HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-05-201411
FEBRUARY 05, 2014
5:00 P.M.
TOWN BOARD MEETING
The Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Cortlandville was held at the
Raymond G. Thorpe Municipal Building, 3577 Terrace Road, Cortland, New York, with
Supervisor Tupper presiding.
Members present: Supervisor, Richard C. Tupper
Councilman, Theodore V. Testa
Councilman, Ronal L. Rocco
Councilman, John C. Proud
Councilman, Gregory K. Leach
Town Clerk, Karen Q. Snyder, RMC
Others present were: Town Attorney, John Folmer; Highway Sup't. Carl Bush; Walt
Kalena from Clough Harbour & Associates; Steve Flatt; News Reporters: Steven Howe from the
Cortland Standard, and Sharon Stevans from Channel 2, Access TV.
Supervisor Tupper called the meeting to order.
Supervisor Tupper informed those in attendance that the Board would be conducting an
Informational Meeting regarding the draft Land Use Plan following the Town Board Meeting
from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. A power point presentation would be made by Walt Kalena from
Clough Harbour & Associates. He encouraged those in attendance to stay for the informational
meeting.
Councilman Rocco made a motion, seconded by Councilman Leach, to approve the Draft
Town Board Minutes of December 18, 2013 as written. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
Councilman Rocco made a motion, seconded by Councilman Leach, to approve the Draft
Town Board Minutes of January 8, 2014 as written. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
Councilman Proud made a motion, seconded by Councilman Leach, to receive and file
the Cortlandville Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes of December 17, 2013. All voting aye, the
motion was carried.
Councilman Proud made a motion, seconded by Councilman Leach, to receive and file
the Cortlandville Planning Board Minutes of December 17, 2013. All voting aye, the motion
was carried.
RESOLUTION #22 ACCEPT 2014 VENDOR LIST FOR THE
TOWN HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
Motion by Councilman Proud
Seconded by Councilman Leach
VOTES: AYE - Tupper, Testa, Rocco, Proud, Leach NAY - 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby accept the 2014 Vendor List submitted by
Highway Sup't Bush listing vendors used by the Highway Department for the year 2014.
RESOLUTION #23 AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN
PURCHASE ORDER #1212
Motion by Councilman Leach
Seconded by Councilman Rocco
VOTES: AYE - Tupper, Testa, Rocco, Proud, Leach NAY - 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby authorize and direct the Supervisor to sign
Purchase Order #1212 submitted by Highway Sup't. Bush to be paid to Smith Transmission Service
to repair the transmission on a 2008 Ford 3/a ton pickup (Truck #77) for the estimated cost of
$2,400-$2,600 +/-.
FEBRUARY 05, 2014 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 2
N
RESOLUTION #24 AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF VOUCHERS - FEBRUARY
Motion by Councilman Leach
Seconded by Councilman Proud
VOTES: AYE - Tupper, Testa, Rocco, Proud, Leach NAY - 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the vouchers submitted have been audited and shall be paid as follows:
Funds A, B, DA, DB Voucher 9107-181
General Fund A $110,811.53
General Fund B $ 3,539.97
Highway Fund DA $ 0.00
Highway Fund DB $ 71,460.34
Funds CD I, CD3, CD4 Voucher#2-2
BMills Rehab CD $ 0.00
Town Wide Rehab CD3 $ 0.00
Business Devl CD4 $ 6,761.10
Fund HC, SS, SW Voucher #36-57
NYS Rt 13 Sewer Rehab HC $ 64,200.00
Sewer SS $124,608.63
Water SW $211,308.70
Funds SF, TA, TE Voucher #4-6
C'Ville Fire District SF $ 0.00
Trust & Agency TA $ 34,941.61
Expendable Trust TE $ 0.00
Supervisor Tupper offered privilege of the floor to those in attendance.
Councilman Testa reported that he audited the Highway Department and Water & Sewer
Department records for the year 2013 and found everything to be in order.
Councilman Leach reported that he audited the Town Justice records for the year 2013
and found everything to be in order as well. He mentioned that there may be some surplus funds
from forfeiture bail, and hoped the surplus funds would stay in the justice account.
RESOLUTION #25 ACCEPT THE GASB 45 REPORT
Motion by Councilman Leach
Seconded by Councilman Testa
VOTES: AYE - Tupper, Testa, Rocco, Proud, Leach NAY - 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the GASB 45 Report for the year 2013, prepared by Armory Associates,
LLC Actuarial Consulting Group, 120 Walton Street, Suite 601, Syracuse NY 13202 is hereby
accepted and shall be received and filed.
