HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-07-20
July 20, 2022
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REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING
July 20, 2022
A Regular Meeting of the Lansing Town Board was held at the Town Hall Board Room,
29 Auburn Road, Lansing, NY, and streamed live on YouTube on the above date at
6:36 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Edward LaVigne, Supervisor, and opened
with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Roll call by Deborah K. Munson, Town Clerk,
showed the following to be
PRESENT:
Andra Benson, Councilperson Ruth Groff, Councilperson
Bronwyn Losey, Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, Councilperson
Edward LaVigne, Supervisor
ABSENT: No one absent
ALSO PRESENT: Patrick Tyrrell, Parks and Recreation Supervisor, Mike Moseley,
Highway Superintendent, Guy Krogh, Town Counsel, C.J. Randall, Director of Planning,
Mary Ellen Albrecht, Bookkeeper, David Herrick, Town Engineer, Mike Sigler,
Tompkins County Legislator, Steve Colt, and a few other attendees.
MOTION TO AMEND AND ADOPT THE UPDATED TOWN COVID-19 LEAVE
TIME AND GENERAL POLICIES
MOTION M22-30
MOTION TO AMEND AND ADOPT THE UPDATED TOWN
COVID-19 LEAVE TIME AND GENERAL POLICIES
Councilperson Andra Benson, moved to update, amend and adopt the Town of Lansing
COVID-19 time and general policies, said Policy dated July 20, 2022, as updated,
supersedes and replaces the prior policy effective immediately.
Councilperson Bronwyn Losey seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
MOTION TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR LOCAL LAW NO. 6 OF 2022
– OVERRIDE TAX LEVY LIMIT
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, moved to OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON
LOCAL LAW NO. 6 OF 2022 – OVERRIDE TAX LEVY LIMIT at 6:38 pm.
Councilperson Ruth Groff seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
No one addressed the Town Board.
MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING
All persons desiring to be heard, having been heard, Councilperson Joseph Wetmore,
moved to CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING ON LOCAL LAW NO. 6 OF 2022 –
OVERRIDE TAX LEVY LIMIT at 6:39 pm.
Councilperson Andra Benson seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
RESOLUTION ADOPTING LOCAL LAW NO. 6 OF 2022 TO OVERRIDE THE
TAX LEVY LIMIT ESTABLISHED IN GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW §3-C
RESOLUTION 22-102
RESOLUTION ADOPTING LOCAL LAW NO. 6 OF 2022 TO OVERRIDE THE
TAX LEVY LIMIT ESTABLISHED IN GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW §3-C
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
July 20, 2022
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WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing is hereby authorized to adopt a
budget for the fiscal year 2023; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Local Law #6 of 2022 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, 2023 and
ending December 31, 2023, 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 20, 2022, 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 6 of 2022 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).
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolutions was duly motioned by
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, duly seconded by Councilperson Ruth Groff, and put to
a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Andra Benson – Aye Councilperson Ruth Groff – Aye
Councilperson Bronwyn Losey – Aye Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye
Supervisor Edward LaVigne – Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on July
20, 2022.
TOWN OF LANSING, TOMPKINS COUNTY, NEW YORK
LOCAL LAW NUMBER 6 OF 2022
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 6 of 2022”. It is the intent of Local Law Number 6 of 2022 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
July 20, 2022
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January 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2023 that requires a real property tax levy in
excess of the “Tax Levy Limit” as defined by General Municipal Law §3-C.
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
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
2023 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.
PROPOSED WATER MAIN EXTENSION – 457 LANSING STATION ROAD
Outside user application for water service line extension was submitted, prior to this
meeting, to the Town Board. The Town Board reviewed and discussed the application.
Town Counsel Guy Krogh, Town Engineer David Herrick, and Highway Superintendent
Mike Moseley stated:
This is a private water line. It is not wise to run water lines under the road because that
creates a big problem when it leaks. Normally, the water lines run along the sides of
roads and go under the road crossing at 90 degrees. They would not recommend to the
Town to approve this as drawn on the map because there are several hundred feet of
waterline under the road. Easements are needed.
Town Counsel Guy Krogh will write letter telling applicant this is not approved as
submitted. They will need to cross under the road at 90 degrees and get three (3)
easements.
