HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.1.2026 Agenda (Organizational Meeting)
Village of Cayuga Heights
Board of Trustees
Annual Organizational Meeting
Marcham Hall
Wednesday, April 01, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
AGENDA
EXHIBIT/PAGE
1. Affirmation of the Oath of Office by the following officials elected on March 18, 2026: Mayor
Linda Woodard, Trustees: Jennifer Biloski, Samuel Conway, and Michael Fleming. The Oath of
Office is to be administered by Clerk Walker
2. Public Hearing on Proposed Annual Budget FYE 2026-2027 2027 - 001
3. Public Hearing for Proposed L.L.B of the Year 2026 – Tax Cap 2027 - 002
4. Appointments and Approvals 2027 - 003
5. Annual Resolutions 2027 - 004
6. VCHFD Slate of Officers 2027 - 005
7. Adjournment
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EXHIBIT 2027-001
VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS PROPOSED FYE 2026 - 2027 BUDGET
2026-2027 Proposed Budgets
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EXHIBIT 2027 - 002
PROPOSED LOCAL LAW B OF 2026
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 2026- 2027 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 2026-2027
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 take effect immediately upon filing with the
Secretary of State.
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EXHIBIT 2027-003
Appointment of Trustee Jennifer Biloski as Deputy Mayor by Mayor Woodard for the Official Year
2026-2027.
Appointment by the Mayor and approval by the Board of Trustees of the following:
Appointee Position/Term
Jeffrey D. Walker Clerk (4/2027)
Kiersten Perkins Deputy Clerk (4/2027)
Laura Dolch Treasurer/CFO (4/2027)
Sam Conway Deputy Treasurer (4/2027)
Jeff Walker Records Management Officer (4/2027)
Craig Southard Building Commissioner (4/2027)
Craig Southard Stormwater Mgmt. Officer (4/2027)
Brent Cross Engineer (4/2027)
Brent Cross Zoning & Code Enforcement Officer (4/2027)
Village Attorney (4/2027)
Thomas Kramer Village Prosecutor (4/2027)
Beatrice Szekely Historian (4/2027)
Fred Cowett Village Forester (4/2027)
George Tamborelle Fire Superintendent/Fire Chief (4/2027)
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Appointments:
Bolton Point Water Commission Board of Directors:
Roy Staley and Mayor Woodard (4/2027)
Tompkins County Council of Governments (TCCOG) Board of Directors:
Mayor Woodard; Trustee Robinson, alternate (4/2027)
TCCOG subcommittee on CCA: Alice Wagenknecht-Wiesner
Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium Board of Directors:
Trustee Salton; Mayor Woodard, alternate (4/2027)
Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium Joint Committee:
Jeff Walker (4/2027)
Public Safety Committee: Trustees *Hubbell, and Salton, (4/2027) Ex officio; Chief Wright, Fire
Superintendent Tamborelle, Clerk Walker
Public Works Committee: Trustees *Robinson, and Hubbell; Mayor Woodard (4/2027) Ex officio;
Superintendent of Public Works Southard, Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Cowder, Clerk
Walker
WWTP Committee: Trustees *Robinson, and Hubbell; Mayor Woodard (4/2027) Ex officio;
Superintendent of Public Works Southard, Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Cowder, Clerk
Walker, Yaws Manager Mike Albro
Finance Committee: Trustees, *Conway, and Biloski ; Mayor Woodard (4/2027) Ex officio;
Treasurer Dolch, Clerk Walker
I.T. Committee: Trustees *Robinson, and Conway (4/2027) Ex officio; Clerk Walker
Administrative Committee: Trustees *Biloski, and Fleming; Mayor Woodard (4/2027) Ex officio;
Clerk Walker, Deputy Clerk Perkins, Treasurer Dolch
Human Resources Committee: Trustees Robinson and *Biloski; Mayor Woodard (4/2027)
Climate Smart Taskforce: Trustee Hubbell, *Alice Wagenknecht-Wiesner(4/2027) Ex officio; Clerk
Walker
Ithaca Tompkins County Transportation Counsel: Trustee Biloski, (4/2027)
*Superintendent of Public Works Southard to the Planning Committee & Trustee Biloski to the Policy
Committee; each as an alternate for the other.
