HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-05-17
May 17, 2023
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REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING
May 17, 2023
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
6:29 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: Mike Moseley, Highway Superintendent, Patrick Tyrrell, Parks and
Recreation Supervisor, Mary Ellen Albrecht, Bookkeeper, John Zepko, Director of
Planning, Guy Krogh, Town Counsel, Mike Sigler, Tompkins County Legislator, Dennis
Griffin, Alina Kim, and a few other attendees.
MOTION TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED LOCAL LAW
#4 OF 2023-AMEND CODE OF LANSING CHAPTER 240: TAXATION, TO ADD
VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER AND AMBULANCE WORKER EXEMPTIONS
UPON TOWN PROPERTY TAXES
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, moved to OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON
PROPOSED LOCAL LAW #4 OF 2023-AMEND CODE OF LANSING CHAPTER
240: TAXATION, TO ADD VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER AND AMBULANCE
WORKER EXEMPTIONS UPON TOWN PROPERTY TAXES at 6:31 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 Andra Benson,
moved to CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED LOCAL LAW #4 OF
2023-AMEND CODE OF LANSING CHAPTER 240: TAXATION, TO ADD
VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER AND AMBULANCE WORKER EXEMPTIONS
UPON TOWN PROPERTY TAXES at 6:32 pm.
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
RESOLUTION ADOPTING LOCAL LAW #4 OF 2023 TO AMEND AND UPDATE
TOWN CODE CHAPTER 240, TAXATION
RESOLUTION 23-89
RESOLUTION ADOPTING LOCAL LAW #4 OF 2023 TO
AMEND AND UPDATE TOWN CODE CHAPTER 240, TAXATION
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, NYS has amended real property tax exemptions to allow for a partial tax
exemption for certain firefighters and emergency services personnel, and their surviving
spouses, through the adoption of § 466-a; and
WHEREAS, this action is a Type II SEQRA Action such that no environmental review is
mandated or required; and
May 17, 2023
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WHEREAS, a public hearing was duly noticed and duly held at the Lansing Town Hall on
the 17th day of May, 2023, whereat all persons interested in the subject matter of this local
law were duly heard and, upon deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of
Lansing has hereby resolved as follows:
1. Local Law Number 4 of 2023 be and hereby is approved and adopted in the form
as presented to this meeting, and in such form “be it so enacted.”
2. In accord with the Municipal Home Rule Law the final adopted version of this local
law shall be filed with the Town Clerk and the New York Secretary as required by the
Municipal Home Rule Law.
3. This local law shall be forwarded to the municipal code service the Town has
contracted with for immediate inclusion in the Town Code.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution 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 May 17,
2023.
LOCAL LAW NUMBER #4 OF 2023
A LOCAL LAW OF THE TOWN OF LANSING TO AMEND THE CODE
OF THE TOWN OF LANSING, CHAPTER 240: TAXATION, TO ADD
VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER AND AMBULANCE WORKER EXEMPTIONS
UPON TOWN PROPERTY TAXES PER REAL PROPERTY TAX LAW § 466-a
This Local Law hereby amends Chapter 240 of the Town Code to authorize and
grant a partial exemption from taxation to qualifying volunteer firefighters and
ambulance workers in the Town of Lansing, as authorized by § 466-a of the New
York State Real Property Tax Law. Accordingly, the Town Board of The Town of
Lansing, New York, pursuant to Resolution dated May 17, 2023, does hereby adopt
and pass this Local Law Number # 4 of 2023, and therefore, be it so enacted as
follows:
SECTION 1 – AUTHORITY & PURPOSE: This Local Law is adopted pursuant
to the powers granted by NYS Real Property Tax Law, including § 466-a therein,
as well as Municipal Home Rule Law § 10, which authorize the Town of Lansing
to adopt local laws that advance and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the
community. The purpose of this Local Law is to amend the Town Code to permit
the partial real property tax exemption for qualifying volunteer firefighters and
ambulance workers under § 466-a of the New York State Real Property Tax Law
SECTION 2 – AMENDMENTS TO TOWN OF LANSING CODE:
A. A new Article III is added to Chapter 240, as follows:
Article III: Volunteer Firefighter and Ambulance Worker Exemptions.
§ 240-9. Legislative Intent and Effect.
This Article is intended to approve and authorize a partial real property tax
exemption for qualifying volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers to
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the fullest extent as is authorized under New York State Real Property Tax
Law § 466-a.
