HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-05-15
May 15, 2024
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REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING
May 15, 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 Deborah K. Munson, Town Clerk,
showed the following to be
PRESENT:
Judy Drake, Councilperson Laurie Hemmings, Councilperson
Joseph Wetmore, Councilperson Ruth Groff, Supervisor
ABSENT: Christine Montague, Councilperson
ALSO PRESENT: Mike Moseley, Highway Superintendent, Patrick Tyrrell, Director of
Parks and Recreation, Mary Ellen Albrecht, Bookkeeper, Guy Krogh, Town Counsel,
Mike Sigler, Tompkins County Legislature, Grascen Shidemantle, Executive Director
Community Science Institute, Christopher Skawski and Siobhan Hull, Cornell
Cooperative Extension, Dennis Griffin, Jen Lyons, Jesse Young and a few other
attendees
COMMUNITY SCIENCE INSTITUTE - GRASCEN SHIDEMANTLE,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Grascen Shidemantle, Executive Director of the Community Science Institute (CSI),
presented their work to the Town Board. Shidemantle explained CSI’s mission to foster
and support environmental monitoring with community-based volunteer groups for the
long-term sustainability and protection of natural resources. They outlined CSI's
volunteer water monitoring programs, fee-for-service water testing, and educational
outreach efforts. Questions were asked about how the Town can support CSI’s
educational programs, and it was recommended that information be included in the
Town’s newsletter.
The following slides were reviewed.
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CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION - CHRIS SKAWSKI, CLEAN
ENERGY COMMUNITIES COORDINATOR AND SIOBHAN HULL
Chris Skawski from the Cornell Cooperative Extension presented on the Clean Energy
Communities Program, funded by NYSERDA. The program helps municipalities with
grants and energy advising work, including HVAC improvements for the Town Hall.
Skawski identified potential funds and stressed the importance of timing due to incentive
reductions post-October 1. Additionally, incentives specific to Lansing from the Non-
Pipes Alternative Program were highlighted by Siobhan Hull, indicating substantial
financial benefits for the community. They offered assistance in outreach for these
programs through the Town newsletter.
The following slides were reviewed.
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PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – COMMENTS
A Lansing resident spoke about naming the redone bridge on Route 34B. He is aware the
Town Board voted to ask the State to name it after Peter Wheeler and stated he would be
a fine person to name the bridge after. However, he has previously been honored in
Lansing and other places. He suggested naming the Route 34B bridge after the late
Douglas Dake. The resident emphasized Dake’s contributions to the Lansing community,
his coaching, and his family's impact on the Town.
LANSING COMMUNITY LIBRARY REPORT – CHRISTINE EISENHUT
Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting
packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
TOWN BOARD UPDATES
FROM THE LANSING COMMUNITY LIBRARY
May 2024
1. Congratulations to the newly elected trustees Annie Johnson and Susan
Mehringer and re-elected trustee Steven Patrician.
2. Congratulations to Addie M. who submitted the winning entry for the 2024
Summer Reading Logo Contest. The theme is “Adventure Begins at Your
Library”.
3. Thank you to the Friends of the Library, Dave Hatfield and the community for
the success of the chicken BBQ.
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4. Caregiver and Child Yoga classes are offered throughout May on Wednesdays
at 1pm.
5. On alternate Mondays the library will host the Tompkins County Community
Resource Hub from 12-2pm. It will be held at the Ithaca Mall on “off” weeks.
6. On display during the beginning of month of May: Acrylic and Watercolor
Paintings by Aloma McElwee. All of the submissions to the Logo Contest will
be on display by the end of the month and featured through the summer.
7. Spring Story Time is on Thursdays at 10:30 am. Children are welcome to join in
reading, games and spring themed, fun activities. No registration is required.
8. Chair Yoga for Adults is on Mondays from 10:00-11:00am.
9. The library will be closed on Monday, May 27th in observance of Memorial
Day.
10. Instructor John Burger hosts T’ai Chi classes at the Community Center on
Fridays from 10:30-11:30am.
11. Learn to play American Mah Jongg every Tuesday at 10:15am and play
American Mah Jongg every Wednesday from 1:00-3:00pm.
12. The library continues to provide free delivery to Woodsedge. The library also
has a mobile wireless hotspot available for check out. The Wi-Fi is not
password protected. The community is welcome to park in the lot to access the
Internet.
13. The library continues to distribute free self-test COVID-19 kits, antibacterial
wipes and N95 masks to Lansing households.
LANSING YOUTH SERVICES REPORT – RICK ALVORD
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
May 2024
Party Planners: Party Planners has been working hard at learning what planning goes
into hosting a celebration or public event. The group has learned kitchen safety and
sanitary practices that are in place for cooking for a large group of people. The group
prepared all the baked ziti for the Lansing Youth Services Family Dinner which took
place on May 3rd. Participants also made posters to highlight programs they have been
involved in, which were hung around the dinner venue. On the day of the dinner,
participants finished their preparations by making salad and garlic bread. They also set up
and decorated the venue, and as the event began they served their families the dinner they
made! 11 youth served. Special thank you to the Lansing United Methodist Church for
the amazing venue, the Lasing Youth Commission for the support, the youth for all of
their hard work and all of their families for joining us at this wonderful event.
Outdoor Adventure: Outdoor Adventure has finally returned to their beloved Salmon
Creek! The group has gotten a good understanding and practice in making a teepee style
fire, where they cooked lots of S’mores, hot dogs with all the toppings and other yummy
foods. This group got very interested in panning for semi-precious stones in the gravel
behind large boulders. Using a gold pan that was 3-D printed by our youth employee as
well as a sluice box that was built and printed by him. The group was also able to rescue
two White Sucker fish that were stranded in small pools as the water level dropped. 12
youth served.
