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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-02-20 February 20, 2025 1 REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING February 20, 2025 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 4:29 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 Laurie Hemmings, Councilperson Christine Montague, Councilperson (4:31 pm) Joseph Wetmore, Councilperson Ruth Groff, Supervisor ABSENT: No one absent ALSO PRESENT: Mike Moseley, Highway Superintendent, John Zepko, Director of Planning, Mary Ellen Albrecht, Bookkeeper, Guy Krogh, Town Counsel, Matthew Eldred, Senior Associate with Harter Secrest & Emery LLP, and a few other attendees. NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM, STUDY AND MAPPING TOMPKINS COUNTY – DIRECTOR OF PLANNING JOHN ZEPKO Director of Planning John Zepko covered the following: FEMA has revised the flood insurance study for Tompkins County, necessitating the adoption of new flood protection codes. The Town faces a strict deadline to submit a draft local law to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) by March 20th. FEMA has presented municipalities with model local law language that complies with floodplain management requirements. The timeline may be too tight for the Town’s usual internal review process (referring matter to Code Revision Committee for review and input before sending back to Town Board for approval). The local law adopting the updated code must be done by May. The Board is comfortable with moving forward with the FEMA recommended local law language. Director of Planning John Zepko will work together with Town Counsel Guy Krogh on drafting the local law. Councilperson Laurie Hemmings asked John if he had any concerns, and he does not. The New York State regulations are more stringent than the Federal regulations, particularly regarding elevation requirements for new residential structures in flood hazard areas. MOTION TO ENTER CLOSED SESSION Supervisor Ruth Groff moved to ENTER CLOSED SESSION TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE FROM FROM MATTHEW ELDRED, SENIOR ASSOCIATE WITH HARTER SECREST & EMERY LLP AT 4:36 PM. Councilperson Joseph Wetmore seconded the motion. All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0 MOTION TO EXIT CLOSED SESSION Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to EXIT CLOSED SESSION AT 5:26 PM. Councilperson Laurie Hemmings seconded the motion. All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0 PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – COMMENTS No one addressed the Town Board. February 20, 2025 2 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 FEBRUARY 19, 2025 SNOW & ICE WINTER MAINTENANCE: • I want to acknowledge the effort and dedication by my employees to ensure that the traveling public can safely drive the roads in Lansing. This has and continues to be this department’s goal with winter maintenance. • Replacing plow parts/blades as needed. TREE & BRUSH MAINTENANCE: • Crews worked cutting back brush and tree limbs from intersections and within the Road-Right-of-Way. WATER/SEWER MAINTENANCE: • There was a watermain break on North Triphammer Road – Resolved in 3 hours. • There was a watermain break on LeRoy Road – Resolved in 3 hours. GARAGE WORK: • Maintenance on trucks – lighting issues – changing cutting edges – new tires – new conveyer chains – keeping trucks up and running for snow removal as needed. OFFICE: • Emmy Stehnach joined our crew as Secretary to the Highway Superintendent and is quickly becoming a valuable asset to the department. • Mike attended the Engineer and Operations meeting at Bolton Point. • Mike attended the Project Review Committee meeting. • Mike attended the Highway Barn meeting. • Mike and Jamar attended the Highway Association meeting. COMMUNITY: • Meeting with taxpayers to discuss driveway culvert replacement and new driveway culverts. CROSS- DEPARTMENTAL COLLABORATIONS: • Thank you, Tyler Todd, for helping during the snow. NEW HIGHWAY BARN: • The Highway Barn Committee has met multiple times regarding the new building and its IT infrastructure, layout, reception and security/CCTV/access-controlled doors. • Reviewing items with LeChase regarding the new facility. February 20, 2025 3 • The drawings are at or around 90% - working towards Bid Date. Mike also discussed the following: • Keeping track of salt on hand and usage • Additional details pertaining to Resolution presented to add two Motor Equipment Operator (MEO) positions to the Highway Department on the Town’s Organizational Chart. The current chart does not allow any more MEO positions. Trying to fill a position from an employee leaving. The need within the department is for a MEO, not an Assistant or Heavy Equipment Mechanic. This is within the department’s budget, and he is seeking Board approval to amend the Organizational Chart and bring staffing back to its normal level. • Manufacturer recalibrated salt spreaders installed on trucks to ensure we are using proper amounts of salt 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. February Town Board Report RECREATION: -Current programing includes cardio step, yoga, strength & stretch, basketball cheer, boys & girls travel basketball, indoor soccer, swimming (Watercats), skating, Zumba, wrestling, adult swim, baseball and softball clinics, club volleyball, and adult volleyball. -The Sobus Field turf project will likely impact some of our summer programming and most of our Fall programming. -We have begun working on our summer offerings, we hope to have the summer program booklet out at the end of March. -Basketball game and practice times have been a challenge to schedule due to limited gym space. -Happy to announce after a several year hiatus, adult swimming is now being offered again. PARKS: -We will be doing some tree trimming to try to help improve the Wi-Fi signal strength in Myers Park. -Myers Park swim area and Salmon Creek dredging should begin at the end of the month. -Continuing site clearing and consolidation in preparation for the New Highway Facility. -Continuing dock work at Myers Park. -Large area mowing has been done on Lansing Center Trail; this will help control some invasive species. We will also be doing some drainage work that is much needed. -Boat slip, dry dock and canoe/kayak renewals have come in, almost all spots are filled. -We started camping and pavilion reservations on January 6th. -Some new pieces of outdoor equipment have been ordered; we are hoping there are no delays. -We have completed a massive overhaul of our shop to make more storage room and make us more efficient. February 20, 2025 4 TOWN HALL/COMMUNITY CENTER: -The Community Center repairs have been completed and it is now back open. Thank you to D Squared Construction, Dave and Dondi from TG Miller and our Code Enforcement Department for helping us get this done quickly and efficiently. -The sliding doors on the Town Hall have been repaired, again. -Space heaters are running daily at the Town Hall. We are awaiting quotes of fixing the current issues. The west end of the building does not have heat. This is detrimental to the health and safety of Town Hall employees and is causing disruptions in the work of several departments. -We have replaced several light fixtures in the Town Hall with new LED fixtures. This is only a very brief overview of what the Parks & Recreation department does, if you have questions or would like more information please reach out. George “Gus” Isaac longtime friend of the Parks & Recreation Department passed away at 101 and a half on February 10th. Gus was a fixture at Myers Park visiting multiple times per day always telling the crew how great a job they were doing. He will be truly missed by all that knew him. DIRECTOR OF PLANNING REPORT – JOHN ZEPKO Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was available as a handout. Planning & Code Enforcement John Zepko, Director, CPESC, CFM Reporting Period: Jan 2025 CURRENT PROJECTS Updated Flood Maps & Local Laws FEMA has recently completed an updated Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) establishing base flood elevations (BFEs) for the Town of Lansing. To maintain eligibility in the NFIP, the Town will need to adopt these new regulatory products into the community's floodplain ·management regulations to meet the standards of Section 60.3(d) of the NFIP regulations (44 CFR) by May 19, 2025. A draft of this must be submitted to the NY Department of Environmental Conservation by March 20, 2025. Failure to enact required regulations on time will result in program suspension. A community that is suspended from the program faces the following sanctions: • No resident will be able to purchase a federally backed flood insurance policy. • Existing flood insurance policies will not be renewed. • No Federal