§ 240.10. Extension of Volunteer Firefighter and Ambulance Worker
Exemptions.
None of the following exemptions shall be granted until a qualifying
volunteer has achieved a minimum of 2 years of service. Upon and after 2
years of service, the exemptions shall apply pursuant to the following rules:
A. Any enrolled member who has been certified by the Authority
Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for the incorporated volunteer fire company, fire
department, or voluntary ambulance service as an enrolled member of such
incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department, or voluntary
ambulance service will be entitled to a 10% reduction in their taxable value
for town tax purposes.
B. Any member who has achieved over 20 years of accumulated service
shall be considered a life member and the exemption will continue for the
remainder of their life if the property serves as their primary residence.
C. Any un-remarried surviving spouse of a volunteer who was killed
in the line of duty shall continue to receive the 10% exemption if:
a. The AHJ certifies that the un-remarried spouse is eligible for the
exemption.
b. The volunteer had accumulated 5 (five) years of service.
c. The residence continues to be the primary residence of the surviving
spouse.
D. Any un-remarried surviving spouse of a volunteer who passed away
shall continue to receive the 10% exemption if:
a. The AHJ certifies that the un-remarried spouse is eligible for the
exemption.
b. The volunteer had accumulated 20 (twenty) years of service.
c. The residence continues to be the primary residence of the surviving
spouse.
§ 240.11. Severability.
If any portion of this article, or the application thereof to any person, entity,
or circumstance, shall be determined by any court or tribunal of competent
jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, such determination shall be
confined in its operation to the invalid part hereof, or in its application to
such person, entity, or circumstance as is directly involved in the
controversy in which such determination shall have been rendered, and the
remainder of this article shall not be impaired thereby, and such
determination shall not be deemed or construed to apply to other persons,
entities, or circumstances.
§ 240-8 Effective date.
This article shall take effect immediately and shall apply to all tax
assessment rolls arising after June 1, 2023.
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SECTION 3 - CODIFICATION: These amendments and regulations shall be
incorporated into the Town Code, and the incorporator may designate such new
section and numerical headings, or other indexed references, as make for a
coherent Town Code, sequentially numbered or marked. Nothing in this local law
is intended to disrupt or affect the existing Town Code, except to the extent any
existing code provision is herein expressly superseded or repealed. All other
provisions of the Town Code are hereby reaffirmed and continued in force and
effect, and the codification of these amendments shall follow the proceed for
amending the code as set forth in the code or the Town’s local laws, including but
not limited to Local Law #2 of 2020.
SECTION 4 - SEVERABILITY: The invalidity or unenforceability of any section,
subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, provision, or phrase of the
aforementioned sections as declared by the valid judgment of any court of
competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional must not affect the validity or
enforceability of any other section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause,
provision, or phrase, which must remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 5 - EFFECTIVE DATE: This Local Law shall take effect immediately
and shall apply to all assessment rolls filed after the date of adoption of this local
law.
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
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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
One resident spoke about the Town of Lansing Code Enforcement Department and
handed information to the Town Board, Town Counsel Guy Krogh, and Town Clerk
Debbie Munson. The information is available in the Town Clerk’s Office for anyone to
review.
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
May 2023
1. Thank you to the Lansing community for approving the tax levy increase and
electing three new Trustees – Annie Axtell, David Dier and Margaret Shackell.
2. The Prom Closet in partnership with the Lansing PTSO was a big success.
Many dresses, shoes, purses and shawls were selected. This will be an annual
event.
3. A presentation on Beavers will be given by Dave Hall at 7 pm on May 25th.
Registration is required.
4. The Summer Reading kick off will take place on Saturday, June 17th at 6 pm
with a movie night, showing Puss in Boots.
5. During May, the library will be displaying the photography of Karen Torres.
6. The library now has a mobile wireless hotspot available for check out.
7. Storytime is on Thursdays at 10:30 am with Ms. Shelley.
8. Instructor John Burger hosts T’ai Chi classes at the Community Center on
Fridays from 10:30-11:30 am.
9. Learn to play American Mah Jongg every Tuesday at 10:15 am.
10. Play American Mah Jongg every Wednesday from 1:00-3:00 pm.
11. The library continues to provide free delivery to Woodsedge.
12. 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.
13. The library continues to distribute free self-test COVID-19 kits, antibacterial
wipes and N95 masks to Lansing households.
