HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.17.2022_Minutes1
Minutes VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHT Wednesday, August 17, 2022
Zoom Meeting ID # 4118425407 BOARD OF TRUSTEES 7:00 p.m.
MONTHLY MEETING
Present: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Hubbard, Marshall, Rennekamp, Robinson, and Salton; Police Chief Wright;
Village Engineer B. Cross; Director of Public Works Wiese; Clerk Walker; Treasurer Dolch; Attorney Marcus,
1. Call to Order: Mayor Woodard calls the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
2. Approval of Meeting Minutes: July 20, 2022 (Exhibit 2023-047)
Resolution # 9239
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees approves the July 20, 2022 Meeting
minutes as presented.
Motion: Trustee Hubbell
Second: Trustee Rennekamp
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, and Robinson
Nays: none
Abstentions: Salton
Motion Carried
3. Report of Fire Superintendent Tamborelle: Submitted Report (Exhibit 2023-048)
•Fire Superintendent Tamborelle states that movie night was very successful even though they had to cancel one
night due to extreme heat.
•Mayor Woodard inquires about the fire department purchasing an electric pickup truck.
•Superintendent Tamborelle states that the lead time to get one is unknown and there is no inventory available.
The Ford F-150 that is currently on order is a hybrid vehicle.
•Superintendent Tamborelle states that the only action item he has is the resolution supporting the purchase of a
new chief’s vehicle with the Hanselman Trust funds.
Resolution # 9240
WHEREAS, The Village of Cayuga Heights Fire Department is the beneficiary of the Hanselman Family Trusts;
and
WHEREAS, The Village of Cayuga Heights Fire Department has determined that there exists a need to replace
U243 which was originally purchased with funds from the Hanselman Trust; and
WHEREAS, The Village of Cayuga Heights Fire Department has determined that it would best benefit the fire
department and Hanselman Trust to sell at auction the existing vehicle apply monies received for U243 directly to
decrease the end cost of the new vehicle; and
WHEREAS, The Cayuga Heights Fire Department has received quotes for the purchase of the vehicle at NYS
Contract Pricing and for outfitting the vehicle; and
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WHEREAS, the Village of Cayuga Heights Public Safety committee recommends the purchase of a 2023 Tahoe.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
Approval is granted to purchase a 2023 Tahoe at NYS contract pricing plus the cost of outfitting the vehicle for
service not to exceed $51,000, the expenditure will be reimbursed to the Village of Cayuga Heights from the
Hanselman Fund proceeds.
Motion: Trustee Hubbell
Second: Trustee Marshall
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
4. Privilege of the Floor: No members of the public wish to speak.
5. Report of Treasurer Dolch: Submitted Report (Exhibit 2023-050)
•Village Treasurer Dolch states that the Village Finance Committee has reviewed the INSERO annual audit and is
ready to send it to the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC). This will allow them to finalize last year’s AUD and
also allow us to start this year’s AUD.
•Village Treasurer Dolch states that the Village Finance Committee has discussed an audit proposal from
another company.
•Village Treasurer Dolch states that she needs the resolution to allocate money received as part of the Road Use
Agreement with Cornell University.
Resolution: 9241
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approves the
creation of expense account A5112.430 (Street Capital Improvement – Pleasant Grove) with a budget of
$285,000 from the Cornell Road Use Agreement.
Motion: Trustee Rennekamp
Second: Trustee Robinson
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
Approval of Abstract # 3
Resolution: 9242
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees approves Abstract #3 for FYE2022
consisting of TA vouchers 16-23 in the amount of $14,648.79 and Consolidated Fund vouchers 121-195 in the
amount of $775,439.48 and the Treasurer is instructed to make payments thereon.
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Motion: Trustee Marshall
Second: Trustee Robinson
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
•In closing Village, Mayor Woodard states that we are done with the fiscal year 2021-2022.
6. Report of Mayor Woodard:
a. Public Hearing on Proposed Local Law B-2022 Property Maintenance.
•Mayor Woodard opens the Public Hearing at 7:10 p.m.
•Mayor Woodard closes the Public Hearing at 7:11 p.m.
•Village Attorney R. Marcus states that this Local Law is an exempt action under 617.5C section 26 & 33 the
adoption of a local law in connection with continuing agency administration and management.
Resolution: 9243
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees adopts Proposed Local Law -B of
2022 as Local Law #2 of 2022 and this is an exempt action under 617.5C section 26 & 33 the adoption of a local law
in connection with continuing agency administration and management.
Motion: Trustee Robinson
Second: Trustee Rennekamp
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS
PROPOSED LOCAL LAW 2 OF THE YEAR 2022
A LOCAL LAW TO AMEND
THE VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS CODE CHAPTER 305, "ZONING,"
ARTICLE XIII, “PROPERTY MAINTENANCE”
Be it enacted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cayuga Heights (the "Village") as follows:
SECTION I PURPOSE AND INTENT
The Village’s Board of Trustees has found that, in such cases, as a property owner has violated the requirements of
Article XIII, "Property Maintenance," of Chapter 305, "Zoning," of the Village Code, such violation threatens the
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health, safety, and welfare of Village residents, may create fire hazards, may endanger the environment and
groundwater, may lead to infestation by insects, vermin or rodents may cause depreciation of property values, and has
a deteriorating and blighting effect upon the neighborhood and community. The Village Board has determined that a
violation of said Article XIII constitutes a public nuisance. The Village Board has determined further that the Village
should undertake remedial action to abate such nuisances, and that in such instances that the Village undertakes such
abatement, the Village should recover the cost of such abatement, and the Village should have the opportunity to do
so by placing a lien upon the subject property. The purpose of this Local Law is to modify the text of Village Code
Chapter 305, Article XIII as states below.
