HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-07-19
July 19, 2023
1
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING
July 19, 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
6:33 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, Guy Krogh, Town Counsel,
Mike Sigler, Tompkins County Legislator, Kellea Bauda, Sue and Gregg Travis, Ben
Broder, Dennis Griffin and a few other attendees.
MOTION TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED LOCAL LAW
# 5 OF 2023 TO OVERRIDE TAX LEVY LIMIT
Councilperson Ruth Groff, moved to OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON
PROPOSED LOCAL LAW # 5 OF 2023 TO OVERRIDE TAX LEVY LIMIT
at 6:34 pm.
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore 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 #5 OF
2023 TO OVERRIDE TAX LEVY LIMIT at 6:36 pm.
Councilperson Ruth Groff seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
RESOLUTION ADOPTING LOCAL LAW NO. 5 OF 2023 TO OVERRIDE THE
TAX LEVY LIMIT ESTABLISHED IN GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW §3-C
RESOLUTION 23-99
RESOLUTION ADOPTING LOCAL LAW NO. 5 OF 2023 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, the proposed Local Law No. 5 of 2023 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, 2024 and ending
December 31, 2024, 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 19, 2023, at the Lansing Town Hall,
29 Auburn Road, Lansing, New York, whereas the public was invited to comment upon
July 19, 2023
2
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 No. 5 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”; 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 Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Ruth Groff, duly seconded by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, 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
19, 2023.
TOWN OF LANSING, TOMPKINS COUNTY, NEW YORK
LOCAL LAW NUMBER 5 OF 2023
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 5 of 2023”. It is the intent of Local Law Number 5 of 2023 to override the
limit on the amount of real property taxes that may be levied by the Town of Lansing,
County of Tompkins pursuant to General Municipal Law §3-C, and to allow the Town of
Lansing, County of Tompkins to adopt a Town budget for (a) Town purposes, and (b)
any other special or improvement district, and Town improvements provided pursuant to
Town Law Article 12-C, governed by the Town Board for the fiscal year beginning
January 1, 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.
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
2024 that requires a real property tax levy in excess of the limit specified in General
Municipal Law §3-C.
July 19, 2023
3
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.
MOTION TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED LEAD
AGENCY AND SUBDIVISION FOR VILLAGE SOLAR
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, moved to OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR
PROPOSED LEAD AGENCY AND SUBDIVISION FOR VILLAGE SOLAR
at 6:37 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 Ruth Groff, moved to
CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED LEAD AGENCY AND
SUBDIVISION FOR VILLAGE SOLAR at 6:39 pm.
Councilperson Andra Benson seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
BEAR PEAK LANSING BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) PRESENTATION
– BEN BRODER
Supervisor Ed LaVigne stated:
➢ The presentation is a concept for battery energy storage at the Cayuga Operating
Plant.
➢ It is a permitted use in the Industrial Zone (IR).
➢ The Planning Board will be conducting the review, not the Town Board.
Mr. Broder handed the following presentation to the Town Board and then reviewed it.
July 19, 2023
4
July 19, 2023
5
July 19, 2023
6
July 19, 2023
7
Ed stated the presentation will be posted on the Town website.
RESOLUTION GRANTING SUBDIVISION APPROVAL FOR VILLAGE
CIRCLE - VILLAGE SOLARS PDA PER PRIOR APPROVALS AND
AUTHORIZING SEALING OF SUCH PLAT OR MAP PER LANSING TOWN
CODE § 270-67V
Town Board discussion regarding sidewalk connecting bus station to buildings located at
36 Village Circle Place and 106 Village Circle, which has not been completed.
Resolution was amended with “RESOLVED, the Town’s Code Enforcement Officer will
not sign the Plat for this subdivision until the applicant has completed connecting the bus
station to buildings located at 36 Village Circle Place and 106 Village Circle with a
sidewalk installed per Town Code § 270-67V”, prior to the roll call vote.
