thoughtful
consideration , devotion , intelligence , time , energy and his desire to serve our
community in order to make it a better place to live ; and
WHEREAS , the Town of Ithaca is indebted to Harry for his invaluable contributions and
devotion to the community ;
NOW , THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca , on behalf of the Town
and its citizens , expresses its sincere appreciation , admiration and gratitude to Harry
Ellsworth for his distinguished and dedicated service to our community .
MOVED : Pat Leary SECONDED : Eric Levine
VOTE : Ayes : Herb Engman , Bill Goodman , Pat Leary , Eric Levine , Rich
DePaolo and Tee -Ann Hunter
Page 18 of 24
Town Board 12 - 13-2010
Final
f. Rod Howe
TB RESOLUTION NO . 2010-232f: Recognition of Rod Howe' s Dedicated Years of
Service to the Community
WHEREAS , Rod Howe has served the Town of Ithaca with dedication for over 10 years ;
and
WHEREAS , Rod was appointed to the Planning Board on December 13 , 1999 and has
served continuously on the Planning Board through December 31 , 2010 ; and
WHEREAS , Rod showed his dedication , diligence and high degree of competence by
serving as the Chair of the Planning Board for 2008 and 2009 ; and
WHEREAS , as chair Rod took the initiative to improve communications between the
Planning Board and Town management , and l
WHEREAS , the Town of Ithaca has greatly benefited from Rod 's thoughtful
consideration , devotion , intelligence , time , energy and his desire to serve our
community in order to make it a better place to live ; and
WHEREAS , the Town of Ithaca is indebted to Rod for his invaluable contributions and
devotion to the community ;
NOW , THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca , on behalf of the Town
and its citizens , expresses its sincere appreciation , admiration and gratitude to Rod
Howe for his distinguished and dedicated service to our community.
MOVED : Pat Leary SECONDED : Eric Levine
VOTE : Ayes : Herb Engman , Bill Goodman , Pat Leary, Eric Levine , Rich
DePaolo and Tee-Ann Hunter
g . Kevin Talty
TB RESOLUTION NO . 2010-2328 : Recognition of Kevin Talty's Dedicated Years of
Service to the Community
WHEREAS , Kevin Talty was appointed to the Planning Board on April 9 , 2001 and
served continuously on the Planning Board through December 31 , 2007 , and was
reappointed February 11 , 2008 through December 31 , 2010 ; and
0
WHEREAS , the Town of Ithaca has greatly benefited from Kevin ' s thoughtful
consideration , devotion , intelligence , time , energy and his desire to serve our
community in order to make it a better place to live ; and
Page 19 of 24
Town Board 12 - 13-2010
Final
WHEREAS , the Town of Ithaca is indebted to Kevin for his invaluable contributions and
devotion to the community;
NOW , THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca , on behalf of the Town
and its citizens , expresses its sincere appreciation , admiration and gratitude to Kevin
Talty for his distinguished and dedicated service to our community.
MOVED : Pat Leary SECONDED : Eric Levine
VOTE : Ayes : Herb Engman , Bill Goodman , Pat Leary, Eric Levine , Rich
DePaolo and Tee -Ann Hunter
Appointment of New Finance Officer
TB RESOLUTION NO . 2010-233 : Provisional Appointment of Finance Officer
WHEREAS , January 1 , 2011 there will be a vacancy in the full time position of
Finance Officer due to a retirement of Alfred Carvill ; and
WHEREAS , the Finance Officer Interview Committee interviewed candidates
from the recruitment pool ; and
WHEREAS , the said individuals have determined that Michael Solvig possesses
the necessary knowledge , skill and ability to satisfactorily perform the duties of the
Finance Officer position ; and
WHEREAS , this would be a provisional appointment that requires the appointee
to be one of the top three reachable candidates from the next civil service exam for the
said position ;
Now, therefore , be it
RESOLVED , the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby approve the
provisional appointment of Michael Solvig as Finance Officer, effective December 28 ,
2010 ; and be it further
RESOLVED , this is a 37 . 5 hours a week salaried position , at the 2011 annual
salary of $60 , 001 . 50 , from account number A1340 . 100 , in Job Classification "Q" , with
full time benefits ; and be it further
RESOLVED , the said appointment is a provisional appointment pending the
results from the next civil service exam for this position .
Page 20 of 24
Town Board 12 - 13-2010
Final
MOVED : Eric Levine SECONDED : Tee-Ann Hunter
VOTE : Ayes : Herb Engman , Bill Goodman , Pat Leary , Eric Levine , Rich
DePaolo and Tee-Ann Hunter
Discuss Planning Committee Resolution to the Town Board Recommending the
Town Board Pursue a Moratorium on Development on West Hill
Rich DePaolo explained that the Planning Committee unanimously passed a resolution
after discussing development issues especially on West Hill and with the
Comprehensive Plan proceeding and in sight of an end , the potential development
proposed for West Hill might not fit in with what it wants to see on West Hill ; the
Planning Committee thought it would be an opportune time to take the time to determine
whether or not the pedestrian and transportation friendly type of development that we
are trying to facilitate is possible on West Hill and how that can best be achieved and
not let anything happen in the interim that would undermine that kind of approach .
It was thought that since the motion lacked sufficient detail at this time , the Committee
would not ask the Board to take up the matter until it had had a chance to discuss
geographic boundaries and the type (s) of development that would be affected and the
time period in question .
Discuss Committee Appointments
The draft supplied by Mr. Engman was reviewed and discussed . Some changes were
made and a second draft will be made and discussed prior to appointments at the
Organizational meeting in January .
Consent Agenda
a. Town of Ithaca Abstract
b . Bolton Point Abstract
c. Approval of November 22, 2010 Minutes
d . Permanent Appointment Production Manager-SCLIWC
TB RESOLUTION NO . 2010-234 : Consent Agenda
e . Town of Ithaca Abstract
f . Bolton Point Abstract
g . Approval of November 22 , 2010 Minutes
h . Permanent Appointment Production Manager-SCLIWC
a. Town of Ithaca Abstract
WHEREAS , the following numbered vouchers have been presented to the Ithaca
it Town Board for approval of payment ; and
Page 21 of 24
Town Board 12 - 13-2010
Final
WHEREAS , the said vouchers have been audited for payment by the said Town
Board ; now therefore be it
RESOLVED , that the governing Town Board hereby authorizes the payment of
the said vouchers in total for the amounts indicated .
VOUCHER NOS . 9361 - 6398
General Fund Town wide 699565 . 81
General Fund Part Town 5 , 782 . 12
Highway Fund Part Town 711 . 71
Water Fund 3 , 954. 41
Sewer Fund 61280 . 50
Warren Road Walkway
Forest Home Traffic Calming 177 , 830. 63
Fire Protection Fund 41 , 813. 75
Inlet Valley Cemetery — Expend
Forest Home Lighting District 109 . 39
Glenside Lighting District 40 .56
Renwick Heights Lighting District 57. 98
Eastwood Commons Lighting District 138 . 80
Clover Lane Lighting District 16. 35
Winner's Circle Lighting District 54. 67
Burlei h Drive Lighting District 55 .46
West Haven Road Lighting District 167 . 66
Coddin ton Road Lighting District 99 . 99
Trust and Agency
Debt Service
TOTAL 306, 679 . 79
b. Bolton Point Abstract
WHEREAS , the following numbered vouchers for the Southern Cayuga Lake
Intermunicipal Water Commission have been presented to the governing Town Board
for approval of payment ; and
WHEREAS , the said vouchers have been audited for payment by the said Town
Board ; now , therefore , be it
RESOLVED , that the governing Town Board hereby authorizes the payment of
the said vouchers .
Abstract 012 697855 . 17 voucher # 2128-2192
check # 1 2761 - 1 2825
Page 22 of 24
Town Board 12 - 13-2010
Ij Final
HH - Burdick Hill Tanks
Sw 69, 855 . 17 Operating Fund
69 , 855 . 17
LESS PPD (21575 . 02)
67,280 . 15
c . Approval of Minutes of November 22 , 2010
WHEREAS , the draft minutes of the November 22 , 2010 Study Session of the
Town Board have been submitted for review and approval ;
THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED , that the governing Town Board hereby approves the submitted
minutes as the Final minutes of the November 22 , 2010 Study Session of the Town
Board of the Town of Ithaca .
d . Permanent Appointment of Production Manager- SCLIWC .
