HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-07-21 July 21, 2021
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REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING
July 21, 2021
A Regular Meeting of the Lansing Town Board was held at the Town Hall Board Room,
29 Auburn Road, Lansing, NY on the above date at 6:30 p.m. The meeting was called to
order by Andra Benson, Deputy Supervisor, and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to
the flag. Roll call by Deborah K. Munson, Town Clerk, showed the following to be
PRESENT:
Andra Benson, Councilperson Doug Dake, Councilperson
Bronwyn Losey, Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, Councilperson
ABSENT: Edward LaVigne, Supervisor
ALSO PRESENT: Patrick Tyrrell, Parks and Recreation Supervisor, Michael Moseley,
Deputy Highway Superintendent, C.J. Randall, Director of Planning, Guy Krogh, Town
Counsel, Mike Sigler, Tompkins County Legislator, Patrick Jordan and Travis Buckley,
Insero & Co., Mitch Quine & James Wayne, CS Energy, Cindie & Mike Day, Sarah
Yunger, Susan Stickel, Tom & Robin Burke, Chris Pluta, Ruth Hopkins, Larry Fabbroni
and Rocco Lucente,Village Solars, Phil Munson and a few other attendees.
Town Clerk Debbie Munson stated, Deputy Supervisor Andra Benson will preside
over this meeting since Supervisor Edward LaVigne is absent.
MOTION TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED LOCAL LAW
NO. 2 OF 2021 – OVERRIDE TAX LEVY LIMIT
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, moved to OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON
PROPOSED LOCAL LAW NO. 2 OF 2021 – OVERRIDE TAX LEVY LIMIT at
6:33pm.
Councilperson Doug Dake, seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 4 Opposed – 0
No one addressed the Town Board.
MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING
All persons desiring to be heard, having been heard, Councilperson Doug Dake, moved to
CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED LOCAL LAW NO. 2 OF 2021
– OVERRIDE TAX LEVY LIMIT at 6:35pm.
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 4 Opposed – 0
2020 DRAFT AUDIT PRESENTATION – INSERO & CO. CPAS – PATRICK
JORDAN AND TRAVIS BUCKLEY
Mr. Jordan and Mr. Buckley stated the following:
• Completed the annual 2020 Draft Audit
• Reviewed Executive Summary
o Summarizes all documents
o Basic financial statements
▪ Very positive
▪ Unmodified Opinion – everything is good
▪ Reviewed internal controls – no issues
• Thanks to Bookkeeper Charmagne Rumgay for getting documents uploaded to
them and being very prepared; all staff were very professional
• Justice Courts Audit – no issues
• All reports very positive
• Five-year period – reports all positive
o Consistent with prior years
o Funds healthy
• Water Fund – invested about $600,000 capital – otherwise pretty consistent
July 21, 2021
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• Fund balances – Government-Wide Net Positions $12,215,591
Councilperson Joe Wetmore asked about line 1170, Income - Spectrum Franchise Fees
• Expense was taken out of income line
Patrick Jordan stated this shows as net basis, instead of gross income and then another
line for the expense. He noted this is fine, but will look further in to this.
YELLOW BARN SOLAR PRESENTATION – CS ENERGY – JAMES WAYNE
AND MITCH QUINE
Mr. Wayne and Mr. Quine updated the Town with their power point presentation and
stated the following:
• About 1000 acres – 75% in Groton, 25% in Lansing
• Connection in Lansing
• Clean energy to power 32,000 homes
• Goal to start construction in 2024
Public asked questions and Mr. Wayne and Mr. Quine responded with the following
answers:
• Connection will be just off VanOstrand Road
• Lansing area is mostly concentrated
• Groton area is more spotty
• Groton not against solar, but has concerns (same as many towns)
o New York State is heavily involved in process
o Property taxes
o Need to educate Groton
o Groton has not given CS Energy letter of support yet
• Tax agreement (PILOT)
• Host community agreement with Town
• Same project as presented October 2020
• Buffering
o Setbacks in Lansing Local Law are 60 feet – they will go by this
o Setbacks in Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) are 50 feet
o Rows of evergreens at different levels
o Solar system on page 10 of their presentation shows large buffer
▪ Some areas of local project will look like this
▪ Some areas will need additional shielding
o Trees can be planted
o Will talk with individual landowners about their concerns and do extra
landscaping
o Engage with Town – prior to ORES process
o Commitments with host community agreement – Town has leverage, can state
specific buffering
o Not planning tree clearing on VanOstrand and Buck Roads
• Working with C.J. Randall
• Hire as much local labor as possible – will advertise
• No batteries on this project, but they are recyclable
• 25 – 30 years expect panels will be recyclable (based on what is happening in
Europe)
• Property values generally stay about the same, based on other states studies
• $200 million investment, for this project
• Maintenance
o Vegetation – grass below panels
▪ Mow or sheep grazing
o Electrical
▪ Monitor and replace small equipment
▪ Local emergency responders
▪ Train local fire department
• Building permit
o Okay with Town doing the building and electrical permits
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o Need to discuss fee
• ORES process – notice goes out to residents within certain radius of project
MOTION TO AUTHORIZE TOWN SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE LETTER OF
SUPPORT FOR CS ENERGY’S YELLOW BARN SOLAR ENERGY FACILITY
MOTION M21
Councilperson ________, moved TO AUTHORIZE TOWN SUPERVISOR TO
EXECUTE LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR CS ENERGY’S YELLOW BARN
SOLAR ENERGY FACILITY NYSERDA 2021 RES SOLICITATION
APPLICATION
Councilperson ________, seconded the motion.
All in Favor - Opposed –
Above motion was tabled until the August Town Board meeting.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – GUIDELINES
Available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
The public shall be allowed to speak only during the Public Comment / Privilege of the
Floor period of the meeting, or during public hearings, or when they have reserved and
been granted time upon the Agenda.
Speakers must be recognized by the presiding officer (or his or her designee) and step to
the front of the room.
Speakers must give their name and state whether they are speaking as a resident, a
member of the public, or for any other person or organization.
Speakers must limit their remarks to 3 minutes, and comments unrelated to the subject
matter of the public hearing are not allowed.
Speakers may not yield any remaining time they may have to another speaker.
With the permission of the presiding officer a Board or committee member may interrupt
a speaker for the purpose of clarification or information (and not for any other reason or
to debate or disagree). Such time shall not be counted against the speaker’s 3-minute
limit.
All remarks shall be addressed to the Board or committee as a body and not to any
member thereof, nor to any member of the public whether present at such public hearing
or not.
Speakers shall observe the commonly accepted rules of courtesy, decorum, dignity and
good taste.
Interested parties or their representatives may address the Board by written
communications. Written documents and evidence may be submitted as part of the
record of the public hearing.
