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Home My WebLink About2025-10-15 October 15, 2025 1 REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING October 15, 2025 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 6:31 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Ruth Groff, 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: Judy Drake, Councilperson Laurie Hemmings, Councilperson Christine Montague, Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, Councilperson Ruth Groff, Supervisor ABSENT: No one absent ALSO PRESENT: Jessica Hall, Deputy Town Clerk, Mike Moseley, Highway Superintendent/ Director of Public Works, Mary Ellen Albrecht, Bookkeeper, Jennifer Schenck, Accountant, Patrick Tyrrell, Director of Parks & Recreation, John Zepko, Director of Planning, Guy Krogh, Town Counsel, Mike Sigler, Tompkins County Legislature, Aimee Caffrey, Aaron Guilbeau, John Duthie, Joe Lovejoy, Doug Boles, Kelly Gavitt, Michael Russell, Pete Meskill, James Gray, Cory Baker, Lauren Baker, Allison DeSario, Corey Bryant, Ben B, Andrea Ippolitto, Alex Macaulay, Cheryl Chalmers, Todd Bruer, Jerry Goodenough, Robert Campbell, Sarah Lounsbery, Maureen Stanhope, Winter Buddington, Abi Buddington, Ken Wolkin, Michael Watson, Aiseyn Berg, Kylie Johnson, John Dennis, Laro McCann, Lance Clark, Seth Lutter, Aurora Berg, Sarah Catton, Torrey Guccis, Corey Mangan, Carl Hartwell, Scott Stanley, Owen Sherwood, Justin Youmans Jr, John Jimenez, Ryan Bishop, Kira Goetz, Darren W. Jenkins, Danra Nicob, Dave Trubix, Garrett Farr, Sheri Renaud, Lynsay Ayer, Rick Warner, Tommy Hayes, David Ogden, Emily F. Carroll, Michael Fiedman, Connie Bodner, Rachel Kissinger, Courtney Darr, Diane Kinne, Scott Hicks, Therese Araneo, Giovanni C. Fressia, Sabrina Johnston, Harold Mills, Kathleen Yen, John Payne, Timothy McGiff, Tom McGiff, Ryan Weese, Beverly Abplanalp, Kellea Bauda, Margo Hittleman, Richard Lansdowne, Kevin Caffrey, Kristin Maushart, Larry Cathles, Frank White, Gail Cassavant, Jodi Dean, Natalie Robinson, Kady Balich, Matt Nesbitt, Elizabeth Dalloy, Melissa Zareen, Tom Swartout, Taylor Cobert, Sophia Izzo, Jamie Corestio, Clement Tanner, Maggie Smith, Joanna Woods, Miles Merwin, Hanna Brown, Joanna Upton, Zach Rohrer, Lorre Mantagne, Brittany Cronk, Peter Gillen, Matthew Francis-Manshel, Lily Oxley, Eleanor Oxley, Dana Schultz, Jordan Kahn, Madelyn Andreini, Matthew Spencer, and a few other attendees. MORATORIUM DISCUSSION Access to Public Comments Public comments received are posted on the Town’s website. Here is the link to access them: https://www.lansingtownny.gov/clerk/page/public-comments-regarding- moratorium They may also be accessed by clicking the red alert banner on the top of the main page titled "Public Comments Regarding Moratorium” OR by clicking “Latest News” and then “Public Comments Regarding Moratorium.” Supervisor Ruth Groff Read the following statement regarding a moratorium: Good evening, everyone, I want to begin by clearly stating that the Board will not be voting on the proposed moratorium tonight. It is not on the agenda, and even if we were to agree on the language October 15, 2025 2 this evening, there are still procedural steps that must be completed before any vote could occur. This issue has generated strong feelings throughout our community, and rightfully so. Every member of this Board understands the weight of this decision. We take it seriously. I have personally read through the hundreds of comments submitted and have had one- on-one conversations with residents from all sides of the issue. I want you to know that I hear you. I respect the diversity of viewpoints shared, and I remain committed to considering all perspectives with an open mind and a sense of responsibility. And I know I speak for the entire Town Board when I say that we are all taking your comments into account as we move forward in this process. We have heard from the business community, from environmental advocates, and from residents who care deeply about preserving the character of our town. We have also heard from individuals with specific projects in motion who have shared how the proposed moratorium could impact them directly. These perspectives, while sometimes in tension with one another, are all important. Every voice matters and we are listening with the goal of making decisions that balance the diverse needs of our community. The feedback we have received has helped this Board gain a deeper understanding of the community’s concerns, values, and aspirations for Lansing’s future. Many comments were thoughtful, well-reasoned, and respectfully expressed. In fact, several changes to the proposed moratorium have been made directly in response to your input. We sincerely appreciate the high level of civic engagement shown throughout this process. That said, to fully appreciate the reasons behind the proposed moratorium and its importance, it’s helpful to take a step back and review the background and context that have brought us to this point. Understanding this history is crucial as we move forward together as a community. In 2018, the Town of Lansing adopted a Comprehensive Plan. This plan outlined a long- term vision for growth, development, and conservation across our town. Following that, discussions began about updating our zoning laws to better reflect the goals and values expressed in the Comprehensive Plan. Since then, the Town has taken several important steps. In 2019, the Town Board created the Conservation Advisory Council. That council produced two foundational documents: the Natural Resources Inventory, adopted in 2021, and the Open Space Conservation Plan, adopted in 2024. In 2022, the Town also adopted the Parks, Recreation, and Trails Master Plan, which supports the long-term vision of balanced growth and environmental stewardship. In 2023, the Town began its first zoning update by splitting the RA district into two new zones: RA and AG. However, it quickly became clear that updating zoning across the entire Town would be an extremely time-consuming and resource-intensive effort. Staff were stretched thin, and the pace of progress was not sustainable. A budget request to hire outside help was denied due to financial constraints. In response, the Town applied for the New York State Smart Growth Community Planning Zoning Grant in 2024. We were awarded that grant on February 3, 2025, which allowed us to move forward. The Town initially hired Colliers Engineering to conduct a Zoning Gap Analysis as part of our grant application. Following the success of that analysis, Colliers was later awarded the contract to lead the full zoning update process. That report highlighted several key issues that demand our attention: • It found clear discrepancies between the current Zoning Map and the Future Land Use Map in the Comprehensive Plan, showing that our zoning regulations are not aligned with the future we have envisioned. October 15, 2025 3 • The report recommended that the Town revise its zoning districts and zoning map to better match the goals of the Comprehensive Plan. • It advised the Town to encourage denser development in areas with existing sewer and water infrastructure, and to ensure that areas without those services are appropriately zoned to manage growth responsibly. • Additionally, the analysis recommended integrating form-based elements into the zoning code to guide the design and character of new development. This would apply to multi-family housing, commercial projects, and scenic byways, helping to preserve the rural and small-town character that so many of us value. As part of our compliance with the grant, the Town began holding monthly meetings with the state and created a Zoning Advisory Committee, officially appointed in August. We then issued a request for proposals and formally selected Colliers Engineering in September to lead the zoning rewrite process. With the consulting firm now in place, the zoning rewrite project is officially underway. This has prompted the need for a moratorium to maintain the status quo while we complete this important and detailed work. The moratorium is not about stopping growth; it is about ensuring that development during this transitional period does not conflict with the Town’s evolving vision. I understand that the idea of a moratorium raises questions and concerns, especially when people are already deeply invested, emotionally, financially, and personally. That is why, tonight, without the pressure of a pending vote, I invite us all to pause and reflect. Let us keep in mind that we share a common goal: to protect what we love about Lansing while planning responsibly for its future. Please continue to share your thoughts. Your voices are shaping this process, and they will continue to guide it. This Board is listening, and we remain committed to making thoughtful, inclusive decisions for the benefit of our entire community. Councilperson Joseph Wetmore Read the following statement regarding a moratorium: I want to explain why I strongly support the proposed moratorium on certain development projects while we complete our zoning code update. This moratorium is not a halt to all growth. It is a carefully targeted, temporary pause intended to protect the integrity of the zoning update that our community has been working toward for years. In 2018, we adopted a Comprehensive Plan that reflects our shared vision for Lansing’s future. Since then, we’ve made meaningful progress toward bringing that vision to life. We’ve recently begun a grant-funded zoning rewrite in collaboration with professional consultants and an advisory committee to ensure our code aligns with the plan’s goals. The next step in the process is to implement a moratorium on large-scale development. This temporary pause will help maintain the status quo while the community works together to shape the future of zoning in Lansing. The proposed moratorium is designed to be minimally disruptive