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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-18 June 18, 2025 1 REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING June 18, 2025 A Regular Meeting of the Lansing Town Board was held at the Town Hall Board Room, 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, NY, and streamed live on YouTube on the above date at 6:30 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Ruth Groff, Supervisor, and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Roll call by Jessica L. Hall, Deputy Town Clerk, showed the following to be PRESENT: Judy Drake, Councilperson Laurie Hemmings, Councilperson Christine Montague, Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, Councilperson Ruth Groff, Supervisor ABSENT: No one absent ALSO PRESENT: Mike Moseley, Director of Public Works/Highway Superintendent, Mary Ellen Albrecht, Bookkeeper, Patrick Tyrrell, Director of Parks & Recreation, John Zepko, Director of Planning, Guy Krogh, Town Counsel, Kathleen Yen, Peter and Dale Meskill, Mike Culotta and a few other attendees. MOTION TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED LOCAL LAW #4 OF 2025 TO ADD CHAPTER 56 TO THE TOWN CODE RESPECTING THE MANNER AND FORM OF ALLOWED COMPENSATION FOR CERTAIN PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT POSITIONS AND OFFICES Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, moved to OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED LOCAL LAW #4 OF 2025 TO ADD CHAPTER 56 TO THE TOWN CODE RESPECTING THE MANNER AND FORM OF ALLOWED COMPENSATION FOR CERTAIN PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT POSITIONS AND OFFICES at 6:31 pm. Councilperson Laurie Hemmings seconded the motion. All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0 No one addressed the Town Board. MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING All persons desiring to be heard, having been heard, Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, moved to CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED LOCAL LAW #4 OF 2025 TO ADD CHAPTER 56 TO THE TOWN CODE RESPECTING THE MANNER AND FORM OF ALLOWED COMPENSATION FOR CERTAIN PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT POSITIONS AND OFFICES at 6:32 pm. Councilperson Laurie Hemmings seconded the motion. All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0 RESOLUTION ADOPTING LOCAL LAW #4 OF 2025 TO ADD CHAPTER 56 TO THE TOWN CODE RESPECTING THE MANNER AND FORM OF ALLOWED COMPENSATION FOR CERTAIN PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT POSITIONS AND OFFICES RESOLUTION 25-69 RESOLUTION ADOPTING LOCAL LAW #4 OF 2025 TO ADD CHAPTER 56 TO THE TOWN CODE RESPECTING THE MANNER AND FORM OF ALLOWED COMPENSATION FOR CERTAIN PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT POSITIONS AND OFFICES The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, within certain legal limits, New York State authorizes local governments to enact local laws and special procedures to enhance and support local governance through June 18, 2025 2 home rule, and this authority applies to the ability to define and describe the basis and manner of compensation for many public employment positions and offices, and for years the Town Board has sought to compensate certain appointed officers and employees based upon meeting attendance, as well as upon other bases allowed by, or not prohibited by, New York State; and WHEREAS, a local law has been created to allow for per diem and other bases for determining and calculating the compensation payable to members and alternates of the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals, as well as for the Town Historian; and WHEREAS, this matter was and is classified as a Type II SEQRA Action (see e.g., 6 NYCRR Part 617, §§ 617.5(c)(26) and (33)), such that no further environmental review is required, and upon deliberation upon the public hearing and comments and evidence submitted thereat, if any, and the terms and requirements of such local law, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has RESOLVED as follows: 1. Local Law Number 4 of 2025 be and hereby is approved and adopted in the form as presented to this meeting and, in such form, “be it so enacted.” 2. In accordance with the Municipal Home Rule Law, the final adopted version of this local law shall be filed with the Town Clerk and the New York Secretary as required by the Municipal Home Rule Law. 3. This local law shall be forwarded to the municipal code service for immediate inclusion in the Town Code. The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by Councilperson Judy Drake, duly seconded by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, and put to a roll call vote with the following results: Councilperson Judy Drake – Aye Councilperson Laurie Hemmings – Aye Councilperson Christine Montague – Aye Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye Supervisor Ruth Groff – Aye Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on June 18, 2025. LOCAL LAW NUMBER #4 OF 2025 A LOCAL LAW OF THE TOWN OF LANSING TO ESTABLISH THE SALARIES AND METHODS OF PAY FOR PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS, ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MEMBERS, AND THE TOWN HISTORIAN The Town Board of The Town of Lansing, New York, pursuant to a Resolution dated June 18, 2025, does hereby adopt and pass this Local Law Number #4 of 2025, and therefore, BE IT SO ENACTED as follows: SECTION 1 – AUTHORITY: This local law is adopted pursuant to the powers granted by the Town Law of the State of New York, including but not limited to Town Law §§ 27, 64, 267, and 271, Public Officers Law § 3 et seq., the Statute of Local Governments § 10, and Municipal Home Rule Law § 10, which authorize the Town of Lansing to adopt local laws providing for the governance and management of town affairs. SECTION 2 – PURPOSE: The purposes of this local law are to establish the rate and method of pay of salaries incident to certain public offices, specifically including members of the Planning Board, members of the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Town Historian. By enacting this local law, the Town is superseding Town Law §§ 27, 267, and 271, and the requirements of the Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.07 to the extent they define or require payments and June 18, 2025 3 payment calculations as incidents of positions or offices held to be paid pursuant to a traditional salary formula, and not upon hourly rates, per diem rates, flat rates, annual rates prorated by days, weeks, months, or quarters, or other methods of setting and calculating pay rates, salaries, or recompense for employment or services. SECTION 3 – AMENDMENT OF TOWN CODE: The Town Code is amended by adding a new Chapter 56, entitled “Compensation” as follows: Chapter 56 Compensation § 56-1. General Provisions. This chapter applies only to the particular civil service job titles and positions and public offices as are directly herein addressed, and it shall not be applied to other offices or positions. This chapter supersedes Town Law § 27(1) insofar as the same may prohibit compensation of Planning Board and Zoning Board members on a per meeting or per meeting attended basis. This chapter further supersedes said Town Law, the Public Officers Law (including § 67 therein) and the Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.07 and related provisions, to the extent that the same may require paying a salary in any given terms, form, manner, or frequency for certain public employment positions and public offices. § 56-2 Town of Lansing Planning Board Members and Alternates. The Town Board of the Town of Lansing is authorized to compensate Planning Board members and Alternates on the basis of a stipend per planning board meeting attended. Nothing in this chapter is intended to prohibit the Town Board from compensating said members and alternates upon any other basis permitted by law, and the compensation provided may periodically hereafter be established and amended by resolution of the Town Board. § 56-3 Town of Lansing Zoning Board of Appeals Members and Alternates. The Town Board of the Town of Lansing is authorized to compensate Zoning Board of Appeals members and Alternates on the basis of a stipend per zoning board of appeals meeting attended. Nothing in this chapter is intended to prohibit the Town Board from compensating said members and alternates upon any other basis permitted by law, and the compensation provided may periodically hereafter be established and amended by resolution of the Town Board. § 56-4 Town Historian. The Town Board of the Town of Lansing may determine compensation for the Town Historian by a flat rate