Press Alt + R to read the document text or Alt + P to download or print.
This document contains no pages.
HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB 2024-10-17 attTB 10-17-24
Page 1 of 7
TOWN OF DRYDEN
TOWN BOARD MEETING
October 17, 2024
Zoom Hybrid
Present: Supervisor Jason Leifer, Cl Daniel Lamb, Cl Leonardo Vargas-
Mendez, Cl Christina Dravis, Cl Spring Buck
Elected Officials: Bambi L. Avery, Town Clerk
Other Town Staff: Ray Burger, Planning Director
*Cassie Byrnes, Secretary to the Supervisor
Amanda Anderson, Bookkeeper
*Indicates attendance via Zoom
Supv Leifer opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m. Board members and audience recited the
pledge of allegiance.
TOWN CLERK
RESOLUTION #155 (2024) – APPROVE MINUTES
Cl Lamb offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby approves the meeting minutes of September
12 and September 19, 2024.
2nd Cl Buck
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
PUBLIC HEARING
MORRIS ROAD SOLAR PROJECT
SPECIAL USE PERMIT
Supv Leifer opened the public hearing at 6:05 p.m.
Matt Mihaley and Brian Dunleavy of Delaware River Solar, the applicant, were present
with their civil engineer and described the proposed 5-megawatt solar project they propose on
Morris Road. Community solar is a program enacted by the state that allows residents in the
same utility territory to as a solar project to subscribe to the local site and realize 5-10% in
annual savings on their utility bill. They are proposing single access trackers to track the sun
east to west. There is no battery storage proposed for the project. The fenced area is
approximately 27.5 acres. They propose to interconnect off Morris Road to a three-phase
feeder that will come down from Peruville Road. They will reconductor a single-phase line off of
West Malloryville in order to interconnect to the grid. There is a full interconnection study
completed by NYSEG and have entered into a utility agreement with them.
TB 10-17-24
Page 2 of 7
NYS DEC wetlands were located and will not be impacted and a phase one
environmental assessment shows no environmental concerns with the property. They also
have a no impact letter from the State Historic Preservation Office.
The project owner will contribute to the overall tax revenue of the town. The project
provides subscriber savings benefits to local residents. Overall, the project is a quiet neighbor
and brings minimal traffic to the area. The landowner currently uses the property for
agricultural purposes and will have two fields still available. It is a good dual use of the
property.
The applicant has been reviewing this application with the town since April and has
attended Planning Board meetings that resulted in an improved project. The SWPPP and
decommissioning plan have been reviewed by TG Miller. County Planning 239 review resulted
in no impact. The applicant requests that the board close the public hearing tonight, make a
SEQR determination and vote on the special use permit.
Patrick King, of TG Miller, said the project was initially submitted in April and he has
been working with them since on site design, compliance with zoning regulations, adherence to
NYS SWPPP guidelines, and assisting with SEQR determination. Some significant grading will
be necessary on the project site. Offsite runoff and runoff through the site have been
adequately addressed.
Cl Lamb asked why was this spot chosen and was told interconnection to the grid and
NYSEG’s capacity were significant. They sent letters to potential landowners and ultimately
determined this was an appropriate site. Cl Lamb noted that Tompkins County IDA has
developed a PILOT agreement for use in Tompkins County.
Delaware Solar staff spent time answering questions from residents near the site and
familiarizing them with the project.
Delaware Solar’s sister company, Meadow, will be taking care of the marketing and
subscription when the project is up and running. At the request of Cl Lamb, Delaware Solar
will see about town residents getting 10% discount as has happened with other solar projects.
Because Parts 2 and 3 of the FEAF were just received and posted this week, the hearing
was left open at 6:40 p.m. and will continue at 6:05 p.m. on November 14, 2024.
LIFELONG
PRESENTATION
Liza Burger, Executive Director of Lifelong, discussed the services and programs
provided for seniors. See attached slide deck. Eleven percent of their members live in Dryden
and they are expanding programs in this area.
HIGHWAY/DPW DEPARTMENT
No report.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
R Burger has provided his department’s monthly report. He pointed out that in
September the town saw an increase of thirty new dwelling units (2 single family homes and
twenty-eight multi-family units at 1278 Dryden Road).
TB 10-17-24
Page 3 of 7
FIRE COORDINATOR
No report.
COUNTY BRIEFING
No report.
DRYDEN FIBER
Executive Director David Makar presented his monthly report (attached) and reviewed
the executive summary. Dryden Fiber is now able to serve 1,146 parcels. There are 126 paying
customers, an increase of 36 in September, with 11 customers in the queue for October. The
grant reimbursement agreement has been received and it is expected the first submission for
reimbursement will be in January or February. Project highlights were reviewed and permits
are being acquired sooner than anticipated. Customer grown projections and green zone
projections were reviewed.
DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
NYSERDA Grant – This proposed resolution will authorize expenditure of funds
awarded by NYSERDA first on an energy audit, and then on upgrades and repairs, up to a total
of $175,000.00.
