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Home My WebLink About2015-03-18 March 18, 2015 1 REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING March 18, 2015 A Regular Meeting of the Lansing Town Board was held at the Town Hall Board Room, 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, NY on the above date at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by the Supervisor, Kathy Miller and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Roll call by Debbie Crandall, Town Clerk, showed the following to be PRESENT: Kathy Miller, Supervisor Robert Cree, Councilperson Doug Dake, Councilperson Edward LaVigne, Councilperson ABSENT: Ruth Hopkins ALSO PRESENT: Sharon Bowman, Deputy Supervisor, Guy Krogh, Town Counsel, “Cricket” Purcell, Deputy Highway Superintendent, Steve Colt, Parks Superintendent and Recreation Director, Lynn Day, Code Enforcement Officer, John O’Neill, Village of Lansing, Connie Wilcox, Lynn Johnson, Jeane Copenhaver-Johnson, Matt Montague, Mike Matheny, Ram Sharma, Daniel Adinolfi, Michael Persoleo, Ted Laux, Mike Sigler, Tompkins County Legislator, Michael Nocella, Lansing Ledger, Frank Losurdo, John Losurdo, Chris Williams, Javin Craig, Isabelle Schweitzer, Peter Schweitzer, Katrina Binkewicz, Gary Gonyea, Damian Myles, Andy Sciarabba, David Dornbusch, Dan Veaner, Lansing Star, Don Barber, Tompkins County Health Consortium, and a few others in attendence. AUTUMN RIDGE AREA Supervisor Kathy Miller asked how many attendees were from Autumn Ridge. The majority indicated they were from that area. She stated that there were numerous calls today and assumed they are in attendance expecting a report for that area. She stated that Dave Herrick, Town Engineer, Cricket Purcell, Deputy Highway Superintendent, and Michael Long, Town Planner met this morning and looked over the properties. Supervisor Kathy Miller then read the very end of Dave Herrick’s email that he sent to her today, so they know where they are headed. She stated there are currently no answers for them at this time, but they are working on it. The end of the email stated, “At the January Board meeting I described several “large project” strategies to mitigate the flood flows experienced during the August 2013-2014 storm events. In addition to those strategies I’d like to suggest a “smaller” approach that will focus on improving the ditch embankment at these clearly identifiable depressions. Perhaps these improvements can be managed by each affected landowner in lieu of a neighborhood-wide project. If the Board so choses, we can provide the technical analysis and typical construction details at each location. Some written ditch maintenance recommendations are also in order to be shared with all of the adjacent landowners. Based on my site visit today, I know which landowners to contact to arrange a follow up visit for measuring.” Supervisor Kathy Miller stated that the town will start small and if that doesn’t take care of the problem they will look at a larger project. She asked the residents to keep them informed on what occurs as the snow melts, and the rains come as it is imperative that the Town’s Highway Department and Town Engineer get out there to take a look at where the water is coming from and where it is going. Councilperson Edward LaVigne asked if the residents in the Autumn Ridge area knew how to contact Mr. Homik? Code Enforcement Officer Lynn Day stated that he could contact Planning Board member Gerald Caward and he could assist him in contacting Mr. Homik. Councilperson Edward LaVigne stated when he walked the area there is a blockage on his property and he will try to contact him. March 18, 2015 2 REMEMBERENCE OF RAY FARKAS Supervisor Kathy Miller took a moment to remember Ray Farkas who died on February 12, 2015. Ray served as an Alternate Planning Board member for the year 2013 and became a full time member of the Planning Board in January of 2014. She stated it was obvious that Ray enjoyed being a member of the Planning Board. Ray took being a member very seriously and attended numerous training sessions in and outside of the county and frequently referenced what he learned during Planning Board meetings. She stated he will be fondly remembered by the Planning Board and the Town Board. AUTUMN RIDGE AREA A resident inquired if that was all that was going to be discussed about Autumn Ridge and Supervisor Kathy Miller responded it was. The resident then asked if they would be allowed to speak and she stated they could sign up to speak under privilege of the floor. MOTION TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR LOCAL LAW #2 OF 2015 BEST VALUE BIDDING AUTHORIZATION Supervisor Kathy Miller moved to OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON LOCAL LAW #2 OF 2015 BEST VALUE BIDDING AUTHORIZATION at 6:08 pm. Councilperson Robert Cree seconded the motion. All in Favor - 4 Opposed - 0 There were no comments. MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING All persons desiring to be heard, having been heard, Supervisor Kathy Miller moved to CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING at 6:09 pm. Councilperson Robert Cree seconded the motion. All in Favor - 4 Opposed - 0 MOTION TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR LOCAL LAW #3 OF 2015 PROVIDING FOR AMENDMENTS TO TOWN OF LANSING CODE ENFORCEMENT TO INCORPORATE AMENDMENTS REGARDING WOOD TRUSSES AND TIMBER CONSTRUCTION Supervisor Kathy Miller moved to OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON LOCAL LAW #3 OF 2015 – PROVIDING FOR AMENDMENTS TO TOWN OF LANSING CODE ENFORCEMENT TO INCORPORATE AMENDMENTS REGARDING WOOD TRUSSES AND TIMBER CONSTRUCTION at 6:10pm. Councilperson Robert Cree seconded the motion. All in Favor - 4 Opposed - 0 Councilperson Edward LaVigne asked Lynn Day, Code Enforcement Officer if the requirements are still at 6 inches? Lynn Day stated that the NYS public comment period is still open and until that closes and a hearing takes place, they will not know if changes will be made. He stated that they have recommended to NYS that the size be reduced to 4 inches to accommodate siding size. Dan Veaner stated that Lynn Day had suggested that the town purchase stickers. Lynn Day stated that he has stickers but did not purchase many until the NYS decision is final. (Further details can be found at www.lansingtown.com under Departments, Codes/Planning Docs “Notice of Emergency Rule Adoption Effective January 1, 2015 Truss type, pre-engineered wood or timber construction in Residential Structures) MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING March 18, 2015 3 All persons desiring to be heard, having been heard, Supervisor Kathy Miller moved to CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING at 6:11 pm. Councilperson Robert Cree seconded the motion. All in Favor - 4 Opposed - 0 MOTION TO OPEN THE PUBIC HEARING UPON ADOPTION OF THE PROPOSED LOCAL SEQRA PROCEDURES Supervisor Kathy Miller moved to OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING UPON ADOPTION OF THE PROPOSED LOCAL SEQRA PROCEDURES at 6:12 pm. Councilperson Robert Cree seconded the motion. All in Favor - 4 Opposed - 0 Dan Adinolfi asked what the abbreviation of SEQRA was. It was stated the definition is State Environmental Quality Review Act. MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING All persons desiring to be heard, having been heard, Supervisor Kathy Miller moved to CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING at 6:13pm. Councilperson Robert Cree seconded the motion. All in Favor - 4 Opposed - 0 PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR Several residents from the Autumn Ridge area addressed the Town Board with concerns on the flooding issues in their area. They asked the Town Board to expedite their decision and make necessary arrangements to take action that would resolve these issues. They appreciated what was stated earlier in the meeting but are wondering why the town can’t restore the original flood control measures by repairing the swale. Councilperson Doug Dake stated that the property involved is private property and the town does not have an easement. He stated everyone’s permission would have to be granted. Councilperson Edward LaVigne stated that something previously had been attempted but the Sheriff’s Department was contacted for trespassing on private property. Supervisor Kathy Miller stated that because this is private property and doing what they would like to do and having permission to do it is the problem and there is no Homeowners Association. As previously stated at the beginning of the meeting the town will look at a smaller project before a larger project is considered. Deputy Highway Superintendent, Cricket Purcell stated that something could be done with the existing ditch line but it is on private property. He stated that this is not the town’s fault it is homeowners’ neglect over the years. He stated there is also the issue of neighbors that want things done and neighbors that do not. He stated it was an unfortunate situation. Supervisor Kathy Miller asked Town Attorney, Guy Krogh, if the town were to get easements from everyone along the swale, could the town attempt to do the work. Counsel, Guy Krogh stated that if the town had permission to enter property you could enter the property, that this is the right of legal access. He stated that he hasn’t discussed and is not giving an opinion on the extent to which it’s legal to utilize everybody’s money to benefit a limited part of the population. He stated that with flooding, flood control and flood prevention there is a lot of authority, but at what point are you leaving something that’s a public problem and going to something that’s a private problem and utilizing public money. Counsel stated he has not seen an engineering solution and he does not March 18, 2015 4 know the projects extent of being a large drainage district project or a smaller one. He stated there are two levels of problems, one is access and the other is expense. Supervisor Kathy Miller stated that at this point the best thing would be to follow the engineer’s ideas and see if the smaller solution will work before a larger project is considered. Several residents presented different solutions to the drainage problems and Supervisor Kathy Miller stated whatever solution the town comes up with, if they help the residents, it will have to be done through the engineer. She suggested that the residents contact Dave Herrick at T.G. Miller and she will provide the contact information. A resident has pictures of last year’s flooding at which time they heard from the town when a swale was being considered. The resident referenced to the 65 acres of vacant land where the water drains on their properties and stated the town has never paid attention to this. The resident stated that his property and the neighbor’s property have given permission to go ahead and dig and asked why no one is helping. The resident stated they pay $12,000.00 a year in taxes and asked what is the town doing for them? The resident stated that last year they were promised that something would be done in January and now in two minutes this is all they are going to hear and stated this was not acceptable. Supervisor Kathy Miller stated that if this was a new development it would be under storm water reservations. She stated this is not the responsibility of the town. The town has allocated $7,000.00 to have an engineering study. She stated again that they will first start with the small solution. She