HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012.05 NewsletterEven though I was on the Town Board for 2 years there
has been a lot to learn and do. The Town Hall staff and
Highway Department staff have helped me in more ways
than I can say. Lansing is truly fortunate to have people
working for the Town who not only work hard, but also
care about the Town and its future.
The various Town departments and I plan to put
together a newsletter for residents 4 times a year. This
newsletter contains information concerning the Town’s
Sewer Project and development in the Town Center, as
well as additional information I believe you will find
interesting and useful. With the happy and exciting
time of graduation approaching please pay particular
attention to the timely piece on DWI submitted by Judge
W. David Banfield. Please be safe and responsible.
As I write for my first newsletter, I would like to share
some of my thoughts on the challenges that are facing
the town.Nothing ever stays the same, even though we
would like it to. Our lives are affected by outside forces
beyond our control almost on a daily basis. If we are
resilient and creative we make an effort to rise to the
challenge and perhaps make things better. Lansing is
faced with an incredible challenge because of the
unpredictable future of AES and what that means to our
schools and ultimately our individual real estate taxes
which support them.
For years we have depended on the sizeable taxes paid
by AES to support our schools. We always thought it
would be there. Today that financial support has
dwindled significantly and the future holds no promise
for its return. Currently it would cost AES more money
to produce electricity than it can sell it for. For all
intents and purposes the plant is closed to production
while keeping its present work force to maintain the
plant in running order should things change. Why has
this happened? A number of reasons: 1) a down turn in
From the Desk of the Town
Supervisor Kathy Miller
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
From the Desk of the Town Supervisor 1
A Note from Parks & Recreation 2 & 3
Board of Elections – Seeking Poll Inspectors & Mngrs 3
Lansing Farmer’s Market 4
Town Clerk 5
Supervisor continued 5
Planning & Code Enforcement Office 6
DWI: Is it Worth it? Can you Afford it? 6
Lansing Youth Services – Teen Interviews 7
Employment Opportunities 8
the economy starting in 2008 that decreased the
need for electricity, 2) rising coal prices (American
companies are shipping coal to China who will pay
more for it), and 3) the increasing supply of natural
gas at much lower prices. AES was able to stay in
full operation for some time, dealing with these
realities, they can no longer do so. Simply put, they
need to be able to make money to stay in business.
The plant was up for auction the beginning of March
but there were no buyers. The bond holders have
taken over the plant with hopes of returning to
production sometime in the future. As a community
we hope that happens, but we must be realistic too.
It is time to be resilient and creative to preserve what
we love about Lansing while providing for its future.
What is being looked into to achieve these goals?
Presently two projects are being considered: 1) a
stand-alone sewer project and 2) development of
Town lands across the road from the Town Hall and
the ball fields.
This is the third time that Lansing has looked into
providing sewer services to the Town. Without
sewer, any development with the potential to
diversify the tax base and lessen future tax increases
on Lansing residents is impossible.Sewer would
also allow for denser development protecting our
valuable farm land.
May 20 12
Continued on page 5
Page 2
RECREATION:
PLAY BALL!This truly is one of the most hectic times of the year for the Parks & Recreation Department.
This season LBP baseball and LSP softball programs have begun to practice and by the middle of May we will
have 38 teams in action. These teams are comprised of over 300 boys and girls in grades K – 6. Our
ballfield complex is in great shape and will be busy from now until the middle of November with the various
different sports, teams and activities. As our baseball and softball programs complete the “in-house” season
by mid-June, we will have opportunities for our players to play Travel League baseball or softball. These
seasons start at the end of June and conclude by the first week of August. Our older players will also have
the opportunity to play Prep or Babe Ruth Baseball for boys ages 13 – 15. Our girls will compete at the 14U
and 16U Softball levels.
If YOU NEED FOOTWEAR OR BALL GLOVES check out our bin in the foyer where you can “take a pair if you
need a pair or leave a pair if you have a pair”. These are mostly baseball and soccer footwear. If you are in
need of a glove we have a large box of donated and found gloves. Both of these options are FREE, just ask in
the Recreation office to see the baseball/softball gloves.
