HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-19-2003MARCH 19, 2003
5:00 P.M.
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TOWN BOARD MEETING
The Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Cortlandville was held at
the Town Hall, 3577 Terrace Road, Cortland, New Fork, with Supervisor Thorpe
presiding.
Members present: Deputy Supervisor, Theodore Testa
Councilman, Edwin O'Donnell
Councilman, Ronal Rocco
Councilman, John Pilato
Town Clerk, Karen Q. Snyder
Absent:
Supervisor, Raymond Thorpe
Others present were: Town Attorney, John Folmer; Highway Sup't. Carl Bush;
Water & Sewer Sup't. Peter Alteri; Town CEO Bruce Weber; James Trasher of Clough,
Harbour & Associates; Jill Giocondo of the Cortland Standard; Attorney, Richard
VanDonsel; Planning Board Chairperson, Katherine Wickwire; Planning Board members
Nicholas Renzi and Joseph Basile Jr.; Zoning Board of Appeals members Joann O'Rourke
and John Finn; Attorney Francis Casullo; Linda Harstock of the Cortland County Business
Development Corporation; Dave Boarr; Cortlandville Fire Chief, Kevin Whitney.
Deputy Supervisor Testa called the meeting to order.
Motion by Councilman Rocco
Seconded by Councilman O'Donnell
VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the vouchers submitted have been audited and shall be paid as
follows:
General Fund A
Vouchers #117 - 141
$
14,310.32
General Fund B
B16 - B24
$
4,809.65
Highway Fund DB
D77 - D92
$
19,568.52
Water Fund
W44 - W57
$
15,310.47
Sewer Fund
S22 - S30
$
5,082.57
Capital Projects
114 - H4
$
658.81
Monthly reports for the Town Justice and SPCA for the month of February 2003
are on the table for review and filed in the Town Clerk's office.
Town Clerk Karen Q. Snyder apprised the Board of the communication received
from the Cortland County SPCA. The Town Board was thanked for its generosity of
forwarding a $1,600.00 check to the SPCA, which would be dedicated to spaying and
neutering for the cat program.
The SPCA also informed the Board Executive Director, Sara Knobel resigned for
personal and family reasons. The Board of Directors began its search for a new director.
Councilman Rocco made a motion, seconded by Councilman O'Donnell, to receive
and file correspondence from the Cortland County SPCA regarding the Town's donation
towards the spay/neuter program and the resignation of Executive Director, Sara Knobel.
All voting aye, the motion was carried.
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MARCH 19, 2003 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 2
Town Clerk Snyder apprised the Board Bruench Incorporated, DBA Doug's Fish
Fry, located on NYS Route 281, submitted an official notification of its intent to renew its
liquor license. In addition, Kent L. Finkelstein. submitted an official notification of his
intent to apply for an Alcoholic Beverage Control Retail License for the former Rocci s
restaurant located on Route 13.
Councilman O'Donnell made a motion, seconded by Councilman Rocco, to receive
and file correspondence from Bruench Inc., DBA Doug's Fish Fry, located on NYS Route
281, regarding the renewal of its liquor license, and from Kent L. Finkelstein, for Rocci's
Restaurant, located on Route 13, regarding the application for a liquor license. All voting
aye, the motion was carried.
Town Clerk Snyder apprised the Board there was information in each Board
member's packet from the State of New York Unified Court System regarding the 2003
Town and Village Continuing Judicial Education Programs that are available.
Councilman Rocco made a motion, seconded by Councilman Pilato, to receive and
file correspondence from the State of New York Unified Court System regarding the 2003
Town and Village Continuing Judicial Education Programs. All voting aye, the motion
was carried.
Attorney Folmer reported:
Wellhead Protection Plan:
Attorney Folmer apprised the Board he received a reply from the Department of Ag.
& Markets regarding the Wellhead Protection Plan, which he would forward to James
Trasher of Clough, Harbour & Associates for his review and comments.
Highland Road Sanitary Sewer Main Project:
Attorney Folmer recommended the Board wait until the April 2°a, 2003 meeting to
schedule a public hearing regarding the Highland Road sewer extension project and the
bonding process. Attorney Folmer apprised the Board a question was raised concerning
the kind of notice required to be given in view of a Court of Appeals decision which
discusses actual notice versus publication in a newspaper. Attorney Folmer stated he was
in contact with bond counsel in. New York City and was waiting for a reply.
