HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019.12 Newsletter DECEMBER 2019
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TOWN of LANSING
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From the Desk of the Town Supervisor 1
A Note from Director of Planning 2
A Note from the Code Enforcement Officer 3
From the Desk of Town Clerk's Office 4
History of Myers Park 5
the Town Supervisor
From Parks& Recreation 6
Town Clerk continued 6
Hello, my fellow Lansing residents:
Another year has gone by and now is the time to look at where we were, where we are and where we are
going.
Where we were:
Lansing was facing a tremendous challenge over the last few years as our existing tax base was eroding.
Over the past three years, The Shops at Ithaca Mall's property assessment decreased from $29,000,000
to $14,000,000. Cumulatively they have lost $35,000,000 in valuation. Also, over the past three years,
the Cayuga Operating Company (AES) power plant's assessment has decreased in valuation from
$60,000,000 to $20,000,000. Cumulatively the total taxable value has gone down by $100,000,000!
Question is: Do we raise the tax rate to make up for lost tax revenue? Do we cut services to make up for
lost tax revenue? As you know we have trimmed expenses, become more efficient, eliminated
unnecessary positions, stabilized our essential spending, offered early retirement and continued to run
our offices "like a business."
Where we are:
The results were very productive. The value to our customers (you) have increased while the tax rate
increase was limited to a one-time step up of 5 cents per thousand during that four-years. Through a
cooperative "team effort" we have stabilized our expenses while concentrating on increasing the tax
base. By stabilizing expenses and maintaining excellent value to our residents we are now in a position
to move forward.
Where we are going:
My hope was to address these future projects more aggressively four years ago. Unfortunately, the tax
base concerns mentioned above needed to be addressed first.
These are not listed by importance:
1. Creating a Dog Park. I am proposing the formation of a Dog Park Task Force. Their mission (with
board approval) will be to create a design, location (on town land), operating policy and funding
strategy.
2. Creating consistent availability to the internet. I am proposing the formation of a communication
committee. Their mission will be to develop a strategy to insure everyone in Lansing will eventually
have access to the internet. They will hopefully interact with our planner, our county
representatives, our school officials and any other private or public entities willing to address this
growing concern.
3. Increasing our economic growth. I am proposing to resurrect our Economic Development
Committee. Their mission will be to work with businesses and the public sector to assist in the
creation and growth of local businesses. Continued on Page 2
We're on the Web! Visit us at.. www.Lansingtown.com
Page 2
Continued from Page 1
4. Improving and increasing our trail system. Our trail system is wonderful. It can be expanded by
requesting willing landowners to allow easements on their property through a methodical, respectful
process. The Town will begin to development of a Parks, Recreation and Trails Master Plan in 2020,
coordinated by the Planning and Parks & Recreation Departments.
Is this an aggressive list?Yes, it is.
Will it take teamwork, commitment, innovation and courage? Yes, it will.
Are you willing to attack these projects with an unbreakable desire to succeed? I believe you are.
Just look around you in Lansing. There are examples of successes all around you.
Some gentle reminders:The ballfields, the playground(s), Myers Park, Ludlowville Park, the Log Cabin, the
Dugouts, the Rec Department, the present Town Hall, the Library, Milton Meadows, Woodsedge
Apartments, and our trail systems. I have no doubt we will succeed, because "We Are Lansing". We Plan,
Prepare and Produce! We will continue to grind, innovate, improve and succeed no matter how unlevel the
playing feed is.
It has been my honor to serve you as Lansing's Town Supervisor for the last four years. I thank you for
rehiring me for another four years. I look forward to the continuing success Lansing will achieve for all of
our residents. Thank you, Ed LaVigne, Lansing Town Supervisor
A Note from Director of Planning, C.J. Randall
Holiday greetings from the Town of Lansing Code Enforcement & Planning Office! Clerk Sue Munson,
Code Enforcement Officer Lynn Day, and Director of Planning C.J. Randall invite you to call or stop by
with questions or concerns about maps, housing (including building code, building permits and other
land development), transportation, natural resources, agriculture, economic development, tourism,
and utilities including stormwater management.
We are seeking applicants to serve on the Town's newly established Parks and Recreation /Trails
Advisory Committee for a limited appointment running from 2020 through 2022. This Committee will
advise the Lansing Town Board, Parks and Recreation Department, and Planning Department on all
matters pertaining to or affecting the coordination, oversight, acquisition, development, funding and
programming of the parks, recreation, and trail system throughout the Town and Village of Lansing. The
Committee will also interact with Federal, State, and local officials, representatives of the private
sector, schools, clubs, sportsmen, fishermen, hunters, community organizations, and interested
individuals to promote such activities. It is helpful to have some members with knowledge and
experience in landscape architecture, planning, engineering, or recreation, but there are no minimum
professional qualifications.
Thank you to all our members—the Agricultural Committee, Conservation Advisory Council, Planning
Board, and Zoning Board of Appeals—who served on behalf of the Town of Lansing in 2019. We
appreciate your service to the community!
