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TOWN OF ULYSSES
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING
5 / 8 / 2001
PRESENT: Supervisor Doug Austic, Councilpeople Carolyn Duddleston, Andrew
Hillman, Sue Poelvoorde, and Robert Weatherby, Highway Superintendent James
Meeker, Town Clerk Marsha Georgia .
ALSO PRESENT: Gunther and Geraldine Keil, Grace Wolf, Richard and Peg
Coogan
Supervisor Austic called the meeting to order at 7 : 30 pm .
Approval of Minutes : Regular Town Board Meetings of March 13th, 2001
April 10th, 2001 and April 28th, 2001 .
Ms. Poelvoorde suggested including more of Mrs . Georgia and Peter Penniman's
discussion on the renumbering of Iradell Road . Noting this and other corrections,
Ms. Poelvoorde moved, seconded by Mr. Hillman to approve the minutes of April
10th, 2001 and April 28th, 2001 .
Mr. Austic aye
Mr. Hillman aye
Ms. Poelvoorde aye
Mr. Weatherby aye
Adopted .
Mrs. Duddleston moved , seconded by Mr. Hillman to approve the minutes of
March 13th .
Mr. Austic aye
Mrs. Duddleston aye
Mr. Weatherby aye
Adopted .
Approval of Monthly Claims
Ms. Poelvoorde moved, seconded by Mrs. Duddleston to approve monthly
vouchers 166 through 207, totaling $9, 526 . 83 .
Mr. Austic aye
Mrs. Duddleston aye
Mr. Hillman aye
Ms. Poelvoorde aye
Mr. Weatherby aye
Adopted .
REPORTS OF REPRESENTATIVES
Gunther and Gerry Keil, Ulysses residents residing on Rabbit Run Road
Mr. and Mrs. Keil have submitted a request for municipal water from the Village
of Trumansburg . Mrs. Keil noted that the two wells they have had drilled on their
property both have significant problems associated with them . The Keils noted
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Regular Town Board Meeting
5/8/2001
that several of their neighbors, including one directly next door, already have
municipal water.
The current project plan is to connect the Keil's home and workshop to municipal
water by tapping a currently existing water line, which runs to their next door
neighbor's home, with a 2" line.
Mrs. Keil noted that her family has two issues with this plain. First, being at the
end of the line, water pressure would not be very good . Secondly, the Keils feel
that Rabbit Run Road may eventually receive municipal water, if a potential
annexation to the Village of Trumansburg takes place, and this would result in
them paying for a second water line.
Mr. Austic noted that Village of Trumansburg representatives had discussed
annexing the proposed area and neighboring properties. Per. Austic asked how
urgent the Keil's water situation is: Mr. and Mrs. KS responded, saying they do
have water now. Mr. Austic noted that, since an annexation proposal might be
submitted, to which the Keils' property and the rest of Rabbit Run Road could be
logically added, it would make more sense to wait and se? if water to their
property could be incorporated in the course of that action. Mr. Austic also
suggested that it might be wise for the Keils to petition their neighbors and
discuss the matter with the property owner who is interested in seeking the
annexation .
Mr. Austic also noted that a 2" line would provide adequate water and pressure
for the Keils° home and workshop .
Tompkins County Board of Representatives : Peter Penniman
Mr. Penniman reported on the publication of some new pamphlets, regarding
tourism in the area .
Mr. Penniman discussed the matter of reapportionment. The Board of
Representatives is eager to get through the process of reapportionment, and is
considering a variety of options. The number of Board members could either be
decreased to 13 or increased to 17. Interest has been expressed to maintain the
number of 5 city representatives, although these representatives' districts may
be expanded to reach beyond the City of Ithaca, to include parts of the Town of
Ithaca . Mr. Penniman noted that increasing to 17 representatives would probably
mean more rural representation .
Mr. Austic noted that the Town of Ulysses is not at significant risk for awkward
re-districting lines.
Mr. Penniman also noted that in redistricting, attention i:; also being paid to
election lines. If one Town and a portion of another are included in a Board of
Representatives District, a voting machine must be purchased for the portion of
the latter Town represented by the district. The logical coal is to avoid drawing
district lines that will mandate the purchase of voting machines whenever
possible.
Mr. Penniman reported on the annual budget. For the upcoming fiscal year,
county departments and municipalities will have to account for personnel pay
increases without the help of county dollars. The budget allocation for wages and
salaries will either remain static or be slightly reduced. Mr. Penniman reported
that a number of departments have agreed to cut back their budgets both this
year and in the year to come.
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Town of Ulysses
Regular Town Board Meeting
5/8/2001
Mr. Penniman reported that he has received a request for speed limit reduction
on Perry City Road .
Mr. Meeker stated that the problem would not be solved by reducing the speed
limit, but by increasing enforcement of the current 55mph speed limit.
Mr. Penniman agreed to speak to the Tompkins County Sheriffs Department.
Mr. Penniman introduced discussion on the matter of Jet Ski Regulation on
Cayuga Lake. Mr. Penniman confirmed that regulations of these vehicles are the
responsibility of Towns. It was noted that the Waterfront Redevelopment Plan
includes a clause encouraging Intermunicipal regulation of Jet-Skis. Ms.