per year, an hourly rate, a project or per diem rate, or any other basis as is determined reasonable and proper by such Town Board. Nothing in this chapter is intended to prohibit the Town Board from compensating Town Historians (and any deputies) from being compensated upon any other basis permitted by law, and the compensation provided may periodically hereafter be established and amended by resolution o f the Town Board. § 56-5 Severability. If any portion of this chapter as written, or as applied to any person, entity, or circumstance, shall be determined by any court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, such determination shall be confined in its operation to the invalid part hereof, or in its application to such person, entity, or circumstance as is directly involved in the controversy in which such determination shall have been rendered, and the remainder of this chapter shall not be impaired thereby and such determination shall not be deemed or construed to apply to other persons, entities, or circumstances. June 18, 2025 4 SECTION 4 – SAVINGS AND SEVERANCE: The invalidity or unenforceability of any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, provision, or phrase of this local law as declared by the valid judgment of any court of competent jurisdiction shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, provision, or phrase in this local law, which shall remain in full force and effect. SECTION 5 – CODIFICATION: This local law shall be incorporated into the Town Code as a new chapter thereof, and the incorporator may designate such new section and numerical headings, or other indexed references, as make for a coherent Town Code, sequentially numbered or marked. Nothing in this local law is intended to disrupt or affect the existing Town Code, except to the extent any existing code provision is herein expressly amended, superseded, or repealed. All other provisions of the Town Code are hereby reaffirmed and continue d in force and effect, and the codification of these amendments shall follow the procedure for amending the code as set forth in the code, or in the Town’s local laws, including but not limited to Local Law #2 of 2020. SECTION 6 – EFFECTIVE DATE: This local law shall take effect immediately. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – COMMENTS One resident spoke in favor of the proposed Resolution reducing the speed limit on Farrell Road. They stated the neighborhood is supportive of the Resolution as well. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – MICHAEL MOSELEY Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORT June 2025 NEW DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING: • A permit meeting was held at the Highway Barn to discuss permitting for the new Department of Public Works building with T.G. Miller, LeChase, Bolton Point, and the Town of Lansing’s Codes Department and Town of Lansing’s Department of Public Works. WEATHER: • Crew members were actively engaged in addressing the flooding caused by the storm over the weekend of June 6th - June 10th. Their efforts included deploying emergency response measures, clearing debris, and ensuring the safety of affected areas. The team worked diligently to mitigate the impact of the flooding and restore normalcy as quickly as possible. ROADS: • The road maintenance schedule is currently in progress. This involves a series of planned activities aimed at improving road conditions. • Roadside mowing operations have commenced to improve the line of sight for drivers. This initiative involves trimming vegetation along the roadways. • The Department of Public Works is collaborating with Ithaca Central Railroad to repair and improve the entrance to Myers Park. CEMETERIES: • Crew members of the Department of Public Works gathered flags to place on veterans' graves for Memorial Day, honoring and remembering those who served in the military. June 18, 2025 5 OFFICE: • The Town of Lansing has been working hand in hand with the Village of Lansing and the Village of Cayuga Heights regarding the Intermunicipal Agreement for Sewer District One. • The Highway Superintendent/Director of Public Works, Mike Moseley, and the Secretary to the Highway Superintendent/Director of Public Works, Emmy Stehnach, attended PERMAs Annual Conference. This included educational sessions covering various topics, including workers' compensation, risk assessments, workplace safety protocols, regulatory updates, and innovative solutions for managing occupational hazards. o The Town of Lansing was presented with PERMA’s 30-year membership award. • The Highway Superintendent/Director of Public Works, Mike Moseley, and the Deputy Highway Superintendent/Deputy of Public Works, Jamar Redmond, attended the annual Highway School at Ithaca College. This event, sponsored by the New York State Association of Towns and the Cornell Local Roads Program, offers training, education, and networking for highway superintendents and local roads professionals. It has been a tradition since 1938. o Classes attended: Show me the Money: Grants and other funding sources, Use of NYS OGS contracts, What Road to Work on Next, Revolutionizing Civil Construction: The Role of Geotextiles, Funding Panel, Asphalt Paving Inspection, FHWA, Call Before U Dig: Safe Digging Practices and Code Rule 753, Right-of- way (ROW) by Use, PPE – History, Hierarchy and Hands-On Safety, How to Build Your Personal Brand, Tips for Communicating with the Traveling Public, Highway Fund 101, Work Zones, Federal Disaster Recovery, and CHIPS Mike also reported: • One salt barn is completely down, and the other is at least halfway down. • Thank you to Ithaca Rail for their assistance improving the entrance to Myers Park. • Met with NYSDEC Officers from spills response. No concern currently at temporary mulch pad. • A temporary covered pad for salt storage has been completed. • Received award packet for the vacuum truck. Angel with Tompkins County Soil & Water offered to assist with review of the packet. PARKS AND RECREATION REPORT – PATRICK TYRRELL Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout. June Town Board Report RECREATION: • Current programming includes cardio step, yoga, strength & stretch, swimming (Watercats), Zumba, adult swim, horse riding, club volleyball, Girls Strong, Hitcats travel baseball, travel softball and adult volleyball. • We still have a couple of openings in Day Camp session 1 and 5. • LBP (baseball), LSP (softball) and T-ball were supposed to wrap up on June 7th but due to rain outs we decided to extend the season a week. Super Saturday will now be June 14th. Moore’s Donut trailer will be here for the event. • Day camp training continues June 14th. • We will host our annual Hitcats baseball tournament on July 5th and 6th. PARKS: • More storms, more flooding, more tree issues. This has been a common theme for the last couple of months. We will be cleaning the beachfront area at Myers Park this week in preparation for our annual inspection. • Continuing site clearing and consolidation in preparation for the new DPW Facility. Creating better access to our back building for office space. Space is getting very tight. June 18, 2025 6 • Boats are starting to move into their slips and dry dock spaces in Myers Park. We had to remove a few boats tying up illegally or parked in spots in our dry dock area. • Revenue at the park has been down considerably over the last couple of weeks due to the weather. • We have cleaned up and leveled Salt Point from the dredging project. Wildflower seed has been planted in some of the bare spots. Other areas were planted with rye grass. • Our Health Department inspection for camping went very well, no violations. • Last summer some of the basketball court surfacing at Myers Park started to peel. These spots were scheduled to be repaired last month but due to the weather are now scheduled for this week. • Our Myers Park staff has been trained and things are running smoothly. • Music in the Park schedule is now available. It will begin July 10th. • LCSD Graduation will be held at Myers Park this year on June 27th. Preparations have begun to accommodate this. • Myers Park hosted a car show for the Lansing Events Committee on June 1st. Lots of great classic cars and trucks. Luckily, the weather cooperated. • We are continuing to work on the Wi-Fi in Myers Park. Campers have been complaining about coverage. Due to the fact that they are stuck inside their campers with the current weather. TRAILS: • The Greenway Master plan contract is ready for Town Board approval. • The proposal Town Center Greenway Phase 1 is in front of the Town Board for approval. • T.G. Miller is working on the Myers Road Trail feasibility study. • Parks, Recreation, and