Small Cities Grant:
Attorney Folmer apprised the Board he had a notice with regard to the public
hearing for the Small Cities Grant. He asked Town Clerk Snyder to arrange to have the
notice published in the local newspaper, as he would be out of town.
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Attorney Folmer informed the Board and Town Clerk Snyder he directed his office
personnel to forward all calls regarding the Town of Cortlandville to Town Clerk Snyder
or Deputy Supervisor Testa in the absence of Supervisor Thorpe, as he would be out of
town from March 20' until April 1', 2003. i
Emory Knight Junkyard Violation:
Attorney Folmer apprised the Board he spoke with Town Justice, Mardis Kelsen in
regards to establishing a trial date for the junkyard violation of Emory Knight. He also
spoke with Attorney Ted Hoffman about reaching a resolution. He hoped a trial date
would be set in the near future.
Attorney Folmer stated the theory with regard to the zoning ordinance is to keep
people in compliance with the ordinance rather than to punish them.
Attorney Folmer informed the Board it would not be easy to reach a resolution with
Mr. Knight.
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MARCH 19, 2003 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 3
Rerob:
Attorney Folmer informed the Board they each received a copy of the Final
Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for Rerob, LLC. Once the FEIS is received and
filed, the Board must follow a certain procedure. The Board is required to do certain
things with regard to the FEIS since it has been received and filed by the Board.
The Board must forward the FEIS to the involved agencies and to the Department
of Environmental Conservation for publication. A public comment- period must be
provided for not less than ten calendar days. The Board must make its findings and
determinations within thirty days of the date the notice of completion is published.
Attorney Folmer suggested the Board establish dates for the public comment period
to end, and a period of time for the Board to make its findings based upon a review of the
FEIS and the information previously submitted.
James Trasher of Clough, Harbour & Associates suggested the Board deem the
FEIS for Rerob, LLC. complete before establishing the dates for the public comment
period and public hearing.
Prior to its submission to the Town Clerk or the Board, Resource Associates
contacted Mr. Trasher to determine whether or not the FEIS was in the correct format. Mr.
Trasher assured Resource Associates the format was appropriate. .
Attorney .Fohner stated it was his understanding Clough, Harbour & Associates
would recommend the Board make a motion to declare the FEIS complete.
Motion by Councilman O'Donnell
Seconded by Councilman Rocco
VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED
WHEREAS, Rerob, LLC. submitted a Final Environmental Impact Statement for the
proposed Express Mart Convenience Store/Gas Station on NYS Route 13 and Lime
Hollow Road on March 15, 2003, and
WHEREAS, upon review of said Final Environmental Impact Statement the Town's
contracted engineering firm Clough, Harbour & Associates found the Final Environmental
Impact Statement to be complete, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby declare the Final Environmental Impact
Statement of Rerob, LLC. complete.
Mr. Trasher apprised the Board he spoke with Attorney Rick VanDonsel, for
Rerob, LLC, regarding the two resources made reference to in the FEIS, which the Town
does not have. Mr. Trasher requested counsel provide additional copies of the two
resources, Appendix A and B, so that the Town could forward them to the involved
agencies. However, Attorney VanDonsel informed Mr. Trasher he would forward a letter
to the Town stating copies of Appendix .A and B could be obtained if requested by any of
the involved agencies.
Attorney Rick VanDonsel apprised the Board it was presumed that most, if. not all,
of the involved agencies should have a copy of the appendices.
• RESOLUTION #52 SCHEDULE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR THE FINAL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT OF EXPRESS
MARTMROB LLC
Motion by Councilman Pilato
Seconded by Councilman Rocco
VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED
WHEREAS, the Town Board deemed the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) of
Express Mart/Rerob, LLC. "complete", therefore
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MARCH 19, 2003 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 4
BE IT RESOLVED, public continent regarding the Final Environmental Impact Statement
of Express Mart/Rerob, LLC. for the proposed express mart convenience store/gas station
located on NYS Route 13 and Lime Hollow Road, shall be accepted by the Town Board in
writing until the close of business (4:30 p.m.) on April 7d`, 2003.
RESOLUTION #53 AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO PLACE ON THE TOWN
BOARD AGENDA OF APRIL 16, 2003 TO PREPARE AND
ISSUE FINDINGS RELATIVE TO THE FEIS OF EXPRESS
MART/REROB LLC
Motion by Councilman Pilato
Seconded by Councilman Rocco
VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is hereby authorized and directed to add to the Town
Board agenda for April 16°i, 2003 at 5:00 p.m. to prepare: and issue findings relative to the
Final Environmental Impact Statement of Express Mart/Rerob, LLC. for property located
on NYS Route 13 and Lime Hollow Road, tax map #95.00-06-12.120.
