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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-08-08 - TB L6 MINUTES TOWN BOARD OF ULYSSES REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 8 / 8/ 2000 PRESENT: Supervisor Doug Austic, Councilpeople Carolyn Duddleston, Sue Poelvoorde, absent: Councilman Andrew Hillman and Robert Weatherby. Others present: Jean Foley and Lynn Leopold of the EMC, Grace Wolfe from the Trumansburg Free Press, Michelle Vonderweidt of the Recreation Partnership, Tompkins County Representative Peter Penniman, Highway Superintendent James Meeker, Town Clerk Marsha Georgia, Richard and Peg Coogan, Alex Highland, Noah Vella, Jesse Hill, and Jacob Seegers. Supervisor Austic called the meeting to order at 7 : 30 p. m . and led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America . APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Town Board Meeting, July 11, 2000 After brief discussion where minor changes were noted, Ms. Poelvoorde moved to approve the minutes of the Regular Town Board Meeting of July 11 ,2000. Mrs. Duddleston seconded . Mr. Austic aye Mrs . Duddleston aye Ms. Poelvoorde aye Adopted . Public Hearing- Doublewide Zoning Ordinance, )une 6, 2000 Mrs. Duddleston moved, seconded by Ms. Poelvoorde to approve the minutes of the Public Hearing of June 6, 2000 . Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Ms. Poelvoorde aye Adopted . APPROVAL OF MONTHLY CLAIMS Mrs. Duddleston moved, seconded by Ms. Poelvoorde to approve vouchers numbers 298 through 335 for the amount of $43 ,458. 17. Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Ms. Poelvoorde aye Adopted . REPORTS OF REPRESENTATIVES Town of Ulysses 2 Regular Town Board Meeting 8/8/2000 MICHEL V®NDERWEIDT of the Recreation Partnership discussed the Recreation Partnership "A Proposal for the Future". The new agreement is the result of work by the partnership spanning the past year and a half and is to replace an expiring agreement. Mr. Vonderweidt explained that the Partnership had to have an agreement by July of this year and this document is the result of that. The new agreement is considerably different from the Partnership's old agreement. Under the new agreement, funding for the partnership is broken down to a quarter from the City of Ithaca, a quarter from the Town of Ithaca, a quarter from Tompkins County, and a quarter from the smaller municipalities participating, in the program . This breakdown represents significant change in the fact that in the past Tompkins County did not provide funds . The Partnership hopes to pull Newfield and Lansing into the program . These two municipalities are currently the only two Tompkins County municipalities that are not participating . The new divisions of cost take into account comparative wealth of the various municipalities. The Town of Ulysses will be paying $5,972 next year, an increase from $4, 630 this year . Mr. Vonderweidt noted that that extra cost would equal ' more pull for the Town in the partnership . Another change in the new contract takes exclusive control away from the Ithaca Youth Bureau . This opens the doors to other recreation providers and hopefully will insure fair prices . The new agreement is not proposed for a set number of years, but is left open ended . Mr. Vonderweidt also noted that under the new contract, the Partnership would be more actively seeking to keep costs of operation low . To take the burden off of the City of Ithaca, the Recreation Partnershlip may ultimately take over Cass Park because it is enjoyed by youth across Tompkins County. As a final note, Mr. Vonderweidt stated that the partnership would not be taking over local programs in its various municipalities . Mr. Vonderweidt ended his discussion by expressing the hope of the partnership to get a declaration of support for the new agreement from all participating municipalities . Once these declarations have been turned in, the County will be able to declare it; share of the funding . The Board discussed the matter with Mr. Vonderweidt. Mrs . Duddleston moved seconded by Ms . Poelvoorde the following resolution . RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses approves the agreement as presented pending the approval of the document by the Town's Attorney Bruce Wilson . Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Ms . Poelvoorde aye Adopted . Mr. Austic will send a copy to Mr. Wilson . Jean Foley with Lynn Leopold of the EMC discussed the Index of Unique Natural Areas of Tompkins County and a pamphlet thereon . Ms . Foley turned the presentation over to Ms. Leopold , who presented a slide show. The index is the result of approximately five years of work by the Unique Natural Areas committee of the Environmental Management Council . Every municipality will receive a notebook bound set of Unique Natural Areas of Tompkins County . The current set is a revision of an old inventory of U . N .A's of Tompkins County. Ms . Leopold noted several criteria , which were considered in designating U . N .A's. Some of these criteria included previous designation by the State of New York as a natural area, preserve, or wetland, habitation by diverse species of animals and or plants, Unique landscape features, and special historic: or mechanical attributes . Each potential U . N .A. was looked at for selection for the inventory. Each U . N .A. report notes where the site is, what the site is and what unique Town of Ulysses 3 (3 a. Regular Town Board Meeting 8/8/2000 attributes placed it in the inventory . The committee hopes that the U. N .A. inventory will serve to protect the Unique Natural Areas of the County through informing landowners and users of the U . N .A's. Ms. Leopold also informed the Board of the E . M . C's hotline which individuals can call with questions about Unique Natural Areas in Tompkins County . Ms. Leopold ended her presentation by opening the floor for questions. Peter Penniman of the Tompkins County Board of Representatives stated his approval of the project and the committee. The Board had no questions for the representatives from E .M .C. Tompkins County Board of Representatives Peter Penniman updated the Board on the Public Safety Communications project. The County will be hiring a consultant to look at issues surrounding the project induding cost and technology. Related to the project is the fact that the State is looking into a statewide emergency communications system . Progress on the emergency communications project is moving slowly, but the County has obtained options for six tower sites. Mr. Penniman also reported a new report from the Board of Representatives. The report is a twelve-page document that lists the advisory boards of Tompkins County. Mr. Penniman also noted the importance of Towns citing approval of the Recreation partnership agreement. He encouraged careful thought on the proposed document. Other A group of local youth attended the Town Board meeting to address the Board about the possibility of creating a skateboarding park. Alex Highland was the spokesman for the group. The group would like to see a skateboarding area in or very dose to the village. Location near the village is key because this would allow youth skateboarders without access to a car to use the facilities. Supervisor Austic informed the speakers that the Town of Ulysses does not control land in the village. The speakers are currently seeking potential sites for a park. If and when a specific site is found, the speakers hope to turn in plans and hear from the community. Mrs. Duddleston asked which potential locations the speakers had in mind? Essentially, the group would like the use of a part of a parking lot or similar location . One specific location that was noted is the flat piece of land around the site of the Village Water Tower on the corner of Halsey and Hector Streets. The group would like not only to have a skateboarding area, but would also like to use the experience of seeking the space and approval as an educational experience in working with local government. Local skateboarders would run the site. Supervisor Austic had noted earlier that the Town does have a piece of parking lot behind the Town Hall . As the discussion ended he agreed to ask the person who owns the parking lot about the possibility of opening it up for use by skateboarders and also suggested the group go to the Village of Trumansburg about the matter as it owns much more parking lot space in the village than the Town of Ulysses does. The group turned in a petition requesting a skateboarding facility with over one hundred and seventy signatures. Alex Highland also left the Town with an e-mail address at which he can be conta ' . ke3 Town of Ulysses 4 Regular Town Board Meeting 8/8/2000 TOWN REPORTS Highway Superintendent James Meeker Construction has started on the Curry Road Bridge pipe repair project. A contract has been made with Mark Frampton Construction Services out of Pine City, New York. The contract is for $23,000 and covers repairs and materials exclusive of heavy stone fill for the down stream pool . The repairs will take two to three weeks. Mr. Meeker also reported that the estimation for the Lake Street Bridge Project had been reduced by about $40,000 to $556,000 . The project is not out for bid yet, and MrJ Meeker will be meeting with County and Village highway representatives to discuss funding for the project next week. For the month, Mr. Meeker reported paving Lyke Road and shimmed Agard Road between Willow Creek Road and NYS Rte. 89 . The Highway Department also helped the Town of Enfield with hauling stone . Mowing has resumed after the department worked on three driveways . The Highway Department's mowing tractor is in need of repair. Mr. Meeker has checked into prices for a new mower, but will do more research . Supervisor Austic stated that to remove money from the highway equipment reserve account a resolution would have to be passed . Pursuant to; Section 64( 14) of Town Law, Mrs. Duddleston moved, seconded by Ms. Poelvoorde a resolution subject to a permissive referendum to purchase a new mowing tractor for the Town Highway Department the cost of which is not to exceed $35,000 . Mr. Austic aye Mrs . Duddleston aye Ms. Poelvoorde aye Adopted . Code Enforcement Officer Alex Rachun was not present. Supervisor Austic read his re ; ' rt. Nine permits were issued this month for three single-family residences, four accessory buildings, and two additions . A BZA hearing is scheduled for Monday, August 14 . Town Cleric Marsha Georgia reported total fees for the month at $ 1 ,409, $675 of which was turned over to the Supervisor along with her monthly report. The Town Clerk's Office sent out four large boxes of court records for microfilming . These have been approved by the State; when the microfilm comes back the paper records can be destroyed . Mrs . Georgia and her Deputy Karin Lanning attended a workshop in Harpursville, New York 'on indexing minutes. The Town Clerk's Office will be applying for a grant to set up a system for indexing minutes of Town meetings . Such a system would index minutes by subject as well as by volume and page. Mrs. Georgia also reported that the Town Clerk's Office hopes to be in direct contact with the New York State DEC for the sales of Sporting Licenses soon . In order to be connected, one of the computers in the office will have to be updated . Mrs . Georgia has contacted Jeff Burns who works on the office's computers about this matter. Mr. Burns has recommended a computer that would cost approximately $ 1 ,500 . Mrs . Georgia's research shows this to be a relatively low price, but she will look into prices further. is I I I d (! 