HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-06-12 - TB l C2k,
MINUTES
TOWN OF ULYSSES
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING
6 / 12 / 2001
PRESENT: Supervisor Douglas Austic, Councilpeople Carolyn Duddleston,
Andrew Hillman, Sue Poelvoorde, and Robert Weatherby, Highway
Superintendent James Meeker, Code Enforcement Officer Alex Rachun, Deputy
Town Clerk Karin Lanning, and Town Attorney Bruce Wilson
ALSO PRESENT: David Allen, Ed Brown, Tom and Sue Sheridan, Fred
Vanderzee, Daniel Peck, and Richard and Peg Coogan, Tompkins County Sheriff
Peter Meskill, and Peter Penniman of the Tompkins County Board of
Representatives .
Supervisor Austic called the meeting to order at 7 : 30 PM and led the assembled
in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag .
APPROVAL OF MONTHLY MINUTES : REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING
OF MAY 8T", 2001 .
Noting minor corrections, Ms. Poelvoorde moved, seconded by Mrs. Duddleston
to approve the minutes of the Regular Town Board meeting of May 8th 2001 as
presented .
Mr. Austic aye
Mrs. Duddleston aye
Mr. Hillman aye
Ms. Poelvoorde aye
Adopted .
APPROVAL OF MONTHLY CLAIMS
Mr. Hillman moved, seconded by Ms. Poelvoorde to approve monthly voucher
numbers 208 through 250, totaling $38, 394. 15 .
Mr. Austic aye
Mrs. Duddleston aye
Mr. Hillman aye
Ms. Poelvoorde aye
Adopted .
REPORTS OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fred Vanderzee, Village of Trumansburg Annexation
Mr. Fred Vanderzee and Mr. Daniel Peck presented the project Mr. Vanderzee is
proposing for annexation to the Village of Trumansburg as well as development.
Mr. Vanderzee stated that the project consists of the construction of a Hotel and
Catering Hall, with a seniors' manufactured home park. A walking park along a
wetlands area running through the property would provide recreation for
residents and guests. Mr. Vanderzee and Mr. Peck laid out a model of the site,
noting that the project would include the protection of wetlands on Mr.
Vanderzee's property. Mr. Vanderzee stated that his hope is to open the
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Town of Ulysses
Regular Board Meeting
6/12/2001
proposed facilities in two years, and that his intent would be to remove the
manufactured homes that are currently on his property.
Mr. Vanderzee stated that he would like to annex the property to the Village of
Trumansburg in order to obtain municipal water and sewer. Mr. Vanderzee noted
that the project would be good for the community, bringing tax revenues and
employment of about 50 individuals into the Village. The acreage to be annexed
totals 13.2 acres, and Mr. Vanderzee stated that the architecture and character
of the buildings would be designed to fit well with the decor of the Village of
Trumansburg .
Mr. Peck noted that there is a buffer on one side of the property and that Mr.
Vanderzee's intent is to plant an attractive hedge border on the other side.
Supervisor Austic stated that the Trumansburg Fair Board has also requested
annexation . Mr. Austic noted that the Town would not lose anything by having
Mr .Vanderzee's property annexed to the Village of Trumansburg .
David Allen. Village of Trumansburg Annexation.
Mr. David Allen, representing Smith Woods and the Cemetery Board spoke,
stating a request for annexation to the Village of Trumansburg for approximately
31 acres each . Mr. Allen stated that since the two properties are tax exempt, the
Town would not lose anything in the annexation, although the two properties
would gain the ability of the Village of Trumansburg Police Department to
respond directly to situations in Smith Woods or at the cemetery.
Mr. Allen reported that a letter has been sent to the Village of Trumansburg, but
the representatives have not spoken to the Village Board as of yet.
Mr. Weatherby noted that the annexation would allow for the extension of the
reduced speed limit of 30 miles per hour.
Supervisor Austic stated that the representatives of the Cemetery and Smith.
Woods should wait to hear back from the Village.
Su • .. m eridan T . • I . nn f_kt F • s nn
Mr. Tom and Mrs. Sue Sheridan introduced the project they are proposing for
their business, Taughannock Farms Inn .