to Lansing’s economy. Smaller projects, which make up the vast majority of those reviewed by the Planning Board, will continue to move forward. The pause applies only to larger developments; I’m recommending a threshold of projects over 6,000 square feet. In recent years, developments of this scale have sparked widespread public frustration over the community’s limited ability to shape outcomes. Allowing such projects to proceed under outdated zoning would ignore those concerns and risk permanently undermining the shared vision we’ve spent years working to build. Using a moratorium during a zoning update is a common and responsible planning practice. Neighboring communities like Dryden and Caroline have used them effectively to protect their planning efforts and ensure alignment with community values. October 15, 2025 4 Some have argued that a moratorium is unnecessary because “nothing is on the table yet.” But that argument ignores the real risk we face. In a town with sizeable parcels of undeveloped land, a large-scale development application could be submitted at any moment. Developers are well aware that new zoning rules are coming, and they have every incentive to rush projects through under the current code, locking in developments that may directly conflict with the goals we have established as a community. Without a moratorium, we leave the door wide open to exactly the kind of outcomes the zoning rewrite is intended to prevent. We have already seen the consequences of outdated zoning. It limits our ability to shape development in line with our shared values. • With the Dandy Mini Mart proposal, both residents and the Planning Board asked that the building be placed at the sidewalk to create a more pedestrian- friendly streetscape, just as the Comprehensive Plan recommends. The developer refused. Because our zoning code did not require it, the Planning Board had no authority to enforce the change. • In the Dollar General proposal, the Planning Board requested that parking be placed behind the building to promote a safer and more welcoming streetscape. The developer declined, allowing only side parking, which still falls short of the Comprehensive plan’s goals. These examples show what happens when we rely on outdated zoning. The Planning Board can make recommendations, but developers are free to ignore them. This results in permanent changes to our natural and built environment that do not reflect what our community wants or needs. As one Planning Board member wrote in a recent public comment: “The Planning Board tries very hard to respect local standards for new development, but I am concerned that we do not have clear, consistent regulations that reflect those standards and that have been reviewed and adopted through the regular local legislative process. This leaves the Board and applicants with an extended process of negotiation that may leave the town open to legal challenge and may discourage quality proposals desired by the community.” This is precisely what the moratorium is designed to prevent. It safeguards the zoning update process by providing the necessary time to complete our work without the pressure of incompatible large-scale proposals. It is difficult to stay focused on envisioning the future of the town when immediate developments demand our attention. Allowing major projects to move forward now would derail our focus from long-term planning and distract us with deliberations over individual developments. This would drain valuable time and resources and potentially rush the process in an attempt to stop specific projects, putting the entire vision we are striving to achieve at risk. That is exactly what we are seeing right now with the Terawulf proposal. Rather than focusing on the urgent need for responsible, forward-looking planning, the conversation has been diverted into a heated debate over a singular impactful project. This approach undermines the broader community goals and stalls the progress we desperately need. This moment calls for unity and long-term vision and not endless disputes over individual developments. We simply cannot afford to let this cycle of conflict repeat itself over the coming year because it will only delay the zoning updates and threaten the future we are working so hard to build. The moratorium helps us stay focused. It protects the process and ensures that future growth in Lansing reflects the values we have already agreed on. The purpose of a moratorium like the one we are proposing is not anti-development. Rather, it allows for smart, community-driven growth by making sure new projects follow clear, updated rules. October 15, 2025 5 For all these reasons, I urge my fellow board members to pass the moratorium. It is a reasonable and responsible step that will protect Lansing’s future and allow us to finish this important work without distraction or regret. Councilperson Judy Drake Read the following statement regarding a moratorium: Moratorium or Not I want to start with the fact that I appreciate all the input that has been afforded and shared with the Town Board members over the past weeks. There has been a lot of comments received in favor of or against the moratorium. I do have to say a great deal of it more related to the Tera Wolf project than the overall concern for the general development in the Town of Lansing. I will admit that I have been back and forth on whether there should be a moratorium or not. I am in favor of business and honestly have 2 family members that are local businesspersons that have brought a lot to the community for years in donations and sales tax revenue. I know the Town can NOT afford to be a bedroom community. I do recognize that it is critical to make sure the Town’s zoning is inline with the Comprehensive Plan. It is important to complete the rezoning project and am happy that there are consultants working on this project with the public and business input committee that has been assembled. The Rural Ag – AG rezoning process took a long time, so hopefully this project can move much quicker with dedicated time and recommendations by the consultant for the committee to discuss and consider. I have read and heard from many about realigning zoning with the comprehensive plan to make sure large developments don’t come into areas that don’t align with the Comp Plan. I have reviewed the Zoning Law Chapter 270 and the 2018 Comprehensive Plan and wonder what is so drastically off that would require stopping business development. I have heard that large projects like the Dollar Generals and Dandy Mart were allowed uses in the current zoning and wouldn’t have been if the zoning aligned with the Comp Plan. These statements make me pause. The stores maybe could of have looked better (sight design requirements) but they are serving the residents and many residents like that they are there. All these large developments are on State highways and not on local roads in local neighborhoods costing residents more infrastructure costs. In reviewing the Comprehensive Plan it includes statements like: Community support of small business, attract local entrepreneurs, create small scale commercial activities. Future Land Use (FLU) Goals 1B, 1C and 1F recommend a rewrite of the zoning for newer zoning mechanisms that move away from “Allowed and Non-Allowed” uses. They focus more on mixed uses with commercial and housing. These include guidelines for Planning Boards on elements like form, building sizes, setbacks, and buffering. – even controlling noise and lighting. All of these goals are great! But a few things come to mind for me when contemplating the need for the moratorium – NOW. 1) We will not be supporting small business and won’t be attracting local entrepreneurs for a period of time which sends a longer-term message than just the time of the moratorium. 2) It also makes me question if the previous local resident owner of the Dandy Mart site had decided to put in a similar project (gas station and market- re build the Pit Stop but adding diesel for large trucks) would that of been more acceptable because they were local entrepreneur than the out of area owners of Dandy Mart? Is it the desire to have a double standard for local owners versus the big bad multimillion dollar owners- companies. Maybe we need to realize that the local owners don’t have all the funds to bring in some of the business needed or desired in our town. As for the Industrial Research IR Zone a recommendation in the Comp Plan includes October 15, 2025 6 The Town Board as early as 2019 was made aware of a potential project coming to the AES Cayuga location and what it could involve. There was a committee assembled to study this area and make a recommendation to the Town Board. In 2022 the committee’s recommendation was to have a moratorium and work on the zoning for the IR area. This did not occur at that time. 2022-2023, As chair of the ZBA, I served on the smaller Code Revisions Committee. After the AG-RA rezoning was done the committee discussed priorities for future zoning modifications to work on, I don’t recall any discussion about the need to get right on the Industrial Research IR zone. Why not then if it is so important now? To re-iterate some Goals of the Comp Plan under Economic Development include: Create a sense of place; use existing assets and use them to attract new investments and strengthen local business. Create a place where workers, entrepreneurs and business want to locate, invest and expand. Again – excellent goals. However, I don’t see the numbers and projects showing that the Town is getting overrun with small or large developments – they aren’t beating down our doors so much so that we need to pause it from occurring. Work on the Re-zoning project can move forward without the need to pause development for a year {that could be extended}. If the desire is to create overlay zones and form base zoning then that can happen in tandem with continuing to