HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-06-18June 18, 2014 1
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING
June 18, 2014
A Regular Meeting of the Lansing Town Board was held at the Town Hall Board Room,
29 Auburn Road, Lansing, NY on the above date at 6:01 p.m. The meeting was called to
order by the Supervisor, Kathy Miller and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the
flag. Roll call by Debbie Crandall, Town Clerk, showed the following to be
PRESENT:
Kathy Miller, Supervisor Robert Cree, Councilperson
Doug Dake, Councilperson Ruth Hopkins, Councilperson
Edward LaVigne, Councilperson
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: Sharon Bowman, Deputy Supervisor, Jack French, Highway
Superintendent, Steve Colt, Parks and Recreation Supervisor, Lynn Day, Code
Enforcement Officer, Mike Sigler, Tompkins County Representative, John O’Neill,
Village of Lansing, Dan Veaner, Lansing Star, Daniel Adinolfi, Connie Wilcox, Ray
Farkas, Ted Laux, Dave and Joyce Heck, Chris Williams, C. Iacobucci, Graham
Gillespie, and a few other attendees.
TOMPKINS COUNTY REPRESENTATIVE – MIKE SIGLER
County Legislature Update for June 18th, 2014
Hello and thanks again for having me. Some big news from the county.
First off, the legislature voted to expand the county jail by seven beds at a cost of about
$900,000. The savings for not having to board out inmates after the beds are in is about
$250,000 a year.
I'd been weighing the options for the past six months and I didn't enter this decision
lightly. This has been described as a jail expansion. I understand that, but as I said at the
meeting, the jail was already expanded; we just put the beds in other counties. We send
inmates to other counties to house them. Now, at least for seven men, we won't. We'll
still have to board out juveniles and women, but this we'll relieve some of the pressure
we've been feeling and it was also the view of multiple agencies that it will help
reintegrate these inmates into society. Please remember, jail is not prison. Jail is for under
a year sentences and a holding facility for trial and sentencing or just until the case can
get in front of judge.
I think there are too many people in jail, but sending them to other counties for housing
doesn't correct that. I initially supported a 6 month moratorium. It's now June, so I'm
satisfied I got that. There are few counties with the commitment to reintegrating prisoners
into society that Tompkins County has. We can debate the efficacy of those programs and
how to improve them and which ones should be ended, but it cannot be questioned that
this county is dedicated to supporting either people in jail or recently released.
For many this comes down to the expense side of the equation. Last year, our board out
cost $265,682 or $29,000 per board out. 44 of those were women and 33 Juvenile Males,
so 77 of those people will still need to be boarded out. If we see a reduction of just 2.3
inmates a day boarded out, this savings offsets the almost $900,000 price tag of the seven
new beds and new outdoor recreation area. The savings will be significant and the pay-
back time short.
Under the anticipated schedule, the renovation project is scheduled to be put out for bid
before the end of next month and done by this time next year.
The legislature set “At-Cap” 2015 financial goal and guidelines for departments and
agencies. The Legislature approved directing the Administrator to prepare a
recommended budget that could be supported by a tax levy increase of no more than
2.36%, the estimated level of the County’s State-imposed Property Tax Cap.
June 18, 2014 2
The levy increase just over a million dollars from the County’s 2014 levy requires a more
than $400,000 reduction in spending and translates into a tax increase of just over $6.00
for the median-value $165,000 county home.
Also related to the 2015 budget process, the Legislature approved a Local Law that
permits the Legislature to override the 2015 tax levy limit, if it opts to do so as a result of
the 2015 budget process. The Local Law was approved by an 11-3 vote, with Legislators
Robertson, Michael Sigler, and Peter Stein dissenting. I agreed with Mr. Stein who said
his vote stemmed from principle, that he thinks the Legislature should attempt to comply
with the cap and that there was no rush to pass the override.
Acting on the recommendation of its Economic Development Committee, the Legislature
is urging the State Legislature and the Governor to reject proposed legislation, entitled
the “Just and Open Business Subsidies (JOBS) Act of 2014,” that would take away the
autonomy of local Industrial Development Agencies and require benefits provided
through those IDAs to go through the State’s regional Consolidated Funding Application
process.
Partners in the Tompkins and Cayuga County last-mile broadband coverage project,
undertaken by provider Clarity Connect, Inc., have achieved State recognition for
outstanding achievement, the award presented June 5 at a ceremony in Albany.
Clarity Connect, Tompkins County, and Cayuga County are recipients of a New York
State Broadband Champion Award, recognizing “those who have demonstrated
outstanding achievements within the broadband industry.” The project was awarded as
“The Most Collaborative Broadband Project/Program,” recognizing “an outstanding
collaboration of two or more entities (non-profit, businesses, local government agencies)
that support broadband service expansion and/or adoption in New York State.”
The award was presented at the State’s Second Annual Broadband Summit. Accepting
the award were Clarity Connect’s Chuck Bartosch; Tompkins County Legislator Dave
McKenna, current chair of the County’s Broadband Subcommittee; and Pat Pryor, who
served as Chair of the County Legislature’s Special Committee on Broadband from 2010-
2013, during the time when the project was being developed.