RESOLUTION 23-100
RESOLUTION GRANTING SUBDIVISION APPROVAL FOR VILLAGE
CIRCLE - VILLAGE SOLARS PDA PER PRIOR APPROVALS AND
AUTHORIZING SEALING OF SUCH PLAT OR MAP PER LANSING TOWN
CODE § 270-67V
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the Town received an Application for Review and Approval of Subdivision
from Rocco Lucente, Senior Vice President, Village Solars, LLC under the provisions of
Town Code § 270-67V:
July 19, 2023
8
The developer may subdivide (and rejoin or consolidate) the PDA parcel into
separate or differing tax parcels to assist in the delineation of project phasing, tax
management issues, and financing for project development. In each such case,
suitable cross easements shall be implied, required, and provided for access and
common use of project facilities, and such proposed subdivision and line locations
shall be subject to review and approval by the Town Board. Once approved by the
Town Board, the Town Code Enforcement Officer may seal such map for filing
with or delivery to the County Clerk or Assessor's office; and
WHEREAS, an environmental review was already conducted upon this proposal on 12
September 2022, and as the existing approvals and negative declarations already
considered any potential adverse environmental effects of this approval, and as the
passage of time and lack of changes in the proposal and final development plan do not
create any risk of new environmental impacts not previously considered, the Town Board
reaffirms the findings and negative declaration issued in Planning Board Resolution #22-
13 and has determined that no supplemental environmental review is required; and
WHEREAS, upon a review and in consideration of the phased subdivision mapping
submitted in furtherance of the existing approved PDA plan and approval; and
Now Therefore Be It RESOLVED, that the proposed phasing and subdivision plat or
map as submitted be and hereby is approved, and the Town's Code Enforcement Officer
be and hereby is authorized to seal and certify such proposed subdivision and lot line
maps for filing with or delivery to the County Clerk and County Assessor's Office for
approval and filing; and further
RESOLVED, the Town’s Code Enforcement Officer will not sign the Plat for this
subdivision until the applicant has completed connecting the bus station to buildings
located at 36 Village Circle Place and 106 Village Circle with a sidewalk installed per
Town Code § 270-67V.
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 July
19, 2023.
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 19, 2023
9
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
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 the Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
TOWN BOARD UPDATES
FROM THE LANSING COMMUNITY LIBRARY
July 2023
1. The Summer Reading program is in full swing! The theme is “All Together
Now”. There are many events planned throughout the remainder of July and
August. Please check the website or the library for a full calendar.
2. The Power House, a mobile program of Cornell Cooperative Extension, will be
visiting the library parking lot on Thursday, July 20th with fun and engaging
STEM activities for kids.
3. Watercolor artist Lee O’Connell will be offering a class on July 27th at 10:30am
to children 8 and older.
4. The library is participating in the Target Circle Program. Shoppers can vote for
the LCL and help direct Target’s giving program to benefit our library by
visiting target.com/circle. Please vote by September 30th.
5. During the month of July, the library will be collecting supplies and monetary
donations to help support the Lansing PTSO Pack-a-Backpack program.
6. Book donations to the library have been suspended for the month of July.
7. On display during July and August will be the Sculpture, Painting and Poetry of
Shawn Hull.
8. The library has a mobile wireless hotspot available for check out. Also, the Wi-
Fi is not password protected. The community is welcome to park in the lot to
access the Internet.
July 19, 2023
10
9. Instructor John Burger hosts T’ai Chi classes at the Community Center on
Fridays from 10:30-11:30 am.
10. Learn to play American Mah Jongg every Tuesday at 10:15am and play
American Mah Jongg every Wednesday from 1:00-3:00pm.
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.
LANSING YOUTH SERVICES REPORT – RICK ALVORD
No report.
TOMPKINS COUNTY LEGISLATOR REPORT – MIKE SIGLER
Reviewed the following report which was a handout.
Before reviewing his report, Mike stated Tompkins County will pave Brickyard Road this
year.
Tompkins County Legislator
Michael Sigler
July 2023
Hello and thank you for having me again. I want to thank Dominick Recckio for his
County press releases that I draw liberally from.
Not much to report this month.