Fun With Food II: Fun With Food participants recently made veggie villages, rock
candy, and art using skittles and other candy. The veggie villages were quite different
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this round and many of the villages included more people/characters in their scenes. It
took on a live action theme as students explained their projects to their peers. The rock
candy turned out great with lots of crystals and beautiful formations. When making art
with skittles, the group was amazed when watching their plates come alive and change
into all kinds of patterns and shapes. Although there were some new candies that were
added to test out, skittles seemed to reign and the best for vivid colors and creating
patterns. 10 youth served.
Science Explorers: This program was busy! A trip to the Museum of the Earth started
the program off strong and sparked lots of interest in fossils, which resulted in a lot of
fossil searching during future trips. The trip to Bell Station Preserve was a huge hit, and
it was apparent that this beautiful place is not well known, as only one student had been
there or heard of it. After the first visit, it was requested to head back to the preserve on
another day. The group got to skip lots of rocks, see a vast number of Trout Lilies and
walk through a field of Trillium. It was early in the season, so only a few flowers were
blooming. The first gorge and waterfall were a hot spot for these plants, and some prime
fossil hunting along the stream. SPIF (Spacecraft and Planetary Imaging Facility), visited
for a presentation where Lansing Youth Services youth combined with the Lansing
Middle School Science Club. It was an amazing presentation on visible and non-visible
light and how it is used to analyze a planet’s elements from a faraway distance. Youth
even got to make comets using dry ice! 9 youth served.
Spring break Montezuma trip: This trip went surprisingly well as there was mostly rain
for the day. The group stopped at Salt Point and saw just a handful of birds. Mostly
small songbirds, but there was also a Kingfisher, Hooded Merganser and of course,
Osprey. A stop at the Bald Eagle Nest in Aurora was a hit where the Bald Eagle seemed
to be posing for pictures and she lay on her eggs, looking directly at the group for the
majority of the time. At Montezuma, there were lots of ducks, some too far away to
identify, but there were Ring Necked Ducks, a flock of Sandhill Cranes that landed right
in front of the visitor’s center, a couple of juvenile and adult Bald Eagles, and the
amazing site of a Great Blue Heron Rookery! 9 youth served.
Youth Employment: With continued schedule changes for spring sports and other
extracurricular activities, Lansing Youth Services Program Assistants are still going
strong with the after-school programs. Of the three assistants, one has been going above
and beyond, bringing in projects of their own hobbies and passions. Our Lansing Public
Library employees have been doing fantastic. They have a new employee which just
finished their training. We also have a new position at the Lansing High School Library
and the youth placement is just about to start. Two youth assisted at the Lansing Youth
Services Family Dinner, gaining experience in event planning and management. 12
youth served.
TOMPKINS COUNTY LEGISLATOR REPORT – MIKE SIGLER
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.
Tompkins County Legislator
Michael Sigler
May 2024
Hello and thank you for having me again. I want to thank Dominick Recckio for his
County reports that I draw liberally from.
I sat in on a report on our parks grant program at the County. Congratulations to the
Village of Lansing on being awarded money for its parks. There’s still $22,000 left out
of $50,000 so I’m hoping the Town of Lansing puts in an application.
There were surveyors out for the Silverline Industrial solar project last week. This is the
one that stretches from Van Ostrand Road to Auburn Road and North past Buck Road,
about 1200 acres. It would abut the CS Power projects that’s 800 acres of just panels and
goes from Van Ostrand East into Groton. Silverline owned by NextEra, a subsidiary of
Florida Power and Light, has not put in an application yet into NYSERDA which just
renegotiated all their solar contracts to boost the state subsidies.
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The Ithaca Downtown Conference Center is almost finished. They are taking bookings
starting in July and expect it to open next month. I’ll be taking a tour of the facility on
May 28th. It will prioritize hosting mid-week conferences to attract visitors to the
community, encouraging increased business at hotels, restaurants, and other downtown
establishments.
The Downtown Conference Center is funded in part through the collection of hotel room
tax in the County and is the first fossil fuel free conference center in the country.
A resolution passed 9-4 (Legislators Sigler, Brooks, Black, and Dawson opposed;
Legislator Koreman excused) removing 465 acres and adding over 1,200 acres of
agricultural land located on the west side of Cayuga Lake to Agricultural District 2, as
recommended by the Tompkins County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board.
An amendment to the resolution that included an exception of a 62-acre parcel located
within the Town of Ulysses’ Conservation Zone failed 5-7 (Legislators Sigler, Brooks,
Black, Dawson, and Champion in favor; Legislator Koreman excused). The Conservation
Zone was created to protect natural resources including Taughannock Falls State Park,
and other properties adjacent to Cayuga Lake.
We talked about the Legislature’s recent budget retreat at the end of April at our last
meeting. The tax cap calculation stands at 5.09% and a maintenance of effort budget
would require a 5.9% increase, the sense of the Legislature was for Administrator
Holmes to produce a budget with only a 2% tax levy increase, requiring approximately
$2 million in cuts.
Right now, everyone is talking about the rise in assessments. I’ve been to three
homeowner/resident meetings. Some folks in Lansing have seen dramatic increases, over
$100,000 and it’s left some wondering how they will afford increase. We’ve set the
County on a path for cuts, but other entities like the Ithaca School District have not so the
vote on their budget should give a good sense of where the community is on tax increases
which will lead to escrow and rent increases.
Thank you.
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
May 15, 2024
Snow & Ice Removal:
▪ Crews have removed plow/wings and have kicked off our spring and summer
work for 2024.
Tree & Brush Maintenance:
▪ Crews worked to complete brush pick up in the Village and Town. Mulching
takes place the week of May 13th.
Water/Sewer Maintenance:
▪ Continuing to work with Angel at Tompkins County Soil and Water on a few
ditch projects for this summer.
▪ Jenna and Mike have worked closely with Cameron from Xylem to install our
new modem for our sewer monitoring system at the Farrell Road and Oakwood
lift stations. We had a faulty modem causing a delay at Oakwood but hope to have
that installed very soon.
▪ Crews worked to repair a water service break at 9 Sharon Drive Friday, May 3rd.
