HomeMy WebLinkAbout02_YB_Appx 02-A_Consultation LogSeptember 4 , 2019
TOWN BOARD WORK SESSION MEETING
LANSING TOWN HALL BOARD ROOM
29 AUBURN RD., LANSING, NY
September 4, 2019
PLEASE NOTE: The primary purpose of the Town Board Work Session is to be
informational/educational for the benefit of the Board Members.
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Edward La Vigne, Supervisor, and
opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Roll call by Deborah K. Munson,
Town Clerk, showed the following to be
PRESENT:
Katrina Binkewicz , Councilperson
Joseph Wetmore , Councilperson
ABSENT: Andra Benson, Councilperson
Doug Dake, Councilperson
Edward La Vigne, Supervisor
ALSO PRESENT: Guy Krogh, Town Counsel, C.J. Randall, Director of Planning, Ted
Laux, Andrew Sullivan, The Ithaca Times /Lansing Ledger, Wayne Straw, Mike
Koplinka-Loehr, Judy Drake, Bob Munson, Jeannine Kirby, Mitch Quine, CS Energy,
and a few other attendees.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR -GUIDELINES
Available as a handout.
The public shall be allowed to speak only during the Public Comment / Privilege of the
Floor period of the meeting, or during public hearings, or when they have reserved and
been granted time upon the Agenda.
Speakers must be recognized by the presiding officer ( or his or her designee) and step to
the front of the room .
Speakers must give their name and state whether they are speaking as a resident, a
member of the public, or for any other person or organization.
Speakers must limit their remarks to 3 minutes, and comments unrelated to the subject
matter of the public hearing are not allowed.
Speakers may not yield any remaining time they may have to another speaker.
With the permission of the presiding officer a Board or committee member may interrupt
a speaker for the purpose of clarification or information (and not for any other reason or
to debate or disagree). Such time shall not be counted against the speaker's 3 minute
limit.
All remarks shall be addressed to the Board or committee as a body and not to any
member thereof, nor to any member of the public whether present at such public hearing
or not.
Speakers shall observe the commonly accepted rules of courtesy, decorum, dignity and
good taste.
Interested parties or their representatives may address the Board by written
communications . Written documents and evidence may be submitted as part of the
record of the public hearing.
Persons who exceed 3 minutes, violate rules of courtesy, decorum, dignity or good taste,
or deliberately or by their behavior interfere with other person's right to comment or
1
September 4 , 2019
participate in the public hearing, or who deliberately or by their behavior interfere with
governmental administration will be cut off, removed, or have non-recognized comments
removed from the record, or any combination of the above . Before a comments or
statements will be excised from the record, the speaker will be verbally warned that they
are in violation of the rules for this public hearing.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR -COMMENTS
Proposed Solar and Wind Law
Representatives from CS Energy, stated the following regarding Solar:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Would like to partner with Town of Lansing
Does not encourage housing / development / business parks
Finite and predictable impact on agriculture -once capacity is reached, no
additional solar projects can connect
Quiet, no additional traffic, lights, smells
Compatible with agricultural on same parcel -sheep grazing
Soil is only removed for roads -top soil stripped, stock piled and saved to put
back when project is decommissioned
Lasts about 25 -35 years -then decommissioned-can restore land back to
agriculture
•
•
•
Department of Ag and Markets engaged in siting and permitting for solar projects
100 -150 megawatts -700 -1200 acres -consolidate as much as can -100 -150
acres together
•
•
•
•
Efficiency of panels -average above 20%
Not planning to use batteries in Town of Lansing
Battery backup -limited by capacity on lines
Payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) -revenue split between school, county and
town
• Sell power at wholesale -large scale solar
• Article 10 -siting board makes final decision -siting board takes local law very
literally
• 2 megawatts -10 acres -CS Energy is not interested in small acres
• About three (3) years out before solar will be here
• Vegetation still there -run off the same or better than it is now
• SEQRA reviews everything -critical environmental areas, wetlands , etc.
One resident spoke about the Proposed Solar and Wind Law :
• Version 08292019 -page 7 -would like the restriction of installing solar in front
yards removed
• Supports removal of ten (10) acres limitation for large scale systems
The following topics were discussed:
PROPOSED SOLAR AND WIND LAW
C.J. Randall, Director of Planning, reported the following:
• Article 10 -2011 public service law -electric generating facility, larger than 25
megawatts, is sited by state siting board
• Small scale solar system exempt from Planning Board approval
• Once it is 25 megawatts, it is not a Town of Lansing decision
• Nexamp has Planning Board approval for five (5) megawatts -25 acres
o Planning Board overrode the County 239 recommendation to lower the
acreage to ten (10)
• SEQRA
o No critical environmental areas designated in Town of Lansing
Guy Krogh , Town Counsel, stated:
• Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) has jurisdiction in three (3) areas:
o Zoning interpretation appeals
2
September 4 , 2019
o Area variance
o Use variance
• Land could go from solar back to agricultural
o Will not know for sure for 30 years
• Referring to New York State Town of Lansing Soils Map -if prime soil is ruled
out, no solar will come to Lansing
Edward La Vigne, Supervisor, asked the two (2) farmers in attendance for their opinions
and they stated:
• When stop farming will want to put whole farm (200 acres) in solar -not ten (10)
acres
• Farmers need money
o Already selling land for houses to pay taxes
C.J. Randall, Director of Planning, continued:
• Possible to farm under 20 foot panels
o Some crops like to be under panels for some shade
o Sheep do well under panels
o Top soil is not removed
o Current law is maximum height of 18 feet
• Does Town want one (1) or two (2) large solar areas or several small ones
• Anticipated recommendation from County is a limit of ten (10) acres
Katrina Binkewicz , Councilperson, stated :
• Land sold for houses -never goes back to agricultural , large burden on schools
• Investing in large scale solar worldwide is important
• Does not want to designate large or small
Doug Dake, Councilperson, stated:
• The draft overall is good
o The Town is trying to limit and control a situation and someone is always
on the "other side"
• Likes one (1) to two (2) large solar areas
Joseph Wetmore, Councilperson , stated:
• Different market for large and small solar areas
• Wants to eliminate prime soil from solar use
C.J . Randall , Director of Planning , stated she is attending a meeting tomorrow regarding
Article 10 and will report back after the meeting.
The draft of the proposed Solar and Wind Law is on the Town of Lansing website:
Front page -Lansing Town Announcements and Town Board current meeting
documents.
TOMPKINS COUNTY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY -LANSING
TOWN CENTER INCENTIVE ZONE PROGRAM REVISIONS
C.J. Randall, Director of Planning , reviewed current map:
• Confusing where Town Center is
• Town Board could change map for abatement area
• Abatement requests need to be approved by Town Board
• Based on discussions, CJ will make changes and come back to the Board
PROPOSED 2020 BUDGET
Edward La Vigne, Supervisor, stated all Town Board members have the budget
spreadsheet. The Town Clerk will present the Tentative 2020 Budget to the Town Board
at the September 18, 2019 meeting.
3
September 4 , 2019
Ed noted, he has contacted all department heads regarding large items (for five (5) year
plan) and no one has given him any information.
C.J. Randall, Director of Planning, stated she is working on a capital improvement plan
and will send it to the Town Board prior to the September 18, 2019 meeting.
ADJOURN MEETING
Meeting adjourned at the call of the Supervisor at 8:50 p.m.
Minutes taken and executed by the Town Clerk.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah K. Munson
Town Clerk
4
August 21 , 2019
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING
August 21, 2019
A Regular Meeting of the Lansing Town Board was held at the Town Hall Board Room, 29
Auburn Road, Lansing, NY on the above date at 6:32 p.m. The meeting was called to order
by the Edward La Vigne, Supervisor, and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
Roll call by Jessica Hall, Deputy Town Clerk, showed the following to be
PRESENT:
Katrina Binkewicz, Councilperson
Joseph Wetmore , Councilperson
ABSENT: Andra Benson, Councilperson
Doug Dake, Councilperson
Edward La Vigne, Supervisor
ALSO PRESENT: Guy Krogh , Town Counsel, Charlie "Cricket" Purcell , Highway
Superintendent, Mike Moseley, Deputy Highway Superintendent, Patrick Tyrrell , Parks
and Recreation Supervisor, C.J. Randall , Director of Planning, John O 'Neill, Village of
Lansing, Dan Veaner, Lansing Star, Andrew Sullivan , The Ithaca Times /Lansing Ledger,
Ted Laux , Larry Fabbroni , Steve and Rocco Lucente, Village Solars, Terry Carroll , Cornell
Cooperative Extension, Janice Johnson, Tompkins County Youth Services , Travis Judd ,
Lansing Youth Services , Stacie Mastin, Lansing Youth Services , Suzanne Hinderliter, Eric
Milled, Hilarie Larson , Tee-Ann Hunter, Mitch Quine, and a few other attendees.
RESOLUTION GRANTING AW AIVER FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE
TOWN OF LANSING LAND USE ORDINANCE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT
AREA NO. 1 (VILLAGE CIRCLE -VILLAGE SOLARS) §1610 (17)
Edward La Vigne, Supervisor, explained project history. Larry Fabbroni , Steve and Rocco
Lucente answered Board questions regarding waiver request.
RESOLUTION 19-120
RESOLUTION GRANTING AW AIVER FROM THE REQUIREMENTS
OF THE TOWN OF LANSING LAND USE ORDINANCE
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AREA NO. 1
(VILLAGE CIRCLE -VILLAGE SOLARS) §1610 (17)
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, Planned Development Area No. 1 was established by Local Law No. 1 of
2013 , passed by Town Board Resolution 13-78 on April 17 , 2013 , which added §1610 (12)
to the Town of Lansing Land Use Ordinance and required completion of the Community
Center Building within five ( 5) years of the date of adoption of the Local Law; and
WHEREAS, Planned Development Area No. 1 was amended by Local Law No. 6 of2017
(Town of Lansing Land Use Ordinance§ 1610 (12)(a)) and required that the Community
Center Building shall be substantially completed by December 31 , 2020 and, until
substantially complete , only 3 of the 5 building permits for major or large buildings
demarked in Phase 4 (Buildings #36, #117, K , Land M) shall issue, and the remaining 2
building permits shall not be issued until the certificate of occupancy is issued for the
Community Center Building; and
WHEREAS , on July 12, 2019 the Town of Lansing received a request for Waiver from
Lawrence P . Fabbroni , P .E., Village Solars Project Engineer, under the provisions of §1610
(17) of Local Law No. 6 of 2017, to delay substantial completion of the Community Center
until December 31, 2021; and
WHEREAS , the Town Board reviewed the request for Waiver at their regular meeting on
July 17, 2019 and referred the matter to the Planning Board;
1
August 21 , 2019
WHEREAS , a Motion from the Planning Board recommending the Town Board to Extend
the Completion Date of the Village Solars Community Center to December 31, 2021 was
passed on July 22, 2019; and
WHERERAS, Local Law No. 6 of 2017 requires that the Town Board consider the request
for Waiver under Town of Lansing Land Use Ordinance § 1610 ( 17)( a)-( d); and
WHEREAS, upon deliberation there upon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has
hereby
RESOLVED, a Waiver granting an extension of the Completion Date of the Village Solars
Community Center to December 31, 2021 subject to the following conditions:
1. Village Solars Buildings #2, #22 and # 117 will only receive building permits after
the completion of the Community Center.
2. Receipt of all Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Inspection Reports
for Village Solars, LLC (SWPPP NYR10Y129).
3. A complete copy of the SWPPP NYR10Y129, including copies of all inspection
reports and plan revisions , must be retained at the project at all times during
working hours.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Doug Dake, duly seconded by Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz, and put to
a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz -Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore -Nay
Councilperson Doug Dake -Aye
Supervisor Edward La Vigne-Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on August
21, 2019.
STREET LIGHT CONVERSION TO LED -CORNELL COOPERATIVE
EXTENSION -TERRY CARROLL
Mr. Carroll provided a handout to Town Board members explaining pros and cons of ways
to switch streetlights to LED lights.
• Town has 68 street lights, leased from NYSEG
• Two (2) methods of switching lights
o Contact NYSEG, pay them to convert to LEDs, Town then leases LEDs
■ Can buy LEDs after they switch but will be costly after switching
o Buyback current streetlights from NYSEG and convert to LEDs through
New York Power Authority (NYP A)
■ Town owns LED lights
■ More costly
■ Town crew or third party vendor to switch lights to LED
■ This option cuts Town's ties with NYSEG for streetlights
• Maintenance of lights
o NYSEG lease option -they maintain lights
o Buyback option -Town responsible for maintenance
• SmartCities -connected street lights -available only through NYP A option
Short break taken 7:32pm to 7:36pm .
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR -GUIDELINES
Available as a handout.
The public shall be allowed to speak only during the Public Comment / Privilege of the
Floor period of the meeting, or during public hearings , or when they have reserved and
been granted time upon the Agenda.
2
August 21 , 2019
Speakers must be recognized by the presiding officer ( or his or her designee) and step to
the front of the room.
Speakers must give their name and state whether they are speaking as a resident, a member
of the public, or for any other person or organization.
Speakers must limit their remarks to 3 minutes, and comments unrelated to the subject
matter of the public hearing are not allowed.
Speakers may not yield any remaining time they may have to another speaker.
With the permission of the presiding officer a Board or committee member may interrupt a
speaker for the purpose of clarification or information (and not for any other reason or to
debate or disagree). Such time shall not be counted against the speaker's 3 minute limit.
All remarks shall be addressed to the Board or committee as a body and not to any member
thereof, nor to any member of the public whether present at such public hearing or not.
Speakers shall observe the commonly accepted rules of courtesy, decorum , dignity and
good taste.
Interested parties or their representatives may address the Board by written
communications. Written documents and evidence may be submitted as part of the record
of the public hearing.
Persons who exceed 3 minutes , violate rules of courtesy, decorum, dignity or good taste, or
deliberately or by their behavior interfere with other person's right to comment or
participate in the public hearing, or who deliberately or by their behavior interfere with
governmental administration will be cut off, removed, or have non-recognized comments
removed from the record, or any combination of the above. Before a comments or
statements will be excised from the record, the speaker will be verbally warned that they
are in violation of the rules for this public hearing.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR -COMMENTS
One resident spoke in support of Town passing Resolution Supporting Tompkins County
Water Resources Council Staff Request.
• Not having a County level staff person dedicated to water quality issues is a lost
opportunity
o A lot of state attention on water quality issues
o Money being offered for water quality projects
• Position would benefit small Tompkins County municipalities
o Help with grant writing, administration and coordination of projects
One attendee spoke to introduce a solar development company and discuss current draft of
local solar law.
• Speaking from a developers perspective, feel it is workable law
LANSING COMMUNITY LIBRARY REPORT -CHRISTINE EISENHUT
The following report was available as a handout.
TOWN BOARD UPDATES
FROM THE LANSING COMMUNITY LIBRARY
August 19, 2019
1. Shadow Puppet Party-Saturday, September 14th at 11:00 am.
2. Save the Date -Friday, October 18th -Cocktails and Costumes. More details to follow.
3. YouthLAB (Library Advisory Board)-First Monday of the Month 6:00 pm -7:30 pm.
Students in grades 5-8 are invited to join in a monthly meeting to discuss future library
programs and ideas.
3
August 21 , 2019
4. Ask Annie -Tech Help for the Digital Library-Walk-In Wednesdays 10 am -11 am . Get
help with downloading e-books, audiobooks and music onto your devices.
5. Artwork on display in July and August -Kevin Mayer: Plein-air Landscapes.
6. Summer Reading -A Universe of Stories -The wrap up with the Portable Planetarium
went well.
Ongoing programs at the library:
a. T'ai Chi -Tuesdays 11:30 am -12:30 pm, Thursdays 2:30 pm -3:30 pm
b. Story Time -Tuesdays 1:00 pm, Thursdays 10:30 am.
c. Mah Jongg-Wednesdays 1:00 pm -4:00 pm
Museum Passes and Empire Passes are available.
The library offers free printing, copying, scanning and faxing and extra computer time
for those who are looking for a job. Ask for details at the Circulation Desk.
LANSING YOUTH SERVICES -JANICE JOHNSON
The following report was available as a handout.
Lansing Youth Commission; Est. 1987
Supports Lansing Youth Services
Youth Employment Programs
August 2019
• The Youth Commission does not meet in August, their next meeting will be
September 19 th .
• Summer programs are going well and programs are full.
• Youth Commission members and Travis Judd the Program Educator, will be
making a presentation at the Town Board August 21 st meeting.
• Tompkins County Youth Services Dept. has put in a 2% increase in the County
Youth Service Funds for 2020, we should know more about this request when the
County Administrators Budget is released in early September.
• L YS Budget request for 2020 has been submitted.
• I hope everyone's summer has been great so far!
Janice Johnson , Travis Judd, Stacey Mastin and a participant from one of the programs
shared the following and passed out a handout to Board members.
• Thanked Board for their continued support of program
• Lansing has one of the best programs in County
• Travis does an amazing job of capturing attention of students
• Goal is to teach life skills through programs
• Diverse programs hit a population of students that do not fall in main stream
activities ( sports & theatre)
• Towns support allows most programs to remain free for participants
o Summer programs have a small fee (scholarships available)
o Fundraise to support and supplement programs
Edward La Vigne , Supervisor, asked what their dream project/wish list item would be.
Janice Johnson stated, it would be great if the Lansing program had their own van . Her
second request would be gas for van . Travis agreed a van would be wonderful to be able to
travel regularly and not have to coordinate with other programs. Mr. La Vigne requested
4
they provide an estimate in order for him to look into their request , maybe Lansing
Community Council can help.
TOMPKINS COUNTY LEGISLATOR-MIKE SIGLER
August 21 , 2019
Reviewed the following with the Town Board and the report was available as a handout.
Tompkins County Legislator
Michael Sigler
August 21, 2019
Hello and thank you for having me again .
At our August 6th meeting, the Legislature voted against moving ahead with an in-depth feasibility
study to gather more infonnation on the potential to establish a joint City-County public safety
facility. The proposed study would have delved deeper into findings of a preliminary study by
Kingsbury Architecture on what could be involved if the County Sheriffs Office (Road Patrol and
Civil Division, and possibly the Jail) were to be co-located with the Ithaca Police Department at a
location within the City of Ithaca . The City's Common Council has already supported moving
ahead. The Legislature declined to follow suit, with the proposal rejected by a 5-8 vote. I was not
there for the vote, but spoke out vigorously against the colocation. The move would have required
8 votes and as you can see, it was not widely supported, I think in part thanks to Deborah Dawson,
Shawna Black and my efforts.
Dawson expressed our concerns about moving the Sheriff farther from the County's Northeast
population center and higher call volume, as well as melding two agencies with different cultures,
pay scales, etc. Legislator Black also said it makes no sense to move the Sheriff from the Village of
Lansing and property the County already owns.
Last night, The Legislature authorized a Conditions and Program Needs Assessment of the
Tompkins County Public Safety Building, by unanimous vote. The County will contract with
LaBella Associates and allocate $74,000 from the Contingent Fund for the study.
It will evaluate architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, life safety, security and
control systems; investigate feasibility for carbon mitigation; assess the facility's below-grade
sanitary sewer piping; and review and identify any suspect regulated building materials. We also
talked about 767 Warren Road, adjacent to Airport property and near the current Public Safety
Building, which has been toured by others including the Sheriff, and considered by some as a
potential location for the Road Patrol and Civil Division. Our administrator is now considering how
big the scope of this study will be.
We heard public comment on whether or not we should ask for State authorization allowing rifle
hunting for deer and bear in Tompkins County. It's legal in pretty much every Upstate county.
Hunter safety instructors are among those who have asked the Legislature to reconsider the issue.
In 2013, a similar proposal had been advanced, but failed to be approved by the Legislature. At the
hearing, only two people spoke, both speaking against, but I've heard from more in support. It's
argued it's safer than shotguns and causes less pain to the deer and bear.
At our August 6th meeting, after a public hearing, the Legislature approved adoption of the 2019-
2020 Tompkins Cortland Community College Operating Budget. The $35 .7 million budget
contains total sponsor support of $4,882,882, split between Tompkins and Cortland Counties based
on proportional student enrollment, with Tompkins supporting nearly two-thirds of that. The
budget has a 5% increase in sponsor support, the first increase in several years.
Lastly, also at that meeting, the Tompkins County Legislature paid tribute to Army Sergeant James
G. Johnston, of Trumansburg, approving by unanimous vote a resolution of collllllemoration
honoring Sgt. Johnston, who died while on active duty in Afghanistan on June 25, 2019, from
injuries sustained in the service to his country. Johnston was an explosive ordinance disposal
specialist, and received many decorations for service, including for meritorious service, a bronze
star, and a purple heart. Many Legislators were wearing Hawaiian shirts in honor of Sgt. Johnston,
said to be his favorite type of attire.
Thank you and thanks again to Marcia Lynch whose County reports I draw very liberally from and
without whom this report would be much more difficult.
Mike also reported:
Tompkins Cortland Community College -Enrollment has declined, lost about 1000 students
5
August 21 , 2019
Budget Season -Will begin in September
Lansing Youth Services -An excellent program, his family has utilized , fees very reasonable
PARKS AND RECREATION REPORT -PATRICK TYRRELL
Reviewed the following with the Town Board and the report was available as a handout.
RECREATION
Parks & Recreation
8/21/19
Town Board Meeting
Soccer Camp again was a huge success with over 240 children.
Small Fry Football has started, we will have both a junior and senior team.
Fall Soccer will begin in September.
I sent you all an email with an update on the digital sign on the ballfields , I am hopeful we
can get that started soon.
PARKS
Concert series has gone very well with the exception of last week when we had to cancel
due to weather. Unfortunately, that concert will not be rescheduled. We will wrap up our
season this Thursday the 22 nd with Bad Alibi .
We have had some theft over the past several weeks that is very concerning, so we have
been looking into several security camera options to protect our patrons and staff.
Patrick also noted:
Lansing Youth Services
• Awesome program
• Work together to avoid duplication of programs
• Helps tremendously with high school workers
LED Digital Sign
• Cost of sign and installation is about $50,000 ( donation to cover $20,000)
• Messages on new sign can be programmed from computer
• Multiple messages can be scrolling on the sign
• Would allow public to receive information quicker
• Can be used by all departments
MOTION TO ALLOCATE UP TO $50,000 FOR LED DIGITAL SIGN WITH
INSTALLATION COSTS; $30,000 FROM UNRESERVED FUND BALANCE TO
A7140.200 AND $20,000 FROM A2705 (DONATIONS) TO A7140.200
Councilperson Doug Dake, moved TO ALLOCATE UP TO $50,000 FOR LED
DIGITAL SIGN WITH INSTALLATION COSTS; $30,000 FROM UNRESERVED
FUND BALANCE TO A7140.200 AND $20,000 FROM A2705 (DONATIONS) TO
A7140.200
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz, seconded the motion.
All in Favor -4 Opposed -0
Patrick continued:
Parks
• Had thefts at Myers Park
o Getting quotes for security cameras
• Helped plant 75 new trees and shrubs at Salt Point
Computer Upgrades
• Windows 7 will be obsolete and no longer supported by Microsoft
6
August 21 , 2019
o Need to upgrade approximately fifteen (15) computers
■ Reimage which can only be done on six ( 6) computers
■ Purchase new
o Makes most sense to buy new computers
■ Newest technology
■ Not putting money into old technology computers that could still fail
■ Has quotes, will forward to Board
■ Use State Contract pricing for purchasing new
• Cost estimated between $15,000 -$20,000
• Not upgrading leaves Town vulnerable to security issues (malware)
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT REPORT-CHARLIE "CRICKET" PURCELL
Cricket reported the following :
Paving -Most projects have been completed for this season
Erosion Stabilization -Currently working in Lakewatch area on ditches
Stream Stabilization -Lockerby Hill
Project with Tompkins County Soil & Water
o Money is earmarked for this project
Permits are in, waiting on approval from Army Corps of Engineers
Time frame is getting tight, must be completed by September 30 th (DEC rule)
•
•
•
• Next Soil & Water Meeting is September 19 th which would not give enough time to
get material delivered and project completed by deadline
• If approval comes through by end of August/early September -would Town Board
be comfortable purchasing materials and be reimbursed by Tompkins County Soil
& Water Conservation?
• If permits come after Labor Day, project will probably not happen this year and no
funds will be spent on project
MOTION TO ALLOCATE UP TO $90,000 FROM UNRESERVED FUND
BALANCE TO A8745.400 FOR PRODUCT TO BE UTILIZED ON STREAM
STABILIZATION PROJECT ON LOCKERBY HILL, ALLOCATION WILL BE
REIMBURSED IN FULL BY TOMPKINS COUNTY SOIL AND WATER
Councilperson Doug Dake, moved TO ALLOCATE UP TO $90,000 FROM
UNRESERVED FUND BALANCE TO A8745.400 FOR PRODUCT TO BE
UTILIZED ON STREAM STABILIZATION PROJECT ON LOCKERBY HILL,
ALLOCATION WILL BE REIMBURSED IN FULL BY TOMPKINS COUNTY
SOIL AND WATER
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, seconded the motion .
All in Favor-4 Opposed-0
Cricket continued:
Woodsedge Intersection Realignment -Project has been started
SPEC Consulting
• Make recommendation to cancel need assessment contract
• Approximately 18 months with no results or recommendations from firm
• Deposit of $1,500 has been paid to firm
Councilperson, Katrina Binkewicz, suggested the reason for cancelling the contract is lack
of performance.
MOTION TO PURSUE CANCELLING THE CONTRACT WITH SPEC
CONSULTING
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, moved TO PURSUE CANCELLING THE
CONTRACT WITH SPEC CONSULTING
Councilperson Doug Dake, seconded the motion.
7
August 21 , 2019
All in Favor -4 Opposed -0
Edward La Vigne, Supervisor, will work with Town Attorney to review contract and see
what steps are required to cancel.
Joseph Wetmore , Councilperson, asked Cricket if he could look into getting signs on bridge
on Brickyard Road warning bicyclist that it is slippery/dangerous when wet. His other
concern is they are digging out the ditches and not reseeding them along Brickyard.
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING REPORT -C.J. RANDALL
Reviewed the following with the Town Board and the report was available as a handout.
CORE PLANNING FUNCTIONS
• Review and classification of development applications
o Continued revisions of content and setup of the current Application
documents currently utilized in the development review process with
Code Clerk , anticipated changes to be reviewed by the Planning
Board and Town Board during Q4 2019
• Data and GIS Services
o Continued inventory and collection of the Town 's digital data; data
transfer with County Planning anticipated on 8/22
o Data review conducted on 7/30 with CAC members with GIS
background
• Conservation Advisory Council staff support
o Held initial meeting with newly appointed CAC members on 7/15 at 6
pm
• Planning Board staff support
o Quality Sheds -2080 East Shore Drive
■ Review of Site Plan conducted on 6/24 , 7/8, and 7/22,
preliminary and final approval granted on 7/22
o Salt Point Farm Brewery and Tasting Room -Auburn Road
■ Sketch Plan review on 7 /22
o Two Minor Subdivisions:
■ Fenner Road approved on 7/8
■ Village Solars approved on 7 /22
• Zoning Board of Appeals staff support
o Minor area variance at 506 Scofield Rd . granted on 7 /16
• Agricultural Committee staff support
o Continued coordination with Ag Committee on revisions to Solar &
Wind Local Law
• Interdepartmental Infrastructure Coordination
o Coordination with Town Parks & Recreation on application to 2019
Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) CFA for Myers Park
improvements -submitted on 7/26
o Coordinated with Court regarding 2019-2020 JCAP application for
Town Hall ADA improvements , anticipated Resolution for Town
Board consideration on 9/18
• Attended Tompkins County Planning Advisory Board (PAB) meeting
on 7/9
o Review of updates to the County's Comprehensive Plan , County
Conservation and Preservation Funds , and County Energy Strategy
• Attended Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council Joint
Planning committee meeting on 7/9
• Attended 5G Deployment training in Corning on 7/24
8
August 21 , 2019
• Attended Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIA) And
lntermunicipal Water Infrastructure Grant Program (IMG) Grants
Webinar on 7/30
• Attended Tompkins County Community Celebrations Grant Workshop
on 7/31
LAND USE POLICY WORK PROGRAM
• Land Use Ordinance Update
o Recommendations and preliminary audit questions anticipated at
8/26 Planning Board meeting
• Prepare amendments to Solar Energy Local Law
o Consistent with proposed schedule of adoption , final draft was
delivered to the Town Board on 7/3, additional revisions anticipated
after Ag Committee review
o Hosted public information session at Town Hall on 7/31, publicized in
the Lansing Star
• Environmental Protection Overlay Districts
o Scope of work and schedule of adoption forthcoming in Q4 2019
C.J. also reported:
25 Sperry Lane
• Demolition and removal is complete
Guy Krogh, Town Counsel, shared the following regarding surcharge
• Current law states Town can charge up to 50% surcharge
• Recommends surcharge be set between 15-20%
• Suggest Local Law be amended
• Next step -Supervisor and Town Clerk to file Verified Statement
o Should be done within next 30 days to make 2020 tax levy
Board comfortable with 20% surcharge for this project, would like to review Verified
Statement before it is signed
Myers Park Grant Application
• Submitted on July 26th to Environmental Protection Fund for series of
improvements at park
• Thanks to Patrick and Jenna for their help in preparing -could not have done it
without them
Accessible Doors Grant Application
• Grant application in works with Justice Department
• Have not applied in last three (3) years
Parks, Recreation & Trails Master Plan
• Developing a scope of work
• Community engagement project to develop a master plan of Town spaces
• Anticipating putting project out to contractors in early January
Tompkins County Business Energy Advisors Program
• Launching a specific Lansing program
• Money available for government buildings for energy evaluations
• Will get in touch with them to see what can be offered
Tompkins County Soil and Water Conservation District
• Looking to utilize their services for storm water review on a pending project due to
a conflict of interest with T. G. Miller, P. C .
• Good secondary option when conflict of interest comes up
9
August 21 , 2019
Joseph Wetmore , Councilperson, thanked C.J. for her time and work on proposed Solar
Law.
ENGINEER'S REPORT -DA VE HERRICK
No Report.
AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE REPORT -CONNIE WILCOX
No meeting -no report.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TRIPHAMMER ROAD WATER MAIN
REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR PROJECT, AND AUTHORIZING PUBLIC
BIDDING FOR MATERIALS
RESOLUTION 19-121
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TRIPHAMMER ROAD WATER MAIN
REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR PROJECT, AND AUTHORIZING PUBLIC
BIDDING FOR MATERIALS
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS , as a repair in kind and in place, the Town, through the Consolidated Water
District ("CWD") is authorized by statute to effect needed repairs to the water distribution
system , and per Town Law § 198 the repairs proposed to the water mains along
Triphammer Road are hereby deemed necessary to the CWD and approved for replacement
in kind and place, to be funded by the CWD reserves and unencumbered fund balances, to
be installed by the Town Highway Department with materials to be purchased by public
bid process per General Municipal Law § 103 and the Town's Procurement Policy in an
amount not to exceed $120,000 for all piping, equipment, valves and appurtenances (the
"Project"); and
WHEREAS , such Project is a Type II Action under SEQRA as a utility repair or
replacement project, involving the purchasing of materials and undertaken on an
emergency basis due to the need to repair a failing and leaking main, including per 6
NYCRR Part 617 , §§ 617.5(c)(l), (2), (31) and (42); and
WHEREAS, upon deliberation thereupon by the Town Board of the Town of Lansing, it is
hereby
RESOLVED, that the Highway Superintendent be and hereby is authorized to : (i) issue,
review, and approve public bids for materials for the Project, all in an amount not to exceed
$120 ,000; (ii) award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder in accord with bid documents
as prepared by the Town Engineer and the CWD for this repair and replacement project;
and (iii) together with the Town Supervisor, sign and execute such purchase agreements ,
contracts , and like forms and documents as are necessary to efficiently complete the Project
within the above-noted allocations for material costs .
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz, duly seconded by Councilperson Doug Dake, and put to
a roll call vote with the following result s :
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz -Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore -Aye
Councilperson Doug Dake -Aye
Supervisor Edward La Vigne -Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on August
21 , 2019 .
RESOLUTION TO RELEVY YEARLY WATER AND SEWER CHARGES ON
THE TOWN AND COUNTY TAX BILL
RESOLUTION 19-122
August 21, 2019
RESOLUTION TO RELEVY YEARLY WATER AND SEWER CHARGES
ON THE TOWN AND COUNTY TAX BILL
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing Town Board hereby authorizes the Receiver of Water
and Sewer Rents to relevy water and sewer accounts each year on the Town and County tax
bills; and
WHEREAS, to assure proper notification to all account holders, the Lansing Town Board
hereby directs SCLIWC (Bolton Point) once a year to place a timely reminder notice on the
August water bills, or the Receiver of Water and Sewer Rents will send the courtesy
reminder letter generated by Williamson Law Book, to all owners and tenants who have a
balance of $1. 00 or more for the water and sewer charges on their account; and
WHEREAS, the last day for payment will be the second Tuesday of October; and
WHEREAS, after the collection date the Receiver will notify SCLIWC to remove said
amounts from accounts to be relevied on the Town and County tax bills; and
WHEREAS, by no later than the second Tuesday of November the Receiver will send the
amounts to be relevied on the Town and County tax bill to the Tompkins County
Assessment Department.
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has
hereby
RESOLVED, that the Receiver will relevy the unpaid water and sewer account charges
plus a 10% fee on all accounts with a balance of $10.00 or more to the Town and County
tax bills.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all unpaid water and sewer account charges under
$10.00 will be adjusted.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Doug Dake, duly seconded by Supervisor Edward La Vigne, and put to a roll
call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz -Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore -Aye
Councilperson Doug Dake -Aye
Supervisor Edward La Vigne -Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on August
21, 2019.
RESOLUTION AND FINAL ORDER APPROVING FORMATION AND
ESTABLISHMENT OF WARREN ROAD SEWER DISTRICT EXTENSION NO. 1
RESOLUTION 19-123
RESOLUTION AND FINAL ORDER APPROVING FORMATION
AND ESTABLISHMENT OF WARREN ROAD
SEWER DISTRICT EXTENSION NO. 1
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, in relation to the proposed NYSDOT facility on Warren Road and the
provision of sewer services thereto, including to avoid large septic fields that would likely
be detrimental to nearby wetlands and Cayuga Lake, and upon the request of Tompkins
County and New York State, a map, plan and report ("MPR") was finalized for the
proposed Warren Road Sewer District Extension No. 1 (the "Extension");
11
August 21, 2019
WHEREAS, a negative declaration was issued under SEQRA by the lead agency, County
239 reviews were submitted in respect of the NYSDOT project and this Extension, and the
Town Board duly issued a public interest order, conducted a public hearing on June 19,
2019 thereupon , and published its order of formation subject to permissive referendum as
required by law, and no protest or petition objecting to the resolution and order, or the
formation of the Extension was submitted; and
WHEREAS, the Town desires to proceed towards establishment of the Extension and finds
that all proceedings have been regularly conducted in accordance with law, and upon due
deliberation upon the forgoing, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing does duly resolve,
determine, declare, and order as follows:
1. The Extension is situated wholly outside of any incorporated village or city, and the
establishment of the Extension be and is hereby approved, with the area of such Extension
being more particularly bounded and described as all those tracts or parcels of land situate
in the Town of Lansing, County of Tompkins, State of New York as shown in the MPR and
upon the official tax and assessment maps, the deed descriptions of each of which are as set
forth in the Tompkins County Clerk's Office and duly incorporated herein, and which lands
may also be more particularly described as follows: All that tract or parcel of land situate in
the Town of Lansing, County of Tompkins, State of New York, being bounded and
described as follows: Beginning at a point in the west highway boundary of Warren Road,
said point being the northeast comer of tax map parcel 44.-1-47; thence northwesterly
363+/-feet to a point, said point being the southwest comer of tax map parcel 44 .-1-19;
thence north 87 +/-feet along the west line of said parcel to a point; thence west 130 +/-
feet to a point; thence south 130 +/-feet to a point; thence west 50+/-feet to a point; thence
south 305+/-feet to a point; thence north 951+/-feet a point in the north line of tax map
parcel 44.-1-20 .1; thence east 498+/-feet to the northwest comer of tax map parcel 44.-1-
20.2; thence continuing east a distance of 445+/-feet along the north line of said tax map
parcel the west line of Warren Road; thence south along the west line of Warren Road a
distance of 880+/-feet to the point or place of beginning. Each and all of which parcels are
more particularly shown and described upon the map filed at the Town Clerk's Office,
being also the map appended to the MPR, consisting in all of 4 tax parcels (P /O 44.-1-18,
44.-1-19, PIO 44.-1-20.1, and 44.-1-20.2), being approximately 15.6 acres in size, to which
reference is hereby made and which map is expressly herein incorporated.
2. The Extension shall be constructed as set forth in the said Order calling a public
hearing, at no cost to the Town, the Warren Road Sewer District, and the Extension not to
exceed $0.00 (as installation and connection costs are being paid by the Developer), and
the Extension be and hereby is authorized to assess, levy, and collect upon and from the
several lots and parcels of land within the District the costs and obligations relating to the
operating of the District, including as set forth in the MPR and the public interest order,
including setting sewer service rates for transportation and treatment expenses through the
Warren Road Sewer District and the Villages of Lansing and Cayuga Heights , pursuant to
intermunicipal agreements which were updated and amended to cover this Extension, and
the Town Board determines and specifies that each parcel in the Extension is especially
benefited thereby, and such assessment, levy, and collection shall be so much upon and
from each parcel as shall be in just proportion to the amount of benefit conferred upon the
same, to pay the capital, transportation, treatment, and operation and maintenance costs of
such Extension.
3. In accord with Town Law §§ 209-f and 209-g, and within 10 days of the adoption
of this Final Order, the Town Clerk shall: (i) file with the Tompkins County Clerk a
certified copy of this Resolution, together with the no-referendum certificate; and (ii) file a
certified copy of this Resolution in duplicate with the NYS Department of Audit and
Control , Albany, New York.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz, duly seconded by Supervisor Edward La Vigne, and put
to a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz -Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore -Aye
Councilperson Doug Dake -Aye
Supervisor Edward La Vigne -Aye
12
August 21, 2019
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on August
21, 2019, as further signified by the signatures of the Town Board below.
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz
Councilperson Doug Dake
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore
Supervisor Edward La Vigne
RESOLUTION SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED LOCAL
LAW# 2 OF 2019 OF THE TOWN OF LANSING TO AMEND THE LAND USE
ORDINANCE RELATING TO SOLAR AND WIND ENERGY SYSTEMS
PROPOSED TO BE SITED IN THE TOWN OF LANSING, NEW YORK
RESOLUTION 19-124
RESOLUTION SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED LOCAL
LAW# 2 OF 2019 OF THE TOWN OF LANSING TO AMEND THE LAND USE
ORDINANCE RELATING TO SOLAR AND WIND ENERGY SYSTEMS
PROPOSED TO BE SITED IN THE TOWN OF LANSING, NEW YORK
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS , the Town Board of the Town of Lansing is authorized to adopt zoning
provisions and local laws that advance and protect the health, safety and welfare of the
community; and
WHEREAS , said proposed Local Law proposes: to facilitate and regulate the development
and operation of certain renewable energy systems based upon the use of sunlight and
wind; to take advantage of a safe, abundant, renewable and non-polluting energy resource;
to decrease the cost of electricity to the owners of residential and commercial properties ,
including single-family houses; to increase employment and business development in the
Town of Lansing, to the extent reasonably practicable, by furthering the installation of
Solar and Wind Energy Systems and related or independent battery and energy storage
systems; to mitigate the impacts of such systems upon environmental resources, such as
important agricultural lands, forests, wildlife and other protected resources ; and to provide
a regulatory scheme for the designation of properties suitable for the location , construction
and operation of such systems ; and
WHEREAS , upon deliberation there upon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has
hereby
RESOLVED, that a Public Hearing will be held at the Lansing Town Hall, 29 Auburn
Road , Lansing, New York , being in the Town of Lansing, on the 18 th day of September
2019 , at 6:31 pm , to consider public input and comments upon such proposed Local Law ,
and to hear all persons interested in the subject thereof, and to take such action thereon as is
required or permitted by law; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk of the Town of Lansing, Tompkins County, New York,
is hereby authorized and directed to cause a Notice of Public Hearing to be published in the
13
August 21, 2019
official newspaper of the Town of Lansing, and also to post a copy thereof on the Town
signboard maintained by the Town Clerk, in accord with the law.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, duly seconded by Councilperson Doug Dake, and put to a
roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz -Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore -Aye
Councilperson Doug Dake -Aye
Supervisor Edward La Vigne -Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on August
21, 2019.
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING TOMPKINS COUNTY WATER RESOURCES
COUNCIL STAFF REQUEST TO TOMPKINS COUNTY LEGISLATURE TO
PRESERVE AND IMPROVE THE WATER QUALITY OF CAYUGA LAKE AND
ITS WATERSHED
RESOLUTION 19-125
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING TOMPKINS COUNTY WATER RESOURCES
COUNCIL STAFF REQUEST TO TOMPKINS COUNTY LEGISLATURE TO
PRESERVE AND IMPROVE THE WATER QUALITY OF CAYUGA LAKE AND
ITS WATERSHED
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the presence of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in Cayuga Lake is a serious
problem impacting the health and safety of residents, as well as having a potentially
significant economic impact for the surrounding area; and
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Water Resources Council (WRC) subcommittee on
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) is tasked with addressing the lake-wide issue ofHABs in
Cayuga Lake; and
WHEREAS, the Water Resources Council is requesting that Tompkins County fund a staff
person to bring together the work of different Tompkins County entities and engage with
entities outside Tompkins County to help coordinate and advance water quality work being
done throughout the watershed to network between groups, both within Tompkins County
and throughout the watershed; implement existing action plans, such as the NYS DEC's
HAB Action Plan for Cayuga Lake and the 2017 Cayuga Lake Watershed Restoration and
Protections Plan; write and administer associated grants; identify and organize existing
data, plans, and identify gaps; and assist municipalities and agencies to take recommended
actions to reduce the occurrence of HABs; and therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing hereby endorses the Tompkins
County Water Resource Council request to the Tompkins County Legislature to add a staff
person to coordinate work to preserve and improve the water quality of Cayuga Lake and
its watershed.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, duly seconded by Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz, and
put to a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz -Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore -Aye
Councilperson Doug Dake -Aye
Supervisor Edward La Vigne -Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on August
21, 2019.
RESOLUTION HIRING PERRY COOK AS A PART-TIME LABORER IN
AND FOR THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
14
August 21 , 2019
RESOLUTION 19-126
RESOLUTION HIRING PERRY COOK AS A PART-TIME LABORER IN
AND FOR THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing Highway Superintendent has a need for a Part-Time
Laborer, on an as needed basis, at the Town of Lansing Highway Department, and
WHEREAS, said position has been classified and deemed as a Civil Service Laborer
position by the Tompkins County Department of Personnel; and
WHEREAS, Perry Cook has been identified as a qualified candidate; and
WHEREAS, the Highway Superintendent has recommended that Perry Cook be hired as a
Part-Time Laborer, on an as needed basis, at the Town of Lansing Highway Department;
and
WHEREAS, upon a review and discussion of the matter, the Town Board of the Town of
Lansing has hereby:
RESOLVED, that Perry Cook be and hereby is approved to be employed as a Part-Time
Laborer, on an as needed basis, at Grade A, Step 1, in the Town of Lansing Highway
Department, effective August 26, 2019, at a rate of $17 .25 per hour, and it is further
RESOLVED, that the appropriate Town officer be and hereby is authorized to make such
changes to the Towns' employment and civil service rosters, to file the required Civil
Service forms to effect such changes per this Resolution, and to file Form 428s, ifrequired.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, duly seconded by Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz, and
put to a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz -Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore -Aye
Councilperson Doug Dake -Aye
Supervisor Edward La Vigne -Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on August
21, 2019.
RESOLUTION UPDATING EMPLOYEE KEVIN PRICE'S POSITION AND JOB
CLASSIFICATIONS TO FULL-TIME MEO
RESOLUTION 19-127
RESOLUTION UPDATING EMPLOYEE KEVIN PRICE'S POSITION AND JOB
CLASSIFICATIONS TO FULL-TIME MEO
The fo11owing Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, Kevin Price was hired as a laborer and has passed his CDL test such that he
qualifies for and, as planned, will be promoted into the MEO position; and
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has
thus
RESOLVED, that effective August 26, 2019, Kevin Price be classified as a MEO, Grade C,
Step 5, with an hourly wage to be set at $22.60 per hour, such promotion and position to be
probationary for the customary 26-week period.
15
August 21 , 2019
RESOLVED, that the appropriate Town officer be and hereby is authorized to make such
changes to the Towns' employment and civil service rosters, to file the required Civil
Service forms to effect such changes per this Resolution, and to file Form 428s , ifrequired.
The question of adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by Supervisor
Edward La Vigne, duly seconded by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, and put to a roll call
vote with the following results:
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz -Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore -Aye
Councilperson Doug Dake -Aye
Supervisor Edward La Vigne-Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on August
21 , 2019 .
APPROVE AUDIT and BUDGET MODIFICATIONS AND SUPERVISOR'S
REPORT
RESOLUTION 19-128
The Supervisor submitted his monthly report for the month of July 2019, to all Board
Members and to the Town Clerk. The Supervisor's Report was reviewed by Councilperson
Katrina Binkewicz. The bills were reviewed by Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz and
Supervisor Edward La Vigne.
Supervisor Edward La Vigne , moved that the Supervisor's Report be approved as submitted
and the Bookkeeper is hereby authorized to pay the following bills and to make the
following budget modifications.