14. 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 – RICK ALVORD
Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting
packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
May 17, 2023
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Lansing Youth Services
Town Board Report
May 2023
Outdoor Adventure: Outdoor Adventure is based at Salmon Creek where there are tons
of opportunities for youth to learn about the ecosystem right behind their school. The
group has begun shelter construction. The recently downed Sycamore trees have created
a lot of excitement about making safe structures to hunker down in during wet and cool
weather. As the focus switches to water, testing water quality, documenting the evidence
of species, and observing fish migrations are right around the corner! 13 youth served.
Game On!: Participants in Game On are ready to play! This program provides games,
teammates, and opponents for youth to test out their gaming skills. In addition to the
board and card games, our youth employee has created daily role-playing games, and is
an avid “gamer” with vast experience in the program’s game offerings. Youth are also
encouraged to share games of their own, teach games to their peers, and create games. 12
youth served.
Coal Cookin’: This program is all about cooking outdoors. As the spring and summer
arrive, outdoor cooking is more appealing to the masses and this program provides a wide
array of cooking techniques. Youth will be cooking over the flame of a campfire, coals of
said fire, coals of a public grill, outdoor skillet, and the sun. Bring on the warm weather!
10 youth served.
Fishin’ Friday’s: This program is all about getting on the water and fishing. Participants
have access to a fleet of fishing gear so prior experience or personal gear is not needed.
The group has several experienced fisher-people as well as some first timers. Learning
basic knots for tying tackle, troubleshooting reels, and untangling line are typical daily
lessons, and catching fish never gets boring! 10 youth served.
Youth Employment: Youth Employees are entering the last stretch of school year
programs with LYS, with assistants helping in three programs. We have two teens
assisting teachers at the high school with science and technology. Our Library team has
been consistent and some even assisted at our LYS Family Dinner. 18 youth served.
LYS Family Dinner: The LYS Family Dinner at the Lansing Community Center was
brand new this year, and a spin-off of our usual Spaghetti Supper. Youth in the program
attended with up to 4 of their invitees for an evening of Ziti and LYS connection. The
youth were very proud and excited to serve what they had made to their families. Dinner
and socializing was enjoyed by all! We were immensely proud of the hard work students
displayed and how well the group managed the evening! 16 youth served; 52 LYS family
members served.
Visit ccetompkins.org/4h/rys/lansing for more information and to sign up for programs.
TOMPKINS COUNTY LEGISLATOR REPORT – MIKE SIGLER
Reviewed the following report which was a handout.
Tompkins County Legislator
Michael Sigler
May 2023
Hello and thank you for having me in again.
Quick wrap up of the month. I was at the Ithaca Farmer’s market which is celebrating its
50th anniversary this year a couple weeks ago. I was at a ribbon cutting for the
anniversary on Saturday. As you likely know, a number of our Lansing farmers sell
down at the market.
I was at the ribbon cutting for the new drug treatment facility in the village. This has 20
beds for drug rehab where you can check in for 30 days to break the habit.
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Congressman Marc Molinaro was in the County last Thursday. He met with Ithaca Area
Economic Development (IAED). We then went for a tour of the old Emerson
Transmission site and then we met with Ithaca Neighborhood Housing at a project they
are doing in Trumansburg. The day before I was at the IAED annual meeting. Later I
went to Foodnet Meals on Wheels annual Mac and Cheese fundraiser. You’ll see that
Lansing not-for-profit is getting a facelift soon. They feed hundreds every day and I want
to thank them for their work.
The Community fund distributed the remaining money in that recovery fund. I asked for
ReUse to be included in this last round because that business helps the whole County,
employs many who otherwise might struggle to find and hold a job, brings in sales tax,
and promotes what I think is the most effective way of keeping things out of the landfill.
They were awarded a little over $70,000.
There were two FEMA public meetings about the new flood maps since I last talked with
you. I went to both, and they were well attended. Lansing is not as impacted as the city,
but for those homeowners with questions, please call me or the Town and we’ll get you
on the right track.
CS Solar had a public meeting on April 26th at the Lansing Community building about
their Lansing/Groton project that I was at. About 25 percent of it will be in Lansing,
stretching from Van Ostrand Road east. The panels will apparently take up about 800
acres, but the entire project will cover two to three thousand. Some homeowners will
obviously be more effected than others and folks should come take a look at the map here
at Town Hall.
The County had its annual budget retreat and voted at its next meeting for a goal of a
5.53 percent increase in the property tax levy above this year’s level. Randy Brown and I
voted against this target. We had talked about putting a soft hiring freeze in place at our
retreat and it had a majority support, but that was not part of the resolution. There’s no
way to keep the levy down if we do not look at jobs. We have almost 80 positions open
and it’s unclear if all of those jobs need to be filled considering we are heading into a
year with a lot of uncertainty.