Planning Board Alternate Geri Tierney (4/27)
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Planning Board Member: Matt Johnston (4/31)
Planning Board Liaison: Mayor Woodard (4/2027)
Zoning Board Member: Steve Wilson (4/30)
Zoning Board Liaison: Mayor Woodard (4/2027)
Historic Preservation Committee: Village Historian Szekely (4/2027)
Shade Tree Advisory Committee: Trustee Hubbell, *Village Forester Cowett, Scott Howard, Hazel
Gunn, Mayor Woodard (4/2027)
*Chair of the Committee
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EXHIBIT 2027-004
A. DESIGNATION OF THE VILLAGE’S OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER
WHEREAS: The Ithaca Journal has general circulation within the Village; and
WHEREAS: The Ithaca Journal is not published in the village, but the Board of Trustees determines
that it is broadly distributed with in the Village; and
WHEREAS: Designation of an official newspaper is generally effective for one year.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Ithaca Journal is designated the official newspaper of
record for the Village of Cayuga Heights Official Year.
B. RULES OF PROCEDURE:
WHEREAS: New York State law does not establish meeting procedures for village boards of trustees;
and
WHEREAS: Village Law § 4-412 provides that the Board of Trustees may determine its own rules of
procedure.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees
establishes the following Meeting Rules of Procedure:
I. REGULAR MEETINGS: The date, location, and time for regular meetings of the Board of
Trustees is established as the 3rd Wednesday of each month at Marcham Hall starting at
7:00 p.m. as follows: Apr. 15th , May 20th, June 17th , July 15th, Aug.19th, Sept. 16th, Oct.
21st,Nov. 18th, Dec. 16th, Jan. 20th 2026, Feb. 17th , March 17th
II. SPECIAL MEETINGS: Special meetings of the Board of Trustees are all Board meetings
other than Regular Meetings. A Special Meeting may be called by the Mayor or any
Trustee member of the Board of Trustees by telephone, in person, or email at least 24 hours
in advance of the meeting unless an emergency requires the meeting to be held on less than
24-hours’ notice.
III. QUORUM: A quorum of the Board of Trustees must be physically present to conduct
business. A quorum is a majority of the total legally authorized membership of the body,
regardless of vacancies or absences. Although a quorum is required to conduct a meeting, a
majority vote of the total legally authorized membership of the body is still required to pass
most measures.
IV. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS: Executive sessions must be held in accordance with NYS
Public Officers Law § 105. All executive sessions must be entered by a motion made from
a properly noticed and conducted open meeting.
V. AGENDAS: The agenda is to be prepared by the Clerk at the direction of the Mayor. The
Mayor or any Trustee may have an item placed on the agenda. When possible, items for the
agenda must be provided to the Clerk in writing or via email at least 48 hours before the
meeting’s start time. The agenda must be prepared by noon on the day of the meeting.
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However, items may be placed on the agenda at any time. If necessary, a supplemental
agenda may be distributed at the beginning of the meeting.
VI. VOTING: Pursuant to the New York State Village Law and General Construction Law,
each member of the Board has one vote. The Mayor may vote on any matter but must vote
in case of a tie. A majority of the totally authorized voting power is necessary to pass a
matter unless otherwise specified by State law. A vote upon any question must be taken by
ayes and nays, and the names of the members present, and their votes must be entered in
the minutes.
VII. GENERAL RULES:
a. The Mayor presides at the meeting. In the Mayor’s absence, the Deputy Mayor
presides at meetings of the Board. The presiding officer may debate, move, and take
any action that may be taken by other members of the Board. Board members are not
required to rise but must be recognized by the presiding officer before making
motions and speaking.
b. Every motion must be seconded before being put to a vote: all motions must be
recorded in their entirety in the Board’s minutes.
c. Once recognized, a member may not be interrupted when speaking unless it is to call
him/her to order. If a member is called to order, they must stop speaking until the
question of order is determined, and, if in order, they must be permitted to proceed.