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.
July 20, 2022
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With the permission of the presiding officer a Board or committee member may interrupt
a speaker for the purpose of clarification or information (and not for any other reason or
to debate or disagree). Such time shall not be counted against the speaker’s 3-minute
limit.
All remarks shall be addressed to the Board or committee as a body and not to any
member thereof, nor to any member of the public whether present at such public hearing
or not.
Speakers shall observe the commonly accepted rules of courtesy, decorum, dignity and
good taste.
Interested parties or their representatives may address the Board by written
communications. Written documents and evidence may be submitted as part of the
record of the public hearing.
Persons who exceed 3 minutes, violate rules of courtesy, decorum, dignity or good taste,
or deliberately or by their behavior interfere with other person’s right to comment or
participate in the public hearing, or who deliberately or by their behavior interfere with
governmental administration will be cut off, removed, or have non-recognized comments
removed from the record, or any combination of the above. Before a comments or
statements will be excised from the record, the speaker will be verbally warned that they
are in violation of the rules for this public hearing.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – COMMENTS
No one addressed the Town Board.
LANSING COMMUNITY LIBRARY REPORT – CHRISTINE EISENHUT
Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting
packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
TOWN BOARD UPDATES
FROM THE LANSING COMMUNITY LIBRARY
July 20, 2022
1. Summer Reading is in full swing and registration is still open. The theme this
year is Oceans of Possibilities. There will be many different activities planned
throughout the summer. Please check the library’s website for details.
2. Family Hike and Storytime with the Finger Lakes Land Trust – There will be a
guided family hike and storytime at Lansing’s newest nature preserve on July
30th at 11am. The hike will be guided by Jason Gorman, Nature Preserve
Manager with the FLLT.
3. On display throughout the month of July will be the artwork of Morgan Wilcox.
4. Instructor John Burger will be hosting T’ai Chi classes at the Community
Center on Fridays from 10:30am-11:30am.
5. Story time will be held on Thursdays at 11:00am at the Community Center.
6. The library continues to provide free delivery to Woodsedge.
7. Book donations are now being accepted during open hours. Exceptions -
textbooks, encyclopedias, Readers’ Digest Books, or magazines. Donation
receipt forms are available.
8. The library has an Empire Pass and passes to the Museum of the Earth and the
Cayuga Nature Center available for check out. Board games, puzzles, story time
kits, and STEAM kits are also available.
July 20, 2022
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9. The library is distributing free self-test COVID-19 kits, antibacterial wipes and
N95 masks to Lansing households.
10. The LCL’s Wi-Fi is not password protected. The community is welcome to
park in the lot to access the Internet.
LANSING YOUTH SERVICES REPORT
No Report.
TOMPKINS COUNTY LEGISLATOR REPORT – MIKE SIGLER
Submitted the following report to the Town Board.
Tompkins County Legislator
Michael Sigler
July 20, 2022
The Tompkins County Legislature accepted a report from the Tompkins County Food
Policy Council and Tompkins Food Future regarding the Food System Plan unanimously.
Members of the Council presented a detailed report on what is included in the plan. The
plan includes a baseline study of the local food system as well as 9 goals and 47
recommendations for the future, and was based on engagement with over 2,000 people in
Tompkins County.
A list of goals in the plan and provided to the Legislature and can be found below. To
view the entire food system plan, visit the document online.
Some of the goals I thought were particularly interesting were the call to double local
food production and the call to protect active farmland and grow land access to people of
color.
Tompkins County Finance Director Rick Snyder announced his retirement from
Tompkins County Government. Snyder thanked his staff, “they have stepped up already.”
Snyder also thanked Legislators for their support in his time at Tompkins County. Snyder
has served for 37 years in local government and almost ten years at Tompkins County,
and he will retire later this year.
We are increasing security at our Human Services Building the Legislature. We are
putting in a magnetometer and will have two-armed Tompkins County Sheriff’s Deputies
to screen visitors of the building. These measures are being supported by the County’s
contingency fund, with anticipation of reimbursement from New York State for a
majority of costs. My concern with this move was the use of County Deputies. Deputies
are not the County workforces or legislature’s person security. They are supposed to
protect all of our citizens, not just those working at the Human Services Building. With
that said, we have a problem there now and this is the quickest way to fix that. That is, if
we can find the deputies to do this work. We’ve been struggling with recruitment.
