HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.17.2024-Agenda1
Zoom Link 4118425407
Village of Cayuga
Heights
Board of Trustees Monthly Meeting
January 17, 2024 7:00 p.m.
1. Call To Order EXHIBIT/PAGE
2. a. Approval of December 20, 2023 Meeting Minutes 2024-124 pgs. 2-12
3. Report of the Fire Superintendent Tamborelle: Submitted Report 2024-125 pg. 13
4. Privilege of the Floor:
5. Report of Treasurer Dolch: Submitted Report 2024-126 pgs. 14-15
6. Report of Mayor Woodard:
a. Public Hearing on Proposed Local Law 1 of the year 2024 2024-127 pgs. 16-17
b. Budget Schedule
c. Sidewalk Projects Update
d. Property Maintenance Taskforce Update
e. Street Light Maintenance Contract
7. Report of The Trustees:
8. Report of Superintendent of Public Works Cross: Submitted Report
a. Bridge New York Renwick Brook Culvert Grant Submission 2024-128 pgs. 18-21
b. Intermunicipal Code Enforcement Contract With The City Of Ithaca 2024-129 pgs. 22-27
9. Report of Police Chief Wright: Submitted Report 2024-130 pgs. 28-29
10. Report of Director of Public Works Wiese: Submitted Report 2024-131 pgs. 30-31
11. Report of Clerk Walker: Submitted Report 2024-132 pg. 32
12. Report of Attorney Marcus:
13. Adjournment
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EXHIBIT 2024-124
VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHT December 20, 2023
Zoom ID # 4118425407 BOARD OF TRUSTEES 7:00 p.m.
MONTHLY MEETING
Present: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, Robinson, and Salton; Village
Engineer B. Cross; Director of Public Works Wiese; Police Chief Wright; Treasurer Dolch; Attorney Kawecki;
Clerk Walker.
Absent: Village Attorney R. Marcus
1. Call to Order: Mayor Woodard calls the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2a. Approval of the November 15, 2023 Meeting Minutes (Exhibit 2024-112)
Resolution: 9515
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees approves the November 15,
2023, Board Meeting Minutes as presented.
Motion: Trustee Marshall
Second: Trustee Rennekamp
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Bilsoki, Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: Robinson
Motion Carried
2b. Approval of the December 7, 2023 Special Meeting Minutes (Exhibit 2024-113)
Resolution: 9516
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees approves the December 7, 2023,
Special Board Meeting Minutes as presented.
Motion: Trustee Marshall
Second: Trustee Robinson
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Hubbell, Marshall, and Robinson
Nays: none
Abstentions: Biloski, Rennekamp, and Salton
Motion Carried
3. Report of Fire Superintendent Tamborelle: Submitted Report (Exhibit 2024-114)
•Fire Superintendent Tamborelle states that the current recruit class is moving forward with their training.
•Fire Superintendent Tamborelle states that the Village DPW staff replaced a bunch of ceiling tiles in the
building, and he is now having the station cleaned by the same company that is doing Marcham Hall and the
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DPW.
•Fire Superintendent Tamborelle states that he knows that T.G. Miller finished the Village water system report
that calls for five million dollars in infrastructure upgrades. It would be nice to complete all of them, but he
knows ultimately it is the board's decision.
•Mayor Woodard states that New York State has just announced that they will be awarding twenty-five million
dollars for fire equipment upgrades to volunteer fire companies in New York State.
•Fire Superintendent Tamborelle states he would like to put together a proposal for funding the replacement of
the CHFD air packs. Historically the department gets turned down for funding because they are not in the same
financial situation as other volunteer departments.
•Fire Superintendent Tamborelle states that the department would need 25 packs which include two oxygen
bottles and one mask. The current Airpack we are using is 20 years old.
•Trustee Robinson inquiries about the roofer that fell at the fire station that is mentioned in Fire Superintendent
Tamborelle’s report and is the Village insured to cover an accident like that.
•B. Cross states that each contractor has to provide proof of Workers' Compensation Insurance before a Village
Permit is issued.
4. Privilege of the Floor: No members of the public wished to speak
5. Report of Treasurer Dolch: Submitted Report (Exhibit 2024-115)
•Treasurer Dolch states that the NYCLASS interest rates are doing well.
a.NYPA Payment:
•Treasurer Dolch states that we have been invoiced from NYPA for the Village LED Streetlights in the
amount of $215,000. She will be reaching out to the Tompkins Trust Company to see about financing
this money.
•Treasurer Dolch states that the Village Finance Committee decided to use the budgeted $30,000 as a
lump payment to NYPA and then finance the remaining amount over ten years.
•Mayor Woodard states that when the Village first entered into this contract in 2019 it was stated that
NYPA would finance the costs at 4% which would not affect our credit rating. That is not the case
anymore, in fact since the Village went with the additional grant upgrades in the amount of $20,000
which delayed the project almost a year we now are faced with totally different numbers on the cost of
the project.
