The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2024-04-17 April 17, 2024 1 REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING April 17, 2024 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 6:30 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Ruth Groff, Supervisor, and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Roll call by Jessica L. Hall, Deputy Town Clerk, showed the following to be PRESENT: Judy Drake, Councilperson Christine Montague, Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, Councilperson Ruth Groff, Supervisor ABSENT: Laurie Hemmings, Councilperson ALSO PRESENT: Mike Moseley, Highway Superintendent, Patrick Tyrrell, Director of Parks and Recreation, John Zepko, Director of Planning, Guy Krogh, Town Counsel, Mike Sigler, Tompkins County Legislature, Scott Cardamone and a few other attendees Supervisor Ruth Groff asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of Doug Dake who recently passed away. “Doug was a longtime Lansing resident, dedicated and beloved coach, and a valuable member of this Board for eight years.” MOTION TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED LOCAL LAW # 2 OF 2024 – AMEND TOWN CODE CHAPTER 18 – CODE OF ETHICS Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, moved to OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED LOCAL LAW # 2 OF 2024 TO AMEND TOWN CODE CHAPTER 18 – CODE OF ETHICS at 6:33 pm. Councilperson Judy Drake seconded the motion. No one addressed the Town Board. MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING All persons desiring to be heard, having been heard, Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, moved to CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED LOCAL LAW # 2 OF 2024 TO AMEND TOWN CODE CHAPTER 18 – CODE OF ETHICS at 6:34 pm. Councilperson Judy Drake seconded the motion. All in Favor – 4 Opposed – 0 RESOLUTION ADOPTING LOCAL LAW NUMBER 2 OF 2024 TO AMEND AND UPDATE TOWN CODE CHAPTER 18: ETHICS RESOLUTION 24-97 RESOLUTION ADOPTING LOCAL LAW NUMBER 2 OF 2024 TO AMEND AND UPDATE TOWN CODE CHAPTER 18: ETHICS The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, in 2022 and 2023 the Town Board reviewed and then charged the Board of Ethics (“BOE”) with updating the town’s code of ethics to comply with updates to General Municipal Law Article 18 and the new model local law promulgated in relation thereto by the Committee on Open Government, among others, and the BOE thereafter regularly reported to the town board its progress, and presented an updated final proposed local law in November, 2023, in order to meet the town’s stated deadline to allow for adoption in December, 2023; and WHEREAS, this is a Type II SEQRA Action such that no further environmental review is mandated or required; and April 17, 2024 2 WHEREAS, a public hearing upon such local law was duly noticed and held at the Lansing Town Hall on the 17th day of April 2024, whereat all persons interested in the subject matter of this local law were duly heard and, upon deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED as follows: 1. Local Law Number 2 of 2024 be and hereby is approved and adopted in the form as presented to this meeting, and in such form “be it so enacted.” 2. In accordance with the Municipal Home Rule Law the final adopted version of this local law shall be filed with the Town Clerk and the New York Secretary as required by the Municipal Home Rule Law. 3. This local law shall be forwarded to the municipal code service for immediate inclusion in the Town Code. 4. In accordance with newly adopted Local Law Number 2 of 2024 §18-3 (B) the following officers and employees are required to file an annual disclosure statement: a. All elected officials b. All department heads c. Deputy Town Clerk d. Deputy Highway Superintendent e. All Code Enforcement Officers f. All Town Planners g. All members of statutory and governmental bodies (Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Advisory Council and Board of Ethics) h. Chairpersons of all standing and general committees i. Any counsel, attorney, engineer, or architect employed by the Town on a regular or special basis. The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, duly seconded by Councilperson Judy Drake, and put to a roll call vote with the following results: Councilperson Judy Drake – Aye Councilperson Christine Montague – Aye Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye Supervisor Ruth Groff – Aye Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on April 17, 2024. CHAPTER 18: CODE OF ETHICS OF THE TOWN OF LANSING § 18-1. Purpose. Pursuant to the provisions of § 806 of the General Municipal Law, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing recognizes that there are rules of ethical conduct for public officers and employees which must be observed if a high degree of moral conduct is to be obtained and if public confidence is to be maintained in our unit of local government. It is the purpose of this chapter to promulgate these rules of ethical conduct for the officers and employees of the Town of Lansing. These rules shall not be deemed or construed to conflict with, but shall be in addition to, any prohibition of Article 18 of the General Municipal Law, or any other general or special law relating to ethical conduct and interests in contracts of town officers and employees. Officers and employees of the Town of Lansing hold their positions to serve and benefit the public, and not for obtaining unwarranted personal or private gain in the exercise and performance of their official powers and duties. The Town Board recognizes that, in furtherance of this fundamental principle, there is a need for clear and reasonable standards of ethical conduct. This code of ethics establishes those standards and, to help April 17, 2024 3 assure ethical behavior, disclosure of conflicts and interests in municipal matters, and to investigate allegations of wrong doing the town herein establishes a Board of Ethics. § 18-2. Definitions. A. “Board” means the governing board of the Town of Lansing, and any municipal administrative board (e.g., planning board, zoning of board of appeals), commission, or other agency or body comprised of two or more municipal officers or employees. B. “Code” means this code of ethics, unless the context thereof otherwise references the Town Code of the Town of Lansing, generally. C. “Committee” means, without limitation, any non-statutory board and any council, commission, working group, advisory body, committee, sub-committee, working committee, and like entities. D. “Contract” means any claim, account, or demand against, or agreement with, the Town of Lansing, express or implied, and shall include the designation of a depository of public funds and the designation of a newspaper, including but not limited to an official newspaper, for the publication of any notice, resolution, ordinance, or other proceeding where such publication is required or authorized by law. E. “Interest” means a direct or indirect financial or material benefit, but does not include any benefit arising from the provision or receipt of any services generally available to the residents or taxpayers of the town (or any area of the town), or a lawful class of such residents or taxpayers. A town officer or employee is deemed to have an interest in any private organization when he or she, his or her spouse, or a member of his or her household, is an owner, partner, member, director, officer, employee, or directly or indirectly owns or controls more than 5% of the organization’s outstanding stock. F. “Town” means the Town of Lansing. G. “Town officer or employee” means a paid or unpaid officer or employee of the Town of Lansing, including, but not limited to, the members of any municipal agency, board, body, commission, council, committee, working group, advisory body, or citizen’s group appointed by or doing work for the Town, except that no person shall be deemed to be a town officer or employee solely by reason of being a volunteer fireman or civil defense volunteer, except a fire chief or assistant fire chief. H. “Relative” means a spouse, a partner or domestic partner, parent, stepparent, sibling, step-sibling, sibling’s spouse, child, step-child, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, first cousin, or household member of a town officer or employee, and individuals having any of these relationships to the spouse of the officer or employee. § 18-3. Applicability and General Standards. A. This code of ethics applies to all municipal officers or employees of the Town of Lansing and shall supersede any prior town code of ethics. The provisions of this code of ethics shall apply in addition to all applicable State and local laws relating to conflicts of interest and ethics including, but not limited to, Article 18 of the General Municipal Law and all rules, regulations, policies, and procedures April 17, 2024 4 of the Town of Lansing. This code of ethics further exercises a limited power of supersession respecting General Municipal Law § 808(1) to elect that no town officer be appointed to the Board of Ethics (as recommended by the NYS Comptroller in guidance and recently proposed legislation) in that, as proposed many times recently by the State Comptroller, who recommends that town officer not be an appointed member of a Board of Ethics, and the Town of Lansing has adopted such recommendation to supersede the reference to board composition in General Municipal Law § 808(1). B. All Town officers and employees are required to file annual disclosure statements on forms as are approved by the Town Board from time to time by resolution. The Town Board shall determine annually at its operational meeting which “employees” or positions are required to file annual disclosure statements, and such list(s) may be amended by resolution of the Town Board at any time. C. The standards, prohibited acts, and procedures established herein are in addition to any rules about prohibited acts and applicable conflicts of interest provisions or procedures prescribed by statutes of the State of New York, and the common law rules and judicial decisions relating to the conduct of town officers