MINUTES of a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the
Present: Mayor Donald Hartill; Trustees, Lynn Leopold, John O’Neill and
Frank Moore; Clerk/Treasurer Jodi Dake; Attorney David Dubow; TG Miller
Engineer, David Putnam; and Planning Board Member, Maria Stycos.
Mayor
Hartill called the meeting to order at 7:38P.M. and opened the public comment
period. Sorel Gottfried asked if it would be possible for the public to speak
during the sewer discussion since that was why a large number of people were
present. Mayor Hartill told the public
that they may participate in the sewer discussion.
John
Dennis voiced his concern over the new
Trustee Leopold moved to close the public comment
period. Trustee O’Neill seconded the motion. A vote was taken:
Mayor Donald Hartill-Aye Trustee Frank
Moore- Aye Trustee John
O’Neill-Aye Trustee
Lynn Leopold-Aye
Next on the agenda was approval of minutes from May 11th and
May 15th. Jodi had already made the minor changes that were
submitted electronically by the attorney and Trustees.
Motion - To Approve the Minutes from May 11th and May 15th
Trustee Leopold moved that the draft meeting notes, as reviewed and revised by the Clerk/Treasurer and the Board, are hereby adopted as the official minutes. Trustee Moore seconded the motion. A vote was taken:
Mayor Donald Hartill-Aye Trustee Frank
Moore- Aye Trustee Lynn
Leopold-Aye Trustee
John O’Neill-Abstain
Next on the agenda was the sewer discussion. Don stated that he read in
the Ithaca Journal that the Town of Lansing had made a decision to have the
forced sewer main go down Cayuga Heights Rd. The Village has invested a fair amount
of time and money to explore alternate routes. A traffic diversion study, done
by Fisher Associates and paid for by the Village, showed traffic diversion to
be effective if the sewer line were to be routed down East Shore Drive. The
Town’s design consultant analyzed the study and the additional cost on
this $2.5 million project is $500,000.
$200,000 of this additional amount is for property acquisition costs for the
pump station and $300,000 for incremental costs to satisfy NYSDOT standards on
their highway. This is to move all the equipment and cover up the pipe at the
end of each working day. Their rules state that you can’t store materials at
the project location. This increases the cost by about 10% of the total
construction project.
The current plans for the proposed Cayuga Heights Road route provide for
a pump station at the Bolton Point area that will direct flows to our existing
line on Cedar Lane. That line has
capacity for the Village but not for the Town. Therefore, that line has to be
replaced to carry the load. The estimated cost is $2.5 million from the Town
line to the Cayuga Heights Treatment Plant. A separate gravity system would be
installed at the same time to accommodate Village sewage flow along this route.
There would be a small cost to widen the excavated area to enable the
installation of the gravity line materials.
The gravity line would run from the top the hill on Cayuga Heights Road
northward to the pump station at Bolton Point and southward down Cayuga Heights
Rd. to a small pump station at the sharp bend on Cayuga Heights Rd.
Don explained that there are two primary issues that the Village has with
respect to the proposed Cayuga Heights Road route. Sewer main breaks are the
first concern. The Village will insist on the highest possible construction
standards and materials to reduce the possibility of breaks. This will increase
costs. If we do not go down Route 34 there would be the added expense of small
pump stations to lift the material back up to Cayuga Heights Road in order to
provide sewer to Pembroke Lane, Hampton Hills and Cayuga Hills. If we go down
Route 34 we could do so by gravity. You would also have the O&M costs. The
O&M costs would be $10-15,000 per year.
The second issue is the possibility of odors from the forced main system
and pumping stations.
What is the Village’s share in all of this? Don explained that the
Village’s projected build-out is a maximum of 1,000 EDU’s, but will probably be
more like 700 EDU’s. It is estimated that each dwelling unit will generate
about 300 gal/day, which equals 200,000-250,000 gallons. Projected use of by
Town is approximately 1 million gal/day.
It is expected that 20% of the costs for this project will not be
covered by State funding, the Village’s share, based upon its approximately
250,000 gal/day amount in relation to the total Town/Village amount of
1,250,000 gal/day, being an estimated 20% of this approximately $200,000 to
$250,000 or around $40,000 to $50,000 for the Village’s share.
The mayor asked for comments from Dave Putnam, the Village’s engineer.
Having reviewed the situation, Dave indicated that material costs would be an
additional $2 per linear foot to go to water grade pipe versus conventional
sewer pipe because of the difference in water pressures. Water pipe is
definitely a benefit. As far as the concern regarding odor control, Dave
indicated that he hasn’t experienced a major problem with a force main system
provided it is designed correctly. The worst time for odors from a forced main
system is when you don’t have much flow. The size of the installed pipe is
intended to handle the full build-out flow, and therefore the pipe will be
under utilized during the early stages of the projected build-out and system
usage. As to the pump stations, any possible odors can be managed with charcoal
filters.