Last night the main resolution of discussion was the call to close the Seneca Meadows
landfill. The measure failed because it got seven votes and needs eight. Shawna was out
of town and it’s unclear how she’d vote so I’m not sure if the measure will be back or
not. I don’t think anyone likes the amount of trash produced or the reality that we have
landfills, but we do produce trash and need landfills. While Tompkins doesn’t send its
more than 100 million pounds of trash a year to Seneca Meadows, we do send it to a
landfill and we could go to Seneca Meadows if our contract with the trash hauler changes
in two years. If Seneca closes, I only see a few alternatives. Either we open a landfill
which I can’t imagine will have support, we send it to be burnt for energy as they do in
countries like Sweden. I see few calls for that. Or we send it to more distant landfills,
boosting our carbon footprint in getting it there. Our plan in Tompkins is to reduce our
trash by 2/3rds in the coming years. That will still leave us with tens of thousands of
pounds of garbage and we have to put it somewhere.
The Tompkins County Tourism Program has three grant programs running this fall:
Community Celebrations, Tourism Advancement, and Tourism Capital grants. A total of
$391,550 is available in the fall grant cycle for these three programs. Detailed
information is available at www.tompkinscountyny.gov/tourism/grants
If you’re looking for a way to celebrate your community's culture, history, and diversity,
you might be eligible for a celebration grant. The grants are up to $2500. It can be a
cultural festival, a neighborhood gathering, a sports tournament, or anything else that
showcases your community's spirit and values.
To apply, simply fill out the online application form by August 31, 2023. We are now
allowing applicants to submit an audio or video in support of their application.
If you’re looking for a way to showcase our community to visitors from near and far, you
might apply for a tourism advancement grant. It’s designed to promote our destination to
tourists. It can go toward advertising, signage, website development, performances, event
planning, and more. Deadline is also August 31, 2023.
July 19, 2023
11
Lastly there are tourism capital grants available. They support major investments in
visitor-generating projects such as theaters, museums, and other major cultural and
recreational attractions. The funds can be used for design, renovation, and new building
projects; investments in unique permanent installations such as exhibits; and feasibility
studies of potential capital projects. That application goes to Ithaca Area Economic
Development for a pre-application consultation. Deadline is also August 31, 2023.
The two contacts are Nick Helmholdt, Principal Planner / Tourism Program Director
nhelmholdt@tompkins-co.org 607-274-5560 and Kurt Anderson, Director of
Development Operations and Strategy kurt@IthacaAreaED.org 607-273-0005.
Mike also stated:
Boat launch at Myers Park is very nice.
HIGHWAY REPORT – MICHAEL MOSELEY
Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting
packet which was available on the Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
HIGHWAY REPORT
July 2023
Intermunicipal Work
• Worked with the Town of Dryden and NYS DOT to pave Waldon Lane
• Tompkins County and Town of Dryden trucks helped to assist us in paving
Woodland Way
Road Maintenance/Improvement
• Oakwood Drive overlayed with hot mix with shoulders added.
• Continued road maintenance on all Town roads
• Assisted Parks and Recreation Department to add crusher run to the road at Salt
Point
Storm Damage/Flooding
• SE part of Town received roughly 3” of rain in just over an hour on July 3rd which
caused flooding within the Town. Crews worked to repair the damage.
• Crews worked to clean up downed trees from storms.
Tree and Brush Maintenance
• Tree and brush maintenance along roadside to aid line of sight.
• Right of way tree maintenance
Water/Sewer Maintenance
• Repaired water main break on Brickyard Road.
• Fixed broken sewer manhole covers.
Office
• Mikey and Jenna worked diligently with Tompkins County Soil and Water to
complete the application for Vac truck.
Mike stated the Town will be reimbursed $521,019.76 from four (4) NYS programs to
support local roads: Consolidated Local Street (CHIPS), Pave-NY, Extreme Winter
Recovery (EWR), and Pave our Potholes (POP), but the work must be completed first.
He asked the Town Board for an additional $40,000 to do the work and then be
reimbursed. There will be a budget modification at the August 16, 2023 Town Board
Meeting.