Great teamwork!
Road Maintenance:
▪ Crews worked to patch potholes throughout the Town.
▪ Inspected culvert pipes.
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▪ Crews continued doing some ditching.
▪ We’re beginning our prep work for maintenance throughout the Town.
Garage Work:
▪ Thank you to TCH (Tompkins County Highway Department) for the use of their
gradall during our brush pick-up as ours was being fixed.
▪ Dan and Andy worked to keep our equipment up and running during brush pickup
with several obstacles. Thank you, Andy, and Dan.
Office:
▪ Mike attended the Bolton Point Commissions meeting.
▪ Mike attended the Engineering & Operations meeting at Bolton Point.
▪ Mike attended the Project Review Committee meeting.
▪ Mike and Jenna attended the Highway Barn meeting.
▪ Mike attended the Personnel Management Committee meeting.
▪ Mike and Jenna are attending a meeting with Maranda Roth from NYSDOT
regarding CHIPS on May 16th.
Community:
▪ Meeting with taxpayers
Cross-Departmental Collaborations:
▪ Parks and Highway have worked together to begin spring work.
New Highway Barn:
▪ Test boring took place the week of May 9th around Highway campus.
▪ Working closely with LeChase on schematic designs and how to best maximize
space for our new facility.
▪ Hoping to go look at a salt barn to help determine what we’d like at our new
facility, precast vs poured walls.
Intermunicipal Work:
▪ Helped Tompkins County Stone/Oil Brickyard Road and Jerry Smith Road
▪ Helped Dryden pave
▪ Milling in Groton
Additional Points:
▪ F550 sold on Auctions International for $28,200. We are working to purchase a
Ram 5500 from Maguire Auto.
▪ Summer hours for the Highway have begun – 6am to 4pm Monday through
Thursday.
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
May
RECREATION:
- Current youth programs include baseball, softball, t-ball, horseback riding,
swimming, and girls’ open gym.
- Current adult programs include cardio step, strength and stretch and yoga chi.
- Installation of the new batting cage has begun.
- Summer programs continue to fill, we will likely expand on several programs for
2025.
- Our basketball courts are being resurfaced this week.
- We are currently mowing 5 days a week and struggling to keep up.
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PARKS:
- At Salt Point we have planted around fifteen new native species trees.
- We planted several new trees in Myers Park and Ludlowville.
- The Salt Point osprey camera is working well, we have updated to a new
YouTube Channel. See our website for details.
- We passed our Tompkins County Health Department inspection and camping is
now open at Myers Park.
- Ludlowville Park now has a new swing bench overlooking the falls.
- We have completed drainage projects in Ludlowville and Myers parks.
- Myers Park will begin charging admission and boat launch fees on May 24th for
the season.
- We will be starting a major drainage project on the trail as soon as the weather
cooperates.
- We are still in need of lifeguards for Myers Park this summer, if anyone knows of
someone, please have them apply.
- The DEC has donated several bags of seedling trees for us to plant at Salt Point.
BUILDINGS:
- The air handler that pushes AC throughout the west side of the Town Hall has
been fixed, cheaper than expected. It was around $600 for parts and labor. The
AC is now working properly.
- The new chairlift has been installed in the Community Center.
- Red Cross Blood Drive in the Town Hall on 5/24
Pat also reported:
• HVAC – still some issues and heat will be a problem
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING REPORT – JOHN ZEPKO
Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting
packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
Planning & Code Enforcement
John Zepko, Director, CPESC, CFM
Reporting Period April 2024
CORE PLANNING FUNCTIONS
• General Admin
o Conducted four weekly staff meetings to discuss projects, deliverables,
obstacles, etc
o 4/2 – met w/ Town Supervisor to discuss Sewer District #1
o 4/2 - met Personnel Management Committee
o 4/3 – met w/ Town staff and project developer to discuss construction of
Sewer District #1
o 4/9 – attended webinar “Advancing Sustainable Design in Recreational
Trails”
o 4/10 – met w/ Town Supervisor for monthly check-in
o 4/11 – met w/ Town Board member Judy Drake
o 4/17 – met w/ development team of Genie Solar to discuss construction
requirements for approved 5MW solar installation
o 4/22 – preconstruction meeting w/ development team for East Shore Circle
subdivision
• Planner conducting classification and review of development applications
o 4/5 met w/ developer to discuss potential community solar project in the
vicinity of Triphammer Rd
o 4/15 met w/ developer to discuss requirements to subdivide property and
extend water in the vicinity of Teeter Rd
• Hazard Mitigation Planning
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o 4/10 – met w/ TC Hazard Mitigation Partners to discuss Hazard Mitigation
plan
• Floodplain Management
o Reviewing Flood Dev Permit for 32 Ladoga Park Rd
• Stormwater Management
o 4/17– attended TC Stormwater Coalition Meeting
LAND USE WORK PROGRAM/PROJECT MANAGEMENT
• CRC/ Zoning Amendments
o 4/24 meeting – discussed administrative approval of lot line adjustments
over 1 acre in size, flag lots standards, corner lot standards, increasing the
number of chickens permitted with a zoning permit from five (5) to (6)
• 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 4/2 – individual community representative meeting to discuss local
concerns in SS4A plan
o 4/9 & 4/23 – attended SS4A check in meeting w/ planning team and
consultants
• Planning/Zoning Gap Analysis
o 4/11 met w/ Consultant team to discuss progression of Gap Analysis
COMMITTEE MANAGEMENT
• Agricultural and Farmland Protection Committee staff support
• Conservation Advisory Committee Council
o 4/10 – met w/ CAC Chair Ed Dubovi to discuss Climate Smart
Communities program and possible CAC work plans
• Project Review Committee
o No meeting
• Water & Sewer Working Group
o No meeting
• Capital Improvement Committee
o No meeting
PLANNING BOARD
• 4/22 meeting – the Planning Board heard the following:
o 390 Peruville Road – site plan application to construct 30x56 pole barn;
project approved 4/22
o 35 Town Barn Road – site plan application to construct 200’x32’ pole
barn; project approved 4/22
o 118 Ross Road – 4 lot, minor subdivision; project approved 4/22
• 4/11 – conducted Planning Board interview
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
o No meeting in April 2024
o 4/3 – conducted ZBA member interview
Building & Code
April 2024
Fees Collected $22,377.80
Estimated Project Cost $554,444.00
Certificate of Occupancy/Compliance 14
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Building Permits 24
One- & Two-Family Residences 0
New Businesses 1
Multi-Family Residences (3 or more units) 0
TOTAL 2024 Misc. Fee Collected to date $9,075.00
Jan 1, 2024 to April 30, 2024
Fees Collected $42,924.80
Estimated Project Cost $6,503,097.00
Certificate of Occupancy/Compliance 114
Building Permits 68
One- & Two-Family Residences 2
New Businesses 1
Multi-Family Residences (3 or more units) 0
ENGINEER’S REPORT – DAVE HERRICK
No report.