SECTION II AUTHORITY
This Local Law is enacted pursuant to the grant of powers to local governments provided in Section 10 of the Municipal
Home Rule Law to adopt and amend local laws not inconsistent with the provision of the New York State Constitution
and not inconsistent with any general law relating to its property, affairs, government or other subjects provided for in
said Section 10 of the Municipal Home Rule Law.
SECTION III AMENDMENT OF VILLAGE CODE SECTION CHAPTER 305, "ZONING,"
ARTICLE XIII," "PROPERTY MAINTENANCE”
The following provisions shall be added to subsection 305-96, "Enforcement," of Article XIII, "Property
Maintenance," of Chapter 305, "Zoning," of the Village Code.
C. Upon the failure of the owner to comply with a notice to remedy a violation of Section 305-95 above, the Village
Board may hold a public hearing. The public hearing shall be held upon notice posted conspicuously on the subject
property and forwarded to the last known address of the property owner, as it appears on the current tax records
of the Village, by certified mail, return receipt requested. Posting and service of such notice shall be not less than
fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the date of such hearing. The notice posted shall be not less than 11" by 17" in
size, affixed to a stake placed in the front yard of the subject property, and shall include a statement of the violation
and the date, time, and location of the public hearing,
D. The Village Board, after the public hearing as provided in subsection C above, may determine that the subject
violation of Section 305-95 above must be remediated, and order the owner of the property to complete such
remediation within thirty (30) days of the date of such order. Such order shall be delivered to the property owner
in the same manner as the notice of the public hearing described in subsection C above.
E. In the event that the violation has not been remedied in accordance with the order of the Village Board within thirty
(30) days of the date of such order, the Village may perform such remediation. Said remediation may be performed
by the Village's Department of Public Works or other designee, including a private contractor. The Village Board
shall ascertain the total costs of the remediation, and such costs shall be charged and assessed against the owner
of the subject property.
The costs so assessed shall constitute a lien and charge on the real property on which such lien is levied until paid
or otherwise satisfied or discharged and shall be collected in the same manner and at the same time as other Village
charges against such real property.
F. If the Village Board determines, in accordance with the foregoing procedures, that the violation must be
remediated, the Village Board also may determine that the violation is or may become ongoing or recurring, such
as the failure to maintain the height of growth in a lawn area, in which event such ongoing or recurring violation
shall be subject to the Village's performance of remediation in accordance with subsection E above on an ongoing
or recurring basis, without further notification to the property owner, or posting of such violation, or additional
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public hearing or further determination by the Village Board. The costs of all such ongoing or recurring
remediation by the Village shall constitute a lien on the subject property and collected as provided in subsection
E above.
G. The remediation of any violation of the requirements of Section 305-95 above by the Village or its agents shall
not operate to excuse the owner from properly maintaining any premises as required by this article, and such owner
shall, notwithstanding such action, be subject to any other penalties provided for herein.
SECTION IV SUPERSEDING EFFECT
All Local Laws, Articles, resolutions, rules, regulations, and other enactments of the Village of Cayuga Heights in
conflict with the provisions of this Local Law are hereby superseded to the extent necessary to give this Local Law
full force and effect. Without limiting the foregoing, to any extent that the terms of the Zoning Law of the Village of
Cayuga Heights are deemed to be in conflict with the requirements of this Local Law, the terms of this Local Law
shall govern and control.
SECTION V PARTIAL INVALIDITY.
In the event that any portion of this Local Law is declared invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the validity of
the remaining portions shall not be affected by such declaration of invalidity.
SECTION VI EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Local Law shall be effective immediately upon filing in the office of the New York State Secretary of State,
except that it shall be effective from the date of its service as against a person served with a copy thereof, certified by
the Village Clerk, and showing the date of its passage and entry in the Minutes of the Village Board of Trustees.
•Clerk Walker states that he has one quote for lawn maintenance for the two properties that are vacant. He also states
that the details of the proposal will have to be sorted out before the Village will agree to hire a mowing company.
•Trustee Marshall asks if there have been any specific details on how often a lawn is mowed or is it entirely up to the
mowing service.
•Village Attorney R. Marcus states that the primary focus of this local law is to add to the Villages existing property
maintenance law a set of provisions regarding adequate notice to satisfy the constitutional requirements for notice to
property owners before the Village enters their property.
•Village Attorney R. Marcus also states that first we need to pass this local law. Then a notice sent to the property
owners advising them of the need for maintenance. If they fail to comply, then the Board would schedule a Public
Hearing to consider any action that needs to be taken.
