HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-14-TB-FINAL-minutes1
TOWN BOARD MEETING
Town of Ulysses
Oct. 14, 2025
The meeting was held in person at the Town Hall at 10 Elm St., Trumansburg NY as well as via Zoom
videoconference. Notice of Town Board meetings are posted on the Town’s website and Clerk’s board.
Video recordings of meetings are available on Youtube at
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWVIs--g9CpHIxdk9YxZyPw.
CALL TO ORDER:
Ms. Olson called the meeting to order at 7pm.
ATTENDANCE:
TOWN OFFICIALS:
In person-
Supervisor- Katelin Olson
Board members- Michael Boggs, Liz Weatherby, Mary Bouchard, Rich Goldman
Town Clerk- Carissa Parlato
Bookkeeper- Blixy Taetzsch
OTHERS:
In person-
Nancy Cusumano, Mena Schlossberg
Via Zoom-
Anne Koreman, JT Stone, Nancy
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Mr. Boggs made a motion to approve the agenda. This was seconded by Ms. Bouchard and passed
unanimously.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:
Ms. Cusumano spoke on the topic of the possible data center in Lansing. (See Appendix)
Ms. Olson responded that she had spoken with Lansing Town Supervisor and signed a petition
personally on the topic.
MUNICIPAL BOARD & STAFF REPORTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS (written reports provided)
Ms. Koreman shared the following updates:
•2026 Budget (not final yet):
o The median homeowner will see an increase of $20.08
o Hearing on 28th
o Added in $500k for TCAT; hoping other municipalities will do same
o Added 2 corrections officers due to state mandate
o Added a 911 dispatch
•Code Blue season open
•Support Lansing moratorium
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Ms. Weatherby shared the following updates:
• Comp Plan Steering Committee:
o 7 people came to open house
o Encourages more comments
o Goal of passing the draft document off to the Town Board on 11/5
o Tight timeframe- will see in next few weeks if feasible
• Youth Commission
o Youth & rec programs going well
Ms. Olson shared the following:
• Three Falls:
o 500 responses to survey
o Great turnout on 9/27 for open house
o Master plan should be finalized by end of year
Mr. Goldman shared that the health consortium approved an 18% increase on insurance for 2026.
OLD BUSINESS:
TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR 2026
RESOLUTION #132 OF 2025: ADOPTION OF 2026 PRELIMINARY BUDGET, AND SETTING OF
PUBLIC HEARING
WHEREAS, the Town Budget Officer presented the 2026 Tentative Budget to the Town Clerk
and the Town Board at the September 23rd Regular Town Board meeting, and
WHEREAS, prior to the presentation of the Tentative Budget, there were three public sessions
to conduct line-by-line budget review on 9/8, 9/10, 9/17; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board discussed and considered the 2026 Tentative Budget on 9/23/25
in a regular meeting and 10/9 in a regular meeting and made no further changes to the
tentative budget;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED that the Town Board accepts the Preliminary Budget for 2026 as presented at the
10/14/2025 regular meeting for the Ulysses Town Board, with a 3.13% increase in the tax levy
and a 1.55% tax rate increase for Town residents outside the Village of Trumansburg, and a
0.9% levy increase and a 3.08% tax rate decrease for Village of Trumansburg residents, and be
it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Board hold a public hearing at 10 Elm Street,
Trumansburg, NY, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 7p.m. for the purpose of hearing public
comments on the Town of Ulysses 2026 Preliminary Budget.
Moved: Ms. Olson Seconded: Ms. Bouchard
Olson aye
Boggs aye
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Bouchard aye
Goldman aye
Weatherby aye
Vote: 5-0
Date adopted: 10/14/25
BRIDGE NY MAPLEWOOD CULVERT - CONTRACT FOR ENGINEERING
Ms. Olson said that the contract had been delayed with the DOT. She would like to select B&L rather
than going through bid process so that the project can get back going. The attorney approved this
process. The group discussed.
