HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973 Water and SewerMade in U. 5. A.
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--NUSSBAUIER & CLARKE PAYMENT: Comm. Ewanicki reported that a bill had been received from
Nussbauner and Clarke for consulting services in connection with the preliminary design
of the alternate water supply. Supt. Dingman explained that the project has not been
officially abandoned and the bill was for services rendered prior to the public hearing.
Since the public hearing Hussbauner & Clarke have not proceeded and Supt. Dingman had
requested that they bill us to date. Alderman Wallace asked what the total cost was to
date on the design. Supt. Dingman reported that it would be under $20,000.00 to the best
of his knowledge. This included the bill now being presented. f, /D
By Comm. Ewanicki: seconded by Comm. Clynes
RESOLVED, That the bill of Nussbaumer and Clarke for consulting services innconnection
nnee ctiont
with the preliminary
designof the alternate raw water supply be app
of $3,496.70 Carried
STATE AID - SEWAGE PLANT: Comm. Ewanicki reported that the state makes operation and
maintenance grants based on cost. This is a usual procedure in applying for reimbursement
each year. /
By Comm. Ewanicki: seconded by Comm. Putney
RESOLVED, That the City Controller be authorized and directed to prepare and submit an
application for operation and maintenance aid at the City of Ithaca waste water treatment
facility for the fiscal year 1972.
Carried
The NYS Department of Conservation has approved the application of the
City of Ithaca for reimbursement of one-third of the direct cost of the
operation and maintenance of the Sewage Treatment Plant for the fisca
year 1972, in the amount of $47,9,81.01. The covering letter states t, /3
that approval of the 1973 application is dependent on continued accep able
operation and maintenance, -and demonstrated progress on the following
items:
1. Increased progress in the reduction of excessive infiltratinn
with a progress report due October 1, 1973..
2.' Intensive efforts to identify and eliminate sources of storm water
connections with a report on the proposed program due by July 1, 1973.
3. Adequated disinfection of plant effluence.
The above actions will be handled by the Sewer Division. No action by the
Board is necessary at this time.
JOHN D. MACLEAN: The Clerk read a letter from Attorney Abbott in regard to interest and
penalties paid by his client in 1971 for water and sewer services on Westwood Knoll.
1He maintained that the city was at fault for not filing the deeds. He asked the board to
act on this. Attorney Gersh explained that the deeds had been misplaced by the city and
recommended paynent of this. 1 / o
By Comm. Golder: seconded by Comm. Putney
RESOLVED, That the request of John D. MacLean for reimbursement of $384.35 in penalties
and interest be approved.
Carried
WATER PERMITS: Comm. Ewanicki reported that Supervisor Schwan of the Town of Ithaca had
requested an extension of time for the 400 water hook-ups the Board had authorized for
1972. Supervisor Schwan also asked for additional hook-ups of 200. units in 1973 and 400
hook-ups in 1974. In addition to this helhas asked for a master meter to be installed itt
the proposed pump station on west hill to take care of approximately 100 homes.
By Comm. Clynes: seconded by Comm. Putney f ,15/
RESOLVED,. That the requests from Supervisor Schwan for additional water hook-ups and a
master meter for the west hill area be referred to the Water and Sewer Committee.
Carried
WALTER SCIIWANS LETTERS: Comm. Parkes asked if there was a progress report on the
letters written by Walter Schwan. Comm. Ewanicki explained that the report was not
finalized. Pat Hannan was in the hospital and as soon as he could return to work
they would finish the report. Walter Schwan spoke on behalf of Bolton Point and ex-
plained that they were going ahead on the project and would expect it to be in opera-
tion by 1975. The bonding of the operation was moving ahead and the four municipalities
involved were in agreement on it. The intake and the plant would be built at the
same time. A public hearing would be held in April. Comm. Downing asked why the
hook up of Cornell was not done when the money had been appropriated for it for
emergency purposes. He was informed that it had been decided that it was not
necessary as it was for a•specific area and it could be covered with other means.
By Comm. Downing: seconded by Comm. Parkes 27a 7
RESOLVED,_ That the question of the Cornell water connect on as authorized by the Board
of Public Works be referred to the Water and Sewer Committee for a report back to
this Board.
Carried
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WOOD STREET PUMPING STATION: Comm. Ewanicki reported that the equipment and parts account
for Wood Street Pumping Station had exceeded its estimate due to a 1972 purchase that came
in higher than the estimate and was charged to the 1973 budget./r/
By Comm. Ewanicki: seconded by Comm. Golder
RESOLVED, That the Common Council be requested to amend its 1973 Tentative Budget for the
Sewer Division by adding an additional $500.00 to Account G8120-312 to provide for
Equipment, Parts and Supplies at the Wood Street Pumping Station.
Carried
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ESTY STREET WATER PROBLEM: Alderman Spano reported that there was a problem on the
intersection of Esty Street and Route 13 as to water. It seems that the area is lower
than most and water has a tendency to lay there most of the time. He asked that the
board look into this to see if something could be done about it. 2/-a'J/
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CAYUGA LAKE BASIN BOARD: Superintendent Dingman read a letter from the Vice Chairman
of the Cayuga Lake Basin_Board, Charles D. Gates, stating that they were now
approaching conclusion of preparation of basin plans for management and development
of the water and related land resources of the Cayuga Lake Basin. An item of
immediate concern is the extension of municipal water supply service to new areas
without corresponding installation of sewer collection and treatment facilities,
Their concern was the lack of economic wisdom and the threat to the health of the
community and their conclusion was such practices have contributed directly to .the
degradation of surface and groundwater resources within the Cayuga Lake Basin and
will continue to do so as long as they are tolerated. They were asking that the
legislative body proceed with the adoption of such legislation as necessary to make
the practice of joint installation of waterland sewer services a firm policy of. the
county and to assure that such policies are enforced by the appropriate county
administrative agencies.