July 19, 2023
12
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 the Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
Parks & Recreation
July 2023
Town Board Meeting
RECREATION:
▪ We hosted both 10U and 12U baseball tournaments this month with our Lansing
Hitcats teams coming out on top of both. Both tournaments were very well
attended. Thank you to Moore’s Family Farm for having their donut trailer here
for both tournaments, it was a fantastic addition to the tournaments.
▪ All our summer camps are running smoothly except for the air quality issues we
have had to deal with.
▪ We have received lots of compliments for our wildflowers in the ditch by the ball
fields. We received our order of more seeds this week which will be planted in the
next couple of weeks. Thanks to the Tompkins County Parks & Trails Grant.
▪ Baseball home run fences will come down this week and you will see soccer goals
going up soon.
▪ This week’s camps include Hogwarts, Band, Basketball, Swimming, Horse
Riding and Fly Fishing.
PARKS:
▪ We have begun our Music in the Park series; it has been an immense success.
▪ All the playground repair pieces have been ordered, they should arrive this week
and be installed immediately.
▪ NYS Parks & Trails Grant team answered the Town Board’s questions.
▪ We had an Eagle Scout complete a picnic table and two new benches for Lansing
Center Trail. Thank you Luis Kapur-Mauleon III.
▪ All non-Lansing residents must pay $7 to enter Myers Park. Season Passes for
non-residents are available at a discounted rate.
▪ We have received donated logs from Cascadilla Tree service to replace the
concrete barriers at Salt Point and make it look more natural. This project will be
put on the schedule.
▪ Thank you to the Highway crew for re-grading the road into Salt Point.
▪ Lansing Lighthouse 5k will be held August 26th.
▪ Myers Park guarded swimming is open. We are monitoring our beachfront for
algae blooms daily.
▪ Usage at Myers Park has been consistently high.
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 the Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
Planning & Code Enforcement
John Zepko, Director, CPESC, CFM
Reporting Period June 2023
CORE PLANNING FUNCTIONS
• General Admin
o The Department continues to seek applicants for the position of Planner
• Planner conducting classification and review of development applications
• Planning Board staff support
• Zoning Board of Appeals staff support
• Hazard Mitigation Planning
July 19, 2023
13
• Floodplain Management
o 31 May 2023 – Official findings from the NYS DEC (FEMA) Community
Assistance Visit (CAV) were received and are available for review at the
office of Planning and Code Enforcement. The purpose of the CAV was
to assess the Town of Lansing’s compliance with NFIP regulations. Code
Enforcement Officer Scott Russell has made significant progress in
addressing items of concern noted by NYS DEC during their CAV visit.
• Stormwater Management
o The MS4 Annual Report was completed and submitted to the NY
Department of Environmental Conservation
LAND USE WORK PROGRAM
• Code Revision Committee
COMMITTEE MANAGEMENT
• Agricultural and Farmland Protection Committee staff support
PLANNING BOARD
• 26 June meeting – the Planning Board heard the following:
o Lot line adjustment at 365 Fenner Road
o Public Hearing for Minor Subdivision 547 Ridge Road
o Sketch plan for Site Plan at 431 Auburn Rd
o Sketch Plan for Major Subdivision at 825 Lansingville Rd
o Lansing Community Solar – Lansingville Rd – a 2nd public hearing was
held for a proposed 5 MW community solar project.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
• 14 June meeting – The Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing for an
appeal for side and front setback regulations of the AG zone.
CODE ENFORCEMENT
▪ June 2023 Permit Information
o 31 New Building Permits issued
o 12 Building Permits Closed
ENGINEER’S REPORT – DAVE HERRICK
No report.
2 AUBURN ROAD
Highway Superintendent Mike Moseley stated he has been working on the procurement
for this project with the Code Office, Town Engineer and Town Counsel. He reported
the Town Engineer has been out of Town, but he may have some information for the
Town Board at the August 16, 2023 Town Board Meeting.
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 the Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
TOWN CLERK
JULY 2023
Ethics Disclosure Statements
The Board of Ethics had several follow up questions during their review of the disclosure
statements. Our office is gathering additional information for them.
July 19, 2023
14
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.