•Trustee Robinson states that the NYPA Contract clearly states 4% and still they are not willing to honor
that percentage.
•B. Cross states that a detail that will have to be worked out is that originally NYPA was going to
provide a maintenance contract. That is not the case anymore so the Village will have to work on finding
someone.
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•Director M. Wiese states that he has had NYPA work on issues in the past, but recently the response has
been poor, and we should find someone else for the maintenance contact.
•Mayor Woodard states that we should get together with Treasurer Dolch and find out exactly what we
are obligated to NYPA on the maintenance side of this project.
b. Fire Contract:
•Treasurer Dolch states that the Village and the Town of Ithaca just finalized the new 3-year contract for fire
protection services for the Northeast part of the Town of Ithaca which is serviced by the Cayuga Heights Fire
Department.
•Treasurer Dolch states that for the 2024 calendar year (which is the Town’s Fiscal Year) the Town of Ithaca
will owe VCH $167,195.11 which is 38.6 % of the fire department expenses. For years 2 and 3 of the contracts,
the town will not owe more than 125% of the previous year without prior agreement.
•Mayor Woodard states that the Board will discuss this agreement later in the meeting.
•Treasurer Dolch states that the only thing remaining on her report is the approval of the December Abstract.
Approval of Abstract 7:
Resolution: 9517
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approves
Abstract #7 for FYE2024 consisting of TA vouchers #44-53 in the amount of $18,470.09 and Consolidated
Fund vouchers #449- 528 in the amount of $519,573.19 and the Treasurer is instructed to make payments
thereon.
Motion: Trustee Hubbell
Second: Trustee Salton
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Bilsoki, Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, Robinson, and
Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
6. Report of Mayor Woodard
a.SCLIWC UAW Contract Resolution: Each Municipality that utilizes Bolton Point must approve any
changes to unionized contracts.
•Mayor Woodard states that Judy Drake from the Town of Ithaca is present to answer any questions the Board
might have regarding this contract.
•Mayor Woodard also states that the main components of this contract were wage increases which resulted in a
6%, 5%, and 4% increase over the next three years.
Resolution: 9518
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Approval of Collective Bargaining Agreement with the United Auto Workers for Southern Cayuga Lake
Intermunicipal Water Commission’s Employees for years 2024-2026
WHEREAS, the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission, in good faith, entered into contract
negotiations with the United Auto Workers union for a renewed collective bargaining agreement for the
contract that expired on December 31, 2023: and
WHEREAS, on December 4, 2023, the Commission's negotiating team reached a tentative agreement with the
union's negotiating team; and
WHEREAS the Commission reviewed and approved the tentative contract at the December 7, 2023,
Commission meeting; and
WHEREAS, on December 11, 2023, the employees in the union bargaining unit ratified the tentative contract;
and
WHEREAS, the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees has reviewed the tentative agreement and
determined it to be acceptable as required by the contract and the Public Employees Relation Board; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees does hereby approve the tentative collective
bargaining agreement between the Commission and UAW unit; and be it further.
RESOLVED, the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes the Commission’s negotiating team
to sign said contract as presented.
Motion: Trustee Marshall
Second: Trustee Biloski
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Bilsoki, Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, Robinson, and
Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
b. Tompkins County Shared Services Agreement: Each year New York State asks local municipalities to
continue supporting any programs provided by the County. The Board will need to authorize and approve
Mayor Woodard signing this agreement as presented in Exhibit 2024-117.
•Mayor Woodard states that she believes this agreement is in response to the County seeking funding for the
rural area emergency response program.
•Fire Superintendent G. Tamborelle states that he spoke about this at the Town of Ithaca Monthly Meeting. He
does not see a need for the Village and Town of Ithaca. He cannot see adding vehicles in the rural areas when
there is such a shortage of trained EMS staff and the fact that the ambulance will get to the call.
•Fire Superintendent G. Tamborelle states that he has always stated that EMS education needs to be offered in
the rural areas and that has been non-existence for 15 years or so.
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•Trustee Salton states that the Public Safety Committee has discussed this issue in the past. We recognize that
there is a shortage of providers and vendors of emergency services.
Resolution: 9519
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees approves and authorizes Mayor
Woodard to sign the Tompkins County Shared Serviced Plan with the amendment that states educational
services should be enhanced.
Motion: Trustee Robinson
Second: Trustee Marshall
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Bilsoki, Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, Robinson, and
Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
c. Town of Ithaca Fire Support Contract:
•Mayor Woodard states that there were a lot of questions this time around. All of which were explained and
moving forward the Town of Ithaca will owe the Village $167,195.11 which is 38.6 % of the fire department
expenses. For years 2 and 3 of the contracts, the town will not owe more than 125% of the previous year
without prior agreement.