•Trustee Salton states that the law states that the grass has to be so long to fall out of compliance. So, if the Village
hires someone to mow every week, then the property owner would not fall out of compliance and therefore property
owner would not be responsible for the cost of that mowing service that was completed during the time the grass
height was compliant.
•Village Attorney R. Marcus suggests that the Village engage with a mowing service only at the point in which the
grass exceeds the height limit.
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•Trustee Robinson states that he views this local law that once the Board has issued a notice of violation the Village
can hire out to remedy the situation and would only be called back to the property when in this case the lawn fell out
of compliance.
•Village Attorney R. Marcus agrees. The Village could hire a contractor to come to mow at the point the lawn
reached ten inches or more.
•B. Cross states that he is concerned that we would not be keeping the property to the standards of the neighborhood
if we approached this violation in that manner then the normal compliance of the neighborhood will never happen.
•Village Attorney R. Marcus suggests that the Village Board of Trustees revisit the height limitations and reduce
them.
•Trustee Marshall asks Village Attorney R. Marcus if there is any precedent for enabling a system that would
encourage people to meet the compliance before corrective action by the Board. If the only precedent that can be
found requires that the limits be exceeded, then it seems counterproductive to what we want to accomplish.
•Village Attorney states that the Village could not have two separate limits, one for the violators and one for
everyone else.
•Mayor Woodard suggests lowering the grass height to five inches.
•Trustee Salton states that is not reasonable.
•Trustee Marshall states that lowering the height of grass would solve the problem as long as we could use
discretionary judgment when determining a violation.
•Village Attorney R. Marcus states that the only compromise he could come up with is to arrange with the contractor
that their duty is to prevent a violation from occurring.
•B. Cross states that allowing the lawn to go beyond the ten-inch height just to establish a violation is going to cost
more to the property owner since the contractor is going to have to spend more time getting the lawn back into shape
versus just mowing it consistently.
•Trustee Salton states that he agrees that it will cost more. However at least we will be within the bounds of the law,
and we can establish proof that this is not just a regular mowing.
•Mayor Woodard states that we should have the ability to differentiate a situation where we have a vacant property
versus an occupied property. Then take care of the property and continue to try to contact the owner while still
maintaining the property.
•Trustee Salton states that he agrees and further states that we should be able to exercise our authority through an
administrative order through zoning.
•Village Attorney R. Marcus states that this local law does address those issues. Under this new local law, after a
public hearing, the Board has the authority to either hire a contractor to remedy the violation or do the maintenance
ourselves.
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•Village Attorney R. Marcus states that the Board should schedule a public hearing on the two known vacant
properties and be ready to hire a contractor to maintain the properties going forward.
•B. Cross states that for the record a member of the public expressed to him their concern that this proposed local
law gives the Village Board too much power over private property. The resident was also concerned that the Village
Board would have the authority to come at any point in time and mow their law and then send them a bill for the
service.
•Attorney R. Marcus states that is certainly far from the case of what the Board is allowed to do under this local law.
•Attorney R. Marcus states that he had a chance to identify the responsible party for the two vacant properties. The
2013 N. Triphammer Rd. has no mortgage. On 325 Highland Rd. Property there seem to be two mortgages through
Quicken Loans.
Motion: Trustee Marshall
Second: Trustee Robinson
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, and Robinson
Nays: none
Abstentions: Salton
Motion Carried
•Attorney R. Marcus states that the Board should now schedule a Public Hearing for both properties.
Resolution: 9244
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees hereby schedules a Public Hearing
on a property maintenance violation for 2213 N. Triphammer Road on September 21, 2022, at 7:05 p.m.
Motion: Trustee Marshall
Second: Trustee Rennekamp
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, and Robinson
Nays: none
Abstentions: Salton
Motion Carried
Resolution: 9245
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees hereby schedules a Public Hearing
on a property maintenance violation for 325 Highland Road on September 21, 2022, at 7:10 p.m.
Motion: Trustee Robinson
Second: Trustee Marshall
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, and Robinson
Nays: none
Abstentions: Salton
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Motion Carried
b. Water Rate: The Village Board of Trustees needs to establish the 2023 water rate. The Commission approved
a 4.5% increase to our water rate for 2023. The minimum bill will continue to be based on 5,000 gallons.
Effective 1/1/23 the water rate will be $6.03/1,000 gallons with a minimum bill amount of $30.15 for 5,000 gallons.
Resolution: 9246
WHEREAS, the Village of Cayuga Heights is served by the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water
Commission; and
WHEREAS, the Village of Cayuga Heights has entered into an amended, supplemental, restates, and consolidated
agreement of municipal cooperation for the construction, financing, and operation of an inter-municipal 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, the Village of Cayuga Heights 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 quarterly 5,000 gallon minimum; and Bolton Point rate is $6.03 per
1000 gallons, and the Village of Cayuga Heights surcharge is $11.58 per 1000 gallons.
WHEREAS, in consideration of the premises and the mutual undertakings of the parties pursuant to the Agreement,
the parties agreed to amend the Agreement effective January 1, 2023.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes
and approves the new Village of Cayuga Heights water rate to $11.58 per 1000 gallons consumed effective January
1, 2023.