SUMMER PROGRAMS fill up our summer program booklet. With well over 30 different program choices, there
is something for everyone. These programs include: Myers Day Camp, Summers Last Hurrah Camp, Band &
Orchestra, Art Camps, Tennis, Golf School, Track & Field, Cross Country, Horse Riding and Handling Camp,
Rock Climbing @ Cornell, Basketball Camp, Soccer Camp, Mini Soccer Camp, Summer Fun Reading Bonanza,
Instructional Sailing, Performance Sailing, High School Summer Musical Program, Instructional Gymnastics,
Swimming Lessons, Spanish Camp, Karate Classes, Super Samurai Camp, Cayuga Lake Seido Karate Catch-Up
Camp, Cooking Camps, Bowling, Archery, K-3 Soccer, Destination Exploration, Creative & Fun Ceramics with
Noni and Operation Eat Green, to name a few!!
SIGNING UP for these and other programs is easy but should be done sooner than later, as many of the
programs fill up quickly. The booklets will all be printed right in our town hall and should be ready for
distribution by the second week in May. They will be placed in the schools, town hall foyer, the Parks and
Recreation office and may be seen on our web page at www.lansingrec.com. Limited scholarships are offered
for many of the programs.
LATE SUMMER & FALL program flyers will be completed and will be ready for distribution in all of the same
locations just before school is out for the summer in late June. This booklet will contain our Youth Soccer
Program, Flag Football, YFL Football, Cheerleading and much more!
PARKS:
THE PARK GROUNDS for this time of the year are in great shape and looking good. Soon the parks will be
very busy and many events are already planned for this summer.
CAMPING AND PAVILIONS in Myers Park may be reserved by calling the Parks & Recreation office and may be
done over the phone with your credit card. Many nights of camping and dates for pavilions have already
been reserved, so don’t delay.
SAY HELLO TO THE GALUSHA’S when you come to the park. After a very long search and interviews, David
and Kathy Galusha have been selected as our new camp area managers and park caretakers. They will be
moving into the park for the season next week and will be located in their designated spot near our park
shop. The 2012 camping season starts on May 11th.
PARK ADMISSION is still a great deal at $3.00 per car for non-residents and is FREE for residents with their
park admission sticker located on the driver side window of their car. Stickers may be obtained at the Parks
& Recreation office now, and in the Park as we start to collect. Residents must have proof of residency,
A Note from Parks & Recreation Department
By Steve Colt, Director of Parks & Recreation
Page 3
Parks & Recreation Continued…
The Board of Elections is currently looking for Poll Site Inspectors and Managers. This is a great opportunity for
folks interested in participating in the political process. Inspectors sign in voters and distribute ballots. Poll Site
Managers open and close the voting machines and assist voters as needed.
New workers attend a paid training session and then are teamed with experienced workers for the election. For
Primary Elections, Inspectors are paid $100 for working 11:30am - 9:30pm, and Poll Site Managers are paid
$130 for 11am - 9:30pm. For the General Election Inspectors are paid $160 (5:30am -9:30pm) and the Poll Site
Managers get $190 (5:00am - 9:30pm).
The trainings will begin in September. You may sign up by calling the Board of Elections at 607-274-5521.
Board of Elections – Seeking Poll Site Inspectors and Managers
license plate number and must sign for their sticker. Admission will be collected every day starting Memorial
Day holiday weekend.
RENT A KAYAK OR CANOE at Myers Park and be able to enjoy one of the best paddling locations on the entire
lake! That’s right… soon you will be able to rent a kayak or a canoe and enjoy the lake and get some great
exercise at the same time. More details to follow!
The MYERS PARK CONCERT SERIES seems to attract more attendees every year and the line up is set for this
season and should be another great one! All concerts start at 6:30 PM.
July 5 – Ithaca Concert Band
July 12 – Steve Southworth and The Rockabilly Rays
July 19 – Free Boody Institute
July 26 – Tailor Made
August 2 – The Ageless Jazz Band
August 9 – The Tarps
August 16 – 88 Rocks Please see our concert flyer for more details and band introductions.
