HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.21.2026 Agenda1
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Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees Monthly Meeting
January 21, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
1. Call To Order EXHIBIT/PAGE
a. Approval of December 17th, 2025, Meeting Minutes 2026 - 106 pgs. 2-17
2. Report of Fire Superintendent Tamborelle: Submitted Report: 2026 - 107 pg. 18
3. Privilege of the Floor:
4. Report of Treasurer Dolch: Submitted Report: 2026 - 108 pgs. 19-20
5. Report of Mayor Woodard
a. Bolton Point Permit Fee
b. Building Permit Fee 2026 - 109 pg. 21
c. Upland Height PDZ
d. Renwick Brook Culvert Project 2026 - 110 pg. 22
e. Appointment of Steve Wilson to the Village ZBA
f. Proposed Local Law A of the year 2026 – Dumpsters 2026 - 111 pgs.23-25
6. Report of the Trustees:
7. Report of Superintendent of Public Works Cross:
8. Report of Police Chief Wright: Submitted Report: 2026 - 112 pg. 26
9. Report of Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Cowder: 2026 - 113 pg. 27
10. Report of Clerk Walker: Submitted Report: 2026 - 114 pgs. 28-29
11. Report of Attorney Shah:
12. Adjournment
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EXHIBIT 2026 - 106
Present: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Conway, Hubbell, Rennekamp, Robinson *Arrives 7:22 p.m., and
Salton;*Arrives 7:03 p.m., Fire Superintendent Tamborelle, Police Chief Wright, Superintendent of Public Works
Cross, Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Cowder; Village Attorney Shah; Village Clerk Walker.
1. Call to Order: Mayor Woodard calls the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2a. Approval of the November 19, 2025 Board Meeting Minutes (Exhibit 2026 – 096)
Resolution: 9924
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees approves the November 19, 2025,
Board Meeting Minutes as presented.
Motion: Trustee Biloski
Second: Trustee Conway
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Conway, Hubbell, Rennekamp, and Robinson
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
2b. Approval of the Joint Board of Trustees and Planning Board Meeting Minutes (Exhibit 2026 – 097)
Resolution: 9925
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees approves the December 9, 2025, Joint
Board of Trustees and Planning Board Meeting Minutes as presented.
Motion: Trustee Rennekamp
Second: Trustee Biloski
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Conway, Hubbell, Rennekamp, and Robinson
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
3. Report of Fire Superintendent Tamborelle: Submitted Report (Exhibit 2026-098)
•Fire Superintendent Tamborelle states that the department is preparing for the departure of students for winter break.
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•Fire Superintendent Tamborelle states that the bunker kitchen project has been moved back to late January.
•Fire Superintendent Tamborelle states that the expected delivery of the new firetruck is now October of 2026.
•Fire Superintendent Tamborelle states that he will begin preparing for the sale of truck 202 for sale this summer.
•Fire Superintendent Tamborelle states that the department has completed the recertification of our rescue squad. We
reduced the classification from ALS rescue to advanced level rescue. This will allow us to reduce costs and not carry
medications that are hardly used.
•Trustee Salton states that he sees in the monthly report that the department takes a lot of EMS calls.
•Fire Superintendent Tamborelle states that between 70-80 percent of all fire department response calls are calls for
EMS. Our department is up over 100 calls versus last year.
•Trustee Conway inquires about the logistics of when the money for the sale of truck 202 comes in and when we are
receiving money from the Town of Ithaca for the purchase of the new E1 truck.
3. Privilege of the Floor: No members of the Public wish to speak.
4. Report of Treasurer Dolch: Submitted Report (Exhibit 2026-099)
•Treasurer Dolch was absent from tonight’s meeting.
Approval of Abstract 7:
Resolution: 9926
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approves Abstract # 7
for FYE 2026, consisting of TA vouchers 48-55 in the amount of $18,341.36 and Consolidated Fund vouchers 431-
494 in the amount of $333,064.25, and the Treasurer is instructed to make payments thereon.
Motion: Trustee Rennekamp
Second: Trustee Hubbell
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Conway, Hubbell, Rennekamp, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
5. Report of Mayor Woodard:
a. Public Hearing on Proposed Local Law F of the year 2025:
Mayor Woodard opens the Public Hearing at 7:13 p.m.
-Village resident Jeff Milder addresses the Board.
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So let's be straight about what's going on here. This proposal to amend the law is with clear reference to the property of
Trustee Ken Hubbell. This trustee is running a professional-grade woodworking operation adjacent to our property line.
This operation is run from an expanding cluster of outbuildings that were built without the requisite permits.
In addition to several illegal structures, the operation also involves lab machinery, including saws, framing machines,
and heavy-duty venting machines that are operated without containment at any time of the day. My wife and I both
work from home, and this impedes our ability to concentrate and her ability to teach online, which is her occupation
and source of income. It's also a profound nuisance that impairs our enjoyment of our yard and patio. Unfortunately,
this trustee is now using his position to seek a tailor-made law to legitimize his ongoing illegal activity, and this, of
course, is highly improper. It would also create bad law, more broadly, that undermines village character with
ramifications.
This would create the zoning exemptions for any activity that is self-defined. Never mind the level of adverse impacts,
such as lighting, vibrations, odor, or eyesore, that the activity involves. As long as it's done for personal pleasure, it's
allowed. So this puts all of us at risk for whatever leisure pursuits our neighbors might take up with few guardrails.
The main purpose of zoning, as you know, is to regulate the type and impact of activities and associated structures.
Unfortunately, this proposal does the opposite by disregarding impacts, so long as an activity is not profit-making.
We need to reject this proposal because it opens the door to a broad range of impacts that are incompatible with the
residence zone. Thank you for your time.
•Mayor Woodard asks Village resident J. Milder if he issued a complaint to the police department. Because that's where
things like noise are adjudicated.
J. Milder states that this is a hearing about the proposed law, so I'm speaking about the law and its ramifications across
the whole village. There is an issue with our particular property, but this is a hearing about the law and the effects that
it could have throughout the village.
It's good that there are, you know, that there is a noise ordinance, but when it comes to saying that there's an open door
for a hobby to be a type of activity that could be allowed, without reference to other types of impacts. Noise is not the
only impact that can occur. People could have unsightly things out in their yard or property. There, you know, there
could be all sorts of things that zoning is meant to address. That is, the purpose of zoning is to address a variety of
impacts that I don't need to enumerate here.