Poelvoorde clarified that the plan does include a clause on Jet-Ski regulation, but
that it is only for within 500' of the shore.
Trumansburg Fire Department
No representative was present, no report was made.
TOWN REPORTS
Highway Superintendent
Mr. Meeker reported that the Highway Department has been cleaning up dirt
piles left behind when snow melted , patching all county roads, hauling stone,
and removing rocks from cemeteries in preparation for mowing .
Mr. Meeker reported that the bid he put in for a new used truck was accepted by
Tompkins County, the old truck will be put up for auction on May 19th.
Code Enforcement Officer
Mr. Rachun reported that five permits were issued this month . These included
two new single-family residences, one accessory building and two additions.
Construction costs totaled $337,000, and fees totaled $ 1,611 .
Mr. Rachun reported that Wireless One asked to place antennas on the water
tower at the County Home. Town Attorney Bruce Wilson expressed the opinion
that this project does not require any of the Town 's special permits. Mr. Rachun
asked to retain the fees initially submitted by Wireless One to help cover the
costs of obtaining Mr. Wilson's legal opinion . The company granted this request.
Mr. Rachun also reported that Wireless One is looking to construct a
communications tower, and that he directed them to the Trumansburg Fair
Grounds as a potential site.
Three Board of Zoning Appeals hearings are scheduled for Monday, May 14th.
These include two area variances and one use variance .
Town Clerk
Mrs. Georgia reported that April fees totaled $ 1 ,454. 80, of which $718 was
turned over to Supervisor Austic.
Mrs. Georgia has been looking into " business exemptions" , which she noticed
while reviewing the fire district for Tompkins County Department of Assessment.
The Town of Ulysses gives a ten-year, decreasing business exemption to
businesses. In the first year, a business has a 50% exemption on new
construction . The exemption percentage decreases over ten years.
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Town of Ulysses
Regular Town Board Meeting
5/8/2001
Mrs. Georgia also reported that, in a letter received from Steuben ARC, this
organization notified her that it would no longer be providing microfilming
services. As Steuben ARC has been the provider of all microfilming services for
the Town for many years, this is a shame. The Town will have to find a new
provider, and will have to do so under pressure of time if the Records
Management Grant that was applied for is awarded .
Board Members and Committees,
Ms. Poelvoorde reported on a matter from the Waterfront Plan Meeting .
Tompkins County had initially claimed itself as lead-agency, but the NYS
Department of State has informed the County that it cannot act in this capacity
under SEQR. The County is looking for one of the local Towns or Villages to act
as lead-agency. Ms. Poelvoorde reported that all municipal representatives
present at the meeting were asked to report back to their local Boards. The
Town of Lansing may be interested in filling the position of acting lead agency.
Mr. Austic stated that he is sure Ulysses could act as lead agency if Lansing
chooses not to. .
Mr. Hillman reported that the Youth Commission sponsored an Earth Day
celebration at the Trumansburg School Grounds, which was well attended .
A white-water rafting trip is coming up Memorial Day Weekend .
Mr. Hillman also reported that the Trumansburg Youth Services are seeking a
logo, and that the results of last year's survey have been tabulated .
Mr. Rachun noted that he had given Jolene Uticone an application for the
County's Revitalization Grant, funds from which could be used to set up a Youth
Center in a currently existing building .
Supervisor
No questions were posed concerning Supervisor Austio. ; financial report.
OLD BUSINESS
Planning : Board Appointment
Ms. Poelvoorde noted that four very qualified individual3 had been interviewed .
Mr. Ochs did work for a fertilizer sales company, and now works as an
independent agricultural consultant.
Ms. Poelvoorde moved, seconded by Mrs. Duddleston the following :
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses appoint Mark
Ochs to the Ulysses Planning Board to serve a term of ;even years commencing
immediately and expiring December 31st, 2007 .
Mr. Austic no vote
Mrs. Duddleston aye
Mr. Hillman aye
Ms. Poelvoorde aye
Mr. Weatherby aye
Adopted.
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Town of Ulysses 7g
Regular Town Board Meeting
5/8/2001
Mr. Ochs will be notified by Mr. Austic and informed he must fill out a Tompkins
County Application, sign the Oath of Office register and supply the clerk with his
resume.
Rabbit Run Water Request
Previously discussed .
Other:
Atlantic Inland
Mr. Ken Manzari has asked permission to issue electrical permits in the Town of
Ulysses.
Mr. Rachun noted that the Town's contract should mandate that property owners
should go through the whole process with whichever contractor they initially
work with .
Mr. Austic stated that the contract could be drawn up with this clause.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses allows Atlantic
Inland to perform electrical inspections in the Town of Ulysses.
Further resolve that a contract clause mandating that property owners must
work with the same contractor, either NYS Board of Fire Underwriters or Atlantic
Inland throughout the entirety of their projects .
Mr. Austic aye
Mrs. Duddleston aye
Mr. Hillman aye
Ms. Poelvoorde aye
Mr. Weatherby aye
Adopted .