and employees, each to the extent that they are more restrictive in their application than this chapter. D. Whenever any doubt arises for any town officer or employee as to whether any act, conduct, or event may present an actual or perceived conflict of interest, any ethical violation, or gives rise to other substantive question respecting, among other matters: (i) whether any person or entity is has an interest or prohibited interest in any contract, transaction, review, or approval; (ii) whether any situation, facts, transaction, determination, or process is prohibited, potentially prohibited, or a violation of this chapter or any applicable ethics or conflict of interest laws or rules; (iii) whether any matter is one for which the town officer or employee may be imputed as having had a reason to know of a conflict or prohibition; (iv) whether there is or is not a direct or indirect personal financial benefit; (v) whether there is a gift, or whether something characterizable as a gift is prohibited; (vi) whether direct or indirect political solicitations violate this code of ethics; (vii) whether any investment of time, money, or effort in any enterprise violates this code of ethics; such town officer or employee may apply to and seek the advice of, or an advisory opinion from, the Town of Lansing Board of Ethics. If such town officer or employee discloses any interest or conflict and follows the guidance and advice of the Board of Ethics, such town officer or employee shall not be deemed or held to be in violation of this Chapter. E. Nothing in this Chapter shall automatically prohibit seeking and relying upon advice from the Town’s legal counsel, the New York State Attorney General’s Office, the New York State Comptroller’s Office, Counsel for the Committee on Open Government, or other similar authority, so long as: 1. Such advice is disclosed to such town officer or employee’s immediate supervisor prior to acting, not acting, or discussion upon such matter as is before the town. The chairperson of a committee, working group, or like entity shall be deemed the immediate supervisor for persons who only sit upon committees, working groups, and like entities. If there is any doubt as to whom to report to, all town officers and employees shall report to the Town Supervisor. 2. Such advice or counsel is in writing or has been reviewed and approved by such town officer or employee’s immediate supervisor and the town’s legal counsel. April 17, 2024 5 § 18-4. Prohibition upon use of municipal position for personal or private gain. No town officer or employee shall use his or her municipal position or official powers and duties to secure a financial or material benefit for himself or herself, a relative, or any private organization in which he or she is deemed to have an interest. § 18-5. Disclosure of interest in legislation and other matters. A. Whenever a matter requiring the exercise of discretion comes before a town officer or employee, either individually or as a member of any board or committee, and disposition of the matter could result in a direct or indirect financial or material benefit to himself or herself, a relative, or any private organization in which he or she is deemed to have an interest, the town officer or employee shall disclose in writing the nature of the interest. B. Any Town officer or employee, whether paid or unpaid, who participates in discussion or gives any official or advisory opinion to the Town Board, the Town Planning Board, or the Zoning Board of Appeals with regard to any matter under consideration by any such Board shall publicly disclose on the official record the nature and extent of any direct or indirect financial or other private interest he has in such matter. Disclosure shall be made when the matter requiring disclosure first comes before the town officer or employee, or when the town officer or employee first acquires knowledge of the interest requiring disclosure, whichever is earlier. C. In the case of a person serving in an elective office, the disclosure shall be filed with the town board by filing the same directly with the town supervisor or town clerk. In all other cases, the disclosure shall be filed with the person’s supervisor or, if the person does not have a supervisor, then with the town supervisor or town clerk. In addition, in the case of a person serving on a municipal board or committee, a copy of the disclosure shall be filed with the chairperson of such board or committee. Any disclosure made to any board shall be publicly made at a meeting of the board and included in the minutes of that meeting. D. No town officer or employee, whether paid or unpaid, shall engage in any investments in conflict with official duties. Such persons shall not invest or hold any investment, directly or indirectly, in any financial, business, commercial, or other private transaction which creates a conflict with any official duties. E. No town officer or employee, whether paid or unpaid, shall engage in, solicit, negotiate for, or promise to accept any private employment or render services for private interests when such employment or service creates a conflict with or impairs the proper discharge of official duties. Nor shall any town officer or employee, after the termination of service or employment with the town, appear before any board or agency of the Town of Lansing in relation to any case, proceeding, or application in which he or she personally participated during the period of his service or employment, or which was under his active supervisor or consideration. § 18-6. Recusal and abstention. A. No town officer or employee may participate in any decision or take any official action with respect to any matter requiring the exercise of discretion, including discussing the matter and voting on it, when he or she knows or has reason to know that the action could confer a direct or indirect financial or April 17, 2024 6 material benefit on himself or herself, a relative, or any private organization in which he or she is deemed to have an interest. B. In the event that this section prohibits a town officer or employee from exercising or performing a power or duty: 1. If the power or duty is vested in a town officer as a member of a board, then the power or duty shall be exercised or performed by the other members of the board; or 2. If the power or duty that is vested in a town officer individually, then the power or duty shall be exercised or performed by his or her deputy or, if the officer does not have a deputy, the power or duty shall be performed by another person to whom the officer may lawfully delegate the function. 3. If the power or duty is vested in a town employee, he or she must refer the matter to his or her immediate supervisor, and the immediate supervisor shall designate another person to exercise or perform the power or duty. C. A town officer or employee should not by his or her conduct give reasonable basis for the impression that any person can improperly influence him or her, or unduly enjoy his or her favor in the performance of his or her official duties, or that he or she is affected by the kinship, rank, position or influence of any entity, political party, or person. § 18-7. Prohibition inapplicable; disclosure, recusal and abstention not required. A. This code’s prohibition on use of a town position (§ 4), disclosure requirements (§ 5), and requirements relating to recusal and abstention (§ 6), shall not apply with respect to the following matters: 1. Adoption of the town’s annual budget; 2. Any matter requiring the exercise of discretion that directly affects any of the following groups of people or a lawful class of such groups: i. All town officers or employees; ii. All residents or taxpayers of the town, or an area of the town; or iii. The general public; or 3. Any matter that does not require the exercise of discretion. B. Recusal and abstention shall not be required with respect to any matter: 1. Which comes before a board when a majority of the board’s total membership would otherwise be prohibited from acting by § 6 of this chapter; 2. Which comes before a town officer when the officer would be prohibited from acting by § 6 of this chapter, and the matter cannot be lawfully delegated to another person. § 18-8. Investments in conflict with official duties. A. No town officer or employee may acquire the following investments: April 17, 2024 7 1. Investments that can be reasonably expected to require more than sporadic recusal and abstention under § 6 of this chapter; or 2. Investments that would otherwise impair the person’s independence of judgment in the exercise or performance of his or her official powers and duties. B. This section does not prohibit a town officer or employee from acquiring any other investments or the following assets: 1. Real property located within the municipality and used as his or her personal residence; 2. Less than five percent of the stock of a publicly traded corporation; or 3. Bonds or notes issued by the municipality and acquired more than one year after the date on which the bonds or notes were originally issued. § 18-9. Private employment in conflict with official duties. A. No town officer or employee, during his or her tenure as a town officer or employee, may engage in any private employment, including the rendition of any business, commercial, professional, or other types of services, when the employment: 1. Can be reasonably expected to require more than sporadic recusal and abstention pursuant to § 6 of this code; 2. Can be reasonably expected to require disclosure or use of confidential information gained by reason of serving as a town officer or employee; 3. Violates §§ 805-a(1)(c) or (d) of the General Municipal Law; or 4. Requires representation of a person or organization other than the town in connection with litigation, negotiations, or any other matter to which the town is a party. § 18-10. Future employment. A. No town officer or employee may ask for, pursue, or accept a private post- government employment opportunity with any person or organization that has a matter requiring the exercise of discretion pending before the town officer or employee, either