TOWN CLERK REPORT – DEBBIE MUNSON
Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting
packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
TOWN CLERK
MAY 2024
Professional Municipal Clerk’s Week – May 5, 2024 – May 11, 2024
Water and Sewer Payments
May is very busy collecting water and sewer payments. Total bills: 1861 of which 375
were emailed. Payments are due by May 28th.
Dog Enumeration
We are approximately halfway through the enumeration process. Since March 1, 2024,
our office has licensed over 200 new dogs. There are still many more dogs that need to be
licensed. Our office is mailing follow up reminders to those who were left a brochure at
their residence but have not yet come in to license their dog(s).
Ethics Disclosure Statements
Our office emailed all positions who are required to complete an annual ethics disclosure
statement on April 29th. They are required to be returned to our office by May 28th. The
Ethics Board plans to review them at their meeting on June 13, 2024.
CONSENT AGENDA
a. MOTION AUTHORIZING TOWN OF LANSING SUPERVISOR TO SIGN
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROPERTY ACCESS
REQUEST
MOTION M24-14
MOTION AUTHORIZING TOWN OF LANSING SUPERVISOR TO SIGN
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROPERTY
ACCESS REQUEST
May 15, 2024
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Motion authorizing Town of Lansing Supervisor to sign United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) Property Access Request for permission to trap for an invasive pest,
the Box Tree Moth and/or the European Cherry Fruit Fly on the Town of Lansing’s
property.
b. MOTION TO AMEND AND ADOPT THE UPDDATED TOWN COVID-19
LEAVE TIME AND GENERAL POLICIES
MOTION M24-15
MOTION TO AMEND AND ADOPT THE UPDATED TOWN COVID-19 LEAVE
TIME AND GENERAL POLICIES
Motion to update, amend and adopt the Town of Lansing COVID-19 leave time and
general policies, said Policy dated May 15, 2024, as updated, supersedes and replaces the
prior policy effective immediately.
c. RESOLUTIONS APPROVING STORMWATER COVENANTS FOR DRAINAGE
DISTRICTS #11 AND #12, ACCESS EASEMENT FOR DRAINAGE DISTRICT #12,
AND RELEASE OF PRIOR STORMWATER AGREEMENT (SOMRA) FOR
DRAINAGE DISTRICT #11, FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND
FILING OF EACH THEREOF
RESOLUTION 24-106
RESOLUTIONS APPROVING STORMWATER COVENANTS FOR DRAINAGE
DISTRICTS #11 AND #12, ACCESS EASEMENT FOR DRAINAGE DISTRICT #12,
AND RELEASE OF PRIOR STORMWATER AGREEMENT (SOMRA) FOR
DRAINAGE DISTRICT #11, FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND
FILING OF EACH THEREOF
The following Resolutions were duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, John Young, et al. (the “Developer”) is and was the principal owner and
applicant of the East Shore Circle Major and Minor Subdivisions and the Asbury -Collins
Major Subdivision, and each such subdivision (the “Subdivisions”) had stormwater
requirements and obligations that were required by law and under the town’s codes, and
all such Subdivisions have been incorporated into, respectively, Drainage District #11 and
#12 (the “Drainage Districts”), which Drainage Districts were formed by Final Orders of
formation issued by this Town Board upon February 28, 2024 (Resolutions 24-76 and 24-
77, respectively); and
WHEREAS, in furtherance of finalizing the covenants, conditions, rights, and
conveyances respecting the Drainage Districts, certain additional instruments have been
drafted and approved by the Developer, the landowners in the Drainage Districts, and the
Town’s SMO, engineer, and attorney, each and all as required by the Town Code and the
Town Planning Board’s conditions of approval and requirements for such Subdivisions;
and
WHEREAS, after a review of the documents submitted to the meeting, and upon and after
due deliberation thereupon, be it now:
RESOLVED, that the form of the stormwater covenants for the Drainage Districts be and
hereby are approved, and the Town Supervisor may execute the same (and any related
instruments needed for filing) by and for the Town of Lansing and cause the same to be
filed of record in the Tompkins County Clerk’s Office; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the form of the stormwater access and maintenance easement for
Drainage District #12 be and hereby is approved, and the Town Supervisor may, if
required, execute the same (and any related instruments needed for filing) by and for the
Town of Lansing and cause the same to be filed of record in the Tompkins County Clerk’s
Office; and it is further
May 15, 2024
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RESOLVED, that the form of the release, surrender and discharge of the Stormwater
Operation, Management, and Reporting Agreement, previously filed on June 20, 2018 in
the Tompkins County Clerk’s Office as Instrument Number 2018-06738, respecting a
portion of Drainage District #11 (relating more specifically to the lands of the minor
subdivision therein) be and hereby is approved, and the Town Supervisor may execute the
same (and any related instruments needed for filing) by and for the Town of Lansing and
cause the same to be filed of record in the Tompkins County Clerk’s Office.