LUDLOWVILLE PARK “UNPLUGGED”will return to the bandstand in Ludlowville Park again this summer thanks
to the Tompkins County Tourism Program grant. These events are Friday evenings starting at 6:30 PM and
are FREE.
July 13 – Pete Panek & the Blue Cats
July 20 – Tru Bleu
July 27 – John Dean & Friends
A lot of people rediscovered Ludlowville Park or enjoyed it for the first time last summer and we look forward
to these concerts!
The LANSING CENTER TRAIL is a great trail that meanders 2.4 miles on about 140 acres of town-owned land
opposite the Lansing Town Hall. It is designed as a perimeter path with a few interior loops and wonderful
views of the Cayuga Lake Valley, the National Forest backbone, Connecticut Hill, and Newfield hills. The
Lansing Pathways Committee (LPC) is a group of local citizens promoting the development of non-motorized
recreation and transportation trails in the Town of Lansing and is recognized as an official town committee.
The Lansing Center Trail is LPC’s first trail development project.
The LANSING DOG PARK incorporating the same organizational philosophy as the Myers Park Playground,is a
grass roots project driven by interested Lansing volunteers. The site location is just east of the Town Center
Trail parking lot. A committee under the leadership of Sybel Bush is in place to start the planning and to
complete a necessary list of items to keep this project progressing. Grants and donations will be needed to
make this project happen. Tax deductible contributions are greatly appreciated and checks may be made
out to “Town of Lansing Dog Park” and may be dropped off or mailed to the Lansing Town Hall, Box 186,
29 Auburn Rd., Lansing, NY 14882 c/o Supervisors Office.
Page 4
Lansing Farmer’s Market
By Lynn Day, Market Manager
Located at 29 Auburn Road in the Town Hall & Lansing Library Parking Lot, the Farmers' Market will
be open from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Saturday rain or shine from June 9th through the last week
of October, weather permitting. Our Farmers' Market is organized to offer a venue where local farmers,
food producers and crafters can sell their goods to community residents, forge relationships, and
exchange information in a fun, family atmosphere. As always, the Market will feature fresh produce,
organic meat, baked goods, honey, cut flowers, fresh fruits, fresh salsa / sauces and other farm
products from at least a dozen local farmers, as well as a variety of local crafts, jewelry, and other
handmade items. You will also meet Lansing Community Council members selling a variety of items.
Check out our website lansingfarmersmarket.com which is updated weekly, for featured local
musicians, as well as special events:
Opening day June 9th with a Chicken Barbeque and live music by Beverly Stokes plus the magic
and balloon antics of James Turner.
"Paws in the Park" Dog Days and Chicken Barbeque to benefit the new Town of Lansing Dog
Park July 21st. Music by Matthew Ocone plus the magic and balloon antics of James Turner.
A Car Show ("Cruise-In") and Chicken Barbeque - 50/50 Raffle to benefit the Lansing Youth
Services August 4th. Music by our very own Paul Kempkes (Dr.K.).
For four weekends, we're hoping to combine a flea market with our regular Farmers' Market.
(June 23, July 7, August 4 and September 8).
Chicken barbeques generally every weekend thru the summer.
This will be our fourth anniversary! Each and every year we have seen the Market grow toward
expansion and permanence and a future home in the Lansing Town Center. We, the Farmers' Market
members, would like to thank the community for all their support, past and present, and look forward
to seeing you this summer.Vendor Application Forms:Are available at the Lansing Town Hall
Supervisors' Office or the Planning & Zoning Department for those individuals interested in becoming a
vendor at the market. For more information, contact Lynn at (607) 533-7054, e-mail
lday8@twcny.rr.com or Charmagne at (607) 533-8896, e-mail charrum@twcny.rr.com or stop by the
Lansing Town Hall 7:30 - 4:00 (Monday - Thursday), 7:30 - 12:00 (Fridays).