•Fire Superintendent G. Tamborelle states that he wanted to make sure that the amount of money owed to the
Village up to 125% does not include bonded purchases like new fire trucks.
•Mayor Woodard states that it is clear that if we cannot agree on expenditures then we could re-negotiate the
contract annually, but she does not think there will be a problem.
Resolution: 9520
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees approves and authorizes Mayor
Woodard to sign the Contract for Fire Protection with the Town of Ithaca as presented in Exhibit 2024-118.
Motion: Trustee Hubbell
Second: Trustee Salton
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Bilsoki, Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, Robinson, and
Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
d. Property Maintenance Taskforce Update:
•Mayor Woodard states that there has been a lot of progress, and the group hopes to bring a draft forward
at the March or April Board Meeting.
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•Mayor Woodard states that the group is now concentrating on what residents can and can’t do in the front
yard of a property.
•Trustee Hubbell states that this task force has a nice diversity of opinions, so it is easy to cover ground.
•Mayor Woodard states that next month the group will be working on definitions of meadows, pollinator
gardens, and where if anywhere they would be allowed. There will also be discussions on the Right-of-
Way and who will be responsible for maintaining it.
e. Amending the Village Zoning Law Section 305-116A(3)
•Mayor Woodard states that Planning Board Chair F. Cowett noticed some language in the current Village
Zoning Law Code that is obsolete when it comes to site plan review and subdivisions.
•B. Cross states that this particular section of the Village Zoning Ordinance was written before the Village
adopted a Village Planning Board. The section has subdivisions and site plan reviews grouped as a
particular set of rules.
•B. Cross states that this site plan review and subdivisions are now handled independently by the Village
Planning Board.
•Attorney R. Kawecki who is sitting in for Village Attorney R. Marcus confirms that this is the case and
that removing the text will eliminate any confusion.
Resolution: 9521
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees hereby schedules a Public
Hearing on Proposed Local Law F of the year 2023 – Amending the Code of the Village of Cayuga Heights
Chapter 305 Section 116 for January 17, 2023, at 7:10 p.m.
Motion: Trustee Salton
Second: Trustee Robinson
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Bilsoki, Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, Robinson, and
Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
7. Report of the Trustees:
•Trustee Marshall states that the Village was not awarded the Sunset Park Grant.
•Trustee Marshall states that we did send a letter to all the residents involved in this process thanking them
for their support. We also had an announcement in the Village Enewsblast.
•Trustee Marshall stated that the goal moving forward is to continue certain maintenance efforts.
•Trustee Marshall states that Cass Park in the City of Ithaca was awarded money from this grant and it would be
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safe to assume that the population that park serves is far greater than our park.
•The Board thanked Trustee Marshall and all those involved with this attempt.
8. Report of Superintendent of Public Works Cross:
a. Water System Study Report from T.G. Miller:
•B. Cross states that the report gives us a ten-year projection on what tasks should be done for the water system.
He also states that the fire hydrant flow testing is essential to predicting where there might be some falloff.
•B. Cross states that the Public Works Committee could use this study as a guide to evaluate necessary action,
which might include breaking down larger projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. He also mentioned
partnering with T.G. Miller to develop a detailed engineering report based on the study, which would make the
Village More competitive when applying for future grants.
•B. Cross states that the next step will be for T. G. Miller to put together a scope of service proposal for the
Board to review.
•Trustee Robinson suggests prioritizing the various projects since this will take more than one year to complete.
b. Walking Safe Cayuga Heights Bid Award:
•B. Cross states that the Village received two bids for this project which were opened on November 2, 2023. At
this point, Fisher and Associations finished filing the closing documents with NYS and we are ready to award the
bid.
•B. Cross states that the low bid was submitted by a company out of Binghamton named Bothar Construction
LLC, in the amount of $382,000 which only covered the first segment of the project which still falls short of the
budgeted amount for that segment.
•B. Cross states that we can now award Bothar Construction LLC with a base bid of $382,000 and direct Fisher
and Associates to produce the contract for the Mayor to sign.
Resolution: 9522
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approves Mayor
Woodard to award the lowest bid to Bothar Construction LLC for the base bid of $382,000 for the Walking Safe
Cayuga Heights Road Sidewalk Project.
Motion: Trustee Robinson
Second: Trustee Marshall
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Bilsoki, Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, Robinson, and
Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
Resolution: 9523
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BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approves Mayor
Woodard to have Fisher and Associated draft the Walking Safe Cayuga Heights Road Sidewalk Project
Contract with Bothar Construction LLC in the amount of $382,000.
Motion: Trustee Robinson
Second: Trustee Hubbell
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Bilsoki, Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, Robinson, and
Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
c. Trickling Filter Project Award:
•B. Cross states that he is in the process of finalizing a proposal with Kesser and Associates to install the Village
WWTP Trickling Filters.