individually or as a member of a board, while the matter is pending or within the 60 days following final disposition of the matter. B. No town officer or employee, for the two-year period after serving as a town officer or employee, may represent or render services to a private person or organization in connection with any matter involving the exercise of discretion before the town office, board, department, or comparable organizational unit for which he or she serves. C. No town officer or employee, at any time after serving as a town officer or employee, may represent or render services to a private person or organization in connection with any particular transaction in which he or she personally and substantially participated while serving as a town officer or employee. § 18-11. Personal representations and claims permitted. April 17, 2024 8 A. This code shall not be construed as prohibiting a town officer or employee from: 1. Representing himself or herself, or his or her spouse or minor children before the town; or 2. Asserting a claim against the town on his or her own behalf, or on behalf of his or her spouse, minor children, or other persons and entities lawfully represented (such as, but not limited to, being a trustee of a trust, a conservator for a person, an administrator of a Will or matter in probate proceedings, and like situations). § 18-12. Use of municipal resources. A. Town resources shall only be used for lawful town purposes. Town resources include, but are not limited to, town personnel, and the town’s money, vehicles, equipment, materials, supplies, or other property. B. No town officer or employee may use or permit the use of town resources for personal or private purposes, but this provision shall not be construed as prohibiting: 1. Any use of town resources authorized by law or town policy; 2. The use of town resources for personal or private purposes when provided to a town officer or employee as part of his or her compensation; or 3. The occasional and incidental use during the business day of town telephones and computers for necessary personal matters, such as family care and changes in work schedule. C. No town officer or employee shall cause the town to spend more than is reasonably necessary for any costs and expenses, any purchasing, or for transportation, meals, or lodging in connection with official travel. § 18-13. Interests in Contracts. A. No town officer or employee may have an interest in a contract that is prohibited by § 801 of the General Municipal Law. B. Every town officer and employee shall disclose interests in contracts with the town at the time and in the manner required by § 803 of the General Municipal Law. § 18-14. Nepotism. A. Except as otherwise required by law: 1. No town officer or employee, either individually or as a member of a board or committee, may participate in any decision specifically to appoint, hire, promote, discipline, or discharge a relative for any position at, for, or within the town, or any of its boards or committees. 2. No town officer or employee may supervise a relative in the performance of the relative’s official powers or duties. § 18-15. Political Solicitations. April 17, 2024 9 A. No town officer or employee shall directly or indirectly compel or induce a subordinate town officer or employee to make, or promise to make, any political contribution, whether by gift of money, service, or other thing of value. B. No town officer or employee may act or decline to act in relation to appointing, hiring, promoting, discharging, disciplining, or in any manner changing the official rank, status, or compensation of any town officer or employee, or an applicant for a position as a town officer or employee, on the basis of the giving or withholding of, or neglecting to make, any contribution of money or service or any other valuable thing for any political cause, candidate, or purpose. § 18-16. Confidential Information. A. No town officer or employee who acquires confidential information in the course of exercising or performing his or her official powers or duties may disclose or use such information unless the disclosure or use is required by law, or such disclosure shall occur in the regular course of properly exercising or performing his or her official powers and duties. As used in this paragraph, “confidential information” includes but is not limited to information, opinions, statements, and like items of non-public information shared in closed or executive sessions. B. No town officer or employee shall disclose confidential information acquired by him or her in the course of his or her official duties, or use such information to further his or her personal interest even after leaving town service. C. No town officer or employee should accept employment or engage in any business or professional activity which will require the disclosure of confidential information gained by reason of his or her official position or authority. § 18-17. Gifts. A. No town officer or employee shall solicit, accept, or receive a gift in violation of § 805-a(1)(a) of the General Municipal Law, including as interpreted or enhanced by this section. B. No town officer or employee may directly or indirectly solicit any gift. C. No town officer or employee may accept or receive any gift, or multiple gifts from the same donor, having an annual aggregate value of seventy-five dollars or more when: 1. The gift reasonably appears to be intended to influence the officer or employee in the exercise or performance of his or her official powers or duties; 2. The gift could reasonably be expected to influence the officer or employee in the exercise or performance of his or her official powers or duties; or 3. The gift is intended as a reward for any official action on the part of the officer or employee. D. For purposes of this section, a “gift” includes anything of value, whether in the form of money, service, loan, travel, entertainment, hospitality, thing or promise, or in any other form. The value of a gift is the gift’s fair market value, determined by the retail cost of the item or a comparable item. The fair market April 17, 2024 10 value of a ticket entitling the holder to food, refreshments, entertainment, or any other benefit is the face value of the ticket, or the actual cost to the donor, whichever is greater. Determination of whether multiple gifts from a single donor exceed seventy-five dollars must be made by adding together the value of all gifts received from the donor by an officer or employee during the twelve- month period preceding the receipt of the most recent gift. E. For the purposes of this section: 1. A gift to a town officer or employee is presumed to be intended to influence the exercise or performance of his or her official powers or duties when the gift is from a private person or organization that seeks town action involving the exercise of discretion by or with the participation of the officer or employee. 2. A gift to a town officer or employee is presumed to be intended as a reward for official action when the gift is from a private person or organization that has obtained town action involving the exercise of discretion by or with the participation of the officer or employee during the preceding twelve months. F. This section does not prohibit any other gift, including: 1. Gifts made to the town; 2. Gifts from a person with a family or personal relationship with the officer or employee when the circumstances make it clear that the personal relationship, rather than the recipient’s status as a town officer or employee, is the primary motivating factor for the gift; 3. Gifts given on special occasions, such as marriage, illness, or retirement, which are modest, reasonable, and customary; 4. Unsolicited advertising or promotional material of little intrinsic value, such as pens, pencils, note pads, and calendars; 5. Awards and plaques having a value of seventy-five dollars or less which are publicly presented in recognition of service as a town officer or employee, or other service to the community; or 6. Meals and refreshments provided when a town officer or employee is a speaker or participant at a job-related professional or educational conference or program and the meals and refreshments are made available to all participants. § 18-18. Board of Ethics. A. There is hereby established a board of ethics for the town. The board of ethics shall consist of five members, none of which shall be public officers of the town. No member of the Board of Ethics shall be a Town employee or a relative of any Town employee. The members of the board of ethics and its chairperson shall be appointed by the town board, shall serve at the pleasure of the town board as the appointing authority, and shall receive no salary or compensation for their services as members of the board of ethics. B. Ethics board members will have staggered five-year terms, and appointments will be initially made for terms of members running for one year to five years, so April 17, 2024 11 that one appointment arises for consideration or renewal annually. Ethics board members may be reappointed at the expiration of their term. The attorney for the Town shall be an ex officio member of said Board without voting privileges, for the purposes of providing legal guidance and advice to allow the board of ethics to efficiently perform its functions. C. The board of ethics shall render advisory opinions to the officers and employees of the Town of Lansing with respect to Article 18 of the General Municipal Law and this code of ethics. Such advisory opinions must be rendered pursuant to the written request of any such officer or employee under such general procedures or rules and regulations as the board of ethics may prescribe. In relation to any such matters: 1. The Chair of the Board of Ethics shall convene the board of ethics within 30 days after receipt of a written request, and thereafter render any advisory opinion or reply as promptly as is reasonable under the circumstances. 