stated they are trying hard to solve this but some residents want this and some do not. The residents suggested that the town help the residents who are giving them permission. The resident stated the town had provided some sandbags to help protect the property, but they are waiting for more. Deputy Highway Superintendent, Cricket Purcell stated they are waiting for more sandbags and said when available they will provide them. Deputy Supervisor, Sharon Bowman stated that the town has authorized the engineer to do the study, but ultimately the dollars that are paying for what is happening, or whatever may happen in the future, should not be at the cost of the rest of the taxpayers of the Town of Lansing. She stated this is not town property and we empathize and we sympathize and we are trying to come up with a resolution. She stated the neighborhood needs to understand that it’s not the town’s responsibility, the town is reaching out to do the right thing to its extent. She stated the town will not have the ability to use the rest of the Town of Lansing’s tax dollars to fix the problem. She stated she concurred with the engineer to start with preliminary steps. She stated that if you went to another community they probably would not being doing what the Town of Lansing is doing. She stated that she didn’t think other communities provide sandbags to property owners. Supervisor Kathy Miller used her own property as an example. She stated there is an open farm field behind her house that flooded her basement with 2 feet of water from the runoff. She stated they didn’t even think to call the town to fix it. They hired a local excavator who put a swale in and redirected the water at a cost of $4,000.00. She stated they did not even consider calling the town as they knew it wasn’t the town’s responsibility. Supervisor Kathy Miller stated that the town is trying to help. She stated they will have the engineer come in and explain the smaller and larger plan to all the neighbors. She explained how a storm water district works and stated if this is needed it will be the responsibility of the homeowners to pay into it for maintenance. Councilperson Edward LaVigne stated that as a Town Board member he might not be able to do anything, but as a resident of Lansing he can. He stated he would get March 18, 2015 5 volunteers from his church and Community Council to provide sandbags now at his own expense. He asked the resident to reach out to the neighbors to get permission. Deputy Supervisor Sharon Bowman commented to clarify, that the town has in fact allocated money and retained the Town Engineer as the coordinator of what needs to be done. She stated she didn’t want the residents leaving the meeting thinking that the elected Town Board members have turned a deaf ear because they have done everything but that. A resident asked her purpose and if she was part of council. She stated she was Sharon Bowman, not an elected official, almost a 29 year employee and serves as the Deputy Supervisor. Supervisor Kathy Miller stated she is basically our finance manager. Deputy Supervisor Sharon Bowman stated there are certain parameters the Town Board has to work with in regards to the town’s finances. She stated the Town Board has stepped out and has done what we can and hopefully there will be a resolution. She stated the town is not legally authorized to spend tax payers’ dollars on a private project. She explained if ultimately there needs to be a storm water district in the neighborhood then that will be the responsibility of the property owners. She stated the Town Engineer, Dave Herrick is looking to help to mitigate to help you help yourselves. Supervisor Kathy Miller stated that the Town Board authorized the engineer and provided $7,000.00 to have them look into mitigating the problem. A resident stated they received a letter from the town indicating a 16’x14’ swale was going to be dug and the town has stopped it. The resident asked what happened to that plan and the money. Deputy Supervisor Sharon Bowman stated that the bottom line is the people that sent the letter out really did not have the towns’ authority to do that. She stated it was a reaction to the situation and it was not anything approved at the Town Board level. She stated that when there was a threat of legality, legal action against the town, they were told to cease and desist which came from the town’s Legal Counsel. A resident stated that they did not threaten legal action if the town did something. They stated that they did threaten legal action if as a result of what the town did caused damage to their property. Supervisor Kathy Miller stated let’s follow through with the engineer to keep us all safe, fix your problem and keep the town safe that is what they are trying to do. TOMPKINS COUNTY REPRESENTATIVE – MIKE SIGLER COUNTY LEGISLATOR REPORT MIKE SIGLER – MARCH 18, 2015 Thanks again for having me. I’m sorry I missed last month. Disney was great. Earlier this month, the Legislature adopted the 2015 Comprehensive Plan. It’s a full update from the plan that passed 11 years ago. The Plan was adopted by an 8-2 vote, with Legislators Mike Sigler and Dave McKenna voting no, and Legislators Glenn Morey, Leslyn McBean-Clairborne, Kathy Luz Herrera, and Jim Dennis excused. The Plan, as described to Legislators by Planning Commissioner Ed Marx last month, presents a vision for the future of the community based on a set of principles that reflect community values as expressed by the County Legislature. Overarching principles addressing Sustainability, Regional Cooperation, and Fiscal Responsibility, are reflected throughout the Plan, with topical principles also included related to the economy, housing, and transportation; the environment; climate change; and neighborhoods and communities. The Plan addresses climate adaptation for the first time, as well as healthy communities. It includes 28 recommended action items for County government to initiate within two years. Explaining his opposition before the vote, Legislator Sigler said, that while he appreciates the Planning Department’s hard work on the Plan, from feedback he’s received from his constituents in Lansing, he can’t support adoption since he feels that it is too focused on March 18, 2015 6 the City, especially in the area of infrastructure such as natural gas, with areas that don’t have the infrastructure yet bearing the brunt of its provisions. The Plan is available for review on the County website at www.tompkinscountyny.gov/compplan. Contact: Ed Marx, Commissioner of Planning, 274-5560; Dooley Kiefer, Chair, Planning, Energy, and Environmental Quality Committee, 257-7453; Legislator Mike Sigler, 339-7978. Tompkins Cortland Community College President Dr. Carl Haynes gave his state of TC3 update to the legislature and characterized the year as one of exciting accomplishments in the context of financial challenges. Among the many accomplishments President Haynes highlighted were the successful new Farm to Bistro program; a 10-acre solar farm to provide 90% of campus power, and main campus building and Library improvements to better serve students. Jack Hopper was appointed as 2015 Tompkins County Poet Laureate. At last night’s meeting, the Legislature, by unanimous vote (Legislator Nate Shinagawa was excused) urged the New York State Assembly and Senate to pass The Humane Alternatives to Long-Term (HALT) Solitary Confinement Act. The HALT bill essentially calls for the creation of alternatives to isolated confinement; states that no person may be held in isolated confinement more than 15 consecutive days, or 20 days total in any 60- day period; restricts criteria for placement in isolated confinement; and bans several special populations from isolated confinement. I supported the resolution, but also made it clear that my understanding is this is not meant to address people being held in “super-max” incarceration facilities. These people are being held in isolation, but in many in lieu of the death penalty and this bill is not intended, at least that’s my understanding, to address then. The Legislature voted to amend the Capital Program to increase the project cost to $1,865,000 and appropriate more than $196,000 from the Highway Fund Balance to support the project. If you’ve been on Pinetree road, you know, it’s kind of a mess and frankly I think dangerous for the people walking on it. This project has been a long time coming and while I don’t like how we got here in way of planning and expenditures, I’m glad it’s going forward. The Legislature reacted to a proposal in the coming year’s State Budget to convert the STAR (School Tax Relief Program) real property tax exemption to a personal income tax credit, which as proposed would start with exemptions granted for the 2015 Assessment Roll—applications that have already been approved by the Department of Assessment. The Legislature, by unanimous (with Legislator Nate Shinagawa excused) petitioned the State to delay to a personal income tax credit for any STAR exemption legally granted after the 2015 Assessment Roll to allow the public to be more adequately informed of this important change in their taxes, as of the March 1, 2015 taxable status date The Legislature, by unanimous vote (Legislator Nate Shinagawa was excused), called upon the State Legislature to support the plan of the State Commission on Youth, Public Safety, and Justice that the age of criminal responsibility in New York State be raised from age 16 to age 18, to be phased in over a two-year period. We asked the state to fully pay for the new costs we’ll incur in implementing that policy. I had no objecting to raising the age and we we’re really just asking the state to pay for the change, however, some legislators were going down the path that these teens we being charged as adults somehow unfairly, when some of the charges are for horrific crimes and I reminded them that there are real victims. I’m not sure why the governor is removing that option from District Attorneys, but that’s where we are now. Again, much of this report was provided by our county’s Public Information Officer Marcia Lynch and I can’t thank her enough. WATER AND SEWER ADVISORY BOARD – DAN ADINOLFI Water and Sewer Advisory Report March 18, 2015 7 Dan Adinolfi The Water and Sewer Advisory Board (AB) met on March 10, 2015. The meeting started with a visit from Larry Fabbroni, who shared the current plans for Phase VI of the Whispering Pines development. He wanted to know about incorporating the land into the Consolidated Water District. The AB suggested that it could be done through boundary amendment, and we recommend to the Town Board that the process be investigated. The work related to the Bone Plain water tank is still waiting on the completion of the easement process with a number of residents. Members of the AB have been working to contact those who have yet to complete the easement process and try to have all the easements as soon as possible. A letter will be sent to the parties that have not yet signed the easement documentation encouraging them to do so. Before the meeting, Sharon had a discussion with Tom Sill regarding his past and potential petitions for adding water service to parts of Conlon, Wilson, and Buck Roads. We have invited Mr. Sill and any other interested parties to our next meeting so we can answer any questions and offer guidance on the process. Since cost would be a significant issue for such a water district expansion, we want to ensure that those looking to expand the