•B. Cross states that if we go the route of sole sourcing this project, we could save a lot of money and he will have
more information next month.
d. Culvert Project on Cayuga Heights Road:
•B. Cross states that the large diameter culvert that conveys Renwick Brook under Cayuga Heights Road is in
serious need of replacement. Last year, the Village applied for an NYSDOT Bridge-NY grant (80%
reimbursement program) to help pay for an estimated $1,250,000 cost for a full replacement project.
Unfortunately, the NYSDOT did not have enough funds to pay for projects over $1,000,000, so our project did
not get funded.
•B. Cross states that since then, NYSDOT has announced another round of Bridge-NY funding programs for
projects up to $1,500,000. T.G. Miller was the consultant who previously helped us put the application together.
They are available to help us again and think it will only take about $1,000 of their time to re-package the
documents so that they will be updated to the new application. He recommends that we authorize them to
proceed with a maximum not to exceed the amount of $2,000.
•B. Cross states that he asked them what level of planning/work could be down in the time we are waiting to
find out about the results of the upcoming Bridge-NY grant application. Dave Herrick indicated that there is
some survey work of the surrounding area that could be done in anticipation of the need for a project (funded or
unfunded). He has provided an estimate of $3,000 for survey work. He recommends that we accept their
proposal and direct this work to be done as soon as possible.
Resolution: 9524
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approves T. G.
Miller to update the engineering report for the Bridge New York 2024 Grant Application up to the amount of
$2,000.
Motion: Trustee Robinson
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Second: Trustee Marshall
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Bilsoki, Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, Robinson, and
Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
•B. Cross states that this culvert replacement project needs to be completed in 2024-2025 So he has asked T.G.
Miller to complete some survey work for this culvert.
•B. Cross states that T.G. Miller has come up with a scope of services that would not exceed $3,000. B. Cross
would like to have the Board's support for this survey work.
Resolution: 9525
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approves T. G.
Miller to provide the survey work on the Cayuga Heights Road Renwick Culvert in an amount not to exceed
$3000.
Motion: Trustee Salton
Second: Trustee Hubbell
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Bilsoki, Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, Robinson, and
Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
9. Report of Police Chief Wright: Submitted Report (Exhibit 2024-121)
•Chief Wright states that November's call for service were pretty standard.
• Chief Wright states part-time hours have been elevated due to range training.
•Trustee Hubbell states that there seem to be a lot of accidents on Hanshaw Rd.
•Chief Wright states that there is no specific reason there were more than normal MVAs for the month.
•Chief Wright states that parking tickets were up this month for overnight parking violations.
•Trustee Salton states that he has seen some great work going on in the patrol office area with Sergeant
Manning painting and putting together new desks and tables. It is starting to look like a modern police
department.
•Chief Wright states that this all kicked off with the floor damage from water and rolled into a do-it-ourselves
type of project and the department is very appreciative of the ability to do the renovation.
10. Report of Director of DPW Wiese: Submitted Report (Exhibit 2024-122)
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•Director Wiese states that the Village DPW is wrapping up the tough side of the job with leaf removal every
day.
•Director Wiese states that P. Potter from the DPW will be retiring at the end of this month.
•Trustee Hubbell asks if the number of building permits for 2023 is higher than normal.
•B. Cross states that in his thirty-year career, he has never seen building permits exceed one hundred.
11. Report of Clerk Walker: Submitted Report (Exhibit 2024-123)
•Clerk Walker states that he has only one action item for the Board tonight.
a.Approval of the 2023 and Future Amendments to the Municipal Cooperative Agreement for the Greater
Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium (GTCMHIC).
•Clerk Walker states that this will allow all participants to have on file a general resolution supporting the
additional members or for any MCA changes.
Resolution: 9526
WHEREAS, The (municipality) Village of Cayuga Heights, as a member of Greater Tompkins County
Municipal Health Insurance Consortium (GTCMHIC), must approve any changes to the GTCMHIC Municipal
Cooperative Agreement (MCA) by resolution, and
WHEREAS, GTCMHIC must amend the MCA annually when any new members are approved at the Annual
Board of Directors meeting, and
WHEREAS, from time to time other changes are made to the MCA as necessary and when changes are made,
they are reported at the Annual Meeting with membership approval, now therefore be it,
RESOLVED, until rescinded by resolution our current presiding elected official is approved to sign, without
further action, any GTCMHIC MCA updates that have been advanced at the GTCMHIC Board of Directors
meetings and approved by the Department of Financial Services, and
FURTHER RESOLVED, The GTCMHIC is directed to keep this resolution on file to accompany any current
presiding elected official signatures to amended MCA changes.