2. The board of ethics shall have the advice of legal counsel employed by the board or, if none, the town’s legal counsel. D. The board of ethics may hear or receive written complaints of alleged unethical practices and violations of this chapter when submitted in writing by any person or entity, and thereafter consider, investigate, decline, conduct hearings, or decide upon such matters as are so presented. The Chair of the Board of Ethics shall convene the board of ethics within 30 days after receipt of such a complaint, and thereafter render any advisory opinion or reply as promptly as promptly as is reasonable under the circumstances. In limitation of the foregoing, the board of ethics is empowered to review ethical matters and conflicts of interest respecting violations of duties and obligations set forth in this chapter and as generally construed as being within the scope of a code of ethics adopted pursuant to Article 18 of the General Municipal Law. E. Any town officer or employee who requests an opinion, or is the subject matter of a review, inquiry, investigation, or opinion before the board of ethics, shall be granted the right to be heard by said board prior to the making or issuance of any opinion. F. The board of ethics may make recommendations with respect to the drafting and adoption of a code of ethics, or amendments thereto, upon its own initiative or at the request of the town board. G. No later than August 1 of each year, the board of ethics shall review the disclosure statements and the attestations that have been submitted by town officers and employees to the town clerk. The board of ethics may determine if any are not timely filed, incomplete, or facially inaccurate, and may further inquire about any information contained in or missing from any disclosure statement, including calling any town officer or employee before the board for a meeting, an interview, of for formal or informal testimonial purposes. If any town officer or employee is newly hired, then the town clerk shall transmit their disclosure statement to the board of ethics for review, which review shall be completed at the next meeting of the board of ethics. H. The board of ethics may undertake such other actions as may be permitted by the General Municipal Law, including undertaking a review of any written complaint and imposing penalties for the violation of this code of ethics. The board of ethics, upon the advice and consent of counsel, shall have the authority April 17, 2024 12 to take testimony under oath and to issue subpoenas, or cause subpoenas to be issued, to compel the attendance of witnesses and to require the production of any document, things, books, or records. Any town officer or employee that fails to comply with such subpoena, or who provides incorrect, false, misleading, or incomplete responses to subpoenas shall be in violation of this code of ethics and shall be subject to discipline by the town, up to and including dismissal. § 18-19. Posting and distribution. A. The Town Supervisor must promptly cause a copy of this code of ethics, and a copy of any future amendments to this code, to be posted publicly and conspicuously in each building wherein town employees regularly work at locations where employment postings and notices are customarily found. The code or amended must be posted within ten days following the date on which the code or amended code takes effect. B. The Town Supervisor must also promptly cause a copy of this code of ethics, including any future amendments to the code, to be distributed to every person who is or becomes a town officer or employee. C. Every town officer or employee who receives a copy of this code of ethics, or any future amendment to the code, must acknowledge such receipt in writing. Such acknowledgments must be filed with the Town Clerk, who must maintain such acknowledgments as a public record. D. The failure to post this code or an amendment to the code does not affect either the applicability or enforceability of the code or the amendment. The failure of a town officer or employee to receive a copy of this code of ethics or any amendment to this code, or to acknowledge receipt thereof in writing, does not affect either the applicability or enforceability of the code or any future amendment to the code. § 18- 20. Administration and Enforcement. A. Any town officer or employee who violates this code may be censured, fined, suspended or removed from office or employment in the manner provided by law. Similarly, any town officer or employee who: (i) refuses to cooperate with any matter under review by, or being investigated, by the board of ethics; or (ii) improperly or materially interferes with any such review or investigation; or (iii) commits any act of spoilation with respect to any documents or evidence; or (iv) supplies or suborns any false statements or perjury, may be fined, suspended, or removed from office or employment in the manner provided by law. B. The town board may appropriate moneys from general town funds for the costs and expenses of the board of ethics, but such board of ethics may not commit the expenditure of town money except within the limit of appropriations so provided by the town board. § 18-21. Effective date. This code takes effect immediately upon adoption. April 17, 2024 13 LIFELONG – LIZA BURGER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Shared the following presentation. April 17, 2024 14 April 17, 2024 15 April 17, 2024 16 • https://tclifelong.org/ • Serve residents 50+ years of age • Membership based organization – sliding scale for membership fees • Variety of programs available - some free & some have a fee o Scholarships available – up to $250/year o Programs available at Lansing Community Library • HIICAP – 19% of members who used this service last year were from Lansing • Requesting funding from the Town • Lansing Enrollment - 18% members, 5% Tax Returns, 10% Medicare SOLAR FARMS NEW YORK – NICOLE WAIBEL • https://solarfarmsny.com/ • Community Solar Company – green energy option • Become a clean energy partner • Promotion Code would be assigned to Town April 17, 2024 17 o Town receives $100 per accepted enrollment using Town promotion code o Code can be shared outside of Town • Customer receives a 5% discount on the solar credits applied directly to their bill • Will customize marketing materials with Town Logo for distribution TEETER ROAD CWD EXTENSION – SCOTT CARDAMONE, OWNER • Looking to reopen subdivision plan for Teeter Road o Plan was approved in 2008 but not completed o Will update information and resubmit plans o Applicant should work with Planning Board for subdivision  Planning Board can refer to Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Committee for Consolidated Water District improvement PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – COMMENTS No one addressed the Town Board. LANSING COMMUNITY LIBRARY REPORT – CHRISTINE EISENHUT Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout. TOWN BOARD UPDATES FROM THE LANSING COMMUNITY LIBRARY April 2024 1. The Annual Meeting of the Board of Trustees will be on Monday, 4/22 at 7pm. 2. The Annual Budget Vote and Trustee Election will be on Tuesday, 4/23 from 10am- 7pm at the library. Absentee ballots will be available 4/3. 3. The 11th Annual Logo Contest has begun. Entry forms are available on-line and at the library and are due by 4/10. 4. Beginning on Monday, 3/18 and continuing every other week, the library will host the Tompkins County Community Resource Hub from 12-2pm. It will be held at the Ithaca Mall on “off” weeks. 5. Chair Yoga for Adults will be held on Mondays at 10am beginning on 3/18. The class is free. 6. The library is currently looking for adult volunteers to assist with book organization and helping patrons at the circulation desk during Monday-Thursdays evenings from 5-7pm. 7. Solar eclipse glasses and kids crafts are available at the library while supplies last. 8. On display during the months of March and April: Acrylic and Watercolor Paintings by Aloma McElwee. 9. Spring Story Time begins on Thursday, 3/21 at 10:30am. Children are welcome to join in reading, games and spring themed, fun activities. No registration is required. 10. 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. 11. Instructor John Burger hosts T’ai Chi classes at the Community Center on Fridays from 10:30-11:30am. 12. Learn to play American Mah Jongg every Tuesday at 10:15am and play American Mah Jongg every Wednesday from 1:00-3:00pm. April 17, 2024 18 13. The library continues to provide free delivery to Woodsedge. 14. 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. 15. 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 Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout. Lansing Youth Services Town Board Report April 2024 Party Planners: Party Planners is focused on what goes into throwing a party or celebration a success! We will be practicing lots of party planning skills, budgeting, decoration selection and creations, creating and sending formal invitations, presentation of food and table setting, customer service skills, and enjoying some special treats along the way. The first day consisted of reviewing the previous year’s Family Dinner, and discussing ideas for what students would like to see this year as the main goal is to plan and prepare for our annual LYS Family Dinner, the culminating event where all of participating families are invited for a delicious dinner made by participants! 11 youth enrolled. Outdoor Adventure: Outdoor Adventure is gearing up for the wild and crazy spring weather we can encounter! The group has finally returned to Salmon Creek, and they truly missed being there. Participants have begun making shelters, tracking animals along the shores of the creek who also live there. Some skills we will develop right around the corner are the opportunity to learn to coal burn and carve spoons and cups, use a hand saw, make primitive tools, practice fossil excavation and preservation, pan for semi-precious stones and how to build different styles of fires. 