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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 05 May Newsletter May 2025 Town of Danby, New York 1 Danby Town News Public Hearing Monday, May 5, 2025 at 6pm In person or by Zoom To consider passing the 2025 Flood Damage Prevention Law. This law will repeal the Town's previous flood damage prevention law and enact FEMA's updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps that go into effect on June 18, 2025. The draft law is available here: https://danby.ny.gov/event/town-board- meeting-first-monday-2-6/. Written comments will be accepted and should be directed to the Town Clerk prior to the hearing. West Danby Water District Advisory Committee New Member Needed A member of the committee recently resigned. If you are willing to serve the remaining 3½ years of his term, please fill out an application on the town website or fill out a paper copy available at the town hall. West Danby Fire Department Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast Saturday, May 11, 2025 See p.7 for details Taps Across America Taps Across America and Memorial service Monday May 26, 3 p.m. Danby Town Hall, 1830 Danby Road See p. 6 for more information Danby Volunteer Fire Company Join us at Danby Fire for a delicious lunch/dinner from Doug's Fish Fry on Tuesday, May 20th, from 11AM to 6PM! A portion of the proceeds will support your local fire department, Danby Volunteer Fire Company. Don't miss out on baked goods, t-shirts, and drinks from DVFC too. May 2025 Town of Danby, New York 2 West Danby Water District Announcement Marie Monroe Hydrant flushing will be May 12, north end and May 13, south end Notes from the Town Supervisor Joel Gagnon As I write this monthly update for you the daffodils and Forsythia are in glorious full bloom – the nicest in years. Are we not blessed to live in such a beautiful part of the world? Sewers The town applied for and was awarded $4.6 million to install sewers in the core areas of Danby and West Danby. This grant money, from the State DEC, is for up to 75% of the cost. Even with that huge boost, the additional $1.5 million needed makes the project unaffordable without additional support, either grants or low or no interest loans. Meanwhile, we need to move forward with district creation to enable seeking the extra money. Creating the districts means defining the areas to be included and estimating costs for the property owners in them. District creation is subject to permissive referendum. Unlike a mandatory referendum, a permissive referendum is called for by petition of the residents in the proposed district. To come to an informed choice about whether to proceed, residents need information about what is being proposed and the advantages and disadvantages. To help with that we plan to have meetings in both Central Danby and West Danby to answer questions and discuss whether to move forward. We are still seeking clarity on implementation timing and how much flexibility we have in implementing the recommendations in the preliminary engineering report. As soon as both scope and process come into focus, we will schedule those meetings. June is possible, though not certain. Watch these pages for critical updates! Real Property Tax Law 467j Adopted The Town Board passed a local law to adopt this section of tax law at the April 2025 meeting. What does it do? It adds a little support to the efforts to create and maintain affordable housing in Danby by linking the assessed value of properties participating in a housing trust program to their contractually limited selling price. Taxing on the basis of full market value when a property cannot be sold for that value places an additional tax burden on them that makes them less affordable. This local law fixes that. Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services and Habitat for Humanity both have the ability to add properties to this program. Skate Park The Town Board is taking the next steps towards creating a skatepark on the former highway department property on Bald Hill Road. The 1.3-acre property adjoins both the creek and the village cemetery. There is a former equipment shed on the property that Zach Larkins suggested could be used for a covered skateboard area. Sheltered from both wind and weather, it would be an enhanced skateboard area with broad appeal located in the midst of the densest part of the Danby hamlet. To explore feasibility and expense, Zach was authorized to seek quotes from design professionals to repair and modify the existing building for the intended purpose. May 2025 Town of Danby, New York 3 Notes from the Town Clerk Mariah Dillon Greetings Danby The Town Clerks office appreciates dog owners in Danby for licensing their dogs! As I’ve mentioned, our current licensing software does not have email functionality, so we have to mail out notices at considerable expense. If you know your pups license is coming due, please stop by to get a license renewal. We do love meeting your dogs! Update on General Code – e360 ~ Getting our Local Laws online. Last Fall Danby contracted with General Code to get the Town’s local laws online in an easy to access format. Unfortunately, our timing was bad. Just prior to our signing up, every single town in Lewis County signed on with General Code! We have completed our end of things, and I have been assured that General Code is working as fast as they can, having their experts read over every local law and asking questions along the