RESOLUTION #26 ACCEPT ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TOWN CLERK
Motion by Councilman Leach
Seconded by Councilman Proud
VOTES: AYE - Tupper, Testa, Rocco, Proud, Leach NAY - 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Annual Report of the Town Clerk for the year 2013 is hereby accepted,
and shall be received and filed.
The monthly reports of the Code Enforcement Officer, Fire & Safety Inspection Report,
Town Clerk, and Tax Collector for the month of January 2014, and for the Supervisor for the month
of December 2013, were on the table for review and are filed in the Town Clerk's office.
1
1
l3
FEBRUARY 05, 2014 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 3
Councilman Proud made a motion, seconded by Councilman Rocco, to receive and file
correspondence from Time Warner Cable, dated February 5, 2014, regarding programming
services. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
Supervisor Tupper mentioned that Attorney Folmer wrote a letter to the Department of
Environmental Conservation referencing Cortland Sand & Gravel, Inc., and asking questions
about the permit and enforcement issues. Attorney Folmer requested authorization to send the
letter to the DEC.
RESOLUTION #27 AUTHORIZE ATTORNEY FOLMER TO SEND TO A LETTER
TO THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION REGARDING
CORTLAND SAND & GRAVEL. INC.
Motion by Councilman Proud
Seconded by Councilman Leach
VOTES: AYE - Tupper, Testa; Rocco, Proud, Leach NAY - 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby authorize and direct Attorney Folmer to send a
letter to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regarding Cortland
Sand & Gravel, Inc.
Town Clerk/Tax Collector Snyder reported on the collection of taxes for the month of
January 2014. Over 380 properties took advantage of partial payments, and as of February 4,
2014, which was the date that most of the escrows had been processed, 70% of taxes were
collected for an approximate amount of $8.3 million.
Supervisor Tupper mentioned that the Town's budget was paid in full, as was the Fire
District, and the Water and Sewer levies. Town Clerk Snyder added that she mailed the County
Treasurer a check for $3 million on February 4, 2014.
Attorney Folmer reported:
Sale of Surplus Property — Commons Avenue:
Attorney Folmer recalled that the Town purchased three parcels of land from the County
that had been taken as a result of unpaid taxes. One parcel of land located on Commons Avenue
was 78.95 x 206.13 feet and was not a buildable lot. The Board declared the property as surplus
property at the December 4, 2014 Town Board Meeting.
Attorney Folmer stated that the Town received an offer from 1109 Commons, LLC
(David Jones) to purchase the property for $500.00 plus the cost of legal work. Attorney Folmer
requested the Board authorize the sale of the property to 1109 Commons, LLC for $500.00,
subject to permissive referendum.
RESOLUTION #28 AUTHORIZE SALE OF TOWN PROPERTY LOCATED ON
COMMONS AVENUE SUBJECT TO PERMISSIVE
REFERENDUM
Motion by Councilman Proud
Seconded by Councilman Rocco
VOTES: AYE - Tupper, Testa, Rocco, Proud, Leach NAY - 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Cortlandville does hereby authorize the sale of
town property located on Commons Avenue in the Town of Cortlandville, consisting of a parcel of
land 78.95 x 206.13 feet for the sum of $500.00, tax map #86.09-04-01.200, to 1109 Commons,
LLC, and it is further
RESOLVED, this resolution is adopted Subject to Permissive Referendum as required by law.
FEBRUARY 05, 2014 TOWN BOARD MEETING
PAGE 4
iq
Installation of "No Parking" Signs on Vernon Drive / Joseph Street:
Attorney Folmer apprised the Board that Highway Sup't. Bush requested authorization to
install "No Parking" signs along the road connecting Vernon Drive and Joseph Street to allow
emergency vehicles and snow plows safe access. Attorney Folmer explained that that due to the
proximity of Vernon Drive and Joseph Street to the SUNY Cortland Campus, many people park
on the side of the road and walk to campus. Cortlandville plows have had difficulty plowing the
road, and Highway Sup't. Bush was concerned that emergency vehicles could have difficulty
accessing the streets.