WHEREAS , the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission
on May 6 , 2010 promoted Joan Foote , Water Treatment Plant Operator Lead-person , to
Production Manager provisionally , pending results from the next civil service exam ; and
WHEREAS , the Tompkins County Personnel has provided the certificate of
eligible listing for the Production Manager title and Joan Foote was one of the top three
candidates ;
NOW , THEREFORE , BE IT
RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca does hereby ratify the Commission 's
appointment of Joan Foote to the position of Production Manager in the permanent
status with no current change in compensation or benefits ; and , be it further
RESOLVED , an eight (8) week probationary period applies , with no further action
by the Town if there is successful completion of the probationary period as determined
by the General Manager.
Moved : Pat Leary Seconded : Rich DePaolo
VOTE : Ayes : Engman , Goodman , Leary, Levine , Hunter and DePaolo
Absent : Riha
Page 23 of 24
Town Board 12 - 13-2010
Final
Report of Town Officials (Attachments)
t
Report of Town Committees
Ms . Drake reported that the ERC Committee requested feedback from board members
regarding the lunches . Discussion followed and board members would like to continue
the lunches next year.
Intermunicipal Organizations
Mr. Engman updated the board on the potential water rate schedule from Bolton Point .
Lansing is voting on it this week but all involved municipalities have to approve it and
the Lansing Supervisor had been saying it would not . Since then , he has been
convinced it should , but , If it doesn 't pass there will be changes to that will need to be
made .
There was some discussion regarding Cornell 's animal digester accident which emptied
water into the IAWWTP system again .
Review of Correspondence
None
Meeting was adjourned upon motion at 7 : 38 p . m .
Respectfully submitted
Paulette Terwilliger
Page 24 of 24
December 1 , 2010
Dear Ithaca Town Board,
We, the undersigned residents surrounding the Christopher Lane water tower and
members of the Christopher Circle Neighborhood Watch Group, wish to bring an
ongoing problem to your attention. For at least the last 11 years, the Town of Ithaca
Highway Department, Public Works, associated contractors, and other public
organizations from the County and City have been improperly using this public utility for
a multitude of purposes.
These include:
1 . Storage and parking of maintenance vehicles
2. Storage and use of construction equipment
3 . Storage and use of construction vehicles
4. Storage and use of heavy machinery
5 . Storage of construction materials (gravel, sod, pipes, concrete chambers, etc.)
6. Storage of construction debris and waste
74 . Transfer of materials (from source to grounds and grounds to construction site)
8. Working zone (sawing concrete, cleaning vehicles, mixing concrete, prep work,
etc.) L
9. Employee/contractor gathering (formal and informal meetings - picnic tables,
portable lavatory facilities, bill board)
10. Storage/parking of tractor trailers and other vehicles (including those marked
"oversized load") on the street
We maintain that using a utility as an industrial transfer depot, parking lot, or storage
facility, l for any other reason than emergency utility work is a clear violation of town
code ordinance 184-3 , 270-65 , 270-66 and 270-66/D. We also attest that these activities
pose an unnecessary risk to students, parents, and professionals at Northeast Elementary
School.2
Enclosed is a set of letters, as far back as 1999 and as recent as October, which clearly
document a standing objection to this kind of use. Some of these objections were noted
by the Highway Superintendent on 1 /6/2000. We consider his response to be a "good
faith" promise to our Neighborhood. "We do not plan on using [the utility as] a staging
area for road projects in the Northeast. We will continue to have a small pile of stone
Also referred to as a "staging area" by Fred Noteboom on January 6, 2000 — letter attached.
2 A more detailed explanation of these violations can be found in a letter from Paul and Andrea Merrill to
Mr. Weber of October 22, 2010 — attached. Additionally, Arlene Chase describes an injury to her grandson
from a construction vehicle - email attached.
stock piled there to help us when we have a water or sewer break in the area.0 We
believe Noteboom' s letter describes a scenario which is one, reasonably acceptable, and
two, minimally intrusive. We assert that any use of the Christopher Lane utility above
and beyond this "promise" to be unreasonable and intrusive.
We request that the Town Board instigate an alternative course of action regarding
Northeast construction projects. The industrial facility located at the Christopher Lane
utility needs to be permanently shut down. We also seek assurance that all violations of
town code will cease prior to the 2011 construction season.
We ask that you read through our supporting documents, become familiar with our
problem, watch a few short videos, look at a few stills, and ponder our complaint. We
come to you exhausted from this excessive and prolonged disturbance and after 11 years,
respectfully ask that you address this issue with due diligence.
The Undersigned and
Christopher Circle Neighborhood Watch Group
ADENDDUM
We offer two possible solutions to satisfy our grievance.
Relocate the Staging Area
A suitable site exists on the corner of Cherry Road and Warren Road and was in use as a
staging area during the Warren Road construction project. It is located on an industrial
road and adjacent to enterprises (airport, Post Office, Fed Ex, etc). Residential properties
are not affected, it is less than 2 miles from the Christopher Lane Utility, and a landing
strip for jet aircraft is across the street. Drawbacks - we believe the lot is Lansing Town
property and is currently not secure. We suggest that a joint facility/staging area could be
negotiated with Tompkins County/Town of Lansing and a fence added for security
purposes.
Use the local gravel pit for on-demand gravel
Most of the activity at the utility revolves around the loading/storage of on-demand
gravel . Multiple piles are kept on hand for construction jobs in the area. This makes little
sense when a local gravet pit is located in Lansing — a mere 10 minutes away.
Considering the cost of fuel, maintenance of dump trucks, back hoes, and loading
equipment associated with the transfer of materials, we believe that it would be less
expensive, take less time, a benefit to our local economy, and more environmentally
friendly to use a local source for on- demand gravel.
s Letter to the Neighborhood Watch Committee from Fred Noteboom ( 1 /6/2000) - attached
TOWN OF I THACA
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
106 SEVEN MILE DRIVE , ITHACA, N . Y . 14850
PHONE (607) 273-1656 Roads, Parks, Trails, Sewer, and Water FAX (607) 272-6076
January 6, 2000
Neighborhood Watch Committee
For Christopher Circle
Ithaca, NY 14850
Dear.
The Warren Road water project this past summer lasted longer than anticipated Town
Highway were not directly involved in this project. The water line replacement was
contracted out to a private company. Warren Road is a County Road. The crews that
were working on Warren Road were Tompkins County Highway employees. The road
project will continue this summer.
The water tank on Christopher Circle was used as a staging area for both the water
project and the road project. The water tank was also re-coated at the same time. The
Highway Department was not pleased at how messy the area became . We do not plan
on using it for a staging area for road projects in the Northeast. We will continue to
have a small pile of stone stock piled there to help us when we have a water or sever
break in the area.
In regards to the plantings, we have replaced several dead trees with more ornamental
shrubs like Viburnams' and Dogwoods in response to the neighborhood's desire to nave
some berry-producing plantings there to attract birds and other wildlife_ We will
continue to do similar replacements on a selective basis to improve the diversity of
species planted at the site. New shrubs and trees will be planted in some spots this
spring.
Our experience with wildflower seeding has been that the first year' s gro-c�Tth is ver.-
successful and showy: but even with late season mowing of the dead wildflowers to
scatter seed in the following years mi nv of the wildflowers ten(,. [o Liie out if - 6Tlg i?iii
some of the more aggressive species Pike daises. Also, many aggressive "weeds" out-
compete the more desirable wildflowers in the original mix. The only wad- to maintain
a wildflower planting in such a setting would be to re-till the area and re-seed every
\ two to three years and this is just not feasible for us to do.
We thank you for your interest and inquiries . We also have the same interest for our
neighborhoods to be safe and residential friendly . We will continue to try to keep you
informed of plans that we may be developing for your area and look forward to any
thoughts that you wish to share with us. If you have any other questions, feel free to
contact us .