grants or loans for development may be made in identified flood hazard areas under programs administered by Federal agencies such as HUD, EPA, and SBA; • No Federal disaster assistance may be provided to repair insurable· buildings located in identified flood hazard areas for damage caused by a flood. • No Federal mortgage insurance or loan guarantees may be provided in identified flood hazard areas. this includes policies written by FHA, VA, and others. MS4 PROGRAM • MS4 Annual Report – The Town’s first annual report to the NY DEC under the latest MS4 permit (GP-0-24-001) is due 1 April 2025. • Compliance Audit – The NY DEC has notified the Town of Lansing that it will conduct a compliance audit on the Town’s MS4 program on 17 March 2025. February 20, 2025 5 This will be a comprehensive audit, examining the town’s adherence to, and progress with its obligations under the MS4 General Permit. Town staff and participating partners are currently deeply engaged in preparation for this. • A new SPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activity has put into effect. Projects with coverage under the previous permit must obtain coverage under the new. Ensuring the compliance of developers/construction projects with this General Permit is an integral function of the Town’s own MS4 Permit. As such, staff is dedicating time to read and understand the new regulations. ZONING UPDATE • The Town of Lansing will be a recipient of $100,000 of funding through Environmental Protection Fund Smart Growth Community Planning (CFA #140499). The award is contingent upon approval by the Office of the State Comptroller. In the coming weeks we expect to be in contact with the NYS DOS Office of Planning, Development, and Community Infrastructure regarding next steps, which will likely include a work plan, MWBE utilization goals, and other contract conditions. NYS FRESHWATER WETLANDS • NY DEC has adopted new regulations regarding the protection of freshwater wetlands (6 NYCRR). The following are highlights meant to be illustrative, not comprehensive: − DEC’s regulatory protections of freshwater wetlands will no longer be limited to wetlands depicted on the NYS Freshwater Wetlands Maps. Jurisdictional determinations and wetland classifications will be made remotely based on wetland acreage and characteristics meeting jurisdictional criteria. − Small wetlands of “unusual importance” will be regulated if they meet one of 11 newly established criteria listed in the new legislation. − The default size threshold of regulated wetlands will decrease from 12.4 acres to 7.4 acres. Small wetlands of "unusual importance" will continue to be regulated if they meet one of the criteria listed in the new legislation. PLANNING BOARD The following were heard at the 27 Jan 2025 Planning Board meeting. 1. Project: Final Plat Review/Approval of Major Subdivision of land at 0 Teeter Road Applicant: Andy Sciarabba on behalf of Scott Cardamone Location: 0 Teeter Road Tax Parcel # 37.1-7-18.12 Project Description: Major Subdivision of approximately 8.9 acres into three lots, including 580’ of 8” DI water main plus three (3) services. This project is located in the R1 zoning district SEQR: This is an Unlisted action and will require further review-completed on 9/23/24 Action: Final Plat approval granted 2. Project: Final Plat Review - Minor Subdivision of land at 555 Ridge Road Applicant: Jill Rosentel, representing Molly Kornblum Location: 555 Ridge Road TPN 26.-4-7.232 Project Description: Final Plat review of subdivision of land at 555 Ridge Road into three parcels: Parcel A (4.21 acres), Parcel B (2.45 acres) and Parcel C (.99 acres) SEQR: This is an Unlisted action under SEQR 617.4 and will require further review February 20, 2025 6 Action: Public Hearing, complete SEQR pt. 2 review, issue final conditions/ approvals 3. Project: Lot Line Adjustment totaling 1+ acre at 1868 E. Shore Drive Applicant: John Young Location: 1868 E. Shore Drive Tax Parcel # 37.1-7-10.5 Project Description: Lot Line Adjustment of land totaling more than 1 acre. This project is located in the R2 zoning district SEQR: Type II (617.5 (C)(16)), no further review required Action: Approved 4. Project: Sketch Plan Review - Minor Subdivision of land at 113 Bower Road Applicant: Jesse Young Location: 113 Bower Road Tax Parcel # 31-1-11.22 Project Description: Minor subdivision of land at 113 Bower Road (188 acres) into 4 new residential lots, each totaling 1.25 acres. No new structures or infrastructure are being proposed. This project is located in the R2 zoning district SEQR: This is an Unlisted action under SEQR 617.4 and will require further review Action: Sketch Plan review of project and preliminary comments 5. Project: Sketch Plan Review - Major Subdivision of land at 106 E. Shore Circle Applicant: Jesse Young Location: 106 E. Shore Circle Tax Parcel # 37.1-7-12.2 Project Description: Major subdivision of land at 106 E. Shore Circle (9.9 acres) into 7 lots of varying size. No structures are being proposed; however, each parcel will include stormwater management practices, with a SWPPP being prepared by the applicant. This project is located in the R2 zoning district SEQR: This is an Unlisted action under SEQR 617.4 and will require further review Action: Sketch Plan review of project and preliminary comments 6. Project: Site Plan Review - Cellular Communications Tower located at 1767 E. Shore Drive Applicant: Jared Lusk, representing Verizon Wireless Location: 1767 E. Shore Drive Tax Parcel # 37.1-6-9 Project Description: Site Plan Review of a proposed 149’ monopole cellular communication tower and associated facility located at 1767 E. Shore Drive. This project is located in the R2 zoning district, which does not permit the siting of a cellular communications tower, and will require the issuance of a Use Variance through the TOL ZBA SEQR: This is an Unlisted action under SEQR 617.4 and will require further review Action: SEQR review 7. Project: Site Plan Review of Two Solar Energy Facilities – NY Lansing I & NY Lansing II (Delaware River Solar) Applicant: Mollie Messenger, representing Delawar River Solar Location: North Triphammer Road Tax Parcel # 44.-1-1.2 and 44.-1-3.3 Project Description: Site Plan Review of two solar energy facilities located off N. Triphammer Road SEQR: This project is a Type I action (617.4 (B)(2) and 617.4 (6)(i)) and will require further review – completed during ZBA review Action: No action taken. Project still under review 8. Project: Lot Line Adjustment at N. Triphammer Road – Delaware River Solar Applicant: Mollie Messenger, representing Delawar River Solar Location: North Triphammer Road Tax Parcel # 44.-1-1.2 and 44.-1-3.3 Project Description: Lot Line Adjustment of land needed for Solar Energy Facility SEQR: This project is a Type II Action and will not require further Board review Action: approved ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The following were reviewed at the 8 January 2025 ZBA Meeting February 20, 2025 7 Project: Use Variance for a cellular communication tower not permitted in R2 Residential Moderate Density zoning Applicant: Jared Lusk, on behalf of Verizon Wireless Location: 1767 East Shore Drive, TPN 37.1-6-9 Project Description: The applicant has applied for a Use Variance to locate a cellular communication tower in the R2 zoning district, which does not permit the siting of cellular communication towers SEQR: This proposed action is classified as an Unlisted action and will require further a coordinated SEQR review between the Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals Action: Initial project review CODE ENFORCEMENT PERMIT DATA JANUARY 2025 Fees Collected $1,200.00 Estimated Project Cost $242,379.00 Certificate of Occupancy/Compliance 27 Building Permits 9 One- & Two-Family Residences 0 New Businesses 0 Multi-Family Residences (3 or more units) 0 TOTAL 2025 Misc. Fee Collected to date $2,700.00 Jan 1, 2025 to Jan 31, 2025 Fees Collected $1,200.00 Estimated Project Cost $242,379.00 Certificate of Occupancy/Compliance 27 Building Permits 9 One- & Two-Family Residences 0 New Businesses 0 Multi-Family Residences (3 or more units) 0 John also covered the following: MS4 Storm Water Permit Program: The department is familiarizing with the new program. Preparing for a State Compliance Audit scheduled for March 16th and Annual Report due shortly thereafter. This program is a significant time commitment for the department. Community Solar Project (Delaware River Solar-applicant): The Town Board may want to investigate host agreements and potential benefits associated. This project is nearing the end of site plan review with the Planning Board. The applicant may seek a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) Agreement with the County. The County typically sends a letter to the Town asking if we have any objections to a PILOT Agreement. The Town has the option of responding in favor or not in favor of a PILOT. The final decision to proceed ultimately rests with the County. Councilperson Joseph Wetmore shared the applicant has reached out to him at Planning Board meetings regarding a Host Community Agreement. 