Councilman O'Donnell made a motion, seconded by Councilman Rocco, to receive
and file correspondence from Cortland County Soil & Water Conservation District
(February 18) regarding the Storm Water Management and Erosion and Sediment Control
Ordinance. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
There was a brief discussion regarding the agreement with the Cortland County Soil
& Water Conservation District (SWCD) for a fee schedule.
Deputy Supervisor Testa requested CEO, Bruce Weber apprise the Board
regarding the matter as he spoke with Supervisor Thorpe and the SWCD regarding the
matter.
CEO, Bruce Weber stated, based on the Town's increase in building permit fees,
adopted May 01, 2002, money is available to the SWCD for their services which include
field inspections during construction, technical review, comment and recommendations to
the Town Board. He stated the requested $350.00 flat fee would be well spent.
RESOLUTION #54 AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE AGREEMENT
WITH CORTLAND COUNTY SOIL & WATER
CONSERVATION DISTRICT FOR A PER PROJECT FLAT
RATE FEE OF $350.00
Motion by Councilman Rocco
Seconded by Councilman O'Donnell
VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is hereby authorized and directed to execute agreement
with Cortland County Soil & Water Conservation District to provide services for a per
project flat rate fee of $350.00, and it is further
RESOLVED, the correspondence from February 28d`, 2003 shall be received and filed. i
Councilman Rocco made a motion, seconded by Councilman O'Donnell, to receive
and file correspondence from Thoma Development regarding the Community
Development Block Grant for the Blodgett Mills area. All voting aye, the motion was
carried.
Attorney Folmer reminded the Board the Public Hearing for the Community
Development Block Grant would be held April 2"d, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. He stated he would
give Town Clerk Snyder the legal notice .to be published no later than Saturday, March
22"d, 2003.
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MARCH 19, 2003 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 5
Councilman O'Donnell made a motion, seconded by Councilman Rocco, to receive
and file the Full Environmental Assessment Form .from Gregory Leach regarding the
proposed Transfer Station on Route 13. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
Attorney Folmer apprised the Board the Full Environmental Assessment Form
regarding Greg Leach was mailed to the following Lead Agencies on March 12a, 2003:
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Cortland County Highway
Department, Cortland County Planning Board, Cortlandville Planning Board, and the
Cortland County Health Department. Such agencies were notified that the Town elected to
serve as Lead Agency with regard to the proposed Transfer Station. Each agency has a
thirty -day period of time to respond if they would like to undertake the responsibility as
® Lead Agency.
Councilman Rocco made a motion, seconded by Councilman O'Donnell, to receive
and file correspondence from Lydia M. Ferro regarding Gregory Leach and the proposed
Transfer Station located on Route 13. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
Councilman Rocco made a motion, seconded by Councilman Pilato, to receive and
file correspondence from James S. Ferro regarding Gregory Leach and the proposed
Transfer Station located on Route 13. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
Councilman Rocco made a motion, seconded by Councilman O'Donnell, to receive
and file correspondence from Myron and Lesa Williams regarding Gregory Leach and the
proposed Transfer Station located on Route 13. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
Councilman O'Donnell made a motion, seconded by Councilman Pilato, to receive
and file correspondence from David Musci regarding Gregory Leach and the proposed
Transfer Station located on Route 13. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
There was discussion regarding the appointment of a new Town Justice.
Deputy Supervisor Testa apprised the Board and those in attendance Town Justice
Mardis Kelsen would be resigning April 250', 2003. There were seven interested applicants
for the position who were interviewed by the Board. The applicants' resumes were sent to
the Cortlandville Republican Committee for their recommendation. After review, the
Cortlandville Republican Committee recommended the appointment of Francis J. Casullo
to carry out the remainder of Town Justice Kelsen's term. -
Councilman O'Donnell stated it was the consensus of the Republican Committee as
well as his own opinion, that it would be beneficial for the new Town Justice to be an
attorney. Councilman O'Donnell made a motion to appoint Attorney Francis J. Casullo.
Councilman Rocco stated it was important to inform the public that the Town Court
handles about 16,000 cases a year. It is the third busiest court in the 6' Judicial District.
