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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-09 September Danby NewsletterSeptember 2026 Town of Danby, New York 1 Danby Town News Public Hearing There will be a public hearing for a proposed local law authorizing the Town to override the tax cap for 2027. The hearing will be held at the start of the September 1st Town Board meeting at 6pm at Town Hall and via Zoom. The proposed law is available on the Town’s webpage (danby.ny.gov) or by contacting the Town Clerk. Community Forum The next Community Forum will be held at Town Hall on Wednesday, September 24th, 6:30-8pm. Topics of discussion have yet to be decided. Interested in finding out? Come join! Goings On… With September knocking on our doorsteps, all the Fall-y feelings are sure to be coming soon. Looking to stay warm—perhaps with the quilt seen below? Find out more on page 5! County Budget Discussion Our County Legislator Irene Weiser will be hosting a discussion about the County budget and what Danby’s priorities are at the County level. The discussion will be held on Saturday, September 12th from 11am-noon at Town Hall. Read more on page 5. September 2026 Town of Danby, New York 2 Notes from the Town Supervisor Joel Gagno n South Hill Cider There are new developments in this slowly unfolding saga. Let me first recap the lead up. A little over a year ago, Town Board member Leslie Connors and I approached Steve Selin, the principal in the South Hill Cider operation, about our concern that SHC had morphed into something different than the agricultural business allowed by both Zoning and the conservation easement for his property. He disagreed but agreed to ask the Department of Agriculture and Markets to review his operation for compliance with Ag and Markets guidelines. Those guidelines override local zoning. That review has yet to occur. Neighbors, frustrated by the town’s slow response and Steve’s unresponsiveness to their complaints about excessive noise, threatened to take Steve to court to enforce the town’s zoning law. Steve responded to that threat by completely curtailing musical entertainment. Steve later asked the town planner for an interpretation of applicable regulations, asking if it would be okay to do low-key musical events if they didn’t run past 9 P.M. and stayed under the decibel limits proposed in the draft Special Events Law. Planner Greg Hutnik responded to say that he couldn’t say yes without more information to confirm compliance with Ag and Markets guidelines. While Greg was away in June and July, interim planner George Franz, who has a long history of engagement on ag issues, cited guidance from Ag and Markets that Greg was unfamiliar with to say that as long as there is no charge for the entertainment, it can be seen as allowed. The neighbors have objected to this interpretation and filed an appeal with the Board of Zoning Appeals. The BZA serves as the first level of review when there is disagreement over interpretation of our zoning law. The BZA was scheduled to begin their review on August 25. There will need to be a public hearing to allow others to comment before they make their determination. That is apt to be in September. Updating Danby’s Definition of Agricultural Use The definition of agricultural use in the Danby Zoning Law is antiquated. In fact, it is the oldest in the county. Agriculture has changed markedly in the last 30 years, notably in response to the Estate Winery Act, which enabled direct sales to consumers of alcoholic beverages by wineries, cideries, meaderies, and distilleries. This legislation transformed agriculture in the Finger Lakes. Agritourism is now a major part of the ag scene and often critical to profitability of ag businesses. We would not need to defer to Ag and Markets definitions of agriculture if our own definition were in line with the state’s. We are taking advantage of interim planner George Franz’s expertise to help us update our definition. Working with him on this is Jennifer Tiffany and Brad Rausch, two Danbyites with broad knowledge of the issues. I expect that the result of their collaboration will be a proposal for an altered definition, coupled with the addition of site plan review for agricultural uses that become large enough to create a need to regulate aspects of their operation that impact public safety. This too will probably surface in September. These changes, once we can agree on what to include, need a local law to add them to the zoning law, including a formal public hearing. Accessibility Project Deferred The Town Board is looking to