RESOLUTION #133 of 2025: AUTHORIZING TOWN SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE
ARCHITECTURAL/ENGINEERING CONSULTANT AGREEMENT WITH BARTON & LOGUIDICE,
DPC FOR THE REHABILITATION OF MAPLEWOOD ROAD CULVERT
WHEREAS, in connection with a federal-aid project funded through the New York State
Department of Transportation (“NYSDOT”) known as Rehabilitation of Maplewood Road
Culvert over a Tributary of Cayuga Lake (the “Project”), the Town of Ulysses requires the
services of a consultant to design and otherwise provide the services as described in
Attachment B annexed to the Architectural/Engineering Consultant Agreement attached
hereto; and
WHEREAS, Barton & Loguidice, DPC has previously worked with the Town regarding a similar
project, and as such is familiar with the federal and state requirements pertaining to the
Project;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses hereby
authorizes the Town Supervisor, Katelin Olson, to execute that certain
Architectural/Engineering Consultant Agreement with Barton & Loguidice, DPC for services
relating to the Project and be it further
RESOLVED, that this resolution shall take effect immediately.
Moved: Mr. Goldman Seconded: Ms. Bouchard
Olson aye
Boggs aye
Bouchard aye
Goldman aye
Weatherby aye
Vote: 5-0
Date adopted: 10/14/25
SMITH WOODS DONATION
Ms. Weatherby and Mr. Goldman shared the donation agreement that Mr. VanWhy drafted. PRI has
already voted to accept the agreement.
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Ms. Olson noted that due to the deed restrictions that the property be left in its natural state,
maintenance is simple. Insurance will increase by about $1000/yr according to estimates.
The group reviewed the Short Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF) for the parcel.
RESOLUTION #134 of 2025: SCHEDULING A PUBLIC HEARING AND CLASSIFYING DONATION
OF SMITH WOODS AS AN ACTION AS UNLISTED
WHEREAS, on June 10, 2025 the Paleontological Research Institute (“PRI”) presented to the
Town Board of the Town of Ulysses regarding potential donation of the property owned by
them and known as “Smith Woods” to the Town of Ulysses; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board at that meeting authorized Town Board members Elizabeth
Weatherby and Rich Goldman (together, the “Ad Hoc Committee”) to represent the Town in
negotiations with PRI regarding such potential donation; and
WHEREAS, PRI and the Ad Hoc Committee have prepared and presented a Donation
Agreement for Smith Woods to the Town of Ulysses in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A;
and
WHEREAS, the Town Board desires to hold a public hearing with respect to accepting the
donation of Smith Woods as outlined in the Donation Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board also desires to preliminarily classify said donation for purposes of
environmental review;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that a public hearing shall be held by the Town Board of
the Town of Ulysses on October 28, 2025 at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as may be heard,
with respect to the acceptance of Smith Woods as provided for in the Donation Agreement;
and it is further
RESOLVED, that (1) the action, for purposes of State Environmental Quality Review, is an
unlisted action, (2) the Town Board has identified no other potential involved agencies, and
(3) the Town Board may proceed with an uncoordinated review of this action; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to cause public notice of
said hearing to be given as provided by law; and it is further
RESOLVED, that this resolution shall take effect immediately.
Moved: Ms. Olson Seconded: Mr. Goldman
Olson aye
Boggs aye
Bouchard aye
Goldman aye
Weatherby aye
Vote: 5-0
Date adopted: 10/14/25
APPOINTMENT TO THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
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RESOLUTION # 135 OF 2025: APPOINTMENT TO THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board appoints the following person to the Board of Zoning
Appeals for a term ending December 31, 2026: Jonathan Ferrari
Moved: Ms. Olson Seconded: Mr. Goldman
Olson aye
Boggs aye
Bouchard aye
Goldman aye
Weatherby aye
Vote: 5-0
Date adopted: 10/14/25
NEW BUSINESS:
WATERBURG ROAD SPEED REDUCTION
Ms. Olson invited Mr. Sutcliffe (petition submitter) to share some background on the request. He said
that all signers were enthusiastic about the petition due to traffic and safety concerns.