d. RESOLUTION AMENDING 2024 ORGANIZATIONAL RESOLUTIONS
24-53 AND 24-55
RESOLUTION 24-107
RESOLUTION AMENDING 2024 ORGANIZATIONAL
RESOLUTIONS 24-53 AND 24-55
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, on January 17, 2024, the Town passed Organizational Resolution 24-53 and
24-55 appointing liaisons and committee members for 2024; and
WHEREAS, the Supervisor wishes to make the following amendment to Resolution 24-
53 which appointed members to the Water and Sewer Working Group;
1. Committee Member Ruth Groff be removed as a voting member as she was
appointed as the Town Board Liaison (non-voting) to the Water and Sewer
Working Group; and
WHEREAS, the Supervisor also wishes to make the following amendment to Resolution
24-55 which appointed members to the Lansing Parks, Recreation and Trails Working
Group;
1. Committee Member Ruth Groff be replaced by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore;
and
WHEREAS, upon due consideration and deliberation upon the foregoing, the Town Board
of the Town of Lansing has hereby
RESOLVED that 2024 Organizational Resolutions 24-53 and 24-55 be and are hereby
amended as follows:
Resolution 24-53:
1. Committee Member Ruth Groff be removed as a voting member.
Resolution 24-55:
1. Committee Member Ruth Groff be replaced by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore.
e. RESOLUTION APPROVING AUDIT AND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS AND
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT
RESOLUTION 24-108
RESOLUTION APPROVING AUDIT AND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS AND
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT
The Supervisor submitted her monthly report for the month of March 2024, to all Board
Members and to the Town Clerk. The Supervisor’s Report was reviewed by
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore. The bills were reviewed by Councilperson Joseph
Wetmore and Councilperson Laurie Hemmings. 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.
May 15, 2024
16
CONSOLIDATED ABSTRACT # 005
DATED 05/15/2024
AUDITED VOUCHER #’s 374 – 456
AUDITED T&A VOUCHER #’s 22 – 31
BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
GENERAL FUND A
May 15,2024
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
A7140.200 A7110.200
Wrong expenditure code was used
to pay for the remainder of the
Kubota from Empire Tractor last
month
$ 3,631.14 General Journal Entry
A5132.410 A5132.400 To correct coding on Voucher
#347, Abstract 004 $ 575.95 General Journal Entry
GENERAL FUND B
May 15,2024
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
B8010.402 B8010.400
To move legal services costs from
contractual line to legal services
line. Voucher # 181 & 270
$ 918.00 General Journal Entry
B8020.402 B8020.400
To move legal services costs from
contractual line to legal services
line. Voucher # 181 & 270
$ 1,134.00 General Journal Entry
CHERRY RD SEWER SS3-
May 15,2024
FROM TO FOR AMOUNT
May 15, 2024
17
SS3-599 SS3-
9050.800
ADDED ACCOUNT FOR
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE $ 10.00
CONSENT AGENDA MOTIONS M24-14 – M24-15 AND RESOLUTIONS
24-106 – 24-108
RESOLUTION 24-109
CONSENT AGENDA MOTIONS M24-14 – M24-15
AND RESOLUTIONS 24-106 – 24-108
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of
Lansing has hereby
RESOLVED, that the Consent Agenda Motions M24-14 – M24-15 and Resolutions
24-106 – 24-108, 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 Laurie Hemmings – Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye Supervisor Ruth Groff – Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolutions were approved, carried, and duly adopted on
May15, 2024.
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE STANDARD WORKDAY AND REPORTING
FOR ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS
RESOLUTION 24-110
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE STANDARD WORKDAY AND REPORTING
FOR ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing needs to establish and report the
standard work day for elected and appointed officials; and
WHEREAS, effective August 12, 2009, each elected or appointed official who is enrolled
in the NYS Retirement System, must prepare a record of work-related activities for three
consecutive months within 150 days of the start of a new term or appointment; and
WHEREAS, the log must contain a daily detail of hours worked and duties performed
that are directly related to the elected or appointed position, including official duties
performed outside normal business hours; and
WHEREAS, by certifying that a previously submitted three-month log is still
representative of time worked, officials elected or appointed to new terms will not have
to keep a new log for up to eight years. If an official who believes their initial three-
month log is not representative of the average number of hours worked, he or she may
submit a new record of activities for an alternative three-month period; and
WHEREAS, the Legislative Clerk must retain each record of activities for a period of at
least thirty years and provide full and complete copies to the Office of the State
Comptroller upon request; and
WHEREAS, the Resolution must be adopted at the first regular meeting held after the
first 180 days of a new term, or whenever a new elected or appointed office is
established; and
May 15, 2024
18
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon by the Town Board, the Town Board of
Lansing has duly
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing hereby adopts the New York
State Comptroller Form RS 2417-A as the Official Form Approving Standard Workday
and Reporting Resolution for Elected and Appointed Officials:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk post the New York State
Comptroller Form (RS 2417-A) for a minimum of 30 days on Employer’s Public
Website; and
May 15, 2024
19
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Bookkeeper file a Certified Copy of the
Standard Work Day and Reporting Resolution (RS2417-A) and an Affidavit of Posting
with the New York State Comptroller’s Office within 15 days after the posting period has
ended.
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, duly seconded by Councilperson Laurie Hemmings, and
put to a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Judy Drake – Aye Councilperson Laurie Hemmings – Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye Supervisor Ruth Groff – Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on May
15, 2024.
RESOLUTION APPROVING PURCHASE OF ONE 2024 DODGE RAM 5500
ONE-TON MEDIUM DUTY DUMP TRUCK FOR USE IN THE HIGHWAY
DEPARTMENT
RESOLUTION 24-111
RESOLUTION APPROVING PURCHASE OF ONE 2024 DODGE RAM 5500
ONE-TON MEDIUM DUTY DUMP TRUCK FOR USE IN THE
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing has long had capital management and equipment plans;
and
WHEREAS, Resolution 24-92 stated “2016 Ford F550 One Ton Dump Truck VIN#
1FDUF5HT0GED15031 be and hereby is declared as excess property and that the
Highway Superintendent, or his designee, sell the same “as is,” document the sale thereof
to verify fair value, and deliver the proceeds of sale thereof to the Town Budget Officer.