A resolution passed unanimously (14-0) allocating unspent room tax from 2022 into the
current budget for several items including $685,000 to Arts and Cultural Organizational
Development (ACOD) grants to help stabilize local organizations, additional investments
for tourism-related grants, and support for the Ithaca/Tompkins County Convention and
Visitors Bureau (CVB). The adjustment totaled $1.425 million.
And finally, there has been a lot of talk about migrants being moved upstate. So far that
has not happened, but it’s predicted it will. Some counties like Cortland have declared
states of emergency saying they have no guidance from the State, no way to pay for new
folks, these migrants would be largely paid for with County funds unless an agreement
can be reached, and no room for them. Tompkins says it will be taking a more welcoming
approach, but also says it can manage about 50 migrants and has not determined where
they would be housed yet. While we can say 50 is manageable, just to give this some
scale, if every upstate county says 50, that’s about 2500 people. That’s five days of NYC
arrivals. Only a few hours of arrivals at the southern border. It’s likely the number will
be higher. I’ll continue to keep you on the loop on any developments and please feel free
to weigh in on this.
Best,
Mike Sigler
Councilperson Bronwyn Losey will have a speaker come to the June meeting to discuss
what Lansing can do to help refugees resettle here.
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.
May 17, 2023
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HIGHWAY REPORT
May 2023
Brush and Limb Pick Up
• Crews completed the Town and Village’s annual brush pick up
Road Maintenance
• Began roadside mowing
• Started prepping roads for paving projects
• Lake Forest Drive was resurfaced with hot mix
Water
• Consolidated Water District maintenance
Tree & Brush Maintenance
• Tree & brush maintenance along roadside to aid line of sight
• Right of way tree maintenance
Miscellaneous
• New update from Stopen Engineering regarding Ludlowville Rd. (Crooked Hill)
• Building a new pad for brush drop off and mulch pick up west of the old Highway
Barn
• Attended committee meetings
• Worked with engineering on capital improvements to Consolidated Water District
• Crews performed brush cutting within the road right of way in the Village of
Lansing
• Crews performed ditch maintenance for the Village of Lansing
Mike also reported:
• Ludlowville Road (Crooked Hill)
o Discussed three (3) options (reopening road, converting to a trail, abandoning
road) with Jim Steward, Stopen Engineering and Dondi Harner, T.G. Miller,
P.C.
o Condition of retaining walls unknown
o Will give Board options to make informed decision
o Next steps:
▪ Stopen Engineering
❖ Evaluate replacement/repair option for existing concrete walls
❖ Prepare typical soldier pile retaining wall details
❖ Identify existing sheet pile to be removed
❖ Work with estimator to refine estimate
▪ T.G. Miller, P.C.
❖ Preliminary grading plan to develop minimum wall heights and
lengths for pedestrian trail
❖ Conceptual storm piping plan
❖ Coordinate with third-party estimator to develop construction costs for
all three options
Brief discussion on easement for NYSEG Monopole by Town Highway building.
MOTION AUTHORIZING SUPERVISOR TO SIGN EASEMENT # 2 WITH
NEW YORK STATE ELECTRIC & GAS (NYSEG)
MOTION M23-14
MOTION AUTHORIZING SUPERVISOR TO SIGN EASEMENT #2
WITH NEW YORK STATE ELECTRIC & GAS (NYSEG)
May 17, 2023
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Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, moved to approve Easement #2 for NYSEG, to
authorize power lines and tower location, and to authorize the Town Supervisor to sign
the same.
Councilperson Ruth Groff seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
Mike also reported:
• Thanked his crew for all their hard work
o Brush pick-up
o Prepping roads for paving
o Water main breaks
• 2 Auburn Road
o Moving in the right direction
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
May 2023
Town Board Meeting
RECREATION
▪ LBP and LSP are off to a slow start with the weather we’ve had but it’s looking
better.
▪ Our T-ball program has started, we have 7 teams at that level. (Kindergarten and
Pre-k)
▪ Our Summer Program booklet is now available, we have an outstanding list of
offers.
▪ We were awarded $5,000 from the County Parks & Trails grant for a piece of
playground equipment and wildflower seed for some ditches as erosion control.
▪ I attended the Cornell Design Connect final presentations at Sibley Hall, all the
presentations were beautifully done. We will be sharing more information with
the Town Board soon.
