HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.21.2025 Agenda
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Zoom Link 4118425407
Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees Monthly Meeting
May 21, 2025 7:00 p.m.
1. Call To Order EXHIBIT/PAGE
a. Approval of April 16, 2025 Meeting Minutes 2026 - 025 pgs. 2-15
b. Approval of the April 23, 2025 Special Meeting Minutes 2026 - 026 pgs. 16-17
2. Report of Fire Superintendent Tamborelle: Submitted Report: 2026 - 027 pgs. 18
3. Privilege of the Floor:
4. Report of Treasurer Dolch: Submitted Report: 2026 - 028 pgs. 19-20
5. Report of Mayor Woodard:
a. 2025 Sewer Rate Public Hearing 2026 - 029 pgs. 21
b. Sewer and Water Budget 2026 - 030 pgs. 22-28
c. Access Oversight Committee’s Budget 2026 - 031 pgs. 29-30
d. Vison Zero Resolution 2026 - 032 pgs. 31
e. Teamsters Contract Update
6. Report of the Trustees:
7. Report of Superintendent of Public Works Cross:
8. Report of Police Chief Wright: Submitted Report: 2026 - 033 pgs. 32-33
9. Report of Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Cowder: 2026 - 034 pg. 34
10. Report of Clerk Walker: Submitted Report: 2026 - 035 pgs. 35-41
11. Report of Attorney VanDeMark:
12. Adjournment
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EXHIBIT 2026 - 025
Present: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Conway, (Via Zoom) Hubbell, Rennekamp, and Salton; Fire
Superintendent Tamborelle, Treasurer Dolch, Police Chief Wright; Superintendent of Public Works Cross,
Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Cowder; Village Attorney Shah; Village Clerk Walker.
Absent: Trustee Robinson
1. Call to Order: Mayor Woodard calls the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2a. Approval of the March 19, 2025 Board Meeting Minutes (Exhibit 2026-009)
Resolution: 9830
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees approves the March 19, 2025
Board Meeting Minutes as presented.
Motion: Trustee Biloski
Second: Trustee Hubbell
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Hubbell, Rennekamp, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
2b. Approval of the April 1, 2025, Organizational Meeting Minutes (Exhibit 2026-010)
Resolution: 9831
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees approves the April 1, 2025,
Organizational Board Meeting Minutes as presented.
Motion: Trustee Biloski
Second: Trustee Hubbell
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Hubbell, Rennekamp, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
3. Report of Fire Superintendent Tamborelle: Submitted Report (Exhibit 2026-011)
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•Fire Superintendent Tamborelle states that the Annual Installation Dinner is next Saturday at the RaNic Golf
Club.
•Fire Superintendent Tamborelle states that the bunker kitchen project is moving forward. He was able to
purchase and take delivery of the appliances. B & W agreed to delay the payment until June.
4. Privilege of the Floor: No members of the Public wish to speak.
5. Report of Treasurer Dolch: Submitted Report (Exhibit 2026-012)
•Treasurer Dolch states that the March bank-to-book reconciliations are complete.
•Treasurer Dolch states that she has completed all the required ARPA funds reports and has submitted them to
New York State
•Treasurer Dolch states that the only other action item she has tonight is Abstract 11.
Approval of Abstract 11:
Resolution: 9832
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approves
Abstract # 11 for FYE 2025, consisting of TA vouchers 82-89 in the amount of $17,004.09 and Consolidated
Fund vouchers 782-851 in the amount of $390,285.34, and the Treasurer is instructed to make payments
thereon.
Motion: Trustee Rennekamp
Second: Trustee Hubbell
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Hubbell, Rennekamp, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
6. Report of Mayor Woodard:
a. Public Hearing on Proposed Local Law C of 2025:
•Mayor Woodard opens the Public Hearing at 7:06 p.m.
•No members of the Public wish to speak.
•Mayor Woodard closes the Public Hearing at 7:06 p.m.
Resolution: 9833
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PROPOSED LOCAL LAW C OF 2025
DRAFT
A LOCAL LAW TO OVERRIDE THE TAX LEVY LIMIT ESTABLISHED IN GENERAL
MUNICIPAL LAW §3-C
Be it enacted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cayuga Heights as follows:
Section 1 Legislative Intent: It is the intent of this local law to allow the Village of Cayuga Heights to
adopt a budget for the fiscal year commencing in 2025 that requires a real property tax levy in excess of the tax
levy limit as defined by General Municipal Law §3-c.
Section 2 Authority: This local law is adopted pursuant to subdivision 5 of General Municipal Law §3-
c which expressly authorizes a local governing body to override the property tax cap for the coming fiscal year
by the adoption of a local law approved by a vote of sixty percent (60%) of said governing body.
Section 3 Tax Levy Limit Override: The Board of Trustees of the Village of Cayuga Heights, County
of Tompkins, is hereby authorized to adopt a budget for the fiscal year commencing in 2025 that requires a real
property tax levy over the amount otherwise prescribed in General Municipal Law §3-c.
Section 4 Severability: If a court determines that any clause sentence paragraph subdivision or part of
this local law or the application thereof to any person firm or corporation or circumstance is invalid or
unconstitutional the court order or judgment shall not affect impair or invalidate the remainder of this local law
but shall be confined in its operation to the clause sentence paragraph subdivision or part of this Local Law or in
its application to the person individual firm or corporation or circumstance directly involved in the controversy
in which such judgment or order shall be rendered.
Section 5 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.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approves the
adoption of Proposed Local Law C of the year 2025 as Local Law 3 of the year 2025.
Motion: Trustee Rennekamp
Second: Trustee Hubbell
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Hubbell, Rennekamp, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
b. Public Hearing on Proposed Budget for Sewer and Water Funds.
•Mayor Woodard opens the Public Hearing at 7:07 p.m.
•No members of the Public wish to speak.
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•Mayor Woodard closes the Public Hearing at 7:07 p.m.
•Mayor Woodard states that the Village WWTP Committee and the Village Finance Committee both met and
recommended that we increase the sewer rate this June by 25%. This increase is necessary to support the debt
service for the plant upgrades.
•Mayor Woodard states that she has written to all the municipalities that use the plant and informed them of this
increase.
•Trustee Conway would like clarification on where the extra $200,000 in revenue from state aid comes from.
•Treasurer Dolch states that this is a subsidy that the Village gets from EFC by financing the debt on the Village
WWTP. We have to show the revenue and expenditure, so it is not revenue. The exact numbers are shown on
the debt spreadsheet.
Resolution: 9834
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approves the adoption of
the Proposed FYE 2025-2026 Annual "G" fund Budget and directs Village Treasurer Dolch to certify this budget with the
New York State Comptroller's Office.
Motion: Trustee Hubbell
Second: Trustee Biloski
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Hubbell, Rennekamp, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
•Mayor Woodard states that the water budget is a little more straightforward. The main decrease in fund balance
for this account is due to us setting up a $150,000 reserve fund for a future water infrastructure project and lead
water services.
•B. Cross states that we might use a small part of that money for the design phase of this project. This will allow
us to apply for grants in the future.
Resolution: 9835
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approves the adoption of
the Proposed FYE 2025-2026 Annual "F" fund Budget and directs Village Treasurer Dolch to certify this budget with the
New York State Comptroller's Office.
Motion: Trustee Biloski
Second: Trustee Hubbell
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Hubbell, Rennekamp, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
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c. Schedule a Public Hearing on Proposed Local Law D of the year 2025- Annual Sewer Rate.