Trails Working Group’s next meeting is June 25th. • The Lansing Center Trail is very wet. We are unable to mow most of the trail. Please use caution and wear boots if you plan to be on it. • The Lansing Center Trail Tuesdays have been doing magnificent work, planting flowers, cleaning up, and general maintenance. TOWN HALL/COMMUNITY CENTER: • Our .gov domain name conversion is in the beginning stages. • Town Hall doors are working well. • The Community Center air conditioning has been an issue for a few weeks. I was able to get both floors working and avoid calling a contractor. • Dave Herrick is working on the RFP for roof replacement on the Community Center and Historical Building. • I met with all the contractors preparing to bid our HVAC project. All were amazed at how bad our system is. Heating is straightforward but AC may be difficult to remedy. Thank you to our Highway Department for their help with numerous items. This is only a very brief overview of what the Parks & Recreation department does, if you have questions or would like to meet with me one on one, please let me know. Patrick also reported: Myers Park Beach Cleanup Crews are cleaning the beach front in preparation for opening it for swimming. They have already removed 10 ten-wheeler loads of trees and debris. An additional ten (10) more loads are still there to be cleared. It’s a major undertaking. Myers Park Workout Station Donation Supervisor Ruth Groff reported that another individual has offered to cover the additional cost required for the workout station at Myers Park. Once it has been confirmed, there may be a resolution at the July meeting accepting both donations. June 18, 2025 7 Website and Email Transition to .gov Councilperson Joseph Wetmore requested an update on the website and email transition to a .gov domain. Old emails and website will have redirects for a period of time, until we decide to have them stopped. The transition has encountered a few hiccups with staff working to resolve issues. One common issue is that external businesses are rejecting emails from the new .gov addresses, requiring the sender to inform the recipient to allow the email through. It was suggested to post a notice on the main page of the Town’s website notifying visitors of the new website and email addresses. Town Hall HVAC Upgrade Update The Town received two bids for the Town Hall HVAC project, but neither was fully compliant with the RFP. Due to these issues, it was decided to not proceed with the resolution awarding the bid tonight. Supervisor Ruth Groff will discuss the bids with Town Counsel Guy Krogh and Town Engineer Dave Herrick. The Town may need to have a special meeting to address the bids. DIRECTOR OF PLANNING REPORT – JOHN ZEPKO John reported that his time was largely consumed by addressing concerns of citizen groups and Town Board members and preparing the RFP for the zoning rewrite. The Town Board commended John’s work on the zoning rewrite RFP and acknowledged the effort involved in gathering information and putting it all together. TOWN CLERK REPORT – DEBBIE MUNSON Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout. TOWN CLERK JUNE 2025 Training/Webinars Tax Webinar – May 29th Debbie attended another informative tax webinar. They are very helpful and keep tax receivers and collectors up to date on changes. New York State Archives – Creating File Plans – May 29th Jessie attended this webinar which covered developing a file plan for organizing paper or electronic records. It covered where to get started on creating one. It suggested to determine file arrangements and how are they requested (for easy retrieval). They also stressed the importance of creating naming conventions for files (both electronic and paper). Flags The Town Clerk’s Office continues to monitor the flags. The Pride flag will be flown all month, and the POW flag was flown Memorial Day Weekend and on June 14th for Flag Day. Break Room Employees have been enjoying the breakroom space that has been created in the kitchen area. We have ordered a room divider to add a little privacy. Marriage Officiant Licenses Marriage Officiant License is a fairly new option for people to use when getting married. The couple may choose to have anyone marry them. The officiant purchases a Marriage June 18, 2025 8 Officiant License from the Clerk’s office where the couple purchased their marriage license. This allows the person to be the officiant for only the couple on the Marriage Officiant License. The Marriage Officiant License is $25 and they do not need to do anything online, it is all done through the Clerk’s office. We have sold two (2) this month. LANSING COMMUNITY LIBRARY REPORT – ANNIE JOHNSON Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout. TOWN BOARD UPDATES FROM THE LANSING COMMUNITY LIBRARY June 2025 1. Don’t forget that if the Library is closed, you still have access to Libby, Hoopla, and Kanopy! 2. The library continues to provide free delivery to Woodsedge. The library also has a mobile wireless hotspot available for check out. The Wi-Fi is not password protected. The community is welcome to park in the lot to access the Internet. 3. Learn to play American Mah Jongg every Wednesday at 10:00 am. 4. The library has an Empire Pass and passes to the Museum of the Earth and the Cayuga Nature Center available for check out. Board games, puzzles, story time kits, and STEAM kits are also available. 5. The Library now offers free period products using an Aunt Flow dispenser. Unfortunately, we are no longer able to supply free COVID tests. We can help residents contact the USPS to get free tests in the mail. 6. Chair Yoga is offered every Monday at 9:30 am. 7. Book Club will be held Tuesday, June 17th. We are reading “My Life Through Food” by Stanley Tucci this month. Please see the library for copies to borrow. 8. Learn T’ai Chi on Fridays at 10:30 am. 9. There is a year-round book sale at the Library. 10. June storytimes on Thursdays: 5th (STEM), 12th (Gardening), 26th (Beach Day). 11. Summer reading kick off will be Saturday, June 21st at 10:30 am with a performance from Circus Culture at 11 am. 12. The Prom Closet is now open, where new and gently used formal wear are available for use. 13. The art exhibition this month is the work of the young artists who participated in the logo contest. 14. The Library will be closed on Thursday, June 19th in observation of Junteenth. LANSING YOUTH SERVICES REPORT – RICK ALVORD Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout. Lansing Youth Services Town Board Report June 2025 June 18, 2025 9 Make It Mondays: This student designed program provides opportunities for youth to plan activities for upcoming weeks. The group is given a weekly budget, and together, quickly figured out that if they did a “free” week, they could add that money to the next week’s activities. So far, they have planned a (free) movie day and watched “The Croods”. Up next they planned a trip to get donuts as a treat, then go hiking at a local preserve. There was also a high demand for a Wii Day, so some active videogames will be played soon. 10 youth served Outdoor Adventure: Base Camp: This rendition of Outdoor Adventure is focused on learning camping skills. With the summer camping season approaching, teaching camping skills like hanging a bear bag, tarp set up, useful knots, fires for cooking, safe travel on precarious terrain, and Leave No Trace principals to minimize their impact. This is in hopes of inspiring some of those who have never camped before to get out there and enjoy the stars! 12 youth served Science on the Shore: This program is new and takes place mainly at Myers Park. The first day was spent at Myers Park documenting as many species as possible, flora and fauna. Some lists were rather extensive, with over 30 species, while others have room to learn more! On the rainy days, the group worked on creating a fish ID guide to learn all the species that are native (and invasive) to Cayuga Lake. The second inside day was spent researching Macroinvertebrates, to prepare for water testing taking place during the next session. 11 youth served Game On: Game On makes a return to the line up as many students requested to have more games. Some of the students are still working on their game they created in the last round of Gaming Creation. Their rules are extensive, and their artwork is intricate. New games have also made an appearance for this round, like “Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza”, Exploding Kittens, and Ticket To Ride. Cards games are still popular and will be having a “Garbage” tournament with the winner getting a new deck of cards. 