There is no limit to the number of times a member may speak on a question. Motions
to close or limit debate may be entertained and require a two-thirds vote to pass.
d. Videoconferencing:
In compliance with Public Officers Law (POL) § 103-a(2)(a), the Board of Trustees/Planning
Board/Zoning Board of Appeals (the “Board”), following a public hearing, authorized by resolution for
the use of videoconferencing as described in POL § 103-a.
The following procedures are hereby established to satisfy the requirement of POL § 103-a(2)(b)
that any public body which in its discretion wishes to permit its members to participate in meetings by
videoconferencing from private locations – under extraordinary circumstances – must establish written
procedures governing member and public attendance.
1. Board members shall be physically present at any meeting of the Board unless such member is
unable to be physically present at one of the designated public meeting locations due to extraordinary
circumstances.
2. For purposes of these procedures, the term “extraordinary circumstances” includes disability, illness,
caregiving responsibilities, or any other significant or unexpected factor or event which precludes the
member’s physical attendance at such meeting.
3. If a member is unable to be physically present at one of the designated public meeting locations and
wishes to participate by videoconferencing from a private location due to extraordinary circumstances,
the member must notify the Mayor/Chairperson of the Planning Board/Chairperson of the Zoning Board
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of Appeals no later than four business days prior to the scheduled meeting in order for proper notice to
the public to be given.
4. If there is a quorum of members participating at a physical location(s) open to the public, the Board
may properly convene a meeting. A member who is participating from a remote location that is not open
to in-person physical attendance by the public shall not count toward a quorum of the Board but may
participate and vote if there is a quorum of members at a physical location(s) open to the public.
5. Except in the case of executive sessions conducted pursuant to POL § 105, the Board shall ensure
that its members can be heard, seen, and identified while the meeting is being conducted, including but
not limited to any motions, proposals, resolutions, and any other matter formally discussed or voted
upon. This requirement shall include the use of first and last name placards physically placed in front of
the members or, for members participating by videoconferencing from private locations due to
extraordinary circumstances, such members must ensure that their full first and last name appears on
their videoconferencing screen.
6. The minutes of the meetings involving videoconferencing based on extraordinary circumstances
pursuant to POL § 103-a shall include which, if any, members participated by videoconferencing from a
private location due to such extraordinary circumstances.
7. The public notice for the meeting shall inform the public: (i) that extraordinary circumstances
videoconferencing will (or may) be used, (ii) where the public can view and/or participate in such
meeting, (iii) where required documents and records will be posted or available, and (iv) the physical
location(s) for the meeting where the public can attend.
8. The Board shall provide that each open portion of any meeting conducted using extraordinary
circumstances, videoconferencing shall be recorded and such recordings posted or linked on the Board’s
website (https://cayugaheights.gov) within five business days following the meeting and shall remain so
available for a minimum of five years thereafter. Such recordings shall be transcribed upon request.
9. If members of the Board are authorized to participate by videoconferencing from a private location
due to extraordinary circumstances, the Board shall provide the opportunity for members of the public to
view such meetings by video, and to participate in proceedings by videoconference in real time where
public comment or participation is authorized. The Board shall ensure that where extraordinary
circumstances videoconferencing is used, it authorizes the same public participation or testimony as in
person participation or testimony.
10. Open meetings of the Board conducted using extraordinary circumstances videoconferencing
pursuant to the provisions of POL § 103-a shall be broadcast pursuant to the requirements of POL §
103(f) and shall utilize technology to permit access by members of the public with disabilities consistent
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with the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended, and corresponding guidelines. For
the purposes of this guideline, “disability” shall have the meaning defined in Executive Law § 292.
11. The in-person participation requirements of POL § 103-a(2)(c) shall not apply during a state
disaster emergency declared by the governor pursuant to Executive Law § 28 if the Board determines
that the circumstances necessitating the emergency declaration would affect or impair the ability of the
Board to hold an in-person meeting.