Persons who exceed 3 minutes, violate rules of courtesy, decorum, dignity or good taste,
or deliberately or by their behavior interfere with other person’s right to comment or
participate in the public hearing, or who deliberately or by their behavior interfere with
governmental administration will be cut off, removed, or have non-recognized comments
removed from the record, or any combination of the above. Before a comments or
statements will be excised from the record, the speaker will be verbally warned that they
are in violation of the rules for this public hearing.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – COMMENTS
July 21, 2021
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Solar
Six residents stated concerns:
❖ Decrease in property value
❖ Environmental issues
❖ Maintenance of interior and exterior of project
❖ Negative appearance for those who live or travel through Town
❖ Visual impact on the residence
❖ Landscaping around exterior perimeter
❖ Distance project will be placed away from residence
❖ What happens when project obsolete
❖ Environmental effect of discarding project
❖ Long term effect on Town
❖ Do residents or Town benefit from project
❖ ORES publication is lacking
❖ Efficiency
❖ Effects on wildlife
❖ Clear cutting trees
❖ Health related concerns
❖ Sourcing of materials
❖ Do not want farmland taken for solar
❖ More than 1000 acres
❖ Town involve public more – information meetings
❖ Town lower taxes of property within project
❖ Panels from China – hazardous, toxic waste
❖ PILOT is unfair
❖ Decommissioning bond is travesty
Village Solars
One resident handed information to the Town Board, reviewed it and asked them to
enforce the amenities of the PDA.
The information was given to Town Clerk, Debbie Munson and is available for anyone to
review in the Town Clerk’s Office.
LANSING COMMUNITY LIBRARY REPORT – CHRISTINE EISENHUT
The following report was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
TOWN BOARD UPDATES
FROM THE LANSING COMMUNITY LIBRARY
July 21, 2021
1. The Library is now open with express browsing without an appointment and
curbside pick-up Monday/Wednesday 10-6, Tuesday/Thursday 10-5, Friday and
Saturday 10-2. Computer appointments are now available.
2. The Summer Reading program, Tails and Tales has begun! Please see the
website for details and events.
3. Congratulations to Cora G., winner of the 8th Annual Logo Contest. Her
artwork will appear throughout the year on the website, newsletters, and the
Summer Reading promotional materials.
4. The Library would like to thank Pat Tyrrell and his staff for their help in setting
up a tent behind the Town Hall, so that the LCL can safely hold youth programs
this summer.
5. The Cornell Raptor Program will be coming to the Library on Saturday, July 24 th
at 11am.
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6. The new Tween (kids ages 9-12) Book Club will feature a variety of titles. Each
month participants will receive a kit that includes a copy of the book and fun
materials and projects related to the selection.
7. The Library is providing free delivery to Woodsedge.
8. The Library now has an Empire Pass and passes to the Museum of the Earth
and the Cayuga Nature Center available for check-out.
9. Plans are underway for book sale in August.
10. Appointments are now available for the Cayuga Medical Center telehealth pilot
program. Please contact the Library for more information.
11. The LCL’s wifi is not password protected. The community is welcome to park in
the lot to access the internet.
LANSING YOUTH SERVICES REPORT – MEGHAN LYONS
The following report was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
Lansing Youth Commission; Est. 1987
Supports Lansing Youth Services
Youth Employment Programs
July 2021
LYS’s next meeting will be on August 19th at 6pm
LYS does not meet in July
1. Current LYS/RYS Program Offerings:
Outdoor Adventure: This group has loved making fires, natural paint projects, and
anything to do with exploring Salmon Creek. Lots of birding was done and even
though seeing the Osprey feed its young almost every day, it was always just as
exciting as the first time, especially when also getting to watch a young Red Fox at
the same time. 10 youth served.
Game On: Tabletop board games as well as puzzles and balancing games were all
heavily utilized. The group also played, and made up games on the playground,
played a lot of catch and had tons of fun with a kickball. 11 youth served.
Leisure on the Lake: The Lake and its awesome resources were the focus of this
group. Fishing, lakeside games, arts and crafts were all a part of the fun. 9 youth
served.
Fishin’ Fridays: Filled with fishing, this group had just as much fun casting as they
did speculating where the best spot may be. Learning basic gear care and knots took
place daily, and they (mostly) baited their own hooks! 7 youth served.
LYS Annual Fishing Derby! After a year hiatus, this event returned with a warm
welcome. We had 25 people from the community attend for a beautiful morning of
fishing, snacks, prizes and awards. Some of the attendees used the gear from the
PITCH grant and were able to go fishing for their first time!
Summer programs have begun, and participants are excited! Lake Life had a blast
at Myers during this combined group with youth from the Joint Youth Commission’s
area. Activities included hiking, arts and crafts, a trip on the Floating Classroom, lots
of tag and capture the flag, and of course, fishing. 10 youth served.
The rest of the summer has the following programs: Cardboard Boat Building, Get
Lost, Funky Furniture, DIY Summer Edition, Eco Explorers, and an overnight
backpacking program. All summer programs have between 8 and 11 participants and
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friends regularly invite their friends to attend, which always makes for an exciting
time!
2. LYS did not approve their 2022 budget yet. Clarifications were needed and have been
provided. The group will either vote via email or hold a special meeting to inform the
TCYSD of their budget request so it can be submitted to the Town at the beginning of
August.
3. Meghan Lyons (Youth Services Liaison) is coordinating a training for youth
commissions in October on Cultural Humility and creating DEI statements. This will
be a virtual event for chairs and co-chairs of youth commissions.
LYS Goals:
1. Create orientation packet for new members - outlines of fiscal revenue and funded
programs. Set expectations to visit programs/uniform template to monitor
programs.
2. Online placement for agendas, minutes, and reports
3. Regular tracking of goals
4. Conduct community needs assessment (focus on impacts of the pandemic)
5. Use DEI statement to track metrics and funded programs
6. Incorporate more youth input at meetings for feedback into program decisions.
TOMPKINS COUNTY LEGISLATOR REPORT – MIKE SIGLER
The following report was reviewed by Mike.
Tompkins County Legislator
Michael Sigler
July 21, 2021
Hello and thank you for having me again.
I’m happy to say the Legislature met for the first time in person in July. We’ve put in
place a hybrid (online and in-person) approach. The public is now able to join the
Legislature in-person for full Legislature or committee meetings. As virtual options for
public comment are made available, Tompkins County will communicate that
information with the public. For more information on public comment, visit:
https://www2.tompkinscountyny.gov/legislature/publiccomment
Heather McDaniel, President of Ithaca Area Economic Development joined the meeting
to present the recently developed Economic Recovery Strategy. McDaniel highlighted
economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. The strategy is organized in three
phases of recovery: response, stabilization, and redevelopment and revitalization.
The response section of the strategy occurred during the beginning of the pandemic and
focused on immediate relief, the stabilization phase highlights actions over the past year
to save jobs and provide resources to at-risk businesses and increase consumer
confidence, and the redevelopment and revitalization phase was referred to as what
comes next – actions focused on targeted business sectors, workforce development, and
infrastructure.
$573,000 was appropriated from the County’s 2021 contingent fund to support tourism
promotion. The resolution references the specifically dire impact faced by the tourism
industry and that this amount helps to make up for lost revenues for organizations
supporting that industry.
