HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-21-2017 Meeting Minutes
EXHIBIT 2018-063 page 1 of 15
Minutes VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS Monday, August 21, 2017
Marcham Hall BOARD OF TRUSTEES 7:00 p.m.
MONTHLY MEETING
Present: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Friend, McMurry, Marshall, Robinson, and Salton; Fire Superintendent
Tamborelle; Superintendent of Public Works Cross; Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Wiese; Clerk & Treasurer
Mangione; Deputy Clerk Walker; Attorney Marcus; Historian Szekely; Planning Board Chair: Fred Cowett.
Absent: Police Chief Steinmetz
Call to Order: Mayor Woodard calls the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
1. Approval of Meeting Minutes: April 17, 2017 (Exhibit 2018-019)
Resolution #8061
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees approves the April 17, 2017 Board of
Trustee Meeting Minutes as presented in Exhibit 201 8-019.
Motion: Trustee Friend
Second: Trustee Robinson
Ayes: Mayor Woodard, Trustees Friend, McMurry, Marshall, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: Biloski
Motion carried
2., 3., 4. May 15, June 19, July 17, 2017 Meeting Minutes not yet transcribed; meeting recordings and notes are
available in the Clerk’s office.
5. Approval of Meeting Minutes: August 4, 2017 (Exhibit 2018-046)
Resolution #8062
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees approves the August 4, 2017 Board of
Trustee Meeting Minutes as presented in Exhibit 201 8-046.
Motion: Trustee Salton
Second: Trustee McMurry
Ayes: Mayor Woodard, Biloski, Friend, McMurry, Marshall, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion carried
6. August 11, 2017 Meeting Minutes Meeting Minutes not yet transcribed; meeting recordings and notes are
available in the Clerk’s office.
7. Report of Fire Superintendent Tamborelle (Exhibit 2018-050a, b)
There are no questions or comments on the Fire Superintendent’s report.
The heavy storms that blew through the Village kept the firefighters busy. A downed tree on Highland caused a fire
when it hit a powerline. Cayuga Heights Police were at the scene redirecting traffic. NYSEG arrived and restored
service.
Recruiting for the Fall Training Class has started; there is a planned session for candidates on September 21 st at 7:00
p.m.
The new Chevy Tahoe is in. It will be a helpful addition to the fire department fleet.
Excavation on the retaining wall at 825 Hanshaw Road is being performed by the DPW. The back -entrance stairs are
also in need of repair. The Sorenson’s are moving at the end of August after two years of residence at 825. First
Lieutenant Devin Savoy has been approved as the next tenant by the CH Fire Council. It is customary for the Board of
Trustees to approve the new renter. Mayor Woodard tables the resolution until later in the meeting.
8. Public Hearing: Proposed Local Law 2017-B to Reestablish and Modify the Method for Calculation of Sewer Rents is
Scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Other Agenda items are addressed until that time.
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9. Privilege of the Floor (PoF) (copy of the PoF sign-in sheet appears on page 2 of this document)
Ms. Nina Kohn describes how important rental income is to some homeowners. Limiting short -term rentals to owner
occupied dwellings is suggested as a way to reassure those who are concerned. Ms. Kohn asks that a way to permit
short-term rentals be included in the revised Zoning Ordinance.
Mr. Jeff Milder speaks in favor of short-term rentals. He suggests flexibility in rental regulations, such as limiting short-
term rentals to owner occupied homes or allowing rentals over one (1) week but under a month in duration.
Ms. Hickory Lee voices her support for short-term rentals.
Privilege of the Floor is closed.
10. Report of the Mayor (Exhibits 2018-051 through 2018-053)
a. Resignation of Patricia Longoria as Deputy Historian: Mayor Woodard recognizes Village Historian Bea
Szekely, who informs the Board that Pat Longoria has resigned as Deputy Historian. Ms. Longoria devoted much
skill, time, and effort to capturing historical data for the enlightenment and enjoyment of current and future history
enthusiasts.