County Administrator Joe Mareane presented the Legislature’s Facilities and
Infrastructure Committee the Draft Capital Program for 2015-2019. Both the
Administrator and several legislators agreed it was beneficial to present the draft for
initial review now, in advance of the 2015 budget process, when the program will be
reviewed, and perhaps refined, before adoption along with the 2015 County Budget. Part
of the County’s 20-Year Capital Plan, the draft Capital Program includes $51.2 million in
total spending over the next five years, with $20.8 million in local share, which would be
supported through property tax.
Solar Tompkins held its first meeting in Lansing earlier this month and it was very well
attended. If you are interested in solar panels for your house or business, the next
meeting in Lansing is June 21st at the YMCA from 10am to Noon. You can always go to
Solar Tompkins on Facebook and Twitter too.
Lastly, on Monday, I took a tour with the state of the old girls detention facility in
Lansing. I posted some pictures on facebook and it looks like that property will be
headed to public auction so it will be interesting to see what goes in there.
I want to thank Marcia Lynch whose updates on county business I used extensively for
this report.
The Tompkins County Comprehensive Plan now appears of his facebook page.
MOTION TO OPEN PUBLIC HEARING ON LOCAL LAW #2 OF 2014 TO
OVERRIDE THE TAX LEVY LIMIT ESTALISHED IN GENERAL MUNICIPAL
LAW §3-C
June 18, 2014 3
Supervisor Kathy Miller moved to OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON LOCAL
LAW #2 OF 2014 TO OVERRIDE THE TAX LEVY LIMIT ESTABLISHED IN
GENERAL MUNICIAP LAW §3-C at 6:20 pm. Councilperson Doug Dake seconded
the motion.
All in Favor - 5 Opposed - 0
There were no public comments.
MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING
All persons desiring to be heard, having been heard, Supervisor Kathy Miller moved to
CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING at 6:21 pm. Councilperson Ruth Hopkins seconded
the motion.
All in Favor - 5 Opposed - 0
CONSIDER RESOLUTION ADOPTING LOCAL LAW #2 OF 2014
RESOLUTION 14-79
RESOLUTION ADOPTING AND ENACTING
LOCAL LAW #2 OF 2014
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 2015; 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, 2015 and ending
December 31, 2015 that requires 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 June 18, 2014 at the Lansing Town
Hall, 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, New York, whereas the public was invited to comment
upon the proposed Local Law, and whereat all persons interested in the subject were duly
heard and all evidence submitted, if any, was duly received; and
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon, and in consideration of all discussions and
matters arising from or in relation to the aforesaid public hearing, the Town Board of the
Town of Lansing has hereby Resolved, and thus be it so enacted, as follows:
RESOLVED, that Local Law Number 2 of 2014 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 (of 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 State Records and Law
Bureau, Department of State, 41 State Street, Albany, New York 12231).
June 18, 2014 4
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Robert Cree, duly seconded by Supervisor Kathy Miller, and put to a roll
call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins - Aye Councilperson Edward LaVigne - Aye
Supervisor Kathy Miller - Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on June
18, 2014
TOWN OF LANSING, TOMPKINS COUNTY, NEW YORK
LOCAL LAW NUMBER 2 OF 2014
TO OVERRIDE THE TAX LEVY LIMIT ESTABLISHED IN
GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW §3-C
Be it enacted by the Town of Lansing as follows:
SECTION 1: LEGISLATIVE INTENT: This Local Law shall be known as
“Local Law, Number 2 of 2014”. It is the intent of Local Law Number 2, of 2014 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, 2015 and ending December 31, 2015 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
2015 that requires a real property tax levy in excess of the limit specified in General
Municipal Law §3-C.
SECTION 4: SEVERABILITY: If any clause, sentence, paragraph,
subdivision, or part of this Local Law or the application thereof to any person, firm or
corporation, or circumstance, shall be adjusted by any court of competent jurisdiction to
be invalid or unconstitutional, such order or judgment shall not affect, impair, or
invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause,
sentence, paragraph, subdivision, or part of the Local Law or in its application to the
person, individual, firm or corporation or circumstance, directly involved in the
controversy in which such judgment or order shall be rendered.
SECTION 5: EFFECTIVE DATE: This Local Law shall take effect
immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State.
Adopted June 18, 2014
MOTION TO OPEN PUBLIC HEARING – ANNUAL STORM WATER REPORT
Supervisor Kathy Miller moved to OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE
ANNUAL STORM WATER REPORT at 6:22 pm. Councilperson Robert Cree
seconded the motion.
All in Favor - 5 Opposed - 0
It was stated that the report is prepared by the Stormwater Coalition of Tompkins County
for the period ending March 9, 2014. Said report is signed by Jack French, Highway
June 18, 2014 5
Superintendent as an authorized Representative for the Town of Lansing. Copies of the
report were made available to the Town Board and the Public. Jack stated that all of the
stormwater reports for all the Towns in Tompkins County can be found online.