RESOLUTION #156 (2024) - AUTHORIZING THE TOWN TO SPEND A $175,000 GRANT
FROM THE NYS ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (NYSERDA) ON AN
ENERGY AUDIT AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION REDUCTION ACTIONS AT THE TOWN
HIGHWAY BARN
Cl Dravis offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
WHEREAS the Town of Dryden has been registered as a NYS Climate Smart Community since
2016, and this summer has been newly recertified at the Bronze Climate Smart level, and
WHEREAS that recertification also earned the Town points in NYSERDA’s Clean Energy
Community (CEC) Program, bringing it to the Advanced 7000-point level, and qualifying the
Town for a $175,000 grant, and
WHEREAS the grant recognizes the Town’s achievement of 19 high impact actions to reduce
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions since joining the Clean Energy Community program in 2018,
and
WHEREAS this new grant brings the total grants earned by the Town in the Clean Energy
Communities program to more than $315,000, with earlier grants earmarked for projects such
as insulation and electrification of the DPW office building, and adding a plug -in hybrid vehicle
(EV) to the town fleet, and
WHEREAS Clean Energy grants can only be spent on actions that can reduce GHG emissions,
and
WHEREAS the Town of Dryden Climate Action Plan, adopted as part of the 2022 update to the
Town’s Comprehensive Plan, calls for a reduction of GHG emissions from municipal operations;
and
TB 10-17-24
Page 4 of 7
WHEREAS the Town Highway Department Barn/Garage is an aging town asset that may be
upgraded to reduce its energy use and GHG emissions, and
WHEREAS NYSERDA grants can cover an in-depth study valued at up to $25,000 to
recommend potential energy upgrades at such a municipally owned building, and
WHEREAS for long range planning, the DPW would like information about possible energy
conservation measures and a building conditions assessment for the Highway Barn/Garage,
and
WHEREAS the balance of the grant can be spent on high impact upgrades recommended in the
energy audit, such as replacing inefficient garage doors,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Dryden Town Board authorizes the Town
Supervisor to enter a contract with NYSERDA to spend the earned $175,000 grant on an
energy audit of the Town Highway Barn/Garage and any recommended energy upgrades at the
facility that can be covered by the balance of the grant after the cost of the audit.
2nd Cl Vargas-Mendez
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
Operation Green Light – The town has passed this resolution for the past few years to
support operation green light and local military veterans. Cl Dravis said Veterans Day is
November 11 and encouraged residents and businesses to shine a green light in support.
Resolution #157 (2024) - Supporting Operation Green Light for Local Military Veterans
Cl Dravis offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
WHEREAS, the residents of the Town of Dryden have great respect, admiration, and the
utmost gratitude for all of the men and women who have selflessly served their country and
this community in the Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women that served in the Armed
Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Dryden seeks to honor these individuals who have paid the high price
of freedom by placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all; and
WHEREAS, New York State’s Veteran Population has decreased by 44% over the last 20 years;
and
WHEREAS, Veterans continue to serve their community in the American Legion, Veterans of
Foreign Wars, community groups, civil service; and
WHEREAS, approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian communities
annually; and
WHEREAS, an estimated 20% increase of service members will transition to civilian life in the
near future; and
TB 10-17-24
Page 5 of 7
WHEREAS, studies indicate that 44% to 72% of service members experience high levels of
stress during transition from military to civilian life; and
WHEREAS, Active Military Service Members transitioning from military service are at a high
risk for suicide during their first year after military service; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Dryden appreciates the sacrifices our United States Military Personnel
made while defending freedom and believes specific recognition be accorded them in
appreciation of their service and to demonstrate the honor and support they have earned;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, in support of Operation Green Light for Veterans, the Town of Dryden hereby
declares from November 4th through Veterans Day, November 11th, 2024, a time to salute and
honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform transitioning from Active
Service; therefore be it further
RESOLVED, that in observance of Operation Green Light, the Town of Dryden encourages its
citizens in patriotic tradition to recognize the importance of honoring all those whose
immeasurable sacrifices helped to preserve freedom by displaying a green light in a win dow or
at their place of business or residence.
2nd Cl Lamb
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
Freese Road Bridge – The board reviewed the environmental assessment form for the
Freese Road Bridge project and considered a proposed resolution to declare lead agency status.
Cl Lamb said there will be a final design report that goes to NYS DOT and once Federal
Highway signs off on it, the project can be put out to bid.