Recognition of Patricia Longoria’s Service to the Village of Cayuga Heights
Resolution #8063
IN APPRECIATION FOR OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE BY PATRICIA LONGORIA
WHEREAS, Patricia Longoria served the Village of Cayuga Heights as a local history researcher in the year 2015 and as
Deputy Historian from April 2016 to July 2017, providing the Village with enormous contributions of historical research,
paper and web-based publications, records ma nagement, and public outreach and,
WHEREAS Patricia Longoria has maintained a standard of excellence in the quality of everything she has done whether,
for example, working with the Public Works Department to place donated map cabinets in the jury room; working the
Village Historic Preservationists to update The Cayuga Heights History Project website; working with the Village Historian
to prepare presentations and publications such as a recent one on “Cayuga Heights and Sunset Park,” or whether working by
herself during countless hours of research and,
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WHEREAS Patricia Longoria has engaged in outreach within the Village, for example, by a presentation made to a fourth-
grade class the Cayuga Heights Elementary School, by offering a workshop on deed research for local house historians, and
by conducting oral history interviews and compiling information about architects and builders in various Village
neighborhoods and,
WHEREAS Patricia Longoria has represented the Village with the Historian and Historic Preservationists in activities of
area municipal historians coordinated by the County Historian, served as a docent for Historic Ithaca annual old house tours,
served as initial coordinator for the Tompkins County Names on the Land project, attended a regional and an annual
meeting of the Association of Public Historians of New York State, input historical census data for The History Center in
Tompkins
County’s HistoryForge data mapping project, and contributed to the successful application for the American Associatio n for
State and Local History Leadership in History award received by The Cayuga Heights History Project in 2016 and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees does hereby commend Patricia Longoria for
dedication and outstanding public service given to the Cayuga Heights community.
Motion: Trustee McMurry
Second: Trustee Friend
Ayes: Mayor Woodard, Biloski, Friend, McMurry, Marshall, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion carried
b. Resignation of Michael Pinnisi as a Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)
c. Appointment of Michael Pinnisi as an Alternate on the ZBA
Due to his inability to attend at least 65% of ZBA meetings as is required, Michael Pinnisi has offered his
resignation as a member. Mayor Woodard appoints him as an alternate. Jack Young, ZBA Chair, is aware of all
proposed changes to ZBA membership.
Resolution #8064
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees accepts Michael Pinnisi’s resignation as a
member of the Zoning Board of Appeals and approves Mayor Woodard’s appointment of him as an alternate on the
Zoning Board of Appeals.
Motion: Trustee Robinson
Second: Trustee Salton
Ayes: Mayor Woodard, Biloski, Friend, McMurry, Marshall, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion carried
d. Appointment of Lucy Staley as a Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for the remainder of Kirk Sigel’s
Term
Mayor Woodard appoints Lucy Staley to as a Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for the remainder of Kirk
Sigel’s (Michael Pinnisi’s) term
Resolution #8065
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees approves Mayor Woodard’s appointment
of Lucy Staley as a Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals for the remainder of Kirk Sigel’s (Michael Pinnisi’s) term
Motion: Trustee Robinson
Second: Trustee Friend
Ayes: Mayor Woodard, Biloski, Friend, McMurry, Marshall, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion carried
e. Paid Family Leave
Starting January 1, 2018, the New York State Paid Family Leave Program will provide New Yorkers job -protected,
paid leave to bond with a new child, care for a loved one with a serious health condition or to help relieve family
pressures when someone is called to active military service. The Family Leave Program will be financed by
EXHIBIT 2018-063 page 4 of 15
employee payroll deductions. Municipal employers have the option of participation in the p rogram. Before a
decision is made, additional information will be gathered.
8. Public Hearing: Proposed Local Law 2017-B to Reestablish and Modify the Method for Calculation of Sewer
Rents (Exhibit 2018-047)
Mayor Woodard opens the Public Hearing at 7:31 p.m. and briefly explains why clarifying language is necessary. Prior
to 2012, sewer was billed annually by unit.
Starting in January 2012, sewer began to be billed based on water consumption. Bolton Point began preparing residents’
sewer bills with the quarterly water bills. Cayuga Heights prepares invoices quarterly for other municipalities whose
property owners’ structures are connected to the Village’s Wastewater Treatment Plant. It is confusion, caused by Local
Law wording changes, on the part of another municipality that makes modification necessary.
Historian Szekely adds some information about early decisions made in the Village regarding sewers. Four days before
the stock market crash in 1929, the Village decided to build underground sewer pipes. To finance the construction, a
$30,000 bond was issued. The Village was able to pay off the bond issue within the next six to seven years, which was
quite a feat during the prevailing economy of the times.
The Public Hearing is closed at 7:34 p.m. when no speakers come forward.