•Mayor Woodard states that we will be holding a public hearing at the May Village of Cayuga Heights Board
Meeting. As presented, this is a 25% increase for all users.
Resolution: 9836
VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS
DRAFT
LOCAL LAW D OF THE YEAR 2025
A LOCAL LAW TO AMEND THE ANNUAL SEWER RATES, AS DEFINED IN ARTICLE XII,
SEWER RENTS, OF THE VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS ARTICLES
Be it enacted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cayuga Heights as follows:
Section I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this Local Law is to establish annual sewer rates of $6.32/1000 gallons consumed for inside
users and a rate of $9.48/1000 gallons used for outside users, as defined in Article XII, Sewer Rents, of the
Village of Cayuga Heights Articles.
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 June 1, 2025, annual sewer rates shall be established at a rate of $6.32/1000 gallons used for treatment of
wastewater originating from properties located within the Village and a rate of $9.48/1000 gallons used for
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 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
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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.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees does hereby schedule a Public Hearing for
Proposed Local Law D of the year 2025 for May 21, 2025, at 7:05 p.m.
Motion: Trustee Rennekamp
Second: Trustee Hubbell
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Hubbell, Rennekamp, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
•Trustee Conway states that he cannot get the numbers to match up from what we have stated earlier in the
sewer budget. There seems to be a math error in the proposed budget on the revenue side. The internuncial
government charges in the spreadsheet reflect 35%, not 25%, as presented in this new sewer rate.
•Treasurer Dolch states that those numbers came from a spreadsheet the Mayor Woodard that reflected a
smaller sewer rate increase.
•Trustee Rennekamp states that after the last Village Finance Committee we were not neutral on the sewer fund.
•Trustee Rennekamp states that we will have to look into this further, just to make sure the numbers reflect the
right percentage of rate increase and how that connects to the revenue side.
•Trustee Salton states that we need to have the right numbers. Can this be discussed at the May meeting when
we vote on the sewer rate increase?
•Treasurer Dolch states that we need to double-check Linda’s numbers and make sure they are correct. In the
meantime, we can pass the sewer budget as presented.
Motion Carried
d. Village Annual Historian's Report: Village Historian B. Szekely presents her report to the Board and
summarizes the following.
•Village Historian B. Szekely passes around the very first Village Bond from 1918 when the Village widened
and paved Highland Road.
•Village Historian B. Szekely states that much of her efforts in 2027 were promoting her new book, University
Suburb, Founding the Village of Cayuga Heights in Ithaca, New York.
•Village Historian B. Szekely states that she appreciated being able to use the Village Courtroom for her book
talk that took place on March 16th, 2025, to an overflow crowd. Their enthusiasm was testimony to the keen
interest villages have in our community. It felt very much like a neighborly gathering.
•Village Historian B. Szekely states that she has sold over half of 200 copies of her book.
•Village Historian B. Szekely states that several real estate agents have talked to me about their interests in
particular neighborhoods, streets, and individual houses mentioned in the book.
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•Village Historian B. Szekely states that Planning Board Chair F. Cowett asked me about early tree planting in
the Village, which led me back into notes taken from my research at Cornell University.
•Village Historian B. Szekely states that other municipal historians and members of a group of local historians
convened by C. Kammen expressed interest and raised questions about the content of the book. Best of all, a
few new residents have told me the book helps them feel more at home in Cayuga Heights.
•Village Historian B. Szekely states that outside the Village, the book has enjoyed interest at the History Center
and Historic Ithaca.
•Village Historian B. Szekely states that in April of 2025, she assisted Deputy Clerk Perkins in an interview for
the Village eNewsBlast.
•Village Historian B. Szekely states that she has been in touch with Diane (Dee) Heasley Van Dyke (Daughter
of Walter Heasley) who built the Corners Community Shopping Center in 1947. B. Szekely did an oral history
interview in 2017.
•Village Historian B. Szekely states that in closing, she is planning more Village tours, public presentations, and
writing a story on the Village annexation for our annual newsletter.
•Trustee Salton states that he was the paper delivery person for Heasley’s when he was younger.
•Village Historian B. Szekely states that one of the reasons they developed the Corner Community Shopping
Center was to provide services to Village residents.
•Trustee Hubbell states that we should do an oral history on Bea herself.
e. Village Annual Justice Report: Village Court Clerk Penny Grant was present to answer any Board
questions on the 2024 report.
•Village Court Clerk P. Grant states that Exhibit 2026-017 shows the 2024 court numbers. The court collected
$62,806 in fines, $40,446 in surcharges, and $40 in civil fees.
•Mayor Woodard states that she would like to know how much revenue the Village gets to keep.
•Village Court Clerk P. Grant states that most of the money collected is from traffic tickets. There are so many
variables with fines and fees that it’s difficult to have an exact number.
•Chief Wright states that it is interesting to see commercial transportation fines are much larger than the V/T
law fines, especially considering there are far less frequent NYSDOT Commercial traffic campaigns.
•Village Court Clerk P. Grant states that most of the NYSDOT fines start at $500.
•Treasurer Dolch states that we usually are able to keep 24-45% of the total court fees.
•Trustee Salton states that the numbers look higher compared to previous years.
•Village Court Clerk P. Grant states that she cannot state where the court will be at the end of 2025, but she
continues to work on the tremendous backlog left by the previous court clerk.
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•Mayor Woodard states that we all appreciate her efforts and are excited to have her part of the Village team.
•Village Court Clerk P. Grant states that she was successful in obtaining a JCAP award of $1600 for a new
shredder and office desk.
f. Village Arbor Day Proclamation: The Village has declared April 26, 2025, as Arbor Day in the Village of
Cayuga Heights.
•Mayor Woodard states that we will be planting a tree at Marcham Hall as part of this celebration.
Resolution: 9837
WHEREAS, Arbor Day was created in 1872 in Nebraska as a special day for planting and celebrating trees and
is now celebrated throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, trees provide important benefits in urban communities such as shade and cooler temperatures,
cleaner air and water, increased property values, and habitat for wildlife; and
WHEREAS, the Village of Cayuga Heights has been certified as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day
Foundation in recognition of its commitment to protecting its trees and woodlands; now
THEREFORE, I, Linda Woodard, Mayor of the Village of Cayuga Heights, on behalf of Village residents and
the Board of Trustees, do hereby proclaim Saturday April 26, 2025 as Arbor Day in the Village of Cayuga
Heights and urge all residents to protect and improve our environment and create a greener, healthier
community by planting and caring for trees.
Motion: Trustee Hubbell
Second: Trustee Rennekamp
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Hubbell, Rennekamp, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
g. Updated Job Descriptions: The Village HR Committee thought it would be better to add language to define
the hours of work expected for the professional staff.
•Trustee Biloski states that this came out of the discussion of the hours of work for Village Clerk Walker. Most
of the language in the current job descriptions is the same, except for the statement of which positions are 35
and which are 40 work weeks.
•B. Cross states that he was not aware of these changes to his job description. It seems odd that a salaried
position would be identified in this way unless the function is to calculate benefits.
•Trustee Biloski states that the idea was to make clear who worked at what hours.
•B. Cross states that he is not objecting to the changes, just that it is a surprise to hear this without actually
consulting the staff.