The Legislature considered and passed (11-3 with Legislators Sigler (R-Lansing), Brown
(R-Newfield), and Shurtleff (R-Groton) in opposition) a member-filed resolution brought
forth by Legislator Rich John (D-Ithaca) that calls for an amendment to the US
Constitution changing the second amendment from a right into a privilege granted by the
state.
I’m also working on the County starting a mental health crisis facility. I’m reaching out
to Dutchess County who’s had success and hopefully can be used as a model. It could
help us get some very needy people treatment and divert them from the jail or hospital.
I’ve been asking DEC about the dredging of the inlet. I know, not a Lansing issue, but it
is a flood control channel and to control water it would be helpful if it held some.
I also need to call Pat and talk about Myers Park and see about dredging the swim area. I
know it involves the Army Corps of Engineers, but it’s now an ankle wetter and not
really a swim area. I’d like your thoughts on that.
I’ve set a meeting up about the airport and loss of service for next week and I’ll let you
know how that goes.
July 20, 2022
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PARKS AND RECREATION REPORT – PATRICK TYRRELL
Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting
packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
Parks & Recreation
7/20/22
Town Board Meeting
RECREATION
• We had a very successful 10U baseball tournament on the 9th and 10th with our
10U team winning in the championship.
• Our Summer camps have kicked off, most are full, many have a waiting list. Our
Day Camp staff has done an excellent job and passed our Tompkins County
Health Department inspection last week with high marks.
• The annual Adam Heck Soccer camp is shaping up to be the largest we have ever
had.
• Thank you to Lansing Schools for allowing us to use facilities once again for
several of our summer camps.
• The new website is up and running, please let us know if you see any changes that
can be made.
• Chicken BBQ’s have been plentiful this summer.
PARKS
• With the warm, dry weather we again have seen an increase in usage of our parks,
we have increased security in Salt Point and Myers Park.
• On August 13th, we will have THE DESTINATION BAND in Myers Park for a
fundraiser for Lansing Lunchbox Program. Thank you to all our sponsors! We
truly appreciate the support.
• The Myers Park Beachfront is now open and staffed with lifeguards from 10am -
6pm.
• Music in the Park has been going well thus far, the weather has been cooperating.
• There has been some conflicting/misinformation regarding the Parks, Trails, and
Recreation Master Plan. Please visit
https://www.lansingparksandtrailsplan.com/_files/ugd/34e0c8_f200ace590ba4430
bba39d57a8c73c5b.pdf
for accurate information. The public comment portion of this process has ended
but I will still take constructive comments via email ptyrrell@lansingtown.com or
phone 607-533-7388.
• The marina channel lights are in and functional. We are currently working on re-
installing the paver walkway to the lighthouse and then we will finish the rest of
the landscaping.
• The pile of wood at Myers Park is not going to be part of the Veteran’s Watch
Fire in September, we will burn it once we have some wetter weather and wind in
the right direction.
• We are still waiting on some backordered equipment.
July 20, 2022
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HIGHWAY REPORT – MICHAEL MOSELEY
Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting
packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
HIGHWAY REPORT
July 20, 2022
Water & Sewer
• Repaired water main break at Lansing Central School
Road Maintenance
• Hot mix patch work
• Shoulder repair
Drainage Projects
• Drainage and road cross pipe projects
Tree & Brush Maintenance
• Mulched brush pile
• Tree & brush maintenance along roadside
• Ongoing roadside mowing
Mike also reported:
Sewer – installing meters
Lansing Station Road – replaced pipe
Paving
• Hope to pave in August
o Will cut back about 1 mile of paving – blacktop costs have risen
July 20, 2022
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• Completed 13.4 miles stone and oil on roads
Snake Road (Ludlowville Road)
• Two (2) Engineering firms are working on this
Highway Crew
• Supervisor Ed LaVigne read a thank you letter to the highway crew regarding the
work done at 317 Lansing Station Road.