CONSOLIDATED ABSTRACT# 008
DATED 8/21/2019
AUDITED VOUCHER #'s
PREPAY VOUCHER #'s
AUDITED T & A VOUCHER #'s
PREPAY T & A VOUCHER #'s
653 -834
653 -658
53-60
53-56
FUND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS
GENERAL FUND (A&B) $ 398,558.49
HIGHWAY FUND (DA&DB) $ 126,494 .55
LANSING LIGHTING (SL 1, 2 &3) $ 1,341.53
LANSING WATER DISTRICTS (SW) $ 176,665.03
TRUST & AGENCY (TA} $ 53,500.62
WARREN ROAD SEWER DISTRICTS (SS1-) $ 21,745 .97
CHERRY ROAD SEWER DISTRICT (SS3-) $ 8,466.48
DRAINAGE DISTRICTS (SDD1 ,2,4,5,6,7,8) $ 0.00
DRAKE RD -CWD#4 (HA) $ 0.00
16
August 21 , 2019
BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
GENERAL FUND A
8/21/2019 Board Meeting
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
A599 A1940.400 From Fund Balance to Purchase of Land/Real Property $ 207,713.00
104 Auburn Rd Purchase Resolution 19-101
A599 A7110 .200 From Fund Balance to Parks Equipment $ 5,300 .00
Additions to Community Foundation Grant Res 19-100
A599 A7110.400 From Fund Balance to Parks Contracutal $ 26,621.00
Donation for Ball field Fence
A599 A7110.406 From Fund Balance to Salt Point Contractual $ 1,500.00
Additions to Community Foundation Grant Res 19-100
A599 A7310 .110 From Fund Balance to Youth Program Prsnl Srvcs $ 5,000.00
Additional Funds needed for Day Camp Counselors
A2705 A7560.400 From Donations to Other Performing Arts Contractual $ 365 .00
Additional funds needed
A1990.400 A8810.400** From Contingency to Cemetaries Contractual $ 1,000.00
Additional funds needed **A8750.401 was incorrect, typo
noticed after meeting, corrected to A8810.400
GENERAL FUND A
8/21/2019 Board Meeting
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
B599 B3650.400 From Fund Balance to Demolition of Unsafe Building $ 26,000.00
25 Sperry Lane, Resolution 19-107
HIGHWAY FUND DB
8/21/2019 Board Meeting
DB599 DB5110.200 From Fund Balance to Street Maintenance Equipment $ 27,000.00
Purchase of Auto Flagg er -Motion 7 /17 /19
WATER FUND SW
8/21/2019 Board Meeting
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
SW599 SW8320.403 From Fund Balance to Source of Supply CWD#4 $ 1,500.00
New District many residents hooked up
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz, seconded the motion and it was put to a roll call vote
with the following results:
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz -Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore -Aye
Councilperson Doug Dake -Aye
Supervisor Edward La Vigne -Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried and duly adopted on August
21, 2019.
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Edward La Vigne, Supervisor, suggested if Board members have reports, to send to Clerk's
Office prior to the meeting, then they could be su bmitted in the minutes.
17
August 21 , 2019
Joseph Wetmore -reported the following:
Tompkins County Council of Governments (TCCOG)
• Studying short term rentals in County, will share with towns
• Working on a back-up emergency dispatch center
• Looking to combine mental health and public health department
• Organizing session for Code Enforcement Officers to share information
Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council (ITCTC)
• Trying to get Lansing a voting seat on Policy Committee
o Will help Town get more money
o Will bring Memorandum of Understanding to next meeting -first step in
getting us a voting seat
Town Website -Still several areas that need to be cleaned up
Peter Wheeler Recognition -Looking for a better picture that will engrave nicely
Doug Dake -reported the following:
Stanley Burke
• Resolution for October meeting
• Ed requested his plaque be placed in the hall next to the Code Office
Katrina Binkewicz-No Report
TOWN COUNSEL REPORT
Guy Krogh -No report
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Edward La Vigne -reported the following:
NYSEG
• Spoke with new District Coordinator, Joe Gentilcore
o Setting up information session in September for public to ask questions
about outages
• Had conversation with President, Carl Taylor
Spectrum
o Public Service Commission decides rate increase
o Asked that NYSEG app have estimate time of restoration and reason for
outage
o Suggested they perform public relations work in Lansing area
• Spoke with Spectrum Representatives and Senator
• Need approval from NYSEG to raise the lines
MOTION TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, moved to ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION TO
DISCUSS 1) MATTERS CONCERNING THE MEDICAL, FINANCIAL, CREDIT
OR EMPLOYMENT HISTORY OF A PARTICULAR PERSON/CORP, OR
MATTERS LEADING TO SAID DISMISSAL, REMOVAL, PROMOTION,
APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, DISCIPLINE, DEMOTION OR SUSPENSION,
AND 2) MATTERS PERTAINING TO THE ACQUISITION, LEASING, OR SALE
OF REAL PROPERTY WHERE PUBLICITY MAY AFFECT TERMS ORV ALUE,
AND 3) MATTERS PERTAINING TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
NEGOTIATIONS AT 9:18 PM.
Supervisor Edward La Vigne, seconded the motion.
All in Favor - 4 Opposed - 0
18
August 21 , 2019
MOTION TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION
Supervisor Edward La Vigne, moved to EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 10:14 PM.
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, seconded the motion.
All in Favor - 4 Opposed - 0
ADJOURN MEETING
Meeting adjourned at the call of the Supervisor at 10:14 p.m.
Minutes taken and executed by the Deputy Town Clerk.
Respectfully submitted,
Jessica Hall
Deputy Town Clerk
19
September 4 , 2019
TOWN BOARD WORK SESSION MEETING
LANSING TOWN HALL BOARD ROOM
29 AUBURN RD., LANSING, NY
September 4, 2019
PLEASE NOTE: The primary purpose of the Town Board Work Session is to be
informational/educational for the benefit of the Board Members.
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Edward La Vigne, Supervisor, and
opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Roll call by Deborah K. Munson,
Town Clerk, showed the following to be
PRESENT:
Katrina Binkewicz , Councilperson
Joseph Wetmore , Councilperson
ABSENT: Andra Benson, Councilperson
Doug Dake, Councilperson
Edward La Vigne, Supervisor
ALSO PRESENT: Guy Krogh, Town Counsel, C.J. Randall, Director of Planning, Ted
Laux, Andrew Sullivan, The Ithaca Times /Lansing Ledger, Wayne Straw, Mike
Koplinka-Loehr, Judy Drake, Bob Munson, Jeannine Kirby, Mitch Quine, CS Energy,
and a few other attendees.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR -GUIDELINES
Available as a handout.
The public shall be allowed to speak only during the Public Comment / Privilege of the
Floor period of the meeting, or during public hearings, or when they have reserved and
been granted time upon the Agenda.
Speakers must be recognized by the presiding officer ( or his or her designee) and step to
the front of the room .
Speakers must give their name and state whether they are speaking as a resident, a
member of the public, or for any other person or organization.
Speakers must limit their remarks to 3 minutes, and comments unrelated to the subject
matter of the public hearing are not allowed.
Speakers may not yield any remaining time they may have to another speaker.
With the permission of the presiding officer a Board or committee member may interrupt
a speaker for the purpose of clarification or information (and not for any other reason or
to debate or disagree). Such time shall not be counted against the speaker's 3 minute
limit.
All remarks shall be addressed to the Board or committee as a body and not to any
member thereof, nor to any member of the public whether present at such public hearing
or not.
Speakers shall observe the commonly accepted rules of courtesy, decorum, dignity and
good taste.
Interested parties or their representatives may address the Board by written
communications . Written documents and evidence may be submitted as part of the
record of the public hearing.
Persons who exceed 3 minutes, violate rules of courtesy, decorum, dignity or good taste,
or deliberately or by their behavior interfere with other person's right to comment or
1
September 4 , 2019
participate in the public hearing, or who deliberately or by their behavior interfere with
governmental administration will be cut off, removed, or have non-recognized comments
removed from the record, or any combination of the above . Before a comments or
statements will be excised from the record, the speaker will be verbally warned that they
are in violation of the rules for this public hearing.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR -COMMENTS
Proposed Solar and Wind Law
Representatives from CS Energy, stated the following regarding Solar:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Would like to partner with Town of Lansing
Does not encourage housing / development / business parks
Finite and predictable impact on agriculture -once capacity is reached, no
additional solar projects can connect
Quiet, no additional traffic, lights, smells
Compatible with agricultural on same parcel -sheep grazing
Soil is only removed for roads -top soil stripped, stock piled and saved to put
back when project is decommissioned
Lasts about 25 -35 years -then decommissioned-can restore land back to
agriculture
•
•
•
Department of Ag and Markets engaged in siting and permitting for solar projects
100 -150 megawatts -700 -1200 acres -consolidate as much as can -100 -150
acres together
•
•
•
•
Efficiency of panels -average above 20%
Not planning to use batteries in Town of Lansing
Battery backup -limited by capacity on lines
Payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) -revenue split between school, county and
town
• Sell power at wholesale -large scale solar
• Article 10 -siting board makes final decision -siting board takes local law very
literally
• 2 megawatts -10 acres -CS Energy is not interested in small acres
• About three (3) years out before solar will be here
• Vegetation still there -run off the same or better than it is now
• SEQRA reviews everything -critical environmental areas, wetlands , etc.
One resident spoke about the Proposed Solar and Wind Law :
• Version 08292019 -page 7 -would like the restriction of installing solar in front
yards removed
• Supports removal of ten (10) acres limitation for large scale systems
The following topics were discussed:
PROPOSED SOLAR AND WIND LAW
C.J. Randall, Director of Planning, reported the following:
• Article 10 -2011 public service law -electric generating facility, larger than 25
megawatts, is sited by state siting board
• Small scale solar system exempt from Planning Board approval
• Once it is 25 megawatts, it is not a Town of Lansing decision
• Nexamp has Planning Board approval for five (5) megawatts -25 acres
o Planning Board overrode the County 239 recommendation to lower the
acreage to ten (10)
• SEQRA
o No critical environmental areas designated in Town of Lansing
Guy Krogh , Town Counsel, stated:
• Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) has jurisdiction in three (3) areas:
o Zoning interpretation appeals
2
September 4 , 2019
o Area variance
o Use variance
• Land could go from solar back to agricultural
o Will not know for sure for 30 years
• Referring to New York State Town of Lansing Soils Map -if prime soil is ruled
out, no solar will come to Lansing
Edward La Vigne, Supervisor, asked the two (2) farmers in attendance for their opinions
and they stated:
• When stop farming will want to put whole farm (200 acres) in solar -not ten (10)
acres
• Farmers need money
o Already selling land for houses to pay taxes
C.J. Randall, Director of Planning, continued:
• Possible to farm under 20 foot panels
o Some crops like to be under panels for some shade
o Sheep do well under panels
o Top soil is not removed
o Current law is maximum height of 18 feet
• Does Town want one (1) or two (2) large solar areas or several small ones
• Anticipated recommendation from County is a limit of ten (10) acres
Katrina Binkewicz , Councilperson, stated :
• Land sold for houses -never goes back to agricultural , large burden on schools
• Investing in large scale solar worldwide is important
• Does not want to designate large or small
Doug Dake, Councilperson, stated:
• The draft overall is good
o The Town is trying to limit and control a situation and someone is always
on the "other side"
• Likes one (1) to two (2) large solar areas
Joseph Wetmore, Councilperson , stated:
• Different market for large and small solar areas
• Wants to eliminate prime soil from solar use
C.J . Randall , Director of Planning , stated she is attending a meeting tomorrow regarding
Article 10 and will report back after the meeting.
The draft of the proposed Solar and Wind Law is on the Town of Lansing website:
Front page -Lansing Town Announcements and Town Board current meeting
documents.
TOMPKINS COUNTY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY -LANSING
TOWN CENTER INCENTIVE ZONE PROGRAM REVISIONS
C.J. Randall, Director of Planning , reviewed current map:
• Confusing where Town Center is
• Town Board could change map for abatement area
• Abatement requests need to be approved by Town Board
• Based on discussions, CJ will make changes and come back to the Board
PROPOSED 2020 BUDGET
Edward La Vigne, Supervisor, stated all Town Board members have the budget
spreadsheet. The Town Clerk will present the Tentative 2020 Budget to the Town Board
at the September 18, 2019 meeting.
3
September 4 , 2019
Ed noted, he has contacted all department heads regarding large items (for five (5) year
plan) and no one has given him any information.
C.J. Randall, Director of Planning, stated she is working on a capital improvement plan
and will send it to the Town Board prior to the September 18, 2019 meeting.
ADJOURN MEETING
Meeting adjourned at the call of the Supervisor at 8:50 p.m.
Minutes taken and executed by the Town Clerk.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah K. Munson
Town Clerk
4
Septemb er 18 , 2019
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING
September 18, 2019
A Regular Meeting of the Lansing Town Board was held at the Town Hall Board Room,
29 Auburn Road, Lansing, NY on the above date at 6:30 p.m. The meeting was called to
order by Edward La Vigne, Supervisor, and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the
flag. Roll call by Deborah K. Munson, Town Clerk, showed the following to be
PRESENT:
Katrina Binkewicz, Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, Councilperson
Edward La Vigne, Supervisor
ABSENT: Andra Benson, Councilperson Doug Dake, Councilperson
ALSO PRESENT: Charlie "Cricket" Purcell, Highway Superintendent , Patrick Tyrrell,
Parks and Recreation Supervisor, C.J. Randall, Director of Planning, John O'Neill,
Village of Lansing, Dan Veaner, Lansing Star, Andrew Sullivan, The Ithaca
Times /Lansing Ledger, Patrick Jordan, Insero & Co . CPAs, LLP, Connie Wilcox , Judy
Drake, Ted Laux, Mike Koplinka-Loehr, Jesse Young, Tom Butler, Mitch Quine, Charles
Nedrow, and a few other attendees.
DRAFT 2018 AUDIT PRESENTATION -INSERO & CO. CPAs -PATRICK
JORDAN
Patrick Jordan gave the following to all Town Board Members:
• Town of Lansing Financial Report December 31 , 2018
• Town of Lansing Executive Summary December 31, 2018
• Communication with those Charged with Governance at the Conclusion of the
Audit
• Management Comment Letter
• Independent Auditor's Report
• Summary of Changes made to the first draft of the 2018 Town of Lansing
o Mr. Jordan reviewed Summary of Changes -from July Town Board Meeting
■ Audit process positive -nothing significant to report
■ One recommendation -have 2nd person review journal entries
• Discussed Town Board checking journal entries
• Mr. Jordan will send Town Board basic guidelines
• Cash accounts are most important
Any questions on the Audit are to be e-mailed to Mr. Jordan , copy Ed La Vigne ,
Supervisor, and Charmagne Rumgay, Bookkeeper.
MOTION TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED LOCAL LAW #2
OF 2019 TO THE TOWN OF LANSING TO AMEND THE LAND USE
ORDINANCE RELATING TO SOLAR AND WIND ENERGY SYSTEMS
PROPOSED TO BE SITED IN THE TOWN OF LANSING, NY
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, moved to OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON
PROPOSED LOCAL LAW #2 OF 2019 TO THE TOWN OF LANSING TO
AMEND THE LAND USE ORDINANCE RELATING TO SOLAR AND WIND
ENERGY SYSTEMS PROPOSED TO BE SITED IN THE TOWN OF LANSING,
NY at 6:43 pm.
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz, seconded the motion.
All in Favor - 3 Opposed - 0
A representative from CS Energy , stated the following regarding Solar:
• Interested in opportunity with Town of Lansing
• Develop large scale solar
• Proposed law is workable
o Except the ten (10) acre limit on farm land
1
Septemb er 18 , 2019
o Not interested if ten (10) acre limit on farm land is in local law
A resident stated, they would like the Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) involved.
Connie Wilcox, Chair of the Agriculture Committee, stated comments from the
committee were given to C.J. Randall , Director of Planning:
• Farmers are concerned the land they lease will not be available for farming if
large scale solar is allowed
• Taking large amounts of farm land will affect their economy
A resident farmer stated, they would like to use their land for what they want to use it for:
• Keep 200 acres together
C.J. Randall , Director of Planning, stated:
The following concerns / comments from the County Agriculture Board and Cooperative
Extension:
• Leased farm land -lose for farming
• Nexamp -about 25 acres approved for solar, by Planning Board
• Tompkins County Farm and Protection Board recommendation -prime soils, over
ten ( 10) acres be avoided
There are three (3) options:
1. Town of Lansing does not have to do anything
a. Planning Board keeps reviewing commercial solar projects
b . County Planning continues to review solar requests -probably limiting to
ten (10) acres or less
2. Set acreage limit
a. Possibly 10 acres, 25 acres
b. New York State Siting Board -Article 10 -makes decisions on projects
over about 125 acres -may or may not allow Town to decide
3. Leave proposed solar law as is
a. Do not set any acreage limits
b . Allow substantial solar projects
This was discussed at the Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) meeting last night.
MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING
All persons desiring to be heard, having been heard, Councilperson Joseph Wetmore ,
mo ved to CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED LOCAL LAW #2 OF
2019 TO THE TOWN OF LANSING TO AMEND THE LAND USE ORDINANCE
RELATING TO SOLAR AND WIND ENERGY SYSTEMS PROPOSED TO BE
SITED IN THE TOWN OF LANSING, NY
At 6:56 pm.
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz, seconded the motion.
All in Favor - 3 Opposed - 0
Proposed Solar Law Discussion:
Joseph Wetmore , Councilperson:
• Concerned about farm land and prime soils
• Does not want large scale projects
o Town of Lansing does not have control
• Likes 25 acre limit in zoning ordinance
• Acreage limit only pertains to prime farmland
• Use agriculture exemption to determine actively farmed land
Katrina Binkewicz , Councilperson:
• Likes 25 acre limit in zoning ordinance
o Concerned about many 25 acre solar projects
Edward La Vigne, Supervisor:
• Difficult to be first Town considering solar
2
Septemb er 18 , 2019
• Concerned about Article 10 (125 acres)-Town of Lansing may not have control
• What is financial benefit to Town of Lansing
• Possibly large scale solar could go near power plant -not actively farmed prime
soil
C.J . Randall , Director of Planning:
No solar facilities have been approved through Article 10 process
o Two (2) large scale wind facilities have been approved
•
•
•
•
Per Assessment -conversion penalty to convert land out of agriculture exemption
•
•
o One time penalty of $600 per acre and five ( 5) times the taxes saved
Currently, Planning Board could allow large scale solar
Working with Guy Krogh , Town Counsel, to understand impact of pending
Article 10 litigation
Need to obtain more information
Get list of land which is not prime farm land
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR -GUIDELINES
Available as a handout.
The public shall be allowed to speak only during the Public Comment / Privilege of the
Floor period of the meeting, or during public hearings, or when they have reserved and
been granted time upon the Agenda.
Speakers must be recognized by the presiding officer ( or his or her designee) and step to
the front of the room .
Speakers must give their name and state whether they are speaking as a resident , a
member of the public, or for any other person or organization.
Speakers must limit their remarks to 3 minutes, and comments unrelated to the subject
matter of the public hearing are not allowed .
Speakers may not yield any remaining time they may have to another speaker.
With the permission of the presiding officer a Board or committee member may interrupt
a speaker for the purpose of clarification or information (and not for any other reason or
to debate or disagree). Such time shall not be counted against the speaker 's 3 minute
limit.
All remarks shall be addressed to the Board or committee as a body and not to any
member thereof, nor to any member of the public whether present at such public hearing
or not.
Speakers shall observe the commonly accepted rules of courtesy, decorum , dignity and
good taste.
Interested parties or their representatives may address the Board by written
communications. Written documents and evidence may be submitted as part of the
record of the public hearing .
Persons who exceed 3 minutes , violate rules of courtesy, decorum, dignity or good taste,
or deliberately or by their behavior interfere with other person's right to comment or
participate in the public hearing, or who deliberately or by their behavior interfere with
governmental administration will be cut off, removed, or have non-recognized comments
removed from the record, or any combination of the above . Before a comments or
statements will be excised from the record, the speaker will be verbally warned that they
are in violation of the rules for this public hearing.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR -COMMENTS
No one addressed the Town Board.
3
Septemb er 18 , 2019
LANSING COMMUNITY LIBRARY REPORT -CHRISTINE EISENHUT
The following report was available as a handout.
TOWN BOARD UPDATES
FROM THE LANSING COMMUNITY LIBRARY
September 18, 2019
1. Cocktails and Costumes -Friday, October 18th 7-10 pm at the Lansing Event
Center, to benefit the library. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at the
library, from a Trustee or member of the Friends of the Library.
2. My Life in Serving Breakfast to 20 or How to Fold a Fitted Sheet -An evening
with Lynnette Scofield, former owner and innkeeper of The William Henry Miller
Inn. Wednesday, September 18th at 7 pm .
3. Book Discussion -Tuesday, October 8th 7-8:30 pm "Bomb: The Race to Build and
Steal the World's Most Dangerous Weapon" by Steve Sheinkin
4. YouthLAB (Library Advisory Board)-First Monday of the Month 6:00-7:30 pm.
Students in grades 5-8 are invited to join in a monthly meeting to discuss future
library programs and ideas.
5. Ask Annie -Tech Help for the Digital Library-Walk-In Wednesdays 10 -11 am.
Get help with downloading e-books, audiobooks and music onto your devices .
6. Artwork on display in September and October -The Sculptural Basketry of
Gerry Monaghan.
7. Summer Reading-Thank you to our generous sponsors -Cargill, Community
Arts Partnership, Community Foundation of Tompkins County, Town of Lansing,
Friends of the Lansing Community Library and Dollar General.
8. Save the Date -October 31 st Trunk or Treat
Ongoing programs at the library:
a. T'ai Chi -Tuesdays 11:30 am-12:30 pm, Thursdays 2:30-3:30 pm
b. Story Time -Tuesdays 1 pm, Thursdays 10:30 am .
c. Mah Jongg-Wednesdays 1:00-4:00 pm
Museum passes and Empire Passes are available.
The Library offers free printing, copying, scanning and faxing and extra computer
time for those who are looking for a job. Ask for details at the Circulation Desk.
The Library's Garden Committee is looking for volunteers to help with clean-up and
preparation for the winter.
The Library will be closed on Monday, October 14 th in observance of Columbus
Day/Indigenous Peoples Day.
LANSING YOUTH SERVICES -JANICE JOHNSON
The following report was available as a handout.
Lansing Youth Commission; Est. 1987
Supports Lansing Youth Services
Youth Employment Programs
September 2019
4
September 18, 2019
The first meeting after the summer break will be Thursday, September 19 th . We have
some grant opportunities we will be looking at. We will also be collecting the parent
survey responses , so we can analyze them .
Summer Programs went well , 48 Lansing youth were served. Students like to mix it up
with youth from other municipalities , we try to vary the programs to reach students with
different interests , here are some highlights:
Iron Chef: A culinary experience designed for students of all cooking abilities and
experience. Cooking competition between teams that varied daily. Menu items included
no bake cookies , hot dog bar, personal pizzas , make your own ice cream and sundae bar
to accompany the freshly made ice cream.
Lake Life: Lake life was focused on enjoying life on the lake to the fullest in this
outdoor based program at Myers Park. This was a combined program with Town of
Ithaca and Village of Lansing students and because it has happened in the past, some
students stayed in touch throughout the year. They then coordinated their summer
schedule and re-connected in person at this program . Students got to observe wildlife , go
fishing, hiking , play yard games , make natural art, explore Salmon Creek, make screen
printed t-shirts and take a trip on the Floating Classroom.
Get Lost: This combined program was based in Hammond Hill State Forest with
students from Dryden. Participants learned about lost proofing, navigation and map use,
survival skills , shelter construction, friction fires , pottery firing , and orienteering.
Funky Furniture: This program took old furniture to re-purpose for themselves.
Projects included sanding and painting as well as some wood repair work.
Sky's the Limit: Sky's the Limit is all about things that fly . This program was
combined with students from around the County, with lots of trips and excitement.
Students went to the S .P.I.F . at Cornell for a tour of the planets and space talks, the Ithaca
Airport and emergency services ( even into the Air Traffic Control Tower), The Soaring
Museum in Big Flats to learn about gliders and watch some in action , and even got to
build and launch their own rockets.
D.I.Y.and Primitive Skills: This program focused on making things that were useful
and learning about primitive technologies. Activities were focused around making
jewelry, stone drilling and stone carving, using a forge to melt aluminum and make toy
soldiers out of molten metal, primitive (and modem) fishing , and making clay objects and
figurines.
The highlight of the summer was the Backpacking Trip: Over the course of two nights ,
students embarked on an 11-mile journey along with students from Danby. The group
spent one night at a primitive campground and one night in a lean-to . The group learned
how to read a trail map , make a fire quickly , how to pack and distribute weight, back
country safety and some first aid, identified several trees , what precautions to take in the
event of inclement weather, and how to manage water supplies as well as best water
filtering practices.
TOMPKINS COUNTY LEGISLATOR -MIKE SIGLER
The following report was available as a handout.
Tompkins County Legislator
Michael Sigler
September 18, 2019
Hello and thank you for having me back. Again, thank you to Marcia Lynch for all her
work from which I draw liberally. We finished hearing from our department heads as
part of the budget process. As part of the Expanded Budget Committee we heard from
County Administrator Jason Molino on the 2020 Recommended Budget and then each
department explained their part.
5
Septemb er 18 , 2019
The administrator's $191.8 million Recommended Budget would increase the County's
property tax levy by 2.76%, (in line with the Legislature's 2020 levy goal) and would
decrease the County tax rate for the sixth consecutive year, due to a continued substantial
increase in the County's tax base.
Some of the highlights: the proposed Capital Plan update, which includes approximately
$100 million of investment over the next 15 years recommends that the annual
appropriation to support capital projects increase to 1.00% of the property tax levy, up
from the current 0.5%. Among its major elements : designating $32 million for Green
Facility improvements and $2 million to electrify the County's passenger fleet. $22
million for a downtown County campus; $30 million for public safety building
improvements; $7 million committed to airport improvements; and $6.5 million for a
back-up emergency dispatch center and system upgrades.
The 2020 Recommended Budget, along with schedules and other budget-related
information (including presentation documents from departments and agencies) is posted
on the budget page of the County web site at
www.TompkinsCountyNY.gov/ctyadmin/2020budget.
In NYSEG news, we passed a resolution urging the New York State Public Service
Commission "to condition any rate increases by New York State Electric and Gas on the
provision of more reliable, affordable, and sustainable service to its customers to
facilitate transmission of solar and wind energy systems onto the grid."
The resolution, in part, states that NYSEG customers in Tompkins County have
experienced increasingly frequent power outages and marginal power quality in critical
areas; that NYSEG has not adequately maintained its power grid and has failed to
perform adequate routine vegetation management around its power lines; has discouraged
development of solar and wind facilities; and has failed to resolve the situation related to
the Town of Lansing's gas moratorium, in effect since 2015.
NYSEG's rate increases should also be linked to its ability to provide and maintain a
power grid that can acco1mnodate increased electrification.
Thank you for having me.
PARKS AND RECREATION REPORT-PATRICK TYRRELL
Reviewed the following with the Town Board and the report was available as a handout.
RECREATION
Parks & Recreation
9/18/19
Town Board Meeting
Small Fry Football had their first game this past Saturday. Thank you to Lansing Schools
Grounds Staff for their help getting the football field ready.
Fall Soccer has started with more participants than the last two years.
We are hosting all Lansing Boys Modified games here on our fields and may possibly
host a Varsity game as well.
The dugout donor kiosk is completed.
Flag Football has begun and their first game will be this Saturday @ Moravia.
We will be hosting both Cornell and Ithaca College club softball games ov er the next
couple months .
PARKS
The Veteran's Watch Fire is this Friday at 7pm in Myers Park. Please donate any scrap
wood you may have. You may also dispose of your old flags at the fire .
6
September 18, 2019
Lisa 's Run is this Saturday at Myers Park.
We have completed the Salt Point plant plots . The new water trailer has been very
helpful.
Ordered pavilion ceiling for Pavilions B and C as well as siding for maintenance shop.
We hope to complete soon.
Hydrilla was found next door at Finger Lakes Marina, we had several groups come in and
try to make the public more aware of this issue. We have signage and weed boxes in
places.
We are still working on security camera quotes for both Myers Park and the Highway
Department.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention had their annual walk at Myers Park this
past Saturday. They had 384 walkers and raised over $34 ,000 for suicide prevention.
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT REPORT -CHARLIE "CRICKET" PURCELL
Cricket reported projects are in full swing, including water breaks.
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING REPORT -C.J. RANDALL
Reviewed the following with the Town Board and the report was available as a handout.
CORE PLANNING FUNCTIONS
• Review and classification of development applications
o Continued revisions of content and setup of the current Application
documents currently utilized in the development review process
with Code Clerk; draft changes were reviewed by the Planning
Board on 9/9 and anticipate Town Board review during Q4 2019
• Data and GIS Services
o Continued inventory and collection of the Town 's digital data;
conducted transfer of major data sets with County Planning on 8/22
• Conservation Advisory Council staff support
o Held CAC meeting on 8/15
• Planning Board staff support
o Agricultural District #1 review now through end of 2019
o Salt Point Farm Brewery and Tasting Room -Auburn Road
■ SEQRA Lead Agency on 8/12; SEQRA Negative Declaration
on 8/26
o Finger Lakes Marine Service
■ Modification of existing Site Plan on 8/26
o Radiant Living School at the Yoga Farm
■ Presentation of proposed addition to professional offices on
8/26
• Zoning Board of Appeals staff support
o Two minor area variances at 30 Ladoga Park W granted on 8/20
• Agricultural Committee staff support
o Continued coordination with Ag Committee on revisions to Solar &
Wind Local Law
• Interdepartmental Infrastructure Coordination
o Coordination with Town Parks & Recreation on scope of work for
potential Parks, Recreation, and Trails Master Plan on 8/15
o Coordinated with Court regarding 2019-2020 JCAP application for
Town Hall ADA improvements, prepared Resolution for Town
Board consideration on 9/18
7
September 18, 2019
o Coordinate with Code Enforcement and Town Engineer to conduct
drainage district (stormwater) site visits on 8/22
• Attended Tompkins County Planning Advisory Board (PAB) meeting
on 8/13
o Review of updates to the County's Comprehensive Plan
• Attended NYSEG Public Service Commission rate case hearing on
8/14
• Attended TCAD Economic Development Collaborative meeting on
8/22
o Emphasis on new FoodBIP (Business Incubation Program) and
Food Manufacturing
LAND USE POLICY WORK PROGRAM
• Land Use Ordinance Update
o Recommendations and preliminary audit questions anticipated at
9/23 Planning Board meeting
• Prepare amendments to Solar Energy Local Law
o Hosted public information session at Town Hall on 8/7, publicized in
the Lansing Star
o Conducted targeted outreach to landowners adjacent to the 115 kV
NYSEG bulk transmission line on 8/28 and 8/29
• Environmental Protection Overlay Districts
o Scope of work and schedule of adoption forthcoming in Q4 2019
C.J. also reported:
Potential Trails Master Plan
• Working with Parks and Recreation
• May start Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
• Planning new trails
• Use existing capital budget to implement
• 18 months to complete project
TCA T Bus Shelter
• NYSEG approved location in Town Hall parking lot
• Cricket confirmed he will pour the pad for TCA T
Crosswalk
• From TCA T Bus Shelter to Salt Point Brewery area
Town Center Traffic Impact Study
• Money from Tompkins County grant
• Will be completed about two (2) months
Ed La Vigne, Supervisor:
• Thanked Cricket for moving the W oodsedge Road over
• Sidewalk will be on the Salt Point Brewery side -starting at Louise Bement Lane
• BBQ Pavilion -water is there
ENGINEER'S REPORT -DA VE HERRICK
No Report.
AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE REPORT -CONNIE WILCOX
Connie reported the following:
No meetings for several months -need new place to meet
8
Septemb er 18 , 2019
TOWN CLERK PRESENTS THE TENATIVE 2020 TOWN OF LANSING
BUDGET
Town Clerk Deborah Munson, presented the Tentative 2020 Town of Lansing Budget to
the Town Board.
Supervisor Edward La Vigne, and Town Clerk Deborah Munson, reviewed the budget
schedule:
• Town Board reviews , modifies and puts changes in writing
o Town Board Budget Meeting October 9, 2019
■ iNOTE -after meeting, budget meeting was rescheduled to
Se tember 30, 2019 at 4:00 m
• Town Board Meeting October 16 , 2019
o Resolution to approve changes
o Tentative Budget moves to Preliminary Budget
• Town Board Meeting November 6, 2019
o Budget public hearing
o Final budget approval
Supervisor Edward La Vigne , asked Director of Planning C .J. Randall , and Councilperson
Joseph Wetmore, to work on five (5) year plan.
MOTION TO AUTHORIZE PARKS AND RECREATION SUPERVISOR TO
PURCHASE NEW COMPUTERS UPGRADED TO WINDOWS 10 (WINDOWS 7
WILL BE OBSOLETE JANUARY 2020), UNDER NYS CONTRACT PRICING,
NOT TO EXCEED $22,000, FUNDS WILL BE TRANSFERRED FROM FUND
BALANCE TO A1610.200 EQUIPMENT
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz, moved TO AUTHORIZE PARKS AND
RECREATION SUPERVISOR TO PURCHASE NEW COMPUTERS
UPGRADED TO WINDOWS 10 (WINDOWS 7 WILL BE OBSOLETE JANUARY
2020), UNDER NYS CONTRACT PRICING, NOT TO EXCEED $22,000, FUNDS
WILL BE TRANSFERRED FROM FUND BALANCE TO A1610.200
EQUIPMENT
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, seconded the motion.
All in Favor - 3 Opposed - 0
RESOLUTION REQUESTING REDUCTION OF SPEED LIMIT ON COLLINS
ROAD
RESOLUTION 19-129
RESOLUTION REQUESTING REDUCTION OF SPEED LIMIT
ON COLLINS ROAD
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS , the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has received a request from the
residents along Collins Road concerned about excessive speeds , and a representative of
the neighborhood has presented a petition signed by the residents in support thereof; and
WHEREAS, Collins Road is a Town Highway; and
WHEREAS, the residents and property owners of Collins Road request a reduction in the
speed limit to 45 miles per hour to improve public safety; and
WHEREAS , upon consideration and deliberation upon the same, the Town Board of the
Town of Lansing has hereby
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing supports the requested
reduction in speed limit and hereby directs that the Town requests the New York State
9
September 18, 2019
Department of Transportation to conduct a traffic study along Collins Road in the Town
of Lansing for the purpose of considering reduced speed to enhance safety.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, duly seconded by Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz,
and put to a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz -Aye
Supervisor Edward La Vigne-Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore -Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on
September 18, 2019.
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING 2020 WATER RATES FOR THE TOWN
OF LANSING CONSOLIDATED WATER DISTRICT AND USERS THEREOF,
INCLUDING DISTRICT EXTENSIONS AND OUTSIDE USERS
RESOLUTION 19-130
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING 2020 WATER RATES FOR THE TOWN
OF LANSING CONSOLIDATED WATER DISTRICT AND USERS THEREOF,
INCLUDING DISTRICT EXTENSIONS AND OUTSIDE USERS
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing is a member municipality of the Southern Cayuga
Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission ("Bolton Point") and a signatory to Bolton
Point's intermunicipal cooperative agreements as periodically updated since 1979 (the
"Agreement"); and
WHEREAS, the Town and the Consolidated Water District ("CWD") purchase water
from Bolton Point as a supplier for the CWD, CWD extensions and districts, outside
users, fire-fighting and other municipal purposes, and for use and consumption by
residents; and
WHEREAS, the 2020 water rate from Bolton Point is $5.41 per thousand gallons, and the
Town must set its rates for the CWD and its districts and users; and
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing
has hereby
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing does hereby establish the
following water rates for the Town of Lansing residents within the Town of Lansing
Consolidated Water District for the year 2020.
Water Rate (SCLIWC)
Operation and Maintenance Fee (TOL)
TOTAL RATE
$ 5 .41 per thousand gallons
$ . 79 per thousand gallons
$ 6.20 per thousand gallons
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that #1, #2, and #4 accounts are not included in the
current Town of Lansing Consolidated Water District. Therefore, the Town Board of the
Town of Lansing does hereby establish the following water rates for the Town of Lansing
residents in the #1 accounts being Algerine and Lansing Station Roads and #2 and #4
accounts being Drake Road. This rate will also include future water district extensions
established in the year 2020.
Water Rate (SCLIWC)
Operation and Maintenance Fee (TOL)
TOTAL RATE
$ 5 .41 per thousand gallons
$ 1.31 per thousand gallons
$ 6. 72 per thousand gallons
September 18, 2019
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that #9 account Outside User Agreement residents using
CWD services and water must pay 2 times the combined water and tax rate of the users
that are not included in the current Town of Lansing Consolidated Water District, as
outside users must equalize the taxed capital costs of the CWD that inside users must pay.
This rate will be charged until such time as the applicant's lands are brought within the
Consolidated Water District.
Water Rate (SCLIWC)
Operation and Maintenance Fee (TOL)
TOTAL RATE
$ 5 .41 per thousand gallons
$ 8.03 per thousand gallons
$ 13 .44 per thousand gallons
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, duly seconded by Councilperson Katrina Bink:ewicz,
and put to a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz -Aye
Supervisor Edward La Vigne -Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore -Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on
September 18, 2019 .
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF NOTICE OF AW ARD
AND EXECUTION OF DESIGN AND INSTALLATION CONSTRUCTION
CONTRACT FOR NEW TOWN HALL DIGITAL SIGN
RESOLUTION 19-131
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF NOTICE OF AW ARD
AND EXECUTION OF DESIGN AND INSTALLATION
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR NEW TOWN HALL DIGITAL SIGN
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS , by motion duly moved, seconded and approved at a Regular Town Board
meeting upon August 21, 2019, the Town Board did duly approve and allocate up to
$50,000 for a new digital LED sign, in connection with planned specifications and public
bidding as required by law; and
WHEREAS, specifications, bid requirements, and a project contract were created and
duly advertised as a public best value bid as required by law, and all bids were duly and
publicly opened; and
WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Supervisor examined the bid received and found it
to be in compliance with specifications and within the allocated budget, and as a design
and installation contract was included in the bid package that already complies with law
and has been accepted by the bidder, this award of the bid needs to be formally issued
and the contract duly authorized; and
WHEREAS, under the Town's sign local law a lighted sign requires site plan review and
such structure also requires a building permit; and
WHEREAS, as this is a public project and the Town of Lansing is itself the applicant, the
balancing of factors under the Monroe test indicate that this project is exempt and
immune from local site plan review, including because; (i) the applicant is a
governmental agency pursuing the replacement of a sign that already exists for public
purposes; (ii) the Town itself is the agency that is delegated site plan review authority and
thus the Town is not encroaching upon any other agency's jurisdiction; (iii) the land use
involved is an existing sign upgrade, and does not involve any substantial change or land
disturbances ; (iv) site plan review would not materially alter the project, even if
undertaken; (v) there are really no alternative locations for the sign, including because
relocation into a less restrictive zone would remove the same from the Town Hall campus
11
September 18, 2019
and defeat the public purposes of the project; (vi) there is minimal impact upon local
interests and the sign is located in a business zone where such signage is expected; (vii)
the delay caused by any review would serve no valid purpose and only increase costs;
(viii) the public interest to be served by the improvement is substantial, as the Town has
long looked to find additional ways to notify residents of events, meetings and
emergencies; and (ix) there are no intergovernmental issues presented by this project; and
WHEREAS, governmental signs are further exempted per Article 4, § F from
discretionary review under such sign law, being Local Law #1 of 2014, and as no
discretionary review is being undertaken, and as this is a project to replace and update an
existing commercial and informational sign owned and operated by a government of the
State of New York, and is a project to install such new sign in place, with no ground
disturbances other than some electric installations localized to the sign and parking areas,
with no significant ground disturbances, construction noise or equipment, or new
permanent buildings, this action is thus classified as a Type II Action under SEQRA per 6
NYCRR §§ 617.5(1), (2), (18) (reuse of commercial structure, where such is permitted
use and does not trigger any § 617.4 standard), and no environmental review is therefore
required, and the Town Board further finds that this project is not expected to produce
any moderate or significant negative environmental impacts; and
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation upon the foregoing, the Town Board did resolve as
follows:
1. That a Notice of Award be prepared and delivered to Cayuga Signs, Inc. awarding
the contract and work set forth in the bid specifications for the total sum of $48,683.00.
2. The contract prepared with such bid shall be completed, the bid amount and
materials down payment entered therein, and once completed to the satisfaction of the
Town the same may be executed by the Town Supervisor by, for, on behalf of, and in the
name of the Town of Lansing.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz, duly seconded by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore,
and put to a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz -Aye
Supervisor Edward La Vigne-Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore -Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on
September 18, 2019.
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE JUSTICE COURT ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM 2019-2020 GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE TOWN OF LANSING
Director of Planning C.J. Randall, stated:
• Upgrade the Town Hall entrance door to make it more ADA accessible
• Town should know if grant approved about April 2020
• Estimated cost about $48,000
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, recommends this grant and the expense be put in the
budget.
RESOLUTION 19-132
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE JUSTICE COURT ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM 2019-2020 GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE TOWN OF LANSING
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the State of New York Unified Court System is soliciting applications from
local governments under the Justice Court Assistance Program to assist local Justice
Departments with needed construction funds and security-related equipment; and
12
September 18, 2019
WHEREAS, the funding available under the State of New York Unified Court System
would facilitate local efforts in upgrading access to the Town Court; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has determined that participation in
the JCAP is desirable, and is in the public interest; and
WHEREAS , upon deliberation there upon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has
hereby
RESOLVED, the Town of Lansing authorizes the Town Justice(s) to execute and apply
for a State of New York Unified Court System Justice Court Assistance Program (JCAP)
grant in the 2019-2020 grant cycle up to $30,000.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, duly seconded by Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz,
and put to a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz -Aye
Supervisor Edward La Vigne-Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore -Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on
September 18, 2019.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH
TOMPKINS COUNTY SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT FOR
STORMW ATER TECHNICAL SERVICES
RESOLUTION 19-133
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH
TOMPKINS COUNTY SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT FOR
STORMW ATER TECHNICAL SERVICES
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing is in need of alternate stormwater review services and
the Tompkins County Soil and Water Conservation District works cooperatively with
MS4 members of the Tompkins County Stormwater Coalition and assists them in
complying with the EPA Phase II Stormwater regulations; and
WHEREAS , the Agreement with Tompkins County Soil and Water Conservation District
furthers the goals of the Town of Lansing Stormwater Management and Erosion Control
Local Law #6 of 2009; and
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Soil and Water Conservation District Agreement for
Services stipulates an hourly rate of $50 for Stormwater Inspection and Technical
Services; and
WHEREAS, the duties of the "Stormwater Technical Advisor" will adhere to all New
York State laws, Federal laws, and the Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment
Control (CPESC) Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct;
The Town Board of the Town of Lansing is hereby:
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing authorizes the Town
Supervisor to execute the Agreement for Services with Tompkins County Soil and Water
Conservation District which shall commence January 1, 2020 and terminate on December
31, 2020, retroactive to September 20, 2019 to cover incurred interim expenses .
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, duly seconded by Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz,
and put to a roll call vote with the following results:
13
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz -Aye
Supervisor Edward La Vigne-Aye
Septemb er 18 , 2019
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore -Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on
September 18, 2019.
RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF TOWN
CENTER LEASE TO KERSAT LANDSCAPING, INC., SUBJECT TO
PERMISSIVE REFERENDUM
RESOLUTION 19-134
RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF TOWN
CENTER LEASE TO KERSAT LANDSCAPING, INC., SUBJECT TO
PERMISSIVE REFERENDUM
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS , the Town acquired title to 104 Auburn Road upon August 15, 2019 , such
land being part of the Town Center area ; and
WHEREAS, the Town acquired such land subject to two leases, one of which is Kersat
Landscaping , Inc. (the other being "Scoops"), which lease expires September 30, 2019,
and which tenant has requested a two-year extension of its lease and an expansion of
leasehold occupancy rights to assume in tenancy the entirety of the main building located
upon such parcel ; and
WHEREAS , a form of lease has been drafted and approved and, upon due deliberation
thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby
RESOLVED that the 2-year lease to Kersat Landscaping, Inc . be and hereby is approved
in substantially the form as presented and, subject to negotiation and approval of the final
form thereof by the Town Supervisor, undertaken upon the advice and consent of the
Town Attorney, and as so amended in their negotiated final form, the Town Supervisor
be and hereby is authorized to execute the same by , for , on behalf of, and in the name of
the Town of Lansing ; and it is further
RESOLVED, that this Resolution be and hereby is subject to permissive referendum as
required by Town Law § 64 and Town Law Article 7, and the Town Clerk is directed to
publish a compliant notice of permissive referendum within 10 days of the adoption
hereof.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz, duly seconded by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore ,
and put to a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz -Aye
Supervisor Edward La Vigne -Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore -Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on
September 18, 2019 .
APPROVE AUDIT and BUDGET MODIFICATIONS AND SUPERVISOR'S
REPORT
RESOLUTION 19-135
The Supervisor submitted his monthly report for the month of August 2019 , to all Board
Members and to the Town Clerk. The Supervisor's Report was reviewed by
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore. The bills were reviewed by Councilperson Katrina
Binkewicz and Councilperson Joseph Wetmore.
14
Septemb er 18 , 2019
Councilperson Katrina Bink:ewicz, moved that the Supervisor's Report be approved as
submitted and the Bookkeeper is hereby authorized to pay the following bills and to make
the following budget modifications.
CONSOLIDATED ABSTRACT# 009
DATED 9/18/2019
AUDITED VOUCHER #'s
PREPAY VOUCHER #'s
AUDITED T & A VOUCHER #'s
PREPAY T & A VOUCHER #'s
835 -926
835 -838
61 -69
61 -64
FUND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS
GENERAL FUND (A&B) $ 64,674.34
HIGHWAY FUND (DA&DB) $ 399,123.65
LANSING LIGHTING (SL 1, 2 &3) $ 1,356.65
LANSING WATER DISTRICTS (SW) $ 12,679.21
TRUST & AGENCY (TA) $ 52,018.46
WARREN ROAD SEWER DISTRICTS (SS1-) $ 152 .60
CHERRY ROAD SEWER DISTRICT (SS3-) $ 0.00
DRAINAGE DISTRICTS (SDD1 ,2,4,5,6,7,8) $ 0.00
DRAKE RD -CWD#4 (HA) $ 42,369.02
BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
GENERAL FUND A
9/18/2019 Board Meeting
FROM TO FOR
A599 A1420.400 From Fund Balance to Attorney Contractual
Additional Funds needed
A599 A1440.406 From Fund Balance to Engineering -Misc Water Exts
Additional Funds needed
A599 A1610.400 From Fund Balance to Technology Contractual
Additional Funds needed
A599 A1950.400 From Fund Balance to Taxes -Property
Additional Funds needed
A599 A7020.400 From Fund Balance to Pars & Rec Admin Contractual
Additional Funds needed
A599 A7110 .200 From Fund Balance to Parks -Equipment
Stolen I-pad from Park Entry Building
AMOUNT
$ 30,000.00
$ 2 ,000 .00
$ 3 ,000 .00
$ 690 .00
$ 600 .00
$ 320 .00
15
Septemb er 18 , 2019
A2705 A7110.200 From Donations to Parks -Equipment
Donation for LED Sign
A599 A7310.100 From Fund Balance to Youth Programs Prsnl Srvcs
Additional Funds needed
A599 A7310.200 From Fund Balance to Youth Program Equipment
Additional Funds needed
HIGHWAY FUND DB
9/18/2019 Board Meeting
DB3501 DB5112.400 From Fund Balance to Street Improvements Contractual
Additional CHIPS funds
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, seconded the motion and it was put to a roll call vote
with the following results:
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz -Aye
Supervisor Edward La Vigne -Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore -Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved , carried and duly adopted on
September 18 , 2019 .
