HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 2014-02-10 Meeting of the Ithaca Town Board
Monday, February 10, 2014 at 5:30 p.m.
Agenda
1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
2. Report of Tompkins County Legislature
3. Report of Ithaca Common Council
4. Report of the Board of Fire Commissioners
5. Persons to be Heard and Board Comments
6. 5:30p.m. Public hearing regarding a proposed local law Amending Chapter 271 of the
Town of Ithaca Code Entitled "Zoning: Special Land Use Districts" to Change
EcoVillage Planned Development Zone Provisions to Include a Radio Transmission
Facility as a Permitted Use in the EcoVillage Agricultural Area
a. SEQR
b. Adoption
7. Presentation and Discussion—Troy Road Housing Development
a. Refer to Planning Committee
8. Discuss and consider honorary street sign for Rocco Lucente at Briarwood Drive
9. Supervisor's 2013 Report and Outlook for 2014
10. Departmental Annual Reports
11. Discuss and consider approval for Supervisor to sign Agreement of New York
Natural Heritage Program
12. Acceptance of Town and City Sustainability Plan Implementation Grant#13-527
13. Acceptance of Smart Growth Community Education & Outreach Grant#13-481
14. Acceptance of Cleaner Greener Communities Grant CFA#30040
15. Discuss Preliminary Draft GEIS for the Comprehensive Plan
16. Consider Consent Agenda Items
a. Approval of Town Board Minutes of January 13 and 27, 2014
b. Town of Ithaca Abstract
c. Bolton Point Abstract
d. Approval of Records Management Day—2/28/2014 Close Town Hall
e. Approval of appointment to the Youth Services Board—Natatli Detert
f. Appointment of Conservation Board member—Mike Roberts
17. Reports of-
a. Town Officials
b. Town Committees
c. Intermunicipal Committees
18. Review of Correspondence
Adjournment
PUBLIC HEARING
TOWN OF ITHACA
The Ithaca Town Board will hold a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. at a meeting to be held at
the Town Hall, 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, New York on the 10th day of February,
2014 regarding a proposed Local Law amending Chapter 271 of the Town of Ithaca
Code entitled "Zoning: Special Land Use Districts" to change EcoVillage Planned
Development Zone provisions to include a radio transmission facility as a permitted use
in the EcoVillage Agricultural Area; at such time and place all persons interested in the
proposed local law may be heard concerning the same. A draft of the local law can be
found at www.town.ithaca.ny.us
Paulette Terwilliger
Town Clerk
Meeting of the Ithaca Town Board
Monday, February 10, 2014 at 5:30 p.m.
Minutes
*Audio failed for this meeting
Agenda Item 1 Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
Agenda Item 2 Report of Tompkins County Legislature—None
Agenda Item 3 Report of Ithaca Common Council—None
Agenda Item 4 Report of the Board of Fire Commissioners
Fire Commissioner Bill Gilligan gave highlights from his submitted report(Attachment#1)
Mr. Gilligan noted that the fire department has been working with the County Dispatch and they
have raised the level of the grade of calls they respond to; calls are ranked in severity and they
are not going to routine emergency calls for things like motor vehicle accidents with no injuries
and that sort of thing. This is in response to concerns from the Board regarding fuel and
personnel and wear and tear on the equipment. He did not think there would be a significant
difference shown in the reports from this change. Mr. Gilligan noted that the department has
requested a reclassification of a Lieutenant to an Assistant Chief for the person who handles the
Code Enforcement section in response to the added responsibilities of the position.
Mr. Engman stated that he thought the application for a grant to help with the volunteer
recruitment and bunker program was a positive step forward. He asked if the roof replacement
had come in at or under budget since the Town was responsible for a portion of that and Mr.
Gilligan responded that he thought it had come in slightly under budget.
Mr. Engman asked about the draft ordinance to recover costs associated with false alarms and the
fact that it had been not pursued by the City and whether it could be done without the City. Mr.
Gilligan responded that it had been discussed by the Common Council and the Board of Fire
Commissioners and there is a tradeoff as to whether you will recoup the costs and there are also
concerns about people disabling their alarms if they are worried about being charged. Mr.