install a cross walk from the town hall side to the community park side of 96B. The DOT has authorized that, contingent on the town installing handicapped accessible landings on each end. We are also planning to redo the main entry to the town hall (the parking lot entrance) to improve handicapped access. Engineered plans were created to accomplish both of these objectives and bids were solicited. Only one bid was submitted. It was not accepted, since it greatly exceeded what the board was willing to pay ($57,000 for the crosswalk work and $215,000 for the entry work). We will solicit bids again in September 2026 Town of Danby, New York 3 January, when contractors are less busy and looking to line up work for the spring. e-bike Law Proposed Amanda Manfredo, a Danby resident, approached the Town Board in August with a request that the town pass a local law to legalize e-bikes. State legislation authorizes the town to legalize these conveyances where the speed limit is greater than 25 mph. They are otherwise legal only where the speed limit is less than 25mph (which is nowhere in Danby). The Board was very receptive to this request and Board member Mariah Dillon researched the existing laws passed elsewhere in the state and brought forth a law for the Board to consider. Slight modifications were made and the result is being reviewed by the Attorney for the town. The law is very simple. It would make class 1 and 2 e-bikes legal anywhere bicycles are legal. Barring serious problems that surface as a result of the attorney’s review, the law will be considered for formal proposal at the September 1 Town Board meeting. A public hearing will precede any vote to adopt. Skatepark Moves Ahead Having gotten a green light for the site plan from the Planning Board, Zach Larkins (Town Board member and principal driver for this project) approached the Town Board with a request for funding for the first phase of the project. He got it. The Board authorized spending up to $13,000. The hope is that completing the first phase will better position us to seek grant funding for the second phase. On a parallel track, Board member Mark Pruce is lining up design assistance for the playground that is planned for the adjoining area. The excitement is palpable! From the Town Clerk Blake Savoy Dogs, Decals, and Documents If you’ve ever gotten an email from me before, you’ve seen that line in my signature. Ever wonder why? Probably not. But, while I’ve got your attention, let me highlight one of those particular duties. Fall is quickly approaching, and with it, hunting season again! There are some new regulations from the DEC, particularly new initiatives to increase the “harvest” (yes, that’s what they’re calling it) of antlerless deer. I’ve heard lots of different explanations for this push, but I think there’s no better explanation than the name of the designated tags: Deer Management Permits (DMPs or doe tags). So, if you’re interested in learning more, come by our office. We’ve got the newest guidelines book, as well as printouts of the DEC’s Q-and- A explainer about the changes regarding DMPs, also available on the DEC’s website. Fishing licenses are still available as well. Might be still time for some trout before the weather shifts! TCAT Bus Tickets I rarely have the need for two separate headings, but this is one of those times. A TCAT representative asked if my office would be interested in selling bus tickets. Now, I am of my generation and do enjoy the tap-to-pay feature, but, as the saying goes, cash is king! Unfortunately, the bus only accepts exact change… yikes. So, if you’re interested in buying a bus ticket with cash or check, stop by during open hours or call ahead for an appointment. “Fare” warning (ba-dum-tss), we will not be accepting card payments for bus ticket sales. Our card system would add a processing fee, and the tickets will be sold without a markup/profit. The only (and best) profit is helping you! Our existing hours, 11am-4pm, don’t really fit the bus schedule, which is an interesting debacle. I’ve got a neat idea for solving it—stay tuned, Danby. Questions, comments, concerns? Give us a call (607)-277-4788, option 2 or clerkoffice@danby.ny.gov . We’re here to help! September 2026 Town of Danby, New York 4 News from Our County Legislator Irene Weiser There is no way to sugar-coat this. It’s going to be a tough County budget year, with a double-digit tax increase looking likely. Federal and State cutbacks are increasing County costs for mandated programs, while inflation continues to drive up expenses, especially health insurance. At the