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. February 20, 2025 8 TOWN CLERK FEBRUARY 2025 Water and Sewer Bills February is very busy collecting water and sewer payments. Total bills: 1884 of which 399 were emailed. Payments are due by February 25th. Tax Exemptions Applications for veteran, disability, senior citizen or Enhanced STAR are due to Tompkins County Assessment by March 1. For further information, please contact Tompkins County Assessment Department at 607-274-5517. 2025 Town & County Taxes My total warrant is $17,282,700.03. To date we have collected $15,455,545.45. The Town portion of the warrant, $6,013,898.55, has been paid to the Supervisor. Tompkins County Finance has been paid $8,000,000.00 towards their portion and $24,318.74 for the first installment service charges. Property owners appreciate the availability of paying their taxes with credit cards and e- checks. To date, 153 tax bills were paid with credit cards or e-checks, totaling $490,766.85 Early March, we will mail 2nd reminder letters to property owners that have not paid their tax bills yet. For additional information regarding taxes, please visit https://www.lansingtown.com/clerk/page/taxes. LANSING COMMUNITY LIBRARY REPORT – ANNIE JOHNSON No Report. 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 February 2025 The Sphero Sphere: This brand-new program is based around using Sphero robots. This little robot has a plethora of capabilities and students are loving exploring what they can do with them. Day one consisted of learning how the robot responds to input from an iPod used to control them. The spheres can be driven using a joystick or steering wheel option, like a golf club to swing, or like a foot for soccer simulation. There was a distance putting contest to close out the first day. The second day, participants got to dive deeper, playing a three-hole golf course, navigating an obstacle course, and started to use the “drag and drop” programming options. The next program days will increase with complexities like programming the Sphero to navigate a path and drawing a picture using paint the spheres can roll through. 9 youth served. Outdoor Adventure: Outdoor Adventure is now taking place in the nature center behind the high school. The first day provided enough snow to go sledding, a highly popular activity and rather rare as most of the snow blows off the “good” sledding hill. The group has learned a lot about winter preparedness and the value of layering during physical activity in colder weather. This group is particularly interested in ways to hide yourself and stalk their friends so they have played camouflage and a version of capture the flag, where they would track their opponents using the little snow cover to their advantage. This group also values a fire as warming up around the flames and cooking snacks always provides a great time together. One student brought in a special treat for February 20, 2025 9 the group, a flame color changing packet that displayed all kinds of colors, making the fire even more mesmerizing than they already are. 10 youth served. Dungeons and Dragons: The ever-popular Dungeons and Dragons has finally returned, and students are loving it. The group has two Dungeon Masters leading the groups development and characters. Both high school assistants have been doing a great job with answering questions and guiding the newer players, while allowing those with more experience the chance to dive deeper into their character’s qualities and special abilities, including accents, character traits that will guide how they will respond in certain situations, even down to what one thing their character will always have in their pocket. The group is split according to experience and are poised for a great adventure. 12 youth served. Mini-to-Major Olympics: This program has started with lots of small, non-traditional competitions and will grow to larger competitions outdoors, like skiing (if snow allows). Indoors, the group has competed in candy curling, tic-tac-toe tournament, a rock paper scissors “conga” line, the invisible chair, blind snowball scoop, and the daily Snakes in the Grass game. Matchbox racing, tissue snowball fights, paper airplane, and paper football are right around the corner. This program will be leading up to our annual RYS Winter Olympics, which will be a one-day event in Brooktondale, and in combination with 4 other municipalities to meet for a day of teambuilding and some friendly competition where a nice lunch awards and prizes will be provided by RYS. 11 youth served Youth Employment: This year has started out busy for our youth employees. There are four teens assisting the Lansing Recreation Department’s ice-skating program as chaperones at The Rink, two are assisting as Dungeon Masters in the Lansing Youth Services program, five teens are working at the Lansing Public Library, and one with the Lansing High School Library. In all areas, students are learning about customer service, communication, and workplace professionalism. TOMPKINS COUNTY LEGISLATOR REPORT – MIKE SIGLER Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was available as a handout. Tompkins County Legislator Michael Sigler February 2025 Hello and thank you for having me again. Thank you to the County Communications Director Monika Salvage whose reports I draw liberally from. First, I want to recognize an enormous loss to the Lansing community: George D. “Gus” Isaac passed away in his home surrounded by family on the morning of February 10, 2025; he was 101 years old. George lived all those 101 years in his beloved hometown of Myers, NY. The son of Syrian immigrants, Hinia Betar (Jennie Isaac) and Tanouse Siaid (Anthony Isaac), George was the youngest of six siblings who were born on Syrian Hill, a small village of Syrian Immigrants who fled religious persecution to work in the Salt Mine Industry on the east shore of Cayuga Lake. He married Nina Castelin in 1951 after he came home from war, and they settled across the creek on ‘American Hill’ in Myers. Gus was not yet 18 when he enlisted in the United States Army. He fought the Second World War with Patton’s Third Division, 30th Infantry, Company L. Gus fought continuously for two years and 10 months (January 1943 – October 1945) without a furlough across nine countries in Northern Africa and Europe. He survived three major invasions: the battles of Salerno, Anzio Beachhead, and the Battle of Southern France. He was wounded on Anzio and taken to a British hospital ship where his admired commander, Captain Britt, was also healing from battle wounds. Gus subsequently returned to battle wherein he would face his greatest combat mission in Southern France. It was here, in the Battle of Colmar Pocket, where Gus and two comrades rebuilt a bridge under enemy machine gun fire so that otherwise surrounded allied forces could retreat to safety. Gus earned the Purple Heart for his wounds receive d on Anzio; he earned the Bronze Star and the French Citation for his courage in the Battle of Colmar Pocket. February 20, 2025 10 Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Lansing Funeral Home, 32 Auburn Road, Lansing. Gus’s funeral will take place on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Lansing United Methodist Church, 32 Brickyard Road, Lansing. A military burial will take place immediately following in Pine Grove Cemetery, Lansing. It is black history month and we read a proclamation recognizing that and gave special honors to local Black historical figures: civil rights leader Dr. Dorothy Cotton, Pulitzer Prize winner Alex Haley, Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison, and Ruth Carol Taylor. The Pan-African flag will be flown on all County flagpoles during Black History Month. County Attorney Maury Josephson addressed the recent release of someone in the country illegally by our county sheriff. “The Sheriff and his staff acted consistently with New York State law and judicial decisions, County policy, guidance of the New York Attorney General’s Office, and guidance of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association. There was no interference with federal immigration enforcement efforts. DOJ’s assertion that the Tompkins County Sheriff did anything to put federal law enforcement officers in danger is false and offensive. The safety of all law enforcement is our top priority. In contrast, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were notified of when the individual in question was going to be released and had every opportunity to come