way. I think the end result is still a couple months out. It’s disappointing and I apologize for any inconvenience this delay may cause. It's wedding season at the Clerk’s Office! Couples who intend to be married can apply in person at the Danby Town Clerk’s Office (actually any town or city clerk’s office in New York State will do). See Danby.ny.gov for a list of required documents. Also, any person 18 or over can solemnize (officiate) a marriage ceremony in New York State after obtaining a One-Day Marriage Officiant License from the same clerk’s office that issued the couple’s marriage license. The fee for a marriage license is $40., and the fee for a One-Day Officiant is $25. The One-Day Marriage Officiant must ensure the various parties sign in the appropriate places and ensure the return of the completed Marriage License, with the One-Day Marriage Officiant License attached, to the clerk office that issued the Marriage License within five days after the Marriage Ceremony. One-Day Marriage Officiants are exempt from registration as required pursuant to section 11-b of the Domestic Relations Law. Spring Trout Fishing Season Started April 1, 2025 DEC trout stocking is in full swing with 1,873,980 catchable-size brook, brown, and rainbow trout stocked in ponds and streams across the state from mid-March through early June. “This is the true beginning of a long- awaited spring and a perfect time to get outside and enjoy time along a waterway near you.” said DEC Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton on the DEC website. You may purchase a fishing license online at DEC.ny.gov if you have a credit card, set up an account, and have a printer. If not, head over to the Town Hall and we can fix you up. Annual Fishing License $25.00 7 Day License $12.00 1 Day License $5.00 There are a couple ways to get a reduced rate, (one is being over 70) check out the DEC website if you have any questions. Please stay safe out there. ~ We’re here if you need us! May 2025 Town of Danby, New York 4 Notes from the Planner's Desk Greg Hutnik Conceptual Neighborhood Plan for the Dobson Property Students from Cornell’s Design Connect Program will present their final plans and designs of a redevelopment of the “Dobson property” (the former auto salvage yard at 1675 Danby Road) at the Town Board meeting on May 5, 6:00 PM. The plan is purely conceptual and no development is currently planned; partnering with the Design Connect program was a great opportunity to conceptualize what a redevelopment of the site could look like. Students presented their initial plan at a community meeting on April 9 where about 30 residents attended to provide feedback. The proposal includes housing, senior living, a daycare center, a community center, and areas for recreation. Come join the presentation on May 5 to see the final Plan! Planning Board The Planning Board granted Site Plan approval for a dwelling unit at 91 Town Line Road at their regular meeting on April 15. Additionally, discussion continued on a proposed subdivision and cluster development plan for the property at 60 Jersey Hill Road. The owner, who is also on the Planning Board and has recused himself from the review, is proposing to subdivide the 58-acre acre property into two lots, one of which is smaller than what the zoning district requires. This could be possible if the Planning Board reviews it as a cluster subdivision, and it appears willing to do so if there is also a defined “development area” delineated on the subdivision plat for any future subdivisions or development. The Planning Board has scheduled a public hearing for May 20 to consider approval of the proposal. Danby Pond Mary Ann Kozak Our hidden treasure, Jennings Pond which is off Bald Hill Road, will be open for swimming this summer! Our beautiful Jennings Pond Recreational Area offers fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking trails and scenic views. Jennings Pond is at the headwaters of the Buttermilk Falls watershed and is part of Buttermilk State Park. The Town of Danby funds the Jennings Pond Swim program every July and August so town residents can enjoy free swimming! We have a lifeguard this summer! But we also are willing to hire more lifeguards! The Jennings Pond Swim Program will reimburse prospective lifeguards for any expenses incurred for lifeguard training. For more information, call or text Mary Ann Kozak at 607-342-7969. REMINDER If you would like to access the Danby Town News ONLY on the town website or if you know someone who is not getting the Danby Town News (particularly new residents) but would like to, please send that information to: townnews@danby.ny.gov May 2025 Town of Danby, New York 5 Tompkins County Legislature News Dan Klein Here is a roundup of items we’ve been working on at the Tompkins County Legislature. Funding Cuts The first job causalities of Tompkins County government employees from the federal funding cuts have occurred. A program called the Public Health Fellows has been defunded. These 4 “fellows” acted as paid interns to work on specific projects within the Whole Health Department. There are also some indications that there may be federal funding cuts coming to the Tompkins County Office for the Ageing. The Library You may have heard about some trouble that’s been brewing at the Tompkins County Public Library over the past 2 years. A new interim director is now in place, and I believe that’s going to be a huge step in turning things around at the library. In addition, the