10 youth served. Youth Employment: Youth employees are thriving in their various positions. We have some new faces that are starting positions at the Lansing Public Library with their training and another to start in the near future. Youth Assistants for the afterschool program are working with three programs, and each topic speaks to their strong suit and interests. The last staff meetings have covered sexual harassment in the workplace training, workplace professionalism and etiquette. Summer schedules are being finalized and the teens are excited for some more hours! Summer Programs – Sign ups currently open! https://www.ultracamp.com/info/upcomingSessions.aspx?idCamp=1259&campCode=PP C&lnkCategory=Lansing+RYS Lake Life 7/7 9 AM - 7/10 4 PM Cardboard Boat Building 7/14 9 AM - 7/17 4 PM Iron Chef Monday and Tuesday, 7/21 & 7/22, 9:00am to 1:00pm, Wednesday and Thursday, 7/23 & 7/24 9:00am to 3:00pm RYS Summer Olympics 7/28 9 AM - 7/31 4 PM Sky's the Limit! 8/4 9 AM - 8/7 4 PM Get Lost! 8/11 9 AM - 8/13 3 PM June 18, 2025 10 TOMPKINS COUNTY LEGISLATOR REPORT – MIKE SIGLER Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was available as a handout. Tompkins County Legislator Michael Sigler June 2025 Hello! I’m sorry I can’t be there tonight. The Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce is having their annual awards dinner tonight and I like to be there for this community event. The County is filling some high-level positions. We have hired our new Whole Health Commissioner. Jennie Sutcliffe will start July 7th and replaces Frank Krupa who is now at Centrallus and will be instrumental in opening our Detox Center, I’m told that will come online in December, and the new Mental Health Stabilization Unit, which I’m told will open the first quarter of 2026. We’ve also narrowed the field on our Commissioner of Social Services who will replace Kit Kephardt and we have finished interviews for our new Director of Finance. A third Ithaca to Washington flight will be starting in September or October. It’s a slight delay, but a welcome addition. We’ve started a series of public hearings on the new Center of Government. I have some concerns like the final price tag, but we’re still working through those. I suggested other sites and they’ve been reviewed by administration, but the corner of Tioga and Buffalo still seems the preferred and most cost-effective site for all of the departments we need to house. HOLT Architecture is collecting feedback and I’ve voiced my concerns about parking and the price tag. This will be a project we bond for and we should get a favorable finance rate so we’ll be paying this over 30 years and will save on some current leasing costs so the price sting will be minimized. The Legislature approved up to $50 million in funding for the development of the Center of Government (COG). The funding is expected to be a combination of cash, debt, and potential grant sources and encompasses the full scope of the project, including the deconstruction of existing facilities, planning and design, construction of the new COG building, furniture, IT infrastructure, renovation of the Old Jail and a portion of the Old Courthouse. I went to the Groton Town Hall on this and there are still two more the public can go to: Caroline Town Hall 6/23, and Legislature Chambers in Ithaca 6/24. Both are scheduled for 6-7:30 pm. We are reviewing bids to be our not-for-profit partner in the new shelter we have planned. There are still problems at the Asteri building downtown and the County Adminstator is taking an active role in solving those problems. I’m definitely on the more aggressive side of dealing with the developer Vecino group and am arguing for State intervention to secure the building. I have confidence in County Administrator Korsah Akumfi’s approach to this. He’s had multiple meetings with the City and is calling for State involvement. I’ll keep you updated. The County has a stake in the success of this building as this is where the Convention Center is and so far, I can’t say the building has been a success with the multiple police calls, dirty public areas, and fires being set in apartments and stairwells. The County will be taking action, but we are determining what we are allowed to do and if we are limited in action, we will determine who can. The Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office is out with its annual report. You can find that here: https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/files/assets/county/v/1/sheriffs- office/documents/2024-annual-report.pdf We are now picking our next “I Voted” and “Future Voters” sticker for the County. Following a contest including submissions from kindergarten through high school age students in Tompkins County, the Tompkins County Board of Elections is inviting County residents to vote for their favorite “I Voted” and “Future Voters” sticker designs. June 18, 2025 11 A total of 67 designs were submitted – the highest number yet since the inaugural contest in 2023. The 15 final design submissions are listed online at https://tcgov.co/2025sticker, where residents can submit their vote. The deadline for voting is July 4, 2025. Thank you and I hope to see you soon. Mike Sigler CONSENT AGENDA a. MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH LABELLA ASSOCIATES, D.P.C., TO PROVIDE REVIEW SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH ORES APPLICATIONS, INCLUDING THE AES CORPORATION AND NEXTERA ENERGY RESOURCES MOTION M25-21 MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH LABELLA ASSOCIATES, D.P.C., TO PROVIDE REVIEW SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH ORES APPLICATIONS, INCLUDING THE AES CORPORATION AND NEXTERA ENERGY RESOURCES Moved to approve hiring LaBella Associates, D.P.C, to provide review services associated with two Article VIII applications to the Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission (ORES) from AES Corporation and NextEra Energy Resources, and further authorizing Supervisor to sign engagement agreement for these purposes by and on behalf of the Town of Lansing. b. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN SUPERVISOR TO APPROVE CERTAIN DPW CONSTRUCTION CHANGE ORDERS OF UP TO $35,000 WITHOUT FURTHER OR ADDITIONAL TOWN BOARD APPROVALS RESOLUTION 25-70 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN SUPERVISOR TO APPROVE CERTAIN DPW CONSTRUCTION CHANGE ORDERS OF UP TO $35,000 WITHOUT FURTHER OR ADDITIONAL TOWN BOARD APPROVALS The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, the Town has approved multiple construction and services contracts respecting the design and construction of the new DPW facility and, in any project of this size, multiple change orders can and will arise; and WHEREAS, for the purposes of efficiency and to ensure needed changes are timely approved as issues arise, certain of those change orders are hereby designated as within the scope of authority of the Town Supervisor to execute for and on behalf of the Town, mainly due to such being within the scope of the approved project and budget for such improvements; and WHEREAS, upon deliberation upon the foregoing, the Town Board has RESOLVED as follows: 1. The Town Supervisor is hereby delegated authority to approve certain change orders, and may sign change orders without further or additional approval or authority from the Town Board, whenever each of the following conditions is met: i. The change order is in an amount that is less than $35,000; ii. The change order has been reviewed and recommended by the Construction Manager and DPW Director; and June 18, 2025 12 iii. The change order is within the scope of the existing bid, project, and budget for the project. 