Motion: Trustee Salton
Second: Trustee Robinson
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Bilsoki, Hubbell, Marshall, Rennekamp, Robinson, and
Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
b. Clean Energy Update:
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•Mayor Woodard states that she met with the Village Clean Energy Taskforce and a County representative. She
was notified that the Village now qualified for a $10,000 grant for completing the Green Energy Code Training
in 2023.
•Mayor Woodard states that she is still interested in placing solar panels on the Village WWTP.
12. Report of Attorney R. Marcus:
•Village Attorney R. Marcus was absent from this meeting.
13. Adjournment: Mayor Woodard adjourns the meeting at 8:52 p.m.
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EXHIBIT 2024-125
January 17, 2024
Honorable Linda Woodard
Board of Trustees
Village of Cayuga Heights
Monthly Report December 2023
We closed out 2023 with a 53 call December. We had 34 calls in the Village of Cayuga Heights, 14 calls in the Town of
Ithaca and 5 mutual aid requests. There were 35 EMS calls and 18 fire responses. The busy month was dominated by
EMS calls which is the norm. We were again this month requested to Lansing for a working apartment fire on Uptown
Road. E203 and I arrived on scene within 5 minutes after dispatch to find a fully involved second floor apartment fire
with flames extending out of the back of the building. E203 crews rapidly deployed a handline to the back of the building
to initiate and exterior attack while two other crews prepared to attack the fire from the front door. One crew made entry
and quickly suppressed the fire while the second team ensured that the building was evacuated. The fire in the apartment
was quickly brought under control. Due to a building design feature that we were unaware of the fire had extended into
and exterior architectural feature of the structure and extended from the second floor to the building past the third floor on
the exterior of the building and got into the roof line. This caused the fire to spread to the roof and then involved the
third-floor apartments. The fire was brough under control and it took some time to ensure that all the extension was
suppressed. This is the second time in two months that CHFD has responded to fires in the Village of Lansing and
initiated the initial attack.
We were aware that 2023 was a busier than usual year. At the end of 2023 we had run 624 calls. We had 381 calls in the
Village of Cayuga Heights, 178 calls in the Town of Ithaca and we had 65 requests for mutual aid. This was and increase
of 75 calls from our numbers in 2022. 75 calls are like running 14 months of calls in 12 months. It was a very busy year
for the volunteers of Cayuga Heights.
As always training in December slowed down due the holidays and decreased staffing. We were able to get all our
probationary members through at least their first sign offs and several of them have completed their checklists and have
moved to exterior status. We did a training early in the month on downed power lines. These calls are a common
occurrence in the village and are one of the more dangerous responses we have. It is good to drill on these scenarios to
ensure that everyone is very aware of the hazards of downed lines. As we look forward to our members returning to the
station from break in January, we will hold our annual OSHA refresher training on the last Saturday of the month. This is
one of the only mandatory trainings that we require each year. We all refresh on OSHA topics that include scene and
station safety, bloodborne pathogens, hazmat, sexual harassment, violence in the workplace and several other items.
We started to put together an application through New York State for a grant that we hope will fund our upcoming airpack
project. We will still plan to put the air packs into the FY 24/25 budget during development, but it would be amazing if
we were able to fund this project through the grant.
A core group of members has been very busy keeping up with responses while our staffing has been lower for the
holidays. Some of our bunkers are running at over 90% call response for late December and early January. Much of our
bunking staff was gone for the last part of December and the first part of January. Thankfully those who stayed over the
holiday as well as our resident members stepped in to cover all our calls.
We look forward to having all our members returning in January and getting back into regular training and taking the
pressure off those who have been here for the break.
Sincerely,
George Tamborelle
Fire Chief/Fire Superintendent
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EXHIBIT 2024-126
VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS
TREASURER’S REPORT
January 2023
Revenues and Expenses:
December month end bank-to-book reconciliation is complete and has been signed off by Deputy Treasurer
Rennekamp. The treasurers report from Williamson is attached to this report.
Interest Rates:
Our NY Class interest rates are currently at 5.27%.
Budget Review:
The budget worksheets for FY2025 have been sent to all department heads and BOT members as shared
documents for A (General), F (water) and G (sewar) Funds. Entires for each account should be made by the
person responsible as soon as possible. The budget workshop will be on Saturday, March 16th at 9 am in
Marcham Hall.
Street Lights:
VCH received the invoice for the new streetlights from NYPA. We owe $215,003.22. The Finance Team
discussed this and agreed that we will pay $30,000 from the current year’s budget The Finance Team decided
that financing the balance is not a fiscally responsible move. Instead, we will reallocate ARPA money and use
fund balance to pay it in full on Abstract 8.
BE IT RESOLVED: that the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approves
reallocating $60,000 from ARPA which had been earmarked for the Marcham Chimney project and $10,000
from ARPA which had been earmarked for the Hydrant Flushing project to the NYPA Street Lights project.