Interim County Administrator Lisa Holmes shared that progress continues on the
Reimagining Public Safety Plan. The positions to staff the Community Justice Center are
posted.
COVID-19. 68.3 percent of Tompkins Population has received at least first dose of
vaccine.
July 21, 2021
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Public Health Director Frank Kruppa and Deputy County Administrator Amie Hendrix
report that active cases are down to single digits, yesterday it was four, and vaccination
rollout continues via pop-up clinics in rural areas and with community partners. We are
now seeing travel related cases that then become household cases.
Following the Legislature’s agreement in the July 19th Expanded Budget Committee (to
use 100% of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to replace lost revenues and 75% of
those funds for cash for the Capital Program. I want to assure residents we are not just
going to squirrel away this money. It was felt that by doing it this way, we then simplify
the reporting to the federal government, and we will be able to roll that money out more
quickly to the community. We’ve already given our vision statements and now we’ll
meet August 10th to talk about the spending of that money. Our goal is to deploy these
funds with fewer restrictions and reporting requirements than ARP funds.
County Finance Director Rick Snyder gave his annual financial report for the County last
night. The current unassigned fund balance is $48 million, which has increased $29.9
million over the last eight years as surpluses have occurred. The current County policy is
that at least 10% of general fund operating revenue should be held in the unassigned fund
balance. The 2021 budgeted operating revenue is $171.6 Million. It does look like from
Snyder’s recommendation we will be rolling out some of that money as he’s calling for
an 18 to 23% fund balance where we are at 24% now.
The Legislature unanimously (12-0) adopted the 2021-2022 Tompkins Cortland
Community College operating budget. The commitment from Tompkins County is just
over $3 million and represents a 1.6% decrease over last year as enrollment of Tompkins
County residents has declined slightly.
County Attorney Jonathan Wood updated the Legislature that the County is set to receive
a portion of the settlement being reached with states, municipalities, and opioid
distributors. Further details about the settlement are expected to be announced later this
week and amounts to be received by municipalities for addiction and prevention services
will be clarified over the coming months.
Thank you again for having me.
PARKS AND RECREATION REPORT – PATRICK TYRRELL
The following report was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
Parks & Recreation
7/21/21
Town Board Meeting
RECREATION
• We hosted a 12U baseball tournament on July 10 and 11. We will be hosting a
10U baseball tournament this coming weekend.
• Youth camps have had record breaking numbers thus far, we are adding spots to
whatever we can to accommodate.
• All our camps have been struggling with the weather, we have had to find
alternate locations almost every day. A huge thank you to Lansing Central School
and The Rink/The Field for helping us with this issue.
• Our summer baseball and softball teams have had many rain outs, we are
constantly rescheduling.
• New windscreen has been delivered for the outfield fence on Christopher Field.
We hope to have it installed this week. This was paid for by donations.
• We have begun converting the ballfields over to soccer and football. We have
joined a new football league (Southern Tier Youth Football Conference) this year.
We have purchased new uniforms for both levels of football.
• Soccer camp already has 217 kids enrolled and we expect to be close to 300
which would be our largest camp ever.
• All our adult programming has resumed.
July 21, 2021
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PARKS
• We had to make a tough call and close our beachfront swimming at Myers Park
this year due to the lack of lifeguards. Most of the State is in a similar situation,
COVID didn’t allow for lifeguard training last year.
• Music in the Park has started. We had to re-schedule week 1, Tailor-Made to
September 2nd, but last week went well with City Limits. This Thursday is
Destination, we expect a big crowd.
• We have had to contend with several storms lately, we have had some tree
damage and flooding at Myers Park. Salt Point trail was washed out, we will be
repairing that this week.
• Ludlowville has been busier than normal, we have seen a huge increase in patrons
there, sometimes causing parking issues. Part of our new master plan is to
slightly increase parking there.
• I have submitted some of our master plan concepts to Mike Sigler to see if the
County can provide us with some money to bring these concepts to reality.
• The Parks & Trail Masterplan is almost complete, we hope to have it in front of
the Town Board very soon. We are very pleased with the job MJ Engineering has
done for us.
Pat also reported:
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) at Myers Park and Salt Point – no swimming
HIGHWAY REPORT – MIKE MOSELEY
The following report was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
HIGHWAY REPORT
July 21, 2021
CONSOLIDATED WATER DISTRICT EXTENSION #5 (CWDX5-PERUVILLE
RD) – The crews were delayed on the installation of the water line for this district due to
the heavy rains.
ROADSIDE MOWING – We are mowing the roadsides to try and keep up with the
weeds and grass.
CULVERT REPLACEMENT – We are in full swing on our replacement of road cross
pipes and driveway culverts.
HEAVY RAIN CLEAN UP – Once again certain parts of the Town received heavy
rains and wind that required clean up.
➢ Myers Road shoulders were cut to allow for proper water run off
➢ Road cross pipes were unplugged
➢ Fiddlers Green shoulders were cut to allow for proper water run off
ROAD IMPROVEMENTS – At this point Springbrook Circle, Village Circle, Village
Place, and Seacord Lane have been resurfaced with hot mix.
