HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-06-21
June 21, 2023
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REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING
JUNE 21, 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
6:31 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 Jessica Hall, Deputy 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, Guy Krogh, Town Counsel,
Mike Sigler, Tompkins County Legislator, Christine Lemonda, Ithaca Welcomes
Refugees, Casey Verderosa, Ithaca Welcomes Refugees, Matt Montague, Lansing Board
of Ethics Vice-Chairperson, Kirstin Tiffany, Crossmore Law Office, Jack Young, Jesse
Young, Michael Culotta, Alan Wilkinson, Bryce Wilkinson and a few other attendees.
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 comments or
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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.
ITHACA WELCOMES REFUGEES PRESENTATION – CASEY VERDEROSA
AND CHRISTINE LEMONDA
• Partner with newly arrived refugees and immigrants in Tompkins County
• Number of people doubling from last year to this year
• Three main structures
1. Welcome Home Program
a. Focus on new arrivals (housing, basic needs, orientation to area)
2. Response Project
a. Long-term support tailored to each family
3. Global Roots Play School
a. Affordable, accessible childcare
• Several families living in Village of Lansing
• Housing Resources – biggest challenge
• As of last County briefing (June 1, 2023) refugees will not be bused from New
York City
They provided the following handout.
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Councilperson Andra Benson and Ruth Groff thanked them for the work they do.
Councilperson Joe Wetmore asked that this information be posted on the Town’s website.
BOARD OF ETHICS PRESENTATION – MATT MONTAGUE,
VICE CHAIRPERSON
• Been tasked with review of Ethics Code
o Current version overly complicated
o Thorough rewriting of code might be best path forward
▪ Have not been tasked with that, just a review
• Seeking guidance from Board on what their responsibilities are in regard to
revising the Town Ethics Code
Councilperson Joe Wetmore gave a history of how current code was created.
Town Board charged Board of Ethics with completing a full review of code. Prepare their
recommended changes, in two lists, one for policy changes and one for wording changes.
Request completed revision be submitted to Town Board by October 1st.
Code Revision Committee may be asked to review policy recommendations.
VILLAGE SOLARS PRESENTATION – KIRSTIN TIFFANY,
CROSSMORE LAW OFFICE
• Requesting subdivision of two parcels into three parcels
• Resolution 15-40, requires each building to have separate water metering
o Bolton Point requires separate tax parcels for each meter
• Board has granted subdivisions for this purpose on other portions of project
Councilperson Joe Wetmore is concerned applicant has not complied with Planned
Development Area (PDA) requirements but keeps asking for changes. Specifically, bus
stops are required to have sidewalks to it. He will work with the applicant’s attorney on
requirements not met.
RESOLUTION DECLARING INTENT TO ESTABLISH LEAD AGENCY
PURSUANT TO STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW 6 NYCRR §
617 FOR THE VILLAGE SOLAR MAJOR SUBDIVISION AND SCHEDULING
PUBLIC HEARING
RESOLUTION 23-93
RESOLUTION DECLARING INTENT TO ESTABLISH LEAD AGENCY
PURSUANT TO STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW 6 NYCRR §
617 FOR THE VILLAGE SOLAR MAJOR SUBDIVISION AND SCHEDULING
PUBLIC HEARING
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, an application was made by Rocco Lucente, for Village Solar, Owner, for
subdivision approval. The applicant proposes to reconfigure tax Parcel Numbers 39.-1-
38.8 & 38.-1-38.16 (lots 88 and 96) into three lots. Lot 1 is .72 acres; Lot 2 is .74 acres;
Lot 3 is .92 acres. The property is in the Village Circle – Village Solar PDA #1.; and
WHEREAS, 6 NYCRR § 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 the Lead
Agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and
funding or carrying out the action; and
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WHEREAS, The Town Board of the Town of Lansing is believed best suited to review
the impacts of this proposed Subdivision as (i) the Town Board is the only body with
jurisdiction to review the Subdivision and issue the final Subdivision approval, (ii) the
Town Board is best situate to understand and evaluate the potential unique impacts of
such upon the developmental patterns, topography, and unique natural and non-natural
features of the Town of Lansing, including known streams, wetlands, UNAs, agricultural
resources of value, and archeosensitive sites within or near the proposed subdivision area,
(iii) the Town Board has the broadest governmental powers for investigating the
potential or actual impacts of the Subdivision and implementing conditions or mitigating
controls, and accordingly (iv) the Town Board has the greatest capacity for providing the
most thorough environmental assessment of the proposed Subdivision; and
WHEREAS, this proposed action is a Type I Action, per 6 NYCRR 617.4 (b)(6)(i) and
617.4 (b)(9) for the purposes of conducting a coordinated environmental review
pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act ("SEQRA");
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
That the Town of Lansing Town Board does hereby declare itself Lead Agency for the
coordinated environmental review for the action of subdivision; and it is further
RESOLVED, that a Public Hearing will be held on the 19th day of July, 2023, at 6:32
pm, to consider public input and comments upon such subdivision, and to hear all
persons, at 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, NY, interested in the subject thereof, and to take
such action thereon as is required or permitted by law; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk of the Town of Lansing, Tompkins County, New
York, is hereby authorized and directed to cause a Notice of Public Hearing to be
published in the official newspaper of the Town of Lansing, and also to post a copy
thereof on the Town signboard maintained by the Town Clerk, in accord with the law.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Ruth Groff, 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 June
21, 2023.