The Village has put in place a lot of laws to specifically address the character that Cayuga Heights has, which is
unique. Things like the height of the grass and so forth. So on. Now, to come and say, well, you know, anyone who
wants to do any hobby, as long as it's not profit-making, is allowed to do so, it sort of flies in the face of that effort to
say we have a character here we're trying to protect.
Woodworking, sure. I mean, having a wood shop in your house, in the basement, of course. But doing something
outdoors without containment, with noise, with visual impacts, it's different. So, zoning is intended to address the type
of activities and the nature of the impacts. And so, when a proposal comes that uses a very broad brush based on a
category like a hobby, it fails to do that. It fails to address impacts, which is what zoning is meant to do. So I think
there are, you know, there are ways to make sure that, you know, yes, things that are not impactful, that are compatible
with the residence zone can be allowed, but it matters how they are done.
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When guardrails don't exist, then people are affected, and the care for the neighborhood is adversely impacted. So that's
what I'm here to share.
-Village resident Nina Kohn addresses the Board.
My name is Nina, and I also want to speak on the proposed law. So this is a proposed law that would effectively
exempt activities done for pleasure as opposed to profit from zoning laws, and while I'm a huge fan of pleasure, I don't
think that that is relevant to the impact that an activity has on neighbors and the Village. The fact that an individual
may not need income should not give them the right to use their property in ways that interfere with the rights of others.
Let me just give you an example of what it might feel like to live next to a property like this, because, as my husband
alluded to, we do. I work from home, I teach from home, and because my neighboring property is being used,
essentially, as a non-profit but professional-grade woodworking facility, there is constant lights, there is constant noise,
there is constant whirling, and sort of scratching, and it may not rise to a high decibel level, but it's really hard to work,
and unfortunately, when I used to look at, oh, what was a beautiful backyard, now I see a sea of shacks. It's illegal. I've
notified the village of this, and the village has made the decision not to enforce against one of its own. I leave that with
you.
If this law is passed, now the rest of you are going to be facing the kind of thing that I face. If your neighbor decides
that their new hobby is that they want to repair a large entrance, or make, you know, enormous plaster nudes, or do
anything else, as long as they don't need the income, because maybe they're fortunate to be independently wealthy.
Village of Cayuga Heights: they get to do it. And that's not consistent with the nature of our village, and our village
character. So, I hope that we will not create this sort of bizarre exemption from zoning laws simply because something
is pleasurable. Pleasure's great, hobbies are great. They just should be subject to the same laws as Everything else.
Thank you for your time.
-Letter from Village resident J. Milder:
As you know, the Village’s zoning ordinance permits one portable shed per property in the residence zone, subject to
certain conditions. Nevertheless, five such structures have been erected at 109 E. Upland Rd. Regardless of whether
these structures are used for otherwise permissible activities, the structures themselves are not allowed under the
Village’s zoning law. The zoning amendment approved tonight does not change this.
I appreciated the affirmation of this point this evening on the public record, with village personnel stating that the zoning
change pertains to activities (specifically, “hobbies”) and does not make the zoning law more permissive with regard to the
construction of structures.
I am concerned, however, that despite the fact that Village law clearly does not allow more than one of these outbuildings,
the current Code Officer may attempt to retroactively permit the others during the waning days of his tenure as a village
staff member. I am writing to you to request your attention to this matter, so that mistakes are not made.
Specifically, based on his remarks during tonight’s meeting, as well as previous communications with him, I am
concerned that the Code Enforcement Officer may not understand that the structures are impermissible regardless of
their use. I am also concerned that he may not understand that building permits are required prior to construction and
are not to be issued retroactively. Even for structures that are permissible under the zoning ordinance, Village law
requires building permits to be sought and received before construction begins. Retroactively granting a permit is not
contemplated by the Village’s law.
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Retroactively granting permits for these impermissible structures would be especially concerning, given that the failure to
seek a building permit for the most recent structure was willful and knowing. The property owner (Trustee Hubbell) spoke
to my wife and me, and to the Code Enforcement Officer, during the early summer after construction had started but
before it was complete. Mr. Hubbell was fully aware that a building permit was required. Yet he continued construction
while we were on vacation in July, and we were alarmed to find that the latest structure (a wood crib, as you would find at
Home Depot) had been fully completed without ever seeking a permit.
We now have a situation where the livability of our property is significantly diminished as a result of unlawful construction.
It is possible that we may be able to reach some sort of resolution with our neighbor. We certainly hope we can. In the
meantime, I ask that you instruct the Code Enforcement Officer not to issue building permits retroactively for the
structures on the property. This would only make the situation worse and, as explained above, would not be legal.
Moreover, granting a retroactive permit to a Village Trustee who knowingly violated Village law would create the impression
that those in positions of power in the Village can act with impunity.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Jeff Milder
Mayor Woodard closes the Public Hearing at 7:21 p.m.
•B. Cross states that he has received notification from the neighbors objecting to the activities at Trustee Hubbell's
property. The structures being referenced are under review, and he is waiting to decide on issuing a permit until the
outcome of this proposed local law.
•B. Cross states that he has reached out to numerous municipalities for clarity on home “hobbies” and zoning. Most
agree that there is no need for a law to allow people to have a hobby since it is not a commercial operation. Nor would
they support a code enforcement official taking action against a property owner for having a home hobby.
•B. Cross states that this is why he has asked the Board of Trustees to contemplate this for clarity and guidance, one
way or the other, so he can take some kind of action.
•Mayor Woodard asks if what B. Cross is saying is that other municipalities would not even bother with a law like this.
•B. Cross states that it is correct. A person has a right to have a hobby in their home. It is a common practice for code
enforcement officers to communicate. There is no enforcement action required on this subject.
•Trustee Conway states that he felt this proposed local law was more about clarification on what can or cannot be done
in the residential zone. The comments that were said here tonight were about being a nuisance, essentially.
He thinks that, from that context, our rules about noise and about structures, we already have rules for those issues.
•Trustee Rennekamp asks B. Cross if there are any downsides to having a local law like this in place.
•B. Cross states that no one felt that it was a bad thing to enact this proposed local law, just that it was unnecessary to
have language to address it. As code officers, we are trained by the New York State, and we are not trained to intervene
in a resident's use of their home.
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•Trustee Salton states that a landowner has the right to use and enjoy his/her property. Everybody in the common law
would know what a nuisance is defined as.