The resolution will be sent to Atlantic Inland and to the NYS Board of Are
Underwriters.
Mr. Rachun stated that Atlantic Inland should also see that the Town gets all
paperwork for the inspection process.
Water District # 3
Mr. Austic reported that Barton & Loguidice submitted a proposal for final
engineering work. As a result of the April reduction of the area to be initially
included in the proposed water district, the final engineering cost estimate was
reduced from $60,000 to $27,000 .
Because engineering work is required before a grant application can be
submitted , the Town has already appropriated $60, 000 for engineering costs.
Mr. Austic explained that the $27,000 would come from tax dollars and sales tax
dollars initially, but will be levied to the water district once it is formed . Over
time, water district users would reimburse the Town through their regular
quarterly water payments.
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Town of Ulysses
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Regular Town Board Meeting
5/8/2001
Ms. Poelvoorde moved, seconded by Mrs. Duddleston the following :
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses authorize
Supervisor Austic to sign the agreement with Barton & Loguidice for engineering
work for the Town of Ulysses Water District #3 at a cost of $23, 700 with an
additional $4000 allowance for Phase 1A CRS as stated in the agreement.
Mr. Austic aye
Mrs. Duddleston aye
Mr. Hillman aye
Ms. Poelvoorde aye
Mr. Weatherby aye
Adopted.
Mr. Austic also reported that Christian Nill is working on an application for the
Town of Ulysses to the Appalachian Regional Community Grant, for up to
$150,000 for water, sewer infrastructure in areas of public health. The
application is due June 8th.
NEW BUSINESS
George Frantz Contract
Mr. Austic reported that Town Attorney Bruce Wilson has reviewed Mr. George
Frantz's contract. The only change noted was that the price was wrong, Mr.
Frantz told Mr. Austic that this was just a typing error, and it was corrected .
Mrs. Duddleston moved, seconded by Mr. Hillman the following :
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses authorizes
Supervisor Austic to sign the contract with George Frantz in the amount of
$17,835 for professional planning assistance for the purpose of revising the
Town of Ulysses Zoning Ordinance.
Mr. Austic aye
Mrs. Duddleston aye
Mr. Hillman aye
Ms. Poelvoorde aye
Mr. Weatherby aye
Adopted.
Iradell Road Numbering
Mr. Austic noted that the Town of Ulysses passed a resolution to re-number
Iradell Road in 1997. In order for the Town of Ulysses to seek to work with all
neighboring towns and concerned community service agencies, Mr. Austic
suggested rescinding this resolution .
Mr. Hillman moved, seconded by Ms. Poelvoorde, the following :
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Town of Ulysses ge
Regular Town Board Meeting
5/8/2001
WHEREAS : the Ulysses Town Board resolved at the regular Town Board
meeting of July 7, 1997 to renumber house numbers in the Town on Iradell
Road, and
WHEREAS : It appears that Ulysses was the only municipality approached about
the problem our four-digit system creates for the Fire and Disaster Office, and
WHEREAS: Problems have been found in other municipalities, related or not to
the four-digit system, and these problems may need to be addressed also, and
WHEREAS : The program being used by the Fire and Disaster Coordinator is
quite old and may be outdated ,
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT: The Ulysses Town Board revoke its
motion of July 8th, 1997 and begin working with other municipalities to solve the
problems that exist by whatever means practicable, and to ask county officials to
investigate the possibility of a program upgrade which would accept a
combination of numbering systems. As other municipalities may change to an
upgraded numbering system, the Fire and Disaster communication system
should be able to adapt to ensure the safety of all County residents.
Mr. Austic aye
Mrs. Duddleston aye
Mr. Hillman aye
Ms. Poelvoorde aye
Mr. Weatherby aye
Adopted .
Mrs. Georgia reported to Mr. Penniman that she had spoken with Mary Ridley, of
Tompkins County Fire & Disaster, who told her she has created a cross-reference
system between 3 and 4 digit street numbers and has not had any difficulties
with Iradell Road since she instituted this system .
Mrs. Georgia also reported that she spoke with Richard Kinner, EMT who works
with Trumansburg Ambulance. Mr. Kinner is compiling a notebook of all the
areas they serve and has no problem with the four digit numbers on Iradell Rd .
Mr. Penniman noted another difficulty. Mr. Penniman has spoken with Mr.
Brayton Foster, Covert Town Supervisor, and found that the cellular towers
system could create a great deal of difficulty for 911 calls made in north-western
Tompkins County, with the calls being routed to Seneca Falls.
HEARINGS FROM GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS
No comments were heard .
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Austic suggested all Town Board members read the memorandum sent by
the Towns and Villages to the County Board, regarding the communications
towers program .
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Hillman moved, seconded by Mr. Weatherby to adjourn the meeting .
Mr. Austic aye
Mrs. Duddleston aye
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Town of Ulysses
Regular Town Board Meeting
5/8/2001
Mr. Hillman aye
Ms. Poelvoorde aye
Mr. Weatherby aye
The meeting adjourned at 9 : 15 pm .
Respectfully submitted,
Marsha Georgia
Town Clerk
MLG : kl
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