SEWER DISTRICT #1 PRESENTATION – JACK YOUNG & JESSE YOUNG
• Presented history of attempts to get sewer services and a sewer main into South
Lansing, including how Sewer District #1 was originally formed to service
multiple future projects and multiple properties.
• With changes, presenter requests that district be reconfigured and reauthorized
due to applicant’s potential future change in plans, the lack of an easement for the
original trunk main location, and the withdrawal of one developer from the plan,
among other reasons.
• New Map of proposed sewer service area (Phase I only) was provided, and it was
noted that:
o It includes only three properties owned by presenter
o Project area would likely have direct access to N. Triphammer Road,
Waterwagon Road and East Shore Drive
o No third-party easements are required because applicant owns all parcels
needed for access or district as proposed
o No non-benefitted properties are proposed to be involved
• Developer proposes to subdivide three parcels into lots along a system of small
roads that would be connected to nearby public roads, and while no formal plans,
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maps, or applications are filed as the market for the same is not known, it is
proposed that:
o Individual buyers would decide what would be built – it could be single
home, townhouses, or an apartment building—whatever is allowed in the
R2 zone at the time of sale
• Speakers propose that town authorize dissolving existing sewer district #1, and
authorize the creation of a new sewer district benefitting their lands and
projects/buyers
• Applicant willing to cover the cost of a Map, Plan and Report
• Matter referred to Water and Sewer Working Group for review and
recommendation on presentation and Sewer District #1, and further recommended
as follows:
o Requested input from John Zepko for Planning and Zoning
o Town Counsel will update Town Engineer and Town Planner on
presentation
o Applicant will forward a digital copy of the map for the minutes, as well
as an updated and corrected digital map of proposed new district
incorporating the changes identified during the presentation
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
June 2023
1. The Summer Reading program is in full swing! The theme is “All Together
Now”. There are many events planned throughout June, July and August.
Please check the website or the library for a full calendar.
2. Thank you to the community for their support of the chicken BBQ.
3. The Library has recently purchased equipment to successfully host hybrid
meetings/programs. This was made possible through a grant from Tompkins
County.
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4. During the summer, the library will be displaying all of the entries submitted by
children for the Summer Reading Logo Contest.
5. The library now has a mobile wireless hotspot available for check out.
6. Storytime is on Thursdays at 10:30 am with Ms. Shelley.
7. Instructor John Burger hosts T’ai Chi classes at the Community Center on
Fridays from 10:30-11:30 am.
8. Learn to play American Mah Jongg every Tuesday at 10:15 am.
9. Play American Mah Jongg every Wednesday from 1:00-3:00 pm.
10. The library continues to provide free delivery to Woodsedge.
11. 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.
12. The library continues to distribute free self-test COVID-19 kits, antibacterial
wipes and N95 masks to Lansing households.
13. 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.
Lansing Youth Services
Town Board Report
June 2023
Outdoor Adventure: Youth in Outdoor Adventure have been spending a lot of time at
Salmon Creek working on lots of skills. Shelter construction is still a favorite for many
youths and some have shown a great interest in fire making. One student has compiled
his own fire making kit and brings it every week to add additional fire making materials
as he encounters them. The group has seen evidence of a raccoon and its kit, a mink,
sucker fish, crayfish, and osprey. Friction fires using a cotton ball and two pieces of
wood will be the next challenge, the Rudiger Roll. 13 youth served.
Game On!: Game On youth have been busy playing lots of board games like Monopoly,
Exploding Kittens, Chess, and Apples to Apples. One student asked to design a game to
play on his computer, which turned out to be a similar game to Risk. Different players
work together to form alliances and try to take over the world. Although it is on a
computer, many students are able to play at the same time and the group has been having
a blast. 12 youth served.