•Trustee Salton states that he doesn’t believe the equipment being used is on a commercial-grade level. To come in
here and say we’re doing this in response to one person's needs to be looked into. The only word that we're defining is
hobby in here. What about the word commercial? What about the word business? None of those definitions is in our
statute.
•Mayor Woodard states that we have had people selling things out of their houses in the past, and we do not allow that
•Trustee Salton states that he does not see this proposed local law as necessary.
•B. Cross states that he is being presented with a challenge from the neighbors, we have been threatened with legal
action, and he takes certain actions. He would like the Board to take the lead on this topic so he has a better
understanding of what he can do next.
•Mayor Woodard states that we get threatened with lawsuits, especially recently. We cannot do what we think is right
just because somebody threatens us with a lawsuit.
•B. Cross states that if there were rules in place to back him up, then that would add clarity, and if we don’t, then it is
likely we will see some sort of action against the Village.
•Trustee Salton states that this is going to open the door; he noticed that in our codification, if the action or event is not
listed, then it is prohibited. That is an error in our statute. I will move to remove that.
•Trustee Robinson states that tonight, we cannot change that. We are required to have an approved activity. The
approach is not the greatest, but given the constraints we are under.
•Mayor Woodard states that we can revisit this at a later date and amend that part of the statute.
•Trustee Salton states that we also have issues with structures. This is an imperfect workaround, and he doesn’t know
that all of this gets us to an outcome that everyone is going to be happy with. He would rather let the common law take
care of these issues.
•Village Attorney Shah states that there would still be common law causes of action, whether or not this law is passed.
•Village resident J. Milder states that, as the neighbor, he has not threatened legal action, if that was his impression, that
it was not our intention. The specific matter here is about obtaining a building permit for the structures that were built,
and we pointed out that permits were not sought or obtained.
•Village resident J. Milder states that what we're talking about right now is activities and use requirements, but
regardless of whether something is a permitted use, a building permit is still required. So, a lot of the conversation we
had with B. Cross was saying, Hey, a bunch of structures showed up at our neighbor's property. Is there a building
permit? No, there wasn't. Oh, there should have been. Yes, there should have been. And this summer, Mr. Hubbell was
in the process of building another structure. He didn't seek or obtain a building permit.
•Village resident J. Milder states that the building permit issue is there, but with respect to this rule, this proposed law,
and the comments that Brent made, he thinks it's quite important to understand the ramifications with respect to activities
and with respect to structures. He is with everyone else here. What you do in your house or in your basement, if it's not
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having an impact outside your house, it's your own business. It's an activity in this particular case. What prompted the
conversations that led us here is that there are activities that resulted from the construction of several structures, about four
structures adjacent to our property, that have appeared over the past few years.
•Village resident J. Milder states that it is the intention, and the ramification of passing this change, that anything that's a
hobby, if something's a hobby, it could justify and enable the construction of any number of structures of any property up to
the building lot coverage. B. Cross seems to be understanding that these structures are used for an activity that's okay, and
therefore, the structure is okay. We need to be clear about what's happening here. One shed is allowed, but there are 5
structures on Mr. Hubbell’s property. Probably some of which are high with setbacks, either, but it is well beyond one
structure. He is afraid that the discussion is getting a bit lost about what the ramifications are here. I don't think
anything in the law references structures, though, at all.
•B. Cross states that there is no misunderstanding on his part about the distinction between the use and the structures.
He has asked Mr. Hubbell to submit a building permit application for the structures that are involved, and as the Village
building official, he has already evaluated the possibility of compliance. He has determined that those structures are
allowed by lot coverage, setback, and height. He has no concern for issuing a building permit for them.
•B. Cross states that he held off from issuing the permits because of the challenge or the concern of the use of these
structures. Issuing one permit for the physical structure and the use of those structures was the goal of this proposed
local law.
•Mayor Woodard states that maybe we should take a poll to see where the Board stands with this proposed local law.
•Trustee Salton states that regardless of the state of our laws, someone has to apply for a building permit, and it has to
be adjudicated; one can't wait for legislation to adjudicate a building permit application. Brent does that; it's an
administrative act. An applicant is going to state what the use of a building is for.
•Trustee Salton states that we should let Mr. Hubbell apply for his building permits so we have more information rather
than trying to draft legislation. We have a grieving party here who wants to know.
•Trustee Robinson states that if the statute does not list the use, it is not permitted.
•B. Cross states that he recognizes that it has been publicly stated there was no threat made to the Village, but they are
citing sections of our code that state this use is unlisted and therefore should not be allowed, and he is allowing this
“woodworking” as a use.
•Mayor Woodard states that it is enough. The only solution at this time is to pass this proposed local law, as is, with the
knowledge that the next thing we are going to do is to address the other sections of the zoning law.
•Village Attorney Shah suggests that the Board table this discussion and take a more comprehensive look at all of this.
•Trustee Salton states that he cannot support this proposed local law and moves to table this discussion and local law.
•Village resident A. Hagen states that maybe the Board should consider time (number of hours of this activity per
week) as a factor in defining a hobby.
•Trustee Conway states that this proposed local law is designed to clarify a use. We all recognize that there is more to
this topic, but tonight it's really about defining “Hobby as an allowed use”.
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•Mayor Woodard asks for a vote to table this proposed local law.
•Trustee Salton, Trustee Rennekamp, and Trustee Biloski vote to table.
•Mayor Woodard, Trustee Robinson, and Trustee Conway vote to move forward.
•Mayor Woodard then makes the motion to move forward and pass this proposed local law as written.
Resolution: 9927
VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS
DRAFT
PROPOSED LOCAL LAW F OF THE YEAR 2025
A LOCAL LAW TO AMEND
THE VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS CODE CHAPTER 305, “ZONING,”
ARTICLE III, “TERMINOLOGY,” SECTION 305-5, “DEFINITIONS” AND
ARTICLE V, “RESIDENCE ZONE,” SECTION 305-16(H), “PERMITTED PRINCIPAL USES”
PROVISIONS
Be it enacted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cayuga Heights (the “Village”) as follows:
SECTION I PURPOSE AND INTENT
The Village's Board of Trustees has found that the Village Code, as currently drafted, prohibits many lawful, non-
commercial activities or "hobbies" of Village residents/occupants due to their not being enumerated as a permitted
principal use within residence zones. Further, the Village Board has determined that Section 305-5 and Section 305-
16(H) should be amended to resolve the apparent conflict between the current Zoning Law and the aforesaid hobbies.