RESOLUTION #158 (2024) - DECLARING THE INTENT OF THE TOWN OF DRYDEN
TOWN BOARD TO ACT AS LEAD AGENCY
Cl Lamb offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
WHEREAS, the Town of Dryden (Town) is proposing to replace the Freese Road Bridge
over Fall Creek (Project), located in the Town of Dryden, Tompkins County, New York; and
WHEREAS, the Project has been classified as a “Type I Action” as defined by the State
Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) in 6 NYCRR Part 617.4; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Town of Dryden Town Board to assume the role of
“Lead Agency” for purposes of conducting a SEQRA assessment of the Project; and
WHEREAS, Part I of a Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF) has been
completed, reviewed by the Town of Dryden Town Board, and will be circulated to all Interested
and Involved Agencies for purposes of establishing the Town of Dryden Town Board as “Lead
Agency” in accordance with 6 NYCRR Part 617.6(b).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
TB 10-17-24
Page 6 of 7
RESOLVED AND DETERMINED, that the Supervisor of the Town of Dryden hereby is
authorized to sign Part I of the FEAF (page 13); and it is further
RESOLVED AND DETERMINED, that the Town of Dryden will send said Part I of the
FEAF and associated site figure to the attached list of “Interested and Involved Agencies” under
cover of a “Notice of Intent to Establish Lead Agency” letter for purposes of establishing Lead
Agency status under the SEQRA; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Supervisor of the Town of Dryden and the Town Board, together
with the Town of Dryden Attorney and B&L, are hereby authorized to take all actions, serve all
notices, and complete all documents required to give full force and effect to this determ ination.
2nd Cl Vargas-Mendez
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
Dog Control RFP – Supv Leifer has shared a draft RFP for dog control services for the
coming year and the board discussed edits, including providing the town with a photo and
description of adoptable pets to be shared on the town website and/or town newsletter and
requiring that the DCO advertise adoptable dogs online. They would also like the DCO to
conduct a dog enumeration.
RESOLUTION #159 (2024) – AUTHORIZE RFP FOR DOG CONTROL OFFICER
Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby authorizes the Town Supervisor to release a
request for proposals for dog control services as discussed and edited.
2nd Cl Leifer
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
Budget Workshop
Varna Volunteer Fire Company presented their budget request, two versions as
requested, and responded to questions by the board and bookkeeper. Mason Jager reviewed
their membership, increased response times, call numbers, training opportunities they have
taken advantage of (over 4,000 hours of state training) and their bunkhouse program. They
have received $81,000 in grants this year and have 39 SAFER-eligible members. They were
awarded the 2024 NYS Innovation Award for Organization Innovation in the field of Emergency
Services. He noted an increase in cost for the majority of what they need in order to operate.
WB Strong Fire Company presented their budget request and reviewed their year-to-
year response statistics. They noted new OSHA requirements and the increase in prices of
everything from fuel to radios to trucks. These increases are not within their control. They
also expect an increase in the cost of physicals. Rebekah Moore and Mike Parker responded to
TB 10-17-24
Page 7 of 7
questions by the board and bookkeeper. They noted an unexpected expense to repair their
parking lot and the effect on their ability to put aside funds for future vehicle purchases.
ADVISORY BOARD UPDATES
Rail Trail Task Force – Cl Lamb reported there is progress on the easements from the
villages.
Conservation Board – Membership of the board was discussed. There are several seats
up for appointment/reappointment in the coming year.
Ray Burger reported that the announcement for Design Connect projects just came out.
There is a November 4 deadline and some of our committees may have projects. He reminded
the board that there is a $600 stipend due with the application.
The Town Board will hold a budget meeting next Friday, October 25, at 2:00 p.m. in the
Caldwell Room.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:23 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bambi L. Avery
Town Clerk
Enhancing the
second half
www.tclifelong.org
607-273-1511
Lifelong’s
Mission
•Lifelong is a vibrant, active community center for
adults 50 and older
•Our mission is to enhance the lives of older adults
in Tompkins County
Who does
Lifelong
serve?
What do we
provide?
•Learning
•Health and Wellness
•Creative Arts
•Social Groups
•Travel
•Lifelong Mosaic Program
•Free Medicare counseling
•Free tax preparation
•Special Events
•Volunteer Opportunities
•Senior Circle quarterly publication
Benefits of
Lifelong
Membership
•Access to a Virtual Senior Center
•Personalized Tech support by appointment
•Discounted TCAT bus passes
•Discounts on: Cornell Concert Series, YMCA
membership, travel bookings with Collette
Lifelong
Learning
A selection of Lifelong classes…
•Aging Mastery Program
•Kayaking
•How to be a Connected Grandparent
•Shakespeare on Film: The Modern Era
•Learn ukelele
•Developing your Book Concept
•History of London
•Google Tools
•U.S. Supreme Court
•Musical Phrases: A Listening Adventure
•World Cinema
Lifelong
Activities
•Health & Wellness
•Tai chi
•Strength training
•Enhance your fitness
•Chair yoga
•Slow flow yoga
•Vinyasa flow yoga
•Square and Line Dancing
•Walk program
•Creative Arts
•Clay studio
•Play it Again Theatre Troupe
Lifelong
Social Groups
•The Play’s the Thing
•French conversation group
•Writing group
•Current Events thru Personal Experience
•Men’s group
•Bridge
•Mahjong
•Pinochle
•Open paint studio
•Evening and afternoon book clubs
Lifelong
Travel Collaboration with Collette Travel
•Painted Canyons of the West- September 2024
•Peru: Machu Pichu and Lake Titicaca- February 2025
•Holland and Belgium springtime river cruise- April 2025
•Countryside of the Emerald Isle- May 2025
•Alaska: America’s Last Frontier- August 2025
•Canadian Maritimes and Coastal Wonders- August 2025
•National Parks of America- October 2025
Lifelong
Day
Trips
•Merry-Go-Round Theater: “Jersey Boys”- June
•NYS Fair- August
•Chartered boat (MV Teal)Fall Foliage tour- October
•Fingerlakes Cider House tour & tasting- October
Lifelong Mosaic
Program
Mosaic: a pattern or image that is
made up of many smaller pieces that
vary in size, shape, and color.