2. The Town Supervisor shall, as part of her monthly Supervisor’s Report, report to the Town Board the nature and value of each change order executed by or for the Town pursuant to this resolution, regardless of whether the change order increased the price of any task, material, contract, or the project as a whole, or whether it decreased any such cost. c. RESOLUTION SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED LOCAL LAW NUMBER #_ OF 2025 – OVERRIDE TAX LEVY LIMIT ESTABLISHED IN GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW § 3-C RESOLUTION 25-71 RESOLUTION SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED LOCAL LAW NO. _ OF 2025 A LOCAL LAW TO OVERRIDE THE TAX LEVY LIMIT ESTABLISHED IN GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW § 3-C The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing is hereby authorized to adopt a budget for the fiscal year 2026; and WHEREAS, said proposed Local Law proposes: (1) to override the limit on the amount of real property taxes that may be levied by the Town of Lansing, County of Tompkins pursuant to General Municipal Law § 3-C (2) pursuant to Town Law Article 12-C, governed by the Town Board for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2026 and ending December 31, 2026 that requires a real property tax levy in excess of the “tax levy limit” as defined by General Municipal Law § 3-C; and WHEREAS, this proposed Local Law if adopted pursuant to subdivision 5 of General Municipal Law § 3-C which expressly authorizes the Town Board to override the Tax Levy Limit by the adoption of a Local Law approved by a vote of at least sixty percent (60%) of the Town Board; and WHEREAS, upon deliberation there upon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, that a Public Hearing will be held on the 16th day of July, 2025, at 6:31 pm, to consider public input and comments upon such proposed Local Law, and to hear all persons, at 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, NY, 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, in accord with the law. d. RESOLUTION SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED LOCAL LAW # OF 2025 -THE TOWN OF LANSING TO REPEAL TOWN CODE CHAPTER 116 AND AMEND TOWN CODE CHAPTER 270 TO PROVIDE SITE PLANNING REGULATIONS FOR CANNABIS RETAIL SALE AND CONSUMPTION FACILITIES RESOLUTION 25-72 RESOLUTION SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED LOCAL LAW # __ OF 2025 - THE TOWN OF LANSING TO REPEAL TOWN CODE CHAPTER 116 AND AMEND TOWN CODE CHAPTER 270 TO PROVIDE SITE PLANNING REGULATIONS FOR CANNABIS RETAIL SALE AND CONSUMPTION FACILITIES June 18, 2025 13 The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, pursuant to the powers granted by the § 130 of the Town Law of the State of New York, Town Law Article 16, § 10 of the Municipal Home Rule Law, and the New York State Cannabis Law, all of which authorize the Town of Lansing to adopt local laws providing for the governance of the Town and the adoption of regulations and laws to guide development and land uses in the Town; and WHEREAS, said proposed Local Law proposes to: (i) repeal Town Code Chapter 116 and the local law that enacted said chapter, which local laws “opted-out” of allowing cannabis retail and consumption facilities in the Town of Lansing; and (ii) update specific zoning provisions of Town Code Chapter 270 relating to the use classification and site plan review standards and of and for retail cannabis sales and consumption facilities if sited within the Town of Lansing (in areas outside of the Village of Lansing); and WHEREAS, upon deliberation there upon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, that a Public Hearing will be held on the 16th day of July, 2025, at 6:32 pm, to consider public input and comments upon such proposed Local Law, and to hear all persons, at 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, NY, 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, in accord with the law. e. RESOLUTION TO CREATE A ZONING WORKING GROUP IN THE TOWN OF LANSING IN ACCORDANCE WITH NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS RESOLUTION 25-73 RESOLUTION TO CREATE A ZONING WORKING GROUP IN THE TOWN OF LANSING IN ACCORDANCE WITH NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, a requirement of the recently accepted grant from the New York Department of State, is that the Town of Lansing create a Zoning Working Group; and WHEREAS, the grant from the New York Department of State requires the Town of Lansing to “Establish a Zoning Advisory Committee to oversee all aspects of the project in cooperation with municipal officials and the project team. For communities with an established planning board and/or zoning board of appeals, the Committee shall have at least one member from each body and shall include a range of stakeholders, such as residents, civic leaders, business owners, elected officials, environmental experts, neighborhood association representatives, and municipal board members from a range of ethnic, social, and cultural backgrounds;” and WHEREAS, Chapter 7, Article V Project and Working Groups (“PWG”) recognized that from time-to-time, issues and matters affecting or before the town may require in -depth investigation and the study of certain matters by people with subject matter knowledge about, expertise upon, or insights into specific issues; and Therefore, be it RESOLVED that the Town of Lansing hereby creates a Zoning Working Group; and be it further RESOLVED that: June 18, 2025 14 A. Membership in the Zoning Working Group shall be demographically representative of the town workforce to the greatest extent reasonably possible, and the Zoning Working Group shall attempt to include, someone from the agricultural district, a realtor, a businessperson, someone with an interest in trails, a member of the Conservation Advisory Council, and shall include a range of stakeholders, such as residents, civic leaders, business owners, environmental experts, neighborhood association representatives, and members from a range of ethnic, social, and cultural backgrounds; and B. The Zoning Working Group shall consist of no less than 10 people and no more than 15 people; and C. The Zoning Working Group shall be a subcommittee of the Code Revision Committee; and D. All the members of the Codes Revision Committee shall be members of the Zoning Working Group, and the Director of Planning shall be the Chair of the Zoning Working Group; and E. The Zoning Working Group is hereby charged with overseeing all aspects of the update of Lansing’s Zoning Code update (including, but not limited to, recommending a preferred contractor, advising the contractor as to the direction of their work, participating in public forums, reporting findings and recommendations, etc.) and in cooperation with municipal officials and the project team, and the Zoning Working Group will generate ideas and build consensus, provide the consultant team with relevant information reflective of the community’s current conditions and regulatory environment, review materials prepared by the consultant team and provide constructive feedback; and F. The Committee will follow all terms of the NYS DOS Environmental Protection Fund Smart Growth Community Planning and Zoning Program 2024 Grant; and G. All minutes, reports, audits, and records of investigations shall be transmitted to the Code Revision Committee, Town Board, and Town Clerk promptly upon completion, and all recordkeeping requirements of Town Code Chapter 7, Article V Project and Working Groups; and H. The Town Board shall allocate budgetary funds sufficient for the committee to do its work. f. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF LANSING SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT WITH MJ ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, AND LAND SURVEYING, P.C. (MJ ENGINEERING) FOR THE LANSING GREENWAY MASTER PLAN RESOLUTION 25-74 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF LANSING SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT WITH MJ ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, AND LAND SURVEYING, P.C. (MJ ENGINEERING) FOR THE LANSING GREENWAY MASTER PLAN The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing accepted a grant of $50,000 over two years from the Park Foundation for a Comprehensive Trails Plan at the Town Board Meeting on September 18, 2024, by Motion 24-22; and WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing accepted the proposal (dated April 11, 2025) of MJ Engineering, for the Town Greenway Master Plan, as submitted and authorized the Town Supervisor to request a contract with MJ Engineering for said services, subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the proposal and as approved by the Town Attorney at the Town Board Meeting on May 21, 2025, Resolution 25-67; and WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, to accept the contract from MJ Engineering, for the sum of $50,000; and be it further June 18, 2025 15 RESOLVED, that the Town will pay for the contract utilizing funds received by grant award #24-592 of $50,000 over two years, to the Town by the Park Foundation and said grant was accepted by the Town Board on September 18, 2024, by Motion M24-22; and be it furthermore RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute the contract with MJ Engineering for said services, subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the proposal and as approved by the Town Attorney. g. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING PROPOSAL FROM MJ ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, AND LAND SURVEYING, P.C. (MJ ENGINEERING) FOR TOWN CENTER GREENWAY PHASE 1 FEASIBILITY STUDY RESOLUTION 25-75 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING PROPOSAL FROM MJ ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, AND LAND SURVEYING, P.C. (MJ ENGINEERING) FOR TOWN CENTER GREENWAY PHASE 1 FEASIBILITY STUDY The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing has sought proposals for Lansing Greenway Phase 1 Feasibility Study; and WHEREAS, MJ Engineering has submitted a proposal for said services; and WHEREAS, the Town Parks, Recreation and Trails Working Group reviewed Proposal No. 2025149 dated May 15, 2025 and unanimously agreed on the proposal presented by MJ Engineering; and WHEREAS, the Town Board has reviewed Proposal No. 2025149 and Addendum #2 (June 11, 2025) submitted by MJ Engineering; and WHEREAS, the Town Board finds Proposal No. 2025149 and Addendum #2 (June 11, 2025) from MJ Engineering meets the needs of the Town, and is in the best interest of the Town to accept said proposal; and WHEREAS, upon due deliberation being had thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing hereby accepts Proposal No. 2025149 and Addendum #2 (June 11, 2025) of MJ Engineering for the Lansing Greenway Phase 1 Feasibility Study, as submitted; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor is hereby authorized to request a contract for Proposal No. 2025149 with MJ Engineering for said services, subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the proposal and addendum and as approved by the Town Attorney; and be it furthermore RESOLVED, that the Town will pay MJ Engineering invoices for Proposal No. 2025149 ($9,500) and will be reimbursed by Tompkins County through Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council (ITCTC) funds. h. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TOWN SUPERVISOR TO NEGOTIATE FINAL TERMS FOR AND EXECUTE HOST COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS WITH DELAWARE RIVER SOLAR RESOLUTION 25-76 June 18, 2025 16 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TOWN SUPERVISOR TO NEGOTIATE FINAL TERMS FOR AND EXECUTE HOST COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS WITH DELAWARE RIVER SOLAR The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, Delaware River Solar, LLC, including through its two limited liability companies NY Lansing I, LLC and NY Lansing II, LLC (hereinafter severally and together, “DRS”) applied for and received variances and site plan/special permitting approvals to construct and place into operation two solar projects along North Triphammer Road and, as part of such approvals, the project and affected lands were examined under the NYS ECL and a SEQRA review was undertaken, as well as a review under the Town Code pertaining to zoning, land use rules, and stormwater requirements, among other federal, state, and local regulations; and WHEREAS, DRS understood that certain land and environmental impacts could not be eliminated but, through various siting and buffering and other conditions, and through certain voluntary acts by the applicant respecting the proposed land use, certain of such impacts could be mitigated or offset, with PILOTs, decommissioning agreements, land restoration requirements, fire safety training, and certain other requirements and concessions being just examples of the foregoing; and WHEREAS, DRS voluntarily offered to execute a Host Community Agreement for NY Lansing I, LLC and a Host Community Agreement for NY Lansing II, LLC (together and severally, a “HCA”) to provide certain impact offsetting benefits to the Town, which offer was voluntary and not mandated by the Town, other than by reciting the obligation to follow-through upon such gift and representation prior to commencement of construction; and WHEREAS, after receiving the approvals as allowed DRS and the Town to know what was to be built, and where such was to be built, DRS did duly follow through on that promise and proposed each HCA, which the Town and DRS have negotiated to a final form acceptable to the Town; and WHEREAS, as this matter was already made subject to a negative declaration under SEQRA and the conditions that led to such declaration are herein being fulfilled, and as an examination of the FEAFs and determinations has demonstrated that there is nothing in this HCA or its approval that would alter the prior declaration, or would tend to make any potential impact change a classification from none-to-small to moderate or large, or as would eliminate or negatively impact any mitigation of impacts as to require an environmental impact statement, the prior determination by the Town is determined not to need any further supplemental or other reviews, either by this board or the project’s lead agency; and WHEREAS, based upon all of the foregoing, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, that each HCA presented to this meeting be and hereby are approved, that the Town Supervisor may negotiate the final form and language for the same so long as the material terms and consideration thereof do not change, and that the Town Supervisor may execute and deliver these agreements by, for, and in the name of the Town of Lansing. i. RESOLUTION HIRING JERRY LOBDELL AS FULL-TIME LABORER FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS RESOLUTION 25-77 RESOLUTION HIRING JERRY LOBDELL AS FULL-TIME LABORER FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: June 18, 2025 17 WHEREAS, to address staffing and training needs of the Town, the Town has need to fill a vacancy, in the Department of Public Works and has selected Jerry Lobdell for the position of Laborer in the Department of Public Works; and WHEREAS, Jerry Lobdell has been identified as a qualified candidate to fill the Laborer position; and WHEREAS, the Highway Superintendent/Director of Public Works has recommended that Jerry Lobdell be hired as the Laborer in the Department of Public Works, so upon due consideration and deliberation by the Town of Lansing Town Board, now therefore be it RESOLVED as follows: 1. Effective June 23rd, 2025, Jerry Lobdell is hereby appointed as Laborer, with the same Town perquisites and benefits as are available to all employees of the Town and to such position. 2. This appointment is a full-time appointment, at 40 hours per week. 3. The hourly wage is hereby set and approved at $24.13 per hour, Class A, Step 1. 4. The minimum probationary period for such appointment is hereby set at 26 weeks. 5. The Town Personnel Officer be and hereby is authorized to make such changes to the Town’s employment and civil service rosters and file required civil service forms to place into immediate effect such changes and these resolutions, including by the filing of form MSD 428, if required. j. RESOLUTION APPROVING AUDIT AND SUPERVISOR’S REPORT RESOLUTION 25-78 RESOLUTION APPROVING AUDIT AND SUPERVISOR’S REPORT The Supervisor submitted her monthly report for the month of May 2025, to all Board Members and to the Town Clerk. The Supervisor’s Report was reviewed by Councilperson Judy Drake. The bills were reviewed by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore and Councilperson Judy Drake. The Supervisor’s Report be approved as submitted and the Bookkeeper or the Accountant is hereby authorized to pay the following bills. CONSOLIDATED ABSTRACT # 006 CONSENT AGENDA MOTION M25-21 AND RESOLUTIONS 25-70 – 25-78 RESOLUTION 25-79 June 18, 2025 18 CONSENT AGENDA MOTION M25-21 AND RESOLUTIONS 25-70 – 25-78 WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, that the Consent Agenda Motion M25-21 and Resolutions 25-70 – 25-78, are hereby approved as presented and amended, and The question of the adoption of such proposed Consent Agenda Motion and Resolutions were duly motioned by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, duly seconded by Councilperson Judy Drake, and put to a roll call vote with the following results: Councilperson Judy Drake – Aye Councilperson Laurie Hemmings – Aye Councilperson Christine Montague – Aye Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye Supervisor Ruth Groff – Aye Accordingly, the foregoing Motion and Resolutions were approved, carried, and duly adopted on June 18, 2025. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE STANDARD WORKDAY AND REPORTING FOR ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS Councilperson Joseph Wetmore confirmed he reviewed the time log of Town Clerk Deborah Munson. RESOLUTION 25-80 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE STANDARD WORKDAY AND REPORTING FOR ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing needs to establish and report the standard work day for elected and appointed officials; and WHEREAS, effective August 12, 2009, each elected or appointed official who is enrolled in the NYS Retirement System, must prepare a record of work-related activities for three consecutive months within 150 days of the start of a new term or appointment; and WHEREAS, the log must contain a daily detail of hours worked and duties performed that are directly related to the elected or appointed position, including official duties performed outside normal business hours; and WHEREAS, by certifying that a previously submitted three-month log is still representative of time worked, officials elected or appointed to new terms will not have to keep a new log for up to eight years. If an official who believes their initial three- month log is not representative of the average number of hours worked, he or she may submit a new record of activities for an alternative three-month period; and WHEREAS, the Legislative Clerk must retain each record of activities for a period of at least thirty years and provide full and complete copies to the Office of the State Comptroller upon request; and WHEREAS, the Resolution must be adopted at the first regular meeting held after the first 180 days of a new term, or whenever a new elected or appointed office is established; and WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon by the Town Board, the Town Board of Lansing has duly June 18, 2025 19 RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing hereby adopts the New York State Comptroller Form RS 2417-A as the Official Form Approving Standard Workday and Reporting Resolution for Elected and Appointed Officials: BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk post the New York State Comptroller Form (RS 2417-A) for a minimum of 30 days on Employer’s Public Website; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Bookkeeper file a Certified Copy of the Standard Work Day and Reporting Resolution (RS2417-A) and an Affidavit of Posting with the New York State Comptroller’s Office within 15 days after the posting period has ended. The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, duly seconded by Councilperson Laurie Hemmings, and put to a roll call vote with the following results: Councilperson Judy Drake – Aye Councilperson Laurie Hemmings – Aye Councilperson Christine Montague – Aye Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye Supervisor Ruth Groff – Aye Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on June 18, 2025. RESOLUTION FOR THE TOWN SUPERVISOR OF THE TOWN OF LANSING TO SEND REQUEST TO NEW YORK STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS AND OFFICERS OF THE AFFECTED STATE OFFICES TO CONSIDER CUMULATIVE EFFECTS OF SOLAR PROJECTS IN MUNICIPALITIES RESOLUTION 25-81 RESOLUTION FOR THE TOWN SUPERVISOR OF THE TOWN OF LANSING TO SEND REQUEST TO NEW YORK STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS AND OFFICERS OF THE AFFECTED STATE OFFICES TO CONSIDER CUMULATIVE EFFECTS OF SOLAR PROJECTS IN MUNICIPALITIES The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: June 18, 2025 20 WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing is largely an agricultural community with 38,714 acres in land size and, as of 2015, 16,261 acres (or about 42% of the Town) that are actively being farmed; and WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing has four industrial solar projects in process, and several community-scale projects already built; and WHEREAS, the land that is being turned to industrial solar is currently farmland, with none of the Town of Lansing's brownfields being considered for solar fields; and WHEREAS, industrial solar projects in the Town of Lansing have averaged 1,000 acres per project, with the result being that more than 10% of the Town's total acreage, or 25% of the Town’s farmland is being turned into solar fields; and WHEREAS, the scale of solar that is being proposed in the Town of Lansing is approaching a scale that will transform the agricultural landscape into an industrial landscape without consideration for the Town’s Comprehensive Plan; and WHEREAS, the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting (“ORES”) process looks at these projects one at a time, and not their cumulative effect; and WHEREAS, the ORES process removed the Town's ability to look at the cumulative effect, and does not give that option to any other municipal entities; and upon consideration and deliberation upon the foregoing, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, that the State put into effect a process that takes into account the cumulative effect of additional industrial solar projects on the nature of our community; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Town is asking the State of New York to put a moratorium on solar projects that are primarily on farmland in the Town of Lansing; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor send this resolution to Governor Hochul; Senator Schumer; Senator Gillibrand; Representative Riley; Senator Webb; Assemblymember Kelles; Rory Christian, Chair and CEO of the New York State Public Service Commission; and Zeryai Hagos, Executive Director of the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting. The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, duly seconded by Councilperson Laurie Hemmings, and put to a roll call vote with the following results: Councilperson Judy Drake – Aye Councilperson Laurie Hemmings – Aye Councilperson Christine Montague – Aye Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye Supervisor Ruth Groff – Aye Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on June 18, 2025. RESOLUTION REQUESTING REDUCTION OF SPEED LIMIT ON FARRELL ROAD RESOLUTION 25-82 RESOLUTION REQUESTING REDUCTION OF SPEED LIMIT ON FARRELL ROAD The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: June 18, 2025 21 WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has received a request from the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office concerned about the excessive speeds along Farrell Road; and WHEREAS, Farrell Road is a Tompkins County Highway; and WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office completed a traffic detail between May 23rd and May 30th, 2025 and submitted the data from the detail to the Town Board; and WHEREAS, there is a small section of Farrell Road that is 55 MPH zone between two posted reduced speed zones and the Sheriff’s office is requesting a reduction of the speed limit in the 55 MPH section of Farrell Road be reduced to 45 MPH; and WHEREAS, upon consideration and deliberation upon the same, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing supports the requested reduction in speed limit and hereby directs that the Town requests the New York State Department of Transportation to conduct a traffic study along Farrell Road in the Town of Lansing for the purpose of considering reduced speed to enhance safety. The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by Councilperson Laurie Hemmings, duly seconded by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, and put to a roll call vote with the following results: Councilperson Judy Drake – Aye Councilperson Laurie Hemmings – Aye Councilperson Christine Montague – Aye Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye Supervisor Ruth Groff – Aye Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on June 18, 2025. RESOLUTION # 25-81 – COMMENTS FROM DIRECTOR OF PLANNING Director of Planning John Zepko made comments regarding Resolution number 25-81 which was approved prior to this Resolution. He noted there are numerous places in the Town’s 2008 Comprehensive Plan that encourage alternative energy development, specifically in agricultural areas. He urged the Town Board to be consistent before passing a Resolution that might contradict the Comprehensive Plan. He expressed that he was not consulted on the Resolution. Councilperson Judy Drake clarified the intent of the Resolution was to request the State to look at the Town holistically and not just each individual project on its own. RESOLUTION REQUESTING REDUCTION OF SPEED LIMIT ON WATERWAGON ROAD RESOLUTION 25-83 RESOLUTION REQUESTING REDUCTION OF SPEED LIMIT ON WATERWAGON ROAD The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board: WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has received a request from the residents along Waterwagon Road concerned about safety of pedestrians and excessive speed and a representative of the neighborhood has presented a petition signed by the residents in support thereof; and WHEREAS, Waterwagon Road is a Town Highway; and June 18, 2025 22 WHEREAS, the residents and property owners of Waterwagon Road request a reduction in the speed limit to 40 miles per hour to improve public safety; and WHEREAS, upon consideration and deliberation upon the same, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing supports the requested reduction in speed limit and hereby directs that the Town requests the New York State Department of Transportation to conduct a traffic study along Waterwagon Road in the Town of Lansing for the purpose of considering reduced speed to enhance safety. The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by Councilperson Joseph Wetmore, duly seconded by Councilperson Judy Drake, and put to a roll call vote with the following results: Councilperson Judy Drake – Aye Councilperson Laurie Hemmings – Aye Councilperson Christine Montague – Aye Councilperson Joseph Wetmore – Aye Supervisor Ruth Groff – Aye Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on June 18, 2025. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS Judy Drake Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout. Judy Drake Town Board Member Report June 2025 Lansing Business Alliance - May 27, 2025 With Ruth. Attended to meet business owners in the Town. Reviewed roles and responsibilities of boards, committee and Codes and Planning staff. Provided responses to questions, comments and concerns raised. Crystal Howser also attended to present information about Suicide Prevention. Next meeting June 25th at 9:00 am. Lansing Fire Commissioners - June 3, 2025 – Did not attend Calls in May: Fire: 48 EMS: 61 No Response: 3 Total Calls: 109 Total Calls for Year: 540 Personnel Management Committee – June 4, 2025 Reviewed Platinum Plan health insurance option through Municipal Health Insurance Consortium. Reviewed listing of positions listed with civil service and creation of a Lansing Roster to be maintained. Reviewed creation of Office Job Classification system and potential wage system. Discussion to continue at next meeting in addition to streamlining a system for parks summer positions. Lansing Zoning Board of Appeals – June 11, 2025 1) Project: Requesting Area Variance to construct new residential home addition Location: 339 Lansing Station Road L1 zone Project Description: The applicant has applied for an Area Variance and is seeking relief from setbacks. Side yard setback at 8.45’ where 10’ is required. Rear yard setback at 1.2’ where 25’ is required June 18, 2025 23 Discussion: The applicant wishes to modify the home for a more permanent livable space. Removing existing porch and replace with new bath and kitchen addition. Decision: Variance granted with no conditions applied. 2) Project: Requesting Area Variance to construct a new residential home Location: 357 Lansing Station Road L1 zone Project Description: The applicant has applied for an Area Variance and is seeking relief from the 25’ rear setback requirement. Applicant wishes to tear down the existing home and construct a new home 15.7’ from the rear property line where 25’ is required. Discussion: Replacing old building on the same footprint with improvements to basement and are limited with lake and railroad restricting the site. Decision: Variance granted. Laurie Hemmings No report. Christine Montague Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout. Christine Montague Town Board Member Report June 2025 Tompkins Co. Youth Services Advisory Board, May 19 - Funded agencies have been sent renewal applications, to be completed by the June meeting. - The municipal youth services lead described the resource hub he is developing to help the county school districts’ homeless youth liaisons. Conservation Advisory Council, June 4 - Two of the CAC members are navigating our Climate Smart Communities (CSC) checklists. As one of the items available on the list is educating the public, the members said they would involve high school students in developing educational materials during the next school year. - The Cooperative Extension rep said he will no longer be our Climate Smart Community coordinator, and that the state or county has reassigned the Southern Tier Regional Planning Board as our CSC coordinator. - The Cooperative Extension rep also discussed two programs from NY State. One is a Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Plan (CCARP) through the DEC, which he said the Village of Lansing is interested in collaborating on. The other is the Just Transition Site Reuse Planning Program through NYSERDA. The Site Reuse Planning Program helps towns develop alternative use plans for decommissioned fossil fuel power plants. Joseph Wetmore Submitted the following report to the Town Board and it was included in the meeting packet which was available on Town of Lansing website and as a handout. June 18, 2025 24 Joseph Wetmore Town Board Member Report June 2025 Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization (CWIO) Wednesday, May 28⋅3:00 – 5:00pm * Luke Scannell, Environmental Engineer in the NYS DEC Avon office, presented information about the 2024 Stormwater Management Design Manual * Jesse Lloyd, Lead Watershed Inspector with the Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council, Inc. and Adam Effler, Executive Director presented Erosion and Sediment Control in the Owasco Lake watershed Monthly Check-In | Lansing Smart Growth Zoning Update Tuesday, June 3⋅10:00 – 10:30am Discussed with NY State where the town is in the zoning update process. Delaware River Solar Host Community Agreement Zoom Meeting Friday, June 6⋅10:00 – 11:00am Worked with the Town Attorney on the Host Community Agreement with Delaware Solar. Parks, Recreation, and Trails Working Group Wednesday, June 11⋅9:30 – 10:30am * Myers Road Greenway discussed questions from Dave Herrick about the Ladoga extension. * Greenway Trail Comprehensive Plan. Contract is nearly complete. Forwarded to the Town Board for approval at their meeting on June 18th. * Town Center Phase 1 Feasibility Study. Made modifications to addendum to original proposal. Forwarded to the Town Board for approval at their meeting on June 18th. Operations & Code Revision Committee Monthly Meeting Wednesday, June 11⋅4:00 – 6:00pm * Made revisions to draft resolution to create a Zoning Working Group. Will be a subcommittee of the Operations & Code Revision Committee. Forwarded to the Town Board for approval at their meeting on June 18th. * Brainstormed people to serve on the Zoning Working Group. * Reviewed proposed Cannabis legislation. Forwarded to the Town Board to set a public hearing. Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council, Inc. Tuesday, June 17⋅10:00 – 11:30am * Director’s Summary – Adam Effler * Land Management at the Fillmore Nature Preserve * Treasurer’s Audit and Finance Report * Lake Level Report * NYS’s Updated Stormwater Design Manual – Luke Scannell * NYSDEC FL Hub Update * Owasco Watershed Lake Association Update * Cornell Cooperative Extension Update * Watershed Inspection Monthly Report Ruth Groff No report. June 18, 2025 25 WORK SESSION MEETING New Wage and Classification Structure Councilperson Judy Drake reported on the new structure. The primary goal is to establish a system that is fair and comparable for all employees. It is being developed by Councilperson Judy Drake and Bookkeeper Mary Ellen Albrecht and has been shared with Department Heads. It will be discussed at the next Department Head meeting. The plan is to have it finalized before the budget season. The new structure is designed to simplify the existing system, making it more consistent across all departments and make it easier for department heads to create their budget when it comes to salaries and wages. Reactivate NY Development – Solar Option The Town has been approached to lease the land across the road (116 acres) for a solar farm. Supervisor Ruth Groff asked for input from Town Board on how they would like to respond. After discussion and input, it was decided to respond that we are not going to decide at this time. The Town Board wants to wait until after the zoning update has been completed. Supervisor Groff will communicate this to Reactivate NY. Councilperson Judy Drake thanked Town Counsel Guy Krogh for the history of the parcels across the road, as it was very helpful. Proposed Cannabis Law The proposed local law will allow cannabis retail stores in the Town. A public hearing has been scheduled at the July Town Board meeting. Retail establishments will only be allowed in certain areas of Town; mainly wherever general retail is allowed. New York State oversees the permitting and licensing for these establishments. Zoning Working Group The Town is actively working to form this group to assist with the zoning rewrite. This group is a requirement of the grant the Town received. The Town will be seeking volunteers through an application on the Town’s website. MOTION TO ADJOURN MEETING Councilperson Joseph Wetmore moved to ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:16 PM. Councilperson Laurie Hemmings seconded the motion. All in Favor – 5 Opposed – 0 Minutes taken and executed by the Deputy Town Clerk. Respectfully submitted, Jessica L. Hall Deputy Town Clerk