The purpose of this Local Law is to modify the text of Village Code Chapter 305, Article III, Section 305-5 and Article
V, Section 305-16(H) as stated below.
SECTION II AUTHORITY
This Local Law is enacted pursuant to the grant of powers to local governments provided in Section 10 of the
Municipal Home Rule Law to adopt and amend local laws not inconsistent with the provision of the New York State
Constitution and not inconsistent with any general law relating to its property, affairs, government or other subjects
provided for in said Section 10 of the Municipal Home Rule Law.
SECTION III AMENDMENT OF VILLAGE CODE CHAPTER 305, “ZONING,” ARTICLE III,
“TERMINOLOGY,” SECTION 305-5, “DEFINITIONS”
Section 305-5 of Chapter 305 of Article III, “Terminology,” of the Zoning Law of the Village Code is hereby amended
to add the following definition:
HOBBY — A pursuit or activity engaged in one’s leisure time for personal pleasure, not as second employment or as a
commercial enterprise.
SECTION IV AMENDMENT OF VILLAGE CODE CHAPTER 305, “ZONING,” ARTICLE V,
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“RESIDENCE ZONE,” SECTION 305-16(H), “PRINCIPAL PERMITTED USES”
Section 305-16(H) of Chapter 305 of Article V, “Residence Zone,” of the Zoning Law of the Village Code, is hereby
deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
(H) Activities of an occupant/resident engaging in a hobby, including but not limited to home gardening,
woodworking, etc., such that the products of that hobby are primarily for use by that occupant/resident and his or her
family or occupants of the dwelling and not for commercial purposes;
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 are deemed to be in
conflict with the requirements of this Local Law, the terms of this Local Law shall govern and control.
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.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees does hereby adopt Proposed Local Law
F of the Year 2025 as Local Law 6 of the year 2025.
Motion: Mayor Woodard
Second: Trustee Robinson
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Conway, and Robinson
Nays: Trustee Rennekamp and Salton
Abstentions: Trustee Hubbell
•Trustee Salton states that we are now worse off than before.
•Mayor Woodard states that she expects Trustee Salton to help work on the modifications to the zoning law going
forward.
•Trustee Salton states that someone should have moved forward with getting this permit issued, and that did not
happen.
•Trustee Robinson states that when working on this new legislation, we need to be able to define the term commercial.
Motion Carried
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b. Cayuga Heights PBA MOU:
•Mayor Woodard states that, as you all know, we were able to finally fill the seventh full-time police officer position.
We currently have two Police Benevolent Association representatives, and the union would like to add a third member.
This would allow for a president, vice president, and secretary/treasurer.
•Mayor Woodard states that this will allow for each member to have one day per month to conduct PBA business.
•Chief Wright states that this language has been part of the contract for over twenty-five years. There is no cost issue,
just a title for the PBA. But this will add twelve more days that an officer can take off. Technically, that’s three shifts a
month that he has to find somebody to fill in.
•Trustee Salton asks if they use it to conduct business of the PBA or just for time off.
•Chief Wright states that it is a tradeoff; they do use it as time off, but when it is negotiation time, they are conducting
business more often.
•Chief Wright states that it was his understanding that the additional member time off for PBA business would be
divided out of the current twenty-four days. That is different than what has been requested here tonight.
•Mayor Woodard tables this decision until a future date. PBA negotiations will be taking place late this winter for the
new contract.
•Chief Wright states that, in his opinion, this can wait until then as well.
c. Article 78 Petition Update:
•Village Attorney Shah states that the zoning variance that was being challenged by the neighbor was moot because the
ground bedrock will prevent the applicant from fulfilling their current design plans. This resulted in the Village Zoning
Board of Appeals revoking the variance that was granted. The Village Zoning Board of Appeals withdrew that
resolution and supplied a copy to the court.
•Village Attorney Shah received a stipulation of discontinuance from the petitioners' council. He would like Board
approval to sign and execute this discontinuance and file it with the courts.
Resolution: 9928
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees approves and authorizes Village
Attorney Shah to sign the stipulation of discontinuance for the Village related to the Article 78 petition filed as a result
of the Zoning Board of Appeals granting a variance for the property known as 515 Cayuga Heights Rd.
Motion: Trustee Robinson
Second: Trustee Salton
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Conway, Hubbell, Rennekamp, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
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e. Short Term Rental Legislation:
•Mayor Woodard states that the Village was the first municipality to enact a law on short-term rentals. Tompkins
County has now drafted its own legislation without consulting anyone.
•Mayor Woodard states that she has asked for clarification on how they are going to monitor short-term rentals. We
will have to wait to see what information they might be able to collect on rentals taking place in the Village.
•Trustee Robinson states that if Airbnb had a contract with Tompkins County to collect room tax, from whom does the
tax come, the renter or the owner of the Airbnb?
•Mayor Woodard states that the county does have that information.
•Trustee Robinson states that then, the county should be able to share that information with the Village.
•Trustee Salton states that the Village could submit a Freedom of Information Request to the county for the list of
rentals through Airbnb in the Village of Cayuga Heights.
e. Superintendent of Public Works Job Description Update:
•Trustee Biloski states that we have had the listing open for three weeks now. There has not been a lot of traffic. The
Village HR Committee is proposing to modify the job description, eliminating the requirement for a Professional
Engineer's License and making it a preferred qualification.
•Trustee Biloski states that we will also change the title to read Superintendent of Public Works / Village Engineer and
list the salary at $120,000 plus.
•Mayor Woodard states that by law, we will need to have a Village Engineer or contract with a professional
engineering service.
•Trustee Robinson states that we have Brent to do that for us now, but when the time comes, and he retires, then we
will need to fill that role.
•Trustee Salton states that we should have an alternate to protect ourselves.
•Mayor Woodard states that B.Cross will be working and using some vacation time until he runs out of vacation or we
hire someone. If we cannot find a replacement, we could hire B. Cross as a consultant after he retires.
Resolution: 9929
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees approves and authorizes the updated
Superintendent of Public Works job description as presented
Motion: Trustee Biloski as Chair
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Conway, Hubbell, Rennekamp, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none
Abstentions: none
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Motion Carried
6. Report of the Trustees:
a. Village Finance Committee Update:
•Trustee Rennekamp states that we started going through the budgets, mainly the revenue side. We talked about the
process and laid out some target guidelines for discussions in January and February with department heads and various
committees.
