HomeMy WebLinkAbout1971-06-14 TOWN OF DANBY
TOWN BOARD MINUTES
JUNE 14 , 1971
The regular meeting of the Town of Danby Town Board was held at
the Danby Town Hall , June 14 , 1971 , at 8 : 00 P . M .
Board members present : Supervisor Donald Makie •
Councilman Ralph Wilbur
Councilman Gerald Crance
Justice A . Francis Wright
Justice Floyd Dorn
Also present : Zoning Officer Gordon Roberts , Planning Board
Chairman Richard Olsen , Appeals Board Chairman Moses Peter ,
Mr . Robert G . Hamlin , Neil Wintermute , Mr . and Mrs . Evelien ,
Mr . and Mrs . Roy Casterline , and six residents of a West Danby
Commune .
It was agreed to dispense with the reading of the minutes until
the next meeting .
Supervisor Makie changed the Agenda to permit Mr . Robert Hamlin
to speak as he had another meeting .
PRIVILEGE OF FLOOR :
Mr . Robert C . Hamlin of Motorola Communications and Electronics
presented a proposal regarding the radio system for the highway
department . The proposal covers four mobile units , a base
station that would be placed in the Town Barns , a remote control
access to Mr . Chaffee ' s house , an antenna , transmission line and
the installation of the equipment . The equipment is completely
solid state and has the capability of being operated on either
negative or positive ground vehicles . The Town of Danby has six
large trucks that are positive ground vehicles and one small
truck that is a negative ground vehicle . The equipment proposed
ie completely adaptable to either positive or negative ground .
This equipment would completely cover the area you have to cover
and would probably give coverage as far as Lafayette . It is a
low band system which operates between 130 and 150 megacycles .
It is the same type of system that the Tompkins County Highway
Department uses . It is an FM frequency coordinated in Albany .
The Town of Danby would be given the best frequency available
one that is used the least . The radios are private line radios ,
which prevents having to listen to calls from another Highway
Department in another county , unless you are monitoring . The
remote control access to the Superintendent ' s home is an instru -
ment similiar to a telephone , but would have nothing to do with
his regular telephone . It would use the telephone lines , for
which the telephone company makes a minimum charge of $4 . 00 an
air mile a month . The Town would have to contract with the
telephone company . There is no way to get the general public
into a system such as this . The FCC will not allow you to dial
into a system like this . It will take approximately two weeks
to coordinate the license . The Maintenance Contract cost is
p43 . 00 per month . The system is guaranteed for parts and service
for one year . Payment is to be made thirty days after shipment
from the factory . A workable agreement on payment can be
reached , A lease program is available . The system can be
purchased on a Conditional Contract : $24 . 00 per 1 , 000 per
month , not including maintenance .
Neil Wintermute urged prompt action for coordination of license
and frequency .
. III P
Danby Town Board Minutes - June 14 , 1971 - Page 2
COMMUNICATIONS :
1 . Minutes of the Danby Planning Board meeting of
May 12 , 1971 .
2 . Minutes of the Danby Planning Board meeting of
June 9 , 1971 .
3 . Letter received by the Highway Superintendent from
Donald McMasters , President of the Tompkins County
Town Highway Superintendents Association , regarding
a resolution adopted by their organization , and
mailed to all members of the New York State
Legislature , opposing the use of highway taxes for
purposes other than highway programs .
4 . Memorandum from the State of New York Executive
Department Office for Local Government re : Office
for Local Government 1971 Regional Meetings .
5 . Memorandum from Zoning Officer Gordon Roberts ,
recommending procedures to be adopted by the
Town Board .
6 . Copy of Resolution No . 103 from the County re :
Establishing of County Environmental Management
Council .
7 . Letter received by the Town of Danby Planning Board
Representative re : Invitation for membership on
the County Planning Board , and requesting the nomina -
tion of a member to serve on the County Planning
Board . Referred to Planning Board Chairman
Richard Olsen , for their recommendation .
8 . Letter from Constance Cook re : receipt of telegram
supporting restoration of funds for recreation .
9 . Letter from State Board of Equalization and Assessment
re : Estimated 1971 Assessments and Transition Assess -
ments for Taxable State - Owned Lands .
10 . Letter from David Corina , Chairman Ithaca - Tompkins
County Narcotics Guidance Council , re : Support for
the effort to hire a Tompkins County Drug Coordinator .
11 . Letter from Randall Shew , of the Office of Community
Relations at Cornell University , regarding an inven-
tory of community needs and possible Cornell resources
to meet these needs being prepared by their office .
Referred to Justice A . Francis Wright and to the
Planning Board .
12 . Letter from Doris Levy , Ithaca- Tompkins County Civil
Defense Office , re : Federal Information Bulletin
No . 253 .
13 . Information regarding the Training School for the
West Danby Water District Superintendent . The cost
is around $ 75 . 00 for a Grade Three Course .
14 . Agenda of the Tompkins County Board of Representatives
meeting of May 10 , 1971 .
15 . Agenda of the Tompkins County Board of Representatives
meeting of May 24 , 1971 .