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Katrina Binkewicz -reported the following:
Salt Point
• Finished planting
• Have additional money for more plants
• Water trailer very useful
Joseph Wetmore -reported the following:
Tompkins County Council of Governments (TCCOG)
• Reviewed civil service law
• Discussed short term rentals ( days and months)
Cayuga Lake Watershed Network & Tompkins County Water Resource Council
• Forming project advisory committee to oversee Department of State grant
Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council (ITCTC)
• Ludlowville bridge project delayed until next year
• Salmon Creek Bridge could be closed at same time
• 2016 census data -where people commute to and from Lansing
o C.J . Randall will forward draft information to Town Board
o Possible presentation
Town Website
• Planning Board
o Pages need to be uniform
o Photos should be on website
• Boards need to be on website
$
$
$
$
o Town Clerk Debbie Munson, will email committee and board members to
Dan Veaner
• For consistency, Town Board, Planning Board and ZBA should all have their
pictures on the website
Peter Wheeler Recognition -Still looking for good picture
20,000.00
5 ,000.00
1,950.00
83,500.00
16
Edward La Vigne
Stanley Burke -Working with Doug Dake on recognition at Myers Park
Air Service Board -Toured new renovations
Power Plant -If power plant shuts down, will Town qualify for some money?
TOWN COUNSEL REPORT
Guy Krogh
No Report.
ADJOURN MEETING
Meeting adjourned at the call of the Supervisor at 8: 17 p.m.
Minutes taken and executed by the Town Clerk.
Septemb er 18 , 2019
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah K. Munson
Town Clerk
17
October 7, 2020
EMERGENCY TOWN BOARD MEETING
October 7, 2020
Town of Lansing Y ouTube Channel
https ://www .youtube .com/channel/UCs2FqU2xFnDyGS8DwXgoJwA
An Emergency Meeting of the Lansing Town Board was held at the Town Hall Board
Room, 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, NY on the above date at 10:31 a.m. The meeting was
called to order by Edward La Vigne, Supervisor, and opened with the Pledge of
Allegiance to the flag. Roll call by Deborah K. Munson, Town Clerk, showed the
following to be
PRESENT:
Andra Benson, Councilperson Doug Dake, Councilperson (remotely)
Bronwyn Losey, Councilperson (remotely)
Edward La Vigne, Supervisor
Joseph Wetmore, Councilperson (remotely 10:35)
ABSENT: No one absent
ALSO PRESENT: C.J. Randall, Director of Planning (remotely), Ann Waling and
Mitch Quine, CS Energy (remotely), Jeannine Kirby
YELLOW BARN SOLAR PRESENTATION -CS ENERGY -ANN WALING
AND MITCH QUINE
Mitch Quine stated the following:
• CS Energy was #1 solar contractor in New York State and New Jersey in 2019
• Project involves Town of Lansing and Town of Groton
• Wholesale power project -ties to transmission system
• NYSERDA -2020 RFP bid
o Proof of interaction with Town
o Deadline October 21, 2020
• 160 megawatt project -already submitted to NYSEG
• Vanostrand Road near Buck Road
• 1000 -1300 acres total
o Secured about 500 acres between Lansing and Groton
• 250 acres in Town
o Town land still under negotiation
• Would like 250 -600 acres in Lansing
o Contiguous best -can work with 50 to 100 acres together
• Lease and purchase land
o Lease most common
o Pay upfront payment to landowner while determining outcome
o Some land is subdivided
• Needs to go through Planning Board
o Lease for 25 years -potential extension to 40 years
• Life of project about 30 years
o Panels at end of project
• Modules -recycle and landfill
• This is new industry -hope for better solution
• Toxic materials in panels 10 years ago
o Cadmium no longer used
o Lead base solder being phased out
o Solder connections have some dangerous material
o Silicone is primarily used
o Copper and silver also used
o If panels break, all contained -no leaking
• Battery storage -not for this site
• Decommissioning plan
o Project specific
o Follow New York State regulations and work with Town
1
October 7, 2020
o Supervisor Ed La Vigne stated bond is typical
• Exploring possibility of using farm land under panels (sheep , hay, etc.)
• Staying away from prime soils when possible
• New York State run process -Article 10, Article 23 or Section 94C
Host Community Agreement with CS Energy and Town
Director of Planning C.J. Randall explained the possible benefits to the Town
1. Discount on residents utility bills
2. Uniform pilot
3. Direct agreement between applicant and Town-ex. payment per megawatt
Mitch Quine responded to C.J.:
1. Interested in discounts on residents utility bills
2. Sources of revenue to the Town
a. Pilot with IDA -revenue goes to Town, County and School
b. Direct / Host Community Benefit Program Agreement with the Town
i. Possible upfront payment to Town-per megawatt basis
ii. Possible donation of time or equipment for Town project, etc.
c. Agriculture land removed from agriculture exemption
i. CS Energy will pay additional taxes
Supervisor Ed La Vigne stated:
• Maybe inexpensive power for businesses in Town
• Power Plant assessment dropped from $20 million to $2 million
• Host Community Agreement important
Mitch Quine responded to Ed:
• Open to possibility of inexpensive power for businesses
o Payments to Town fund for this
Mitch Quine contact information:
mi tch . guine@csenergy.com
732-266-4255
MOTION TO AUTHORIZE TOWN SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE LETTER OF
SUPPORT FOR CS ENERGY'S YELLOW BARN SOLAR ENERGY FACILITY
NYSERDA 2020 RES SOLICITATION APPLICATION
MOTION M20-22
Councilperson Andra Benson, moved TO AUTHORIZE TOWN SUPERVISOR TO
EXECUTE LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR CS ENERGY'S YELLOW BARN
SOLAR ENERGY FACILITY NYSERDA 2020 RES SOLICITATION
APPLICATION
Councilperson Doug Dake, seconded the motion.
All in Favor - 5 Opposed - 0
RESOLUTION URGING NYSERDA TO SUPPORT CAYUGA OPERATING
COMPANY'S PROPOSAL TO PLACE A LARGE SOLAR INSTALLATION
ON THE LAND OF THE FORMER CAYUGA POWER PLANT
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore stated he would like a change made to the resolution.
Councilperson Bronwyn Losey thanked Lansing Advisory Committee for Power Plant
Future (LAC-PPF) and Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) for their hard work on
this .
Supervisor Edward La Vigne stated he thinks Councilperson Joseph Wetmore should
recuse himself because his wife is on one of the committees that drafted the resolution
and Joseph is proposing to change the resolution . Councilperson Joseph Wetmore did not
see this as a conflict and did not recuse himself.
2
October 7, 2020
Supervisor Edward La Vigne thanked both committees for their hard work drafting the
resolution. He stated the resolution does not need to be changed.
RESOLUTION 20-128
RESOLUTION URGING NYSERDA TO SUPPORT CAYUGA OPERA TING
COMPANY'S PROPOSAL TO PLACE A LARGE SOLAR INSTALLATION
ON THE LAND OF THE FORMER CAYUGA POWER PLANT
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the Cayuga Operating Company, LLC (Heorot) NY has retired the 306 MW
coal-fired generating plant in Lansing, and is planning to re-purpose the facility as a 100
MW data center using renewable energy; and
WHEREAS, sPower has proposed to develop a 100-200 MW scale solar power
generating facility (known as Cayuga Solar) in the Town of Lansing that would include a
portion of the solar power facility being installed on the property owned by Heorot; and
WHEREAS, sPower has applied from NYSERDA for Renewable Energy Certificates
(RECs) in order to develop a 100-200 MW scale solar system; and
WHEREAS, the former power plant site already has all the necessary infrastructure to
interconnect the larger balance of the proposed solar facility to the electric grid; and
WHEREAS, sPower is in negotiation with neighboring property owners in order to
acquire a total of 1000-1400 acres to develop a 100-200 MW scale solar system in the
Town and is pursuing the potential use of the Iberdrola owned property adjacent to the
North known as the Bell Station property; and
WHEREAS, sPower plans on putting some solar panels on the existing landfill at the
power plant property; and
WHEREAS, Cayuga Solar will conform to Lansing's Solar and Wind Energy system
laws; and
WHEREAS, Lansing's 2018 Comprehensive Plan states on page 42 in reference to the
Bell Station property: "This approximately 490-acre parcel of property north of the
Cayuga Operating Company (COC) Power Plant ... is a critical lakefront property that
needs to be conserved for present and future generations."; and
WHEREAS, numerous members of the Lansing Community have voiced their concerns
about keeping both the lakeshore and the steep slopes as a state forest or as some kind of
protected natural area; and
WHEREAS, as stated in the Town of Lansing's resolution in support of the Empire State
Data Hub, the Cayuga Operating Company, LLC promises to fulfill its retirement
obligations regarding plant deactivation and site restoration and will ensure that there is
no runoff of heavy metals and other pollutants from the previous contamination from the
power plant activity; and
WHEREAS, Cayuga Solar will create temporary construction jobs and result in both a
PILOT agreement and Community Host Benefit Agreement with the Town of Lansing.
More importantly, long term, it aligns with the strategic environmental initiatives within
our Town, and County; and
WHEREAS, a strong and unified position by the Town of Lansing in support of sPower's
proposal will be critical to its success;
the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby:
3
October 7, 2020
RESOLVED, the Town of Lansing formally supports a comprehensive environmental
review of any potentially harmful impacts to the Town of Lansing and Cayuga Lake from
the prior operation of the coal fired power plant; and be it further
RESOLVED, the Town of Lansing strongly feels that the forested lakeshore land as well
as the forested steep slopes land are critical lake front property that needs to be
undeveloped and conserved for present and future generations; and be it further
RESOLVED, the Town of Lansing supports the concept of sPower's plans to develop a
100-200 MW scale solar system which is a beneficial re-use of existing industrial or
dormant property. We believe the State of New York should be equally excited to make
this a reality; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Town of Lansing Town Board hereby authorizes the Town
Supervisor to execute a Letter of Support and a copy of this Resolution be included in
sPower's application to the NYSERDA 2020 RES Solicitation.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Bronwyn Losey, duly seconded by Supervisor Edward La Vigne, and put
to a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Andra Benson -Aye
Councilperson Bronwyn Losey-Aye
Supervisor Edward La Vigne -Aye
Councilperson Doug Dake -Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore -Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on
October 7, 2020.
RESOLUTION HIRING FULL-TIME INFORMATION AIDE IN THE
SUPERVISOR'S AND TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE
RESOLUTION 20-129
RESOLUTION HIRING FULL-TIME INFORMATION AIDE IN THE
SUPERVISOR'S AND TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the Supervisor's and Town Clerk's Office currently has a combined Full-
Time Information Aide position available, for work time to be split between both
departments; and
WHEREAS, an acceptable and qualified candidate was located, and is therefore proposed
to be hired to fulfill such job requirement; and
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing
has hereby
RESOLVED, that the position is approved to be employed as a Town of Lansing Grade
4, Step 2 Employee, as a Full-Time Information Aide, in the Supervisor's and Town
Clerk's Office, with such employment to commence October 19, 2020 at the rate of
$17 .64 per hour for 36 .5 hours per week.
RESOLVED, the probationary period be and hereby is scheduled for 26 weeks.
RESOLVED, that the appropriate Town officer be and hereby is authorized to make such
changes to the Towns' employment and civil service rosters, to file the required Civil
Service forms to effect such changes per this Resolution, and to file Form 428s, if
required.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Andra Benson, duly seconded by Supervisor Edward La Vigne, and put to
a roll call vote with the following results:
4
October 7, 2020
Councilperson Andra Benson-Aye
Councilperson Bronwyn Losey-Aye
Supervisor Edward La Vigne -Aye
Councilperson Doug Dake -Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore -Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on
October 7, 2020.
ADJOURN MEETING
Meeting adjourned at the call of the Supervisor at 11 :29 a.m.
Minutes taken and executed by the Town Clerk.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah K. Munson, RMC
Town Clerk
5
TOWN OF GROTON -MINUTES OF TOWN BOARD MEETING
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2020 AT 7:30 PM
PUBLIC HEARING ON 2021 BUDGET AT 8:00 PM
FOLLOWED BY PUBLIC HEARING ON 2021 FIRE & AMBULANCE CONTRACTS
THE TOWN HALL, 101 CONGER BOULEVARD
Town Officers Present:
Donald F. Scheffler, Supervisor
Richard Gamel, Councilperson
Crystal Young, Councilperson
Brian Klumpp, Councilperson
Sheldon C. Clark, Councilperson
Michael Perkins, Highway Supt.
April L. Scheffler, Town Clerk
Charles Rankin, Bookkeeper
W. Rick Fritz, Code Official
Francis Casullo, Attorney
Town Officers Absent:
A. D. Dawson, Town Justice
John Norman, Town Justice
Also Present:
Ben Nelson
Glen Morey
Lisa Stevens
Kellie Lamoreau
Mitch Quine
Lee Shurtleff
MOVED by Councilperson Gamel, seconded by Councilperson Young to approve the minutes
of the September 8, 2020 Town Board Meeting as presented.
Ayes -Clark, Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler
MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Klumpp, to approve the minutes
of the October 5, 2020 Special Town Board Meeting as presented.
Ayes -Clark, Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler
RESOLUTION #20-070 -APPROVE PAYMENT OF INVOICES
MOVED by Councilperson Gamel, seconded by Councilperson Young
WHEREAS, vouchers for Abstract #10, numbered 396 -450 were reviewed and audited by the
Town Board, be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves said vouchers for the accounts and in the
total amounts as follows:
Code Fund
A CrENERAI, F!Jt\l)
B GENERAL FUKD PART TOWK
DA HIGHWAY FUND
DD IIIGIIWAY PUND PART TO\VN
SL2-PERUVILLE LIGHTING DISTRICT
Sl.1-MCI ,EAN I .IOH'J"IM, I )18TR JCT
CD COMM{ JNITY ms Er .OPMENT WALPOLE BRIDGE
Total:
Ayes -Clark, Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler
Nays-
Resolution Passed
Totals
11,744.36
4,818.96
32,400.60
59,463.52
98.81
127.(,9
3,070.00
111,723.94
Town Board Minutes Page2 October13, 2020
Monthly Reports:
Charles Rankin, Bookkeeper -Submitted monthly reports for the Board's review and requested
budget adjustments. He explained that the Health Insurance Consortium is going to give a
"premium holiday" and any employee paying into their health insurance will receive the holiday.
This means that there will be one month when the premium is not taken out of the employee's
pay. Mr. Rankin said this will probably happen December for Groton employees.
RESOLUTION #20-071 -2020 BUDGET ADJUSTMENT
MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Gamel
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves the following 2020 Budget Adjustment:
General Fund, Town Wide:
From: Contingency, A1990.4 ................................... $500.00
To: Employee Benefits, Unemployment, A9050.8 ......... 500.00
Ayes -Clark, Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler
Nays-
Resolution Passed
RESOLUTION #20-072 -2020 BUDGET ADJUSTMENT
MOVED by Councilperson Young, seconded by Councilperson Clark
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves the following 2020 Budget Adjustment:
General Fund, Town Wide:
Increase Appropriated Reserves, A511 ................................ $19,950.00
Increase Expenditures, Central Garage, Equipment, Al640.2R ...... 19,500.00
Ayes -Clark, Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler
Nays-
Resolution Passed
RESOLUTION #20-073 -2020 BUDGET ADJUSTMENT
MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Klumpp
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves the following 2020 Budget Adjustment:
Highway Town Wide:
From: Bridges & Culverts, Other Expenses, DA5120.4 ....... $4000.00
To: Brush & Weeds, Personal Services, DA5140. l. ......... .4000.00
Ayes -Clark, Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler
Nays-
Resolution Passed
W. Rick Fritz, Code/Fire Enforcement Officer -Submitted monthly reports for the Board's
review. We are helping out at the Village while their Code Official is out sick. A lot of time is
being spent with contractors since the new State Codes came out in May, making what used to be
a 15-minute visit lasts an hour or two.
Town Board Minutes Page3 October13, 2020
Michael Perkins, Highway Superintendent -We've completed oil and stoning; been busy
installing culverts; driveway pipes; a cross-over pipe; mowing roadsides; ditching; shoulder
repair; finished paving on Walpole Bridge Project; helped the County on Salt Road and Pleasant
Valley; and have all of our sand hauled in for winter. We started getting trucks ready for winter
today.
April L. Scheffler, RMC, Town Clerk/Tax Collector -Submitted monthly reports for the
Board's review. We did two to three thousand dollars more in hunting licenses because Walmart
and Dick's were not issuing for quite a while.
Francis Casullo, Attorney for the Town -Had nothing to report.
John J. Norman and A. D. Dawson, Town Justices -Were not present.
Councilperson Crystal Young as Representative to Joint Youth Program -The Joint
Recreation Committee met last week. I reported that there was some vandalism last month on
the trails and that seems to have been reduced significantly. There is some fall programming that
is going to take place at the park. We are not approved to use the school facilities due to COVID
regulations and restrictions, but are holding events in the park. There 's a Science Center
Partnership; Community Night will be on Thursday, October 22, at 4:00 pm and Sunday,
October 25, at 10:00 am. There will be family friendly activities open to all ages, and free to the
community. They're also going to do a youth football camp on Saturday mornings for 3 rd
through 6th graders also at the park. Registration is free and will run for four weeks in November
and December. Yoga in the park ended, so they're going to see if they can find an indoor space
for that. All of the grants, the trail grant, park pavilion grant, concert and Winterfest grants have
all been cancelled or put on hold until next season. No New York State grants are going to be
paid.
Glen Morey, County Legislator -Started off with a COVID-19 report: as of October 12th there
has been 475 confirmed cases in Tompkins County; 433 recovered, 3 active; and one died this
past week. We've had a successful year with road paving, Cobb Street, Pleasant Valley Road,
Old Peruville Road, and Salt Road. There is one more meeting on the 2021 budget review. Next
week we start voting on it. Even with the 12% mandatory cut, it's going to be a difficult year.
The County Administrator had come up with a 12% cut and a 20% cut, but the 20% cut we just
couldn't do.
Ben Nelson, Groton Fire Chief -We 're at about 626 EMS calls and 129 fire calls this year. I
don't think we're going to hit that milestone that we hit last year of over 1000 calls, which is
good. At the last Village Board meeting, a discussion was had about Halloween and ultimately,
the Board left that up to myself and the Fire Department to plan something. I told them that it
probably wouldn't be as grandiose as it has been in the past with Trunk and Treat. We did come
up with something and basically, it's going back to good, old fashioned Halloween and just
going around and picking up treats. The Fire Department and a couple other smaller entities are
going to set up on the municipal lot and make it a socially distanced treat station. We've kicked
around some ideas on how we would deliver such treats. Also, on Halloween, we 're trying to set
up a chicken bar-b-que, but we'll see.
Mitch Quine, Development Manager, CS Energy -The purpose of tonight is to introduce
myself and our company and introduce a project that we are considering in the Town. I started
in the solar industry on the construction management side, working on a number of projects,
Town Board Minutes Page4 October13, 2020
community solar scale and large-scale commercial, in Massachusetts. A few years ago, I
switched into development. SC Energy was formerly known as Conti Solar. We're an
integrated energy company. We do development, construction, and maintenance on large-scale
solar and battery storage projects. We've been in business for about 15 years doing solar,
formed out of the Conti Group. We've had some success on the development side in New York
State recently. I'm sure you are aware that New York State is blowing up with renewable energy
right now due to some of the State incentives that are in place and also due to some of the drop in
prices that we've seen in the past 5 -10 years. Solar is starting to be competitive with a lot of
other energy production methods. The project we're considering in Tompkins County is actually
going to be located in both the Towns of Lansing and Groton. It's going to be 160-megawatt
project on probably 900 to 1300 acres. We don't know yet how much of the project will be
located in Groton versus Lansing. At a minimum the Town of Groton will probably be 200 -300
acres or a maximum of 800 -900 acres of the project. A project of this size goes through a
couple of different processes:
First is the utility interconnection process. We have to work with the New York independent
system operator and NYSEG to evaluate the interconnection point, determine how much
capacity it has, determine how much it's going to cost to interconnect. That process has been
started. We've done some initial analyses and we do think that the line is going to support the
project. For contact, the line runs in Lansing and we'll be connecting to it near where the Groton
and Lansing borders meet the Dryden border.
The second process that we go through is permitting. With a project this size, the State will be
involved and they are likely going to get involved through their new Office of Renewable
Energy Siting which they are just opening. They just put out some draft regulations with respect
to governing the way that this gets permitted. But our goal as a developer is to work as closely
with the Town and the locals as possible so it doesn't tum into a State-run situation and we can
keep things as locally controlled as possible.
The third process, which is part of my presence here tonight, is that we go through a competitive
solicitation with NYSERDA to effectively bid the project in for a long-term energy contract. So,
NYSERDA, they select as certain number of megawatts of projects, based on a certain dollar for
megawatt hour price, and those projects get a long-term contract and they have five years in
order to construct and then start selling power to the wholesale market and credits to the State for
20 years. So, the next bid that NYSERDA is running is going in later this month. Part of our
process through that is to make initial contact with the Town and inform the Town of our intent
to develop and our intent to bid. Nothing is guaranteed at this point; obviously, first of all, we
haven't won the contract and then secondly, there's a lot of discussion and review as to whether
the project is going to be viable here. But we think it will be. I think we've got a lot of
experience putting these together and we're hoping to be successful.
I do have here tonight a quick, factual letter, just kind of stating that I was present this evening
and informed you guys of the project and informed the Board of our intent to bid. If acceptable
to the Board, I'd love to have you review and sign it. If not, we can use the meeting minutes
with NYSERDA and I can show them the hand-out that I showed you, but our hope is that we'd
be able to show them this letter to kind of conveniently prove that we indicated this to you.
That's our only request for the evening. If you have any questions about the project or solar in
general, I'd be happy to answer.
Supervisor Scheffler -Well, our policy is, that when we have a complete application, we'll
know answers to give and what questions to ask. That's the way we start every project. So, you
can fill out an application and pay the fee and then we'll know how to go forward.
Town Board Minutes Page 5 October13, 2020
Mr. Quine -Yeah, absolutely, and I'm not trying to forget that you guys are approving any
concept of the project this evening. We're at a very early stage at this point. But the NYSERDA
bid comes when it comes. If we were to wait until the next application were open, we'd
probably be a little too late in the process. Our expectation is that if we're able to secure a
contract with NYSERDA, probably early next year we'd be preparing an application and
providing both the Towns of Groton and Lansing a more detailed site plan with additional
information. At this stage all we have is kind of the size and approximate location and the
interconnection intention. That's all we have and not a lot to go on, but if you have general
questions or concerns, I'd be happy to address them as well.
Councilperson Klumpp -I have a question. The last solar company that was looking for a
place to put a solar project in the Town of Groton was asking for a tax abatement. Is that
something that's an integral part of this as well?
Mr. Quine -We, for a long-term contract like this, where we have a sort of fix rate that we sell
energy at, we would like to have a fixed PILOT agreement. That being said, we don't anticipate
needing an "abatement." We expect to be paying a fair rate, an appropriate rate. But for a
project of this type, in that it has a long-term fixed revenue, it's important for its viability to
provide for that long-term fixed cost as well. I understand that there was another project and
they were looking for a PILOT agreement with the IDA. That would be our intent as well,
however, what we've been able to do in the past is prior to proceeding signing anything with the
IDA, first negotiating a host community agreement with the local municipality to ensure that any
IDA negotiations are over and above what is acceptable to the town. We understand that the tax
portion to the town is small, out of the standard property tax rate, and our intent would be to have
a host community agreement with the town on top of any IDA agreement that we'd have.
The Board indicated that they would have their attorney review the requested letter, but that they
would not be signing it tonight.
Discussion took place about making a donation to the Fire Department and the American Legion
for their planned Halloween events. With Olde Home Days and the Verne Morton Photo Show
being cancelled due to COVID-19, there is money in those accounts that could be used.
RESOLUTION #20-074 -DONATIONS FOR HALLOWEEN
MOVED by Councilperson Gamel, seconded by Councilperson Klumpp
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves making a donation to the Groton Fire
Department and the Groton American Legion in the amount of $300.00 each to help with their
Halloween activities.
Ayes -Clark, Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler
Nays-
Resolution Passed
Town Board Minutes Page 6
PUBLIC HEAR ON FISCAL YEAR 2021
TOWN OF GROTON PRELIMINARY BUDGET
October13, 2020
MOVED by Supervisor Scheffier, seconded by Councilperson Young, to open the Public
Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2021 Town of Groton Preliminary Budget at 8:00 pm.
Ayes -Clark, Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffier
The Town Clerk read the public notice, which was duly printed in the Town's legal paper, the
Cortland Standard, on October 5 & 6, 2020, as well as the Freeville Shopper on October 6, 2020.
Supervisor Scheffler -Everyone knows it's been a tough year and we don't know what's going
to happen next year. We made some cuts, added where we had to add, and we think we've
presented a very tight budget. He asked if anyone would like to speak on the budget.
Lee Shurtleff asked what the rate increase was.
It was explained that the rates are down a few cents from last year and the budget is under the tax
cap.
There being no further comments from the public, Councilperson Klumpp moved to adjourn the
Public Hearing, seconded by Councilperson Clark, at 8:07 pm.
Ayes -Clark, Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffier
PUBLIC HEARING ON FISCAL YEAR 2021 FIRE & AMBULANCE CONTRACTS
MOVED by Supervisor Scheffier, seconded by Councilperson Gamel, to open the Public
Hearing on the 2021 Fire & Ambulance Contracts at 8:07 pm.
Ayes -Clark, Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffier
Ben Nelson, Fire Chief -I understand that things are very tight and things are very tight with us
as well. With the job that we do, especially in the midst of this pandemic, we've seen tremendous
increases in basically any type of supply that we get, and we are very appreciative for whatever
you were able to come up with for us. I know it wasn't easy and we are very appreciative about
it. Thank you.
There being no further comments from the public, Councilperson Gamel moved to adjourn the
Public Hearing, seconded by Councilperson Klumpp, at 8 :08 pm.
Ayes -Clark, Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffier
After discussion, the Board decided to wait until November to take action on the proposed
budget.
RESOLUTION #20-075 -ADD HALLOWEEN DONATIONS TO
THE OCTOBER ABSTRACT
MOVED by Supervisor Scheffier, seconded by Councilperson Klumpp
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby directs that the $300.00 donations to the Groton Fire
Department and Groton American Legion be added to the October abstract.
Ayes -Clark, Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler
Nays-
Resolution Passed
Town Board Minutes Page 7 October13, 2020
The Board discussed the amendments to the Municipal Cooperative Agreement for the Greater
Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium. Mr. Rankin, the Town's
representative to the Consortium, explained that the biggest change was that there will be an
expanded executive committee, starting with 11 with the possibility of expanding to 15. They
are adopting two amendments because of the additional municipalities that have come onboard
in 2020 and will be coming onboard in 2021.
RESOLUTION #20-076 -APPROVAL OF THE 2020 AND 2021 AMENDMENTS TO
THE MUNICIPAL COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR THE GREATER TOMPKINS
COUNTY MUNICIPAL HEALTH INSURANCE CONSORTIUM
MOVED by Councilperson Young, seconded by Councilperson Gamel
WHEREAS, the Town of Groton is a Participant in the Greater Tompkins County Municipal
Health Insurance Consortium ("the Consortium"), a municipal cooperative organized under
Article 47 of the New York Insurance Law, and
WHEREAS, the municipal participants in the Consortium, including this body, have approved
and executed a certain Municipal Cooperation Agreement ("the Agreement") with the effective
date of October 1, 2010, and the 2020 and 2021 Amendments that provide for the operation and
governance of the Consortium, and
WHEREAS, Article 47 of the New York Insurance Law ("the Insurance Law") and the rules
and regulations of the New York State Department of Financial Services set forth certain
requirements for governance of municipal cooperatives that offer self-insured municipal
cooperative health insurance plans, and
WHEREAS, the Agreement sets forth in Section Q2 that continuation of the Consortium under
the terms and conditions of the Agreement, or any amendments or restatements thereto, shall be
subject to Board review on the fifth (5 th) anniversary date and upon acceptance of any new
Participant hereafter,
WHEREAS, by motion 005-2020, the Consortium's Board of Directors recommends approval of
the 2020 and 2021 amended agreements based on review of the document by the Governance
Structure/MCA Review Committee, the New York State Department of Financial Services, and
the Consortium's legal counsel, and
WHEREAS, the Municipal Cooperative Agreement requires that amendments to the agreement
be presented to each participant for review and adopted by its municipal board,
WHEREAS, the Town of Groton is in receipt of the proposed amended Agreement(s) and has
determined that it is in the best interest of its constituents who are served by the Consortium to
amend the Agreement as set forth in the attached 2020 and 2021 Amended Municipal
Cooperative Agreements, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Groton approves, and authorizes the Town
Supervisor to sign, the 2020 and 2021 Amendments to the Municipal Cooperative Agreement of
the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Clerk of the Town of Groton is hereby authorized to execute this
Resolution to indicate its approval, transmit a copy thereof to the Board of Directors of the
Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium, and take any other such
actions as may be required by law.
Ayes -Clark, Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler
Nays-
Resolution Passed
Town Board Minutes Page 8 October13, 2020
Announcements:
► Dewey Dawson has decided to retire as Town Justice in January and has let us know so
that we can look for a replacement.
► No Planning Board or Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting this month
► Virtual training for the Town Board and Highway Superintendent -October 20 from 10 -
11 am.
Privilege of the Floor:
Kellie Lamoreau - I am part of the group called Dryden -Groton Plus-Human Dignity
Coalition. It was brought to our attention that there was a vendor on Main Street selling
Confederate flags and has been displaying flags and at least one business on Main Street that was
displaying a Confederate flag and we were really concerned about this and I just wanted to make
sure that the Board was aware and was aware of the symbol, that the offense that the flag
represents white supremacy and is seen by many folks as a symbol of hatred. So, it is very
concerning for us. We did a small event on Friday and it did get published in the Cortland paper
and so I just wanted to come and share my concerns about this. I think it's a symbol and it's
allowing and sitting by and watching those flags being based on Main Street ts very
disconcerting and I feel like it sends a message of being unwelcome to certain people.
The Board thanked Ms. Lamoreau.
There being no further business, Councilperson Gamel moved to adjourn, seconded by
Councilperson Young, at 8:23 pm. Unanimous.
April L. Scheffier, RMC
Town Clerk
October 7, 2020
EMERGENCY TOWN BOARD MEETING
October 7, 2020
Town of Lansing Y ouTube Channel
https ://www .youtube .com/channel/UCs2FqU2xFnDyGS8DwXgoJwA
An Emergency Meeting of the Lansing Town Board was held at the Town Hall Board
Room, 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, NY on the above date at 10:31 a.m. The meeting was
called to order by Edward La Vigne, Supervisor, and opened with the Pledge of
Allegiance to the flag. Roll call by Deborah K. Munson, Town Clerk, showed the
following to be
PRESENT:
Andra Benson, Councilperson Doug Dake, Councilperson (remotely)
Bronwyn Losey, Councilperson (remotely)
Edward La Vigne, Supervisor
Joseph Wetmore, Councilperson (remotely 10:35)
ABSENT: No one absent
ALSO PRESENT: C.J. Randall, Director of Planning (remotely), Ann Waling and
Mitch Quine, CS Energy (remotely), Jeannine Kirby
YELLOW BARN SOLAR PRESENTATION -CS ENERGY -ANN WALING
AND MITCH QUINE
Mitch Quine stated the following:
• CS Energy was #1 solar contractor in New York State and New Jersey in 2019
• Project involves Town of Lansing and Town of Groton
• Wholesale power project -ties to transmission system
• NYSERDA -2020 RFP bid
o Proof of interaction with Town
o Deadline October 21, 2020
• 160 megawatt project -already submitted to NYSEG
• Vanostrand Road near Buck Road
• 1000 -1300 acres total
o Secured about 500 acres between Lansing and Groton
• 250 acres in Town
o Town land still under negotiation
• Would like 250 -600 acres in Lansing
o Contiguous best -can work with 50 to 100 acres together
• Lease and purchase land
o Lease most common
o Pay upfront payment to landowner while determining outcome
o Some land is subdivided
• Needs to go through Planning Board
o Lease for 25 years -potential extension to 40 years
• Life of project about 30 years
o Panels at end of project
• Modules -recycle and landfill
• This is new industry -hope for better solution
• Toxic materials in panels 10 years ago
o Cadmium no longer used
o Lead base solder being phased out
o Solder connections have some dangerous material
o Silicone is primarily used
o Copper and silver also used
o If panels break, all contained -no leaking
• Battery storage -not for this site
• Decommissioning plan
o Project specific
o Follow New York State regulations and work with Town
1
October 7, 2020
o Supervisor Ed La Vigne stated bond is typical
• Exploring possibility of using farm land under panels (sheep , hay, etc.)
• Staying away from prime soils when possible
• New York State run process -Article 10, Article 23 or Section 94C
Host Community Agreement with CS Energy and Town
Director of Planning C.J. Randall explained the possible benefits to the Town
1. Discount on residents utility bills
2. Uniform pilot
3. Direct agreement between applicant and Town-ex. payment per megawatt
Mitch Quine responded to C.J.:
1. Interested in discounts on residents utility bills
2. Sources of revenue to the Town
a. Pilot with IDA -revenue goes to Town, County and School
b. Direct / Host Community Benefit Program Agreement with the Town
i. Possible upfront payment to Town-per megawatt basis
ii. Possible donation of time or equipment for Town project, etc.
c. Agriculture land removed from agriculture exemption
i. CS Energy will pay additional taxes
Supervisor Ed La Vigne stated:
• Maybe inexpensive power for businesses in Town
• Power Plant assessment dropped from $20 million to $2 million
• Host Community Agreement important
Mitch Quine responded to Ed:
• Open to possibility of inexpensive power for businesses
o Payments to Town fund for this
Mitch Quine contact information:
mi tch . guine@csenergy.com
732-266-4255
MOTION TO AUTHORIZE TOWN SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE LETTER OF
SUPPORT FOR CS ENERGY'S YELLOW BARN SOLAR ENERGY FACILITY
NYSERDA 2020 RES SOLICITATION APPLICATION
MOTION M20-22
Councilperson Andra Benson, moved TO AUTHORIZE TOWN SUPERVISOR TO
EXECUTE LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR CS ENERGY'S YELLOW BARN
SOLAR ENERGY FACILITY NYSERDA 2020 RES SOLICITATION
APPLICATION
Councilperson Doug Dake, seconded the motion.
All in Favor - 5 Opposed - 0
RESOLUTION URGING NYSERDA TO SUPPORT CAYUGA OPERATING
COMPANY'S PROPOSAL TO PLACE A LARGE SOLAR INSTALLATION
ON THE LAND OF THE FORMER CAYUGA POWER PLANT
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore stated he would like a change made to the resolution.
Councilperson Bronwyn Losey thanked Lansing Advisory Committee for Power Plant
Future (LAC-PPF) and Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) for their hard work on
this .
Supervisor Edward La Vigne stated he thinks Councilperson Joseph Wetmore should
recuse himself because his wife is on one of the committees that drafted the resolution
and Joseph is proposing to change the resolution . Councilperson Joseph Wetmore did not
see this as a conflict and did not recuse himself.
2
October 7, 2020
Supervisor Edward La Vigne thanked both committees for their hard work drafting the
resolution. He stated the resolution does not need to be changed.
RESOLUTION 20-128
RESOLUTION URGING NYSERDA TO SUPPORT CAYUGA OPERA TING
COMPANY'S PROPOSAL TO PLACE A LARGE SOLAR INSTALLATION
ON THE LAND OF THE FORMER CAYUGA POWER PLANT
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the Cayuga Operating Company, LLC (Heorot) NY has retired the 306 MW
coal-fired generating plant in Lansing, and is planning to re-purpose the facility as a 100
MW data center using renewable energy; and
WHEREAS, sPower has proposed to develop a 100-200 MW scale solar power
generating facility (known as Cayuga Solar) in the Town of Lansing that would include a
portion of the solar power facility being installed on the property owned by Heorot; and
WHEREAS, sPower has applied from NYSERDA for Renewable Energy Certificates
(RECs) in order to develop a 100-200 MW scale solar system; and
WHEREAS, the former power plant site already has all the necessary infrastructure to
interconnect the larger balance of the proposed solar facility to the electric grid; and
WHEREAS, sPower is in negotiation with neighboring property owners in order to
acquire a total of 1000-1400 acres to develop a 100-200 MW scale solar system in the
Town and is pursuing the potential use of the Iberdrola owned property adjacent to the
North known as the Bell Station property; and
WHEREAS, sPower plans on putting some solar panels on the existing landfill at the
power plant property; and
WHEREAS, Cayuga Solar will conform to Lansing's Solar and Wind Energy system
laws; and
WHEREAS, Lansing's 2018 Comprehensive Plan states on page 42 in reference to the
Bell Station property: "This approximately 490-acre parcel of property north of the
Cayuga Operating Company (COC) Power Plant ... is a critical lakefront property that
needs to be conserved for present and future generations."; and
WHEREAS, numerous members of the Lansing Community have voiced their concerns
about keeping both the lakeshore and the steep slopes as a state forest or as some kind of
protected natural area; and
WHEREAS, as stated in the Town of Lansing's resolution in support of the Empire State
Data Hub, the Cayuga Operating Company, LLC promises to fulfill its retirement
obligations regarding plant deactivation and site restoration and will ensure that there is
no runoff of heavy metals and other pollutants from the previous contamination from the
power plant activity; and
WHEREAS, Cayuga Solar will create temporary construction jobs and result in both a
PILOT agreement and Community Host Benefit Agreement with the Town of Lansing.
More importantly, long term, it aligns with the strategic environmental initiatives within
our Town, and County; and
WHEREAS, a strong and unified position by the Town of Lansing in support of sPower's
proposal will be critical to its success;
the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby:
3
October 7, 2020
RESOLVED, the Town of Lansing formally supports a comprehensive environmental
review of any potentially harmful impacts to the Town of Lansing and Cayuga Lake from
the prior operation of the coal fired power plant; and be it further
RESOLVED, the Town of Lansing strongly feels that the forested lakeshore land as well
as the forested steep slopes land are critical lake front property that needs to be
undeveloped and conserved for present and future generations; and be it further
RESOLVED, the Town of Lansing supports the concept of sPower's plans to develop a
100-200 MW scale solar system which is a beneficial re-use of existing industrial or
dormant property. We believe the State of New York should be equally excited to make
this a reality; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Town of Lansing Town Board hereby authorizes the Town
Supervisor to execute a Letter of Support and a copy of this Resolution be included in
sPower's application to the NYSERDA 2020 RES Solicitation.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Bronwyn Losey, duly seconded by Supervisor Edward La Vigne, and put
to a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Andra Benson -Aye
Councilperson Bronwyn Losey-Aye
Supervisor Edward La Vigne -Aye
Councilperson Doug Dake -Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore -Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on
October 7, 2020.
RESOLUTION HIRING FULL-TIME INFORMATION AIDE IN THE
SUPERVISOR'S AND TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE
RESOLUTION 20-129
RESOLUTION HIRING FULL-TIME INFORMATION AIDE IN THE
SUPERVISOR'S AND TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the Supervisor's and Town Clerk's Office currently has a combined Full-
Time Information Aide position available, for work time to be split between both
departments; and
WHEREAS, an acceptable and qualified candidate was located, and is therefore proposed
to be hired to fulfill such job requirement; and
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing
has hereby
RESOLVED, that the position is approved to be employed as a Town of Lansing Grade
4, Step 2 Employee, as a Full-Time Information Aide, in the Supervisor's and Town
Clerk's Office, with such employment to commence October 19, 2020 at the rate of
$17 .64 per hour for 36 .5 hours per week.
RESOLVED, the probationary period be and hereby is scheduled for 26 weeks.
RESOLVED, that the appropriate Town officer be and hereby is authorized to make such
changes to the Towns' employment and civil service rosters, to file the required Civil
Service forms to effect such changes per this Resolution, and to file Form 428s, if
required.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Andra Benson, duly seconded by Supervisor Edward La Vigne, and put to
a roll call vote with the following results:
4
October 7, 2020
Councilperson Andra Benson-Aye
Councilperson Bronwyn Losey-Aye
Supervisor Edward La Vigne -Aye
Councilperson Doug Dake -Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore -Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on
October 7, 2020.
ADJOURN MEETING
Meeting adjourned at the call of the Supervisor at 11 :29 a.m.
Minutes taken and executed by the Town Clerk.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah K. Munson, RMC
Town Clerk
5
TOWN OF GROTON -MINUTES OF TOWN BOARD MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 2021 AT 7:30 PM
THE TOWN HALL, 101 CONGER BOULEVARD
Town Officers Present:
Donald F . Scheffler, Supervisor
Richard Gamel , Councilperson
Crystal Young, Councilperson
Brian Klumpp , Councilperson
April L. Scheffler, Town Clerk
Charles Rankin, Bookkeeper
Francis Casullo, Attorney
Town Officers Absent:
Sheldon C. Clark, Councilperson
Michael Perkins, Highway Supt
W . Rick Fritz, Code Official
John Norman , Town Justice
Also Present:
Ben Nelson
E llard Keister
Robin Cargian
Mitch Quine
Supervisor Scheffler -Before we start, I have a letter from PERMA that reads , "Congratulations!
In the last completed calendar year, you had no workers ' compensation claims . Please find
enclosed a certificate of achievement." I'd like to personally thank all our employees, the Highway
Department, the Clerk's Office, the Court, and Code Office . It 's amazing and ev erybody is
dedicated to safety and doing a great job . Thank y ou v ery much .
MOVED by Councilperson Gamel , seconded by Councilperson Klumpp , to approve the minutes
of the May 11 , 2021 Town Board Meeting as presented .
Ayes -Young , Klumpp , Gamel , Scheffler
RESOLUTION #21-037-APPROVE PAYMENT OF INVOICES
MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Young
WHEREAS , vouchers for Abstract #6 for the Year 2021 , numbered 235 -284 were reviewed
and audited by the Town Board , be it
RESOLVED , that the Town Board hereby approves said vouchers for the accounts and in the
total amounts as follows :
Code Fund
A GENERAL FUN D
B GEN ERAL FUND PART TOWN
DA HIGHW AY FUND
DB HIGHWAY FUND PART TOWN
SL2-PERUVILLE LIGHTING DISTRICT
SLl-MCLEAN LIGHTING DISTRICT
Ayes -Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler
Nays-
Resolution Passed
Total:
Totals
23 ,410.03
2,555.00
21 ,314.33
25 ,108.17
65.89
136.03
72,589.45
Town Board /v/i1111tes Page l J1111e8 , 2021
Monthly Reports:
Charles Rankin, Bookkeeper -Submitted monthly reports for the Board's review and requested
a budget transfer.
RESOLUTION #21-038 -2021 BUDGET ADJUSTMENT
MOVED by Supervisor Scheffier, seconded by Councilperson Young
RESOLVED , that the Town Board hereby approves the following 2021 Budget Adjustment:
General Fund, Town Wide:
From : Contingency , A1990.4 .................... $50 .00
To : Buildings, Alarm System , A1620.41 ..... 50 .00
Ayes -Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler
Nays-
Resolution Passed
W. Rick Fritz, Code/Fire Enforcement Officer -Was not present but had subm itted monthly
reports for the Board's review .
Michael Perkins, Highway Superintendent -Was not present but had subm itted monthly reports
for the Board's review .
April L. Scheffler, RMC, Town Clerk/Tax Collector -Submitted monthly reports for the
Board's review and had nothin g el se to report .
Francis Casullo, Attorney for the Town -Had nothing to report .
John J. Norman, Town Justice -Were not present.
Councilperson Crystal Young as Representative to Joint Youth Program -Summer sports are
underway and doing well . Jennifer is doing a great job and making sure things are running
smoothly .
Ben Nelson, Fire Chief -Several things going on . We 're still working on hiring a daytime
ambulance driver. Some applications are in for that and we 're working with the Village on filling
that position , I'm hopin g very soon . T he rest of the membership has stepped up very admirably
and I can't commend their efforts enough ; they 've done an awesome job. I have a paramedic that's
going to be going out with back surgery , so other paramedics are stepping up and the volunteers
are stepping up . It 's been huge over there . Our new ambulance has arrived . We 're working on
switching over from the old one to the new one . The radio guys were there for 8 hours today .
Then we have to lic ense and register it and get hold of the State Department of Health so they can
inspect it. I submitted a fireworks permit with the office for our fireworks on July 2nd . Everything
should be good to go on that and then I'll send the permit to the fireworks company . It's July 2nd ,
at dark, and it is a Friday night. I believe Jen is coordinating someth in g with the concert ser ies
too . There is not a rain date for this . I just came from a meeting where we were setting up for our
Junior Firefighting Camp . We have 70 kids signed up for our 3-day camp July 12 , 13 and 14 . If
you 're interested, stop on down . There 's going to be lots of water, everyone 's going to get wet,
and everyone loves it. We shortened it up but are looking to pack a lot of good things into 3 days .
Town Board /v/i 1111tes Page 3 J1111e8 , 2021
Lastly , we will be doing something for Olde Home Days . Other than that, we are still looking for
a tanker, but not trying to rush anything .