Attorney Folmer researched the request and reported that Town Law provides that the
Town may install and maintain traffic signals and standards. If signage is put up and parking
takes place, people could be ticked for a violation of Section 1202 of the Vehicle and Traffic
Law, which prohibits parking in designated no parking zone, and mentions an "order". Attorney
Folmer requested the Board enter an order to the Town Highway Sup't. to install "No Parking"
signs on the connecting road between Vernon Drive and Joseph Street.
Councilman Rocco questioned whether cars that were in violation of the "No Parking"
should be towed from the location if it was considered a dangerous location. Attorney Folmer
indicated that there are provisions regarding the removal of vehicles, and that the Sheriff or State
Police would have the authority to work under the Vehicle and Traffic Law if they determined
that the vehicle should be removed.
RESOLUTION #29 AUTHORIZE THE INSTALLATION OF "NO PARKING"
SIGNS ON THE CONNECTING ROAD BETWEEN VERNON
DRIVE AND JOSEPH STREET
Motion by Councilman Leach
Seconded by Councilman Rocco
VOTES: AYE - Tupper, Testa, Rocco, Proud, Leach NAY - 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby authorize and direct the Town Highway Sup't. to
install "No Parking" signs on the connecting road between Vernon Drive and Joseph Street to allow
emergency vehicles and snow plows safe access to the streets.
RESOLUTION #30 AUTHORIZE EXTENSION OF TIME FOR TAX
COLLECTION TO JUNE 2, 2014
Motion by Councilman Proud
Seconded by Councilman Leach
VOTES: AYE - Tupper, Testa, Rocco, Proud, Leach NAY - 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is hereby authorized and directed to sign and forward a
request for an extension of the tax collection program until June 2, 2014 to the Cortland County
Treasurer, in compliance with Section 938 of the Real Property Tax Law.
Councilman Leach made a motion, seconded by Councilman Rocco, to receive and file
correspondence from the NYS Office of the State Comptroller, dated January 14, 2014,
regarding the Town's request for an extension of time for filing the 2013 Annual Financial
Report of the Town. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
RESOLUTION #31 AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN THE 2014
RECREATION CONTRACT BETWEEN THE TOWN OF
CORTLANDVILLE AND THE CITY OF CORTLAND
Motion by Councilman Proud
Seconded by Councilman Leach
VOTES: AYE - Tupper, Testa, Rocco, Proud, Leach NAY - 0
ADOPTED
1
I
ls.
FEBRUARY 05, 2014 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 5
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby authorize and direct the Supervisor to sign the
2014 Recreation Contract between the Town of Cortlandville and the City of Cortland for Town
parks in the amount of $86,700.00.
RESOLUTION #32 AUTHORIZE EXPENDITURE OF $24,834.00 FROM THE
HIGHWAY CAPITAL RESERVE FUND TO PAY FOR THE
PURCHASE OF ONE 10-WHEEL DUMP TRUCK
Motion by Councilman Leach
Seconded by Councilman Testa
VOTES: AYE - Tupper, Testa, Rocco, Proud, Leach NAY - 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Cortlandville does hereby authorize the
expenditure of $24,834.00 from the Highway Capital Reserve Fund to pay for the purchase of
one 10-Wheel Dump Truck, and it is further
RESOLVED, this resolution is adopted Subject to Permissive Referendum as required by law.
RESOLUTION #33 AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE DISCHARGE OF
MORTGAGE BETWEEN THE TOWN AND JUDITH ANN
VICKERY REGARDING THE BLODGETT MILLS
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT HOUSING
REHABILITATION PROGRAM
Motion by Councilman Proud
Seconded by Councilman Leach
VOTES: AYE — Tupper, Testa, Rocco, Proud, Leach NAY — 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby authorize and direct the Supervisor to execute
the Discharge of Mortgage between the Town and Judith Ann Vickery, 2279 Main Street,
Cortland, New York 13045, with regard to the Blodgett Mills Community Development Housing
Rehabilitation Program.
Councilman Leach made a motion, seconded by Councilman Proud, to receive and file
correspondence from the New York State Homes & Community Renewal, dated January 31,
2014, regarding the Approval of Request for Release of Funds and Certification for the Byrne
Dairy, Inc. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). All voting aye, the motion was
carried.
Councilman Rocco made a motion, seconded by Leach, to receive and file
correspondence from Cortland County Legislator and Past Chairman of the Cortland County
Communications Advisory Board, Kevin Whitney, dated February 2, 2014, regarding the use of
the Town's Water Garage for storage of the County's radio equipment. All voting aye, the
motion was carried.