According to . New York State Law, it is not necessary for a Town Justice to be an
attorney. However, due to the caseload, and after speaking with the Cortland County
Sheriff and New York State Police, the consensus was to appoint an attorney.
Councilman Rocco stated the. Republican Party was impressed with the candidates
• who were interviewed. The consensus was to present Mr. Casullo to the Board due to his
experience and the way he stood out relative to the other candidates.
Councilman O'Donnell stated Mr. Casullo has been present in Town Court more
than any other attorney. Mr. Casullo presented the Board with ideas to improve Town
Court, such as night court, as well as ideas on how to make the court more efficient.
Councilman Rocco stated the Town Court deals quite a bit with landlord/tenant
issues, which Mr. Casullo has a great deal of experience with as well. He stated Mr.
Casullo would have the court functioning rather quickly after the resignation of Town
Justice Mardis Kelsen, with the support of the staff.
Deputy Supervisor Testa stated the appointed Town Justice must be a resident of
the Town of Cortlandville. Attorney Folmer contacted every attorney in the Town
informing them of the open position.
Attorney Folmer suggested the Board appoint a candidate from April 26, 2003 for
the remainder of Town Justice Mardis Kelsen's term.
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MARCH 19, 2003 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 6
RESOLUTION #55 APPOINT FRANCIS J. CASULLO TOWN JUSTICE
EFFECTIVE APRIL. 26 2003
Motion by Councilman O'Donnell
Seconded by Councilman Rocco
VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED
WHEREAS, a vacancy shall occur as Town Justice, due to the retirement of Mardis F.
Kelsen, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby appoint Francis J. Casullo, 4075
Collegeview Dr., Cortland, New York, as Town Justice effective April 26, 2003 to
December 31, 2003 the remainder of the Town Justice term, and it is further
RESOLVED, that the starting salary shall be $32,000, with the starting date of April 26',
2003.
Councilman Rocco stated it would be appropriate for Deputy Supervisor Testa to
contact Mr. Casullo after the Board Meeting to congratulate and inform him of the Board's
decision.
Deputy Supervisor Testa concurred.
RESOLUTION #56 AUTHORIZE WATER & SEWER SUP'T TO PURCHASE
ONE NEW TRACTORBACKHOE FROM THE STATE BID
FOR $51.681.91 AS BUDGETED FOR
Motion by Councilman O'Donnell
Seconded by Councilman Rocco
VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby authorize and direct the Water & Sewer
Sup't. to purchase one new tractorfbackhoe for the Water & Sewer Department from the
State Bid in an amount not to exceed $51,681.91 as budgeted for.
RESOLUTION #57 AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO DONATE TWO OLD
PHOTOCOPIERS TO THE CORTLANDVILLE FIRE
DISTRICT
Motion by Councilman Pilato
Seconded by Councilman Rocco
VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED
WHEREAS, two new photocopiers were purchased from the State Bid for the
Cortlandville Town Hall, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board determined the two old photocopiers as excess equipment
and unnecessary for Town purposes, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby authorize and direct the Supervisor to
donate the two old photocopiers to the Cortlandville Fire District and remove the •
equipment from the Town's fixed assets.
Deputy Supervisor Testa thanked Linda Hartsock of the Cortland County Business
Development. Corp. (BDC), CEO Bruce Weber, and the members of the Town Planning
Board and Zoning Board of Appeals who were in attendance of the Board meeting. He
stated their presence was important in order for all of the boards to understand the "Build
Now -NY" project, which Ms. Hartstock was present to discuss.
Deputy Supervisor Testa offered privilege of the floor to Linda Hartsock.
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MARCH 19, 2003 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 7
Linda Hartsock of the BDC thanked the Board for inviting her to the meeting to
discuss the "Build Now -NY" program.
According to Ms. Hartsock, the State of New York re -opened the grant program
entitled "Build Now -NY" in July of 2002, in which the state works with local communities
to select preferred development sites. Cortland never submitted an entry to the program,
and is the only county in the Central New York region that does not have a "shovel ready"
designated business park.
Ms. Hartstock stated it is time for Cortland County to think ahead about where it
wants growth to happen over the next ten years. Similar to the Board, she does not want
to see growth happen in a scattered approach. Any future growth should be well -planned
and meet high design standards, such as what the Town of Cortlandville has implemented.