Additionally,
BE IT RESOLVED: that the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approves
reallocating $115,003.22 from Fund Balance to A5182.410 (NYPA Streetlights)
Approval of Abstract 8:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approves
Abstract #8for FYE2024 consisting of:
• TA vouchers #54-61 in the amount of $15,759.96 and
• Consolidated Fund vouchers #529-606 in the amount of $568,999.40
and the Treasurer is instructed to make payments thereon.
Respectfully Submitted
Laura W. Dolch
Treasurer
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EXHIBIT 2024-127
VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS
DRAFT
PROPOSED LOCAL LAW F OF THE YEAR 2023
A LOCAL LAW TO AMEND THE CODE OF
THE VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS
CHAPTER 305, "ZONING," ARTICLE XVII, "SITE PLAN REVIEW,"
SECTION 305-116, “APPLICABILITY”
TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT OF SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR ALL SUBDIVISIONS OF LAND
Be it enacted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cayuga Heights as follows:
SECTION I PURPOSE AND INTENT
The Village's Board of Trustees (the "Board") has been advised that the terms of Village Code Chapter 305,
Article XVII, Subsection 305-116(A)(3) conflict with the intent of the 2018 revision to the Village Zoning Law.
Prior to its 2018 revision, the Village Zoning Law contained a single Site Plan Review Section, which included
Subsections for reviewing the improvement of an existing site and for reviewing a subdivision, each with its
own criteria for review. The 2018 revision separated these Subsections into their own Articles, one for Site Plan
Review and one for Subdivision Review, each still with its own criteria for review. However, the 2018 revision
failed to remove a line of text – Subsection 305-116(A)(3) – that requires Site Plan Review for a subdivision of
land in any zoning district. This was not the intent of the Board in passing the 2018 revision as the Village
Planning Board does not conduct Site Plan Review when reviewing a subdivision. The intent of this Local Law
is to remove the outdated Subsection and to relabel the subsequent subsection. The purpose of this Local Law is
to revise the text of Village Code Chapter 305, Article V, Subsection 305-116 to delete Subsection 305-
116(A)(3) and to relabel Subsection 305-116(A)(4) accordingly.
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 ZONING LAW ARTICLE XVII, “SITE PLAN REVIEW,”
SECTION 305-116, "APPLICABILITY"
In Chapter 305 of the Village Code, "Zoning," Article XVII, "Site Plan Review," Subsection 305-116,
"Applicability," Subsection (A)(3), is hereby deleted. As a result, the former Subsection (A)(4) shall hereinafter
be referred to as Subsection (A)(3).
SECTION V 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.
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SECTION VI 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 VII 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.
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EXHIBIT 2024-128
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EXHIBIT 2024-129
CITY OF ITHACA -- VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS
INTERMUNICIPAL AGREEMENTFOR BUILDING INSPECTION
SERVICES
This agreement, effective 1st day of January, 2011, by and between the City of
Ithaca, a municipal corporation having its office and place of business at 108 East
Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850, hereinafter referred to as the "City" and the
Village of Cayuga Heights, a municipal corporation, having its office and place of
business at 836 Hanshaw Road, Ithaca, New York, hereinafter referred to as the
"Village."
WHEREAS, both the Village and the City are required to issue permits for, and
cause
the inspection of alterations and construction within their jurisdictional limits; and
WHEREAS, both the City and the Village enforce the provisions of the
New York
State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and the New York State Multiple
Residence Law, as well as their own zoning, site plan development review,
environmental review, building, housing and fire codes, where applicable; and
WHEREAS, certain improvements are located on parcels which lie partially in
both jurisdictions, and are therefore subject to the code enforcement programs of each
municipality; and
WHEREAS, both municipalities are desirous of providing qualified building and fire
inspection services in a cost-effective manner and avoiding a duplication of services
and/or confusion to property owners to the extent possible; and
WHEREAS, the patties are desirous of entering into an intermunicipal agreement in
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which the City would provide the Village with required building and fire inspection
service under the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and
the New York
State Multiple Residence Law, to the extent applicable, for alterations and construction taking
place on prope1iy which lies within both jurisdictions; and
WHEREAS, the City has appropriate trained and certified building and fire code
enforcement personnel.
NOW, THEREFORE, m consideration of the mutual covenants, agreements, and
considerations heretofore set forth, the parties hereto mutually agree as follows:
1. All new property improvements where the improvement currently lies in both
jurisdictions will be inspected by City Inspectors who have successfully completed the code
enforcement training program through the Department of State of New York, and who are
otherwise qualified as inspectors as a result of the current and previous employment by the
City as code enforcement officials in the field of building and fire construction inspection.