allow business growth in Lansing. The Town has good professional Planning staff that works with the developers and the Planning Board to bring about the best project within the requirements possible. They are setting conditions on approvals for the developer to make the project as best possible. As a Town Board member, I trust that the Planners and the Planning Board have the Town in their best interest and will do a good job. I’m still listening to comments made, but right now I am not in favor of the moratorium on development at this time. Councilperson Christine Montague Stated the following: Councilperson Christine Montague stated that Lansing needs business to survive and Lansing needs to support them. Businesses have already been affected by talking about a moratorium. She visited the Somerset site and it is as Terawulf stated - when AI is running it is not noisy. Terawulf will need to go through the Planning Department for approvals and maybe a variance also, which will take at least a year. She does not want to negatively impact small business in Lansing with a moratorium. Councilperson Laurie Hemmings Stated the following: Councilperson Laurie Hemmings stated that she wants to encourage business in Lansing. The Town needs to update zoning whether the moratorium is passed or not. Town Board Discussion The Town Board discussed the proposed Local Law #7 of 2025 Moratorium. Councilperson Judy Drake posed the question, “What is the Town Board trying to stop?” Per Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, “The Town is trying to stop development that is counter to the Comprehensive Plan and of a scale that will make a difference in the long term. We don’t want huge subdivisions in B1, but small sub-divisions are okay because they are not character changing.” October 15, 2025 7 The Town Board generally agreed that square footage for office buildings would be okay at no more than 6000 square feet and to remove the restriction on the number of employees allowed to work in a business. A few additional changes were also discussed. The changes are “material,” so a new public hearing is necessary on the amended Local Law. The new public hearing will be at the regular Town Board meeting on November 19, 2025 at 6:31 pm. The County also needs to do a 239 review on the proposed (final draft) Local Law #7 Moratorium. The Local Law #7 of 2025 Moratorium needs to be final before the public hearing is noticed and it must be in the hands of the Town Board members at least seven (7) days before it is adopted. Normally, when the public hearing is closed, the public comment period also ends. MOTION TO AMEND PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR FOR TONIGHT’S MEETING Supervisor Ruth Groff moved to amend the rules for Privilege of the Floor for tonight’s meeting as follows: 1. Extend time of Privilege of the Floor to one hour 2. Allow Lansing residents to speak before non-residents Councilperson Judy Drake seconded the motion. All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0 One hour time limit expired. MOTION TO EXTEND PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR FOR TONIGHT’S MEETING Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to extend Privilege of the Floor to allow eight more speakers time to speak. Councilperson Laurie Hemmings seconded the motion. All in Favor – 4 Opposed – 0 (Christine Montague was not in the Board Room at the time of the vote) Everyone that wanted to speak was allowed time. Per Privilege of the Floor rules, each speaker was allowed up to 3 minutes. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – COMMENTS All the Privilege of the Floor comments pertained to the proposed Local Law #7 of 2025 Moratorium. There were about 19 people in favor and about 13 people against the Local Law #7 of 2025 Moratorium. A few documents were handed to the Town Clerk, which are available in the Town Clerk’s office. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS 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. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORT October 2025 NEW DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING: October 15, 2025 8 • The Town of Lansing continues to collaborate with LeChase on the development of the new Department of Public Works (DPW) building while concurrently conducting its annual road maintenance activities. • Crews moved infrastructure materials (limestone/gravel piles) to its permanent location. • The salt barn footers and concrete walls have been constructed. ROADS: • Re-profiling of Wilson Road and Snushall Road along with a surface treatment of stone and oil has been completed. Once the weather turns and the ground is thawed in 2026, the Wilson Road replacement project will be complete as part of the 2026 budget. • Cold milling was carried out to remove the existing asphalt layer in preparation for resurfacing. • Ditching and shoulder improvements were made to enhance drainage. • Several culverts were replaced due to age. • Roadside mowing operations have commenced to improve the line of sight for drivers. This initiative involves trimming vegetation along the roadways. • Crew members are actively conducting sign maintenance throughout the town to ensure clear and up-to-date roadway guidance for drivers and pedestrians and replacing as needed. WATER AND SEWER MAINTENANCE: • Crew members continue to perform maintenance on hydrants and water valves throughout the Consolidated Water District. • The crew is actively engaged in performing preventive maintenance on water valves. This involves inspecting, cleaning, and testing the valves to ensure they are functioning optimally and to prevent any potential issues that could disrupt water service. INTERMUNICIPAL: • The Lansing DPW would like to thank the Town of Newfield, Town of Dryden and Tompkins County Highway for providing trucks to assist with stone and oil and paving. • The Lansing DPW performed the annual fall brush pickup in the Village of Lansing. • Lansing DPW assisted Village of Cayuga Heights with paving project. • The Village of Cayuga Heights will be assisting Lansing DPW with sewer cleanouts by providing cameras to scope the pipes. • The Lansing DPW continues to work with T.G. Miller and Tompkins County Health Department to repair septic at 104 Auburn Road. OFFICE: • Lansing DPW welcomes Seasonal Motor Equipment Operator Dave Boyes to the team! Dave has extensive knowledge in the field and will be an excellent addition to the crew! • The Town of Lansing has been working hand in hand with the Village of Lansing and the Village of Cayuga Heights regarding the Intermunicipal Agreement for Sewer District One. • The DPW continues to work alongside OpenGov to integrate the use of the software. MEETINGS ATTENDED BY THE HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT/DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS: • 96th Annual Conference, New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways - Navigating the Rapids: Guiding Roads, Overcoming Obstacles: Municipal and vendor members alike came together to gain knowledge, share expertise and make valuable connections that will help the New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways build the future of our local infrastructure. October 15, 2025 9 • Meeting Myers Road Sidewalk: Met with Pat Tyrrell, Joe Wetmore and Dave Herrick (T.G. Miller) to discuss the findings of the study that was performed by T.G. Miller to improve upon the existing stone dust sidewalk. • Commissioner Meeting with Bolton Point: Responsible for passing resolutions that govern Bolton Point. • Engineering and Operations Meeting with Bolton Point: Responsible for the infrastructure of the municipalities that make up Bolton Point. • Highway Barn Committee: Responsible for working with architects, engineers, and construction managers on the design and development of the new Department of Public Works facility. • Project Review Committee (PRC): Responsible for reviewing and financial planning for the 5-Year Plan for the Town's larger projects. • Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Committee (WSSC): Responsible for evaluating proposals relating to the Town’s water, sewer and stormwater. The goal is financial and engineering analysis. • Lansing Town Department Heads Meetings. • Comptrollers Meeting regarding Competition and Procurement. NEW DPW UPDATES • Salt Barn foundations and grading are complete. • Salt Barn delivered to the site 10/14/2025. • Erection of the Salt Barn will begin 10/16/2025 complete on 10/31/2025. • Asphalt the inside of the Salt Barn will begin 11/3/2025 complete on 11/6/2025. • Cuts and fills of the PEMB building footprint are continuing. • Footers for the PEMB are being prebuilt on site now and will begin install 10/16/2025 and run through 12/5/2025. • PEMB is expected to arrive on site 11/3/2025. Erection of the building will begin as soon as the foundation (Footers) have reached 75% of designed compressive strength. (we except the middle of Dec.) Mike stated that invoice/voucher #1050 from Bolton Point for plumbing permit totaling $372.50 needs to be pulled out and not paid this month. 