New York State was looking for sites with over one hundred acres for the "Build
Now -NY" program, which is generally difficult to find. Ms. Hartsock, Councilman Testa,
Councilman O'Donnell, and the Cortland County Planning Department discussed about a
dozen different sites in the Town of Cortlandville that would be conducive to the program.
The site that was chosen was the 263-acre parcel that surrounds New Monarch
Machine Tool located off of NYS Route 13. There are two separate owners of the
property, Homer Gutchess of Cortland Wood Products Inc. and Osbeck Realty Inc.
The application submitted by the Cortland County Industrial Development Agency
(IDA) was ranked the highest of those received in New York State. Cortland is one of 26
sites in 22 counties that will receive $75,000.00 in funding from New York State to
develop a multi -tenant business and technology park. The Cortland County BDC will
match the funds through a $75,000.00 grant from Niagara Mohawk.
Ms. Hartsock apprised the Board the Central New York Regional Planning and
Development Board would be assisting the IDABDC, the Town of Cortlandville and the
County Planning Department with the project. Dave Botar, Director of Economic
Development for the CNY Regional Planning & Development Board, was retained by the
BDC to work as project manager.
Ms. Hartsock apprised the Board her goal of the night's meeting was for the Board
to identify a steering committee to work with other boards on the "Build Now -NY"
program. The steering committee would help make decisions regarding the development
and guidelines for the business and technology park.
Ms. Hartsock stated she understood one of the Board's goals was to bring
infrastructure along NYS Route 13. The BDC worked with Congressman James Walsh
who helped earmark a $500,000.00 grant to bring infrastructure to the site and support its
development under the "Build Now -NY" program.. She stated the BDC should have
access to the grant money by October or November 2003.
Ms. Hartsock stated the BDC would work with Mr. Botar to leverage the money
and apply to the U.S. Economic Administration for additional funding. The BDC has
about $750,000.00 in funding set aside for "Build Now -NY", which would give the BDC
about $1.2 million in funding to bring in public infrastructure.
Ms. Hartsock asked Dave Botar to apprise the Board regarding the development of
the multi -tenant business and technology park.
Dave Botar of the CNY Regional Planning Board, apprised the Board over the last
ten years he helped a handful of communities create their business parks. Many of the
parks were "Build Now -NY" parks with state initiative.
Mr. Botar commended the Town of Cortlandville and Ms. Hartsock for taking the
initiative to pursue a state designated "Build Now -NY" site. He stated it was important to
® have a site designated for business that is "shovel ready" with utilities in place and all the
pre -development work completed if Cortland wanted to effectively compete for business
today. There are plenty of communities in the nation, and in particular the northeast, that
have shovel -ready sites a company would consider before choosing a site that was not
ready for construction.
Mr. Botar discussed the project proposeltscope of work for the "Build Now- NY"
business park. The first step of the process was to put together a project management
team, which Ms. Hartsock had already begun.
The second suggested step by Mr. Botar was for the County IDA go forward and
issue a request for proposals to engineering firms. In order to bring in technical expertise,
a development file must be created in which all the information necessary to answer a
developer's questions must be obtained, such as what it would take to make water and
sewer available to the site as well as other utilities.
MARCH 19, 2003 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 8
Mr. Botar stated there are plenty of qualified engineering firms in the area and
hoped a firm would be selected by May 2003. The engineering firm would work with the
BDC, CNY Regional Planning Board, Town and County Planning Boards, and the Town
Board to collect more detailed information on the 263-acre site. The engineering firm
should also create a number of development profiles, which would allow the involved
boards the opportunity to choose the most appropriate profile for the community.
Once the development profiles are prepared the preliminary site plan may be
drafted. The next step would be to aggressively seek federal and state funds to pay the
utilities for the project.
Mr. Botar informed the Board that today, more communities involved in similar
projects prepare a generic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The draft EIS allows
the interested businesses to receive answers to their environmental questions up -front.
Kathy Wickwire, Chairperson of the Town Planning Board, questioned how an EIS
could be drafted without knowing what types of businesses were interested in the site.
Mr. Botar stated the generic EIS is drafted based on assumptions. If the proposed
business does not fall under the assumptions used to create the generic EIS it is obviously
no good and an EIS particular to the business would be drafted.
The next steps would be the construction of utilities and a possible subdivision
plan. Mr. Botar suggested a development handbook then be created that includes all maps,
data and information regarding the site that a developer would request. A marketing plan
should also be implemented. The final process would be the project close-out.