Report of the Mayor continues.
h. SCLIWC Resolution to Set Water Rate Schedule
There was no rate increase for 2017; this proposed rate is approximately 2%. Fixed costs comprise 75% of the
SCLIWC budget.
Resolution #8066
SOUTHERN CAYUGA LAKE INTERMUNICIPAL WATER COMMISSION
BOLTON POINT WATER SYSTEM
AGREEMENT TO CHANGE WATER RATE SCHEDULE
THIS AGREEMENT to change Water Rate Schedule is made as of the 1st day of January, 2018, between the TOWN
BOARD OF THE TOWN OF DRYDEN, Tompkins County, New York, on its own behalf and on behalf of all water
districts in the TOWN OF DRYDEN served by the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission, (hereafter
referred to as “Dryden”), the TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF ITHACA, Tompkins County, New York (hereinafter
referred to as “Ithaca”), the TOWN B OARD OF THE TOWN OF LANSING, Tompkins County, New York, on its own
behalf and on behalf of the Town of Lansing Consolidated Water District and the Town of Lansing Consolidated Water
District Extension #1 & #2 (the Town of Lansing and such districts are her einafter collectively referred to as “Lansing
Town”), VILLAGE OF LANSING, on its own behalf and as successor to LANSING WATER DISTRICT 1, Tompkins
County, New York, (hereinafter referred to as “Lansing Village”), and VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS, Tompkins
County, New York, (herein after referred to as “Cayuga Heights”), all of the parties hereto sometimes collectively or
individually referred to hereinafter as “Municipalities” or “Municipality”,
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the above named municipalities have entered into an amended, supplemental, restated and consolidated
agreement of municipal cooperation for construction, financing and operation of an intermunicipal water supply and
transmission system dated as of June 5, 1979 as the same has been amended from time to time (the “Agreement”); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Agreement each municipality agreed to pay to the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal
Water Commission (hereinafter referred to as “Commission”), water revenues based upon, in part, a water rate sched ule
annexed as Exhibit I of Schedule A to the Agreement; and
WHEREAS, based on changes in costs, the Commission believes it is advisable to adopt a new water rate schedule in the
form annexed to this modification agreement; and
WHEREAS, Schedule A of the Agreement provides that the water rate schedule may not be changed by the Commission
without the written agreement to such change of all the parties; and
WHEREAS, Exhibit I of Schedule A to the Agreement has been amended from time to time since the initial date of the
Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the parties believe it is necessary to amend Exhibit I of Schedule A further; and
EXHIBIT 2018-063 page 5 of 15
WHEREAS, the parties are willing to agree to such change;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual undertakings of the parties pursuant to the
Agreement, the parties hereby agree that Exhibit I of Schedule A annexed to the Agreement be amended effective January 1,
2018 to read as set forth on the Exhibit I annexed hereto, and such exhibit is adopted as Exhibit I, the water rate schedule,
for all purposes under the Agreement.
This modification agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts which, when taken together, shall constitute a
complete document even though each of the counterparts may not bear the signatures of all of the parties.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this agreement to become effective as of the day and year set forth
above.
EXHIBIT I
SCLIWC - BOLTON POINT WATER SYSTEM
2018 WATER RATE SCHEDULE
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2018
RATE STRUCTURE:
The flat rate charge per 1,000 gallons shall be non -fluctuating and equal to four dollars and fifty three cents
($4.53). This rate is equal to three dollars and thirty nine cents ($3.39) per 100 cubic feet. The f oregoing rate will
be the rate charged for all regular quarterly bills sent after January 1, 2018. Actual or base consumption may occur
prior to January 1, 2018.
MINIMUM BASE CHARGES:
Notwithstanding the foregoing rate structure, the following minimum base charges shall be applicable to the meter
size indicated below, for regular quarterly bills sent after January 1, 2018. The table below shows the amount of
water consumption that is permitted before the minimum base charge would be exceeded:
BASE MINIMUM BASE
METER SIZE CONSUMPTION CHARGE
(INCHES) (GALLONS) (DOLLARS)
3/4 10,000 45.30
1 30,000 135.90
1-1/2 45,000 203.85
2 90,000 407.70
3 140,000 634.20
4 200,000 906.00
≥6 350,000 1,585.50
Multiple Housing and mobile home parks of over two dwelling units, using a master meter, will be computed as
follows: The quarterly master meter reading will be divided by the number of dwelling units and the water charge
will be figured on this number as if the unit was indi vidually metered. The water charge will then be multiplied by
the number of units on the master meter and this will be the billing rendered. If the calculation of the water
consumed per dwelling unit is less than the allowable consumption for a three -quarter inch meter, then the billing
will be calculated by multiplying the number of units on the master meter times the minimum base charge for a
three-quarter inch meter (e.g., if there were 20 dwelling units on the master meter, and total water consumption
shown by the master meter was 100,000 gallons, the Commission billing would be $906.00 (20 units times $45.30)
rather than $453.00 (100,000 gallons at $4.53/1000 gallons))
An annual charge for each fire protection main serving a fire suppression system wi ll be billed along with the first
quarterly water bill of the calendar year.