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. October Town Board Report RECREATION: • Current programs include Boys and Girls Flag Football, Small Fry Football, Cheerleading, Soccer, Chess Lessons, Horseback Riding, Watercats Swimming, YogaChi, Strength and Stretch, Cardio Step, Adult Volleyball, and Adult Swim. • The Lansing Modified Soccer Team is using our fields for their home games. • The newly renovated Sobus Field is now open. Thank you to the Lansing School District for allowing us to be a part of the ribbon cutting ceremony and the homecoming week celebrations. • The Annual “Rec Night” for our Fall Soccer players took place on Sobus Field September 29th and 30th during halftime of the Lansing Varsity soccer games. Our players had a great time showcasing their soccer skills under the lights on the stadium field. Fall Soccer ended last week. • Boys football program has at least one more week of games. October 15, 2025 10 • Girls flag football program ended this past Sunday. It was a great inaugural year. • Our cheerleaders will be participating in a cheer exposition in Moravia on November 9th. PARKS: • Annual Veteran’s Watch Fire was another wonderful event, thanks to the volunteers and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 377. • Camping in Myers Park has ended for the season. • Salt Point Clean-up Day is October 18th. • The calisthenics station has arrived; we will begin installation at the first opportunity. TRAILS: • The ditch by the parking lot has been mowed. • The trail in its entirety has been re-opened. • Mowing and maintenance of the trails are on normal rotation. TOWN HALL/COMMUNITY CENTER: • Bids are submitted for the Community Center and Schoolhouse roof projects. • A blower motor is broken in one of the furnace units at the Community Center. A replacement has been ordered, and the unit should be repaired soon. • Squirrels and box-elder bugs have been an issue in the Town Hall; Wildlife Resolutions has been called in to manage the situation. Squirrels have caused some roof damage. Thank you to our DPW for loaning their equipment to our department. This is only a very brief overview of what the Parks & Recreation department does. If you have questions or would like to meet with me one on one, please let me know. DIRECTOR OF PLANNING REPORT – JOHN ZEPKO Handed his report to the Town Board. He briefly mentioned the zoning code update, Zoning Advisory Committee and the contract with Colliers Engineering and Design. TOWN CLERK REPORT – DEBBIE MUNSON No report. LANSING COMMUNITY LIBRARY REPORT – ANNIE JOHNSON 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 October 2025 1. Don’t forget that if the Library is closed, you still have access to Libby, Hoopla, and Kanopy! 2. The Library continues to provide free delivery to Woodsedge. The Library also has a mobile wireless hotspot available for check out. The Wi-Fi is not password protected. The community is welcome to park in the lot to access the Internet. 3. Learn to play American Mah Jongg every Wednesday at 10:00 am. 4. 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. October 15, 2025 11 5. The Library now offers free period products using an Aunt Flow dispenser. Unfortunately, we are no longer able to supply free COVID tests. We can help residents contact the USPS to get free tests in the mail. 6. Chair Yoga is offered every Monday at 10:00 am (new time!). 7. Learn T’ai Chi on Fridays at 10:30 am. 8. There is a year round book sale at the Library. Book donations are currently paused. 9. Story times for the month: Firefighters and Fire Trucks 10/9, Autumn Leaves 10/16, and Apples and Pumpkins 10/23, Not So Scary Monsters 10/30 - all at 10:30 am 10. Banned Books Week is October 5-11 11. The Johnson Museum will present “Crack the Code”, an Egyptian themed activity for 5th/6th graders on 10/21. 12. The next adult book club will be 10/21 at 7 pm; the book is “The Night Circus”. Copies are available at the Library. 13. The Friends are planning the Costumes and Cocktails fundraiser on October 18th at the Sciencenter. Tickets can be purchased from the Friends, Board members, or at the Library. 14. Michelle Verost is the featured artist of the month. A reception was held 10/4/25. 15. Fall Yoga for kids and families will be held on Tuesdays in October at 10:30 am. 16. For the Great Give Back, the Library is highlighting Ben’s Place, a local rescue for senior dogs. 17. The Halloween Closet is open to the public. You can donate or take costumes! We are also seeking candy donations for Trunk or Treat until October 21st. 18. On November 5th, there will be a meeting about free cancer screenings for people with no insurance, low insurance, or high deductible insurance (ages 45-64). LANSING YOUTH SERVICES REPORT – RICK ALVORD 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 October 2025 Make it Mondays 9/22 - 10/27 Life Skills: Planning / Organizing, Teamwork This program is all about planning for the next week and strategies for how to use their budget to best meet the group’s interests. This group has decided to opt for some “free” days so they could make a bigger purchase, a set of nerf guns and safety glasses for a culminating tournament at the Ithaca Farmers Market. On one Monday the destination was Ludlowville Falls where participants got to watch a Flyfisher, see the fisherman’s catches and explore both shores, Youth also planned a game day. Outdoor Adventure: Base Camp Tuesdays, 9/30 - 10/28 Life Skills: Learning to Learn, Critical Thinking This rendition of Outdoor Adventure is focused on learning camping skills in preparation for some fall camping trips. The first day focused on safe travel, thinking ahead as when planning a trip in the wilderness, the importance of communicating your plans in the event of an emergency and about how seemingly small problems can quickly turn into big problems when in the backcountry. Tarp shelters are up next! October 15, 2025 12 The Art Factory Wednesdays, 9/24 - 10/29 Life Skills: Learning to Learn, Marketable Skills This program is the first of two rounds preparing for the Lansing Artisan Fair. Participants have done some research on projects they would like to complete, presenting some very creative ideas like donut keychains, leather keychains, paracord bracelets, and some great, but rather ambitious ideas like a remote-controlled boat and a never-ending electric waterfall decoration. Along with the research day, the group discussed basics of running a small business like the other vendors. Dungeons and Dragons Thursdays, 9/25 - 10/30 Life Skills: Teamwork, Social Skills The Dungeons and Dragons program has several participants who are brand new to D&D, and our Dungeon Master had a creative idea to start the program a little differently, by creating the world and society they are going to be navigating. They talked about their culture, what kind of terrain is around, establishments they will be able to access, what the people/creatures are like and will encounter, and even language and voices they will create. The next day of programming consists of character creation and allows them to enter their pre-planned world faster than in past programs. Youth Employment Youth Employees are either continuing or getting their feet wet in new positions. Our Employees at the Lansing Public Library are doing well and training has been completed for one new employee there. There are two new Assistants working with Lansing Youth Services, and another set to begin in the coming weeks. They both have done great so far, asking good questions like how to help with tasks and where to position themselves. TOMPKINS COUNTY LEGISLATOR REPORT – MIKE SIGLER 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. Tompkins County Legislator Michael Sigler October 2025 Hello and thank you for having me in again. I want to thank Monika Salvage, the County’s Communications Director whose reports I draw liberally from. We voted to move the County’s proposed budget to public hearing. The public hearing will be October 28th at 5:30 at the Tompkins County Legislature Chambers. We will vote on the Tentative Budget on October 21st. The 2026 Tentative Budget and 2026-2030 Capital Program has a total tax levy amount of $56,713,511, resulting in an approximate tax-levy increase of 3.31 percent and a county-wide average tax-rate of $4.86 per thousand, an increase of 1.4 percent, because the value of a median-priced home remained the same as 2024, $300,000, the Tentative Budget as amended results in an increased tax payment of $20.08 on a median-priced home, or a County tax payment of approximately $1,458.07. I’m waiting to hear from the public before deciding how to vote on this budget. The increase is not large, but it is an increase and to get to that number we’re drawing more than two million dollars out of fund balance. That would be fine if we commit to addressing some of the structural funding problems we have in the 2027 budget and do it early like the airport. This budget adds 11 people to our payroll. While we need some of these additions like in the information technology department and in some security, although I think we are adding more than necessary, we didn’t cut from the administrator’s budget in the amount needed to offset those new expenses. Next year we will have the added expense of the Center of Government debt service and I believe we will have to take over the airport debt. We had our first Code Blue shelter activation last week. When temperatures fall below 32 degrees F with wind chill for 2 or more consecutive hours Code Blue is activated. October 15, 2025 13 Sheltering was last week and will be provided and can be accessed until the new facility is open during business hours (M-F 8 am-4:30 pm) at DSS at 320 W MLK/State Street, or you can call DSS Emergency Housing Services at (607) 274-5030. Our Code Blue shelter on Cherry Street where our permanent shelter is on track to open in mid- November. In the most debated topic at our last meeting, the County voted to accept the grant for FLOCK cameras by the sheriff’s department. This is a joint effort between the Sheriff’s Department and City of Ithaca Police. The FLOCK system collects license plates with cameras and feeds them into a system where if police are looking for a certain plate, it will alert police. This is how a recent senior driver was found in Lansing. Many worry about the surveillance aspect of the camera and I did ask the Sheriff about that two years ago when we first accepted the grant. The legislature is confident in our Sheriff and the City of Ithaca Police Chief that the system will be used appropriately. Legislator Travis Brooks says he’s seen a noticeable decline in the availability of guns in our community. Despite