- By Dan Veaner
- News
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Wednesday's Sewer Committee meeting highlighted the unresolved questions the public and committee members face in the months ahead. It also illustrated the fear of the unknown that is concerning the public and stymieing the committee. In the face of this Bud Shattuck, Councilman and Deputy Town Supervisor, showed determination that outstanding questions be answered openly and soon, so that decisions can be made and the public informed.
This group is a working committee, so it is understandable that there are unknowns in this stage of their deliberations. The purpose of the committee is to identify the issues, gather information and make decisions. They are well into the process, but not yet at a stage where the path is clear.
Before the meeting began, resident Claus Nyberg asked several questions of concern to him and other residents. Mr. Shattuck and others on the committee answered his questions openly, explaining that many decisions have not been made yet.
What will the cost be to homeowners?
The formula for calculating the charges is still in flux. Before the actual costs can be calculated the committee has to specifically define what the project will be, and then look at the end user charge. Engineering Consultant James Blum has worked out four alternative approaches to how residents could be charged, and the committee is considering which is fairest to all landowners.
The formula for calculating the charges is still in flux. Before the actual costs can be calculated the committee has to specifically define what the project will be, and then look at the end user charge. Engineering Consultant James Blum has worked out four alternative approaches to how residents could be charged, and the committee is considering which is fairest to all landowners.
What is the need for sewers in Lansing?
There is an environmental need. The Town government made a determination based on ecological concerns that the lake be protected, as they think it will become the major source of water for the town in the future. Additionally the Town entered into an agreement with five other municipalities that requires them to go forward. "The only thing that will stop it," said Mr. Shattuck, "if if the committee can not find an equitable way to pay for it."
There is an environmental need. The Town government made a determination based on ecological concerns that the lake be protected, as they think it will become the major source of water for the town in the future. Additionally the Town entered into an agreement with five other municipalities that requires them to go forward. "The only thing that will stop it," said Mr. Shattuck, "if if the committee can not find an equitable way to pay for it."
Why are non-Lansing residents on the committee? Why should they have a say over a project that so directly affects Lansing residents? Shouldn't residents get to vote on it?
Once there is something concrete to vote on it will be brought to the voters. It is common for committees to bring in experts to gather technical and other information the committee needs in order to make informed decisions. Non residents on the committee such as Mr. Blum are experts who are providing this service.
Once there is something concrete to vote on it will be brought to the voters. It is common for committees to bring in experts to gather technical and other information the committee needs in order to make informed decisions. Non residents on the committee such as Mr. Blum are experts who are providing this service.
Why isn't it easier for the public to learn about the project?
Last month the committee met with this reporter to explain the history and current issues they are facing, and the Star will provide ongoing coverage. Mr. Shattuck also noted that the committee members' contact information is listed on the Sewer District Study Web site, and residents can always call or e-mail questions.
Last month the committee met with this reporter to explain the history and current issues they are facing, and the Star will provide ongoing coverage. Mr. Shattuck also noted that the committee members' contact information is listed on the Sewer District Study Web site, and residents can always call or e-mail questions.
There is a lot of sentiment against the sewer project because people think it is too expensive.
Mr. Shattuck replied, "We think so, too, so we are looking for alternative sources of funding." Grants and other forms of aid would defray the costs to residents. $4,833,000 of Clean Water Bond Act money was allocated in 1998, and the committee is looking into other sources as well.
Mr. Shattuck replied, "We think so, too, so we are looking for alternative sources of funding." Grants and other forms of aid would defray the costs to residents. $4,833,000 of Clean Water Bond Act money was allocated in 1998, and the committee is looking into other sources as well.
When the formal meeting began more questions were raised. The main line will have to go through the Village to get to the Cayuga Heights processing plant at the bottom of the Route 34 hill near the Chamber of Commerce Visitor's Center. Three routes have been proposed for this trunk line, and it appears that the Town and Village disagree on which route should be used.
Village Trustee Frank Moore outlined concerns that have been raised. The Village sewer committee met for the first time, with the Town's engineers present to answer questions. The town has offered the engineers again to help the Village committee members understand all the technical issues.
The Village prefers that the line follow Route 34, because it is least disruptive to Village residents in the short term, and fears about the scenic land, mostly private property now, and other disruptions are unresolved. This is the least desirable for the Town, because it would be the most expensive for many reasons. One problem is that the plant is above Route 34 and there is no place for a pumping station to get the sewage up to the plant. Another is Department of Transportation (DOT) rules about construction on State roads that would slow down construction and raise costs.
The town prefers a route along the old Auburn Railway line, because it is the least expensive. It is the only route that can use gravity, eliminating pumping stations and reducing maintenance in the future. But most of the route is on private land, so the Town would have to get all or most of the landowners to sign off on the project, or enforce eminent domain, repugnant to the Village and something nobody on the committee wants to do.
The third route goes along Cayuga Heights Road and down Cedar Lane, and is not really attractive to the Town or the Village.
The main theme was that more information is needed and that decisions must be made. Mr. Shattuck set a goal for the committee to choose a route by the end of October, saying "it behooves us to make decisions." This led the committee to suggest creative solutions. And Mr. Shattuck said "We can be bought," half jokingly and half referring to the idea that if the Village insists on the most expensive route that they can offer concessions to make it more palatable to all residents.
The result of the meeting was that all parties were determined to get answers so that they can be pro-active about moving the project forward. Action items included exploring creative approaches and more reaching out to affected parties.
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