Page 5
Debbie S. Crandall, RMC Darlene J. Marshall
Town Clerk Deputy Town Clerk
Phone: 607-533-4142
We welcome you to the Town Clerk’s Office at 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, NY. The Town Clerk’s Duties include:
Clerk of the Town Board
Minutes, Agendas and Current Meeting Draft Documents are found on the Town Board Website
Lansing Receiver of Taxes (Town, County, Fire and Special Districts)
Collector of Water and Sewer Payments
Notary Public
Licensing Officer – Marriage, Conservation (Hunting and Fishing) & Dogs
Bingo and Games of Chance
Handicapped Parking
Records Management Officer
Administrator of the Freedom of Information Law
Please visit the Town Clerk’s web page at www.lansingtown.com
TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE
A Sewer Committee was established in 2011 and has been working incredibly hard, meeting every week to find a
way to make this possible. Determining the best kind of facility, keeping the cost as low as possible for sewer
district residents and finding affordable financing are their main concerns. The proposed sewer district, which can be
found in the Map, Plan & Report posted on the town’s website, depends primarily on gravity to feed the plant.
Construction and operation of a gravity fed system is less costly than a system which requires pumping stations.
This information is also available at the Town Hall.
Developing the Town land across from the ball fields has been talked about since the 2010 Committee started
meeting in the 1990s.The Town Center Committee held Town meetings in 2008 to get resident input and ideas
about what they would like to have in a “Town Center”. A food market, coffee shop, doctor’s office, pharmacy, day
care facility, senior housing and community center are a few of the ideas they expressed. Sidewalks were also high
on the list. Lansing was approached by the NRP Group LLC with an idea for building two senior living complexes.
One would be “affordable senior” housing and the other “market rate” senior housing.Affordable Housing is
financed by a federal grant program and all rents are based on one’s income. Lansing needs affordable senior
housing and this is an opportunity to provide it in a beautiful area that will help to establish a “Town Center”.
Market Rate senior housing is just that, units are rented at market rate. Although both types of housing contribute
to the tax base, the market rate contributes more.
Both of the senior housing projects would provide our seniors with local housing so they can stay in Lansing with
their family and friends, as well as, lead the way for development of our “Town Center”. They also benefit Lansing’s
efforts to bring sewer to our community by contributing to the number of EDU’s (equivalent dwelling units). The
more EDU’s in the sewer district the lower the cost to each property owner.
Future development might include affordable housing for all ages, in a mixed neighborhood. Creating a
neighborhood where residents can walk and bike for recreation and shopping is essential to the Town Center
concept.
Public information meetings for the Sewer Project are being planned for the months ahead. Additional information
can be found on the Town’s web site at www.lansingtown.com by selecting the “Click here for quick links to all Town
Documents box at the top center of the home page, then choosing the Sewer Committee Option near the bottom of
the page, as well as, on the Lansing Star web site at www.lansingstar.com. These documents are also available at the
Town Hall in Supervisor’s or Town Clerk’s Office.
Kathy Miller Continued from page 1
Page 6
Planning and Code Enforcement Office
The costs of a drunk driving conviction for a first time offender are:
Towing $100 Car Storage $50/day (3 days)
Attorney $4,000 Bail $0 – $500
DWI Fine $1,000 NYS Surcharge $395
Interlock System $100 Monthly Fee (6 mos) $600
Alcohol Evaluation $100 Vehicle Impact Panel $50
Conditional License $75 Drunk Driver Program $500
DWI License Reinstatement $100 Assessment Fee (3yrs@$250) $750
Auto Insurance Increase $3,000 Total $11,420
In addition Insurance Companies will deny No Fault Coverage (Medical Coverage), the offense is a
Misdemeanor with the possibility of up to one year in jail, and revocation of license for up to one year, and
being convicted of DWI can have a negative impact on your employment.IS IT WORTH IT?
By W. David Banfield, Lansing Town Justice
DWI, Is it worth it? Can you afford it?
By Jeff Overstrom, Engineering & Planning Coordinator
The Planning and Code Enforcement Office provides many services and information for the
residents of the Town of Lansing. The following is an example of some of these services:
Building Permits for Construction:
Residents are reminded that a permit is required for almost all type of construction including
but not limited to residential and commercial buildings, swimming pools, sheds over 100
square feet, structural renovations, porches, and any electrical or plumbing modifications. New
this year is the requirement for a permit to construct decks. Contact our office or visit our
website at www.lansingtown.com for applications, fees and requirements for a building permit.