the long debate the measure passed 10 to 4. The Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office has received reports of threatening emails sent to several local schools within the County. These messages also contain threats directed toward County employees, elected officials, and local financial institutions. I was on that list along with some specific County employees and the Assemblywoman and State Senator. The Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating these threats in coordination with local law enforcement partners and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). At this time, similar threats have been reported in multiple counties across New York State, and law enforcement agencies are working together to identify the source. NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLYMEMBER REPORT – ANNA KELLES Reported the following: Assemblymember Anna Kelles supported the moratorium as a legally valid tool backed by 35 elected officials to ensure zoning aligns with the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. She warned that the proposed data center could increase residential energy bills and creates significantly fewer jobs than projected, noting a similar facility employs only 22 to 40 people. Kelles also raised environmental concerns regarding low-frequency noise traveling across Cayuga Lake and the potential for chemical discharge and water loss from cooling systems. A few documents were handed to the Town Clerk which are available in the Town Clerk’s office. MOTION TO REMOVE RESOLUTION APPROVING AUDIT FROM CONSENT AGENDA MOTION M25-27 MOTION TO REMOVE RESOLUTION APPROVING AUDIT FROM CONSENT AGENDA Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to remove the resolution titled “Resolution Approving Audit” from the Consent Agenda. Supervisor Ruth Groff seconded the motion. All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0 CONSENT AGENDA a. MOTION TO ADOPT ASSET CAPITALIZATION POLICY MOTION M25-28 MOTION TO ADOPT ASSET CAPITALIZATION POLICY October 15, 2025 14 Motion to adopt the Asset Capitalization Policy for the Town of Lansing effective immediately. The policy has been reviewed by the Town’s auditors, Insero Advisors, LLC, with their acknowledgement of its appropriateness for the Town. The policy reads as follows: 1. Overview The Governmental Accounting Standards Board’s (GASB) Statement No. 34, Basic Financial Statements – and Management’s Discussion and Analysis – for State and Local Governments, requires that governments depreciate their exhaustible capital assets, including infrastructure. Capital assets are tangible and intangible assets that are used in operations and that have initial useful lives that extend beyond one year. They include land, land improvements, easements, buildings and improvements, equipment, and works of art and historical treasures. 2. General Objectives This Asset Capitalization policy establishes guidelines for determining: • which expenditures should be capitalized as a capital asset and which expenditures should be expensed, • how to value capital assets that are reported, and • the estimated useful lives of capital assets. 3. Capital Asset Types Capital assets are divided between assets that are not subject to depreciation and assets that are subject to depreciation. Assets that are not subject to depreciation include: • Land. The amount that should be capitalized for land should include the cost of the land itself; professional fees used to acquire the land (legal, engineering, appraisal, survey fees); costs for excavation, fill, grading, or drainage; demolition of any existing buildings or other improvements; and any other costs that are incurred to acquire the land and make the land suitable for use by the Town. Land is characterized as having an unlimited life and is therefore not depreciated. • Construction in progress. The costs of assets that the Town is constructing, where expenses are incurred over more than one fiscal year, are accumulated as construction-in-progress until the asset is placed in service. At that time, the total costs are then transferred to the appropriate asset type and depreciated. Assets that are subject to depreciation include: • Land improvements. Land improvements are those improvements, other than ordinary and regular site preparation, which ready the land for its intended use. Such improvements can include parking lots, athletic fields, fencing, paths and trails, and landscaping. • Buildings and building improvements. Buildings are permanent structures that are intended for shelter of persons, materials, or equipment. Building improvements are capital events that extend the useful life of a building or increase the value of a building, or both. Repairs that simply maintain the existing life or restore a building to its original condition do not constitute an improvement. • Equipment. Equipment is an item of tangible, nonexpendable personal property with a useful life of more than one year and includes machinery and vehicles. Assets that are subject to depreciation include (continued): • Infrastructure. Infrastructure assets are long-lived capital assets that are stationary in nature and can be preserved for a significantly greater number of years than most October 15, 2025 15 capital assets. Such assets can include streets and roadways, bridges, sidewalks, water mains and distribution lines, sewer mains and collection lines, and treatment plants. • Collections. Collections (works of art or historical artifacts) meet the definition of capital assets and ordinarily would be reported in the financial statements. However, the requirement for capitalization of these assets is waived if the collection is held for reasons other than financial gain; the collection is protected, kept unencumbered, cared for, and preserved; and the collection is subject to a policy requiring that the proceeds from sales of collection items be used to acquire other items for collections. 4. Expenditure Types Repairs are the costs necessary for the upkeep of the property that neither add to the permanent value of the property nor appreciably prolong its intended life but keep it in an efficient operating condition. These costs should not be capitalized. 5. Capital Asset Valuation Capital assets should be reported at their historical cost. In the absence of historical cost information, the assets estimated historical cost may be used. Assets donated by parties outside the municipality should be reported at their fair value on the date the donation is made. If capital assets are moved from one fund or activity to another, the recipient fund or activity should continue to report those assets at their historical cost as of the date they were originally acquired. The historical cost of a capital asset should include ancillary charges necessary to place the asset in its intended location (freight charges, for example); ancillary charges necessary to place the asset in its intended condition for use (installation or site preparation charges, for example); and capitalized interest (only for those assets that are utilized in enterprise funds and internal service funds that are reported as a part of business-type activities). Estimating the historical cost of capital assets for which invoices or similar documentation of historical cost are not available, use either standard costing or normal costing. Standard costing involves using historical sources, such as old vendor catalogs, to establish the average cost of obtaining the same or a similar asset at the time of acquisition. Normal costing involves establishing the current cost of the same or similar asset and deflating that cost using an appropriate price index. 6. Capitalization Thresholds The minimum Capitalization threshold shall be $5,000.00. In cases where individual assets do not meet the $5,000 threshold, but exceed the threshold in the aggregate, they will be capitalized based on the threshold. For example, a table and chair set purchased for a combined value of $5,000 should be capitalized even though the individual items are less than the threshold. A purchase of bulk computers with a combined value of $5,000 or more should be capitalized even though the individual items are below the threshold. The threshold will be based on the cost of a single asset. All assets irrespective of the capitalization upon acquisition are recorded as expenditures or expenses in governmental funds. Assets that meet the capitalization threshold will be capitalized on the government- wide financial statements. Other costs incurred for repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. 