•Mayor Woodard states that the Village Finance Committee agreed to raise the rate by 92% of the Bolton Point rate.
Part of the reasoning is that the Village needs to build some fund balance for future lead pipe projects.
Motion: Trustee Rennekamp
Second: Trustee Robinson
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
c. Schedule a Public Hearing on Proposed Local Law C of 2022 – Annual Sewer Rate: The Village Finance
Committee has discussed sewer rates at this month’s meeting. The Village still owes the Town of Ithaca $124,000
for the Kline Rd. Bypass and loan payments for Phases 1 and 2 of the WWTP will begin.
•Mayor Woodard states that the rate is a significant increase. Part of this increase to the outside municipality is due
to the request of other users of the WWTP to build in the cost for the GHD I & I Study.
Section I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this Local Law is to establish annual sewer rates of $4.00/1000 gallons consumed for inside users
and a rate of $6.00/1000 gallons used for outside users, as defined in articles XII, Sewer Rents, of the Village of
Cayuga Heights Articles.
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Section II. AUTHORITY
This Local Law is enacted pursuant to the grant of powers of local governments provided for in (i) Section 10 of the
Municipal Home Rule Law to adopt and amend local laws not inconsistent with the provisions of the New York
State Constitution or not inconsistent with any general law relating to its property, affairs, government or other
subjects provided for in said Section 10 of the Municipal Home Rule Law, (ii) General Municipal Law Article 14-F,
(iii) General Municipal Law Sections 451 and 452, and (iv) Village Law Article 14.
Section III. ESTABLISHMENT OF SEWER RATES
As of January 1, 2023, annual sewer rates shall be established at a rate of $4.00/1000 gallons used for the treatment
of wastewater originating from properties located within the Village and a rate of $6.00/1000 gallons used for the
treatment of wastewater originating from properties located outside of the Village.
Section IV. SUPERSEDING EFFECT
All Local Laws, resolutions, rules, regulations, and other enactments of the Village of Cayuga Heights in conflict
with the provisions of this Local Law are hereby superseded to the extent necessary to give this Local Law full force
and effect.
Section V. VALIDITY
The invalidity of any provision of this Local Law shall not affect the validity of any other provision of this Local
Law that can be given effect without the such invalid provision.
Section VI. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Local Law shall be effective immediately upon filing in the office of the New York State Secretary of State,
except that it shall be effective from the date of its service as against a person served with a copy thereof, certified by
the Village Clerk, and showing the date of its passage and entry in the Minutes of the Village Board of Trustees.
Resolution: 9247
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees hereby schedules a Public Hearing
on Proposed Local Law C of 2022 – Annual Sewer Rates on September 21, 2022, at 7:02 p.m.
Motion: Trustee Robinson
Second: Trustee Rennekamp
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions:
Motion Carried
d. Lake View Cemetery Update: The Walking Safe Cayuga Heights sidewalk project includes keeping the road
through the Lake View Cemetery open and maintained by the Village DPW. It has come to our attention that the
road has suffered damage from snow plowing and now needs to be re-paved.
•Mayor Woodard states that she has looked at the contract. From her perspective, we are not responsible for the
maintenance of the road in Lake View Cemetery.
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•Mayor Woodard suggests we stop the police patrol of that section and only use the sidewalk plow to clear a path
for pedestrians in the winter months.
•Chief Wright states that the department would like to continue to have access but notes that the Pleasant Grove
Cemetery does not get cleared in the winter months.
•Trustee Salton states that the Walking Safe Grant was conditioned on access all the way through the Lake View
Cemetery. He recalls that the Board was very concerned that there was a need to then police that section if it was
going to be open to kids walking to and from school.
•Trustee Salton also states that there was even talk of lighting the pathway.
•Village Attorney R. Marcus states that if the Village had received grant funding for the cemetery portion, then
this agreement would have remained in effect for such a period of time. But since the Village did not get the
money then the Village has the right to provide a six-month notice of termination.
•Trustee Salton states that the grant was conditioned to having 100% access to the school and his concern is for
the safety of pedestrians.
•Chief Wright reminds the Board that if there is a Fire or EMS response needed in that area then we have to have
access in a timely fashion. If we decide to not maintain that section that could be a liability concern especially if
we have any kind of agreement already in place.
•Trustee Robinson states that there was a conversation with Director Wiese about putting a plow on a pickup
truck.
•Director Wiese states that currently there are no plows or salters on any of the Village pickup trucks. He has
concluded that the road was never built to handle a heavy truck and salting. He further states that repaving this
would cost around $30,000.
•Trustee Robinson and Marshall suggest either contracting the work out for someone else to plow and salt or
purchasing a small plow and salt box for one of the pickup trucks.
•B. Cross states that we should get through this winter with the understanding we do not know how the Walking
Safe Cayuga Heights project budget is going to end up.
e. EFPR Group Audit Proposal: The Village Finance Committee has finalized an agreement for EFPR Group
to conduct our internal annual audits.
•Clerk Walker states that there is no formal separation agreement needed for the contract. He also states that he
was not successful in reducing the cost of this contract.