Mike also reported:
• CWDX5 - connected today near Mirabito
• Ludlowville Road – working with Engineer for cost and feasibility
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING REPORT – C.J. RANDALL
The following report was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
CORE PLANNING FUNCTIONS
• Completed hiring of Code Enforcement Officer Scott Russell (start
date 6/7) and Planner John Zepko (start date 6/28), respectively
• Review and classification of development applications
• Data and GIS Services
July 21, 2021
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o Continued virtual meeting protocol during coronavirus outbreak for
board and committee meetings
• Conservation Advisory Council staff support
o Attended meeting on 6/3
• Planning Board staff support
o Coordinated and attended Project Review Committee meeting on
6/3
o Coordinated and attended 6/14 working meeting
▪ Village Solars – Request for Waiver to reconfigure on-site
trails in Planned Development Area No. 1
o Lansing Propane / Petroleum Storage and Distribution Facility
(Phase 2) – 15 Town Barn Rd
▪ Project updates – 6/28
o Waza Turf Field – 320 Peruville Rd
▪ Public Hearing – 6/28
o Lake Forest Circle Major Subdivision – Lake Forest Drive
▪ Project updates – 6/28
o Placement of 10’ x 12’ accessory building – 281 Bill George Rd
▪ Sketch Plan – 6/28
▪ Coordination with NYSDEC Division of Environmental
Permits on 6/2
o Meadow Brook Apartments and SDM Landscaping Site
Improvements – Site Plan – 393-415 Peruville Rd
▪ Preliminary and Final approval – 6/28
o Cayuga Vista Apartments – Cayuga Vista Dr
▪ Project updates – 6/28
• Zoning Board of Appeals staff support
o No 6/8 meeting
• Interdepartmental Infrastructure Coordination
o Attended Broadband Committee meeting on 6/1; coordinated
presentation by Cohen Law Group
o Attended Town Highway Building Renovation Project site plan
meeting on 6/14
o Coordinated and attended Water & Sewer Advisory Committee
meeting on 6/2
▪ Reviewed IAED water and sewer study updates with Town
Engineer
o Attended Parks, Recreation & Trails Master Plan Coordination
meetings on 6/17
o Attended Parks, Recreation & Trails Master Plan Virtual Public
Workshop #2 on 6/22; assisted with publicity
o Coordinated Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) WQIP
meeting for Salmon Creek Streambank Stabilization Project and
acquisition of vacuum truck on 6/16
• Attended Association of Towns’ Legislation briefing on new
Cannabis law (MRTA) on 6/1
• Attended Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council (ITCTC)
Joint Policy & Planning Committee meeting on 6/15
• Attended review of draft NYSDEC TMDL with Tompkins County
Water Resources Council staff on 6/16
• Coordinated with NYS OGS regarding Lansing Residential Center on
6/17
• Attended Cayuga Lake Blueway Trail Launch Event hosted by
Tompkins County Planning & Sustainability on 6/22
July 21, 2021
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• Coordinated and attended Electric Vehicle Working Group meeting
with Cornell Cooperative Extension on 6/23
• Reviewed NYSEG Lansing Non-Pipe Alternatives Public Service
Commission Order and initiated coordination with utility on 6/30
LAND USE POLICY WORK PROGRAM
• Land Use Ordinance Update
o Land Use Ordinance Audit narrative report forthcoming
• Environmental Protection Overlay Districts
o Discussed Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway with Planning Board on
6/14
o Scope of work and schedule of adoption forthcoming based on
2021 CAC Work Plan
C.J. also reported:
• Lansing Residential Center
o Possible Town acquisition
o Waiting for onsite wastewater treatment records from health department
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
o Looking at providers
o Possible sites
▪ 1235 Ridge Road – fire station
▪ 1189 Auburn Road – fire station
▪ Myers Park
▪ Town Hall by bus stop
o Working with NYSEG
• Spectrum Franchise Agreement Audit – Cohen Law Group
o Estimated to take three (3) to six (6) months
• Increase public engagement, as much as possible, on multiple issues
• Three (3) grants due next Friday – notification mid-December
o Highway – Salmon Creek stabilization
o Myers Park
o Highway vacuum truck
• Salmon Creek Bridge – will not be completed until June 2022
• Planning Board preliminary list
o Short term rentals – August
o Rural Agriculture (RA) changes and Byway revision – September / October /
November
▪ Floating business zones
▪ Agriculture committee review
• Cannabis – decision needed by December 15th
ENGINEER’S REPORT – DAVE HERRICK
No Report.
AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE REPORT – CONNIE WILCOX
No Report.
CONSENT AGENDA
a. RESOLUTION ADOPTING LOCAL LAW NO. 2 OF 2021 TO OVERRIDE THE
TAX LEVY LIMIT ESTABLISHED IN GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW §3-C
RESOLUTION 21-105
July 21, 2021
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RESOLUTION ADOPTING LOCAL LAW NO. 2 OF 2021
TO OVERRIDE THE TAX LEVY LIMIT
ESTABLISHED IN GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW §3-C
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing is hereby authorized to adopt a
budget for the fiscal year 2022; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Local Law #2 of 2021 proposes to authorize the Town Board
to override the limit on the amount of real property taxes that may be levied by the Town
of Lansing, County of Tompkins, for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2022 and
ending December 31, 2022, so as to allow, if necessary or desired, a real property tax
levy in excess of the “tax levy limit” as defined by General Municipal Law §3-C; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was duly held upon July 21, 2021, at the Lansing Town
Hall, 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, New York, whereas the public was invited to comment
upon the proposed Local Law, and whereat all persons interested in the subject were duly
heard and all evidence submitted, if any, was duly received; and
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon, and in consideration of all discussions and
matters arising from or in relation to the aforesaid public hearing, the Town Board of the
Town of Lansing has hereby resolved, and thus be it so enacted, as follows:
RESOLVED, that Local Law Number 2 of 2021 be and hereby is approved and adopted
in the form as presented to this meeting, and in such form “be it so enacted”; and it is
further
RESOLVED, that in accord with §21 of the Municipal Home Rule Law, the final adopted
version of this Local Law shall be presented to the Supervisor for approval; and it is
further
RESOLVED, that upon such approval by the Supervisor (or other approval occurring
pursuant to said §21 of the Municipal Home Rule Law), and within 20 days after the final
adoption of this Local Law, the Town Clerk shall file a certified copy of this Local Law,
together with the required certifications, if any, as follows: (i) in the Office of the Town
Clerk; and (ii) with the New York State Secretary of State as required by Municipal
Home Rule Law §27 (said filing may be made by delivery to the NYS Department of
State, Division of Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial Code, One
Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12231).
TOWN OF LANSING, TOMPKINS COUNTY, NEW YORK
LOCAL LAW NUMBER 2 OF 2021
TO OVERRIDE THE TAX LEVY LIMIT ESTABLISHED IN
GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW §3-C
Be it enacted by the Town of Lansing as follows:
SECTION 1: LEGISLATIVE INTENT: This Local Law shall be known as “Local
Law, Number 2 of 2021”. It is the intent of Local Law Number 2 of 2021 to override the
limit on the amount of real property taxes that may be levied by the Town of Lansing,
County of Tompkins pursuant to General Municipal Law §3-C, and to allow the Town of
Lansing, County of Tompkins to adopt a Town budget for (a) Town purposes, and (b)
any other special or improvement district, and Town improvements provided pursuant to
Town Law Article 12-C, governed by the Town Board for the fiscal year beginning
January 1, 2022 and ending December 31, 2022 that requires a real property tax levy in
excess of the “Tax Levy Limit” as defined by General Municipal Law §3-C.
SECTION 2: AUTHORITY: This Local Law is adopted pursuant to subdivision 5 of
General Municipal Law §3-C, which expressly authorizes the Town Board to override the
July 21, 2021
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Tax Levy Limit by the adoption of a Local Law approved by vote of at least sixty (60%)
of the Town Board.
SECTION 3: TAX LEVY LIMIT OVERRIDE: The Town Board of the Town of
Lansing, County of Tompkins is hereby authorized to adopt a budget for the fiscal year
2022 that requires a real property tax levy in excess of the limit specified in General
Municipal Law §3-C.
SECTION 4: SEVERABILITY: If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, or
part of this Local Law or the application thereof to any person, firm or corporation, or
circumstance, shall be adjusted by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or
unconstitutional, such order or judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the
remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence,
paragraph, subdivision, or part of the Local Law or in its application to the person,
individual, firm or corporation or circumstance, directly involved in the controversy in
which such judgment or order shall be rendered.
SECTION 5: EFFECTIVE DATE: This Local Law shall take effect immediately
upon filing with the Secretary of State.
b. RESOLUTION HIRING THIRD PART-TIME CONSTABLE FOR THE
LANSING TOWN COURT
RESOLUTION 21-106
RESOLUTION HIRING THIRD PART-TIME CONSTABLE
FOR THE LANSING TOWN COURT
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board.