•Goal: offer a myriad of options to a wide variety of
people, including those from diverse ethnicities, races,
sexual orientations, and ability levels...in
short…everyone!
•Focus on offerings that are inclusive, diverse, equitable
and accessible to all.
•Africana film library series
•Award-winning Shorts about the LGBTQ+ Experience
•Emergency readiness for people of all abilities
•Lesbian Coffee House 2x/month
•West Africa on a Plate
•Mandu: Korean Dumplings
Lifelong
Events &
Happenings
•Hearing and Balance Screenings
•Annual Luncheon and Meeting
•Wine & Cheese Happy Hours with Live Music
•Flu Clinics
•AARP Safe Driver Training
•Holiday open house and Craft/Collectible Sales
•Fall Fling!
•Quarterly rotating art gallery exhibits
HIICAP •HIICAP: Health Insurance Information Counseling & Assistance Program
•Free MC counseling by trained counselors who are certified by the NYS office for the aging
•Help individuals navigate their options under Medicare
•Coordination of benefits
•Screen for eligibility for savings programs for medications and premiums, co-pays and deductibles
Free
Tax
Preparation
Free tax preparation for:
•All seniors age 60+ (regardless of income and
with spouse of any age)
as well as
•All individuals with a disability
as well as
•All households/individuals with incomes below
$64,000
Returns prepared by IRS trained and certified
volunteer tax counselors
Town of Dryden
Satellite tax program at Southworth
Library due to increase in taxpayers
from Dryden using this free service.
Volunteers,
Connected
program
•Assist individuals to find meaningful volunteer
placements in our community
•Spring Volunteer Fair (April)
•Directory of volunteer opportunities in
Tompkins County non-profit agencies
How is
Lifelong
funded?
Town of Ithaca – funds $9,000/yr
(18% LL mbrs, 27% Tax service, 18%
Medicare)
Town of Ulysses – funds $3,000/yr
(5% LL mbrs, 10% Tax service, 12%
Medicare)
Town of Dryden
(11% LL mbrs, 10% Tax service, 12%
Medicare)
Grants, 55%
Program Revenue,
26%
Contributions, 14%
Fundraising
Events, 5%
REVENUES
Looking
forward……
•Increased travel opportunities
•Reaching more individuals who are 50+
•Community Room at Library Place
•Collaboration with other organizations (LLH,
GIAC seniors, COFA)
•Expansion of benefits to LL members
•Special events / gatherings
•Capital improvements to Lifelong building &
grounds
•Additional evidence-based programming
DRYDEN FIBER
MONTHLY REPORT
OCTOBER 2024
TOWN OF DRYDEN BOARD MEETING
OCTOBER 17th, 2024
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
▪The Municipal Infrastructure Program (MIP)was awarded to 5 projects in the first phase. Dryden
Fiber serving the Towns of Dryden and Caroline was one of those 5 projects.
o Empire State Development approved our partnership; we've received the Grant Disbursement Agreement
▪We've applied for prequalification for BEAD funding, which has the same purpose as the MIP grant
(unserved, underserved) and could provide some additional support for the project.