The proposed project is to construct a 10-room guest-house, on the southwest
(rear) corner of their property, across the street from the Taughannock Farms
Inn, near the home, where they currently live and let guest rooms. Mrs. Sheridan
stated that in the five years the Sheridan's have owned Taughannock Farms Inn,
the demand for rooms has increased immensely. The additional 10 rooms would
increase business, and would mean significantly less potential customers will
have to be turned away. Mr. Sheridan stated that the rooms would be let at
costs comparable to the other rooms at the Inn, letting for between $ 100 and
$130 per night.
Mr. Sheridan discussed the implications of the project. Mr. Sheridan stated that
the project would be beneficial to the neighborhood and to the Town overall in
that it would increase tax revenues and would bring in more tourism, while not
being very visible at all to the neighboring Taughannock Falls State Park.
The guest house would be designed to be comparable to the architectural and
decorative styles of the Taughannock Farms Inn main building and the
residence, with the color scheme probably consisting of forest green with gold
trim .
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Regular Board Meeting
6/ 12/2001
Mr. Rachun stated that the issue with the proposed project is the fact that
Taughannock Farms Inn is a grandfathered commercial property, located within
a residential area, with regulations against growth in place. However, Mr. Rachun
noted, the property does fall within an area that is designated for Cl (tourism
industry) Commercial use on the Comprehensive Plan . In order to allow the
project, the Town Board will have to make a zoning change for the property.
Supervisor Austic suggested, and the Board agreed, to send the information on
the project prepared by Mr. and Mrs. Sheridan to the Town Planning Board with
a request for recommendation regarding the change of zoning of the property
within ten days. Mr. Austic then briefly outlined the process that the project will
follow, if a zoning change is pursued .
Tompkins County Board of Representatives ', Peter Penniman
Mr. Penniman reported on a tour about watershed issues, called "Water in,
Water Out", which is being held for elected officials, and on the final draft of the
Bylaws of the Recreation Partnership Board .
Mr. Penniman discussed the Town 's inability to pursue funding from the
Appalachian Regional Commission (A. R. C. ) . Mr . Penniman reported that his
understanding of the situation is that, when Tompkins County dropped out of
membership in the Southern Tier Eastern Region Planning Board, the Board
would still be able to act as administrator for Tompkins County or any of its
municipalities that should seek funds from the A . R. C. Mr. Penniman stated that
he will look into the matter, as he does not believe the inability of Tompkins
County municipalities to pursue A . R. C. funds is in keeping with the contract
between the Southern Tier Eastern Region Planning Board and Tompkins County,
Supervisor Austic asked why Tompkins County dropped its membership with the
Board . Mr. Penniman reported that the benefits were not balancing out the
monies required for annual dues. Although Mr. Penniman did not have a specific
figure for the annual dues, he stated that he believed they were between $3,000
and $5,000 per year.
Mr. Penniman also reported on the Census report of growth in the Town of
Ulysses and on the Tompkins County Redistricting project.
The Census reported a 2% increase in enrollment at the Trumansburg Central
School District, with total numbers rising from 1 ,429 students to 1 , 500 students
in the past decade. Mr. Penniman stated that appeals concerning these results
are due by mid-summer. If it appears that a number of households have been
omitted from the results as compiled for the Census Report, an appeal would be
justified .
Although a 17 member Board of Representatives has received much support, Mr.
Penniman reported that this option for reapportionment was not seen as
significantly better than other possibilities by the Board of Representatives. The
creation of a 17 district Board would cost the County a good deal in the purchase
of additional voting machines that would be required to set up a number of
districts that are made up of portions of more than one Township.
Tompkins County Sherriff, Peter IMeskill
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Tompkins County Sheriff Peter Meskill reported on progr* ss in addressing the
issues raised by the Ithaca Yacht Club about the NYS Route 89 Glenwood Bridge
Project, and introduced the Sheriffs Department new K-9 .
Mr. Meskill reported that he was told by the highway project head that the traffic
lights, which control traffic through the construction zone, need to be repaired.
He was told that the repairs are underway, and the Sheriffs Department will
monitor the situation throughout the next couple of weeks. In addition to I
patrolling, the traffic cart will be set up to get an accurate idea of the traffic
situation.
Mr. Meeker noted that, while everyone needs to keep in mind that the road
designated for a pedestrian detour is a public highway, the law allows for the
reduction of speed in a construction zone to 20 miles per hour below the normal
speed limit.
Mr. Meskill introduced the Sheriff's Department new K-9;, and urged the Town
Board to report any specific problems and areas of concerns to the Department.