There were no public comments.
MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING
All persons desiring to be heard, having been heard, Supervisor Kathy Miller
moved to CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING at 6:24 pm. Councilperson Robert Cree
seconded the motion.
All in Favor - 5 Opposed - 0
CONSIDER RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2014 ANNUAL STORM WATER
REPORT
RESOLUTION 14- 80
RESOLUTION APPROVING 2014
ANNUAL STORM WATER REPORT
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the Town’s Annual Storm Water Report is prepared and due for the required
annual review pursuant to Local and State Laws and related regulations; and
WHEREAS, a copy thereof was timely filed in the Office of the Town Clerk for public
review; and
WHEREAS, a Public Hearing was held at the Lansing Town Hall, 29 Auburn Road,
Lansing, New York, being in the Town of Lansing, on the 18th day of June, 2014, at
6:22 P.M., to consider the Annual Storm Water Report, and all persons interested in the
subject thereof were duly heard, and a summary and review thereof was duly had; and
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing
has hereby
RESOLVED, that the 2014 Annual Storm Water Report be and hereby is approved, and
once placed into its final form for submission to NYSDEC by the Town’s Highway
Department, said report may be signed and certified by the Highway Superintendent or
Deputy Highway Superintendent, by, for, on behalf of and in the name of the Town of
Lansing, and the same shall be thereafter duly filed with the NYSDEC.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins, duly seconded by Councilperson Edward LaVigne, and put
to a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins - Aye Councilperson Edward LaVigne - Aye
Supervisor Kathy Miller - Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on June
18, 2014.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
No one addressed the Town Board.
DANIEL ADINOLFI – TOWN CENTER RFP REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT
Mr. Adinolfi presented and reviewed the following report to the Town Board and the
Public.
June 18, 2014 6
Town Center RFP Review Committee Report to the
Lansing Town Board
1 May 2014
Abstract
Upon review of the four RFP responses submitted to the Town of Lansing for the
development of the Lansing Town Center, the RFP Review Committee recommends that
the Town Board advance the planning for developing the Town Center and to do so with
three of the four developers that had submitted proposals. The Committee also
recommends that Town Board create a plan and formal oversight to ensure a cohesive
and comprehensive design to the entire Town Center, and this plan should be stated
before development begins.
RFP Review Committee Charge and Process
The RFP Review Committee (Committee) was commissioned by the Town Board to
evaluate the responses to a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the development of a Town
Center on town-owned property adjacent to the Town Hall and athletic fields. The
Committee evaluated the available RFPs for the Town Center, based on criteria derived
from the Comprehensive Plan and the Holt study, the Comprehensive Plan Survey, and
direction from the Town Board. The Committee met regularly to review the proposals,
discuss the pros and cons of each proposal, and developed a list of questions and
concerns to be submitted to the developers based on their proposals. The Committee then
held public meetings with the developers to explore each of the RFP responses and to
gather Town resident input. The goal of this work was to create a set of
recommendations to share with the Town Board based on all this collected information.
Description of RFP Responses
The Town received RFP Responses from two developers in addition to two proposals that
were submitted before the RFP was officially announced. The four developers were
Green Square Development, NRP Group, Calamar Enterprises, and Cornerstone. A
summary of each RFP response is listed in the table below.
Green Square Development Staged development of residential and
commercial, starting with duplex slab
homes and townhouses, leading to
commercial units with apartments above.
NRP Group Mixed income and mixed demographic
town houses, parking, community center.
Calamar Enterprises Senior residential complex, including
private safety services, community
services, parking.
Cornerstone Senior residential complex.
Factors from the Comprehensive Plan Survey
The Comprehensive Plan Survey, which was organized by the Lansing Comprehensive
Plan Committee, asked questions that were relevant to understanding what priorities and
preferences the community has with regard to the development of a Lansing Town
Center. These findings helped inform the Committee has it reviewed the RFP responses
and sought clarifications and additional information from the developers. Some key
results from the Survey include:
June 18, 2014 7
Town Center should have local shops, services, and residential units, but
it should avoid large "big box" stores.
The creation of parks and inclusion of walking paths and green spaces are
highly encouraged.
Multiple housing options are desired, including senior, moderate income,
and some multi-family.
There is a large preference for light industrial but not heavy industrial.
There is a large preference for energy-efficient buildings and facilities.
Recommendations
The Committee makes the following recommendations to the Town Board.
There should be the development of a Town Center.
The creation of a Town Center will help control and centralize
development to protect agricultural areas while still encouraging non-
agricultural development in the Town.
There are three existing hamlets within the town (Myers, Ludlowville, and
Libertyville/South Lansing. Myers and Ludlowville have limited grown
potential due to density and geography, whereas Libertyville/South
Lansing has room to grow. The Town Center land is within the
Libertyville/South Lansing hamlet.
There is a need for mixed-use development, especially residential and
senior residential due to the significant demand that exists in Tompkins
County's residential market.
Based on the findings of the Comprehensive Plan survey, the community
supports the creation of a Town Center.