12. These procedures shall be conspicuously posted on the Board’s website (cayugaheights.gov).
VIII GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC COMMENT: Privilege of the Floor guidelines are as
established by the Board of Trustees meeting as follows.
Meetings of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cayuga Heights take place in accordance with New
York State law, for the purpose of Village governance. Meetings are convened by the Mayor or by an
appointed deputy.
Discussion takes place among the members of the Board with the Village professional staff. Minutes are
recorded by the Clerk. As provided in the New York State Open Meetings Law, all Board meetings are
open to the public, and members of the public are welcome to attend.
Although not required by law, the Mayor and the Trustees of Cayuga Heights offer Privilege of the
Floor in order to provide individuals in the audience with the opportunity to voice their opinion on
Village affairs.
In the interest of expediting the flow of Village business during its lengthy meetings, Privilege of the
Floor is open for 30 minutes only, ordinarily following any scheduled Public Hearings.
Fifteen (15) minutes prior to the commencement of any regularly scheduled Board of Trustee’s meeting,
a sign-in sheet will be placed on a table inside the meeting room. Upon arrival, all attendees are
requested to sign in, indicating if they wish to speak. The speakers may give their name and address if
they choose. If a speaker does not want to provide their name, they must sign in as “Anonymous
Speaker” and then they are responsible for remembering the number associated with their place on the
list.
Attendees will be called to speak in the order shown on the sign-in sheet on a first-come, first-to-speak
basis.
Speakers are asked to stand unless prevented by a disability, to give their name and address if they
choose and must limit their remarks to two minutes of time. Please note that a speaker’s time may not
be yielded to other speakers.
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Speakers are requested to observe standards of courtesy and good taste and may be asked to terminate
remarks at any time by the Mayor or another presiding officer. Audience members are asked not to
engage with the speaker, or with each other.
The Village Clerk keeps time and gives notice when 30 seconds are remaining. Occasionally, Board
members may ask a speaker for clarification.
Speakers are very welcome to submit their comments to the Board in writing for consideration and
attachment to the meeting minutes. The minutes will include all the speakers’ names, if provided by the
speaker, with a brief statement of their positions.
Although the public is only invited to speak during Privilege of the Floor, the Board may, at its
discretion, allow the public to speak at other times. Speakers must be recognized by the Mayor or by
another presiding officer.
Anyone with an interest in any facet of Village government is encouraged to contact the Mayor, the
Board of Trustees and the Village staff through email addresses found on the
Village of Cayuga Heights web site (www.cayugaheights.gov).
Adopted by the Board of Trustees, Village of Cayuga Heights, December 12th, 2011
IX MINUTES:
a. The Clerk is responsible for taking the minutes of the board. Minutes must consist of a
record or summary of all motions, proposals, resolutions, and any other matter formally
voted upon, and the vote thereon. Minutes must be taken for an executive session of any
action that is taken by formal vote. Executive session minutes must consist of a record or
summary of the final determination of such action, and the date and vote thereon;
provided, however, that such summary need not include any matter which is not required
to be made public by the NYS Freedom of Information Law (FOIL).
b. Minutes must also include the following:
i. Name of the Board;
ii. Date, place, and time of the meeting;
iii. Notation of the presence or absence of Board members and time of arrival or
departure if different from time of call to order and adjournment;
iv. Name and title of other village officials and employees present and the approximate
number of attendees;
v. Record of communications presented to the Board;
vi. Record of reports made by Board or other village personnel; and
vii. Time of adjournment; and signature of Clerk or person who took the minutes if not
the Clerk.
c. Minutes may contain a summary of the discussion leading to action taken but should not
include verbatim comments unless a majority of the Board resolves to have the Clerk do
so.
d. The Clerk is responsible for creating a draft of the minutes within the timeframe provided
for under the New York State Open Meetings Law. The Board of Trustees approves the
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minutes at the next board meeting. Amendments to the Clerk’s minutes require approval
of the Board of Trustees by a majority vote.
