HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB 2024-12-19 TB 12-19-24
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TOWN OF DRYDEN
TOWN BOARD MEETING
December 19, 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
Rick Young, Highway Superintendent
Other Town Staff: Chris O'Connor, Fire Coordinator
*Cassie Byrnes, Secretary to the Supervisor
*Indicates attendance via Zoom
Supv Leifer opened the meeting at 6:03 p.m. Board members and audience recited the
pledge of allegiance.
RESOLUTION #201 (2024) -APPROVE MINUTES
Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby approves the meeting minutes of October 25,
October 28, November 7, November 14, and November 21, 2024.
2nd Cl Vargas-Mendez
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
PUBLIC HEARING
SPECIAL USE PERMIT
SMALL ENGINE REPAIR SHOP
27 DUTCHER ROAD
Supv Leifer opened the public hearing at 6:05 p.m. Ray Burger said this is a home
occupation level two business that needs a special use permit in the rural agricultural district.
Applicant Joe Tifft is present. The application and sketch plan were displayed on the screen.
The property is a 3.71-acre lot residential in an area that contains residences as well as ag
fields, not far from Route 13 and other businesses. The Planning Board has reviewed the
application and did not have any concerns, but made recommended conditions. There were no
questions or comments and the hearing was left open at 6:09 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING
SPECIAL USE PERMIT
ELECTRONIC BILLBOARD
1814 HANSHAW ROAD
Supv Leifer opened the public hearing at 6:10 p.m. Ray Burger explained that about a
year ago the Town Board approved an electronic billboard at 1280 Dryden Road (near NYSEG).
NYS DOT did not approve it at that location. Park Outdoor is now applying for a special use
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permit for the same make and model at the Route 13 and Hanshaw Road intersection. Steve
Frank and Rick Steele of Park Outdoor were present. The Planning Department memo on the
project was referenced. Cl Lamb has sent some language to Park Outdoor about allowing some
public service announcements. R Steele said it isn't necessary as they routinely do that, but
they are happy to recognize that and include it in their approval. It will be added to the first
resolved as one of the conditions. It will also be made clear that the approval for 1280 Dryden
Road is revoked.
There were no public comments and the hearing was left open at 6:14 p.m.
HIGHWAY/DPW DEPARTMENT
No report.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
The monthly report was displayed on the screen.
FIRE COORDINATOR
O'Connor said this was his last town board meeting. He has spent two years looking at
the fire departments and working with the fire departments trying to get information to share
with the board so that it can make decisions. The board is in kind of an awkward position, and
to some degree shares with the departments an obligation to make sure things go as well as it
possibly can. The board does that without knowing very much about the operations of the
departments and how things are going for them, so it's difficult. He suspects it isn't the
board's favorite thing to discuss. It is difficult for the departments too, asking for money and
justifying their budgets and explaining things to the board. It is a difficult relationship and he
thinks it is better now than it has been. In general things are better with the fire departments
than they were two years ago.
Last night some of the departments had a good training on firefighter rescue. More
things like that are good because training is the key, especially with new people or people who
don't do it for a living. They do this out of the goodness of their hearts. Mark Bell invited him
today to their station and showed him their new ready room. They took to heart some of the
lessons from the strategic plan workshop. They have an area that is welcoming to members so
they will come and be there in the event of a call. That is the most important thing for all
departments to embrace. There aren't as many people locally and available when the bell
rings. Some have to drive a considerable distance to the firehouse and that delays the
response. They need to get at least a few people and an engine or ambulance on the way as
soon as possible.
There continue to be difficulties, challenges, and differing ideas. The bottom line for
him, and it would be good for everyone, including the citizens, would be to investigate
thoroughly the advantages of forming a joint fire district where everyone belongs and operates
in the same way.
All departments struggle to complete their administrative tasks. Some have difficulty
finding a quality treasurer. People don't join departments so they can keep the books, but to
do other things, and that would all be taken care of by one or two people who would be paid by
the district. They could focus on training people, managing people, and responding to calls.
He has talked with many municipality representatives that are pleased they converted to a fire
district and commissioners, relieving the burden from municipal officials. Not one has
converted back. The right way to make that happen is to involve the fire departments and the
two villages so they all find out the facts and what happens and how the law works. Everyone
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he has talked with that has converted to a fire district is very happy that they made the
change. The numbers of fire districts and joint fire districts goes up every year. The state has
provided funding for a study to hire a consultant to determine whether it is the best way to go.
This is the year to do it because now the leadership of the departments are working better
together and with the board better than they have in a long time.
Cl Lamb thanked Chris O'Connor for work he has done for the town. It has made them
rethink a lot of past assumptions. He is thankful and thinks C O'Connor has only had the best
in mind for fire protection in this town. He believes C O'Connor has been around long enough
to know the work but also knows that it needs continual reform. The board has learned how to
ask better questions and changed the way the board approaches this, and he is grateful for
that.
27 Dutcher Road Special Use Permit
Supv Leifer closed the public hearing at 6:30 p.m. The board reviewed the completed
short environmental assessment form. There were no questions.