2023 Final Assessment Roll
Our office has received the 2023 Final Assessment Roll and Special District report for
Lansing. It is available to view online here -
https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/files2/assessment/rolls/2023Final/Lansing.pdf
Debbie asked the Town Board about sending 2023 Town laws for codification, cost will
be over $7,000.
Codification Discussion
Town Board discussion regarding codification of Town Laws. Codifying laws provides
clarity for the Town; when people look at the code they presume it is up to date. Current
2023 laws should be sent to General Code and paid out of the “A” fund-technology
contractual. For the future, $10,000 - $20,000 should be put in the Town budget to cover
codification.
BANK DISCUSSION - Supervisor Ed LaVigne discussed meeting with banks.
Supervisor Ed LaVigne, Deputy Supervisor Andra Benson, Bookkeeper Mary Ellen
Albrecht, and Information Aide Jennifer Schenck met with Tompkins (Trust) Community
Bank, Cayuga Lake National Bank (CLNB) and Community Bank. Their
recommendation is to move Town accounts to CLNB, they have better rates. A motion
or resolution is not necessary because CLNB is a designated bank in the Town’s
organizational resolutions and per the Town Investment Policy the Supervisor is
authorized to invest all funds. Mary Ellen will move accounts to CLNB.
Ed will ask Municipal Solutions to do a compliance review of the Town Investment
Policy and make recommendations.
CONSENT AGENDA
a. RESOLUTION APPROVING HIRING OF A SEASONAL LANSING HIGHWAY
DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE AS NEEDED
RESOLUTION 23-101
RESOLUTION APPROVING HIRING OF A SEASONAL
LANSING HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE AS NEEDED
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the Town Highway Superintendent had included the hiring of a seasonal
employee to assist with the increased workload of the Highway Department in the summer
in his annual budget funding, and such funds were approved as part of the 2023 budget;
and
WHEREAS, the Deputy Town Highway Superintendent has been principally placed in
charge of making recommendations to the Town Board and final decisions relating to the
filing of such positions, including the selection of candidates and the setting of appropriate
pay rates and terms of employment; and
WHEREAS, and after due deliberation upon this matter, be it now hereby RESOLVED as
follows:
July 19, 2023
15
1. That one seasonal laborer position be and hereby is approved to be filled by the
selection of the Deputy Highway Superintendent of and for the Highway
Department, effective July 20, 2023 at a rate of pay not to exceed $19.32 per hour
per position, and upon such reasonable terms as the Deputy Highway
Superintendent shall so select.
2. 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.
b. RESOLUTION UPDATING ORGANIZATIONAL RESOLUTION NO. 23-22
ESTABLISHING STANDARD HOURS PER MONTH, AS REQUIRED FOR
DETERMINATION OF RETIREMENT BENEFITS TO INCLUDE CODE
ENFORCEMENT OFFICER – TRAINEE POSITION
RESOLUTION 23-102
RESOLUTION UPDATING ORGANIZATIONAL RESOLUTION NO. 23-22
ESTABLISHING STANDARD HOURS PER MONTH, AS REQUIRED
FOR DETERMINATION OF RETIREMENT BENEFITS TO INCLUDE
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER – TRAINEE POSITION
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 23-80 created a new position, Code Enforcement Officer –
Trainee; and
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 23-22 does not include the position of Code Enforcement
Officer – Trainee; and
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation being had thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of
Lansing has hereby
RESOLVED, that Resolution No. 23-22 is updated to include Code Enforcement Officer
– Trainee at 7.3 hours/day and 36.5 hours/week, for determination of retirement benefits.
CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTIONS 23-101 – 23-102
RESOLUTION 23-103
RESOLVED, that the Consent Agenda Resolutions 23-101 – 23-102, are hereby
approved as presented and amended, and
The question of the adoption of such proposed Consent Agenda Resolutions were duly
motioned by Councilperson Bronwyn Losey, duly seconded by Councilperson Joseph
Wetmore, 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
19, 2023.