There needs to be a core of residential units to have the necessary density to support
commercial activities in the Town Center.
Without an existing, nearby mass of residents, businesses within the Town
Center would have a difficult time attracting patrons. Development
should initially focus on residential units before creating commercial
properties.
Move forward with Green Square, NRP, and Calamar.
These three developers each provide a specific niche.
It would be difficult to rate them, since the three together do satisfy the
basic criteria as a group.
If NRP and Calamar come in together, they can more easily finance the
infrastructure. Green Square cannot go in without the package sewer
plant, and they could defray some of the costs for the other developers.
The Town Board should create a plan and formal oversight to ensure a cohesive and
comprehensive design to the entire Town Center before any development begins.
This plan might include lot sizes, set-backs, sidewalks, storm water
drainage, traffic direction, utility placement, lighting, design features, or
plans for maintaining the package sewer plant, for example.
Development of commercial properties should be along Auburn Rd. as
well as the new central road that is featured in the developers' plans.
If the Town Board decides against working with these three developers, a new RFP
for additional development plans should be created.
At this time, these developers are the only ones that had expressed
interest in developing the Town Center, so they are the only current
options for moving forward with development. If the decision is made
June 18, 2014 8
not to move forward, the Town should seek out other developers that may
offer more appealing proposals. As indicated in our first
recommendation, the Town Center should be developed.
Risks of Not Moving Forward
There are risks associated with not moving forward with the development of the Town
Center.
Leaving the land undeveloped effectively endorses sprawl of residential
and commercial property into agricultural areas. The Comprehensive
Plan Survey indicated a strong preference to prevent this sort of sprawl
and a preference to preserve our agricultural areas.
The County has a limited housing market, which creates higher rental fees
overall. The Town Center, as described above, would enhance that
market with additional, affordable units, which could help reduce rental
fees. Not creating additional residential options would not help reduce
the economic pressures on renters.
If the Town moves forward without embracing a comprehensive
development plan, and instead chooses to allow development despite the
lack of that plan, Lansing could lose control over development in that
space. The goals and preferences of the residents will not be represented.
The land is currently not on the tax rolls, and it will remain that way
unless it is developed.
We, the members of the Town Center RFP Review Committee, submit this report to the
Town Board on this date, May 1, 2014. We welcome any questions or requests for
clarification.
RFP Review Committee Members
Daniel Adinolfi, Chair, dra1@mac.com
Jerry Caward
Robert Cree
Jonathan Kanter
Amanda Steinhardt
Sarah Thomson
Deborah Trumbull
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins asked whether the committee had specific
recommendations concerning the traffic. Mr. Adinolfi stated that the committee
recommended a traffic study be done as part of the planning process.
Supervisor Kathy Miller stated that experts are needed to give honest opinions, ones that
do not have any skin in the game.
Councilperson Robert Cree stated that holistically one disadvantage of the committee was
that they did not have an overarching concept of what we think should be over there.
The Town Board thanked Mr. Adinolfi and the RFP Committee for all the hard work that
has been done as well as encouraging them to stay involved.
Mr. Adinolfi stated the committee believes that this is the right thing to do and the right
direction and encourage the Town Board to do it sooner and not wait. He stated it was an
excellent committee to work with.
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
6/18/2014
June 18, 2014 9
1. Village Circle Pump Station – Expected completion date 2nd week in July. Siding and
roof is on.
2. Grind Brush Pile (Cayuga County Soil and Water) – The goose is gone along with
that pile of woodchips.
3. Woodchips Available – The large pile of woodchips have been double ground and is
now available to Town and Village of Lansing residents. If someone needs loader
assistance, please call ahead of time to schedule one.
4. Water Line Repairs- Now working on older waterlines and fire hydrant valves. Bolts
are being replaced with stainless steel ones.
5. Mowing Roadsides- Half the Town has been mowed once. Jack also stated that the
state is now mowing, the earliest and first time in three years.
6. Triphammer Terrace Culvert – This will be a two month project with a projected
starting date of mid-July.
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT REPORT
Parks & Recreation Department
6/18/14
Town Board Meeting
RECREATION
The spring season for LBP and LSP has ended. The coaches were very good
about returning equipment. The downstairs equipment room area is FULL again!
The summer Travel season for baseball and softball is scheduled to start next
week. These games take place around the county and will conclude at the end
of July. We will have 8 different teams in action this summer.
Staffing for most of our camps has been completed and is very strong again this
year.
Several of our summer camps are sold out, however, we still have opening in
many of our camps. Mostly a result of have so many choices (40+-) of our own,
other local offerings for camps and a smaller population in our target area. This
said, we are still on target at around $65K in just summer program fees collected
as of now.
PARKS
The swim area at Myers Park is scheduled to be inspected next week and open
for the season on Monday June 30th. There will also be scheduled Open Swim
time at the high school pool.
A ribbon cutting ceremony is set for tomorrow June 19th at 3:30 PM for the
remodeling and make-over of the Ballfield restroom by the Girl Scouts. Included
are new inside partitions, paint, hand driers, mirrors, drinking fountain, lights,
paver walkway and new garden at the end of the building. It was a large project
and very well done.