Motion: Trustee Friend
Second: Trustee Biloski
Ayes: Mayor Woodard, Biloski, Friend, McMurry, Marshall, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion carried
EXHIBIT 2018-063 page 6 of 15
f. SCLIWC Resolution to set Water Rate Billing Structure
This agreement reduces the quarterly minimum consumption from 10,000 gallons to 5,000 gallons. This change has
been discussed for several years and encourages water usage reduction. In order to keep the change in minimum
consumption, revenue neutral, the following rate changes are necessary. Village users will experience the effect of
the change on their February 2018 water and sewer bills. The majority of residential users will see a reduction in
their water cost.
Resolution #8067
SOUTHERN CAYUGA LAKE INTERMUNICIPAL WATER COMMISSION
BOLTON POINT WATER SYSTEM
AGREEMENT TO CHANGE WATER RATE BILLING STRUCTURE
THIS AGREEMENT to change Water Rate Billing Structure is made as of the 1st day of January, 2018, between the
TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF DRYDEN, Tompkins County, New York, on its own behalf and on behalf of all
water districts in the TOWN OF DRYDEN, (hereafter referred to as “Dryden”), the TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF
ITHACA, Tompkins County, New York (hereinafter referred to as “Ithac a”), the TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF
LANSING, Tompkins County, New York, on its own behalf and on behalf of the Town of Lansing Consolidated Water
District and the Town of Lansing Consolidated Water District Extension #1 & #2 (the Town of Lansing and such di stricts
are hereinafter collectively referred to as “Lansing Town”), VILLAGE OF LANSING, on its own behalf and as successor
to LANSING WATER DISTRICT 1, Tompkins County, New York, (hereinafter referred to as “Lansing Village”), and
VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS, Tompkins County, New York, (herein after referred to as “Cayuga Heights”), all
served by the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission, all of the parties hereto sometimes collectively or
individually referred to hereinafter as “Municipalities” or “Municipality”,
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the above named municipalities have entered into an amended, supplemental, restated and consolidated
agreement of municipal cooperation for construction, financing and operation of an intermunicipal water supply and
transmission system dated as of June 5, 1979 as the same has been amended from time to time (the “Agreement”); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Agreement each municipality agreed to pay to the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal
Water Commission (hereinafter referred to as “Commission”), water revenues based upon, in part, a water rate billing
structure based on a 10,000 gallon minimum; and
WHEREAS, the Commission believes it is advisable to adopt a new water rate billing structure based on a 5,000 gallon
minimum; and
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual undertakings of the parties pursuant to the
Agreement, the parties hereby agree to amend the Agreement effective January 1, 2018.
This modification agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts which, when taken together, shall constitute a
complete document even though each of the counterparts may not bear the signatures of all of the parties.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this agreement to become effective as of the day and year set forth
above.