•Trustee Rennekamp states that we plan on only having one budget workshop, which will cover all funds, including
water and sewer.
b. Village Public Works Committee Update:
•Trustee Robinson states that we are still waiting for the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to
approve the engineering plans.
•Trustee Robinson states that easements will be the next step once we get approval on the engineering plans.
•Trustee Robinson states that we have signed the T.G. Miller water infrastructure agreement, and they are beginning to
work on that.
•Trustee Robinson states that the Renwick Brook Culvert Pipe project bid documents will be ready by January 2026.
•Trustee Robinson states that T.G. Miller is working on the water distribution main from Palmer Woods.
•Trustee Robinson states that our streetlight sensors are no longer being manufactured, and as we have learned, the
software to run the streetlight program is not active anymore.
c. Village Wastewater Committee Update:
•Trustee Robinson states that we are still waiting for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
(NYSDEC) State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System SPDES Permit.
•Trustee Robinson states that the tour was well attended.
•Mayor Woodard announces that we will be having another tour, open to the public, on January 15, 2026, at noon.
•Trustee Robinson states that plant manager M. Albro is working on getting quotes for a control panel for the turbine.
•Trustee Robinson states that now that the plant upgrades are complete, he will be combining the Village Wastewater
Treatment Plant Committee back into the Village Public Works Committee.
•Mayor Woodard states that the plant-to-plant agreement has not been completed, the city of Ithaca has not voted on it,
and she assumes that we will not be sending them the annual $10,500 for use as previously done.
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d. Ithaca Tompkins County Transportation Council (ITCTC) Update:
•Trustee Biloski states that there was an annual report that was circulated to the Board.
•Trustee Robinson states that this report could have been summarized in the first sentence. There was a lot of fluff to
this report.
e. Administrative Village Committee Update:
•Trustee Biloski states that the committee discussed the value of producing the annual newsletter. The committee
agreed to put out a survey asking for input on this publication
•Trustee Biloski states that we talked about the project section of the website. The committee agreed to welcome more
information from other departments and submit it to Deputy Clerk Perkins.
•Trustee Rennekamp states that we also talked about providing her with information from these Board meetings as
well.
•Trustee Hubbell states that one thing that we should discuss in the e-newsblast and website is nighttime safety. He sees
so many people walking at night in dark clothing. He suggests that the Village could provide glow patches to hand out
to Village residents as a token of safety.
•Mayor Woodard has had a similar situation with bikers wearing all black clothing. It's crazy out there.
•Police Chief Wright states that there are two issues here: lighting in the Village helps. The other issue is weather-
related announcements that we put out in our e-newsblast.
e. Village Human Resources Committee Update:
•Trustee Biloski states that the Superintendent of Public Works position has been posted with several agencies. We will
be moving forward with a national civil engineering employment recruitment for three months as well.
•Trustee Biloski states that annual performance reviews are underway.
f. Village Public Safety Committee Update:
•Trustee Biloski states that G. Tamborelle expects to get the annual fire inspection letters mailed out in January.
•Trustee Biloski states that the CHFD parking lot is going to need resurfacing sometime in the near future.
•Trustee Biloski states that the police department is looking at purchasing new handguns with red dot capabilities.
•Police Chief Wright states that they are one of the last law enforcement agencies to use 40 caliber handguns. They will
move to a 9-millimeter handgun equipped with a red dot. Ammunition is cheaper, and the gun has less recoil. The red
dot site allows officers to shoot more efficiently and accurately.
•Police Chief Wright states that there will be a transition period before they switch out from 40 cal. to the 9 mm, and in
May, our three firearm instructors will be attending training sponsored by the County.
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•Police Chief Wright states that the conversion will cost around $15,000, which will come from his savings account.
Range dates have been set, so we will be moving forward. A purchase order has been submitted with a six-month lead
time for receiving the new handguns.
7. Report of Police Chief Wright: Submitted Report (Exhibit 2026-103)
•Chief Wright states that the month of November was very busy with 458 calls for service. A lot of that is self-initiated,
with more residential and business checks for residents who are away.
•Chief Wright states that having the seventh officer now on the road has also added to the number of calls for service.
•Chief Wright states that this directly relates to the original plan of reducing part-time hours with a seventh officer. In
the month of November, he only used 105 hours as compared to last November, which was 190 hours.
•Chief Wright states that for the first time in a long time, the department is able to bring in a college student studying
criminal justice for a 120-hour internship.
•Chief Wright states that this will be the fifth year of assisting the Tompkins-Seneca Tioga Boces Criminal Justice
Program with their intern program. All of which are good opportunities for them and us to connect as part of the police
reform efforts.
•Mayor Woodard states that the overtime hours were very low as well, which is wonderful.
•Chief Wright states that it is the expectation as well, obviously, there are going to be unknowns and circumstances that
are uncontrollable.
•Trustee Conway states that he was approached by two residents with safety concerns on our sidewalks. Is there a
reason we cannot sand them?
•Mayor Woodard states that cleaning up the sand is an issue.
•Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Cowder states that we do not have the equipment or personnel to put sand
down, or salt for that matter.
•Chief Wright states that if there is an immediate safety concern, then we can address that, but we have never salted the
sidewalks.
8. Report of Superintendent of Public Works Cross:
•Superintendent of Public Works Cross states that T.G. Miller is planning on providing the final plans for the PWC to
discuss moving forward with bidding for the culvert project.
•Superintendent of Public Works Cross states that the T.G. Miller water infrastructure signature page was signed and
set out.
•Superintendent of Public Works Cross states that the Cayuga Heights Road sidewalk project is already over budget;
more than likely, we will have to come up with more funds or scale back the length of the project. Interestingly,
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though, another round of TAP Grant Applications. Several questions need to be answered before we know just how
much we can apply for.
•Superintendent of Public Works Cross states that there is a deadline in mid-January. We might need to have a special
meeting to acknowledge the application and commit to a monetary amount in a resolution.
•Superintendent of Public Works Cross states that T.G. Miller will be surveying the Palmer Woods property for tree
removal for a future conversion with Cornell University.
•Superintendent of Public Works Cross states that the New York State Department of Transportation got an earful of
frustrations from several municipalities at the ITCTC monthly meeting. It seems that we are not the only ones waiting
for them on project approvals.