district in that area understand those costs, the cost rationale, and what options there are for grants and loans that might help reduce those costs. The next meeting of the Water and Sewer Advisory board will be on April 7, 2015 at 6:30 PM at the Town Hall. Dan Adinolfi stated that at the next meeting they will be discussing the feasibility of reducing fees in regards to sewer hook-ups. LANSING COMMUNITY LIRARY REPORT – MATTHEW MONTAGUE Lansing Community Library Board of Trustees Report March 18, 2015 – Matthew Montague Matthew Montague introduced himself and stated that he keeps the library statistics and they are increasing 14 to 20 patrons a month. He stated from a statistical viewpoint you are getting good value for your library. A new display of artwork by Barbara Friedman is now on display through April 25th. She is a local photographer who portrays many images of central New York. On Saturday, April 11, 2015, the Friends of LCL will host physician, author and activist geriatrician Dr. Bill Thomas, whose presentation “Life’s Most Dangerous March 18, 2015 8 Game” takes a look at our cultural aversion to aging. This program is sponsored in partnership with Lifelong. The event will be held in the Town Hall and open to the first 100 people to show up – a light lunch will be available. Save the Date! – for the combined Family Summer Reading Program kick-off and Friends of LCL Book Sale on Saturday, June 20th. The Summer Reading Theme this year is “Every Hero Has a Story”. April 12th to 18th is National Library Week so we encourage everyone to explore LCL resources that week. The library will have “food for fines” for national library week. We will accept canned goods in lieu of fines. All fines paid in cash, that week, will also be donated to the Lansing Food Pantry. March 18th (today) is the deadline for the Library Logo contest submittals and the winner of the contest will be announced at the annual meeting on April 27, 2015. This year there are three trustee slots to be filled. All the incumbents will be running again but the opportunity is open to anyone interested. Petition forms and instructions are available at the library circulation desk and must be returned no later than March 27, 2015. Mr. Montague stated that the Librarian, Susie Gutenberger is a great librarian and they are fortunate to have her. DON BARBER – TOMPKINS COUNTY MUNCIPAL HEALTH INSURANCE CONSORTIUM Don Barber, Executive Director of the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium presented and reviewed with the Town Board the Orientation Manual along with the following charts. Councilperson Edward LaVigne asked if there were any boundaries for coverage or could the consortium accept anyone from New York State. Mr. Barber stated to become a member you have to be in Tompkins County or any adjacent County. He stated that health care costs in those areas are relatively the same compared to Nassau County. Mr. Barber stated that the Consortium currently consists of the towns of Caroline, Danby, Dryden, Enfield, Groton, Ithaca, Lansing and Ulysses, the villages of Cayuga Heights, Dryden Groton, Homer and Trumansburg. Mr. Barber continued to answer questions and referred to the Municipal Agreement along with reviewing the Orientation Manual with the Town Board. Mr. Barber encouraged everyone to visit the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium website @ www.tompkinscountyny.gov/hconsortium. A copy of the Orientation Manual is also available for the public to view at the Town Clerk’s Office and the Town Supervisor’s Office. The Town Board thanked Mr. Barber for the review and presentation and for coming to tonight’s meeting. March 18, 2015 9 March 18, 2015 10 March 18, 2015 11 March 18, 2015 12 March 18, 2015 13 March 18, 2015 14 PARK and RECREATION DEPARTMENT REPORT Steve Colt presented the following report to the Town Board and handouts were provided to the public. Parks & Recreation Department March 18, 2015 15 Town Board Meeting 3/18/15 RECREATION  LBP baseball and LSP softball registration forms have been distributed and are coming in now. With this much snow on the ground we will have to work it to get the numbers in that we are anticipating. We typically end up with around 300 players. Forms are due Friday March 27th.  Player totals are important and drive everything from coaches needed, equipment, scheduling etc… This is why it is so important to get an accurate registration.  Team selection meetings are set. The LSP coaches will choose teams on April 7th and the LBP coaches will select on April 8th. These meetings will also review league rules and equipment will be issued.  Saturday Morning Swimming Lessons has gone very well and has the last session this coming Saturday. We are planning to offer summer swimming lessons and most of the school areas will be open this summer. However, next summer, we will be without the high school gym and the pool. There will be building projects next summer. PARKS  The Myers Park Concert Series is set and booked for this summer. Dates will start on July 9th and end on August 20th. It’s a great line-up. I’m currently working on one more date for Ludlowville Park.  The marina is in the second year of our current 3 year term. It is nearly full and we have plenty of boats on the waiting list to take care of any late vacancies.  The dry dock area only has 3 or 4 spaces remaining open and those will sell out by the end of next month. The Kayak racks have been cleared and we are renting those spots out for this summer season.  Salt Point has a great chance to receive another Osprey pole and nest box. The location of this would be in an area near Salmon Creek. This would be donated and installed, as the first one was. RESOLUTION ADOPTING LOCAL LAW #1 OF 2015 – AMENDMENTS TO TOWN OF LANSING LAND USE ORDINANCE Attorney Guy Krogh stated the Town Board has had the eight page analysis of the Environmental Impact for several months and he assumed that it has been reviewed and is the basis for the Town Board’s determination. Supervisor Kathy Miller stated yes. RESOLUTION 15-48 RESOLUTION MAKING NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS FOR PROPOSED LOCAL LAW #1 OF 2015 AND APPROVING AND ADOPTING SUCH LOCAL LAW SO AMENDING THE LAND USE ORDINANCE March 18, 2015 16 The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, the Town has been considering many changes and updates to its zoning ordinance for approximately 8 years, including changes examined through a zoning committee, a comprehensive plan committee, a town center committee, and a codes committee, among others, and such changes as have been recognized as needed since the last amendment and update to the Land Use Ordinance in 2005 and, accordingly, many of the changes are updates to comply with law or relate to the correction of errors and omissions in the existing ordinance, including, for example, adding of business and institutional uses that were inadvertently omitted, such as private schools, and the elimination of site planning references to the airport hazard area instead of to the actual site planning provisions; and WHEREAS, the changes implement part of the Planning Board’s so-called “List of 100” changes to the zoning ordinance, first compiled circa 2007, and among the changes are the following: (i) Adding a definition for reception and banquet halls; (ii) Changing and expanding the definition of what is a “church,” in part to comply with RLUIPA and other federal laws upon such topic; (iii) Clarifying that building alterations may require building permits under NYS Building Codes; (iv) Expanding the definition of “cabana” and expanding the definition of a “club,” while distinguishing between clubs based upon nature of land usage; (v) Clarifying what is a “household pet”; (vi) Adding a definition for “deer fencing,” and expanding the definition of “farm” and a “100 -year flood plain”; (vii) Distinguishing between different types of “garbage” based upon NYS Uniform and Building Codes; (viii) Updating the definition of “landscaping,” “lot,” “flag lot,” and “school”; (x) Making numerous other smaller word and punctuation changes and updates within the definitions; (ix) Adding a Section 501.1 to define the discretionary classification power of the Code Enforcement Officer (“CEO”) when interpreting definitions and allowed uses; (x) Making many Schedule I changes covering the schedule of allowed, conditioned, and non-allowed uses based upon building and usage classifications per zone, including: eliminating many redundant site planning references; changing allowed use areas for storage containers and adding conditions in certain zones; permitting churches and religious uses in every zone; allowing certain clubs in every zone subject to site planning; expanding quasi-public uses (such as youth centers, museums, libraries) to residential zones, but subject to site planning; expanding allowed usages for rooming and tourist homes; changing allowed areas for public stables, adding zoning permits for certain uses such as keeping horses, mother in law apartments, roadside stands, storage containers, and keeping chickens; simplifying the zone restrictions for indoor and outdoor commercial recreation; eliminating certain retail uses in the lakeshore zone; expanding allowed areas for restaurants and taverns; adding allowed use zones for banquet halls and reception venues; permitting vehicle fuel and service shops in the B1 district subject to site plan review; allowing certain near-surface excavation businesses in IR zones and eliminating such uses from R1 and R2 zones; removing certain research businesses from R3 zones; permitting utility connections and expansions in all zones; permitting wind and solar facilities in most zones (wind not allowed in B1 and commercial solar not allowed in R1 and R2); eliminating solid waste recycling or processing as an allowed use, among other changes in numbering systems to correspond to changed conditions and the simplification of site plan references in such chart; (xi) Adjusting Schedule II relating to setbacks, yardage requirements, and building lot coverage and height restrictions to reduce the number of problems for applicants and questions to the CEO, as well as the number of applications to the ZBA for variances, often due only to the changing nature of residential and commercial construction; (xii) Amending § 604.0 to regulate multiple uses within one structure and clarify that the most restrictive standard applies, even if imposed through site planning; (xiii) Amending § 609.0 to require garbage and junk to be kept and stored in accord with the NYS Uniform and Building Codes and applicable local laws; (xiv) Amending the rules for fencing and walls to expand allowed uses and allow for deer and agricultural fencing; (xv) Making clarifications and updates to the site planning process by, among other typographical and clerical changes, more clearly delineating the role of stormwater and erosion controls , addressing off-street parking, non-public water supply and sewer treatment impacts, driveways and traffic controls, site lighting impacts and “Dark Sky” standards, trees and shrubs and general site improvements, roads and walks, impacts upon CEAs and UNAs and public services, and adopting rules for and addressing the expiration of site plan March 18, 2015 17 approvals in § 710.10, including by sunsetting any approval if site development does not substantially occur within 3 years of approval; (xvi) Amending special conditi ons of Article VIII and special use permit