▪ We have a potential opportunity to use one of the Cornell Design Connect
students as an intern for the summer. Ruth and I can discuss this with the Board.
▪ The lights for the Town Hall parking lot have arrived and we’ll be putting that
project into our schedule.
▪ The Town Hall flower beds are now completed, a big thanks to Katrina
Binkewicz for planting.
▪ Unfortunately, lately we have had some issues with a couple of residents of
Milton Meadows on the Town Hall complex. Instructions have been given to each
department on how to deal with these individuals if they show up on Town
Property.
PARKS
▪ We passed our Tompkins County Health Department inspection at Myers Park
and camping is now open for the season.
▪ Restrooms at Myers Park are also now open.
▪ Ludlowville Park clean-up has been completed, you’ll notice the east side of the
park looks much nicer.
▪ No updates on the NYS Parks & Trails Grant money, I will reach back out to
them.
▪ We have cleaned the debris from the beachfront at Myers Park.
▪ We will begin charging at the park on Memorial Day Weekend.
Patrick also reported:
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10
• They are fixing the sidewalks around the Town Hall building
• Camping is full for most of the summer
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING REPORT – JOHN ZEPKO
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.
Planning & Code Enforcement
John Zepko, Director, CPESC, CFM
Reporting Period April 2023
CORE PLANNING FUNCTIONS
• General Admin
o Conducted multiple staff meetings to discuss procedures, policy changes,
and long-term department strategy as well as opportunities for
improvement of same.
• Planner conducting classification and review of development applications
• Planning Board staff support
• Zoning Board of Appeals staff support
• Hazard Mitigation Planning
• Floodplain Management
• Stormwater Management
o Completed Stormwater MS4 Annual Report in conjunction with the
Tompkins County Stormwater Coalition
o 1 enforcement action is currently in progress for continued SWPPP
violations
LAND USE WORK PROGRAM
• Code Revision Committee – CRC has drafted a recommendation to examine the
L1 – Lakeshore District and suggest modifications
COMMITTEE MANAGEMENT
• Agricultural and Farmland Protection Committee staff support
PLANNING BOARD
• 24 April meeting – the Planning Board heard the following:
o Site Plan; Barksville Inn, 89 Goodman Rd – Public hearing conducted 24
April, project will return to the Board 22 May
o Major Subdivision;– East Shore Circle Phase I (6 lots). Final Subdivision
Approval granted 24 April.
o Lansing Community Solar – Lansingville Rd – Sketch plan presented for a
proposed 5 MW community solar project. Project will progress site plan
review application on 22 May.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
• No Appeals heard in April
Code Enforcement
▪ April Permit Information
o 26 New Building Permits issued
o 27 Building Permits Closed (1 Certificate of Occupancy, 26 Certificates of
Compliance)
o 4 Existing Permits renewed
May 17, 2023
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John also reported:
• Community Assistance Visit from FEMA – Compliance Audit May 31, 2023
• Staffing Issues – Thanks to Shelby Rose for helping
• Budget Modifications
o Cover code enforcement officer trainee
o Money from his budget – not taking money from fund balance
o Planner – has enough money to pay planner
Councilperson Bronwyn Losey stated our local law is not up to date with FEMA
guidance. John stated with the upcoming audit on May 31st they will have a sample local
law. John reported that FEMA has updated maps.
Sewer District #1 Discussion
• Town Board should charge Water Sewer Working Group (WSWG) to look at this
• Communicate with applicant
• Applicant wants to move sewer line
• Director of Planning John Zepko stated:
o Recommends the developer have an escrow, or letter of credit, or bond, etc.
o Developer will probably do a planned development area (PDA)
o Developer should present their plan to the Town Board
o John will ask applicant to come to next Town Board meeting and give
presentation on their plans
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
MAY 2023
Professional Municipal Clerk’s Week – April 30 – May 6, 2023
Water and Sewer Payments
May is very busy collecting water and sewer payments. Total bills: 1822 of which 341
were emailed. Payments are due by May 25th. Residents may apply for assistance with
their water and sewer bills through the NYS Low-Income Household Water Assistance
Program. https://otda.ny.gov/programs/water-assistance/
New York State Town Clerks Association Conference
Debbie and Deputy Town Clerk Jessie Hall attended the conference in Syracuse, NY,
April 23-26, 2023. There are 932 NYS Town Clerks and over 300 attended the
conference.