7. Depreciation Assets that are capitalized will be depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Depreciation will be calculated on the straight-line basis, using estimated useful lives as follows: Land Improvements 40 years Buildings 40 years October 15, 2025 16 Building Improvements 20 years Machinery & Equipment: Office Equipment 7 years Furniture 10 years Computers 3 years Vehicles 7 years Heavy Equipment 10-20 years Small Equip. & Tools 3-10 years Other 3-10 years Infrastructure: Drainage Systems 40 years Bridges (including culverts) 40 years Roads 40 years Sewer Systems 40 years Water Systems 40 years Parks, Playgrounds 20 years b. MOTION APPROVING SNOW AND ICE AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZING TOWN OF LANSING SUPERVISOR AND HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT TO EXECUTE MOTION M25-29 MOTION APPROVING SNOW AND ICE AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZING TOWN OF LANSING SUPERVISOR AND HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT TO EXECUTE Moved that, the Snow and Ice Agreement between the County of Tompkins and the Town of Lansing, commencing October 1, 2025 and terminating September 30, 2028, and may be extended by written mutual consent of both parties, be and hereby is approved and further that the Town Supervisor and Town Highway Superintendent may sign the same by, for, on behalf of, and in the name of the Town of Lansing. c. RESOLUTION SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING FOR SPECIAL DISTRICTS PROPOSED 2026 BUDGETS RESOLUTION 25-117 RESOLUTION SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING FOR SPECIAL DISTRICTS PROPOSED 2026 BUDGETS The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has prepared the Assessment Rolls of parcels of land included in the Lansing Consolidated Water District (“CWD”), CWD Extensions 1, 2, 4 (Lansing Station Road and Drake Road) and 5 (Peruville Road) and for lands within Lighting Districts Numbers 1, 2, and 3, (Ludlowville, Warren Road, and Lakewatch), and for the Lansing Drainage Districts Numbers 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12 (Pheasant Meadows, Whispering Pines, Lake Forest, Farm Pond Circle, Lansing Commons, Woodland Park, Cayuga Way, Novalane, East Shore Circle and Asbury Road), and the Lansing Sewer Districts (Cherry Road and Warren Road) (all together, the “Districts”), and the Town has apportioned and assessed upon such parcels of land in proportion in the amount of benefits the improvements shall confer upon the same the cost chargeable to said Districts in connection with the construction and capital costs of the providing of public water, lighting, stormwater management and drainage, and sewer transportation and treatment payable in the year 2025 and therefore, pursuant to § 239 of the Town Law, the Town Board shall hold a Public Hearing at the Lansing Town Hall, 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, New York 14882, at 6:31 p.m., on the 5th day of November, 2025 to hear and consider any objections which may be made to said roll. d. RESOLUTION SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE TOWN OF LANSING PRELIMINARY BUDGET FOR 2026 October 15, 2025 17 RESOLUTION 25-118 RESOLUTION SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE TOWN OF LANSING PRELIMINARY BUDGET FOR 2026 The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Preliminary Budget of the Town of Lansing, Tompkins County, New York for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2026, will be completed and filed in the office of the Town Clerk of said Town on October 16, 2025, where it will be available for inspection by any interested persons at all reasonable hours; and FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing will meet, and review said Preliminary Budget and hold a Public Hearing thereon at the Lansing Town Hall, 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, New York 14882, 6:32 p.m. on the 5th day of November, 2025 and that at such hearing any person may be heard in favor of or against the Preliminary Budget as compiled or for or against any items therein contained; and FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Section 108 of the Town Law, that the following are proposed yearly salaries of elected Town Officials of this Town: Supervisor $ 30,306.12 Councilperson (4) Total $ 38,964.00 Each $ 9,741.00 Town Clerk $ 91,492.12* Highway Superintendent $ 126,413.87** Town Justice (2) Total $ 47,897.20 Each $ 23,948.60 *Consists of salaries of Town Clerk ($60,540.26), Supervisor of Water and Sewer Administration ($6,986.35), and Receiver of Taxes ($23,965.51). Water and Sewer and Receiver of Taxes salaries were not included in previous year’s resolutions. Salary increase is 3.5%. **Consists of salaries of Highway Superintendent/Director of Public Works ($96,010.57), and Supervisory responsibility for Water and Sewer ($30,403.30). Water and Sewer salary was not included in previous year’s resolutions. Salary increase is 3.5%. e. RESOLUTION DESIGNATING PORTIONS OF BROWN HILL ROAD AND SWEAZEY ROAD AS SEASONAL LIMITED USE HIGHWAYS RESOLUTION 25-119 RESOLUTION DESIGNATING PORTIONS OF BROWN HILL ROAD AND SWEAZEY ROAD AS SEASONAL LIMITED USE HIGHWAYS The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, pursuant to New York State Highway Law §205-a, the Town Highway Superintendent/Department of Public Works is authorized to annually designate a Town highway as a seasonal limited use highway; and WHEREAS, a seasonal limited use highway is defined as a town road without an occupied residence or commercial buildings that depend on such highway for access; and WHEREAS, the Town Highway Superintendent/Director of Public Works has determined two different portions of Town highways are to be designated as seasonal limited use highways: October 15, 2025 18 1. Brown Hill Road, from the seasonal use road sign southwest .55 miles to Gulf Road 2. Sweazey Road, from the edge of pavement .2 miles west to Bill George Road; and WHEREAS, the sections of highways listed above do not contain occupied residences or commercial buildings dependent upon the public highways for access; and WHEREAS, designating these portions of the highway as seasonal limited use will allow the Town Highway Department/Department of Public Works to more effectively allocate resources for snow and ice removal and maintenance. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing authorizes and directs the Town Highway Superintendent/Director of Public Works to designate and post the aforesaid segments of public highways as seasonal limited use highways pursuant to NY Highway Law §205-a from December 1, 2025, through April 1, 2026. f. RESOLUTION HIRING JACOB HALL AS MOTOR EQUIPMENT OPERATOR FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS RESOLUTION 25-120 RESOLUTION HIRING JACOB HALL AS MOTOR EQUIPMENT OPERATOR FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, to address staffing and training needs of the Town, the Town has need to hire a Motor Equipment Operator position in the Department of Public Works; and WHEREAS, Jacob Hall has been identified as a qualified candidate to fill such position; and WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works has recommended that Jacob Hall be hired as a Motor Equipment Operator in the Department of Public Works, so upon due consideration and deliberation by the Town of Lansing Town Board, now therefore be it RESOLVED as follows: 1. Effective October 16, 2025, Jacob Hall is hereby appointed as Motor Equipment Operator, with the same Town perquisites and benefits as are available to all employees of the Town and to such position. 2. This appointment is a full-time appointment, at 40 hours per week. 3. The hourly wage is hereby set and approved at $28.69 per hour, Class B, Step 1. 4. The probationary period for such appointment is hereby set at 26 weeks. 5. The Town Personnel Officer be and hereby is authorized to make such changes to the Town’s employment and civil service rosters and file required civil service forms to place into immediate effect such changes and these resolutions, including by the filing of form MSD 428, if required. g. CONSENT AGENDA MOTIONS M25-28 – M25-29 AND RESOLUTIONS 25-117 – 25-120 RESOLUTION 25-121 CONSENT AGENDA MOTIONS M25-28 – M25-29 AND RESOLUTIONS 25-117 – 25-120 WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby October 15, 2025 19 RESOLVED, that the Consent Agenda Motions M25-28 – M25-29 and Resolutions 25-117– 25-120, are hereby approved as presented, and The question of the adoption of such proposed Consent Agenda Motions and Resolutions were duly motioned by Supervisor Ruth Groff, duly seconded by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, and put to a roll call vote with the following results: Councilperson Judy Drake – Aye Councilperson Laurie Hemmings – Aye Councilperson Christine Montague – Aye Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye Supervisor Ruth Groff – Aye Accordingly, the foregoing Motions and Resolutions were approved, carried, and duly adopted on October 15, 2025. RESOLUTION APPROVING AUDIT RESOLUTION 25-122 RESOLUTION APPROVING AUDIT The bills were reviewed by Councilperson Laurie Hemmings and Councilperson Joseph Wetmore. The Bookkeeper or the Accountant is hereby authorized to pay the following bills. CONSOLIDATED ABSTRACT # 010** **One line of Voucher #1050 for Bolton Point is being removed from Abstract # 010. Original Amount of Voucher #1050 $3,036.40 Line Removed $ 372.50 New Amount of Voucher #1050 $2,663.90 The removal of $372.50 from Voucher #1050 amends the total funds being used from the SW fund to $7,355.66 and amending the total abstract to $1,051,152.44. Below is an updated Abstract # 010 after the line was removed from the voucher. UPDATED CONSOLIDATED ABSTRACT # 010 October 15, 2025 20 The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, duly seconded by Supervisor Ruth Groff, and put to a roll call vote with the following results: Councilperson Judy Drake – Aye Councilperson Laurie Hemmings – Aye Councilperson Christine Montague – Aye Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye Supervisor Ruth Groff – Aye RESOLUTION CREATING MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR POSITION IN THE CIVIL SERVICE POSITION LISTING RESOLUTION 25-123 RESOLUTION CREATING MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR POSITION IN THE CIVIL SERVICE POSITION LISTING The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing established compliance under the New York State Civil Service Agency to qualify employment positions in the Town of Lansing in accordance with Section 22 of Civil Service Laws, Rules and Regulations; and WHEREAS, by regulation of Civil Service Law the Town must create a position and approve the job description before making an appointment; and WHEREAS, the Town has determined the need to create a Maintenance Supervisor position in line with Tompkins County; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing does hereby establish the following position in accordance with the applicable New York State and Tompkins County Civil Service rules: 1. The following position is established and is a position in the competitive class