requirements by eliminating special rules for churches and related places of worship, eliminating special rules for commercial recreation and replacing the same with site plan review, expanding B&B requirements to differentiate and also cover rooming houses and tourist homes, eliminating special rules for junkyards and the B1 rules for certain vehicle service stations, eliminating special rules for drive - thru restaurants and convenience stores and light assembly and manufacturing businesses by now simply subjecting such uses to site planning, elimination of certain excavation businesses and referral of same to site planning, updating communications tower rules to require compliance with FCC rules and requirements of the federal telecommunications laws, and clarifying the 30-day referral rule for special permit reviews; (xvii) Adding revocation of building permits and COs for violations, including under the NYS Building and Uniform Codes; (xviii) Eliminating the junkyard storage ordinance (in favor of a now adopted stand-alone local law); and (xix) Making a myriad of other smaller language and clerical changes to make the land use ordinance more readable by amending language throughout such ordinance for uniformity and to effect compliance with modernized requirements of law relating to SEQRA, EPA Stormwater Phase II requirements, RLUIPA and other federal laws, and amendments arising from other similar causes; and WHEREAS, the Town Board, as the approving and lead agency, must conduct a SEQRA review for this action, and had previously classified the action as a Type I Action, proposed that the Town Board be Lead Agency for a coordinated review, identified all Involved and Interested Agencies, issued a Notice of Intent, and has reviewed all responses, including the County Planning 239 response, none of which objected to the Lead Agency status of the Town Board and none of which had any specific comments concerning the potential environmental impacts of the proposed action which, as of this updated version of such local law, remain unaddressed; and WHEREAS, the County Planning § 239 response expressed concerns about: (i) the creation of allowed uses through the amendments of § 501.4, and the Town worked with County Planning to clarify the limitation and scope of such classification authority, including by adding more restrictive language to such provision; (ii) the number of non- agricultural uses allowed in RA zones, and the Town responded and now again responds by noting, again, that such uses were previously allowed, the changes proposed help limit and more closely regulate certain allowed uses to conform better to the goals of the RA district, and the Town did accept and implement the County recommendation that trucking and freight terminals in the RA zone only be allowed for agricultural -related uses; and (iii) the County’s final comment was to suggest that these changes might best await the completion of the Comprehensive Plan, but the Town is aware that its Land Use Ordinance is in need of update and repairs upon an interim basis, that the Comprehensive Plan update is 1-2 years away from adoption, and that this set of amendments has been under review since 2007 and are an interim and needed step that should occur before a complete zoning overhaul; such overhaul currently envisioned to be considered after completion of the updated Comprehensive Plan; and finally these changes do implement the goals of the existing Comprehensive Plan by more closely aligning land use zones with allowed uses and augmenting the authority of the Planning Board to mitigate potential impacts through the broader and more powerful tool of site plan review (as opposed to the mixed “hodge-podge” of special permitting and special conditions now in place); and WHEREAS, a public hearing to consider the adoption of this Local Law was duly held upon the 16th day of July, 2014, at the Lansing Town Hall, 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, New York, where at all persons interested in the subject thereof were duly heard and, as a result of comments and evidence considered and received, the then proposed Local Law was not adopted, and such proposed Local Law was revised and substantially changed several times to better align uses with district purposes, particularly with respect to R1 and R2 zones and the insulation of residential areas from potential impacts, along with other changes and updates and amendments that were duly made over the successive 6 months; and March 18, 2015 18 WHEREAS, a second public hearing was duly scheduled to consider the adoption of this Local Law, and the same was duly held upon the 17th day of December, 2014, at the Lansing Town Hall, 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, New York, where at all persons interested in the subject thereof, were duly heard and all evidence taken; and WHEREAS, and similarly, the environmental review of this proposed Local Law was also subjected to public comments and two scheduled public hearings, one upon 16th day of July, 2014, and the second upon the 17th day of December, 2014, both at the Lansing Town Hall, 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, New York, where at all persons interested in the subject thereof were duly heard and all evidence taken; and WHEREAS, the Town Board has taken a hard look at actual and potential environmental impacts arising from or in relation to these zoning changes, and the Town Board has duly considered that the action under consideration is composed of literally dozens of mostly small changes in the Land Use Ordinance, including allowed use changes per zone, definitional changes, fixing typographical errors, and cross-reference repairs, and in connection with a review thereof, the potentially material changes were grouped into subcategories to place similar changes in similar zoning districts as a single group for analysis purposes to facilitate an accurate assessment of environmental impacts, including by examining the potential cumulative effects of such changes within a given zone and zone-type; and WHEREAS, the Town Board prepared and examined an extensive list of finding and impact analysis based upon grouping all Schedule I and other changes into six general categories so as to facilitate both an individual impact analysis and so as to be able to see cumulative impacts over similar land use classifications, and such categories consisted of the following six categories: (1) Category 1 Amendments - Administrative Changes; (2) Category 2 Amendments – Changes in Allowed Use in RA Districts; (3) Category 3 Amendments – Residential Zone Changes in L1, R1, R2; (4) Category 4 Amendments – R3 changes; (5) Category 5 Amendments – B1 and B2 Zones; and (6) Category 6 Amendments – IR Zone changes; and WHEREAS, each category considered and analyzed administrative and land use changes in light of the existing Comprehensive Plan and how to better regulate land uses, update the Land Use Ordinance, including by fixing known errors and omissions, and help ensure that certain businesses were excluded from residential zones and encouraged and allowed only in applicable business or industrial-research zones, and vice versa; and this included, among other changes, a need to update rules for fences and walls, to amend site planning requirements, to eliminate many special conditions pertaining to special permitting and to instead substitute the more comprehensive planning tool of site plan review, and to update parking and lighting rules to address light nuisance and trespass issues; to consider modern more flexible housing, such as shared housing and mobile homes, retirement homes, and congregate housing, etc., to consider and address storage containers, churches, private clubs, agricultural uses, indoor and outdoor recreation, certain retail uses, agricultural and industrial suppliers, restaurants, taverns, auto service businesses, banquet halls, research labs, light assembly, and public utility yards and storage areas, utilities, solid waste recycling and junkyards, toxic waste disposal and solid waste landfills, among others, each as more specifically defined and addressed in the SEQRA Part 3 and the proposed Local Law #1 of 2015; and WHEREAS, the Town Board has examined these changes, among others, and has determined that none of these changes are reasonably viewed as potentially causing any moderate or significant environmental impacts, as the uses that are now proposed to be allowed are not substantially different from already allowed uses, and as the vast majority of these changes were to eliminate outdated or incomplete special conditions and permits in favor of the more comprehensive process of site plan review; and it is thus determined there is a net of no or minimal negative environmental impacts potentially arising from these provisions, changes, and this proposed Local Law; and WHEREAS, and further, based upon a zone-by-zone analysis, and an examination of direct and potential impacts, these amendments, while numerous, are not of a character as materially overhaul or change the nature or functions of existing zones, nor the location March 18, 2015 19 of any such zones, such that the cumulative effects of these amendments are not of a kind or character as are anticipated to produce any moderate or significant negative environmental impacts; and WHEREAS, each of the identified impacts were analyzed and duly considered by the Town Board, as Lead Agenc y, in relation to the question of whether such impacts were so probable of occurring or so significant as to require a positive declaration of environmental impacts, and after weighing the above and all other potential impacts arising from or in connection with this Local Law, and after also considering: (i) the probability of each potential impact occurring, including weighing the highly speculative nature of some potential future contingencies and the potential non-highly speculative nature of others; (ii) the duration of each potential impact; (iii) the irreversibility of each potential impact, including a consideration of permanently lost resources of value; (iv) whether each potential impact can or will be controlled or mitigated by permitting, reviews, or other regulatory processes; (v) the regional consequence of the potential impacts; (vi) the potential for each impact to be or become inconsistent with the Town’s Master Plan or Comprehensive Plan and local needs and goals; and (vii) whether any known objections to the Project relate to any of the identified potential impacts, the Town Board found that these factors did not cause any potential negative environmental or related social or resource impact to be or be likely to become a moderate or significant negative impact; and WHEREAS, and after due deliberation upon this matter and a review and analysis of each and all potential environmental impacts, the Town Board as Lead Agency hereby makes a negative declaration of environmental impact from the adoption of this local law; and accordingly, it is hereby RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing be and hereby is again declared to be the Lead Agency; and it is further RESOLVED, after consideration of the above and other potential environmental impacts, including the impact analyses required by and under 6 NYCRR Part 617, Section 617.7(c), the Lead Agency finds that the proposed action – adopting Local Law #1 of 2015 - will have no moderate or significant negative environmental consequences; and it is further RESOLVED AND DETERMINED, that this declaration is made in accord with Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law of the State of New York and the New York SEQRA Act, and the Regulations promulgated thereunder, and accordingly, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing, based upon (i) its thorough review of the FEAF, and any and all other documents prepared and submitted with respect to this proposed action and its environmental review, including all public comments and input from other agencies, (ii) its thorough review of the potential relevant areas of environmental concern to determine if the proposed action may have a significant adverse impact on the environment, including, but not limited to, the criteria identified in 6 NYCRR § 617.7(c), and (iii) its completion of the FEAF, including the findings noted therein, which FEAF and findings are incorporated herein as if set forth at length, hereby makes a negative determination of environmental significance (“Negative Declaration”) in accordance with SEQRA for the above-referenced proposed action, and determines that an Environmental Impact Statement is therefore not required; and it is further RESOLVED, that a Responsible Officer of the Town of Lansing is hereby authorized and directed to complete and sign, as required, the determination of significance, confirming the foregoing Negative Declaration, which fully completed and signed FEAF and determination of significance shall be incorporated by reference in this Resolution; and it is further RESOLVED that the Town Clerk deliver and/or file a copy of this Resolution with the following persons and agencies: 1. The Town Clerk of the Town of Lansing. 