Boat loading chair lift project – has started with the installation of the chair base
counter weight. All of the concrete has been donated by Cargill. The design and
manufacturing of the lift has all been done via private donations. The lift is
June 18, 2014 10
located at our transit dock and should be completed within a couple of weeks.
Again, this is a very unique project that will help people with disabilities to access
boats that are dockside.
Salt Point continues to thrive and improve. Our second LFL (Little Free Library)
has been installed along with several new picnic tables and benches. The trails
have been mowed and we have another newly hatched Osprey family in the
nest. Check out the new Salt Point web site!!!!
Fireworks and entertainment are set for Thursday July 3rd. This logistics for this
event have really developed over the past few years and does work well. This is
also the same night of the Ithaca fireworks. A product of this year’s calendar.
Councilperson Edward LaVigne stated that this is a community event funded wholly on
donations and volunteers. The cost of the dumpsters are shared with the Lansing Lions
Club as their chicken barbeque is held on July 4 th.
Concerts are set to start on July 10th.
Pathways – We have additional new energy with the added volunteer time from
Ron Gardner. He is working on some drainage issues at several locations on the
Town Trail.
CONSIDER RESOLUTION APPOINTING GUY KROGH AS SECOND DEPUTY
TOWN CLERK
DISCUSSION- Counsel Guy Krogh stated that his office (Thaler & Thaler) has 30 to 40
large legal banker’s boxes that go back many years that need addressing. This
appointment will make him a Town Official that will allow him to act on behalf of the
town in relation to all the town records. He will donate his time to get them consolidated
and organized to deliver to the Town Clerk, who will then prepare them for microfiching,
and digitalization through TSSERR (Tompkins Shared Services Electronic Records
Repository). Councilperson Edward LaVigne stated it was very generous of him to
donate his time and thanked him for this service to the town.
RESOLUTION 14-81
RESOLUTION APPOINTING SECOND DEPUTY TOWN
CLERK TO ATTEND TO TOWN RECORDS MATTERS
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing has recently participated in the consolidation and
digitalization of Town records as part of a cooperative intermunicipal agreement subject
to NYS funded grant, and substantial historical and other records have accumulated over
the years in the private law office of the Attorney for the Town, and the Town would like
to consolidate such records with all other Town records, but the sheer volume of records
makes the same a daunting task; and
WHEREAS, many such records are duplicative or have already passed the retention
schedules mandated by NYS Archives, the NYSDOE, and Schedule MU-1; and
WHEREAS, having the authority to address and act upon official Town records falls, as a
matter of law to the Town Clerk, and rather than have the Clerk pour over thousands of
documents she is not familiar with, the simpler solution is to have a temporary clerk
appointed who is familiar with such documents and the legal requirements for the same
so that the records may be consolidated, delivered, and ultimately recorded and digitized;
and
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation upon the foregoing, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that upon the advice, consent, and direction of the Town Clerk as the
appointing authority under the Civil Service Law, Guy K. Krogh be appointed as a
June 18, 2014 11
Second Deputy Town Clerk, to so serve in such position as a volunteer without
compensation or benefits of any kind or nature, for the sole and only purposes of
consolidating and organizing and delivering certain Town documents and records, and
that upon taking and recording his oath of office, said Second Deputy Town Clerk shall
complete such task as soon as is practical.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Supervisor Kathy Miller, duly seconded by Councilperson Robert Cree, and put to a roll
call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins - Aye Councilperson Edward LaVigne - Aye
Supervisor Kathy Miller - Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on June
18, 2014.
CONSIDER RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE 2014 AMENDMENT TO THE
MUNICIPAL COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR THE GREATER
TOMPKINS COUNTY MUNICIPAL HEALTH INSURANCE CONSORTIUM
DISCUSSION- Councilperson Ruth Hopkins stated that this resolution is an amendment
to the agreement that would allow more representatives from the labor group.