WHEREAS, there is a need for a third Constable to act in a substitution capacity when
the need arises as the Court operates with one Constable at all times; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing Supervisor has recommended that the third Part-Time
Constable position be filled at the Town of Lansing; and
WHEREAS, acceptable and qualified individuals will be located, and is therefore
proposed to be hired to fulfill such job requirements; and
WHEREAS, after review and discussion of such proposal, the Town Board of the Town
of Lansing has hereby
RESOLVED, that a third Part-Time Constable hereby is approved to be employed for the
Lansing Town Court, at the rate of $45.00 per hour with a minimum of two hours, and it
is further
RESOLVED, that the appropriate Town officer be and hereby is authorized to make such
changes to the Towns’ employment and civil service rosters, to file the required Civil
Service forms to effect such changes per this Resolution, and to file Form 428s, if
required.
c. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SETTLEMENT AND PAYMENT OF VERIZON
UTILITY CABLE CLAIM
RESOLUTION 21-107
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SETTLEMENT AND
PAYMENT OF VERIZON UTILITY CABLE CLAIM
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
July 21, 2021
13
WHEREAS, upon May 27, 2021, Verizon submitted claim number NYPR 210901 for
damage caused to underground cabling owned by Verizon arising accidentally from
damage caused during the Town’s installation of a water line; and
WHEREAS, the Town duly notified its insurance carrier of the claim and such claim
under GML § 50-e was assigned claim number TLANS-2021-001-001, and Verizon
thereafter submitted its claim for damages in the amount of $1,298.39 together with an
invoice therefor, requesting adjustment thereof under the notice of claim procedures of
the GML; and
WHEREAS, the Town has determined that it is responsible for the line break and that the
cost of repairing the same is reasonable, and that accordingly this claim should be settled;
so now therefore, and upon consideration of the foregoing by the Town, the Town Board
of the Town of Lansing has RESOLVED as follows:
1. The claim by Verizon (through the CMR Claims Department, Oklahoma City,
OK) is acknowledged in the sum of $1,298.39 and ordered to be settled and paid, and the
Town Supervisor and Bookkeeper may process such claim and a voucher therefore,
settling such claim under the GML and Town Law § 68 in such amount.
2. Upon Verizon’s written acknowledgement that payment fully settles such claim,
payment may be delivered thereupon and the Town shall thereafter notify its insurer that
this matter is settled.
d. RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE TOWN OF LANSING NATURAL
RESOURCES INVENTORY AND SCENIC RESOURCES INVENTORY
RESOLUTION 21-108
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE TOWN OF LANSING NATURAL
RESOURCES INVENTORY AND SCENIC RESOURCES INVENTORY
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, in November of 2017, and as is set forth in the updated 2018
Comprehensive Plan, the Town approved creating a Conservation Advisory Council to
perform certain functions for the Town and to act in an advisory capacity under General
Municipal Law § 239-x; and
WHEREAS, as is set forth in the 2018 Comprehensive Plan’s Sustainability: Energy and
Climate Change chapter, the Town of Lansing seeks to make a difference with regard to
sustainability issues affecting the Town’s infrastructure, economy, agricultural and
ecological communities, drinking water supplies, and recreational opportunities; and
WHEREAS, on January 16, 2019, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing adopted
Resolution 19-49 creating an advisory body to be known as the Conservation Advisory
Council (hereinafter termed “Council” or “CAC”) under authority granted to the Town by
General Municipal Law Section 239-x; and
WHEREAS, on November 7, 2019, the Town of Lansing Conservation Advisory Council
unanimously recommended the adoption of the Climate Smart Communities pledge in
order to engage with Cornell Cooperative Extension to develop planning documents,
including a Natural Resource Inventory, which will further Comprehensive Plan Goal
NR-7A “to complete an Open Space Inventory prioritizing open areas in Lansing for
conservation based on natural, scenic, and cultural values” as defined in section 239-y of
the General Municipal Law; and
WHEREAS, on December 18, 2019, via Resolution 19-163, the Town of Lansing
adopted the Climate Smart Communities pledge, and the Town of Lansing Conservation
Advisory Council was therein appointed as the Town’s Climate Smart Communities Task
Force for the New York State Climate Smart Communities program; and
July 21, 2021
14
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing Conservation Advisory Council (“CAC”) and Cornell
Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County have prepared the Town of Lansing Natural
Resources Inventory dated July 2021 (the “NRI”), as well as a Scenic Resources
Inventory (“SRI”) to supplement the same, each and both to assist the Town, its various
agencies and boards, and the public, in identifying and considering important natural
resources located within the Town; and
WHEREAS, the NRI was prepared by members of the CAC at no cost to the Town
through a partnership with Cornell University and Cornell Cooperative Extension of
Tompkins County, with funding from the New York State Energy Research and
Development Authority’s Climate Smart Communities Program; and
WHEREAS, the NRI includes maps displaying the Town’s mineral, water, biological,
cultural and recreation resources, and their significance to the Lansing community;
associated data; and a descriptive report summarizing the inventoried resources and
findings; and is intended to provide information for comprehensive land use and
conservation planning, as well as to allow natural resource information to be considered
in local planning and zoning decisions; and
WHEREAS, the NRI can provide information to designate critical environmental areas,
develop and implement a municipal open space plan, amend existing zoning and
subdivision regulations, assist in the evaluation of the effects of proposed land use and
zoning changes, inform environmental review of development proposals, and document
current conditions so changes over time can be assessed; and
WHEREAS, the completed NRI and SRI are available on the Town’s web site for access
by the public, and
WHEREAS, the adoption of the NRI and the SRI is a Type II Action under the New
York State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”), pursuant to 6 NYCRR
617.5(c)(24) and 6 NYCRR 617.5(c)(27) for which no further action under SEQRA is
required; and
WHEREAS, expressing its gratitude to the Town Conservation Advisory Council and
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County for their work in creating these
valuable resources for the Town, and upon due deliberation thereupon and all of the
foregoing, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby:
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing hereby approves and adopts
the Town of Lansing Natural Resources Inventory and Scenic Resources Inventory,
respectively, both dated July 2021, as created and recommended by the Town’s
Conservation Advisory Council in its advisory capacity, as a collected and organized
inventory of data identifying important natural, visual, and community resources within
the Town of Lansing; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the acceptance and approval of the NRI and SRI, and any
recommendations regarding municipal actions which may be taken as provided therein,
shall in no way be deemed binding upon the Town or it’s various boards or agencies with
regard to present or future actions; By adopting the Natural Resources Inventory and the
Scenic Resources Inventory, it is the intent of the Town Board that this valuable and
comprehensive inventory of the Town’s natural and visual resources be regularly
consulted and utilized by the Town, its various boards, departments, and the public to
assist in the development, management and protection of these resources; and be it
further
RESOLVED, that it is the further intent of the Town Board, to periodically update and
amend this Inventory at least every 10 years, or as often as may be appropriate in the
future; and be it further
RESOLVED, utilizing the now-adopted Lansing Natural Resources Inventory and Scenic
Resources Inventory, including as such are built for this purpose, the Town Board directs
the Conservation Advisory Council to complete an Open Space Inventory (“OSI”), as
July 21, 2021
15
defined in State enabling legislation at GML 239-y, to prioritize open areas in a
municipality for conservation based on natural, scenic, and cultural values; and be it
further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk is requested to upload this Resolution and the NRI and
SRI to the Town’s website and provide a copy of this Resolution and website link to the
members of the Town of Lansing Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals and to
the Tompkins County Department of Planning and Sustainability; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Town Board requests the Conservation Advisory Council present
the NRI and SRI to the Town of Lansing Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals,
which presentation the Director of Planning has determined shall count towards the
training on land use reviews, process, and procedures as required by Section 5(A) of the
Town of Lansing Local Law 1 of 2020.