2. The Town Supervisor of the Town of Lansing. March 18, 2015 20 3. All Involved and Interested Agencies. 4. Any person requesting a copy; And further, that the Town Clerk provide a Notice of a this Type I negative declaration to the NYSDEC for publication in the Environmental Notice Bulletin (ENB), by sending such notice, in forms required by the DEC, to the Environmental Notice Bulletin, 625 Broadway, Rm. 538, Albany, NY 12233-1750 (or via delivery to the ENB web site at http://www.dec.state.ny.us); and it is further RESOLVED, that Local Law Number 1 of 2015 be and hereby is approved and adopted in the form as presented to this meeting, and in such form “be it so enacted”; and it is further RESOLVED, that in accord with §21 of the Municipal Home Rule Law, the final adopted version of this Local Law shall be presented to the Supervisor for approval; and it is further RESOLVED, that upon such approval by the Supervisor (of other approval occurring pursuant to said §21 of the Municipal Home Rule Law), and within 20 days after the final adoption of this Local Law, the Town Clerk shall file a certified copy of this Local Law, together with the required certifications, if any, as follows: (i) in the Office of the Town Clerk; and (ii) with the New York State Secretary of State as required by Municipal Home Rule Law §27 (said filing may be made by delivery to the S tate Records and Law Bureau, Department of State, 41 State Street, Albany, New York 12231). The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by Supervisor Kathy Miller, duly seconded by Councilperson Robert Cree, and put to a roll call vote with the following results: Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye Councilperson Edward LaVigne - Aye Supervisor Kathy Miller - Aye Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on March 18, 2015. RESOLUTION ADOPTING LOCAL LAW #2 OF 2015 – BEST VALUE BIDDING AUTHORIZATION RESOLUTION 15-49 RESOLUTION ADOPTING LOCAL LAW #2 OF 2015, PERTAINING TO AUTHORIZED BEST VALUE BIDDING PRACTICES The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, in 2011 and 2012 New York authorized the State and its municipalities to utilize the best value methodology for awarding certain procurement contracts for goods and services in lieu of the older lowest responsible bidder rules; and WHEREAS, the Town has observed that this best value process does in fact produce substantial public benefits by permitting the election to award contracts based upon overall cost and efficiency, and by allowing the Town to take into account the total value received over the life of the procurement, the cost of maintenance, the proximity to the Town, the durability of a product, the availability of replacement parts or maintenance contractors, product life, product performance criteria, quality of craftsmanship, and other factors that sometimes may not be considered under lowest price procurement rules; and WHEREAS, a public hearing was duly conducted concerning the subject matter of this Resolution and held upon the 18th day of March, 2015, at the Lansing Town Hall, 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, New York, being in the Town of Lansing, whereat all persons were duly heard and all evidence taken and received; and March 18, 2015 21 WHEREAS, this Local Law is a Type II Action under SEQRA (6 NYCRR §§ 617.5(20), (27)) such that no environmental review is required, and therefore, upon due consideration, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, that Local Law Number 2 of 2015 be and hereby is approved and adopted in the form as presented to this meeting, and in such form “be it so enacted”; and it is further RESOLVED, that in accord with §21 of the Municipal Home Rule Law, the final adopted version of this Local Law shall be presented to the Supervisor for approval; and it is further RESOLVED, that upon such approval by the Supervisor (or other approval occurring pursuant to said §21 of the Municipal Home Rule Law), and within 20 days after the final adoption of this Local Law, the Town Clerk shall file a certified copy of this Local Law, together with the required certifications, if any, as follows: (i) in the Office of the Town Clerk; and (ii) with the New York State Secretary of State as required by Municipal Home Rule Law §27 (said filing may be made by delivery to the State Records and Law Bureau, Department of State, 41 State Street, Albany, New York 12231). The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by Councilperson Robert Cree, duly seconded by Supervisor Kathy Miller, and put to a roll call vote with the following results: Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye Councilperson Edward LaVigne - Aye Supervisor Kathy Miller -Aye Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on March 18, 2015. THE TOWN OF LANSING BEST VALUE BIDDING AUTHORIZATION LOCAL LAW LOCAL LAW NO. 2 OF THE YEAR 2015 A LOCAL LAW TO PERMIT THE TOWN OF LANSING TO EXERCISE ITS LOCAL OPTION UNDER GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW § 103 AND STATE FINANCE LAW § 163 TO PERMIT PROCUREMENT AND AWARDS BASED UPON BEST VALUE CRITERIA By Resolution dated March 18, 2015, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing hereby adopts the following local law and, accordingly, be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Lansing as follows: Section 1. General Provisions, Purposes and Authority. A. This local law provides for the Lansing Town Board to exercise its local option under General Municipal Law (“GML”) § 103(1), as amended by Chapter 608 of the Laws of 2011 and Chapter 2 of the Laws of 2012. These amendments authorize the Town of Lansing (“Town”) to award purchase and service contracts subject to competitive bidding under General Municipal Law § 103 based on either lowest responsible bidder or the "best value," as defined in § 163 of the New York State Finance Law. Accordingly, a quote or proposal received pursuant to standard bidding procedures, including both purchase contracts and those contracts for service work, may be awarded on either a best value or lowest responsible bidder standard, so long as the requirements of this local law have been met. B. “Best Value” shall mean and refer to a basis for awarding contracts for services to the offerer which optimizes quality, cost and efficiency, among March 18, 2015 22 responsive and responsible offers. Such basis shall reflect, wherever possible, objective and quantifiable analysis. Such basis may also identify a quantitative factor for offers that are small businesses or certified minority - or women-owned business enterprises as defined in Executive Law §§ 310(1), (7), (15) and (20) to be used in the evaluation of offers for awarding of contracts for services. Goods and services procured and awarded on the basis of best value are those that the Town Board determines will be of the highest quality while being the most cost efficient. C. This “best value" option may be, but is not required to be, used to award an applicable purchase contract to optimize quality, cost, and efficiency among responsive and responsible offers instead of the lowest responsible bidder. Best value procurement links the procurement process directly to the Town’s performance requirements, incorporating selection factors such as useful lifespan, quality, options, and incentives for more timely performance and additional services. Even if the initial expenditure is higher, considering the total value over the life of the procurement may result in a better value and long -term investment of public funds. Best value procurement also encourages competition and, in turn, often results in better pricing, quality, and service. Fostering healthy competition ensures that bidders will continue to strive for excellence in identifying and meeting Town needs, including the participation of small, minority, and women-owned businesses, and the development of environmentally-preferable goods and service delivery methods. Best value procurement will provide needed flexibility in obtaining important goods and services at favorable prices, and will reduce the time to procure such goods and services. Section 2. Basis for award; Documentation and Requirements. A. All awards based on best value shall require Town Board approval. When awarding a contract based upon best value the requirements of State Finance Law § 163 and the following criteria and procedures shall apply and be observed: 1. The Town Board shall document in the procurement record and in advance of the initial receipt of offers a clearly articulated procedure and a clear statement of product specifications, requirements or work to be performed; a documentable process for soliciting bids, proposals or other offers; a balanced and fair method, established in advance of the receipt of offers, for evaluating offers and awarding contracts; contract terms and conditions that protect the Town’s interests and promote fairness in contracting with the business community; and a regular monitoring of vendor performance. 2. Reasonable efforts shall be made to ensure that the private and not-for- profit sectors in New York State are apprised of procurement opportunities, including by specifying the elements of a responsive bid and disclosing the process for awarding contracts including, if applicable, the relative importance or weight of cost and the overall technical criterion for evaluating offers and ensuring the procurement is conducted accordingly. 3. Guidelines and specifications for procurements and best value determinations shall reasonably address performance and shall prescribe the minimum specifications or requirements that must be met in order for an offer to be considered responsive, a process for ensuring a competitive field, a fair and equal opportunity for interested bidders to submit responsive offers, March 18, 2015 23 and a balanced and fair method of award. Such criteria may include, but are not limited to: the cost of maintenance; the proximity to the end user if distance or response time is a significant term; durability; availability of replacement parts or maintenance contractors; longer product life; product performance criteria; or quality of craftsmanship. 