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•B. Cross states that there are many times he works more than forty hours and does not expect to be
compensated. On the other hand, if something comes up and he leaves early, then he has the right to leave
without being penalized.
•Trustee Hubbell states that we could just label the position as a forty-hour-a-week salaried position.
•Trustee Salton states that this should live in an employee handbook document, not the job description.
•Mayor Woodard states that she is meeting with a potential labor lawyer tomorrow and can raise this question.
•Clerk Walker states that it is more likely to be in the handbook but cannot recall what section.
•Mayor Woodard states that we will table this discussion for now.
h. Garbage Tag Price Increase: Tipping costs have increased tremendously over the last few years.
•Mayor Woodard states that we are buying a new garbage truck, fuel is going up, salaries are going up, and
everything is incredibly expensive. The tags have been eighteen dollars since 2019. She proposes an increase to
twenty dollars a sheet.
•Mayor Woodard states that we will also be eliminating the discount (.50 a sheet) on Tops and Wegmans, which
we do not know why that was started.
•Trustee Rennekamp states that at the Village Finance Committee Meeting and discussions at the Village
Organizational Meeting, we were going to look into why we were giving a discount and eliminating the weight
from 15 lbs. per tag.
•Assistant Superintendent of Public Works A. Cowder states that he rode around the Village last week and
reports that just as many people are using too many tags as some are not using enough.
•Clerk Walker states that Tops orders two hundred sheets at a time while Wegmans orders one hundred. The
Village office sells around 30 sheets a month.
Resolution: 9838
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees approves and authorizes
increasing the Village Garbage Tags to twenty dollars ($20) a sheet, effective June 1, 2025.
Motion: Trustee Biloski
Second: Trustee Hubbell
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Hubbell, Rennekamp, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
7. Report of the Trustees:
a. Village Finance Committee Update:
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•Trustee Rennekamp states that we reviewed the sewer and water budgets, and as we discussed earlier, there is
an error in the math for the revenues in the sewer fund. We will have to change that at the May meeting.
•Trustee Rennekamp states that we also talked about a change in the format of using our spreadsheets. And we
will seek to change the guidance we give department heads.
b. Village Public Safety Committee Updates:
•Trustee Conway states that we discussed budgets and the process.
•Trustee Conway states that we learned that the police department is working with a grant-seeking company
that would help find funding for upgrades, projects, and even vehicles.
•Trustee Conway states that more donations have been received.
•Trustee Conway states that the Flock Camera system will soon be live. There are a couple of permit issues that
need to be ironed out between Chief Wright and B. Cross.
•Trustee Conway states that the department might be looking at filling a couple of part-time officer positions.
8. Report of Superintendent of Public Works Cross: (Exhibit 2026-020)
•B. Cross states that he has two action items tonight. One approves the Storm Water Annual Report ( MS4) and
the other approves a county resolution.
•B. Cross states that he always likes to thank the staff at the Tompkins County Soil and Water Commission for
their help with this report.
•B. Cross states that in the future, there will be stormwater testing and other technical reviews. He hopes that we
can work with CSI to conduct this work.
Resolution: 9839
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approves
accepting the completed Stormwater Report (MS4) and authorizes Mayor Woodard to sign and submit to the
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Motion: Trustee Biloski
Second: Trustee Rennekamp
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Hubbell, Rennekamp, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
•B. Cross states that Tompkins County has hired a firm to conduct an intermunicipal traffic study, supporting
this resolution would allow us to seek grants in the future from Safe Streets for All. (Exhibit 2026-021)
•B. Cross states that the resolution commits the Village to use the Vision Zero concept to reduce pedestrian and
bicyclist injuries and or death.
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•Trustee Hubbell states that it is interesting that this resolution is asking for more than what seems to be the
focus of public safety.
•B. Cross states that he can reach out to the county and see about modifications to the resolution before the
Board decides to vote.
•Mayor Woodard states that we will table this discussion until B. Cross can get more information on the
wording of this resolution.
•B. Cross states that on the Flock Camera topic, there will be four locations with some kind of reader device.
We do not allow private businesses to put up in the Village Right of Way without some kind of easement or
agreement.
•B. Cross states that Flock Camera Systems came back with a different proposal. One in which we would own
the equipment, and Flock would just do the maintenance. They have now applied for a permit to work in the
Village Right of Way for a fee of fifty dollars plus a one-thousand-dollar security deposit.
•Chief Wright would like to move this forward whichever way is quickest.
•Trustee Conway states that we are establishing a long-term relationship with Flock; therefore, he does not feel
it is necessary to request the one-thousand-dollar security deposit.
•Mayor Woodard asks if we ever make someone pay the security deposit.
•B. Cross states that we had a situation where a contractor broke a sewer lateral, and we used that money to
cover the repair costs.
•B. Cross states that if he had the authority to do so, he would have waived the fee and security deposit and not
spent the time discussing the process.
•Chief Wright states that for clarification, there will be three poles, and one camera will go on our pole in the
median on North Triphammer Road. The others will be installed on the Triphammer and Hanshaw Road
intersection, Pleasant Grove Road, and one at the Village line on Hanshaw Road.
•Chief Wright states that a majority of the county and city cameras are up and running. We actually had two
incidents that we assisted with on a burglary in progress and another with shots fired called down by Ithaca
High School. With the cameras, we could have captured a plate and aided with the investigation.
•Chief Wright states that one thing to remember is that these cameras are solely for the purpose of
investigations.
•Mayor Woodard states that we will need a resolution to waive the security deposit for this project.
Resolution: 9840
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approves
waiving the one-thousand-dollar security deposit from Flock Camera Systems to work in the Village Right of
Way to place our camera poles and mount cameras.
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Motion: Trustee Rennekamp
Second: Trustee Hubbell
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Hubbell, Rennekamp, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
•B. Cross states that there has been some activity on the Cayuga Heights Road Sidewalk Project. Hunt
Engineers has produced a report called Smart Growth Form, which has now been submitted to NYSDOT. This
will accompany the engineering report.
•B. Cross states that we now need to convince NYSDOT that it will not take over a year to complete the
easement process for this project.
•B. Cross states that since this is a federally funded project, there is another layer that might require the Village
to offer or pay a resident for use/modification to the land affected by this project. He does not know how this is
all going to play out.
•B. Cross states that everyone will have to sign this document, whether or not they ask for compensation. He
feels the federal government just wants to eliminate being exposed in any way.
•Trustee Salton states that this requirement would only be for areas outside of the Village Right of Way,
correct?
•B. Cross states that it is correct; we are not even taking anyone's land. We are only looking for permission to
put a structure on their land to work or send workers to their land.
•B. Cross states that he also has an update on the WWTP Phase 3 project. We had submitted an EFC intended
use application for 2026. We are going to request that we move our application to the multi-year list, which will
cover us in future years.
9. Report of Police Chief Wright: Submitted Report (Exhibit 2026-022)
•Chief Wright states that he is excited to get the Flock cameras up and running. As a reminder, the purchase of
those items was from grants or donations.
•Chief Wright states that the new AXON body-worn cameras will arrive mid-May. The Village is the first
department to use them in New York State.
•Chief Wright states that to build on Trustee Conway's comments about grants, we are now working with Grant
Champs whom he has built a personal relationship on other projects, to assist the Village of Cayuga Heights
Police Department with finding sources of funding.
•Chief Wright states that we look forward to moving forward with this program and building on finding new
sources of funding.