Resolution: 9248
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approved Mayor
Woodard's signing of the 2022-2023 annual Village Audit to be performed by EFPR Group pending a final review
by Village Attorney R. Marcus.
Motion: Trustee Robinson
Second: Trustee Rennekamp
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Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
f. Sunset Park Design Update: The Board had agreed to hire Michele Palmer to produce a conceptual park re-
design.
•Mayor Woodard states that there is a lot of grant money available for historic parks. As our grant writer Michele
Palmer informed Trustee Marshall that some grants will cover up to 75% of the total cost.
•Trustee Salton likes the idea that the Village Board is taking action on fixing up the park, but he is against the
installation of curbs.
•Mayor Woodard states that this is just the first step. We will have Michele Palmer do a complete presentation to
the Board at a future meeting.
g. Airbnb Update: The Town of Ithaca has taken the lead to silicate quotes from four different software
companies that can help scrub short-term rentals.
•Mayor Woodard states that Granicus Professional Services stood out and they have put together a proposal for
the Village. Exhibit 2023-054
•The base is $2500 to identify who is operating short-term rentals in the Village. After that then there is $1500 for
ongoing monitoring.
•Mayor Woodard states that we need to discuss changing the permit fee and penalties for failing to register with
the Village.
•Clerk Walker states that any changes to the permit fees and penalties would require the Board to amend Local
Law 1 of 2018.
•Trustee Marshall states that in terms of enforcement would identification by this company of a property that is not
compliant be adequate legal proof if the Village had to go to court?
•Mayor Woodard states that is an excellent question and the answer is yes. They have had to provide this
information many times.
•Village Attorney R. Marcus inquired about whether or not this held up in New York State. Mayor Woodard
confirmed that they have.
•Clerk Walker states that the fine would go through the court. The Village Code Enforcement Officer has to issue
the violation and issue an appearance ticket.
•Trustee Marshall asks if we could incorporate a levy and a fine and if it is not paid could we also add court and
legal fees?
•Village Attorney R. Marcus states that yes, that is an option.
•Trustee Robinson suggested that the permit fee in 2023 should be $150. Advertising without a permit would be
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$300, $500, and $1000.
•Mayor Woodard states that this is scheduled to launch on January 1, 2023.
•Village Attorney R. Marcus states that with this change we will actually be reducing the fine structure currently in
the existing law.
•Mayor Woodard would like to make the penalties cleaner and offers the following. A $300 fine for not having a
permit. Then $300 additionally for every night rented without the permit and $300 for every night over the 14-day
limit.
•B. Cross states that he would like some clarification on how this fine would be levied without the Village Court
and could the individual go to court to challenge the fine.
•Village Attorney R. Marcus states that yes, but they would have to be challenging the fine on the basis of whatever
our charges were.
•Trustee Hubbell suggested that the fines might cause the resident to lose any financial benefit.
•B. Cross states that we should have a mechanism that we can revoke their permit perinatally. Village Attorney R.
Marcus states that is within the current short-term rental law.
Village Attorney R. Marcus will draft an amended local law and present it to the Board at the September 21, 2022
Board meeting.
Resolution: 9249
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approved Mayor
Woodard signing the Granicus Proposal for the Village of Cayuga Heights to monitor short-term rentals in the
Village subject to review by Village Attorney R. Marcus.
Motion: Trustee Marshall
Second: Trustee Hubbell
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
7. Report of The Trustees:
•Trustee Hubbell states that the Cayuga Lake Watershed IO has hired a manager. Next month's meeting will be
in person at Cayuga Lake State Park.
•Trustee Salton states that the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health insurance consortium (GTCMHIC)
Executive Board met and recommended a 6.5% increase next year with a possibility of 7 % for the following
two years.
•Clerk Walker states that the GTCMHIC Design Committee whose main focus is to make sure that the actuarial
numbers for the metal level plans fall within the federal guidelines voted to increase the deductible on the Silver
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Plan and thus would remain the same for the next two years.
•Trustee Salton inquired about the design committee's lack of a leader.
•Clerk Walker also states that the committee is currently looking for a labor representative to be Chair of this
committee.
•Trustee Marshall asks Trustee Salton how the 6-7% increases compared with the rest of the market.
•Trustee Salton states that the Consortium does not like to increase the rates like the other Excellus plans can
which are increasing at the rate of 15-20% administrative overhead. The Consortium is able to keep those costs
down.
8 . Report of Police Chief Wright: Submitted Report (Exhibit 2023-055)
•Police Chief Wright states that as a follow-up to last month's concerns about the department covering shifts for
other agencies, it is rare that would happen based on shift changes only.
•Police Chief Wright states that in his conversations with the director of the 911 center he has seen significant
improvements in mutual aid requests.
9. Report of Director of DPW Wiese: Submitted Report (Exhibit 2023-056)
•Director Wiese states that the DPW crew has been working on mainly sidewalk gaps this summer.
•Director Wiese states that the Rightsizing Culvert Project is moving forward.
•Trustee Hubbell inquiries about the summer work schedule and whether has it been successful.
•Director Wiese states that the complexities of deliveries and timing of getting supplies it has made completing work
difficult. However, in other situations, the 10-hour day has been helpful when emergencies arise.