The properties listed below are those which contain one or more buildings or structures that
are pmiially in the Village and partially in the City and intended by this agreement to be
inspected by City inspectors.
115 Ridgewood Road
102 Needham Place
105 Needham Place
126 Westbourne Place
425 Wyckoff Place
208 Dearborn Place
220 Dearborn Place1
207 Kelvin Place
(a Cornell Sorority)
(a private residence)
(a multiple residence)
(a multiple residence)
. (a Cornell Fraternity)
(a Cornell Rooming House)
(a multiple residence)
(a multiple residence)
In the event of the proposed construction of new improvements on prope1iy which lies
partially in both jurisdictions, the parties may add to the above list by written agreement
between the City Building Commissioner and Fire Chief and the Village Fire Chief and the
Chief Code Enforcement Officer of the Village.
1 Also known as 202 Nortl1 Triphammer Road.
2. The prope1ties covered by this agreement shall be treated for all building,
housing, and fire code enforcement purposes, except zoning and site plan development
review, as though they were completely within the City of Ithaca. Each jurisdiction shall
continue to enforce and operate its own zoning, site plan review, environmental review and
landmarks preservation programs.
3. The number of personnel assigned shall be at the discretion of the City
Building Commissioner and/or City Fire Chief, depending upon the availability of said
personnel to be assigned to inspect prope1ties which lie on the line between the jurisdictions.
4. The term of this agreement shall be ten (10) years from the ls' day of January
2011 and expiring on December 31, 2020, subject to authorization by the governing
legislative bodies of the respective municipalities.
5. The City shall be reimbursed for its services by the payment of all building,
housing and fire inspection and permit fees directly to the City by the prope1ty owner at the
rates charged to similar properties located totally within the City limits. Both jurisdictions
may charge applicants for zoning, site plan review, and/or environmental review fees, where
applicable.
6. Prior to the issuance of a building permit by the City, the City will obtain
written confirmation from the Village Zoning Officer that the proposed plans do not violate
provisions of the Zoning Ordinance of the Village or that a variance from the Village
ordinance has been obtained. Properties which lie in both jurisdictions shall be subject to the
zoning, site plan development and environmental review regulations and ordinances of both
municipalities.
7. Both parties agree that they will, at their own expense, indemnify, defend, and
hold harmless each other, its officers, agents, and employees from any and all liability,
judgment costs, damages, attorneys' fees and expenses arising out of the negligence of its
employees or by not adhering to the guidelines as established by the City or the New York
State Department of State in the provision and performance of inspection work as set forth in
this agreement, providing, however, that timely notice shall be given by each party to the
other of any claim that may be asserted with regard to the work, labor, and services set forth
in this agreeinent.
8. Each party will certify to the other that insurance in the amount of$1,000,000
to cover liability exists and will make the other municipality the named co-insured on said
policy.
9. Each party will provide its own workers' compensation insurance covering its
own employees.
I 0. In the event that the City or Village is, or becomes, self-insured for general
liability and/or automobile liability at any time during the term of this agreement, the
following language is to be incorporated in the agreement without any need for special
resolution:
WHEREAS, either party, its agents, servants or employees, pursuant to this agreement
between the parties are or may be performing various kinds and types of work, labor or
services in cooperation with each other: be it resolved that each party agrees that it will, at its
own expense, indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the other, its officers, agents and
employees from any liability, judgment, costs, damages, attorneys' fees and expenses arising
out of the negligent performance of the work, labor or services of the respective party, its
agents, servants or employees, providing, however, that timely notice. be given to the
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other party of any action, claim or proceedings which may be filed or commenced
against the parties by reason of the performance of such work.
Each party certifies, by entering into this agreement, that this section was approved
by the governing body of each municipality as part of this agreement, and it is binding
upon each party in the event it becomes self-insured as if a special resolution had been
adopted by it.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this agreement the
day and year first above written.
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EXHIBIT 2024-130
Village of Cayuga Heights
Police Department
___________________________________________________
Jerry L. Wright
Chief of Police
01/10/24
To: The Honorable Mayor Woodard
Members of the Board of Trustees
Village of Cayuga Heights
Re: Report of the Police Department for December 2023.
In the month of December, the police department received 341 calls for service. In addition to these calls, 63
uniform traffic tickets were issued, and 4 parking violation was cited. A breakdown of the calls for service is as
follows:
There were no Felony incidents handled.
Penal Law Misdemeanors. 1 report of Theft was made involving a resident stating personal checks were taken
from their mailbox. This incident was unfounded as the resident followed up a few days later saying the checks
had been located. A Misdemeanor charge of Criminal Obstruction of Breathing was filed after investigation of a
Domestic Incident. During a second Domestic incident an arrest for Assault 3rd was filed. A report of Suspicious
Activity was made resulting in an arrest being made on Misdemeanor charges of Criminal Impersonation 2nd and
Resisting Arrest. A report of attempted Fraud via on-line scam was made although no action was taken as no loss
of property occurred.