Coal Cookin’: Coal Cooking has been using a campfire to cook their daily treats. The
group made campfire apple pie, with many modifications to the cooking process,
campfire chili, and the ever-popular spider dogs. The area where students cook is behind
the high school, under a huge willow tree. This willow has since fallen and created
another exciting environment to explore. 10 youth served.
Fishin’ Friday’s: Fishing Fridays began with dry land casting practice at targets in the
field. The group then spent each afternoon on Salmon Creek practicing their fishing
skills. The large suckers have not been interested in anyone’s bait, but the excitement
never waned. When the fishing got less exciting for one participant, they took out their
gold pan and started panning for treasures. 10 youth served.
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Youth Employment: Youth Employees are finishing the school year strong as assistants
with three Lansing Youth Services programs, and the Library team has been doing an
amazing job. Two assistants are still helping teachers in the high school, and several have
expressed interest in working with LYS over the summer. 18 youth served.
LYS Fishing Derby: The Annual Lansing Youth Services Fishing Derby is here! This
event is a public event that invites community members out on Cayuga Lake for a
morning of fishing, fun, and prizes! This year it will take place on the morning of June
17th 7:30am-11:00am at Myers Park.
Councilperson Andra Benson added that the Fishing Derby had to be cancelled, as Travis
got hurt.
TOMPKINS COUNTY LEGISLATOR REPORT – MIKE SIGLER
Reviewed the following report which was a handout.
Tompkins County Legislator
Michael Sigler
June 2023
Hello and thanks for having me in again. I want to thank Dominick Recckio whose
reports I draw liberally from.
I want to start by wishing everyone a happy belated Juneteenth. It was on Monday and as
you know it’s a holiday at the County. It’s also a holiday at Park Outdoor Advertising,
the company I work for. I went to the Juneteenth celebration at Southside Community
Center and to the one in Cortland because it was in part sponsored by TC3.
I’m just coming back from an Ithaca Police forum at Southside Community Center.
Policing in the city has been struggling because of an officer shortage, a shortage that
doesn’t look like it will improve and that does mean the County Sheriff has sent more
resources into the city over the past few years.
I went for a tour of the boys detention facility with the Sheriff last week. The facility
now holds about 65 youths between the ages of 12 and 20. “Raise the Age” has put a
strain on the juvenile detention system. The director there, Dwayne Hayward, says the
facility can hold 150 youths and expects the state to use that capacity, but finding staff is
a challenge. Many of these kids really are kids and while there they go to school and
earn their HS diplomas and gain skills in trades. It’s a part of our community and
Hayward would like to foster a better relationship with the Town.
I also went for a tour of TST BOCES. It’s really multiple schools, one for children with
learning disabilities and one for trades. One would be hard to distinguish from Lansing
High School other than the classes being smaller and each kid operating with their own
kind of personal program. BOCES runs several businesses out of the 11 building
complex including a print shop and it also oversees all the homeschoolers which now
number about 600.
I also went to the Dryden Dairy Days and met up with our Congressman and the Dryden
leadership, the Family and Children’s luncheon, and the Advocacy Center breakfast (their
annual fundraiser). The Center helps abused children in Tompkins County.
In County news, we passed a resolution for a Request for Proposal (RFP) to connect
1,200 local locations, now unserved by broadband internet access, to broadband internet.
It’s around 3.9% of the nearly 31,000 total locations in the County. It was unanimous.
The RFP will solicit proposals from qualified broadband providers to design, construct,
operate, and maintain a broadband network that will serve those 1,200 locations.
We also passed a resolution asking Governor Hochul to veto a bill impacting timing of
elections. It passed 10-4. The bill would require local elections for county and town
elections to be held in even-numbered years. The resolution cites the increased workload
for local boards of elections in those even-numbered years and the potential size of paper
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ballots and impact voting machines’ ability to accommodate them. Legislator Deborah
Dawson (D-Lansing) spoke to the impact on local boards of elections work cycles,
opining that they’d have very busy years and some years with far less to do. Legislator
Lee Shurtleff (R-Groton) supported the resolution, contending that the number of
officials to be elected on any even year’s ballot could be overwhelming and
“counterproductive” because there would be many different races. Shurtleff added that
many races could be left with blank ballots for local races as people don’t know as much
about those races.
A quick update on the budget. We brought the goal down to an increase of 2 percent to
the levy which I’m hoping will make the tax rate zero or negative in the end considering
the hike in assessments most people felt. We also were able to work in a soft hiring
freeze, important since that’s where most of our money is spent.