SCLIWC - BOLTON POINT WATER SYSTEM
2018 WATER RATE BILLING STRUCTURE
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2018
MINIMUM BASE CHARGES:
The flat rate charge per 1,000 gallons shall be non -fluctuating and equal to four dollars and ninety six cents ($4.96). The
foregoing rate will be the rate charged for all regular quarterly bills sent after January 1, 2018. Actual or base consumpti on
may occur prior to January 1, 2018. The following minimum base charges shall be applicable to the meter size indicated
below, for regular quarterly bills sent after January 1, 2018. The table below shows the amount of water consumption that is
permitted before the minimum base charge would be exceeded:
BASE MINIMUM
METER SIZE CONSUMPTION BASE CHARGE
(INCHES) (GALLONS) (DOLLARS)
3/4 5,000 24.80
1 15,000 74.40
1-1/2 22,500 111.60
2 45,000 223.20
3 70,000 347.20
4 100,000 496.00
≥6 175,000 868.00
EXHIBIT 2018-063 page 7 of 15
Multiple Housing and mobile home parks of over two dwelling units, using a master meter, will be computed as follows:
The quarterly master meter reading will be divided by the number of dwelling units and the water charge will be figured on
this number as if the unit was individually metered. The water charge will then be multiplied by the number of units on the
master meter and this will be the billing rendered. If the calculation of the water consumed per dwelling unit is less than the
allowable consumption for a three-quarter inch meter, then the billing will be calculated by multiplying the number of units
on the master meter times the minimum base charge for a three -quarter inch meter (e.g. if there were 20 dwelling units on
the master meter, and total water consumption shown by the master meter was 50,000 gallons, the Commission billing
would be $496.00 (20 units times $24.80) rather than $248.00 (50,000 gallons at $4.96/1000 gallons)).
Motion: Trustee Biloski
Second: Trustee Marshall
Ayes: Mayor Woodard, Biloski, Friend, McMurry, Marshall, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion carried
f. Proposed Local Law 2017-B to Reestablish and Modify the Method for Calculation of Sewer Rents (Exhibit
2018-047)
Resolution #8068
EXHIBIT 2018-063 page 8 of 15
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EXHIBIT 2018-063 page 12 of 15
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees approves Proposed Local Law 2017-B to
Reestablish and Modify the Method for Calculation of Sewer Rents (Exhibit 2018 -047)
Motion: Trustee Salton
Second: Trustee Robinson
Discussion: Attorney Marcus advises the Board that as a SEQR Type II Action, listed in Section 617.5.c, there is no
requirement to prepare a determination of significance. The action is a combination of list items (20) routine or continuing
agency administration and management, not including new programs or major reordering of priorities that may affect the
environment and (27) adoption of regulations, policies, procedures and local legislative decisions in connection with any
action on this list.
Ayes: Mayor Woodard, Biloski, Friend, McMurry, Marshall, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion carried
EXHIBIT 2018-063 page 13 of 15
i. Future Management of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)
Mayor Woodard, Trustee Robinson, and Supt. Cross update the Board regarding future management of the WWTP.
During their meeting with Jerry Smith’s widow and John McGraff, concern was expressed regarding Yaws’ ability
to continue without Mr. Smith, meet DEC regulation compliance, and satisfy the level of communication that is
necessary moving forward. The Yaws Environmental contract with the Village is in an automatic renewal state.
The Village is the largest of Yaws’ customers. Trustee Salton suggests that having a Village employee on sit e at the
WWTP every day might be beneficial. That employee would need to be a high-level employee with wastewater
treatment experience and licensing. Four potential options for future management are proposed by Mayor
Woodard: Have the Town of Ithaca manage the plant (they have offered); Staff the plant with Cayuga Heights
employees; continue with Yaws; or contract with another company to perform plant management.
An additional monthly meeting of the Public Works Committee will be held specifically to discuss the WWTP. The
regular meeting is already very long and does not provide adequate time for discussion concerning the WWTP.
GHD consultants are regularly on-site at the WWTP gathering data for ongoing projects for the Village.
Management performance is not a metric which is currently under review by GHD.
Yaw’s current operators have been instructed to report all maintenance issues allowing Village leaders to make
“repair or replace” equipment decisions. In the past, Yaws repaired equipment repeatedly in an attempt to save the
Village money. This has led to a situation that the DEC finds questionable, with equipment on the verge of failure.
The additional focus on the WWTP should yield different and improved results.
11. Reports of the Trustees:
Trustee McMurry announces that changes to the right-of way agreement with Lakeview Cemetery suggested by the
NYS DOT were passed by the Lakeview Cemetery Board. Attorney Marcus incorporated the changes into the
agreement and is satisfied with it.
Resolution #8069
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees approves and authorizes Mayor Woodard
to sign the revised Lakeview Cemetery Right -of-Way Agreement. (Exhibit 2018-054)
Motion: Trustee Salton
Second: Trustee Marshall
Ayes: Mayor Woodard, Biloski, Friend, McMurry, Marshall, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion carried
Trustee McMurry reports that a meeting of the Bike-Ped Committee was held to discuss maintenance of Sunset
Park. The steep hillside presents a maintenance challenge. It is proposed that a four-foot-wide diagonal path could
be cut to provide safer access for public works. The DPW will try this after frost when the number of ticks is
reduced. It is approximately 70’ across the slope. It is noted that in 1928 there was a path down the hillside. A
switch-back on the path may be helpful to reduce the slope’s steepness. There are existing deed restrictions which
specify what is allowed on the property. The Committee will meet again once the restrictions are known.