10. Report of Village Engineer Cross:
a. WWTP Phase 3: The Board recently endorsed a GHD engineering report for a $10,000,000 phase 3 WWTP
project. This has allowed be listed on the EFC intended use plan. Since then, the NYSDEC has called for grant
applications through the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIA).
•B. Cross states that the action items tonight are the NYSDEC resolution that identifies SEQR status followed by a
Bonding Resolution showing the Village is qualified for funding and authorizing Mayor Woodard to sign the WIIA
grant application.
Resolution: 9250
TYPE II SEQRA RESOLUTION
Phase 3 Cayuga Heights WWTP Upgrade Project
Village of Cayuga Heights, New York
Date: August 17, 2022
WHEREAS, the Village of Cayuga Heights (Village) is considered a local agency per Title 6 NYCRR Part 617
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Paragraphs 617.2 and 617.3 and the NYS Environmental Conservation Law (ECL), and is responsible to implement
the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), and;
WHEREAS, the Village is proposing to undertake the Phase 3 Cayuga Heights WWTP Upgrade project as described
in the May 16, 2022, Engineering Report prepared by GHD Consulting Services Inc., and;
WHEREAS, the scope of work as described in the Engineering Report generally includes the following
improvements:
• Constructing a weather enclosure for screenings and grit dumpsters at the Headworks Building
• Renovating primary settling tanks, including concrete repairs for internal tank walls and floor and replacement
of chain-and-flight sludge collector mechanisms
• Replacing submersible primary sludge pumps and associated piping and controls
• Replacing trickling filter feed/recirculation pumps and associated suction and discharge piping and valves
with new vertical submersible sewage pumps, piping, and valves along with installation of a lifting beam and
hoist to facilitate future removal of pumps when repairs or replacement is required
• Renovating bulk chemical storage and feed facilities for phosphorus removal chemical including replacement
of the bulk chemical storage tank, reconstruction of spill containment area walls, application of chemical
resistant coating to walls and floor in spill containment area, replacement of chemical feed pumps and piping,
and installation of a combination eyewash and shower unit, eyewash station, and associated hot water heater
• Replacing an effluent strainer and effluent water pumps with a new automatic backwash strainer, two new
effluent water pumps, pressure tank, and associated controls
• Renovating final settling tanks including concrete repairs for internal tank walls and floor and replacement of
chain-and-flight sludge collector mechanisms
• Constructing a canopy and seal water drain at the Tertiary Filter Feed Pump Station
• Renovating sodium hypochlorite storage and feed system in the Tertiary Filter Building
• Constructing a passive overflow for emergency Headworks Building bypass
• Re-lining Manhole MH-1 and raising Manhole MH-2 at the WWTP site
• Repaving site access roads, including a concrete slab for the dumpster handling area between the Service
Building, Headworks Building and Primary Digester
• Expanding the SCADA system to include programming for automated (timer) control of primary and final
settling tank sludge pumping
• Installing solar panels on the roof of the Recirculation Pumping Station
• Repairing/replacing the Sludge Management Building roof
• Replacing the sewage ejector pump in the Sludge Management Building
(hereinafter referred to as “said Action”), and;
WHEREAS, said Action requires consideration under SEQRA per 6NYCRR Part 617, and;
WHEREAS said Action is not listed in 6NYCRR Part 617.4 and does not meet the thresholds specified in 6NYCRR
Part 617.4, and therefore is not considered a Type I Action, and;
WHEREAS said Action is not anticipated to have a significant adverse impact on the environment based on the
criteria specified in in 6NYCRR Part 617.7(c), and;
WHEREAS said Action consists of the following Type II Actions as listed in the following subparagraph under Title
6 of NYCRR Part 617 Paragraph 617.5(c):
(1) maintenance or repair involving no substantial changes in an existing structure or facility;
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(2) replacement, rehabilitation or reconstruction of a structure or facility, in kind, on the same site, including
upgrading buildings to meet building, energy, or fire codes unless such action meets or exceeds any of the
thresholds in section 617.4 of this Part;
(15) installation of solar energy arrays on an existing structure provided the structure is not:
(i) Listed on the National or State Register of Historic Places;
(ii) Located within a district listed in the Nation or State Register of Historic Places;
(iii) Been determined by the Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation to be eligible for listing on the State Register of Historic Places pursuant to Sections
14.07 or 14.09 of the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that on this 17th day of August 2022, the Village Board of Trustees
hereby determines that said Action constitutes a Type II Action as defined in Title 6 NYCRR Part 617 Paragraph
617.5 and is not subject to review under SEQRA.
Motion: Trustee Marshall
Second: Trustee Robinson
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
Resolution: 9251
BOND RESOLUTION
(SUBJECT TO PERMISSIVE REFERENDUM)
(WWTP Improvements)
At a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cayuga Heights, Tompkins County, New York,
held at the Village Hall, on the 17th day of August 2022, at 7:00 o'clock P.M., Prevailing Time.
BOND RESOLUTION DATED AUGUST 17, 2022.