Supervisor Tupper read Mr. Whitney's letter of appreciation out loud. Mr. Whitney
thanked the Town and its employees for their role in receiving and storing radio equipment for
the County's new interoperable radio system. Before the Town's offer to store the equipment at
no charge, the County's only other option was to contract with United Radio to store the
equipment for six months for the cost of $67,350.00. Mr. Whitney thanked the Town for getting
involved in a project that provides no direct benefit to the Town to assist Cortland County.
Councilman Leach thanked the Town Board and Town employees for their support after
the recent loss of his mother.
FEBRUARY 05, 2014 TOWN BOARD MEETING
I&
No further comments or discussion were heard.
Councilman Proud made a motion, seconded by Councilman Rocco, to adjourn the
Regular Meeting. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
a
Karen Q. Snyder, RM
Town Clerk
Town of Cortlandville
*Note:
The draft version of this meeting was submitted to the Town Board for their review on February 19, 2014.
The draft version of this meeting was approved as written at the Town Board meeting of March 5, 2014.
1
1
1
1-7
FEBRUARY 05, 2014
6:00 P.M.
INFORMATIONAL MEETING
PROPOSED LAND USE PLAN
FOR THE TOWN OF CORTLANDVILLE
An Informational Meeting regarding the proposed "Land Use Plan" for the Town of
Cortlandville was held by the Town Board of the Town of Cortlandville at the Raymond G.
Thorpe Municipal Building, 3577 Terrace Road, Cortland, New York, with Supervisor Tupper
presiding.
Members present: Supervisor, Richard C. Tupper
Councilman, Theodore V. Testa
Councilman, Ronal L. Rocco
Councilman, John C. Proud
Councilman, Gregory K. Leach
Town Clerk, Karen Q. Snyder, RMC
Others present were: Town Attorney, John Folmer; Walt Kalina from Clough Harbour &
Associates; Steve Flatt; James C. Stevens III; Chad Cotterill; Nancy Space; Gerald and Fay Bell;
Ann Hotchkin; Herb and Anne Habermehl from the Berean Church; John A. Gustafson; Kelly
Shobeck; Jim Reeners; Pam Jenkins; Chad Underwood; Steve Flatt; Scott Evener; Sam Fish;
News Reporter: Sharon Stevans from Channel 2, Access TV.
Supervisor Tupper called the informational meeting to order. He explained that the Town
had a new draft "Land Use Plan". He introduced Walt Kalina, Senior Planner from Clough Harbour
& Associates who assisted the Town's Land Use Committee with the plan. The advisory committee
included: Town Assessor, David Briggs; Town resident, Amy Bauer; Councilman, John Proud;
Planning Board Member, Nick Renzi; ZBA Member, David Alexander; Planning/Zoning Officer,
Bruce Weber; Assistant CEO, Desiree Campbell; and W&S Sup't., Peter Alteri. The Committee
had numerous meetings and discussion to complete the draft plan. Supervisor Tupper offered
privilege of the floor to Mr. Kalina.
Walt Kalina from Clough Harbour & Associates explained that he would give a power point
presentation regarding the draft Land Use Plan. Copies of the presentation were available for those
in attendance. He stressed that the plan was a draft plan, and welcomed comments and questions
after his presentation. He hoped to receive input from all land owners potentially affected by the
new plan. He explained that the Town was not in any position to create a burden on property
owners.
Mr. Kalina explained the purposes for a new Land Use Plan:
Identify potentially suitable areas for residential and light industrial use. The Town
received requests from several individuals to take a look at future residential areas. A
lot of the land presently zoned for residential use was being used for residential use.
In order to look to the future the Board put a committee together to identify some of
the areas in the Town that could support future residential use. Another purpose was
to look at areas for light industrial use, which was largely a result of Byrne Dairy
locating its business in the new Finger Lakes East Business Park. The Board thought
it would be wise to look at other areas in the Town that would support further light
industrial use.
• Discourage development in unsuitable areas. The Town did not want to create
impacts on the environment or community, or create "leapfrog development".
Development should be in areas near where existing development is already
occurring.
• Map existing resources town -wide. The existing comprehensive plan dated to the
1970s so it was important to provide up to date resources of the Town.
• Identify where existing infrastructure (sewer, water, roads) can potentially support
development. The Town does not want to create more tax burdens on the community,
which are often due to leapfrog development and requests for more services such as
water and sewer.
• Consider demographics and the changing needs of the community. The 2010 Census
data was now available and was helpful to look at how demographics were changing.