County put out a call for people to apply to be on the library board of directors. We got more than 25 applications, and are currently interviewing them with the goal of building a strong board. The Tompkins County Legislature appoints the board members. We are also the largest funder of the library, at about $4 million a year. The Old Library In 2017, Tompkins County sold the site of the old library to a developer to build senior housing. We stated at that time that the not-for- profit organization Lifelong would have a space in the development, to use for their activities for seniors in the community. Fast forward to today and the property is changing hands. After quite a bit of discussion and negotiation, the new owner has agreed to continue to let Lifelong operate in the building. TC3 The success of Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) may be one of the most under-reported stories locally. Their enrollment continues to grow, as does the variety of programs they offer. TC3 has requested zero percent increases in funding from the County for the past 5 years. This year they are requesting a 5% increase. Compare that to the rate of inflation over the past 5 years and you can see what a good deal we are getting The Danby Youth Commission has interviewed candidates to fill the Youth Educator position. We have had qualified applicants. Once offered the position, and accepted, the applicant will process through onboarding requirements. We are expecting that an experienced and qualified educator will be hired and then start the onboarding process. The Youth Commission, Cornell Cooperative Extension and the County Youth Services are committed to this process. I have great confidence in this process. I am happy to be involved and understand the wishes for speed, but believe that we are proceeding in filling the vacancy of Heidi Doggett with another wonderful educator! We also are happy to announce the return of experienced Patty Van de Bogart as the new chair of the Danby Youth Commission. Youth Commission Update Katharine Hunter May 2025 Town of Danby, New York 6 Plant Exchange Dan Klein The 33rd annual Plant Exchange will take place on Saturday May 17, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00, at the pavilion at the Danby Fire Station on route 96B. This free event is an opportunity to swap, donate, and try new perennials, houseplants, seeds, annual seedlings, and anything else garden-related. It is not necessary to bring a plant in order to get a plant, nor is it necessary to stay the whole time. It's much better to divide plants in advance so they don't suffer in the heat on the day of the Plant Exchange. Label what you bring if you can. Also, make sure there are no earthworms in what you bring. There is an invasive non-beneficial earthworm in our area that we don’t want to spread. For more information contact Dan Klein at 272-7582 or danbydan@hotmail.com. Taps Across America The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Sydney Camp #41, will hold a memorial service at the monument in front of the Danby Town Hall, 1830 Danby Road, followed by the sounding of Taps at 3 pm. Taps Across America, the National Moment of Remembrance, is an annual event that invites musicians of all ages, abilities, and instruments to unite in a moving, nationwide performance of Taps at 3:00 pm on Memorial Day. Taps is the 24-note melody that has honored fallen service members for over 150 years. In addition, Americans, wherever they are at 3:00 p.m. on Memorial Day, are invited to pause for one minute to remember those who have died in military service to the United States. Veterans should never be forgotten. In addition to the service in Danby, there will be a service at Ithaca City Cemetery Thursday, May 30, 2024. at 7 p.m. Enter the cemetery from University Avenue, walk or drive up the hill and meet at the GAR May 2025 Town of Danby, New York 7 West Danby Fire Department Pancake Breakfast "Celebrate Mom with a Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast at the West Danby Fire Department Looking for a special way to celebrate Mom this year? The West Danby Fire Department invites the community to a warm and welcoming Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, May 10, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the fire station, located at 47 Sylvan Lane, West Danby, NY. Whether you're treating your mom, grandmother, or any special mother figure in your life, this event is the perfect way to kick off Mother’s Day weekend. Enjoy a delicious breakfast while spending quality time together—and support your local fire department at the same time. The breakfast menu includes all the favorites: pancakes, eggs made to order, bacon, sausage, homefries, and a selection of coffee, juice, and tea. It's a hearty, home-style meal served with a side of community spirit. Pricing: • Adults: $12 • Seniors (65+) and children (ages 5–12): $8 • Children 4 and under eat free The West Danby Fire Department is also taking this opportunity to thank the community for their continued support at past fundraisers. Your generosity plays a vital role in helping the department stay prepared and ready to serve when it matters most. So grab your loved ones and celebrate Mother’s Day with a meaningful morning of food, fun, and hometown pride. The West Danby Fire Department looks forward to welcoming you!" Danby Seniors Pat Phelps The May meeting of the Danby Seniors will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at