Sincerely,
Fred Noteboom
Highway Superintendent
Ghk
Pc : David IQein, Town Board Member
i
Paul and Andi Merrill
101 Christopher Circle
Ithaca; NY 14850
607-319-0882
Jim Weber
Highway Superintendent
' Department of Public Works
Town of Ithaca
106 7 Mile Drive
Ithaca, NY 14850
October 22, 2010
Dear Mr. Weber,
We were elated when our family purchased 101 Christopher Circle, a residential property in the
Town of Ithaca, in June of 2005. Paul grew up just down the street on Blackstone. Avenue and
has fond memories of his experiences as a youth. We are just as thrilled that our son, Jacob, is
now a kindergarten student at Northeast Elementary and look forward to Parker, our one-year
old , attending in a few years. We are sure you understand our excitement; the Northeast of Ithaca
is a fantastic place to raise a family. In addition to the benefits of the area, we carefully
considered a few negative aspects associated with our specific location . We were hesitant about
living next to a public utility, a water tower directly across the street, and concerned about noise
and safety issues associated with school bus traffic. We took notice of the landscaping installed
by the town around the utility's perimeter, effectively blocking the tower from our direct view. This
mitigated our primary concern . We also loved the idea of residing close to Northeast Elementary
school so much, that we became prepared to accept the noise and disturbance from school
buses.
What we didn't know, was the Town of Ithaca, and associated contractors, use the public utility
for a multitude of purposes . These include:
1 . Storage/parking of maintenance vehicles
2. Storage and use of construction equipment
3. Storage and use of construction vehicles
4. Storage and use of heavy machinery
5. Storage of construction materials (gravel, sod, pipes , concrete chambers, etc.)
6. Storage of construction debris and waste
7. Transfer of materials (from source to grounds and grounds to construction site)
8. Working zone (sawing concrete, cleaning vehicles, mixing concrete, prep work, etc. )
9. Employee/contractor gathering (formal and informal meetings, picnic tables, portable
lavatory facilities, bill board )
10. Storage/parking of tractor trailers (including those marked "oversized load") on the street
For the first few years we were convinced that the disturbance was temporary. We kept
rationalizing that the latest construction project would end and the lot would revert back to its
intended use - a public utility. Unfortunately, that was not the case. One construction project led
to another, and another, and although activity paused occasionally, it never ceased. We are
timely taxpayers and believe in maintaining the town's infrastructure and utilities. We enjoy a
beautifully paved road , a new culvert (west end of Christopher Circle/Lane), and a well-
maintained ditch across the street. These improvements are appreciated and noticed . Please
accept our gratitude for these and other services . We also believe that it is unreasonable to ask
any Town of Ithaca resident to experience/endure this kind of disturbance for five plus years . We
write to you exhausted from offensive, excessive, and unreasonable traffic and noise. It is our
position that this disturbance not only violates the town noise ordinance (184-3), the purpose of a
residential zone (270-65), and the use of a utility (270-66/1), but presents a significant and
consistent safety risk to our residents and school children.
Hundreds of dump trucks have loaded, unloaded, parked, idled, and carried out construction
business over the past five years. Every time a truck goes by our home, the windows and floor
rattle, often affecting the sleeping patterns of our young sons or the occasional , yet important,
parental nap. The operation of cement mixers, saws, backhoes, and bulldozers are common
place as materials are dropped off, worked on, and loaded . These noises are unnatural,
unreasonable, prolonged, and are adversely affecting our peace, comfort, and repose (184-3).
We also assert that for at least the last five years, the town has been. operating an industrial
storage facility/transfer depot in a residential zone. There are currently six large piles of various
grades of gravel, sod, pipes, and other materials that are exhausted and replenished consistently.
Trucks load, deliver, and carry materials to and from multiple sites. Multiple construction vehicles
(our highest count is six) are stored on the property and occasionally, park overnight on the
street. As you are aware, diesel engines need to idle for several minutes after a cold start. It is a
common occurrence to smell fumes from idling constniction vehicles and equipment just outside
our front door and yard . In addition to noise, the traffic and resulting fumes from this kind of '
construction °business" is maddening at best, and unhealthy at worst. We maintain that this
violates any reasonable interpretation of "minimal intrusion ,° as defined by the town zoning
ordinance (270-65). The primary reason we purchased a property in a residential neighborhood
was to avoid industry.
The location of this activity violates another town ordinance. The municipal lot in question
contains a public utility and the use of such an area is clearly defined.
270-66
"Only the following buildings or uses are permitted as a mater of right in a Medium Density
Residential Zone :"
270-66/13
"Any municipal or public utility purpose necessary to the maintenance of utility services . . ."
The town has a reasonable right to "use" the water tower area for the purpose of
maintaining/servicing the facilities housed at that location. It is unreasonable to use the area for
multiple utility projects in the Northeast, and specifically forbidden (270-66 "only") for other
infrastructure improvement purposes, like paving roads .
In addition to violating three sections of town code, we believe your office has not adequately
addressed safety issues that arise from conducting this kind of activity near an elementary
school . Every morning at 7: 30am (sometimes 7:00), workers congregate, vehicles idle, load , and
start the days construction activities. At the same time (7 :45-8:00am ), buses exit 200 feet from
the utility, turn left, and pass by the access driveway. We have seen multiple and uncomfortable
situations as two or three large vehicles attempt to navigate through our small, residential street.
We experienced a dangerous situation as pedestrians just yesterday ( 10/22110). Andi and Parker
(stroller in tow) were walking Jacob home from school at approximately 2:05 pm . At this time an
"oversized" tractor trailer was parked , effectively occupying half the street. Upon reaching the half
way point, two passenger vehicles approached from both the east and west. It "sandwiched" us in
a dangerous predicament with little room for escape. Luckily, the operators of both passenger
vehicles were alert and a catastrophe was averted . At 1 :30 pm (10/19/10), a cement
mixer/vehicle entered the site, added aggregate, and mixed for 40 minutes. It left right before
school dismissal time, "barreling" down the road, with loose material spewing from the back. Andi .
and Parker, were hit with the material while walking to meet Jacob after school. This was
witnessed by our neighbor, Kathy Lee as well . On 10/8/10, a dump truck approached from the
east at a speed in excess of 40 mph, ignoring the posted 15 mph limit. It passed the utility by
about 200 feet and slammed on its breaks (right at the bus exit). It then backed up in excess of 20
mph, and entered the utility. Parker and Paul were luckily playing in the front yard and not walking
to/from school . On this occasion, Paul immediately talked to the operator, a contractor hired by
the town. To his credit, he immediately apologized for the disturbance.
These are three dangerous events in the last two weeks, but we also attest that occurrences such -
at these are common place . Considering the stress from pedestrian and bus traffic already
associated with operating Northeast Elementary, the town is mixing a dangerous cocktail by
allowing construction vehicles to access the utility. Keep in mind that this is all occurring within a
200 foot radius on a small, residential road . It is simply unwise to have school buses, pedestrians,
and construction vehicles crossing paths so consistently. We consider this to be a legitimate
public safety issue and fear the town could be held accountable for harm and/or property loss in
the near future.
It is unreasonable for a resident of the Town of Ithaca to endure this kind of activity for five years.
On the grounds of public safety, and zoning ordinances 184-3, 270-65, 270-66, and 270-66/1), we
request that the town immediately cease the delivery of construction materials to the water tower
utility on Christopher Lane. We also request that the construction vehicles, equipment, materials,
portable lavatories, construction debris, picnic tables, and billboard, be 'permanently removed by
12/1 /10. We ask that you work with the town board to instigate an alternative course of action in
preparation of next year's construction season . We also respectfully ask that you acknowledge
receipt of this formal complaint in writing within a reasonable time.
Sincerely,
Paul Merrill
Andrea Merrill
Copies :
131 , 104, 100, 103, 102, 105, and 112 Christopher Circle
520 and 528 Warren
436 and 434 Brandywine
�y OF l p
O� `y
9
ie21 - TOWN OF ITHACA
4�P � 0 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
106 SEVEN MILE DRIVE , ITHACA , N .Y. 14850
publicworks @town . ithaca . ny. us
PHONE (607) 273-1656 Roads, Parks, Tralls, Engineering, Sewer, and Water FAX (607) 272-6076
l
October 25, 2010
Mr. and Mrs. Merrill
101 Christopher Circle
Ithaca, New York, 14850
Re: Construction Concerns
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Merrill :
Per your request this letter is intended to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated
October 22, 2010. I apologize for any inconvenience due to impacts from the ongoing
improvements in this area. We will take steps for future projects to avoid this situation
when possible.