RESOLUTION 14-82
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE 2014 AMENDMENT TO THE
MUNICIPAL COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR THE
GREATER TOMPKINS COUNTY
MUNICIPAL HEALTH INSURANCE CONSORTIUM
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing is a Participant in the Greater Tompkins County
Municipal Health Insurance Consortium (the “Consortium”), a municipal cooperative
organized under Article 5-G of the New York General Municipal Law, and
WHEREAS, the municipal participants in the Consortium, including this body, have
approved and executed a certain Municipal Cooperation Agreement (the “Agreement”;
effective date of October 1, 2010) that provides for the operation and governance of the
Consortium, and
WHEREAS, Article 47 of the New York Insurance Law (the “Insurance Law”) and the
rules and regulations of the New York State Superintendent of Insurance set forth certain
requirements for governance of municipal cooperatives that offer self-insured municipal
cooperative health insurance plans, and
WHEREAS, Section 4705(a)(8) of the Insurance Law provides that the governing board
of self-insured municipal cooperative must include representation of unions, which are
the exclusive collective bargaining representatives of employees covered by the plan
offered by such self-insured municipal cooperative, and
WHEREAS, Section K of the Agreement currently in place provides for representation
on the Consortium’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) by the Chair of the Joint
Committee on Plan Structure and Design (as defined in the Agreement), and
WHEREAS, by Resolution adopted on September 26, 2013, the Consortium’s Board
approved an amendment to the Agreement to (a) increase the number of labor
representatives on the Board; and (b) provide for future increases to the number of labor
representatives on the Board in the event the number of participants in the Consortium
increases, as more fully set forth in the 2014 Amendment to the Municipal Cooperative
Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit “A” (the “2014 Amendment”), and
June 18, 2014 12
WHEREAS, Section T of the Agreement provides that any change or amendment to the
Agreement shall require the unanimous approval of the Participants, as authorized by
their respective legislative bodies, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing has determined that it is in the best interest of its
constituents who are served by the Consortium to amend the Agreement as set forth in
the attached 2014 Amendment, and
WHEREAS, upon due consideration thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing
has hereby
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations Committee, that the
Town of Lansing approves the following:
Section 1. The 2014 Amendment to the Municipal Cooperative Agreement of
the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium attached to this
Resolution is approved.
Section 2. The Town Clerk of the Town of Lansing is hereby authorized to
execute this Resolution to indicate its approval, deliver a copy thereof to the Board of the
Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium, and take any other
such actions as may be required by law.
Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
“EXHIBIT A”
2014 AMENDMENT TO THE MUNICIPAL COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR
THE GREATER TOMPKINS COUNTY MUNICIPAL HEALTH INSURANCE
CONSORTIUM
5. The Union Members on the Joint Committee on Plan Structure and Design shall select
from among the Union Members an individual to serve as an additional at-large voting
Labor Member on the Board of Directors of the Consortium. If the number of municipal
members on the Consortium rises to seventeen (17), the unions members of the Joint
Committee on Plan Structure and Design shall select from among the Union Members an
additional at-large voting Labor Member on the Board of Directors of the Consortium.
The at-large voting Labor Member(s) along with the Joint Committee Chair shall
collectively be the “Labor Representatives” as defined in Section C (11) of this
Agreement. If the number of municipal members on the Consortium rises to twenty-three
(23), the Union Members may select from among their members a third At-Large Labor
Representative to serve as a Director. Thereafter, for every increase of five (5) additional
municipal members added to the Consortium Union Members may select from among
their members one (1) At-Large Labor Representative to serve as Director. Attached
hereto as Addendum “B” is a table illustrating the addition of At-Large Labor
Representatives as set forth in this Section. Any At-Large Labor Representative
designated according to this section shall have the same rights and obligations as all other
Directors.
Addendum “B”
Illustration of At-Large Labor Representative Calculation
Total Number of Participants Total Number of At-Large Labor Representatives
<17 1
17-22 2
23-27 3
28-32 4
33-37 5
38-42 6
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins, duly seconded by Supervisor Kathy Miller, and put to a
roll call vote with the following results:
June 18, 2014 13
Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins - Aye Councilperson Edward LaVigne - Aye
Supervisor Kathy Miller - Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on June
18, 2014.
CONSIDER RESOLUTION TO APPROVE §280-a APPLICATION FOR
WOODLAND PARK
DISCUSSION- Councilperson Edward LaVigne stated that Highway Superintendent,
Jack French and Code Enforcement Officer Lynn Day have reviewed this and are
supportive.
RESOLUTION 14- 83
RESOLUTION RATIFYING AND APPROVING APPLICATION UNDER
TOWN LAW § 280-a RELATING TO WOODLAND PARK BUILDING PERMIT
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, Steve Cardamone, applicant and developer of the Woodland Park PDA,
made formal request and application for findings under Town Law § 280-a so as to allow
a building permit in advance of the final dedication of the proposed public highway; and
WHEREAS, said § 280-a requires certain findings to be made, each of which are based in
and upon a public interest and public safety standard; and
WHEREAS, subject to input and verification from the Town Highway Department, it
was conditionally agreed that the application would be granted upon specified findings
and requirements; and
WHEREAS, among such findings and conditions, the Town Board did, and here again
does, find and determine as follows:
1. The roadway in question is an officially mapped roadway by virtue of the existing
PDA and site plan approvals.
2. The Chair of the Planning Board identified no special issues or objections relative
to this application and the prior review of the project by the Planning Board.
3. The Town Highway Department has confirmed the condition of the roadway in
question, its improvement as adequate in terms of travel, emergency access, large vehicle
support, and roadway geometry.
4. Roadway improvements are 70% complete and, given the input of the Planning
Board and Highway Department, and a site inspection by the Town Supervisor, it is
determined that the roadway is suitably improved and that the goals of public safety
embodied in § 280-a have been reasonably met in terms of the quality and sufficiency of
access and the existing improvements.
5. However, while the roadway has been sufficiently improved it has not been
formally dedicated or finally inspected for dedication, such that it is not yet a public
highway.