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING REPORT – C.J. RANDALL
Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting
packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
CORE PLANNING FUNCTIONS
• Data and GIS Services
o Prepared GIS integration for OpenGov integration on 6/1 and 6/29
• Planning Board staff support
o Coordinated Project Review Committee meeting on 6/2
o Coordinated review of preliminary draft AG and RA Zoning District
review on 6/13
o Minor Subdivision – Farrell Rd
▪ Public Hearing, SEQRA Determination of Environmental
Significance, and Plat approval on 6/27
o Minor Subdivision – Whispering Pines / Asbury Hill
▪ Public Hearing, and Plat approval on 6/27
o Site Plan – Village Solars Phase VII
▪ Site Plan review and SEQRA Declaration of Lead Agency –
6/27
o Site Plan – Convenience (Mini) Mart and Vehicular fuel (Dandy Mini
Mart) – 7 Ridge Rd
▪ Public Hearing on 6/27
• Stormwater Management
• Zoning Board of Appeals staff support
o Area variance for fence height – Beach Rd – granted 6/14
o Area variance for porch encroachment – Asbury Rd – granted 6/14
• Training
o Attended Safe Streets 4 All (SS4A) webinar on Action Plan grants
on 6/15
• Coordinated and attended monthly Department Head meeting on 6/1
• Coordinated and attended Water & Sewer Advisory Committee meeting
on 6/1
• Attended Tompkins County Planning Advisory Board (PAB) meeting on
6/14
• Attended Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council (ITCTC)
Planning Committee meeting on 6/21
o Attended SS4A multijurisdictional meeting on Action Plan grants on
6/30
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
• Coordinated and attended Capital Improvement Committee meeting on
6/1
o Submitted Salmon Creek Streambank Stabilization Project
application to NYS DHSES on 6/1
o Coordinated with OpenGov on 6/3, 6/16, 6/22, 6/23, and 6/29
July 20, 2022
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LAND USE WORK PROGRAM
Q4 2021 – Q3 2022 Scope of work and schedule of adoption lo cated at:
https://bit.ly/RAZoningupdate
• Zoning and Land Use Regulations Update
o Circulated revised working draft text and map amendments for
Agricultural (AG) Zoning District review at Code Revision
Committee meeting on 6/2
o Circulated revised working draft Agricultural (AG) Zoning District
text and map amendments to Agricultural & Farmland Protection
Committee on 6/3 and Conservation Advisory Council and Planning
Board on 6/6
COMMITTEE MANAGEMENT
• Agricultural & Farmland Protection Committee
o Attended meeting on 6/8
• Conservation Advisory Council staff support
o Attended meeting and provided brief overview of SEQRA on 6/2
o Attended meeting on 6/30
C.J. also reported:
• Salmon Creek / Route 34B Bridge – will be open tomorrow, with ribbon cutting
at 11:00am
• Vacuum Truck – will re-submit grant application
ENGINEER’S REPORT – DAVE HERRICK
No Report.
TOWN CLERK REPORT – DEBBIE MUNSON
Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting
packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
TOWN CLERK
JULY 20, 2022
Water and Sewer Payments
The next quarterly water bill will be coming out August 1st. As a reminder, customers
may sign up to receive their bill electronically. Sign up here:
https://www.boltonpoint.org/ebilling. This service is provided and managed by Bolton
Point. There are no additional fees associated with receiving a bill electronically.
New York State Association of Tax Receivers & Collectors Conference
1. Volunteer Firefighters & Ambulance Workers Tax Exemption - A proposed
real property tax law that has passed the Senate and Assembly. It is currently
headed to the Governor’s desk to be signed. This will allow volunteer
firefighters and ambulance workers the ability to apply for an exemption on
their property taxes, capped at 10% of assessed value. Once signed/approved,
the Town Board would need to adopt a local law allowing the exemption. To
read the proposed tax law:
https://legislation.nysenate.gov/pdf/bills/2021/A10155A
2. HomeOwner Tax Rebate Credit – This is a one-year program providing direct
property tax relief to eligible homeowners in 2022. New York State started
mailing checks in June. To be eligible, you must have qualified for a 2022
STAR credit or exemption, had income that was less than or equal to
$250,000 for the 2020 income tax year and a school tax liability for the 2022-
2023 school year that is more than your 2022 STAR benefit. If you qualify,
you do not need to do anything.