We're on the Web! Visit us at: www.Lansingtown.com
Page 3
A Note from Code Enforcement Officer, Lynn Day
Home Fire Safety Tips for the Holidays
The holidays would not be complete without decorations such as Christmas trees, lights and accessories,etc.These
decorations make the season more enjoyable, but not being cautious when using them can lead to dangerous
situations. Residential fires during the holiday season are more frequent than any other time of the year.The U.S.
Fire Administration (USFA) reports more than double the number of fires on Christmas Day than on any other day
of the year. Following these tips will help keep your home safe during the holiday season:
• Whether you choose a real or artificial tree, the good news is they rarely catch fire. However, always
remember to keep a real tree watered and away from any heat sources(fireplaces, space heaters, radiators,
etc.)and never use candles on or near the trees.
• If using candles, burn them in a proper holder, on sturdy surfaces away from children and pets. Keep candles at
least a foot away from decorations,wrapping paper and anything that can burn and always place candles
where they cannot be knocked over. Make sure you extinguish candles before leaving the house or going to
sleep.
• Only use holiday lights that have been tested for safety, identified by the UL label from Underwriters
Laboratories. Check each set of lights for broken or cracked sockets,frayed or bare wires and loose
connections.Throw away any unsafe light strings and extension cords that show signs of wear or damage. Do
not overload electrical outlets or circuits.
• Protect your kids and pets from holiday decorations that can be mistaken for snacks. Keep small ornaments
and decorations that tend to break easily or have removable parts out of reach. Remember that mistletoe,
poinsettia and holly berries are toxic.
• According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), cooking is the number one cause of holiday fires. Never leave
cooking food unattended.You should also keep a kitchen fire extinguisher that is rated for all types of fires.
• If your home has a fireplace, have the chimney inspected and cleaned before using. Use a protective screen
around the fireplace to prevent embers from reaching the floor or carpet and other materials. Never use
flammable liquids to start a fire in the fireplace. Burn only seasoned wood and do not burn wrapping paper in
the fireplace (which could ignite suddenly and cause a flash fire).
• If you use a space heater, plug directly into an electrical outlet, not into an extension cord. Give it lots of
room—three feet minimum around all sides. Replace old space heaters with newer models that turn off
automatically when tipped or that are overheating.
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors.To keep your family safe from smoke,fire, and carbon monoxide: it's
important to install smoke detectors on each floor level and in each bedroom and carbon monoxide alarms on
every floor level,especially near bedrooms(replace the batteries twice a year,when you change the clocks).
In the event of a fire or the presence of carbon monoxide gas, the alarm will sound and give you time to get
out of your house safely. For the best protection, interconnect all the alarms throughout the house, so when
one goes off they all go off. Combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are available,as well as wireless
alarms. Have them and make sure they are working properly.
Happy Holidays and be safe.
From the Code Enforcement Officer41114
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We're on the Web! Visit us at: www.Lansingtown.com
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Page 4
Town Clerk's Office
•• � ' 607-533-4142
t Z� Deborah K. Munson
-"'�E l Town Clerk
.s• Jessie Hall
d` Deputy Town Clerk
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ATTENTION LANSING TAXPAYERS
Your 2020 Town and County Tax bills will be mailed by December 31, 2019. If you do not receive your bill by January 7th,
please contact our office at(607) 533-4142,or email townclerk@lansingtown.com, as you are still responsible for your
taxes even if you do not receive a bill. If you have an escrow account and receive your bill in the mail, please get the bill
to your bank as soon as possible so they can process it.
Tax bills can be viewed on the Town of Lansing Website at:
http://www.lansingtown.com/departments/clerk/taxglance-lookup.
Full Payment Options:
• Full payment by January 315t without penalty
• Full payment by March 2nd with a 1%penalty
• Full payment by March 315t with a 2%+$1 penalty
Installment Option(Not Available After January 315t):
• First installment to Lansing Receiver of Taxes by January 31st with a 2.5%service charge
• Second installment to Tompkins County by July 1st
Payment Information:
• By Mail: Lansing Receiver of Taxes
Attn: Deborah Munson
PO Box 186
Lansing, NY 14882
Make checks payable to Lansing Receiver of Taxes-No Postdated Checks
We will accept a postmark date for payment, but please be aware if you pay by"bill pay"through your bank the
envelopes do not have a postmark, and therefore they will be processed on the date received.
• In Person: Lansing Town Hall, 29 Auburn Road
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:30am -4:00pm, Fridays 7:30am - Noon
Friday January 24th&January 31'7:30am-4:00pm
Saturday January 25th 8:00am—Noon
Closed Holidays
Continued on page 6
We're on the Web! Visit us at: www.Lansingtown.com
Page 5
The History of Myers Park and the Town of Lansing Recreation
Written by Lansing Town Historian Louise Bement in 1998
In 1959, Harris Dates, Charles Howell, and Fred Luhr(general manager of the International Salt Plant in
Ludlowville) met together and discussed a plan that would enable the salt plant to give 24 acres of lake front
property to the Town of Lansing.
The first Lansing Park Commission consisted of Paul Trinkl, Frank Nagy,James Cirona, Royal Keller, and Dr. C.E.