This letter was addressed to James Graves, Chairman of the Board of Representatives,
with a copy to the Board of Public Works. This is timely as other committees are
working toward the same object. .2 o? -1/ 1
By Comm. Putney: seconded by Comm. Downing
RESOLVED, That the letter from Charles D. Gates of t e Cayuga Lake Basin Board be
referred to the Water and Sewer Committee.
e
Carried
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WATER & SEWER BILL EXPUNGED: By Comm. Ewanicki: seconded by Comm. Downing
RESOLVED, That Water and Sewer Bill No. 8243 to the Tompkins County Hospital in the
amount of $173.14 be expunged. -2/4;4)'
Carried
WATER BILLS: Attorney Gersh reported that the City Chamberlain had brought to his ,
attention some time agd, bills that were for property damage &car damage and went
back as far as 1964. In each case these bills are uncollectable for various reasons.
He recommends that they should be written off. Specifically a bill in the amount
of $38.66 for Mr. Perrault, who is no longer in the area.. One for Ed Peterson,
in the amount of $116.26,•who :is a recipient of Social Service,lienefits:and is:.
uncollectable and a bill for $87.52 issued to a person who was:insured at the time
but due to lapse of time, is uncollectable.
By Comm. Downing: seconded. by Comm. Golder if
RESOLVED, That the bill #3570 for Robert T. Congdon, ated September 23, 1964, in
the amount of $87.52., the bill #7522 Of Mr. Perrault, dated October 27,-1971., 3n the.
amount of $38.66 and the bill #6441 for Ed Peterson:, dated December 29, 1969, in
the amount of $116.26• be expunged.
Carried
By Comm. Ewanicki seconded by Comm. Clynes resolved that miscellaneous water
and sewer bill No. 8402 in the amount of $19.76, be expunged. c (i '
Carried
Dooley Kiefer, 629 Highland Rd. appeared before the Board to appeal a penalty on
a water bill. Mrs. Kiefer said that she never received a bill in the mail, but
received a notice that her water would be shut off if she did not pay her bill.
Mrs. Kiefer said that she went to the Village Office to read the contract to get
same guidance, and a copy was not available. She suggested that a copy of the con-•
tract be sent to the Village Offic; after dicussion on the floor the following Resol.
By Comm. Downing seconded by Comm. Parkes resolved that the penalty on the water
bill for Dooley Kiefer 625 Highland Rd. be expunged.
A VOTE on the resolution resulted as follows:
AYES (3) Golder,Downing, Parkes
NAYS (1) Clynes
Carried
Upstate Auto Wholesale has protested penalties on water and sewer bills dated
July 11 and July 12, They claim that the bills were not received by them.)
City Chamberlain Wright has made a check and has determined that the bi l ls�4 '
were sent out on time, and the city is not at fault.
BY COMM. EWANICKI SF.CONDED BY Camm. CLYNES -RESOLVED, That the request of Upstate_
Auto Wholesale for relief from the penalties on water and sewer bills dated July`
11 and July 12, be denied.
Carried
2. Ithaca College- A request has been received to wave any excess payment on their
water and sewer charges dated 4/1/73 to 7/1/73, due to the fact that the
invoices became misdirected.
BY COMM. EWANICKI SECONDED BY COMM. CLYNES RESOLVED, That this matter be referred
to the Water and Sanitary Sewer Committee. Carried
. ,BY COMM. EWANICKI SECONDED BY COMM. GOLDER RESOLVED, That the penalty c'large
,on water bill number 64-011520 for late payment by Ithaca College be expunged
An the amount of $2,081.31.
Carried
BY COMM. EWANICKI SECONDED BY COMM. DOWNING RESOLVED, That water and sewer
division bill number 8468 to Itha3a College for maintenance on a pump station
be expunged in the amount of $125.43.,v�\;
Carried .1
BY COMM. EWANICKI SECONDED BY COMM. GOLDER ^ESOLVED, That water and sewer
division bill number 8508 to the U.S. Regional Plant Nutrition Lab be expunged
in the amount of $4,825.76. ,c
Carried
3. By Comm. Ewanicki: seconded by Comm. Downing
RESOLVED, that bill No. 8377 to Richard Stotts in the amount�df/$25.86 be expunged,
Carried
By Comm. Ewanicki; seconded by Comm. Putney,
In regard to the Water Bill for the Strand Theater,. p/4/73
RESOLVED, That the 15ena1ty"be_overlooked, and that. the sewer charge be expunged.
Carried
By Comm. Ewanicki, seconded by Comm. Clynes,
RESOLVED, That Water &'Sewer Division bill No. 8663 to Elsa Laubengayer, be
expunged.
Carried.
By Comm. Clynes seconded by Comm. Putney,
RESOLVED, That the Finance Department's bill No. 781 to the NYS.,Electric &
Gas Corp. in the amount of $10, be expunged.
Carried
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TOWN OF ITHACA -,WATER CONTRACTS: By Comm. Ewanicki: seconded by Comm. Clynes
RESOLVED, That the Water and Sewer Committee be authorized to meet with Town
Supervisory Walter Schwan,and other repxesentatives oftthe
erto TotneofTIthawn acaIforcthe
purpose of working out anew contract for supply
of West of .Cayuga Inlet and Cayuga Lake;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Water and Sewer Committee be
thorizedof toout
meet with the representatives of the Town of Ithaca for the purpose
an agreement for supplying additional quantities of water in areas of the Town east
of Cayuga Inlet, until such time as the town system'becomes operative.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 1 - Golder
WATER HOOK UPS: Comm. Ewanicki reported that he realized the decision taken by.
the Board after last nights meeting was a gamble but they wouldn't know until later.
on. Comm. Golder objected to the decision as we were paying over $100,000.00 a
year to the professional staff and thenwould not listen to their recommendation.