12 youth enrolled. Fun With Food II: Due to popular demand, this program is back for a second round! This program is all about making fun, edible experiments with all kinds of food! We have made our own ice cream and created beautiful landscape candy mosaics, including a student led presentation of their scenes to the class. We will also be making rock candy, edible dioramas, art with skittles, marshmallow tower building and more! 10 youth enrolled. Science Explorers: This program is busy! For some program days we will be joining the Lansing Middle School Science Club for some cool presentations and experiments! On the first day, we went on a field trip to the Museum of the Earth, a first for several students! Additional trips we will be taking will include the Sciencenter, and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. 9 youth enrolled. Spring Break Montezuma Trip: This April break trip will take us around Cayuga Lake to explore hot spots known for birds and wildlife. Possible stops include Myers Point Park, Salt Point, Aurora Bald Eagle nest, Montezuma Refuge, and Cayuga Lake State Park. The trip will focus on the interests of youth so they will have a say in where we go! We will provide binoculars if students need them, field guides, a few Cayuga Bird Club members will guide us, and there is also the potential to stop by the Cayuga Creamery for some ice cream. 9 youth enrolled. Youth Employment: Lansing Youth Services Program Assistants have had several schedule changes due to other extracurricular activities, however there are two youth employees still going strong with the after-school programs. Our Lansing Public Library employees have continued to be consistent, and we have added a new trainee to begin working regular shifts. We have one youth employee assisting at Lansing High School, another youth employee will start working with the Lansing High School Librarian in the April 17, 2024 19 near future. Two Lansing residents who attend different schools are also poised to begin working locally once compatible schedules are aligned. 12 youth served. TOMPKINS COUNTY LEGISLATOR REPORT – MIKE SIGLER Mike reported the following: Broadband – Legislature passed a resolution authorizing a partnership agreement with Point Broadband to expand high-speed internet service to underserved addresses. Approximately 1,200 locations in County are not served by broadband, of those, approximately 200 homes are in Lansing. County Administration – Appointed a new County Attorney, Maury Josephson. Lisa Holmes leaving as County Administrator, thanked her for all her work, especially during COVID. Rapid Response – Is operational now. Three (3) cars placed around County with one (1) in Lansing. Looking for a response time of five (5) minutes. Funding still needs to be figured out. State grant paid for first year. County may cover second year (funds were previously set aside). County will approach municipalities for funding, at some point. Strategic Tourism Planning Board – Accepting requests for 2025 funding – can be for annual programs, grant administration, or capital expenses. Estimated $267,000-$354,000 allocated (room tax). Another round coming up in July – more capital expenses. Councilperson Christine Montague inquired about the Town partnering with Tompkins County Whole Health to get word out about their services, especially through the Resource Hub that was recently set up. HIGHWAY REPORT – MICHAEL MOSELEY Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout. HIGHWAY REPORT April 2024 Snow & Ice Removal:  Crews worked to clear snow after brief weather earlier this month.  Crews have begun to break down trucks as we gear up for our Spring season. Tree & Brush Maintenance:  Crews continued cutting back/mowing to improve line of sight issues.  Spring brush pick-up will begin Monday, April 29th. Water/Sewer Maintenance:  Crews worked to clear storm drains before/during our storm two weeks ago.  We are working with Angel at Tompkins County Soil and Water on a few ditch projects for this summer. Road Maintenance:  Crews worked to patch potholes throughout the Town.  Inspected culvert pipes.  Crews worked to fix damaged road signs and fallen trees due to wind damage.  Crews began doing some ditching. Garage Work:  Dan continues to work diligently to keep our fleet up and running.  We welcomed our new mechanic Andy, on April 8th. We’re excited to have him join our crew. Office:  Mike attended the Bolton Point Commissions meeting.  Mike attended the PRC committee meeting.  Mike and Jenna attended the Highway Barn meeting. April 17, 2024 20  Mike attended the Personnel Management Committee meeting. Community:  Mike continues to work with Dave & Guy regarding 68 Tiger Lily Lane.  Mike continues to work with Dave & Guy regarding SSD-1. Cross-Departmental Collaborations:  Parks and Highway have worked together to begin spring work. Additional Points:  Farrell Road pump station discussion.  F550 trade-in, currently listed for sale. Bidding will close April 19th  Summer hours for the Highway Department will begin May 6th (Monday- Thursday 6AM-4PM)  Crew completed Flagger Training, April 1st. Thank you Patrick Clare from PERMA. Mike also stated: Water • Water main break – North Triphammer Road near Asbury Church this past Sunday • Looking at replacing water mains o Looking at three sections  Priority being Brickyard Road (by school) Ludlowville Road Meeting • April 25, 2024 at 6pm at Lansing High School Large Group Instruction Room 2 Auburn Road • Demolition set to begin last week of April • Approximate completion time – one week, depending on weather PARKS AND RECREATION REPORT – PATRICK TYRRELL Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout. Town Board Report April RECREATION: - LBP and LSP begins April 20th (baseball and softball) - Our summer booklet has been released, some camps are already filled, others are filling fast. - We just added summer swim lessons to our list of summer offerings. - Current adult programming includes cardio step class, strength & stretch class, Yoga Chí, and co-ed volleyball. - Lansing Varsity Boys baseball hosted our Spring Training Clinic over the past few Saturdays. - With this nice weather, we have started our mowing season and begun field preparation for Opening Day. - Our batting cages are now up and ready for use. We hope to add another cage this year. - The water has been turned on at the ball fields and restrooms are now open. April 17, 2024 21 PARKS: - At Salt Point, we continue to make more natural improvements using logs instead of other materials. - Salt Point volunteer workday will be May 11th from 9am – Noon. - The Salt Point osprey camera has been upgraded to stream to YouTube directly, the quality is great. - We have completed our dock work in the Myers Park marina for this year. - We’ve completed work on interior roadways in Myers Park. - Both the campground and beachfront permits have been submitted to the Health Department. - The trail’s working group has made a couple of recommendations to the Town Board for their consideration. - My guys built two bridges to cover open ditches on the Lansing Center Trail. - We have removed some excess signage in Myers Park and added some in Salt Point. BUILDINGS: - Meet with Ed Dubovi to review the HVAC system at the Town Hall, he may have some funding ideas. Pat also stated: Doug Dake – Tremendous coach and mentor for his department. Going to be a huge void to fill. Privilege to know and work with him for so many years. DIRECTOR OF PLANNING REPORT – JOHN ZEPKO Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout. Planning & Code Enforcement John Zepko, Director, CPESC, CFM Reporting Period March 2024 CORE PLANNING FUNCTIONS • General Admin o Conducted four weekly staff meetings to discuss projects, deliverables, obstacles, etc o 3/11 – met w/ Town Supervisor o 3/14 – met w/ Town Supervisor o 3/12 – Department Staff completed Core PESH training for 2024 o 3/20 – met w/ Town Supervisor • Planner conducting classification and review of development applications o 3/18 met w/ landowner to discuss potential subdivision on Benson Rd o 3/20 met w/ developer to discuss requirements to complete conditions of approval on approved subdivision on Asbury Rd and Lake Shore Circle • Hazard Mitigation Planning o 3/26 – 27 attended 8-hour FEMA training webinar “Disaster Recovery in Rural Communities” • Floodplain Management o Reviewing Flood Dev Permit for 32 Ladoga Park Rd • Stormwater Management o 3/5 – attended webinar “Building Fire Lanes & Emergency Access Roads” o 3/20 – attended TC Stormwater Coalition Meeting LAND USE WORK PROGRAM/PROJECT MANAGEMENT • CRC/ Zoning Amendments April 17, 2024 22 • Safe Streets and Roads 4 All (SS4A) o SS4A grant project consists of 11 municipalities in an effort to collect data and implement the highway projects that would make the most impact on improving safety for all who use Tompkins County's roads. o 3/12 – attended SS4A check in meeting w/ planning team and consultants. COMMITTEE MANAGEMENT • Agricultural and Farmland Protection Committee staff support • Conservation Advisory Committee Council • Project Review Committee o 7 March 2024 • Water & Sewer Working Group o No meeting • Capital Improvement Committee o No meeting PLANNING BOARD • 24 March 2024 meeting – the Planning Board heard the following: o 390 Peruville Rd – site plan application to construct 30’x56’ pole barn; public hearing scheduled for 4/22 o 35 Town Barn Rd – site plan application to construct 200’x32’ pole barn; public hearing scheduled for 4/22 o 118 Ross Rd – 4 lot, minor subdivision; public hearing scheduled for 4/22 ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS • 13 March 2024 o Area Variance – 484 Ridge Rd. applicant applied for relief to install a new 32 sq/ft sign for existing storage business. – approved Building & Code March 2024 Fees Collected $3,902.90 Estimated Project Cost $1,344,867.00 Certificate of Occupancy/Compliance 25 Building Permits 31 One- & Two-Family Residences 0 New Businesses 0 Multi-Family Residences (3 or more units) 0 TOTAL 2024 Misc. Fee Collected to date 7,550.00 Jan 1, 2024 to March 31, 2024 Fees Collected $18,510.90 Estimated Project Cost $5,948,653.00 Certificate of Occupancy/Compliance 100 Building Permits 68 One- & Two-Family Residences 2 New Businesses 1 Multi-Family Residences (3 or more units) 0 April 17, 2024 23 John also stated: Yellow Barn Solar – meeting scheduled soon with NYS Office of Renewable Energy Siting Open Space Conservation Plan – solicited comments from NYS