to the jail to obtain the individual in question without any need for a pursuit or other incident.” We passed a resolution to arm a select group of Probation Officers who respond to high- risk situations. The resolution passed 12-2 and following discussion there was an amendment to develop a parallel policy for the use of body cameras for armed probation officers when engaged in field work. The NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services will need to approve any policy set forth by the Tompkins County Legislature before implementation. CONSENT AGENDA a. MOTION AUTHORIZING SUPERVISOR TO SIGN LANSING YOUTH SERVICES 2025 AGREEMENT MOTION M25-01 MOTION AUTHORIZING TOWN OF LANSING SUPERVISOR TO SIGN LANSING YOUTH SERVICES 2025 AGREEMENT Motion authorizing Town of Lansing Supervisor to sign Lansing Youth Services 2025 Agreement between Tompkins County and Town of Lansing, Term of Agreement January 1 through December 31, 2025. b. MOTION AUTHORIZING SUPERVISOR TO SIGN 2025 EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP) AGREEMENT MOTION M25-02 MOTION AUTHORIZING TOWN OF LANSING SUPERVISOR TO SIGN 2025 EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE (EAP) PROGRAM AGREEMENT Motion authorizing Town of Lansing Supervisor to sign 2025 Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Agreement between ESI Employee Assistance Group and Town of Lansing, Term of Agreement January 1 through December 31, 2025. c. MOTION APPROVING CONTRACT WITH NYSERDA FOR TOWN HALL HVAC PROJECT GRANT MOTION M25-03 February 20, 2025 11 MOTION APPROVING CONTRACT WITH NYSERDA FOR TOWN HALL HVAC PROJECT GRANT Moved that the NYSERDA contract and agreement respecting the Town’s grant from NYSERDA for the Town Hall HVAC Project, in the amount of $90,000, be and hereby is approved, and the Town Supervisor may execute the same for and in the name of the Town of Lansing. d. MOTION SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING FOR LOCAL LAW #1 OF 2025, TO AMEND ZONING AND SUBDIVISION CODES MOTION M25-04 MOTION SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING FOR LOCAL LAW #1 OF 2025, TO AMEND ZONING AND SUBDIVISION CODES Moved that the public hearing for Local Law #1 of 2025, entitled “A Local Law of the Town of Lansing to Amend the Code of the Town of Lansing, Chapter 270 – Zoning and Chapter 235 – Subdivision of Land” is scheduled for March 19, 2025, at 6:31 PM. e. MOTION APPROVING USE OF RESERVE FUNDS TO PURCHASE VACUUM TRUCK MOTION M25-05 MOTION APPROVING USE OF RESERVE FUNDS TO PURCHASE VACUUM TRUCK Moved that the Town Equipment Reserve Fund (Account No: DB231) be used to purchase a Vacuum Truck for town purposes in an amount not to exceed $97,500, and that this resolution be subject to permissive referendum as required by General Municipal Law Article 2 and Town Law Article 7. f. MOTION AUTHORIZING SUPERVISOR TO SIGN NYSEG LIGHT EMITTING DIODE STREET LIGHT CONVERSION AGREEMENT MOTION M25-06 MOTION AUTHORIZING TOWN OF LANSING SUPERVISOR TO SIGN NYSEG LIGHT EMITTING DIODE STREET LIGHT CONVERSION AGREEMENT Motion authorizing Town of Lansing Supervisor to sign Light Emitting Diode Street Light Conversion Agreement between NYSEG and Town of Lansing, dated January 24, 2025. g. RESOLUTION APPOINTING CYNTHIA LION TO THE BOARD OF ETHICS RESOLUTION 25-28 RESOLUTION APPOINTING CYNTHIA LION TO THE BOARD OF ETHICS The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board. WHEREAS, Local Law #1 of 2021, Town of Lansing Ethics Law, was adopted March 17, 2021; and WHEREAS, per § 18-6 Board of Ethics. There is hereby established a Board of Ethics consisting of five members, to be appointed by the Town Board, all of whom shall reside in the Town, and all of whom shall serve without compensation and at the pleasure of the Town Board. No member of the Board of Ethics shall be a Town Employee or a Relative February 20, 2025 12 of any Town Employee. Ethics Board members will have staggered 5-year terms, and appointments will be initially made for terms of members running for 1 to 5 years, so 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; and WHEREAS, the Board of Ethics has recommended that Cynthia Lion be appointed to a 5- year term on the Board of Ethics; and WHEREAS, upon and after due deliberation upon this matter, The Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, that Cynthia Lion is hereby appointed to a 5-year term on the Board of Ethics, effective February 21, 2025 and expiring December 31, 2029. h. RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THE REQUIRED AUDIT OF THE JUSTICE COURT RECORDS FOR 2024 HAS BEEN CONDUCTED RESOLUTION 25-29 RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THE REQUIRED AUDIT OF THE JUSTICE COURT RECORDS FOR 2024 HAS BEEN CONDUCTED The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board. WHEREAS, Resolution 25-01 directs the Supervisor to have Justice Court records and dockets audited in accord with law, and WHEREAS, the Supervisor, in accordance with Resolution 25-01, conducted the required audit on January 13, 2025, sent the report to the Town Board, and filed her findings and reports with the Town Clerk, and now be it therefore RESOLVED, that the Supervisor, having conducted the audit of the Justice Court, shall provide a copy of the report and findings to the New York State Unified Court System in compliance with Section 2019-a of the Uniform Justice Court Act. i. RESOLUTION DECLARING MOWER, SNOWBLOWER, SNOWPLOW, SALT SPREADER AND COMPACTOR AS EXCESS PROPERTY AND AUTHORIZING DISPOSAL OR SALE RESOLUTION 25-30 RESOLUTION DECLARING MOWER, SNOWBLOWER, SNOWPLOW, SALT SPREADER AND COMPACTOR AS EXCESS PROPERTY AND AUTHORIZING DISPOSAL OR SALE The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, The Highway Department has excess property of 2007 Exmark Phazer 34” Mower Model PHZ19KA343, Snowblower MTD, Boss 10’ Snowplow DXT, 2018 Western Salt Spreader, and NPK Compactor, that are old and for which no use exists; and WHEREAS, the equipment named above are thus declared excess property and directed to be sold in a manner as produces fair value, whether at auction or private sale; and WHEREAS, upon due deliberation being had thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, that the following be and hereby are declared as excess property of the Town for which no current or future use is anticipated February 20, 2025 13 1. 2007 Exmark Phazer 34” Mower, Model PHZ19KA343, SN: 626729 (#253) 2. Snowblower MTD, SN: E6COF (#121) 3. 2020 Boss 10’ Snowplow DXT, SN: 401458307 (#25B) 4. 2018 Western Salt Spreader 4.5yd, SN: 18092720213099039-1 (#25A) 5. 2013 NPK Compactor, SN: MRN14296 (#29A) AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED 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 the sale thereof to the Town Budget Officer. The Highway Superintendent, or his designee, be and each is hereby authorized to sign such bills of sale or other documents as are or may be necessary to give effect to this Resolution by and for the Town of Lansing. j. RESOLUTION DECLARING 2017 KUBOTA TRACTOR AS EXCESS PROPERTY AND AUTHORIZING DISPOSAL OR SALE RESOLUTION 25-31 RESOLUTION DECLARING 2017 KUBOTA TRACTOR AS EXCESS PROPERTY AND AUTHORIZING DISPOSAL OR SALE The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, The Town Parks and Recreation Department has excess property of one 2017 Kubota 3560 tractor/loader, that is old and for which no use exists; and WHEREAS, the equipment named above is thus declared excess property and directed to be sold in a manner as produces fair value, whether at auction or private sale; and WHEREAS, upon due deliberation being had thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, that the 2017 Kubota Tractor/Loader Model 3560, serial numbers 41831 be and hereby is declared as excess property of the Town for which no current or future use is anticipated and that the Parks and Recreation Supervisor, or his designee, sell the same “as is,” document the sale thereof to verify fair value, and deliver the proceeds of the sale thereof to the Town Budget Officer. The Parks and Recreation Supervisor, or his designee, be and each is hereby authorized to sign such bill of sale or other documents as are or may be necessary to give effect to this Resolution by and for the Town of Lansing. k. RESOLUTION APPROVING RETURN FROM TOWN WATER, SEWER AND STORMWATER COMMITTEE (WSSC) AND EFFECTING FORMAL CHARGES TO AND RULES FOR SUCH COMMITTEE UNDER TOWN CODE CHAPTER 7 RESOLUTION 25-32 RESOLUTION APPROVING RETURN FROM TOWN WATER, SEWER AND STORMWATER COMMITTEE (WSSC) AND EFFECTING FORMAL CHARGES TO AND RULES FOR SUCH COMMITTEE UNDER TOWN CODE CHAPTER 7 The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, in November 2024, the Town Board issued a referral and charges to WSSC to outline new rules, protocols, policies, and forms for the committee, and the committee met informally in December and formally in January and developed responses and updated forms, all of which have been formally referred back to the Town Board for review, amendment or update, and eventual approval; and WHEREAS, the documents and forms submitted include the following: February 20, 2025 14 1. WSSC 2025 Response to Town Board and Organizational Recommendations; 2. WSSC 2025 Policy and Procedure Updates; 3. Outside User Instructions for 2025; 4. FORM EASEMENT, 2025 - Water, Stormwater & Sewer Easement; 5. FORM EASEMENT, 2025 - Waterline and Curbbox Easement for Outside User; and 6. Model 2025 Outside User Agreement; and WHEREAS, The Town Board has reviewed and generally approved each of such submissions, and upon deliberation thereupon, it was RESOLVED as follows: 1. The Outside User Instructions for 2025, the 2025 Outside User Agreement, and the form easements for 2025 be and hereby are approved as general forms, each to be adjusted or adjustable, or amended or amendable, to accommodate the specific project then under review. In all cases, easements and contracts are not valid or effective until approved by the Town Board. 