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PHASE III WWTP IMPROVEMENTS IN AND FOR THE
VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS, TOMPKINS COUNTY, NEW YORK, AT A MAXIMUM
ESTIMATED COST OF $10,200,000 AND AUTHORIZING, SUBJECT TO PERMISSIVE
REFERENDUM, THE ISSUANCE OF $10,200,000 SERIAL BONDS OF SAID VILLAGE TO
PAY THE COST THEREOF.
BE IT RESOLVED, by the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of the total voting strength of the
Board of Trustees of the Village of Cayuga Heights, Tompkins County, New York (the "Village"), as follows:
Section 1. PHASE III WWTP improvements, in and for the Village of Cayuga Heights, Tompkins
County, New York, including incidental costs in connection therewith, is hereby authorized, subject to permissive
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referendum, at a maximum estimated cost of $10,200,000.
Section 2. The plan for the financing of the aforesaid maximum estimated cost is by the issuance of
$10,200,000 serial bonds of said Village, hereby authorized to be issued therefor pursuant to the provisions of the Local
Finance Law.
Section 3. It is hereby determined that the period of probable usefulness of the aforesaid specific object
or purpose is forty years, pursuant to subdivision 4 of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law. It is
hereby further determined that the maximum maturity of the serial bonds herein authorized will exceed five years.
Section 4. The faith and credit of said Village of Cayuga Heights, Tompkins County, New York, are
hereby irrevocably pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest on such bonds as the same respectively
become due and payable. An annual appropriation shall be made in each year sufficient to pay the principal of and
interest on such bonds becoming due and payable in such year. There shall annually be levied on all the taxable real
property of said Village, a tax sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such bonds as the same become due
and payable.
Section 5. Subject to the provisions of the Local Finance Law, the power to authorize the issuance of
and to sell bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance and sale of the serial bonds herein authorized,
including renewals of such notes, is hereby delegated to the Village Treasurer, the chief fiscal officer. Such notes
shall be of such terms, form and contents, and shall be sold in such manner, as may be prescribed by said Village
Treasurer, consistent with the provisions of the Local Finance Law.
Section 6. All other matters except as provided herein relating to the serial bonds herein authorized
including the date, denominations, maturities and interest payment dates, within the limitations prescribed herein and
the manner of execution of the same, including the consolidation with other issues, and also the ability to issue serial
bonds with substantially level or declining annual debt service, shall be determined by the Village Treasurer, the chief
fiscal officer of such Village. Such bonds shall contain substantially the recital of validity clause provided for in
Section 52.00 of the Local Finance Law, and shall otherwise be in such form and contain such recitals, in addition to
those required by Section 51.00 of the Local Finance Law, as the Village Treasurer shall determine consistent with
the provisions of the Local Finance Law.
Section 7. The Village Treasurer is hereby further authorized, at her sole discretion, to execute a project
finance and/or loan agreement, and any other agreements with the New York State Environmental Facilities
Corporation, including amendments thereto, and including any instruments (or amendments thereto) in the effectuation
thereof, in order to effect the financing or refinancing of the object or purpose described in Section 1 hereof, or a
portion thereof, by a bond or note issue of said Village in the event of the sale of same to the New York State
Environmental Facilities Corporation.
Section 8. The validity of such bonds and bond anticipation notes may be contested only if:
1) Such obligations are authorized for an object or purpose for which said Village is not authorized to expend
money, or
2) The provisions of law which should be complied with at the date of publication of this resolution are not
substantially complied with,
and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty days after the date of such
publication, or
3) Such obligations are authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution.
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Section 9. This resolution shall constitute a statement of official intent for purposes of Treasury
Regulations Section 1.150-2. Other than as specified in this resolution, no monies are, or are reasonably expected to
be, reserved, allocated on a long-term basis, or otherwise set aside with respect to the permanent funding of the object
or purpose described herein.
Section 10. Upon this resolution taking effect, the same shall be published in summary form in the official
newspaper of said Village for such purpose, together with a notice of the Village Clerk in substantially the form
provided in Section 81.00 of the Local Finance Law.
Section 11. THIS RESOLUTION IS ADOPTED SUBJECT TO PERMISSIVE REFERENDUM.
Motion: Trustee Rennekamp
Second: Trustee Robinson
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
a.Safe Streets Contribution Resolution: The program known as Safe Streets for All (SS4A) has a pool of $5
billion to distribute to state/local projects, but eligibility is based on the completion of a Safety Study. Therefore, the
Village would need to have a Safety Study to be eligible to submit for a grant to fund the Pleasant
Grove/Hanshaw/Triphammer Road intersection improvement project.
•B. Cross states that the City of Ithaca has put together that grant application and the Village is being asked to
contribute $6,374. This commitment will qualify the Village for future grants for our projects.
•Trustee Hubbell asks what the uses might be for this grant opportunity.
•B. Cross states that if awarded this grant would cover 80% of the total project cost. The Village would work on the
Bergmann Traffic Study which is redesigning the N. Triphammer, Hanshaw, and Pleasant Grove intersections.
•Clerk Walker asks what the timeframe for completion of this study.
•B. Cross states that the deadline to submit the grant is at the end of August with an projection of awards in 2023.