same time, revenues are down, including weaker sales tax receipts. There is another important factor. In the years following COVID, the County used its “savings account,” (formally called the unassigned fund balance), to help keep taxes under the tax cap. Since COVID, we have drawn down more than $12 million from savings. We now need to begin rebuilding those reserves while keeping up with current costs. PLEASE JOIN ME at Danby Town Hall on Saturday, September 12, from 11:00 a.m. to noon to discuss the budget and tell me your concerns and priorities. In other news, thanks to the generosity of the Osadchey and Wallding families, Tompkins County supported the acquisition of 86 additional acres at the Lindsay-Parsons Biodiversity Preserve in Danby. This beautiful wetland will be permanently protected by the Finger Lakes Land Trust. The County Office for the Aging (COFA) has moved from State Street to Dutch Mill Road in Lansing, while the Board of Elections moves into COFA’s former downtown space. I opposed moving COFA, but the County was legally required to keep Elections downtown and could not find another suitable downtown location for COFA. The good news is that COFA’s new location has ample free parking, and the department plans to expand its in- home visitation services, bringing assistance directly to older residents who may have difficulty traveling. I hope you’ll join me at Danby Town Hall on Saturday, September 12, from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Come talk about the budget, ask questions, or share whatever is on your mind. If you can’t make it, you can always reach me at iweiser@tompkins-co.org or (607) 288-2906. CAC Update M. Corbit The Danby Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) met on Tuesday, August 11 at 7 pm. We opened the meeting to the Privilege of Floor to Ronda Roaring who shared that she is planning a Nature Journaling workshop in the meeting hall of the Danby Federated Church on October 10 from 2-4 pm. One of our members offered to reach out to the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators to see if a member would be available to contribute. After confirming edits to the agenda, we moved on to review recently completed easement documents. Corbit shared her monitoring report for the Hansen/Selin easement with the Council. It was a useful review, with input and technical support made possible by sharing the CAC folder and projecting it on the screen for all to read and comment on. Next, Corbit presented her Easement Summary for the Ravencache/Stein easement. Pacific Austin was able to retrieve maps from the original easement document to complete the summary. Again, this was done in real-time for all to see. Finally, we approved the May and June meeting minutes and moved approval of the July meeting minutes to the September meeting, Our next meeting is on September 8 at 7 pm in the Town Hall. Community members are welcome to attend in person or on Zoom. September 2026 Town of Danby, New York 5 Recognizing a Local Hero West Danby Volunteer Fire Dept. The West Danby Volunteer Fire Department recently presented a plaque to a West Danby Resident Paul Hemsley in recognition of his lifesaving actions following a serious motor vehicle accident on February 28, 2026. After two vehicles collided, one of the vehicles began to catch fire. Before emergency crews arrived, Paul stopped to help the occupant who was unable to get out on his own. He cut the occupant’s seatbelt and assisted him from the vehicle before it became fully involved in fire. His quick thinking, courage, and willingness to step forward during a dangerous situation likely saved the occupant’s life. The officers and members of the West Danby Volunteer Fire Department were proud to recognize him for his actions and are grateful to have people in our community who are willing to help their neighbors when it matters most. Candor Quilt Show for Charity Cindy Ceracche The Candor Fall Festival is October 10 and 11, 2026. I am a member of the Candor Quilt Guild called " New Quilters on the Block". Each year we create a lovely quilt to raise money for the Candor Ambulance Squad and other community groups, such as the food pantry or Make a Child Smile. To take a chance to win this quilt, the cost is $1.00 for 1 ticket, or 6 tickets for $5.00. The quilt show is held at the Candor Ambulance building on Main Street. The drawing for the quilt will be on Sunday 10/11/2026 at 4:00 pm. Need not be present to win. Please visit the quilt show to see many beautiful quilts and purchase a ticket for the quilt. If you can't visit the