2. The WSSC policies and procedures outlined in the WSSC 2025 update referenced above are hereby approved. 3. The following charges, rules, and standards shall apply to the WSSC, effective immediately, with each to remain in effect until further amended, repealed, or superseded by resolution of the Town Board: Committee Structure and Organization: a. The committee shall be comprised of 5 people appointed by the Town Board: The Town Engineer, the DPW Director, the Attorney for the Town, a representative from Bolton Point, and a member of the planning board appointed by the Town Board. The current membership is thus hereby confirmed as David Herrick, Mike Moseley, Guy Krogh, Gregg Weatherby, and Johnathan Licitra. b. The Town Board shall appoint the Chairperson of the committee from time to time and in its discretion. Mike Moseley is hereby appointed as Chairperson of the WSSC. c. Committee members and the Chairperson are permanent appointees, each to serve until they resign or are removed and replaced by the Town Board. The Town Board may amend the composition, appointees to, or number of committee members at any time and in its discretion. d. The Town Supervisor shall be the official liaison to the WSSC. The liaison is not a member of the committee and does not carry a vote upon the committee. e. The WSSC shall have no subcommittees or working groups except upon the express approval thereof by the Town Board. f. Subject to the requirements below, the WSSC may develop its own internal rules of procedure for scheduling and conducting its meetings, which shall be periodically approved by the Town Board when adopted or thereafter updated. Absent creating such rules, the WSSC shall operate under the same rules and exceptions as apply to Town Board procedures respecting Robert’s Rules of Order. g. The spending authority of the WSSC shall be limited to small general appropriations approved by the Town Board for needed office supplies or administrative assistance. Committee Operations and Review Standards: a. The WSSC shall meet monthly at 11:00 am on the first Tuesday of each month. Such time and date may be changed by the Chair for good cause for any one or all meetings. The WSSC may invite other people, public officers, or employees to February 20, 2025 15 meetings as they shall elect, whenever input, experience, or expertise is desired respecting any agenda item or matter. b. The WSSC shall keep minutes of all meetings and shall supply the same no less than quarterly to the Town Clerk’s Office and the Town Supervisor. c. The WSSC shall consider matters and issue advisory opinions or guidance whenever any matter is referred to it by the Town Board, the DPW Director, or the Director of Planning. Matters referred to the WSSC for input or advisory opinions shall be responded to in a timely manner in writing, addressed to the person or body that submitted the request, with a copy of all recommendations and responses to also be supplied to the Town Clerk and the Town Supervisor. d. The WSSC shall issue an annual report to the Town Board of its key operational reviews and recommendations, and shall annually make recommendations to the Town Board respecting any needed or desirable changes or updates to the Town Code and policies respecting water, sewer, and stormwater, special district formation, district improvements, outside user policies and procedures, the forms of easements and other instruments used for special districts and the provision of public utilities, and district extensions and policies. e. The WSSC shall act as the Water Advisory Committee as referenced in Town Code § 253-7. The WSSC shall not be authorized to undertake to conduct public meetings or public hearings, it shall not receive petitions for services or district formation, and it shall not make or amend town policies or undertake any legislative recommendations or approvals respecting town operations, policies, or codes without, in each case, a charge or referral to the committee made in accordance with these rules. f. When required or implicated, the WSSC shall provide guidance respecting lateral extensions of utilities in Agricultural Districts (see Town Code § 253-8; lateral extension agreements between the Town and NYSDAM), service extensions to outside users or backlot extensions (see Code § 253-9; and other current Town Policies), guidance on rates, fees, EDU tables, district formation, and district improvements arising in connection with water, sewer, stormwater, and special district matters as arise under Town Law Articles 12, 12-A, 12-C, 14, and 15. g. The extension of utilities shall be guided by the feasibility rules for water districts listed in the Town Code (engineering, planning, and financial feasibility), district extension and creation laws, and applying the guidance provided by the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. These standards shall apply to all water, sewer, stormwater, and other special districts, all utility or infrastructure improvements, and all outside user extensions relating to any of the foregoing. h. Any request to extend services into an agricultural district shall be carefully reviewed, with priority given to protect agricultural needs and operations and the preservation of farmland and important soils. The committee shall determine whether a lateral extension condition or restrictions exists respecting any current or past agreements between the Town and the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets and whether, if such a restriction or limitation does exist, an application should be made for permission or a waiver or variance of such lateral restrictions or other limitations. If any land in an agricultural district is included in any improvement or benefit district or area, the committee shall recommend such agreements or conditions as are appropriate for the Town to consider, as well as generally recommend the removal of such land and parcels from the agricultural district immediately or upon the next review by the county and state. i. No outside user agreements or connections, and no backlot access or approvals, shall be permitted or allowed for any town sewer districts or stormwater districts. j. Whenever multiple meters for utility services are needed upon one parcel, such parcel shall either be rationally subdivided, or the town shall impose a master February 20, 2025 16 metering requirement in congruence with any policies of Bolton Point or any municipality providing transportation or treatment of wastewater and septage. k. No special district or benefit/improvement area shall be reviewed or approved unless: (i) an informal petition is submitted to all landowners in the proposed service area that discloses the hook-up fees, preliminary estimated annual debt service, and first year’s cost (calculated using the general rules of the NYS Comptroller); and (ii) at least 75% of the landowners sign such petition indicating that they would approve forming such district at such estimated cost; and (iii) such estimated cost shall in no case exceed or approach 200% of the State Comptroller’s published thresholds for district review, or exceed a per lot average of $500 per year (or reasonable equivalent) for any district or benefit area that is not a water or sewer provider (or for which the State Comptroller does not list thresholds). For good cause shown and explained in any report or recommendations, the WSSC may waive or recommend waiving any such standard, but it shall not be required to do so. l. Outside Users shall be required to submit system designs and locations by survey unless the committee shall for good cause waive the formal surveying requirement. Applicants shall be responsible for all costs of, and to obtain, any needed surveys, information, curatives, title reports, easements, rights of way, or licensing to install improvements and maintain them. All such rights shall be written in a manner as allows the Town access to the infrastructure along such easements or lands, including for emergency purposes. Applicants are responsible for all costs of construction and shall sign an Outside User Agreement in a form that is approved by the Town Board. All tap-in connections and all meter pits and curb boxes shall be clearly shown upon the survey or other mapping for the site, and a seal or written approval of the DPW Director for each such location shall be required for all Town, Bolton Point, and other permits and approvals. 