The Code Enforcement Office would like to remind anyone that may be considering installing a
wood stove or similar solid fuel burning device, that a permit is required. The manufacturer’s
recommended installation guide must be submitted with the permit application.
New York State Code Enforcement:
Zoning is enforced within the Town of Lansing. The Town of Lansing Land Use Ordinance
describes the eight specific zones and outlines allowed land uses within each zone. A copy of
the Land Use Ordinance and Zoning map are available in the Code Enforcement Office or on line
at the Town of Lansing website. We recommend residents refer to the Land Use Ordinance prior
to any proposed project.
Planning and Zoning:
Exempt one lot, minor and major subdivisions require Town of Lansing Code Enforcement
Officer and Planning Board approval in accordance with the Town of Lansing Subdivision Rules
and Regulations. Site Plan Review may be required. The Town of Lansing Subdivision Rules and
Regulations are available in the Code Enforcement Office or on the Town’s website. Please
contact the Planning and Code Enforcement Office for details and requirements.
Please take time to change the batteries and check operation in all smoke and
carbon monoxide detectors.
Feel free to stop by the office with any questions or concerns. We are here to help. Our office
phone number is 607-533-7054.
Page 7
Lansing Youth Services Teen Interviews
Kathryn Miller
1.) How long have you worked at the Lansing
Community Library?
I have worked at the library for five months.
2.) What do you like most about working in the
library?
I enjoy helping the patrons and checking books in
and out. I am very grateful to the High School
Youth Services Work Program for giving me this
opportunity.
3.) Who is your favorite author?
I began reading J. K. Rowling’s books in second
grade, and I still love her books.
4.) What is your favorite book?
I read Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell last
summer. It was amazing!
Tory Prybyl
1.) How long have you worked at the
Lansing Community Library?
I have worked at the Lansing Community Library
for four years, since I was a freshman and I am
now a senior.
2.) What do you like most about working
in the library?
The thing I like most about working at the library
is working with the patrons. I help them pick out
books, check their books in and out, and assist
them with whatever they may need help with. It
is rewarding to help them. If it was not for the
high school youth services program I would not
have been able to have this opportunity. Working
at the Lansing Community Library has helped me
grow in so many ways.
3.) Who is your favorite author?
It is hard to pick a favorite author but one of my
favorites is Nicholas Sparks.
4.) What is your favorite book?
I have so many favorite books but at the moment
my favorite book is The Last Lecture by Randy
Pausch.
Town of Lansing
PO Box 186
Lansing, NY 14882
Phone:(607) 533-8896
Fax: (607) 533-3507
E-Mail:charrum@twcny.rr.com
We’re on the Web!
Visit us at:www.Lansingtown.com
Office Hours:
Monday – Thursday
7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Fridays
7:30 am –12:00 pm
Town of Lansing
PO Box 186
Lansing, NY 14882
You will find job descriptions and the required online application by
visiting the Tompkins County website at www.tompkins-co.org for
the following positions:
Temporary Full Time Cleaner
Recreation Assistant (Various Summer Recreation Programs)
Laborer (Myers Park, Playground & Recreation, Fields)
Lifeguard (Summer Swim Lessons, Myers Park Beachfront)
Swimming Area Director (Myers Park Beachfront)
For questions about positions available please contact Sharon
Bowman in the Supervisor’s Office at (607)533-8896. If you are
experiencing problems with the online application process please
contact Tompkins County Personnel at (607)274-5525.
Town Board Meetings:
1st Wednesday - Work Session
3rd Wednesday – Regular
Meeting at 7:00 pm
Planning Board Meetings:
2nd & 4th Monday of the Month
at 7:15 pm
ZBA Meetings:
3rd Tuesday of the Month at
7:00 pm
Employment Opportunities
If you would like to receive this newsletter electronically,
please email Charmagne at charrum@twcny.rr.com.
Return Service Requested