Thank you again for having me. I am getting some questions about when East Shore
Drive is expected to be done and what is going on next to Scoops.
I want to congratulate all the students graduating from Lansing this Friday and to all the
other graduates in Tompkins County.
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
June 2023
Intermunicipal Work
• Highway crew worked to overlay Asbury Road with hot mix for Tompkins
County Highway Department
Road Maintenance/Improvement
• Roadside mowing
• Continue to prep roads for paving
• Algerine Road was cold milled and paved with hot mix
• Buck Road was cold milled and paved with hot mix between VanOstrand Road
and Auburn Road
• Drake Road was resurfaced from House #233 to Ridge Road
• Shoulders were replaced on all the roads that were recently paved
Brush Pile
• Crews worked to assist in the mulching of the Town’s brush pile
Tree & Brush Maintenance
• Tree & brush maintenance along roadside to aid line of sight
• Right of way tree maintenance
Miscellaneous
• Highway Superintendent Mike Moseley and Deputy Highway Superintendent
attended the Cornell Local Roads Program held at Ithaca College
• Hydroseeded completed jobs around Town
• Attended committee meetings
• Our head mechanic, Dan Schenck, continues to perform maintenance on our fleet
of equipment
Mike also reported:
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Thanks to Pat Tyrrell and his department for providing extra hands to help with storm
damage that occurred on June 14th on Lockerby Hill Road.
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
June 2023
Town Board Meeting
RECREATION
▪ Please welcome our newest employee, Meggie Conley, in the Parks & Recreation
Department.
▪ LBP and LSP ended on June 10 (Super Saturday), thanks to Moore’s Family Farm
that provided their donut trailer as a fundraiser for Lansing Hitcats.
▪ We have record numbers in our Day Camps this summer.
▪ Our Summer Programs are always expanding, we have an outstanding list of
camp offerings.
▪ Ellie Peterson from Cornell Design connect has done some excellent planning
work for us.
▪ The Town Hall parking lot lights have been installed, they add much needed light
for safety and security.
▪ Please take notice of the beautiful wildflowers in the ballfield ditch, we will
continue to expand on these with the Parks and Trails money from the County.
▪ We are still dealing with multiple issues with Milton Meadow residents. It is
becoming more and more frustrating for employees here and at the library.
PARKS
▪ We have had some power issues along the marina and out to the lighthouse, after
working with NYSEG we believe we now have that resolved.
▪ We have several repairs that are needed on the big playground at the park, we
hope to have a resolution soon.
▪ The lighthouse peninsula will be hosting its 3rd wedding this month, it has
become a beautiful backdrop for several events.
▪ NYS Parks & Trails Grant team met with us yesterday, information will be
available to you soon.
▪ We have purchased materials and are partnering with the Boys Residential Center
to build bridges for the Lansing Center Trail.
▪ All non-Lansing residents must pay $7 to enter Myers Park. Season Passes are
available at a discounted rate.
▪ We are receiving donated logs from Cascadilla Tree Service to replace the
concrete barriers at Salt Point and make it look a little more natural.
▪ Myers Park hosted the 3rd Annual Lansing Rec cheerleading Car Show, it was a
huge success. The turnout was much better than expected and raised lots of
money.
▪ Myers Park also hosted an Artisan Fair on June 10th that was also very successful.
Pat also reported:
Thanks to all the departments for helping when his was short staffed.
Emailed Board regarding Myers Park playground issues that need immediate attention.
There was a discussion on best way to pay for these emergency repairs.
MOTION ALLOCATING UP TO $20,000 FROM FUND BALANCE TO
A7110.400 FOR EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO MYERS PARK PLAYGROUND
EQUIPMENT
MOTION M23-18
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MOTION ALLOCATING UP TO $20,000 FROM FUND BALANCE TO
A7110.400 FOR EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO MYERS PARK
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
Supervisor Edward LaVigne moved to allocate up to $20,000 from fund balance to
A7110.400 for emergency repairs to the Myers Park Playground equipment.
Councilperson Ruth Groff seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
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 May 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
o 31 May 2023 - A Community Assistance Visit (CAV) was conducted by a
representative of the NY Department of Environmental Conservation and
was attended by John Zepko, Director, and Scott Russell, Code
Enforcement Officer. The purpose of the CAV was to assess the Town of
Lansing’s compliance with NFIP regulations. Official findings are
expected by the end of June. All findings or deficiencies must be
corrected to maintain compliance with NFIP requirements.