Ag and Markets and County Planning. Will send it to neighbor municipalities. Gap Analysis – starting work with Colliers, anticipating four (4) to six (6) week completion ENGINEER’S REPORT – DAVE HERRICK No report. TOWN CLERK REPORT – DEBBIE MUNSON Emailed the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the public packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout. TOWN CLERK APRIL 2024 2024 Town and County Taxes Total warrant is $16,315,299.77. We collected $15.2 million. The last day to pay taxes in our office was April 1, 2024. We have reconciled and all monies have been paid to Town of Lansing Supervisor and Tompkins County Finance. Unpaid taxes have been turned over to Tompkins County and residents will need to contact them for the amount due and to make payment. Dog Enumeration The dog enumeration (census) began on April 1st. Our office issues licenses for dogs who reside in the Town AND the Village of Lansing. The enumerators started work in the Village at the beginning of the month and will move to the Town roads after the Village is completed. So far, they have located several unlicensed dogs in the Village, mostly in apartment complexes. We have fielded many calls from residents who have more questions. So far, we have licensed 19 new dogs. The enumerators have already found 128 unlicensed dogs. Water and Sewer Bills The next quarterly water and sewer bills will be sent out on April 30th. Payments are due by May 28. CONSENT AGENDA a. MOTION AUTHORIZING TOWN OF LANSING SUPERVISOR TO SIGN CIVICPLUS RENEWAL STATEMENT OF WORK MOTION M24-11 MOTION AUTHORIZING TOWN OF LANSING SUPERVISOR TO SIGN CIVICPLUS RENEWAL STATEMENT OF WORK Motion authorizing Town of Lansing Supervisor to sign CivicPlus Statement of Work (“SOW”), starting May 1, 2024, and running for twelve months. b. MOTION TO ACCEPT DONATION FROM JANET MCGOVERN FOR 6’ CONTOUR SWING BENCH AT LUDLOWVILLE PARK MOTION M24-12 April 17, 2024 24 MOTION TO ACCEPT DONATION FROM JANET MCGOVERN FOR 6’ CONTOUR SWING BENCH FOR LUDLOWVILLE PARK Motion to accept a donation from Janet McGovern for a 6’ Contour Swing Bench for the Ludlowville Park, with a value of $1,595.00; and to approve the Town of Lansing to pay $352.36 for shipping of the bench. c. MOTION TO ACCEPT BEAUTIFICATION FUNDING FROM CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION AND TO AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN AGREEMENT DATED MARCH 20, 2024 MOTION M24-13 MOTION TO ACCEPT BEAUTIFICATION FUNDING FROM CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION AND TO AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN AGREEMENT DATED MARCH 20, 2024 Motion to accept Beautification Funding from Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County (“CCETC”) in the amount of $2,250, signed by CCETC Executive Director on March 20, 2024; and authorization for Town Supervisor to sign the Agreement for Beautification Funding. d. RESOLUTION APPOINTING BRUCE BARBER AS A TOWN OF LANSING ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS ALTERNATE MEMEBER RESOLUTION 24-98 RESOLUTION APPOINTING BRUCE BARBER AS A TOWN OF LANSING ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS ALTERNATE MEMBER The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, the Zoning Board of Appeals has one alternate member vacancy; and WHEREAS, Bruce Barber is qualified to be on the Town of Lansing Zoning Board of Appeals; and WHEREAS, on April 3, 2024, the Ad Hoc Interview Committee interviewed the Zoning Board of Appeals applicant and recommended Bruce Barber to the Zoning Board of Appeals; and WHEREAS, the appointment requires Bruce Barber to complete the mandatory New York State and Town of Lansing training requirements; and WHEREAS, upon due consideration and deliberation by the Town of Lansing Town Board, now therefore be it RESOLVED as follows: 1. Bruce Barber is hereby appointed as an Alternate Member to the Town of Lansing Zoning Board of Appeals effective April 18, 2024 through December 31, 2024, to serve at the pleasure of this Board, and 2. The Town Clerk shall administer the oath of office for such new position. e. RESOLUTION AMENDING 2024 ORGANIZATIONAL RESOLUTION # 24-35 RESOLUTION 24-99 RESOLUTION AMENDING 2024 ORGANIZATIONAL RESOLUTION # 24-35 The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: April 17, 2024 25 WHEREAS, on January 17, 2024, the Town passed Organizational Resolution # 24-35 appointing liaisons and committee members for 2024; and WHEREAS, the Supervisor wishes to make the following amendments to Resolution # 24-35; 1. Committee Member to Bolton Point (Commissioners) be Ruth Groff and Mike Moseley; and WHEREAS, upon due consideration and deliberation upon the foregoing, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED that 2024 Organizational Resolution # 24-35 be and are hereby amended as follows: Resolution # 24-35: 1. Committee Member to Bolton Point (Commissioners) be Ruth Groff and Mike Moseley. f. RESOLUTION APPOINTING CHRISTINE HASS AS A TOWN OF LANSING PLANNING BOARD MEMBER FOR SEVEN (7) YEAR TERM AND APPOINTING DANIELLE HAUTANIEMI AS ALTERNATE MEMBER TO THE PLANNING BOARD RESOLUTION 24-100 RESOLUTION APPOINTING CHRISTINE HASS AS A TOWN OF LANSING PLANNING BOARD MEMBER FOR A SEVEN (7) YEAR TERM AND APPOINTING DANIELLE HAUTANIEMI AS ALTERNATE MEMBER TO THE PLANNING BOARD The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, the Planning Board has three members terms which expired on December 31, 2023; and WHEREAS, Christine Hass and Danielle Hautaniemi are qualified to be on the Town of Lansing Planning Board; and WHEREAS, on April 11, 2024, the Ad Hoc Interview Committee interviewed Planning Board applicants and recommended Christine Hass and Danielle Hautaniemi to the Planning Board; and WHEREAS, the appointments require Christine Hass and Danielle Hautaniemi to complete the mandatory New York State and Town of Lansing training requirements; and WHEREAS, upon due consideration and deliberation by the Town of Lansing Town Board, now therefore be it RESOLVED as follows: 1. Christine Hass is hereby appointed as a Member to the Town of Lansing Planning Board effective April 18, 2024 through December 31, 2030, to serve at the pleasure of this Board, and 2. Danielle Hautaniemi is hereby appointed as an Alternate Member to the Town of Lansing Planning Board effective April 18, 2024 through December 31, 2024, to serve at the pleasure of this Board, and 3. The Town Clerk shall administer the oath of office for such new appointments. g. RESOLUTION APPROVING AUDIT AND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS AND SUPERVISOR’S REPORT April 17, 2024 26 RESOLUTION 24-101 RESOLUTION APPROVING AUDIT AND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS AND SUPERVISOR’S REPORT The Supervisor submitted her monthly report for the months of January and February 2024, to all Board Members and to the Town Clerk. The Supervisor’s Report was reviewed by Councilperson Joseh Wetmore. The bills were reviewed by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore and Councilperson Christine Montague. 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 # 004 DATED 04/17/2024 AUDITED VOUCHER #’s 274 – 373 AUDITED T&A VOUCHER #’s 7 – 21 BUDGET MODIFICATIONS GENERAL FUND A April 17,2024 FROM TO FOR AMOUNT A1610.400 A1640.400 To correct coding on Voucher # 22, Abstract 001 $ 1,000.00 A5132.410 A5132.400 To correct coding on Voucher #41, Abstract 001 $ 987.50 A599 A1920.400 Stormwater Coalition Dues not budgeted for because not paid in 2022. $ 1,525.00 GENERAL FUND B April 17, 2024 FROM TO FOR AMOUNT B599 TA31A INTERFUND LOAN to pay for Yellow Barn Solar Expenditures (Lansing & Groton). Repayment to be made when reimbursement is received from ORES & YBS. $ 150,000.00 April 17, 2024 27 WATER FUND SW April 17, 2024 FROM TO FOR AMOUNT SW8310.401 SW1440.400 To correct coding on Voucher # 267, Abstract 003. $ 277.50 h. CONSENT AGENDA MOTIONS M24-11 – M24-13 AND RESOLUTIONS 24-98 – 24-101 RESOLUTION 24-102 CONSENT AGENDA MOTIONS M24-11 – M24-13 AND RESOLUTIONS 24-98 – 24-101 WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, that the Consent Agenda Motions M24-11 – M24-13 and Resolutions 24- 98 – 24-101, are hereby approved as presented and amended, and The question of the adoption of such proposed Consent Agenda Motions and Resolutions were duly motioned by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, duly seconded by Councilperson Judy Drake, and put to a roll call vote with the following results: Councilperson Judy Drake – Aye Councilperson Christine Montague – Aye Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye Supervisor Ruth Groff – Aye Accordingly, the foregoing Resolutions were approved, carried, and duly adopted on April 17, 2024. RESOLUTION TO URGE GOVERNOR HOCHUL TO SUPPORT THE INCLUSION OF CLIMATE CHANGE SUPERFUND ACT (S.2129/A.3351) RESOLUTION 24-103 RESOLUTION TO URGE GOVERNOR HOCHUL TO SUPPORT THE INCLUSION OF THE CLIMATE CHANGE SUPERFUND ACT (S.2129/A.3351) The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, Lansing is on the shores of Cayuga Lake, a delicate ecosystem that is showing signs of stress from environmental challenges, and WHEREAS, our town is experiencing ever increasing problems related to aging sewer systems and outdated stormwater systems, and WHEREAS, the financial burden for addressing these issues is more than our local budgets can endure, and WHEREAS, municipalities across New York are facing increased economic hardship as Aid & Incentives for Municipalities (AIM) funding is being reduced, the Consolidated Local Street & Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) has remained flat for 16 years, and recently the Public Service Commission proposed a $24 million reduction for NYSERDA's Clean Energy Communities Program, and WHEREAS, local governments need a dedicated fund for climate crisis costs, and WHEREAS, the Climate Change Superfund Act (S.2129/A.3351) bill establishes a revenue stream to address our growing climate costs and ensures that the biggest polluters are held accountable for the costs of their actions, and April 17, 2024 28 WHEREAS, the money collected from the biggest climate polluters would fund infrastructure