6. Hence, a cash escrow deposit of $87,000 shall be required, as a condition of
approval, prior to issuance of any building permit, so that sufficient funds exist to
complete and dedicate the public highway and installed water lines and CWD
improvements. The applicant shall receive the $87,000 of such deposit upon the
completion of roadway dedication.
June 18, 2014 14
7. It is determined that the roadway is but a month from formal completion,
inspection, and dedication. Therefore, as a further condition of approval, all work needs
to proceed with due diligence towards completion and dedication of the entirety of such
roadway. Partial completion and partial dedication will not be accepted. The applicant
must therefore also acknowledge that any delay in completion or dedication may result in
the revocation of the building permit or the issuance of a stop work order. Applicant thus,
as a further condition of approval, be required to acknowledge and agree that any such
revocation or stop work order is and shall be without recourse against the Town or any of
its agents, officers, or employees. Applicant shall further be required to agree that the
building permit may then only be reinstated, or the stop work order lifted, upon
completion and dedication of the subject public highway (and upon the cure of any other
building permit or construction violation or defect).
8. No certificate of occupancy shall be issued for any structures constructed until the
whole of the public highway has been formally offered for dedication and accepted, and
the requisite deed and recording documents filed in the County Clerk's Office.
9. No other permits or approvals or exceptions will be granted prior to completion
of, and the finalization and dedication of, such public highway.
WHEREAS, and upon due deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of
Lansing has hereby
RESOLVED, that the prior letter of approval of the Town outlining in similar form the
bulk of the conditions and findings above stated by and hereby is ratified and approved
by the Town and this Town Board; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the required acknowledgement of conditions and related terms may be
accomplished by the countersigning of a letter outlining such terms, that the Town Board
will dispense with any need for a formal contract under all attendant circumstances, and
that the escrow deposit may be made into and pursuant to the terms and conditions of the
existing developer’s agreement between the applicant and the Town; and it is further
RESOLVED, that upon the concurrence of the applicant with all the terms and conditions
stated above, which findings, terms, and conditions are hereby incorporated herein, and
upon the delivery of his signature verifying the same and the delivery of the requisite
funds making such deposit, the Code Enforcement Officer is hereby directed to issue the
requested building permit (assuming compliance with all other requirements there for);
and it is further
RESOLVED, that subject to such findings, terms, and conditions, the Town Board of the
Town of Lansing, upon concurrence of the Chair of the Planning Board and the Town
Highway Department, has granted the § 280-a application upon the facts, grounds, terms
and conditions herein stated, and thus the Town Board thus duly declared and hereby so
again declares that the mapped street is suitably improved, and its completion suitably
guaranteed, such that a building permit may issue within the meaning of Town Law §
280-a.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Edward LaVigne, duly seconded by Councilperson Doug Dake, and put to
a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins - Aye Councilperson Edward LaVigne - Aye
Supervisor Kathy Miller - Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on June
18, 2014.
June 18, 2014 15
APPROVE AUDIT and BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
DISCUSSION- Councilperson Ruth Hopkins asked if the budget modifications under
General Fund B could be taken from Contingency rather than from Planner Pers.
Bookkeeper Sharon Bowman stated that this is in excess of what was budgeted and the
only place to take it from is the fund balance. She stated that in the absence of a planner
or planning consultant the bulk of this is legal work that has to be done because we don’t
have a planner in house. If we had a planner in house at least a portion of this would be
covered and there would not be a bill for legal expenses. This will continue until the
position is filled.
RESOLUTION 14-84
Councilperson Robert Cree moved that the Bookkeeper is hereby authorized to pay the
following bills and to make the following budget modifications.
CONSOLIDATED ABSTRACT # 006
DATED _6/18/14__
AUDITED VOUCHER #’s _0473 – 0571_
PREPAY VOUCHER #’s 0473 - 0475_
AUDITED T & A VOUCHER #’s 049 - 058_
PREPAY T & A VOUCHER #’s 049 - 050 _
FUND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS
GENERAL FUND (A&B) $ 93,712.21
HIGHWAY FUND (DA&DB) $ 54,686.55
LANSING LIGHTING (SL1, 2 &3) $ 1,293.19
LANSING WATER DISTRICTS (SW) $ 57,944.25
TRUST & AGENCY (TA) $ 40,053.33
LANSING SEWER DISTRICTS (SS1, SS3) $ 10,813.38
DEBT SERVICE (V) $ 0.00
BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
GENERAL FUND A
06/18/2014 BOARD MEETING
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
A1410.400 A1410.130 FROM TOWN CLERK CONTR TO PART-TIME CLERK $ 500.07
INCREASE PART-TIME CLERK AS NEEDED
A2705 A7320.110
FROM GIFTS&DONATIONS TO YTH SVCS PERSONAL
SVCS DONATION TO LYS-YEP PROGRAM $ 2,000.00
BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
June 18, 2014 16
GENERAL FUND B
06/18/2014 BOARD MEETING
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
B8020.100 B8010.402 FROM PLANNER PERS TO ZONING-LEGAL SVCS $ 5,165.00
LEGAL SERVICES COVERING PLANNER FUNCTIONS
B8020.100 B8020.402 FROM PLANNER PERS TO PLAN BD LEGAL SVCS $6,042.50
LEGAL SERVICES COVERING PLANNER FUNCTIONS
BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
WATER FUND SW
06/18/2014 BOARD MEETING
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
SW1990.400 SW8310.401 FROM CONTENGENCY TO WATER ADMIN-ENGINEERING $ 6,642.62
UNANTICIPATED ENGINEERING SVCS
SW1990.400 SW8340.400
FROM CONTENGENCY TO TRANSMISSION &
DISTRIBUTION UNANTICIPATED EXPENSES $ 13,370.90
Supervisor Kathy Miller seconded the motion and it was carried by the following roll call
vote:
Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye
Councilperson Ruth Hopkins -Aye Councilperson Edward LaVigne - Aye
Supervisor Kathy Miller - Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried and duly adopted on June
18, 2014.