Councilperson Klumpp -Any movement on the fire station?
Charles Rankin -We did have a concept where we were looking at Fire Department in one
building and then another of having the fire station and the clerk and the police on sort of a campus .
That came back with the cost being approximately the same .
Ben Nelson -So , not much happening.
RESOLUTION #21-039 -WAIVE FEE FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIREWORKS PERMIT
MOVED by Councilperson Gamel , seconded by Councilperson Klumpp
RESOLVED , that the Town Board hereby waives the fee for the fireworks permit for the Groton
Fire Department's fireworks on Jul y 2, 2021 .
Ayes -Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler
Nays-
Resolution Passed
Mitch Quine, CS Energy -(Gave handouts to the Board .) You may remember me from when I
was here in October. At that time, we were in very early stages of development for a project that
will be located in a combination of the Town Lansing and the Town of Groton , called the Yellow
Barn Solar Project. At that time , we were planning to bid into the NYSERDA annual certification
for the year 2020 . But as you remember, there was a lot of uncertainty in 2020 , so we elected to
hold back on the bid process that year and work out a few things that were important for the
project's succe ss . In the meantime, we 've been continuing our development efforts . We 've been
working with landowners in Lansing and Groton to pursue lease and option agreements . We are
about 75 % of the way through that process and feel very confident that we will be wrapping that
up this summer. With that, the next NYSERDA RFP is open this year and we are planning to bid
into that in Augu st. There have also been a number of changes at the State level. Last year we
discussed that for projects this si ze we thought there would be local involvement. In March the
State finalized their regulations for projects over 25 megawatts, which this project will be, and so
we now have some clear guidance on what they 're looking for and what that process i s going to
look like . So , our plan is to work, over the coming month s, hiring environmental consultants to
study our project area . We 'll be working with towns to discuss concerns, set-backs, landscaping,
all of the things we need to do to gain support of the project. Our hope is to submit our application
to the State permitting process next year after we 've had time to take care of some of those issues
and put together a detailed design . The purpose of my bein g here tonight is to just re-en gage and
present a little bit of our timeline and our plan and we 're hoping that we can cooperate with the
Town as best we can . I know that there are a lot of mi x ed feelings about the State process and the
fact that the application goes through the State office , but our intent is to work as closely with both
towns throughout the process and make sure we are developing somet hin g that's go ing to be
acceptable and beneficial to everybody in both towns . With that, I did give you a couple of
handouts . One is just a quick thing talking about the company and some specifics of this project
includin g what we expect for acreage and timeline . The second handout is a very , very rough map
showing kind of the bounds of the lands that we are currently investi gatin g . Obviou sly , that map
covers a lot of land and I want to be clear that not all of that is going to be involved . We 're
targeting primarily a mi x of farmland and forestland . Where we 're targeting farmland , we 're
Town Board /v/i1111tes Page 4 J1111e8 , 2021
trying to target marginal or less productive farmland and most important, we are targeting land
that is going to be visible to the fewest number of people as possible . So , where you see that map ,
there 's going to be multiple small arrays spread throughout in ways that are going to be effectively
sited . Not all of the details are laid out at this point.
Councilperson Gamel asked what the total acreage was of the gree n area sh ow n o n the map .
Mr. Quine -T hat green area is 5000 acres .
Councilperson Gamel -So you 're looking at 1/5 of this land to be covered with solar arrays?
Mr. Quine -Just about.
Councilperson Gamel -And you 're taking trees down to do this , the wooded areas?
Mr. Quine -Yes , so we find that trying to balance the impacts to ag land and impacts to forest
land s is goin g to be more beneficial. There will be some tree clearing.
Councilperson Gamel -Can I just ask, say for ex ample , there are hundreds , probably thousands
of buildings in the area that have roofs , every one of them . What is the downside? Is it just too
costly to put them on a roof as opposed to taking up good farmland and woodland?
Mr. Quine -So , the bottom line is yes . Building on rooftops in order to , this project participates
in the wholesale market, so we 're competin g with natural gas generators, we 're competin g with a
lot of big , bulky generators . The cost to build on rooftops is just prohibitive for that type of thing .
It 's a different type of project. If you had something like a high power purchase agreement with
some of the building owners or some of the residences , a rooftop system could be feasible for that
kind of situ ation , but for these types of systems wh ere you se ll on the w hol esa le market, the l arge
scale , ground mounted, is the only really viable ... ? ..
Supervisor Scheffler -This green on the map , is this what you 've already leased?
Mr. Quine -The land that we have signed up is about 75% of what we think we need and is within
that green area and there is also some that we 're negotiating for in that area .
Councilperson Gamel -So if they 're leasing 1,000 acres for solar arrays in there, they 've got 750
acres of it already leased .
Supervisor Scheffler -So this isn 't specific to where it actuall y is?
Mr. Quine -No, it's more general. We were hoping to just show you the general area .
Councilperson Klumpp -How are property tax es calculated?
Mr. Quine -As part of the regulations that were passed as part of the (State) budget, they w ill be
calcul ated on the discounted cashflow method . The Office of Tax and Finance shou ld be releasing
a model at some point and that will create a model for assessment of these projects . And our hope ,
because this is a long-term project with long-term fi x ed revenues , we would hope to pursue a
PILOT agreement, some sort of reasonable tax payment in a fixed manner. So , the assessment
would be based on that State model or something similar to it.
Councilperson Gamel asked how the assessment on a solar farm wou ld compare to the
assessment on a house and Mr. Quine was unable to answer that question , saying there was a lot
of discrepancy across the State on how solar arrays are being assessed . Councilperson Klumpp
asked why there is such a discrepancy . Mr. Quine said that other states that have had solar for
longer, have established the discounted cashflow method or income capitaliz at ion method, more
commonly . But in New York, some assessors are using those methods , others are using
construction cost methods , and other methods .
Town Board /v/i1111tes Page 5 J1111e8 , 2021
Supervisor Scheffler -Isn 't sort of rude or insulting to people who have been here forever, that
they don 't have anything to say about their assessment or taxes and they 're living on a broken
income, and you get a deal with the State where you have a fixed assessment? They are gambling
and you aren 't. People have brought this up to me, so that's why I'm asking .
Mr. Quine - I think there are a lot for industries and commercial business in which the State has
guidance for how to assess those and make the assessment reasonable . I recognize that there is a
desire , and I think a reasonable desire , for home-rule around the assessment of these projects, and
I think as part of that , it could be taken in an insulting way . Part of what we try to do as developers ,
in recognition of that , is to negotiate a host community agreement, because the Town is the
community that is having the impact from it. So , we try to work with the Town to negotiate a host
community agreement so that regardless with whatever the assessment comes in as or whatever
the PILOT agreement comes in at , there 's a host community agreement placed with the Town so
that they are covered for their portion . We can negotiate that. We have a lot of flexibility in the
host community agreement; whether that's a long-term payment to the Town ; whether it's a
payment that goes into a fund ; whatever we want to do . There is also a small bill credit that gets
applied for the first 10 years of the project for any residents . It 's not huge but maybe ten to thirty
bucks a year. I really appreciate your time. We 'll plan to be here more often going forward as
this plan develops . We are definitely eager, as we start to get a clearer sense of what this may look
like , we 're eager to get early feedback on that to make sure that we 're not submitting
something ... ( cannot hear him on the tape recording) ... the earlier we can discuss , we have much
more fle x ibility to compromise, and shift things , and move things . That's our goal. We 're looking
at probably a full year from now for submitting an application , but we want to get as much local
feedback as we can . That's our goal.
Councilperson Gamel -My early feedback is to move this green line all the way over to Lansing
and keep it over there . That's my early feedback.
Mr. Quine - I appreciate that.
Discussion took place on where the town line actually was on the map that Mr. Quine had provided .
Far more of the general area is in Groton . 60% to 80% will be in Groton depending on who opts
into a lease and who doesn't. 1,000 acres of land will be impacted within the 5,000 acres shown
on the map .
Councilperson Gamel -My personal opinion : they 're unsightly . I look at your brochure and it
makes me sick to my stomach to see crop land and wooded land disrupted for these hideous solar
panels . I'm sorry , that's the profession you 've chosen, and I'm sure you would have a few choice
words about my as well. But it breaks my heart to see this in our town . When I see things like
"actively managing view shed " you 're trying to keep it from as many , hide it from as much
residential as you can , but I live in the country because that's where I want to live . I don 't want to
be in a residential area . So , by putting it out there to get it away from the masses , it's not okay
with me . I think this is premature that you guys are doing this before ..... if it's about saving the
earth and being green and energy efficient, then the extra cost of putting it on every Wal mart in
the country , or every Lowes or every whatever, shouldn 't be an issue . You 're getting tax breaks
for this to begin with, take it somewhere where we 're not going to see it ; put it up on top of those
roofs ; save the farmland ; save the forest. I think it's kind of hypocritical that we're taking down
forestland and farmland to save the earth .
Councilperson Young -Yes , to put up metal. What is between those panels?
Mr. Quine -So , they'll be planted with local grasses and ...
Councilperson Young - I heard there are toxins in between the glass in the panels .
Town Board /v/i 1111tes Page 6 J1111e8 , 2021
Mr. Quine -They are silicon panels . There 's a lot of old data out there about cadmium panels .
These are very safe . Obviously , it's an electrical system , so you don 't want to break it up and bury
it. But they 're rigorously tested , there 's no chance of leaching . In order to test these , they crush
them up and put them in an acid bath . They 're perfectly safe . You may have heard something
about cadmium .....
Attorney Casullo -The State 's made the rules . Yellow Barn has to follow them and so do we .
The Town doesn 't have much say . I think what we need to do , whether we personally like or not,
it's something that we 're going to have to deal with and go from there . I understand some of the
positions of the Board members, however, we didn 't make the rules , but we have to abide by the
rules .
Councilperson Klumpp -So we have to follow the rules . Maybe 15% of the Town is going to
be affected by this project and we have nothing to say about it?
Attorney Casullo -You 're going to have some say . They 're going to have to talk about a host
agreement. I'm assuming you're going to have so me kind of bond for if these things ever have to
be taken down . The State has made some decisions .
Councilperson Klumpp - I think a good analogy might be the vote on the school budget where
we can vote yes or no on the school budget, but if the residents of the school district vote it down ,
there 's still a significant budget there . We get to vote on a small part of something that's very big.
I get the feeling that we 're not going to have much say in this other than we get an extra $3 .00 on
a $10 ,000 .00 deal.
Attorney Casullo -There 's going to be some room for the Town to have some say , however, at
the end of the day , whether I like it , Crystal likes it, Rick like s it, whoever, the State has made
some guidelines that we have to follow . I will help you along with that.
Councilperson Klumpp -Are there a number of towns that are in the same boat we are, that aren 't
very happy about it?
Attorney Casullo -I'll tell you , I won 't name the town , but there was a meeting a few weeks ago
in which their lawyer sa id , look so lar is coming, the State has spoken , to so me degree , you 've got
to ...
Councilperson Klumpp -Yes , but the portion of the State that spoke is downstate . And like Rick
said , it would be nice if downstate , who wants all these solar farms , would put those arrays on their
buildings down there .
Attorney Casullo -I'm not trying to argue with you .
Councilperson Klumpp -No, I'm not arguing with you, I just want it said .
Attorney Casullo - I under stand the frustration , but I'm here sometimes to give you the good news
and also the new s that you don 't like . We're going to have to address it. There are iss ue s that the
Town will have a say in : bonds and the host agreement. I would hope that Yellow Barn would
work with the Town to make it as esthetically pleasing as possible ; take into consideration all
different issues . But from the looks of it , it's going to be a 70 /30 split with what is in the Town .
Councilperson Klumpp -There must be some serious environmental impacts . Crystal mentioned
wildlife . There 's also wetlands there . There are a number of things this is going to impact and I
think there is avenue for us to push back.
Attorney Casullo -What's your understanding on the SEQR review?
Mr. Quine -So , the ORES review will supersede the SEQR review . With that said , all of reviews
and so me others that we would normally be doing in preparation of a SEQR application , we will
TOWN OF GROTON -MINUTES OF TOWN BOARD MEETING
TUESDAY, JULY 13, 2021 AT 7:30 PM
THE TOWN HALL, 101 CONGER BOULEVARD
Town Officers Present:
Donald F . Scheffler, Supervisor
Richard Gamel , Councilperson
Crystal Young, Councilperson
Brian Klumpp , Councilperson
Sheldon C. Clark, Councilperson
Michael Perkins, Highway Supt.
April L. Scheffler, Town Clerk
Charles Rankin , Bookkeeper
Francis Casullo, Attorney
Town Officers Absent:
W . Rick Fritz, Code Official
John Norman, Town Justice
Also Present:
Mack Rankin
Mitch Quine
MOVED by Councilperson Gamel , seconded by Councilperson Klumpp , to approve the minutes
of the June 8, 2021 Town Board Meeting as presented .
Ayes -Clark, Young, Klumpp , Gamel, Scheffler
RESOLUTION #21-041-APPROVE PAYMENT OF INVOICES
MOVED by Councilperson Young, seconded by Councilperson Clark
WHEREAS , vouchers for Abstract #7 for the Year 2021 , numbered 285 -332 were reviewed
and audited by the Town Board , be it
RESOLVED , that the Town Board hereby approves said vouchers for the accounts and in the
Total amounts as follows :
Code Fund
A GENERAL FUND
B GENERAL FUND PART TOWN
DA 1-IIGHWAYFUND
DB ffiGHWAYFUNDPARTTOWN
SL2-PERUVlLLE LlGHTlNG DlSTRlCT
SLl-MCL EAN LIGH TING DISTRICT
Total:
Ayes -Clark, Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler
Nays-
Resolution Passed
Monthly Reports:
Totals
21 ,939.17
4,488.45
9,802 .10
227,110 .34
81 .90
129.53
263,551.49
Charles Rankin, Bookkeeper -Submitted monthly reports for the Board's review . We are about
at the halfway point and we are doing pretty good . Will need to think about starting the budget
soon . Also, will need to think about plans for the stimulus money .
Town Board /v/i1111tes Page l July 13, 2 021
W. Rick Fritz, Code/Fire Enforcement Officer -Was not present but had subm itted monthly
reports for the Board's review.
Michael Perkins, Highway Superintendent -Paving ha s been finished on Sovocool Hill and
Stevens Road . Been busy mowing cemeteries and roadsides ; fixing driveways after we paved ;
doing shoulder work; some culvert work. As you know, I'm going to be retiring , but I think we
should start thinking about advertising and maybe hiring another heavy equipment operator before
winter sets in .
Discussion took place with the Board saying that another position had not been budgeted for this
year and they would not know until after election exactly how many positions will be open . The
Bookkeeper will look at the budget and see if there are enoug h funds avail ab le and discuss this
again next month .
A pril L. Scheffler, RMC, Town Clerk/Tax Collector -Submitted monthly reports for the
Board's review . She had passed out a booklet that the County Historian had brought for the Town
Board .
Francis Casullo, Att orney for the Town -Had nothing to report .
John J. Norman, Justice -Was not present.
Councilperson Crystal Young as Representative to Joint Youth Program -Jennifer has been
doing a fabulous job . She has been able to secure two grants : a Legacy Grant for the tennis court
for $5 ,000 .00 ; and a Commun ity Fou ndati on Grant for the pool for $5 ,000 .00 . She did a really
great job . T he one for the pool can cover anything and she wants to put some of it towards the
lifeguard certification. She spearheaded the Central New York Aquatics Network and they have
been accessing a lot of different ideas over the past year while COVID has been going on . That
includes Ithaca, Cortland , E lli s Holl ow and others in the area. From that, she got a lot of good
id eas for this year for the pool , in cludin g private lessons for adu lts. Summer concerts begin Frid ay ,
6 :30 to 9 :00 . Concessions are going to be done by food trucks for most of the weeks ex cept for
the Fire Department picking up the last week or last two weeks . Summer camps are going well ,
w ith good attendance . The Junior F ire Camp is full w ith 100 kids . It kept goin g up and they
finally had to cap it. Sc ience Center programming is this week at the park and then again on July
17 , August 4 , and August 7. Yoga in the Park returns Monday . Lots of stuff going on and it's
good to see things happening again . They do need volunteers for the fall programs and still need
lifeguards . They have had some prob lems with people access in g the pool after hours so may use
some of the grant money for cameras . She really used the time during the shutd ow n to research
things and put together new groups . She learned about new things she could do . She didn 't slack
off during that time when things were not happening, but it gave her time to look into things that
she didn 't have time to do before.
Supervisor Scheffler -Presented a draft local law to opt out from allowing cannabis retail
dispensaries and on-site cannabis consumption sites in the Town that otherwise wou ld be allowed
under the newly established N.Y.S . Cannabis Law, Chapter 7-a of the Consolidated Laws of the State
of New York. Municipalities wanting to opt out must do so by December 31 , 2021 and after that date ,
they can never opt out. However, many of the regulations for the sale of cannabis have not been written
yet. Supervisor Scheffler, Counci lp erson Game l, and Counci lp erson Klumpp said they were in favor
of opting out now and see what the final regulations are and they can repeal the law and opt back in at
a later date if they want to . Counci lp erson Young was concerned about lo st businesses , revenues , and
sales tax money . Any local law for this will be subject to permissive referendum. Attorney Casullo
Town Board /v/i 1111tes Page 3 July 13, 2021
counseled the Board that they should not rush to pass this law, but take the time to make sure that it is
done right in case if gets challenged. He will review what was presented and provide any needed edits
and the Board will discuss it again in August.
Privilege of the Floor:
Mitch Quine, CS Energy -Said that he had hoped to have a draft of the lay out of their planned
solar array but the consultants that they hired are still doing research to prep for the layout. He
plans to have a better update at the next meeting.
Announcements:
► Planning Board Meeting, July 15 at 7 :30 pm
► Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting, Jul y 21 at 7:00 pm
There being no further bu sine ss , Councilperson Gamel moved to adjourn the meeting, seco nded
by Councilperson Clark, at 8 :07pm . Unanimous .
April L. Scheffler, RMC
Town Clerk
July 21, 2021
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING
July 21, 2021
A Regular Meeting of the Lansing Town Board was held at the Town Hall Board Room,
29 Auburn Road, Lansing, NY on the above date at 6:30 p.m. The meeting was called to
order by Andra Benson, Deputy Supervisor, and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to
the flag . Roll call by Deborah K. Munson, Town Clerk, showed the following to be
PRESENT:
Andra Benson, Councilperson
Bronwyn Losey, Councilperson
ABSENT: Edward La Vigne, Supervisor
Doug Dake, Councilperson
Joseph Wetmore, Councilperson
ALSO PRESENT: Patrick Tyrrell, Parks and Recreation Supervisor, Michael Moseley,
Deputy Highway Superintendent, C.J. Randall, Director of Planning, Guy Krogh, Town
Counsel , Mike Sigler, Tompkins County Legislator, Patrick Jordan and Travis Buckley,
Insero & Co ., Mitch Quine & James Wayne, CS Energy, Cindie & Mike Day, Sarah
Yunger, Susan Stickel, Tom & Robin Burke, Chris Pluta, Ruth Hopkins, Larry Fabbroni
and Rocco Lucente,Village Solars, Phil Munson and a few other attendees.
Town Clerk Debbie Munson stated, Deputy Supervisor Andra Benson will preside
over this meeting since Supervisor Edward La Vigne is absent.
MOTION TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED LOCAL LAW
NO. 2 OF 2021 -OVERRIDE TAX LEVY LIMIT
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, moved to OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON
PROPOSED LOCAL LAW NO. 2 OF 2021-OVERRIDE TAX LEVY LIMIT at
6:33pm.
Councilperson Doug Dake, seconded the motion.
All in Favor - 4 Opposed - 0
No one addressed the Town Board.
MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING
All persons desiring to be heard, having been heard, Councilperson Doug Dake, moved to
CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED LOCAL LAW NO. 2 OF 2021
-OVERRIDE TAX LEVY LIMIT at 6:35pm .
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, seconded the motion.
All in Favor - 4 Opposed - 0
2020 DRAFT AUDIT PRESENTATION -INSERO & CO. CPAS-PATRICK
JORDAN AND TRAVIS BUCKLEY
Mr. Jordan and Mr. Buckley stated the following:
• Completed the annual 2020 Draft Audit
• Reviewed Executive Summary
o Summarizes all documents
o Basic financial statements
■ Very positive
■ Unmodified Opinion -everything is good
■ Reviewed internal controls -no issues
• Thanks to Bookkeeper Charmagne Rumgay for getting documents uploaded to
them and being very prepared; all staff were very professional
• Justice Courts Audit -no issues
• All reports very positive
• Five-year period -reports all positive
o Consistent with prior years
o Funds healthy
• Water Fund -invested about $600,000 capital -otherwise pretty consistent
1
July 21, 2021
• Fund balances -Government-Wide Net Positions $12,215,591
Councilperson Joe Wetmore asked about line 1170, Income -Spectrum Franchise Fees
• Expense was taken out of income line
Patrick Jordan stated this shows as net basis, instead of gross income and then another
line for the expense. He noted this is fine, but will look further in to this.
YELLOW BARN SOLAR PRESENTATION -CS ENERGY -JAMES WAYNE
AND MITCH QUINE
Mr. Wayne and Mr. Quine updated the Town with their power point presentation and
stated the following:
• About 1000 acres -75% in Groton, 25% in Lansing
• Connection in Lansing
• Clean energy to power 32,000 homes
• Goal to start construction in 2024
Public asked questions and Mr. Wayne and Mr. Quine responded with the following
answers:
• Connection will be just off Vanostrand Road
• Lansing area is mostly concentrated
• Groton area is more spotty
• Groton not against solar, but has concerns (same as many towns)
o New York State is heavily involved in process
o Property taxes
o Need to educate Groton
o Groton has not given CS Energy letter of support yet
• Tax agreement (PILOT)
• Host community agreement with Town
• Same project as presented October 2020
• Buffering
o Setbacks in Lansing Local Law are 60 feet -they will go by this
o Setbacks in Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) are 50 feet
o Rows of evergreens at different levels
o Solar system on page 10 of their presentation shows large buffer
■ Some areas of local project will look like this
■ Some areas will need additional shielding
o Trees can be planted
o Will talk with individual landowners about their concerns and do extra
landscaping
o Engage with Town-prior to ORES process
o Commitments with host community agreement -Town has leverage, can state
specific buffering
o Not planning tree clearing on Vanostrand and Buck Roads
• Working with C.J. Randall
• Hire as much local labor as possible -will advertise
• No batteries on this project, but they are recyclable
• 25 -30 years expect panels will be recyclable (based on what is happening in
Europe)
• Property values generally stay about the same, based on other states studies
• $200 million investment, for this project
• Maintenance
o Vegetation -grass below panels
■ Mow or sheep grazing
o Electrical
■ Monitor and replace small equipment
■ Local emergency responders
■ Train local fire department
• Building permit
o Okay with Town doing the building and electrical permits
2
July 21, 2021
o Need to discuss fee
• ORES process -notice goes out to residents within certain radius of project
MOTION TO AUTHORIZE TOWN SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE LETTER OF
SUPPORT FOR CS ENERGY'S YELLOW BARN SOLAR ENERGY FACILITY
MOTIONM21
Councilperson ___ , moved TO AUTHORIZE TOWN SUPERVISOR TO
EXECUTE LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR CS ENERGY'S YELLOW BARN
SOLAR ENERGY FACILITY NYSERDA 2021 RES SOLICITATION
APPLICATION
Councilperson ___ _ seconded the motion.
All in Favor -Opposed-
Above motion was tabled until the August Town Board meeting.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR -GUIDELINES
Available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
The public shall be allowed to speak only during the Public Comment/ Privilege of the
Floor period of the meeting, or during public hearings, or when they have reserved and
been granted time upon the Agenda.
Speakers must be recognized by the presiding officer ( or his or her designee) and step to
the front of the room.
Speakers must give their name and state whether they are speaking as a resident, a
member of the public, or for any other person or organization.
Speakers must limit their remarks to 3 minutes, and comments unrelated to the subject
matter of the public hearing are not allowed.
Speakers may not yield any remaining time they may have to another speaker.
With the permission of the presiding officer a Board or committee member may interrupt
a speaker for the purpose of clarification or information ( and not for any other reason or
to debate or disagree). Such time shall not be counted against the speaker's 3-minute
limit.
All remarks shall be addressed to the Board or committee as a body and not to any
member thereof, nor to any member of the public whether present at such public hearing
or not.
Speakers shall observe the commonly accepted rules of courtesy, decorum, dignity and
good taste.
Interested parties or their representatives may address the Board by written
communications. Written documents and evidence may be submitted as part of the
record of the public hearing.
Persons who exceed 3 minutes, violate rules of courtesy, decorum, dignity or good taste,
or deliberately or by their behavior interfere with other person's right to comment or
participate in the public hearing, or who deliberately or by their behavior interfere with
governmental administration will be cut off, removed, or have non-recognized comments
removed from the record, or any combination of the above. Before a comments or
statements will be excised from the record, the speaker will be verbally warned that they
are in violation of the rules for this public hearing.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR -COMMENTS
3
July 21, 2021
Solar
Six residents stated concerns:
❖ Decrease in property value
❖ Environmental issues
❖ Maintenance of interior and exterior of project
❖ Negative appearance for those who live or travel through Town
❖ Visual impact on the residence
❖ Landscaping around exterior perimeter
❖ Distance project will be placed away from residence
❖ What happens when project obsolete
❖ Environmental effect of discarding project
❖ Long term effect on Town
❖ Do residents or Town benefit from project
❖ ORES publication is lacking
❖ Efficiency
❖ Effects on wildlife
❖ Clear cutting trees
❖ Health related concerns
❖ Sourcing of materials
❖ Do not want farmland taken for solar
❖ More than 1000 acres
❖ Town involve public more -information meetings
❖ Town lower taxes of property within project
❖ Panels from China -hazardous, toxic waste
❖ PILOT is unfair
❖ Decommissioning bond is travesty
Village Solars
One resident handed information to the Town Board, reviewed it and asked them to
enforce the amenities of the PDA.
The information was given to Town Clerk, Debbie Munson and is available for anyone to
review in the Town Clerk's Office.
LANSING COMMUNITY LIBRARY REPORT -CHRISTINE EISENHUT
The following report was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
TOWN BOARD UPDATES
FROM THE LANSING COMMUNITY LIBRARY
July 21, 2021
1. The Library is now open with express browsing without an appointment and
curbside pick-up Monday/Wednesday 10-6, Tuesday/Thursday 10-5, Friday and
Saturday 10-2 . Computer appointments are now available.
2. The Summer Reading program, Tails and Tales has begun! Please see the
website for details and events .
3. Congratulations to Cora G., winner of the 8th Annual Logo Contest . Her
artwork will appear throughout the year on the website, newsletters, and the
Summer Reading promotional materials.
4 . The Library would like to thank Pat Tyrrell and his staff for their help in setting
up a tent behind the Town Hall, so that the LCL can safely hold youth programs
this summer.
5. The Cornell Raptor Program will be coming to the Library on Saturday, July 24 t h
at 11am.
4
July 21, 2021
6. The new Tween (kids ages 9-12) Book Club will feature a variety of titles. Each
month participants will receive a kit that includes a copy of the book and fun
materials and projects related to the selection.
7. The Library is providing free delivery to Woodsedge.
8. The Library now has an Empire Pass and passes to the Museum of the Earth
and the Cayuga Nature Center available for check-out.
9. Plans are underway for book sale in August.
10. Appointments are now available for the Cayuga Medical Center telehealth pilot
program. Please contact the Library for more information.
11. The LCL's wifi is not password protected. The community is welcome to park in
the lot to access the internet.
LANSING YOUTH SERVICES REPORT -MEGHAN LYONS
The following report was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
Lansing Youth Commission; Est. 1987
Supports Lansing Youth Services
Youth Employment Programs
July 2021
L YS 's next meeting will be on August 19 th at 6pm
L YS does not meet in July
1. Current L YS /RYS Program Offerings:
Outdoor Adventure: This group has loved making fires , natural paint projects , and
anything to do with exploring Salmon Creek. Lots of birding was done and even
though seeing the Osprey feed its young almost every day , it was always just as
exciting as the first time , especially when also getting to watch a young Red Fox at
the same time. 10 youth served.
Game On: Tabletop board games as well as puzzles and balancing games were all
heavily utilized. The group also played, and made up games on the playground,
played a lot of catch and had tons of fun with a kickball. 11 youth served.
Leisure on the Lake: The Lake and its awesome resources were the focus of this
group. Fishing, lakeside games , arts and crafts were all a part of the fun. 9 youth
served.
Fishin' Fridays: Filled with fishing, this group had just as much fun casting as they
did speculating where the best spot may be . Leaming basic gear care and knots took
place daily , and they (mostly) baited their own hooks! 7 youth served.
L YS Annual Fishing Derby! After a year hiatus, this event returned with a warm
welcome. We had 25 people from the community attend for a beautiful morning of
fishing , snacks , prizes and awards . Some of the attendees used the gear from the
PITCH grant and were able to go fishing for their first time!
Summer programs have begun, and participants are excited! Lake Life had a blast
at Myers during this combined group with youth from the Joint Youth Commission's
area. Activities included hiking, arts and crafts , a trip on the Floating Classroom, lots
of tag and capture the flag, and of course, fishing. 10 youth served .
The rest of the summer has the following programs: Cardboard Boat Building, Get
Lost, Funky Furniture, DIY Summer Edition, Eco Explorers , and an overnight
backpacking program. All summer programs have between 8 and 11 participants and
5
July 21, 2021
friends regularly invite their friends to attend , which always makes for an exciting
time!
2. L YS did not approve their 2022 budget yet. Clarifications were needed and have been
provided. The group will either vote via email or hold a special meeting to inform the
TCYSD of their budget request so it can be submitted to the Town at the beginning of
August.
3. Meghan Lyons (Youth Services Liaison) is coordinating a training for youth
commissions in October on Cultural Humility and creating DEi statements. This will
be a virtual event for chairs and co-chairs of youth commissions.
LYS Goals:
1. Create orientation packet for new members -outline s of fiscal revenue and funded
programs. Set expectations to visit programs/uniform template to monitor
programs.
2 . Online placement for agendas, minutes, and reports
3 . Regular tracking of goals
4 . Conduct community needs assessment (focus on impacts of the pandemic)
5. Use DEi statement to track metrics and funded programs
6. Incorporate more youth input at meetings for feedback into program decisions.
TOMPKINS COUNTY LEGISLATOR REPORT-MIKE SIGLER
The following report was reviewed by Mike .
Tompkins County Legislator
Michael Sigler
July 21, 2021
Hello and thank you for having me again.
I'm happy to say the Legislature met for the first time in person in July. We've put in
place a hybrid (online and in-person) approach. The public is now able to join the
Legislature in-person for full Legislature or committee meetings. As virtual options for
public comment are made available, Tompkins County will communicate that
information with the public. For more information on public comment, visit:
https :/ /www2. tompkinscountyny. gov /legislature/publiccomment
Heather McDaniel, President of Ithaca Area Economic Development joined the meeting
to present the recently developed Economic Recovery Strategy. McDaniel highlighted
economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. The strategy is organized in three
phases of recovery: response, stabilization, and redevelopment and revitalization.
The response section of the strategy occurred during the beginning of the pandemic and
focused on immediate relief, the stabilization phase highlights actions over the past year
to save jobs and provide resources to at-risk businesses and increase consumer
confidence, and the redevelopment and revitalization phase was refe1Ted to as what
comes next -actions focused on targeted business sectors, workforce development, and
infrastructure.
$573,000 was appropriated from the County's 2021 contingent fund to support tourism
promotion. The resolution references the specifically dire impact faced by the tourism
industry and that this amount helps to make up for lost revenues for organizations
supporting that industry.
Interim County Administrator Lisa Holmes shared that progress continues on the
Reimagining Public Safety Plan. The positions to staff the Community Justice Center are
posted.
COVID-19. 68.3 percent of Tompkins Population has received at least first dose of
vaccme.
6
July 21, 2021
Public Health Director Frank Kruppa and Deputy County Administrator Amie Hendrix
report that active cases are down to single digits, yesterday it was four, and vaccination
rollout continues via pop-up clinics in rural areas and with community partners . We are
now seeing travel related cases that then become household cases.
Following the Legislature's agreement in the July 19 th Expanded Budget Committee (to
use 100% of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to replace lost revenues and 75% of
those funds for cash for the Capital Program . I want to assure residents we are not just
going to squirrel away this money. It was felt that by doing it this way, we then simplify
the reporting to the federal government, and we will be able to roll that money out more
quickly to the community. We've already given our vision statements and now we'll
meet August 10 th to talk about the spending of that money. Our goal is to deploy these
funds with fewer restrictions and reporting requirements than ARP funds.
County Finance Director Rick Snyder gave his annual financial report for the County last
night. The current unassigned fund balance is $48 million, which has increased $29.9
million over the last eight years as surpluses have occurred. The current County policy is
that at least 10% of general fund operating revenue should be held in the unassigned fund
balance. The 2021 budgeted operating revenue is $171.6 Million. It does look like from
Snyder's recommendation we will be rolling out some of that money as he's calling for
an 18 to 23% fund balance where we are at 24% now.
The Legislature unanimously (12-0) adopted the 2021-2022 Tompkins Cortland
Community College operating budget. The commitment from Tompkins County is just
over $3 million and represents a 1.6% decrease over last year as enrollment of Tompkins
County residents has declined slightly.
County Attorney Jonathan Wood updated the Legislature that the County is set to receive
a portion of the settlement being reached with states, municipalities, and opioid
distributors . Further details about the settlement are expected to be announced later this
week and amounts to be received by municipalities for addiction and prevention services
will be clarified over the coming months.
Thank you again for having me .
PARKS AND RECREATION REPORT -PATRICK TYRRELL
The following report was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
RECREATION
Parks & Recreation
7/21/21
Town Board Meeting
• We hosted a 12U baseball tournament on July 10 and 11. We will be hosting a
1 OU baseball tournament this coming weekend .
• Youth camps have had record breaking numbers thus far , we are adding spots to
whatever we can to accommodate.
• All our camps have been struggling with the weather, we have had to find
alternate locations almost every day . A huge thank you to Lansing Central School
and The Rink/The Field for helping us with this issue .
• Our summer baseball and softball teams have had many rain outs, we are
constantly rescheduling.
• New windscreen has been delivered for the outfield fence on Christopher Field.
We hope to have it installed this week. This was paid for by donations .
• We have begun converting the ballfields over to soccer and football. We have
joined a new football league (Southern Tier Youth Football Conference) this year.
We have purchased new uniforms for both levels of football.
• Soccer camp already has 217 kids enrolled and we expect to be close to 300
which would be our largest camp ever.
• All our adult programming has resumed .
7
July 21, 2021
PARKS
• We had to make a tough call and close our beachfront swimming at Myers Park
this year due to the lack oflifeguards. Most of the State is in a similar situation,
COVID didn't allow for lifeguard training last year.
• Music in the Park has started. We had to re-schedule week 1, Tailor-Made to
September 2nd , but last week went well with City Limits. This Thursday is
Destination, we expect a big crowd .
• We have had to contend with several storms lately , we have had some tree
damage and flooding at Myers Park. Salt Point trail was washed out, we will be
repairing that this week.
• Ludlowville has been busier than normal, we hav e seen a huge increase in patrons
there , sometimes causing parking issues. Part of our new master plan is to
slightly increase parking there .
• I have submitted some of our master plan concepts to Mike Sigler to see if the
County can provide us with some money to bring these concepts to reality.
• The Parks & Trail Masterplan is almost complete, we hope to have it in front of
the Town Board very soon. We are very pleased with the job MJ Engineering has
done for us.
Pat also reported:
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) at Myers Park and Salt Point-no swimming
HIGHWAY REPORT -MIKE MOSELEY
The following report was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
HIGHWAY REPORT
July 21, 2021
CONSOLIDATED WATER DISTRICT EXTENSION #5 (CWDXS-PERUVILLE
RD) -The crews were delayed on the installation of the water line for this district due to
the heavy rains .
ROADSIDE MOWING -We are mowing the roadsides to try and keep up with the
weeds and grass.
CULVERT REPLACEMENT -We are in full swing on our replacement of road cross
pipes and driveway culverts .
HEAVY RAIN CLEAN UP -Once again certain parts of the Town received heavy
rains and wind that required clean up.
► Myers Road shoulders were cut to allow for proper water run off
► Road cross pipes were unplugged
► Fiddlers Green shoulders were cut to allow for proper water run off
ROAD IMPROVEMENTS -At this point Springbrook Circle , Village Circle, Village
Place , and Seacord Lane have been resurfaced with hot mix.
Mike also reported:
• CWDX5 -connected today near Mirabito
• Ludlowville Road -working with Engineer for cost and feasibility
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING REPORT -C.J. RANDALL
The following report was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
CORE PLANNING FUNCTIONS
• Completed hiring of Code Enforcement Officer Scott Russell (start
date 6/7) and Planner John Zepko (start date 6/28), respectively
• Review and classification of development applications
• Data and GIS Services
8
July 21, 2021
o Continued virtual meeting protocol during coronavirus outbreak for
board and committee meetings
• Conservation Advisory Council staff support
o Attended meeting on 6/3
• Planning Board staff support
o Coordinated and attended Project Review Committee meeting on
6/3
o Coordinated and attended 6/14 working meeting
■ Village Solars -Request for Waiver to reconfigure on-site
trails in Planned Development Area No. 1
o Lansing Propane / Petroleum Storage and Distribution Facility
(Phase 2) -15 Town Barn Rd
■ Project updates -6/28
o Waza Turf Field -320 Peruville Rd
■ Public Hearing -6/28
o Lake Forest Circle Major Subdivision -Lake Forest Drive
■ Project updates -6/28
o Placement of 10' x 12 ' accessory building -281 Bill George Rd
■ Sketch Plan -6/28
■ Coordination with NYSDEC Division of Environmental
Permits on 6/2
o Meadow Brook Apartments and SOM Landscaping Site
Improvements -Site Plan -393-415 Peruville Rd
■ Preliminary and Final approval -6/28
o Cayuga Vista Apartments -Cayuga Vista Dr
■ Project updates -6/28
• Zoning Board of Appeals staff support
o No 6/8 meeting
• Interdepartmental Infrastructure Coordination
o Attended Broadband Committee meeting on 6/1; coordinated
presentation by Cohen Law Group
o Attended Town Highway Building Renovation Project site plan
meeting on 6/14
o Coordinated and attended Water & Sewer Advisory Committee
meeting on 6/2
■ Reviewed IAED water and sewer study updates with Town
Engineer
o Attended Parks, Recreation & Trails Master Plan Coordination
meetings on 6/17
o Attended Parks, Recreation & Trails Master Plan Virtual Public
Workshop #2 on 6/22; assisted with publicity
o Coordinated Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) WQIP
meeting for Salmon Creek Streambank Stabilization Project and
acquisition of vacuum truck on 6/16
• Attended Association of Towns' Legislation briefing on new
Cannabis law (MRTA) on 6/1
• Attended Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council (ITCTC)
Joint Policy & Planning Committee meeting on 6/15
• Attended review of draft NYSDEC TMDL with Tompkins County
Water Resources Council staff on 6/16
• Coordinated with NYS OGS regarding Lansing Residential Center on
6/17
• Attended Cayuga Lake Blueway Trail Launch Event hosted by
Tompkins County Planning & Sustainability on 6/22
9
July 21, 2021
• Coordinated and attended Electric Vehicle Working Group meeting
with Cornell Cooperative Extension on 6/23
• Reviewed NYSEG Lansing Non-Pipe Alternatives Public Service
Commission Order and initiated coordination with utility on 6/30
LAND USE POLICY WORK PROGRAM
• Land Use Ordinance Update
o Land Use Ordinance Audit narrative report forthcoming
• Environmental Protection Overlay Districts
o Discussed Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway with Planning Board on
6/14
o Scope of work and schedule of adoption forthcoming based on
2021 CAC Work Plan
C.J. also reported:
• Lansing Residential Center
o Possible Town acquisition
o Waiting for onsite wastewater treatment records from health department
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
o Looking at providers
o Possible sites
■ 1235 Ridge Road -fire station
■ 1189 Auburn Road -fire station
■ Myers Park
■ Town Hall by bus stop
o Working with NYSEG
• Spectrum Franchise Agreement Audit -Cohen Law Group
o Estimated to take three (3) to six (6) months
• Increase public engagement, as much as possible, on multiple issues
• Three (3) grants due next Friday -notification mid-December
o Highway -Salmon Creek stabilization
o Myers Park
o Highway vacuum truck
• Salmon Creek Bridge -will not be completed until June 2022
• Planning Board preliminary list
o Short term rentals -August
o Rural Agriculture (RA) changes and Byway revision-September / October /
November
■ Floating business zones
■ Agriculture committee review
• Cannabis -decision needed by December 15th
ENGINEER'S REPORT -DA VE HERRICK
No Report.
AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE REPORT -CONNIE WILCOX
No Report.
CONSENT AGENDA
a. RESOLUTION ADOPTING LOCAL LAW NO. 2 OF 2021 TO OVERRIDE THE
TAX LEVY LIMIT ESTABLISHED IN GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW §3-C
RESOLUTION 21-105
RESOLUTION ADOPTING LOCAL LAW NO. 2 OF 2021
TO OVERRIDE THE TAX LEVY LIMIT
ESTABLISHED IN GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW §3-C
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
July 21, 2021
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing is hereby authorized to adopt a
budget for the fiscal year 2022; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Local Law #2 of 2021 proposes to authorize the Town Board
to override the limit on the amount of real property taxes that may be levied by the Town
of Lansing, County of Tompkins, for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2022 and
ending December 31, 2022, so as to allow, if necessary or desired, a real property tax
levy in excess of the "tax levy limit" as defined by General Municipal Law §3-C; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was duly held upon July 21, 2021, at the Lansing Town
Hall, 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, New York, whereas the public was invited to comment
upon the proposed Local Law, and whereat all persons interested in the subject were duly
heard and all evidence submitted, if any, was duly received; and
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon, and in consideration of all discussions and
matters arising from or in relation to the aforesaid public hearing, the Town Board of the
Town of Lansing has hereby resolved, and thus be it so enacted, as follows:
RESOLVED, that Local Law Number 2 of 2021 be and hereby is approved and adopted
in the form as presented to this meeting, and in such form "be it so enacted"; and it is
further
RESOLVED, that in accord with §21 of the Municipal Home Rule Law, the final adopted
version of this Local Law shall be presented to the Supervisor for approval; and it is
further
RESOLVED, that upon such approval by the Supervisor ( or other approval occurring
pursuant to said §21 of the Municipal Home Rule Law), and within 20 days after the final
adoption of this Local Law, the Town Clerk shall file a certified copy of this Local Law,
together with the required certifications, if any, as follows: (i) in the Office of the Town
Clerk; and (ii) with the New York State Secretary of State as required by Municipal
Home Rule Law §27 (said filing may be made by delivery to the NYS Department of
State, Division of Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial Code, One
Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12231).
TOWN OF LANSING, TOMPKINS COUNTY, NEW YORK
LOCAL LAW NUMBER 2 OF 2021
TO OVERRIDE THE TAX LEVY LIMIT ESTABLISHED IN
GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW §3-C
Be it enacted by the Town of Lansing as follows :
SECTION 1: LEGISLATIVE INTENT: This Local Law shall be known as "Local
Law, Number 2 of2021". It is the intent of Local Law Number 2 of 2021 to override the
limit on the amount ofreal property taxes that may be levied by the Town of Lansing,
County of Tompkins pursuant to General Municipal Law §3-C, and to allow the Town of
Lansing, County of Tompkins to adopt a Town budget for (a) Town purposes, and (b)
any other special or improvement district, and Town improvements provided pursuant to
Town Law Article 12-C, governed by the Town Board for the fiscal year beginning
January 1, 2022 and ending December 31, 2022 that requires a real property tax levy in
excess of the "Tax Levy Limit" as defined by General Municipal Law §3-C.
SECTION 2: AUTHORITY: This Local Law is adopted pursuant to subdivision 5 of
General Municipal Law §3-C, which expressly authorizes the Town Board to override the
11
July 21, 2021
Tax Levy Limit by the adoption of a Local Law approved by vote of at least sixty ( 60%)
of the Town Board.
SECTION 3: TAX LEVY LIMIT OVERRIDE: The Town Board of the Town of
Lansing, County of Tompkins is hereby authorized to adopt a budget for the fiscal year
2022 that requires a real property tax levy in excess of the limit specified in General
Municipal Law §3-C.
SECTION 4: SEVERABILITY: If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, or
part of this Local Law or the application thereof to any person, firm or corporation, or
circumstance, shall be adjusted by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or
unconstitutional, such order or judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the
remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence,
paragraph, subdivision, or part of the Local Law or in its application to the person,
individual, firm or corporation or circumstance, directly involved in the controversy in
which such judgment or order shall be rendered.
SECTION 5: EFFECTIVE DATE: This Local Law shall take effect immediately
upon filing with the Secretary of State.
b. RESOLUTION HIRING THIRD PART-TIME CONSTABLE FOR THE
LANSING TOWN COURT
RESOLUTION 21-106
RESOLUTION HIRING THIRD PART-TIME CONSTABLE
FOR THE LANSING TOWN COURT
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board.
WHEREAS, there is a need for a third Constable to act in a substitution capacity when
the need arises as the Court operates with one Constable at all times; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing Supervisor has recommended that the third Part-Time
Constable position be filled at the Town of Lansing; and
WHEREAS, acceptable and qualified individuals will be located, and is therefore
proposed to be hired to fulfill such job requirements; and
WHEREAS, after review and discussion of such proposal, the Town Board of the Town
of Lansing has hereby
RESOLVED, that a third Part-Time Constable hereby is approved to be employed for the
Lansing Town Court, at the rate of $45.00 per hour with a minimum of two hours, and it
is further
RESOLVED, that the appropriate Town officer be and hereby is authorized to make such
changes to the Towns' employment and civil service rosters, to file the required Civil
Service forms to effect such changes per this Resolution, and to file Form 428s, if
required .
c. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SETTLEMENT AND PAYMENT OF VERIZON
UTILITY CABLE CLAIM
RESOLUTION 21-107
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SETTLEMENT AND
PAYMENT OF VERIZON UTILITY CABLE CLAIM
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
12
July 21, 2021
WHEREAS, upon May 27, 2021, Verizon submitted claim number NYPR 210901 for
damage caused to underground cabling owned by Verizon arising accidentally from
damage caused during the Town's installation of a water line; and
WHEREAS, the Town duly notified its insurance carrier of the claim and such claim
under GML § 50-e was assigned claim number TLANS-2021-001-001, and Verizon
thereafter submitted its claim for damages in the amount of $1,298.39 together with an
invoice therefor, requesting adjustment thereof under the notice of claim procedures of
the GML; and
WHEREAS, the Town has determined that it is responsible for the line break and that the
cost of repairing the same is reasonable, and that accordingly this claim should be settled;
so now therefore, and upon consideration of the foregoing by the Town, the Town Board
of the Town of Lansing has RESOLVED as follows:
1. The claim by Verizon (through the CMR Claims Department, Oklahoma City,
OK) is acknowledged in the sum of $1,298.39 and ordered to be settled and paid, and the
Town Supervisor and Bookkeeper may process such claim and a voucher therefore,
settling such claim under the GML and Town Law§ 68 in such amount.