11, i E"I II , II, � , i #. I . ..l. . �. � !f! { , j ,. 1 - H II ,• Town of Ulysses 5 Regular Town Board Meeting 8/8/2000 Ms. Poelvoorde asked if this program was already available through the state. The program is ready and will be available to the Town Clerk Office as soon as technology is updated . Sporting Licenses for the 2000-2001 seasons go on sale Monday, August 14th . Board Members and Committees Mrs. Duddleston reported that the reassessments for the Town are back in . Of those who issued complaints either through the county or at the Town Hall during the assessment grievance night about half the assessments were changed . Mrs. Duddleston also reported for the Recreation Partnership. A budget has been put together which meets a required decrease of ten thousand dollars. The partnership cut the budget by raising some of its fees as well as by cutting funds to some of its programs. Supervisor Austic reported an increase in workmens' compensation as a result of last year's audit. Other increases put the Town over budget for the garage account 5132.4, as a result of the building project. Supervisor Austic asked the Board to approve an increase in funds for this account by $22,401 .36. Most of this is transferred, but account 5031 needs to be increased by $65 .36. Mrs. Duddleston made a motion to adjust the budget as noted above, Ms . Poelvoorde seconded . Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Ms. Poelvoorde aye Adopted . Supervisor Austic also reminded the Board that in September they would need to start planning next year's budget. OLD BUSINESS Sinko Water District Supervisor Austic reported that he is still waiting to hear from Hunt Engineering about the project estimations. The Town is also waiting for the Village to send on a letter of intent. If Hunt Engineering does not provide their report, the Town may drop their engineering services in the study for Mr. Sinko's water district in favor of the services of Barton and Loguidice. Supervisor Austic has been in contact with Barton and Loguidice Engineering who say they will be able to prepare the project estimates in a matter of one to two days. 3acksonville Water Petition Prouress/ B&L Reoort Barton and Loguidice provided a cost estimate report for a Jacksonville Water District. The district estimate is broken down into a series of scenarios for the perimeters of the water district. The minimum district would have to encompass • )05 Town of Ulysses 6 Regular Town Board Meeting 8/8/2000 at least the area from Iradell Road to Jacksonville, including Van Dorns Corners Road, an area not larger than Main Street, Jacksonville. Costs estimated by Barton and Loguidice are approximately $550,000 to serve a minimum of 202 homes . The Board discussed funding for the project. A grant made known to the Town by New York State Assemblyman Martin Luster would provide $ 10,000 to $20,000 . The NYS Revolving Fund would yield more, but consideration for this fund is a challenge requiring a great deal of pulling the right strings in New York State politics . Supervisor Austic asked what the Board would like to do. He noted that the price for the project has gone up since the last time a Jacksonville Water District came before the Town Board . After some discussion, the decision was made to continue to , work on petitioning with specific focus on the areas encompassed by Barton and iLoguidice's plan . Supervisor Austic also stated that he would write some articles on the matter for the papers. On another, note, the supply of water from the Bolton Point facility is pending approval by the Town Board of Ithaca next week. NEW BUSINESS Discussion : Planning Board Zoning Proposal The Town Planning Board together with Code Enforcement Officer has issued a proposal for consideration by the Town Board . The proposal would establish five- acre minimum lot sizes on NYS Rte 96, NYS Rte 227, NY5 Rte 89, Perry City Road, Iradell Road, and Halseyville Road and two-acre minimum lot sizes throughout the rest of the Town of Ulysses . The purpose of the proposal is to cut down on building congestion . Curry Road Bridge Proposal Highway Superintendent James Meeker in the course of his report handled the Curry Road Bridge Proposal . Budget Modification to General Fund The Trumansburg Area Chamber of Commerce has requested $32 . 25 from the Town of Ulysses. The Chamber has posted a community advertisement for the Village of Trumansburg in the Town of Ulysses, which plays four times a day on local radio station WYXL 97 .3 . The Chamber has requested the $32. 25 in order to pay for its last advertisement in this run . Mrs . Duddleston moved, seconded by Ms . Poelvoorde to adjust the General Fund Account by $32. 25 in order to pay for the final radio advertisement in a run set up by the Trumansburg Area Chamber of Commerce . Mr. Austic aye I Mrs. Duddleston aye Ms . Poelvoorde aye Adopted . t I , ` F 1 4 i I 11} . � f I 1 ' I It YII I. I ' ..i I. t [..I II . , t . �� . y I _ 1 . . 4 Ili �Ir JI . I_ ■ Town of Ulysses 7 Regular Town Board Meeting 8/8/2000 CORRESPONDENCE Supervisor Austic received a correspondence from Adam Pratt requesting approval to set up a government site for Jacksonville. Mrs. Georgia has already been in contact with him to discuss the matter. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Poelvoorde moved to adjourn , seconded by Mrs. Duddleston Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Ms. Poelvoorde aye The meeting was adjoumed at 9 : 30 PM . Respectfully submitted, Marshal L. Georgia Ulysses Town Clerk MLG: ki