• Stormwater Management
LAND USE WORK PROGRAM
• Code Revision Committee
COMMITTEE MANAGEMENT
• Agricultural and Farmland Protection Committee staff support
PLANNING BOARD
• 22 May meeting – the Planning Board heard the following:
o Lansing Community Solar – Lansingville Rd – a public hearing was held
for a proposed 5 MW community solar project. A second public hearing
will be held on 26 June 2023.
o Sketch plan for Minor Subdivision at 547 Ridge Rd
o Sketch plan for Minor Subdivision at 365 Fenner Rd
o Sketch Plan for Major Subdivision at 88 & 96 Village Circle
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
• 2 May meeting – The Zoning Board of Appeals heard one appeal for relief for
side and front setback regulations of the AG zone. A public hearing was
scheduled for 14 June.
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CODE ENFORCEMENT
▪ May 2023 Permit Information
o 20 New Building Permits issued
o 15 Building Permits Closed
o 13 Life Safety (fire) inspections conducted
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
JUNE 2023
Cayuga Lake National Bank (CLNB)
Debbie and Jessie attended a very nice breakfast which was specifically for CLNB
municipalities.
New York Association of Local Government Records Officers (NYALGRO)
Conference – Ithaca, NY, June 5 and 6, 2023
Debbie and Jessie attended this conference which is for local government officers
responsible for records upkeep and information management. The topics covered this
year included Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), Records after COVID, Historical
Documents, Electronic Document Records Systems (EDRS) and Laserfiche, Round
Table Discussions, Records Management Policy, Tackling Records Management Messes,
and Navigating a First Amendment Audit. We always get great information from these
sessions.
New York State Association of Tax Receivers and Collectors (NYSATRC)
Conference – Ithaca, NY, June 12 and 13, 2023
Debbie and Jessie attended this conference which is for individuals holding a position in
the office of Receiver or Collector of Taxes. They offered sessions on Audits by the NYS
Comptroller’s Office, Legal and Legislative Update, and Records Retention. The NYS
Retirement System presentation was very informative. Association of Towns (AOT) is
always excellent.
Huge thanks to Ashley for taking care of the office while we were at both conferences.
Flags
The Town Clerk’s Office continues to monitor the flags. The Pride flag will be flown all
month and the POW flag was flown on May 29th and June 14th.
Ethics Disclosure Statements
We received 99% of the completed Ethics Disclosure Statements back and they were
given to the Board of Ethics for review.
CONSENT AGENDA
Notation of error in contract presented by Tompkins County Soil and Water – written out
dollar amount in Section 1 is incorrect – will be corrected to “fifty-five dollars” before
signed by Supervisor.
a. MOTION TO AUTHORIZE TOWN SUPERVISOR TO SIGN UPDATED
CONTRACT WITH TOMPKINS COUNTY SOIL AND WATER
CONSERVATION DISTRICT
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MOTION M23-19
MOTION TO AUTHORIZE TOWN SUPERVISOR TO SIGN UPDATED
CONTRACT WITH TOMPKINS COUNTY SOIL AND WATER
CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Motion to authorize Town of Lansing Supervisor to sign an updated contract with
Tompkins County Soil and Water Conservation District for professional services to
review stormwater management plans and monitor the implementation of erosion and
sediment control measures in accordance with such plans.
b. RESOLUTION SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING FOR LOCAL LAW
NUMBER #___ OF 2023 – OVERRIDE TAX LEVY LIMIT ESTABLISHED IN
GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW § 3-C
RESOLUTION 23-94
RESOLUTION SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED LOCAL
LAW NO. __ OF 2023 A LOCAL LAW 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 2024; and
WHEREAS, said proposed Local Law proposes: (1) 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 (2) pursuant to Town Law Article 12-C,
governed by the Town Board for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2024 and ending
December 31, 2024 that requires a real property tax levy in excess of the “tax levy limit”
as defined by General Municipal Law
§ 3-C; and
WHEREAS, this proposed Local Law if 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 a vote of at least sixty percent
(60%) of the Town Board; and
WHEREAS, upon deliberation there upon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has
hereby
RESOLVED, that a Public Hearing will be held on the 19th day of July, 2023, at 6:31
pm, to consider public input and comments upon such proposed Local Law, and to hear
all persons, at 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, NY, interested in the subject thereof, and to
take such action thereon as is required or permitted by law; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk of the Town of Lansing, Tompkins County, New
York, is hereby authorized and directed to cause a Notice of Public Hearing to be
published in the official newspaper of the Town of Lansing, and also to post a copy
thereof on the Town signboard maintained by the Town Clerk, in accord with the law.