By Comm. Ewanicki:. seconded by Comm. Downing
RESOLVED, That the request of Supervisor Schwan on behalf of the Towns of Ithaca
and Dryden and the Village of Cayuga Heights for the -issuance of permits for the
connection of 200 additional units for the year 1973, and 400 additional units for the
40L year 1974, be approved. V
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Citycontinue to serve water to the area of
the Town. of. Ithaca west .ofCayuga Inlet and Cayuga 'Lake, under :the. terms and
conditions of the existing contract, and. that`the Board continue to negotiate with
the Town. of Ithaca for a new contract with the agreements reached'at a joint meeting
of Town representatives and the Water & Sewer Committee held on March 27, 1973.
AYES: 4
NAYS: 1 Golder
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Carried
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CORNELL WATER CONNECT.ION.: Comm. Parkes asked if the request from Comm. Downing at
the last meeting in reference to the Cornell Water connection, referred to the Water
and Sewer Committee had been acted upon by that committee. Comm. Downing said he
had been briefed on this and that the water that Cornell University could supply
to the city in case of an emergency could be supplied with the present connections.
The cross connections that we presently have could handle all that they could
' provide.. 3/1 -�urther, that they could not provide us with enough water for the city's
needs.s n
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RE -DREDGING OF FLOOD CHANNEL: Comm. Ewanicki reported that the Department of
Environmental. Conservation plans to re -dredge the flood protection channel of
Cayuga Inlet to.remove, ,large, quantities of earth which were deposited there as
a result of Hurricane Agnes :'As a part of this operation they have requested the
city to make available for filling, a piece of the Cass Park Development land
not presentlyplanned for development. The Superintendent and the City Engineer
have reviewed these proposals andbelieve the proposed filling would be beneficial.•..
to the: development of the park and would not :interfere :in.any way with the
accomplishment of the master plan of the area. . .
By Comm. Ewanicki: seconded by Comm. Golder;. -3 j ..
RESOLVED,.: That a portion of Cass Park be made available to the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation for fillingin connection with the re
dredging of the flood protection channel. The portion of Cass Park to be made.
available is desctibed in the letter and attachment from the Division of Resource
Management Service, dated February 27, 1973.
Carried
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WATER BILL - 219 1/2 SOUTH PLAIN STREET: Comm. Ewanicki reported receipt of a letter
from D. Boardman Lee protesting a bill at 219 1/2 South Plain Street. John Wright,
the City Chamberlain, spoke on the circumstances surrounding this bill. He felt
that the. sewer portion of the bill is what was in question but due to the lateness
in paying the water portion of the bill, penalties had been accumulated. The water
pipes evidently froze up and broke causing the water bill. Mr. Lee felt that as
long as the water had not gone down the sewer, this portion of it should be expunged.
By Comm..Clynes: seconded by Comm. Ewanicki J
RESOLVED, That the iet*er_frdm D. Boardman tee in regard td the Water & Sewer Bill of
219 1/2.Soutn Plain Street be referred to the Water and SeWer Committee with power to
act.
Carried
WATER & SEWER BILLS: Comm. Ewanicki reported receipt of a letter from Howard Cogan
protesting payment of penalties incurred as he had mailed his bills in on time.
A letter from the post office substantiated this. �y
By Comm. Ewanicki: seconded by Comm. Downing
RESOLVED, That the penalties of Howard Cogan be ex nge i he will get his bills
in by the weekend, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the sewer portion of the Water & Sewer Bill issued to
219 1/2 South Plain Street, be expunged, providing the water portion of the bill
is paid in a reasonable length of time.
Carried
GREEN STREET WATER MAIN: By Comma Ewanicki: seconded by Comm. Clynes
RESOLVED, That the scope of the Green Street water main project read:
fPA new 18" main commencing at the Tuning Fork and proceeding alongthe southerly.
-, side of Green Street to Tioga Street; and from thence across Parking Lot D to tie
into the existing mains at the intersection of Clinton and Cayuga Streets,a distance
of approximately 1840°, as shown on a map prepared by the Water & Sewer Division."
Carried
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ROMA HORST BILL: By Comte. Golder: seconded, by. -.Comm. Parkes'
RESOLVED, - That the request from. Roma .Horst of.44 Cascadilla Ave ue to have .a bill.,
for sewer rodding expunged,' be.denied.
• Carried
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MRS. FREDERICK ROSICA: The Deputy Clerk read a letter from Mrs. Fred Rosica
regarding the denial of the $16.38 sewer repair, charged to her for removal of
blockage in her sewer line. She went into detail on .previous ..claim and. correspondence
It was a matter of principal, more thanthe money .involved. The property owner
should not be required to pay for services performed by the City to correct problems
admittedly caused solely by the City. After some discussion,
By Comm. Downing: seconded by Comm. Parkes
RESOLVED, That the letter. from Mrs. Fred Rosica be referred to ; thej
Committee.
MRS, FREDERICK ROSICA: By Comm. Ewanicki: seconded by Comm. Golder
RESOLVED, That the request of Mrs. Frederick Rosica to expunge a sewer
in the amount of $16.38 for sewer repairs be denied.