•Trustee Conway questions why we can't pass a blanket resolution approving the new TAP Grant Application.
•Superintendent of Public Works Cross states that we do not have a dollar amount from Hunt Engineers to tell us how
much they think the first phase will not cover, then apply construction values. We need more information at this time.
9. Report of Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Cowder: Submitted Report (Exhibit 2026-104)
•Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Cowder states that the streetlight program software still works; it's just that
the company went out of business, but there is a new buyer who might be able to assist us.
•Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Cowder states that he was able to find twenty-five “eye” sensors for our
streetlights, which are another discontinued item. We have 313 streetlights, and the average cost of these sensors is $80
to $150. We will have to monitor them and anticipate replacing groups of 20-30 at a time.
•Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Cowder states that we had a water main break on Pleasant Grove Rd. on
December 12, 2025, five feet away from the Christmas Eve break last year.
•Trustee Robinson states that the crew did an amazing job with this break.
•Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Cowder states that they replaced the break and the previous band-aid with a
new section of pipe.
10. Report of Clerk Walker:
•Clerk Walker states that tonight he has no action items for the Board and wishes everyone a wonderful holiday season.
11. Report of Attorney O. Shah:
•Village Attorney Shah states that he has nothing to report tonight.
12. Executive Session:
Resolution: 9930
WHEREAS: The NYS Open Meeting Law §105 prescribes matters for which a public body may conduct an
executive session; and,
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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,
WHEREAS: The conduct of 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 (D) discussions regarding proposed, pending, or current litigation.
Motion: Trustee Robinson
Second: Trustee Hubbell Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Conway, Hubbell, Rennekamp, Robinson, and Salton
Nays: none Abstentions: none
Motion Carried
Village Board of Trustees exits an Executive Session and returns to an open meeting.
Resolution: 9931
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approves capping the Greater
Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium employee Gold Plan premium rate for the Village Non-Bargaining
Group from 18% to 15%.
Motion: Trustee Biloski
Second: Trustee Hubbell
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Conway, Hubbell, Rennekamp, and Robinson
Nays: none
Abstentions: Salton
Motion Carried
Resolution: 9932
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approves a one-time incentive
payment for non-bargaining staff who are not enrolled in the Village Health Care Plan offered. This payment will be 10% of the
Village's cost for the individual Gold Plan monthly premium.
Motion: Trustee Conway
Second: Trustee Rennekamp
Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Conway, Hubbell, Rennekamp, and Robinson
Nays: none
Abstentions: Salton
Motion Carried
14. Adjournment: Mayor Woodard adjourns the meeting at 10:35 p.m.
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EXHIBIT 2026 -107
January 22, 2026
Monthly Report December 2025
The pace of operations slowed somewhat in December, with a total of 45 calls for service. Of these, 28 occurred within the
Village of Cayuga Heights, 16 took place in the Town of Ithaca, and one was a mutual aid request. The incidents included 34
EMS calls and 11 fire responses. The department was short-staffed throughout much of the month, as winter break found many
members traveling for the holidays. Despite this, those who remained in the area were able to fully cover all requests for service.
Training activity also typically slows in December due to the holidays. During the month, we were able to assist members
working on individual checklists, including those completing requirements to be cleared as apparatus drivers. We scheduled a
CPR Instructor Course for January 8 at the station, and several members will be participating. We are excited to develop a cadre
of CPR instructors, not only to ensure our members remain current, but also to support regular community CPR outreach
programs. We align with the American Heart Association’s emphasis that early, high-quality CPR and early defibrillation are
critical to successful recovery from cardiac events. Our annual OSHA refresher training is scheduled for January 24 at the station.
This full-day training ensures continued compliance with OSHA standards for fire department operations.
In December, the New York State Department of Health conducted an agency inspection at the station, a process that had not
occurred since 2017. Two inspectors reviewed our personnel records, training documentation, standard operating procedures,
vehicles, and equipment. The department passed all inspected areas with no major deficiencies identified. Two minor deficiencies
were cited related to advanced life support supplies not being secured in locked cabinets—both in the response vehicle and in a
locked storage room. These issues were immediately corrected, and the department is now fully compliant with all state
regulations.
Quick Construction began the kitchen renovation project in late December and made rapid initial progress. All existing cabinets
and appliances were removed, and we were pleased that the cabinets were carefully removed and donated to the Ithaca ReUse
Center. During demolition, it was discovered that the existing kitchen windows had not been properly sealed during the original
construction of the station, resulting in damage to the window frames. Replacement windows were ordered for those affected
areas, with costs absorbed into the station maintenance budget. Additionally, original wiring was found to not be metal-clad as
required; this deficiency was corrected by the project electrician. It was also discovered that the kitchen hood support rods had
been pushed through the ceiling sheetrock during original installation, but were never properly secured. This issue has since been
corrected. The walls have been moved and painted, the flooring will be installed in January, and cabinetry has been ordered with
delivery expected in mid-February. The project is anticipated to be completed shortly after cabinet installation.
We have continued regular communication with E-One regarding the replacement of Engine 202. We have been assured that
delivery will occur no later than October of this year. While we remain cautiously optimistic about this revised timeline, approval
of the final truck drawings represents meaningful progress toward completion.
As we head into the new year, there is a great deal of excitement surrounding the positive changes occurring within the fire
department. Members are enthusiastic about the expansion of the Fire Chief’s position, and the increased presence at the station
has already resulted in improved project momentum. All members are expected to return to the area by mid-January, and we look
forward to being fully staffed once again.
Sincerely,
George Tamborelle
Fire Chief/Fire Superintendent
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EXHIBIT 2026 - 108
VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS
TREASURER’S REPORT
January 2026
Revenues and Expenses:
December bank to book reconciliations are complete and has been signed off by Deputy Treasurer Rennekamp. The report from
Williamson is attached to this report.
Budget:
Budget worksheets have been sent to all Department Heads and Trustees. This should be a topic at all committee meetings
between now and mid-March. Our annual budget workshop will be on Saturday, March 21 at 8 am. It’s my hope that this meeting
will be used primarily as a brief budget review for all funds and then to set the tax rate.