quilt show, I have tickets available for purchase. Call Cindy Ceracche 607-339-9269. Fall Resilience Fair Danby Resilience Committee The Danby Resilience Community will be hosting our Fall Resilience Fair on Saturday October 3rd 10am-5pm at the Danby Volunteer Fire Company. Rain date the next day. Presenters so far include: Getting started in Beekeeping; Friction Fire Practice; Trees for Food, Fun and Transformation; Eat Local Nuts; Land Use in Danby; and Practical Printmaking. We're looking for more presenters, are you interested in sharing something "resilience" related? We're filling up 50-minute presentation slots, one inside (with projector), the other outside under the pavilion. Here's the sign-up sheet: https://forms.gle/sdrNKzGuR6iek1baA We're also looking for local groups to table to talk about their purpose and for local vendors to sell their products. Same form. Our two prior fairs were a lot of fun, we hope you'll join us! Fall Youth Programs Free youth programing for 4th-8th graders is available through RYS. While the full list of programs and schedule isn’t determined yet, count on games, crafts, and time outside in the great outdoors! Find out more when the sign-up link goes live at bit.ly/danbyrys . Questions? Contact Program Instructor Jorin Clougherty at jc3842@cornell.edu for more info! September 2026 Town of Danby, New York 6 Danby Community Groups Danby Community Library Contact: Cindy Parlett library@danby.ny.gov Open Tue 1-3pm, 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 Tosspots Open Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting (aaithaca.org) Wed 7:30pm – virtual Danby Library News Cindy Parlett We will be closed on Saturday September 5 for the Labor Day Holiday. Just a reminder when signing out an item from the library please complete the card in the front with your name and the due date. Also write the due date on the card pocket so that we can match the item returned with the original sign out card. If you are new to the library, please complete a new patron card and include an email address, mailing address or phone number so that we may contact you if needed. Adult Fiction collection from TCPL has arrived with some oldies but goodies that are worth a look: The Paris Widow-K. Belle The Last House on the Street-D. Chamberlain The Boston Girl-A. Diamant The Bookseller's Secret-M. Gable The Signature of all Things-E. Gilbert Homegoing-Y. Gyasi Weyward-E.Hart Perfect Little Children-S. Hannah The First Mistake- S. Jones The House on Fripp Island-R. Kauffman Like Mother, Like Daughter-K. McCreigh The Clockmaker's Daughter-K. Morton The Coast Road-A. Murrin By Any Other Name-J. Picoult The Printed Letter Bookshop-K. Reay The Broken Girls-S. St. James The Secret Keeper of Main Street- T. Thomas Remarkable Bright Creatures-S. VanPelt That Summer-J. Weiner Beyond Summer-L. Wingate September 2026 Town of Danby, New York 7 Monthly Meeting Schedule At-A-Glance Group Day Date Time Call-in by Phone Meeting ID Town Board* Tues 9/1 6:00pm 1-929-205-6099 864 5365 2513 920558 WDWD Wed 9/2 5:00pm In person West Danby Fire station CAC* Tue 9/8 7:00pm 1-929-205-6099 835 4940 5296 879507 FD Tue 9/8 6:30pm In person Danby Fire Station DYC Thur 9/10 7:30pm Online- kshanks@tompkins-co.org Town Board* Tues 9/15 6:00pm 1-929-205-6099 833 9755 8154 114604 PB* Wed 9/16 7:00pm 1-646-876-9923 822 5277 6582 BZA* Tue TBD 7:00pm TBD 817 1432 4705 398041 FD Tue 8/25 6:30pm In person at the Danby Fire Station See the Danby calendar (https://danby.ny.gov/event/) 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 Wednesday at 7pm Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) Chair: Earl Hicks bza@danby.ny.gov Meets: 4th Tuesday, as needed Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) Co-Chairs: Anne Klingensmith Jonathan Zisk cac@danby.ny.gov Meets: 2nd Tuesday at 7pm Danby Youth Commission (DYC) Contact: Patty Van de Bogart pvandebogartstc@gmail.com Meets: 2nd Thursday at 7:30pm 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 September 2026 Town of Danby, New York 8 Town Officials Town Supervisor Joel Gagnon supervisor@danby.ny.gov Town Board Meets 1st Tues and 3rd Tues Leslie Connors Mariah Dillon Zachary Larkins Mark Pruce townboard@danby.ny.gov Town Clerk Deputy Town Clerk Hours: Mon–Fri 11am–4pm Blake Savoy Cindy Katz clerkoffice@danby.ny.gov 607-277-4788 opt. 2 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 Town Historian Mary Ann Barr mbarr@danby.ny.gov Accounting Questions Clerk Office clerkoffice@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 September 2026 Town of Danby, New York 9