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lI
Water arid Sewer
.Carried
epa r bill
Carried
WATER MAIN EXTENSIO`N:CASCADILLA. STREET: By Comm. .Golder: seconded by ,:Comm. Dowling
• RESOLVED, That the Board. authorizes : the extension, of. 300.. feet of S. inch' -water main
in Cascadilla Sleet to be financed under the "other line" item in the .Capital
Budget. Ce
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Carried -
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WATER & SEWER RATES STUDY: By Comm. Ewanicki: seconded by Comm. Parkes
RESOLVED, That the Water and Sewer Committee be requested to make a report on the
relationship between income and expenditures as they are related to the water operation
and the. sewer operation, with the general purpose of justifying the present rates
or making recommendations for changes. 1�- ' - 2--5
Carried
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ROBINSON & CARPENTER WATER AND SEWER BILL: Comm. Ewanicki reported that the first
quarterly bill of Robinson & Carpenter for water and sewer service was unusually
high due to a major leak in the heating system. This water did not go into the sewer
system but went into the ground. Due to the circumstances an adjustment in their
sewer bill is .in. order.
By Comm. Ewanicki: seconded by Comm. Golder Q._ L.S�
RESOLVED, That a'refund of $43.24 be issued to Robinson and Carpenter, Account
#77-b17194, to adjust their first quarter sewer charges.
Carried
Mr. Louis J. Long appeared before the BPW Board as a director of the Tompkins
County Area Development Corporation. Mr. Long said that his group was interested
in keeping Morse Chain in the area. In order to do this, he said his group purchased
about a hundred acres of land from various organizations, government and private.
Mr. Long said that his group had gotten over most the hurdles, until the Town of
Lansing deferred action on a resolution that they would furnish water to the new
Morse Chain Plant. The Town of Lansing would like to know if the City of Ithaca
would back them up if they promised to furnish water. Mr. Long asked the Board to
give this their most earnest and immediate consideration. He said that if they re-
ceived this assurance they could have adequate water, mainly 100,000 gallons a
day, construction would start May 15, 1973. \
9 ` I.
Mayor Conley asked Mr.. Long if he was askingfor just water. Mr. Long said they
were negotiating with the Town of Lansingand the Village of Cayuga Heights on the
sewage. He said at this point there seems .to:.be no obstacles.
Mayor Conley asked Asst. Supt.: Pat Hannan..if his•group had studied this situtation,
and if they had reached any conclusions.' Mr. Hannansaidhis group concluded that
water could be supplied from the City system. He said it was up to Common Council
to ,determine what sort of agreement would be arranged. Mr. Hannan said 1°technically
it can be done" that's the only conclusion our group determined.
Mayor Conley said it was a, situation that Lansing would be actually supplying the
water. Lansing would want to know from the City of Ithaca, that in the event they
had problems, the City would adequately back them up in supplying water to Morse
Chain.
Comm. Ewanicki suggested that this item be referred to committee.
Comm. Downing objected.
Mayor Conley asked Mr. Long if the situation was urgent. Mr. Long said there is
a real urgency.
Comm. Ewanicki said the problem of 100,000 gallons a day, should be referred to the
• Engineers before the Board commits themselves.
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Comm. Downing said that in 'his mind there should be no necessity about thinking
twice about supplying water, -because of the'number of persons who are, and will be,
employed in the future. Comm.: -Downing said he thinks it is a wise course of •
action to allow the Engineers to_,work out the mechanical and engineering details,
to approve in principle that we will back•them up.
By Comm. Downing: seconded by Comm:-_putney:'`''
RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works -recognizes the necessity for the support
of local industry, particularly the case of Morse Chain in its need for water, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works approves in principle the
backing up of the Lansing water system in the event of a water shortage; the details
of this agreement to be worked out by our Engineers.
Comm. Ewanicki moved to amend the resolution if we have the water available.
Declined by Comm. Downing
Comm. Downing said in a drought situation, Morse Chain would be expected to
co-operate like anyone else under these conditions.
Comm. Ewanicki commented that he felt Morse Chain should be made aware of the
situation. during a drought period.
Comm. Putney remarked that the Board has already committed itself to backing up the
Town of Lansing water supply. He said we have been doing it for the last three years.
Comm. Golder said in the area of inter -governmental co-operation, he wondered if
the Town of Lansing had been in•touch with the Town of Ithaca. Comm. Golder
said we have already agreed to give the Town of Ithaca(400 extra�allonper
He said perhaps the Town of Ithaca did not use all we gave them last year, and,,.,.. ,w,,,v
possibly the Town of Lansing could get some co-operation from the Town of Ithaca: -� -�''''`'L'�
Perhaps together they could leG go 100,000 gallons a day for this particular purpose.
Motion Carried
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Aletter from Robert Williamson, Counsel for the Town of Lansing, was presented
and read at the meeting. The Town of Lansing is requesting that the City of
Ithaca supply all of the needs of Lansing Water District No. 1 for three years,
.:or until such time as the Bolton Point supply becomes available. The offi-
cials of the Town of Lansing are aware of the limitations of the City of
Ithaca water supply. They are also aware of the problems of transmitting
water from the City treatment plant to the interconnection at Triphammer Rd.
The Town of Lansing proposes,to build a new interconnection between the sys-
�� •
Attorney R. Williamson appeared with Lansing Town Engineer, Tom Miller, Lansing
Councilman Ed LaVigne and Water Supt. Jim Howell. Mr. Williamson read a letter
requesting water for the Lansing District No. 1 as follows:
T0: The Board of Public Works - City of Ithaca
FROM: Supervisor of the Town of Lansing
RE: Request for Water - Lansing Water District
The undersigned, Supervisor for the Town of Lansing has been authorized by
the Town Board of the Town of Lansing to make the following request from the Board
of Public Works of the City of Ithaca. Our request is made on behalf of existing
Lansing Water District No. 1 which is currently supplied by water from Esty Point.