Deputy Supervisor Testa questioned how the 263-acre site in the Town of
Cortlandville compared to other "Build Now -NY" sites in relation to size.
Mr. Botar apprised the Board the size of the Cortlandville site was an average size.
He gave an example of a 250-acre site in Auburn, New York and a 500-acre site in
Onondaga County. Creating a shovel -ready site would make Cortlandville and Cortland
County more competitive.
Councilman Rocco questioned who would pay for the utilities and whether they
would be completely paid for.
Mr. Botar stated the utilities would be paid using grant monies.
Ms. Hartsock stated whether or not the utilities would be completely paid for
depended on the type of businesses interested in the site and what their utility usage would
be.
Mr. Botar apprised the Board businesses often request information regarding sites
with a time limitation of 24 to 48 hours. He stated such time frame seems unreasonable, as
it would be impossible to respond professionally within 24 hours, 48 hours, or even a
week. For this reason it is necessary to have a development plan in place.
Councilman Rocco questioned what those in attendance thought about the "Build
Now -NY" site being over the aquifer as it was a concern to him.
Mrs. Wickwire believed the site was in a great area as long as there is aquifer
protection.
John Finn, Zoning Board of Appeals member, agreed the site was in a great area but
stated the Town should not "tie its hands."
Ms. Hartsock requested the Board appoint members to the project management
team to work with the BDA and the other involved agencies.
Deputy Supervisor Testa interjected and questioned whether the Town Board
would decide the engineering firm, or whether it would go, out to bid.
Ms. Hartsock stated members of the project management team would select the
engineering firm. She questioned how many people and from what boards the members
for the project management team would be selected from.
Deputy Supervisor Testa stated he would like two or three members of the
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Planning Board to be involved, CEO Bruce Weber, a couple Zoning Board of Appeals
members, Town Board members, and a member of the Water & Sewer Department. He
asked each respective board to select members for the project management team as soon as
possible.
Ms. Hartsock apprised the Board Niagara Mohawk would also be involved.
ZBA member John Finn questioned what the parameters of the project management
team were so that he could entice members of the ZBA to participate.
MARCH 19, 2003 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 9
139
Mr. Botar stated the process would vary as the project developed. For the first
three to four months there would be monthly meetings to complete the development profile
process. Involvement would then slow down. The next important point would be the
draft Environmental Impact Statement. It would take the engineering firm and the board
several months to complete a draft EIS. He projected it would take until April or June
2003 to select an engineering firm. The summer months would not be hectic, but it would
be busy from September to November in order to complete the draft EIS. The meetings
would take place in Cortland County and would last approximately an hour and a half.
Deputy Supervisor Testa stated he would submit a list of the Town Board, Planning
Board, and ZBA members who would be involved with the project management team to
Ms. Hartsock as soon as possible.
There was a brief discussion regarding Photon Vision Systems Inc.
Councilman Rocco asked Ms. Hartsock if she was aware of any new developments
with the Photon Vision Systems Inc. located off of NYS Route 281.
Ms. Hartsock stated the articles published in the Cortland Standard have been
accurate. She stated the IDA/BDC is actively marketing the building and there have been
several companies who have shown an interest in occupying it. Niagara Mohawk has
given the BDC money to market the building.
There was a brief discussion regarding County Inn & Suites.
Councilman Rocco questioned whether there were any new developments with
County Inn & Suites.
Ms. Hartsock stated she met with the IDA council who apprised her Martin Estruch
closed on the property. She stated they are waiting for the USDA Rural Development
guarantee. She stated the hotel will be a great project.
Deputy Supervisor Testa thanked Ms. Harsock, Mr. Botar and the members of the
various boards who attended the meeting at a last minute notice.
Deputy Supervisor Testa asked the Board to revert back in the agenda to the
appointment of a new Town Justice. Attorney Francis Casullo had recently arrived at the
meeting.
Deputy Supervisor Testa congratulated Mr. Casullo and informed him he was
appointed Town Justice as of April 26, 2003 until December 31, 2003.
Attorney Francis Casullo graciously thanked the Board for the appointment. He
stated he would take care of any conflicts of interests he had prior to his starting date. He
commended Town Justice Mardis Kelsen for her accomplishments in the court and hoped
he would continue the good work.
Councilman O'Donnell made a motion, seconded by Councilman Pilato, to adjourn
the Regular Meeting. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:05 p.m.
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Respectfully submitted,
4aren Q. Snyder
Town Clerk
Town of Cortlandville