MOTION TO AUTHORIZE TOWN SUPERVISOR TO WRITE AND SEND
LETTER TO GOVERNOR HOCHUL URGING HER TO IMMEDIATELY SIGN
BILLS S.5959b/A.5718b TO SAVE NONPROFIT AUTO INSURANCE
MOTION M23-21
July 19, 2023
16
MOTION TO AUTHORIZE TOWN SUPERVISOR TO WRITE AND SEND
LETTER TO GOVERNOR HOCHUL URGING HER TO IMMEDIATELY SIGN
BILLS S.5959b/A.5718b TO SAVE NONPROFIT AUTO INSURANCE
Councilperson Ruth Groff, moved to authorize Town Supervisor to write and send letter
to Governor Hochul urging her to immediately sign bills S.5959b/A.5718b to save
nonprofit auto insurance. Email copies of the letter in PDF form to be sent to
legislative.secretary@exec.ny.gov; Elizabeth Fine, Chief Counsel to the Governor
(Elizabeth.Fine@exec.ny.gov); Cherell Beddard, Assistant Counsel to the Governor
(cherell.beddard@exec.ny.gov); Assemblymember Anna Kelles,
(kellesa@nyassembly.gov); and Senator Lea Webb, (leawebb@nysenate.gov).
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
A SHORT BREAK WAS TAKEN AT 8:15 PM
RESOLUTION FOR STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW -
DECLARATION OF LEAD AGENCY AND SCHEDULING A PUBLIC
HEARING FOR 39 VILLAGE CIRCLE SUBDIVISION (LUCENTE
HOMES LLC)
RESOLUTION 23-104
RESOLUTION FOR STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW -
DECLARATION OF LEAD AGENCY AND SCHEDULING A
PUBLIC HEARING FOR 39 VILLAGE CIRCLE SUBDIVISION
(LUCENTE HOMES LLC)
WHEREAS, an application was made by Waltraud Lucente (Lucente Homes LLC), Owner,
for subdivision approval. The applicant proposes to subdivide an approximately 1.52-acre
lot, located at 39 Village Circle, from the ~96-acre TPN# 39.-1-38.2. 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
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 subdivision upon the Town based 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 review; and it is further
RESOLVED, that a Public Hearing will be held on the 16th day of August, 2023, at
July 19, 2023
17
6:31 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 Andra Benson, duly seconded by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, 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 19,
2023.
RESOLUTION AMENDING CONSOLIDATED ABSTRACT #006 RESOLUTION
NO. 23-98, TO CORRECT CLERICAL ERRORS
RESOLUTION 23-105
RESOLUTION AMENDING CONSOLIDATED ABSTRACT #006
RESOLUTION NO. 23-98, TO CORRECT CLERICAL ERRORS
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing does hereby amend Resolution No.
23-98, correcting clerical errors in Consolidated Abstract #006. There were the following
typographical errors on: Audited Voucher #’s 469-598; they should have been #’s 469-
599, Audited T & A Voucher #’s 33-34; they should have been #’s 33-38, Pre-pay T & A
Voucher #’s 33-38; they should have been #’s 33-34. The errors only involved the
Audited Voucher #’s, Audited T & A Voucher #’s and Prepay T & A Voucher #’s. The
Total Appropriation amounts were correct. As a result the voucher #’s in Consolidated
Abstract #006, as presented at the June 21, 2023 Town Board meeting were incorrect due
to clerical errors. All of the vouchers were reviewed by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore
and Councilperson Bronwyn Losey and the intent was to pay all of them; and
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon, the Town of Lansing has hereby
RESOLVED, that the Corrected Consolidated Abstract #006, as presented here, replaces
the incorrect Consolidated Abstract which was presented at the June 21, 2023 Town
Board meeting;
CONSOLIDATED ABSTRACT # 006
DATED 06/21/2023
AUDITED VOUCHER #’s 469 – 599
PREPAY VOUCHER #’s 469 – 476
AUDITED T & A VOUCHER #’s 33 – 38
PREPAY T & A VOUCHER #’s 33 – 34
FUND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS
GENERAL FUND (A&B) $ 108,406.54
July 19, 2023
18
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
The question of 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
July 19, 2023.