improvements, upgrade stormwater and sewage systems, and improve grid stability and public health, and WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing shall send a letter to Governor Hochul’s executive staff asking them to urge Governor Hochul to support the inclusion of the Climate Change Superfund Act (S.2129/A.3351) in the fiscal year 2025 State Budget, and further RESOLVED, to send copies of the letter to the Assembly Speaker, the Senate Majority Leader, the Chair of the Assembly’s Environmental Conservation Committee, the Chair of the Assembly’s Committee on Energy, and the Chair of the Senate’s Committee on Environmental Conservation. The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, duly seconded by Councilperson Christine Montague, and put to a roll call vote with the following results: Councilperson Judy Drake – Aye Councilperson Christine Montague – Aye Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye Supervisor Ruth Groff – Aye Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on April 17, 2024. RESOLUTION DECLARING INTENT TO ESTABLISH LEAD AGENCY PURSUANT TO STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW 6 NYCRR PART 617.6 FOR ADOPTION OF THE TOWN OF LANSING OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION PLAN RESOLUTION 24-104 RESOLUTION DECLARING INTENT TO ESTABLISH LEAD AGENCY PURSUANT TO STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW 6 NYCRR PART 617.6 FOR ADOPTION OF THE TOWN OF LANSING OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION PLAN The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, 6 NYCRR Part 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 WHEREAS, State Law specifies that for actions governed by local environmental review, the Lead Agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and carrying out the action; and WHEREAS, adoption of the Town of Lansing Open Space and Conservation Plan is a Type I Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act §617.4(b)(1), the adoption of a municipality's land use plan, the adoption by any agency of a comprehensive resource management plan or the initial adoption of a municipality's comprehensive zoning regulations; which requires environmental review; and WHEREAS, the Town Board is the local agency with primary responsibility for approving the action; and WHEREAS, pursuant to §617.6(b)(3) of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), the aforementioned information must be mailed to all involved agencies notifying them that a Lead Agency must be agreed upon within thirty (30) calendar days April 17, 2024 29 of the date that the aforementioned information is mailed to involved agencies; and therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing hereby authorizes the mailing to all Involved Agencies of the aforementioned information, together with Notice that the Town Board intends to declare itself Lead Agency for purposes of SEQRA for this Type I Action, unless objection to such designation is received within thirty (30) days. The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, duly seconded by Supervisor Ruth Groff, and put to a roll call vote with the following results: Councilperson Judy Drake – Aye Councilperson Christine Montague – Aye Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye Supervisor Ruth Groff – Aye Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on April 17, 2024. RESOLUTION TO NAME STATE ROUTE 34B BRIDGE AFTER PETER WHEELER RESOLUTION 24-105 RESOLUTION TO NAME STATE ROUTE 34B BRIDGE AFTER PETER WHEELER The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, Peter Wheeler was born into slavery in New Jersey in 1789, and WHEREAS, Peter Wheeler, at the age of eleven, was separated from his family, sold to Gideon Morehouse, and moved to Ludlowville, NY, and WHEREAS, Peter Wheeler suffered brutal treatment at the hands of Gideon Morehouse who held him in bondage, and WHEREAS, the property where Peter Wheeler was held in slavery was adjacent to the NYS Route 34B bridge over Salmon Creek, and WHEREAS, Peter Wheeler found support and aid from abolitionist neighbors in Ludlowville, including Thomas and Henry Ludlow, two of the brothers for whom the hamlet is named, and WHEREAS, with the assistance of the daughter of Gideon Morehouse, the man holding him in slavery in Ludlowville, Peter Wheeler escaped from the bonds of slavery, and went on to live as a free-man, and WHEREAS, on November 20, 2019, the Lansing Town Board passed a resolution, condemning Lansing’s history of enslaving people, honoring Peter Wheeler and authorizing a plaque recognizing Peter Wheeler to be placed in Ludlowville Park, and WHEREAS, on August 28, 2020, William G. Pomeroy Foundation awarded the Town of Lansing a grant for a historic marker about Peter Wheeler at Ludlowville Park, and WHEREAS, a dedication ceremony was held on June 19, 2021, for the new NYS Historic Roadside marker commemorating Peter Wheeler, and WHEREAS, at the August 1, 2022, ribbon cutting ceremony to open the NYS Route 34B bridge, NYS DOT Commissioner Dominguez mentioned that the bridge needs a name, and April 17, 2024 30 WHEREAS, the only responses to Commissioner Dominguez’s suggestion were requests to name the bridge for Peter Wheeler, and WHEREAS, upon request of the Lansing Historical Association by the Lansing Town Board to suggest a name for the bridge, none was sent forward, and WHEREAS, upon a review and discussion of the matter, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED as follows: 1. The Town of Lansing supports the naming of the NYS Route 34B bridge after Peter Wheeler, and 2. That a copy of this resolution be sent to Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator Lea Webb and Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles. The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by Councilperson Christine Montague, duly seconded by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, and put to a roll call vote with the following results: Councilperson Judy Drake – Noe Councilperson Christine Montague – Aye Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye Supervisor Ruth Groff – Aye Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on April 17, 2024. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS Judy Drake 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. Judy Drake Town Board Member Report April 2024 Meetings attended: March 18th: Tompkins County Youth Services Board • Presentation by Coddington Road Community Center on daycare needs. • Part 3 of 3 YSB Orientation – funding agencies March 25th: Lansing Planning Board • 3 preliminary site plans reviewed – with 2 to return in April for public comment and final review. April 2nd: Town of Lansing Personnel Committee meeting • Orientation meeting Lansing Fire Commissioners April 3rd – ZBA interview April 3rd: Town of Lansing Conservation Advisory Council - Did not attend meeting • Met with John Z and discussed status of plan and steps before approval by TB April 10th: Lansing Zoning Board of Appeals - cancelled Judy also stated: Bridge Resolution – Her noe vote had nothing to do with the name, but the process. She was not involved and feels Town doesn’t have any part in naming bridge. There are other bridges if we want to name them. Lansing Fire Commissioners – working on a capital project April 17, 2024 31 Laurie Hemmings 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. Laurie Hemmings Town Board Member Report April 2024 Interviewed candidates for the Planning Board on April 11, 2024. Both candidates were highly qualified and interviewed well. The interview team, comprised of John Zepko, Larry Sharpsteen, Tom Butler, and myself, was impressed with both candidates’ statements. After some discussion, the team agreed to offer Christine Haas the 7-year seat on the Planning Board and offer Danielle Hautaniemi the alternate position. This will leave the second alternate position open. Larry Sharpsteen expressed his intention to step down at the end of his term in December 2024. Christine Montague 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. Christine Montague Town Board Member Report April 2024 1. Participated in the meeting to interview an applicant for the Zoning Board of Appeals alternate position (April 3). 2. Lansing Housing Authority (LHA) a. The representative from Insero & Co., CPA, presented the financial report for the housing authority. b. LHA is in line to receive a payout for their portion from a class action lawsuit against the government. They will use this to fix the roof at Woodsedge. c. The management company sent out new rules for the residents at Woodsedge. d. They are also changing out the washers and dryers for newer units with a card reader rather than keeping cash in the facility. e. Bob Munson and his landscaping company are donating their time to put a new fence around the residents’ vegetable garden at Woodsedge, and the Lansing Lions are helping to fix the planting boxes. 3. Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization (CWIO) A presenter from the NYS Environmental Facilities Corp spoke about funding sources from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other sources of state revolving funds to help build water infrastructure (including stormwater). The grants: https://efc.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2023/07/program-guide-6- 23.pdf They have community assistance teams to help: https://efc.ny.gov/CAT There are also grants through the EPA's Healthy Watersheds Consortium: https://www.epa.gov/hwp/healthy-watersheds-consortium-grants Joseph Wetmore Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout. Joseph Wetmore Town Board Member Report April 2024 April 17, 2024 32 Planning Board Monday, March 25⋅6:30 – 8:30pm 390 Peruville Road, Project Description: The applicant proposes to build/ install a new 30’ x 56’ pole barn to be used for dry storage. This property is in the AG zone. Review of Application, Set Public Hearing for April 22, 2024. 