Mr. Meeker noted the continuing problem of speeding along Perry City Road.
Supervisor Austic asked about the uneven ticket caseload's that are received by
the two Town justices. Mr. Meskill stated that the Sheriff's Department officers
are urged to assign tickets evenly, but that matters of time and date convenience
do weigh inn Mr. Meskill further stated that some Towns have the court clerk
assign cases, to guarantee an even caseload .
TOWN REPORTS , i
Highway Superintendent Jim Meeker
Mr. Meeker reported that the 1981 Mac was auctioned off for $2,200, a good
price.
Mr. Meeker reported on highway work for the month . The Highway Department
installed driveway pipes on Garrett Road, Cold Springs Road and NYS Route 96;
helped the Village of Trumansburg to haul hot mix for the Lake Street Bridge
project, patched up Curry Road, and is currently working on mowing . The
Highway Department also has helped Tompkins County with the project on
Podunk Road . A Tompkins County mower is available to the Town one day each
week to assist with the mowing .
Mr. Meeker reported that there has been some difficulty in finding replacement
axle parts for the rubber roller. This piece is at Caskey's Garage, with the hopes
that they will be able to repair it. Mr. Meeker also reported repairs for the 1988
Mac Truck and sill work on the salt box.
Mr. Meeker re-noted the situation surrounding the bridge construction project on
NYS Route 89 in the Town of Ulysses.
After brief discussion, Mr. Hillman moved, seconded by Ms. Poelvoorde the
following resolution :
WHEREAS, The Town has received complaints from the Ithaca Yacht Club about
fast moving cars on Glenwood Road, and
WHEREAS, the Yacht Club's summer youth program begins shortly, adding to
their concern, and
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Regular Board Meeting
6/12/2001
WHEREAS, New York State Law Article 30, Section 1180f allows for the
reduction of speed in a construction zone by no more than 20 miles per hour,
and
WHEREAS, Glenwood Road is located within the detour established by NYSDOT
for the reconstruction of the Glenwood Creek Bridge on NYS Route 89,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Ulysses Town Board authorizes the
highway superintendent to install temporary 35 mile per hour speed limit signs
on Glenwood Road for the duration of the Route 89 bridge construction project.
Mr. Austic aye
Mrs. Duddleston aye
Mr. Hillman aye
Ms. Poelvoorde aye
Mr. Weatherby aye
Adopted .
Mr. Meeker will arrange to temporarily obtain some 35-miles per hour speed
zone signs from Tompkins County .
Code Enforcement Officer Alex Rachun
Mr. Rachun reported that he has issued 10 permits this month . Permits were
issued for 1 single-family residence, 2 accessory buildings, and 7 additions. Total
construction costs totaled $388, 200, and $ 1,442 was collected in fees.
Mr. Rachun noted a full slate of business for the Planning Board, including a
reconvened public hearing for the Franziska Racker Center, presentation of a
proposed tower construction project from Sprint, and recommendations
concerning changing the zoning for Mr. Fred Vanderzee's property and the
Taughannock Farms Inn .
Town Clerk Marsha Georgia
Mrs. Georgia was not present, Deputy Town Clerk, Kahn Lanning presented the
monthly report. Mrs. Lanning reported that fees collected totaled $ 1 , 163 . 70,
$656. 95 of which was turned over to the Supervisor for the general fund, and
$ 15 .00 more of which was turned over for the part-Town fund . Mrs. tanning
reported that the taxes have been turned over to Tompkins County Budget and
Finance Department. $ 1 , 589,669.44 was collected, and the 82 outstanding bills
total $ 103,307. 71 . Mrs. Georgia wrote a final check to Tompkins County, totaling
$25, 123 .89 .
Mrs. Lanning also reported that Suzanne Etherington, of the NYS Local
Government Records Management Improvement Fund has asked if the Town of
Ulysses would like to host a workshop at some point in the next few months.
The Town Board felt this would be acceptable .
Board Members and Committees
Mrs. Duddleston reported on a quiet assessment grievance day. Four
individuals appeared to file a grievance. Three of these were matters where the
levy for a split property had not been removed from the overall tax bill, and one
was a grievance claiming that a property was assessed too high, which will be
reviewed by Tompkins County.
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Town of Ulysses
Regular Board Meeting
6/12/2001
Supervisor
No questions were heard about the Supervisor's Financial Report.