Contingency Funds:
1. $2000 from Contingency to G8130.100 (WWTP Personnel Services) to cover staff time at the Wastewater Plant.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approves moving $2,000
from Contingency into G8130.100
2. $10,000 from Contingency to A5182.460 (Streetlights Annual Maintenance) to cover higher than expected maintenance
and repair costs
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approves moving $10,000
from Contingency into A5182.460
3. The Village of Cayuga Heights is responsible for paying unemployment for a former employee. We do not generally
budget for this. Therefore:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approves moving funds
from Contingency into:
$2,347 from A Fund Contingency to A9050.800 (Unemployment)
$2,347 from F Fund Contingency to F9050.800 (Unemployment)
$2,347 from G Fund Contingency to G9050.800 (Unemployment)
These 3 resolutions will leave the following balances in the contingency funds:
A1990;400 = $119,284
F1990.400 = $23,332
G1990.400 = $48,011
Approval of Abstract 8:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approves Abstract #8 for FYE2026
consisting of:
• TA vouchers 56-66 in the amount of $21,647.03
• Consolidated Fund vouchers 497-577 in the amount of $588,411.68 and the Treasurer is instructed to make payments
thereon.
•
Respectfully Submitted
Laura W. Dolch
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EXHIBIT 2026-109
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EXHIBIT 2026-110
TG Miller has completed the bid drawings/documents for the upcoming replacement of the culvert under
Cayuga Heights Road. Initially we thought that the most cost effective way to do this project was to use a new
pipe to "slip line" the existing pipe, but after extensive investigation, it has become apparent that the most cost
effective way to the do the project is to have the contractor dig down to the existing pipe and replace it with a
new one.
The current engineer's estimate is approximately $550,000 (does not include contingency?). We currently have
$308,000 in our NYSDOT CHIPS account available for expenses before the new FY. We also have another
$208,000 that will be available for reimbursement in the new FY. Therefore, we will need to fund the remaining
$34,000.
As a reminder, there was an emergency culvert replacement project in 2025 that took about $55,000 out of the
current FY budget. We were able to absorb it by not doing as much paving as normal.
Does it make sense to put the additional $34,000 into new FY budget, or to pull it from the current FY
contingency item to add to the $308,000 towards this project?
Either way, we will need to pass a resolution to authorize TGM to advertise the bids and the amount of money
that we want to make available to this contract. The goal is to allow for a 3 week bid window so that we can have
the bids back in time for the PWC to review before the February Trustee meeting and before the final budget
meeting.
Sincerely,
Brent
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EXHIBIT 2026-111
VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS
DRAFT
PROPOSED LOCAL LAW A OF THE YEAR 2026
A LOCAL LAW TO AMEND
THE VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS CODE CHAPTER 305, “ZONING,”
ARTICLE III, “TERMINOLOGY,” SECTION 305-5, “DEFINITIONS’ AND
ARTICLE V, “RESIDENCE ZONE,” SECTION 305-17(M), “PERMITTED ACCESSORY BUILDINGS AND USES”
PROVISIONS
Be it enacted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cayuga Heights (the “Village”) as follows:
SECTION I PURPOSE AND INTENT
The Village’s Board of Trustees has found that there is no provision in the Zoning Law as currently drafted regulating the
placement and use of dumpsters, both permanent and temporary, within the Village. Additionally, the Village Board has found
that the unregulated use of dumpsters may create a hazard to the health and public safety of the Village as a result of garbage,
refuse, solid waste, and/or hazardous materials being improperly disposed of by Village residents. Further, the Village Board has
determined that Section 305-5 and Section 305-17 should be amended to address both the permissible and prohibited uses of
dumpsters by residents of the Village. The purpose of this Local Law is to modify the text of Village Code Chapter 305, Article
III, Section 305-5 and Article V, Section 305-17(M) as stated below.
SECTION II AUTHORITY
This Local Law is enacted pursuant to the grant of powers to local governments provided in Section 10 of the Municipal Home
Rule Law to adopt and amend local laws not inconsistent with the provision of the New York State Constitution and not
inconsistent with any general law relating to its property, affairs, government or other subjects provided for in said Section 10 of
the Municipal Home Rule Law.
SECTION III AMEND OF VILLAGE CODE CHAPTER 305, “ZONING,” ARTICLE III, “TERMINOLOGY,”
SECTION 305-5, “DEFINITIONS”
Section 305-5 of Chapter 305 of Article III, “Terminology,” of the Zoning Law of the Village Code
is hereby amended to add the following definitions:
DUMPSTER – A metal storage receptacle, other than a conventional trash can with lid, used to store outdoors refuse
and debris including, but not limited to, rubbish, garbage, recyclable materials, and solid waste, which is then emptied
of its contents, or removed with its contents, to a dumpsite. A dumpster shall include a roll-off container, but not a
portable on-demand storage container (POD).
DUMPSTER, PERMANENT – Any dumpster used for purposes regular and periodic in nature, such as for the weekly
collection of trash and garbage from the residents of multiple family residences.
DUMPSTER, TEMPORARY – Any dumpster used for purposes not permanent in nature such as construction,
renovation, or demolition projects, special events, and seasonal use.
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SECTION IV AMENDMENT OF VILLAGE CODE CHAPTER 305, “ZONING,” ARTICLE V, “RESIDENCE
ZONE,” SECTION 305-17(M), “PERMITTED ACCESSORY BUILDINGS AND USES”
Section 305-17 of Chapter 305 of Article V, “Residence Zone,” of the Zoning Law of the Village Code, is hereby amended by
adding a new paragraph (M) to read as follows:
M. Dumpsters, permanent and temporary, meeting all of the following requirements:
(1) Location:
(a) Off-street and not within the Village’s public street right-of-way;
(b) To the maximum extent possible, in a side or rear yard, and not in a front yard;
(c) On a paved surface with vehicular access by means of a paved or improved, stable surface;
(d) Not in any area that must be maintained unencumbered to comply with fire, building or public safety
laws, rules, and regulations;
(2) Shall serve only the property on which it is located, only one property, and only by those individuals so authorized
by the property owner with unauthorized use subject to trespassing charges;
(3) Shall be fitted either with a tightly fitting cover or tarp such that the dumpster is kept closed or covered overnight
and except when the dumpster is in the process of being filled or emptied;
(4) Maintained by the property owner on which the dumpster is located such that:
(a) Materials accumulated within the dumpster shall not prohibit the dumpster from being closed or covered;
(b) The dumpster area shall be kept free odors, overflow materials accumulating on the ground, scattered or
wind-blown debris, and all other nuisances, including, but not limited to, rodents;
(5) The dumpster owner’s name and telephone number printed clearly thereon in letters at least three (3) inches high;
(6) Shall not be used to dispose of hazardous materials or biomaterials or waste, as determined by New York State or
federal laws, rules or regulations;
(7) No dumpster shall be filled before 8:00 am or after 9:00 pm, and the emptying of dumpster contents shall not
commence before 8:00 am and shall not continue after 9:00 pm;
(8) For property where a temporary dumpster is being used pursuant to construction or demolition for which a building
or demolition permit has been issued by the Village’s Code Enforcement Officer, the dumpster:
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(a) May be located on the property for the specific period of time for which the building or demolition permit
remains valid and in force;
(b) Is used solely for the containment and disposal of materials resulting from such construction or demolition;
(c) Shall be removed upon completion of said construction or demolition;
(9) For property where a temporary dumpster is being used pursuant to purposes not requiring a building or demolition
permit to be issued by the Village’s Code Enforcement Officer, the dumpster:
(a) May only be placed on the property subject to a dumpster permit being issued by the Village’s Zoning
Officer;
(b) Shall be allowed to remain on the property for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days, renewable for an
additional thirty (30) day period upon application to the Zoning Officer;
(c) Shall be removed from the property within five (5) calendar days of expiration of the dumpster
permit.