Attended informative classes pertaining to Town Clerk work. Association of Towns is
always excellent.
Huge thanks to Shelby Rose for taking care of the office while we were at the conference.
Information Aide in Town Clerk’s Office
Ashley Workman joined the Town Clerk Team on May 1, 2023. She is very busy
answering telephones, greeting people at the counter and processing water payments.
Feel free to stop in and say hi.
THE FOLLOWING MOTION WAS NOT MOVED OR VOTED ON. IT WILL BE
PUT ON THE JUNE AGENDA.
May 17, 2023
12
MOTION AUTHORIZING TOWN OF LANSING SUPERVISOR TO WRITE
AND SEND LETTER SUPPORTING BILL NUMBERS S.6410 / A.52A TO THE
STATE LEGISLATURE - PROVIDING FLEXIBLE OPTIONS FOR WORKERS'
COMPENSATION COVERAGE
MOTION M23
MOTION TO AUTHORIZE TOWN SUPERVISOR TO WRITE AND SEND
LETTER SUPPORTING BILL NUMBERS S.6410 / A.52A TO THE STATE
LEGISLATURE – PROVIDING FLEXIBLE OPTIONS FOR WORKERS’
COMPENSATION COVERAGE
Councilperson _________, moved to authorize Town Supervisor to write and send letter
supporting Bill Numbers S.6410 / A.52a to the State Legislature – providing flexible
options for workers’ compensation coverage.
Councilperson ___________ seconded the motion.
All in Favor – Opposed –
THE ABOVE MOTION WAS NOT MOVED OR VOTED ON. IT WILL BE PUT ON
THE JUNE AGENDA.
MOTION AUTHORIZING SUPERVISOR TO SIGN AGREEMENT WITH
LANSING COMMUNITY SOLAR, LLC
MOTION M23-15
MOTION AUTHORIZING SUPERVISOR TO SIGN AGREEMENT FOR THE
PAYMENT OF MUNICIPAL ENGINEERING, CONSULTING, AND LEGAL
EXPENSES WITH LANSING COMMUNITY SOLAR, LLC
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, moved to approve and authorize the Lansing
Community Solar, LLC escrow agreement to fund initial reviews and matters outside of
NYS Office of Renewable Energy Siting reimbursement, and to authorize the Town
Supervisor to sign the same by and for the Town of Lansing.
Councilperson Andra Benson seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
RESOLUTION UPDATING EMPLOYEE JENNA HOELLERER POSITION
AND JOB CLASSIFICATION TO SECRETARY TO THE HIGHWAY
SUPERINTENDENT
RESOLUTION 23-90
RESOLUTION UPDATING EMPLOYEE JENNA HOELLERER POSITION
AND JOB CLASSIFICATION TO SECRETARY TO THE
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, to address staffing and training needs of the town, the town has need to fill a
vacancy in the Highway Department and has selected Jenna Hoellerer to fill such position.
Jenna was hired as an Information Aide in the Parks & Recreation Department and meets
the qualifications for Secretary to the Highway Superintendent; so upon due consideration
and deliberation by the Town of Lansing Town Board, now therefore be it RESOLVED as
follows:
1. Effective May 22, 2023, Jenna Hoellerer is hereby appointed as the Secretary to the
Town Highway Superintendent, with the same Town perquisites and benefits as are
available to all employees of the town and to such position.
2. This appointment is a full-time appointment, at 36.5 hours per week.
3. The hourly wage is hereby set and approved at $28.35 per hour, Grade 5, Step 8.
May 17, 2023
13
4. The probationary period for such appointment is hereby set at 26 weeks.
5. The Town Personnel Officer be and hereby is authorized to make such changes to
the Town’s employment and civil service rosters and file required civil service
forms to place into immediate effect such changes and these resolutions, including
by the filing of form MSD 428, if required.
6. Resolution No. 23-22 listed the hours for such position as 40 hours, and such
resolution be and hereby is amended to read 36.5 hours, and such prior resolution
be and hereby is superseded by this resolution.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, duly seconded by Councilperson Andra Benson, 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 May 17,
2023.