Details on the Tax Rebate Credit may be found here:
https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/homeowner-tax-rebate-credit.htm
July 20, 2022
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Link to look at the Tax Rebate Credit Amounts:
https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/htrc/search/?city=town+of+lansing
3. Delinquent Taxes – If a homeowner is seriously delinquent on their taxes, the
State will be removing their STAR (School Tax Relief) exemption from their
property. They will be notified by mail prior to it happening. If/when the
delinquent taxes are paid, homeowner will have to reapply to New York State.
For more details regarding the STAR program - https://www.tax.ny.gov/star/
Website
We continue to add additional resources for our residents on the Town Clerk’s
Department page of the newly designed website.
If anyone has trouble finding documents on the new website, please contact us:
607-533-4142 or jhall@lansingtown.com.
CONSENT AGENDA
a. RESOLUTION APPOINTING DAVID WOLFE AS TOWN OF LANSING
LIAISON TO THE TOMPKINS COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
RESOLUTION 22-103
RESOLUTION APPOINTING DAVID WOLFE AS TOWN OF LANSING
LIAISON TO THE TOMPKINS COUNTY
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
WHEREAS, David Wolfe has applied to serve as Town of Lansing liaison to the
Tompkins County Environmental Management Council (“EMC”); and
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing
hereby
RESOLVES, that Consent Agenda Motion M22-09 be and hereby is rescinded; and it is
further
RESOLVED, that Conservation Advisory Council member David Wolfe be and is hereby
approved and appointed as the sole liaison for the Town to the EMC for 2022, and for so
long thereafter until he be reappointed, or his successor qualifies and is approved and
appointed.
b. RESOLUTION DECLARING HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT AS EXCESS
PROPERTY AND AUTHORIZING DISPOSAL OR SALE THEREOF
RESOLUTION 22-104
RESOLUTION DECLARING HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT AS EXCESS PROPERTY
AND AUTHORIZING DISPOSAL OR SALE THEREOF
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the Town Highway Department has excess property of a 2008 Chevrolet 4-
Wheel Drive ½ Ton Pick-up Truck, a 2011 Ford F150 Pick-Up Truck and two (2) 264
Gallon Wellmate Pressure Tanks, that are old and for which no use exists; and
WHEREAS, the equipment named above are thus declared excess property and directed to
be sold in a manner as produces fair value, whether at auction or private sale; and
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation being had thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of
Lansing has hereby
July 20, 2022
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RESOLVED, that the 2008 Chevrolet 4-Wheel Drive ½ Ton Pick-up Truck VIN #
1GCEK14C28E173561, the 2011 Ford F150 Pick-Up Truck VIN #1FTNF1EF8BKD38695
and the two (2) 264 gallon Wellmate Pressure Tanks be and hereby are declared as excess
property of the Town for which no current or future use is anticipated and that the Highway
Superintendent, or his designee, sell the same “as is,” document the sale thereof to verify
fair value, and deliver the proceeds of sale thereof to the Town Budget Officer. The
Highway Superintendent, or his designee, be and each is hereby authorized to sign such bills
of sale or other documents as are or may be necessary to give effect to this Resolution by
and for the Town of Lansing.