Our request for this water district is that the City of Ithaca supply the district
with our total needed water supply commencing as of the execution of this contract.
It is anticipated that our supply will progress upwards to approximately an average
of 600,000 gallons per day during the term of this proposed agreement. In making
this request, it is our understanding that the Board of Public Works is making no
guarantee that the City can supply all of the district's water needs and that the
City of:Ithaca's needs are of primary concern. It is the understanding of the Town
that the Town would pay the same bulk.;rate for water that other users would pay,
currently 28Q per 100 cubic feet. The term of this agreement would commence as
soon as possible and expire September 30, 1975 with the understanding that it would
be extended for a longer period of time upon mutual agreement of the parties.
The contract would be subject to a one-year cancellation by either party. The water
district will undertake the necessary construction, including a water pit, controls
and a pressure reducing valve for sanitary protection as required. There will be
no mixing of Lansing water supply with the city supply and it is the understanding
of the town that the city will be supplying our total needs. The Agreement will
further specify that the district is buying water only and there will be no operation
and maintenance of this Lansing system by the City of Ithaca, or its employees.
Charles F. Howell
Supervisor of the Town of Lansing _
Lansing Water Supply - Motioned by Comm.Ewanicki seconded by Comm. Clynes
resolved that the Board of. Public Works enter into an agreement with the
Town of Lansing which will provide that the City will sell to the Town of
Lansing Water District No. 1, up to .6 MGD of water through the existing
connection at Triphammer Rd., and/or a new connection at Warren Rd., at the
standard outside rate for bulk customers. Among the conditions to be included
in the contract are:
a. The term of the contract will be three years, and such additional
length of time as may be mutually agreed upon.
b. The Town of Lansing will be responsible for the construction of an
interconnecting pit, valves, controls, and a pressure reducing valve
for sanitary protection.
c. The City of Ithaca will supply the meter.
d. The agreement will be effective upon approval by the Board of Public -
work and the Lansing Town Board.
e. The Town will be responsible, for all maintenance work within the
Town of Lansing.
f. The City will bill, and Lansing will pay for the water quarterly.
g. The Town of .Lansing has agreed to maintain their present supply
system for standby service in the event that the City is unable to
supply the daily demand..
h. The Town and City agree to cooperate with other municipalities pre-
sently connected to the City system in measures to augment the City°s
supply in the event of .a water shortage. Carried
By Comm. Ewanicki, Seconded by Comm. Golder,
RESOLVED, That the Board approve the contract between the City of Ithaca and
the Town of Lansing which provided for supplying Lansing with up to 600,000
gallons of water per day, and L 1
That the Mayor and the City Clerk be authorized to sign the contract on
behalf of the Board of Public Works, as amended by the City Attorney.
Carried
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City Attorney Gersh said he received a request from Ithaca Town Supervisor Walter
,Schwan that the City extend water service to Mr. Carey. Mr. Carey lives a short
distance from an existing city water main. He does not have city sewer, but that
'his septic tank system has been approved by the County Health Department. The
Board was asked to consider Nr. Carey's request. Attorney Gersh said Supt. Dingman
'asked the question whether we are legally permitted to serve water to properties
not within the original described districts. Attorney Gersh said yes, providing
all other technical requirements are met. Legally he feels that abolition of the
'Town water district lines and the extension of the sewer and water benefit charges
lover the Town does justify our extending water and sewer throughout the Town of
Ithaca. As long as the town has done what we have asked them to do, that is by
resolution on January 8, 1973, agreed to be bound for any water and sewer charges
for everyones service. They expressed their interest that the terms of water /
and sewer contract with the Town be extended to include everyone who is now being
charged for water and sewer benefits. This is people lying outside the boundaries.
Attorney Gersh said it was important to state for the record that Walt Schwan asked
this of him partly as City Attorney, and it also appears that one of his clients
in his private practice is affected by this same situation. This is the Beacon
Hill development. It was everybody's understanding that when an allocation of
Hook-ups was made to the various municipalities they were free to use these hook-ups
anyway they wished; to allocate them among themselves, Town, Village, etc. The
Town of Ithaca has allocated a certain number of hook-ups to the Beacon Hills
Development which lies outside one of these original districts. Attorney Gersh
advised the Board of his personal interest in this matter, and also responding
to Supervisor Schwan's request relating to Mr. Carey, He was also responding to
Supt. Dingman's memo asking for an answer to this particular question. Attorney
Gersh's recommendation is based upon the reading of the contract. A resolution
of the Town dated January 8, 1973, that legally the contract can be interpreted
1 to read -that we can extend water and sewer benefits throughout the Town of Ithaca.
Comm. Downing asked if the department has any reason why this should not be granted
Mr. Carey or Beacon Hill request except that it lies outside a previously formed
large water district.
Ass't. Supt. Hannan pointed out that Mr. Carey does have sewer available. We are
talking about dropping all the regulations. This will open up a complete review of
the contract we have with the Town of, Ithaca. He said it seems that the Town of
Ithaca has rewritten their portion of • our agreement to serve the districts by wiping
out the districts. The contract involves both parties, and if the contract is to
be changed, it should be agreed by both parties. Ass't. Supt. Hannan said he
anticipates that the City will have to expand its sewege treatment plant consid-
erably. If we allow our expansion to occur by declaration, by an individual
having a letter from the Board of Health, it seems that the Dept. has no control,
especially the Sewer expansion.
£ttorney Gersh asked if it made a difference if an applicant has sewer available
to him.
Asst. Supt. Hannan replied, yes, this is his primary concern of Beacon Hills in
particular, if they are able to hook on to sewer, he sees no problem. He said
that it is very important that sewer accompany water. If we forget this, we are
eliminating a veryimportatt requirement. He said we have to settle the sewer
question before we settle the water.