e. RESOLUTION MAKING SEQRA DECLARATION OF LEAD AGENCY –
SALMON CREEK STREAMBANK STABILIZATION AND WATER QUALITY
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
RESOLUTION 21-109
RESOLUTION MAKING SEQRA DECLARATION OF LEAD AGENCY –
SALMON CREEK STREAMBANK STABILIZATION AND
WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, The Town of Lansing, in cooperation with Tompkins County Soil & Water
Conservation District, proposes a long-term stabilization strategy including realignment
of approximately 1,650 feet of Salmon Creek, a major tributary of Cayuga Lake,
extending 110 feet upstream and 550 feet downstream of the current impacted roadbed
area; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing has aggressively pursued grant funding for the Salmon
Creek Streambank Stabilization Project to support both water quality improvement and
hazard mitigation, with cooperation from the Tompkins County Soil & Water
Conservation District; and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County Soil & Water Conservation District, retained Barton &
Loguidice, D.P.C. in 2011 to prepare a Feasibility Study Stabilization of Salmon Creek;
and
WHEREAS, this project incorporates that Feasibility Study as well as the recent FEMA
Seneca HUC8 Risk MAP Watershed Study engineering data models for Salmon Creek
(including Gage Analysis and Tributary Regression Analysis) for the purpose of
determining the technical and financial feasibility of designing a long-term stabilization
strategy; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Salmon Creek Streambank Stabilization and Water Quality
Improvement Project has several water quality and flood mitigation components; and
WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Water
Quality Improvement Program (WQIP) is a competitive, statewide reimbursement grant
program open to local governments for projects that directly address documented water
quality impairments; and
WHEREAS, 6 NYCRR Part 617 of the State Environmental Quality Review Act
(SEQRA) requires that a Lead Agency be established for conducting environmental
review of projects in accordance with local and state environmental law; and
WHEREAS, this is an Unlisted Action under the State Environmental Quality Review
Act and is subject to environmental review; and
July 21, 2021
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WHEREAS, State Law specifies that for actions governed by local environmental
review, the Lead Agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for
approving and carrying out the action; and
WHEREAS, the Action is subject to review and approvals from other involved agencies
that include the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board is the local agency with primary responsibility for
approving the action; now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing does hereby declare its intent
to be Lead Agency for the environmental review for the Salmon Creek Streambank
Stabilization and Water Quality Improvement Project and directs staff to transmit an
application through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application for funding
from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Water Quality
Improvement Program.
f. APPROVE AUDIT and BUDGET MODIFICATIONS AND SUPERVISOR’S
REPORT
RESOLUTION 21-110
The Supervisor submitted his monthly report for the month of June 2021, to all Board
Members and to the Town Clerk. The Supervisor’s Report was reviewed by
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore. The bills were reviewed by Councilperson Joseph
Wetmore and Councilperson Doug Dake. The Supervisor’s Report be approved as
submitted and the Bookkeeper is hereby authorized to pay the following bills and to make
the following budget modifications.
CONSOLIDATED ABSTRACT # 007
DATED _07/21/2021__
AUDITED VOUCHER #’s _ 502 - 643_
PREPAY VOUCHER #’s 502 - 506_
AUDITED T & A VOUCHER #’s 52 - 59 _
PREPAY T & A VOUCHER #’s 52 - 55 _
FUND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS
GENERAL FUND (A&B) $ 147,594.36
HIGHWAY FUND (DA&DB) $ 177,642.46
LANSING LIGHTING (SL1,2,3) $ 1,531.83
LANSING WATER DISTRICTS (SW) $ 31,620.57
TRUST & AGENCY (TA) $ 59,121.59
WARREN RD SEWER (SS1-) $ 532.27
CHERRY RD SEWER (SS3-) $ 0.00
DRAINAGE DISTRICTS (SDD1-10) $ 0.00
PERUVILLE RD CWD#5 (HC) $ 17,556.78
July 21, 2021
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BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
GENERAL FUND A
July 21, 2021
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
A599 A1640.400 From Fund Balance to Town Barn Contractual $ 250.00
Additional Repairs
A599 A7560.400 From Fund Balance to Other Performing Arts $ 550.00
Donations cover most of the Music in the Park
GENERAL FUND B
July 21, 2021
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
B599 B8020.101 From Fund Balance to Planner Personnel $ 37,000.00
Hiring of Planner
B599 B8020.432 From Fund Balance to Broadband Committee $ 20,000.00
Funds needed
B599 B8020.433 From Fund Balance to Conservation Advisory Council $ 5,000.00
Funds needed
HIGHWAY FUND DB
July 21, 2021
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
DB599 DB5110.200 From Fund Balance to Street Maint Equipment $ 27,000.00
Lease payment
WATER FUND SW
July 21, 2021
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
SW599 SW8310.402 From Fund Balance to Water Admin Legal $ 3,000.00
Additional Funds needed
SW599 SW8340.200 From Fund Balance to Trans & Dist Equipment $ 27,000.00
Lease payment
CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTIONS 21-105 – 21-110
RESOLUTION 21-111
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of
Lansing has hereby
RESOLVED, that the Consent Agenda Resolutions 21-105 – 21-110, are hereby
approved as presented and amended, and
The question of the adoption of such proposed Consent Agenda Resolutions were duly
motioned by Councilperson Doug Dake, duly seconded by Councilperson Joseph
Wetmore, and put to a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Doug Dake – Aye Councilperson Bronwyn Losey – Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye Deputy Supervisor Andra Benson – Aye
July 21, 2021
18
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolutions were approved, carried, and duly adopted on July
21, 2021.