DeCamp. Its first meeting, February 22, 1965, indicated the ambitious program for developing the Lansing Park as
an area for enjoyment by families and individuals, free of commercial activities. During the spring, playthings for
children were provided and installed by the Lansing Lions Club.
This was not as easy as it seems, because a great deal of this area consisted of marsh, and ponds of water. Heavy
equipment was needed to grade the access road. The Town of Lansing Highway Department, under the generous
direction of Donald Sharpsteen, developed a lagoon on the north side of the park, cleared trees, and leveled the
south side, seeding the area between the driveways of the park. Parking areas were provided along both sides of
the park. Shrubs were given by Aubrey Simpson.The marina was improved by a new launching ramp, and boat
slips were increased to 20.
The summer was dry, but cool.The park was extensively used by families, children, and private parties.
Permanent fireplaces were installed in the western half of the park, and used freely.Two major events took
place.The Lansing Lions Club erected a pole-type pavilion in the southwest end of the park, and then held its
annual barbeque under it on July 4tn
The Lansing Lions have held a chicken barbecue on the Fourth of July since the mid-1960's. In 1965 they built the
first pavilion at the park to facilitate this event. They also built pavilions in 1968 and 1969.There are now seven
pavilions, identified by the letters A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. Pavilion E was donated by the Lansingville Fire Company
and pavilion G was given to the park by Blanche and John Farkas.
Steve Colt joined the Recreation Department in 1987 as a part time job. His regular job was in a sporting goods
store, and so at night he worked as much as possible for the Recreation Department. By November 1993, the job
at the Recreation Department had become more of a full-time job, and so Steve quit his day job to become the
only full-time Recreation Department Director in the county. Because of his education while getting a degree in
physical education from Cortland State College, he was able to build the recreation department we enjoy today,
using precise centralization and coordination.
The recreation department consists of several sports fields around town, and summer programs in Myers Park.
These programs today include sailing lessons, as well as stand up paddle boarding and canoeing on the lake.A
summer day camp for children has been a fixture of the department since the beginning.
Because teen-age vandals had used the green flashing channel marker at the entrance to the park marina as
target practice, boaters who docked at the town park could not find their way home.John Dean and his wife,
Maureen Carroll,went to Steve Colt and asked if he thought a lighthouse would be a good idea. Steve thought it
was a great idea,and so John Dean drew up the plans to make our lighthouse.
Thanks to contributions of materials, money, and labor from several local businesses and residents, a group of
volunteers set to work, and by the Fourth of July, 1998, our beautiful lighthouse was up and running, flashing a
light to direct boaters safely home.
The park today(1998) is under the direction of Steve Colt with the help of the Highway Department.
Update to original writing, Patrick Tyrrell now runs the Parks& Recreation Department with the help of the
Highway Department.
We're on the Web! Visit us at: www.Lansingtown.com
Page 6
A Note from Parks & Recreation Department
The Parks and Recreation Department has been busy gearing up for our 2020 season. We will have
boat slip applications available January 2nd followed by our lottery February 25th. For applications
you can visit http://lansingrec.com/ or stop in our office.
Camping reservations will open on January 13th. Make your reservations by calling 607-533-7388 or
going to https://lansingrec.recdesk.com/Community/Facility.
Our fall programs have included bowling, gymnastics, in house basketball, horse riding and jump
around. We will continue our basketball season with travel ball starting in January and adding
cheerleading as well. The wrestling program will be back this year. Students will have the
opportunity to work with Doug and Kyle Dake. Ski club is set to begin January 8th. Our bus sold out in
the beginning of November! By the end of December we are hoping to have our new electronic sign
in. This will allow us to display more information in real time.
Town Clerk continued...
Continued from page 4
Payments may be placed in the 24 hour drop box located in the Town Hall Foyer on the left as you enter.
• Online at:http://www.lansingtown.com/departments/clerk/taxglance-lookup
Our credit card provider charges a 2.75%convenience fee (If the bill is$64 or less the convenience fee is$1.75).
E-Checks will be charged a convenience fee based on the amount.
Amount Fee
$1,999.99 and less $2.50
$2,000-$3,999.99 $5.00
$4,000-$5,999.99 $7.50
$6,000-$7,999.99 $10.00
$8,000-$9,999.99 $12.50
Over$10,000 $2.50 per increments of$2,000
If you would like to receive this newsletter electronically, please email
Charmagne at crumgay@lansingtown.com.
Town of Lansing Town Board Meetings:
Office Hours: 3rd Wednesdayof the Month at 6:30 pm
PO Box 186, 29 Auburn Rd Monday - Thursday
Lansing, NY 14882 Planning Board Meetings:
7:30 am 4:00 pm 2nd & 4th Mondayof the Month at 6:30 pm
Phone: (607) 533-8896 Friday
Fax: (607) 533-3507 ZBA Meetings:
7:30 am - 12:00 pm 3rd Tuesday of the Month at 6:30 pm
E-Mail: crumgay@lansingtown.com
We're on the Web! Visit us at: www.Lansingtown.com