Comm. Downing commented that he thought the Board could come to the aid of an
individual in distress, especially this one case. He asked the Board to grant
this emergency request.
Moved by Comm. Putney that Beacon -Hills be referred to committee, because the
sewer situation should be resolved. He said we have -many unanswered questions.
No second to his motion.
Comm. Downing said he did not see where the city had any problems.
Asst. Supt. Hannon commented the problem is how much of the sewage will be sent
into the City's system, this we have to know he said.
Comm. Downing said he agreed we should not extend any further than we have already.
We have already made a commitment, if we made commitments and do not have the
capacity, we should have been advised a long time ago by our staff. He said we
have not been advised, and we assume that we can handle that amount. If there
.is a problem with future connections to'our sewage capacity, we should work out
with the town. He said if we can not work it out, he sees no reason why we•should
hold up construction while we work it out with the town.
Alderman Schmidt reported that Supt. Dingman, and Asst. Supt. Hannan have been
concerned about the capacity of the city of Ithaca's Sewage Treatment Plant, and
have made recommendations to the Board that we study this problem. About three
or four months ago, Common Council sent a letter to municipalities in the area,
asking them to forma Ad Hoc sewer committee to study the sewage needs in the
Greater Ithaca Area. Letters went to the Town of Lansing, Village of Cayuga
Heights,Town of Dryden, and the Town of Ithaca. The Town of Dryden responded
that thet were interested in forming such a committee. Cornell University also
expressed interest. Consequently two members of the three municipalities, the
City of Ithaca, the Town of Dryden, and a representative from Cornell University
formed this Ad Hoc sewer committee. The committee has met three times, they
have decided in this commettee to try to study the sewage needs on a intermunici-
pal basis, and on an area wide basis. Thecommittee is now in the process of
interviewing three consultants to come in and study the needs of the Greater
Ithaca Area. The tentative agreement is that all four municipalities will share
the cost equally. The members will haveto come back to their various boards for
financing, when the consultant is hired. Supt. Dingman has worked on this as
a consultant to Alderman Schmidt.. He is aware of all that is going on, and has
been very valuable to the committee.
Comm. Golder questioned the number of units that.are now ready, or will be ready
in the Beacon Hills Development in the near future. •
Attorney.Gersh said everything is ready.for application for a building permit
except for water hook ups.• All of the preliminary steps have been satisfied
except for the water. The Town has given .the.taps and they were all set to go
ahead and -hook-up. They were then told, you can not because although you intend
to hook-up,to city water andsewer you are outside one of the_old districts.
Comm. Putney commented is the City prepared to say_that contracts on the old
water districts are no longer good.
Attorney Gersh said the city does not have to say this because that is not a
consequence of what we_are proposing to do. The Town has given us a resolution
Of their Town Board saying that they dissolved their water and sewer districts,
made water and sewer.a Town wide function.: All there:is of the Town which had
water or sewer benefits are now being billed for the water and sewer.• It is the
intent of the Town that all the areas which are being charged forsewer benefits
receive theme Legally it would involve a modification of the contract where
it reads that the City.hereby agrees to sell•and furnish :to a district, change
Lb.it to read the City agrees.to sell it to the. Town of Ithaca. Everything else
would remain in effect. It would not require anymore changes.,.
a
Comm. Ewanicki commented that changing policy.
districts is a matter of
He said that this is a council decision to establish policy.
•
•
Comm. Downing asked if the Board of Public Works could modify the contract or
must this be done 'through .council.
Attorney Gerish commented that the Board hastodetermine if there are consequences
tothe-City.. which would follow a extended water or sewer system to the entire
Town of Ithaca the Board has an obligation to supply water to a geographical
area, that which no longer exist. A
Comm. Golder asked if this is an emergency. Attorney Gersh said that it is an
emergency in that Beacon Hills has already received three:., extensions on their
financing commitment. It is costing them large amounts of money. The Town has
acted very speedily in an attempt to accommodate them.
Moved by Comm. Putney seconded by Comm. Golder that this matter be referred to the
water and sewer committee without the power to act and report back to the Board.
Carried
The action of the Water & Sewer Committee with respect to the request of
Town of Ithaca in the case of the Beacon Hill subdivision and the property
of Mr. Carey, should be reported for inclusion in the Board meeting. A
discussion took place with several Commissioners voicing their opinions,
and the following resolution was presented to the Board:
By Comm. Ewanicki seconded by Comm. Clynes,resolved that the Board of Public
Works extend water and sewer to both Beacon Hills and Carey. This action
does not change the Boards policy of not extending water to patrons who are
not served by Public Sewer.
AYES: (3) Clynes, Golder, Ewanicki
NAYES: (1) Parkes
Carried
22
Alderman R. Saccucci appearing on behalf of Mr. Walt Kamoromi of 606 Madison Street.
He said about six months ago 'the City repaired the curb box stop in front of
Mr. Kamoromi's house at 602 Cascadilla Street. The amount of the bill was $85.04
411 for 15 hours. Mr. Kamoromi feels this bill is to much for the work performed by
the City. He feels that he should only have to pay 6 hours, based on his observations
of the City forces working on the job. Mr. Saccucci said Mr. Kamoromi is appealing
to the Board of Public Works to review his case and make the necessary adjustments
before he pays his bill.
Ass't. Supt. Hannan commented that this situation occurre six months ago, and it
was not until the tax bills were being pref ared that it cam to light that a dis-
agreement existed.
Chamberlain Wright siad that this should be put on the June bills, and if the
Committee does not give him an answer in time, this will.not be possible.