•Chief Wright states that there will be a lot of different enforcement campaigns coming up this spring. The
department will continue to perform commercial motor vehicle checks, as all can see, it brings in far more
revenue than regular V/T tickets.
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10. Report of Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Cowder: Submitted Report (Exhibit 2026-023)
•Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Cowder states that he has completed his New York State Code
Enforcement training and is permitted to perform all duties associated with this license.
•Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Cowder states that the DPW Staff did a full week of tree and brush
cleanup after that major storm, which filled 9 truckloads.
•Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Cowder states that two lead water lines will be laid this month. The
cost estimates are around two to three thousand dollars.
•Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Cowder states that we are still collecting applications for a summer
helper and full-time laborer.
•Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Cowder states that he has also completed the Civil Service Exam as
required for his position. The test went well, and results will be available in four to six weeks.
•Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Cowder states we found out yesterday that the surplus truck and box
that went to auction brought in $38500.00. We recovered all the expenses from purchasing a new truck and
have little left over.
•Mayor Woodard states that she will be meeting with the DPW staff on April 24, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to noon
to start the contract negotiations.
11. Report of Clerk Walker: Submitted Report (Exhibit 2026-024)
•Clerk Walker states that Deputy Clerk Perkins is in Las Vegas attending the Laserfiche Empowerment Expo.
She is eager to enhance the form side of our permits and processes.
•Clerk Walker states that we have already completed most of the landscape work for Marcham Hall. Thanks to
Anytime Landscaping and owner Tom Whittle.
•Clerk Walker states that the Village property taxes preparation is underway, and we hope to have tax bills in-
house for mailing the second week in May.
•Village Attorney O. Shad states that he has a question on the language of the proposed local law of the year
2025, as the final language is different than other `
12. Report of Attorney O. Shah: No report at this time, but he would like clarification on the final language in Proposed
Local Law C of the year 2025. The language in the last section describes how we submit our local law to the Secretary of
State.
•Clerk Walker states that this was a Board discussion based on a recommendation from Ithaca Attorney and Village resident
P Walsh on what wording should be included in our local laws. This particular language must have crossed over since this
local law is presented each year.
•Clerk Walker needs to add that language to the final draft to be consistent.
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13. Adjournment: Mayor Woodard adjourns the meeting at 8:58 p.m.
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EXHIBIT 2026 – 026
Present: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Conway, Hubbell, Rennekamp, and Salton; Village Clerk Walker.
1. Call to Order: Mayor Woodard calls the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m.
2. Privilege of the Floor: No members of the public wish to speak.
3. Report of Mayor Woodard: Appointment of Village Labor Attorney Tish Lynn of the firm Hancock and
Estabrook, LLP.
•Mayor Woodard states that she had a wonderful conversation with Tish Lynn last week about the possibility of
becoming the Village Labor Attorney for the official year 2025-2026.
•Mayor Woodard states that Tish has several years of Human Resources experience.
• Mayor Woodard would like to appoint Tish Lynn as the Village of Cayuga Heights Labor Attorney for one
official year (4/2026).
Resolution # 9840
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Board of Trustees approves the appointment of Tish Lynn of the Law Firm
Hancock and Estabrook LLP for one official year. (4/2026)
Motion: Trustee Rennekamp
Second: Trustee Hubbell
Ayes: Mayor Woodard, Trustees: Biloski, Conway, Hubbell, Rennekamp, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
•Trustee Salton states that he appreciates the due diligence in finding an labor attorney.
•Mayor Woodard states that she will be assisting with the Teamsters’ negotiations.
Motion Carried
4. Executive Session: Mayor Woodard states that she would like an Executive session.
Resolution: 9841
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 under a motion
identifying the general area or areas of the subject or subjects to be considered; and,
17
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 subsection (F) the medical, financial, credit, or employment history of a particular
person or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, prometon, demotion, disciple,
suspension, dismissal or removal of a particular person or corporation.
Motion: Trustee Salton
Second: Trustee Rennekamp
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Conway, Hubbell, Robinson, and Salton Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
Resolution: 9842
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Board of Trustees exits Executive Session at 11:05 a.m. and returns to the
open meeting.
Motion: Trustee Biloski Second: Trustee Hubbell
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Conway, Hubbell, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
5. Adjournment: Mayor Woodard adjourns the meeting at 11:05 a.m.
18
EXHIBIT 2026-027
Honorable Linda Woodard
Board of Trustees
Village of Cayuga Heights
Monthly Report April 2025
We did slow down in April but still ran almost an average of 2 calls per day. This does not mean we ran 2 calls each day,
it means we went for several days with no calls and then days with multiple runs. We had 37 calls in the Village of
Cayuga Heights, 18 calls in the Town of Ithaca and 4 mutual aid requests. There were 38 EMS calls and 21 fire responses.
We did have some weather-related incidents this month but nowhere near what we did in March.
We did a number of new trainings in April. Early in the month we did training on search tactics in unusual situations. We
covered areas that we would search for people that are not limited to fire situations. We covered outdoor search
techniques that focused on missing children and adults. It covered information like age and movement. It made out
people think about how mobile a person would be and how far we could infer they would be able to move and the amount
of time they were missing. One of our calls years ago was for a missing 4-year-old child. We assembled search crews
and the police, and we were getting ready to fan out looking for the child when we found her sleeping under a pile of
warm towels inside the house. This was one of the points we tried to get across during the training, thinking like a child.
Later in the month we did a wildland fire suppression training. We did this as the spring grass and brush fire season
started up. We have several members attending the EMT class so our EMS training for March focused on basic skills and
working with them on their practical evaluation scenarios. In mid-April we had an outside training company come to the
station to teach a class that they developed for us called Fire Ground Boss. Tom Basher, a state fire instructor and owner
of Meridian Fire Training Solutions, came to the station to work with our officers and interior firefighters. He covered the
topics that every officer or acting officer should always think about. His training covered pre response thinking, what to
work through during response and then how to put it all together when arriving at a scene. All these things we cover at
our in-house trainings, but we find that at times it is good to hear these things from an outside instructor.
All four lieutenants and I attended the Fire Department Instructors Conference in Indianapolis in April. We flew out of
Syracuse on Wednesday morning with the plan to arrive in Indianapolis late in the morning of the first day and attend
classes from Wednesday to Friday. Best laid plans seem to always go awry when flying these days. We were delayed out
of Syracuse, missed out connection in Detroit, got put on standby with a “chance” we would get to Indianapolis Thursday.
We ended up renting a car in Detroit and drove 4.5 hours to arrive after the Wednesday sessions were done. We did
attend sessions Thursday and Friday and the five of us ended up with over 40 hours of training. We spent Saturday talking
to vendors on the show floor about new innovations in equipment. A large amount of time was spent with the E-One reps
talking about delivery times on apparatus. We made it very clear to them that we expected delivery of E203 no later than
July 2026.
We held our installation banquet back at the RaNic club in April. It was a wonderful night celebrating the
accomplishments of our members. We are still looking forward to some warm and dry weather. Instead of our annual
graduates dinner on Friday evening of graduation weekend we will hold a graduates brunch on Sunday morning. Since
Cornell spread their graduation events over the entire week it makes more sense for our members and families to do a
brunch instead of dinner. We would like to get board approval for and an event waiver for our Movies at the Station
which we hope to start June 26th and run until July 24th.