Vehicle and Traffic Misdemeanors. The investigation of 8 Traffic Stops led to 10 Vehicle and Traffic
Misdemeanor charges; 6 for Suspended Registration and 3 for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor
Vehicle 3rd , and 1-Use of Other Vehicle w/o Interlock Device.
Penal Law Violations. The above-mentioned call for Suspicious Activity also resulted in Violations of
Harassment 2nd-Physical Contact and Disorderly Conduct/Obscene Language/Gestures being charged.
Local Law incidents. Officers responded to 5 Complaints; 1- Barking Dog, 1- Loud Music, and 1- Children
Playing Outside. 1-Loose Dog, 1-In the Park After Hours. Upon Officer’s arrival to each complaint, warnings of
local law violations were issued.
Mental Hygiene Law. A subject was taken into custody under the MHY 9.41 Mental Health Law after
investigation of a report of a Psychiatric Incident was reported.
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The subject was turned over to hospital staff for evaluation.
Arrest Offenses. The following 17 charges were filed by CHPD Officers: 1-Assault 3rd, 1-Criminal Obstruction of
Breathing, 1- Criminal Impersonation 2nd, 1-Resisting Arrest, 1-Disorderly Conduct, 1- Harassment 2nd Physical
Contact, 1-Use other Vehicle w/o Interlock, 3-Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a MV-3rd, 6-Suspended
Registration, 1-MHY 9.41.
Motor Vehicle Accidents. Two property damage accidents occurred, one in the area of 400 Triphammer Road and
one at the intersection of Winthrop and Burleigh Drives.
A Death Investigation was conducted and closed.
No incidents involving deer were reported.
Eight calls for service were completed under the Tompkins County Mutual Aid Agreement, six involving CHPD
officers assisting other agencies and two for other agencies assisting CHPD officers.
Over the course of the month, Officers took part in the following training and/or events: On the 4th and 5th Officer
Manheim attended De-Escalation Training at the Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response. Two
Traffic Enforcement Details were conducted, one on the 9th and another on the 15th in part of the Governor’s
Traffic Safety PTS Grant. On NYE Officers Miller and Lansing took part in STOP DWI High Visibility
Enforcement Details. Lastly on the 22nd , Officers Barr and Langlois completed Commercial Vehicle Inspection
Details assisted by NYS DOT Level 3 Inspectors.
The full-time officers worked a total of 27 hours of overtime and the part-time officers worked a total of 176
hours.
Sincerely,
Chief Jerry Wright
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EXHIBIT 2024-131
Village of Cayuga Heights
Mike Wiese – B.O.T Report
December 20th, 2023
Code Enforcement –
Year to date – 140 Building permits have been submitted for review
Year to date – 97 Building permits issued
13 Zoning permits issued
12 Right of Way permits issued
Attended training on 12/13
Street –
Finished leaf season on 12/15 and disassembled the leaf equipment to prep for snowfall.
Continue trimming around roadways and sidewalks
Snow –
December crew spent 17 hours of overtime for snow removal.
We continue to search for new methods of snow removal which would aid in the reduction of salt usage.
We continue to meet with companies to test out new products which will help us clear the roads more
efficiently.
Sewer –
Continue coordinating with Eastech to implement portable sewer meters. These meters are now cellular
activated and can be read remotely. With the meters installed we are now working with TG Miller to
monitor the flow rate.
Personnel –
As of December 29th Daniel Potter who was an employee of the Village for 16 years officially retired.
Attached you will find his letter of resignation.
With Daniel Potters retirement as a motor equipment operator and the opportunity to promote an internal
employee to this position I would like to promote Terry O’Pray to this position. Terry is currently a
Laborer with a CDL.
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EXHIBIT 2024-132
Clerk’s Report:
•No action items in my report for January.
Updates:
•NYS Senate will be voting on the residency waiver for Village Justice this month.
•February is a water billing month and cross training with Deputy Clerk Jacot will take place.
•Deputy Clerk Perkins will begin training on WLB Payroll this month.
•The office will be launching a Public Clerk QuickPay link for our website soon. This will allow us to receive
payments for permits at the time of submission.
•We are participating in the National Nutrition Month (March) where we will have a food drive and collect
donations here at Marcham Hall. This is in conjunction with the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health
insurance Consortium.
•March 15th 2024 will be Village Employee Appreciation Day. We will hold lunch in the CHFD Bays from 11:00
a.m. to 1:00 p.m. At this gathering we will also honor Justice Galbreath, Court Clerk P. Kannus, and Trustee J.
Marshall and former DPW member P. Potter. We will also be acknowledging others staff members for their years
of service.
•March 16th 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon is the 2024-2025 Budget Workshop.