Ss d u have any additional questi or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
in rely,
ames Weber
Highway Superintendent/Director of Public Works
umil - incident on Uhristopher Large https://snail.googte,com/mail/?ui--2&iilr�344313c2e&view=pt&q=clL..
Iq '* Paul Merrill <paulr.merrill @gmail.com>
Incident on Christopher Lane
2 messages
Arleneithaca @aol.com <Arleneithaca@aol. conv Mon, Nov 29, 2010 at 8: 31 PM
To: Paul Merrill <paulmerrill @cornell. edu>
Paul
In early October 2010 my grandson arrived home after school with a significant red mark on his face, just
under his eye. He had been hit by debris falling from a truck near the entrance to the water tower. An inch
more and it could have hit his eye.
Our children should be able to walk to and from school without being put in danger from large vehicles and
flying debris. °
Arlene Chase
Paul Merrill < pm75@cornelf1edu> Mon, Nov 29, 2010 at 8 :52 PM
To: "Arleneithaca @aol. com" <Arleneithaca @aol. com>
Thanks Arlene
Paul
[Quoted text hidden]
Paul R. Merrill
Gussman Director of Jazz Ensembles
Cornell University
College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Music
235 Lincoln Hal[
Ithaca , NY 14853-4101
t: 607. 255. 8738
f. 607. 254. 2877
https://www. arts. cornell/ia zz
https://www- r)aulmerrill. net
t of 1 11/30/2010 11 : 53 AM
L,.
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J
7'
r December 8, 1999
Mr. Fred Notetxwm
Town of Ithaca Mahwav- Dept.
M 7 ivlile Drive
Ithaca, NY 1418�tO
Dear Mr, Noteboom:
We the undersigned met on November 22nd to bring the current census of Christopher Circle up to date
and to discuss any neighborhood concerns.
Obviously the Warren Rd. road/sewer project of this past summer was on top of the list. We had been
forewarned in the Ithaca Journal as well as the Town of Ithaca Newsletter about the proposed project but
did not realize the TRAFFIC, noise and dirt/dust that would result. Is the water tower enclosure going to
be used as a construction staging site for ALL highway projects in the northeast area? On a permanent
basis?
Also, there are six or seven bushes that were planted on the perimeter of the area that will need replacin¢,
as well as the wildflowers that seemed to have dwindled. These were enjoyed by the local residents and
the school children as well as persons passing by.
We are arWous that our neighborhood be as SAFE ii.e. traffic) and as residential-friendly as possible. We
look forward to hearing from you and ask that you notify one of us when plans develop for a project in our
area.
Yours truly
Hazel Brampton Vida Caslick Marguerite P%foy Christina Wu
Neighborhood Watch Committee for Christopher Circle
cc: David Klein, Town of Ithaca Councilman
TOWN OF ITHACA
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
106 SEVEN MILE DRIVE , ITHACA, N . Y . 14850
PHONE (607) 273-1656 Roads, Parks, Trails, Sewer, and water FAX (607) 272-6076
November 30, 2000
Neighborhood Watch Committee for Christopher Circle
131 Christopher Circle
Ithaca, NTY 14850
Attention Hazel, Brampton
Dear Ms. Brampton:
Thank you for your letter of concerns for the Christopher Circle neighborhood .
We feel that Christopher Circle water tank area is really starting to grow in and look good . The
wildflowers in that area will probably change over time as some species . die out and others flourish
(as happens in nature) .
The excess drainage from the water' line construction on Warren Road has been brought to our
attention. Dan Walker, Town Engineer, has been in touch with Mr. Caslick and Ward Hungerford
from Tompkins County . They have been looking into the matter and have been working on
identifving the problem: and any solutions if necessary.
The ditch at the west end of 130 Christopher Circle does not drain well. The culvert pipe that crosses
Christopher Circle needs to be lowered . We do have this on our list of jobs to do, and has not been
one of our pnorlty jobs . We may need to move this up on our priority list.
Again, thank you for y our letter: i .feel it is important for residents to keep watch in their
neighborhoods and be aware of the problems that develo-o . Residents then can inform us and -we can
help resolve these problems.
Since ely,
Fred Note oorn
Highway Superintendent
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Umai - Complaint - Christopher Lane Utility https://mail.googie.con/mail/?ui--2&il=—c344313c2e&view=pi&q=Ji .. .
.a _ Paul Merrill < paulr.merrill @gmail.com>
-
Complaint - Christopher Lane. Utility
3 messages
Paul Merrill < pm75 @cornell.edu> Wed, Oct 27, 2010 at 11 : 24 AM
To: "JWeber @town. ithaca. ny . us" <JWeber @town. ithaca. ny. us> , "GRedman @town. ithaca. ny. us"
<GRedman @town. ithaca.ny. us>
Cc: "HEngman @town. ithaca. ny. us" < HEngman @town. ithaca. ny. us> , Andi Merrill <andimerrill @gmaii. com>
Dear Mr. Weber,
I ' m sure you are aware of the complaint 1 sent by certified mail that was received by your office on Monday,
October 25 - documenting five years of unreasonable construction activity, noise, and traffic by the town. I was
hoping that after receipt of the letter, the town code violations associated with the Christopher Lane utility
would at least marginally improve. I do understand that it takes time to address the multiple issues raised in the
letter and will continue waiting in good faith. Considering the nature and importance of the complaint to my
family and neighborhood , It is unreasonable to shoulder/accept new violations of town code ordinances.
Construction activities started at 6: 10 am this morning and my young sons and wife were woken by the
disturbance. Multiple construction vehicles passed by our residence, made unnatural and unreasonable noise at
the utility, idled, loaded materials, and disturbed our peace and repose. This is a clear violation of section
184-8 of the town code. "During the nighttime hours (9: 01pm - 6: 59am 184-4) it shall be unlawful for any
person within a Residential Zone, or within 500 feet of a Residential zone, to operate or cause to be operated
any . . . commercial industrial equipment, except to perform emergency work. " On the grounds of 184-8 , but more
importantly from a common sense mentality to help diffuse an already complicated situation - an attitude I 'm
sure you share, please immediately cease all unlawful construction activity during nighttime hours.
Respectfully,
Paul Merrill
101 Christopher Circle
607-227-4434 (cell)
Paul R. Merrill
Gussman Director of Jazz Ensembles
Cornell University
College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Music
235 Lincoln Hall
Ithaca, W 14853-4101
t. 607. 255. 8738
f. 607.254.2877
https://www, arts, cornell/jazz
https://www. paulmerrill. net
Jim Weber <JWeber @town. ithaca. ny. us> Wed, Oct 27, 2040 at 1 : 05 PM
To: Paul Merrill < paulmerrill @cornell. edu> , Gene Redman <gredman @town. ithaca. ny. us>
Cc: Herb Engman < HEngman @town. ithaca. ny . us> , Andi Merrill <andimerrill @gmail . com>
Mr. Merrill,
I of 11 /30/2010 9:40 .AM
Gmail.- Complaint - Christopher Lane Utility https://mail.googje.comi mail/?ui=2&ik�c34,4313c2e&view=pt&q=Jill.
Thank you for the information. Town staff does not begin work until 6: 30 am. , therefore Town crews would not
be at the site until just before 7: 00 . When our crews arrived this morning the gate was locked suggesting that
the disturbance you experienced was not created by Town staff'or any of our contractors. Staff has been
informed of your concerns and will take all steps to minimize impacts to the neighborhood .
James Weber
Highway Superintendent/Director of Public Works
From : pauir.merrili @gmail .com [mailto : paulr.merriil @gmail .com1 On Behalf Of Paul Merrill
Sent: Wednesday, October 27, 2010 11 : 24 AM
To: Jim Weber; Gene Redman
Cc: Herb Engman; Andi Merrill
Subject: Complaint - Christopher Lane Utility
[Quoted text hidden]
Paul Merrill < pm75 @cornell.edu> Wed, Oct 27, 2010 at 2:21 PM
To: Jim Weber <JWeber @town. ithaca. ny. us>
Cc: Paul Merrill < paulmerrill@cornell. edu> , Gene Redman <gredman @town. ithaca. ny. us> , Herb Engman
< HEngman @town. ithaca. ny. us>, Andi Merrill <andimerdll @gmail. com>
Mr. Weber,
Thank you for such a prompt reply. Please forgive me, but I don't understand the meaning of your comments.