▪We are now able to serve 939 parcels
o We are now able to serve 1,146 households (apartments; mobile homes)
▪We have 126 paying customers (+36 in Sept);We had 43 in-bound requests in September; 25
were in the green zone
▪We have 11 customers in the installation queue for this month (Oct 2024)
▪On August 1st: "We are estimating 100+ customers by the "end of summer" (9/21/24)"
o We were at 126 customers on 9/30/24
o New estimate: 200 by December 31, 2024; 262 by March 31st, 2024 (breakeven)
▪New Map with new parcels and Caroline: https://www.drydenfiber.com/dryden-fiber-service-areas
Project Highlights
Project Name:Dryden Fiber Expansion
for Towns of Dryden and Caroline
Applicant and Partner(s):Town of
Dryden dba, Dryden Fiber and Town of
Caroline
Construction Miles (Fiber): 124.6
Total Locations Served:2,674
ConnectALL Grant Amount:$ 8,995,979.00
Local Contribution:$ 906,321.00
Total Project Investment: $9,902,300.00
TIMELINE SUMMARY (10.4.24)
Customer Growth Projections
o 9.30.24 - 126 Live Customers
o 12.31.24 - 200 Live Customers
o 3.31.25 - 262 Live Customers (approx. break-even)
o 6.30.25 - 500 Live Customers
o 12.31.25 - 1,000 Live Customers
Green Zone Projections
o 10/31/24 - All of the Village of Dryden and Village of Freeville
o 10/31/24 - Ithaca Estates (74 units); Pineridge (21 units)
o 12/31/24 - Nearly all parcels north of Rt. 13 (currently Yellow)
o 6/30/25 - Remaining parcels north of Rt. 13 and Rt. 366 (currently Blue)
o 6/30/25 - Pathways south from Mount Pleasant to the Caroline Town Line
o 9/1/25 - The 1st parcels in Caroline (Rt. 79 / Slaterville Rd.) become green
o 12/31/26 - All current orange parcels and all Caroline parcels are green
Team Reports
▪Customer Base – Amanda, Town of Dryden Bookkeeper
▪Construction Permitting Updates – Hunt Engineering
▪Construction Implementation Updates – Hunt,Syracuse Utilities,Lightspeed
▪Installations – Clarity Connect, Netegrity, Gleamon
▪Sales Operations – Gleamon
▪Finance – Amanda,Town of Dryden Bookkeeper
▪Customer Service - Netegrity
▪Marketing – Exec. Dir. Dave Makar
Customer Base
As of October 1st, 2024 (billing date is 1st of month)
Speed Number of
subscriptions
Billed Monthly
Revenue
Net Change
from Prior
Month
Average
Monthly
Revenue
Residential
- Silver ($45)400 Mbps 95 $4,230 +26 / -1
- Gold ($75)700 Mbps 16 $1,200 +7
- Platinum ($90)1 Gbps 6 $540 +1
117 $5,970 +33 $51.02
Commercial
- Silver ($75)400 Mbps 6 $420 +1
- Gold ($150)700 Mbps 2 $300 +1
- Platinum ($250)1 Gbps 1 $250 No Change
9 $970 +2 $107.78
Total (ALL customers)126 $6,940
Construction Permitting Updates
As of October 1st, 2024▪DOT: Total Permits: 21
o 20 Issued Permits
o 1 Permits under review awaiting approval
o 0 Permits pending either drawings or survey
▪Utility Pole Permits: Status of the pole permitting including Electrical Make-Ready Construction. Attachments can
only be made when Electrical Make-Ready is complete and there is room in the communications space.
Application Status ECD Location
DRY001 Attached Complete Freeville (V)
DRY002 Attached Complete Dryden (V)
DRY003 Attached Complete Dryden (V)
DRY004 In construction- placing cable Complete Etna Area, Ithaca Estates
DRY005 Com moves in process, can place cable upon completion of DRY004 & 12.Complete Caswell Rd.
DRY006 Elec make-ready in process.10/30/2024 Bone Plain Rd.
DRY007 Elec make-ready in process.10/30/2024 SR 38 North
DRY008 Pending design approval, would like to bid and award in October. 11/30/2024 Peruville Rd
DRY009 Elec make-ready in process.10/15/2024 Fall Creek &Ed Hill Rd
DRY010 Com moves in process, can place cable upon completion of DRY004 & 12.Complete North Rd &SR 13 North
DRY011 Verizon Recon, the application needed to be refiled separately in two different
tax districts. We have asked Verizon to prioritize this app.
11/30/2024 Gulf Hill, Sweetland &Bradshaw Rd
DRY012 Com moves in process, can place cable upon completion of DRY004 & 12.Complete SR 366,Dryden Rd &Turkey Hill Rd
Construction Permitting Updates
As of October 1st, 2024
App #Status Location
DRY004 In Construction Etna Area, Ithaca Estates
DRY005 In Construction Caswell Road
DRY006 Telco Make-Ready Bone Plain Rd.
DRY007 Telco Make-Ready State Route 38 North
DRY008 NYSEG Review Peruville Rd.
DRY009 Telco Make-Ready Fall Creek / Ed Hill Rd.
DRY010 In Construction North Rd &SR 13 North
DRY011 Verizon Review Gulf Hill, Sweetland &
Bradshaw Rd.
DRY011*Verizon Review
DRY012 In Construction SR 366, Dryden Rd. &
Turkey Hill RD.
In Construction = Dryden Fiber finishing work.
Telco Make-Ready = Spectrum or Verizon moving their cable.
NYSEG Review = Utility is reviewing bid cost.
Verizon Review = Verizon split applications between tax zones and is reviewing and
will approval.
Items of Note:
1.Village of Freeville and Dryden aerial work is complete.
2.Empire Overlash (Mott Rd.& section of Rt. 13N) and Johnson Rd has been complete.
3.Underground was completed at Greystone and Penny Ln / Logan’s Run.
Next Two Weeks
1.Completion of Brookside Dr., North / Pratt Street, Mill Street, Misc. Dryden Addresses (Mapping and As -Builds)
2.Underground construction to begin at Hilton/Goodrich, Lee Rd, Scenic Way, Chelsey Cir, Bear Cir.and Hanford Dr.
3.Splicing & Testing of aerial work in Etna and Caswell Road.