The Town was an aging community so the Committee wanted to look at the needs of
seniors.
FEBRUARY 05, 2014 INFORMATIONAL MEETING
PAGE 2
Mr. Kalina explained the selection criteria the Committee used, which included the
following:
• Identify transition areas adjacent to developed neighborhoods and uses.
• Access proximity to services and utilities particularly water and sewer.
• Evaluate development potential without significant adverse impacts, which included
drainage issues.
• Consider reasonable size and configuration of parcels with access to public roads.
Mr. Kalina noted Figure 2.6, which was a map of the existing land use in the Town, and
figure 2.11 which was the Town's existing zoning map. He explained Figure 3.7 which was the
f iture land use and proposed zone change areas, and referenced the legend which indicated the
different zones: green areas were agricultural; purple areas were industrial; red areas were
commercial; and yellow areas were residential. Mr. Kalina explained that the result of the
Committees work was identifying four areas in the town that might be conducive to future
residential development. There were also two areas the Committee thought would be conducive
the further light industrial development.
Mr. Kalina referenced Figure 3.1 which was Zone Change Area #1 and encompassed
300+/- acres of land, and 31 individual parcels. The existing zoning of the entire area was
agricultural. He clarified that the area, depicted with an orange boundary line was not set in
stone; it was a tentative boundary for discussion purposes. There were two parcels that were
presently part of the NYS Agricultural District. Other than the prime soils, there were no
development constraints. Sewer was available along Kinney Gulf Road to the south, and water
was available along the western side of the area. The area would be developed as a transition
area; has access to local roads; and access to infrastructure.
Zone Change Area #2, depicted in Figure 3.2, was north of the Cortland County Airport
and contains 238+/- acres and 44 different parcels. It was presently zoned R-1, but was proposed
to be R-2, for a higher density area. Agricultural Districts were noted, as well as the Runway
Protection Zone. Sewer and water were available on Kinney Gulf Road and Route 222.
Councilman Rocco questioned whether planes were supposed to stay within the runway
protection zone when taking off and landing. Mr. Kalina indicated that the Committee discussed
Councilman Rocco's question. The way the airport operates, when planes take off they are
encouraged to go to the left, which is taking the planes over a lot of people. Councilman Rocco
also questioned whether any statements had been made as to moving Fairview Drive in the future
because of the airport. Mr. Kalina was not aware.
Mr. Kalina referred back to the map and mentioned that some of the wooded areas were
in the flood plain and the land would not be developed because of that. Input would be requested
from the owners of the Ag District parcels before anything is decided on.
Zone Change Area #3 (Figure 3.3) was 225+/- acres and contained 3 parcels. The land
was zoned Agricultural, but was proposed to be R-1 Residential. The existing land use was
farm, fields and woodland. There were constraints to development, but water and sewer were
both available off of McLean Road.
Proposed Zone Change Area #4 (Figure 3.4) was directly south of the City of Cortland
and included more than 100 parcels and 1,259+/- acres. The existing zoning was Agricultural
but was proposed to be R-1 Residential. Mr. Kalina anticipated that the boundary lines would
probably change considerably because of the number of acres involved. Many large parcels
were in the Ag. District. Sewer and water were available along Starr Road, however the entire
zone change area would not be benefited by water and sewer because of the cost to extend the
lines.
Zone Change Area #5 (Figure 3.5) was 73 acres and included 1 parcel zoned Agricultural
that was not in a NYS Ag. District. The proposed zoning was for an Industrial Park. The parcel
was southeast of the Finger Lakes East Business Park where Byrne Dairy was building its
facility, and to the west of Gracie Road. There were some steep slopes to the north but most of
the parcel could be developed for light industrial use. Sewer and water were both available on
NYS Route 13; sewer was 1 mile away and water was 0.5 miles away. Mr. Kalina noted that
cost estimates were available for providing water and sewer to the parcel.
The last area, Zone Change Area #6 (Figure 3.6) was on the eastern side of the Town, just
east of I-81. The area included 137 acres on 4 parcels, and was currently zoned Agricultural,
with a proposed zone change to Industrial Park. Both water and sewer were available. The site
contained floodplains and wetland to the southeast, however a lot of the land could be developed
for light industrial use. Mr. Kalina stated that it was a good site for such use because the
infrastructure was there as well as access to 1-8 1.
