Minutes
Planning, Development &
Environmental Quality Committee
Tompkins County Legislature
Regular Meeting
April 20, 2006 3:00 PM Old Jail Conference
Room
Members
Present: Martha Robertson (Chair), Jim Dennis,
Kathy Luz Herrera, Frank Proto, Tyke Randall
Other
Legislators Present: Pam Mackesey, Michael
Sigler
Staff: Heather
Filiberto, TCPD
Kate Hackett, TCPD
Joan Jurkowich, TCPD
Ed Marx, Commissioner of
Planning & PW
Kathy Wilsea, TCPD
Visitors: Martha
Armstrong, Tompkins County Area Development
Fred
Bonn, Convention & Visitors Bureau
Noel
Desch, Lansing Wastewater Committee
Roxy
Johnston, Water Resources Council
Jean
McPheeters, Chamber of Commerce
Andy
Sciarabba, Lansing Wastewater Committee
Bud
Shattuck, Lansing Town Council
Stu
Stein, Strategic Tourism Planning Board
Scott
Wiggins, STPB
a Approval of Minutes from 1/17, 1/19, 2/7, 2/16, 3/16 -- Minutes were moved by Frank Proto, seconded by Tyke Randall. Kathy Wilsea will check the tape of the 2/17 meeting and work out a change with Kathy Luz Herrera for item 7a. On page 3 of 1/19, K, “density policy” was changed to “tax abatements”, on page 3 of 3/16, 7a, 2 nay votes were changed from Dennis & Randall to Proto & Randall. Amended minutes passed by unanimous voice vote.
b Appointments to WRC and AFPB -- Appointments of Dan Konowalow and Raul Aguirre were moved by Frank, seconded by Tyke and passed by unanimous voice vote.
a Affordable Housing Needs Assessment – Heather Filiberto said TCPD staff has hopes of working with partners to implement some of the consultant suggestions: community land trust; in-depth vacant land analysis, especially infill opportunities; examination of zoning; and removal of barriers at the municipal level, which could then lead to rezoning and identification of design guidelines. Municipalities fear poor design, and identifying community goals ahead of time through public input makes the design phase quicker for developers.
Martha noted the consultant said one barrier for municipalities is expense of Planning Department consulting. Can Tompkins County provide any services at no cost? Heather said TCPD expects to, but the dialogue needs to be productive, with municipalities accepting some ideas in return for having fees waived. Ed Marx pointed out the process in place for working with municipalities through contracts was approved by PDEQ and the County Legislature, and the Legislature would have to approve another arrangement. Quality Communities might be a source of grant money, but it is a small pot and takes lots of effort to apply. TCPD will develop specifics about how much staff time and funding would be required to proceed. Kathy Luz Herrera said she needs some concrete ideas and language to communicate to constituents. Ed asked about PDEQ support for working this into the TCPD work plan, and Kathy said she was willing to do that.
Heather will research and develop some PILOT agreements for developers and municipalities. Planning staff also supports the consultant’s recommendation of a county-wide renters’ survey every 2 to 5 years to identify costs, age brackets, income, ratio of income to rent, where we can help facilitate construction, and how many renters are saving to buy a home. Information is also needed from landlords. Our county has diverse organizations that work as advocates and researchers, but needs an umbrella organization. A committee of the Planning Advisory Board might be a good starting point for getting organized.
Tyke said the most important point is to get communities to buy into it. They don’t see affordable housing as positive projects. We need to get incentives into place for developers, and he feels PILOT agreements are best. Martha said PDEQ should consider extending the $20,000 public education program by Better Housing for Tompkins County for another year. Jim Dennis said he visited the town boards of Ulysses and Enfield after the consultant’s presentation to the Legislature. Enfield perceives “affordable” as mobile homes, while Ulysses would probably be more open to ideas from the County. Kathy said she really liked using the term “workforce housing”, as it has a positive connotation. People who work here would like to live here. Martha said BHTC uses the phrase “homes within reach”. Frank thought others were jumping ahead of the current status. We need to examine some parts of the report before we can proceed. Policy changes will be required, and the effect of the student population is still confusing. He felt we are trying to move too quickly.
Martha
asked that TCPD examine how proposed steps would affect the work plan and
gather cost information for the County budget process. Housing is desperately needed for all
income levels, and she is eager to begin.
Tyke said Groton is working on a new Comp Plan and will be reviewing
their zoning, which is a good stage for working together on this. Ed Marx said he expects lots of
feedback at and after the May 24th stakeholder meeting, and hopes
some other agencies will offer to partner on projects. Frank asked if this is a County
responsibility, and pointed out the consultant’s report has not been adopted or
even accepted by the Legislature.
Kathy said Frank’s comments about being cautious are well taken, but we
need to move ahead. Kathy sees a
long implementation period, and Martha said the City and Town of Ithaca are way
ahead of us on this. Ed said,
according to research for the County’s Economic Development Plan, the community
sees housing as the #1 economic development priority, followed by workforce and
place development.
b Resolution:
In Support of Proposed New York
State Legislation That Requires Training for Members of County, City, Town and
Village Planning Boards – This resolution was drafted by Ed Marx following
discussion at PDEQ and PAB in March.