Address Availability Updates
As of October 1st, 2024
Coverage Parcels Households
New (October 1, 2024)+291 +314
Total w/ coverage 939 1146
Total 5,839 6,036
Coverage %16% (+5%)19% (+5%)
New Fiber Aerial Underground
New (October 1, 2024)+6 miles +1.5 mile
Total 21 miles 25.5 miles
Construction Update
Route Name Status ECD Application#Notes
Village Buildout
Village of Dryden Underground*80% complete, two sub-divisions
remaining.
10/31/2024 Underground Hilton/Goodrich, Lee and Brookside
remaining.
Phase 2 Expansion
Lower Creek Rd. / Etna Square / Ithaca Estates In construction 10/11/2024 DRY004 EMR Complete on DRY004,
attaching cabling.
Tompkins County Recovery Fund Electrical MR Construction complete on
DRY005 and DRY006 is in Elec MR
moves
10/25/2024 DRY005, 006 EMR Complete on DRY005, ready
to attach. EMR in process on
DRY006
West Dryden Rd Elec moves 10/31/2024 DRY007 EMR in process on DRY006.
Rt. 38 North Elec Moves 11/31/2024 DRY007 Bidding
Peruville Rd Pending NYSEG Approval of make ready
costs.
11/31/2024 DRY008 App in process.
Fall Creek Rd/ Ed Hill Rd/Elec Moves 12/31/2024 DRY009 EMR in process on DRY009.
West Mallory Rd/ Morris Rd Elec Moves 12/31/2024 DRY009 EMR in process on DRY009.
North Rd/ Dutcher Rd Third party moves 10/31/2024 DRY010 EMR Complete, ready to attach.
Gulf Hill Rd./ Sweetland Rd Telco Design 12/31/2024 DRY011 App in Verizon's review.
Rt. 366 (Freeville to Rt. 13)In construction 10/31/2024 DRY012 EMR Complete on DRY012,
attaching cabling.
Multi-Dwelling Units and Mobile Home Parks
Location Name/Address Village/Hamlet Type
Owner
Agreement Status
1062 Dryden Rd Etna MDU Yes Contractor has design and will be working on
this next week. Ciena is providing a quote for
equipment.
14 Lake Street Dryden MDU Yes Design in process and will be provided to the
contractor by 10/11/2024.
Ithaca Estates Varna MHP Yes In construction, part of DRY004.
Mott Road Dryden MHP No Underground, not started.
Little Creek MHC Dryden MHP Yes In construction, part of DRY010.
1056 Dryden Rd Etna MDU TBD, not started.
Installations
As of October 1st, 2024 (billing date is 1st of month)
▪September Install Summary
o Number of installations completed this month:36
o Number of installations pending (as of October 1st): 18
o Installation blockers / questions: Had to postpone a couple of Installs due to a
shortage of NIDs these are the boxes that go on the house to connect the fiber
to the handhole. Inventory showed we had them in stock when in reality we had
used all that were originally ordered. We received a new shipment the next day
and this situation has been rectified.
Finance – Capital Project
As of September 30, 2024
Balance Sheet as of 9/30/2024 2024 Year to
Date
Total Project to
Date Project Budget
Assets
- Cash -0-Inflows 125,369.96 1,511,297.09
- Due from Grants 624,614.00 Expenses
Total Assets 624,614.00 Professional Fees 376,258.05 834,268.87
Incidental Const. Exp 4,404.89 70,695.99
Liabilities and Equity Equipment Purchases 226,825.85 2,108,211.28
- Due To Town
General Fund
168,500.00 Subcontractor Costs 1,243,698.69 3,66,284.95
- Bond Anticipation
Note
5,840,000.00 Pole and Permit Cost 477,104.10 1,048,070.50
Equity -5,383,886.00 Interest Payment 146,840.97 168,641.73
Total 624,614.00 Total Expenses 2,475,132.55 7,896,173.32 14,535,281.00
Budget Remaining 6,639,107.68 45%
Finance -Operations
As of September 30, 2024
Sept 2024 Year to Date
Residential 4,275.00 19,084.50
Balances as of 9/30/24 Commercial 700.00 6,860.00
Accounts Receivable 840.50 Misc Fees 665.00 1,740.00
Accounts Payable (est)15,560.00 Outage Credit -1,242.50
Total Revenue 5,640.00 26,442.00
Expenses
Parcels Serviceable 8/31 648 Credit Card Fees 213.62 1,428.08
+ New Parcels added in Sept 136 Billing Program -2,320.92
Total Parcels available 9/30 784 Utilites 5,959.50 67,606.45
*does not include MDUs Subscriptions 8,857.79 73,490.27
Total Addresses Served by 9/30 125 Insurance/Other fees 493.65 1,017.78
Total Expenses 15,524.56 145,863.50
Profit/Deficit -9,884.56 -109,536.94
Sales Operations
As of October 1, 2024 (billing date is 1st of month)
▪Multi-Use Development –working on getting agreements with Mobile home parks throughout the town
o Ithaca Estates (was Congers) - This is part of DRY004 and as soon as it is complete we will be able to start installations at this location
There are now five residents that are impatietly waiting.