Sincerely,
George Tamborelle
Fire Chief/Fire Superintendent
*We request Board approval to waive the Parade and Special Events permit and fee to host Movie Night at the
Station this summer.
19
EXHIBIT 2026-028
VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS
TREASURER’S REPORT
April 2025
Revenues and Expenses:
April month end bank to book reconciliation is complete and has been signed off by Deputy Treasurer
Rennekamp. The report from Williamson is attached to this report.
Approval of Abstract 12:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approves Abstract
12 for FYE2025 consisting of:
• TA vouchers 90-96 in the amount of $6125.71 and
• Consolidated Fund vouchers 852-929 in the amount of $326,701.12
and the Treasurer is instructed to make payments thereon.
We have one more Abstract for current fiscal year - #13 which will be approved at the June BOT Meeting.
Respectfully Submitted
Laura W. Dolch
Laura W. Dolch
#1 Treasurer
20
21
EXHIBIT 2026-029
VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS
DRAFT
LOCAL LAW D OF THE YEAR 2025
A LOCAL LAW TO AMEND THE ANNUAL SEWER RATES, AS DEFINED IN ARTICLE XII,
SEWER RENTS, OF THE VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS ARTICLES
Be it enacted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cayuga Heights as follows:
Section I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this Local Law is to establish annual sewer rates of $6.32/1000 gallons consumed for inside
users and a rate of $9.48/1000 gallons used for outside users, as defined in Article XII, Sewer Rents, of the
Village of Cayuga Heights Articles.
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 June 1, 2025, annual sewer rates shall be established at a rate of $6.32/1000 gallons used for treatment of
wastewater originating from properties located within the Village and a rate of $9.48/1000 gallons used for
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 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.
22
EXHIBIT 2026-030
Sewer Fund 2023-2024 02/28/2025 2024-2025 2025-2026
GENERAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
SPECIAL ITEMS
G1910.430 INSURANCE 31,837.06 35,397.30 35,021.00 38,937.00
35,021.00
G1990.400 CONTINGENCY 0.00 0.00 60,744.00 52,358.00
0.00
TOTAL SPECIAL ITEM S31,837.06 35,397.30 95,765.00 91,295.00
TOTAL GENERAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
HOME AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
ADMIN
31,837.06 35,397.30
35,021.00
95,765.00
35,021.00
91,295.00
G8110.100 PERSONNEL SERVICES
G8110.410 LEGAL
G8110.415 SEWER PRETREATMENT PERMIT EXPENSE
G8110.420 TAXES
TOTAL SEWER ADMIN
SEWER LINES
G8120.100 PERSONAL SERVICES
G8120.150 PERSONNEL SERVICES OT
G8120.200 EQUIPMENT
G8120.410 CONTRACTUAL
G8120.460 I & I Ongoing projects
G8120.470 Sewer lines special projects
G8120.490 EQUIPMENT MAINT
TOTAL SEWER LINES
WWT PLANT
G8130.100 PERSONAL SERVICES
G8130.150 PERSONNEL SERVICES OT
G8130.200 EQUIPMENT
G8130.210 DPW EQUIPMENT
G8130.410 CONTRACTUAL
G8130.440 WWTP UTIL ELEC DELIVERY
23
93,972.02 57,748.47 97,000.00 80,000.00
97,000.00
12,212.09 15,072.39 12,000.00 15,000.00
12,000.00
3,241.25 1,761.59 8,500.00 1,500.00
8,500.00
1,007.77 692.71 1,000.00 800.00
1,000.00
Page 2 (05/19/2025) 2023-2024 2024-2025 2025-2026
G8130.460 PRE TREAT CONTR EXP -5,506.20 1,864.00 2,800.00 2,800.00
2,800.00
G8130.480 PURCH SEWER SVC 31,651.05 24,428.79 16,057.00 40,000.00
16,057.00
G8130.485 Kline Road / Plant to Plant 46,754.97 45,878.64 20,000.00 20,000.00
20,000.00
G8130.490 EQUIPMENT MAINT 31,573.84 22,415.81 51,500.00 47,000.00
51,500.00
TOTAL WWT PLANT 1,233,515.79 815,755.19 1,088,457.00 1,086,130.00
1,088,457.00
WWTP SPECIAL PROJECTS
G8139.24 WWTP Special Project Upgrades 460,800.00 128,684.00 500,000.00 215,000.00
500,000.00
TOTAL WWTP SPECIAL PROJECTS 460,800.00 128,684.00 500,000.00 215,000.00
500,000.00
1,928,676.41 1,205,920.81 1,891,951.00 1,580,430.00
1,952,695.00
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
G9010.800 RETIREMENT 17,845.66 12,105.92 21,875.00 22,768.00
21,875.00
G9030.800 FICA 11,889.86 8,527.29 13,222.00 12,120.00
13,222.00
G9040.800 WORKERS COMP 8,432.47 5,986.10 9,276.00 10,203.00
9,276.00
G9050.800 UNEMPLOYMENT 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00
G9055.800 DISABILITY 118.40 92.90 120.00 120.00
120.00
G9060.800N HEALTH INSURANCE - NBU 22,812.20 20,116.85 24,495.00 32,662.00
24,495.00
G9060.800T HEALTH INSURANCE - TEAMSTERS 9,060.37 8,322.61 8,500.00 13,209.00
8,500.00
G9060.811 HEALTH OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSE 10,079.12 6,629.04 9,780.00 11,000.00
9,780.00
G9060.820 HEALTH/RETIREE 4,437.17 6,252.76 8,050.00 7,825.00
8,050.00
TOTAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 84,675.25 68,033.47 95,318.00 109,907.00
95,318.00
TOTAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 84,675.25 68,033.47 95,318.00 109,907.00
95,318.00
G9710.610 SERIAL BOND PRINCIPAL PHOSPHORUS 35,000.00 40,000.00 40,000.00 40,000.00
40,000.00
G9710.710 SERIAL BOND INTEREST PHOSPHORUS 12,528.02 53,609.61 12,000.00 10,000.00
12,000.00
TOTAL SERIAL BOND PHOSPHORUS TREATMENT 47,528.02 93,609.61 52,000.00 50,000.00
52,000.00
SYSTEM LOAN
G9789.610 Rail System Loan 0.00 0.00 177,300.00 200,000.00
24
177,300.00
0.00 0.00 55,000.00 51,000.00
55,000.00
0.00 0.00 232,300.00 251,000.00
232,300.00
25
Page 3 (05/19/2025) 2023-2024 02/28/2025 2024-2025 2025-2026
PHASE 1 &2 DEBT SERVICE
G9790.510 Phase 1 & 2 Admin Fee 0.00 0.00 0.00 11,654.00
0.00
G9790.610 Phase 1 & 2 Principal 0.00 263,000.00 131,500.00 229,910.00
131,500.00
G9790.710 Phase 1 & 2 Interst 20,980.25 32,167.94 12,000.00 331,777.00
12,000.00
TOTAL PHASE 1 &2 DEBT SERVICE 20,980.25 295,167.94 143,500.00 573,341.00
143,500.00
TOTAL DEBT SERVICE 68,508.27 388,777.55 427,800.00 874,341.00
427,800.00
G9901.9 Transfer 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00