Are you suggesting or stating that Town staff and/or associated contractors were not involved in the
disturbance this morning. May I also ask, in addition to the two groups listed above, who has permission to
access the utility? I 'll appreciate any clarification you can offer.
Best,
Paul
[Quoted text hidden]
2 oft 11 /30/2010 9:40 AM
Umail - A Thank You and the Northeast Elementary Halloween Parade ..: https:Hmail.g000e.com/mail/?ui=2&i1c=c344313c2e&view=Tt&q=Ji. . .
_ __ Paul Merrill < paulr.merrill @gmail.com>
A Thank You andpthe Northeast Elementary Halloween
Parade (today)
1 message
Paul Merrill < pm75 @cornell.edu> Fri, Oct 29, 2010 at 9:09 AM
To: Jim Weber <JWeber @townithaca. ny. us>
Cc: Paul Merrill <paulmerrill @cornell. edu> , Gene Redman <gredman@town. ithaca. ny. us> , Herb Engman
< HEngman @town. ithaca. ny. us> , Andi Merrill <andimerrill @gmail. com>
Dear Mr. Weber,
Thanks are in order. We have not been disturbed before 7: 30 the last two mornings. Additionally , construction
vehicles did not exit the utility until after school was in session today (8: 00am), effectively mitigating one part of
our complaint. These actions are noticed and appreciated . I look forward to the continuation of this trend and
your due diligence on other issues we raised, especially traffic during school dismissal, and the delivery of
materials to the site.
Just in case it didn't make your calander, the Northeast Elementary School Halloween parade is scheduled for
1 : 00 pm today_ All the students march around the. block in costume, including Christopher Lane.
Best and Thanks,
Paul
On Wed, Oct 27, 2010 at 2: 21 PM , Paul Merrill < pm75@comelLedw wrote:
Mr. Weber,
Thank you for such a prompt reply . Please forgive me, but I don't understand the meaning of your
comments. Are you suggesting or stating that Town staff and/or associated contractors were not involved in
the disturbance this morning. May I also ask, in addition to the two groups listed above, who has permission
to access the utility? I 'll appreciate any clarification you can offer.
Best, No rc;� 'L-f
Paul
On Wed , Oct 27, 2010 at 1 : 05 PM, Jim Weber <Meber(a town. ithaca. ny. us> wrote:
Mr. Merrill,
Thank you for the information. Town staff does not begin work unfit 6.30 am_ , therefore Town crews would
not be at the site until just before 7 : 00. When our crews arrived this moming the gate was locked
suggesting that the disturbance you experienced was not created by Town staff or any of our contractors.
k Staff has been informed of your concerns and will take all steps to minimize impacts to the neighborhood.
James Weber
Highway Superintendent/Director of Public Works
1 of 3 11 /30/2010 9:43 AM
GmaiI - A Thank You and the Northeast Elementary Halloween Parade ... hVs://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=c344313c2e&view=pt&q=Ji...
I
From: paulr.merrili @gmail .com [mailto : paulr. merrill @gmail .coml On Behalf Of Paul Merrill
Sent: Wednesday, October 27, 2010 11 : 24 AM
To: Jim Weber; Gene Redman
i Cc: Herb Engman; Andi Merrill
Subject: Complaint - Christopher Lane Utility
j -
Dear Mr. Weber,
I '
i I'm sure you are aware of the complaint I sent by certified mail that was received by your office
E on Monday, October 25 - documenting five years of unreasonable construction activity, noise,
and traffic by the town. I was hoping that after receipt of the letter, the town code violations
associated with the Christopher Lane utility would at least marginally improve. I do. understand
( that it takes time to address the multiple issues raised in the letter and will continue waiting in
good faith. Considering the nature and importance of the complaint to my family and
neighborhood, It is unreasonable to shoulder/accept new violations of town code ordinances.
Construction activities started at 6: 10 am this morning and my young sons and wife were woken
by the disturbance . Multiple construction vehicles passed by our residence, made unnatural, and
unreasonable noise at the utility, idled, loaded materials, and disturbed our peace and repose .
This is a clear violation of section 184-8 of the town code. "During the nighttime hours (9:01pm
- 6 :59am 1844) it shall be unlawful for any person within a Residential Zone, or within 500 feet
of a Residential zone, to operate or cause to be operated any. . .commercial industrial equipment,
except to perform emergency work. " On the grounds of 184-8, but more importantly from a
common sense mentality to help diffuse an already complicated situation - an attitude I'm sure
you share, please immediately cease all unlawful construction activity during nighttime hours.
i
Respectfully,
Paul Merrill
101 Christopher Circle
607-227-4434 (cell)
Paul R. Merrill
Gussman Director of Jazz Ensembles
Cornell University
College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Music
235 Lincoln Hall
Ithaca, NY 148534101
t. 607.255 . 8738
f 607.254.2877
https://www.arts.comell/jazz
https://www.pautmenU.net
i
2 of 3 11 /30/2010 9:43 AM
Gmail - A 'Thank You and the Northeast Elementary Halloween Parade ... hops://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=c344313c2e&view—pt&q=Ji. . .
Paul R. Merrill
Gussman Director of Jazz Ensembles
Cornell University
College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Music
235 Lincoln Hall-
Ithaca, NY 148534101
t. 607.255 . 8738
f. 607. 254. 2877
hftps://www. arts. cornell/
hftps:l/www. paulmerrill. net
Paul R. Merrill
Gussman Director of Jars Ensembles
Cornell University
College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Music
235 Lincoln Hall
Ithaca, W 14853-4101
t. 607. 255. 8738
f. 607. 254. 2877
hftp!5://www. arts. cornelVmazz
https:l/www- paulmerrill. net
3 of 3 11 /30/2010 9:43 AM
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�� OFI?'
- � TOWN OF ITHACA
,a 2, _ 215 N . Tioga Street , Ithaca , N . Y . 14850
YO www .town . ithaca. ny .us
Paulette Terwilliger, Town Clerk Phone: (607) 273- 1721 Debra DeAugistine, Deputy Town Clerk
pterwilliger@town . ithaca. ny. us Fax: (607) 273-5854 ddeaugistine@town , ithaca. ny. us
Update on Dog Enumeration as of November 24 , 2010
Total Number of Licensed Dogs .
New Dogs Licensed during enumeration 314
Outstanding possible unlicensed dogs 65
Enumeration Budget . $15,000 Remaining in budget.
Enumeration Costs .
Copying $ 252
Postage $ 134
Bags 65
Enumerators $ 14 , 191
J.Total costs : $ 149642 $ 358
Revenue Collected :
New license fees collected w/enum fee $ 4 , 967
Court fees collected (approx) $..20l0.
Total revenue collected : $ 3, 960
Actual net cost of enumeration : $ 10 , 682 $4318
Anticipated Additional Revenue :
Court fees anticipated (approx) $ 300
Outstanding unlicensed dog fees $ 975
Total anticipated revenue : $ 1 ,275
Anticipated ,net cost of enumeration : $ 9 , 407 $5593
Future License Fees
The table below shows that the Town now has 1500 licensed dogs , 95% of which are altered .
Under the Town's current share of the license fees ($8 . 82 for altered and $ 13 . 20 for unaltered
dogs) , yearly renewal fees would total $ 13 , 558 . 50 . If the Town Board adopts the proposed fees
of $9 and $ 17 , the yearly renewal fees would total $ 14 , 100 . Renewal fees for the 314 new dogs
will total roughly $3000 per year; if we project these fees over the next three years , we can
conclude that the enumeration will have nearly paid for itself .
Municipality Population New Dogs Total Dogs
Town of Ithaca 18 , 000 314 17500
Town of Lansing 10 , 500 600 17600
Town of Newfield 51000 200 19200
The table also shows that the SPCA contract fees based solely on human population is not
realistic ; a more fair distribution would consider each town's ratio of human to dog population .