Resolution: 9238
WHEREAS, in 2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law established the new Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A)
federal grant program, with up to one billion dollars appropriated in FY22, and with a local match of 20% of the
project cost; and
WHEREAS, local municipalities are eligible to apply for funding to create a detailed transportation safety “Action
Plan”, either individually or in collaboration with other municipalities; and
WHEREAS, the FY22 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO, available here:
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=340385), states that applications with multiple
municipalities partnering to create a plan will be more competitive for funding than applications from a single
municipality; and
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WHEREAS, successful creation of an Action Plan in this grant cycle would make the partnering municipalities
eligible to apply for implementation grants in future years of this grant program, either individually or in
collaboration; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has agreed to be the “Lead Applicant” on this planning grant application, with
multiple neighboring municipalities expressing interest in applying as “Joint Applicants”, including the following in
alphabetical order
• Town of Caroline
• Town of Danby
• Town of Dryden
• Town of Ithaca
• Town of Lansing
• Village of Cayuga Heights
• Village of Lansing
WHEREAS, the role of the City of Ithaca as Lead Applicant will be to complete the online application on behalf of
all partnering municipalities for FY22 funding, with an application due date of September 15, 2022; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca is presenting a resolution to its Common Council, requesting a budget to fund the
study in whole at $750,000, to be eventually reimbursed 80% by the grant, with individual municipalities
reimbursing the City of Ithaca for its share of the 20% local match. The Village of Cayuga Heights share of the local
match will be $6,374.00; then be it
RESOLVED, that the Village of Cayuga Heights agrees to partner with the City of Ithaca and other neighboring
municipalities to jointly apply for the SS4A planning grant opportunity to create an Action Plan that uncovers both
regional and municipality-specific transportation safety problems, as well as presents detailed regional and
municipality-specific solutions; and
RESOLVED, that the Village of Cayuga Heights agrees to reimburse the City of Ithaca for its share of the 20%
local match ($150,000 total local match for a $750,000 total project cost), specifically that the Village of Cayuga
Heights will reimburse the City of Ithaca the amount of $6,374.00.
FURTHER BE RESOLVED that the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes the Mayor to sign
the letter of support for this financial commitment.
Motion: Trustee Hubbell
Second: Trustee Marshall
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
b. Lead Pipe Service Replacement: The Clean Water State Revolving Fund has opened up an opportunity for the
Village to submit a grant.
•B. Cross states that T.G. Miller can use the engineering report that was submitted for the Congressional Application
with compliance adjustments for the EFC submittal. The action item needed tonight is to authorize T.G. Miller to
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proceed with the work and allow Michele Palmer to submit the grant application at the end of the month. The work
is not to exceed $2500.
Resolution: 9252
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approved Mayor
Woodard signing the T.G. Miller EFC Grant Application work for $2500.
Motion: Trustee Marshall
Second: Trustee Robinson
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
c. Ranic Update:
•B. Cross states that he spoke to the project designer, N. Demarest two weeks ago and it was asked if the Village
would be upset if the hotel was moved to the Town of Ithaca and not in the Village. He further states that if the
project wants to change to do that the Village does not have an opinion as expressed by Planning Board Chair F.
Cowett and others.
•Trustee Salton states that he has expressed that certain people were pretty negative about this project from the
beginning and maybe that is why they are moving the project.
•Village Attorney R. Marcus states that Brent's communications with the development team show us why a PDZ is a
benefit to the Village to grant a PDZ. Maybe they do not have those components and the Town of Ithaca has more
flexibility and would make the project easier for them.
d. Rightsizing Culvert Project Update: A total of 8 culvert locations will be replaced under this project.
•B. Cross states that he would like to have a discussion on the project's unexpected costs during an executive session.
11. Report of Clerk Walker:
•Clerk Walker states that General Code has completed the first step in codifying the Village Employee
Handbook and he will be adding the newly formed I.T. Policies.
•Clerk Walker states that the Village Property Tax Collection is now down to less than $46,000 and Deputy
Clerk Perkins has been doing a great job calling residents about their delinquent taxes.
•Clerk Walker also states that Village Annual Newsletter will soon be developed by Deputy Clerk Perkins,
and they are looking for articles from the Village Department Heads.
12. Report of Attorney Marcus: No report at this time.
13. Executive Session:
Resolution: 9253
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WHEREAS: The NYS Open Meeting Law §105 prescribes matters for which a public body may conduct an
executive session; and,
WHEREAS: Upon a majority vote of its total membership, taken in an open meeting pursuant to a motion
identifying the general area or areas of the subject or subjects to be considered; and,
WHEREAS: The conduct an executive session for these enumerated purposes only, provided, however, that no
action by formal vote shall be taken to appropriate public money:
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT An Executive Session of the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of
Trustees is conducted for the purposes of subsection (F) the medical, financial, credit, or employment history of a
particular person or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion,
discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of a particular person or corporation.
Motion: Trustee Robinson
Second: Trustee Marshall
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
Resolution: 9254
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees exits Executive Session and
returns to an open meeting.
Motion: Trustee Marshall
Second: Trustee Rennekamp
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
14. Adjournment: Mayor Woodard adjourns the meeting at 10:35 p.m.