pursuant to Section 44 of the Civil Service Law: (a) (one) – Maintenance Supervisor And be it further RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby approve the job description for the said position as created and monitored by Tompkins County Civil Service; and be it further October 15, 2025 21 RESOLVED, the Bookkeeper to the Supervisor shall include said position in the Town of Lansing’s Civil Service Position Listing and include the position in Class E on the Field Staff Classification Listing; and be it further RESOLVED, the Director of Public Works is authorized to recruit and fill the position. The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by Councilperson Judy Drake, duly seconded by Councilperson Laurie Hemmings, and put to a roll call vote with the following results: Councilperson Judy Drake – Aye Councilperson Laurie Hemmings – Aye Councilperson Christine Montague – Aye Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye Supervisor Ruth Groff – Aye Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on October 15, 2025. RESOLUTION TEMPORARILY CREATING AN ADDITIONAL FULL-TIME ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT III POSITION IN THE TOWN CLERK OFFICE IN TOWN CIVIL SERVICE ROSTER Councilperson Judy Drake stated that hiring for a temporary position does not need a resolution. The money is in the Budget and if that is approved, a temporary person can be hired. Councilperson Joseph Wetmore tabled this resolution; no vote was taken. RESOLUTION 25-XX RESOLUTION TEMPORARILY CREATING AN ADDITIONAL FULL-TIME ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT III POSITION IN THE TOWN CLERK OFFICE IN TOWN CIVIL SERVICE ROSTER The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, pursuant to the Civil Service Law, and in conjunction with the Tompkins County Civil Service Unit and the County Personnel Office, the Town has identified a temporary need for an additional Full-Time Administrative Assistant III in the Town Clerk Office, due to the current Town Clerk’s retirement by the end of 2026, and has a qualified job description, a duty list, and job qualification requirements for such position; and WHEREAS, there is currently one permanent Full-Time Administrative Assistant III position in the Town Clerk Office, and the Town wishes to temporarily add an additional Full-Time Administrative Assistant III position to the roster for training purposes; and WHEREAS, the Town Clerk is a critical position for the Town’s service to the public, being the Records Access Officer, Records Management Officer, Licensing Officer (dog, marriage, hunting/fishing, accessible), Clerk to the Town Board (attend meetings and prepare minutes), collecting water, sewer and tax payments, adhering to state and local laws, meeting strict due dates, and much more; and WHEREAS, the current Town Clerk has plans to retire by the end of 2026 and this temporary addition of a Full-Time Administrative Assistant III position would ensure proper training and a smooth transition for the Office; the temporary position will be eliminated when the Town Clerk vacancy position is filled, which leaves one Full-Time Administrative Assistant III position; and WHEREAS, upon due deliberation being had thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves the additional temporary Administrative Assistant III position and civil service roster of the Town of Lansing for the Town Clerk Office; and be it further October 15, 2025 22 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 forms 428s, if required. The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by Councilperson Laurie Hemmings, duly seconded by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, and put to a roll call vote with the following results: Councilperson Judy Drake – Councilperson Laurie Hemmings – Councilperson Christine Montague – Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Supervisor Ruth Groff – Resolution above was tabled; no vote was taken. RESOLUTION MEMORIALIZING CHANGES TO TENTATIVE BUDGET AND AUTHORZING PREPARATION AND FILING OF PRELIMINARY BUDGET Supervisor Ruth Groff stated, with a quick calculation, the expenses are up about $200,000. This does not include the BAN debt. Bookkeeper Mary Ellen Albrecht and Accountant Jen Schenck stated: • 2025 rate 1.9174 • 2026 rate 2.3168 • 20.83% increase for proposed 2026 equals almost $.40 • $350,000 house will have a tax increase of about $140-$150 per year • Town will be over the NYS Tax Cap Supervisor Ruth Groff stated the largest item is the debt service on the DPW - $600,000 for 2026, $1.2 million for 2027. RESOLUTION 25-124 RESOLUTION MEMORIALIZING CHANGES TO TENTATIVE BUDGET AND AUTHORZING PREPARATION AND FILING OF PRELIMINARY BUDGET The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, pursuant to Town Law Article 8, and §§ 106 and 107 therein, the Town and its various officers and employees coordinate fiscal reviews and activities to help and cause the Town’s Budget Officer to prepare a Tentative Budget and such Tentative Budget is presented formally by the Town Clerk and the Town Board thereafter reviews, investigates, updates and amends the same, whereupon it becomes a Preliminary Budget; and WHEREAS, a Preliminary Budget must exist by a specific date and public hearings are held thereupon before the formality of adoption by formal vote and resolution as a Final Budget; and WHEREAS, upon deliberation hereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED as follows: 1. To date, the agreed-upon changes and updates to the Tentative Budget consist of the following: Changes to Tentative Budget for Preliminary Changes for 09.24.25: General A Fund: October 15, 2025 23 1) A1410.200 – Town Clerk – Equipment – Increase from $750 to $4,542 to purchase two new laptops 2) A1410.400 – Town Clerk – Contractual – Increase from $23,500 to $26,100 for additional software fees for tax/clerk program, and new laptop for PT admin person 3) A6497.400 – Economic Development Contractual – Remove $12,000 4) A6772.450 – Programs – Watershed Organizations – Increase from $6,223 to $6,327 to include new totals from Owasco Lake Watershed and Cayuga Lake Watershed 5) A7320.110 – Youth Services – High School Helpers – Decrease from $25,374 to $22,785 per Youth Services 6) A1001 – Real Property Taxes – Decrease from $2,683,414 to $2,571,605 per R.G. 7) A2350 – Intergovernmental Charges – Youth Service, Other Governments – Increase from $24,578 to $31,496 per Cornell Coop ext. 8) A2460- Host Community Fees – Move $400,000 to code A2771 – Unclassified Revenue – HCA, per recommendation by State Comptroller’s office Highway DA Fund: 1) DA1001 – Real Property Taxes – Increase from $2,057,227.50 to $2,271,179 per R.G. 2) DA1120 – County Sales Tax – Decrease from $150,000 to $0 per R.G. Highway DB Fund: 1) DB1120 – County Sales Tax – Increase from $1,300,000 to $1,450,000 per R.G. Drainage District #12 – Asbury & Collins 1) SD12-1030 – Special Assessment – Decrease from $1500 to $1000 2) SD12- 8540.100 – Maintenance - Personal Services – Decrease from $1500 to $1000 3) SD12- 8540.400 – Maintenance - Contractual – Decrease from $1500 to $1000 Water Districts SW Fund 1) SW1030 – Consolidated Water District – Increase from $505,354.25 to $510,546.75 per updated number of units Changes for 10.15.25: General A Fund: 1) A1010.100-Town Board-Personal Services-Decrease from $40,328.08 (3.5% raise), to $38,964 (same as 2025 budget) 2) A1220.100-Supervisor-Personal Services-Decrease from $31,366.92 (3.5% raise), to $30,306.12 (same as 2025 budget) October 15, 2025 24 3) A1220.120-Supervisor-Deputy Supervisor-Remove $2,000.18 4) A1410.140-Town Clerk-Admin III- Increase from $27,476.89 to $48,720.29 (Adding FT position due to clerk retirement) 5) A1460.100-Records Management-Personnel Services-Increase from $11,965.95 to $18,400.23 due to Temp AAIII in Clerk’s Office 6) A1610.200 – Technology – Equipment – Per TB on 9.25.25, added additional $25,000 for audio equipment in court room, $25,000 was then removed to make total for 2026 budget $20,000 7) A1620.100-Buildings-Personal Services-Added $26,645.76 for new Building Supervisor position 8) A1620.110-Buildings-Highway Labor-Removed $2,794.50 due to Building Supervisor position addition 9) A1630.100-Community Center-Personal Services-Added new code, added $4,163.40 for new Building Supervisor position 10) A1630.110-Community Center-Highway Labor-Removed $569.25 due to addition of Building Supervisor 11) A1630.200-Community Center-Equipment- Removed $40,000 for two forced air furnaces 12) A5010.120-Superintendent of Highways-Secretary- Increase by $252.45 to $73,311.48 for corrected O/T allocations 13) A5132.100-Garage-Personnel Services-Added new code and added $26,645.76 for Building Supervisor position 14) A7020.100-Parks/Rec Admin-Personal Services-Decrease from $72,028.65 to $68,427.22 due to reallocation to Trails A7110.140 15) A7110.100-Parks-Personal Services-Added new code, added $16,653.60 16) A7110.110-Parks-Personal Services-Decrease from $140,207.48 to $122,583.60 due to reallocation of wages, and eliminating new FT laborer 17) A7110.140-Parks-Personal Services-Trails- Increase from $12,000 to $12,012.74 18) A7110.407 – Park Improvements – Per TB on 09.24.25 remove $400,000 for Restrooms 19) A7140.100-Playground/Rec Fields-Personal Services-Decrease from $114,851.66 to $99,503 due to reallocation and elimination of new FT laborer position 20) A7620.400-Adult Rec-Contractual- Increased from $6,500 to $8,000 due to increased participation (offset by revenue increase) 21) A8745.401-Flood&Erosion-Equipment Rental-Decrease from $45,000 to $20,000 22) A9030.800-Employee Benefits-Social Security Taxes- Increase from $84,000 to $94,496.95 23) A9089.800-Medicare- Increase from $19,425 to $22,100.09 24) A1001-Real Property Taxes- Decrease from $2,571,605 to $2,493,338 October 15, 2025 25 25) A1081-PILOT- Decrease from $5,879.10 to $5,699.62 due to 1 PILOT ending 26) A2003-Dept