4
Danby Town Board Minutes - June 1 , 1971 - Page 3
Communications Cont ' d :
16 . Agenda of the Tompkins County Board of Representatives
meeting of June 14 , 1971 .
PRIVITPFGE OF FLOOR :
Justice A . Francis Wright requested permission of the Board for
the Justices to attend the Justices School being held at Cornell
University in August to familiarize the Justices with the new
Penal Code taking effect September 1 .
Nothing from other Board Members at this time .
Roy Casterline questioned the insurance coverage of the building
for all the musical equipment contained therein . The Buffalongo
offers free music to the Youth Program in exchange for the use
of the building .
The people living in the West Danby commune requested information
regarding the requirements of R- 1 zoning on Beach Hill Road and
the definition of the term " dwelling ' . They are interested in
building snail buildings to be used for sleeping , but not meal
preparation , and have been unable to obtain a building permit .
Zoning Officer Roberts had suggested that they hold an infonual
meeting with the Zoning Board of Appeals to determine their
feelings on the subject . Appeals Board Chairman Peters reported
that the Appeals Board had agreed to hear no appeal unless they
receive a written application , with a copy of the building permit
application , and a written report from the Zoning Officer , stating
his reasons for denial of the building permit . The Board of
Appeals would have no authority to grant a variance under the
present circumstances since the building permit has not yet
been refused . Much discussion followed . It was suggested
that a Zoning Ordinance Amendment be adopted to cover communes
in the future . Possibilities for the present situation include
a Planned Development District and an R- 1 Zone Special Permit .
Zoning Officer Roberts requested guidance from the board in
reaching a decision . It was agreed that the Special Permit
would be the least complicated solution . Special Permit pro -
cedures require making a rough draft of plans and intentions
in a ° letter and a sketch of the property , including plans of
any intended buildings , mainly the base dimensions and type of
construction , and submitting same to the Appeals Board . It is
then referred to the Planning Board for their consideration ,
after which it is referred to the Appeals Board with their recom-
mendation . There is no public hearing required . .
There were no other comments from the floor .
COMMITTEE REPORTS :
A . Highway Dept . - Ralph Wilbur reported that the Sandbank
Road is ready for inspection . They are working on Fisher
Settlement Road now and gravelling Updike Road . The man
who runs the grader is presently in the hospital for at
least sixty days and perhaps longer . Mr . Chaffee ' s son is
operating the grader now and Mr . Wilbur recommends a .$3 . 15
pay schedule for him during this time . He has been work-
ing for the department for a year . The $4 , 000 Machinery
Fund - - Item 3 501 will not be received . The County
Highway Departi . nt highly recommends the Motorola Communi -
cations system .
B . West Danby Water District - Gerald Crance reported that
he had verified the bill for the repair of the blow up in
the pump and that it is correct , as it covered the services
of three men for six hours each .
t
Danby Town Board Minutes - June 14 , 1971 - Page I}.
Committee Reports Conttd :
C . Insurance - A . Francis Wright stated that he felt the letter
of April 27 , 1971 , sent to Mr . Makie regarding Workments
Compensation summarized the situation very well .
D . Refuse Collection and Disposal - No report .
E . Youth - A . Francis Wright reported that we will not be
receiving any money from the State for the Youth Program
and the budget will have to be modified accordingly .
F . Zoning and Planning - No report .
G . Fire - No report .
H . Cemeteries - Justice Dorn reported that Curtiss Cemetery
has been mowed and is looking very well . The others are
not accessable with machinery . The Town Law on Cemeteries
was read . There has been a request for a burial in Adams
Cemetery from Mrs . Elizabeth Melchen .
OLD BUSINESS :
A . Highway Supt . - No report .
B . Zoning Officer - No report .
C . Planning Board Chairman - Discussion regarding inactive
members of boards . The best procedure is for the Chairman
to request their resignation and a new appointment made .
D . Appeals Board - Moses Peter reported that a meeting was
held on June 1 , 1971 , and the Board agreed to request that
all future appeals be submitted in writing by the applicant ,
with a copy of the building permit application , and a
written report from the Zoning Officer stating his reasons
for denial of the building permit . The Board also resolved
that they should have a secretary present at future hearings ,
for it is impossible to maintain any sort of record without
one . The Appeals Board therefore , has a two - fold question
for the Town Board - - whom should they hire , how much should
they pay , and who pays the bill , etc . ? They also resolved
that notice of meetings could be by telephone rather than
mail . They also agreed that the present Zoning Ordinance
is a bit difficult to comprehend . There is a $500 appro -
priation under Zoning for contractural expenses , which
includes the expenses of the Zoning Officer and the Board
of Appeals , which could be used to pay a secretary . A
salary of $ 2 . 00 per hour was suggested .
E . Voting Machines - - Ralph Wilbur suggested we try to make it
another year with the old ones .
F . Insurance Program - - It will be necessary to transfer money
from the contingency fund , if and when a voucher is received
from Ithaca Agency . Francis Wright recommends Ithaca Agency ,
and suggests we consider changes at another time . Compen-
sation rates are established by the State of New York .
G . TV Poles - Miller Rd . & 96B - - No further discussion . They
are not really a detriment to traffic .