TOWN CLERK' S MONTHLY REPORT
TOWN OF TTHACA, NEW YORK NOVEMBER, 2010
O THE SUPERVISOR: PAGE 1
rsuant to Section 27, Subd 1 of the Town Law, I hereby make the following statement of all fees and moneys received
by me in connection with my office during the month stated above, excepting only such fees and moneys the application
and payment of which are otherwise provided for by Law :
A1255
8 MARRIAGE LICENSES NO, 10142 TO 10149 140.00
1 TAX SEARCH 5 .00
1 POSTAGE 1 .32
9 MARRIAGE TRANSCRIPT 90.00
1 DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP REG 20.00
TOTAL TOWN CLERK FEES 256.32
A2090
4 COMMUNITY GARDEN PLOT 100.00
TOTAL A2090 100000
A2544
DOG LICENSES 11486.45
TOTAL A2544 1,486945
2109
9 ELECTRICAL PERMIT 1 ,233 .00
TOTAL B2109 1923100
B2110
4 ZONING BOARD MTG 400.00
TOTAL B2110 400.00
B2111
16 BUILDING PERMIT 33315 .00
3 BUILDING PERMIT EXTENSIN 200.00
1 SIGN PERMITS 57 .00
1 TEMP CERTIFICATE OCCUP 100.00
TOTAL B2111 39672.00
B2113
26 OPERATING PERMIT 14, 150.00
TOTAL B2113 149150.00
B2115
1 SUBDV. REV. PRELIM, PLAT 980.00
1 SUBDV, REV, FINAL PLAT 140.00
1 SITE PLAN FINAL PLAN 11000.00
TOTAL B2115 2,120.00
TOWN CLERK'S MONTHLY REPORT
NOVEMBER, 2010
page 2
DISBURSEMENTS
PAID TO SUPERVISOR FOR GENERAL FUND 19842.77
PAID TO SUPERVISOR FOR PART TOWN FUND 21 ,575 .00
PAID TO COUNTY TREASURER FOR DOG LICENSES 171 .55
PAID TO AG & MARKETS FOR DOG LICENSES 27 .00
PAID TO NYS HEALTH DEPT FOR MARRIAGE LICENSES 180.00
TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS 23979632
DECEMBER 1 , 2010 SUPERVISOR
HERBERT J. ENGMAN
STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF TOMPKINS, TOWN OF ITHACA
I, , being duly sworn, says that I am the Clerk of the TOWN OF ITHACA
that the foregoing is a full and true statement of all Fees and moneys received by me during the month above stated, excepting
only such Fees the application and payment of which are otherwise provided for by law.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this
Town Clerk
day of 2(7
Notary Public
TOWN OF ITHACA
Public Works Department
Month of October Board Report
November 8, 2010 Meeting
Roads:
• Planted trees on the circle on Eldridge Circle .
• There were at least 75 residents at the Public Works Facility for brush drop off and
chip and compost pickup .
• Conducted our semi-annual brush pick up .
• Assisted the tub grinder vendor in chipping up brush pile .
• Prepare for leaf pick up in November. Early pick up conducted to check machines,
etc .
• Repaved road cuts on Snyder Hill Road .
• Removed some trees on Hopkins Place with the help of Cascadilla Tree Service .
• Worked with the Town of Ulysses hauling materials.
• Painted crosswalks, Town Hall parking lot and Public Works Facility parking lot.
• Finished roadside mowing for the season.
• Prepared salt mixer for the winter season.
• Attended training on safe snow plow operations.
• Installed guiderail on Sand Bank Road and Elm Street Ext. , top soiled, seeded, and
mulched .
Parks, Trails, and Preserves :
■ Regular grounds maintenance continued .
■ Trimming of commuter trails continued and was finished.
■ Finished Northview Park playground as part of a grant from New York State Parks.
■ Final mowing for the season of parks and trails.
■ Closed up comfort stations at Tutelo Park for the winter season.
■ Cut trees on the Honness Lane part of the East Ithaca Recreation Way and Troy Park.
■ Started the sidewalk on Warren Road as part of the Safe Routes to Schools grant.
■ Mowed Black Diamond Trail in cooperation with NYS Parks.
Water:
♦ Installed water main valve on Danby Road in preparation for Ridgecrest Road Water
Tank painting.
♦ Set up water bypass at Ithaca College for Tank painting project.
♦ Weekly pump stations inspections were performed.
♦ Inspections on the repainting of Ridgecrest Water Tank were conducted.
♦ Mowed transmission main for Bolton Point.
♦ Repaired water value on Snyder Hill Road .
♦ Repair water main breaks at 1100 Danby Road, 231 West King road, and 1122 Danby
Road .
Sewer:
► Weekly sewer pump station checks were performed .
► A total of 80 Dig Safely New York mark outs were performed .
Engineering:
A Inspected 25 weekly simple SWPPPs.
A Managed 10 full SWPPPs.
4 Development review on various projects.
4 Received confirmation from the State for Warren Road Walkway project to proceed .
4 Started reviews on the Ithaca Estates, Phase III and Eco-Village projects.
4 Conducted inspections of traffic calming work on Forest Home Drive.
November Projects
10 Conduct semi-annual leaf pick up .
20 Finish work on Snyder Hill Road storm sewer.
3 . Play structure maintenance .
4. Weekly sewer and water pump station checks.
5. Prepare for snow and ice removal operations.
6 . Work on Warren Road Walkway.
7. Continue inspections on Ridgecrest Water Tank.
8. Continue inspections on Forest Home Traffic Calming.
Town of Ithaca
Department of Code Enforcement
Monthly Report for November 2010
Category Description Entries
Building Permit Inspection In the Field inspection tied to a building permit 84
Building Permit Consultation In-office or in-field consultation w/project managers or
contractors regarding building projects 21
Building Permit Review Review and processing of building permits 96
Complaint New Investigation New complaint investigation 7
Complaint Follow- Up Processing, of complaints 15
Continuina Education Training, seminars CEU's 5
Fire Incident Investigation Fire Incident Investigation following dispatched call 3
Fire Safety/Operating Permit -Fire Safety inspection for and/or operating permit.