Kathy said she examined the NYS draft legislation, and found it well
meaning, but feels this professionalizes volunteer service and could become an
obstacle to getting members of the public to serve on these boards. The legislation mentions the right of a
community to opt out, so why enact this?
She also sees it as restrictive, and does not want to have it block
diversity. After her research, she
feels strongly that she can’t support it.
Martha said it was also discussed last month, when Kathy was excused,
and is only 4 hours of training per year.
Resolution moved by Jim, seconded by Martha. Frank said he disagrees with Kathy about the legislation acting
as a block to diversity, but did draw a parallel to the reduction in the number
of volunteer firefighters since extensive, time consuming and costly training
has been required. Vote 2 yes
(Jim, Martha), 3 no (Kathy, Frank, Tyke).
Frank asked if NYS would be notified that we opposed the legislation,
which they will not unless another resolution stating that comes to the
committee.
c Commissioner’s Report – Ed Marx handed out the TCPD Annual Report and postcards on upcoming public meetings on the Natural Features Focus Areas. Staff attended a meeting in the Town of Lansing last night about defining cooperation in PDR applications. Ed attended a meeting on Cornell’s development of a Master Plan. CU has never done anything of this scope before, and they expect it to take 18 to 24 months. Research facilities and learning institutions are changing rapidly, and need to be able to respond to cutting edge technology and innovative ideas.
a Update
and Distribution of Annual Report – Roxy Johnston distributed and reviewed
the annual report, stressing how much work this volunteer advisory board
accomplishes. Brochures on boating
laws and paddling opportunities, developed by the Cayuga Lake Recreation
Committee, were also distributed.
Water Week will be celebrated 5/6 this year at the Farmers Market. Kate Hackett reviewed highlights of the
WRC work plan. Danby has signed up
for an aquifer study of Upper Buttermilk Creek. Kate is working with Craig Schutt to revamp the Flood Hazard
Mitigation Program, and will bring ideas to PAB and PDEQ.
Kathy
Luz Herrera said she admires the new process developed for the WRC Nominating
Committee, and would welcome discussion on it at PDEQ. Frank said a large reason WRC is so
successful is the contributions of Kate Hackett and Kathy Wilsea, TCPD staff
members.
b Update
– Joe Turcotte had provided information that was mailed with the agenda. Kathy said she appreciates fine service
that leads to growth. Joe said he
is very proud of the declining accident rate, and Jim suggested getting
information out to the public on that.
a City Center Project – A memo on the background of this project and a resolution authorizing execution of the MOU were distributed. The MOU was distributed with the agenda.
Addition
to agenda: Resolution:
Approval of the City Center Memorandum of Understanding Among City of Ithaca,
County of Tompkins and Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, Inc. -- moved by
Jim, seconded by Frank. Kathy said
the County is a partner in the MOU because we are the pass-through for the
grant money. Resolution adopted by
unanimous vote.
a Resolution:
Award of Tourism Capital Grant
from Occupancy Tax Fund – Frank said this addresses whether to pay rent out
of one pocket or pay a capital grant out of the other pocket. Martha Armstrong said when TCAD
reviewed the application, they were not sure about the subtlety of funding
sources. Scott Wiggins pointed out
it is room tax income regardless of whether it is drawn from the 3% marketing
fund or the 2% capital fund.
STPB innkeepers stated a preference not to use marketing money for this
project. Jim Dennis also stated a
preference to pay it from the 2% capital fund. Frank voiced concern that it is inappropriate for capital
funds, as he doesn’t feel it is a clear tourism destination like a museum. He would prefer to pay it as rent. Kathy supported it as a capital
expense. When she is in another
city as a visitor, she visits their CVB, utilizes services, and considers the
site visitor generating.
Jean
McPheeters said the Chamber of Commerce calculates space use and rent every
August by considering all expenses and space use. If the grant were awarded, the amount would come off the
rent – the County would not be asked to pay double. They filed the application because it was unclear if the
project qualified as a tourism-generating agency, although they do greet people
and try to keep them in the community.
Martha Robertson said she sees it as a capital grant. Resolution moved by Jim, seconded by
Kathy and passed by vote of 3 yes (Jim, Kathy, Martha), 2 no (Tyke,
Frank). Martha Armstrong
distributed a Report on Activities from TCAD.
b Resolution: Funding of Community Celebrations
Grants – Moved by Jim, seconded by Kathy. Stu Stein provided photos of the proposed marker at Tutelo
Park in the Town of Ithaca, and said all applications need municipal support,
and then grant monies go to the municipality for distribution. Martha asked how attendance is
predicted. Kathy said organizers
could provide surveys, door prize tickets, head counts. Resolution passed by unanimous vote.
c Resolution: Funding of Tourism Marketing and
Advertising Grants – Moved by Kathy, seconded by Frank. Frank asked about funding for Light in
Winter, and Fred said they qualified as a new initiative in prior years, but
this application is for marketing.