2. Upon Verizon's written acknowledgement that payment fully settles such claim,
payment may be delivered thereupon and the Town shall thereafter notify its insurer that
this matter is settled.
d. RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE TOWN OF LANSING NATURAL
RESOURCES INVENTORY AND SCENIC RESOURCES INVENTORY
RESOLUTION 21-108
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE TOWN OF LANSING NATURAL
RESOURCES INVENTORY AND SCENIC RESOURCES INVENTORY
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, in November of 2017, and as is set forth in the updated 2018
Comprehensive Plan, the Town approved creating a Conservation Advisory Council to
perform certain functions for the Town and to act in an advisory capacity under General
Municipal Law§ 239-x; and
WHEREAS, as is set forth in the 2018 Comprehensive Plan's Sustainability: Energy and
Climate Change chapter, the Town of Lansing seeks to make a difference with regard to
sustainability issues affecting the Town's infrastructure , economy, agricultural and
ecological communities, drinking water supplies, and recreational opportunities; and
WHEREAS, on January 16, 2019, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing adopted
Resolution 19-49 creating an advisory body to be known as the Conservation Advisory
Council (hereinafter termed "Council" or "CAC") under authority granted to the Town by
General Municipal Law Section 239-x; and
WHEREAS, on November 7, 2019, the Town of Lansing Conservation Advisory Council
unanimously recommended the adoption of the Climate Smart Communities pledge in
order to engage with Cornell Cooperative Extension to develop planning documents,
including a Natural Resource Inventory, which will further Comprehensive Plan Goal
NR-7 A "to complete an Open Space Inventory prioritizing open areas in Lansing for
conservation based on natural, scenic, and cultural values" as defined in section 239-y of
the General Municipal Law; and
WHEREAS, on December 18, 2019, via Resolution 19-163, the Town of Lansing
adopted the Climate Smart Communities pledge, and the Town of Lansing Conservation
Advisory Council was therein appointed as the Town's Climate Smart Communities Task
Force for the New York State Climate Smart Communities program; and
13
July 21, 2021
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing Conservation Advisory Council ("CAC") and Cornell
Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County have prepared the Town of Lansing Natural
Resources Inventory dated July 2021 (the "NRI"), as well as a Scenic Resources
Inventory ("SRI") to supplement the same, each and both to assist the Town, its various
agencies and boards, and the public, in identifying and considering important natural
resources located within the Town; and
WHEREAS, the NRI was prepared by members of the CAC at no cost to the Town
through a partnership with Cornell University and Cornell Cooperative Extension of
Tompkins County, with funding from the New York State Energy Research and
Development Authority's Climate Smart Communities Program; and
WHEREAS, the NRI includes maps displaying the Town's mineral, water, biological,
cultural and recreation resources, and their significance to the Lansing community;
associated data; and a descriptive report summarizing the inventoried resources and
findings; and is intended to provide information for comprehensive land use and
conservation planning, as well as to allow natural resource information to be considered
in local planning and zoning decisions; and
WHEREAS, the NRI can provide information to designate critical environmental areas,
develop and implement a municipal open space plan, amend existing zoning and
subdivision regulations, assist in the evaluation of the effects of proposed land use and
zoning changes, inform environmental review of development proposals, and document
current conditions so changes over time can be assessed; and
WHEREAS, the completed NRI and SRI are available on the Town's web site for access
by the public, and
WHEREAS, the adoption of the NRI and the SRI is a Type II Action under the New
York State Environmental Quality Review Act ("SEQ RA"), pursuant to 6 NYCRR
617.5(c)(24) and 6 NYCRR 617.5(c)(27) for which no further action under SEQRA is
required; and
WHEREAS, expressing its gratitude to the Town Conservation Advisory Council and
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County for their work in creating these
valuable resources for the Town, and upon due deliberation thereupon and all of the
foregoing, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby:
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing hereby approves and adopts
the Town of Lansing Natural Resources Inventory and Scenic Resources Inventory,
respectively, both dated July 2021, as created and recommended by the Town's
Conservation Advisory Council in its advisory capacity, as a collected and organized
inventory of data identifying important natural, visual, and community resources within
the Town of Lansing; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the acceptance and approval of the NRI and SRI, and any
recommendations regarding municipal actions which may be taken as provided therein,
shall in no way be deemed binding upon the Town or it's various boards or agencies with
regard to present or future actions; By adopting the Natural Resources Inventory and the
Scenic Resources Inventory, it is the intent of the Town Board that this valuable and
comprehensive inventory of the Town's natural and visual resources be regularly
consulted and utilized by the Town, its various boards, departments, and the public to
assist in the development, management and protection of these resources; and be it
further
RESOLVED, that it is the further intent of the Town Board, to periodically update and
amend this Inventory at least every 10 years, or as often as may be appropriate in the
future; and be it further
RESOLVED, utilizing the now-adopted Lansing Natural Resources Inventory and Scenic
Resources Inventory, including as such are built for this purpose, the Town Board directs
the Conservation Advisory Council to complete an Open Space Inventory ("OSI"), as
14
July 21, 2021
defined in State enabling legislation at GML 239-y, to prioritize open areas in a
municipality for conservation based on natural, scenic, and cultural values; and be it
further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk is requested to upload this Resolution and the NRI and
SRI to the Town's website and provide a copy of this Resolution and website link to the
members of the Town of Lansing Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals and to
the Tompkins County Department of Planning and Sustainability; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Town Board requests the Conservation Advisory Council present
the NRI and SRI to the Town of Lansing Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals,
which presentation the Director of Planning has determined shall count towards the
training on land use reviews, process, and procedures as required by Section 5(A) of the
Town of Lansing Local Law 1 of 2020.
e. RESOLUTION MAKING SEORA DECLARATION OF LEAD AGENCY -
SALMON CREEK STREAMBANK STABILIZATION AND WATER QUALITY
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
RESOLUTION 21-109
RESOLUTION MAKING SEQRA DECLARATION OF LEAD AGENCY -
SALMON CREEK STREAMBANK STABILIZATION AND
WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, The Town of Lansing, in cooperation with Tompkins County Soil & Water
Conservation District, proposes a long-term stabilization strategy including realignment
of approximately 1,650 feet of Salmon Creek, a major tributary of Cayuga Lake,
extending 110 feet upstream and 550 feet downstream of the current impacted roadbed
area; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing has aggressively pursued grant funding for the Salmon
Creek Streambank Stabilization Project to support both water quality improvement and
hazard mitigation, with cooperation from the Tompkins County Soil & Water
Conservation District; and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County Soil & Water Conservation District, retained Barton &
Loguidice, D.P.C . in 2011 to prepare a Feasibility Study Stabilization of Salmon Creek;
and
WHEREAS, this project incorporates that Feasibility Study as well as the recent FEMA
Seneca HUC8 Risk MAP Watershed Study engineering data models for Salmon Creek
(including Gage Analysis and Tributary Regression Analysis) for the purpose of
determining the technical and financial feasibility of designing a long-term stabilization
strategy; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Salmon Creek Streambank Stabilization and Water Quality
Improvement Project has several water quality and flood mitigation components; and
WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Water
Quality Improvement Program (WQIP) is a competitive, statewide reimbursement grant
program open to local governments for projects that directly address documented water
quality impairments; and
WHEREAS, 6 NYCRR Part 617 of the State Environmental Quality Review Act
(SEQRA) requires that a Lead Agency be established for conducting environmental
review of projects in accordance with local and state environmental law; and
WHEREAS, this is an Unlisted Action under the State Environmental Quality Review
Act and is subject to environmental review; and
15
July 21, 2021
WHEREAS, State Law specifies that for actions governed by local environmental
review, the Lead Agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for
approving and carrying out the action; and
WHEREAS, the Action is subject to review and approvals from other involved agencies
that include the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board is the local agency with primary responsibility for
approving the action ; now therefore , be it
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing does hereby declare its intent
to be Lead Agency for the environmental review for the Salmon Creek Streambank
Stabilization and Water Quality Improvement Project and directs staff to transmit an
application through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application for funding
from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Water Quality
Improvement Program .
f. APPROVE AUDIT and BUDGET MODIFICATIONS AND SUPERVISOR'S
REPORT
RESOLUTION 21-110
The Supervisor submitted his monthly report for the month of June 2021, to all Board
Members and to the Town Clerk. The Supervisor 's Report was reviewed by
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore. The bills were reviewed by Councilperson Joseph
Wetmore and Councilperson Doug Dake . The Supervisor's Report be approved as
submitted and the Bookkeeper is hereby authorized to pay the following bills and to make
the following budget modifications.
CONSOLIDATED ABSTRACT# 007
DATED 07/21/2021
AUDITED VOUCHER #'s 502 -643
PREPAY VOUCHER #'s 502 -506
AUDITED T & A VOUCHER #'s
PREPAY T & A VOUCHER #'s
52 -59
52-55
FUND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS
GENERAL FUND (A&B) $ 147,594.36
HIGHWAY FUND (DA&DB) $ 177,642.46
LANSING LIGHTING (SL 1,2,3) $ 1,531.83
LANSING WATER DISTRICTS (SW) $ 31,620.57
TRUST & AGENCY (TA) $ 59,121 .59
WARREN RD SEWER (SS1-) $ 532.27
CHERRY RD SEWER (SS3-) $ 0.00
DRAINAGE DISTRICTS (SDD1-10) $ 0.00
PERUVILLE RD CWD#5 (HC) $ 17,556 .78
16
July 21, 2021
FROM
A599
A599
FROM
B599
B599
B599
FROM
DB599
FROM
SW599
SW599
TO
A1640.400
A7560.400
TO
B8020.101
B8020.432
B8020.433
TO
DB5110.200
TO
BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
GENERAL FUND A
July 21, 2021
FOR
From Fund Balance to Town Barn Contractual
Additional Repairs
From Fund Balance to Other Performing Arts
Donations cover most of the Music in the Park
GENERAL FUND B
July 21, 2021
FOR
From Fund Balance to Planner Personnel
Hiring of Planner
From Fund Balance to Broadband Committee
Funds needed
From Fund Balance to Conservation Advisory Council
Funds needed
HIGHWAY FUND DB
July 21, 2021
FOR
From Fund Balance to Street Maint Equipment
Lease payment
WATER FUND SW
July 21, 2021
FOR
SW8310.402 From Fund Balance to Water Admin Legal
AddWonalFundsneeded
SW8340.200 From Fund Balance to Trans & Dist Equipment
Lease payment
CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTIONS 21-105 -21-110
RESOLUTION 21-111
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of
Lansing has hereby
RESOLVED, that the Consent Agenda Resolutions 21-105 -21-110 , are hereby
approved as presented and amended , and
Th e question of the adoption of such proposed Consent Agenda Resolutions were duly
motioned by Councilperson Doug Dake , duly seconded by Councilperson Joseph
Wetmore, and put to a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Doug Dake -Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore -Aye
Councilperson Bronwyn Losey-Aye
Deputy Supervi sor Andra Benson -Aye
AMOUNT
$ 250.00
$ 550 .00
AMOUNT
$ 37,000.00
$ 20,000.00
$ 5,000.00
AMOUNT
$ 27,000.00
AMOUNT
$ 3,000.00
$ 27,000.00
17
July 21, 2021
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolutions were approved, carried, and duly adopted on July
21, 2021.
RESOLUTION GRANTING AW AIVER FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF
THE TOWN OF LANSING LAND USE ORDINANCE PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT AREA NO. 1 (VILLAGE CIRCLE -VILLAGE SOLARS)
§1610 (17)
Larry Fabbroni and Rocco Lucente stated:
► Information reported during Privilege of the Floor was mis-leading
► Trail is longer with more amenities -12 exercise stations added -all marked
every .10 mile with map
► East -West Trail -completed
► Amenity trails around stormwater facilities -done
► Fountains are being used
► Circumference residential trail needs to be changed, so it does not go through a
building
► Added trail to south end
► Added connection to Warren Road
► Left paved path along Warren Road, but close to road and unsafe -internal
circumference path is much safer
► Trying to enhance -doing more, not less
► Added dog park, picnic area, basketball court larger, and food trucks three (3)
times a week
► Landscaping is one and a half times more than what was planned
► Rocco will walk through the project with anyone
RESOLUTION 21-
RESOLUTION GRANTING AW AIVER FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF
THE TOWN OF LANSING LAND USE ORDINANCE
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AREA NO. 1
(VILLAGE CIRCLE -VILLAGE SOLARS) §1610 (17)
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, Planned Development Area No. 1 was established by Local Law No. 1 of
2013, passed by Town Board Resolution #13-78 on April 17, 2013, which added
§1610(12) to the Town of Lansing Land Use Ordinance ("LUO"); and
WHEREAS, by narrative dated December 22, 2020, the Town received a request for
Waiver from Larry Fabbroni, P .E., project engineer, under the provisions of LUO
§ 1610(17), to modify the design of sidewalks and pathways as required by PDA in § 270-
67F( 4); and
WHEREAS, the Planning Board duly considered the matter on June 28, 2021 and by
motion unanimously recommended the Town Board grant a Waiver to allow the
modification of the design of sidewalks and pathways as required by PDA in§ 270-
67F(4); and
WHEREAS, Local Law 6 of 2017 requires that the Town Board consider the request for
the waiver under LUO § 1610(1 ?)(a)-(d) and, upon deliberation thereupon , the Town
Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby
RESOLVED, this application for a waiver be and hereby is approved as follows, subject
to the following conditions, restrictions, and determinations:
1. The Waiver is approved to allow all sidewalks and pathways to be constructed
pursuant to map "Revised Village Solars PDA Pathways : New Exercise Trail 2021-
2022," prepared by L. Fabbroni, P.E., L.S., dated July 2021.
18
July 21, 2021
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson ___ , duly seconded by Councilperson ____ , and put to a roll call
vote with the following results:
Councilperson Doug Dake -
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore -
Councilperson Bronwyn Losey -
Deputy Supervisor Andra Benson -
Above resolution was tabled until the August Town Board meeting .
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING GRANT APPLICATIONS TO IMPLEMENT
MYERS PARK REVITALIZATION PROJECT, AND MAKING SEQRA
DECLARATION OF LEAD AGENCY FOR REVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACTS UPON THE FOREGOING PROPOSED PROJECTS
RESOLUTION 21-112
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING GRANT APPLICATIONS TO IMPLEMENT
MYERS PARK REVITALIZATION PROJECT, AND MAKING SEQRA
DECLARATION OF LEAD AGENCY FOR REVIEW OF
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS UPON THE FOREGOING PROPOSED
PROJECTS
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, consistent with the Cayuga Lake Watershed Restoration and Protection Plan
and the Cayuga Lake Blueway Trail Plan (approved under the NYSDOS Local
Waterfront Revitalization Plan), and to help protect the Cayuga Lake watershed and
enhance access to its water resources, the Town has been examining needed updates to
local waterfront plans and facilities; and
WHEREAS, after receiving notice that the Town was not selected for funding from the
Environmental Protection Fund in the 2019 Consolidated Funding Application (CFA),
the Town created the Town of Lansing Parks, Recreation and Trails Advisory Committee
via Resolution 19-160 on December 18, 2019, to advise the Town Board on all matters
pertaining to or affecting the coordination, oversight, acquisition, development, funding
and programming of the parks, recreation, and trail system; and
WHEREAS, on May 20, 2020, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing passed Motion
M20-15 Authorizing the Issuance of Parks, Recreation, Trails Master Plan Request for
Proposal (RFP); and
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing Parks, Recreation and Trails Advisory Committee
reviewed proposals on July 16, 2020 using a Weighted Decision Matrix based on the
criteria articulated in the Request for Proposal and selected three (3) firms to interview;
conducted interviews with three (3) selected firms on August 10 and 11, 2020; and
passed a unanimous Motion on August 25, 2020 making a Final Evaluation and
recommending the services of M.J. Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C. to the Town
Board; and
WHEREAS, on September 16, 2020, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing passed
Resolution 20-125 authorizing the execution Parks, Recreation, and Trails Master Plan
Agreement with M.J. Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C. with PLACE Alliance; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing Parks and Recreation and Trails Advisory Committee
along with consultants M.J. Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C. with PLACE Alliance
conducted broad community engagement efforts on February 25, 2021; June 5, 2021; and
June 22, 2021 to gather community feedback on concept plans for Town parks, including
Myers Park; and
WHEREAS, proposed improvements consist of several projects at Myers Park for
revitalization of recreational facilities adjacent to Cayuga Lake, including upgrading the
restroom facilities and pavilions for ADA accessibility and as private unisex facilities;
19
July 21, 2021
expanding opportunities for walkable public spaces for recreation and fitness; restoration
of the natural communities where land meets Cayuga Lake; and implementation of
Cayuga Lake Blueway Plan with ADA-accessible improvements to the kayak launch to
allow people who use non-motorized paddle craft (kayaks, canoes, standup paddleboards)
to access local business, recreation areas and to enjoy the beauty of the Finger Lakes
region by providing enhanced access for launching and docking paddle craft; and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County successfully submitted a Local Waterfront Revitalization
Program (LWRP) grant from the New York State Department of State through the 2015
Consolidated Funding Application (CF A) process to implement the Cayuga Lake
Blueway Trail Plan, the objective of which is to solidify Cayuga Lake as a prime
paddling destination in the northeast; and
WHEREAS, the plan identifies priority sites to develop in the short term as launch sites
or "trailheads" on the Blueway Trail throughout Tompkins, Seneca, and Cayuga
Counties, one of which is Site E14: Lansing Town Park in the Town of Lansing (Myers
Park); and
WHEREAS, the Town is applying for funding in 2021 to implement the Myers Park
Revitalization Project through the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and
Historic Preservation (OPRHP) for a grant under the Environmental Protection Fund
($750,000 maximum award with 25% match required); and
WHEREAS, 6 NYCRR Part 617 of the State Environmental Quality Review Act
(SEQRA) requires that a Lead Agency be established for conducting environmental
review of projects in accordance with local and state environmental law; and
WHEREAS, State Law specifies that for actions governed by local environmental
review, the Lead Agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for
approving and carrying out the action; and
WHEREAS, the Action is subject to review and approvals from other involved agencies
that include the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation
(OPRHP); and
WHEREAS, in connection therewith and in consideration of the adoption and approval of
such Park Master Plan, as updated, the Town will undertake a coordinated SEQRA
review and deem the matter an Unlisted Action, as the Town Board recognizes that
SEQRA encourages an early look at environmental issues and thus a look at the lakefront
impacts was deemed appropriate; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board is the local agency with primary responsibility for
approving the action; and in furtherance thereof and upon deliberation by the Town
Board, it was duly and further
RESOLVED and DETERMINED as follows:
1. The Town Board of the Town of Lansing does hereby declare its intent to be Lead
Agency for the environmental review for the Myers Park Revitalization Project and
directs staff to transmit an application through the New York State Consolidated Funding
Application (CFA) for funding from New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and
Historic Preservation ("OPRHP") under the Title 9 of the Environmental Protection Act
of 1993, for the purpose of funding and implementing the Town of Lansing Parks,
Recreation, and Trails Master Plan improvements for Myers Park.
2. The Town Supervisor and Director of Planning be and hereby are authorized to submit
one or more grant applications to help implement such Project, and the Town Supervisor
be and hereby is authorized to execute any necessary documents required by State of
New York to submit or finalize such applications relating to the proposed Project in the
amounts aforesaid, with a required in-kind match consisting of labor, equipment,
materials, and, if needed, cash, from the Town.
20
July 21, 2021
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Doug Dake, duly seconded by Councilperson Bronwyn Losey, and put to
a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Doug Dake -Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore -Aye
Councilperson Bronwyn Losey-Aye
Deputy Supervisor Andra Benson-Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on July
21, 2021.
RESOLUTION APPROVING APPLICATION FOR FUNDING FROM THE NEW
YORK STATE OFFICE OF PARKS, RECREATION AND HISTORIC
PRESERVATION UNDER THE TITLE 9 OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION ACT OF 1993, FOR THE PURPOSE OF FUNDING THE
DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOWN OF LANSING MYERS PARK
REVITALIZATION PROJECT
RESOLUTION 21-113
RESOLUTION APPROVING APPLICATION FOR FUNDING FROM
THE NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF PARKS, RECREATION AND HISTORIC
PRESERVATION UNDER THE TITLE 9 OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION ACT OF 1993, FOR THE PURPOSE OF FUNDING THE
DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOWN OF LANSING MYERS PARK
REVIT ALIZA TI ON PROJECT
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, consistent with the Cayuga Lake Watershed Restoration and Protection Plan
and the Cayuga Lake Blueway Trail Plan (approved under the NYSDOS Local
Waterfront Revitalization Plan), and to help protect the Cayuga Lake watershed and
enhance access to its water resources, the Town has been examining needed updates to
local waterfront facilities including capital improvement projects for Myers Park, and in
furtherance thereof and upon deliberation by the Town Board, it was duly and further
RESOLVED, that the Town of Lansing has applied for financial assistance from the New
York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation ("OPRHP") under the
Title 9 of the Environmental Protection Act of 1993, for the purpose of funding and
implementing the Town of Lansing Parks, Recreation, and Trails Master Plan and
improvements for Myers Park; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town of Lansing is authorized and directed to accept these grant
funds in an amount not to exceed $750,000 for the project described in the grant
application; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town of Lansing is authorized and directed to agree to the terms
and conditions of the Master Contract with OPRHP for such development of the Myers
Park Revitalization Project; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town of Lansing is authorized and directed to agree to the terms
and conditions of any required deed of easement granted to OPRHP that affects title to
real property owned by the municipality and improved by the grant funds, which may be
a duly recorded public access covenant, conservation easement, and/or preservation
covenant; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the governing body of the municipality delegates signing authority to
execute the Master Contract and any required deed of easement to the individuals who
hold the following elected or appointed municipal office and employment position titles:
Town Supervisor and Director of Planning.
21
July 21, 2021
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, duly seconded by Councilperson Doug Dake, and put to
a roll call vote with the following results :
Councilperson Doug Dake -Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore -Aye
Councilperson Bronwyn Losey-Aye
Deputy Supervisor Andra Benson-Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on July
21, 2021.
A SHORT BREAK WAS TAKEN AT 8:45 PM
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Doug Dake -reported the following:
Planning Board Meeting -see Joe's report
Planning Board Working Meeting
• Todd Walter -Conservation Advisory Council (CAC)
• Short-term rentals -C.J. Randall previously covered
Bronwyn Losey -reported the following:
Broadband Committee -C.J. Randall previously covered
• Handful of houses not being served -Lake Ridge Road and Brooks Hill Road
o Barrier -cost of going between pole and house
Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization will come to the August Town
Board Meeting to speak.
Joseph Wetmore -reviewed the following report :
Planning Board
Joseph Wetmore
Town Board Member Report
July 2021
Monday, June 28·6:30 -8:30pm
*Waza Turf Field Applicant: Public Hearing
*Meadow Brook Apartments and SDM Landscaping Site Improvements: Preliminary and
Final Approval
*Mirabito Lansing Propane / Petroleum Bulk Storage & Distribution Facility (Phase 2):
Project updates
*Placement of 10' x 12' accessory lakeshore building 281 Bill George Rd: Sketch Plan
*Project: Village Solars -Waiver from Planned Development Area (PDA) Town Code
Section 270-67F(4): Review ofrequest for Waiver; recommendation to Town Board
*Cayuga Vista Apartments: Project updates
Broadband Committee
Tuesday, July 6·7:00 -9:00pm
Renegotiation with Spectrum Cable TV franchise agreement
Staff is meeting with the consultant to describe what the Town has done up until now.
Turning over all the documents that we have, so they can both perform the audit and start
the negotiation.
Spectrum has been notified that the Cohen Law Group is representing the Town.
Addresses that are falling between the cracks that can be hooked-up in the short term
22
July 21, 2021
Reviewed houses that are not being serviced. Still one of the biggest barriers in our
community is connection costs that are way too high, including Lake Ridge Road, Ridge
Road and Brooks Hill Road .
Long term goal
Reviewed the County presentation from June 9th Committee meeting .
County study is disappointing.
There are third-party providers that are not included in the County study. The County
letter that described was the new parameters of the study group, including that there will
be less information passed from the consultants to the towns.
It's unclear how many people will switch over to Municipal system. How many will
switch for faster service and/or for a better price
Concern that this trunk line is primarily going to end up being used for Bitcoin mining
Talk about how the pandemic money can be used to help fund Broadband/or our
community
Suggestions included identify houses more than a hundred fifty feet from the cable line.
Could this money be used to help bridge the connection cost? What we decide based on
income, house value?
Some talk about County issues . There are dead zones for the radio communications for
the County. Could those be filled in?
American Rescue Plan Funds
How would Town (community) like money to be used?
Joe suggested the following general items:
• Support urgent COVID-19 response efforts
• Replace lost revenue
• Support economic stabilization
• Address public health and economic challenges that have contributed to the
unequal impact
Doug suggested use it for Broadband
Joe suggested to reimburse Town expenses as a result of COVID and put money back for
highway paving
Andra suggested a special Town meeting for input
Bronwyn suggested doing a survey
Andra Benson -thanked the CAC for all their hard work
MOTION TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION TO
DISCUSS PROPOSED, PENDING OR CURRENT LITIGATION AND THE
PROPOSED ACQUISITION/SALE/LEASE OF REAL PROPERTY WHEN
PUBLICITY MIGHT AFFECT VALUE AT 9:04 PM.
Deputy Supervisor Andra Benson seconded the motion.
All in Favor - 4 Opposed - 0
23
July 21, 2021
MOTION TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 9:22 PM.
Deputy Supervisor Andra Benson seconded the motion.
All in Favor -4 Opposed -0
ADJOURN MEETING
Meeting adjourned at the call of the Deputy Supervisor at 9:22 p.m.
Minutes taken and executed by the Town Clerk.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah K. Munson , RMC
Town Clerk
24
August 18 , 2021
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING
August 18, 2021
A Regular Meeting of the Lansing Town Board was held at the Town Hall Board Room,
29 Auburn Road , Lansing , NY on the above date at 6:35 p.m. The meeting was called to
order by Edward La Vigne, Supervisor, and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the
flag. Roll call by Jessica Hall , Deputy Town Clerk, showed the following to be
PRESENT:
Andra Benson, Councilperson
Joseph Wetmore, Councilperson
ABSENT: Bronwyn Losey, Councilperson
Doug Dake , Councilperson
Edward La Vigne , Supervisor
ALSO PRESENT: Michael Moseley, Deputy Highway Superintendent, C .J. Randall ,
Director of Planning, Guy Krogh , Town Counsel , Mike Sigler, Tompkins County
Legislator, Mitch Quine and James Wayne , CS Energy, Rocco Lucente , Village Solars,
Hugh and Arlene Bahar, and a few other attendees .
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR -GUIDELINES
Available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
The public shall be allowed to speak only during the Public Comment / Privilege of the
Floor period of the meeting, or during public hearings , or when they have reserved and
been granted time upon the Agenda.
Speakers must be recognized by the presiding officer ( or his or her de signee) and step to
the front of the room.
Speakers must give their name and state whether they are speaking as a resident , a
member of the public, or for any other person or organization.
Speakers must limit their remarks to 3 minutes , and comments unrelated to the subject
matter of the public hearing are not allowed.
Speakers may not yield any remaining time they may have to another speaker.
With the permission of the presiding officer a Board or committee member may interrupt
a speaker for the purpose of clarification or information (and not for any other reason or
to debate or disagree). Such time shall not be counted against the speaker 's 3-minute
limit.
All remarks shall be addressed to the Board or committee as a body and not to any
member thereof, nor to any member of the public whether present at such public hearing
or not.
Speakers shall observe the commonly accepted rules of courtesy, decorum, dignity and
good taste .
Interested parties or their representatives may address the Board by written
communications. Written documents and evidence may be submitted as part of the
record of the public hearing.
Persons who exceed 3 minutes , violate rules of courtesy, decorum , dignity or good taste ,
or deliberately or by their behavior interfere with other person 's right to comment or
participate in the public hearing , or who deliberately or by their behavior interfere with
governmental administration will be cut off, removed , or have non-recognized comments
removed from the record, or any combination of the abo ve. Before a comments or
statements will be exci sed from the record , the speaker will be verbally warned that they
are in violation of the rules for this public hearing.
1
August 18 , 2021
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR -COMMENTS
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore congratulated Kyle Dake and family on his Bronze
Medal at the Olympics .
One resident stated the following regarding 320 Peruville Road /Special Use Permit:
• Loud Music at Clubhouse until 11 :40pm over past weekend; sheriff notified
• Concerns with project -loud music, large lighting, chemical from turf field
contaminating well water
• Quiet family neighborhood -project could affect quality of life for residents
The comments regarding 320 Peruville Road were given to Deputy Town Clerk Jessica
Hall and are available for anyone to review in the Town Clerk's Office.
One resident stated the following regarding a Solar Project in Town:
• Requested Town not give letter of support
• Not asking Board to vote against it -just not support it
• No one knows any details about project
• Going to change the face of Town
One resident expressed concern about a Town list of unpaid taxes .
PRESENTATION -CAYUGA LAKE WATERSHED INTERMUNICIPAL
ORGANIZATION (CWIO) -LIZ THOMAS, CHAIRPERSON
Ms . Thomas shared the following:
Facts about CWIO
• Works for municipalities
• Tompkins County is 43% of landmass in watershed
• Largest watershed in Finger Lakes
• 95 miles of shoreline
• Includes seven (7) counties and fifty (50) municipalities
Threats to Watershed
• Storm Events (runoff, sedimentation, pollutants, damage)
• Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs)
• Invasive Species
Solutions
• Prevent pollution at its source
o Action on key projects
• Monitoring
o Provides data
o Falls on local municipalities, non -profits, and community volunteers
• Regulation
o Enact local regulations
■ Stormwater regulations (reduce runoff, illicit discharge)
■ Setbacks to waterways
■ Septic system testing
• Outreach & Education
o Help understand issues and corrective actions
Work Plan
• Hire a full -time watershed manager
o Assist CWIO and municipalities with grants
• List of shovel ready projects -create and prioritize
• Currently working on two (2) grants
• Increase membership income
o New formula for membership dues
■ Based on percentage of land, shoreline, population/density, taxable
assessed value equals share of funding
2
August 18 , 2021
• Tomkins County and Lansing -higher numbers /larger dues
■ Phased in -50% in 2022 , 75% in 2023 and 100% in 2024
What can Lansing do
• Water research line in future budgets
• Submit project ideas for 2022
• Approve new membership dues formula
o $3,013 (2022), $4,518 (2023) and $6,026 (2024)
Ms. Thomas and the Board discussed the following:
Watershed Manager
• No candidate in mind currently
• Timeline for hiring depends on how fast funding is reached
• May share with another watershed if funding not met for full-time
• Hopeful in three (3) years to have full-time
Dues
• When should they be paid
o Should pay if Town decides it is worthy cause and money in budget
o If wait for all municipalities, might never get funding
C.J. Randall reported that CWIO:
• Gave letter of support for Salmon Creek Realignment Project Grant -
$600,000 and assisted in getting other letters
• Prioritized several projects in Lansing in their Restoration and Protection Plan
• Will assist small and large municipalities to move projects forward
Councilperson Andra Benson thanked Liz for her volunteerism with CWIO. She also
shared that everyone needs to be a good steward of Cayuga Lake and she is extremely
worried about agricultural runoff.
More details on CWIO can be found at http://www.cayugawatershed.org/
LANSING COMMUNITY LIBRARY REPORT -CHRISTINE EISENHUT
The following report was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
TOWN BOARD UPDATES
FROM THE LANSING COMMUNITY LIBRARY
August 18, 2021
1. The library is now open with express browsing without an appointment and
curbside pick-up Monday/Wednesday 10-6, Tuesday/Thursday 10-5, Friday and
Saturday 10-2 . Computer appointments are now available. Hours will be
extended in September.
2. The Summer Reading program , Tails and Tales is beginning to wind down.
There was record participation this year. Plans are underway for Fall
programmmg .
3 . The new Tween (kids ages 9-12) Book Club will feature a variety of titles .
Each month participants will receive a kit that includes a copy of the book and
fun materials and projects related to the selection. Registration opens August
16 th for the fall session.
4. The library is providing free delivery of materials to Woodsedge.
5. The library has an Empire Pass and passes to the Museum of the Earth and the
Cayuga Nature Center available for check-out.
3
August 18 , 2021
6. The LCL's Wi-Fi is not password protected . The community is welcome to
park in the lot to access the Internet.
7. The library will be closed for Labor Day, Monday, September 6th .
8. The library would like to thank the Town Board for all their support, especially
in this past year.
Supervisor Ed La Vigne stated the library is currently closed due to a roof leak around the
skylight and a bee problem . He did report that no books were damaged by the leak.
LANSING YOUTH SERVICES REPORT -MEGHAN LYONS
The following report was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
Lansing Youth Commission; Est. 1987
Supports Lansing Youth Services
Youth Employment Programs
August 2021
L YS 's next meeting will be on September 16 th at 6pm
L YS does not meet in July or August
1. Current L YS /R YS Program Offerings -
L YS Summer Skies programs are finishing strong with Science and Eco Explorers and
Backpacking skills program. Here's how the rest of the summer has played out:
• Cardboard Boat Builders : This brand new to L YS program utilized heavy duty
cardboard and duct tape , lots of duct tape . The group built individual boats that
they eventually paddled (if possible) on the lake. The record time was just under
four minutes! 8 youth served.
• Get Lost: Taking place in beautiful Hammond Hill State Forest , the group
learned precautions and techniques to prevent getting lost in nature and some
survival skills, if indeed lost. The group practiced things like navigation using a
sun compass , map and compass , following waterways , how to make fire , signal
fires, water purifying, and lots of stories were shared. 8 youth served.
• Funky Furniture: This program is all about creating . The group made lots of
miniature furniture and repurposed some smaller wood pieces . Although large
scale furniture was not as much of an interest among the group, they did
make some amazing small scale and natural pieces, including a full-size end table
made completely out of driftwood tree branches. 7 youth served.
• D.I.Y. Summer Edition: This summer DIY completed a p lethora of art
projects. Jewelry making was very popular, along with making epoxy resin
pendants and crystals, even making small shrink art and small treasures they
found to add to their pendants . Yes , of course , Tie-Dye made an appearance as
well. 7 youth served.
• Science and Eco Explorers: Taking place at the Ithaca Farmer's Market,
participants did experiments with electromagnet kits, fished and learned more and
more about the invasive Gobies , took a trip on the Floating Classroom to examine
the lake even further , walked the planet walk, made an appearance at the
Sciencenter and enjoyed some local ice cream. 8 youth served .
The summer will finish out with Backpacking Skills in Hammond Hill State Forest and at
Dotson Park. The group wi ll dive into how to set up a good campsite in a safe location ,
Leave No Trace Principals , how to set up a tarp , fire challenges , campfire cooking, forest
games , and a huge scavenger hunt throughout Dotson Park.
2. L YS approved their 2022 budget. The group voted via Google Survey to ask the
Town for a 2% increase through Town Tax funds (a total of $808.52) to help balance
the budget. L YS Budget was submitted on 8/2/21 by Meghan Guerra Lyons .
4
August 18 , 2021
3. Meghan Guerra Lyons (Youth Services Liaison) is coordinating a training for youth
commissions in October on Cultural Humility and creating DEi statements with
trainer Fatima Banister. This will be a virtual event for chairs and co-chairs of youth
commissions. A Doodle Poll was sent to all commissions and councils throughout the
county to help select the dates for this training.
LYS Goals:
1. Create orientation packet for new members -outlines of fiscal revenue and funded
programs. Set expectations to visit programs /uniform template to monitor
programs.
2. Online placement for agendas, minutes, and reports
3. Regular tracking of goals
4. Conduct community needs assessment (focus on impacts of the pandemic)
5. Use DEi statement to track metrics and funded programs
6. Incorporate more youth input at meetings for feedback into program decisions.
TOMPKINS COUNTY LEGISLATOR REPORT -MIKE SIGLER
The following report was reviewed by Mike .
Tompkins County Legislator
Michael Sigler
August 18, 2021
Hello and thanks for having me again.
The big news at the County is we're buying some property. We're buying the Key Bank
and the law office next door for 2.9 million dollars. We'll now own that corner next to
the courthouse and our existing office building and legislative chambers. We're thinking
about building a new government building there with new office space. The State is
asking us to move the District Attorney and Clerk out of the courthouse, space that really
wasn't that functional for either. Since we also own the board of elections /assessment
building next door, that building could be incorporated in or leveled, and we could put
those two departments and administration in this new building. It's a consolidation of
County government. Some are asking about the property we bought down Tioga.
We've been using it for parking which we desperately needed. If we decide to keep it,
we could knock the former Baker building down and create more parking depending on
what we do with the Key Bank site. This is all in the early planning stages.
COVID-19 cases have risen as you know, but it seems like we've plateaued a bit, cases
hovering between 100 and 140 with 11 people in the hospital. We are still encouraging
people to vaccinate and have mandated employees either vaccinate or test weekly. I
voted against that mandate. I don't believe mandates are effective and mask mandates
cause doubt in the efficacy of the vaccine. I've encouraged everyone to vaccinate for
months and continue to do so. The County is recommending everyone mask indoors.
We're redistricting and this next part is directly from Dominick Reccikio :
We're inviting members of the community to apply for the volunteer role ofredistricting
commissioner. A group of nine volunteer commissioners will be selected to use newly
released Census data to assess and propose changes to geographic areas represented by
Tompkins County Legislators. Applications are being accepted through Wednesday,
September 15, 2021.
A diverse group of non-partisan, independent community members with interest in data
analysis, geography, and/or equitable representation are being sought for the nine
commissioner seats. Applicants should not be elected officeholders or work in positions
impacted by the redistricting process to avoid conflicts of interest, though applicants may
be personally registered with a political party.
The commission will be tasked with examining the newly released Census data for
Tompkins County, drafting new geographic areas for representation by the Legislature,
and engaging with community members throughout the process. A final report including
5
August 18 , 2021
recommendations will be presented to the Tompkins County Legislature for adoption.
Commissioners will be assisted by Tompkins County staff.
Tompkins County will hold a virtual infonnation session and Q&A for interested
community members on Thursday, August 19, at 12:00pm. Please pre-register for the
virtual session online before the event (https://bit.ly/37uEYTt). A recording of the
session will be made available on the following day.
To apply, please use the Tompkins County Advisory Board application form, and enter
"Redistricting Commission" as the name of the advisory group and "member" as the
name of seat in the form's top right-hand comer. For more information on advisory
boards, please refer to the Legislature's website. Commissioners will be selected by the
end of December 2021 for work to begin in early 2022.
Those are the highlights. Thanks for having me.
Mike also reported:
• Congratulations
o Kyle Dake for his Bronze Medal at the Olympics
o Elizabeth Cree on retiring after serving Tompkins County at Board of
Elections for 34 years
• COVID-19 booster shots announced today
• Working on allocation of money -meeting tomorrow
o Application to apply for money
■ Will deliver application to Pat Tyrrell and C.J. Randall
PARKS AND RECREATION REPORT-PATRICK TYRRELL
The following report was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
RECREATION
Parks & Recreation
8/18/21
Town Board Meeting
• Congratulations to Hometown Olympian Kyle Dake on his Bronze Medal.
• Our Parks & Recreation budget was submitted on August 9th .
• Small Fry Football has begun for the season. We are hoping to gain more
participants before the first game August 29 th .
• Soccer camp was our largest ever with over 260 kids participating.
• Our 1 OU baseball tournament on July 24 -25 went very well.
• Day Camp has ended for the season with record numbers.
• We had a volunteer this week do a lot of painting of tables and benches at the
ballfields and at Myers. Thank you , Jacob Lajza.
PARKS
• Music in the Park went very we ll last week with Bad Alibi.
• Parks & Trails Master Plan numbers have come in , we 'll be sharing those with the
board very soon .
• The Myers Park Beachfront remains closed due to the lack of lifeguards .
• HAB's have calmed down for now , nothing reported last week.
HIGHWAY REPORT -MIKE MOSELEY
Reviewed the following with the Town Board and the report was available on Town of
Lansing website and as a handout.
HIGHWAY REPORT
August 12, 2021
CONSOLIDATED WATER DISTRICT EXT #5 (CWDXS-PERUVILLE RD) -
The crews are installing water services.
6
August 18 , 2021
CULVERT REPLACEMENT-We are in full swing on our replacement of road cross
pipes and driveway culverts.
ROAD IMPROVEMENTS -At this point shoulders have been added to Springbrook
Circle, Village Circle, Village Place, Whispering Pines, Arrowwood Lane, Tiger Lily
Lane, and Pheasants Way.
Supervisor Ed La Vigne reported:
• Received a resignation letter from Highway Superintendent Charlie "Cricket"
Purcell , effective September 4 th , 2021
o Need to appoint an interim Highway Superintendent effective
September 4th at 12:01am
■ Pay to be retroactive to effective date
o Vacancy will be voted for at November 2022 election
• Laborer position has been posted to fill vacancies
Ludlowville Road -Discussion regarding part of Ludlowville Road which is currently
closed
• Gathering numbers for several scenarios
• Safety concern
• Could it be done in phases
• May need assistance from Town Board to make decisions
o Section of road no residents live on
o Money has been put into this section of road before and problems continue
• Possibly create a pedestrian path; so long as it is safe
Councilperson Andra Benson thanked Mike for doing his job extremely well.
Supervisor Ed La Vigne shared Mike always puts the Town first.
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING REPORT -C.J. RANDALL
Reviewed the following with the Town Board and the report was available on Town of
Lansing website and as a handout.
CORE PLANNING FUNCTIONS
• Continued onboarding of Code Enforcement Officer and Planner,
respectively
• Review and classification of development applications
• Data and GIS Services
o Discontinued virtual meeting protocol for board meetings subject to
NYS OML
o Began data transfer and procured additional ArcGIS single desktop
license
o Requested updated data layers containing water , sewer, and
drainage districts from Town Engineers
• Conservation Advisory Council staff support
o Attended meeting on 7/1
o Recommended Town adoption of Natural Resources Inventory
(NRI) and Scenic Resources Inventory (SRI), respectively , on 7/1
o Assisted with coordination of presentation of NRI and SRI at
Planning Board on 7/12
• Planning Board staff support
o Coordinated and attended Project Review Committee meeting on
7/1
o Coordinated and attended 7/12 working meeting ; provided update
and discussion on Tompkins County Short-Term Rental
Identification , Monitoring , and Web Portal Services
7
August 18 , 2021
o Lansing Propane / Petroleum Storage and Distribution Facility
(Phase 2) -Site Plan review -15 Town Barn Rd
■ Public Hearing and Project updates -7/26
o East Shore Drive -Minor Subdivision -2042 East Shore Dr
■ SEQRA Declaration of Lead Agency-7/26
o Cayuga Vista Apartments -Site Plan Review -Cayuga Vista Dr
■ Project updates - 7 /26
• Zoning Board of Appeals staff support
o 48 Teeter Rd -13 ' Area Variance appeal from setback from center
of road to enable emplacement of covered porch entry pool -
granted 7/13
o 173 Nut Ridge Rd -15 ' Area Variance appeal from the Minimum
Rear Yard Setback to facilitate construction of a new one-family
Dwelling -granted 7/13
• Interdepartmental Infrastructure Coordination
o Attended Broadband Committee meeting on 7/6
o Attended Charter Franchise Renewal and Audit meeting on 7/14
o Attended Parks , Recreation & Trails Master Plan Coordination
meetings on 7 /8
o Attended Parks , Recreation & Trails Advisory Committee meeting
on 7/20
o Coordinated Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) Water Quality
Improvement Program (WQIP) meeting for Salmon Creek Stream
Realignment Project and acquisition of vacuum truck on 7/29
o Submitted Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) WQIP for
Salmon Creek Stream Realignment Project on 7/30
o Submitted Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) WQIP for
acquisition of MS4 vacuum truck on 7/30
o Submitted Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) for Myers Park
Revitalization Project on 7/30
• Attended Appalachian Regional Commission Area Development 2021
grant writing workshop hosted by Southern Tier 8 Regional
Planning Board on 7/1
• Coordinated and attended Electric Vehicle Working Group meeting
on 7/7
• Attended Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council (ITCTC)
Planning Committee meeting on 7/20
• Prepared Town comments on draft NYSDEC TMDL; submitted to
NYSDEC Bureau of Water Resource Management on 7/8
• Attended VCH WWTP Improvement Project (Headworks Building)
ribbon cutting on 7/19
• Reviewed NYSEG Lansing Non-Pipe Alternatives Public Service
Commission Order and sought coordination with utility on 7/6 and
7/14
LAND USE POLICY WORK PROGRAM
• Land Use Ordinance Update
o Land Use Ordinance Audit narrative report forthcoming
o Reviewed scope of work for short-term rental regulations with
Planning Board on 7/12
o Discussed scope of work for Rural Agricultural (RA) Zoning District
zoning
• Environmental Protection Overlay Districts
8
August 18 , 2021
o Scope of work and schedule of adoption forthcoming based on
2021 CAC Work Plan
C.J. Randall also reported:
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations
• Myers Park and a few other Town sites
• Grants available
o DEC -DC Fast Charging station
o NYSEG "Make Ready Program" -electric service upgrade -No cost to
Town
o Charging Stations -reimbursed up to 80 %
• Town can collect a fee for use
• Gathering costs
Conservation Easements -C.J. Randall and Town Board discussed the following:
• Town does not have any
• Offer from property owner, donating part of parcel
• Legal instrument
• Implement process/framework/policy
o Before Town accepts any easements
o Should include an application
o Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) input
ENGINEER'S REPORT -DA VE HERRICK
No Report.
AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE REPORT -CONNIE WILCOX
No Report.
CONSENT AGENDA
a. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE 2020 YEAR END INDEPENDENT OUTSIDE
FINANCIAL REPORT AND AUDIT OF TOWN OPERA TIO NS, PROCEDURES,
FUNDS, CASH HANDLING PROCEDURES AND ACCOUNTS
RESOLUTION 21-114
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE 2020 YEAR END INDEPENDENT
OUTSIDE FINANCIAL REPORT AND AUDIT OF TOWN OPERATIONS,
PROCEDURES, FUNDS, CASH HANDLING PROCEDURES AND ACCOUNTS
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board :
WHEREAS , the Town has received and reviewed the 2020 Year End Independent
Outside Audit of Town functions , cash management policies , accounts and protocols ,
including additional agreed upon procedures for Supervisor's Office and Court Office of
the Town ; and
WHEREAS , Insero & Co prepared the financial report and audit, and it was given to the
Town Board for review; and
WHEREAS , upon deliberation thereupon , the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has
hereby
RESOLVED , that such 2020 Year End Independent Outside Audit Report be and hereby
is approved.
SEQRA: Type II Action.
9
August 18 , 2021
b. RESOLUTION TO RELEVY YEARLY WATER AND SEWER CHARGES ON
THE 2022 TOWN AND COUNTY TAX BILLS
RESOLUTION 21-115
RESOLUTION TO RELEVY YEARLY WATER AND SEWER CHARGES
ON THE 2022 TOWN AND COUNTY TAX BILLS
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing Town Board hereby authorizes the Receiver of Water
and Sewer Rents to relevy water and sewer accounts each year on the Town and County
Tax Bills; and
WHEREAS, to assure proper notification to all account holders, the Lansing Town Board
hereby directs SCLIWC (Bolton Point) once a year to place a timely reminder notice on
the August water bills, or the Receiver of Water and Sewer Rents will send the courtesy
reminder letter generated by Williamson Law Book, to all owners and tenants who have a
balance of $1 .00 or more for the water and sewer charges on their account; and
WHEREAS, the last day for payment will be the second Tuesday of October; and
WHEREAS, after the collection date the Receiver will notify SCLIWC to remove said
amounts from accounts to be relevied on the Town and County Tax Bills; and
WHEREAS, by no later than the second Tuesday of November the Receiver will send the
amounts to be relevied on the Town and County Tax Bill to the Tompkins County
Assessment Department.
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing
has hereby
RESOLVED, that the Receiver will relevy the unpaid water and sewer account charges
plus a 10% fee on all accounts with a balance of $10.00 or more to the Town and County
Tax Bills.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all unpaid water and sewer account charges under
$10.00 will be adjusted.
c. RESOLUTION TO HONOR ROBERT (BOB) C. BAKER
RESOLUTION 21-116
RESOLUTION TO HONOR ROBERT (BOB) C. BAKER
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Lansing Town
Board:
WHEREAS, Robert (Bob) C. Baker resided in North Lansing from 1949 until his death
in 2006, and
WHEREAS, Robert (Bob) C. Baker, Cornell University Professor of Poultry Science,
created a now-famous recipe for barbecued chicken which was first published in Cornell
Cooperative Extension Bulletin #862 in 1952, and
WHEREAS, Robert (Bob) C. Baker experimented with and perfected efficient ways to
cook hundreds of half-chicken pieces on cooking screens over charcoal fires on raised
cooking pits to make delicious barbecued chicken for community groups' fundraising
endeavors, and
August 18 , 2021
WHEREAS , Robert (Bob) C. Baker freely gave both his recipe for Cornell Barbecue
Sauce for chicken and complete instructions for how to cook the chicken for fundraising
events that supported fire departments , schools, and community groups stretching from
Lansing all across the United States, and
WHEREAS, Robert (Bob) C. Baker himself oversaw barbecue events and helped cook
millions of pieces of chicken for local and Cornell University groups over the decades , to
further camaraderie and community good, and
WHEREAS , upon a review and discussion of the matter, the Town Board of the Town of
Lansing has hereby RESOLVED as follows:
1. Town of Lansing honors Robert (Bob) C. Baker 's memory .
2. Town of Lansing recognizes and commends Robert (Bob) C. Baker for all his
contributions to the community of Lansing , NY and to other communities .
3. This recognition will be etched on a plaque that will be placed near Town of
Lansing baseball fields and the "Bob Baker" Barbecue Pavilion on Auburn Road ,
Lansing , NY.
d. RESOLUTION UPDATING EMPLOYEE ERIC WILCZEK'S POSITION AND
JOB CLASSIFICATION DUE TO FULFILLING OBLIGATIONS AND
OBTAINING CDL
RESOLUTION 21-117
RESOLUTION UPDATING EMPLOYEE ERIC WILCZEK'S POSITION AND
JOB CLASSIFICATION DUE TO FULFILLING OBLIGATIONS AND
OBTAINING CDL
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, Eric Wilczek was hired as a laborer and has now passed his CDL test such
that he qualifies for and, as planned , will be promoted into the Motor Equipment
Operator (MEO) position ; and
WHEREAS , upon due deliberation thereupon , the Town Board of the Town of Lansing
has thus
RESOLVED, that effective August 23 , 2021 , Eric Wilczek be classified as a MEO ,
Grade C, Step 5, with an hourly wage to be set at $23.63 per hour, such promotion and
position to be probationary for the customary 26-week period.
RESOLVED, that the appropriate Town officer be and hereby is authorized to make such
changes to the Towns' employment and civil service rosters , to file the required Civil
Service forms to effect such changes per this Resolution , and to file Form 428s, if
required.
e. RESOLUTION URGING LIMITED SUSPENSION BY EXECUTIVE ORDER OF
THE NEW YORK OPEN MEETINGS LAW
RESOLUTION 21-118
RESOLUTION URGING LIMITED SUSPENSION BY
EXECUTIVE ORDER OF THE NEW YORK OPEN MEETINGS LAW
WHEREAS , on March 12 , 2020, in an effort to contain the spread of the novel
coronavirus , otherwise known as COVID-19 , New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
issued Executive Order 202.1 which , in part, suspended portions of Article 7 of the New
York Public Officers Law and did so "to the extent necessary to permit any public body
to meet and take such actions authorized by the law without permitting in public in-
person access to meetings and authorizing such meetings to be held remotely by
conference call or similar service , provided that the public has the ability to view or listen
11
August 18 , 2021
to such proceeding and that such meetings are recorded and later transcribed;" Governor
Cuomo successively extending such suspension by Executive Orders on a monthly basis
through June 25, 2021; and
WHEREAS, on June 24th, 2021, by Executive Order 210, Governor Cuomo rescinded
Executive Orders 202 through 202.111 , including Executive Order 202.1, effective June
25, 2021, the Governor concluding at that time that "the State of New York [has]
successfully flattened the curve of COVID-19 cases in New York," and that, therefore ,
the Executive Orders were "no longer necessary;" and
WHEREAS, since the issuance of Executive Order 210 , the increased prevalence of the
Delta Variant of COVID-19 has caused a resurgence of coronavirus cases throughout the
United States , New York State and Tompkins County, said resurgence prompting local
governments to reinstate public health advisories that call for the indoor masking of
individuals, whether vaccinated or not, and recommend limitations on the size of indoor
gatherings, including municipal meetings; and
WHEREAS, the Governor's rescission of Executive Order 202.1 now requires that the
Lansing Town Board, as well as all municipal governing boards throughout New York
State , convene in-person meetings at a central location and allow full public attendance
and participation therein; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing, like many municipalities throughout New York State,
finds itself with limited meeting facilities that may not provide adequate social distancing
for either Board members or meeting attendees , and further, that the Lansing Town Board
senses among both its own members and the Town's other residents a serious and
growing concern regarding the public's health and safety amid the coronavirus'
resurgence; and
WHEREAS, no legislative remedy to this problem through amendment of Article 7 of the
New York Public Officers Law is likely to occur before January 2022 ; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Lansing Town Board respectfully requests that the Governor of the
State of New York immediately re-impose through Executive Order those portions of
previous Executive Order 202.1 that suspended portions of Article 7 of the New York
Public Officers Law-commonly referred to as the "Open Meetings Law"-so as to
permit municipal governing boards and other, similar municipal bodies to conduct public
meetings remotely in a manner similar to, and with like restrictions, as Executive Order
202.1 permitted, and that such suspension continue until such time as the Delta Variant
and any similarly-lethal variants of COVID-19 have successfully been controlled; and be
it further
RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution shall be transmitted to The Hon. Kathy C.
Hochul, Lieutenant Governor and New York Governor-Designate; the Hon. Pamela
Helming, New York State Senator; Dr. Anna R. Kelles, New York State
Assemblymember; the Hon. Mike Sigler, Tompkins County Legislature ; and the
Secretary of the Tompkins County Council of Governments.
f. APPROVE AUDIT and BUDGET MODIFICATIONS AND SUPERVISOR'S
REPORT
RESOLUTION 21-119
The Supervisor submitted his monthly report for the month of July 2021, to all Board
Members and to the Town Clerk. The Supervisor's Report was reviewed by
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore. The bills were reviewed by Councilperson Joseph
Wetmore and Councilperson Bronwyn Losey. The Supervisor 's Report be approved as
submitted and the Bookkeeper is hereby authorized to pay the following bills and to make
the following budget modifications.
12
August 18 , 2021
CONSOLIDATED ABSTRACT# 008
DATED 08/18/2021
AUDITED VOUCHER #'s 644 -780
PREPAY VOUCHER #'s 644 -646
AUDITED T & A VOUCHER #'s
PREPAY T & A VOUCHER #'s
60-68
60-63
FUND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS
GENERAL FUND (A&B) $
HIGHWAY FUND (DA&DB) $
LANSING LIGHTING (SL 1,2,3) $
LANSING WATER DISTRICTS (SW) $
TRUST & AGENCY (TA} $
WARREN RD SEWER (SS1-) $
CHERRY RD SEWER (SS3-) $
DRAINAGE DISTRICTS (SDD1-10) $
PERUVILLE RD CWD#5 (HC) $
BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
GENERAL FUND A
August 18, 2021
124,719.85
97,917.71
1,370.60
221,458.27
60,307.69
269.20
0.00
0.00
11,635.37
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
A599 A1440.402 From Fund Balance to Engineering Stormwater P&M $ 5 ,000.00
Additional Needed
A599 A1610.200 From Fund Balance to Technology Equipment $ 5,000.00
Additional Needed
A599 A7110.404 From Fund Balance to Parks Telephone
Additional Needed
GENERAL FUND B
August 18, 2021
FROM TO FOR
B599 B8020.402 From Fund Balance to Planning Legal
Additional Needed
CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTIONS 21-114 -21-119
RESOLUTION 21-120
$ 600 .00
AMOUNT
$ 5 ,000 .00
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon , the Town Board of the Town of
Lansing has hereby
13
August 18 , 2021
RESOLVED, that the Consent Agenda Resolutions 21-114-21-119, are hereby
approved as presented and amended, and
The question of the adoption of such proposed Consent Agenda Resolutions were duly
motioned by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, duly seconded by Councilperson Andra
Benson, and put to a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Andra Benson-Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore -Aye
Councilperson Doug Dake -Aye
Supervisor Edward La Vigne -Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolutions were approved, carried, and duly adopted on
August 18, 2021.
MOTION TO AUTHORIZE TOWN SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE LETTER OF
SUPPORT FOR CS ENERGY'S YELLOW BARN SOLAR ENERGY FACILITY
MOTIONM21
Councilperson Andra Benson, moved TO AUTHORIZE TOWN SUPERVISOR TO
EXECUTE LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR CS ENERGY'S YELLOW BARN
SOLAR ENERGY FACILITY NYSERDA 2021 RES SOLICITATION
APPLICATION
Councilperson Doug Dake, seconded the motion.
All in Favor -Opposed -
Above motion was tabled until a future meeting.
The Board was not comfortable executing a letter of support for this project; they have
not been provided any details. If in the future, CS Energy provides additional
information, Board will review, and it can be added to a future meeting agenda.
RESOLUTION APPROVING VILLAGE SOLARS TRAILS/PATHWAYS
MASTER PLAN OF THE TOWN OF LANSING LAND USE ORDINANCE
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AREA NO. 1 (VILLAGE CIRCLE -VILLAGE
SOLARS) § 270-67
Mr. Lucente and the Town Board agreed upon a few changes and additions to this
resolution which are included below.
RESOLUTION 21-121
RESOLUTION APPROVING VILLAGE SOLARS TRAILS/PATHWAYS
MASTER PLAN OF THE TOWN OF LANSING LAND USE ORDINANCE
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AREA NO. 1 (VILLAGE CIRCLE -VILLAGE
SOLARS) UNDER TOWN CODE § 270-67
The fo11owing Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, Planned Development Area No. 1 was established by Local Law No. 1 of
2013, passed by Town Board Resolution #13-78 on April 17, 2013, which added
§ 1610(12)-now Town Code 270-67 -to the Town of Lansing Land Use Ordinance; and
WHEREAS , by narrative dated December 22, 2020, the Town received a request for
Waiver from Larry Fabbroni, P.E., project engineer, under the provisions of Town Code
§ 270-67Q to modify the design of sidewalks and pathways as required by PDA in§ 270-
67F(4); and
WHEREAS, Planning Board Resolution 13-01, passed January 14, 2013, recommended
the Final Development Plan for Planned Development Area No. 1 and established the
following Town Board recommendations as Planning Board conditions of approval for
Trails/Pathways therein:
14
August 18 , 2021
A. Approval shall be contingent upon Applicants/Developers agreement to construct
and maintain all trails and pathways located within the PDA. If requested by the
Town, Applicants/Developers shall dedicate land in fee or by easement to the
Town of Lansing for the PDA trails and pathways within 6 months of final
approval of the projects and PDA.
B. Applicants/Developers shall cooperate and coordinate with the Lansing Pathways
Committee and the Town of Lansing Department of Parks and Recreation to
produce, in a timely manner, a Master Plan delineating how the PDA trails and
pathways shall interconnect with other existing and planned pathways and trails in
the area.
C. Final approval shall be contingent upon a delineation of the width, construction
methodologies and materials , and maintenance plans for any pathways and trails ;
and
WHEREAS, a Resolution Dissolving Pathways Committee was passed by Town Board
on December 21, 2016, wherein any prior resolution or other legislation pertaining to the
Pathways Committee were repealed; and
WHEREAS, the Town created the Town of Lansing Parks , Recreation and Trails
Advisory Committee via Resolution 19-160 on December 18, 2019, to advise the Town
Board on all matters pertaining to or affecting the coordination, oversight, acquisition,
development, funding and programming of the parks, recreation, and trail system; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation and Trails Advisory Committee was provided opportunity to
comment on the Village Solars Trails/Pathways Master Plan on December 8, 2020; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Board duly considered the matter on June 14, 2021 and June
28, 2021 and by motion unanimously recommended the Village Solars Trails /Pathways
Master Plan and that Town Board grant a Waiver to allow the modification of the design
of sidewalks and pathways as required by PDA in§ 270-67F(4); and
WHEREAS, Town Code§ 270-321 requires that the Town Board Control Planned
Development and consider changes to the final development plan only after they have
been reviewed by the Planning Board, and, upon deliberation thereupon, the Town Board
of the Town of Lansing has hereby
RESOLVED, the Village Solars Trails/Pathways Master Plan be and hereby is approved
as follows, subject to the following conditions, restrictions, and determinations:
1. The Village Solars Trails/Pathways Master Plan is approved to allow all sidewalks
and pathways to be constructed pursuant to map "Revised Village Solars PDA
Pathways: New Exercise Trail 2021-2022," prepared by L. Fabbroni, P.E., L.S., dated
July 2021.
2. All twelve exercise stations shall be built as described in the attachment to L.
Fabbroni, P.E., L.S., letter dated June 21, 2021.
3. Completion of this Village Solars Trails/Pathways Master Plan will suffice to satisfy
Condition 5 in Town Board Resolution 20-67.
4 . The Director of Planning or his/her designee shall have the authority to implement the
provisions of the "future paved if connecting" sidewalk if an adjacent path/sidewalk
is planned or proposed within 365 days as depicted on "Revised Village Solars PDA
Pathways: New Exercise Trail 2021-2022," prepared by L. Fabbroni, P.E., L.S., dated
July 2021.
5. All roadway, parking, trail , and pathway requirements in Town Code§ 270-67F
remam.
6. Buildings located at 36 Village Place and 106 Village Circle will be connected to the
"Village Circle North" bus stop by installing a sidewalk. Sidewalk will be installed
per Town Code§ 270-67F.
7. Wayfinding Signs and Exercise Stations will be at least 100 feet from any dumpsters.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Andra Benson, duly seconded by Councilperson Doug Dake, and put to a
roll call vote with the following results:
15
August 18 , 2021
Councilperson Andra Benson-Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore -Aye
Councilperson Doug Dake -Aye
Supervisor Edward La Vigne -Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on
August 18, 2021.
RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE AND
FILING OF ENCROACHMENT AGREEMENT FOR HISTORICAL
WELLHEAD PARTLY ENCROACHING HIGHWAY BOUNDARY OF
HILLCREST ROAD
This is being brought before the Board at this time because the property is being sold.
RESOLUTION 21-122
RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE AND
FILING OF ENCROACHMENT AGREEMENT FOR HISTORICAL
WELLHEAD PARTLY ENCROACHING HIGHWAY BOUNDARY OF
HILLCREST ROAD
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board.
WHEREAS, the owners of property at 16 Hillcrest have owned a water well for decades,
which wellhead housing has an average encroachment of about 2' over the historical
boundary line of Hillcrest Road, and the owners have demonstrated this historical
condition and paid for surveys documenting the same and ask that, to facilitate a land
sale, the Town execute an encroachment agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Highway Superintendent and Town Attorney have examined the site and
information, and have concluded that the encroachment is historical and has existed for
decades (the home dates back to 1830, etc .), that the road was likely dedicated with such
well at such location, that the encroachment is minor and does not affect the travelled
lanes, ditches, shoulders, or even the ability to safely exit the highway lanes in the event
of a sudden emergency; and
WHEREAS, further, the encroachment is a temporary and de minimus encroachment, as
the proposed encroachment agreement requires removal of the encroachment upon well
closure or the relocation or reworking of the well, such that the same is acceptable to the
town; So, upon a review of the terms of such encroachment agreement, the Town Board
of the Town of Lansing has hereby:
RESOLVED, that the encroachment agreement be and hereby is approved, and that the
Town Supervisor be and hereby is authorized to execute the same by, for, on behalf of,
and in the name of the Town of Lansing.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Doug Dake, duly seconded by Supervisor Edward La Vigne, and put to a
roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Andra Benson -Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore -Aye
Councilperson Doug Dake -Aye
Supervisor Edward La Vigne -Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on
August 18, 2021 .
RESOLUTION ADOPTING UPDATED COVID-19 GUIDELINES AND RULES
FOR TOWN BUILDINGS
RESOLUTION 21-123
16
August 18 , 2021
RESOLUTION ADOPTING UPDATED COVID-19
GUIDELINES AND RULES FOR TOWN BUILDINGS
WHEREAS, Tompkins County issued an updated local health advisory on July 30, 2021,
encouraging residents to wear masks when indoors whenever in proximity to other
persons and, as a result, many agencies, governments, and private businesses have
implemented policies, recommendations, and mandates respecting masking and social
distancing, regardless of vaccination status; and
WHEREAS, even though declared state of emergency under the NYS Executive Law no
longer exists , NYS still requires or recommends that municipalities follow the guidance
of local Boards of Health and the CDC, and when the prior Executive Orders were
terminated the Governor's Office made clear that these guidelines and requirements,
including as to vaccination and other COVID-19 related matters, continued to apply as,
even though the emergency had expired , the pandemic had not; and
WHEREAS, upon deliberation upon the same and the public health issues implicated by
the ongoing pandemic , the Town Board has RESOLVED as follows:
1. All persons entering any town building for meetings are encouraged to be masked
in a manner as meets the requirements of masking as promulgated by the Tompkins
County Health Department (TCDOH), including their recommendations as adopted from
guidance of NYSDOH and CDC.
2. Social distancing (minimum of 6' of clearance, wherever possible) shall also be
observed at all meetings and whenever any group of 25 or more persons assemble or
meet for any official or non-official function or purpose within any town building or
facility.
3. All persons are encouraged to wear masks and socially distance when in
otherwise in public indoors. Additionally, all persons eligible to become vaccinated are
encouraged to consult their own physician or the TCDOH and , as appropriate, obtain a
vaccination against the COVID-19 SARS Coronavirus.
4. Persons who cannot or are not required to wear a mask due to age or medical
status , or other cause recognized by TCDOH, should notify the Town Clerk if they desire
to attend a public meeting or public hearing so that reasonable accommodations may be
made (such as , but not limited to, having a separate room Zoom-linked to the meeting
room to facilitate participation).
5. Department Heads be and hereby are directed to download and print from the
TCDOH website signage appropriate to these resolutions, and to post a copy thereof upon
all exterior doorways to all town buildings and upon doorways and within all meeting
rooms .
6. This policy is subject to change as TCDOH guidance changes for the County .
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, duly seconded by Supervisor Edward LaVigne, and put
to a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Andra Benson -Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore -Aye
Councilperson Doug Dake -Aye
Supervisor Edward La Vigne -Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on
August 18, 2021.
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Andra Benson -reported the following:
Lansing Library -written report above
17
August 18 , 2021
Lansing Youth Services -written report above
Doug Dake -reported the following:
Planning Board -covered in Joe Wetmore' s report
Joseph Wetmore
The following report was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
Joseph Wetmore
Town Board Member Report
August 2021
Planning Board
Monday, July 26·6:30 -8:30pm
1. Waterwagon Road Tax Parcel No . 41.-1-1.129; Tax Parcel No. 41.-1-1.130:
Lot Line Adjustment determination
2. Mirabito Lansing Propane / Petroleum Bulk Storage & Distribution Facility:
Public Hearing
3. East Shore Drive Minor Subdivision: Classification of SEQR action,
Declaration of Lead Agency; review of Preliminary Subdivision Plat
4. Cayuga Vista Apartments: Project updates
Broadband Committee
Tuesday, August 3·7:00 -9:00pm
Did not meet. Here are the updates:
The status of the County's work on expanding broadband to underserved areas of
Tompkins County:
In June, the County's consultants, Fujitsu, delivered the completed Market
Assessment for the County. That Assessment found that Tompkins County had a
total of 269 housing units that were considered underserved and not selected for
the recent Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) awards. (Note that the study
also identified an additional 204 underserved housing units that were awarded
RDOF for Star Link satellite internet service. This technology did not meet the
Fujitsu study' s definition of "served" at 100 Mbps synchronous . The study found
a total of 473 housing units that are underserved and not in an area that received
an RDOF fiber to the home award .)
Given the limited number of underserved households, the County asked Fujitsu to
pause their work on a full build-out analysis of running new middle mile fiber to
serve those underserved homes (a very expensive proposition), in order to pursue
conversations with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to find out what incentives
would be necessary to expand their current networks to serve the underserved.
That approach seemed like it could result in a lower cost while potentially serving
more households.
In addition, everyone involved recognized that 269 housing units was an
undercount of the underserved homes given the limitations on data sources
provided by Federal grant agencies. Engaging our local ISPs should result in
better first-hand, on-the-ground knowledge about the areas without service.
Since June, we have had conversations with staff of the Southern Tier 8 Regional
Board, Southern Tier Network, and our ISPs.
On August 17, Jen Gregory from Southern Tier 8 (ST8) plans to submit a grant
proposal for funding to the National Telecommunications and Information
18
August 18 , 2021
Administration (NTIA) to build-out to underserved areas in Tompkins , Cortland,
Tioga, and Chenango Counties, including a total of 213 housing units located in
the Towns of Newfield, Danby and Caroline that are eligible under the Federal
criteria. ST8 is creating a proposal in partnership with ISPs including Haefele and
Point Broadband (formerly Clarity Connect). There is no match required and ST8
expects to know whether they are successful between late September and mid-
November 2021. It is apparently a long shot that we will be funded, given the
small number of homes, but it seemed worth the effort to try and obtain the funds.
We have also been in touch with the ISPs that have existing networks in the
County: Haefele Connect, Point Broadband, Spectrum, and Ontario Trumansburg
Telephone Cooperative (OTTC).
All ISPs (except for OTTC, which we are still connecting with) have been asked
to prepare proposals that would include:
• Areas, towns, roads, #of miles the ISP will build to;
• A list of expectations that the ISP has for funding (i.e., capital to fund the
buildout, etc.);
• Number of addresses/households that will be built to and served;
• Construction cost for building fiber-to-the-home infrastructure to serve the
above households;
• Internet Service levels that subscribers will be offered from the ISP (i.e.,
1 00Mbps synchronized; @ 250Mbps x 1 00Mbps; etc.)
We are now at a point of waiting for those proposals to be submitted to give us a
clearer understanding of what the cost of expanding ISP networks in the County
would be. When we have that information, expected in September, we can: 1)
facilitate meetings with the County and municipal leaders to discuss next steps
regarding the ISP proposals and how best to coordinate efforts and funding to
expand internet service in the County, and 2) make a final decision on whether to
continue the Fujitsu study.
Kick-off meeting with Mike Roberts of Cohen Law Group on 7/14/2021
In attendance: Director of Planning C.J. Randall, Bookkeeper Charmagne
Rumgay; Town Counsel Guy Krogh
Audit
Expected to be complete in 3-6 months; Audit is of current gross revenues
(looking back 3-5 years; current agreement allows for three and state law
maximum is five); passings will be bumped against assessment roll and current
Charter Homes Passed List to be sure every subscriber is being counted;
Bookkeeper transmitted 1st Quarter 2021 to 4th Quarter of 2015 franchise fee
receipts to Cohen Law Group on 7/28 /2021
Franchise Renewal
Expected to be completed in March 2022; discussed defining 'standard service
drop' I 'standard installation,' currently+/-200 feet; More to come after audit
Also of note: Broadband Committee now has budget line (B8020.432) under the
Planning & Code Department.
Electric Vehicle (EV) meeting via Zoom
Wednesday, August 4·9:00-10:00am
Wed. 8/4 Zoom meeting with ChargePoint was unsuccessful, as ChargePoint did not
show up. Wed . 8/18 site visits to Town Hall and then Myers Park with PISO EV.
We will not pursue siting of EV charging stations at the Fire Department as TCA T has
decided to cease bus service to these northern park and ride sites as part of their Transit
Development Plan Proposed System Redesign .
19
Edward La Vigne -reported the following:
• Budget season starting
• New Information Aide in the Supervisor's Office -Mary Ellen Albrecht
A SHORT BREAK WAS TAKEN AT 8:47 PM
WORK SESSION MEETING ITEMS OF DISCUSSION
Training Procedures
• All Committee Members need to meet training criteria -some are not
o Need consequences if not completed
• Town is liable if training not done
• Town needs a policy to hold people accountable
• Training from employer can be used
o Provide proof of training to Town
COVID Policy Update
• In process of updating
American Rescue Plan Funds
• Line added to monthly report -"HF"
• Received pt payment of $407,974.13, will get 2nd payment in 2022
• Cost must be incurred by December 31, 2024
• Need to formulate a plan to use funds
• Can be used for special districts or projects -must meet Federal rules
o New infrastructure only (water, sewer or critical)
o Cannot use to pay off debt
Rural Agricultural (RA) Zoning District Changes
• Short Term Rentals
o Planning Board wants properties registered
o County funding an online platform to monitor
■ Capability to look up registered properties
o Stand-alone chapter in Town zoning /code
o Able to collect a fee from property
• Communication
o Need an outlet to get information out to Town residents
o Working on website redesign
• Industrial Solar
o Two (2) projects coming
o Will impact RA Zone
o Enlisting help of County Planning to review project exhibits
■ Assist in making productive comments on applications
• Conservation Advisory Council (CAC)
o Clean Energy Community -Climate Smart
o Open Space Index -apply for grant
■ Environmental Protection Overlay District Work Plan
Cannabis
• Planning Board -work group researching
• Decision at December 15 th meeting
o Does Town want to opt out
o Future boards can opt in
• Decision should not be based on revenue stream
• All types of cannabis should be banned on Town property
MOTION TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION
August 18 , 2021
Supervisor Edward La Vigne moved to ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS
PROPOSED, PENDING, OR CURRENT LITIGATION AT 9:36 PM.
20
August 18 , 2021
Councilperson Andra Benson seconded the motion .
All in Favor - 4 Opposed - 0
MOTION TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION
Supervisor Edward La Vigne moved to EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 9:46 PM.
Councilperson Andra Benson seconded the motion .
All in Favor - 4 Opposed - 0
ADJOURN MEETING
Meeting adjourned at the call of the Supervisor at 9:47 p.m.
Minutes taken and ex ecuted by the Deputy Town Clerk.
Respectfully submitted,
Jessica L. Hall
Deputy Town Clerk
21
TOWN OF GROTON -MINUTES OF TOWN BOARD MEETING
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2021 AT 7:30 PM
THE TOWN HALL, 101 CONGER BOULEY ARD
Town Officers Present:
Donald F. Scheffler, Supervisor
Richard Gamel , Councilperson
Crystal Young , Councilperson
Brian Klun1pp , Councilperson
Michael Perkins , Highway Supt.
April L. Scheffler, Town Clerk
Charles Rankin, Bookkeeper
Francis Casullo , Attorney
Town Officers Absent:
Sheldon C. Clark, Councilperson
John Norman, Town Justice
W. Rick Fritz, Code Official
Also Present:
Mitch Quine
James Wayne
Ellard Keister
RESOLUTION #21-056 -APPOINT RICHARD B. GAMEL
AS TOWN COUNCILPERSON
MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Klumpp
RESOLVED , that the Town Board hereby appoints Richard B. Gamel to the position of Town
Councilperson to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Richard B. Gamel. Said position to
begin October 12 , 2021 and end December 31 , 2021.
Ayes -Young, Klumpp, Scheffler
Nays-
Resolution Passed
The Oath of Office was then administered by the Town Clerk.
MOVED by Councilperson Young , seconded by Councilperson Klumpp , to approve the minutes
of the September 14 , 2021 Town Board Meeting as presented.
Ayes -Young , Klumpp , Scheffler
Abstain -Gamel
RESOLUTION #21-057 -APPROVE PAYMENT OF INVOICES
MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler , seconded by Councilperson Gamel
WHEREAS , vouchers for Abstract #10 for the Year 2021 , numbered 427 -475 were reviewed
and audited by the Town Board , be it
RESOLVED , that the Town Board hereby approves said vouchers for the accounts and in the
Total amounts as fol lows:
Tow11 Board Minutes Page3 October 12, 2021
W. Rick Fritz, Code/Fire Enforcement Officer -Was not present but had submitted monthly
reports for the Board's review.
Michael Perkins, Highway Superintendent -We've been mowing roadsides; hauling in salt and
sand for winter; installed some culvert pipes; mowing cemeteries; ditching; mowing around Town
buildings; helped Village do their paving; completed stoning on Sincerbeaux and Sovocool Hill;
repaired some road signs ; picked up a few dead deer; helped Village of Dryden with some paving ;
helped the County with some shoulder work. PERMA classes are scheduled for October 26. l'd
like to request that we move Tyler from Laborer to Motor Equipment Operator with $1 .00 raise.
RESOLUTION #21-060 -APPROVE PROMOTION AND PAY RAISE
FOR TYLER MURRAY
MOVED by Councilperson Y ow1g , seconded by Councilperson Klun1pp
RESOLVED , that the Town Board hereby approves promoting Tyler Murray to Motor Equipment
Operator with a raise of $1.00 per hour.
Ayes -Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler
Nays-
Resolution Passed
Discussion took place on the replacement of some heaters in the Highway Garage. Consensus of
the Board was that if they needed to be replaced , then it should be done.
April L. Scheffler, RMC, Town Clerk/Tax Collector -Submitted monthly reports for the
Board's review. Clerk Scheffler is retiring in December and Robin Cargian will be the next Town
Clerk as she is running unopposed for the position. Ms. Cargian has chosen someone whom she
plans to appoint as her Deputy in January. Clerk Scheffler would like to appoint this person as her
Second Deputy , beginning November 151, so that she can be trained for the position before January.
RESOLUTION #21-061-APPROVE WAGE FOR SECOND DEPUTY TOWN CLERK
MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler , seconded by Councilperson Klumpp
RESOLVED , that the Town Board hereby sets the wage for a Second Deputy Town Clerk at $18.00
per hour for a maximum of 35 hours per week , for a term beginning November I, 2021 and ending
December 31 , 2021.
Ayes -Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler
Nays-
Resolution Passed
Francis Casullo, Attorney for the Town -Had nothing to report.
John J. Norman, Town Justice -Were not present.
Councilperson Crystal Young as Representative to Joint Youth Program -Lots going on with
recreation. Trunk or Treat will be October 3 l5 1 at the pavilion on Main Street. Youth football ,
cheerleading, and soccer are all moving along smoothly. Yoga classes will be moving indoors
Tow11 Board Minutes Page4 October 12, 2021
with the schedule and location to be determined. There is a dance class with Camille on Mondays
at the Elementary School, ages 3 -16 , and includes ballet, tap and interpretive classes. Registration
for youth basketball opens tomorrow for grades 3 -6. Youth wrestling is to be determined based
on coaching availability. There will be a sewing program this winter, karate and possibly Zumba.
A summer concert committee has been formed consisting of myself, Jennifer, and four Legion
members. We had our first meeting a couple weeks ago and will try to meet at least monthly to
discuss ways that we can collaborate and make that a better program for everyone. We also had
Margo Martin and the director for recreation at Groton School, Mr. Triolo, come and talk to us
about the new capital project at Ross Field and the baseball field at the Elementary School. They
gave us some information and a flyer and you can go online and see a video presentation of what
the field will look like when it 's completed. They are asking that the information is distributed
and that people get out and vote. It 's 0% tax levy and 89% State aid that is being used towards
this project. Capital project information sessions: there will be one tomorrow night at the
Junior/Senior Highschool PTO meeting, at the Groton Fire Department on November 3 rd , and
several others through November.
RESOLUTION #21-062 -SET DATE FOR SPECIAL MEETING AND PUBLIC
HEARING ON 2022 BUDGET
MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Young
RESOLVED , that the Town Board hereby schedules a Special Meeting and Public Hearing on the
2022 Fiscal Year Preliminary Budget for November 4 , 2021 at 7:30 pm.
Ayes -Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler
Nays-
Resolution Passed
Supervisor Scheffler -April has given copies of the Tentative Budget to the Board. One thing that l
completely forgot about was that Ron Beck asked around six months ago if we could budget money to
donate to the McLean Cemetery on an annual basis. I told him we couldn 't do it then and at budget
time I completely forgot about it. I gave everyone a copy of the letter. I told him we are more than
willing to help out with in-kind services from time to time , but I don 't know about giving $5 ,000 a
year.
Ellard Keister said that they had recently done some brush cutting and helping out at the West Groton
Cemetery. After some discussion the Board felt that it might cause a problem to give money to one
cemetery and not the rest of the cemeteries in the Town. It was thought that some of the stimulus
money that the Town was receiving could be used for a one-time grant to the cemetery and /or other
non-profits. Attorney Casullo will look into how this might be accomplished. Supervisor Scheffler
asked if anyone had any changes that they wanted to make to the Tentative Budget.
RESOLUTION #21-063-ACCEPT 2022 TENTATIVE BUDGET
MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Klumpp
RESOLVED , that the Town Board hereby accepts the Fiscal Year 2022 Tentative Budget as presented ,
which now becomes the 2022 Preliminary Budget.
Ayes -Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler
Nays-
Resolution Passed
Tow11 Board Minutes Pages October 12, 2021
Mr. Rankin let the Board know that the proposed budget was $15 ,000.00 under the tax cap.
Councilperson Young -(Reporting on Heat Smart Tompkins). After Lisa was here last month,
she felt bad that she was w1able to show her slides , so I forwarded them to all of you. There 's
some really good information in there. She also sent along a tri-fold pamphlet to see if that is
something we would want to do when we start promoting this. Lisa and I went through the scoping
docwnent and she is still looking at it to see if there is something we want to add or modify , so it 's
not finalized yet. I did think that as a local partner organization, maybe the library would be a
good one , because they have a great website and are doing lots of programs there , so they might
be interested in helping us promote this program. The next step is for us to let her know what a
good night is for possibly a Town webinar. She will set it up through Zoom and a Face book event.
She will bring other people in, maybe some who have installed some of these units in their homes
or businesses , a lso some of the installers , and the grants that go along with it. Actually , one of the
people who recently installed one of these in their homes , it was a $40 ,000.00 system and they got
it for pretty much free with all of the grants that were available. There are income limitations. We
can talk about when we 'd like to do a webinar, post on our website or social media, maybe a
newsletter , yard s igns , press releases , etc . Heat Smart will help fill out the scop in g document;
track leads; provide materials; present the webinar; and make the process , as they call it, "fun and
easy." I forwarded you some websites that they are doing webinars through October and
November, if you want to sign up and get more information on it.
After some discussion , it was thought that during the November 4th meeting might be a good time for
a webinar.
Supervisor Scheffler -We need to approve the Municipal Cooperative Agreement for the Greater
Tompkins County Municipal Health In surance Consortium . The on ly changes a re the addition this
year of four municipalities: the Tow n's of Erw in and Throop , and the Villages of Minoa and
Fayetteville. Otherwise , it's the same as last year .
RESOLUTION# 21-064 -APPROVE 2022 AMENDMENT TO THE MUNICIPAL
COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR THE GREATER TOMPKINS COUNTY
MUNICIPAL HEAL TH INSURANCE CONSORTIUM
MOVED by Councilperson Klwnpp, seconded by Councilperson Gamel
WHEREAS , the Town of Groton is a Participant in the Greater Tompkins County Municipal
Health Insurance Consortiwn (the "Consortiwn"), a municipal cooperative organized under Article
47 of the New York Insurance Law, and
WHEREAS , the municipal participants in the Consortium, including this body , have approved
and executed a certain Mw1icipal Cooperation Agreement (the "Agreement"; effective date of
October 1, 2010),
WHEREAS , Article 47 of the New York Insurance Law (the "Insurance Law") and the rules and
regulations of the New York State Department of F in anc ial Serv ic es set forth certain requirements
for governance of municipal cooperatives that offer self-insured municipal cooperative health
insurance plans, and
WHEREAS , the Agreement sets forth in Section Q2 that continuation of the Consortium under
the terms and conditions of the Agreement, or any amendments or restatements thereto , shall be
subject to Board review and upon acceptance of any new Participant hereafter, and
Tow11 Board Minutes Page6 October 12, 2021
WHEREAS , by motion 001-2021 the Consort ium's Board of Directors recommends approval of
the 2022 Amended Agreement, and
WHEREAS , the Municipal Cooperat iv e Agreement requires that amendments to the agreement
be presented to each participant for review and adopted by its municipal board ,
WHEREAS , the Town of Groton is in receipt of the proposed amended Agreement and has
determined that it is in the best interest of its constituents who are served by the Consortium to
amend the Agreement as set forth in the attached 2022 Amended Municipal Cooperative
Agreements , now therefore be it
RESOLVED , that the Town of Groton approves and authorizes the Town Supervisor to sign the
2022 Amendment to the Municipal Cooperative Agreement of the Greater Tompkins County
Municipal Health Insurance Consort ium , and be it further
RESOLVED , further , that the Clerk of the Town of Groton is hereby authorized to execute this
Resolution to indic ate its approva l, transmit a copy thereof to the Board of Directors of the Greater
Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium , and take any other such actions as
may be required by law.
Ayes -Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler
Nays-
Resolution Passed
RESOLUTION #21-065 -ADOPTION OF THE TOMPKINS COUNTY
HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN: 2021 UPDATE
WHEREAS , all jurisdictions within Tompkins County have exposure to natural hazards that
incr ease the risk to life , property , environment, and the economy; and
WHEREAS , pro-active mitigation of known hazards before a disaster event can reduce or
e limin ate long-term risk to li fe and property; and
WHEREAS , The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-390) established new
requirements for pre-and post-disaster hazard mitigation programs; and
WHEREAS , a Planning Partnership of all Tompkins County municipalities has been formed to
pool resources and create consistent mitigation strategies within Tompkins County; and
WHEREAS , the Planning Partnership has completed a planning process that engaged the public ,
assessed the risk and vulnerability to the imp acts of hazards , developed a mitigation strategy
consistent with a set of uniform goals and objectives, and created a plan for implementing ,
evaluating and revising this strategy ; and
WHEREAS , Town of Groton will consider this Plan during the implementation and updating of
local plans, and will incorporate the hazard assessment data, hazard vulnerabilities , and mitigation
actions in these plans , where applicable , now therefore be it
RESOLVED , that the Town of Groton , as a participating jurisdiction in the Plan's development ,
adopts the Tompkins County Ha zard Mitigation Plan: 2021 Update (the "Plan") as the Town of
Groton 's Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Ayes -Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler
Nays-
Resolution Passed
Tow11 Board Minutes Page 7 October 12, 2021
Supervisor Scheffler -I'd also like to thank Robin Cargian , Rick Fritz, Dan Carey, Ellard Keister,
and Mack Rankin. They did a lot of work on this.
Ellard Keister -I just did a survey for the Town 's equipment last weekend , what we have for trucks ,
loaders , excavators, things like that. Apparently , once a month , they do an online video chat with all
the townships. I was made aware of that by another Highway Superintendent, and so we are getting
on board with that.
Supervisor Scheffler -That 's so if we need something or they need something immediately , they
know where they can get it.
Mr. Keister -Correct.
Mitch Quine, CS Energy -Just want to give you a quick update of where we are with the Yellow
Barn Solar Project. The last meeting we attended , we let you know we were going to bid that into the
NYSERDA RFP process. We did bid that in. We have not heard back yet from the State. That usually
takes a couple months for them to respond so we are expecting to hear back maybe this month or next
month. They usually reach out to someone on the Town level to confirm the detai Is of our bids , to see
if we have been to meetings and the dates. We just got these , but I wanted to share a very preliminary
sketch of the project as currently planned. (He passed out maps.) You will see outlines of parcels in
pink, where we have negotiated agreements. The overlay on that in blue is what they are calling usable
or fillable area. It's going to be subject to a lot of change as we do our field studies , get weather
information , and any other requirement or information. We also definitely expect it to change based
on feedback from the Groton Town Board , the Groton Planning Board and if there's particular areas
we need to pull back from or have more of a setback. That's part of the process that we're hoping to
engage in with the Town prior to submitting to the State. So , understand that this is still very
rudimentary.
Councilperson Klumpp -Do you guys expect to pay full taxes?
Mr. Quine -Yeah , so , we expect that the project will pay its correct tax value. These projects , for
financing , they do need a fixed payment amount, so we do expect that to be in the form of a combination
of a host community agreement and a PILOT agreement. Our expectations are that payment wi 11 equal
what we would be expected to pay under taxes.
Councilperson Klumpp -Why do you need a fixed amount? Other businesses don 't have that fixed
amount. Why do you feel that your company deserves that special treatment?
Mr. Quine -For power projects like this , solar, wind , natural gas projects, the up-front investment
requires such significant financing that they need to have a certain amount of time of fixed operating
expenses so that. ...
Councilperson Klumpp -But doesn 't any business that's looking to expand or start up , don 't they
have the same situation?
Mr. Quine -There are a lot of differences in those situations. One of the big ones is a solar project
doesn 't have any opportunity to change its prices , or move its business location , or turn itself off or on.
We're effectively price takers , whereas for a standard commercial business , if property taxes were to
increase , that business owner would have the opportunity to change their prices , modify their business
model , or even move out of the Town. For a project like this , you 're fixed into long term income , a
fixed income streaming, so that financing process , that up-front investment, requires those operative
expenses as well.
Supervisor Scheffler -I think I would argue that. I don 't think farmers can just turn the cows on and
off when the price goes up and down , and they can 't just move any easier than you can just pull the
stakes out and move someplace else.
Tow11 B oard Minutes PageB October 12, 202 1
Mr. Quin e -Fa rm e rs a lso d o have a pretty s ig ni fica nt tax brea k.
Councilperson Klumpp -B ut a ny bu s in ess , espec ia ll y a s ma ll bu s in ess , isn 't lookin g to move . More
ofte n t ha n no t, a sm a ll bu s in ess owne r is pa rt of th e communi ty a nd d oesn 't want to move to a nothe r
s ta te o r town .
M r. Quine -A bso lu te ly , a nd I recogni ze t hat, bu t t he di ffe re nce is to have th e proj ect pay it se lf bac k,
a nd t hose lo ng-te rm in vestme nts , fo r a fin a nc in g e nt ity , like a la rge bank, t hose pro perty taxes can be
a s ig ni fica nt po 1t io n of t he o pe rat in g expe nses. So , we loo k at th e e qui ty over tim e a nd look fo r a lo ng -
te rm pred ic ta bl e esca lat io n. It's not li ke taxes a re n 't ' go in g up ove r t im e , but t hey d o look fo r the m to
be predi cta bl e.
Councilperson Young -So , w hat wo uld a h ost com m uni ty agree me nt ty pi ca ll y look like?
Mr. Quine -So , t hat wo ul d be se parate from t he tax s itu at io n . We wo uld directl y negot iate a nd
ag ree me nt w ith t he Town ; pote nt ia ll y a lso w ith t he sc hoo l di strict. T hat wo ul d be call ed a n Edu catio n
Co nt ri buti o n Ag reeme nt. T hat wo uld be a n agree me nt be twee n t he Town a nd t he proj ect co mpa ny
a nd co ul d take a lo t of d iffe re nt fo rm s. We've had s itu at io ns w he re we 've ag reed to ma ke direct
pay me nts in to a fund fo r 2 0 o r 30 years . We 've ha d s it uat io ns w he re th e town has req ueste d a
s ig ni fica nt up-fro nt pay me nt a nd a s ma ll e r lo ng -te rm pay me nt. T he n we 've ha d a s itua ti o n w he re a
tow n has a s pec ifi c proj ect in mind t hat t hey want to d o now w it h t he mo ney . We 've a lso co mmi tte d
t im e a nd reso urces to a s pec ific proj ec t, so rat he r tha n pay in g the town mo ney , we've bro ug ht in o ur
e qui pme nt a nd me n to buil d a park or so me other proj ect. T he re 's a lot of t hin gs li ke t hat t hat we ca n
d o. It rea ll y co mes d own to w hateve r th e t wo w illin g pa tti es a re w illin g to contract aro und . T he re 's
not a lot of rest ri ctio ns o n th at.