Resolution #202 (2024) - Neg SEQR Dec - Application for A Special Use Permit And Site
Plan Approval for a Small Engine Repair Business Located at 27 Dutcher Road, Town of
Dryden, Tax Parcel 36.-1-12.25
Supv Leifer offered the following resolution:
WHEREAS,
A. The proposed action involves consideration of the application of Joseph Tifft for Special Use
Permit and Site Plan Approval for a small engine repair business, a Level 2 Home Occupation,
located at 366 Virgil Road, tax parcel 36.-1-12.25; and
B. The proposed action is an Unlisted Action for which the Town Board of the Town of Dryden
is the lead agency for the purposes of uncoordinated environmental review in connection with
approval by the Town; and
C. The Town Board of the Town of Dryden, in performing the lead agency function for its
independent and uncoordinated environmental review in accordance with Article 8 of SEQRA,
(i) thoroughly reviewed the Short Environmental Assessment Form ("EAF"), Part I and any and
all other documents prepared and submitted with respect to this proposed action and its
environmental review, (ii) thoroughly analyzed the potential relevant areas of environmental
concern to determine if the proposed action may have a significant adverse impact on the
environment, including the criteria identified in 6 NYCRR§617.7(c), and (iii) completed the
EAF, Part 2.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
1. The Town Board of the Town of Dryden, based upon (i) its thorough review of the EAF, Part I
and any and all other documents prepared and submitted with respect to this proposed action
and its environmental review, (ii) its thorough review of the potential relevant areas of
environmental concern to determine if the proposed action may have a significant adverse
impact on the environment, including the criteria identified in 6 NYCRR §617.7(c), and (iii) its
completion of the EAF, Part 2, including the reasons noted thereon (which reasons are
incorporated herein as if set forth at length), hereby makes a negative determination of
environmental significance ("Negative Declaration") in accordance with SEQR for the above
referenced proposed action, and determines that an Environmental Impact Statement will not
be required; and
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2. The Responsible Officer of the Town Board of the Town of Dryden is hereby authorized and
directed to complete and sign as required the determination of significance, confirming the
foregoing Negative Declaration, which fully completed and signed EAF and determination of
significance shall be incorporated by reference in this Resolution.
2nd Cl Dravis
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
RESOLUTION #203 (2024) - Approving Site Plan and Granting Special Use Permit for a
Small Engine Repair Business at 27 Dutcher Road, Tax Parcel 36.-1-12.25
Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
WHEREAS,
A. Joseph Tifft has applied for a Special Use Permit (SUP) to operate a small engine repair
business, a Level 2 Home Occupation, at 27 Dutcher Road, Tax Parcel 36.-1-12.25; and
B. The proposed business will operate out of half of his 1728 sq ft garage located beside his
residence at 27 Dutcher Road, and
C. An application, sketch plan, short EAF, Notice of Ground Disturbance and Agricultural
Data Statement have been submitted, and
D. The Town Planning Department considers the application complete and in conformance
with the requirements of the Code of the Town of Dryden (Code) for review under §270-11
and §270-12, and
E. The Planning Board reviewed this application at their November 19, 2024, meeting and
recommended approval with the conditions cited below, and
F. The Tompkins County Planning Department has reviewed the application pursuant §239
-1, -m, and-n of the New York State General Municipal Law and determined that the
proposed action will have no significant county-wide or inter-community impacts, and
G. A public hearing was held on December 19, 2024, with public comments registered in
the meeting minutes and considered by this board, and
H. Pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act ("SEQRA") and its
implementing regulations at 6 NYCRR Part 617, the Town Board of the Town of Dryden
has, on December 19, 2024, made a negative determination of environmental significance,
after having reviewed and accepted as adequate the Short Environmental Assessment Form
Parts 1, 2, and 3, and
I. The Town Board has reviewed this application relative to the considerations and
standards found in Code §270-11 for site plan review and §270-12 for Special Use Permit.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
1. The Town Board approves the sketch plan documents, submitted with the application
dated October 15, 2024, as site plan for 27 Dutcher Road, conditioned on the following:
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a. Used oil and other hazardous materials to be disposed of legally.
b. Hours of operation to be 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
c. Sign to be 4 x 2 ft and placed at least 15 ft from highway line.
d. Any outside storage will be placed behind the front line of the garage and screened with
a fence.
2. The Town Board hereby finds that the considerations for approval of the requested
Special Use Permit listed in Code §270-12 have been met, specifically that:
a. The proposed use is compatible with the other permitted uses in the Rural Agricultural
district and compatible with the purpose of this district as Level 2 Home Occupations
are an allowed use in this district and this business may be used by farms in the
vicinity.
b. The proposed use is compatible with adjoining properties and with the natural and
manmade environment, as this proposal is for a small engine repair business operated
out of an existing 1728 sq ft accessory structure already located on the property. The
property is adjacent to single-family dwellings to the west and north and there are
agricultural fields in the vicinity.
c. Parking, vehicular circulation, and infrastructure for the proposed use is adequate. The
business will have sporadic customer pick-ups and deliveries.
d. The overall impact on the site and its surroundings considering the environmental,
social and economic impacts of traffic, noise, dust, odors, release of harmful
substances, solid waste disposal, glare, or any other nuisances has been considered
and found to be negligible, based on the information and reasons in the Short
Environmental Assessment Form.
e. Restrictions and/or conditions on design of structures or operation of the use necessary
to ensure compatibility with the surrounding uses or to protect the natural or scenic
resources of the Town have been incorporated into the site plan.
f. The project complies with the requirements for site plan review and conforms to the
Town's Commercial Design Guidelines to the maximum extent. This is a use of an
existing building.
3. The Town Board, finding that the applicant is in compliance with all other provisions of
the Town Zoning Law and other applicable ordinances, approves a Special Use Permit for
the small engine repair business at Dutcher Road with the Town of Dryden Standard
Conditions of Approval as amended August 14, 2008.