4. The Town Board hereby refers the following matters to the WSSC for consideration and recommendations, with a request that recommendations be submitted on or before August 31, 2025: a. Consider clarifications to the existing Town Code to help differentiate between capital costs and operational and general maintenance costs, particularly when addressing revenues for debt repayment for capital construction costs, and water or sewer rates or rents for operational and general maintenance costs. b. Consider updates to and formalization of standard EDU-based formulas for water and sewer charges, including for district and extension purposes. c. The WSSC should draft initial proposals to amend the Town Code to mirror, as applicable, the feasibility review standards for water systems, to apply them to (i) sewer districts and their extensions and improvements, and (ii) drainage districts and their extensions and improvements. l. RESOLUTION CREATING TWO ADDITIONAL MOTOR EQUIPMENT OPERATOR POSITIONS IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN TOWN CIVIL SERVICE ROSTER RESOLUTION 25-33 RESOLUTION CREATING TWO ADDITIONAL MOTOR EQUIPMENT OPERATOR POSITIONS IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN TOWN CIVIL SERVICE ROSTER The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, pursuant to the Civil Service Law, and in conjunction with the Tompkins County Civil Service Unit and the County Personnel Office, the Town has identified a need for two (2) additional Motor Equipment Operators (MEOs) in the Public Works February 20, 2025 17 Department, and has a qualified job description, a duty list, and job qualification requirements for such positions; and WHEREAS, there are currently twelve MEO positions the Town wishes to add two “Motor Equipment Operator” positions to the roster and organizational chart previously approved on 11/20/2024; and WHEREAS, upon due deliberation being had thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves the amendment to the organizational chart and civil service roster of the Town of Lansing for the Department of Public Works; be it further RESOLOVED, that the appropriate Town officer be and hereby is authorized to make such changes to the Towns’ employment and civil service rosters, to file the required Civil Service forms to effect such changes per this Resolution, and to file forms 428s, if required. m. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TOWN OF LANSING SUPERVISOR TO SIGN COMMERCIAL PROJECT DEVELOPER’S AGREEMENT BETWEEN DELAWARE RIVER SOLAR AND THE TOWN OF LANSING AND TO ESTABLISH AN ESCROW ACCOUNT FOR REVIEW COSTS RESOLUTION 25-34 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TOWN OF LANSING SUPERVISOR TO SIGN COMMERCIAL PROJECT DEVELOPER’S AGREEMENT BETWEEN DELAWARE RIVER SOLAR AND THE TOWN OF LANSING AND TO ESTABLISH AN ESCROW ACCOUNT FOR REVIEW COSTS The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, NY Lansing I LLC and NY Lansing II LLC, also known as Delaware River Solar, (the “Developer”) has proposed the development of two solar energy facilities on lands located at Tax Parcel Numbers 44.-1-1.2 and 44.-1-3.3, such systems and improvements to be owned and operated by the Developer (the “Project”), and the Town, in order to review the Project and examine the Project’s impacts and requirements, including stormwater, environmental, site planning, subdivision, zoning, and various other review criteria as are set forth in the Town Code, such as but not limited to Chapters 270 and 225 therein (herein, the “Code”); and WHEREAS, the Developer desires to facilitate project reviews, including, but not limited to, initial evaluations in relation to site plan review elements, permit reviews, New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) reviews, and other reviews of the Project by the Town Board, the Planning Board, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Town’s engineers, attorneys, and other consultants now existing or hereafter to be hired or retained; and WHEREAS, in connection with these reviews and the Project, there are and will be expenses incurred by the Town, such as but not limited to site plan review expenses, inspections, review of building permit applications, stormwater reviews, and certain SEQRA review expenses, some or all of which will require that the Developer obtain approvals, findings, determinations, conditions, permits, or review findings or related clearances to be able to proceed with the Project (the “Approvals”); and WHEREAS, the Developer acknowledges and agrees that any expense, liability, risk, or loss assumed, undertaken or incurred by the Developer under, pursuant to, or in connection with this Agreement is at the Developer’s sole and own risk as: (i) the Town, by authorizing and executing this Agreement, makes no direct or implied representations or promises as to the feasibility or approval of the Project, conditioned or otherwise; and (ii) the Developer acknowledges and agrees that any expenses undertaken or incurred by Developer before February 20, 2025 18 Project approval for Project materials or for Developer-hired services are at the Developer’s sole and own risk, and WHEREAS, such agreement has been reviewed by and is generally acceptable to the Town Board, and upon consideration and deliberation upon the foregoing, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, to authorize the Town of Lansing Supervisor, to sign said agreement, and RESOLVED, to establish an Escrow Account to allow for segregated accounting for such funds provided by the Developer to cover anticipated Review Costs incurred by the Town specific to the Delaware River Project. n. RESOLUTION APPROVING AUDIT AND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS RESOLUTION 25-35 RESOLUTION APPROVING AUDIT AND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS The bills were reviewed by Councilperson Judy Drake and Councilperson Laurie Hemmings. The Accountant or the Bookkeeper is hereby authorized to pay the following bills and to make the following budget modifications. BUDGET MODIFICATIONS 2.20.25 Fiscal Year End 12.31.24 GENERAL FUND TOWNWIDE A FUND February 20th, 2025 FROM TO FOR AMOUNT A599 (Appropriated Fund Balance) A9050.800 (Unemployment Insurance) TO COVER PAYROLL EXPENSES THROUGH YEAR END $ 701.85 Total Fund Balance to Be Used $ 701.85 CONSENT AGENDA MOTIONS M25-01 – M25-06 AND RESOLUTIONS 25-28 – 25-35 February 20, 2025 19 RESOLUTION 25-36 CONSENT AGENDA MOTIONS M25-01 – M25-06 AND RESOLUTIONS 25-28 – 25-35 The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, that the Consent Agenda Motions M25-01 – M25-06 and Resolutions 25- 28 – 25-35, are hereby approved as presented, 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 Laurie Hemmings, and put to a roll call vote with the following results: Councilperson Judy Drake – Aye Councilperson Laurie Hemmings – Aye Councilperson Christine Montague – Aye Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye Supervisor Ruth Groff – Aye Accordingly, the foregoing Resolutions were approved, carried, and duly adopted on February 20, 2025. TOWN HISTORIAN REPORT 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 Town Historian Annual Report f/y 2024 Fannie M. Welch, Historian For the ten years before I took the position of Town Historian I went with Louise Bement, the Historian to the Archive building from 10am until Noon. I filed, dusted and did whatever jobs she asked me to do. When I took the current position as Historian I continued that time frame. Since there have only been two people who have come at that time, I am now changing the hours from the FIRST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH from 10am until 2pm or by appointment by dialing 607 533 4664. This time change takes effect April 5, 2025. I met with Steve Smith and shared info on the Howell family. The Kwortnik's emailed asking if I had any information on the Federal House in Ludlowville which they had just purchased. Robb Jetty emailed asking if I knew how old his house at Lansing Station was. He thought it must be old by