RESOLUTION #136 OF 2025: REQUESTING A TRAFFIC STUDY TO REDUCE THE SPEED LIMIT
ON WATERBURG ROAD
WHEREAS, Waterburg Road is a Tompkins County road within the Town of Ulysses and
WHEREAS, residents have requested a speed study, and
WHEREAS, the Ulysses Highway Superintendent has reviewed the road conditions and
supports a speed study and a speed reduction, contingent on enforcement, and
WHEREAS, §1622 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law establishes the law regarding
speed limits on town highways, and
WHEREAS, this law states that the Department of Transportation, upon the request of the
county superintendent of highways of a county, and the town board of the town affected with
respect to town highways in such town outside of cities or villages, may, by order, rule or
regulation: (1) Establish maximum speed limits at which vehicles may proceed on or along
such highways higher or lower than the fifty-five miles per hour statutory maximum speed
limit. No such limit shall be established at less than twenty-five miles per hour, except that
school speed limits may be established at not
less than fifteen miles per hour, (2) Establish maximum speed limits at which vehicles may
proceed on or along all such highways lying within an area as designated by a description of
the boundaries of such area submitted by the county superintendent of highways of a county
and the town board of the town affected lower than fifty-five miles per hour statutory
maximum speed limit. No such limit shall be established at less than thirty miles per hour,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses supports the request for a speed
control investigation by NYSDOT to determine if the speed limit for Waterburg Road from
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Podunk Road to Indian Fort Road for the safety of residents, drivers, bicyclists and
pedestrians, and further
RESOLVED that the Town Board directs the Town Clerk to submit a certified copy of this
resolution to the Tompkins County Highway Superintendent requesting that they accept and
submit our request to the NYSDOT.
Moved: Ms. Olson Seconded: Mr. Goldman
Olson aye
Boggs aye
Bouchard aye
Goldman aye
Weatherby aye
Vote: 5-0
Date adopted: 10/14/25
RELEVY DELINQUENT WATER BILLS
RESOLUTION #137 OF 2025: RELEVY OF DELINQUENT WATER CHARGES FOR DISTRICTS 3
WHEREAS, Town Code Chapter 200-10(C)(2) provides for delinquent water bills, taxes,
assessments, fees, rents, or other service charges of Water District 3 to be placed on the
ensuing year's tax roll as a relevy; and
WHEREAS, Town Code Chapter 200-10(C)(2) defines delinquent as "a period of at least 60
calendar days as of October 1 of any year"; and
WHEREAS, customers were notified that they could make payments on delinquent amounts
through Sept. 30,2025;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board approves the re-levy of unpaid delinquent water
charges in the amount of $6522.14 to the 2026 Town and County Tax Roll; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution along with a listing of the
properties with relevied water charges will be sent to the Tompkins County Assessment
Department for the purpose of adding these delinquent charges to the 2026 Town and County
Tax Roll.
Moved: Ms. Olson Seconded: Mr. Goldman
Olson aye
Boggs aye
Bouchard aye
Goldman aye
Weatherby aye
Vote: 5-0
Date adopted: 10/14/25
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TOWN CLEANER – JOB TITLE CREATION
RESOLUTION #138 OF 2025: CREATION OF CLEANER POSITION FOR THE TOWN
WHEREAS, the Town of Ulysses currently utilizes an outside contractor to perform cleaning
services at the Town Hall, and
WHEREAS, obtaining competitive vendor quotes from time to time is a best practice; and
WHEREAS, it has been difficult to obtain multiple acceptable vendor quotes for cleaning
services due to prevailing wage requirements for contractors; and
WHEREAS, after internal conversations, it has been determined that it will be better to
employ someone rather than seek competitive quotes for the cleaning contract at this time;
and
WHEREAS, the Town Board must establish a position and pay rate to hire a Cleaner; and
WERREAS, it has been determined that the estimated total cost of such a position will not
exceed the funds available for contracted cleaning services;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approves the position of
Cleaner as listed in Tompkins County Personnel job descriptions; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the pay rate will be approved at $22 per hour in the 2025 budget;
and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the pay rate would increase by 3% in the 2026 budget.
Moved: Ms. Olson Seconded: Ms. Weatherby
Olson aye
Boggs aye
Bouchard aye
Goldman aye
Weatherby aye
Vote: 5-0
Date adopted: 10/14/25
EXECUTIVE SESSION: For purposes related to current litigation
(not needed)
UPCOMING EVENTS
October 28 – Regular meeting @ 7pm @ Town Hall
November 12 – Regular meeting @ 7pm @ Town Hall
November 25 - Regular meeting @ 7pm @ Town Hall
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
RESOLUTION #139 of 2025: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board approves the following meeting minutes, as
presented: 9/10 Special Meeting, 9/11 Special Meeting, 9/17 Special Meeting, and 9/23
Regular Meeting.