Inspection Processing of notes and issuance of permit, 6
Fire Safety/Operating Permit Processing of Fire Safety re-inspection notes and
Re-Inspection issuing operating ermitffollow-u . 14
Legal Processing Order to Remedy, issuing Appearance
Tickets, and actual court appearances 0
Meeting Attendance at Departmental meetings, Board
meetings, Committee meetings & Staff meetings, etc. 50
Miscellaneous Counter service, phone calls not associated with an
active file. 122
Stormwater Pollution
Prevention Plan Review Field Inspection/Report 0
Zoning Board of Appeals Review and research of ZBA applications 7
Addresses 911 All related work for address changes 5
Town of Ithaca Codes Department
Building Permits Issued in November 2010
Date Last name Street Number Street Name Description
11 /1 /2010 Wilson Lab 142 Synchrotron Dr Install NFPA sprinkler system
11 /1 /2010 Wilson Lab 161 Synchrotron Dr Install NFPA sprinkler system
11 /4/2010 Bauer 59 Mazza Rd Bathroom remodel
11 /5/2010 Uppvall 111 Kay St Add dividing wall and 2 bi-fold doors
11 /9/2010 VanLooy 1430 Hanshaw Rd Repair garage siding
11 /10/2010 Zaharis 919 East Shore Dr Reside house
11 /1512010 Deinert 130 Honness Ln Remodel bathroom
11/15/2010 lacovelli 166 Kendall Ave Reconstruct front entry way and stairs
11 /15/2010 Kobziar 108 Northview Rd Remove existing metal roof and replace wit
11 /16/2010 EcoVillage 109 Rachel Carson W Create mezzanine
11 /17/2010 Stroock 115 McIntyre PI Install woodstove in livingroom
11 /17/2010 Mobbs 619 Five Mile Dr Tear off and reroof existing roof
11 /18/2010 Business Camp 950 Danby Rd Build demising wall for Primet Expansion, S
11 /23/2010 Hinkin 918 East Shore Dr Demolish dock and build new
11 /2312010 Parra 653 Coddington Rd Convert detached garage into habitable spa
11 /29/2010 Gingras 651 Sheffield Rd Remove existing deck - build new 19'x20' d
Wednesday, December 01, 2010 Page 1 of 1
N
Town of Ithaca Codes Department
Building Permits Received in November 2010
Date Recd CEO BP # St # Street Name Status
11 /1 /2010 KG 8737 1430 Hanshaw Rd Issued
11/1 /2010 SW 8736 109 Rachel Carson W Issued
11 /412010 8739 233 Troy Rd Pending—need vent pipe info & ins
11/412010 KG 8738 115 McIntyre PI Issued
11 /5/2010 SW 8740 166 Kendall Ave Issued
11 /10/2010 8741 149 Pine Tree Rd Pending--fee doubled for work w/o permit
11 /12/2010 SW 8742 619 Five Mile Dr Issued
11 /1512010 KG 8743 14 Dove Dr Pending
11 /16/2010 KG 8744 1422 Slaterville Rd Pending
11 /17/2010 KG 8746 111 Salem Dr Pending
11 /17/2010 SW 8745 651 Sheffield Rd Issued
11 /24/2010 KG 8747 127 Westview Ln Pending
11 /29/2010 KG 8748 111 Burleigh Dr Pending
11 /30/2010 8749 129 Kendall Ave Pending
11/30/2010 8750 135 Kendall Ave Pending
11 /30/2010 8751 928 Coddington Rd Pending
Wednesday, December 01, 2010 Page I of 1
Town of Ithaca Code Enforcement Monthly Report
11/01 /2010 = 11 /30/2010
Building Permits
BP # Date Value Description fee category
8732 11 /1 /2010 $56,750.00 Install NFPA sprinkler system $250.00 Renovations &
Additions to
Commercial
8733 11 /1 /2010 $56,750.00 Install NFPA sprinkler system $250.00 Renovations &
Additions to
Commercial
8735 11 /4/2010 $9,000.00 Bathroom remodel $60.00 Renovations and
Addition to 1 & 2
Familv Homes
8723 11 /5/2010 $ 1 ,500.00 Add dividing wall and 2 bi-fold doors $50.00 Renovations and
Addition to 1 & 2
Family Homes
8737 11 /9/2010 $1 ,000.00 Repair garage siding $50.00 Renovations and
Addition to 1 & 2
Familv Homes
8730 11 /10/2010 $26,700.00 Reside house $100.00 Renovations and
Addition to 1 & 2
Family Homes
8731 11 /15/2010 $16,000.00 Remodel bathroom $ 150.00 Renovations and
Addition to 1 & 2
Family Homes
8740 11 /15/2010 $860.00 Reconstruct front entry way and stairs $50.00 Renovations and
Addition to 1 & 2
Family Homes
8726 11 /15/2010 $ 18,202. 17 Remove existing metal roof and replace $75.00 Renovations and
with polyiso insulation and shingles Addition to 1 & 2
Familv Homes
8736 11 /16/2010 $5,000.00 Create mezzanine $55.00 Renovations and
Addition to 1 & 2
Famiiv Homes
8738 11 /17/2010 $89000.00 Install woodstove in livingroom $120.00 Renovations and
Addition to 1 & 2
Familv Homes
8742 11 /17/2010 $4,200.00 Tear off and reroof existing roof $55.00 Renovations and
Addition to 1 & 2
Family Homes
8728 11 /18/2010 $209000.00 Build demising wall for Primet $75.00 Renovations &
Expansion, Suite 90 Additions to
Commercial
8616 11 /23/2010 $5,000.00 Demolish dock and build new $55.00 Miscellaneous
8712 11 /23/2010 $10,000.00 Convert detached garage into habitable $60.00 Miscellaneous
space with fire separation from existing 2
car garage
8745 11 /29/2010 $ 109400.00 Remove existing deck - build new $75.00 Renovations and
19'x20' deck Addition to 1 & 2
Familv Homes
Totals $249,362. 17 $1 ,530.00
Wednesday, December 01 , 2010 Pagel
Town of Ithaca Code Enforcement Monthly Report
11 /01/2010 - 11/30/2010
Certificates of Occupancy
BP # Address Description CO Temp
8700 103 Kay St Install metal carport 11 /1 /2010 ❑
8573 106 Alison Dr Build 1500 sq ft 1 story home with 11 /1 /2010 ❑
walkout basement on lower side of hill
8541 142 Lexington Dr alterations and repairs to single-family 11 /1 /2010 ❑
home; rear deck addition
8483 1128 East Shore Dr Open pile dock 7' x 40' 11 /1 /2010 ❑
8479 513 Warren Rd Re-roof house only - take out & replace 11 /1 /2010 ❑
flat roof covering with roll roofing
8467 515 Warren Rd Build mud room 11 /5/2010 ❑
8387 227 Pennsylvania Ave Build new 2-family home 11 /5/2010 ❑
8389 315 Sheffield Rd Replace old deck in-kind. 11 /9/2010 ❑
8688 341 Pine Tree Rd Alter use of space for Subway Restaurant 11 /12/2010 ❑
8426 107 Sycamore Dr Install new roof on house and garage 11 /18/2010 ❑
8701 161 Synchrotron Dr Reroof synchrotron roof 11 /23/2010 ❑
8691 904 East Shore Dr Construct segment of Cayuga Waterfront 11 /23/2010 ❑
Trail including pedestrian bridge
8417 302 St. Catherine Cir Repair church roof 11 /23/2010 ❑
8742 619 Five Mile Dr Tear off and reroof existing roof 11 /30/2010 ❑
8176 109 Valley View Rd New 3 bedroom single-family home with 11 /30/2010 0
attached garage
Complaints
Date Address Complaint Type Disposition
11 /4/2010 218 Rachel Carson Way building code Pending
11 /8/2010 546 Warren Rd building code Pending
11 /9/2010 932 East Shore Dr property maintenance Pending
11 /9/2010 932 East Shore Dr building code Pending
11 /18/2010 142 Indian Creek Rd building code Pending
11 /2/2010 1020 Ellis Hollow Rd building code No Violation Found
Wednesday, December 01 , 2010 Page 2
i I
Town of Ithaca Code Enforcement Monthly Report
11/01/2010 - 11 /30/2010
11 /20/2010 12 John St fire Pending
Existing Building CO
Wednesday, December 01 . 2010 Page 3
Regular Meeting of the Ithaca Town Board , December 13 , 2010
Human Resources Report for November 2010
Personnel and Employee Relations Committees :
The committee reviewed the status of the Finance Officer recruitment and members
stayed to review the resumes . They also continued the discussion the wage system ,
going over past systems and ways raises were established . The committee drew the
meeting to a close with a quick discussion on the plans for retirement receptions .
Employee Relations committee had an introduction to the Sustainability Planner's
responsibility and goals , reviewed new suggestion cards and went over cards from
the last meeting . The issue of who is legal to drive the truck towing the Sewer Jet
Rod is still an issue .
Personnel — Civil Service :
Notification letters to the Director of Planning applicants were sent out . Job offer
letters were sent and acceptance letters were received from Susan Ritter and Dan
Tasman .
Resumes for the Finance Officer position were reviewed with 5 being selected for
interviews . The committee conducted interviews on the 15t" and 16t . Three
candidates were chosen for second interviews , which will occur in December. The .
goal is still to have an appointment by the December 13th meeting .
Bolton Points Negotiations committee had an initial meeting with the Operating
Engineers and Shop Stewards . The next meeting will be in December.
Wage and Benefit letters were sent to all the employees except the unionized staff at
Bolton Point . Final budget worksheets were assembled following the budget
hearings .
Coordinated and managed a retirement reception for Marnie Kirchgessner. Created
invitation for AI ' s , Dan 's and Jon 's retirement reception planned for December 28tH
Commercial Insurance ( Ithaca Agency — NYMIR Insurance Company) :
There was one new claim reported due to tire damage from a pothole . The claim was
denied by NYMIR due to no prior notice being on file with the Town .
The damage from a prior claim to the PWF door has been repaired . The truck is in
the process of being repaired .
Workers' Compensation ( Public Employers Risk Management Assoc — PERMA) :
There are no new claims to report .
Health and/or Dental Insurance :
Open Enrollment meetings and Consortium meetings were held in November. There
are only 18 employees enrolled with Dental insurance due to the cost / benefit ratio .