Mr. Kalina summarized the Committees recommendations of the plan which included the
following:
1
1
[q
FEBRUARY 05, 2014 INFORMATIONAL MEETING
PAGE 3
• Amend the current PUD requirements to allow for senior housing development at a 5
acre minimum instead of 10 acres in any Ag, R-1, R-2, R-3 zones.
• Establish density bonuses for the provision of affordable units or other amenities.
• Permit senior housing as an allowed use in any Ag, R-1, R-2, R-3 zones subject to a
Conditional Use Permit.
• Establish a new Business Industrial Campus zone allowing light industrial and mixed
uses.
Mr. Kalina explained the plan implementation, which included:
• Revising the Draft Plan, including boundaries of areas as necessary, based on review
and comments by property owners and the community.
• Incorporate the changes recommended by Cortland County Planning.
• Pursue funding from NYS Ag. & Markets to prepare a town -wide Farmland
Protection Plan.
• Continue to work with stakeholders to identify housing needs of the community.
• Prioritize capital improvements to existing infrastructure and limit extension of sewer
and water in rural areas.
• Monitor water and sewer use and capacities (Sustainable Yield Analysis by County
SWCS).
• Investigate sewer and water infrastructure opportunities with the City of Cortland.
• Prepare a new Comprehensive Plan to facilitate future project funding.
• Amend zoning ordinance and zoning map.
Mr. Kalina provided his contact information to those in attendance, including his email
address to respond to him with comments (wkalina@chacompanies.com). Mr. Kalina welcomed
comments and questions from those in attendance.
Scott Evener stated that Mr. Kalina answered some of the questions he had concerning
water and sewer usage. He mentioned that the Town may have to look into the new building
codes that would require sprinkler systems.
Chad Cotterill stated that he and his wife live at 304 Westmore Lane and recently
purchased property located in a zone proposed to be changed from R-1 to R-2. His new property
located off of Commons Ave. and Kinney Gulf Road was the subject of potential development
by Mr. Reeners in 2013. Mr. Cotterill stated that while the vacant property looks like a prime
place to develop, he voiced his concerns over potential flooding to the Westmore Lane
development and traffic flow concerns. He also mentioned that the proposed zone change by the
airport was an area of concern. While development of that area was more appealing because it
was further away and there could be a buffer between neighborhoods, he questioned who would
want to live in the area where planes flew over every day. Mr. Cotterill reached out to Mr.
Kalina to see who he could talk with to better understand the plan. He also mentioned that his
property was being farmed at the moment.
In connection with Mr. Cotterill's flooding concerns, Sam Fish mentioned that there is a
spring fed pond on the hill behind St. Mary's Cemetery, which he thought was part of the
flooding problem.
Ann Hotchkin apprised those in attendance that she is the Chair of the Cortland County
Planning Board (CCPB) which voted unanimously not to recommend the Plan back to the Town.
She stated that the CCPB discussed the Plan for an hour and a half and gave it great
consideration. She mentioned that there was more information in Mr. Kalina's power point
presentation that was not given to the CCPB as far as considerations that are being thought of.
Mrs. Hotchkin stated that overall, the CCPB thought the plan "was a little bit like tunnel vision
in that the task at hand was to look at areas for R-1 residential without looking at all housing and
the ramifications from each of those zoning changes on all aspects such as transportation, water,
sewer, etcetera." Mrs. Hotchkin stated that the CCPB sees a lot of comprehensive plans coming
before them, and has worked on at least 5 comprehensive plans herself as part of her job at
Thoma Development Consultants. She stated that the draft Land Use Plan was narrowly focused
on R-1 Residential. She pointed out that in the last 12 years, according to the Plan only 12
permits have been issued for single family residential. She questioned the rush to take all of the
acreage and put it into R-1 if the demographics don't show the high need.
M
FEBRUARY 05, 2014 INFORMATIONAL MEETING PAGE 4
Mrs. Hotchkin complimented Clough Harbour & Associates for their work, and
referenced the Route 281/Route 13 Corridor Study which was a comprehensive look of all uses
in the area rather than just rezoning to R-1.
As a 35 year resident of the Town, Mrs. Hotchkin commented on the lack of senior
housing and housing for young professionals looking for housing before purchasing a home. She
hoped the Town would look at other housing rather than just for a PUD. Mrs. Hotchkin
commented on agricultural land and it being an asset to the Town. She stated that agriculture
was growing and had statistics available on the products sold and the gross income from farm
related activities. Mrs. Hotchkin also mentioned that she lives next to the Space Farm. While it
would increase her property value to convert the farmland to R-1 Residential, she hoped that the
Town could do something to buy the development rights for some of the farms so that we were
not getting rid of all of the agricultural land.