It was asked where the pump station would be and what it would look like.
The mayor explained that the pump station would be located at the sharp bend on
Cayuga Heights Road, with a portion above ground. The pump can be in the tank
below ground or in the structure above ground. The above ground structure would
be approximately 12x12 feet. In response to a voiced concern with potential
noise, Dave stated that due to the way the structure is designed, there would be
very little noise.
It was explained that Village residents could not hook directly into the
forced main and, therefore, a gravity line would be installed parallel to the
Town’s forced main down the east side of Cayuga Heights Road to Cedar Lane. At
Cedar Lane there is currently a 15 in line which transports most of the
Village’s sewage to the Cayuga Heights Plant which would have to be replaced
with a 24-inch line to accommodate the Town. Residents wondered if they would
have to hook in to the new Village gravity line. The Mayor explained that
certain County and Village regulations require mandatory connection to
available public sewer when the present system fails. Residents on the west
side of Cayuga Heights who are required to connect would have to install sewer
laterals to go under the road and pump stations. The mayor indicated that the Village may be
able to work it out so that those lines are installed when the project is being
done.
The residents asked what the cost would be to hook in and what kind of
pump would be needed. Don explained that it costs approximately $70-100 a foot
to install a gravity line. New builders that come in have to pay a Village
sewer connection fee. The pump that would be needed is similar to a sump pump.
Operating costs are very small, but they do have maintenance issues and may
need to be replaced every 15 years or so.
Don reminded the residents that they currently have septic costs. There
may be a pump with the septic system also. He estimated that if one had to replace
their septic system it would cost in the neighborhood of $10-15,000.
It was asked why it was necessary for the Town to run their lines through
the Village instead of the Town building their own plant located in the Town.
Don responded that the State’s position is that it will not allow funding for
another treatment plant on the lake. He
estimated that the savings of the operating costs for the forced main
transmission system would very likely pay the “mortgage” for the new plant, but
NYSDEC is simply against a third treatment plant for this area.
Don stated that we are running out of time and the money set aside by the
State will very likely disappear if the intermunicipal alternative does not
move forward pretty quickly. The Town is in desperate need of the service due
to septic system issues in certain areas of South Lansing. Don also indicated that it is the Village’s
understanding that under New York law, the Town must obtain the Village’s
consent for the Town’s sewer line being routed within the Cayuga Heights Road
right of way.
At this point, if the Village wanted the Town sewer to go down Route 34,
the engineering and design plans would have to be prepared and approved by the
State with an estimated cost of approximately $250,000. There would still be
the risk of that route not being approved after incurring that expense
Don explained that the cost for the Village would very likely be the same
for either the Cayuga Heights Road route or the Route 34-East Shore Drive
route. A benefit of going Cayuga Heights Road is that the Village could install
its gravity line at the same time as the Town is installing its forced main
line and thereby save significant expense.
It was asked why we just don’t tell the Town they can’t go down Cayuga
Heights Rd. If we were to say no, the only route would be Route 34, in which
case the Town could not exercise eminent domain on the public right of way, but
could go through backyards which would be out of our control. Don explained
that he would like to maintain the good working relationship that we have with
the Town. Sorel Gottfried stated that just because the Mayor and Town
Supervisor have a good working relationship, it doesn’t mean that the rest of
the Village residents feel the same way. She is concerned with quality control.
She questioned who would be responsible for that. Don stated that it is his
intention that the infrastructure in the Village would be maintained by the
Village. The public didn’t feel this was fair since it was benefiting the Town
of Lansing. Don indicated that the Village retaining maintenance authority did
not mean that the Village would solely responsible for the cost of that
maintenance. Frank indicated that he wants “state of the art” equipment and
materials from the beginning. Don stated
that we would add a contingency to accommodate best construction practices. The
Village will have approval of the final design.
Don reviewed how we got to this point. He explained that the Village of
Lansing was under a sewer moratorium for many years imposed by the Village of
Cayuga Heights based upon capacity issues at the Cayuga Heights plant. During
that time, the Village of Lansing worked on its I&I to control the amount
of ground water that leaked into our system. As a result of those efforts, we
were given 10-15 additional sewer units each year. After the intermunicipal
sewer group was formed and after significant effort, a solution to relieve this
problem was agreed upon involving the installation of the Kline Road Bypass
that transports a portion of the Cayuga Heights sewage to the Ithaca Area
Treatment Plant. This has freed up capacity at the Village of Cayuga Heights
Plant so that there is no longer a moratorium. The Village of Lansing funded
the Kline Road project and will eventually be reimbursed for a portion of that
expense through the bond act funding.