TRANSFERS TO OTHER FUNDS 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00
TRANSFER TO CAPITAL FUNDS
G9950.400 TRANSFER TO CAPITAL FUND 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00
TRANSFERS 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00
OTHER USES
WWTP Reserve Fund
Reserve Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 150,000.00
0.00
WWTP Reserve Fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 150,000.00
0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 150,000.00
0.00
2,113,696.99 1,698,129.13 2,510,834.00 2,805,973.00
2,510,834.00
26
Water Fund
GENERAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORT 2023-2024 02/28/2025 2024-2025 2025-2026
SPECIAL ITEMS
F1910.430 INSURANCE 3,227.21 3,620.03 3,550.00 3,905.00
3,550.00
F1990.400 CONTINGENCY 0.00 0.00 21,326.00 25,679.00
0.00
TOTAL SPECIAL ITEMS 3,227.21 3,620.03 24,876.00 29,584.00
3,550.00
TOTAL GENERAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORT 3,227.21 3,620.03 24,876.00 29,584.00
3,550.00
F8110.100 PERSONAL SERVICES 133,143.79 98,627.80 145,222.00 138,000.00
145,222.00
133,143.79 98,627.80 145,222.00 138,000.00
145,222.00
WATER SUPPLY
F8320.410 PURCH/SCLIWC 402,572.84 318,098.79 426,300.00 430,000.00
426,300.00
F8320.420 PURCH/ITHACA 13,541.40 5,830.93 5,985.00 7,000.00
5,985.00
TOTAL WATER SUPPLY 416,114.24 323,929.72 432,285.00 437,000.00
432,285.00
WATER SYSTEM
F8350.100 PERSONAL SERVICES 25,714.58 17,154.84 30,000.00 13,000.00
30,000.00
F8350.150 PERS SERVICES OVERTIME 9,299.58 6,126.39 5,000.00 10,000.00
5,000.00
F8350.200 EQUIPMENT 4,710.00 56,302.63 75,000.00 40,000.00
75,000.00
F8350.410 CONTRACTUAL 40,074.82 30,340.44 55,000.00 55,000.00
55,000.00
F8350.415 CONTRACTUAL LEAD TESTING 23,450.00 46,950.00 0.00 0.00
31,150.00
F8350.46 Palmer 0.00 0.00 0.00 15,000.00
0.00
F8350.46R Water Main Capital Reserve 0.00 0.00 0.00 145,000.00
0.00
F8350.490 EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE 4,929.70 1,253.48 4,000.00 5,000.00
4,000.00
TOTAL WATER SYSTEM 108,178.68 158,127.78 169,000.00 283,000.00
200,150.00
LEAD PIPE REPLACEMENT
F8389.100 PERSONNEL 0.00 0.00 0.00 16,000.00
0.00
F8389.415 contractual 0.00 0.00 0.00 10,000.00
0.00
TOTAL HOME AND COMMUNITY SERVICES 657,436.71 580,685.30 746,507.00 884,000.00
777,657.00
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
F9010.800 RETIREMENT 16,570.97 10,592.68 20,313.00 21,141.00
20,313.00
12,487.60 8,940.27 13,517.00 14,025.00
13,517.00
7,378.42 5,237.84 8,116.00 8,928.00
8,116.00
27
Page 2 (05/19/2025) 2023-2024 02/28/2025 2024-2025 2025-2026
F9050.800 UNEMPLOYMENT 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00
112.81 87.37 120.00 120.00
120.00
22,812.20 20,116.85 24,495.00 32,662.00
24,495.00
7,927.75 7,248.05 7,500.00 11,557.00
7,500.00
9,009.55 5,800.41 9,420.00 10,370.00
9,420.00
4,317.77 5,877.88 7,550.00 7,270.00
7,550.00
80,617.07 63,901.35 91,031.00 106,073.00
TOTAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
INTERFUND TRANSFERS
TRANSFERS TO OTHER FUNDS
80,617.07 63,901.35
91,031.00
91,031.00
91,031.00
106,073.00
F9901.9 Interfund Transfer
TOTAL TRANSFERS TO OTHER FUNDS
TOTAL INTERFUND TRANSFERS
TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS 756,280.99 663,206.68 862,414.00 1,019,657.00
872,238.00
28
Page 1 (05/19/2025) 2023-2024 02/28/2025 2024-2025 2025-2026
REVENUES
DEPARTMENTAL INCOME
F2140 WATER RENT 767,077.30 612,471.62 800,000.00 800,000.00
800,000.00
F2144 SPRINKLER SERVICE 2,619.00 475.00 500.00 500.00
500.00
F2148 WATER PENALTIES 9,267.70 9,665.89 8,000.00 9,000.00
8,000.00
TOTAL DEPARTMENTAL INCOME 778,964.00 622,612.51 808,500.00 809,500.00
808,500.00
F2401 INTEREST 7,688.38 2,176.29 6,000.00 2,000.00
6,000.00
TOTAL USE OF MONEY AND PROPERTY 7,688.38 2,176.29 6,000.00 2,000.00
6,000.00
TOTAL REVENUES 786,652.38 624,788.80 814,500.00 811,500.00
814,500.00
-30,371.39 38,417.88 47,914.00 208,157.00
57,738.00
756,280.99 663,206.68 862,414.00 1,019,657.00
872,238.00
EXHIBIT 2026-031
TO Mayor Linda Woodard and Village Trustees
Village of Cayuga Heights
836 Hanshaw Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
by Email
FROM: Wies van Leuken, Village of Cayuga Heights Representative
Cable Access Oversight Committee (AOC)
1105 Highland Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
pmv4@cornell.edu
607-257-3156
DATE: April 26, 2025
RE: AOC’s 2026 Budget Recommendations for Public, Educational and
Governmental Access operations.
Attached with this letter, please find the Access Oversight Committee’s Resolution #98, dated April 7, 2025 with
recommendations for the 2026 Budget for Public, Educational and Governmental Access (“PEG”) operations.
As you know, the City of Ithaca's Franchise Agreement with Charter Communications d/b/a Spectrum Networks
in NY (“Charter”), requires that the three participating municipalities (the City of Ithaca, the Town of Ithaca and
the Village of Cayuga Heights) approve a budget for equipment and facilities every year by June 30th while the
Agreement is in effect. This Budget is funded with the PEG Fees that are charged to Subscribers in the
Participating Municipalities ($0.15 / subscriber / month). Charter collects these fees and keeps them to make
AOC-approved equipment purchases for the PEGASYS studio. The AOC drafts a budget for these purchases,
upon recommendations by Charter, and submits it to the respective municipalities for review and approval.
Municipal approvals are entered into the AOC’s minutes and submitted to Charter by the AOC.
The Resolution proposes a $14,000.00 contingency to purchase equipment as needed for the functioning of PEG
operations. This will probably go towards replacing small items: we do not expect major purchases this year.
Please let me know if you need further information. The Village's resolution is due at the AOC no later than June
30, 2025. It can be Emailed to me at <pmv4@cornell.edu>.