Councilpe rson Klumpp -Wh e re are the so lar pa ne ls t hat yo u in stall ma nu fact ured?
Mr. Quin e -Most of t he pa ne ls that we're bu y in g r ig ht now a re ma nu fact ur ed in So ut heast As ia , not
in C hin a . So me of t he so la r pa ne ls have come fr o m C hin a bu t t hey a re c urre ntl y ma nu fact ure d in
Vi e tn a m , In do nes ia , a nd Ko rea. T hat's a t t he mo me nt. T he ma rket is a ll over th e pl ace a nd thin gs a re
ra pidl y c ha ng in g . So , in te rm s of w he re t he pa ne ls fr o m t hi s proj ect a re go in g to co me fr o m , I d o n 't
kn ow.
Councilpe rson K lumpp -B ut not in th e US?
Mr. Quine -It's poss ibl e. We a re start in g to see some manu fac turin g of so la r pa ne ls start to po p up
in th e U ni ted States, but not lik e ly in t im e for thi s proj ect.
Councilpe rson Klumpp -Are t he e m p loyees of t he ma nu factures mak in g a "li v in g wage"?
Mr. Quine -I can 't sp eak for the wages of the ma nu fact ures . I kn ow t hat we're not buy in g , und e r t he
new tari ff rul es, yo u can 't be b uy in g so la r pa ne ls fro m so me of th ose pl aces t hat have bee n in th e news
late ly w ith the fo rced la bo r iss ues.
Councilpe rson K lumpp -We ll , the re 's a la rge gap between fo rced la bo r a nd a low wage. H ow a bo ut
raw mate ri a ls, w he re d o th ey co me fro m ?
Mr. Quine -Yeah , t hey a re so urced fro m t he co un tri es w ho h ave t he m , so I think C hin a is a la rge
pro du ce r ri g ht now of th e s ili cone fo r th ose pa ne ls , a nd t he o th e r raw mater ia ls. T hese a re t hin gs th at
we are see in g mass ive a nd ra pid c ha nges in those markets . So , I thin k it 's safe to say that t he pl aces
t hat a re buildin g a nd se llin g pa ne ls ri g ht now mi g ht not be t he same th e n .
Councilperson Klumpp -B ut no thin g in th e US. So , o ur tax d o ll a rs are go in g to purc has in g t hese .
A nd yo ur in d ustry is s ub s id ized s ig nifi cant ly by tax paye rs .
Mr. Quin e -T hat's corr ect.
Councilpe rson K lumpp -N ot o nl y a re yo u gett in g th e P ILOT ag reeme nt, bas ica ll y fo rced o n us by
t he State , d oes yo u co mpa ny a lso rece ive tax c red its , t he co mpa ny itse lf , fro m t he Fe d eral a nd State
gove rnm e nt?
Tow11 Board Minutes Page 9 October 12, 2021
Mr. Quine -So , the Federal income tax credit, which has been in p lace quite some time now, wil l
probably help fund this project as well. It's a tax credit that is accessible to anyone who is installing a
solar project and that currently is still in place and we expect it to continue .
Councilperson Klumpp -[ just see our money going overseas and into the pockets of your company.
Could you give us an overview of your company; how big it is ; where it is; if it 's an international
company; how many employees?
Mr. Quine -Yeah , so CS Energy was formed out of the Conti Group, whic h is a fami ly-owned
construction business. We stepped out on our own as Conti Solar a few years back. We sought some
private equity investment. American Securities currently owns the majority shares. We 're based in
New Jersey and operate primarily in the North East. CS Energy as a company has just under 200
emp loyees. I've been working with the company for about 5 years now. We 've been growing
sign ificantly over the last 5 years . When I started , we had about 60 employees . We 've been building
solar projects for about I 5 years and developing them for about 6-7 years. We are an American
company.
Supervisor Scheffler -l have to wonder why , and if it doesn 't seem right , it makes me think there
isn 't something right. If you are like 80% subsidized and you can 't make it without a tax break, why
are you doing it? And you say you can't make much money at it , but your company is grow in g like
crazy . So , you 've got to be making money if you are growing.
Mr. Quine -Yeah , abso lu te ly . It 's a growin g market and we 've been sort of growin g with the market.
The individual project profit margins are slim , but there 's a lot of projects going on.
Supervisor Scheffler -So , you lose on every job and make it up on volume?
Mr. Quine -Well , I'm not saying we lose on every job ...... .
Councilperson Klumpp -But isn 't your profit margin controlled? Isn 't that why you need to know
your annua l cost? You basically go to the government and say we 'll bui ld this project but we need to
give our investors as 10% return. Therefore , we need X, Y, and Z into our formula for profit. So , there
isn 't really a risk. The only risk is whether or not the politicians, in the case ofNew York State, change
the rules so that the towns don 't have any say on what kind of taxes they can collect on the project or
even whether or not the project can be approved.
Mr. Quine -Yeah , so our bid process in the State is a competitive process. We 're up against other
developers in the State . Based on our design and other things that we have on the market, we say that
we think we can sell electricity for years at this rate and that is sort of what locks us into that fixed
in come stream that we talked about. So , I understand that it is a I ittle circular, and 1 'm not here trying
to c laim that it 's not.
Councilperson Klumpp -And I'm not here to , although I am kind of hammering you a little bit , but
I want this stuff to be written down so that if someone sees what 's going on with a so lar project they
don 't say that, well we have these beautiful green energy panels going up , there 's a lot of not so straight
forward stuff going on. Don has a good point. You are sel lin g a product that just can't work without
taxpayers paying for it. I also realize that other energy companies get subsidies and breaks too , and I
think that 's terrible too. I don 't think the government should be deciding whose product succeeds and
whose product doesn 't, and this is a perfect, very expensive examp le of the government choosing who
gets to build an energy product and who doesn't.
Mr. Quine -I don 't disagree from several standpoints. I think two points, one that you raised , is that
other oi l and gas companies a lso get very sign ifi cant subsid ies. The other point I'll raise , is that so lar,
if you look at the nationwide numbers just purely in terms of costs , dollar for dollar and dollar per
megawatt, building new so lar is cheaper than building new natural gas. It does work and it is a cost-
effective measure. The reason that these tax incentives are in place is because the various governments,
the Federal and State governments, want this to move faster than it would normally. They want it to
move faster than the rate of natural gas replacement right now. So , those clean energy goals, trying to
Tow11 Board Minutes Page JO Octob er 12, 202 1
hit th ose goals by a cert a in d ate , th a t 's w hy th ose in centiv es a re in pl ace no t beca use th e proj ec t ca n 't
sta nd on it s own but be ca use the y want it t o outpac e th e natural rate of re pl ac e me nt of th ose othe r
pro du ce rs .
Councilperson Gamel -Ho w ma ny proj ects thi s s ize hav e yo u d o ne in N e w J e rsey wh e re th e co mpa ny
is base d ?
Mr. Quine -We have n 't d o ne a ny proj ect s thi s s ize in N ew J e rsey .
Councilperson Gamel -Do yo u und e rsta nd how th at 's up se ttin g? Co mpa ni es fr o m N ew Je rsey , th ey
do n 't ha ve thi s in th e ir bac kyard .
Mr. Quine -It 's true. We d o ha ve som e pretty la rge projects th at we ha ve built in N e w Jersey , no t o f
t hi s sc a le , beca use the la nd s itu a ti o n is diffe re nt. Th e re is no t th e a va il a bl e la nd s .
Councilperson Gam el -So , a co mmunity host agreeme nt co uld e nta il buildin g a so la r pan e l
m a nu fa cturing facility he re in Groto n, ri g ht ?
Mr. Quine -I d o n 't kno w th at we w o uld be a bl e to fund e ntire ly , but if th at's so m ethin g th at ....
Councilperson Young -But it c o uld mean th at th ey mi g ht brin g th e ir e quipm e nt to build a pa rk , yo u
kn ow, t hat we co uld re nt o ut fo r peo pl e fo r weddin gs a nd t hin gs lik e th at. T ha t wo uld ge nerate so me
reve nu e fo r th e T own.
Supervisor Scheffler -I'd like to see yo u re pl ace a ll thi s la nd w ith so methin g we co uld use fo r
so me thin g useful. Y o u 're ta kin g up a lot of wild la nd and fa rml a nd and no t o nl y a re yo u ta kin g it up ,
bu t fo r peo pl e w ho w an t to hun t , th ey wo n 't be a bl e to hunt near thi s . So , yo u 're ta kin g mo re t ha n
wh at's blu e he re . So , how d o yo u re pl ace wh at yo u 're ta kin g a w ay?
Mr. Quine -We ll , yo u a bso lute ly can hunt near th e proj ect. We h o pe no bod y s ho ots at th e pa ne ls .
Councilperson Young-Yo u 're just leas in g fr o m th e la nd owne rs , ri g ht ?
Mr. Quine -So , we 'll have a mi x , d e pe ndin g o n th e la nd owne r pre fe re nce , w heth e r we lease th e la nd
o r bu y it. Most of it is leased.
Councilperson Klumpp -l wo uld think t hat wo uld be a pre tty bi g iss ue to te ll a ne ig hb o r yo u ca n 't
s hoot toward s th e pa ne ls . Ho w fa r away wo uld yo u nee d to stay? I'm no t a hunte r, so I don 't kn ow .
Supervisor Scheffler -Hundre d s o f yard s .
Councilperson Gamel -La nd owne rs a re d o in g w hat th ey want to d o with th e ir prope rty . They co uld
post it a nd ke ep you off it a nyw ays . I'll go back to my ori g in a l sta te m e nt: th e fa ct th at yo u 're ta kin g
fa rml a nd a nd woodl a nd a nd c lear-c uttin g fo r g reen e ne rgy is a n oxymo ro n. T o c lea r-c ut trees to pu t
up so la r pa ne ls to be g ree n is not g ree n. I kn o w th e re is quite a bit o f woodl a nd in thi s proj ect th at w ill
be c lea r-c ut , correct?
Mr. Quine -I think o n the layo ut th a t yo u have t he re , I think a bo ut IO o r 15% of th e la nd of th e to tal
of 1,000 ac res of la nd.
Supervi sor Scheffler -This is s pread o ut o ve r a bi g a rea. Yo u want to be near a t ra ns mi ss io n lin e , but
th e re 's no tran s mi ss io n lin es a round a lo t of thi s . Yo u're loo kin g a t 5 to IO mil es of lin es th a t yo u're
go in g to run to hoo k th ese toget he r.
Mr. Quine -So , t he re is a tran smi ss io n lin e in t he so uthwest co rn e r o f th e proj ect. The re w ill be a lot
of und e rgro und.
Supervisor Scheffler -Yo u 're go in g to tear up a lot of stu ff before yo u ge t thi s d o ne a nd run a lot of
lin es . Wo uldn 't it be mo re feas ibl e , es pec ia ll y if yo u 're o n a t ig ht bud get to o ffe r so me bo d y a hec k of
a lot mo re a nd put it a ll in o ne bl oc k? T he n if we do n 't w a nt to see it , we can driv e aro und it. But I
li ve he re , a nd no ma tte r w he re I go , I'm go in g to see so la r pa ne ls w hethe r I lik e it o r no t. I ca n 't go
t he othe r way a nd ig no re it.
Tow11 Board Minutes Page I I October 12, 2021
Mr. Quine -Yeah , a tighter together project is a more efficient project, but it comes down to who
wants to be a part of the project and what landowners don 't. It will work. There are projects being
bui It that are a lot more spread out than this one.
Supervisor Scheffler -Are there any height limits or restrictions , or how high do you put these panels
off the ground.
Mr. Quine -Typically for a tracking system , at their maximum tilt they will maybe 12 feet off the
ground. The post itself wi 11 be 6 or 8 feet out of the ground and then the panel sits on it.
Councilperson Gamel -l can 't convince you to put it on Walma11 roofs?
Mr. Quine -A lot of that is happening, but like I said in one of the previous meetings, to hit the goals,
whether it 's Federal , State or whatever, the clean energy goals , all of these different methods of solar
are required , small scale , community solar, and large scale.
Councilperson Klumpp -Does CS Solar donate to political campaigns.
Mr. Quine -Not that I know of. (Mr. Quine said he would look into it and get back to Councilperson
Klumpp on that.) We have a lot of work to do yet on the field research side of it. Starting this winter,
we 're going to have wildlife scientists out on the site as part of the standard practice for wintering
raptor birds. They will probably be out starting in mid-November taking pictures of birds. In the
spring, we 'll sta1t looking for wetlands, do a topographical survey , and so1t of in the midst of all this ,
we ' 11 get a new repo11 and send that into the State. [n the meantime , our hope is to refine our design
and work with the Town and Planning Boards and do our best to make it tolerable. Then if the schedule
goes to plan , we 'll be submitting a full application to the State for permitting.
Councilperson Klumpp -Are we allowed to have access or copies of all the application material that
you 're sending to the State?
Mr. Quine -Yeah , once we have an official docket, a lot of that information will be posted publicly
on the license website under our docket number.
Privilege of the Floor: No one wished to speak.
Announcements:
► Planning Board -October 21 , 2021 at 7:30 pm
► Zoning Board of Appeals -October 20 , 2021 at 7:00 pm
► PERMA training October 26 , 2021
There being no further business, Councilperson Gamel moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded
by Councilperson Young , at 8:45 pm. Unanimous
April L. Scheffler, RMC
Town Clerk
TOWN OF GROTON --MINUTES OF TOWN BOARD MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 2022 AT 7:30 PM
Town Officers Present:
D o nald F. Sc he ffl e r, Supe rvi sor
Ri ch ar d G am el , C oun cilper son
Brian Klumpp Coun cilp erson
Crys tal Youn g, Coun cilp ers on
Sh e ld o n C. Cl ark , Coun c ilp e rson
Robin C ar gi an , Town Cl erk
Ellard Ke iste r, Hi g hw ay Supt.
Fran c is Cas ullo , Attorn e y
Juli e Grah a m, B ookkeep e r
The meeting opened at 7 :30pm
Town Officers Absent:
W. Ri ck Fritz, Cod e Offi c ial
Paul L an g, Town Ju sti ce
R a nd y Jack son , To w n Ju sti ce
M ac k R ankin , De pt. Hi ghw ay
Also Present:
Lee Shurtl eff, L eg islator
Charl es R anki n
E ri c D efo rres t, Fire Chi ef
Kev in Conlon , Cortland Sta ndar d
Mitc h Quin e, CS En e rgy
S age Ezell , CS E ner gy
Ca rl Sc heffl e r
Jan et Sch effl e r
Moni ca Care y , Pl a nnin g Board
D a n C arey , AG Advi sory Comm.
MOVED by Coun cilper son Gamel , sec ond ed by Councilpers on Klumpp , to approve th e minutes of th e
M ay 10 , 2022 Town Boa rd M ee tin g as submitted.
Ay es -Cl ark , Youn g, Klumpp , Gamel , Sc heffl e r, Motion Passed
Charles Rankin & Julie Graham , Bookkeeper -Chuck th ank ed th e bo ard for employin g him for th e
past 11 years and for th e e xp e ri e nc e workin g with Town Gov e rnm e nt. Th e bud ge t adju stm e nt in th e
Ge ne ral fund is a routin e adju stm e nt. Th e adju stm e nt in th e DB fund is don e e ve ry year as th e CHIPs
mon ey is brou g ht in but th e DA fund adju s tm e nt i s necessary to create an appropriation account for th e
salt shed ex pe nses. Th e bo ard th anke d Chuck for hi s years of se rvic e.
RESOLUTION #22-043--BUDGET ADJUSTMENT
Ge ne ral fund Contin ge nt A 1990.4 $200
To-Cele bration s Fund A 7550.4 $200
MOVED by Supervi sor Sch effl er , sec ond ed by Coun cilp ers on Game l
Ay es -Cl ark , Youn g, Klumpp , Gam el , Sc heffl e r,
RESOLUTION #22-044--BUDGET ADJUSTMENT
Hi ghway Town wid e : Appropriation Fund B al a nc e DA911 $22,000
CR. Snow Removal S alt shed DA5142 .2 $22,0000
MOVED by Coun cilp ers on Youn g, sec onded by Coun c ilp er son Cl ark
Ay es -Cl ark , Youn g, Klumpp , Ga mel , Sc heffl e r,
Highw ay P a rt Town:
RESOLUTION #22-045--BUDGET ADJUSTMENT
Incre ase re ve nu es D8 3501 $14 8,749.00
Motion Passed
Motion Passed
In crease Chip s Expe nditures DB511 2.2 $148 ,749.00
Town Board Minutes Page2
MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Gamel
Ayes -Clark, Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler,
June 14, 2022
Motion Passed
RESOLUTION #22-046--APPROVE PAYMENT OF INVOICES
WHEREAS, vouchers for Abstract #6 for the Year 2022 , numbered 234-286 were reviewed and
and audited by the Town Board, be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves said vouchers with the Total amounts as follows:
A GENERAL FUND 25,224 .74
B GENERAL FUND PART TOWN 10,080.12
DA HIGHWAY FUND 23 ,864 .92
DB !HIGHWAY FUND PART TOWN 64 ,042.59 -SL2-PERUVILLE LIGHTING DISTRICT 81.90
SLl-MCLEAN LIGHTING DISTRICT 145.23
Total 123,439.50 -
MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Klumpp
Ayes -Clark, Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler,
Nays-
Monthly Reports
W. Rick Fritz, Code/Fire Enforcement Officer -Submitted a report.
-
Resolution Passed
Ellard Keister, Highway Superintendent -The weather has cooperated, and we have been very busy.
The o il and stone project on Sovocool Hill is complete. Despite my best efforts to direct them otherw ise,
some areas were over sprayed. This situation was not created by our department, and I was able to remain
within budget due to Suit Kote providing an extra 1500 gallons of oil to cover the error. Paving is done as
well, this also required reworking the project a bit in order to remain within budget. We have started the
prep work for the Stevens Rd. culvert. I passed out cop ies of the appl ication for the road work permit that
is pretty close to what other townships in the area are doing. We have had a good example of this in the
past couple of weeks with some poles being put in right next to the right of way. The same time you were
texting me Brian, was the same time I was meeting with the Jim who is the foreman to move qu ite a few
of them. Some were directly blocking our stop sign . This application will help u s in the future to avoid
these conflicts. We were fortunate to have caught this when we did because there were planning on
hanging wires the next day. The fee of $75 is based off an average of other towns in the area. If you have
comments or would like to approve the application and fee , I will move forward with it as it appears it is
needed.
Councilperson Gamel, Just cur iou s , did they happen to s ay or do you know what happened w ith the id ea
of underground wires? Is it too costly to do instead of placing poles?
Town Board Minutes Page] June 14, 2022
Ellard Keister, Highway Superintendent-I don't know the answer to that but I certainly like the idea.
Trees don't take them down, you can plow snow wherever you need and not have to avoid any. The
problems with these on Davis Rd . is they are right in a very tight wind spot besides being too close to the
road and blocking our stop signs. I measured some that turned out to be just shy of 16' from the center
line. Their foreman and I plan to go over where the engineers have put stakes. No one has ever worked
with us before on this and it is a great example of why this is needed. I have talked with other highway
superintendents working with Time Warner that created a $50,000 repair bill to a brand new oil and stone
road that they tracked up. I would be more than happy to get Fran a copy to review before you decide.
The mowing tractor should be coming in about two weeks. The new trailer is working out wonderful and
we have sold the old one.
MOTION #22-047--APPROVE HIGHWAY ROAD WORK PERMIT APPLICATION
MOVED by Councilperson Gamel, seconded by Councilperson Klumpp to proceed with the Town of
Groton road work application and fee set at $75 subject to the review of the security deposit amount
from the Attorney for the Town.
Ayes -Clark, Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler
Nays -Resolution Passed
Robin Cargian RM C, Town Clerk & Tax Collector -You have my report which has the longer version,
but the short version is I updated the website. I attended Tax Collector's Conference where we were
updated on the exemptions that are headed to the Governor's desk to sign. One example is the Volunteer
Fireman and Ambulance worker's exemption will be available across the state and that rate is capped at
10 %. These will require an opt in or opt out by the board. I also found out the State is issuing checks based
on your annual income from 2020 and is a percentage of your star exemption from the 2021 school year.
This was passed and is happening now if your income was under $250,000 . Something that passed in
2020, was put off by covid, then applied this year. If you are seriously delinquent on your taxes you will
lose your star exemption. If that happened and you are able to pay, then you will have to reapply to the
State which will then be a credit.
Councilperson Young as Representative to Joint Youth Program-Chris Dempsey met with us and
gave information to what insurances we would need to manage the programs and comply. Jennifer will
draft a letter and packet for the coaches, which will detail the expectations. They will meet again at the
end of June to bring in the coaches .
Eric DeForrest, Groton Fire Chief -We are at 381 ambulance calls and 94 fire calls. Last month we
participated with the school in the DWI/DUI mock crash which is a great program to reach out to the kids
and seemed successful as to implications of driving while impaired. We had great member turn out, at
least 13 members took the day off of work to help. We will be going up to the elementary school on the
17 th for the field days and spray the kids down with water. Fireworks are on for Friday July 1 si, at the
elementary school with the rain date of July 8th . We have 7 kids signed up for Kids Camp so far on July
11-13 th . Last year the Honor Society Students helped us out in corralling the kids so we have reached out
to them this year as well. We have a couple new members that have started their training and have signed
up for classes. The next project will be Olde Home Days Planning.
Town Board Minutes Page4 June 14, 2022
Discussion and action on Salt Shed:
Ellard Keister, Highway Superintendent -We had previously agreed after we had the plans for the
shed from the engineer, the highway department would build the concrete floor and walls for another
company to bid on constructing the remainder, basically a pole barn construction on top of those walls.
From my understanding there is a new concern that we would be liable should the work be inconsistent
with drawings and who will review that work. We have not talked to anyone about concrete prices from a
contractor and would assume they would get it from the same place we would anyway. How is the board
feeling, would you like us to continue as planned or should we be seeking a bid for the whole project?
Councilperson Gamel,-Did we ever get a quote on the whole thing or was it always planned that the
highway department would handle the site work and concrete?
Ellard Keister, Highway Superintendent-No. It has always been planned we would handle the floor
and concrete walls. The attorney will need to write up the bid packet with the floor and walls or not. It
doesn 't make any difference to me as we have plenty of road work that we can do.
Councilperson Gamel-Do we need to get bids?
Ellard Keister, Highway Superintendent-It will cost over the policy limit of $20,000. Likely the same
contractor would like to bid on the whole project as we would not be able to compare the bids legally if it
is for half the project. The contractor may subcontract that portion out but that would be included in the
whole package.
Councilperson Gamel,-Can you do a double bid and separate it into two parts?
Ellard Keister, Highway Superintendent-Is that something that is legal to do?
Fran Casullo, Attorney for the Town -When I was asked to draw the bid specs I was under the
assumption that the highway department was going to do the earth work and the concrete. When you do
an invitation to bid there must something called a scope of work. This is where you will need some
technical help. Whatever the earth work is being done by the highway, then the concrete work, which is
also being done by the highway department, that will stay out of the scope of work to the bidders.
However, if that work is going to be done by the highway department first , someone is going to have to
make sure the earth work and concrete work is done to engineered specifications. Also included in the
scope of work will need to be a technical description of the building in the narrative. Mr. Elwyn also
brought up, who will be responsible for the latches and how it is secured. The successful bidder will not
be responsible for the building of or the installation of the brackets and will need to be stated in the bid.
Ellard Keister, Highway Superintendent-We will be building the brackets. They will just be building
a pole barn off of those. Which was always understood .
Councilperson Gamel,-Would the engineer who did the drawings, run the scope of the work?
Ellard Keister, Highway Superintendent-We have all the specification for the concrete right now . The
engineer suggested having a company come in and inspect the rebar before you pour. We have also gone
over the fabrication of the brackets with him, feasibly building them better and will have them galvanize
Town Board Minutes Pages June 14, 2022
dipped. Regardless of whether someone else does the concrete work or we do it, someone else will use
the brackets we have built.
Fran Casullo, Attorney for the Town -What I am saying is all of that scope of the work will need to be
included in the bid packet so the successful bidder is not responsible for the earth work, not responsible
for the brackets, not responsible for the concrete work. A description of that needs to be included.
Councilperson Gamel,-Could the Engineer provide you with the technical language you need?
Ellard Keister, Highway Superintendent-I am trying to get bids from concrete companies right now,
to help finish that aspect of the walls and get some vibration onto the floor to make sure there is no
honeycomb. I am confident we are going to be fine with that. If you decide to get prices on the whole
project, I am fine with that as well
Councilperson Gamel,-I agree and would like to see a company come in just to make sure there isn't
any honeycomb because that does set us back.
Fran Casullo, Attorney for the Town -I also suggest a pre bid conference like we did for the roof, we
need somebody here with some knowledge to be able to answer questions, so they know what they are
responsible for. If that is what is happening, I am sure there are contractors who can do what you are
saying we just need to be able to include verbally what they are expected to do and what we don't expect
them to do. I think the verbiage would be best coming from someone who has more technical knowledge.
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar -It would be great to make sure everyone is getting the same
information.
Ellard Keister, Highway Superintendent-I have been in contact back and forth with the engineer on
the design of those and that is why we are ahead with buying the steel.
Fran Casullo, Attorney for the Town -So, the consensus is to go ahead with this then?
Various statements of approval from the board to go full speed ahead.
Yellow Barn Solar:
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar -I have two maps for you, one with a broad outline and one zoomed
in with more details of panel placement and property lines. The last time we spoke was just before we
submitted the request to NYSERDA, they just made their announcement a few weeks ago that we were
successful, so we are fu11 speed ahead with the public engagement process. In terms of updates, there are
no additional parcels to the area you were shown before. The acreage of areas we are expected to use is
just about 800 acres based upon webinars we have been seeing we attempted to shrink our footprint. In
turns of ballpark numbers, we are still talking about 1000 acres project total Groton and Lansing. The split
between Groton and Lansing, 200 Acres of fence line in Lansing and 600 acres in Groton. Based on
previous discussion we had with you, in terms of using forest versus open field, and scrub area we have
pulled away from forested areas to include less than 100 acres. We had a consultant look at the wetland
areas which lined up with the forested areas and have avoided those. There still may be some tweaks in
the lines that are provided as some information has not come in from the same consultant.
Town Board Minutes Page 6 June 14, 2022
Now that we have received the award from NYSERDA we want to enter into the permitting
process which includes all of the public e ngage me nt with the towns a nd residents. Someone printed out
the multi-page overview of the ORES (Office of Renewable Energy Siting) process for hand outs which
talks about the coordination meeting and requirements for that. We are hopeful we can get that meeting
within the next few weeks or sometime this month to stay on track. Right now, we are looking at getting
our application in right arou nd the e nd of the year which gives us suffic ie nt amou nt of time to get feedback
from boards, planning boards a nd the public to try and tweak the project as best we ca n regarding setbacks
etcetera. We wanted to be here to address any questions you may have on this or the ORES process that
we can answer.
Councilperson Klumpp -How many l andown ers within the Town of Groton have you signed with?
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar -I think it is 10.
Councilperson Klumpp -How lon g does the State approval process take?
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar -From the time that we submit the application, from there they have
a 60 day window to determine if the application is complete and I believe it is a year from there is what
we expect.
Supervisor Scheffler -Will you set up the public meetings or are we going to have to set them up, what
will be the process?
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar -We would be happy to set them up ourselves, we would love the
cooperation from the Town Board for getting the message out. As there are two towns involved, we
thought it would be best to ho st them ourselves and invite people from both towns, so we are not havin g
to send people from Groton to the Lansing Town Hall a nd Lansing people to the Groton Town Hall. We
will probably rent a space locally and host those.
Fran Casullo, Attorney for the Town -What I hav e suggested to Don Scheffler, yesterday I had a
discussion with the Lansing Town attorney and we both agreed that it is probably the time now for both
Supervisors to meet with the Supervisor from Lansing to discuss some parameters and how they want to
do it. I think that will be within the next week or two where they meet to get together on some things.
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar -It would be great to make s ure everyo ne is gettin g the same
information.
Fran Casullo, Attorney for the Town -I think that is the key to make sure we are getti ng as much
information out to the public as possible.
Councilperson Clark -How do you answer the question as to what happens to these panels once they
hav e reac hed the e nd of their life span, what is it 20 years?
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar -20-30 years is the standard expectatio n, right now we are fully
expecting there is a panel recycling industry that is getting started up in the United States and growing. I
know of at least one company in New York, in the Binghamton a rea that is doing battery and so lar
recycling. Our expectation will be when these modules get pulled from the system that they will be going
to some recycling plant like that.
Town Board Minutes Page 7 June 14, 2022
Councilperson Gamel -That is 20 -30 years down the road, and if you remember when eve rythin g went
to recycling, we were told everythin g will get recycled. Now every commerc ial on TV tells us only 9%
of the plastic gets recycled even if it goes to the recycling plant. So, what is going to really happened 20
-30 years from now?
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar -I think the difference is for the solar modules, there are some plastic
in them, but they are made up of pretty marketable materials. I ca n 't speak to what the market of copper,
silver and silicon will be in 20 years but the intent and understanding and goal will be to recycle those
materials back into the eco nomy.
Councilperson Clark -Will you replace them?
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar -No, as far as we are concerned this is a project with a specific useful
life 25 or 30 years.
Councilperson Gamel -What is your lease time with the landowners?
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar -We can go out to a maximum of 40 years.
Councilperson Gamel -So it is a 20-year lease with the option of extending it?
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar -Yes.
Councilperson Clark -What will you do with the brackets, wiring, poles when you are done?
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar -It all gets pulled out either by a co ntractor hired by the system who
owns it at that time, or a contractor that is hired by the towns using the money that has been set aside for
that project.
Councilperson Gamel -Who establi shes that decommissioning co ntract?
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar -We post the security, and the decommissioning plan fund is reviewed
and agreed upon by the ORES process.
Councilperson Gamel -Do we have any control on that contract?
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar -You will absolutely hav e the opportunity to review and provide
comments and id eally ...
Fran Casullo, Attorney for the Town -I think what they are asking Mitch is, would they have the final
say?
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar-No. The State would have the final say on the decommissioning plan
approval which is the case with most of the ORES process. The ORES process comes with a lot of hang
ups, our goal is to try and work closely with the towns to work through those hang ups as much as possible
before the ORES has to weigh in on anything. We have negotiated decommissioning agreeme nt s with
towns before on smaller projects, outside of the ORES process and have been successfu l with that. We
Town Board Minutes Page8 June 14, 2022
typically will hire an engineer to review our estimate and the town will hire an engineer to review that
estimate. Or they do their own and we will discuss and make sure concerns are handled.
Councilperson Gamel -My concern, right now, it costs twice as much to build a house as it did five
years ago. It is very difficult to put a dollar amount on something that far in the future. I would rather have
something that says, at the end of this process, this stuff is going to go away. I don't care about a dollar
figure, I don't care how much it's going to cost you or another owner at that point, I just want to make
sure that it is in there that whatever has to happen, is going to happen. Is that something you do?
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar-Absolutely, the way the bond and the way the decommissioning plans
will all be written at the end of the project life, the reason for the bond is if at the end of the project life, if
the owner has gone bankrupt or defaulted or not available for whatever reason that bond is held there by
a much more financially stable company. The last case scenario.
Councilperson Gamel -Put yourself in our position. I don't think that last case scenario is that much of
a last case scenario. 20 years from now, if I am the company that owns it and I think it's going to cost
twice as much as it did, I wash my hands of it and that puts it back on us. The onus is on us to come up
with money to finish off the decommissioning process, yes with the funds that were put in that contract,
but we have come up with the funds beyond that.
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar-The way we traditionally deal with that is we place it in the permit
annually with the bond that the estimate needs to refresh every so often whether it be every two or three
years or five years. An engineer has to redo the estimate or else the bond is invalid.
Fran Casullo, Attorney for the Town -Correct me if I am wrong, with the bond, isn't there a certain
period of time that the bond has to be reviewed to make sure it is keeping up with the marketplace?
Councilperson Gamel-Who takes care of that bond if they sell it a year from now, is the new owner
responsible for keeping up with that bond?
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar-The bond would be in the name of the project company. If the project
changes hands that bond is still tied to whoever is owning the project. Now in the event, say at the five
year mark, that bond needs to be refreshed and whoever that company is at the time, refuses to refresh it,
that would be a violation of the permit and therefore the bond would be five years out of date at that point
in terms of the number but the bond at that point, could be used to decommission the project if the project
was in violation of the permit. It would never be twenty years out of date it would only be at most whatever
number was agreed upon.
Fran Casullo, Attorney for the Town -I think there are a lot of issues that need to be addressed and
understood. The public needs to have direct knowledge to understand this. As this project will be joint, in
Lansing and Groton , the time has come to where we need to speak with Lansing to find out if we are on
the same page.
Supervisor Scheffler -I agree it would be in everyone's best interest to meet. Are there any more
questions?
Councilperson Gamel-Based on the size of your grid how many New York homes annually will this
system power?
Town Board Minutes Page9
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar-We are estimating right now, a little over 32,000.
Supervisor Scheffler -So, three quarters of Tomkins County homes.
June 14, 2022
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar-It is certainly a significant impact, significant project with its positive
sides which that energy is one of them but we are trying to take seriously the impacts of the other side of
that as well.
Councilperson Klumpp -How many solar projects of this size, or even half of this size have been
constructed south of Rockland County?
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar -No projects of this size have been constructed in New York.
Councilperson Klumpp -Even half this size? Or even a third of this size.
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar -The largest single project that has been constructed to date is an
eighth of this size. A 20MW utility scale in Washington county.
Councilperson Gamel -Your company or any company? I thought one of the maps you sent us had this
fifth on the list?
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar -That may have been projects approved by NYSERDA not yet
constructed. There are some other projects that are amalgamation of a few sma11er projects that are a little
bit larger. One in Jefferson County that is ....
Councilperson Gamel -I thought there were some up near Buffalo that were a couple of 320 -350mw.
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar -Those are all under development still, not yet constructed. As far as
I know the first projects that are similar in size, above a hundred megawatts will be going under
construction sometime later this year or early next year. This program that NYSERDA does projects
through, has only started in 2017 and the permitting process, interconnection process takes quite a long
time. The bigger the project, the longer it takes.
Councilperson Klumpp-Are you familiar with what projects are in the works?
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar -At a high level, I don't know everyone off the top of my head , but I
try to keep up with ....
Councilperson Klumpp -How many large-scale projects are in the works for Long Island, Rockland
County, South of Rockland County?
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar-Of this scale? None. Land Availability is ...
Councilperson Klumpp -So for most of the State Level legislatures that are promoting this level of green
energy, they are not from districts that have these solar arrays going in?
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar-That would probably be true . I don't know the numbers but yes . That
is a complicated issue because obviously those downstate counties are using a lot of the electricity these
Town Board Minutes Page 10 June 14, 2022
projects are creating but by the same token, they were also using a lot of the electricity that the natural gas
plants or hydro were creating that are were also located upstate.
Councilperson Klumpp -I am not asking you to defend it I was just making a very valid point.
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar -I don't disagree with you. I think there are unfortunate realities of
making these projects viable that make it easier to build them up state than downstate.
Councilperson Gamel -Are there any future plans to start thinking about, as I have said before, there are
Lowes, Home Depot in eve ry town across the state a nd doing rooftop so lar instead of taking farmland or
forested land?
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar -Rooftop solar is a really important piece of the mix of the State's
goal s of trying to get to 70 % by 2030. In terms of the dollar per dollar efficie ncy and trying to get the
gree n e nergy on the gr id , that this is the most efficient for rate payers of New York. Rooftop solar is more
expensive than ground mount so lar.
Councilperson Gamel -I believe in the words of your company, it's really not about cost as much as it
is abo ut the enviro nm e nt right?
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar - I don't think I follow you.
Councilperson Gamel -It's about getting green energy, not abo ut the cost of it. If it costs a littl e more
to put it on a rooftop, rather than take forest land or farm land , isn't the point to have green energy as
opposed to fossil fuels? Isn't that your whole goal?
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar-It is certainly one of my goal s.
Councilperson Gamel -It's really not about the consumer then, it's about the company putting it in.
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar -I do not set the in ce ntive s that NYSERDA does. There are states that
have much stronger incentives for parking lot solar a nd rooftop solar. There are a Jot of those incentives
in place for smaller scale solar in New York. The goals that the State has set and the amount of generation
that is needed can't be accomplished through those means alone. These utility scale projects are part of
the mix that needs to happ e n in order to make the switc h . I think that's the impetus behind it. I don't mean
to belittle it at all.. ...
Councilperson Gamel -We have some agriculture utilitarian's here in the audience that I know are here
for that very reason because they hate to see good crop l a nd or good forest l a nd taken for clea n energy. It
is kind of an oxymoron to clear cut forest to put in green energy. It makes no sense to me at all and that is
why I would push for rooftop. NY City has lots of rooftops.
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar -If I were making c ha nges at the state level , I would try to do the
same . We aJl have our rolJs to play. While utility scale projects like this are impactful and while they do
obviously create all of these impacts that we are discussing tonight, they are still the best bang for your
buck in getti ng this power onto the grid .
Town Board Minutes Page 11 June 14, 2022
Councilperson Young -You also said there would be an opportunity for community agreements to be
able to negotiate and assist the community with things that they may need.
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar -Absolutely, over the course of the projects lifetime, we would expect
a minimum of 15 to 20 million dollars of payments of the combination of property taxes and agreements
between the County, School district and Town s . In terms of that money , some of that is already allocated
hopefully to the pilots itself, that portion that can be allocated to the community host agreements for
specific projects that the town has in mind. In one instance we worked with a town to provide them funds
and our construction labor and equipment to erect a park within the town . There is a lot of flexibility to
work with the town on tho se items.
Councilperson Klumpp -What is the black hatched area on the map?
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar -That would be areas that the landowner did not wish us to build upon.
They wanted to keep for future wood lot or was better for their tenant farmer.
Councilperson Klumpp -Is there a stormwater plan?
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar -We don't have that yet, that will be part of the ORES application
submis sion. The town will have the opportunity to review that prior to the submission but we don 't have
that yet.
Mitch Quine, Yellow Barn Solar -We will look out for the coordination from Don or Fran after you
have had the opportunity to speak with Lansing and look forward to the next steps. If it 's ok I will leave
a sign up sheet for a new sletter for people who would like to do that.
RESOLUTION #22-048-STANDARD WORK DAY AND REPORTING RESOLUTION FOR
THE TOWN CLERK AND HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT
WHEREAS, The Town Board of the Town of Groton ha s audited the record of activities for the
Highway Superintendent and Town Clerk and,
WHEREAS, it is the finding of the Town Board that both positions meet the retirement standards of a 8
hour workday,
Be hereby RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Groton declares that the Highway
Superintendent and Town Clerk positions qualify as 8 hour per workday for the purposes of New York
State Retirement.
Motion by Supervi sor Scheffler, seco nded by Councilperson Gamel ,
Ayes -Clark, Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler
Nays -Resolution Passed
Town Board Minutes Page 12 June 14, 2022
Standard Social X Current Record of X If
Title Work Name Security NYSLRS ID : if Term Begins Activities Record
Tier Not Day # 1 & Ends Result Submitted
Elected Officia ls
Town Clerk 8 Robin Cargian - -
1/1/2022 21 .66 12/31/2025
Highway 8 Ellard Keister - -
1/1/2022 -27 .71 Superintendent 12/31/2025
Cintas Contract:
Supervisor Scheffler -The matt/rug cleaning contract is up and we have been offered a contract for 60
months. While the price has gone down, I did not want to s ign this without board approval as we have
previously had bad experiences doing that.
Councilperson Klumpp -Didn't we decide we would do just one-year contracts? I'm all for doing just
one year.
Councilperson Gamel -Tell them we want one year at a time and we want that price.
Councilperson Young -You can ask but by next year, the price w ill be different.
MOTION #22-049--APPROVE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN CINTAS CONTRACT IF
NEGOTIATED TO A ONE YEAR EXPIRATION.
MOVED by Councilperson Gamel, seconded by Councilperson Clark, to approve the Supervisor sign
the Cintas contract for rug cleaning contract subject to negotiating it to a one-year contract.
Ayes -Clark, Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler
Nays -
Privilege of the Floor: No one wished to speak.
Announcements:
• Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting, Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at 7:00 pm
• Planning Board Meeting, Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 7:30 pm
• Primary Day is June 28, 2022
• Special Elections August 23, 2022 to fill a vacant Congress ional Seat
• Fire Camp is July 11-13 th .
• Fireworks are July 151 and the rain date is July 8th .
Resolution Passed
There being no further business, Councilperson Gamel moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilperson
Clark, at 8:45 pm. Unanimous.
Robin Cargian, RMC
Town Clerk/Tax Collector
June 15, 2022
1
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING
June 15, 2022
A Regular Meeting of the Lansing Town Board was held at the Town Hall Board Room,
29 Auburn Road, Lansing, NY, and streamed live on YouTube on the above date at
6:30 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Edward LaVigne, Supervisor, and opened
with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Roll call by Deborah K. Munson, Town Clerk,
showed the following to be
PRESENT:
Andra Benson, Councilperson (left 9:26pm) Ruth Groff, Councilperson
Bronwyn Losey, Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, Councilperson
Edward LaVigne, Supervisor
ABSENT: No one absent
ALSO PRESENT: Patrick Tyrrell, Parks and Recreation Supervisor, Mike Moseley,
Highway Superintendent, Mitch Quine and Sage Ezell, C.S. Energy, Greg Mezey, and a
few other attendees
ALSO PRESENT REMOTELY: Guy Krogh, Town Counsel, C.J. Randall, Director of
Planning, and Mary Ellen Albrecht, Bookkeeper
MOTION TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED LOCAL LAW
NO. 5 OF 2022 – VIDEOCONFERENCING LAW FOR TOWN MEETINGS
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, moved to OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON
PROPOSED LOCAL LAW NO. 5 OF 2022 – VIDEOCONFERENCING LAW
FOR TOWN MEETINGS at 6:32 pm.
Councilperson Ruth Groff seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
No one addressed the Town Board.
MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING
All persons desiring to be heard, having been heard, Councilperson Andra Benson,
moved to CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED LOCAL LAW NO. 5
OF 2022 – VIDEOCONFERENCING LAW FOR TOWN MEETINGS at 6:35 pm.
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ADOPTING VIDEOCONFERENCING LOCAL
LAW #5 of 2022 and ADOPTING AND APPROVING TOWN POLICY
THEREUNDER
RESOLUTION 22-97
RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ADOPTING VIDEOCONFERENCING LOCAL
LAW #5 of 2022 and ADOPTING AND APPROVING TOWN POLICY
THEREUNDER
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, Public Officers Law (“POL”) Article 7, being the Open Meetings Law
(“OML”), was amended in 2022 to amend and update rules for members of public bodies
to allow, under certain defined conditions, a limited number of members thereof to attend
public meetings remotely by videoconferencing, and in order to implement POL § 103-a
the Town of Lansing is required to adopt such rules by local law and implement a town
policy for the same; and
June 15, 2022
2
WHEREAS, this local law gives the town board, the planning board, the board of zoning
appeals, the conservation advisory council, the board of ethics, and the other public and
non-public bodies and committees of the town the authority to participate in meetings via
videoconferencing in a manner consistent with the town’s videoconferencing policy and
the authority granted in POL § 103-a; and
WHEREAS, this matter has been reviewed and deemed a Type II Action under SEQRA
such that no further environmental review is mandated or required; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was duly noticed and held at the Lansing Town Hall on the
15th day of June 2022, whereat all persons interested in the subject matter of this local law
were duly heard, and after due deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of
Lansing has hereby RESOLVED as follows:
1. Local Law Number 5 of 2022, being a local law entitled as the “Videoconferencing
Local Law”, be and hereby is approved and adopted in the form as presented to this
meeting, and in such form “be it so enacted.”
2. In accord with the Municipal Home Rule Law, the final adopted version of this local
law shall be filed with the Town Clerk, and the said Town Clerk shall file the same within
20 days hereof, electronically or otherwise, with the New York State Department of State,
Division of Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial Code, One Commerce
Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12231, as required by Municipal Home
Rule Law.
3. The videoconferencing rules and policies as presented to this meeting entitled
“Videoconferencing Policy of the Town of Lansing” be and hereby is adopted effective
immediately this 15th day of June 2022.
4. The town board may hereafter amend such videoconferencing policy from time-to-
time by resolution of the town board, including whenever mandated by good practice or
further amendments to or interpretations of the OML. All boards, committees, councils,
and other public bodies of the Town of Lansing are encouraged to implement these policies
and report upon any changes or amendments as may be recommended or needed for their
respective body.
5. Non-public advisory committees that fall outside of the mandates of the OML may
continue to meet remotely in any manner as is permitted or not prohibited by law.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, duly seconded by Councilperson Andra Benson, and put
to a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Andra Benson – Aye Councilperson Ruth Groff – Aye
Councilperson Bronwyn Losey – Aye Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye
Supervisor Edward LaVigne – Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on June
15, 2022.
VIDEOCONFERENCING LOCAL LAW
Local Law No 5 of the year 2022
Town of Lansing, County of Tompkins, New York
A local law authorizing the Town Board, and other boards, agencies, councils, and
committees of the Town of Lansing to use videoconferencing technology to
participate in public meetings pursuant to Public Officers Law § 103-a, the
Municipal Home Rule Law, the Town Law, and other provisions of New York
State laws and regulations, rulings, and authorities thereunder.