Mr. Austic reported that Chris Kimball-Peterson, of the Trumansburg Area
Chamber of Commerce contacted him with a request to he put on the agenda for
next months meeting to discuss with the Town Board this perceived anti-
commerce attitude that exists about the Town of Ulysses area.
OLD BUSINESS
Water District3
Supervisor Austic reported that he and Town Attorney Bruce Wilson met with Eric
Pond of Barton & Loguidice, P.C. concerning the official map of Water District
#3. Mr. Austic noted that the district has been extended up Perry City Road,
after it was determined that to do so would, indeed be economical . The color-
coded map has not been completed as of yet.
Mr. Austic reported that Barton & Loguidice has drawn up a schedule, which
indudes the expectation to put the project out for bid by October 15"', 2001 .
Mr. Austic also noted that the Town needs to pass a resolution, declaring itself as
the Lead Agency for the project in regards to S.E.Q. R.A. requirements.
After brief discussion, Ms. Poelvoorde moved, seconded Icy Mr. Hillman, the
following resolution :
WHEREAS, the Town of Ulysses Town Board has determined that the Town of
Ulysses Water District Number 3 should be formed,
WHEREAS, at the direction of the Board, the Town's Engineers, Barton &
Loguidice, P.C. , have been authorized to prepare a Draft Map, Plan and Report
WHEREAS, said Report is intended to delineate proposed distribution system
facilities, options, and estimated costs for construction; end
WHEREAS, the Project is an "action" as defined by the State Environmental
Quality Review Act (SEQRA); and
WHEREAS, a Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF) must be completed
and circulated to all Involved Agencies for establishing the Town Board as "Lead
Agency" in accordance with 6NYCRR Part 617.6 for the purpose of conducting a
SEQRA/SERP review of the Project; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Board to assume the role of " Lead Agency" for
purposes of Project environmental review.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AND DETERMINED, that Barton &
Loguidice, P.C. , as Engineers to the Town, be authorized' to prepare Part I of the
Full Environmental Assessment Form; and it is further
RESOLVED AND DETERMINED, that the Supervisor be and is hereby
authorized to sign the Full Environmental Assessment Form; and it is further
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Town of Ulysses 1
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RESOLVED AND DETERMINED, that this Board will circulate said Full
Environmental Assessment Form to the following "Involved Agencies" under
cover of the attached "Notice of Intent to Establish Lead Agency" letter for
purposes of establishing Lead Agency status under SEQRA/SERP : NYS
Departments of Environmental Conservation, Health, Environmental Facilities
Corporation, Transportation, Agriculture and Markets, and Office of Parks,
Recreation and Historic Preservation ; Tompkins County Offices of Health,
Planning and Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board ; Town of Ithaca and
City of Ithaca, and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Supervisor, together with the Town Board, and the Town's
Engineers are hereby authorized to take all actions, serve all notices, and
complete all documents in order to give full force and effect to this
determination .
Mr. Austic aye
Mrs. Duddleston aye
Mr. Hillman aye
Ms. Poelvoorde aye
Mr. Weatherby aye
Adopted .
Mr. Austic reported that a resolution is needed in order for him to be able to sign
the preliminary notice of intent to form a water district, part of which will lie
within an agricultural district, for the NYS Department of Agriculture and
Markets.
Ms. Poelvoorde moved, seconded by Mrs. Duddleston the following :
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, that the Town of Ulysses Town Board authorizes
the Town Supervisor to sign a preliminary letter of intent notifying the New York
State Department of Agriculture and Markets of the Town's intent to form a
water district, a portion of which will be located within an agriculture district.
Mr. Austic aye
Mrs. Duddleston aye
Mr. Hillman aye
Ms. Poelvoorde aye
Mr. Weatherby aye
Adopted .
Mr. Austic also stated that a resolution authorizing Barton & Loguidice to proceed
with Phase lA of a Cultural Resources Survey Worksheet is needed .
Mr. Weatherby moved, seconded by Mrs. Duddleston the following :
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, that the Town of Ulysses Town Board hereby
authorizes Barton & Loguidice, P . C . to proceed with Phase IA of the Cultural
Resources Survey.
Mr. Austic aye
Mrs. Duddleston aye
Mr. Hillman aye
Ms. Poelvoorde aye
Mr. Weatherby aye
Adopted .