o 1062 Dryden Road (Pineridge / Wawak) - need fiber installed from the Railtrail to the premise. Met with Ryan and the landowner to
determine the best way to make that happen. Landowner agreed and signed agreement. Meeting with Syracuse Utilities next week to get
this moving
o Lower Creek Park (Etna); Wood Rd Park (Wood Road, Etna) Owner is Karel Westerling Had conversation with him and asked that I reach
out 2nd week of October
o Little Creek Manufactured Home Community – North Rd./Village of Dryden These folks have signed an agreement and we can proceed
when ready
o Mott Road – sent a couple of emails but have not received a response.
o 12, 14, 16 Lake St Met with owner Mark Goldfarb he is willing to sign off but wants details on how we will gain access. Met with Eric Clark
from the management organization regard ing this location as well as a couple of others
▪Town of Dryden Installs (Town Hall, DPW) have met with Clarity about this on multiple occasions and we do not know what
the pathway is to get to either building.Ryan sent some info on 10/3 and Eric from Clarty and I will meet to get this planned
▪Renters – We now have 17 signed agreements and 2 more that have been approved and we are waiting for return
▪Prospects-We have 36 new installs and 18 pending. Also 45 potentials that have signed up and contact has been made
and we are waiting for a response . These include 5 in the Ithaca Estates mobile home park and the 2 for the Town
▪Made contact with all the folks that had not signed up for payment and all of them rectified the situations
Customer Service
As of October1st, 2024 (billing date is 1st of month)
Helpdesk Call Report September 2024
•Bandwidth Complaint (Speed Concerns)
•2
•Billing Related Call
•12
•Downed Drop (Damaged Service Line)
•0
•Email (Calls related to email difficulties)
•0
•No Connectivity
•3
•ONT / Power Cycle (Calls related to the
ONT where unplugging or rebooting
equipment was necessary)
•0
•Other / Unrelated (Calls looking for
unrelated departments or information)
•30
•Outage
•2
•Install Orders / Create Service
•41
•Router Issue
•1
•PC / Laptop Issue
•1
•Sporadic Connection
•3
•Streaming Related Issue
•0
•User Error / Education
•22
•Wireless
•5
Sum: 122
Note:
Install Orders denote an
incoming install scheduling
request – not a completed install
One caller can generate
numerous tickets for a single
issue (i.e. calls in 5x for same
problem)
Support@drydenfiber.com
607-391-3500 (direct support
number)
User Error / Education: 22
User Error / Education:
Service inquiry (non-green)
Hardware Q's
Range Extenders
Marketing
As of October 1st, 2024 (billing date is 1st of month)
9/1/23 12/1/23 3/1/24 6/1/24 7/1/24 8/1/24 9/1/24 10/1/24
Under Contract 22 28 (+6)
Sept-Nov
32 (+4)
Dec-Feb
44 (+12)
Mar-May
54 (+10)
June
66 (+12)
July
91 (+25)
August
126 (+35)
Sept.
Requests
(since 1/1/23)
174 (+11)274 (+100)363 (+89)429 (+66)494 (+65)552 (+58)638 (+86)681 (+43)
Available 38 44**TBD 87 110 (+23)137 (+27)172 (+35)197 (+25)
Not Available 136 226 TBD 342 384 415 466 484
Serviceable Live 76.3%72%TBD 51% (44/87)49% (54/110)48%
(66/137)
53%
(91/172)
64%
(126/197)
Website Visits 8/25-9/7 11/17-11/30 2/1-2/29 5/1-5/31 6/1-6/30 7/1-7/31 8/1-8/31 9/1-9/30
Users 226 140 392 516 820 935 661 713
New Users 211 115 346 471 755 868 567 619
Sessions 324 194 617 739 1221 1373 1104 1110
Engagement
(secs.)
0m 46s 42s 1m 30s 58 s 1m 14 s 1m
3 s
1m 13s 1m 10s
▪New Signs are in (50 new signs)
▪Posters drafted
▪Phone Number
▪Social Media Calendar
▪Email Marketing Plan / Draft
▪Business Tier
o Letter
o Postcard
o Website Updates
Marketing
As of October 1st, 2024 (billing date is 1st of month)
Phone Number Update
▪Current:
o 1-607-844-8888, option 2
o A lot of people don't listen / get confused about how to reach Dryden Town Hall; Dryden
Fiber Billing; Dryden DPW, etc.