2nd Cl Dravis
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
1814 Hanshaw Road Special Use Permit
Supv Leifer closed the public hearing at 6:33 p.m. The board reviewed the short
environmental assessment form. There were no questions.
RESOLUTION #204 (2024) - NEG SEQR DEC - APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT
AND SITE PLAN APPROVAL FOR AN ELECTRONIC BILLBOARD LOCATED AT
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1814 DRYDEN ROAD, TAX PARCEL 42.4-9.12
Supv Leifer offered the following resolution:
WHEREAS,
A. The proposed action involves consideration of the application of Park Outdoor Advertising for
Special Use Permit and Site Plan Approval for an electronic billboard located at 1814 Dryden
Road, tax parcel 42.-1-9.12; and
B. The proposed action is an Unlisted Action for which the Town Board of the Town of Dryden
is the lead agency for the purposes of uncoordinated environmental review in connection with
approval by the Town; and
C. The Town Board of the Town of Dryden, in performing the lead agency function for its
independent and uncoordinated environmental review in accordance with Article 8 of SEQRA,
(i) thoroughly reviewed the Environmental Assessment Form ("EAF"), Part I and any and all
other documents prepared and submitted with respect to this proposed action and its
environmental review, (ii) thoroughly analyzed the potential relevant areas of environmental
concern to determine if the proposed action may have a significant adverse impact on the
environment, including the criteria identified in 6 NYCRR§617.7(c), and (iii) completed the
EAF, Part 2.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
1. The Town Board of the Town of Dryden, based upon (i) its thorough review of the EAF, Part I
and any and all other documents prepared and submitted with respect to this proposed action
and its environmental review, (ii) its thorough review of the potential relevant areas of
environmental concern to determine if the proposed action may have a significant adverse
impact on the environment, including the criteria identified in 6 NYCRR§617.7(c), and (iii) its
completion of the EAF, Part 2, including the reasons noted thereon (which reasons are
incorporated herein as if set forth at length), hereby makes a negative determination of
environmental significance ("Negative Declaration") in accordance with SEQR for the above
referenced proposed action, and determines that an Environmental Impact Statement will not
be required; and
2. The Responsible Officer of the Town Board of the Town of Dryden is hereby authorized and
directed to complete and sign as required the determination of significance, confirming the
foregoing Negative Declaration, which fully completed and signed EAF and determination of
significance shall be incorporated by reference in this Resolution.
2nd Cl Lamb
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
The board considered the draft resolution of approval. R Burger suggested that there be
a phrase added revoking the prior approval at 1280 Dryden Road.
RESOLUTION #205 (2024) - Site Plan and Special Use Permit for an Electronic Billboard
at 1814 Dryden Road, Tax Parcel 42.-1-9.12
Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
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WHEREAS,
A. Park Outdoor Advertising has applied for a Special Use Permit (SUP) and site plan approval
to locate an electronic billboard at 1814 Dryden Road, Tax Parcel 42.-1-9.12; and
B. An application, sketch plan, short EAF, Notice of Ground Disturbance and Agricultural
Data Statement have been submitted, and
C. The Town Planning Department considers the application complete and in conformance
with the requirements of the Code of the Town of Dryden (Code) §270-8.3, §270-11 and §270-
12, and
D. The Town Planning Board reviewed this application at their November 19, 2024 meeting
and recommended approval, and
E. The Tompkins County Planning Department has reviewed the application pursuant §239 -1,
-m, and -n of the New York State General Municipal Law and determined that the proposed
action will have no significant county-wide or inter-community impacts, and
F. A public hearing was held on December 19, 2024 with public comments registered in the
meeting minutes and considered by this board, and
G. The Stormwater Management Officer reviewed the proposal and concluded that no
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is required, and
H. Pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act ("SEQRA") and its
implementing regulations at 6 NYCRR Part 617, the Town Board of the Town of Dryden has, on
December 19, 2024, made a negative determination of environmental significance, after having
reviewed and accepted as adequate the Short Environmental Assessment Form Parts 1, 2, and
3, and
I. The Town Board has reviewed this application relative to the considerations and standards
found in Code §270-8.3 for billboards, §270-11 for site plan review and §270-12 for Special Use
Permit.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
1. The Town Board approves the sketch plan documents, submitted with the application
dated November 18, 2024 as site plan for 1814 Dryden Road, conditioned on the following:
a. The billboards along Route 13 between the Dryden Rail Trail crossing and one mile
to the east are to be removed prior to this electronic billboard being activated.
b. Park Outdoor will provide the Town of Dryden with the opportunity to promote
municipal events or notices on electronic billboards within the town, subject to
availability and advance notice.
c. Prior approval for an electronic billboard at 1280 Dryden Road is hereby revoked.
2. The Town Board hereby finds that the considerations for approval of the requested Special
Use Permit listed in Code Section 270-8.3 and 270-12 have been met, specifically that:
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a. The proposed use is compatible with the other permitted uses in the Mixed-Use
Commercial and Billboard Overlay districts and compatible with the purpose of these
districts as electronic billboards are a permitted use in this zone and this proposed site
is located along Route 13 in an area near other commercial businesses;
b. The proposed use is compatible with adjoining properties and with the natural and
manmade environment, as this proposal is for an electronic billboard located adjacent
to the Route 13 right-of-way and in a stretch lined with commercial buildings;
c. Parking, vehicular circulation, and infrastructure for the proposed use is adequate.