RESOLUTION GRANTING A WAIVER FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF
THE TOWN OF LANSING LAND USE ORDINANCE PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT AREA NO. 1 (VILLAGE CIRCLE - VILLAGE SOLARS)
§1610 (17)
Larry Fabbroni and Rocco Lucente stated:
➢ Information reported during Privilege of the Floor was mis-leading
➢ Trail is longer with more amenities – 12 exercise stations added - all marked
every .10 mile with map
➢ East – West Trail – completed
➢ Amenity trails around stormwater facilities – done
➢ Fountains are being used
➢ Circumference residential trail needs to be changed, so it does not go through a
building
➢ Added trail to south end
➢ Added connection to Warren Road
➢ Left paved path along Warren Road, but close to road and unsafe – internal
circumference path is much safer
➢ Trying to enhance – doing more, not less
➢ Added dog park, picnic area, basketball court larger, and food trucks three (3)
times a week
➢ Landscaping is one and a half times more than what was planned
➢ Rocco will walk through the project with anyone
RESOLUTION 21-
RESOLUTION GRANTING A WAIVER FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF
THE TOWN OF LANSING LAND USE ORDINANCE
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AREA NO. 1
(VILLAGE CIRCLE - VILLAGE SOLARS) §1610 (17)
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, Planned Development Area No. 1 was established by Local Law No. 1 of
2013, passed by Town Board Resolution #13-78 on April 17, 2013, which added
§1610(12) to the Town of Lansing Land Use Ordinance (“LUO”); and
WHEREAS, by narrative dated December 22, 2020, the Town received a request for
Waiver from Larry Fabbroni, P.E., project engineer, under the provisions of LUO
§1610(17), to modify the design of sidewalks and pathways as required by PDA in § 270-
67F(4); and
WHEREAS, the Planning Board duly considered the matter on June 28, 2021 and by
motion unanimously recommended the Town Board grant a Waiver to allow the
modification of the design of sidewalks and pathways as required by PDA in § 270-
67F(4); and
WHEREAS, Local Law 6 of 2017 requires that the Town Board consider the request for
the waiver under LUO §1610(17)(a)-(d) and, upon deliberation thereupon, the Town
Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby
RESOLVED, this application for a waiver be and hereby is approved as follows, subject
to the following conditions, restrictions, and determinations:
1. The Waiver is approved to allow all sidewalks and pathways to be constructed
pursuant to map “Revised Village Solars PDA Pathways: New Exercise Trail 2021-
2022,” prepared by L. Fabbroni, P.E., L.S., dated July 2021.
July 21, 2021
19
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson _______, duly seconded by Councilperson ________, and put to a roll call
vote with the following results:
Councilperson Doug Dake – Councilperson Bronwyn Losey –
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Deputy Supervisor Andra Benson –
Above resolution was tabled until the August Town Board meeting.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING GRANT APPLICATIONS TO IMPLEMENT
MYERS PARK REVITALIZATION PROJECT, AND MAKING SEQRA
DECLARATION OF LEAD AGENCY FOR REVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACTS UPON THE FOREGOING PROPOSED PROJECTS
RESOLUTION 21-112
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING GRANT APPLICATIONS TO IMPLEMENT
MYERS PARK REVITALIZATION PROJECT, AND MAKING SEQRA
DECLARATION OF LEAD AGENCY FOR REVIEW OF
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS UPON THE FOREGOING PROPOSED
PROJECTS
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, consistent with the Cayuga Lake Watershed Restoration and Protection Plan
and the Cayuga Lake Blueway Trail Plan (approved under the NYSDOS Local
Waterfront Revitalization Plan), and to help protect the Cayuga Lake watershed and
enhance access to its water resources, the Town has been examining needed updates to
local waterfront plans and facilities; and
WHEREAS, after receiving notice that the Town was not selected for funding from the
Environmental Protection Fund in the 2019 Consolidated Funding Application (CFA),
the Town created the Town of Lansing Parks, Recreation and Trails Advisory Committee
via Resolution 19-160 on December 18, 2019, to advise the Town Board on all matters
pertaining to or affecting the coordination, oversight, acquisition, development, funding
and programming of the parks, recreation, and trail system; and
WHEREAS, on May 20, 2020, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing passed Motion
M20-15 Authorizing the Issuance of Parks, Recreation, Trails Master Plan Request for
Proposal (RFP); and
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing Parks, Recreation and Trails Advisory Committee
reviewed proposals on July 16, 2020 using a Weighted Decision Matrix based on the
criteria articulated in the Request for Proposal and selected three (3) firms to interview;
conducted interviews with three (3) selected firms on August 10 and 11, 2020; and
passed a unanimous Motion on August 25, 2020 making a Final Evaluation and
recommending the services of M.J. Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C. to the Town
Board; and
WHEREAS, on September 16, 2020, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing passed
Resolution 20-125 authorizing the execution Parks, Recreation, and Trails Master Plan
Agreement with M.J. Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C. with PLACE Alliance; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing Parks and Recreation and Trails Advisory Committee
along with consultants M.J. Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C. with PLACE Alliance
conducted broad community engagement efforts on February 25, 2021; June 5, 2021; and
June 22, 2021 to gather community feedback on concept plans for Town parks, including
Myers Park; and
WHEREAS, proposed improvements consist of several projects at Myers Park for
revitalization of recreational facilities adjacent to Cayuga Lake, including upgrading the
restroom facilities and pavilions for ADA accessibility and as private unisex facilities;
July 21, 2021
20
expanding opportunities for walkable public spaces for recreation and fitness; restoration
of the natural communities where land meets Cayuga Lake; and implementation of
Cayuga Lake Blueway Plan with ADA-accessible improvements to the kayak launch to
allow people who use non-motorized paddle craft (kayaks, canoes, standup paddleboards)
to access local business, recreation areas and to enjoy the beauty of the Finger Lakes
region by providing enhanced access for launching and docking paddle craft; and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County successfully submitted a Local Waterfront Revitalization
Program (LWRP) grant from the New York State Department of State through the 2015
Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) process to implement the Cayuga Lake
Blueway Trail Plan, the objective of which is to solidify Cayuga Lake as a prime
paddling destination in the northeast; and
WHEREAS, the plan identifies priority sites to develop in the short term as launch sites
or “trailheads” on the Blueway Trail throughout Tompkins, Seneca, and Cayuga
Counties, one of which is Site E14: Lansing Town Park in the Town of Lansing (Myers
Park); and
WHEREAS, the Town is applying for funding in 2021 to implement the Myers Park
Revitalization Project through the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and
Historic Preservation (OPRHP) for a grant under the Environmental Protection Fund
($750,000 maximum award with 25% match required); and
WHEREAS, 6 NYCRR Part 617 of the State Environmental Quality Review Act
(SEQRA) requires that a Lead Agency be established for conducting environmental
review of projects in accordance with local and state environmental law; and
WHEREAS, State Law specifies that for actions governed by local environmental
review, the Lead Agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for
approving and carrying out the action; and
WHEREAS, the Action is subject to review and approvals from other involved agencies
that include the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation
(OPRHP); and
WHEREAS, in connection therewith and in consideration of the adoption and approval of
such Park Master Plan, as updated, the Town will undertake a coordinated SEQRA
review and deem the matter an Unlisted Action, as the Town Board recognizes that
SEQRA encourages an early look at environmental issues and thus a look at the lakefront
impacts was deemed appropriate; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board is the local agency with primary responsibility for
approving the action; and in furtherance thereof and upon deliberation by the Town
Board, it was duly and further
RESOLVED and DETERMINED as follows:
1. The Town Board of the Town of Lansing does hereby declare its intent to be Lead
Agency for the environmental review for the Myers Park Revitalization Project and
directs staff to transmit an application through the New York State Consolidated Funding
Application (CFA) for funding from New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and
Historic Preservation ("OPRHP") under the Title 9 of the Environmental Protection Act
of 1993, for the purpose of funding and implementing the Town of Lansing Parks,
Recreation, and Trails Master Plan improvements for Myers Park.