Mr. Kalina stated that Mrs. Hotchkin brought up an important point as the zone change
areas included hundreds of acres. The housing permit data peaked in the Town around 2006,
with approximately 20 housing units that year. Mr. Kalina stated he did not see the housing
market trend increasing tremendously, but thought that 20 housing units per year or less was a
reasonable number.
Steve Flatt stated that he was very disappointed with the proposed Land Use Plan prior to
Mr. Kalina's power point presentation. Mr. Flatt apprised those in attendance that he was a Civil
Engineer and studied transportation planning and land use and urban planning in college. He
also studied water and wastewater engineering and storm water issues. After working in the
engineering field he completed graduate work in computer science and worked for companies
such as General Electric.
Mr. Flatt commented on the committee members involved in the plan. Other than
Assessor Briggs, he questioned whether the other committee members involved had the
knowledge to work on the plan and was not aware that Mr. Kalina was involved in the report.
Mr. Flatt thought the Committee was made up of people who had a vested interest in making the
Land Use Plan go their way, which was not always in the interest of the taxpayer or the town.
He did not see any input from the County or the City or any consideration to do so, nor did he
see any input from the Town or Village of Homer.
Mr. Flatt was disappointed in the time frame for the plan, which he concluded was for the
next 5 to 20 years rather than for a long-term plan. He stated he would like to see a plan for the
next 25 to 50+ years, what the Town would look like in the future, and the impacts the decisions
would make on future generations. He also did not think that much discussion took place about
how fire/police/medical would be affected.
Mr. Flatt suggested that a serious stormwater management study be done. He stated that
a lot of people in the community do not have an understanding of how the stormwater problems
occur. The area that gave him great concern was the zone south of the City of Cortland. He
recalled the rain storm that occurred in 2013 that washed out the area surrounding Wal-Mart for
several days, and the effects of the storm. Mr. Flatt suggested that weather be considered with
the stormwater plan, and mentioned climate changes and its affects. He also stated that a lot of
the Town's drainage goes through the City of Cortland. If the Town starts developing and
increasing its runoff rate he questioned the affect it would have on the City.
Mr. Flatt also mentioned the Town's aquifer and water supply to the Town and the City.
He suggested that a lot of industrial development not be done south of the Town's wells in the
Gracie Road area (south of the new Byrne Dairy Facility). An industrial spill would have major
impacts on the wells and the surrounding Lime Hollow Nature Center and Fish Hatchery. He
suggested that industrial development in Polkville would be a better location because if an
industrial spill occurred it would not have a major impact on the Town's wells.
Another area of concern was development of the land west of the airport. Mr. Flatt
informed those in attendance that he also had a background in commercial aviation and was
recently recertified with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a flight instructor. He
stated there was no requirement to take a left turn when flying out of the airport. He suggested
the Town be careful about development west of the airport because as a pilot, if his engine failed
the first thing he would do is look for an open area to land his aircraft.
Mr. Flatt stated he was concerned that the Town did not have a comprehensive plan, and
was concerned with how the proposed Land Use Plan would be used in the future.
Mr. Kalina noted that Mr. Flatt brought up an important point about a 25 to 50 year plan,
which he stated goes back to the idea of an updated comprehensive plan, which would force the
community to take a look at development long term.
Al
FEBRUARY 05, 2014 INFORMATIONAL MEETING PAGE 5
Pam Jenkins apprised the Board that there is discussion of a natural gas pipe line going
up along I-81. She suggested the Town discuss infrastructure and whether it wants to have
compressor stations and fossil fuel storage facilities in the Route 41/Route 81 Polkville area.
Ms. Jenkins stated that Preble was proactive and prohibited the facilities from being allowed in
Preble. She suggested that the Town was in danger of having the facilities come to the region
especially if the area is changed from agricultural to business industrial. Ms. Jenkins stated that
she would like the Town to address the issue, and to learn as much as possible about the
facilities.
Councilman Rocco stated that natural gas would be coming from Canada to New York
City in the future, and stated that the Town cannot override the federal government. Ms. Jenkins
stated that the Town can determine the infrastructure like the gathering lines, the compressor
stations, and the fossil fuel storage facilities. She did not believe that the federal government had
jurisdiction over such infrastructure.