4. In the event that no best value election is made purchase contracts will continue to be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder furnishing any required security. 5. All information gathered in the course of the bidding procedures of this local law shall be filed with the documentation supporting the subsequent purchase or public works contract. When a contract is awar ded on the basis of best value rather than a lowest responsible bidder, the basis for determining best value shall be properly documented. B. The Town shall adopt procurement policies that, in conjunction with this local law, help develop procedures for governing awards on the basis of best value. These policies may be adopted by Resolution and shall be periodically reviewed and updated by the Town Board. Section 3. Applicable Contracts. A. This local law applies only to purchase contracts involving an expenditure of more than $20,000 including contracts for service work (i.e., building services under Article 9 of the Labor Law and utility services). Such number is based upon current procurement levels set in GML § 103. If the dollar thresholds of GML § 103 are increased or decreased in the future by proper amendment to law, then the dollar thresholds as set forth herein shall be deemed simultaneously amended to match the then stated updated thresholds. B. This local law does not apply to purchase contracts for the following: (i) any purchase contract necessary for the completion of a public works contract pursuant to Article 8 of the New York State Labor Law; and (ii) any purchase or procurement of goods and services otherwise excluded by law from best value purchasing standards, whether now existing or hereafter arising. Section 4. Procurement Policy; Savings; Construction. Any inconsistent provision of the Town's procurement policy, as adopted or amended prior to the effective date of this local law, shall be deemed superseded and supplemented by the provisions of this local law so as to incorporate this local law therein. If any part or provision of this local law or the application hereof to any person or circumstance be adjudged invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such judgment shall be confined in its operation to the part or provision or application directly involved in t he controversy in which such judgment shall have been rendered and shall not affect or impair the validity of the remainder of this local law or the application thereof to other persons or circumstances, and the Town Board of the Town of Lansing hereby declares that it would have passed this local law or the remainder hereof had such invalid application or invalid provision been apparent or omitted. Any reference to a state statute or code shall include the future amendment or recodification of such statute or code and the references herein are for convenience and construction purposes only. Section 5. Supersession and Effective Date. March 18, 2015 24 All ordinances, local laws, and parts thereof inconsistent with this local law are hereby superseded only to the extent necessary to give effect to the provisions of this local law. This local law shall take effect immediately. RESOLUTION ADOPTING LOCAL LAW #3 OF 2015 – PROVIDING FOR AMENDMENTS TO TOWN OF LANSING CODE ENFORCEMENT TO INCORPORATE AMENDMENTS REGARDING WOOD TRUSSES AND TIMBER CONSTRUCTION RESOLUTION 15-50 RESOLUTION ADOPTING LOCAL LAW #3 OF 2015 AND IMPLEMENTING THE TRUSS LABELLING RULES OF EXECUTIVE LAW § 382-b AND THE RELATED REGULATIONS OF THE NYS CODES DIVISION BY LOCAL LAW, THROUGH THE AMENDMENT OF THE EXISTING TOWN CODE ENFORCEMENT LOCAL LAW The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, in 2014 and 2015 New York mandated certain changes to building and code procedures by amending the Executive Law and adding a new § 382-b, and by implementing new code regulations, including those temporarily adopted at 19 NYCRR Part 1285; and WHEREAS, this local law proposes to amend Local Law No. 6 of 2006 (as amended for electrical inspections by Local Law No. 8 of 2009) b y: (i) adding a definition for a Truss Label; (ii) adding new rules to § 404 requiring certain forms and information in building permit applications; (iii) adding new rules to § 404 by requiring certain truss notifications to fire and other emergency providers; (iv) amending § 701 to prohibit issuance of a residential Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance unless a Truss Label is properly obtained and posted; (v) amending § 703(6) to require the delivery of certain truss information; (vi) adding § 707 to require Truss Label maintenance and repair and to specify violations of law; and (vii) amending Article 9 to declare a building unsafe when not properly labelled; and WHEREAS, a public hearing was duly conducted concerning the subject matter of this Resolution and held upon the 18th day of March, 2015, at the Lansing Town Hall, 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, New York, being in the Town of Lansing, whereat all persons were duly heard and all evidence taken and received; and WHEREAS, this Local Law is a Type II Action under SEQRA (6 NYCRR §§ 617.5(20), (27)) such that no environmental review is required, and therefore, upon due consideration, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, that Local Law Number 3 of 2015 be and hereby is approved and adopted in the form as presented to this meeting, and in such form “be it so enacted”; and it is further RESOLVED, that in accord with §21 of the Municipal Home Rule Law, the final adopted version of this Local Law shall be presented to the Supervisor for approval; and it is further RESOLVED, that upon such approval by the Supervisor (or other approval occurring pursuant to said §21 of the Municipal Home Rule Law), and within 20 days after the final adoption of this Local Law, the Town Clerk shall file a certified copy of this Local Law, together with the required certifications, if any, as follows: (i) in the Office of the Town Clerk; and (ii) with the New York State Secretary of State as required by Municipal Home Rule Law §27 (said filing may be made by delivery to the State Records and Law Bureau, Department of State, 41 State Street, Albany, New York 12231). March 18, 2015 25 The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by Councilperson Ed LaVigne, duly seconded by Councilperson Doug Dake, and put to a roll call vote with the following results: Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye Councilperson Edward LaVigne - Aye Supervisor Kathy Miller - Aye Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on March 18, 2015. LOCAL LAW NUMBER 3 OF 2015 A LOCAL LAW PROVIDING FOR AMENDMENTS TO THE TOWN OF LANSING CODE ENFORCEMENT LOCAL LAW TO INCORPORATE AMENDMENTS REGARDING WOOD TRUSSES AND TIMBER CONSTRUCTION AS MANDATED BY EXECUTIVE LAW § 382-b The Town Board of The Town of Lansing, New York, pursuant to a Resolution dated March 18, 2015, does hereby adopt Local Law No. 3 of 2015, a local law to amend Local Law No. 6 of 2006 concerning Code Enforcement and, accordingly, be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Lansing as follows: Section 1. Local Law No. 6 of 2006 be and hereby is amended to incorporate the requirements of Executive Law § 382-b and its implementing regulations (19 NYCRR Part 1265) as follows: A. Section 202, Definitions, is amended by adding in alphabetical order the following definition “”Truss Label” – A sign, symbol, or glyph as designed and approved by the State of New York and the Code Enforcement Officer that must be and remain visibly affixed to any residential exterior electric panel or the exterior of any residential regulated structure that is in and of a design, size, location, and condition as required by law.” B. Section 404, addressing applications for Building Permits, is amended by adding a new subdivision 6 reading as follows: “(6) Any residential building, structure or improvement that proposes to or does utilize any truss type, pre- engineered wood or timber construction shall disclose such facts in the application for a Building Permit, and all such Building Permit applications shall also be accompanied by such completed forms and information as is required by the Code Enforcement Officer in relation to the requirements of New York State law and the proper obtaining and posting of any Truss Label for qualifying new residential construction or repairs.” C. Section 404 is further amended by adding a new subdivision 7 reading as follows: “(7) Upon receiving any application for a building permit or the form designating the structure as truss type, pre-engineered wood or timber construction, the Code Enforcement Officer shall notify by certified mail, facsimile, email or other electronic means, the chief of the fire district, fire department, or fire company having jurisdiction over the structure to be erected, added to, or modified, or his or her designee, that truss type, pre -engineered wood or timber construction is being utilized. In addition, the Code Enforcement Officer shall consult with the county fire coordinator, local 911 and emergen cy dispatchers, and the local fire protection provider , as necessary, to determine the manner by which such agencies shall be provided notice as is sufficient to provide notice and warning of the existence of truss type, pre-engineered wood or timber construction in the structure to persons conducting fire control and other emergency operations.” March 18, 2015 26 D. Section 701 is amended by adding the following sentence at the end of the existing text: “No residentially-based Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance shall be issued unless a Truss Label is properly obtained and properly posted upon the structure in a location as approved by the Code Enforcement Officer.” E. Section 703(6) is amended by removing the semicolon at the end of such subsection and adding the following phrase: “, including a statement as to whether the structure contains any truss type, pre-engineered wood or timber construction in the structure;” F. Article 7 shall have a new section 707 added as follows: “Sec 707 In order to maintain any residentially-based Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance all property owners (or his or her representatives) shall be responsible for maintaining the Truss Label and shall replace the same whenever required by law, by any order of the Code Enforcement Officer, or whenever any changes or modifications are made to the electric box or other location where posted, or whenever the Truss Label becomes unreadable, damaged, or no longer remains affixed at its required location. In addition, any defacement, alteration, removal, or failure to comply with the Truss Label requirements of this local law, or with the laws and regulations of the State of New York shall be and be deemed a violation hereunder.” G. Article 9 is amended by adding the following sentence to the end thereof: “In addition, any building or structure that is required to have a properly displayed Truss Label and does not have such Truss Label properly displayed shall be and be deemed an “Unsafe Building or Structure.”” Section 2. The Town Board may by resolution adopt and amend such fees as are necessary to provide for the review of Truss Label information, inspections, and the obtaining and providing of Truss Labels approved by the Code Enforcement Officer for posting upon structures within the Town. Section 3. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section, or part of this local law shall be adjudged by any court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such determination shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder hereof, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, section or part thereof, directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment shall have been rendered. Section 4. The Town shall not be liable or responsible for any injury to persons or damage to property due to the Town’s actions, or failures to act, under or pursuant to this Local Law, unless it is proven to a reasonable degree of certainty that such injury or damage was solely caused by a willful or intentional act of the Town. This provision shall be construed and applied to the maximum extent permitted by law, and does not create any theory or claim of liability where none exists at law or in equity. Section 5. This local law shall take effect immediately upon adoption. GRIEVANCE DAY FOR THE TOWN OF LANSING ASSESSMENT REVIEW Supervisor Kathy Miller stated that May 18, 2015 will be Grievance Day for the Town of Lansing from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm at the Lansing Town Hall Board Room. Councilperson Edward LaVigne inquired about being on the Local Advisory Board of Assessment Review. Supervisor Kathy Miller stated that if he wanted to be on it he could but he would be required to attend the training session. Town Clerk Debbie March 18, 2015 27 Crandall stated that the training session is scheduled for May 5th at 9:00 a.m. at the Tompkins County Assessment Department. She also informed the Town Board that they appointed Kathy Miller and Ruth Hopkins to serve on the Advisory Board at their Work Session meeting on March 4th. Councilperson Edward LaVigne stated he would get back to Supervisor Miller to see if he is available. RESOLUTION APPOINTING DEBORAH TRUMBULL TO THE TOWN OF LANSING PLANNING BOARD RESOLUTION 15-51 RESOLUTION APPOINTING DEBORAH TRUMBULL TO THE TOWN OF LANSING PLANNING BOARD The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Lansing Town Board; WHEREAS, Raymond Farkas during his term of office on the Town of Lansing Planning Board passed away unexpectedly on February 12, 2015; and WHEREAS, the untimely passing of Raymond Farkas creates a vacancy on the Planning Board; and WHEREAS, the Planning Board has requested that Deborah Trumbull be appointed to fulfill the remaining term of Raymond Farkas as a Regular Planning Board member; and WHEREAS, Deborah Trumbull has served as an Alternate member of the Planning Board and is duly qualified by virtue of having completed the mandatory NYS training requirements; and WHEREAS, upon deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, that Deborah Trumbull is hereby appointed as a member of the Town of Lansing Planning Board to fill the remaining term of Raymond Farkas effective March 9, 2015 – December 31, 2016. The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by Councilperson Robert Cree, duly seconded by Supervisor Kathy Miller, and put to a roll call vote with the following results: Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye Councilperson Edward LaVigne - Aye Supervisor Kathy Miller - Aye Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on March 18, 2015. RESOLUTION SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING LOCAL LAW #4 OF 2015 TO IMPLEMENT MINOR AMENDMENTS TO THE VCVS SITE PLAN AND PDA LOCAL LAW RESOLUTION 15-52 RESOLUTION SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING LOCAL LAW #4 OF 2015, A LOCAL LAW TO IMPLEMENT MINOR AMENDMENTS TO THE VCVS SITE PLAN AND PDA LOCAL LAW The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, by Local Law No. 1 of 2013 the Town enacted Planned Development Area zoning for the Village Circle-Village Solars Planned Development Area (“PDA”), which March 18, 2015 28 Local Law also effectively adopted and implemented a previously reviewed and approved site plan for such PDA; and WHEREAS, the Developers have discovered that due to underground utilities the location of 6 units needs to be changed and an amended site plan and application was accordingly delivered to the Planning Board, which fully reviewed such application and approved the same; and WHEREAS, in relation to such review it was discovered that Local Law No. 1 of 2013 limited site development to no more than 12 units per building, even though buildings were designed throughout the site plan to have up to 18 units, and research into such issue revealed that the number 12 remained inserted in such Local Law despite being a typographical error and such number all along should have been 18; and WHEREAS, this proposed amendatory Local Law is an Unlisted Action under SEQRA and the Town Board, as the sole involved agency for such a Local Law will need to conduct an environmental review and will, in consideration thereof cause to be prepared and examined the required SEAF, mapping, and related environmental documentation; and WHEREAS, this matter has already been referred to County Planning for a § 239 review and County Planning noted no negative county-wide or intermunicipal impacts and had no official or unofficial comments or recommendations in respect of this Local Law and site plan; and WHEREAS, upon due consideration, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, that a Public Hearing will be held at the Lansing Town Hall, 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, New York, being in the Town of Lansing, on the 15th day of April, 2015, at 6:05 pm, to consider the adoption of proposed Local Law #4 of 2015 - a Town of Lansing local law providing for Amendments to the VCVS PDA, including any issues as pertain to an environmental review of the potential impacts as may arise from relocating such 6 units pursuant to the amended site plan, and to thereat hear all persons interested in the subject thereof, and to take such action thereon as is required or permitted by law; and it is further RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk of the Town of Lansing, Tompkins County, New York, is hereby authorized and directed to cause a Notice of Public Hearing to be published in the official newspaper of the Town of Lansing, and also to post a copy thereof on the Town signboard maintained by the Town Clerk. The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by Councilperson Doug Dake, duly seconded by Councilperson Edward LaVigne, and put to a roll call vote with the following results: Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye Councilperson Edward LaVigne - Aye Supervisor Kathy Miller - Aye Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on March 18, 2015. RESOLUTION APPROVING MPR AND SCHEDULING PUB LIC HEARING UPON PUBLIC INTEREST ORDER FOR CWD BOUNDARY CHANGE TO INCORPORATE REMAINING LANDS OF THE PROPOSED WHISPERING PINES PHASE 6 SUBDIVISION, CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW RESOLUTION 15-53 RESOLUTION APPROVING MAP, PLAN, AND REPORT AND SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING UPON PUBLIC INTEREST ORDER March 18, 2015 29 FOR CWD BOUNDARY CHANGE TO INCORPORATE REMAINING LANDS OF THE PROPOSED WHISPERING PINES PHASE 6 SUBDIVISION, CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board. WHEREAS, a petition and proposed map, plan, and report duly sealed by a NYS licensed engineer (“MPR”), has been submitted by applicant Richard Thaler to extend the Consolidated Water District (“CWD”) to all of the lands of the proposed Whispering Pines Phase 6 Subdivision; and WHEREAS, a portion of the land in such proposed subdivision is already in the CWD and some lands are not due to the CWD, and this process will close a loop or hole in the CWD mappings and will bring an additional 59.19 acres and up to 27 new EDUs into the CWD, said acreage being part of TPN 40.-3-2.12, a 66.47 acre parcel located along Warren Road between Tiger Lily Lane and Asbury Road; and WHEREAS, the Town has determined that incorporating such lands into the CWD is feasible and to the benefit of the CWD, and thus the MPR has been reviewed by the Town Board and, upon the advice of the Town’s Attorney and Engineer, such MPR is accepted and deemed final, complete, and in compliance with Town Law §§ 209-c and 209-d, and the creation of said water district extension by CWD boundary amendment is declared and deemed to be in the public interest, and the Town Board desires to now proceed towards completion of the amendment of the CWD boundaries pursuant to the authority of Article 12-A of the Town Law to incorporate the subject land into the CWD, and finds that all proceedings to date have been in compliance therewith; and WHEREAS, after an examination of said MPR and related requirements of Town Law Article 12-A, and upon due deliberation upon the foregoing, the public interests to be served, and the properties to be benefitted thereby, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED AND DETERMINED, that the said MPR has been reviewed and deemed preliminarily feasible, that such MPR complies with the requirements of Article 12-A and §§ 209-c and 209-d of the Town Law of the State of New York, that all proceedings to date have been in compliance with said Town Law Article 12-A, and that this extension of the CWD by boundary change is in the public interest; and it is further RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby adopts an Order pursuant to Town Law §209-d as follows: 1. The land affected by this proposed district extension by boundary change are described as follows: p/o 40.