The proceeds from the sale will be combined with already appropriated funds to purchase
a replacement one ton dump truck”; and
WHEREAS, the 2016 Ford F550 One Ton Dump Truck VIN# 1FDUF5HT0GED15031
sold for $28,200; and
WHEREAS, $51,000 was budgeted to fund the purchase of a new truck; and
WHEREAS, the Highway Department has now confirmed and identified its need for one
new 2024 Dodge Ram 5500 one-ton medium duty dump truck; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board has fully reviewed such need and the options for the same,
and the Highway Superintendent now wishes to use funds from SW8340.200 $23,327.71,
DB5110.200 $23,327.72 and $28,200 from the sale of the 2016 Ford F550 one-ton dump
truck, and seeks verification from the Town Board to make such purchase; and
WHEREAS, upon and after due deliberation upon this matter, the Town Board of the Town
of Lansing has determined as follows, and now be it therefore
RESOLVED, that the Town Board affirms that $23,327.71 from SW8340.200 and
$23,327.72 from DB5110.200, and $28,200 from the sale of the 2016 Ford F550 one ton
dump truck will be used to purchase a new truck; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Highway Superintendent or his designee be and hereby are
authorized to affect the following purchase per NYSOGS Contract #PC68973SSB: One
new 2024 Dodge Ram 5500 one-ton medium duty dump Truck, not to exceed $74,855.43
from Maguire Auto.
May 15, 2024
20
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 Laurie Hemmings – Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye Supervisor Ruth Groff – Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on
May 15, 2024.
RESOLUTION MAKING A NEGATIVE DETERMINATION OF
ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE UNDER THE STATE ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY REVIEW ACT AND ADOPTING THE TOWN OF LANSING OPEN
SPACE AND CONSERVATION PLAN
Town Counsel Guy Krogh reviewed Full Environmental Assessment Form Part 2 prior to
the Town Board vote.
RESOLUTION 24-112
RESOLUTION MAKING A NEGATIVE DETERMINATION OF
ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE UNDER THE STATE ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY REVIEW ACT AND ADOPTING THE TOWN OF LANSING OPEN
SPACE AND CONSERVATION PLAN
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the Conservation Advisory Council, authorized by Resolution 19-49 on
January 16, 2019, is directed to “keep a required inventory and map, as defined in section
239-y of the General Municipal Law, of all open areas within the Town, with the plan of
obtaining information pertinent to proper utilization of such open lands, including lands
owned by the state, any other municipality within the state, or by the Town of Lansing
itself”; and
WHEREAS, on January 19, 2022, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing passed Motion
22-01 authorizing Town of Lansing Supervisor to execute Agreement for Grant #21-597
between the Park Foundation and the Town of Lansing for Open space index and
Conservation Plan; and
WHEREAS, on January 19, 2022, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing passed Motion
M22-04 Authorizing the Issuance of Open Space Index and Conservation Plan Request for
Qualifications (RFQ) subject to changes in consultant selection timeline and proposal
submission deadline at the discretion of the Director of Planning; and
WHEREAS, on May 18, 2022, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing passed Resolution
22-89 authorizing the Town Supervisor to execute Standard Agreement for Professional
Services with Bergmann Associates Architects, Engineers, Landscape Architects and
Surveyors, D.P.C. for the Town of Lansing Open Space Index and Conservation Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board, being the local agency which has primary responsibility for
approving and carrying out the action, did on April 17, 2024 find that the 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), and declared intent to establish itself as
the Lead Agency for environmental review via Resolution 24-104; and
WHEREAS, this Board, acting as Lead Agency in environmental review, has on May 15,
2024, reviewed the criteria and determined the significance of the project including the
proposed action, its location, its purpose, and its potential impacts on the environment, and
reviewed and accepted as adequate a Full Environmental Assessment Form, Parts 1, 2, 3,
and the attached Statement of Findings, prepared by Lead Agency and Town Planning
staff; and
WHEREAS, Project plans, and related information, were duly delivered to the Tompkins
County Planning and Sustainability Department per General Municipal Law § 239; et seq.,
May 15, 2024
21
and such Department responded in a letter dated April 9, 2024, from Katherine Borgella,
Tompkins County Commissioner of Planning, pursuant to §239 -l, -m, and -n of the New
York State General Municipal Law determined the proposed action will have no significant
county-wide or inter-community impact: and
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Department of Planning and Sustainability, NYS
Department of Agriculture and Markets, the Town of Lansing Agricultural Committee, and
the Town of Lansing Planning Board were given the opportunity to comment on the
proposed action; and
WHEREAS, a duly noticed Public Hearing was held at the Lansing Town Hall, 29 Auburn
Road, Lansing, New York, being in the Town of Lansing, on the 20th day of March 2024,
at 6:30 pm, to consider public input and comments upon such proposed plan, and to hear
all persons interested in the subject thereof, and to take such action thereon as is required
or permitted by law; and
WHEREAS, upon deliberation there upon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has
hereby
RESOLVED, that the proposal will result in no significant impact on the environment and
that a Negative Declaration for purposes of Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation
Law be filed in accordance with the provisions of Part 617 of the State Environm ental
Quality Review Act; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor is hereby authorized and directed to endorse the
said Negative Declaration on Part 3 of the FEAF attached hereto; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing hereby approves and adopts
the Town of Lansing Open Space Conservation Plan dated March 2024, as created and
recommended by the Town’s Conservation Advisory Council in its advisory capacity, as a
collected and organized inventory of data identifying important natural, visual, and
community resources within the Town of Lansing; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the acceptance and approval of the Open Space Conservation Plan, and
any recommendations regarding municipal actions which may be taken as provided therein,
shall in no way be deemed binding upon the Town or its various boards or agencies with
regard to present or future actions; By adopting the Natural Resources Inventory and the
Scenic Resources Inventory Open Space Conservation Plan, it is the intent of the Town
Board that this valuable and comprehensive inventory of the Town’s natural and visual
resources be regularly consulted and utilized by the Town, its various boards, departments,
and the public to assist in the development, management and protection of these resources.