c. RESOLUTION APPROVING AUDIT AND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS AND
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT
RESOLUTION 22-105
RESOLUTION APPROVING AUDIT and BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
AND SUPERVISOR’S REPORTS
The Supervisor submitted his monthly report for the months of March and April 2022, to
all Board Members and to the Town Clerk. The Supervisor’s Reports were reviewed by
Councilperson Ruth Groff. The bills were reviewed by Councilperson Ruth Groff and
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore. The Supervisor’s Reports 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 07/20/2022
AUDITED VOUCHER #’s 526 - 653
PREPAY VOUCHER #’s 526 - 530
AUDITED T & A VOUCHER #’s 41- 48
PREPAY T & A VOUCHER #’s 41- 43
FUND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS
GENERAL FUND (A&B) $ 117,706.95
HIGHWAY FUND (DA&DB) $ 131,606.62
LANSING LIGHTING (SL1, 2 &3) $ 1,471.76
LANSING WATER DISTRICTS (SW) $ 36,323.04
TRUST & AGENCY (TA) $ 74,105.89
WARREN ROAD SEWER DISTRICT (SS1) $ 1,800.79
BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
JULY 20, 2022 MEETING
GENERAL FUND A
July 20, 2022
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
A599 A1470.400 From Fund Balance to Ethics Board - Contractual $ 1,000.00
Motion 22-28- Approval of Ethics Annual Budget
July 20, 2022
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HIGHWAY FUND DA
July 20, 2022
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
DB599 DB5112.400 From Fund Balance to Street Maintenance-Contractual $ 45,682.84
Motion 22-29 - to reimbursed by POP
DB599 DB5110.100 From Fund Balance to Street Maintenance-Personal Services $ 33,400.00
Retirement Incentive Paid / Resolution 22-75
DB3501 DB5112.400 From State Aid (POP) to Street Improvement (Motion M22 -29) $ 45,682.84
CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTIONS 22-103 – 22-105
RESOLUTION 22-106
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing
has hereby
RESOLVED, that the Consent Agenda Resolutions 22-103 – 22-105, are hereby
approved as presented and amended, and
The question of the adoption of such proposed Consent Agenda Resolutions were duly
motioned by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, duly seconded by Councilperson Ruth
Groff, and put to a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Andra Benson – Aye Councilperson Ruth Groff – Aye
Councilperson Bronwyn Losey – Aye Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye
Supervisor Edward LaVigne – Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolutions were approved, carried, and duly adopted on July
20, 2022.
MOTION TO APPROVE HIRING PAUL SYLVESTRI, ESQ AND HARTER
SECREST & EMERY LLP, ROCHESTER, NY AS CONSULTING AND
SPECIAL COUNSEL FOR ORES APPLICATIONS, INCLUDING CS ENERGY
AND THE YELLOW BARN SOLAR PROJECT
Town Board Discussion:
• Town will receive funds, from ORES, to put toward legal / engineering fees
• Town of Lansing and Town of Groton are both hiring their own legal counsel and
will be working together
• Director of Planning C.J. Randall will send documents to Paul Sylvestri, Esq. to
review
• Allocation of money will be approved by the Town Board
MOTION M22-31
MOTION TO APPROVE HIRING PAUL SYLVESTRI, ESQ., AND HARTER
SECREST & EMERY LLP, ROCHESTER, NY, AS CONSULTING AND
SPECIAL COUNSEL FOR ORES APPLICATIONS, INCLUDING FOR
CS ENERGY AND THE YELLOW BARN SOLAR PROJECT
Councilperson Andra Benson, moved to approve hiring Paul Sylvestri, Esq., and the
Harter Secrest & Emery LLP, Rochester, NY, as consulting and special counsel, to work
mainly with Town Counsel and the Planning Department relative to ORES applications,
including but not limited to CS Energy’s Yellow Barn Solar Project, and environmental
reviews thereunder, together with such other services as may mutually be agreed upon
between special counsel and the Town, and further authorizing Supervisor to sign
engagement agreement for these purposes by and on behalf of the Town of Lansing.
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore seconded the motion.
July 20, 2022
13
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
MOTION TO AMEND AND ADOPT THE UPDATED CONSOLIDATED
WATER DISTRICT (CWD) OUTSIDE USER FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS
MOTION M22-32
MOTION TO AMEND AND ADOPT THE UPDATED
CONSOLIDATED WATER DISTRICT (CWD)
OUTSIDE USER FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS
Councilperson Andra Benson, moved to approve the updated CWD outside user forms
and instructions as referred and recommended by the Town of Lansing Water and Sewer
Advisory Board.
Councilperson Ruth Groff seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
TOWN CLERK PRESENTS THE AUDIT REPORT PREPARED BY THE
OFFICE OF THE STATE COMPTROLLER
Town Clerk Deborah Munson presented the Audit Report prepared by the Office of the
State Comptroller for the Town of Lansing. The Audit Report was emailed from LGSA
Audits to all Town Board Members on July 8, 2022. The Report is available to the public
from the Town Clerk’s Office and will be noticed in the Ithaca Journal and the Town
website. The Corrective Action Plan (CAP) will be circulated to the Town Board prior to
the August 17, 2022 meeting and voted on at that meeting.