Scott Wiggins pointed out they also applied for a project grant for
funds for entertainers (in next resolution). Fred Bonn said ticket sale information will be analyzed for
Musefest to gather information on where attendees are from. Passed by unanimous vote.
d Resolution: Funding of Tourism Project Grants – Moved by Kathy, seconded by Jim and passed by vote of 4:1 (Frank).
e Convention
& Visitors Bureau Quarterly Report – Fred Bonn had provided this for
mailing with the agenda. There was
no discussion.
a Status
Report – Andy Sciarabba, Noel Desch, Bud Shattuck, and County Legislator
Mike Sigler were present for this discussion. Andy said they still seek some County money, and fiscal
information was provided with the agenda.
The map showed areas by the lake that are unprotected and would benefit
from a wastewater treatment system instead of septic tanks. $4.8 million is available in grant
funds, and the rest would have to come from citizens right now. This is the most costly system the
region has ever examined, and the estimated resident cost is $883 per year per
property. A subcommittee was
formed six months ago to try to raise the balance of funds. The committee has approached Cornell
University, AES Cayuga, Borg Warner, Lansing School District, and Cargill. Congressman Boehlert and State Senator
Nozzolio are also seeking funds.
Most businesses feel it should be the role of government to provide this
service.
Bud
Shattuck said the draft Town of Lansing Comprehensive Plan may become final in
July. It creates density, raises
height limits, addresses PDR language, and addresses signage. These points can all lead to
development that would help pay for the infrastructure. Kathy Luz Herrera said the agenda
materials clearly lay out the project and funding need, and asked what is the
down side. To her the only barrier
seems to be cost. Ed Marx said it
is an important project, but Tompkins County has its own capital projects that
it can’t afford, some of which can’t be bonded. Martha Robertson felt the projected growth of 30 housing
units per year was very modest, but she doesn’t see commitments in the Town’s
Comp Plan that would develop a vision for denser land use.
Bud
pointed out the Town of Lansing’s Comp Plan is more simplistic that that of the
Town of Ithaca. Only the southern
end of the Town of Lansing would be affected by density and walkability ideals. They started looking at landscaping and
sidewalks in 1999 for these areas.
He is willing to bring back more information or offer a more detailed
explanation. Noel Desch said there
was considerable discussion about putting a realistic growth number in – they
concluded it was conservative to predict 30 units per year and plan on their
contribution. Tyke said he doesn’t
think the County should contribute, and added that to link this wastewater
treatment project to affordable housing discussions is misleading. All communities need help with
infrastructure, and this would set a poor precedent. [Kathy Luz Herrera left at 5 PM.]
Noel
said timing is critical. The
intermunicipal agreement has been in the works since 1998 and involved an
extensive Environmental Impact Statement.
The Town of Lansing needs to move ahead to employ the bond act
funds. Development of the
intermunicipal agreement was key to getting funding. Bud said the Town recently received a letter from DEC asking
about status of the project. They
want to see the money used promptly or freed up for other projects, although
they did not give a deadline.
Frank pointed out the County budget is still up in the air. Martha said they are asking for 1% of the
total County tax levy, and legislators probably couldn’t even predict in
November if they could agree on this.
[Tyke left at 5:10 PM.]
Frank
asked if there are steps that need to be reviewed by the Ag & Farmland
Protection Board, and Noel felt it was covered during the EIS phase. Bud said they worked with the County
and Cooperative Extension on some of the properties, and the line of
demarcation moved from 34/34B up to Buck Road. Jim said he is interested because government has an
opportunity to be creative and maybe provide leverage. He would like TCPD to weigh in, but Ed
said he couldn’t make a recommendation ahead of the County budget process. Ed said discussions with the Town show
their current direction is encouraging and complementary to the County Comp
Plan. He sees many municipalities
with infrastructure needs, and would advise the County legislature to look at
the bigger picture and be fair to all communities. Maybe it is a good idea to support them all. The County also has to examine its own
needs.
Martha
said Lansing has an opportunity to create a town center. If the Town committee has a stronger
vision than she sees in the draft Comp Plan, County legislators need to see
it. She submitted some written
questions to Andy and Bud. Noel
pointed out this involves an intermunicipal agreement, and the City of Ithaca
will end up with more capacity because leakages are repaired, and the Town of
Dryden can still buy in for more capacity. Andy said the County wanted to see Lansing move strongly in
a forward direction. All
infrastructure projects get paid with citizen money through taxes on some
level. Martha said they need a
higher development goal, and some residents might not want that. Noel thanked PDEQ for keeping this on
the table. Martha assured Andy
they can return for discussion.
8 Adjournment
– the
meeting was adjourned at 5:25 PM.
Respectfully
submitted,
Kathy
Wilsea, Secretary
Tompkins
County Planning Dept.