Project creates no parking demand; access and utilities are found on the lot;
d. The overall impact on the site and its surroundings considering the environmental,
social and economic impacts of traffic, noise, dust, odors, release of harmful
substances, solid waste disposal, glare, or any other nuisances has been considered
and found to be negligible. Impacts are primarily visual and compliance with the
standards for illumination, height, size, construction and maintenance found in Code
§270-8.3 mitigate the impacts. This project will not generate noise, dust, odors or
release harmful substances;
e. Restrictions and/or conditions on design of structures or operation of the use necessary
to ensure compatibility with the surrounding uses or to protect the natural or scenic
resources of the Town have been incorporated into the site plan and through
compliance with the mitigating measures found in Code §270-8.3;
f. The project complies with the requirements for site plan review and conforms to the
Town's Commercial Design Guidelines to the maximum extent practicable.
3. The Town Board, finding that the applicant is in compliance with all other provisions of
the Code and other applicable ordinances, approves this Site Plan and Special Use Permit
for the electronic billboard at 1814 Dryden Road with the Town of Dryden Standard
Conditions of Approval as amended August 14, 2008.
2nd Cl Lamb
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
DRYDEN FIBER
Executive Director David Makar reviewed the executive summary of his monthly report,
updating some of the numbers from the end of November through December 19. See attached.
There is a request to switch to Cogent from First Light to save money with a trusted national
provider (reducing monthly expenses by$2,404).
RESOLUTION #206 (2024) -AUTHORIZE CONTRACT WITH COGENT
Cl Lamb offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby authorizes the Town Supervisor to execute a
contract with COGENT under the terms outlined in their order and agreement dated December
18, 2024.
2nd Cl Buck
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Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
Dryden Fiber is now able to serve 1,251 parcels, or 21.4% of the households in town.
There are currently 231 paying customers. The Town of Caroline has communicated with their
residents via letter and requests for service are coming in from that area. With the
installations that are scheduled and the requests coming in, it is expected that there will be
290 customers by February 1. It is expected to reach the breakeven mark for monthly
expenses by the end of the year.
DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
Payment outside Abstract 12
RESOLUTION #207 (2024) Payment Outside of Abstract 12
Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
WHEREAS, the Town awarded a contract with ACE HVAC for installation of heat pumps
to the Highway Building at the September 12, 2024, Town Board meeting;
WHEREAS, the contract requires the second payment when the work is completed and
the work was finished December 16, 2024;
Therefore, be it resolved that the Board approves the payment of$17,204 to outside of
Abstract 12.
2nd Cl Lamb
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
Sapsucker Sewer Rate
Resolution #208 (2024) - Amend Town 2025 Sapsucker Sewer Rate - SS1
Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
WHEREAS, the sewer district is served by the Village of Cayuga Heights; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Dryden enacted the 2025 Budget on November 14,
2024; and
WHEREAS, no revenues will be generated from property taxes or assessments for the
Sapsucker sewer district (SS1) for the 2025 budget cycle; therefore
RESOLVED, that effective January 1, 2025, this Town Board hereby establishes the Town of
Dryden sewer rate at $7.63 per 1,000 gallons with a 5,000-gallon minimum for 2025 for sewer
district served by Village of Cayuga Heights.
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2nd Cl Vargas-Mendez
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
Finger Lakes Reuse Grant Application- Finger Lakes Reuse is looking to relocate
some of their operations in Dryden. There is a grant opportunity that will help in that process
(due tomorrow). The board reviewed the application summary. The EPA set up this grant
stream to drive and divert waste stream recognizing that landfills are filling up. The Finger
Lakes Reuse model has proven effective in that regard. They anticipate a retail component,
warehouse component, deconstruction and recycling of materials. The town will be the
applicant and can do an RFP to see if others are interested. The grant will be awarded in
December 2025 and there is no match. There needs to be a board resolution and authorization
for the town supervisor and Planning Director to apply and execute associated documents.
Resolution #209 (2024) - Supporting Efforts to Create Reuse Infrastructure in the Town
of Dryden and Applying for a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Solid Waste
Infrastructure for Recycling Grant
Supv Buck offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
Whereas:
A. The Town Board of the Town of Dryden recognizes the benefit of diverting usable
materials from the waste stream that is typically landfilled and how this can reduce the
cost of goods, reduce the energy used in the lifecycle of goods and provide local
employment.
B. Finger Lakes ReUse is a local business based in Ithaca that has built a successful
business model for reuse infrastructure and has offered to collaborate with the Town to
develop reuse infrastructure in the Town.
C. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is offering Solid Waste Infrastructure
for Recycling (SWIFR) grants to create this infrastructure.
D. This EPA -SWIFR grant program is available to towns, requires no matching funds and
offers up to $5 million for a three year program.
Therefore be it resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Dryden:
1. Finds that this infrastructure's expansion into our area would be beneficial to our
residents.
2. Supports the Town's applying to the US-EPA's Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling
Grant program for up to $5 million.
3. Authorizes the Supervisor and Planning Director to make such application and execute
associated documents through the award stage.
2nd Cl Dravis
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
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Cl Lamb Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
Cargill Incorporated Permit Application - Towns are considering commenting on
Cargill's application to renew and modify its Mined Land Reclamation Permit for the mine in
Lansing. Comments are due January 19. There is some concern about the level of study that
has been done and that the permit may allow them to put brine water into the tunnels. The
Conservation Board has discussed this and would like the town to weigh in. A resolution
passed by other towns was reviewed.