the looks of the framework. I went down to look and it is more modern. I recognized the property which had been the home of Dr. Kenneth Felch. There were two old style houses thereon which he had had torn down and the timbers were then used in the framework of the new house. Marie Romanowski and her husband were visiting from Florida and she was interested if there were folks still living in Myers that she knew when she lived there during her High School Days. I got an email from the Lansing Library. The Children's Librarian said a volunteer wanted to ask the LCS Kindergarteners to visit the Community Library. Shelley, the Librarian asked if I would be able to open the Field School for the 68 kids on June 7. They would be divided into three groups...one third at the School house, 1/3 at the Library and 1/3 at the Community Center. February 20, 2025 20 Louise Bement had met with the Kindergarten a few years before so I looked to see what she may have done ................................................... no luck! I said yes, I was available and would look forward to seeing all those young faces. At 10:10 am the big yellow bus arrived. The kids were already divided into three groups and each group wore a different color t-shirt. Anne Drake and I had gone up earlier and swept the building, dusted the desks and then placed a sheet of paper and a pencil on each desk. When the kids entered they had to share desks and then I asked them to print their name on the piece of paper. Anne and I collected the papers, cut out the names and used them on a display with photos which the Librarian had taken. It was a great opportunity to show off our GEM! The Lansing Historical Association had decided to have the Noth Cabin open on July 4th. There were only ten folks who signed in. As I was closing the Cabin a woman with her five kids came. She said her son would be starting school in the Fall. The Cabin has been partially furnished and a lamp and open Bible are on a table under the window (which is closed). As the Holidays approached I put a wreath on the door. I have spent quite a bit of time talking with Gary Christopher on the days of 'Chris 'n Greens. I have also contacted and spoken with several people who have had businesses in South Lansing. I am currently working on a book telling the story of that little hamlet. I attended the program "Rum Rµnners and Bootleggers" by John Lamphere. I researched and wrote an article "Lansing Ladies of WW 2" for the Association Newsletter. The Tompkins County Historians meetings this year I have attended three, one in person and two on ZOOM! I have missed one of the Lansing Association meetings when I had pneumonia and was still contagious. As I live in the house where I was born, I have seen a lot of history and enjoy sharing it others. History is happening every day and I try to keep up with it! BOARD MEMBER REPORTS Judy Drake Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was available as a handout at the meeting. Judy Drake Town Board Member Report February 2025 Lansing Fire Commissioners – February 4, 2025 Calls in January: Fire: 44 EMS: 74 Total calls: 118 Total for year: 118 Personnel Management Committee – February 12, 2025 See Ruth’s report as I was unable to attend. February 20, 2025 21 Lansing Zoning Board of Appeals – February 12, 2025 Agenda: 1) Use variance for a cellular communication tower not permitted in R2 at 1767 East Shore Dr. Variance was approved. Laurie Hemmings No report. 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 February 2025 Tompkins Co. Youth Services Advisory Board, Jan 27 - We got an update on county staffing and shelter changes that would affect the youth services department. - They held orientation for new board members. - The director reviewed the department’s goals for achieving youth results, assessing the most pressing challenges, amplifying public awareness of programs, and revamping the website to incorporate data and serve the needs of runaway and homeless youth. - We also reviewed the goals for the board and the agencies tasked with the work. Lansing Housing Authority, Jan 27 - The management company for Woodsedge is doing a full inspection of all apartments to check outlets, look for leaks, etc - Management also said the building is in need of roof repairs and new hallway lights. - The board did the yearly walk-through of Woodsedge to check for specific areas that need to be repaired. - Update on 2/11: LHA has received word that the settlement from a class action lawsuit (the Franconia claim award) has been paid out to the lawyers for the claimants in their group. The money should come through in the next few weeks and will allow them to finish the roof repairs and other repairs that have been on hold. Discussion with Shawna Stevenson of Tompkins Co. Planning Dept (1/31) and Delia Yarrow from Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS, 2/5) - The county has two programs to assist municipalities and nonprofits to build and repair housing. They are the Community Housing Development funds and the Housing Affordability and Supportive Infrastructure Grants (HASIG). - The Housing Affordability and Supportive Infrastructure Grants (HASIG) process allows towns to hire consultants to assess the feasibility for affordable housing development and to apply for state Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). The HASIG program will accept grants starting March 17. Projects may request no more than $10,000 in County funds. - INHS currently helps homeowners all over the county, including Lansing, with home repair, through the county’s Community Housing Development Fund. - INHS also builds developments with rentals as well as community housing trust homes, where the resident owns the house but not the land under it. - They encouraged us to start the process of becoming a Pro-Housing Community. This is a state designation that will help us get state infrastructure improvement grants and home building or repair grants. Conservation Advisory Council, Feb 5 - The CAC was designated in 2019 to be the task force for the Climate Smart Communities (CSC) program for Lansing. If we’re certified based on our actions, it will help us get grants in the future. We have not added any of our actions to the website yet. CAC wants guidance on their role in helping Lansing become a February 20, 2025 22 climate smart community. The Town Board will also need to appoint a new coordinator because CJ is still listed. It can be someone on the CAC. Jerry Sheng from Cooperative Extension will send an example resolution to appoint the coordinator. He will also send the list of actions that the town can do to become a climate smart community. - There was a discussion about how to designate areas of town as Critical Environmental Areas (CEA) so that they have to be addressed during SEQR questions. CAC would like guidance on how to decide which areas are CEA. There are maps from the state DEC and from the county (unique natural areas). Wetlands were discussed as one possible element of a CEA assessment 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 February 2025 Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council, Inc. Tuesday, January 21⋅10:00 – 11:30am * Director’s Summary – Adam Effler * Review of 2024 OLWMC Objectives * Treasurer’s Audit and Finance Report * December 2024 Financials Approval * Lake Level Report * NYSDEC FL Hub Update * Owasco Watershed Lake Association Update * Cornell Cooperative Extension Update * Watershed Inspection Monthly Report Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization (CWIO) Wednesday, January 22⋅7:00 – 9:00pm * Approval of the annual work plan * Consider letter of continued support for FLXPAS (PFAs database) project * Cayuga Lake Clean Water Plan (TMDL) * Watershed Manager - Isaac Walker (10 minutes) * Chair Report Bolton Point DSWP2 Stakeholder Meeting Thursday, January 23⋅10:30 – 11:30am We discussed Adam Effler’s, Director Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council, comments on Bolton Point’s DSWP2. Tompkins County Council of Governments Regular Meeting Thursday, January 23⋅3:00 – 5:00pm We were introduced to the new County Administrator, Korsah Akumfi. 1. Reports, Presentations, and Updates a. Katelin Olson was elected Vice Chair. b. Broadband Update: Applied for New York ConnectALL grant to cover 7 towns (except Dryden and Caroline who have their own ConnectALL grants). There has been considerable back and forth with the granting agency filling in details. The grant is for $11.3 million with Point Broadband matching an additional 3 million. c. Tompkins County, NY Building Code Administration Study *Priority Strategy Areas *Centralizing 911 addressing *County-wide building permit & code software *Pipeline of Building code enforcement officers *Shared Court *Establish specialized support services *Shared staffing Towns may have to adopt a local law to accommodate licensing. February 20, 2025 23 d. New State wetland maps are being adopted. e. New FEMA maps are being updated and Towns need to have draft revised floodplain development map law by March 2025. f. Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County (CCETC) Solar Development Initiative Discussed current issues with large scale solar. 2. Subcommittee, Liaison, and Other Reports a. Cyber Security and Municipal Information Technology Services b. Emergency Planning and Preparedness: Ensure Access to Emergency Medical Services - Governor's State of the State Booklet. NYS may require counties to provide ambulance services. c. Energy: Ithaca’s Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program, branded as Tompkins Green Energy Network (TGEN), is scheduled to begin enrolling customers by the end of the year. This is for the City of Ithaca and the Town of Ithaca. d. Transportation: New winter spring schedules are out. Ridership is up, but not back to pre-pandemic levels. 3. Resolution Supporting Expanded Membership for the Board of Directors, Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) was tabled to the March meeting. Planning Board Monday, January 27⋅6:30 – 8:30pm *Final Plat Review/Approval of Major Subdivision of land at 0 Teeter Road Tax Parcel # 37.1-7- 18.12 Project Description: Major Subdivision of approximately 8.9 acres into three lots, including 580’ of 8” DI water main plus three (3) services. This project is in the R1 zoning district. Review of Final Plat, issue final conditions/ approvals *Project: Final Plat Review of Minor Subdivision of land at 555 Ridge Road. Project Description: Preliminary Plat review of subdivision of land at 555 Ridge Road into three parcels: Parcel A (4.21 acres), Parcel B (2.45 acres) and Parcel C (.99 acres). The board approved the project, with conditions. * Lot Line Adjustment totaling 1+ acre at 1868 E. Shore Drive. This project is in the R2 zoning district. Referral to Planning Dept. for sign – off *Sketch Plan Review – Minor Subdivision of land at 113 Bower Road (188 acres) into 4 new residential lots, each totaling 1.25 acres. No new structures or infrastructure are being proposed. This project is in the R2 zoning district. Sketch Plan Review of project and preliminary comments * 106 E. Shore Circle Tax Parcel # 37.1-7-12.2 Major subdivision of land at 106 E. Shore Circle (9.9 acres) into 7 lots of varying size. No structures are being proposed; however, each parcel will include stormwater management practices with a SWPPP being prepared by the applicant. This project is in the R2 zoning district. Sketch Plan review of project and preliminary comments. * Project: Site Plan Review of Two solar Energy Facilities – NY Lansing I and NY Lansing II (Delaware River Solar) 0 North Triphammer Road Tax Parcel # 44.-1-1.2 and 44.-1-3.3 Site Plan Review of project The Board stated that a Lot Line Adjustment is necessary to facilitate the project. * Joe Wetmore thanked Al Fiorille (Chair) and Sandy Conlon (Co-Chair) for their time in these positions, while they will remain on the Board, Dean Shea will step up as Chair and Tom Butler as Co-chair, He also welcomed new Board member, John Duthie (Alternate), He reported that the resolution for DEC to hold public comment on Cargill Mine passed, Community Center repairs, Trails Committee would like to meet with the Planning Board to discuss projects going on that are near trails. The Planning Board invited the Trails Committee to their next meeting. * Al Fiorille stated that the Dandy Mart wants to come back to the Board looking for Site Plan 344 Amendments due to increased costs Parks, Recreation, and Trails Working Group Wednesday, January 29⋅9:30 – 10:30am *Comprehensive Trails Plan RFP – Update from Joe or Pat on the process and timing for the ‘Invitation to Submit’. Our hoped-for schedule for the plan remains: · Award contracts to the selected firms – April 16 TB Meeting. · Commence work – one month after award, May 16th. *Myers Road Greenway Feasibility Study RFP – Update as above. Also, Mike Moseley will call the RR Co. for an update on the Myers Road crossing, and he will, in turn, update us. CURRENT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES *Rural Beautification Grant Cycle Open - The group decided to apply for another round of banner purchases. Pat’s office will create a revision of the current design that will ‘stand-out’ February 20, 2025 24 more than the current. The group will review at an upcoming meeting. Steve will refresh last year’s grant application and work with Pat to submit. *Tompkins County Transportation Council – Update, if available, re: Steve’s contact with TC Transportation Planner, Fernando de Aragon, about the $9,500 in his 2025 work plan to fund the Town Center Greenway feasibility study. NEW BUSINESS *Fittnell BBQ, 42 Secord Lane – Steve reached out to John Zepko to get his thoughts on the process and procedures our group should use when we have comments on the development of a trail-critical parcel. A draft of an email from our group to the Planning Board will be sent for review and discussion at the meeting. Working Group Structure & Leadership in 2025 Yellow Barn - Permit Waiver Discussion Tuesday, February 4⋅3:00 – 4:00pm Discussed proposed waivers in the Draft Permit from ORES. Parks, Recreation, and Trails Working Group Wednesday, February 12⋅9:30 – 10:30am CURRENT PROJECTS *Myers Road Greenway Invitation to Submit -- review and discussion. *Comprehensive Trails Plan Invitation to Submit –review and discussion. *Rural Beautification Grant Cycle Open – reviewed final banner design options Steve will refresh last year’s grant application and work with Pat to submit. The deadline is March 1st. *PB requests a general update from WG, 10 min presentation with 10 min Q&A, on Feb 24. Four projects to be reviewed at this meeting. · Delaware Solar · Fittnell BBQ · Conlon Rd · East Shore Circle *Working Group Structure & Leadership in 2025 Joe also shared if public officials have personal social media accounts (Facebook), you should state that opinions expressed are private and do not represent the government. Ruth Groff No report. WORK SESSION DISCUSSION Vacation Carry-Over Supervisor Ruth Groff read the proposed Motion. The Town Board and Bookkeeper Mary Ellen Albrecht discussed employees who have exceeded the 40-hour carry-over limit specified in the Employee Handbook. The Board discussed whether to approve carrying over excess hours, acknowledging staffing challenges and the difficulty for some employees to take all their vacation time. Councilperson Joseph Wetmore asked the Personnel Committee to review this policy and propose revisions to address the recurring issue of employees exceeding the vacation carry-over limit. Councilperson Laurie Hemmings acknowledged that we are understaffed, and the Board needs to address that issue. She encouraged employees to take time off and get rest despite the staffing issues. If the Board does not approve the Motion tonight, employees would be paid for this time at their 2024 rate of pay. February 20, 2025 25 The Town Board decided to move forward with approving the Motion tonight. MOTION APPROVING CARRYING FORWARD VACATION TIME EXCEEDING FORTY (40) HOURS MOTION M25-07 MOTION APPROVING CARRYING FORWARD VACATION TIME EXCEEDING FORTY (40) HOURS Motion by Supervisor Ruth Groff that, relative to employee leave time and scheduling, the Town Board hereby approves exceeding the 40-hour vacation leave time carry-forward rule for one (1) employee in the Court Office, two (2) employees in the Parks Dept, one (1) employee in the Codes Dept, and one (1) employee in the Supervisor’s office as set forth in Employee Handbook § 802, with such time in excess of 40 hours to be, in each case approved, scheduled, and used in the first three months of 2025 in accord ance with the directives of each employee’s respective Department Head. For all subsequent years § 802 shall apply as written and Department Heads shall continue to refer excess employee carry-forward recommendations to the Town Board for review prior to the deadlines set for scheduling matters for the regular December Town Board meeting, or sooner as circumstances may allow. Councilperson Judy Drake seconded the motion. All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0 EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP) Councilperson Christine Montague inquired to be sure employees will be receiving training information on how to use the program. MOTION TO ADJOURN MEETING Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 5:54 PM. Councilperson Laurie Hemmings seconded the motion. All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0 Minutes taken and executed by the Deputy Town Clerk. Respectfully submitted, Jessica L. Hall Deputy Town Clerk