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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-07-10 - TB r), k3 TOWN OF ULYSSES REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 7/10/2001 PRESENT: Supervisor Doug Austic , Town Councilpeople Carolyn Duddleston, Andrew Hillman, Sue Poelvoorde, and Robert Weatherby, Town Highway Superintendent Jim Meeker, ALSO PRESENT : Eric Pond, of Barton & Loguidice, Tompkins County Representative Peter Penniman, Richard Coogan, and Grace Wolf of the Trumansburg Free Press. Supervisor Austic called the meeting to order at 7 : 30 and led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag. Water District No 3 Update Eric Pond presented updated information on proposed Water District No 3 . Mr. Pond began by summarizing the proposed project . The proposal is to create a new water district in the Town of Ulysses consisting primarily of the hamlet of Jacksonville. The water supply will come from the Town of Ithaca main water line, with transmission lines being installed from the Town of Ithaca water main, running up to Jacksonville. Mr. Pond noted that engineers from Barton & Loguidice, P . C. were asked by the Town of Ulysses to ascertain whether inclusion of Cold Springs Road would have positive or negative economic impact on the project. After researching the matter, Barton & Loguidice concluded that it would be economically feasible, and indeed, slightly beneficial to include Cold Springs Road in the project . In particular, the inclusion of the I . S .A. Babcock facilities on Cold Springs Road creates a high demand for water at the end of the line, which will be beneficial to the system. Mr. Pond reported that, in the past month, Barton & Loguidice has been working on assessing the environmental aspects of the project and preparing a Map Plan and Report. Mr. Pond stated that as part of State Environmental Quality Review procedures the Town of Ulysses had to complete an Environmental Assessment Form and contact potentially interested and involved agencies. The Town did these things, and Barton & Loguidice has contracted with an archaeologist to prepare a Phase IA Cultural Resources Survey, which has gotten underway. The next step is a Phase IB C .R. S . , which will include the digging of test pits to look for archaeological resources . Because the Town of Ulysses has agricultural districts, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has to be notified about the project. Mr. Pond reported that a preliminary letter of intent, stating that the project will not have detrimental effects on agricultural lands, has been sent to N. Y. S. Dept . of Agriculture and Markets. Mr. Pond reported on the revisions of the 1999 water supply study. The updated study will serve as a basis for the Map Plan and Report. The study addresses hydraulics and shows proposed facilities. The current goal is to complete project design in time to meet the October 15t application deadline for the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund, the agency which could provide 0%, 30 year financing for the project. The revised costs of the project were also reported on. In the engineering study, the cost of the facilities is estimated to be $3 . 15 million. The number of users. of the system will be approximately 343 .6 equivalent dwelling units. Mr. Pond explained that an equivalent dwelling unit refers to 73 ,000 gallons per year, or the estimated average amount that a household uses annually. This breaks down to 200 gallons per day per household. Based on these numbers of users and rates of consumption, the cost per unit user charge will be $501 . This figure includes debt service to finance the project for 30 years, the cost of buying water from Ithaca and Operation and Maintenance charges, including electric power for the station and periodic testing and reporting of water quality to the Health Department . Mr. Pond explained that this figure of $ 501 is significant for two reasons. In Town of Ulysses g\14 Town Board Meeting 7/ 10/2001 the first place, the New York State Audit and Control has established that projects exceeding $501 dollars per unit will require special approval that will mean at least a nine-month period before the project would be approved. Keeping the per unit cost of the project at or below $501 will allow the project to go forward without the review and approval of Audit and Control. Secondly, the target service charge for the Town of Ulysses is $499. Agencies try to get down to this amount in order to receive funds. Based on the revised project, the Town of Ulysses qualifies for 0%, 30 year financing, a "hardship loan" . (The Town of Ulysses is not eligible for grants from the State Revolving Fund or Rural Development because the median household income in the Town of Ulysses is above the New York State average.) Mr. Pond reported that the Town has, however, received a grant of up to $500,000 from the Infrastructure Initiative. This grant was factored in to derive the per unit figure of $501 . Without the grant, the cost per unit would be approximately $552 . Mr. Pond discussed the Map Plan and Report. The map plan and report establishes maximum allowed expenditure and service charges, in the case of the proposed project $3 . 15 million, and is a binding legal document between the users of the district and the Town of Ulysses. The Map Plan and Report addresses the history of the project, is the document by which the project is authorized, and lays out the legal boundaries of the district. The tank and pump station locations and information such as the size of the water lines are also included in the Map Plan and Report. The Map Plan and Report also includes the Unit Assessment. The Unit Assessment that was used by Barton & Loguidice is the equivalent dwelling unit method. Mr. Pond described this earlier in his discussion, he expounded on it more, noting how different types of property are evaluated in equivalent dwelling units (E.D.U.). Typical, one-unit, single -family households are assessed at 1 EDU, apartments in apartment complexes are assessed at . 