An example of a program from a Village that had held a “Show” celebrating all manner of fun competitions among
its residents, similar to a municipal fair. Some examples are: largest pumpkin, prettiest garden, or feats of strength.
The program will be kept in the Clerk’s office so that anyone interested can access it there.
Trustee Friend is pleased to convey that the Unified Solar Permit application has been accepted by NYSERDA.
The grant of $2,500 will be remitted to the Village. There is not enough information available to the Board for a
determination concerning changes to Street Lighting for energy efficiency and cost savings.
Trustee Salton is the Village’s representative on the Executive Committee and the Audit and Finance Committee of
the Greater Tompkins County Intermunicipal Health Insurance Consortium. He reports that the 2018 premium
increase will be 4%.
12. Report of Police Chief Steinmetz (Exhibits 2018-055a, b, c)
Chief Steinmetz is not in attendance, his monthly reports are contained in the Agenda packet.
EXHIBIT 2018-063 page 14 of 15
13. Report of Assistant Superintendent of Public Works (ASPW) Wiese (Exhibits 2018-056)
Temporary signs have been placed at Sunset Park. ASPW Wiese presents examples of permanent signage for the
Board’s selection. It is agreed that signs with both a graphic and worded component are preferred.
Two heavy rain events during July caused damage throughout the Village. Roadside washouts required road closures;
they are very time consuming to repair. Damage on North Triphammer was the most severe.
The DPW worked with the FD on the downed tree on Highland.
Brush pick-up has become problematic. Residents are not observing the rules in terms of the length and diameter of
branches that will be removed from the roadside. Snarled piles of branches slow down the crew. It is often difficult to
clear all the brush during the full day schedu led for the effort. An attempt to improve communication about brush pick-
up with residents through use of the eNewsBlast and the website are planned.
The Village has a camera for checking sewer lines for blockages. It is useful on smaller lines. The owner /operator of
Brain Drain has been brought in to video the lower section of Hanshaw Road where there are concerns. The equipment
owned by Brain Drain is sophisticated; it provides a GPS location of identified problems. Consideration is given to the
suggestion to have Brain Drain video all or sections of the Village sewer lines periodically. Valuable knowledge on the
state of the wastewater infrastructure will be gathered. Municipalities utilizing the Village’s WWTP are encouraged to
identify water infiltrating their infrastructures to reduce I and I as much as possible.
Rental Property at 825 Hanshaw Road
The small Village-owned house at 825 Hanshaw Road is ready for a new volunteer firefighter resident. The CH Fire
Council has approved First Lieutenant Devin Savoy as an appropriate tenant. The Board discusses the rent which has been
set at $800/month for the last two years. The Village pays all utilities. The benefit of having the tenant pay utilities i s
reviewed. The Board agrees to raise the rent to $825/month and to continue payment of electric, gas, and water.
Resolution #8070
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees approves leasing the Village owned
property at 825 Hanshaw Road to Volunteer Firefighter Devin Savoy for a monthly sum of $825.00 for a term of one
(1) year. The Village will pay electric, gas, and water charges.
Motion: Trustee Robinson
Second: Trustee Marshall
Ayes: Mayor Woodard, Biloski, Friend, McMurry, Marshall, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion carried
14. Report of Superintendent of Public Works Cross (Exhibits 2017-056)
Supt. Cross states that he feels compelled to clarify terms which he believes were mischaracterized in statements made
in regard to their use in the Village’s local zoning law. The word occupancy is used in the definition; however, it says,
“occupants residing in the building”. It does not say occupants of the buil ding. Occupants can be either long-term or
short-term. Residents are always long-term.
The Village is a member of the Municipal Electric & Gas Alliance (MEGA). MEGA is a non-profit, community-based,
energy cost savings program that complies with all public bidding requirements for energy purchases. The Village has
followed MEGA’s advice in the past, purchasing natural gas supplies from HESS Corp. which was bought out by
Direct Energy. During 2017, NYSEG took over supplying natural gas as well as delivery to the Village. Direct Energy
remains a supplier of natural gas through MEGA and entering into a contract with them will generate significant future
savings. Former Trustee Ron Bors suggests that the PSC website Power to Choose (www.chooseenergy.com/ny) may
be a helpful source of information. The topic is deferred until additional research is carried out.