-3-2.12 (Thaler), being in all approximately 59.19 acres of land, together with the land surveys, metes and bounds maps and descriptions, and such other descriptions and maps as are on file in the Tompkins County Clerk’s Office for the foregoing tax parcel numbers and as described in the MPR (including at Appendix A, therein), each of which is incorporated into this Resolution as is set forth here in full; 2. The public improvements for such extension are to be installed by and at the cost of the landowner-developer and are estimated at $265,000, comprised mainly of 27 one- inch service lines, approximately 2,938’ of 8” ductile iron main piping, and related engineering and miscellaneous expenses and hydrants at locations as are approved by the Planning Board and Town Engineer once the final subdivision layout and road routes are approved; 3. The maximum amount proposed to be expended by the Town of Lansing or the CWD for such extension is $0.00; 4. The one time estimated cost of connection, including hook-up fees, to the Town is estimated at $0.00, as the owner-developer will pay to install all facilities. The one time estimated cost of connection, including hook-up fees, for each lot is estimated at $2,279, being comprised of: (i) a SCLIWC permit connection fee of $250.00; (ii) a ¾” meter March 18, 2015 30 estimated at $89.00; (iii) a SCLIWC $240.00 inspection fee; and (iv) a variable amount of footage for a 1” service line extension to the house location, once sited, at approximately $35.00 per linear foot. The developer proposes to pay the cost of the 1” service line connections and all permit and hook-up fees, such that the projected and estimated total first year’s cost to a future lot owner is only the capital cost taxes and service and usage charges for water set forth in the following paragraph, being $353.00; 5. The annual cost to the typical property is estimated to be $353.00. The typical property is a single family dwelling as measured by EDUs, and such cost is calculated as follows: (i) $155.00 per EDU for CWD capital costs tax assessments for debt retirement and operation and maintenance capital costs; plus (ii) annual water consumption fees of $198.00 per EDU covering the costs of acquiring and delivering water, including non- capital and general operation and maintenance costs (computed as 40,000 gallons, at $4.95 per 1,000 gallons); 6. No district financing is applicable to this project, as all of the construction and improvement and permitting costs will be paid solely by the applicant landowner- developer (Thaler); 7. The Map, Plan and Report are on file for public review and inspection at the Office of the Town Clerk; 8. The Public Hearing be and hereby is set for 6:10 p.m. upon April 15, 2015, at the Lansing Town Hall, 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, New York, and to thereat hear all persons interested in the subject thereof, being the extensions of the CWD as aforesaid, to thereat take all evidence presented, and to thereat take such other or further action as is required or permitted by law; 9. The Map, Plan and Report describes in detail how the financing, hook-up costs, and other costs and expenses, were estimated and computed, and therefore complies with Town Law § 209-d(1) as it constitutes the detailed statement therein required; and it is further RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk of the Town of Lansing, Tompkins County, New York, is hereby authorized and directed to cause a Notice of Public Hearing to be published in the official newspaper of the Town of Lansing not less than 10 nor more than 20 days before such public hearing, and also to post a copy thereof on the Town signboard maintained by the Town Clerk in accord with law. The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by Supervisor Kathy Miller, duly seconded by Councilperson Robert Cree, and put to a roll call vote with the following results: Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye Councilperson Edward LaVigne - Aye Supervisor Kathy Miller - Aye Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on March 18, 2015. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXCESS GENERAL FUND A AND HIGHWAY FUND DB FUND BALANCE RESOLUTION 15-54 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING USE OF EXCESS GENERAL FUND A AND HIGHWAY FUND DB FUND BALANCE FOR 2014 YEAR END FINANCIALS The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: March 18, 2015 31 WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing has recognized that the 2014 Year End Financials reflects a surplus Fund Balance in General Fund A, and Highway Fund DB; and WHEREAS, the Town Board wishes to allocate a portion of the surplus Fund Balance to various Town Reserve Funds; and WHEREAS, upon due consideration, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing hereby authorizes the Town Supervisor to allocate a portion of the surplus Fund Balance recognized from General Fund A in the amount of $103,000.00 to Capital Reserves for Highway Equipment; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing hereby authorizes the Town Supervisor to allocate a portion of the surplus Highway Fund DB Fund Balance in the amount of $100,000.00 to Capital Reserves for Highway Equipment; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing hereby authorizes the Town Supervisor to allocate surplus General Fund A Fund Balance in the amount of $37,000.00 to Capital Reserves for Parks and Recreation Equipment. The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by Councilperson Robert Cree, duly seconded by Supervisor Kathy Miller, and put to a roll call vote with the following results: Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye Councilperson Edward LaVigne - Aye Supervisor Kathy Miller - Aye Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried and duly adopted on March 18, 2015. APPROVE AUDIT and BUDGET MODIFICATIONS RESOLUTION 15-55 Councilperson Robert Cree moved that the Bookkeeper is hereby authorized to pay the following bills and to make the following budget modifications. CONSOLIDATED ABSTRACT # 003 DATED _03/18/2015__ AUDITED VOUCHER #’s 142-251 PREPAY VOUCHER #’s 142-146 AUDITED T & A VOUCHER #’s 15-23_ PREPAY T & A VOUCHER #’s 15-17 _ FUND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS GENERAL FUND (A&B) $ 74,402.31 HIGHWAY FUND (DA&DB) $ 100,001.82 LANSING LIGHTING (SL1, 2 &3) $ 1,366.70 LANSING WATER DISTRICTS (SW) $ 80,147.93 TRUST & AGENCY (TA) $ 38,604.42 March 18, 2015 32 LANSING SEWER DISTRICTS (SS1, SS3) $ 76.17 DEBT SERVICE (V) $ 0.00 Councilperson Doug Dake seconded the motion and it was carried by the following roll call vote: Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye Councilperson Edward LaVigne - Aye Supervisor Kathy Miller - Aye Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried and duly adopted on March 18, 2015. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS Doug Dake Emergency Preparedness Committee He reported the following members attended last night’s meeting, Chris Pettagrasso, Mary June King, Cricket Purcell, Chairman Bill Miller, Katrina Binkewicz, and Mr. Fleming. He stated they were charged with the task of coming up with an Emergency Plan and he reviewed the minutes that were provided by Katrina Binkewicz. He discussed the short and long term goals of the committee. The short term goal is to complete an Emergency Plan and an Emergency Fund along with a Disaster Emergency Relief Chain. The long term goal is grant writing for necessary emergency supplies, an educational pamphlet to be sent to all residents and a maintenance of persons at risk list along with updating information on the Tompkins County Website. The committee will meet every third Tuesday at the Town Hall Board Room and they would appreciate any input from people. The committee will be reviewing the Tompkins County Plan intently. Their mission is to adopt a plan as soon as possible. Jodi Dake, Village Clerk/Treasurer informed him that Tompkins County is very good with emergency preparedness. An inventory was taken of the assets that are currently in place for emergency preparedness. The Town of Lansing Highway Department is excellent second to none. Money was appropriated for an emergency generator for the Highway Department. Also, obtaining an emergency generator for the Town Hall. Chris Pettagrasso last year during the power outage opened up the school at that time. Shared Services were discussed with other towns, counties, departments and schools. He also mentioned hearing on the radio where counties are prepared to share assets and services during an epidemic with Ebola. Doug then asked if there were any questions: Connie Wilcox stated that the Lansing Fire Department currently has an Emergency Preparedness Plan along with Tompkins County. She also stated that they have just completed all their training with Ebola. They are a great resource and she suggested that someone from the fire department would be a great asset to the committee. Doug stated that he neglected to say that Dan Ferguson is on the committee and attended the meeting. Other members of the fire department are going to be considered to join the committee. Liaison to the Town of Lansing Planning Board He stated the Planning Board is running very well. It was tragic news of Ray Farkas passing. March 18, 2015 33 Developers are happy with the progress of current projects, Novalane, Cayuga Way, Village Solar/Village Circle, and Cayuga Farms. He stated with the help of Mike Long, Lynn Day, Planning Department and Guy Krogh things are going very well. Edward LaVigne Nothing to Report Robert Cree Personnel Committee There have been four meetings of the Personnel Committee. There is a representative from the Highway Department, two from the Town Hall and two Town Board members who serve on the committee. The goal of the committee is to clean up the Town of Lansing Employee Handbook. As changes are discussed they will be brought to the Town Board at Work Session Meetings. When sections are completed they will be brought to the Town Board for consideration and approval. Sharon Bowman stated that each building representative should be brining information from their constituents to the Personnel Committee and then taking back information to the employee where things are at. Meetings are held every other Wednesday at 7:15 a.m. at the Town Hall. Kathy Miller NYSEG Easements Mary Ann Sumner, Supervisor of the Town of Dryden and she met several weeks ago with Robert Pass on the NYSEG gas distribution easements. They have taken into consideration some of their suggestions which consisted of comments from residents they received. The line would run in the Town of Dryden as well as the Town of Lansing. Shared Services at BOCES Sharon and Kathy attended a Shared Services meeting at BOCES. Training covered HR and Work Place Violence. Bone Plain Road Easements A letter will be sent with a designated time frame by mid April. Sharon Bowman Year End Independent Audit She has received notification from Moody’s as a result of their review on the completion of the 2013 year end Independent Audit from Ciaschi, Dietershagen, Little, Michelson & Co., LLP, CPA’s that they are reinstating the Town of Lansing’s Aa3 rating. This should be posted tomorrow and the Town Board will receive a copy. She stated the town is still required to do an individual audit. PERMA Review The annual visit from PERMA reviewed the Town of Lansing is in good standing. There are not a lot of Workmen’s Compensation cases. March 18, 2015 34 Personnel Committee She stated her appreciation to the Town Board for allowing the Personnel Committee to be reinstituted. It is long overdue and needed to clean up the personnel handbook. TOWN COUNSEL REPORT Guy Krogh Working Meeting on April 1, 2015 Guy informed the Town Board that he will not be available for the next meeting. Draft Telecommunications Tower Law Guy stated that the Town Board has the first draft of it. This has been updated through the jobs act of 2012, he will take a look at this and report back to the board. 2015 Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards (2015 Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards – This fall and winter, students across the country and from places abroad submitted more than 300,000 works of art and writing to the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. 17,000 or just about 6% earned regional Gold Keys and qualified for Scholastic Art & Writing Award National Medals. Of those, just 2,200 or 0.7% received National Gold and Silver Medals!) Guy reported that Lansing has for the first time in history, two National Finalist in the Arts: Lydia Krogh – Category: Drawing and Illustration Award: National Gold Medal, Regional Gold Key Natalie Dies – Category: Digital Art Award: National Silver Medal, Regional Gold Key He stated they are not the only truly gifted artists in the Lansing schools. The school district has a remarkable Arts and Music program. ADJOURN MEETING Meeting adjourned at the call of the Supervisor at 8:00 p.m. Minutes taken and executed by the Town Clerk. Respectfully submitted, Debbie S. Crandall, RMC