A resident from Deerfield Heights voiced his opposition to rezoning current agricultural
land located on McLean Road to R-1, which included the Space Farm. He mentioned the high
cost of a pump station that would be necessary, the snowmobile trails surrounding the area, and
the wildlife in the area. He suggested a compromise to add R-1 properties along the border of
McLean Road.
Nancy Space, owner of Space Farm located on McLean Road, apprised the Board that if
her property was changed from an Agricultural District to R-1 she could not operate her farm and
would no longer get her agricultural assessment. Mr. Kalina interjected and asked Mrs. Space
not to confuse agricultural zoning with NYS Agricultural Districts which give the tax breaks. He
stated that he understood her concern.
Pam Jenkins questioned whether senior housing would be allowed in R-1, R-2, R-3
districts where there were no water or sewer lines. Mr. Kalina suggested that senior housing
should be located in areas of higher density that are in areas where sewer and water are available.
Ms. Jenkins suggested a sentence be added to say that senior housing would be allowed in R-1,
R-2, R-3 districts where water and sewer services are available.
With regard to earlier comments made by Ms. Jenkins, Steve Flatt mentioned that to his
knowledge Boston does not have access to enough piped and natural gas to fill its needs. He
stated that most of its natural gas comes from the central southland and is piped up to the New
England area, where the pipelines aren't big enough to handle what they need. Natural gas is
loaded on tankers and sailed up the east coast to the Boston Harbor and unloaded. Mr. Flatt
suspected that future transmission lines through New York State would not be to serve our needs
but would be to serve the Boston area needs. He stated that our suffering would be to ease the
New England area energy crisis.
Mr. Kalina questioned whether there were any other agricultural land owners in
attendance.
Sam Fish spoke up and stated that his land was already listed as R-1, however he was
using it for agriculture and did not plan to change that.
Nancy Space stated that as far as putting the land in an agricultural zone forever, New
York State prefers land that is next to other agricultural land. Mrs. Space stated that her land was
surrounded by housing developments. Grant funds may not be available.
A gentleman in the audience questioned how property owners could expect their taxes to
change when an R-1 goes to an R-2. Mr. Kalina stated an agreement needs to be made about
where the Town wants development to occur to prevent additional burdens because of the cost of
infrastructure, such as extending water and sewer lines. He explained that a change in zone
would not affect taxes. He clarified that if a property is in a NYS Agricultural District, as long
as the owner continues to apply and recertify the property as such, the property would continue
to be in an agricultural zone regardless of what the zone is.
Ann Hotchkin discussed senior housing in regard to grant funding. She stated that
successful senior housing developments enable residents to walk to services. There are very few
options in Cortland County for senior housing and retirees, and the few options that are available
have long waiting lists. She stated that the Town needs to consider where seniors can
FEBRUARY 05, 2014 INFORMATIONAL MEETING PAGE 6 oha
live and walk to services, which brings up the topics of transportation and sidewalks. She
suggested the Land Use Plan was shortsighted and that a comprehensive plan should be
completed before the Land Use Plan was even considered.
Ms. Jenkins briefly mentioned grants that could be obtained to preserve view sheds and
historic uses. She stated there was so much beauty along McLean Road and would hate to see it
turn into pop-up houses. She wondered if there was a way to do some preservation.
Mr. Kalina stated that preservation could be accomplished through NYS Ag. & Markets
when you transfer development rights or when you purchase development rights. He stated that
there was something incredibly important about the view sheds.
Supervisor Tupper thanked Mr. Kalina and all those who attended the informational
meeting. He anticipated that the Committee would be meeting again to review comments. He
mentioned that some of the comments made were also made by members of the Board. He
encouraged the public to submit written comments, and stated that everything would be
considered before any decision would be made.
Mr. Flatt requested a time frame for any action on the Land Use Plan, and suggested the
Board take a long look at the plan. Supervisor Tupper indicated that Mr. Kalina and the
Committee anticipated having a couple more meetings. After a final plan is drafted it would
have to go back to the Town and County Planning Boards. Changing the zoning map could take
months. Supervisor Tupper did not anticipate that a final public hearing would be held for
several months. He stated that the Board would make sure the plan was done right.
The informational meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Q. Snyder, RMC
Town Clerk
Town of Cortlandville
*Note:
The draft version of this meeting was submitted to the Town Board for their review on February 28, 2014.
The draft version of this meeting was approved as written at the Town Board meeting of March 19, 2014.
1