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Andra Benson – reported the following:
Lansing Library – written report above
Lansing Youth Services – written report above
Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) – unable to attend meetings
Ruth Groff – reported the following:
Capital Improvement Committee (CIC)
• Working on capital plan and five (5) year budget plan
o Waiting on department information
▪ Will review when all information is received
Bronwyn Losey – reported the following:
Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) – see C.J. Randall’s report
HeatSmart Tompkins – clean heating and cooling campaign – submitted final report
Lansing Advisory Committee on Power Plant Future (LAC-PPF) - Town Board
Discussion
• Town Board needs to figure out policy and procedures
o “Pause” the committee until completed
o Committee does not continually meet
▪ When item comes up, Town Board contacts committee
• Need to review charges of advisory committee
o Committees are dissolved when charge is completed
• Bronwyn will advise LAC-PPF they are now on “pause”
July 20, 2022
14
For clarification - per Town Counsel Guy Krogh
• Put “advisory” in title if it is advisory committee
• “Council” in title is not advisory committee
Joseph Wetmore
Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting
packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
Joseph Wetmore
Town Board Member Report
July 2022
Tompkins County Council of Governments (TCCOG)
Thursday, June 23⋅3:00 – 5:00pm
Report from County Administration L. Holmes
The mandatory COVID-19 testing policy for unvaccinated Tompkins County
employees ended July 7, 2022.
Executive order #18- preparedness plan to address domestic terrorism definition
Reports
a. Rural Broadband
TCCOG asked for special meeting, a presentation by Hunt Engineers to be
scheduled. A Special Tompkins County Council of Government meeting on
Tuesday, July 26th at 12:00 pm has been set for the presentation. Municipal
broadband and public investment in private networks: competition, cooperation,
or both? What are the options? Join us for a presentation by Ryan Garrison,
Director of Technology with Hunt Engineers. A Zoom link will be sent out 24
hours prior to the meeting. Contact Katrina McCloy <kmccloy@tompkins-
co.org>. If you are unable to attend at that time, the presentation will be viewable
on the Tompkins County YouTube Channel!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WD2kAlcZnPk
b. Rural Updates
Cyber security
Water Runoff issues
Subcommittee Reports
a. Emergency Planning and Preparedness M. Witmer
Discussed the value of acquiring a fly-car, also known as a RRV (rapid response
vehicle), which would be a less expensive option to expanded ambulance service.
The fly-car enables the crew (often a lone responder) to bring their equipment
quickly to the scene of an emergency, and may carry most of the same equipment
as a full size ambulance, although very limited in its capacity to transport patients.
The goal is to reduce response time.
b. Energy R. Howe
Education around Electric Vehicles and EV charging station (to include grant
opportunities and a mechanism for a green vehicles “show and tell”)
Solar Power forum(s) to share information on solar development that might
include:
o Tax incentives
o Challenges/benefits to municipalities and communities
o Taking another look at adopted solar policies
o Hearing from some of the solar developers (e.g., Nexamp, CNS, Renovus,
Norbut Solar)
o Battery energy storage
o NYSEG dialogue
o Nodal development
c. Transportation R. Lynch
1. Exploring expanded TDM (Traffic Demand Management) programs
July 20, 2022
15
2. Long term location for intercity bus service
3. TCAT
• Gas Costs have doubled
• Shortage of drivers
• Exploring elimination of bus fares
Planning Board
Monday, June 27⋅6:30pm – 8:30pm
Farrell Road Tax Parcel numbers 39.-1-20.192: The applicant proposes to subdivide a
6.74 acre lot into two lots. Parcel A is .93 acres (40.537 sf), Parcel B is a flag lot, 5.81
acres in size. The project is located in the Low Density Residential (R1) Zone. Approved
Asbury Hill Lot 27 & 28, Tax Parcel numbers 40.-3-27, 40.-3-28 : The applicant
proposes to subdivide the existing Lot 28 into a 2.88 acres lot and combine the remaining
4.404 acres with Lot 27 to the North. The project is located in the Low Density
Residential (R1) Zone. Approved
Village Solar, Tax Parcel numbers 39.-1-38.8, 39.-1-38.11, 39.-1-38.13, 39.-1-38.16: The
applicant proposes the demolition of four (4) existing apartment buildings, #21, #88, #96,
& #28. The applicant proposes the construction of 138 multifamily units within six (6)
apartment buildings. The project is located in PDA 1 – Village Circle//Village Solar.