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 Laurie Hemmings – Aye
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye Supervisor Ruth Groff – Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on
May 15, 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
May 2024
May 15, 2024
22
Meetings attended:
April 22, 2024: Watched YouTube Lansing Planning Board meeting
• 2 preliminary site plans reviews discussed in March were approved and 1 Minor
Subdivision
• Sketch Plan Review on 1950 East Shore Drive discussed
April 25, 2024:
• Met with Ruth and Mary Ellen regarding prep for Personnel Committee Meeting
• Ludlowville Road presentation
April 29, 2024: Tompkins County Youth Services Board
• Presentation by Harmony Ayers-Friedlander, Whole Health, on Trends in Youth
Mental Health
• Update on By-Laws review, Key Performance Indicators and 2025 Budget work.
May 1, 2024: Lansing Personnel & Management Committee w/ Ruth & department
heads
• Discussed: setting priorities, cell phone allowance, clothing allowance, vacation
schedule, and received red lined Personnel Policy with past approved policies
included.
May 7, 2024: Lansing Fire Commissioners
• 87 Calls in April making total to date 417 calls
• No open burns until May 14th
May 8, 2024: Lansing Zoning Board of Appeals
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
May 2024
Participated in the Community Vision for Health virtual event hosted by Tompkins
County Whole Health to discuss ideas for community health improvement including
increasing healthcare access for all community members and improving the quality of
healthcare for everyone.
Joseph Wetmore
Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting
packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout.
Joseph Wetmore
Town Board Member Report
May 2024
Planning for Ludlowville meeting
Thursday, April 18⋅12:00 – 1:00pm
Met with Mike Moseley, Ruth Groff, David Herrick and Donald M. Harner, (Dondi) to
discuss the presentation on the closed section of Ludlowville Road.
Planning Board Meeting
Monday, April 22⋅6:30 – 8:00pm (via YouTube)
Mechanical new storage barn, Location: 390 Peruville Road, Tax Parcel Number 30.-1-
28.213. Public Hearing, final approval.
MPK-Wildlife Resolutions new storage barn, Location: 35 Town Barn Road, Tax Parcel
Number 30.-1-23. Public Hearing, SEQR determination, final approval.
May 15, 2024
23
118 Ross Road, Tax Parcel Number 23.-1-20. The applicants propose a subdivision of
118 Ross Road into three (3) smaller, approximately 1.2-1.5 acre, labeled “Parcel A”,
“Parcel B” and “Parcel C”. This property is in both L1 186 and RA zoning.
Board approved.
1950 East Shore Drive, Tax Parcel Number 37.1-1-9.2
Project Description: The applicant wishes to receive some feedback regarding the
development of 1950 East Shore Drive. The applicant proposes to create a 12-cottage
rental community including community center to host “farmers market and catered
events”. Community pickleball courts are also being proposed. This project is located in
B2 zoning with a small portion (S.W. corner of parcel) in R2 zoning.
Preliminary presentation/discussion.
The Planning Board discussed Planning & Zoning training being held May 13, 2024.
Code Revision Committee Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, April 24⋅10:00am – 12:00pm
Discussed the following items:
270-28 Keeping of Chickens
270-3 Corner Lots (Lot, Corner)
270-3, 235 -5 Flag Lots
235-3 (def) Lot Line Adjustment
Discussion of maximum principal dwellings per lot
Discussion of new Town Board directives
Correct Omission of Illustration of Ag Zoning Update - Discussion of Buffer
Chart (270-40.4 (3))
Update and Finalize Cannabis Law
Update Zoning on Storage Containers
Local Planning and Zoning Gap Analysis
Ludlowville Road Meeting
Thursday, April 25⋅6:00 – 8:00pm
Open house and presentation to share information from engineers regarding the closed
portion of Ludlowville Road. About 30 members in the public were in attendance.
Trail Committee
Tuesday, April 30⋅11:30am – 12:30pm
The committee discussed the Board’s request for the committee to draft an amendment to
the Parks, Recreation and Trails Master Plan to describe the next stages of Trail planning
and for Jonas Falls.
Meeting with ORES
Wednesday, May 1⋅11:00am – 1:00pm
Lansing and Groton officials met with Chuck Voss and Nathan Stone, from Office of
Renewable Energy Siting (ORES), to help us understand the process of the Yellow Barn
solar project.
Lansing Gap Analysis
Wednesday, May 1⋅4:00 – 5:30pm
The Town has entered into an agreement with Colliers Engineering & Design to perform
a Gap Analysis of the Town's Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Codes, to help better
position Town in pursuing grant funding for the update of the same. We met with John
Steinmetz of Colliers for a meeting of a few town officials who are very familiar with the
history of planning/zoning of in the Town.
Community Science Institute tour
Friday, May 3⋅1:00 – 3:00pm
Ruth and I visited the Community Science Institute for an overview of their programming
and a tour of their lab facilities, presentation of their programming and look at some
benthic macroinvertebrates and cyanobacteria under the microscope.
Walk through potential Property Purchase
May 15, 2024
24
Monday, May 13⋅3:00 – 4:00pm
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
May 2024
• Lansing Community Library: April 22, 7:00 PM
o I spoke briefly to the Lansing Community Library Board of Trustees about
what the goals of the current town board are for the near future.
• Press Conference: April 23, 2:00 PM
o I attended the press conference for Lea Webb as she announced an
additional $300,000 for the Rapid Medical Response program.
• Code Revision Committee: April 24, 10:00 AM
o Several minor code revision updates (keeping of chickens, corner lots, flag
lots, lot line adjustments) were discussed. New town board directives
were identified and reviewed for future discussion – cannabis law, zoning
on storage containers, and the local planning and zoning gap analysis.