Delores Adler asked if this would go to a community vote. Don explained
that it would very likely be voted upon in the Town as part of the Town’s
process of creating the new sewer district and funding this project. It was further explained that it would not be
subject to a vote in the Village unless we need to borrow money or make
expenditures from certain capital reserve funds. Don explained that the Town
Board would be forming a benefit district and proposing funding for the new
sewer system which would include a public hearing, after which such action
could be subject to a permissive referendum and a possible vote. Presently, the
Town is estimating $800 per EDU. Unlike
the Town, the Village cannot have benefit districts which means all Village
residents would bear the cost, not just those benefiting from the proposed
improvements.
John Dennis expressed his view that we should be concerned with the
long-term ecological issues of our water supply. Lynn stated that everything we
do has to do with the lake. We are concerned with phosphorus levels. Some of
the bond money has been used to improve the phosphorous levels coming from the
Cayuga Heights and Ithaca plants. The two sewer plants only represent 1/3 of
the phosphorous in the lake. The rest comes from run off and whatever the
streams are carrying to the lake. Everyone should look at what he or she does
and its effect on the lake.
Lynn was asked if she supports the new Town sewer. She indicated that can
see values, but struggles with the fact that she lives in the affected area and
when she weighs the benefits against the disruption to the neighborhood she
does not see a good solution. Lynn herself will not be able to hook into the
system because of the topography of her lot. She stated that the new system can
drive development and the Village carefully plans development.
At this point, after talking amongst themselves, most of the public left.
Don and Lynn did interviews with the media.
During general discussion Don stated that people have been very patient
with N. Triphammer Road construction. There is now one layer of pavement the
whole way down N. Triphammer. They will be paving and tying in the side roads
next. The Board discussed the new driveway configuration for the Village office
property and the effects it would have on our neighbor.
The Board went back to the sewer issue. Don stated that he had the sense
that the public that attended the meeting this evening would very likely vote
to spend the extra money to have the Town sewer line go down Route 34 as
opposed to Cayuga Height Road, but he is unsure how the rest of the Village
would feel about it since it will cost them money. Frank had a hard time
justifying spending an extra $500,000 for Route 34.
The Town is also looking into other funding options. They are looking to
Cornell and Tompkins County for help.
The County and Cornell are both concerned with affordable housing and
the Town feels that with sewer this part of Lansing could help with this. Jodi
commented that the Lansing Schools could not handle this increase in
population. Additional population would also then affect the school taxes. John
stated that Lansing just voted down the school budget.
Don asked Bud Shattuck if there was a deadline. Bud stated that they and
the State need to see a line of progress.
The Trustees agreed that to spend the money to have an engineering design
done for Route 34 was a considerable risk with possibly no return. Don stated
that if we went down Route 34 we would still have to put lines down Cayuga
Heights Rd. now or at some time in the future. Pembroke and Cayuga Hills Rd.
sewers would also involve subsequent expenses. The Trustees were all concerned
with having control over the quality of the construction. They will make sure
that the design will be done to the highest quality. There are still many
issues to be worked out.
Don asked the Trustees to review the proposed resolution on the Bolton
Point Road litigation Settlement Agreement. Dubow suggested that since this
matter involves pending litigation, it should be discussed further in executive
session. David reminded the Trustees that the proposed resolution and related
Settlement Agreement is confidential at this point. After discussing schedules
it was found that there would not be a quorum for the June 19th
meeting. Don, Lynn and John will all be out of town. There was also a problem
with the upcoming Thursday noon meeting. Lynn and Don will both be out of town
that day but will be in town on Wednesday. John will not be available at all.
It was unknown what Larry’s schedule is. The Mayor then proposed the following
resolution:
Resolution #5255 - To Cancel the
Monday, June 19,2006 meeting and
Reschedule the Thursday, June 15th
meeting for
Wednesday June 14th
at 11am.
Trustee O’Neill moved this resolution. Trustee
O’Neill seconded the motion. A vote was taken:
Mayor Donald Hartill-Aye Trustee Lynn Leopold-Aye Trustee Frank Moore- Aye Trustee John O’Neill-Aye
Jodi will place a legal ad in the paper and inform the staff of the change in meeting time.
Motion- To Adjourn
Trustee Leopold moved for adjournment. Trustee
O’Neill seconded the motion. A vote was taken:
Mayor Donald Hartill-Aye Trustee Lynn Leopold-Aye Trustee Frank Moore- Aye Trustee John O’Neill-Aye
The meeting adjourned at 10:45PM.
Jodi
Dake
Clerk/Treasurer