Resolution #210 (2024) - Regarding Cargill Incorporated's Permit
Application for the Cayuga Salt Mine
Cl Buck offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
WHEREAS, Cargill Incorporated has submitted a permit application (0-9999-00075/00001) to
renew and modify its Mined Land Reclamation Permit for the Cayuga Salt Mine, which includes
plans to flood the abandoned S3 Zone of the mine beneath Cayuga Lake with wastewater,
potentially impacting the environment and the community;
WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has declared
itself the lead agency under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) and issued a
Negative Declaration despite the application being classified as a Type I action, which typically
requires a more thorough environmental review;
WHEREAS, significant concerns have been raised regarding the adequacy of Cargill's
application, including compliance with the Mined Land Reclamation Law, monitoring and
treatment of waste materials, the potential for groundwater pollution, the stability of the mine,
and the long-term reclamation of the affected areas;
WHEREAS, the proposed flooding of the S3 Zone raises serious questions about the safety and
environmental integrity of Cayuga Lake, particularly in light of prior instability noted in this
area and the implications of storing not-fully-saturated brine beneath the lake;
WHEREAS, various stakeholders, including environmental groups and local officials, have
expressed concerns regarding the potential adverse impacts of Cargill's proposed activities,
highlighting the need for a more comprehensive environmental impact statement and public
engagement;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Dryden formally requests that the
DEC:
1. Deny Cargill's permit application or, alternatively, rescind the Negative Declaration and
require the preparation of a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement to assess all
potential environmental risks associated with the proposed activities.
2. Conduct a public hearing to allow for community input and address the substantive
concerns raised by residents and stakeholders regarding the application.
3. Ensure that Cargill's Reclamation Plan and accompanying bond are revised to adequately
address environmental protection and public safety, and that sufficient measures are
implemented to prevent potential pollution and ensure the long-term stability of shore-line
areas.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be sent to
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Comment.CayugaSaltMine2023(a�dec.ny.gov, DEC Commissioner Dereth Glance
(dereth.glance(a,dec.ny.gov), OGS Commissioner Jeanette Moy
(officeofthecommissioner(&ogs.ny.gov), and DEC Permit Administrator Jonathan Stercho
(jonathan.sterchoAdec.ny.gov) to ensure that the voices of the Town of Dryden's residents are
heard in this critical decision-making process.
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 Officer- Cl Buck and Cl Dravis met with the candidates and based on the
interviews and proposals recommended awarding the dog control contract to Amaretta
Beardslee. They considered the pricing component, and she had a very holistic plan around
rehoming dogs and developing campaigns on that front. Cl Buck said she enjoyed both
candidates and they both deeply care, but Beardslee was the clear top candidate. This would
be for a one-year contract with the opportunity to renew.
RESOLUTION #211 - OFFER DOG CONTROL TO AMARETTA BEARDSLEE
Cl Buck offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby authorizes the Town Supervisor to offer a
contract for dog control services to Amaretta Beardslee and upon her acceptance to execute the
contract in the amount of$74,400 for one year commencing January 1, 2025.
2nd Cl Dravis
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
Freese Road Bridge FEAF-The board reviewed the full environmental assessment
form resulting in no or small impact. It is a Type 1 action.
RESOLUTION #212 (2024) - DETERMINING THAT THE PROPOSED FREESE ROAD OVER
FALL CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT IS A TYPE 1 ACTION AND WILL NOT
HAVE A SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Supv Leifer 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, the Town of Dryden Town Board requested a letter and Part 1 of a Full
Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF) be sent to other potentially"Interested Agencies" and
"Involved Agencies" (as these terms are defined in the SEQRA Regulations found at 6 NYCRR
Part 617.2), indicating the Town's desire to serve as the "Lead Agency" (as this quoted term is
Page 12 of 16
TB 12-19-24
DRAFT
defined in the SEQRA Regulations) and to complete a coordinated review of the Project (in
accordance with 6 NYCRR Part 617.6); and
WHEREAS, responses from Interested and Involved Agencies were requested, and each
of the potentially Interested and Involved Agencies has agreed to, or raised no objections to, the
Town of Dryden Town Board serving as Lead Agency for the Project; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the SEQRA Regulations, the Town of Dryden Town Board has
considered the significance of the potential environmental impacts of the Project by (a) using
the criteria specified in Section 617.7 of the SEQRA Regulations, and (b) examining the FEAF
for the Project, including the facts and conclusions in Parts 1, 2 and 3 of the FEAF, together
with other available supporting information, to identify the relevant areas of environmental
concern:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Town of Dryden Town Board hereby establishes itself as Lead Agency for
the Project; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that based upon an examination of the FEAF and other available
supporting information, and considering both the magnitude and importance of each relevant
area of environmental concern, and based further upon the Town's knowledge of the area
surrounding the Project, the Town of Dryden Town Board makes the determination that the
Project will not have a significant adverse environmental impact and that the Project will not
require the preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that as a consequence of such findings and declaration, and in
compliance with the requirements of SEQRA, the Town of Dryden Town Board, as Lead Agency,
hereby directs the Town of Dryden Supervisor to sign the FEAF Part 3 - Determination of
Significance indicating that a Negative Declaration has been issued for the Project; this Resolution
shall take effect immediately and will be properly noticed.
2nd Cl Lamb
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
Supv Leifer will sign the extension for funding for the project.