Income-Youth Rec Fees- Increase from $285,000 to $286,500 due to increased participation General B Fund: 1) B3620.150-Safety Inspector-CEO-Decrease to $0, eliminate new position 2) B8010.411-Zoning-Paid Consultant (Grant)-Added $111,000 for zoning grant expense 3) B8020.110-Planning-Personal Services-Clerk-Decrease from $59,312 to $37,751.22 to reflect 4.1.26 start date and AAIII to AAII 4) B9030.800-Employee Benefits-Social Security Taxes-Increase from $26,250 to $27,828.47 5) B9089.800-Medicare- Increase from $6,300 to $6,508.27 6) B2189-Dept Income- Grant Applications Awarded- Added $100,000 for zoning grant Highway DA Fund: 1) DA5130.200-Machinery-Equipment- Decrease to $68,087.30 (loader removed from equipment list) 2) DA5142.200-Snow Removal-Town-Equipment- Decrease to $216,360.36 (loader removed from equipment list) 3) DA5148.200-Snow Removal-Other-Equipment- Decrease to $9,207.60 (loader removed from equipment list) 4) DA9030.800-Employee Benefits-Social Security Taxes- Decrease from $39,900 to $38,146.48 5) DA9089.800-Medicare-Decrease from $9,450 to $8,921.36 6) DA1001-Real Property Taxes-Decrease from $2,271,179 to $2,254,721 7) DA1081-PILOT-Increase to $5,654.36 Highway DB Fund: 1) DB5110.200-Street Maintenance-Equipment-Decrease to $257,225.73 (loader removed from equipment list) 2) DB9030.800-Employee Benefits-Social Security Taxes-Decrease from $40,950 to $39,841.87 3) DB9089.800-Medicare- Decrease from $9,975 to $9,317.86 4) DB1120- Sales Tax- Decrease from $1,450,000 to $1,350,000 Warren Road Sewer SS1 Fund: 1) SS1-8120.120- New code added, and added $832.68 for Building Supervisor Position 2) SS1-9030.800-Social Security Taxes-Decrease from $1,365 to $1,171.38 3) SS1-9089.800- Medicare Taxes-Decrease from $315 to $273.95 Cherry Road Sewer SS3 Fund: October 15, 2025 26 1) SS3-9030.800-Social Security Taxes-Increase to $202.20 2) SS3-9089.800- Medicare Taxes-Increase to $47.29 Water Districts SW Fund: 1) SW8310.100-Water Admin-Personal-Increase from $74,392.55 to $107,455.84 due to temp AAIII in 2026 and cross training. 2) SW9030.800-Employee Benefits-Social Security Taxes- Updated to $18,683.67 3) SW9089.800-Employee Benefits-Medicare Taxes- Updated to $4,369.57 Additional Changes for 10.15.25 1) A1420.400-Attorney Contractual-General Town – Increase by $50,000 to $165,000 2) A5132.110-Garage-Highway Labor- Decrease by $3,179.24 to $4,266.55 3) A7110.130-Parks-Personal Services-Highway Labor- Decrease by $5,730.06 to $15,987.39 4) A8745.100-Flood&Erosion-Personal Services- Decrease by $482.12 to $2,000.06 5) DA5130.100-Machinery-Personal Services- Decrease by $67,351.47 to $83,504.71 6) DA5140.100-Brush&Weeds-Personal Services- Decrease by $12,000 to $70,275.26 7) DB5110.100-Street Maintenance-Personal Services- Decrease by $25,000 to $487,310.51 8) DB5112.100-Improvements-Personal Services- Decrease by $15,000 to $115,300.29 9) SDD1-8540.100-Maintenance-Personal Services- Decrease by $630 to $1,100.40 10) SDD2-8540.100-Maintenance-Personnel Services- Decrease by $579.20 to $1,100.80 11) SDD4-8540.100-Maintenance-Personnel Services- Decrease by $579.20 to $1,000 12) SDD6-8540.100-Maintenance-Personnel Services- Decrease by $579.20 to $1,000 13) SDD8-8540.100-Maintenance-Personnel Services- Decrease by $579.20 to $1,000 14) SD10-8540.100-Maintenance-Personnel Services- Decrease by $527.50 to $1,100 15) SD128540.100-Maintenance-Personnel Services- Decrease by $300 to $700 16) SW8340.100-Transmission&Distribution-Hwy Pers Sv- Decrease by $60,000 to $112,036.67 October 15, 2025 27 2. These changes shall be made to the Tentative Budget, which shall become a Preliminary Budget and subjected to public hearing as required by law. The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by Councilperson Laurie Hemmings, duly seconded by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, and put to a roll call vote with the following results: Councilperson Judy Drake – Aye Councilperson Laurie Hemmings – Aye Councilperson Christine Montague – Aye Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye Supervisor Ruth Groff – Aye Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on October 15, 2025. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS Judy Drake No report. Laurie Hemmings No report. Christine Montague 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. Christine Montague Town Board Member Report October 2025 Lansing Housing Authority, Sept 22 - The management company for Woodsedge described the timeline for window, siding and electrical conduit replacement in the buildings. New outdoor lighting, hallway paint colors and apartment updates are next on the list. Conservation Advisory Council, Oct 1 - The Climate Smart Community (CSC) coordination is now run by the Southern Tier Regional Board. The CAC is the task force for finding the documentation for the CSC, but they need assistance from town staff. I suggested they work through the supervisor to start with. NYS Office of Mental Health Community Engagement Session, Oct 9 - NY State Office of Mental Health representatives are going throughout the state to get feedback from providers and recipients of care to inform the next set of programs. I met our local mental health department representatives and the state director in charge of the rural mental health program. October 15, 2025 28 Joseph Wetmore 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. Joseph Wetmore Town Board Member Report October 2025 Parks, Recreation, and Trails Working Group Thursday, September 18⋅9:30 – 10:30am Myers Road Greenway T.G. Miller has completed most of the work. They will meet with Town staff 9/29 to draft next steps, which will be shared with the WG. Greenway Trail Comprehensive Plan Josiah incorporated the feedback he received via email and during the meeting into the surveys. He will send the WG a test SurveyMonkey with the updated wording. Discussion of the trail scoring “matrix” with weighted criteria used to prioritize routes. Town Center Phase 1 Feasibility Study MJ team has begun design and cost estimate work on the Feasibility Study. Options to ensure safe, accessible walkways at the Town ballfields are a priority. NEW BUSINESS A new Town Center Trail Policy, which includes an updated map, was approved by the Town Board. A copy is in the Trail Plans, Reports & Laws Google folder. Updates from Jack Young and related next actions: The nearly 1-mile-long easement connecting North Triphammer to Hillcrest has been recorded at the courthouse. The second Town Center Trail to Conlon Road easement has been approved by Guy Krogh and is in the process of being signed. Meeting with Terawulf representatives Thursday, September 18⋅11:30am – 1:00pm Ruth and I met with Jerry Goodenough, Sean Farrell, and other representatives from the company to learn more about their plans for a data center at the power plant site. Planning Board Monday, September 22⋅6:30 – 8:30pm *Minor subdivision of lands located at 130 Asbury Rd into two parcels: “Parcel A” (1.601 acres), “Parcel B” (2.223-acre flag lot). This project is located in the R1 zoning district. October 15, 2025 29 Held Public Hearing. The Board requested more information and will keep the public hearing open for October. *Minor Subdivision of lands located at 56 Burdick Rd in both the Town and Village of Lansing into two parcels: Parcel “A” 1.92 acres & Parcel “B” 2.25 acres. This project is located in the R1 Zoning District. The Board approved the project. *Sketch Plan review of 5 lot Major Subdivision proposed for Sun Path Rd. The Board tabled the project until November *Minor subdivision of lands located at 178 Wilson Rd into four parcels: “Parcel 1” (1.45- acres), “Parcel 2” (2.25-acres), “Parcel 3” (2.16-acres), “Parcel 4” (9.40-acres). The Board set Public Hearing for October. No one was present to discuss this project. The Board tabled the project requesting more details and documentation. Yellow Barn PILOT/Host Community Agreement Wednesday, September 24⋅1:00 – 2:00pm Ruth and I met with Evan Callahan, Matthew A. Eldred, Rob Panasci, Mitch Quine, Ian Moskal, Zoe Yang, and the Groton Town Supervisor to discuss the Host Community Agreement between Yellow Barn, the Town of Lansing, and the Town of Groton. Myers Road Feasibly Study Monday, September 29⋅3:30 – 4:30pm Ruth and I met with David Herrick, Pat Tyrrell, Mike Moseley, and Owen Barden to discuss the following aspects of the Myers Road Feasibility Study: 1. Status of field surveys 2. Establish extents of trail network 3. Design Standards 4. Anticipated Maintenance Responsibility and Practices 5. Conceptual Trail Alignments 6. Other Planning and Design Considerations 7. Next steps Monthly Check-In | Lansing Smart Growth Zoning Update Wednesday, October 8⋅10:30 – 11:30am Ruth Groff, John Zepko, and I met with Stefan Lutter, our representative from the State who oversees the grant. We were also joined by John Steinmetz of Colliers Engineering, the consultant leading the work on the Smart Growth Zoning Update rewrite. Ruth Groff No report. MOTION TO ENTER CLOSED SESSION Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to ENTER CLOSED SESSION FOR CONFIDENTIAL LEGAL ADVICE FROM COUNSEL AT 11:00 PM. Councilperson Laurie Hemmings seconded the motion. All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0 MOTION TO EXIT CLOSED SESSION Supervisor Ruth Groff moved to EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 11:56 PM. Councilperson Joseph Wetmore seconded the motion. All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0 MOTION TO ADJOURN MEETING Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 11:57 PM. Councilperson Judy Drake seconded the motion. All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0 October 15, 2025 30 Minutes taken and executed by the Town Clerk. Minutes beginning with Closed Session were taken by Guy Krogh, Town Counsel and executed by the Town Clerk. Respectfully submitted, Deborah K. Munson, RMC Town Clerk