RESOLUTION APPROVING AUDIT AND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS AND
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT
RESOLUTION 23-91
RESOLUTION APPROVING AUDIT AND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
AND SUPERVISOR’S REPORT
The Supervisor submitted his monthly report for the months of January and February
2023, to all Board Members and to the Town Clerk. The Supervisor’s Report was
reviewed by Councilperson Ruth Groff and Councilperson Joseph Wetmore. 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 # 005
DATED 05/17/2023
AUDITED VOUCHER #’s 365 – 468
PREPAY VOUCHER #’s 365 – 372
AUDITED T & A VOUCHER #’s 27 – 32
PREPAY T & A VOUCHER #’s 27 – 28
FUND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS
GENERAL FUND (A&B) $ 150,058.61
HIGHWAY FUND (DA&DB) $ 87,051.27
ARPA (HF) $ 2,011.68
LANSING LIGHTING (SL1, 2 &3) $ 1,552.60
WARREN & CHERRY SEWER DISTRICTS (SS1, SS3) $ 30,694.17
LANSING WATER DISTRICTS (SW) $ 208,993.67
TRUST & AGENCY (TA) $ 64,460.99
May 17, 2023
14
BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
MAY 17, 2023 MEETING
GENERAL FUND A
May 17, 2023
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
A599 A1220.400 From FB to Supervisor - Contractual $ 6,000.00
Addtl needed for 2023
A599 A1220.130 From FB to Supervisor - Info Aide $ 15,000.00
Addtl needed for new position
A599 A1380.400 From FB to Fiscal Agent Fees- Bond Counsel $ 485.00
Addtl needed for 2023
GENERAL FUND B
May 17, 2023
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
B8020.101 B3620.110 From Planner to Personal Svcs-Clerk $ 5,000.00
Addtl needed
B3620.130 B3620.140
From Personal Srvcs (Part time) to Personal Svcs-
CEO Trainee $ 10,000.00
To fund new CEO-Trainee position
B8020.420 B3620.140
From PB Paid Consultants to Personal Svcs-CEO
Trainee $ 20,000.00
To fund new CEO-Trainee position
B8020.101 B3620.140 From Planner to Personal Svcs-CEO Trainee $ 5,000.00
To fund new CEO-Trainee position
B8020.101 B8020.100
From Planner to Personal Svcs-Director of
Planning $ 3,721.51
To fund Dir of Planning Salary
GENERAL FUND SW
May 17, 2023
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
SW599 SW8320.404 From FB to Peruville CWD# 5 $ 1,000.00
Addtl needed
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution 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
May 17, 2023.
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Andra Benson – reported the following:
Lansing Library – written report above
May 17, 2023
15
Lansing Youth Services – written report above
Ruth Groff
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.
Ruth Groff
Town Board Member Report
May 2023
• Ithaca Tompkins County Transportation Council (ITCTC) Policy
Committee: April 18, 1:00pm
o I was not in attendance
• Parks, Recreation, and Trails Working Group: May 4, 6:00pm
o I was not in attendance due to conflict with CAC meeting, but the Cornell
Design Connect gave their final presentation at Cornell. The PR&T
Working Group will receive their final written report with detailed
information about all their research.
• Conservation Advisory Council (CAC): May 4, 6:30pm
o Bergmann Associates presented preliminary maps of the 70+ acre parcels,
color-coded to identify priority ranking
• Capital Improvement Committee: May 3, 9:00am - Cancelled
• Highway Barn Meeting: April 20, April 25, and May 9, 10am
o Steve Kushner, from Bergmann, gave updates at each of the meetings.
They are working on the final design, with anticipated bidding to start at
the end of the year.
o Discussions continue on the location of the salt barn
o Meetings have been moved out to every other week, instead of every
week, until there are more meaningful updates.
• Ag Committee: May 2, 11:00am
o I was a guest at the Ag Committee meeting, along with Carrie Koplinka-
Loehr and Ed Dubovi as representatives from the Conservation Advisory
Council. Carrie gave a brief overview of the Open Space Index and its
purpose. Discussion followed with excellent points being made by
members of the Ag Committee. The dialogue was very informative.
Bronwyn Losey – reported the following:
Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) – discussed with John
Town Code -will discuss in work session
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
May 2023
Planning Board
Monday, April 24, 2023 – 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Barksville Inn: 89 Goodman Rd. The applicant proposes to operate a kennel from their
single-family home, located in the RA Zone. Public Hearing, Planning Board members
want to do a site visit.
Major Subdivision 106 East Shore Rd 23-acre lot into 6 lots in the R2 Zone.
Sketch Plan – Genie Solar Energy, sponsor Lansingville Road, Tax Parcel Number 16.-1-
19.2.
May 17, 2023
16
The applicant proposes to construct a 5 MW ground-mounted solar, approximately 18
acres in size, on a 107.2-acre parcel in the RA zone. The project will be subject to Town
of Lansing code §270-27 site plan review, and §270-35 R. Solar Energy Facility Special
Conditions.