ADVISORY BOARD UPDATES
Affordable and Workforce Housing-The group had a discussion with a representative
of Cornell University about the parcels they own in the town and the possibility of developing
any of them for housing.
Conservation Board-The board met yesterday and there was discussion about the
Cargill proposal. They spent time last month drafting feedback to Tompkins County regarding
a proposed culvert on Midline Road and that went out.
Climate Smart Communities Task Force did not meet in November.
Planning Board-The Board reviewed the Dutcher Road project and felt it was a
modest business in the right place. Another dispensary, Upstate Haze, will be coming in next
Page 13 of 16
TB 12-19-24
DRAFT
to Auto Works and they reviewed the site plan details. They discussed a sidewalk going down
to it. They decided on a multiuse path alongside the driveway. That project is moving along.
There are a couple of apartments proposed on Lower Creek Road and they saw a sketch plan
for that.
The zoning audit is resulting in a need to rewrite some of the zoning law, so they are
going to renew the RFP to extend the work.
There will be two alternate spots open on the board in January. Tony Salerno has
agreed to continue as Chair.
There is a PUD proposed for cottages off Cardinal Drive.
Ag Committee-There was a general discussion of the state of agriculture in the town.
The number of dairy farms has shrunk, but there are more cows and milk being produced.
The committee wants to be brought into the zoning discussion because of all the ag land. They
have some unique situations with their businesses. Historically, they feel left out of the
discussion because there isn't always an understanding of how their business fits in with
development in the town. There should be an understanding of the town's ag zoning and the
county ag districts and how those work together. They want to be sure they are brought into
the discussion when it comes time to rewrite the zoning.
Recreation &Youth Commission-The committee put in an application for Design
Connect but was not accepted. They had wanted to look at the possibility of a community
center at the Methodist Church in the village because the congregation is going through
changes and they may not be able to support the building. The church has permission to lease
or sell the building. They talked about what can be done there. There was discussion of the
shift to winter sports. They are looking for other locations for parks. There are some larger
parcels that may be available more toward the center of town for a town-wide community
center. They will come to the board with ideas.
CITIZENS PRIVILEGE
Debra Eicholtz shared documents explaining how the two percent foreign fire
insurance funds are received and spent by fire departments and presented the attached slide
deck.
Anne Marie Sheridan said she recalls hearing things at meetings that were not in the
minutes. She referred to a comment from Cl Lamb tonight saying he had no dog in any of
these fights. The board is entrusted to steward the resources and allocate contracts to protect
the dogs of this very large town, and on the night that he is deciding how they live their lives,
he uses a phrase like this, like they are commodities. She wonders what other epithets he uses
when no one is watching. She finds the comment offensive in what should be an attitude of
decorum and seriousness. It is inappropriate, insensitive, and callous.
As a resident of the town and registered volunteer for all local animal shelters and as it
pertains to the agenda item, she asks the board transparently to share how it will care for dogs
in its care during the transition of contracts. For example, should any placements, adoptions,
or fosters be affected negatively, or placements not recognized that are underway, then the
town is not fulfilling its duty. She asked the board to commit on record that it will fully
support and not obstruct any placements that may be underway because extended stays and
an increased budget may down the line contribute to euthanasia for long-time resident dogs.
Page 14 of 16
TB 12-19-24
DRAFT
As an aside to the comment about having no stake in the outcome with respect to the
fire coordinator (which is the professional and appropriate way to articulate the point), with
respect to the Town's trajectory towards a fire district, she would disagree. She has seen
significant salary increases for the Board, who have earned more these past two years than
many people who work (and volunteer) in the Town. It has worked, in her opinion, to
mischaracterize the departments, especially hers, but she does not believe this is justified. She
is certain that the vision of salary administrators in a shared district will be easier now that the
budgets of the two smallest departments are back in the coffers for redistribution.
At the December 12 public hearing and board meeting Cl Lamb said the board would
not do a back and forth with those signed up to speak, but would address any and all
comments once the comments were concluded. The board then reversed course and made
statements about the Brooktondale contract and ignored all comments about Etna's contract.
Regardless of Roberts Rules of Order or a motion that was not seconded, the board had voted.
For clarity she asked if the fire coordinator position or any position at any salary is going to be
appointed in January or if any paid position is being added back in. Will the current
coordinator hold any position in the town after the first of the year?
She asked the board to address the request by many to have the meeting recordings
available online. Some minutes include comments that she and others do not recall. Not
having the recordings readily available is a barrier to civic involvement.
A Sheridan asked whether the investment in the Freeville duty vehicle was included in
last year's budget figure.
She asked whether the board had requested any change in how Etna was toned
through the end of 2024 because Etna was not attached to some calls. (Cl Lamb responded
that the town had made no such request.) Residents need to know if there is a new protection
plan for their areas.
She will reiterate at future meetings the need for a conflicts of interest policy.
Mike Parker, Freeville Fire Chief, said there have been radio outages and Freeville
experienced the same thing that Etna did. Lansing also had the same problem and it was
discovered that a number that is attached to a department may have been deleted in the
system so they weren't getting their calls. There is a clicking noise in the pagers. It is a known
problem in the county, not a targeted thing.
He asked whether the fire contracts for the new year had been sent yet. Supv Leifer
said they had not yet been sent out and the contract language would be the same.
M Parker asked if there would be a meeting about what the fire departments will look
like in the future. They have not heard anything about the town's strategic plan and have no
idea where all this is going.