noon at the Danby Community Church. Please bring a generous dish-to-share and a serving utensil and your own table service. Beverages are provided. The entertainment for this day will be the guitar duo "Friday at Freds" with Nino and Mark. Music will begin at 1:15 in the sanctuary. Sign ups and details for the Summer Trips will be available at this time. The trips are as follows: - Thursday, June 12, Wellsboro, PA Ole Covered Wagon Ride with BBQ and viewing the Grand Canyon of the East. - Tuesday, July 22, Mystery Trip - Thursday, August 21, Fairport, NY Erie Canal Cruise on the Colonial Belle and lunch. The June meeting will be Thursday, June 5. There will NOT be a meeting on July 3 at the church. The annual chicken BBQ will be held on Thursday, July 10 at the American Legion. You must sign up for this BBQ. If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please email: ngould1@yahoo.com May 2025 Town of Danby, New York 8 Danby Community Groups Danby Community Library Contact: Cindy Parlett library@danby.ny.gov Open Tue 1-3pm, Wed 6-8pm Thu & Sat 10am-12pm Danby Food Pantry Danby Community Church Contact: Joan Barber Open: 3rd Thur 4-6 pm Danby Food Scraps Pickup Every Sat 9am – noon behind Town Hall Danby Community And Park (DCAP) Website: dotsonpark.org dotsonpark@gmail.com Thu 12/7 at 7pm Danby Rural Cemetery Contact: Sharon Boda Sharonboda@gmail.com West Danby Community Association (WDCA) Contact: Pat Curran pc21@cornell.edu Danby Seniors Contact: Pat Phelps patriciaphelps2.0@ gmail.com Luncheons: 1st Thur at noon Danby Tosspot (Open Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting) Wed 7pm - virtual Danby Library News Cindy Parlett Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer and it'll be here before you know it! The Red, White and Blue book is written by community member Diane Zimmer. Diane's on a mission to teach kids what the flag colors are all about. Come in to see this book donated by Diane, your children will love it! Sarah J. Maas, is an author of YA books, but you don't have to be a young adult to enjoy them! Danby Library has the Throne of Glass series as well as her second fantasy series, A Court of Thorns and Roses.The storyline of the Throne of Glass is based on the story of Cinderella, but the question is "what if Cinderella was not a servant, but an assassin? ..and she didn't attend the ball to meet the prince, but to kill him? A Court of Thorns and Roses is a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Danby Youth Commission We welcome those in Danby who might be interested in joining in this valuable program to apply to the Town for inclusion on the Youth Commission. May 2025 Town of Danby, New York 9 Monthly Meeting Schedule At-A-Glance Group Day Date Time Call-in by Phone Meeting ID Town Board* Mon 5/5 6:00pm 1-929-205-6099 882 2697 6101 905098 WDWD Wed 5/7 5:00pm In person West Danby Fire station CAC* Tue 5/13 7:00pm 1-929-205-6099 835 4940 5296 879507 FD Tue 5/13 6:30pm In person Danby Fire Station DYC Thur 5/8 7:00pm Online- kshanks@tompkins-co.org Town Board* Thurs 5/19 6:00pm 1-929-205-6099 847 9505 5187 308958 PB* Tue 5/20 7:00pm 1-646-876-9923 893 3897 1114 956288 BZA* Tue 5/27 7:00pm TBD 817 1432 4705 398041 FD Tue 5/27 6:30pm In person at the Danby Fire Station See the Danby calendar for the final, most up-to-date details. (Acronyms in the above schedule are identified below.) *These meetings are hybrid (i.e. both online and in-person at the Town Hall) Boards & Committees Planning Board (PB) Chair: Kelly Maher planningboard@danby.ny.gov Meets: 3rd Tuesday at 7pm Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) Chair: Earl Hicks bza@danby.ny.gov Meets: 4th Tuesday, as needed Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) CoChair: Anne Klingensmith Jonathan Zisk cac@danby.ny.gov Meets: 2nd Tuesday at 7pm Danby Youth Commission (DYC) Contact: Kate Shanks-Booth kshanks@tompkins-co.org Meets: 2nd Thursday at 7pm Fire District (FD) Secretary: Sharon Gaden, secretary@danbyfiredistrict.org danby.ny.gov/depts/danby-fire-district Meets: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 6:30pm Danby Volunteer Fire Company (DVFC) Chief: John Gaden, jgaden@danbyfiredistrict.org danbyfiredept.org West Danby Fire Department (WDFD) Chief: Robert McCray rmccray@danbyfiredistrict.org westdanbyfire.com West Danby Water DIstrict (WDWD) Contact: Scott Wendt, swendt@danby.ny.gov Meets: 1st Wednesday at 5pm May 2025 Town of Danby, New York 10 Town Officials Town Supervisor Joel Gagnon supervisor@danby.ny.gov Town Board Meets 1st Mon and 3rd Mon Leslie Connors H Katharine Hunter James Tyler Stein Pat Woodworth townboard@danby.ny.gov Town Clerk Deputy Town Clerk Hours: Mon–Fri 11am–4pm Mariah Dillon Cindy Katz clerkoffice@danby.ny.gov Highway Superintendent Deputy Highway Superintendent Hours: Mon–Thu 6am–4:30pm Keith Shipman highway@danby.ny.gov Jack Shawley jshawley@danby.ny.gov Town Justices Court Clerk Hours: Mon-Wed 8am-11am Garry Huddle Theresa Klinger Diane Gair dgair@nycourts.gov Town Planner Hours: Mon–Fri by appointment Greg Hutnik planner@danby.ny.gov Code Enforcement Hours: Mon-Fri by appointment Steve Cortright code@danby.ny.gov Documents/ Historian Mary Ann Barr mbarr@danby.ny.gov Bookkeeper Laura Shawley lshawley@danby.ny.gov Danby, New York From: 1830 Danby Road Ithaca, NY 14850 PRST STD U.S. Postage Paid Permit No.428 Ithaca, NY 14850 Phone: 607-277-4788 https://danby.ny.gov Welcome to the Danby Town News! Questions? Email us at townnews@danby.ny.gov