Recommendation of Lakeshore as the next zoning district to review. Also recommended
that the Town establish lighting regulations.
Bolton Point Personnel and Organization Committee
Wednesday, April 26, 2023 – 1 – 2 pm
1. Reports
a. Shop Steward
b. Finance Manager
c. Production Manager
d. Distribution Manager
e. Human Resources Manager
i. Volunteerism Policy- Professional Association Volunteerism Activities
ii. NYS COVID 19 Leave requirements in effect
f. General Manager
Executive Session to discuss the personnel history of a particular person or contract
negotiation.
Committees on Committee Meeting
Wednesday, April 26, 2023 – 3:30 – 4:30 pm
We’re looking at three major categories of “committees”:
STATUTORY AND GOVERNMENTAL BODIES (“SGB”):
ADVISORY AND WORKING GROUPS (“AWG”)
PROJECT AND WORKING GROUPS (“PWG”)
Code Revision Committee Meeting
Thursday April 27, 2023 – 8:00 – 9:00 am
Discussion of next steps. The committee recommended that the Lakeshore zone be next.
In addition, the Steep slope environmental protection overlay district should be
established, as it will ease some of the major issues about Lakeshore district.
Bolton Point Commission Meeting
Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 4 pm
1. Management Staff Report
2. Committee Reports
A. Budget and Finance Committee
1. March 31, 2023 Financial Report
2. 2024 Budget Adoption Schedule
3. Approval of the May 4, 2023 Warrants
B. Engineering and Operations Committee
1. Resolution Declaring the Intent of the Commission to Act as Lead
Agency-Raw Water Pump Station Addition Project
C. Personnel and Organization Committee
1. Executive Session to discuss the personnel history of a particular person
or contract negotiation
Edward LaVigne – reported the following:
Mike Nozzolio, Former NYS Senator – told Ed that Nextara, solar company, will have
shed on some property to collect data.
WORK SESSION MEETING ITEMS OF DISCUSSION
May 17, 2023
17
Lake Shore (L1) Zoning District Update
Town Board agreed to refer this to the Code Revision Committee.
Proposed Amendments to Town Code for Additions to Chapter 7 to Address
Operations and Governance Rules for Committees and Resolutions Creating
Subcommittees
Town Board agreed to refer this to the Code Revision Committee.
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore will send the draft document to department heads.
Departments should send their comments to Supervisor Ed LaVigne and the Code
Revision Committee.
MOTION TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilperson Ruth Groff moved to ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS
MEDICAL, FINANCIAL, CREDIT OR EMPLOYMENT HISTORY OF A
PARTICULAR PERSON /CORP, OR MATTERS LEADING TO SAID
DISMISSAL, REMOVAL, PROMOTION, APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT,
DISCIPLINE, DEMOTION, OR SUSPENSION AT 7:59 PM.
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
MOTION TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 8:36 PM.
Councilperson Andra Benson seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
MOTION TO ALLOCATE UP TO $3,500 FROM ARPA FUND BALANCE TO
HIRE PARKS & RECREATION INTERN FOR SPECIAL PROJECTS
MOTION M23-16
MOTION TO ALLOCATE UP TO $3,500 FROM ARPA FUND BALANCE TO
HIRE PARKS & RECREATION INTERN FOR SPECIAL PROJECTS
Supervisor Ed LaVigne, moved to allocate up to $3,500 from ARPA fund balance to hire
Parks & Recreation Intern for special projects under the direction and guidance of the
Parks & Recreation Supervisor.
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
MOTION TO ENTER CLOSED SESSION
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to ENTER CLOSED SESSION FOR
CONFIDENTIAL DISCUSSION AND ADVICE FROM TOWN LEGAL
COUNSEL RESPECTING LITIGATION AND CONTRACTUAL LIABILITY
CLAIMS AT 8:38 PM.
Supervisor Ed LaVigne seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
MOTION TO EXIT CLOSED SESSION
Supervisor Ed LaVigne moved to EXIT CLOSED SESSION AT 9:39 PM.
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
May 17, 2023
18
MOTION TO ADJOURN MEETING
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:41 PM.
Councilperson Ruth Groff seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
Minutes taken and executed by the Town Clerk. Minutes beginning with Executive
Session through the meeting being adjourned were taken by Guy Krogh, Town Counsel
and executed by the Town Clerk.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah K. Munson, RMC
Town Clerk