Supv Leifer said the town will have to address the immediate part about service. He
understands there is a form to sign for the county. Representatives from the Dryden, Etna and
Freeville departments and two board members will meet. The Town Board will have to meet to
complete the town's strategic plan. Cl Buck said it will need to be done in partnership with the
departments.
Cl Leifer explained that the two villages have to be on board with investigating the
formation of a fire district before that grant application can be submitted.
Page 15 of 16
TB 12-19-24
DRAFT
Mark Bell, Dryden Fire Chief, said he will bring their monthly call reports each month
to the board. For November they had 71 total calls, including 22 in one day. All calls were
answered. They included 14 calls or EMS rescue. The average firefighter per call was 6.6
people per call. Average enroute time was 2 minutes 34 seconds, average onscene time was 7
minutes 13 seconds.
Their new ready room is complete. He remarked that their strategic plan may not have
been stellar, but they learned a lot from the training and have put new practices in place.
The department has applied for two AFG grants. One is a regional SCBA grant and one
is for replacement of their rescue tool (jaws of life).
It was noted that Dryden also had trouble with tones.
M Bell thanked Chris O'Connor for his service, saying they may not have always agreed,
but he thinks they shared a vision and goal to make protection better in the town of Dryden.
He thinks C O'Connor helped to bring the departments together and make them stronger
together and that the board played a role in that. He thinks they are in a stronger, better place
than they've been in many years and he looks forward to seeing that continue to grow.
B Avery explained that a public notice was not published for the public hearing held
last week to approve the amounts of the fire contracts. A public hearing notice will be
published for January 9 to authorize the contracts.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bambi L. Avery
Town Clerk
Page 16 of 16
12/19/2024
TOWN OF
DRYDEN
BOARD
MEETING
V
December •
Seeking to Understand Meeting December 12, 2024 & Response of December 13, 2024
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TOWN OF DRYDEN This map represents a R
TOWN OF DRYDEN FIRE DISTRICTS Town of Dryden a..
compilation of graphical and
ewclo N b T ronn J>n �Orydan Fire Oislricts�VDRYDEN BND -Roads �-
OiannbiU fhb nimry Tompkins Cpprtry.N Y. - textual information from deeds w
Dire aexetl mil Vllage Boundanes 2m Dryden_tax and surveys,a digital
2
1
12/19/2024
TOWN STATS. . .
Brooktondale - 545 residents. 4.12% Total Town
Etna - 212 Residents 1.62% Population is
13,181.
Dryden (Village) - 1,863 residents 14.13% Figures to the left
Freeville - 449 Residents 3.43% are primarily Village
McGraw - 977 residents. 7.44% figures, with outlying
areas accounting for
Varna - 754 residents. 5.72% the other 8,381
Outlying Areas - 8,381 residents 63.54% residents.
3
3 FIRE SERVICE MYTHS:
DATA, RESPONSE TIME AND COVERAGE
EQUITY
LEADERS • SOME •• NOT
Not everyone agrees why certain standards have been adopted by the fire service.Some argue that standards
have been developed based on science or data,while others believe they have been cultivated through years of
experience. Whatever the source,the relevance of standards merit discussion by local departments,affiliated
groups and local legislative bodies on how the fire service can best serve the community in the future.With
this in mind,let's examine three fire service myths that we have come to accept as true but,in reality,don't
align with reality.
Myth 1:The fire service has excellent national fire data driving policy decisions.
Myth 2:NFPA 1710 response time standards are achievable in the real world.
Myth 3:The same number of fire apparalus20/7 results In equitable coverage.
Source Fitch and Associatns:July 2019
4
2
12/19/2024
y
Dr en
2045
TM
TRUTH
HOW DOES THIS FIT?
5
{
According to Roberts Rul 'f Order, there was not a sse�ond n t tion, so the
resolution�npyer ned. The stateme�nt-ali ges\that it i9fitha:n-8jally
responsibkephdWever axpayer"ll-rro�see-a-d_e_cvease in fund,ings;°a� funding
u mar ap being-sen toaotj}e\r departr�ehts. 95,pp0
9
Handouts 4 'gyp Vie: Cornell'Ifniversity and9Rpbe is Rules oiai ae� le
1 5 48-7 110 p00\ 1p1 090 1 S9°00
`�� 124 000 150, 0p0 101�g4 SO'p00
6
3
ACCORDING TO THE TOWN WEBSITE
SIX DEPARTMENTS ARE PROVIDING
RESPONSE TO THE COMMUNITY
(DATED 12/17/24)
The Town of Dryden is protected by 6 volunteer fire departments: Brooktondale Fire
District, Etna Volunteer Fire Department, McLean Fire District, Neptune Hose Company
No. 1 of Dryden (Dryden Fire Department), Varna Volunteer Fire Company, and W.B.
Strong Company of Freeville (Freeville Fire Department). Brooktondale Fire District and
McLean Fire District are independent Fire Districts.
a
v
6 - 2 = 4 YET THE TOWN HAS NOT SHRUNK!
HAVE THE TOWNS NEEDS DECREASED?
TAXES ARE NOT DECREASING?
HOW WILL SERVICES NOT BE ADVERSELY IMPACTED?
•
/2024
RECENT FIRE I N TH E
10
T WN OFDRYDEN
FEBRUARY 2024
Took nearly 35 minutes for the first drop of
water to be sprayed on the house.
_• Statement from Deputy Chief the inter-
_.: , -
�_�� ; . agency cooperation,teamwork&
communication was outstanding.
_ - - - , :_�� _ _ Article states that 20 agencies responded to
= ��-_ include Etna Fire Department.