H . Radio Communications for Highway Truck - - The frequency
should be coordinated through Albany . Supervisor Makie
signed the necessary applications which Neil Wintermute
provided .
D anby Town Board Minutes - June 14 , 1971 - Page 5
Old Business Cont ' d :
I . Tree Removal - - It was decided to authorize Dick Chaffee
to take these trees away IF on Town property , although the
New York State Electric & Gas should do this . The motion
was made by Francis Wright and seconded by Gerald Crance .
According to Gerald Crance there is a type of emergency
situation in West Danby . The motion was carried by a vote
of five ayes and no noes .
J . Ordinance to Cover Refuse Trucks - - No action necessary at
this time .
K . Zoning Ordinance - - No report .
L . Voting Machine Inspector - - An Inspector for West Danby
will be appointed in July .
M . Appoint Appeals Board member - - There were no recommendations .
The Board Members will continue to look for someone .
N . West Danby Water District - - The electric bill is okay to
pay .
O . Recreation Ski Area - - Planned Development District - - No
report at this time .
NEW BUSINESS :
A . Supervisor Makie asked the Board to modify budget Item #4
as necessary . The motion was made by Ralph Wilbur and
seconded__by Floyd Dorn , and duly put to a roll call vote .
The vote was five ayes and no noes .
B . Interest on the West Danby Water District Bonds is 4 , 102 . 26 .
First year ' s interest will run from June to January . The
first payment is due January 1 , 1972 . We paid $352 . 26 more
than was budgeted . A transfer of funds is necessary . A
resolution was presented to transfer $352 . 26 from SW9710 . 6
to SW9710 . 7 . The motion was made by Ralph Wilbur to approve
the resolution , and seconded by A . Francis Wright . The
motion was carried by a vote of five ayes and no noes .
C . Nomination for County Planning Board - - We will wait for the
recommendation of the Planning Board .
D . Water District Superintendent - - The Water District Super -
intendent is not qualified for the job without completing a
training course . A Grade III operator is required . The
cost of the training is $ 75 . 00 . Two districts may have
one Superintendent . A $ 75 , 000 Bond Issue has been . regis -
tered for the West Danby Water District .
E . Due to state cutbacks we must modify the Youth Program
budget from $4 , 690 . 00 to $3 , 090 . 00 . The motion was made
by A . Francis Wright and seconded by Floyd Dorn . The
motion was carried by a vote of five ayes and no noes .
F . Town Highway Barn - - The Planning Board recommends that we
find ten acres somewhere on the main road . Moses Peter ,
Appeals Board Chairman volunteered to secure a recommenda -
tion for land for a town facility . The motion was made by
Ralph Wilbur that he be commissioned to (do so , and seconded
by A . Francis Wright . The motion was carried by a vote of
five ayes and no noes .
G . Zoning Officer Recommendation - - The Zoning Officer seeks
approval by the Board for the procedures he has recommended .
Danby Town Board Minutes - June 14 , 1971 - Page 6
New Business Conttd :
The motion was made by A . Francis Wright and seconded by
Floyd Dorn . The motion was carried by a vote of five ayes
and no noes .
H . Justice School - - The motion was made by Gerald Crance and
seconded by Ralph Wilbur to approve attendance at the Justice
School at Cornell University by the Justices . The motion
was carried by a vote of five ayes and no noes .
I . Town Clerk School - - The motion was made by A . Francis Wright
and seconded by Floyd Dorn to approve attendance of the Town
Clerk at the Town Clerkts School . The motion was carried
by a vote of five ayes and no noes .
J . Adams Cemetery Burial - - There has been a request by Mrs .
Melchen to move a relative to Adams Cemetery . The motion
was made by Floyd Dorn and seconded by A . Francis Wright
to approve the request . The motion was carried by a vote
of five ayes and no noes .
The motion was made by A . Francis Wright and seconded by Ralph
Wilbur to transfer $89 . 35 for cleanup to Community Beautifica-
tion A8510 . 1 from Contingent Fund 1990 . 4 . The motion was
carried by a vote of five ayes and no noes .
General Fund Warrant # 6 in the amount of 3231 . 22 was approved
to be paid . The motion was made by A . Francis Wright and
seconded by Floyd Dorn . The motion was carried by a vote of
five ayes and no noes .
Highway Fund Warrant # 6 in the amount of . 43 , 118 . 22 was approved
to be paid . The motion was made by Ralph Wilbur and seconded
by A . Francis Wright . The motion was carried by a vote of five
ayes and no noes .
Water District Fund Warrant # 6 in the amount of 52 , 109 . 29 was
approved tole paid . The motion was made by Gerald Crance and
seconded by Floyd Dorn . The motion was carried by a vote of
five ayes and no noes .
The motion to accept the Supervisors reports was made by A . Francis
Wright and seconded by Gerald Crance . The motion was carried
by a vote of four ayes and no noes .
A motion was made by A . Francis Wright to adjourn and seconded
by Floyd Dorn . The motion was carried by a vote of five ayes
and no noes .
The meeting was adjourned .
Respectfully submitted ,
7t2dAfiI- , . X
Mildred L . Miller
Town Clerk