• Open House/Special Meeting Regarding Ludlowville Road: April 25,
6:00 PM
o Included in the panel were Dave Herrick, Dondi Harner, Mike Moseley,
Joe Wetmore, and me. There was a large turnout of residents from
Ludlowville who listened to the presentation by Mike Moseley, Dondi
Harner, and Dave Herrick, followed by a question-and-answer period with
responses from the entire panel.
• Food System Forum: April 29, 4:45 PM
o The program was sponsored by Tompkins Food Future, Cornell
Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County
o The program included conversations about collaborative partnerships,
cross cultural communication, and changing learned cultural attitudes.
The topics and exercises included:
▪ Purpose Inquiry Exercise
▪ Sparking Justice: Putting the Love and Belonging into
Community-Building Collaborative Partnerships
▪ Focused Table Conversations: Igniting and Advancing our
Commitments
• Personnel Management Committee: May, 1, 8:00 AM
o Discussions included several policies that needed to be updated with
consensus from all department heads. Steps going forward are to review
the employee handbook, section by section, to bring up to current
standards.
• Meeting with Representatives from New York Office of Renewable Energy
Siting (ORES): May 1, 11:00 AM
o Participating were John Zepko, Scott Russell, Joe Wetmore, Mary Ellen
Albrecht, Jenn Schenck, Don Scheffler (Supervisor of the Town of
Groton), and me. The representatives from ORES were Charles (Chuck)
Voss and Nathan (Nate) Stone. Chuck and Nate provided an overview of
their oversight of the solar farm process, discussing specifically CS
Energy (Yellow Barn). Most of the meeting was a Q&A session with
ORES fielding questions from our team.
• Elected Officials: May 2, 8:30 AM
o Tompkins County needs at least a 5% tax increase to maintain the current
level of services. They are projecting a decrease in sales tax revenue for
2025.
May 15, 2024
25
o Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) has funds available for
low- and moderate-income homeowners to build Accessory Dwelling
Units (ADU) or to upgrade existing ones.
• Tompkins County Health Consortium Open House: May 2, 11:00 AM
o There was an open house of the new facility for the consortium, followed
by a regular meeting. Representatives from Excellus gave a presentation
on the statistics behind the types of claims they are seeing, and a scorecard
of the consortium’s performance.
• Tour of the lab at Community Science Institute (CSI): May 3, 1:00 PM
o Joe Wetmore and I were given a tour of the CSI lab on Brown Road. An
explanation of how and where their samples are taken, to what purpose,
and their general oversight of water quality in the Finger Lakes region.
We viewed under a microscope, samples from Salmon Creek. They
explained the types of things they test for and their responsibility in regard
to their findings. Lansing is an appreciable benefactor of their work.
• Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission: May 9
o 3:30 PM – Budget meeting
o 4:00 PM – Regular meeting
• Group of 6: May 9, 10:00 AM
o Group of 6 is a group of the six municipalities that participate in
wastewater transportation and treatment, utilizing the Cayuga Heights and
the Ithaca facilities.
o A presentation was given by Linda Woodard, Mayor of Cayuga Heights,
about average monthly flow at the Cayuga Heights wastewater treatment
facility, and at what levels they need to divert to Ithaca’s plant, pointing to
how inflow and infiltration (I&I) can affect those numbers. She also
shared that they are considering installing solar panels to power the
facility, since it is a major drain on electricity.
• Tour of Wastewater Treatment Plant in Cayuga Heights: May 10, 11:30 AM
o Linda Woodard, Mayor of Cayuga Heights, gave me a tour of the facility
and explained the entire process for my benefit as a member of the group
of six municipalities that are part of the intermunicipal agreement for
wastewater transportation and treatment.
• Town Supervisors: May 13, 10:00 AM
• Planning Training: May 13, 6 PM
o Site Plan Review and Area Variances training
WORK SESSION
HVAC System in Town Hall
Discussions focused on the various options available for replacing the Town Hall's
HVAC system. The Board members debated the alternatives from replacing just the air
conditioning to installing a complete geothermal system. Key concerns included cost,
expected life of installations, potential savings, and the complexities involved. It was
agreed to invite the consultant Tatum Engineering to the next meeting for further insights.
For grants, the Town needs resolution to state what the Town plan is.
Ludlowville Road
The Town continues to assess the best solution for Ludlowville Road’s issues. Opinions
leaned towards a robust and lasting fix rather than temporary solutions. It was noted that
considerable funding would be needed, and discussions pursued ways to leverage
potential grants or climate change-related funds for the drainage issues.
Office of Renewable Energy Sitings Disbursements
May 15, 2024
26
The discussion addressed the need for a coherent process regarding the timing and
approval of expenses under the Office of Renewable Energy Sitings (ORES) funds. The
Town reviewed past spending and underscored the importance of reissuing regulations to
involve Board oversight in future expenditures.
The Town Board decides how the money is spent. There is no guarantee for additional
funds from ORES. The Town Consultant is at the solar meetings, which costs money.
New York State is the reviewing authority, so maybe the Town should stop reviewing
until the application is moving forward.
MOTION TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION
Supervisor Ruth Groff moved to ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS
THE PROPOSED ACQUISITION/SALE/LEASE OF REAL PROPERTY WHEN
PUBLICITY MIGHT AFFECT VALUE AT 8:26 PM.
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 4 Opposed – 0
MOTION TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilperson Judy Drake moved to EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 8:56 PM.
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 4 Opposed – 0
MOTION TO ADJOURN MEETING
Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:57 PM.
Councilperson Laurie Hemmings seconded the motion.
All in Favor – 4 Opposed – 0
Minutes taken and executed by the Town Clerk. Minutes beginning with Executive
Session were taken by Guy Krogh, Town Counsel and executed by the Town Clerk.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah K. Munson, RMC
Town Clerk