June 15, 2022
3
Section 1. Legislative Intent. It is the intent of this local law to give the town
board, the planning board, the board of zoning appeals, the conservation advisory
council, the board of ethics, and the other public and non-public bodies and
committees of the town, be they advisory in nature or otherwise, the authority to
participate in meetings via videoconference in a manner consistent with the town’s
videoconferencing policy and the authority granted in Public Officers Law
§ 103-a.
Section 2. Authority. This local law is adopted pursuant to Public Officers Law
§ 103-a, which expressly authorizes the town board to adopt a local law giving the
town board, and all public bodies and agencies of the Town of Lansing, the
authority to participate in meetings via videoconference from locations not
accessible to the public, so long as, when required by the Open Meetings Law
(Public Officers Law Article 7), or other requirements of New York State law: (i) a
quorum of the board/body participates from locations where the public may be
physically present; and (ii) all other requirements of the Public Officers Law are
met and the conditions of this local law and the Town Videoconferencing Policy
are properly met.
Section 3. Videoconferencing for Public Meetings. The Town Board of the Town
of Lansing hereby authorizes members of the town board, the planning board, the
board of zoning appeals, the conservation advisory council, the board of ethics,
and the other public and non-public bodies and committees of the town, be they
advisory in nature or otherwise, to participate in meetings using
videoconferencing technology in a manner consistent with Public Officers Law
§ 103-a and the town’s videoconferencing policy, as adopted and amended, from
time-to-time, by the town board.
Section 4. Severability. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, or part of
this Local Law or the application thereof to any person, firm or corporation, or
circumstance, shall be adjudged by any court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction
to be invalid or unconstitutional, such order or judgment shall not affect, impair,
or invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its operation to the
clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, or part of this Local Law or in its
application to the person, individual, firm or corporation or circumstance, directly
involved in the controversy in which such judgment or order was rendered.
Section 5. Effective Date. This local law shall take effect immediately.
PRESENTATION – YELLOW BARN SOLAR UPDATE – CS ENERGY –
MITCH QUINE
Stated the following:
Generate wholesale electricity
160 mega watts
Power for 30,000 homes
About 800 acres – 25% Town of Lansing, 75% Town of Groton
Map given to Town Board showing current plan
Received award from New York State Energy Resource and Development
Authority (NYSERDA)
Goals – next steps
o New York State permitting process
o Coordination meeting with Town Supervisor
Public engagement
o Coordinate meeting with Town of Lansing and Town of Groton together
o Submit information to New York State by end of 2022
o Construction 2024
o Operational 2026
June 15, 2022
4
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – GUIDELINES
Available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
The public shall be allowed to speak only during the Public Comment / Privilege of the
Floor period of the meeting, or during public hearings, or when they have reserved and
been granted time upon the agenda.
Speakers must be recognized by the presiding officer (or his or her designee) and step to
the front of the room.
Speakers must give their name and state whether they are speaking as a resident, a
member of the public, or for any other person or organization.
Speakers must limit their remarks to 3 minutes, and comments unrelated to the subject
matter of the public hearing are not allowed.
Speakers may not yield any remaining time they may have to another speaker.
With the permission of the presiding officer a Board or committee member may interrupt
a speaker for the purpose of clarification or information (and not for any other reason or
to debate or disagree). Such time shall not be counted against the speaker’s 3-minute
limit.
All remarks shall be addressed to the Board or committee as a body and not to any
member thereof, nor to any member of the public whether present at such public hearing
or not.
Speakers shall observe the commonly accepted rules of courtesy, decorum, dignity and
good taste.
Interested parties or their representatives may address the Board by written
communications. Written documents and evidence may be submitted as part of the
record of the public hearing.
Persons who exceed 3 minutes, violate rules of courtesy, decorum, dignity or good taste,
or deliberately or by their behavior interfere with other person’s right to comment or
participate in the public hearing, or who deliberately or by their behavior interfere with
governmental administration will be cut off, removed, or have non-recognized comments
removed from the record, or any combination of the above. Before a comments or
statements will be excised from the record, the speaker will be verbally warned that they
are in violation of the rules for this public hearing.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – COMMENTS
(Available in person and via Zoom)
Lansing Harbor – Greg Mezey
Request waiver for mass gathering permit and fees
Hosting eleven (11) concerts for their boaters
Band last summer – 25 to 50 people attended
Attendance should be below mass gathering of 200 people
Potential fees could total $2,200
LANSING COMMUNITY LIBRARY REPORT – CHRISTINE EISENHUT
Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting
packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
TOWN BOARD UPDATES
FROM THE LANSING COMMUNITY LIBRARY
June 15, 2022
June 15, 2022
5
1. The kickoff for summer reading is Saturday, June 18th at 11:00 am. The theme
this year is Oceans of Possibilities. There will be many different activities
planned throughout the summer. Please check the library’s website for details.
2. On display throughout the month of June will be the artwork of Patrisha Heaton.
There will be an artist reception on June 14th from 5-6pm.
3. Instructor John Burger will be hosting T’ai Chi classes at the Community
Center on Fridays from 10:30-11:30am.
4. Story time will be held on Thursdays at 11:00am at the Community Center.
5. Pages to Projects – Book Selection – The Trouble with Chickens by Dorren
Cronin.
6. The Tween Book Club selection is –The Great Treehouse War by Lisa Gruff.
7. The library continues to provide free delivery to Woodsedge.
8. Book donations are now being accepted during open hours. Exceptions -
textbooks, encyclopedias, Readers’ Digest Books, or magazines. Donation
receipt forms are available.
9. The library has an Empire Pass and passes to the Museum of the Earth and the
Cayuga Nature Center available for check out. Board games, puzzles, story time
kits, and STEAM kits are also available.
10. The library is distributing free self-test COVID-19 kits, antibacterial wipes and
N95 masks to Lansing households.
11. The LCL’s Wi-Fi is not password protected. The community is welcome to
park in the lot to access the Internet.
LANSING YOUTH SERVICES REPORT – MEGHAN LYONS
Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting
packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
Lansing Youth Services
Town Board Report
June 2022
LYS’s next meeting will in-person on June 16th at 6pm at Salt Point. The group will not
meet in July or August. September 15th will be the first meeting after the summer. No
town reports will be sent until then.
1. Flight Fanatics: Participants in Flight Fanatics have been busy making paper
airplanes, as well as launchers for them. They have participated in competitions,
enjoyed free flying and challenging each other. The history of gliders was
introduced prior to making all aircraft. Final projects of solid fuel rockets are in
process and launch day is highly anticipated. 8 youth served.
2. Outdoor Adventure: Outdoor Adventure has been building shelters, specifically
debris huts. The group shelter is also being carefully attended to, with everyone
participating at their own pace to help the group. One skill practiced most days is
identifying fish observed migrating up Salmon Creek. 8 youth served
3. Photo Voice: A unique opportunity for youth, participants have engaged in
discussions about their community and gave thought to what it could benefit
from. The group brainstormed ideas and dreams for Lansing and have been taking
June 15, 2022
6
pictures and writing to represent their ideas. The group is excited to see their ideas
be passed along and shared. 13 youth served
4. Fish Finders: Fishing on the shore of Cayuga Lake takes place every day. Participants
have been testing different bait types, locations, and loving every moment of
it. Although fishing is the focus, the sport allows for lots of time for conversation
and jokes. Lots of jokes. 7 youth served.
5. LYS met on May 19th at All Saints. The group reviewed the Spaghetti Supper. So far,
this event has raised $1129.
6. Upcoming Event: LYS Fishing Derby June 18th at Myers Park 7:30am-11:00am.
Volunteers are needed. Please email Travis Judd if there is any interest
ttj22@cornell.edu
7. Travis worked with youth on a DEI statement. It reads, as the following: "LYS is for
anyone, including LGBTQ+. We try to make everyone feel chill, have a chance to
get away from siblings and enjoy a break from life. LYS benefits us because it is a
place for people/humans who want to have fun, laugh, and try new things."
8. Meghan Guerra Lyons (TCYSD Liaison) reviewed the survey questions and edited
the survey to fit the needs of Lansing. The survey will continue to be pushed
throughout the month of June via the school and Town. The link for the survey is:
https://forms.gle/JCHpNAU4WRGxMw899 . Currently Lansing has 27 responses.
The survey is for any adult who lives or works in Lansing.
QR Code for survey:
9. Meghan has drafted a guideline for Youth Focus Groups. Coordination with Stacy
Kropp at the school has begun.
LYS 2022 Goals:
1. Create orientation packet for new members - outlines of fiscal revenue and funded
programs. Set expectations to visit programs/uniform template to monitor
programs.
2. Conduct community needs assessment (focus on impacts of the pandemic).
3. Use DEI statement to track metrics and funded programs.
4. Incorporate more youth input at meetings for feedback into program decisions.
TOMPKINS COUNTY LEGISLATOR REPORT – MIKE SIGLER
Submitted the following report to the Town Board.
Tompkins County Legislator
Michael Sigler
June 15, 2022
Hello! I’m sorry I cannot be with you tonight. The elementary school is having a coral
concert my daughter is in. I want to thank Daniel Recckio whose reports I draw liberally
from.
As you likely know, the bridge on 34B is expected to open next month! Brickyard Road
was heavily used during the last two years and is showing it. The County plans to repave
that next year and will widen the shoulders so it’s safer for walking etc.
June 15, 2022
7
NYSERDA approved funding for the Yellow Barn Solar project you’ll be hearing about
tonight. I’ve been talking with the company all along. I’ll be interested in seeing their
map and will watch the board meeting on YouTube later.
The County recognized LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Tompkins. Our proclamation
celebrated “the equal dignity of all Tompkins County citizens,” and instructed all County
flagpoles to fly the Pride/Rainbow flag during the month of June. Legislator Greg Mezey
(D-Dryden) stated, “We have a lot of work [to do] toward equality and progress. I’d
encourage people to have an open heart and mind, be willing to learn and listen, and ask
tough questions – it’s okay to ask questions, it’s okay to not understand, it’s okay to give
support and gain understanding. We should do that the next 11 months out of the year as
well.”
We are also celebrating Juneteenth this month and will be closed Monday. For more
information on the Juneteenth week activities,
visit: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/NYTOMPKINS/bulletins/31a15d6.
Tompkins County Sheriff Derek Osborne and Community Justice Center Project Director
Monalita Smiley joined the meeting to share updates on Reimagining Public Safety.
Smiley shared an update that the Collaborative is continuing to work through details on
the Community Justice Center contract and is resuming work on several plans including
the Community Healing Plan. Sheriff Osborne shared a presentation detailing his office’s
unarmed pilot program, one of the nearly twenty Reimagining Public Safety plans. This
is a three-year pilot program to handle several non-emergency calls for service with
unarmed Sheriff’s Clerks. Call types included in the program are car v. deer motor
vehicle accidents, traffic issues and complaints, property complaints and lost DMV items
such as driver’s licenses, intakes of vacant property check requests, fraud and telephone
scams, larceny or thefts with no suspects, and noise complaints. The Sheriff’s Clerks are
scheduled to start in mid-June and will be trained over the next month leading up to the
launch of the program.
A public hearing was held regarding a local law allowing the County to continue to hold
virtual public meetings. The local law passed (13-1, Legislator Henry Granison (D-
Ithaca) opposed) and will allow for Legislators to join the meetings remotely only in
extraordinary circumstances while a quorum of members must be physically present but
will allow for staff and members of the public to join meetings remotely via zoom.
A resolution declaring support for the New York State Draft Climate Action Council
Scoping Plan passed 11-3 with Legislators Mike Sigler (R-Lansing), Randy Brown (R-
Newfield), and Lee Shurtleff (R-Groton) opposed, with Sigler citing the “unrealistic
goals” in the document and a lack of protection for active farmland and little information
on nuclear power. The scoping plan would commit New York State to reducing
greenhouse gas emissions and “ensure a just and equitable transition that leaves no one
behind, and dedicate up to 40 percent of the benefits of clean energy investments to
Disadvantaged Communities.” Legislator Anne Koreman (D-Ulysses) defended the plan
stating, “I think we need to do something really ambitious because we have a short
amount of time to address this crisis.” The main reason I voted against this is it’s not as
ambitious as Legislator Koreman suggests. Its thoughts on power generation are severely
lacking and will not get us anywhere near where we need to be. An energy plan without
realistic energy generation is not a plan.
Thank you for having me again and I hope to see you all soon.
PARKS AND RECREATION REPORT – PATRICK TYRRELL
Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting
packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
Parks & Recreation
6/15/22
Town Board Meeting
June 15, 2022
8
RECREATION
LBP (youth baseball) and LSP (youth softball) wrapped up the season on Super
Saturday June 11th.
Myers Park Day Camp is set to begin at the end of the month, it is going to be the
biggest ever.
Travel baseball and softball begin this week.
The new website is up and running, we have had several people give us positive
feedback that it is much simpler to use and navigate. It is also much easier on the
back end for us to change and add to.
Field usage has been in high demand this Spring, we have hosted several soccer
groups as well as lacrosse. We are planning to increase our field space next to the
old town barn by the end of the year.
It has become increasingly difficult to find shirts, uniforms, and hats for our teams
to wear, everything is backordered.
PARKS
We had an amazing car show at Myers Park on June 5th, we had 108 cars enter the
show. It was a great fundraiser for our youth cheerleading. Thank you to Lisa
Munro for organizing this event.
On August 13th we will have THE DESTINATION BAND in Myers Park for a
huge fundraiser for Lansing Lunchbox Program.
We have been dealing with several water issues at Myers Park that you may have
noticed because we have had to dig up several water lines. We have finally
resolved the issue by by-passing one section of pinched line. Thank you to Bolton
Point for all your assistance.
Our marina channel lights have finally arrived (after being backordered several
months) we installed those this week.
We have reviewed the bids for the Myers Park Project and have made our
decision. We ended up receiving 5 proposals.
Lansing Center Trail has had a couple volunteers come forward to help with
mowing, they started last week.
Camping and pavilions continue to be in high demand, pavilions more so over the
last few weeks.
Backorders on equipment and supplies continue to be frustrating for our team.
Congratulations, to the Finger Lakes Land Trust on the closing on the Bell Station
property.
Pat also reported:
Fundraiser
Destination Band at Myers Park - August 13th benefit is for Lansing Lunchbox
and St. Georges Church.
Parks, Recreation and Trails Master Plan
For special events vehicles will still be able to drive around the circle in Myers
Park.
HIGHWAY REPORT – MICHAEL MOSELEY
Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting
packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
HIGHWAY REPORT
June 15, 2022
Water & Sewer
Repaired water main breaks and repaired inflow and infiltration issue at the
manhole on Warren Road, across from NYS DOT facility.
Road Maintenance
Salmon Creek project of adding medium and light stone fill to protect road
June 15, 2022
9
Surfaced/treated 13.4 miles of road with stone and oil
Hot mix patch work
Ongoing roadside mowing
Shoulder repair
Hydroseeding
Myers Park
Working with Tompkins County Soil & Water and D.E.C to repair damage in
Myers Park caused by ice jam.
Mike also reported:
Supplies
Black top – budgeted $75 per ton, currently $93.50 per ton
Myers Park damage from ice jam
Have permit to do the repair work, hope to start next week
Snake Road (Ludlowville Road)
Waiting to hear from Engineering firm
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING REPORT – C.J. RANDALL
Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting
packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
CORE PLANNING FUNCTIONS
Data and GIS Services
o Discontinued coronavirus outbreak virtual meeting protocol for
Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings,
respectively; virtual meeting option continues for all advisory
committees
o Staff reviewed General Building Permit Application and Inspection
Information for inclusion on new website on 5/17
o Staff attended Municode website training on 5/20
Planning Board staff support
o Coordinated and attended Project Review Committee meeting on
5/5
o Reviewed Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway Overlay District background
information and geographic extent prepared by Conservation
Advisory Council on 5/9
o Dandy Mart convenience (mini) mart – 7 Ridge Rd – Site Plan
Review
SEQRA Declaration of Lead Agency on 5/23
Stormwater Management
o SMO posted annual MS4 report to Town website on 5/10
Zoning Board of Appeals staff support
o No 5/10 meeting
Training
o All staff attended Core PESH training (virtually) on 5/10
o Attended NYSDPS Electric System Planning virtual technical
conference on 5/13
Coordinated and attended monthly Department Head meeting on 5/4
Coordinated and attended Water & Sewer Advisory Committee meeting
on 5/4
No Tompkins County Planning Advisory Board (PAB) meeting on 5/10
Attended Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council (ITCTC)
Planning Committee meeting on 5/17
June 15, 2022
10
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Coordinated and attended Capital Improvement Committee meeting on
5/11
o Myers Park Project: Prepared and circulated A/E design services
Request for Proposal Addenda on 5/20;
o Open space index and Conservation Plan: Coordinated review of
agreement on 5/3
o Salmon Creek Streambank Stabilization Project: Reviewed draft
Hazard Mitigation Program Grant application with Tompkins County
Soil & Water Conservation District and Highway Department on 5/2,
5/3, and 5/20
o Coordinated with OpenGov on 5/3, 5/20, 5/23
LAND USE WORK PROGRAM
Q4 2021 – Q3 2022 Scope of work and schedule of adoption located at:
https://bit.ly/RAZoningupdate
Zoning and Land Use Regulations Update
o Prepared revised draft text and map amendments for Agricultural
(AG) Zoning District review at Code Revision Committee meeting
on 5/5
o Staff reviewed Agricultural (AG) Zoning District text on 5/12
COMMITTEE MANAGEMENT
Broadband Committee staff support
o Coordinated committee review of Charter Franchise Renewal and
Audit and attended 5/3 meeting
Conservation Advisory Council staff support
o Attended meeting on 5/5
TOWN CLERK REPORT – DEBBIE MUNSON
Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting
packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
TOWN CLERK
JUNE 15, 2022
Water and Sewer Payments
May was very busy collecting water and sewer payments. Total bills: 1740 of which 271
were emailed (new service from Bolton Point). Bills paid by credit cards and e-checks:
253
New York State Association of Tax Receivers & Collectors
Debbie and Jessie attended the conference in Ithaca, NY, June 13 and 14, 2022.
Attended informative classes pertaining to tax collection. Association of Towns is
always outstanding. Jay Franklin, Director of Assessment, Tompkins County did an
excellent presentation on assessments. Other speakers presented interesting information
regarding “sharpen your memory” and “latest banking fraud schemes”.
Real Property Tax Law §920 states: New York State Law provides that the Tax Receiver
cannot waive penalties on real estate taxes after the due date for any reason.
Huge thanks to Shelby for taking care of the office while we were at the conference.
Website
If anyone has trouble finding our documents on the new website, please contact us:
607-533-4142 or jhall@lansingtown.com.
June 15, 2022
11
CONSENT AGENDA
a. MOTION AUTHORIZING BOOKKEEPER TO ESTABLISH AN ANNUAL /
GENERAL ACCOUNT FOR THE BOARD OF ETHICS
MOTION M22-28
MOTION AUTHORIZING BOOKKEEPER TO ESTABLISH AN ANNUAL /
GENERAL ACCOUNT FOR THE BOARD OF ETHICS
Moved that, the Town of Lansing Bookkeeper is authorized to establish an account for
the Board of Ethics annual / general budget.
Board of Ethics shall be provided with the following resources and funding:
a) The Town Board may provide for the payment of expenses of the Board of Ethics
actually and necessarily incurred in the performance of its duties, subject to annual
or other appropriations by the Town Board.
b) The Town will provide $1,000 annually for communications and public meetings /
outreach to support the Board of Ethics with expenditures.
b. MOTION TO ALLOCATE FROM DB5112.400, ALLOCATION WILL BE
REIMBURSED BY PAVE OUR POTHOLES (POP) PROGRAM
MOTION M22-29
MOTION TO ALLOCATE FROM DB5112.400, ALLOCATION WILL BE
REIMBURSED BY PAVE OUR POTHOLES (POP) PROGRAM
Moved, to allocate $45,682.84 from DB5112.400 for product in repairing road surfaces,
allocation will be reimbursed in full by New York State Department of Transportation Pave
Our Potholes (POP) Program.
c. RESOLUTION SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED LOCAL
LAW NO. 6 OF 2022 – OVERRIDE TAX LEVY LIMIT ESTABLISHED IN
GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW § 3-C
RESOLUTION 22-98
RESOLUTION SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED LOCAL
LAW No. 6 OF 2022 A LOCAL LAW TO OVERRIDE THE TAX LEVY
LIMIT ESTABLISHED IN GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW § 3-C
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing is hereby authorized to adopt a
budget for the fiscal year 2023; and
WHEREAS, said proposed Local Law proposes: (1) to override the limit on the amount of
real property taxes that may be levied by the Town of Lansing, County of Tompkins
pursuant to General Municipal Law § 3-C (2) pursuant to Town Law Article 12-C,
governed by the Town Board for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2023 and ending
December 31, 2023 that requires a real property tax levy in excess of the “tax levy limit”
as defined by General Municipal Law § 3-C; and
WHEREAS, this proposed Local Law if adopted pursuant to subdivision 5 of General
Municipal Law § 3-C which expressly authorizes the Town Board to override the Tax Levy
Limit by the adoption of a Local Law approved by a vote of at least sixty percent (60%) of
the Town Board; and
WHEREAS, upon deliberation there upon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has
hereby
June 15, 2022
12
RESOLVED, that a Public Hearing will be held on the 20th day of July, 2022, at 6:31 pm,
to consider public input and comments upon such proposed Local Law, and to hear all
persons, at 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, NY, interested in the subject thereof, and to take
such action thereon as is required or permitted by law; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk of the Town of Lansing, Tompkins County, New York,
is hereby authorized and directed to cause a Notice of Public Hearing to be published in
the official newspaper of the Town of Lansing, and also to post a copy thereof on the Town
signboard maintained by the Town Clerk, in accord with the law.
d. RESOLUTION APPROVING AUDIT AND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
RESOLUTION 22-99
RESOLUTION APPROVING AUDIT and BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
The bills were reviewed by Councilperson Ruth Groff and Councilperson Joseph
Wetmore. The Bookkeeper is hereby authorized to pay the following bills and to make
the following budget modifications.
CONSOLIDATED ABSTRACT # 006
DATED 06/15/2022
AUDITED VOUCHER #’s 421 - 525
PREPAY VOUCHER #’s 421 - 426
AUDITED T & A VOUCHER #’s 34 - 40
PREPAY T & A VOUCHER #’s 34 - 36
FUND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS
GENERAL FUND (A&B) $ 226,019.26
HIGHWAY FUND (DA&DB) $ 106,973.27
ARPA FUNDS (HF) $ 175,200.67
LANSING LIGHTING (SL1, 2 &3) $ 1,415.70
LANSING WATER DISTRICTS (SW) $ 12,017.29
TRUST & AGENCY (TA) $ 60,162.38
WARREN & CHERRY RD SEWER DISTRICTS (SS1,3) $ 42,783.19
BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
June 15, 2022 MEETING
GENERAL FUND A
June 15, 2022
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
A599 A1940.400 From Fund Balance to Supervisor Contractual $ 70,843.48
Purchase of 2 Auburn Road
A5031 A599 From Interfund Transfer to Fund Balance $ 25,000.00
Motion #22-19- Bulkhead Marina Project
June 15, 2022
13
HIGHWAY FUND DB
June 15, 2022
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
DB5031 DB5110.400 From Interfund Transfer to Street Maintenance Contractual $ 24,799.33
Motion # 22-27- Highway
ARPA FUNDS
June 15, 2022
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
HF599 HF9901.9 From ARPA Fund Balance to Interfund Transfer $ 25,000.00
Motion #22-19- Bulkhead Marina Project
HF599 HF5110.400
From ARPA Fund Balance to Street Maintenance
Contractual Motion # 22-27- Highway $ 200,000.00
HF5110.400 HF9901.9 From Street Maintenance-Contractual to Interfund Transfer $ 24,799.33
To reimburse Hwy expenses
CHERRY ROAD SEWER
June 15, 2022
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
SS1-599
SS1-
8120.400 From Fund Balance to Sanitary Sewers Contractual $ 14,000.00
Additional Funds needed
CONSENT AGENDA MOTIONS M22-28 – M22-29 AND RESOLUTIONS
22-98 – 22-99
RESOLUTION 22-100
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of
Lansing has hereby
RESOLVED, that the Consent Agenda Motions M22-28 – M22-29 and Resolutions
22-98 – 22-99, are hereby approved as presented and amended, and
The question of the adoption of such proposed Consent Agenda Motions and Resolutions
were duly motioned by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, duly seconded by Councilperson
Andra Benson, and put to a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Andra Benson – Aye Councilperson Ruth Groff – Aye
Councilperson Bronwyn Losey – Aye Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye
Supervisor Edward LaVigne – Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolutions were approved, carried, and duly adopted on June
15, 2022.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TOWN SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE MYERS
PARK PROJECT ARCHITECTURAL / DESIGN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH M.J. ENGINEERING AND LAND SURVEYING, P.C. AND
MAKING SEQRA NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL
SIGNIFICANCE
Myers Park Clarification – Pat Tyrrell
The grant and this resolution cover:
Bathroom for camping
Bathroom in center of park
June 15, 2022
14
Tent campsites
Parking
Kayak and canoe storage / launch
RESOLUTION 22-101
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TOWN SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE MYERS
PARK PROJECT ARCHITECTURAL / DESIGN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH M.J. ENGINEERING AND LAND SURVEYING, P.C. AND
MAKING SEQRA NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL
SIGNIFICANCE
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, proposed improvements consist of several projects at Myers Park for
revitalization of recreational facilities adjacent to Cayuga Lake, including upgrading the
restroom facilities and pavilions for ADA accessibility and as private unisex facilities;
expanding opportunities for walkable public spaces for recreation and fitness; restoration
of the natural communities where land meets Cayuga Lake; and implementation of
Cayuga Lake Blueway Plan with ADA-accessible improvements to the kayak launch to
allow people who use non-motorized paddle craft (kayaks, canoes, standup paddleboards)
to access local business, recreation areas and to enjoy the beauty of the Finger Lakes
region by providing enhanced access for launching and docking paddle craft; and
WHEREAS, the Town applied for and was awarded funding in 2021 to implement the
Myers Park Project through the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic
Preservation (OPRHP) for a grant under the Environmental Protection Fund ($750,000
maximum award with 25% match required); and
WHEREAS, the Town Board, being the agency which has primary responsibility for
approving the action, did on July 21, 2021 declare itself the Lead Agency for the
environmental review of this Unlisted Action; and
WHEREAS, the Action is subject to review and approvals from other involved agencies
that include the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation
(OPRHP), and comments were received from that agency on January 6, 2022; and
WHEREAS, the Town’s Director of Planning has prepared and submitted for the Town
Board’s consideration and review Parts 1, 2, and 3 of a Short Environmental Assessment
Form describing the Action; and
WHEREAS, on February 16, 2022, the Town Board adopted a Resolution Authorizing
Acceptance of Funding from the New York State Office Of Parks, Recreation And
Historic Preservation Under the Title 9 of the Environmental Protection Act Of 1993, for
the Purpose of Funding the Myers Park Project; and
WHEREAS, on April 20, 2022, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing passed Motion
M22-23 Authorizing Issuance of the Myers Park Project Request for Proposal (RFP)
Subject to Changes in Consultant Selection Timeline and Proposal Submission Deadline
at the Discretion of the Parks and Recreation Supervisor and Director of Planning; and
WHEREAS, the Request for Proposal was advertised in the New York State Contract
Reporter on April 21, 2022 and five (5) proposals and cost proposals, respectively, were
received by the June 3, 2022 deadline; and
WHEREAS, the Parks & Recreation Office reviewed proposals on June 6 through June 13,
2022 using a Weighted Decision Matrix based on the criteria articulated in the Request for
Proposal and now recommends the services of M.J. Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C.
to the Town Board; and
June 15, 2022
15
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation upon such recommendations, and in consideration of
the Town Board’s past knowledge of these matters, the Town Board of the Town of
Lansing has hereby RESOLVED as follows:
1. That the proposed project will result in no significant impact on the environment
and that a Negative Declaration for purposes of Article 8 of the Environmental
Conservation Law be filed in accordance with the provisions of Part 617 of the
State Environmental Quality Review Act.
2. That a sum not to exceed $ 316,000 (reimbursable pre-development cost from
Master Contract 219659) be allocated for professional services from M.J
Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C.to start the architectural / design process,
and that upon the concurrence of the Town Parks & Recreation Supervisor and
Town Attorney, the Town Supervisor may execute a new AIA Document B101 –
2017, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect (or equivalent)
agreement with M.J Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C, for the architectural /
engineering professional services needed to advance this project.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Andra Benson, duly seconded by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, and put
to a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Andra Benson – Aye Councilperson Ruth Groff – Aye
Councilperson Bronwyn Losey – Aye Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye
Supervisor Edward LaVigne – Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on June
15, 2022.
NOTE-Later in the meeting there was discussion regarding the SEAF Parts 1, 2, and 3
for this Resolution. To make the record clearer that a SEQRA review was properly
conducted, Resolution 22-101 was re-moved for approval. See Resolution and second
vote on pages 17-18.
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Andra Benson - reported the following:
Lansing Library – written report above
Lansing Youth Services – written report above
Agricultural Committee – discussed Ag District
Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) – unable to attend meeting
Ruth Groff - No report
Bronwyn Losey - reported the following:
HeatSmart Tompkins – clean heating and cooling campaign
Webinar Wednesday, June 22, 2022, 7:00 pm
Bell Station
Toured land with CAC and helped with clean up
Concern with late night parties
Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)
Discussion regarding Town printing items for meetings
o Should board members stipends be increased to cover printing at home or
purchase tablet, so Town staff does not need to print
Lansing Advisory Committee on Power Plant Future (LAC-PPF) – unable to attend
LAC-PPF gave Town Board proposed list of priorities
June 15, 2022
16
o Next month Town Board should prioritize items for LAC-PPF to work on
Broadband Committee – no meeting
Board of Ethics – Guy Krogh, Town Counsel stated any changes to the disclosure form
will have to be approved by the Town Board.
Joseph Wetmore
The following report was included in the meeting packet which was available on Town of
Lansing website and as a handout.
Joseph Wetmore
Town Board Member Report
June 2022
Planning Board
Monday, May 23⋅6:30 – 8:30pm
Meeting started late because Town Court was still using boardroom until 6:40. Also
audio link was turned off, so the first half hour of the meeting was streamed without
audio until someone could come and turn it on for the PB. We need a written description
of how the Audio/cable system works.
Presentation of the proposed Dandy Mini Mart by applicant, with question and answers
from the Board.
No public comment was allowed at this meeting.
Action: Declaration of Lead Agency for Coordinated SEQR Review; set public hearing
for June 27, 2022.
Town of Lansing Codes Committee
Thursday, June 2⋅10:00am – 12:00pm
Review of proposed revised draft Zoning Article VII: Principal, Accessory, and
Temporary Uses
Review of revised draft Agriculture (AG) Zoning District: Purpose; Uses; Schedule;
Activation
Recommendation to circulate the above revised draft Zoning text and Zoning map for
refinement
Planning Board (meets 6/13 and 7/11);
Conservation Advisory Council (meets 6/2 and 7/7); and
Ag Committee (meets 6/8)
Report on SEQRA coordination / review of schedule of adoption / next steps
Agricultural and Farmland Protection Committee
Wednesday, June 8th at 1:00 – 9:00pm
Review preliminary working draft AG (Agriculture) Zoning District text and map
Discuss the proposed utility-scale 160 MW Yellow Barn Solar energy facility project
LAC-PPF
Thursday, June 9⋅7:00 – 9:00pm
Ethan Bodnaruk’s discussion on New Generation Nuclear Power
June 15, 2022
17
Discussion of “Proposed List of Priorities”
Planning Board
Monday, June 13⋅6:30 – 9:30pm
Review preliminary working draft AG (Agriculture) Zoning District text and map
Edward LaVigne - reported the following:
Budget – Department heads should start working on budget
Bell Station
Attended open house
Concern with unauthorized parties
o Install cameras
o No parking signs on roads
Highway Superintendent Mike Moseley stated he plans to discuss this
with Town Counsel Guy Krogh
Town Counsel Guy Krogh stated Town will need to amend code to
regulate parking on town and county roads and it will need Town Board
approval
Sewer
Borg Warner decreased water out take
Town is on “pause” – need to address inflow and infiltration (I and I)
Village of Cayuga Heights Engineer will work with Town Code Officer
Intermunicipal Agreement – Town of Lansing still has units left
MYERS PARK RESOLUTION 22-101
Questions about SEQRA were posed to counsel, and after discussion thereupon and input
from Director of Planning C.J. Randall regarding requirements for SEQRA for the grant,
the Town Board conducted a full review of the SEAF Parts 1, 2 and 3 on the record,
deemed the forms complete and accurate, and determined in Part 3 that a negative
declaration was warranted. To make the record clearer that a SEQRA review was
properly conducted, Resolution 22-101 was re-moved for approval as follows:
RESOLUTION 22-101
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TOWN SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE MYERS
PARK PROJECT ARCHITECTURAL / DESIGN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH M.J. ENGINEERING AND LAND SURVEYING, P.C. AND
MAKING SEQRA NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL
SIGNIFICANCE
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, proposed improvements consist of several projects at Myers Park for
revitalization of recreational facilities adjacent to Cayuga Lake, including upgrading the
restroom facilities and pavilions for ADA accessibility and as private unisex facilities;
expanding opportunities for walkable public spaces for recreation and fitness; restoration
of the natural communities where land meets Cayuga Lake; and implementation of Cayuga
Lake Blueway Plan with ADA-accessible improvements to the kayak launch to allow
people who use non-motorized paddle craft (kayaks, canoes, standup paddleboards) to
access local business, recreation areas and to enjoy the beauty of the Finger Lakes region
by providing enhanced access for launching and docking paddle craft; and
WHEREAS, the Town applied for and was awarded funding in 2021 to implement the
Myers Park Project through the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic
Preservation (OPRHP) for a grant under the Environmental Protection Fund ($750,000
maximum award with 25% match required); and
June 15, 2022
18
WHEREAS, the Town Board, being the agency which has primary responsibility for
approving the action, did on July 21, 2021 declare itself the Lead Agency for the
environmental review of this Unlisted Action; and
WHEREAS, the Action is subject to review and approvals from other involved agencies
that include the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation
(OPRHP), and comments were received from that agency on January 6, 2022; and
WHEREAS, the Town’s Director of Planning has prepared and submitted for the Town
Board’s consideration and review Parts 1, 2, and 3 of a Short Environmental Assessment
Form describing the Action; and
WHEREAS, on February 16, 2022, the Town Board adopted a Resolution Authorizing
Acceptance of Funding from the New York State Office Of Parks, Recreation And
Historic Preservation Under the Title 9 of the Environmental Protection Act Of 1993, for
the Purpose of Funding the Myers Park Project; and
WHEREAS, on April 20, 2022, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing passed Motion
M22-23 Authorizing Issuance of the Myers Park Project Request for Proposal (RFP)
Subject to Changes in Consultant Selection Timeline and Proposal Submission Deadline
at the Discretion of the Parks and Recreation Supervisor and Director of Planning; and
WHEREAS, the Request for Proposal was advertised in the New York State Contract
Reporter on April 21, 2022 and five (5) proposals and cost proposals, respectively, were
received by the June 3, 2022 deadline; and
WHEREAS, the Parks & Recreation Office reviewed proposals on June 6 through June 13,
2022 using a Weighted Decision Matrix based on the criteria articulated in the Request for
Proposal and now recommends the services of M.J. Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C.
to the Town Board; and
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation upon such recommendations, and in consideration of
the Town Board’s past knowledge of these matters, the Town Board of the Town of
Lansing has hereby RESOLVED as follows:
1. That the proposed project will result in no significant impact on the environment
and that a Negative Declaration for purposes of Article 8 of the Environmental
Conservation Law be filed in accordance with the provisions of Part 617 of the
State Environmental Quality Review Act.
2. That a sum not to exceed $ 316,000 (reimbursable pre-development cost from
Master Contract 219659) be allocated for professional services from M.J
Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C.to start the architectural / design process,
and that upon the concurrence of the Town Parks & Recreation Supervisor and
Town Attorney, the Town Supervisor may execute a new AIA Document B101 –
2017, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect (or equivalent)
agreement with M.J Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C, for the architectural /
engineering professional services needed to advance this project.
The question of the adoption of Resolution 22-101 was duly motioned by Councilperson
Joseph Wetmore, duly seconded by Councilperson Ruth Groff, and put to a roll call vote
with the following results:
Councilperson Andra Benson – Aye Councilperson Ruth Groff – Aye
Councilperson Bronwyn Losey – Aye Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye
Supervisor Edward LaVigne – Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on June
15, 2022.
A SHORT BREAK WAS TAKEN AT 8:08 PM
June 15, 2022
19
WORK SESSION
Lansing Harbor – discussion
Greg Mezey stated:
Tompkins County Sheriff's Office approved event
Asking Town Board for waiver of fee and multiple applications
o $200 fee is ok, if covers all events
Town Counsel Guy Krogh stated:
Town Code Enforcement Officer has made determination
Additional information is needed to look into this
Three (3) choices to go forward
1. Apply for permit
2. Apply for waiver – submit to Town Board (Town Clerk)
3. Apply to ZBA – appeal instead of variance
Town Board decision to discuss this in closed session for legal advice.
Masks
Discussion concerning mandatory masks at Town Board meetings. Tompkins County
Health Department has suspended their mask advisory. Town COVID Policy will need
to be updated to state wearing masks will follow Tompkins County Health Department
guidelines. This will be on the July Town Board Agenda.
Consolidated Water District Extension 3 (CWDX3)
Supervisor Ed LaVigne stated:
Cost of the district is now 177% above the Comptroller threshold
o Comptroller might not approve
Cannot get pipes now
Water and Sewer Advisory Board (WSAB) advising to start over with new
petitions
o Maybe smaller districts
Town Counsel Guy Krogh stated:
WSAB will issue advisory opinion
o Draft not ready
o Not referred to Town Board yet
MOTION TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilperson Andra Benson moved to ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION TO
DISCUSS THE PROPOSED ACQUISITION/SALE/LEASE OF REAL
PROPERTY WHEN PUBLICITY MIGHT AFFECT VALUE AT 9:15 PM.
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore seconded the motion.
All in Favor - 5 Opposed - 0
MOTION TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 9:26 PM.
Councilperson Andra Benson seconded the motion.
All in Favor - 5 Opposed - 0
Councilperson Andra Benson left at 9:26 PM.
MOTION TO ENTER CLOSED SESSION
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to ENTER CLOSED SESSION FOR
CONFIDENTIAL LEGAL ADVICE AT 9:26 PM.
Councilperson Bronwyn Losey seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 4 Opposed – 0
June 15, 2022
20
MOTION TO EXIT CLOSED SESSION
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to EXIT CLOSED SESSION AT 9:52 PM.
Councilperson Bronwyn Losey seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 4 Opposed – 0
Short discussion on need to coordinate with Town of Groton and provide future update
on solar application and ORES process at next meeting.
MOTION TO ADJOURN MEETING
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:54 PM.
Councilperson Bronwyn Losey seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 4 Opposed – 0
Minutes taken and executed by the Town Clerk. Minutes after closed session were taken
by Guy Krogh, Town Counsel, and executed by the Town Clerk.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah K. Munson, RMC
Town Clerk
Corn 11 niver ity
College of Engineering
Sibley School of Mechanical and
Aerospace Engineering
To: Mitch Quine and James Wayne, CS Energy
K.MuZhani
Profeuor
Kathy Dwyer Marble and
Cun Mut>lc Faculty
Dm:ctor, Cornell
Atkuuon Center fo r
Sus1amab1hty
Re: Letter Acknowledging meeting and potential partnership -Yellow Barn Solar
Date: 8/24/2021
Dear Mitch,
34 5 pson Hall
Comcll Uru \·erslty
Ithaca. c w Yort 14&53-7502
607 254-5402
607 255-1222
W3@comcll.edu
I am writing at your request to confirm details of CS Energy 's conversation with me and some of my
graduate researchers for the purpose of discu sing a potential research partnership on the Yellow
Barn Solar project in Tompkins County.
I was recently approached by James Wayne, a recent Cornell Graduate, and current CS Energy
employee, to di cuss the possibility of research on their Yellow Barn Solar project. Since the initial
email exchanges, two meetings have occurred, the first over videoconference in May 2021 and a
second in-person meeting on July 13 111, 2021.
The meeting consisted of a discu sion about potential research questions and opportunities. Among
the e question was what the potent-ial co ts and benefits of the co-location of agriculture and solar
fields are. My research is centered around energy and the environment, with relevant interests in the
siting of large-scale solar projects and their effects on surrounding communities. In ew York State,
agricultural areas have increa ingly begun to overlap with large-cale olar farms. The effects of
these projects on agriculture and local communities are little known. The proximity, size, and
diversity of land controlled by the Yellow Barn Solar Project could provide with an interesting test
case for my research, and my re earch group would be open to partnering with CS Energy and the
Yellow Barn project, or other similar projects or companies, to further that re earch . Solar related
intern hip and recruitment were also discu sed. CS Energy committed to exploring programs and
recruitment opportunities for Cornell student .
I look forward to further conversations and exploring partnerships within the coming months,
Sincerely,
K. Max Zhang
1
Sage Ezell
From:Yellow Barn Solar
Sent:Friday, November 4, 2022 3:02 PM
Subject:Yellow Barn Solar Newsletter
Hello,
You are receiving this email because you have requested updates on the proposed Yellow Barn Solar project
located in the towns of Lansing and Groton, New York. This is our November 2022 project update newsletter.
Project Permitting Status:
Field work to support the project began in the winter of 2021. At this stage, the project has undergone a
grassland breeding bird survey, wintering raptor survey, and an on-site wetland delineation.
Drone-based topographic surveys have been completed which allow us to determine the exact topography of
the site using LiDAR. A magnetometer survey is currently in progress to determine the precise locations of any
active or decommissioned oil and gas wells. A noise study will begin soon to determine normal ambient noise
levels at the site. Later this year, CS will begin conducting viewshed studies to understand potential viewshed
impacts of project neighbors. The viewshed studies will inform the development of planting and lighting plans,
which will also be drafted for the project.
CS Energy is targeting 2023 for permit application submission to ORES.
Status of other Development Activities:
CS Energy received an award for the Yellow Barn Solar Project from the NYSERDA 2021 Large Scale Renewables
RFP for a contract to sell Renewable Energy Credits to the state.
Yellow Barn Solar is currently in the interconnection study process with NYISO and NYSEG.
Local Benefits
Yellow Barn Solar has the opportunity to directly benefit the local communities through a combination of
property tax or PILOT payments, Host Community Agreements, direct local investment, reduction of residential
electric bills, and local labor both during construction and operation of the project.
Updates on the details of local community benefits will be available as permitting of the project progresses.
Upcoming Meetings
While CS has been in touch with the towns of Lansing and Groton throughout development, CS plans to begin
official local agency coordination before the end of 2022 to review the ORES permitting process and discuss our
coordination with them throughout this process.
In the coming months, CS will also hold a public information session about the project. The date of this meeting
will be sent out to all those subscribed to the newsletter, and all project neighbors.
Questions?
2
For more information about our project or for more information about solar energy please see our project
website yellowbarn-solar.com
We have attempted to get in contact with neighbors of the project through door-knocking. If you are a project
neighbor and haven’t heard directly from us, please feel free to get into contact with us and we can schedule a
meeting.
If you know someone who is a project neighbor who has not signed up for our email newsletter, please let them
know to reach out to us for updates.
If you would like to be removed from this email list, please respond to this email requesting removal.
CS Energy
csenergy.com
1
Sage Ezell
From:Yellow Barn Solar
Sent:Wednesday, April 19, 2023 3:23 PM
Subject:Yellow Barn Solar - Open House
Hello,
CS Energy is hosƟng an Open House for the Yellow Barn Solar project on April 26 th from 6:30-8:30pm at the Lansing
Community Center, located at 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, NY 14882.
Several CS Energy representaƟves will be in aƩendance to answer quesƟons and presentaƟon materials will be posted
around the center, allowing for aƩendees to review this informaƟon and ask quesƟons about the project and the
informaƟon provided. The Open House will be open to all community members.
Please feel free to reach out via the below contact informaƟon if you have any quesƟons. We look forward to seeing you
there.
CS Energy
Email: yellowbarnsolar@csenergy.com
C 518.478.3547
Yellowbarn-solar.com
1
Sage Ezell
From:Yellow Barn Solar
Sent:Monday, July 10, 2023 3:55 PM
Subject:Yellow Barn Solar Newsletter
Attachments:Yellow Barn Solar - Draft Site Plan 071023.pdf
Hello,
You are receiving this email because you have requested updates on the proposed Yellow Barn Solar project located in
the Towns of Lansing and Groton, New York.
We hosted community meeƟngs in the towns of Lansing and Groton on June 22nd and 23rd. One piece of feedback
received from the “MeeƟng with Community Members” held in both Towns last month was to provide more detailed
maps of the Project that are easier to read. Please find the updated maps aƩached, which will also be posted on our
website: yellowbarn-solar.com. We hope these will be beneficial in terms of seeing project components with respect to
roads and property boundaries.
We will be following up with addiƟonal informaƟon and updates as we progress.
Please feel free to reach out via the contact informaƟon below if you have any quesƟons. We look forward to hearing
from you!
CS Energy
Email: yellowbarnsolar@csenergy.com
C 518.478.3547
yellowbarn-solar.com
1
Sage Ezell
From:Yellow Barn Solar
Sent:Monday, July 31, 2023 10:49 AM
Subject:Yellow Barn Solar Newsletter
Attachments:60-Day Notice_Yellow Barn.pdf
Good aŌernoon:
You are receiving this email because you signed up for project updates for the Yellow Barn Solar project, or attended a
recent meeting for the Project.
The Yellow Barn Solar project has been developing a permit application for submission to the New York State Office of
Renewable Energy Siting and has set an application submission date for September 22 nd.
Please see the attached Notice of Intent to File for additional information about the application submission.
Intervenor funds will be available following the submission of the application and must be requested within 30 days of
the date the application is filed. Additional information on the project and how to request funds is available at the
project website: yellowbarn-solar.com.
We will provide notice of the submission of the application through this newsletter and on the project website.
If you would no longer like to receive these emails, please respond to this email and we will remove you from the email
list.
CS Energy
yellowbarnsolar@csenergy.com
https://yellowbarn-solar.com/
csenergy.com