Mayor Conley suggested Mr. Kamoromi pay the bill under protest, and have the
Committee report back to the Board.
Moved by Comm. Putney: seconded° by'Comm..Golder,
RESOLVED, That this matter be referred to the 'Water and Sewer Committee.
Carried
By Comm. Ewanicki seconded by Comm. Clynes resolved that the request of
!vr. Walter Komaromi of 606 14adison Street for reduction or abatement of a
water and sewer service bill in the amount of $85.04, be denied. 0
Carried
23
By Comm. Ewanicki seconded by Comm. Clynes resolved that Stewart E Bennett
be authorized to use the City's premises on the southwest side of Fall Creek
immediately north of.the bridge between the bird s.anztury and the Newman
Municipal Golf Course for the staging of pipe in connection with their con-
struction of an outfall for the Cayuga Heights sewer plant.
Carried
24
5. Report by the Ass't. Supt. Hannan, on the department.'s proposal for the
construction of the pump station at the intersection of Meadow & Buffalo
Sts..
Mr. Hannan said that the original pump station at the intersection of
irieadow & Buffalo Sts. was built in 1895. In 1933 it was converted to its
present form. He said it will be necessary to rermute traffic during
construction which will take about two months. The new construction will
be completely underground in the street. The old pump station building
cauld be rehabilitated or removed, if this proved desirable. A new four
inch sump pump will be installed in the old pump station temporarily and
later moved to the new station. Mr. Hannan requested authorization to purchase
a new four inch sump pump immediatly at a cost of about $1500,out of the
$21,000 Capital Improvement Appropriation. The two eight inch sewer pumps
will be bid when construction gets underway. Major traffic problems are anti-
pated for about two months during construction.
3. The pumps at the existing Buffalo Street pump station are in such poor
condition that it will be difficult to maintain them until the new pumps
can be installed in the new pump station, therefore, it becomes imperative
that part of the equipment for the new station be purchased immediatelv so
that it can be installed in the old station during the construction period.
By Comm. Clynes seconded by Comm. Golder That this Board recognizetqg that
an emergency situation exists because of the need for continuous service
at the Buffalo Street pumping station, authorize the purchase of a 4 -inch
electric submersible trash pump from Andrew Lang Co. of. Syracuse for approx-
imately $1,500 without the ,formality of bidding.
Carried
ASS"T. SUP'T. PUWLIC WORKS REPORT
Mr. Hannan commented, "This is to call your attention to a 'legal notice' posted
by the Town of Ithaca indicating the Town's intention to extend water mains and
service some feet South Easterly along Coddington Road. Such water service will
Pe in direct conflict with the requirement that sewer service must accompany
water. There is no indications that sewer service is contemplated - indeed is
'not likely since the grades are adverse and a pumping station or an extensive
trunk sewer system is indicated. The effluent from this contemplated new service
area flows directly into the 30 foot reservoir. 7)''
BY COMM. DOWNING SECONDED BY COMM. CLYNES RESOLVED, That the Mayor b requested to
communicate directly with the Supervisor and tell him of our concern in the matter,
and ask what their plans are concerning this matter.
Carried
•
-26-
City Clerk Rundle read a letter directed to Mayor Conley from Walter J. Schwan
Town of Ithaca Supervisor as follows:
August 15, 1973
Dear Ed:
The Ithaca Town Board at its regular meeting on .August 13, 1973, approved the
request of eight (8) homeowners on the Coddington Road for an extension of
water service to their property. The evidence presented at the Public Hearing
was that several have wells that flow as little as 30 gallons per day and others
have water with a very high sulphur content.
The extension totals approximately 1,700 feet of 811 main and three hydrants.
The proposed extenslon passes in front of James Carey's house who was recently
given permission by the City to hook to the Town water main on Troy Road be-
cause his well had failed.
The Town of Ithaca requests BPW approval for this water extension subject to the'
Asst. Superintendent's approval of the plans and specifications. Our intent is
to make the proposed extension as soon as possible this year.
The Town Board requested an engineering study from Lozier Engineers in May 1973,
on the feasibility of extending sewer service to Forest Home, nine homes on
Slaterville Road, the name nine homes involved in the proposed water extension,
Glenside, and Elm Street Extension to Valley View.' The report is due September
1, 1973, and will be brought to Public Hearing in September or October. The
intent of the Town Board is to serve the areas involved next year.
Sincerely yours,
Walter J. Schwan
Town Supervisor
After discussion by the Board, the following resolution was presented:
73Y COM. DOW►QING_,SECONDED BY COMM.--OLYNES, RESOLVED, That the letter be referr-
ed to the._Water and Sanitary Sewer Committee.
Carried
1. By Comm. Ewanicki: seconded by Comm. Dowing q,/2
RESOLVED, that action on the request for water service on Coddingtonad be deferred
until the results of the Town of Ithaca hearing on sewer extension in this area is
known.
Carried
•
•
2. By Comm. Ewanickie seconded by Comm. Golder
RESOLVED, that the 1973 equipment list of the Water Division be changed
wash water meter at the Water Treatment Plant, and to add one automatic
control for post chlorination at the water treatment plant.
to delete one
chlorination
Carried
28
ALTERNATE RAW WATER SUPPLY ACCOUNT (Capital Acct. 11890-59)
Alderman Barber asked the Board why the alternate water supply -account could
not be closed out.
After discussion by the Board the following Resolution was presented:
By Comm. Clynes; seconded by Comm. Golder, (1/211
RESOLVED, That this matter be referred to Water and Sanitary Sewer Committee.
Alternate Raw Water Su ly Account
Comm. Ewanicki requested that this
further discussion.
