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
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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
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Town Board Meeting
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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