2. The Town Supervisor and Director of Planning be and hereby are authorized to submit
one or more grant applications to help implement such Project, and the Town Supervisor
be and hereby is authorized to execute any necessary documents required by State of
New York to submit or finalize such applications relating to the proposed Project in the
amounts aforesaid, with a required in-kind match consisting of labor, equipment,
materials, and, if needed, cash, from the Town.
July 21, 2021
21
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Doug Dake, duly seconded by Councilperson Bronwyn Losey, and put to
a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Doug Dake – Aye Councilperson Bronwyn Losey – Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye Deputy Supervisor Andra Benson – Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on July
21, 2021.
RESOLUTION APPROVING APPLICATION FOR FUNDING FROM THE NEW
YORK STATE OFFICE OF PARKS, RECREATION AND HISTORIC
PRESERVATION UNDER THE TITLE 9 OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION ACT OF 1993, FOR THE PURPOSE OF FUNDING THE
DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOWN OF LANSING MYERS PARK
REVITALIZATION PROJECT
RESOLUTION 21-113
RESOLUTION APPROVING APPLICATION FOR FUNDING FROM
THE NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF PARKS, RECREATION AND HISTORIC
PRESERVATION UNDER THE TITLE 9 OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION ACT OF 1993, FOR THE PURPOSE OF FUNDING THE
DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOWN OF LANSING MYERS PARK
REVITALIZATION PROJECT
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, consistent with the Cayuga Lake Watershed Restoration and Protection Plan
and the Cayuga Lake Blueway Trail Plan (approved under the NYSDOS Local
Waterfront Revitalization Plan), and to help protect the Cayuga Lake watershed and
enhance access to its water resources, the Town has been examining needed updates to
local waterfront facilities including capital improvement projects for Myers Park, and in
furtherance thereof and upon deliberation by the Town Board, it was duly and further
RESOLVED, that the Town of Lansing has applied for financial assistance from the New
York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation ("OPRHP") under the
Title 9 of the Environmental Protection Act of 1993, for the purpose of funding and
implementing the Town of Lansing Parks, Recreation, and Trails Master Plan and
improvements for Myers Park; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town of Lansing is authorized and directed to accept these grant
funds in an amount not to exceed $750,000 for the project described in the grant
application; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town of Lansing is authorized and directed to agree to the terms
and conditions of the Master Contract with OPRHP for such development of the Myers
Park Revitalization Project; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town of Lansing is authorized and directed to agree to the terms
and conditions of any required deed of easement granted to OPRHP that affects title to
real property owned by the municipality and improved by the grant funds, which may be
a duly recorded public access covenant, conservation easement, and/or preservation
covenant; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the governing body of the municipality delegates signing authority to
execute the Master Contract and any required deed of easement to the individuals who
hold the following elected or appointed municipal office and employment position titles:
Town Supervisor and Director of Planning.
July 21, 2021
22
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, duly seconded by Councilperson Doug Dake, and put to
a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Doug Dake – Aye Councilperson Bronwyn Losey – Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye Deputy Supervisor Andra Benson – Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on July
21, 2021.
A SHORT BREAK WAS TAKEN AT 8:45 PM
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Doug Dake – reported the following:
Planning Board Meeting – see Joe’s report
Planning Board Working Meeting
• Todd Walter – Conservation Advisory Council (CAC)
• Short-term rentals – C.J. Randall previously covered
Bronwyn Losey – reported the following:
Broadband Committee – C.J. Randall previously covered
• Handful of houses not being served – Lake Ridge Road and Brooks Hill Road
o Barrier – cost of going between pole and house
Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization will come to the August Town
Board Meeting to speak.
Joseph Wetmore – reviewed the following report:
Joseph Wetmore
Town Board Member Report
July 2021
Planning Board
Monday, June 28⋅6:30 – 8:30pm
*Waza Turf Field Applicant: Public Hearing
*Meadow Brook Apartments and SDM Landscaping Site Improvements: Preliminary and
Final Approval
*Mirabito Lansing Propane / Petroleum Bulk Storage & Distribution Facility (Phase 2):
Project updates
*Placement of 10’ x 12’ accessory lakeshore building 281 Bill George Rd: Sketch Plan
*Project: Village Solars – Waiver from Planned Development Area (PDA) Town Code
Section 270-67F(4): Review of request for Waiver; recommendation to Town Board
*Cayuga Vista Apartments: Project updates
Broadband Committee
Tuesday, July 6⋅7:00 – 9:00pm
Renegotiation with Spectrum Cable TV franchise agreement
Staff is meeting with the consultant to describe what the Town has done up until now.
Turning over all the documents that we have, so they can both perform the audit and start
the negotiation.
Spectrum has been notified that the Cohen Law Group is representing the Town.
Addresses that are falling between the cracks that can be hooked-up in the short term
July 21, 2021
23
Reviewed houses that are not being serviced. Still one of the biggest barriers in our
community is connection costs that are way too high, including Lake Ridge Road, Ridge
Road and Brooks Hill Road.
Long term goal
Reviewed the County presentation from June 9th Committee meeting.
County study is disappointing.
There are third-party providers that are not included in the County study. The County
letter that described was the new parameters of the study group, including that there will
be less information passed from the consultants to the towns.
It's unclear how many people will switch over to Municipal system. How many will
switch for faster service and/or for a better price
Concern that this trunk line is primarily going to end up being used for Bitcoin mining
Talk about how the pandemic money can be used to help fund Broadband for our
community
Suggestions included identify houses more than a hundred fifty feet from the cable line.
Could this money be used to help bridge the connection cost? What we decide based on
income, house value?
Some talk about County issues. There are dead zones for the radio communications for
the County. Could those be filled in?
American Rescue Plan Funds
How would Town (community) like money to be used?
Joe suggested the following general items:
• Support urgent COVID-19 response efforts
• Replace lost revenue
• Support economic stabilization
• Address public health and economic challenges that have contributed to the
unequal impact
Doug suggested use it for Broadband
Joe suggested to reimburse Town expenses as a result of COVID and put money back for
highway paving
Andra suggested a special Town meeting for input
Bronwyn suggested doing a survey
Andra Benson – thanked the CAC for all their hard work
MOTION TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION TO
DISCUSS PROPOSED, PENDING OR CURRENT LITIGATION AND THE
PROPOSED ACQUISITION/SALE/LEASE OF REAL PROPERTY WHEN
PUBLICITY MIGHT AFFECT VALUE AT 9:04 PM.
Deputy Supervisor Andra Benson seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 4 Opposed – 0
July 21, 2021
24
MOTION TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 9:22 PM.
Deputy Supervisor Andra Benson seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 4 Opposed – 0
ADJOURN MEETING
Meeting adjourned at the call of the Deputy Supervisor at 9:22 p.m.
Minutes taken and executed by the Town Clerk.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah K. Munson, RMC
Town Clerk