After discussion on the floor the
Carried
- Capital Acct. H890-59
item be brought back on the floor for
following Resolution was presented:
By Comm. Ewqnicki; seconded by Comm. Clynes,
Resolved, That the Raw Water Supply Account, Capital Acct. H890-59 be retained.
AYES (4) 0 Carried
NAYS (1) Parkes
•
•
•
•
29
Water Fund Budget - 1974 - The operating budgets for the Wates: Division as
previously submitted to you total $573,175. In addition to these sums, there
is undistrubuted insurance, taxes on city property, and a Contingent Account
equaling $68,000. $49,000 must be added for General Fund services, $107,200
for employee benefits, and $88,200 for debt services, making a Water Fund budget
total for 1974 of $885,575. The estimated revenue for 1974 is'$750,000. There
is also available a surplus from 1972 of $16,000, an excess of revenue in 1973
over the budgeted amount of $25,000, and a surplus of approximately $128,000
from 1973 operations. :The total money available to meet the budget is then �+v
$919.,000, leaving approximately $33,425 available for capital projects.
By Comm. Ewanicki, seconded by Comm. Putney,
RESOLVED, That this $33,425 be placed in the Contingency Account rather than
in the Capital Account in the tentative budget.
Carried
Sewer operating Budget - 1974 - The 1974 Sewer operating budget as submitted
to you was $395,050. In addition to this, there is undistributed insurance
and a Contingent account amounting to $56,000. General Fund services amount
to $32,000, employee benefits to $74,000, and debt services to $142,108, making
the Sewer Fund 1974 budget total $699,158. The 1974 estimated sewer revenues
is $700,000. In addition, there is a surplus in for 1972 of $313,000. There
will be no excess revenue in 1973; however, surplus from the operating budget
in 1973 will be $60,000, making a total estimated funds available for the
1974 budget $1,073,000. \ v
By Comm. Ewanicki, seconded by Comm. Putney,
RESOLVED, That this $300,000 be undistributed in the tentative budget for 1974.
Carried
w .
30
By Comm. Ewanicki; seconded by Comm. Putney,
RESOLVED, That Ass't. Supt. of Public Works Hannan, be authorized to execute',
on behalf of the city, application Norms o: the US Environmental Protection
• Agency for a .permit to discharge waste water. g(6773.
r/,_/73.
Carried
31
Mr. Orson R. Ledger, 209 First St., appeared beforethe Board. Mr. Ledger said
that he appeared before.. Council, and is now requesting the Board to give some
leniency on the plumbing requirements so the landlords can, do their own plumbing
in their own buildings. Mr. Ledger.said he has been doing.hisown plumbing with
a permit for the past ,four years, this. summer the city decided this was illegal
and stopped him.
Attorney Gersh commented that the policy of the Board of Public Works from
preventing someone in Mr. Ledger's status from doing his own plumbing, is a
valid procedure, Mr. Gersh said that he felt that he would have no problem
defending this policy in court. Mr. Gersh commented that nothing in the state
law would prevent.;the Board from modifying that policy, if they so wished, to
permit people in Mr. Ledger's status to do their own plumbing work. If the
Board was inclined to do. this, the basis would. be that a test would be given to
determine if someone like Mr. Ledger was qualified to do his own. work. Perhaps
the degree of qualification might be less if he is doing work on his own property,
this is a policy to be determined by the Board.
After discussion on the floor, the following resolution was presented.
By Comm. Golder, seconded by Comm. Clynes,
RESOLVED, That this matter be referred to the Water and Sanitary Sewer Committee
for study and report at the next meeting.
Carried
•
Nussbaumer & Clarke payment (alt. wtr. supply) 1
State Aid -Sewage Plant (maintenance and operation aid) 2
Water & Sewer penalties paid (John McLean) 3
Water Permits - Town Supvr. requests addtl hook-ups & master meter 4
;hod St. Pumping Station - "73 budget amended to provide for costs 5
Esty St. water problem at intersection 6
Cayuga Lake Basin Board (Letter from Chas. Gates) 7
Water & Sewer Bill expunged To. Co. Hosp., Robt. Congdon, Mr. Perrault,8
Ed Peterson, Dooley Kieffer, Richard Stotts ? ndci en P,. yuj/1 V
Water Contracts - Town bf Ithaca / 9
Cornell Water Connections - W & S Committee acts and decides CU could supply 10
Re -dredging of Flood Channel - Cass Park portion to be filled 11
Water bill protest - 219 1/2 S. Plain St. 12
Green Street water main - scope of project 13
Roma Horst bill - request to have expunged, denied 14
Rosica, Mrs. Frederick - request to have sewer charges expunged 15
Water main extension- Cascadilla St. - authorized 16
Water & sewer rates to be studied 17
Robinson & Carpenter protest water & sewer bill - refund ordered 18
Louis Long - request for water to Morse Chain addition 19
Town of Lansing - request in re Lansing water district No. 1 & agreement 20
Town of Ithaca - request for water to Mr. Carey & Beacon Hills 21 & 21a
Walter Komaroni protests repair bill 22
Stewart & Bennett receives permission to :use City prop. for staging area 23
to lay sower pipe
Report on Buffalo St. pump station construction 24
Upstate Auto Wholesale protests water & sewer penalties 8
Ithaca College protests water & sewer charges 8
Tn. of Ithaca legal notice::questioned-(water main without sewer 25
US Reg. Plant Nutrition Lab water & sewer bill expunged 8
Coddington Rd. residents request ext. of water 26
Water Div. equipment list changed. Delete wash water meter. Add automatic
chlorination 27
Raw Water Supply Account to be retained 28
Water & Sewer operating budgets for 1974 29
Application (for permit,1to discharge waste waters) 30
Orson Ledger requests leniency on plumbing requirements 31