Cc. Access Oversight Committee
Jeff Walker, Village Clerk
AOC Recommendations for 2026 Equipment Budget
WHEREAS, Section 15.12 of the Franchise Agreement of January 2003 between the City of Ithaca and the
franchisee Time Warner Entertainment-Advance/Newhouse Partnership (TWC) (“Franchise Agreement”),
subsequently assigned to Charter Communications, Inc. d/b/a Spectrum Networks (Charter) after Charter's 2016
acquisition of TWC, requires the participating municipalities (City of Ithaca, Town of Ithaca, Village of Cayuga
Heights) to provide the franchisee with an annual written budget for Public, Educational and Governmental
access operations (PEG) by June 30 of each calendar year; and
WHEREAS, Section 15.12 of the Franchise Agreement requires that Charter directs PEG Access Staff to
provide the Access Oversight Committee (AOC) with budget recommendations for the following year by April
30; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca's Ordinance #2003-17, Par 18-4-G, requires the Access Oversight Committee
(AOC) to provide the Participating Municipalities with a recommended budget for the following year by May
31; and
WHEREAS, the Franchise Agreement authorizes Charter to collect $0.15 per subscriber per month to be used
for the purchase of PEG equipment and facilities; and
WHEREAS, the AOC has reviewed PEG’s current equipment and facilities and anticipates that new
or replacement equipment and facilities will likely be needed; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the AOC recommends a $14,000.00 contingency to purchase equipment as needed for the
functioning of PEG operations, pending receipt and AOC approval of line-item estimates, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the AOC forwards its recommendations for approval by the Common Council of the City
of Ithaca, the Town of Ithaca Board and the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees, so that they may
meet their obligation to provide Charter Communications with an annual written budget for Public,
Educational and Governmental access operations no later than June 30, 2025.
EXHIBIT 2026-032
WHEREAS, the life and health of all persons living and traveling within the Village of Cayuga heights are our
utmost priority, and no one should die or be seriously injured while traveling on our village streets;
WHEREAS, Vision Zero is the concept that traffic deaths and serious injuries on our roadways are
unacceptable;
WHEREAS, Vision Zero is a holistic strategy aimed at eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries
suffered by all road users while increasing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all;
WHEREAS, streets and transportation systems have traditionally been designed primarily to move cars
efficiently, and Vision Zero supports a paradigm shift by designing streets and transportation systems to move
all people safely, including people of all ages and abilities, pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit users, scooter
riders, and motorcyclists, as well as drivers and passengers of motor vehicles;
WHEREAS, Vision Zero recognizes that people will sometimes make mistakes, so the road system and related
policies should be designed to ensure that those inevitable mistakes do not result in severe injuries or
fatalities; therefore, transportation planners and engineers and policymakers are expected to improve
the roadway environment, policies, and other related systems to lessen the severity of crashes;
WHEREAS, Zero people in the Village of Cayuga Heights lost their lives to traffic deaths from 2020-2024,
and traffic crashes are among the leading cause of deaths in the United States;6
WHEREAS, the Village of Cayuga Heights transportation infrastructure serves an increasing number of
vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and bicyclists;
WHEREAS, making streets safer for all people using all modes of transportation will encourage people to
travel on foot, by bicycle, and by public transit, which supports a healthier, more active lifestyle and reduces
environmental pollution;
WHEREAS, the Village of Cayuga Heights has already adopted other pedestrian safety–related policies;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that a successful Vision Zero program is the result of all
stakeholders, including government at all levels, industry, non-profit/advocacy, researchers, and the general
public, collaborating to prevent fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways.
EXHIBIT 2026-033
Village of Cayuga Heights
Police Department
__________________________________________________
Jerry L. Wright
Chief of Police
In the month of April, the police department received 436 calls for service. In addition to these calls 121
uniform traffic tickets were issued and 2 parking violations were cited. The breakdowns of calls are as follows:
There were no felony incidents reported.
There were five misdemeanor offenses handled: one for Criminal Mischief, one for fraud, and one for theft. A
complaint of criminal mischief was received after a resident discovered one of the trees on their property
missing. This investigation is on-going. A report of fraud was made by an individual who thought they had
been a victim of an internet scam. After a short investigation the case was closed as the officer found the
complaint to be civil in nature. A Theft complaint was filed after a resident reported that personal items had
been taken from her residence. After a short time, the case was closed as the resident contacted CHPD to report
that the items had been located. Additionally, a traffic stop led to charges of Criminal Impersonation 2nd and
Obstruction of Governmental Administration 2nd. This individual gave a false name to the officer and withheld
information of having an active Violation of Parole warrant for his arrest. The subject was taken into custody
and turned over to Tompkins County Jail.
There were six traffic stops resulting in eight vehicle and traffic misdemeanor charges; One for False Inspection
Certificate, four for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 3rd, and three for Suspended
Registration.
Two violations of the penal law were handled for Harassment. One incident was made between tenants of an
apartment complex. One tenant stated that another had been harassing them while they were in common areas
of the complex. An investigation ensued and both parties were advised to stay away from the other as they both
were reporting harassing actions being done by the other. One party has decided to move out of the complex.
No further complaints have been received regarding this matter. A second complaint of harassment involved a
store employee stating that a customer had been frequenting the store to have interactions with the employee.
After a time the employee became uncomfortable with the frequent contact and contacted CHPD. The on-duty
officer advised the customer to avoid contact with the employee or they would be served with a persona non
grata.
There were five violations of local law handled; One for soliciting without a permit, two for noise and two for
dog control. The soliciting complaint was received as a person going door to door advertising for a business
selling windows. The officer made contact with the individual who came to CHPD to register for a vendor
permit without further incident. One noise complaint consisted of a resident stating a contractor was playing
loud music at a neighboring house. Upon the officer’s arrival there was no violation of the noise ordinance
observed. The second report of noise was made by a resident complaining of a loud party at a nearby residence.
The officer responded to the house and advised the resident of the village local law. The resident agreed to have
the music turned down and the occupants quieted down. No further reports were received regarding this noise
complaint. A loose dog complaint was made by a member of the village DPW. The on duty officer located the
dog and the dog owner who stated their dog gate had been left open accidentally. The owner was issued a
warning after the dog was secured back within the fenced yard. A second loose dog incident was handled by the
on-duty officer as he observed a dog running loose near Sunset Park. The owner, who had been actively
looking for the dog, responded to the area and was able to take control of the dog. A warning of the village dog
ordinance was issued.
There was one individual taken into custody under the mental hygiene law after officers responded to a
psychiatric call for service.
There was one warrant arrest made, see above traffic stop arrest regarding an active Violation of Parole warrant.
There were two traffic accidents investigated, none involving deer. The first motor vehicle accident occurred at
the intersection of North Sunset Drive and West Remington Roads. No injuries were reported. The second
accident happened in the parking lot of 910 Hanshaw Road, also with no injuries reported.
There were six calls for service completed under the Tompkins County Mutual Aid Agreement, all for CHPD
officers assisting other agencies.
Over the course of the month, Officers took part in the following training and/or events: Eight traffic details
were conducted by officers Langlois and Barr throughout the month including two as were part of the
Governor’s Traffic Safety Grant. On the 21st officers Barr and Langlois operated a Commercial Vehicle Safety
Inspection detail along with NYS DOT CMV Inspector James.
The full-time officers worked a total of 87 hours of overtime and the part-time officers worked a total of 177
hours.
EXHIBIT 2026-034
Village of Cayuga Heights
Aaron Cowder – B.O.T Report
Village of Cayuga Heights
Board of Trustees Report
Department of Public Works - Aaron Cowder
May 21, 2025
Code Enforcement
I have received my Enforcement Official Certificate after completing training and testing. I am now
performing code enforcement related duties under direction and along with Brent.
Street& Sidewalks
Sidewalk cleanup and ROW repair are underway. PW and the Village Forester have been
working together on these items.
We are working on a sidewalk summer rehabilitation list and have begun planning for projects in the
next fiscal year.