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 are deemed to be in conflict of the requirements of this
Local Law, the terms of this Local Law shall govern and control.
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 Minute
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EXHIBIT 2026-112
Village of Cayuga Heights
Police Department
Jerry L. Wright
Chief of Police
In the month of December the police department received 446 calls for service. In addition to these calls 37uniform
traffic tickets were issued and 2 parking violations were cited. The breakdowns of calls are as follows:
There was one Felony incident reported for Burglary. The on-duty officer was called to a report of a possible burglary.
After investigation there were no signs of illegal entry and the officer considered the incident to be suspicious in nature.
Four misdemeanor incidents were handled, two for Fraud and two for Theft. One theft complaint occurred at a local
business. The complainant said an individual left without paying for their items. The suspect was identified and was
directed back to the location to pay for the items. The complainant did not wish to press charges. A second theft
complaint about a stolen bicycle is still under investigation. A report of fraud was handled involving an account being
opened in the complainants name. The complainant was advised to contact their credit card company to report the
potential fraud.
Officers conducted two traffic stops resulting in two misdemeanor vehicle and traffic arrests for Suspended
Registration.
Two incidents of penal law violations were reported, one for disorderly conduct of a passenger on a bus and one for
harassment between two individuals. The disorderly conduct was unfounded and the harassment is still under
investigation.
One incident of a local law violation was handled. During a routine property check of Sunset Park, officers found a
vehicle to be parked after posted hours. Contact was made with two occupants who were advised to leave the park. No
citations were issued.
No warrant arrests were made.
Four traffic accidents were investigated, none involved deer. One occurred in the parking lot at 905 Hanshaw Road.
Another was located at the intersection of Kline Road and Cayuga Heights Road. The third occurred at Northway Road
and The Parkway, and the last took place at the intersection of Hanshaw Road and Cayuga Heights Road.
No individuals were taken into custody under Mental Hygiene Laws.
CHPD officers responded to seven calls for service assisting other agencies. There were no calls involving other
agencies assisting CHPD officers within the Village.
Over the course of the month officers took part in the following training and/or events: On the 10th officers conducted a
Commercial Vehicle Safety Inspection detail and on the 31st a STOP DWI high visibility enforcement detail was
completed.
The full-time officers worked a total of 12 hours of overtime and the part-time officers worked a total of 80 hours.
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EXHIBIT 2026-113
Village of Cayuga Heights
Board of Trustees Report
Department of Public Works - Aaron Cowder
January 21, 2026
Street & Sidewalks
We have completed winter preparations for snow plowing and sidewalk clearing on most of our equipment. We are
in full swing on snow plowing, salting and clearing sidewalks. We have placed and received ½ of our allocated salt
order for the 25-26 winter sooner than last year due to receiving more snow in December that normal. We are still
hopeful that we will be within our order estimate but that may affect our remaining stock going into next winter.
Water System
Planned water service and repairs are on hold during the winter. We will only be taking care of emergencies
and water line breaks as needed.
We will continue to plan for the next round of lead service replacements for next spring. We will work with any
resident wanting to replace their side of the service as well as the ones that are only on the Village side based on the
list form Bolton Point Water.
We have reviewed and set a priority list for service replacements for this upcoming year. The plan is to address
services that are lead on the Village’s side, including streets to have other work being completed and any
residents that may want to update their service.
Sanitation Sewer System
We will, in conjunction with TG Miller, continued to monitor sewage flows in manholes where meters have been
installed for I&I tracking. TG Miller is working on their findings report and will soon be giving recommendations
for the Village to review. The Village is still awaiting the report from TG Miller.
Beautification
Most of the leaves came down early and the DPW was able to gather them but due to the snow coming
sooner than past years there are some smaller piles that were not gathered. We ask residents to place them
in bags, and we will gather them when we do brush pick-up in January and February.
Culvert Repair
The next culvert to be replaced is Renwick culvert at Cayuga Heights Road. TG Miller is working on having
plans together to go out for bidding the first of the year 2026 and the project will be completed over the current
and next fiscal year. We should have an update for the January BOT meeting.
Action Items
None for January.
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EXHIBIT 2026-114
Clerk's Report:
December was a busy month, covering staff vacation and shortened deadlines due to the holidays.
•Retiree Healthcare calculations and letters were sent in early December, and all premiums have been received for the
first quarter of 2026.
•All current employee healthcare premiums reflecting the 18% increase were updated for payroll.
•Village employee HRA accounts were updated and posted for use on January 1st, 2026. Year-end numbers reflect the
following:
•Working on NYSLRS retirement contributions for special pay for our full-time police officers.
•Setting up monitoring and managing the different employment platforms for the Superintendent of Public Works
position.
•Working through our Annual Workers Compensation Audit with NYSIF for fiscal year 2024-2025.
•Completed the General Code Local Law submissions, which have now been codified.
•Finalized budget for the department and Marcham Hall for the upcoming budget discussions.
Consideration: Banners or flags for the Village or poles on N. Triphammer in celebration of our 250th
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*We need to schedule our Annual Budget Workshop for March 21, 2026, at 8:00 a.m.