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Moved: Ms. Olson Seconded: Ms. Bouchard
Olson aye
Boggs aye
Bouchard aye
Goldman aye
Weatherby aye
Vote: 5-0
Date adopted: 10/14/25
BOARD NOTIFICATIONS:
(none)
BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
RESOLUTION #140 of 2025: APPROVAL OF BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board approves the following budget modifications, as
presented/amended (SEE APPENDIX).
Moved: Mr. Goldman Seconded: Ms. Bouchard
Olson aye
Boggs aye
Bouchard aye
Goldman aye
Weatherby aye
Vote: 5-0
Date adopted: 10/14/25
PAYMENT OF AUDITED CLAIMS
RESOLUTION #141 of 2025: PAYMENT OF AUDITED CLAIMS
RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approves payment of claims #473-517 in the amount
of $180,237.39.
Moved: Ms. Weatherby Seconded: Mr. Goldman
Olson aye
Boggs aye
Bouchard aye
Goldman aye
Weatherby aye
Vote: 5-0
Date adopted: 10/14/25
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR (3-min limit per person)
JT Stone Tompkins Weekly
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ADJOURN:
Mr. Goldman made a motion to adjourn at 8:25pm. This was seconded by Ms. Bouchard and passed
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by Carissa Parlato, Town Clerk, 10/20/25
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APPENDIX:
Outlook
Town of Lansing moratorium petition
From Nancy Cusumano <nancycusumano62@gmail.com>
Date Fri 10/10/2025 2:55 PM
To Carissa Parlato <clerk@townofulyssesny.gov>
Cc Katelin Olson <supervisor@townofulyssesny.gov>; Michael Boggs <boggs@townofulyssesny.gov>; Mary
Bouchard <bouchard@townofulyssesny.gov>; Rich Goldman <goldman@townofulyssesny.gov>; Elizabeth
Weatherby <weatherby@townofulyssesny.gov>
Hello Town of Ulysses supervisor and board members,
As you may be aware, the Town of Lansing will be voting this Wednesday, 10/15 on a moratorium on
any new large scale development in the Town of Lansing until the town has a chance to update its
zoning laws. The town was recently awarded a grant for this purpose and is working towards the
zoning update. The moratorium would deley any large scale proposals until that task is complete. Here
is the link to the moratorium language, with the update that the square footage limit would be 3,000
sqft., not 5,500 sqft.
As you may also know, the elephant in the room is the AI data center proposed for the shuttered
power plant directly across the lake from all of us.
There is also a petition being circulated by Seneca Lake Guardian in support of the moratorium.
I would ask that all of you if you have time before the Town of Lansing board meeting on Wednesday,
please write letters of support to the Lansing Supervisor and Board members for this moratorium. The
data center has the potential to affect the entire county with higher electric costs. The sound of this
center would also likely be heard on this side of the lake. Just two things to consider.
I will be reading this letter at the Tuesday meeting in privilege of the floor.
Thank you and have a good holiday weekend.
Nancy Cusumano
10/14/25, 7:05 PM Mail - Carissa Parlato - Outlook
https://outlook.office.com/mail/0/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0A9Xyyhe6xQUO1f9F19zfPdQAB650uCAAA?deeplink=mail%…1/1
2025 Budget Modifications Requested at Town Board Meeting 4/8/2025
A FUND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
1 Account #Account Name Current Budget Increase /
Decrease Budget Mod Request Post Budget Mod.
A4089 Federal Aid - Other (ARPA)-$ Increase 230,000.00$ 230,000.00$
A1620.21 Town Hall Facilities - Parking Lot -$ Increase 230,000.00$ 230,000.00$
2 Account #Account Name Current Budget Increase /
Decrease Budget Mod Request Post Budget Mod.
A5132.2 Highway Barn - Equipment 4,000.00$ Increase 10,000.00$ 14,000.00$
A599 Appropriated FB - Assigned Funds 142,018.00$ Increase 10,000.00$ 152,018.00$
3 Account #Account Name Current Budget Increase /
Decrease Budget Mod Request Post Budget Mod.