X ORDER OF BUSINESS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
a. Call to order;
b. Approval of minutes of previous meeting(s);
c. Public comment period;
d. Report of officers and committees (Treasurer, Engineer, Police, Fire, Public Works,
Clerk; Mayor, Trustees);
e. Report of the Attorney;
f. Adjournment
XI GUIDELINES FOR USE OF RECORDING EQUIPMENT: All members of the public and all
public officials are allowed to tape or video record public meetings. Recording is not allowed
during executive sessions. Recording should be done in a manner that does not interfere with
the meeting. The mayor may determine whether the recording is being done in an intrusive
manner, taking into consideration, but not limited to, the brightness of lights, distance from the
deliberations of the village board, size of the equipment, and the ability of the public to
participate in the meeting. If the recording is determined to be intrusive and interferes with the
meeting, the mayor may direct that the recording be stopped or undertaken in a different manner
or location.
XII ADJORNMENT: Meeting may be adjourned by motion.
XIII AMENDMENTS TO THE RULES OF PROCEDURE: The foregoing procedure may be
amended from time to time by a majority vote of the Board.
C. DESIGNATING DEPOSITORY:
WHEREAS: the Board of Trustees has determined that Village Law § 4-412 (3)(2) requires the
designation of banks or trust companies for the deposit of all village monies;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
Section 1. That the Board of Trustees designates the Community Bank, Ithaca, NY, as official
depository for all Village funds received by the Village Clerk, receiver of taxes for the Fiscal
Year June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027.
Sections 2. That the Clerk is authorized to notify Community Bank of Ithaca of the following
names to be honored on checks for the Fiscal Year June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027 with two
signatures required for each check.
Mayor Linda Woodard, Deputy Treasurer Conway, Clerk Jeffrey D. Walker, Treasurer Laura
Dolch
Section 3. That this resolution is effective immediately.
D. DESIGNATING MEETING DATES:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The date, location, and time for the next regular Board of Trustees
meeting is April 15th 2026, at Marcham Hall starting at 7:00 p.m.
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BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The date, location, and time for regular meetings of the Planning Board is
established as the 4th Monday of the month at Marcham Hall starting at 7:00 p.m.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The date and time for regular meetings of the Zoning Board of Appeals is
scheduled on an as needed basis (historically held the 1st Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m.).
E. CODE OF ETHICS:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Mayor must ensure that a copy of the Code of Ethics is distributed to
each officer and employee of the village. In addition, the Village Mayor must ensure that a copy of
General Municipal Law §§ 800-809 is posted in each public building under the Village’s jurisdiction.
Failure to either distribute or receive a copy of the local Code of Ethics does not affect an
officer’s/employee’s duty to comply with the code, nor does it affect the enforcement of provisions of
the code.
F. ADVANCE APPROVAL OF CLAIMS:
WHEREAS: The Board of Trustees has determined to authorize payment in advance of audit of claims
for public utility services, postage, freight and express charges; and
WHEREAS: all such claims must be presented at the next regular meeting for audit; and
WHEREAS: this resolution is consistent with the Village of Cayuga Heights Procurement Policy; and
WHEREAS: the claimant and the officer incurring or approving the claim are jointly and severally
liable for any amount of Board of Trustees disallows.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
Section 1. That the Board of Trustees authorized payment in advance of audit of claims for public utility
services, postage, freight and express charges. All such claims must be presented at the next regular
meeting for audit and the claimant and the officer incurring or approving the claim are jointly and
severally liable for any amount of Board of Trustees disallows.
Section 2. That this resolution is effective immediately.
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EXHIBIT 2027 - 005
The Village of Cayuga Heights Fire Department held their elections on March 22, 2026. Below is the
Slate of Officers to be approved by the Village Board of Trustees.
Asst. Chief 262 - Joe Price
Asst. Chief 263 - Mike Garrett
Asst. Chief 264 - Sophie Janowsky
Lieutenant 281 - Gaelan Walsh
Lieutenant 282 - Jane Reagan
Lieutenant 283 - David Cameron
Lieutenant 284 - Luca Lit