c. RESOLUTION APPROVING AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTIONS #23-90 AND
#23-22 UPDATING HOURS FOR THE SECRETARY TO THE HIGHWAY
SUPERINTENDENT
RESOLUTION 23-95
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTIONS
#23-90 AND #23-22 UPDATING HOURS FOR THE SECRETARY TO THE
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT
June 21, 2023
13
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing adopted Resolution #23-90 (May 17, 2023) to appoint
Jenna Hoellerer as the Town of Lansing Secretary to the Highway Superintendent at 36.5
hours a week; and
WHEREAS, the Highway Superintendent now wishes to adjust the hours from 36.5 hours
a week to 40 hours a week; and
WHEREAS, Organization Resolution #23-22 (January 18, 2023) was amended in
Resolution #23-90 from 40 hours a week to 36.5 hours a week, and now needs to be
restored to 40 hours a week; and
WHEREAS, upon due consideration and deliberation by the Town of Lansing Town
Board, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, Resolution #23-90 and #23-22 be and hereby are amended to state 40 hours
a week, and such prior resolutions be and hereby are so amended by this Resolution.
d. RESOLUTION ADOPTING AMENDED TOWN OF LANSING SEXUAL
HARASSMENT PREVENTION POLICY
RESOLUTION 23-96
RESOLUTION ADOPTING AMENDED TOWN OF LANSING SEXUAL
HARASSMENT PREVENTION POLICY
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, New York State has mandated an updated Sexual Harassment Prevention
Policy, which among other things, includes gender discrimination and by-stander
intervention, and an amended policy was presented at this meeting, and upon a review
and deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has duly
RESOLVED, that said policy, as updated, supersedes and replaces the prior policy
effective immediately.
CONSENT AGENDA MOTION M23-19 AND RESOLUTIONS 23-94 – 23-96
RESOLUTION 23-97
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of
Lansing has hereby
RESOLVED, that the Consent Agenda Motion M23-19 and Resolutions 23-94 – 23-96,
are hereby approved as presented and amended, and
The question of the adoption of such proposed Consent Agenda Motion and 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 Motion and Resolutions were approved, carried, and duly
adopted on June 21, 2023.
MOTION AUTHORIZING TOWN OF LANSING SUPERVISOR TO WRITE
AND SEND LETTER SUPPORTING BILL NUMBERS S.6410 / A.52A TO THE
June 21, 2023
14
STATE LEGISLATURE - PROVIDING FLEXIBLE OPTIONS FOR WORKERS'
COMPENSATION COVERAGE
NO ACTION WAS TAKEN ON THE MOTION LISTED BELOW.
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 –
NO ACTION WAS TAKEN ON THE MOTION LISTED ABOVE.
Voucher Discussion
Councilperson Joe Wetmore asked to discuss the voucher for purchasing Town Hall
parking lot lights. Lansing Community Council is paying for part of the lights. Their
check is made payable to the vendor, Town covering the balance.
Town Counsel advised that gifts should be accepted.
MOTION TO ACCEPT GIFT OF $3,074.20 FROM LANSING COMMUNITY
COUNCIL TOWARDS TOWN HALL PARKING LOT LIGHTS
MOTION M23-20
MOTION TO ACCEPT GIFT OF $3,074.20 FROM LANSING COMMUNITY
COUNCIL TOWARDS TOWN HALL PARKING LOT LIGHTS
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to accept gift of $3,074.20 from Lansing
Community Council towards Town Hall parking lot lights.
Councilperson Ruth Groff seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
RESOLUTION APPROVING AUDIT AND BUDGET MODIFICATION AND
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT
RESOLUTION 23-98
RESOLUTION APPROVING AUDIT AND BUDGET MODIFICATION
AND SUPERVISOR’S REPORT
The Supervisor submitted his monthly report for the months of March and April 2023, to
all Board Members and to the Town Clerk. The Supervisor’s Reports were reviewed by
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore and Councilperson Ruth Groff. The bills were reviewed
by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore and Councilperson Bronwyn Losey. 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 modification.
CONSOLIDATED ABSTRACT # 006
DATED 06/21/2023
AUDITED VOUCHER #’s 469 – 598
PREPAY VOUCHER #’s 469 – 476
June 21, 2023
15
AUDITED T & A VOUCHER #’s 33 – 34
PREPAY T & A VOUCHER #’s 33 – 38
FUND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS
GENERAL FUND (A&B) $ 108,406.54
HIGHWAY FUND (DA&DB) $ 302,731.93
ARPA (HF) $ 11,100.00
DRAINAGE DISTRICTS (SDD2,4,5,6,7,8,SD10) $ 555.00
LANSING LIGHTING (SL1, 2 &3) $ 1,518.66
WARREN & CHERRY SEWER DISTRICTS (SS1, SS3) $ 21,094.20
LANSING WATER DISTRICTS (SW) $ 12,112.92
TRUST & AGENCY (TA) $ 56,677.03
BUDGET MODIFICATION
JUNE 21, 2023 MEETING
GENERAL FUND A
June 21, 2023
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
A7110.130 A5010.120 From Parks/Hwy Labor to Hwy Secretary $ 19,000.00
Addtl needed Hwy Secretary
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
June 21, 2023.