A7989.4 Culture and Recreation - Contractual 12,150.00$ Increase 500.00$ 12,650.00$
A1990.4 Contingency 30,000.00$ Decrease 500.00$ 29,500.00$
4 Account #Account Name Current Budget Increase /
Decrease Budget Mod Request Post Budget Mod.
A9040.8 Worker's Compensation 1,402.00$ Increase 240.00$ 1,642.00$
A9055.8 Disability and PFL 1,400.00$ Decrease 240.00$ 1,160.00$
B FUND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
1 Account #Account Name Current Budget Increase /
Decrease Budget Mod Request Post Budget Mod.
B9040.8 Worker's Compensation 2,995.00$ Increase 200.00$ 3,195.00$
B9055.8 Disability and PFL Insurance 800.00$ Increase 190.00$ 990.00$
B1990.41 Employee Benefit Contingency 10,700.00$ Decrease 390.00$ 10,310.00$
DA FUND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
1 Account #Account Name Current Budget Increase /
Decrease Budget Mod Request Post Budget Mod.
DA9055.8 Disability and PFL Insurance 700.00$ Increase 50.00$ 750.00$
DA9040.8 Worker's Compensation 3,711.00$ Decrease 70.00$ 3,641.00$
To reflect ARPA funding and related spending for the Parking Lot Project.
To use savings in Disability and PFL line to cover overage in Worker's Compensation line.
To reflect use of Assigned Funds from NYSERDA grant to pay for highway barn heating system.
To reflect increased costs of employee benefits. Adequate contingency is available to cover these costs.
To cover small overage in Disability and PFL with savings in Worker's Compensation insurance.
To cover $500 in excess spending due to error in preparation of annual payout list for vouchers.
pg 1 Building & Codes Monthly Report
Building & Code Updates
Mark Washburn, NYS CEO, Certification No. 1020-0364 September 1 -September 30, 2025
Plan Reviews
12 discussions about upcoming projects
12 permit review
5 pre permit site visit
Site Visits
15 Site visits, Updates by contractors ongoing projects
Multiple Site visit for the CARS project, Engineer meetings x3 On hold, conversations w/contractor
and engineers regarding wall design
CEO Activity
3 Permits issued/ Projects Cost= $851,320.00. / Fees collected= $3,203.35.
• 5 Foundation/Footer inspections/ 1 Slab / Backfill 2 reinspection’s
• 6 Framing inspections/ 1 Issue resolved during inspection
• 4 Plumbing inspections/ 0 reinspection
• 4 Final inspection/0 Reinspection
• Code research for 15 different issues approximately 12 hours
• Fire code research regarding change of occupancy ongoing
• Fire code research regarding Fire alarm requirements for different building use/ occupancy class
• Outreach regarding Fire inspections ongoing and multiple appointments scheduled
• 24 hrs Code training regarding new building codes to be in effect Dec.31, 2025
• Multiple site visits on open projects for job status (follow up on going)
• Follow up with ongoing enforcement actions Multiple site visits
• Multiple fire inspections Operating permit issued New business
• Condemnation investigation with condemnation actions taken. Owner is working on demolition
permits.
• Conversation regarding demolition of burned out house on Podunk Rd. Demo permit applied for
Town of Ulysses Clerk’s Office
MONTHLY REPORT for September 2025
Submitted by Carissa Parlato
LICENSES/PERMITS issued:#
CLERK’s OFFICE TASKS:
General/routine tasks:
• mail, answered inquiries on various topics, attended town board meetings and took minutes, notary services,
licensing (marriage, dog, sporting), disabled parking permits, collected building & zoning fees, participated in
weekly Supervisor/Clerks office meetings, managed building use/equipment sign out, responded to FOIL
requests, ordered supplies, posted board meetings & videos on web and Youtube
• Assist with BCPZ/DPW clerk position recruitment and interviewing
• Clerk extra meetings for budget, planning, zoning meetings
• Water:
o Coordinate requests for final reads with DPW
• Public engagement
o Updated website
o Continued to share town updates on FaceBook
o Send press releases
o Sent weekly e-newsletters
• Research new websites
• Habitat Nature Preserve:
o No updates
• IT:
o Checked spam filter weekly
o Correspond with Computer Room for assistance as needed
• Health & Safety Committee
o Gathered info for AED
o Coordinated installation of new cameras on light pole
FINANCIAL REPORT:
Town of Ulysses
October 2025, Bookkeeper Board Report
October 14, 2025, Town Board Meeting
Prepared by Blixy Taetzsch, 10/6/2025
1
Greetings Board Members: I have finalized the September 2025 financial statements, which accompany
this report for your review. The following are highlights from the September 2025 financial statements,
along with a summary of my activities for September. In addition, I have provided a detailed analytical
review as of September 30, 2025, which accompanies my report.