118 Ross Road, Project Description: The applicants propose a subdivision of 118 Ross Road into three smaller, approximately 1.2-1.5 acre, labeled “Parcel A”, “Parcel B” and “Parcel C”. This property is in both L1 and RA zoning. Reviewed Application. Introduced Judy Drake to the Planning Board. Bolton Point Personnel and Organization Committee Wednesday, March 27⋅1:00 – 2:00pm Reports: a. Shop Steward b. Finance Manager c. Distribution Manager d. Production Manager e. Human Resources Manager f. General Manager Operations and Code Revision Committee. Monday, April 1⋅10:00 – 11:00am The committee reviewed the following topics and gave recommendations for staff’s first draft. • §270-28 – [Zoning Permits] Specific Standards – Keeping of Chickens • §235-3 – [Subdivision of Land] Definition of “Lot Line Adjustment” • §235-3 – [Subdivision of Land] Definition of “Flag Lot” • §270 Attachment 2 – interpretation of lot lines for corner lot • §270 Article III District Regulations – Maximum number of single and/or two-family dwelling units per parcel Asked the Town Board to approve working on the following items: *Local Planning & Zoning Gap Analysis for the Town of Lansing *Zoning update Grant Application *Update zoning on storage containers *Correct omission of illustrations to Ag Zoning update CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL Wednesday, April 3⋅6:30 – 8:00pm *Discussion of the Mar 20 Town Board re OSCP public meeting *Review of resolution creating the CAC with emphasis on conservation easements and management plan * Update on Climate Smart Communities New York Planning Federation 83rd Conference Saratoga Hilton, Saratoga Springs, NY April 7-9, 2024 Annual Membership Meeting April 17, 2024 33 Whose Role is it Anyway: The Interplay Between the Governing Board and Planning and Zoning Boards -- Speaker: Katie Hodgdon, Counsel to the Association of Towns of the State of New York Public Participation: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly – Speaker: Mark Schachner, Esq., Senior Principal Attorney at Miller, Mannix, Schachner & Hafner, LLC Best Practices for Complete Streets Codes and Policies – Speaker: Katherine Ember, AICP, Founding Principal, Planning4Places, LLC Afternoon Break and Eclipse Watching! Siting Large Renewable Energy Facilities – The NYS Executive Law 94-c Process – Speaker: Charles Voss, AICP, Senior Renewable Energy Siting Specialist IV with the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting County Referral – Speaker: Christopher Eastman, Manager of Local Government Training program at the New York State Department of State Land Use Moratoria – Speaker: Patricia Burke, Local Government Specialist with New York State Department of State Joe also stated the Planning Federation Conference was very helpful, especially the session with NYS Office of Renewable Energy Siting. 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 Supervisor Report April 2024 • Meetings of committees: o Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council (ITCTC), Planning Committee: March 19, 10:00 AM  TIP amendment to update FTA 5307 Table-FFY 2024 • Allocation of remaining balances from FFY 20/21 and 22/23 to the following: o Five New Projects:  Operating assistance – TCAT  Transit Facility Parking lot rehab project  TCAT office space project  TCAT Boiler replacement project April 17, 2024 34  Bus transmission/engine replacement o One Existing Project:  TCAT replacement cars  ITCTC area is receiving $5.45M federal funds for Bridge NY • Of the 5 applications received for this funding, NYSDOT identified Falls Road over Taughannock Creek as the project to receive the funding. The ITCTC Planning Committee endorsed and recommended that project to go to the Policy Committee.  Director’s Report • The updated Crash Report is now online on the ITCTC website. • Ithaca Carshare has restarted. • Ithaca Bikeshare is a huge success.  NYSDOT • There will be an open house regarding the repaving of Route 13, on April 3 at Ithaca High School. Information will be forthcoming.  Ithaca • The Stewart Avenue bridge is planned for construction in the summer of 2025. o Traffic will be rerouted to the Thurston Avenue bridge. o Pedestrian and bike traffic will still be open on the Stewart Ave. bridge during construction. o Capital Improvement Committee: March 25, 10:00 AM  The committee reviewed the projects from prior meetings and added a couple in the section for projects between $50k and $500k. We will be moving forward with writing a narrative for each project and with reviewing the timing of each project. o Parks, Recreation, and Trail Working Group: March 26, 11:30 AM  Discussed recommendations to be sent to the Town Board regarding Jonas Falls, and Trails and Sidewalks. Reviewed a preliminary version of a FAQ document being compiled to highlight points frequently asked by landowners regarding trails. The Beautification Grant for Banners was awarded to Lansing for banners along the town center corridor. o Highway Building: March 28 and April 11, 10:00 AM  Regular meeting with Colliers Engineering and LeChase. Agendas included Geotechnical, Schematic Design Progress, Owners & Construction Manager Action Items, Next Steps, update of Project Schedule. They are still on schedule to break ground in the first part of 2025. o Tompkins County Council of Governments (TCCOG): March 28, 3:00 PM  Jay Franklin, County’s Director of Assessment, gave a presentation on “Assessment 301,” where he highlighted the job of the Assessor, assessment cycles, annual equity maintenance, and tax levies.  There were presentations about municipal grants and assistance by the Tompkins County Department of Planning and Sustainability – Municipal Parks and Trails Grant, Business Energy Advisor (BEA), Housing Affordability and Supportive Infrastructure Grant, Community Housing Development Fund, and Natural Infrastructure Capital Program. April 17, 2024 35  Robert Lynch gave a brief report on TCAT’s electric buses, indicating that they have all been taken out of service, due to serious structural and mechanical issues.  The Council passed a Resolution on County Wide Emergency Response, resolving that TCCOG urge the Tompkins County Legislature to abandon any municipal cost-sharing approach for the Tompkins County Rapid Medical Response (RMR), and that TCCOG fully support the funding of the RMR program through the County tax levy. o Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission: April 4  3:30 PM – Budget meeting  4:00 PM – Regular meeting • Steve Riddle presented a slide show regarding the various types of water main breaks, with explanations as to the proper pipes and protections that should be installed to prevent or mitigate such breaks. o Tompkins County Rapid Medical Response: April 11, 4:30 PM o Town Supervisors: April 15, 10 AM • Other: o Tompkins County Public Information Advisory Board: March 27, 4:30 PM  The Public Information Advisory Board (PIAB) hosted an event to help develop and strengthen relationships between local officials and members of the media who cover topics of interest in Tompkins County. The event intended to spark conversations to improve the reporting and information sharing process so both elected officials and the media can better meet their communications goals. The panel included representatives from Tompkins Weekly and the Ithaca Voice, followed by representatives from the County Legislature and Ithaca Council. In attendance were reporters from several other papers and radio stations, and elected officials from around the county. o Pre-Demolition of 2 Auburn Road: March 28, 8:30 AM  Dave Herrick, Mike Moseley, Scott Russell, Heather Dries, and I met with Anthony Contento, the contractor on the project, for a pre-demolition conference. The topics covered with Mr. Contento were as follows: required documents, demolition execution, environmental impacts, staging area, payments, submissions for approval, local regulations, and labor laws. Mr. Contento is confident that the demolition can start in the last week of April, dependent on approval of all documents that have been submitted to the required authorities. o Supervisors Roundtable, sponsored by Association of Towns: April 10, 1:00 PM  A roundtable discussion among Supervisors from around the state. The topics revolved around competitive benefits and civil service as roadblocks to filling positions and employee retention.  Many municipalities are struggling with EMS services. Ruth also stated she attended the Lansing Fire Department Open House and spoke with Fire Chief Brad George. WORK SESSION Referral to Codes Committee • Referring the following to committee o Local Planning and Zoning Gap Analysis o Zoning update grant application April 17, 2024 36 o Update zoning on storage containers o Correct omission of illustrations to Ag Zoning Update (buffers) o Cannabis Law • Committee currently working on o Chickens in residential districts o Flag Lots o Corner Lots o Lot Line Adjustments Parks, Recreation and Trails Committee – Need to work on a master trail plan Town Hall HVAC System – What is status of repairing versus replacing? Pat Tyrrell is working with Chair of CAC Ed Dubovi and Cornell Cooperative Extension to see what funding may be available. MOTION TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED ACQUISITION/SALE/LEASE OF REAL PROPERTY WHEN PUBLICITY MIGHT AFFECT VALUE FOR TWO PROPERTIES AT 8:29 PM. Councilperson Judy Drake seconded the motion. All in Favor – 4 Opposed – 0 MOTION TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 8:56 PM. Supervisor Ruth Groff seconded the motion. All in Favor – 4 Opposed – 0 MOTION TO ENTER CLOSED SESSION Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to ENTER CLOSED SESSION FOR ADVICE OF COUNSEL ON LITIGATION MATTER 8:56 PM. Councilperson Judy Drake seconded the motion. All in Favor – 4 Opposed – 0 MOTION TO EXIT CLOSED SESSION Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to EXIT CLOSED SESSION AT 9:12 PM. Supervisor Ruth Groff seconded the motion. All in Favor – 4 Opposed – 0 MOTION TO ADJOURN MEETING Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:13 PM. Supervisor Ruth Groff seconded the motion. All in Favor – 4 Opposed – 0 Minutes taken and executed by the Deputy Town Clerk. Minutes beginning with Executive Session were taken by Guy Krogh, Town Counsel and executed by the Deputy Town Clerk. Respectfully submitted, Jessica L. Hall Deputy Town Clerk