Water System
We have replaced a few lead Village water service lines identified as having lead/galvanized lines on
both the Village and the residents’ side of the curb box. We also replaced a few of Village identified
lead lines and will continue coordinating with any other residents who are replacing their lead lines in
the new fiscal year.
Sanitation Sewer System
Metering devices that have been installed in 5 various manholes in the Village to measure system flows
to help locate I&I are being monitored by TG Miller in their continued efforts for I&I tracing. Last
month they moved 4 of the 5 meters up the lines to better track where there maybe more inflow when we
have rain events. The devices will be periodically moved within the system to identify and pinpoint
problem areas.
We will also be fixing a few manholes to be lined this summer to reduce I&I.
Personnel
We have placed postings for position openings on the County website for both the regular Laborer and
DPW Summer Helper positions.
We have received applications and are in the process of reviewing candidates.
We have identified a few candidates to interview.
Beautification
Mowing is in full swing along with roadside trimming and repairing and replacing worn and damaged street
signs.
EXHIBIT 2026-035
Clerk’s Report:
•Village Taxes will be mailed out on May 28th, 2025
•Starting two abstracts this month, the last one of this fiscal year and the first one of the new fiscal year.
•At the Village Organizational Meeting I overlooked the appropriate resolutions for a member to resign and one
assuming that role until that term ends. Below are the correct ones (thanks Fred)
(1) Resolution # 9806 reads as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Board of Trustees approves the appointment of Village resident Matt
Johnston to the Village Planning Board for a five-year term. (4/2030)
Unfortunately, this is incorrect. It should read something similar to:
*BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Board of Trustees approves the appointment of Village resident Matt
Johnston to the Village Planning Board to serve the remainder of Elaine Quaroni's term. (4/2026)
(2) Resolution # 9807 reads as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Board of Trustees approves the appointment of Village resident
Elaine Quaroni as an alternate to the Village Planning Board for a five-year term. (4/2030)
This is also incorrect. It should read something similar to:
*BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Board of Trustees approves the appointment of Village resident
Elaine Quaroni as an alternate to the Village Planning Board for a one-year term. (4/2026)
Water and Sewer Bill for Account Y2732
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for speaking on the phone earlier today. As we discussed, my wife and I purchased our home at 116 N
Sunset Drive back in Nov 2024. We have not fully moved in yet. In January we visited and found that a pipe
had frozen and burst in the garage, leaking into the ground and not the sewer line. I have contacted Bolton Point
and confirmed there was a major usage reading 1/23-1/25 See Spreadsheet from B.P.
We are formally asking for an appeal on our bill due to this incident. Please let us know if this is possible.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Eric Kramer and Maria Schettino
Jeff Hall: If you can kindly give me some background o
Water and Sewer Bill for Account J2424:
Dongyan states that she has never had missed a on-time payment. She would like relief of the penalty $9.26
told EXHIBIT 2026-036
UNDERTAKING
For the benefit of
The New York State Department of Transportation
In connection with work affecting state highways
(For use by New York municipalities and federal agencies
WHEREAS, the undersigned Village of Cayuga Heights ( Municipality, County, Town, City or
Village, or any agency of the federal government, hereinafter referred to as “Permittee”) from time to time
receives permits from the New York State Department of Transportation (hereinafter referred to as the
"NYSDOT") and otherwise conducts activities and operations upon highways and/or within right-of-way
controlled by the State of New York for such purposes as the obstruction, installation, construction,
maintenance and/or operation of facilities; and
WHEREAS, Permittee’s access and operation upon state right-of-way is conditioned upon compliance
with Highway Law Sections 52, 103, 203 and/or 234, including the conditions that Permittee assume all
responsibility for (a) the temporary control of all modes of traffic (including motorized and non-motorized
travel) affected by Permittee’s operations, (b) complete restoration of state facilities to their condition prior to
permitted use or activity, and (c) all claims, damages, losses and expenses,
NOW, THEREFORE, in relation to all operations and/or actions undertaken within state right-of- way, Permittee hereby agrees to the following terms and conditions:
1. Permit Applications. Excepting only activities undertaken to protect public safety because of emergency conditions or incidents, Permittee shall provide timely written notice to NYSDOT of operations or activities affecting state right-of-way. Under normal circumstances, a minimum of five business days notice shall be provided. Notification of emergency activities shall be provided to NYSDOT as soon as practicable after the activity. The Permittee shall apply for project-specific permits for activities not allowed under any existing annual permit. Such application shall identify proposed project locations, desired dates/hours, proposed work/activities, traffic control, and site restoration
2. Applicable Rules, Regulations & Conditions. Permittee shall comply with all of the laws, rules and regulations applicable to construction, maintenance activities and operations and shall further comply with such terms and conditions that may be imposed by NYSDOT in connection with permitted activity or operations. Temporary Traffic Control, highway safety appurtenances, and restoration of state facilities shall be completed in accordance with NYSDOT regulations and standards.
3. Site Restoration. Permittee shall, at its own expense, promptly complete the work allowed under each permit and, within a reasonable time, restore State property damaged by its work/activities to substantially the same or equivalent condition as existed before such work was begun as determined by the Commissioner or his/her designee. In the event that the Permittee fails to so restore damaged State property within what the Commissioner deems to be a reasonable time, the Commissioner, after giving
written notice to the Permittee, may restore the property to substantially the same or equivalent condition as existed before the Permittee’s work/activities, in which case, Permittee agrees to reimburse the reasonable expenses in connection therewith.
4. Payment & Release of Liens. Permittee shall be responsible for the payment of all costs and materials relating to its work in the public right-of-way, and agrees to defend and save harmless NYSDOT against any and all lien claims made by persons supplying services or materials to Permittee in connection with Permittee’s work.
5. Indemnity. In addition to the protection afforded to NYSDOT under any available insurance, NYSDOT shall not be liable for any damage or injury to the Permittee, its agents, employees, or to any other person, or to any property, occurring on the site or in any way associated with Permittee’s activities or operations, whether undertaken by Permittee’s own forces or by contractors or other agents working on Permittee’s behalf. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Permittee agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the State of New York, NYSDOT, and their agents from and against all claims, damages, losses and expenses, including but not limited to, claims for personal injuries, property damage, wrongful death, and/or environmental claims and attorney fees arising out of any such claim, that are in any way associated with the Permittee’s, activities or operations under any and all permits issued using this Undertaking.
FURTHERMORE, Permittee hereby warrants that the obligations of this Undertaking are backed by the full faith and credit of Permittee. Permittee may insure or bond any of the obligations set forth herein, or may rely upon self-insurance, budgeted funds, or funds for general operations.
This Undertaking shall be applicable to all permitted activities and operations undertaken after the date of execution and work initiated while this Undertaking is in effect. This Undertaking may be revoked by the Permittee or rejected by NYSDOT upon thirty days written notice but will continue to apply to all permitted activities/operations that were permitted by virtue of this Undertaking. Unless terminated for the purpose of future activities/operations, this Undertaking shall have a term of twenty (20) years and shall be kept on file to facilitate the issuance of future permits to which it will apply.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, (Municipality- County, Town, City, Village or federal agency) agrees to the terms of this Undertaking, and has caused its execution by the authorized officer or employee (attach Resolution of Approval).
Authorized Agent Date
Print Name/Title
_( )
Address Phone number
Address e-mail
Sincerely,
Jeff