▪Proposed:
o A new phone number just for Dryden Fiber: Installations, Support, Billing
▪Installs and Support – goes to Netegrity
▪Billing – goes to Town Bookkeeper (Amanda)
o Options:
▪Next available 607-844 number
▪Custom number (i.e. neither of these are available, ideas: 1 -607 -GOFIBER, 1-607-FIBERGO)
Marketing
As of October 1st, 2024 (billing date is 1st of month)
Difference Monthly Expense Income Customers Income per customer
$(10,945.00)$14,660.00 $3,715.00 66 $56.29
$(10,460.00)$14,660.00 $4,200.00 75 $56.00
$(9,060.00)$14,660.00 $5,600.00 100 $56.00
$(6,260.00)$14,660.00 $8,400.00 150 $56.00
$(3,460.00)$14,660.00 $11,200.00 200 $56.00
$(660.00)$14,660.00 $14,000.00 250 $56.00
$(380.00)$14,660.00 $14,280.00 255 $56.00
$(100.00)$14,660.00 $14,560.00 260 $56.00
$12.00 $14,660.00 $14,672.00 262 $56.00
$180.00 $14,660.00 $14,840.00 265 $56.00
$2,140.00 $14,660.00 $16,800.00 300 $56.00
$4,940.00 $14,660.00 $19,600.00 350 $56.00
$7,740.00 $14,660.00 $22,400.00 400 $56.00
Finance -Operations
As of September 30, 2024
Appendix A
Background and Definitions
Dryden Fiber Municipal Infrastructure Project
Project Summary
Located in Tompkins County, the Town of Dryden, in partnership with the Town of Caroline, will bring new
public broadband service to more than 2,600 locations. The Town of Dryden launched Dryden Fiber in 2023.
Under the ConnectALL program, Dryden Fiber will expand the network to reach rural residents in the
neighboring Town of Caroline, as well as throughout rural areas of the Town of Dryden. Both the Town of
Caroline and the Town of Dryden will own the proposed infrastructure in their respective towns. Dryden Fiber
will provide operations and maintenance of the network and provide internet service to homes and
businesses for both towns.
Key Points for the Town of Dryden
▪This projects brings approximately $4.5M in federal ARPA funds to the Town of Dryden. We believe we
were awarded because we combined our efforts with the Town of Caroline.
▪These funds help us finance the prioritization of bringing fiber optic internet to all homes in the Town of
Dryden currently unserved or underserved
▪This expansion of Dryden Fiber into Caroline adds 1,100 homes / households / parcels to our potential
platform, making the entire venture more sustainable in the long run (the next 40+ years)
Meeting Schedule
▪Dryden Fiber Public Broadband Committee – Public reporting on project
o 1st and 3rd Friday morning, 10:30am-11:30am (except July and August, 2nd and 4th
Friday morning)
▪Dryden Fiber Operations Team Meeting – Construction and Install Collaboration
o Every other Wednesday, 10am-11:15am
▪Dryden Fiber MIP Status Call – Meet with Connect All Office to stay on track
o Every Tuesday, 1pm-1:45pm
▪Dryden Fiber MIP Steering Committee – Implementation of the Grant
o Monthly (Town of Dryden, Town of Caroline)
▪Dryden Fiber Policy Committee – Advise and Recommend on Policy
o Monthly
Permitting
NYSEG
▪Permitting Steps
Town of Dryden
Freese Road over Fall Creek Bridge Replacement (PIN 3756.41)
List of Interested and Involved Agencies
Involved Agencies:
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation , Region 7
Kevin Balduzzi
Syracuse- Main Office
5786 Widewaters Parkway
Syracuse, NY 13214
Tompkins County Highway Department
Jeffrey Smith, Highway Director
170 Bostwick Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
New York State Department of Transportation, Region 3
Richard Sawzak
333 East Washington Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
Interested Agencies:
New York State Division for Historic Preservation
Peebles Island State Park
P.O. Box 189
Waterford, NY 12188-0189
Town of Dryden Highway Department
Rick Young, Highway Superintendent
61 East Main Street
Dryden, NY 13053
Cayuga Trails Club
Gary Mallow
P.O. Box 754
Ithaca, NY 14851
Cornell Botanic Gardens
Todd Bittner
124 Comstock Knoll Drive
Ithaca, NY 14850
Cornell University Real Estate Department
Jeremy Thomas
Cornell Business 7 Technology Park
15 Thornwood Drive
Ithaca, NY 14850
Environmental Management Council
Steve Bissen
c/o TC Planning and Sustainability Department
121 East Court Street
Ithaca, New York 14850
Other
Christine O’Malley
Preservation Services Coordinator
Historic Ithaca
212 Center Street
Ithaca, New York 14850
christine@historicithaca.org
Kitty Henderson, Executive Director
Historic Bridge Foundation
P O Box 66245
Austin, Texas 78766
kitty@historicbridgefoundation.com
Janet Morgan, PhD, Chair
Varna Community Association, Inc.
943 Dryden Road, P O Box 4771
Ithaca, New York 14852-4771
morganj@tc3.edu
JMorgan919@aol.com
Laurie Snyder
36 Freese Road
Ithaca, New York 14850
snydwood@yahoo.com
James E. Skaley, Ph.D.
940 Dryden Road
Ithaca, New York 14850
jeskaley@aol.com
David Weinstein
51 Freese Road
Ithaca, New York 14850
daw5@cornell.edu
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Buffalo District Regulatory Branch
478 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
LRBRegInquiries@usace.army.mil