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/�Y 1712024
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QUOTE FROM FIRE CHIEF, "IT WASN'T FAR FROM SPREADING TO THE SECOND HOUSE, BUT WE WERE ABLE TO STOP IT"
-_--
49
QUOTE FROM A NEIGHBOR. "LIKE A CHARED SHELL AT THIS POINT". NE THING I TAKE
AWAY FROM THIS IS WATCHING THEM WORK IS THAT IT REALLY DOES A VILLAGE TO
FIGHT A FIRE". "I'M REALLY PROU$ OF OUR ALL-VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT AS WELL
AS ALL THE OTHER FIRE COMPANIES WHO CAME".
BUT IT WAS NOT A VILLAGE, IT WAS TOWN...
WOULD IT HAVE SPREAD TO OTHER HOMES WITHOUT THE ADDITIONAL AID?
IS THE RISK WORTH IT?
41
fir
G,..ut�
%, �. 4,
Freeville Apartment House
APRIL 2023 Assistance from Dryden,
Groton, Etna, Lansing,
McLean and Varna
12/19/2024
IN M
15
ti r i k
AUGUST 2, 2017
"DRYDEN FD TRUCK 531 ARRIVED ON SCENE WITHIN SIX MINUTES OF THE INITIAL DISPATCH,"
ACCORDING TO THE RELEASE. "CREWS MADE ENTRY INTO THE STRUCTURE; HOWEVER, WERE
WITHDRAWN FROM INSIDE DUE TO HEAVY FIRE LOAD."
I
n
F la'I s
HEADLINE - USA TODAY.MASSIVE FIRE!
DRYDEN WAS ASSISTED ON THE SCENE BY FREEVILLE, MCLEAN, ETNA.
16
GROTON, HARFORD, VIRGIL. VARNA. CAYUGA HEIGHTS, CORTLANDVILLE
12/19/2024
MORE THAN 20 FIRE COMPANIES AND 125
FIRE FIGHTERS RESPONDED TO THE FIRE.
17
18
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TH - MPKINS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY ,�'-'.�'
;,�� RESPONSE THANKED "VARNA, ETNA, DRYDEN, ,�: '� -.-•
FREEVILLE, CAYUGA HEIGHTS AND MCLEAN FIRE
DEPARTMENTS, DRYDEN AMBULANCE, AIRPORT CFR, . •"k��
ITHACA FD AND CORTLANDVILLE FD FOR STANDBY AND :
OFPC INVESTIGATORS." - . .�
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WE NEVER FORGET!
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HOME FIRE TIMELINE
1.5 Min•or L•.. 2-3 M,.... 3-5 MI-1— 5-8 Mi-- 6-10 MI.W..
l —- E— - E--
Deodly heat, Without Fire FLASHOVER Without sprinklers, Firefighters open
Flames and sprinklers, No one survives fire growth is unrestricted hose nozzles
smoke are odds of flashover
controlled escaping
decrease
significantly
®is Called of fire deaths
qo+c occured in home
® fires in which smoke
Fire Sprinkler Activates alarms sounded'
of Fire deaths
occured in homes
with smoke olorms
that didn't work'
OSmoke Alarm Activates
N CONt�i
S ip�G Y1l NF�pES p
f FTFC 71C14
RF.PC,RT ID!SPATCH --� Pr�P',IJ FT�I RF SF TUF' FIGHTINC'HR[
OF FIRF OF FIRE -
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 13 9 1
TIME IN MINUTES(6—d or.—11-1—9..) ttwlnu
FIH•Pn I�r _ It t
CQann
•Snwk.N.rr�In U.S.H.— 2011. II
12/19/2024
MARCH 7, 2002
THE TOWN OF DRYDEN HAS1 NOT LOSE ANY OF THEIR OWN IN A LINE OF DUTY DEATH
THEIR VOLUNTEER SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
A community never forgets the loss.
Two firefighters,Timothy'TJ'Lynch,28 and John"Gino"Ginocchetti,41 were lost that evening.
10 year remembrance,15 year remembrance and 20 year remembrance bring back everything like it was yesterday.
Roots run deep In our towns. Relationships are Interwoven in the town.
TJ's parents were in my parents wedding and vice versa.They all went to High School together.
I grew up playing with TJ when our parents would get together In our younger years.
I worked with Us partners'Mother for many years,as she was a school secretary.Her son was not on duty that night,but knew that TJ was picking up an extra
shift. Her husband was also Fire Chief in another Town Fire Department at the time of this tragedy and was there that night.Many of my Agway,Inc,co-workers
were there that night as well.
A Retired PESH Comptliance Inspector shared that the aftermath and Investigations was too much and he decided to retire in late 2002.
Litigation: against Onondaga County,New York and then county Fire Coordinator Mike Waters in 2003.The county responded to that lawsuit by suing the
Pompey Hill Fire District,the Pompey Hill Fire Department,Assistant Chiefs Richard Abbott and Mark Kovalowski,the village of Manlius,the Manlius Fire
Department,Deputy Chief Raymond Dill and homeowner Joseph Messina.
Case was initially dismissed,but the application of a law was misapplied,and then it went back to court again. Next ruling found N.Y.chiefs,departments,
homeowner'negligent'in 2002 LODDs
March 2012:As they prepared to go to trial a$1.2 million goes to widow of Fayetteville Firefighter Timothy Lynch under proposed settlement.County paid$863,000 and.
local departments paid$373,000,
23
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