Further comparisons or RFP 's will need to be done in August/September of 20111
Submitted By: Judith C . Drake , PHR , Human Resources Manager
of Ip TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING DEPARTMENT
f UE-
- - a 215 NORTH TIOGA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850
Jonathan Kanter,
Director of Planning FAX (607) 273-1704
Planning Director' s Report for December 13 , 2010 Town Board Meeting
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
November 2, 2010 Planning Board Meeting:
Minnick 2-Lot Subdivision, 7 LaGrand Court: The Planning Board granted Preliminary and
Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed 2-lot subdivision located at 7 LaGrand Court, Town of
Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 45- 1 -39, Medium Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves
subdividing the 1 .26 +/- acre parcel into one 0.64 +/- acre lot (Lot 39) that contains the existing
house and one 0.62 +/- acre vacant lot (Lot 40). Andrew J . Minnick and Sharyn E. Minnick,
Owners/Applicants .
Sketch Plan Review — City of Ithaca Hard Fill Site, Van Ostrand Road: The Planning Board
reviewed a sketch plan for the proposed City of Ithaca Hard Fill Site located in the southwest corner
of the Town of Ithaca off Van Ostrand Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 34- 1 - 19, Conservation
Zone. The proposal involves placing 5 ,000 to 10,000 cubic yards of hard fill per year in the former
gravel mine over the next 10 to 15 years . The fill consists of material generated from City of Ithaca
pipe trenching and roadway reconstruction projects . The project will also include stormwater
facilities and the site will be restored and seeded as the site is filled. City of Ithaca,
Owner/Applicant; Charles A. White, P.E. , Barton & Loguidice, P.C. , Agent.
Sketch Plan — Goldenrod 30-Lot Subdivision, Bundy & Hopkins Road: The Planning Board
reviewed a Sketch Plan for the proposed Goldenrod 30-Lot Subdivision located off Bundy and
Hopkins Roads, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24-4-6 .2, Medium Density Residential Zone. The
proposal involves subdividing the 67 +/- acre property into 30 new residential lots . The project will
also include four lots reserved as open space and natural areas (totaling 13 . 5 +/- acres), two new
roads , new stormwater facilities and utilities. Gy Corporation, Owner; Finger Lakes Green
Development, LLC, Applicant; Jose L. Guisado, R.A. , GA Architects, PLLC , Agent.
November 16, 2010 Planning Board Meeting:
Marjory Thayer Family Trust 2-Lot Subdivision, Town Line Roado, The Planning Board granted
Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed 2-lot subdivision located at the corner
of Town Line Road and Sand Bank Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 35- 1 -6, Low Density
Residential Zone. The proposal involves subdividing off a 6.23 +/- acre parcel which is bound by
Town Line Road, Sand Bank Road and the Town of Ithaca/Danby municipal boundary. The parcel
will be conveyed to the Finger Lakes Land Trust. The Marjory Thayer Family Trust, Owner;
Finger Lakes Land Trust, Applicant.
T li �t F ec ON a 6' `
�r Zft1 NE a ,'en
' a
Third Residential EcoVillage Experience (TREE), Rachel Carson Way: The Planning Board
granted Final Site Plan Approval, Final Subdivision Approval and Special Permit for the proposed
Third Residential EcoVillage Experience (TREE) project located off Rachel Carson Way, Town, of
Ithaca Tax Parcel No. ' s 28- 1 -26 .229 28- 1 - 18, 28- 1 -26 . 82 and 28- 1 -26 . 84, Planned Development
Zone No. 8. The proposal involves the development of a third residential neighborhood which will
include 22 single family homes, 14 +/- carports/garages, 23 +/- surface parking spaces , and a
common house that includes space for community functions along with 8 apartments, 2 visitor/guest
rooms and 4 offices for residents . The project will also include a new village green between the
three neighborhoods, additions and improvements to Rachel Carson Way, and new stormwater
facilities and utilities . The proposal also includes subdividing a five acre parcel for the TREE
development along with other small changes to the existing EcoVillage parcel boundaries .
EcoVillage at Ithaca, Inc. , Owner/Applicant; Liz Walker, Organization Manager, Agent.
CURRENT PLANNING DEPARTMENT PROJECTS/FUNCTIONS
The following have been accomplished over the past month.
Codes and Ordinances Committee (COC): The Committee met on November 17 , 2010. COC
continued review of the proposed amendments to Conservation Zones regarding forest management
plan requirements and hopes to review a revised draft at the December meeting. COC also
reviewed proposed revisions to garage definitions and regulations in the Zoning Chapter. The next
meeting is scheduled for December 15 , 2010 at 7 :00 p.m. Tentative agenda items include review of
a revised draft of proposed amendments to Conservation Zones and continuation of review of
possible revisions to zoning regulations regarding garages. Continuation of review of the proposed
Stream Setback Law and comments received on the most recent draft will be on a future agenda.
Planning Committee: The Committee met on November 15 , 2010 and continued review of the draft
Scenic Resources Report. The Committee suggested several revisions in the report and
unanimously passed a resolution asking the Town Board to refer the report to the Planning Board
and Conservation Board for comments and recommendations. The next meeting is scheduled for
Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 4: 30 p.m. Tentative agenda items include discussion regarding a
possible meeting to be scheduled with City of Ithaca officials regarding West Hill issues and
continuation of review and discussion regarding the Conifer West Hill proposal (and where to go
from here) .
Comprehensive Plan Committee: The Committee met on November 18, 2010 and reviewed draft
sections of the Plan prepared by Planning staff, including Housing and Recreation. The next
meeting of the Committee is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, December 16, 2010 at 6 : 30 p.m.
Katie Stoner is scheduled to attend to present a status report on her work on sustainability planning
for the Town, and the Committee will review the Energy/Climate Change draft Plan section.
Conservation Board: The Conservation Board met on November 4th and December 2nd, 2010. Agenda
items included continuation of discussion regarding forest management amendments in Conservation
Zones, regular reports and updates, Conservation Board membership and officers for 2011 , additional
Cornell comments regarding the proposed Stream Setback Law, and a presentation by Katie Stoner
2
rw�l
regarding sustainability planning for the Town of Ithaca. The next meeting of the Conservation Board
is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, January 6, 2011 .
ITCTC — Speed Ad Hoc Committee: The Speed Ad Hoc Committee of the Ithaca-Tompkins County
Transportation Council met on November 9, 2010. The Committee reviewed a map prepared by
ITCTC staff highlighting roads (outside of the City and Cayuga Heights) where speeding has been
identified as an issue, based on actual speed data, traffic volumes, accidents and density of adjacent
land use. Enforcement has been identified as a key issue in addressing speed problems, along with
education and road design. The Committee will report back to the ITCTC Planning Committee to
discuss next steps.
Cumulative Impact Assessment Workshop: Several Town officials attended a workshop at Cornell
University regarding cumulative impact assessment. Speakers outlined some of the legal and technical
issues involved with environmental review and comprehensive planning that can address cumulative
impacts of projects on a community.
Cornell/Community Transportation Initiatives Sub-committee: Planning staff attended a meeting
regarding the Cornell/Community Transportation Initiatives Program on November 19, 2010 to get an
update on the status of funding available from Cornell, projects in the Program, and how to get new
projects into the Cornell funding program. Town of Ithaca potential projects that are currently in the
Program include Forest Home Traffic Calming — Phase 1 , Blue Grass Lane Bicycle-Pedestrian Path,
and North Campus Approaches.
Agriculture Plan: Planning staff has continued to work on preparation of final sections of a draft
Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan for the Town of Ithaca. A meeting of the client committee is
scheduled for December 20, 2010 to review final sections of the Plan.
TO Training Workshop: Planning staff attended the Regional Conference & Training session at TO
held on December 1 , 2010. Sessions were conducted by NYS Department of State planners and
attorneys and included an overview of Planning Board functions, local government efficiency, and the
basics of SEQRA.
Scenic Resources Report: Based on review by the Planning Committee, Planning staff has revised the
draft Scenic Resources Report and is distributing it to the Town Board for consideration. The Planning
Committee recommended that the Town Board refer the revised report to the Planning Board and
Conservation Board for comments and recommendations.
Assistance to Newly Appointed Director of Planning: I have been meeting regularly with Sue Ritter
(soon-to-be Planning Director) and Planning staff to go over the status of a number of projects and
issues that are pending to help provide a smooth transition when I retire at the end of this month. It has
been a pleasure working with the Town of Ithaca, and the Department will be in good hands with Sue
taking over when I leave.
3