8 EDU, multi- family residential, or lots with more than one residence on a parcel, are assessed at 1 EDU per residential unit. Commercial and institutional assessments are given an estimated minimum EDU rate based on the institutions' information. If businesses or institutions use more water, they are assessed for what they actually use. New York State Agriculture and Markets Department law, vacant land within an agricultural district cannot be assessed. Mr. Pond noted that, since most of the vacant land in the Town of Ulysses is in agricultural districts, and because levying funds from the owners of vacant lots would likely encourage development, the decision was made not to assess any vacant lands for water use in EDU's. Mr. Pond concluded by stating that the next steps in the process is the approval of the Map Plan and Report by the Town Board and the scheduling of a public hearing to present the map plan and report to users within the water district. Mr. Pond stated that the final step of the process is design. Plans, specifications and district formations must be completed in order to file a complete application. District formation work has already begun. Mr. Pond presented a proposal for the Town Board to consider, for the preparation of plans and specifications. The proposal reflects the important needs for good timing in the process: the application should be submitted in October in order to close on the municipal bonds in February. It is important to have the funds available for contract bidding in early spring, because it would be best to give the contractor the full summer to start work on the project. Mr. Pond also noted that the Map Plan and Report is written based on the assumptions that the Town of Ulysses will receive the $500,000 grant and the hardship loan. It is also drafted on the assumption that all necessary agreements between the Town of Ulysses, the Town of Ithaca and the City 4 of Ithaca will be made in order to provide water to the Town cif Ulysses from Bolton Point. Mr. Peter Penniman asked what the current status of District Formation is. Mr. Pond stated that the district could be formed, subject to permissive referendum in the next month. Mr. Penniman asked about the decision to include some areas and not others. f Mr. Pond responded by stating that the key to which areas were included in the district was population density. Generally, areas below a certain threshold of population density 2 Town of Ulysses al5 Town Board Meeting 7/ 10/2001 were not included. This reflects both economic factors and practical ones, related to the quality of water flow in the district . The Board and Mr. Pond discussed issues pertinent to the individual hook-up to the system of individual property owners. Typically there is a connection window of one year. The Town would provide the water mains, the service laterals, curb stops and curb boxes to the property line. So the user from the Town will be responsible for installing the water line between the property line and the home. This would be a one-time fee the user will have to bare on its own. In addition the Map Plan and Report identifies a meter charge which the Town would assess at the time of connection. This charge is a nominal charge for the cost of a water meter (approximately $ 100) . The water meter would be provided to the plumber who is doing the water service . The plumber can install it and as part of a hook up fee the Town will inspect the dwelling to make sure the meter was installed proper and that there is no cross connections between the existing water source and the new water source Mr. Pond presented the design proposal to the Town Board. It was noted that reducing the number of users in the Water District would cause risk of exceeding the per-user threshold of $501 . Mr. Pond called the Town Board's attention to the fact that the proposal is stage 1 of what can be expected to be a multi-stage process. The proposal is a feasible first stage; additions could be formed feasibly in the future. Mr. Pond described the surveying needs for the project. The estimated cost for survey work will be about $30,000. Two contracts will be drawn up: a general one covering the water lines, pump station and other structural effects, and a second contract, covering electric. Supervisor Austic reported that he spoke to Town of Ithaca Supervisor Cathy Valentino about setting up a meeting between the involved municipalities in order to pull together some intermediate agreements to allow work on the project to continue as planned. Mr. Pond discussed the proposed fees for Barton & Loguidice for the project. Total fees for engineering services are estimated at approximately $334,000, plus another $30,000 or so for survey expenses. After discussing the fact that the next step for the Town of Ulysses is the setting of a date for a public hearing. After some discussion, July 31st was selected as a date . APPROVAL OF MINUTES After several corrections were noted, Mrs. Duddleston moved, seconded by Mr. Hillman to approve the minutes of June 12th, 2001 . Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Mr. Hillman aye Ms. Poelvoorde aye Mr. Weatherby aye Adopted. APPROVAL OF MONTHLY CLAIMS Ms. Poelvoorde moved, seconded by Mrs. Duddleston to approve monthly vouchers numbers 252 through 294, totaling $ 17,026.69. Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Mr. Hillman aye Ms. Poelvoorde aye Mr. Weatherby aye Adopted. 3 Town of Ulysses Town Board Meeting �. 