Balance Sheet
As detailed in the Supervisor’s Report, total cash balances as of 9/30/2025 were $841,685.50, a decrease
of $350,330.10 from the end of August. A few notable items to comment on for this month:
• There have been several investment transactions this month – investment maturities from
Tompkins Financial totaling $300,000 and investments of $645,000 in NYCLASS. The
additional net investment accounts for most of our cash decrease from month to month.
• Sales Tax payments are current through August and EMS payments are current through June.
• Cash outlays for operating expenses included normal operational expenditure. Additionally, we
made our third quarter payment for water purchases from the Town of Ithaca.
In addition to cash balances, the Town had investments valued at a total of $2,979,592.75 as of September
30, 2025. Of the total investments, $1,15,635.77 were held at Tompkins Financial and $1,863,956.98
were invested in NYCLASS. As securities mature in the Tompkins Financial portfolio, proceeds will be
reinvested in NYCLASS, net of any cash needed to cover expenditures. As of September 30, $90,339.92
was recorded in interest and earnings across funds, representing realized and unrealized earnings on
investments through the third quarter of 2025.
Income Statement
Apart from the DB Fund – revenues across the Town are on target or ahead of budget as of 9/30/25. In
the DB Fund, revenues for CHIPS will not be received until the end of the year. Sales Tax, Court Fees
and Fines, EMS Fees and Mortgage Tax revenue are coming in ahead of budget.
Sales tax is expected to be about 10% ahead of budget, and Court revenue has already exceeded the
budget for the year. The first of our two Mortgage Tax payments were received, and the budget is almost
fully earned for the year. I am anticipating that EMS revenue will exceed budget by about $10,000.
In the B Fund, Building Permit revenue has now exceeded the budget for the year, with revenues recorded
through August 2025. This is due to some larger permits, including a one-time permit renewal related to
the CARS project.
Expenditures are also as expected for the month. The analytical review shows us on target or slightly
below target for spending in each area of the budget. Note that our annual payment to the retirement
system does not occur until December, which is reflected in the lower employee benefit spending rates.
Town of Ulysses
October 2025, Bookkeeper Board Report
October 14, 2025, Town Board Meeting
Prepared by Blixy Taetzsch, 10/6/2025
2
Bookkeeper/Budget Officer Activities
Below are some highlights of September activities:
• 2026 Budget: We began our line-by-line budget meetings in early September, concluding on
September 17th. At the September 23rd regular Board meeting, the tentative budget was reviewed
again with the Board. I anticipate approval of the preliminary budget at the October 14th regular
Board meeting.
• Personnel: I continue to support employees and retirees with benefit administration, employment,
and civil services functions. Soon we will begin our open enrollment period for employee
benefits, where staff and retirees have the option to change their benefit enrollment.
• Finance Committee: The Finance Committee did not meet in September due to the many budget
meetings. The next meeting is scheduled for October 16th.
• Cash Flow: I continue to analyze cash flow needs and make determinations about re-investment
of funds as the bonds at Tompkins Financial mature. This month, as noted earlier in my
narrative, I reinvested a total of $645,000 in NYCLASS.