RESOLUTION APPROVING AUDIT AND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS AND
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT
RESOLUTION 23-106
RESOLUTION APPROVING AUDIT AND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
AND SUPERVISOR’S REPORT
The Supervisor submitted his monthly report for the month of May 2023, to all Board
Members and to the Town Clerk. The Supervisor’s Report was reviewed by
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore. The bills were reviewed by Councilperson Joseph
Wetmore and Councilperson Andra Benson. The Supervisor’s Report be approved as
submitted and the Bookkeeper is hereby authorized to pay the following bills and to make
the following budget modifications.
CONSOLIDATED ABSTRACT # 007
DATED 07/19/2023
AUDITED VOUCHER #’s 600 – 710
PREPAY VOUCHER #’s 600 – 606
AUDITED T & A VOUCHER #’s 39 – 45
PREPAY T & A VOUCHER #’s 39 – 41
FUND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS
GENERAL FUND (A&B) $ 185,622.86
HIGHWAY FUND (DA&DB) $ 348,848.09
ARPA (HF) $ 64,884.25
DRAINAGE DISTRICTS (SDD1-) $ 484.48
July 19, 2023
19
LANSING LIGHTING (SL1, 2 &3) $ 1,499.59
WARREN & CHERRY SEWER DISTRICTS (SS1) $ 3,119.97
LANSING WATER DISTRICTS (SW) $ 74,884.86
TRUST & AGENCY (TA) $ 92,446.30
GENERAL FUND A
July 19, 2023
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
A599 A1440.403 From Fund Balance to Engineering-Transportation $6,500.00
Addtl needed for Road issues (ie: Hwy Drainage,
Ludlowville)
A599 A1610.400 From Fund Balance to Technology $5,500.00
Due to Firewall Replacement
A599 A1910.400 From Fund Balance to Unallocated Insurance $3,500.00
Due to increase in premiums 2023-2024
GENERAL FUND B
July 19, 2023
B599 B8020.401 From Fund Balance to Planning Board-Engineer $10,000.00
Addtl needed
GENERAL FUND SS1
July 19, 2023
SS1-599
SS1-
8120.400 From Fund Balance to Warren Sewer Contractual $12,000.00
Due to Sewer repairs
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Andra Benson, duly seconded by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, 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 19,
2023.
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Andra Benson – reported the following:
Lansing Library – 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
July 2023
• Ithaca Tompkins County Transportation Council (“ITCTC”) Joint
Policy/Planning Committees: June 20, 1:00pm
July 19, 2023
20
o Both committees approved amendments to the Unified Operations Plan,
affecting sub-committees and budget
o Transportation Improvement Program amendments approved: A)
NYSDOT Project Funding Adjustments, and B) Federal Transit
Administration 5307 Table-FFY 2023
o Performance Measures Report – Staff continues to monitor a series of
transportation performance measures exceeding the requirements of
federal regulation.
o Director’s Report – Ithaca Carshare Insurance legislation update
▪ Subsequent to the meeting, the Director sent an email requesting
individuals and organizations send a letter to Governor Hochul,
requesting that she sign the bills regarding this issue that are sitting
on her desk.
• Conservation Advisory Council (“CAC”): July 6, 6:30pm
o The committee discussed at length the Proposed Amendments to Town
Code for Additions to Chapter 7 to Address Operations and Governance
Rules for Committees & Resolutions Creating Subcommittees
o Gian Dodici, Chair of the Dryden Conservation Board was asked to briefly
join the meeting to discuss the process of a CAC becoming a Conservation
Board.
• Capital Improvement Committee: July 5, 9:00am - Cancelled
• Parks, Recreation, and Trails Committee: June 22, June 29, July 13, 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. Her latest work involves options for trails and
scenic overlooks to the falls, utilizing only the property owned by Jack
Young.
Bronwyn Losey – reported the following:
Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) – meeting cancelled
Broadband Committee – meeting cancelled (power outage)
Joseph Wetmore
Submitted the following report to the Town Board.