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Andra Benson – reported the following:
Lansing Library – written report above
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
June 2023
June 21, 2023
16
• Ithaca Tompkins County Transportation Council (ITCTC) Planning
Committee:
May 2, 10:00am
o This meeting was cancelled. A joint meeting with Planning and Policy
Committees is scheduled for June 20.
• Conservation Advisory Council (CAC): June 1, 6:30pm
o There was a presentation on “How the Non-Pipes Alternatives Program
relates to Lansing,” by Agnes Guillo, Community Educator, Cornell
Cooperative Extension. The following is taken from the CAC minutes of
that meeting – “Since 2015, there has been a moratorium on new natural
gas service in the Lansing area due to a failure to secure approval of a new
natural gas pipeline to the area. The NPA program was initiated to try and
reduce demand for natural gas in the target area. A major part of the
initiative is the potential for enhanced rebates on the installation of “heat
pump” technology for homeowners now on natural gas service. Free home
energy audits are available through Earth Sensitive Solutions to assess the
feasibility of switching to geothermal or atmospheric heat pumps. The
town is divided into three zones with different rebate options. The key
factor is the energy audit as each home presents different challenges to
utilize the rebate program. Questions on the program should be directed to
Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County (CCETC).”
o The Open Space Index (OSI) rankings have been divided into three
categories – low, medium, and high. Bergmann Associates are now ready
to move forward with constructing the narrative around the map that has
been developed for this OSI, and it is expected that a rough draft will be
ready to present to the committee by early August. “A ‘story map’ will be
developed following the draft of the narrative with a proposed availability
timeframe of Sept/Oct. With draft products available, a public meeting
will be scheduled to review the products and entertain comments on the
acceptability of the OSI products. Timeframe for this will be late
Oct/Nov.”
• Capital Improvement Committee: June 7, 9:00am
o The committee reviewed and agreed upon the preliminary draft plan of
capital projects over $500k. The plan is to be presented to the Town
Board at the June 21st meeting during a working session.
• Highway Barn Meeting: June 6, 10am – Cancelled
o This meeting was cancelled, based on the fact that Bergmann had
presented to the full Town Board at the May meeting.
• Parks, Recreation, and Trails Committee: May 25, June 8, June 15, 2:00pm
o Patrick Tyrrell and Ruth Groff have weekly update meetings with Ellie
Peterson, Intern from Cornell, regarding her work on potential plans for
the Jonas Falls area. She has been looking at slope analysis, topography,
and parcel boundaries, as a starting point.
Bronwyn Losey
Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) – included in John Zepko’s report
Broadband Committee – included in Joe Wetmore’s report
Joseph Wetmore
Joseph Wetmore
Town Board Member Report
June 2023
Planning Board
Monday, May 22⋅6:30 – 8:30pm
1. Proposal to subdivide a ~12.26 acre lot into two parcels. Parcel A is 6.46 acres and
Parcel B is a 5.78 acre flag lot. The property is in the RA Zone. Declaration of Lead
Agency; Set public hearing
June 21, 2023
17
2. Village Solars: The applicant proposes to reconfigure lots 88 and 96 into three lots. Lot
1 is .72 acres; Lot 2 is .74 acres; Lot 3 is .92 acres. The property is in Village Circle –
Village Solar PDA #1 Declaration of Lead Agency; Set public hearing
3. Genie Solar Energy, Lansingville Road, Tax Parcel Number 16.-1-19.2. 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. Determination of Significance; Site Plan Review
Code Revision Committee Monthly Meeting
Thursday, May 25⋅8:00 – 9:00am
1. Review of Code Amendments to Chapter 7 – Boards, Commissions, and Committees.
Committee asked the various boards and department heads to review.
2. Review of Lakeshore (L1) Zoning District update Preliminary Report and discussion
of next steps. John will prepare a scope of work for this project, with an eye towards his
limited time.