Declaration of Lead agency.
Proposed Dandy Mini Mart: 7 Ridge Rd, Tax Parcel No’s 31.-6-9.1, 31.-6-10, 31.-6-11,
31.-6-13, & 31.-6-14: The applicant proposes the consolidation of several lots to form an
approximately 4.7 acre parcel. The site plan proposal consists of a 6,100 sf convenient
store with a 128’x24’ gasoline fueling island, a 48’x22’ diesel fuel island, fuel tank
storage, and a drive through window. 36 vehicle parking spaces (including 4 tractor
trailer parking stalls and up to 4 EV parking stalls) are proposed. The project is located in
the B1 – Commercial Mixed Use Zoning District. The Public Hearing was very well
attended:
July 20, 2022
16
Town of Lansing Codes Committee
Thursday, July 7⋅10:00am – 12:00pm
Reviewed proposed revised draft Zoning Article VII: Principal, Accessory, and
Temporary Uses permitted in the AG Zoning District
Worked on ‘Rural Enterprise’ definition
Reviewed revised draft Agriculture (AG) Zoning District: Purpose; Uses; Schedule;
Activation
Reviewed revised draft Zoning Map
Recommendation to circulate the revised draft Zoning text and map to Fire, Highway,
Parks & Recreation
Report on SEQRA coordination / review of proposed updates to schedule of adoption.
Hope to have it before the Town Board for final approval at our October meeting.
Joe also asked about:
Town Manager Position – the following items were discussed by the Town Board and
department heads
• Help C.J. Randall with items
• Maybe take a little from each department
• What will it cost
• What is the value to Town
• What are the impacts
• Need duties / job description
• How will it impact budget
• Maybe person to give out good information (park, highway) – public media
• Maybe help with committee structure
• C.J. Randall is developing list to help Town staff
• Decision – discuss at next department head meeting
Edward LaVigne - reported the following:
Highway Truck
• Order now and get 2022 pricing
o Receive and pay for truck in 2024
• Resolution for August Town Board Meeting
Air Service Board – Ithaca Tompkins Airport
• American Airlines is leaving
o Pilot shortage
• Try to get another airline in future
o Need to pay person to find another airline
Investment Policy
• Look at it now that interest rates are going up
WORK SESSION MEETING ITEMS OF DISCUSSION
Consolidated Water District #3 (CWDX3)
• Expenses 177% above Comptroller’s threshold
• Unreliable materials
• Need to start over because numbers have changed
o New map, plan, report
o Public hearings, etc.
o Maybe smaller area based on need, density
July 20, 2022
17
• Letter from Water and Sewer Advisory Board (WSAB) – project is not feasible
and should be terminated
• Supervisor Ed LaVigne will write letter and send to all property owners in
CWDX3
• Charge WSAB to come up with alternative plan
Town Historian
• Louise Bement is missed – big loss that she is no longer with us
• Town Counsel Guy Krogh will investigate Town Historian requirements
• Suggestions for Town Historian
o Retired teacher
o Retired librarian
o Someone from the Lansing Historical Committee
• Bookkeeper Mary Ellen Albrecht will post and circulate information regarding the
available position
2 Auburn Road – House
• Reuse center does not go to homes and collect items to sell
• Building has been condemned, no one should go inside
• Town Code Officer is getting quotes to demolish the building
A SHORT BREAK WAS TAKEN AT 8:51 PM
MOTION TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION TO
DISCUSS THE PROPOSED ACQUISITION/SALE/LEASE OF REAL
PROPERTY WHEN PUBLICITY MIGHT AFFECT VALUE AND PROPOSED,
PENDING OR CURRENT LITIGATION AT 8:58 PM.
Councilperson Ruth Groff seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
MOTION TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 9:15 PM.
Councilperson Ruth Groff seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
MOTION TO ADJOURN MEETING
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:16 PM.
Councilperson Ruth Groff seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
Minutes taken and executed by the Town Clerk.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah K. Munson, RMC
Town Clerk