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Doug Dake
Roof Repair at the Town Hall
Doug along with Lynn Day were able to look at the insulation and the roof. A piece of
plywood came loose from the framing and a small 3x3 area of mold was found. It has
been remedied at this point with waterproofing. The roof is in decent shape compared to
the age of the roof. The insulation is normal and in good repair. There was no evidence
of mold anywhere and no interior problems. The drip cap needs repair and Lynn Day is
working on estimates that he will discuss at the Work Session Meeting in July. Within 15
years the entire roof will need attention. In the future if the courtroom expansion is done
the possibility of replacing the roof could be explored at that time.
The bidding process was discussed along with the possibility of adopting a Best Value
Local Law. Guy Krogh stated that if you do not adopt this Local Law you have to go with
the lowest responsible bidder rule or whatever is stated in the projects. The Town Board
will discuss this further at a Work Session Meeting.
Edward LaVigne
July 3rd Fireworks
The fireworks will be held on Thursday, July 3rd at Myers Park along with entertainment
for the evening.
Bone Plain Road Project
Ed received the file from Sharon Bowman and is working with Guy Krogh and Dave
Herrick on the Bone Plain Road Project along with Jack French. This pump station will
be able to take pressure off until lines can be hooked up. Things are going well.
June 18, 2014 17
Ruth Hopkins
Tax Cap
Ruth has been looking at the numbers in regards to the tax cap and will have more
information by July 1st.
TC Consortium Health Insurance and Retirement Benefit
Ruth has been working with Sharon Bowman and Debbie Crandall on the Consortium’s
health insurance benefits for next year and the health insurance for retirees that they are
offering. The goal is to offer a good health plan at a reasonable contribution rate.
Robert Cree
Cash Management Brochures from Chemung Canal Trust
Robert had attended a meeting with Chemung Canal Trust on procedures for Cash
Management. He provided the handout material that was given at the meeting for
Bookkeeper, Sharon Bowman to review.
Kathy Miller
NYSEG Gas Service
Kathy has been meeting with representatives and working with NYSEG in regards to
updating gas service. Completion is expected to be in 2015.
Bolton Point
Kathy stated that Bolton Point is still researching a new minimum bill with projection to
be in 2016.
Planner Search
Kathy asked how the search for the part-time planner is going. Ed stated it is still in the
works and three have applied. He thanked Kathy for moving the hiring of the temporary
contractor for the Comprehensive Plan to the Work Session in July.
Monthly Report
The Supervisor submitted her monthly report for the month of May, 2014 to all Board
Members and to the Town Clerk.
TOWN COUNSEL REPORT
Guy Krogh
Material for Work Session
Guy had previously provided material for the Town Board to review and discuss at the
next Work Session Meeting.
Robinson Road Matter
Guy informed the Town Board that all of the final documents on the Robinson Road
matter have been approved and are being signed in California and sent. There will be a
resolution authorizing the official execution of this at the next regular meeting.
Sharon Bowman
Sharon informed the board that the Union Steward from the Highway Department
informed her that all union members have received correspondence from the Teamsters
Local 317 President, effective August 1, 2014 the Teamsters Local 317 is disclaiming
interest in representing the Town of Lansing. The Town of Lansing has not currently
received notification.
Drop In Program
June 18, 2014 18
Sharon stated that there are going to be staffing changes in the Drop In Program. The
jobs will be posted on the Town’s website and the County website.
No Cost Flu Clinics
Sharon informed the board that she will be sending out a memo to staff that is enrolled in
the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium to determine if
there are subscribers that would be interested in a no cost flu clinic that could be held at
the Town of Lansing.
MOTION TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION
Supervisor Kathy Miller moved to ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS
SENSITIVE CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS AT 7:32 PM.
Councilperson Edward LaVigne seconded the motion.
All in Favor - 5 Opposed - 0
MOTION TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilperson Robert Cree moved to EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 8:24 PM.
Supervisor Kathy Miller seconded the motion.
All in Favor - 5 Opposed - 0
Meeting adjourned at the call of the Supervisor at 8:25 p.m.
Minutes taken and executed by the Town Clerk.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie S. Crandall