Tompkins County Council of Governments (TCCOG) Meeting
Thursday, May 25⋅3:00 – 5:00pm
1. Report from County Administration L. Holmes
A. The County has taken part in a number of briefings with NYSAC and
Governor’s office over the last 2+ weeks regarding the surge of Asylum Seekers
in New York City and the recent statewide discussions about the transportation
and relocation of asylum seekers to upstate counties. The County’s estimate that
we have local capacity to assist approximately 50 individuals.
If the County does receive notification that we are to assist with the relocation of
migrants to Tompkins County, the County will declare a State of Emergency and
issue emergency orders to assist with procurement of needed goods and services.
The County will also activate an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to
coordinate the logistics. Any sheltering/accommodations beyond hotel rooms.
B. The County is still working with FEMA in modernizing the existing 1980s-era
Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
C. The Tompkins County Opioid Task Force, a group appointed by the
Legislature, is seeking community input on how best to use funds distributed to
the County from recent Opioid Settlements. A survey is now open through May
29 for community members to share input on how $700,000 can best be used in
Tompkins County to address the issue of harm from opioids in the community.
D. Shared services Panel met in April and May.
2. The representative from Enfield asked about debate on the bill to increase the debt
limit. He pointed out: The one thing the Democrats and Republicans seem to be in
agreement over is that all unspent COVID money will go back into the general treasury.
That means that our ARPA funds are in danger of being clawed back by the federal
government as part of these debt negotiations. It is unclear if they are going to ask for
any unspent/encumbered funds as of the agreement or if we will still have to the end of
the year. It's pretty clear that we cannot wait until 2024 to spend them.
3. Introduction of Harris Weiss, Southern Tier Regional Representative, Office of
Governor Kathy Hochul
4. Broadband Update.
A. Results of ECC Broadband Availability and Adoption Toolset (BAAT)
Program for Tompkins County, NY
B. Presentation to Tompkins County by ECC Technologies
June 21, 2023
18
Map of unserved addresses In Tompkins County (green) where additional
Infrastructure is required(red)
Option 1: If required to bid, release an RFP to solicit responses from new and
existing providers to serve the unserved.
Option 2: If not required to bid, enter Direct negotiations with existing providers.
Option 3: Public/Private Partnership where County builds the needed
infrastructure & partner operates the network and services customers.
Option 4: Open Access Model (Middle Mile) provider uses the OAM and builds
last mile.
5. Bylaw Amendments were approved.
6. Housing Affordability and Supportive Infrastructure Grant Program has $10,000 left to
distribute.
7. Emergency Services Report and Discussion looking at implementing 3 “Flycars” (non-
transport emergency response medical vehicles) in Tompkins County in order to increase
emergency response times.
8. Subcommittee, Liaison, and Other Reports
a. Cyber Security and Municipal Information Technology Services looking at GIS
program to map all of town’s infrastructure.
b. Energy working on further electrification (reduction of reliance on Fossil Fuels)
of all Tompkins County.
Broadband Committee
Tuesday, June 6⋅7:00 – 8:30pm
1. Michael D. Roberts, Cohen Law Group to review draft cable franchise renewal
agreement. We reviewed the document and suggested many changes. Michael will revise
the draft and meet with the Committee to go over the revised draft.
Joe also reported:
Supervisor Ed LaVigne, Town Counsel Guy Krogh and himself had a good conversation
with our consultants regarding the Yellow Barn Project. Feels like we are on same page
with Groton.
Edward LaVigne
No report.
WORK SESSION MEETING ITEMS OF DISCUSSION
Capital Improvement Committee Recommendations – Ruth Groff
June 21, 2023
19
• Preliminary draft plan of capital projects shared with Town Board
• Two (2) phases
o Over $500,000
o $100,000 – $200,000
MOTION TO ENTER CLOSED SESSION
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to ENTER CLOSED SESSION TO OBTAIN
LEGAL ADVICE ON TWO CONTRACT MATTERS AT 9:28 PM.
Councilperson Ruth Groff seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
MOTION TO EXIT CLOSED SESSION
Supervisor Edward LaVigne moved to EXIT CLOSED SESSION AT 9:57 PM.
Councilperson Ruth Groff seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
MOTION TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore 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 9:59 PM.
Councilperson Andra Benson seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
MOTION TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilperson Bronwyn Losey moved to EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION AT
10:13 PM.
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
MOTION TO ADJOURN MEETING
Supervisor Edward LaVigne moved to ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 10:14 PM.
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
Minutes taken and executed by the Deputy Town Clerk. Minutes beginning with Closed
Session through the meeting being adjourned were taken by Town Counsel, Guy Krogh
and executed by the Deputy Town Clerk.
Respectfully submitted,
Jessica Hall
Deputy Town Clerk