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Regular Board Meeting
6/12/2001
Mr. Austic reported that the Town and City of Ithaca officials he needs to meet
with are currently out of .town . He hopes to schedule a meeting to take place in
the next couple of weeks, to review the project and identify issues pertaining to
it.
Mr. Austic also reported that he needs to contact the property owner at the
corner of Iradell and Van Doms Corners Road, concerning the possible
placement of the water tank at that location .
Supervisor Austic discussed the process of final approval of Water District #3.
The final decision can be made based on a Board initiative, subject to permissive
referendum or a petition . Both possibilities have downsides: with a permissive
referendum, if 5% or more of the residents who would be included in the district
contact the Town in opposition to the proposal, the residents in the proposed
district will have to vote on the matter; with a petition, it would be very difficult
to gather complete information because of the summer :season . The general
consensus of the Town Board was that a Board initiative subject to permissive
referendum would be more feasible because of the season .
Rabbit Run Water Reauest
The Keil's request for municipal water on Rabbit Run Road is on hold until the
Town of Ulysses and the Village of Trumansburg discuss the Vanderzee
Annexation Request.
NEW BUSINESS
Es • * Iasi 2 IN . • • • nd i D • . o n i • hw .. S iperintendent
positions .
Mrs. Duddleston moved, seconded by Mr. Hillman the following resolution :
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT, the Town of Ulysses Town Board hereby
establishes two Machine Equipment Operator positions and one Deputy Town
Highway Superintendent position, in the Town, and
FURTHER, authorizes the Town Supervisor to notify the Tompkins County
Personnel Department of this resolution .
Mr. Austic aye
Mrs. Duddleston aye
Mr. Hillman aye
Ms. Poelvoorde aye
Mr. Weatherby aye
Adopted .
Lake Street Bridge
The Lake Street Bridge Project has been completed . The Town of Ulysses will be
paying approximately $25,000 for its share of the project.
It was noted that the bridge has a nice sidewalk, which ends abruptly, and that
the Town had agreed to share a grant with the Village of Trumansburg for the
establishment of a sidewalk across the bridge and beyond . The consensus was
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Town of Ulysses g•- 0 I
Regular Board Meeting
6/ 12/2001
that Mr. Austic will contact the Village of Trumansburg concerning the
continuation of the sidewalk.
ARC Grant Status
The status of the A. R. C. grant is, for now, unobtainable. Mr. Penniman discussed
the situation that has come up concerning the grant in his report.
1 Other:
Mr. Austic reported that the Village of Trumansburg has agreed to allow the
Town to assess agricultural land at the agricultural rate when determining fire
taxes. Doing so will allow much of farmers' agricultural land to be exempt from
fire tax levy.
Mr. Austic noted that agreeing to do this would reduce the Town's income by
about $3,000 per year.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No comments were made.
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Austic reported that he received a letter concerning a meeting about urban
waterfront rediscovery through the Clean Water Clean Air Bond Act, which is to
be put on by the NYS Department of State on June 14th, 2001 , from 1 pm to 3
pm . Ms. Poelvoorde stated that she would probably be able to attend .
Mr. Austic also reported that the Jacksonville Community Association has
submitted a grant application to Tompkins County for a sidewalk project. The
J .C.A. expects to hear back on the application by the end of July, if it is awarded,
the Town would have to put out some matching funds. The project could be the
first of several steps for revitalizing downtown Jacksonville.
Mr. Meeker called the Board's attention to the fact that the NYS budget has not
yet passed . It is not expected to pass until September. Consequently, road work
that will be done this summer will be completed without assurance of the
requested funding from New York State.
Mr. Meeker also stated that he will have to speak to a local property owner
concerning an easement that will be needed in order to redo the Seneca Road
bridge near Curry Road . The project is scheduled to take place in two years, all
of which Mr. Meeker stated , the Town will need to plan and budget.
ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further business, Mr. Hillman moved, seconded by Ms. Poelvoorde to
adjourn the meeting .
Mr. Austic aye
Mrs. Duddleston aye
Mr. Hillman aye
Ms. Poelvoorde aye
Mr. Weatherby aye
The meeting adjourned at 9 : 45 pm .
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Town of Ulysses
Regular Board Meeting
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Respectfully submitted,
Karin T. Lanning
Ulysses Deputy Town Clerk
KTL: Id
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