Teressa Naylor, 10/10/25
2nd Deputy Supervisor update
• Admin Assistant 3 job opening:
o Created flier for printed distribution
o Assisted with development of interview plan and questions
Compiled, organized, distributed applicant materials
Communicated with applicants and interview committee and scheduled
first and second round interviews
Participated in interviews and contributed to decision-making
Have top 3 choices selected, requested references, and committee will call
references and make offer next week
• Culvert projects:
o Curry Rd culvert/bridge –NY-DOT provided comments on B&L PE/Design
submission; B&L beginning final design
o Maplewood Rd culvert
B&L provided PE/design agreement based on previously submitted
scope/fee proposal
B&L will initiate survey upon board approval
o Garrett Rd culvert
Worked with MRB to review/complete online forms to finalize awarded WQIP
contract with NY DEC – waiting for DEC confirmation to approve
• Solar array — 100k NYSERDA grant
o Met with ToU staff and Taitem Engineering to initiate development of RFP; Taitem will
provide draft RFP by EOM
• EV acquisition — 50k NYSERDA grant
o Requested initial $12,500 from NYSERDA grant
o Communicated with stakeholders, working on purchase request via OGS, and
discussed alternative vehicle if chosen model isn’t available
• Community Org Funding
o Finance Committee funding recommendation accepted at 9/17 budget meeting
• Misc tasks and smaller projects associated with prior projects follow-up, new initiatives,
research, etc.
Planning & Zoning September 2025 Report to Town Board
Town Board Meeting Date, 10.14.2025
Submitted by Niels Tygesen, 10.09.2025
Planning Board
The Planning Board held a meeting on September 16 to discuss the following items:
• The Board conducted final site plan review and approved a proposed tram down a steep slope to the
lakefront located at 1587 Taughannock Boulevard.
• The Board discussed comments for recommendation to the Town Board related to stream regulations .
• The Board discussed the following two draft chapter elements of the Comp Plan: Community Well-Being
and Capital Facilities, Services, and Utilities.
• Draft minutes link; recorded meeting video link.
Comp Plan Steering Committee
The Committee held a meeting on September 3 to discuss the following items:
• The Committee held a public hearing on the following draft comp plan chapters: Housing; Economic
Development; and Built Environment
• Continued review of the following revised draft Elements: Transportation, and Capital Facilities and
Utilities.
• Continued discussion of the planning process & preparation for the 2nd public open house and hearings .
• The Committee postponed discussions of the Land Use element and related work.
• Draft minutes link; recorded meeting video link.
The Committee held a meeting on September 24 to discuss the following items:
• The Committee held a public hearing on the following draft comp plan chapters: Environment & Natural
Resources; and Climate Change & Resiliency Built Environment.
• Review of land use background data, draft Land Use Element, future land use map workshop.
• Review of draft SEQR.
• Continued discussion of the planning process & preparation for the 2nd public open house and hearings .
• The Committee postponed discussions of the Introduction Chapter.
• Draft minutes link; recorded meeting video link.
Board of Zoning Appeals
The BZA held a meeting on August 20 to discuss the following items:
• The Board conducted a public hearing and approved variances related to a site plan under review by the
Planning Board for a proposed tram down a steep slope to the lakefront located at 1587 Taughannock
Boulevard.
• The Board conducted a public hearing and approved variances related to a site plan under review by the
Planning Board for a proposed renovation and addition to an existing detached accessory structure located
at 123 Maplewood Road.
• Draft minutes link; recorded meeting video link.
Planning Projects
• 2025-45 Comp Plan Update
o 2025 3Q report tracking for CSC grant.
o Coordination and ongoing work with Consultant .
Zoning Enforcement
• Ongoing research on code enforcement cases.
• Town Court on September 9 related to two accusatory instruments filed for two code violators:
o Joseph Allen, 6200 & 6211 Brook Road (parcels 23.-1-12 and 23.-2-4 respectively) and parcels 23.-1-
14.4 and 23.-2-5.2. 39 Counts of violations against the Fire Code of New York State, New York State
Property Maintenance Code, Ulysses Zoning Code, and breaches of Board of Zoning Appeals Special
Permit Determination and Use Variance Determination.
o Keith Dodge, 1942 Trumansburg Road (parcel 20.-3-9.22). 35 Counts of violations against the Fire Code
of New York State, New York State Property Maintenance Code, and Ulysses Zoning Code.
Miscellaneous
• Town budget.
• Building, Planning, and Zoning permit reviews.
• Customer support pertaining zoning information and permitting process.