Joseph Wetmore
Town Board Member Report
July 2023
Yellow Barn Presentation
Thursday, June 22⋅7:00 – 9:00pm
The developer gave a presentation of their proposed Yellow Barn Solar Project:
*160-Megawatt solar array
*Approximately 800 fenced acres of agriculture, forest, and scrub land
*Expected Commercial Operation Date is late 2025 - 2026
*Project located between the Towns of Lansing and Groton, just north of the
Dryden border (see map below)
*Approximately 80% of project in Groton, 20% in Lansing
*Interconnection in Lansing along Van Ostrand Rd
July 19, 2023
21
All large-scale renewable energy projects such as this go through the Office of
Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) for review and approval. Lansing and Groton have
minimal input in this process.
The public was largely concerned that there was not enough detail in their presentation to
understand how this project would affect their property.
Planning Board
Monday, June 26⋅6:30 – 8:30pm
1. 825 Lansingville Rd, Tax Parcel Number 4.-1-18.1 The applicant proposes to
subdivide a ~4-acre flag lot from the ~66.2-acre parent lot. Declaration of Lead Agency;
Set public hearing for July meeting
2. United Storage TBR, LLC, 431 Auburn Rd, Tax Parcel Number 30.-1-16.32
Project Description: The applicant proposes to construct an approximately 9,600 square
foot building on the existing ~9-acre lot. The Planning Board discussed the applicant’s
sketch plan
3. Walnut Ridge, 100 Brown Hill Rd, Tax Parcel Number 8.-1-22.4. The applicant
proposes a lot line adjustment of 32.53 acres to the adjacent property owner. Agreed that
staff could approve this lot-line adjustment
4. 1547 Ridge Rd, Tax Parcel Number 12.-1-17.4. The applicant proposes to subdivide an
~12.26-acre lot into two parcels. Parcel A is 6.46 acres and Parcel B is a 5.78-acre flag
lot. Approved
5. 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. The project will be subject to Town of Lansing code
§270-27 site plan review, and §270-35 R. Solar Energy Facility Special Conditions.
Continuation of Public Hearing
Yellow Barn Solar - CS Energy Follow up Call
Thursday July 6 - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
I participated in the first half-hour of a zoom call (future calls have been moved to not
conflict with Bolton Point’s meetings). The developer was following up on their
presentations in Lansing and the following day in Groton. We also discussed other
documents sent to the town in regard to this project.
July 19, 2023
22
Bolton Point
Thursday, July 6⋅4:00 – 5:00pm
1. General Manager gave an update on the American Water Works Association (AWWA)
conference he attended in Toronto. Update on the Cascarilla Creek Transmission Main
project.
2. Budget and Finance Committee report.
a. Approval of 2024 budget
b. Approval of 5% rate increase
c. Approval of declaring two trucks surplus Equipment
d. Approval of July Warrants
3. Engineering and Operations Committee report
4. Personnel and Organization Committee report
Edward LaVigne – reported the following:
Yellow Barn Solar – weekly meeting tomorrow at 1:00
WORK SESSION MEETING ITEMS OF DISCUSSION
Department of Public Works (DPW) Discussion
• Discussing since 2004
• Hire consultant
• Highway and Parks departments already work together and share employees and
equipment
• Clarify job descriptions
• Budget season and highway contract negotiations coming up
• Consultant should look at whole picture
o All departments
o Information Aide
o Committees
• Eliminate step program
• Heather, from Tompkins County Human Resources, agreed to help the Town with
this
o Meet with Heather before hiring consultant
MOTION TO ENTER CLOSED SESSION
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to ENTER CLOSED SESSION TO OBTAIN
LEGAL ADVICE ON MANAGING TERMS AND NEGOTIATIONS FOR HOST
COMMUNITY AGREEMENT AT 8:55 PM.
Councilperson Ruth Groff seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
MOTION TO EXIT CLOSED SESSION
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to EXIT CLOSED SESSION AT 9:25 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 9:26 PM.
Councilperson Ruth Groff seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0
Minutes taken and executed by the Town Clerk. Minutes beginning with Closed Session
were taken by Guy Krogh, Town Counsel, and executed by the Town Clerk.
July 19, 2023
23
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah K. Munson, RMC
Town Clerk