7/ 10/2001 REPORTS OF REPRESENTATIVES Trumansburg Fire Department No representative was present, no report was made. Trumansburg Area Chamber of Commerce Chris Kimball-Peterson spoke on behalf of the Trumansburg Area Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Peterson noted that after a meeting of the Chamber, where Supervisor Austic spoke, the consensus of the Chamber was that a majority of business owners in the Trumansburg area are not familiar with planning and zoning nutters. Ms. Peterson stated that there has been misunderstanding between business owners and the Town of Ulysses, and education is needed. The Chamber of Commerce is proposing to cooperate with the Town of Ulysses and the Village of Trunansburg in putting on an informational educational meeting to discuss concerns and brainstorm ways to revitalize Main Street, Trumansburg. The Chamber of Commerce is willing to spearhead the meeting, the Chamber requests cooperation from the Town in the form of a Town Board Member to work with the Chamber in organizing the meeting. Other Towns whose representatives may be invited include Covert and Ovid, because these Towns are now included in the Trumansburg Area Chamber of Commerce. Tompkins County Board of Representatives: Peter Penniman Mr. Penniman reported that the redistricting case would be going back to court. Mr. Penniman also reported that the County Planning Commissioner has turned in his resignation effective at the end of September. Supervisor Austic, as chair of the Municipal Officers group, has been requested to participate on the replacement committee. Mr. Penniman reported on the situation between the Appalachian Regional Commission and the County's relationship with the Southern Tier East Regional Planning Development Board. Mr. Penniman stated that the ARC is reviewing the Town's grant, but has not been able to find out much more. Mr. Austic reported that he also had made contact about this matter. Mr. Austic stated that the Town would probably be eligible to apply for the next funding cycle, next spring. Mr. Penniman also reported that Cornell Cooperative Extension, with financing help from Tompkins County, is working to purchase the AAA building adjacent to their location on Willow Avenue, in the City of Ithaca. TOWN REPORTS Highway Superintendent Mr. Meeker reported that highway department work in the pa>t month has included mowing, patching, helping the Town of Enfield with stone and oil work, and trimming brush Mr. Meeker reported that replacement axles for the roller were fabricated and purchased. Code Enforcement Officer Mr. Rachun reported that he has issued four permits for total estimated costs of $42,000, with fees collected totaling $246. Mr. Rachun reported one Zoning issue necessitated a Board of Zoning Appeals hearing, which occurred last evening, but will be reconvened on Monday, July 16th. 4 Town of Ulysses 1 Town Board Meeting 7/ 10/2001 Mr. Rachun reported a full slate of business for the Planning Board, including potential Site Plan Review work for a tower, a change of zoning and construction project at Taughannock Farms Inn and Vanderzee's development project. Town Clerk Mrs. Georgia reported the total fees collected for June were $ 1 , 163 . 70, of this, $656 was turned over to the Supervisor. Mrs. Georgia also reported that the grants the Town applied for from the Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund were approved with a few adjustments. The disbursal of funds is dependent on the approval of the New York State Budget, although the New York State budget department gave LGRMIF approval to announce the awards. Board Members and Committees Mrs. Duddleston reported that the assessment grievance filed by Pine Ridge Farm was reduced as requested by the County. Mr. Hillman reported that all is going well with the Trumansburg/Ulysses Joint Youth Commission. Summer programs are full and well underway. Mr. Hillman also reported that he would be presenting at the New York State Urban and Community Forestry Conference in Rochester. Mr. Hillman stated that he expects to find out at the conference when New York State will put out requests for proposals for urban and community forestry grants. Mr. Hillman noted that there has been at least one grant application from the Town of Ulysses . Supervisor' s Financial Report Mr. Austic noted that the budget amount for expense account 6772.4 was listed twice. OLD BUSINESS Rabbit Run Water Mr. Austic reported that he spoke to Grover Morehouse about the water line to his house. It cost Mr. Morehouse $7, 500 to have a water line brought to his residence. As presented, the Rabbit Run district would consist of Grover Morehouse's residence, two properties owned by the Keil's, the Cutler's residence, and one other property. Mr. Morehouse has stated that he would be willing to allow the other properties to hook onto his line, but would want to be reimbursed for it. The estimated cost to lay the lines, from Jim Proctor, is $3 , 500. The total cost for the project would be $ 11 , 012, $7,500 of which has already been paid. This total would be divided by five, and the total cost per user would be about $2,202 . The Village of Trumansburg has said it would be willing to do this. Water District #3 Eric Pond, of Barton & Loguidice spoke earlier in the meeting about Water District #3 . A public hearing was set for Tuesday, July 30 at 7 : 00 pm. The location will be determined ; Mrs. Georgia will look into whether or not it would be possible to hold it at the school. Other Mr. Austic asked if any Board members would be willing to attend the meetings with the Chamber of Commerce . Mrs. Duddleston agreed to do so . NEW BUSINESS 5 Town of Ulysses \� Town Board Meeting a' 7/ 10/2001 Lake Street Bridge Mr. Austic announced the Lake Street Bridge has been completed, and now needs to send in to receive the grant funds from the Intermodal 2000 Program for the sidewalk portion of the bridge project. Radio Advertisement for Town and Village Mr. Austic noted that one of the monthly vouchers was for this : to pay half of the costs for a radio advertisement to call business to the Trumansburg area. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Austic replied to a question from Richard Coogan that he is waiting to hear back from the NYS Highway Department about the street markings in Jacksonville. Mr. Meeker stated that the State would probably not add the lines es requested. CORRESPONDENCE ADJOURNMENT Hearing no further business, Mr. Hillman moved seconded by Mr. Weatherby to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Mr. Hillman aye Ms. Poelvoorde aye Mr. Weatherby aye The meeting adjourned at 9 : 30 pm. Respectfully submitted, Marsha L. Georgia Ulysses Town Clerk MLG: kl 6