The Bicycle-Pedestrian (Bike-Ped) Committee met and recommends formalizing a crosswalk used at the end of the
Hanshaw Road sidewalk where it meets and crosses to the Cayuga Heights Road sidewalk. This location is frequently
used. Addition of striping and crosswalk signs will alert drivers to look for pedestrians.
GHD is continuing with its projects at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. In response to a status request, a three-page
project summary report was provided. They are working concurrently on analysis of the plant’s headworks as
recommended by the DEC and a planning study of the whole plant. GHD has recommended that these two studies
should be combined with an eye toward a grant application in 2018.
EXHIBIT 2018-063 page 15 of 15
The Medical Office Building Project is moving ahead. Conditions required by the Planning Board are near completion.
Documents to that effect will be presented to the Planning Board at their next meeting.
Letters have been exchanged between the lawyer for the owners of 914 Highland Road and Village Att orney Marcus
during the last week of June. It is agreed that the fence must be removed by the end of August.
15. Report of Clerk & Treasurer - Submitted reports (Exhibits 2017-057 a, b, c)
Following a brief update on Real Property Taxes collected and completion of a Bond Anticipation Note (BAN)
refinance, the following monthly abstract resolution is offered.
Resolution #8071
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees approves Abstract #03 for FYE2018
consisting of TA vouchers 15 - 26 in the amount of $17,561.63 and Consolidated Fund vouchers 104 - 205 in the amount of
$348,889.54 and the Treasurer is instructed to make payments thereon.
Motion: Trustee Robinson
Second: Trustee Marshall
Ayes: Mayor Woodard, Trustees Biloski, Friend, Marshall, McMurry, Robinson, and Salton
Nays & Abstentions: none
Motion carried
Report of the Mayor (continued)
Before the discussion on zoning starts, Mayor Woodard brings up the subject of parking in the Village right-of-way
(ROW). Illegal parking in the ROW is a common practice which is not strictly enforced by the CHPD. A particularly
problematic location is on Hanshaw Road in front of the Cayuga Heights Elementary School (CHES). When children
are being dropped off or picked up by vehicle, the grassy area between the sidewalk and the roadway is rutted up and is
causing drainage problems. The DPW regularly attempts to repair the area. Chief Steinmetz, who is not in attendance,
reports that he believes it is a hazardous situation. He would like “No Parking” signs erected in that area. It is Supt.
Cross’ opinion that there is sufficient property on the school grounds to reconfigure parking and expand areas for drop
off and pickup. Trustee McMurry will contact the CHES Principal to arrange a meeting which she and the mayor will
attend.
Draft Zoning Ordinance Review:
Article 5. Residence Zone
Mayor Woodard explains that she believes that operation of a bed and breakfast (b and b) is a business. Businesses are
not allowed in the Residential or Multiple Housing zones. Trustee Salton is not troubled by the possibility of b and bs
operating in the Village but they would need to be regulated. The trustees explore the differences between a ‘b and b’
and short-term rentals (aka Airbnb). There have been recent complaints about short-term rentals in the village. Town of
Ithaca administrative officials have also reported that multiple problems have been caused by short-term rentals in
various neighborhoods. It is observed that short-term renters tend to be on vacation and will keep different hours from
neighbors of the rental, leading to a higher possibility of disturbance . There is a shortage of housing in Tompkins
County, accessory apartments are one of the sources of affordable housing. By removing accessory apartments from
housing inventory, the scarcity of long term affordable rentals is exacerbated. From a code enforcement perspective,
why wouldn’t a short-term rental require the same inspections and regulations as a traditional b and b or hotel?
Nationally, building code associations have made no revision to the definitions of long and short term as the terms
relate to rentals. More than thirty (30) days is the time span used to differentiate the two. Due to the lateness of the
hour, discussion is suspended.
The Public Hearing on the Zoning Ordinance is not scheduled . Additional topics have yet to be addressed.
16. Report of the Attorney and 17. Executive Session
No further topics to discuss.
18. Adjournment
Mayor Woodard adjourns the meeting at 10:40 p.m.