Engman then asked about charging for gorge rescues and Mr. Gilligan responded that they
haven't discussed that in a while but the similar concerns apply to that also; will people not call
for help in a timely fashion, is it a result of trespassing or not etc.
Agenda Item 5 Persons to be Heard and Board Comments
South Hill Neighborhood Representative —Mr. Semp commented on the article in today's Ithaca
Journal regarding the proposed development on Troy Rd. He thought that in looking at the
proposed number of units, 216, that that number seems out of keeping with the character of the
neighborhood not in keeping with the Comprehensive Plan. He felt that the transportation
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infrastructure is not adequate to support that amount of growth in the area and Troy Road is also
not designed for that amount of traffic. He also thought that public transportation for any
housing development of this size would have to be addressed noting that public transportation is
not available right now because TCAT took away the route already. He went on to say that this
seems to be an Ecovillage model without the Eco.
Mr. Engman responded that his points were all good and would have to be addressed and
answered by the developer in the process of site plan review, Planning and Zoning Board
approvals and the SEQR process. He added that there will be many opportunities for the public
to be heard during those processes.
Agenda Item 6 5:30p.m. Public hearing regarding a proposed local law Amending
Chapter 271 of the Town of Ithaca Code Entitled "Zoning: Special Land Use Districts" to
Change EcoVillage Planned Development Zone Provisions to Include a Radio
Transmission Facility as a Permitted Use in the EcoVillage Agricultural Area
Mr. Engman opened the public hearing at 5:54p.m. The President of the Ithaca Community
Radio addressed the Board again noting that the station is run by over 100 volunteers and they
are the only community radio in Seneca and Tompkins counties delivering morning talk shows
and local news without advertising.
Resident Chris Cail spoke about the tower noting that her concern is the creeping of commercial
ventures into Planned Development Zones (PDZs) at EcoVillage. She stated that she had
recently toured EcoVillage and although the Gourd Shop is beautiful, what will be next or what
will be there in its place if it closes. She questioned how and why a PDZ has to respond to a
requested need for commercial enterprises and urged the Board to think to the future.
Mr. DePaolo responded to the resident stating that the Planning Committee looked at exactly
those concerns and crafted the law in such a way as to make sure it did not proliferate and limit it
to this one tower.
TB Resolution No. 2014—023a: SEAR: Proposed Local Law amending Chapter 271 of the
Town of Ithaca Code, entitled "Zoning: Special Land Use Districts" to Change EcoVillage
Planned Development Zone Provisions to include a Radio Transmission Facility as a
Permitted use in the EcoVillage Agricultural Area
Whereas, this action is the enactment of a local law amending Chapter 271 of the Town of Ithaca
Code, Entitled "Zoning: Special Land Use Districts"to change EcoVillage Planned Development
Zone provisions to include a radio transmission facility as a permitted use in the EcoVillage
Agricultural Area; and
Whereas, this is an Unlisted Action for which the Town Board is acting as Lead Agency in an
environmental review with respect to the enactment of this proposed local law; and
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Whereas, the Town Board, at their regular meeting held on February 10, 2014, has reviewed and
accepted as adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form(EAF), Parts 1, 2 and 3 for this
action, along with other application materials; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby makes a negative determination of
environmental significance in accordance with Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation
Law, 6 NYCRR Part 617 New York State Environmental Quality Review, and Chapter 148
Environmental Quality Review of the Town of Ithaca Code for the above-referenced action as
proposed,based on the information in the EAF Part 1 and for the reasons set forth in the EAF
Parts 2 and 3, and therefore, a Draft Environmental Impact Statement will not be required.
Moved: Rod Howe Seconded: Rich DePaolo
Vote: Ayes—Howe, DePaolo, Hunter, Levine, Leary and Engman
Absent: Goodman
TB Resolution No. 2014—023b: Adoption of a Local Law amending Chapter 271 of the
Town of Ithaca Code, entitled "Zoning: Special Land Use Districts," to change EcoVillage
Planned Development Zone provisions to include a radio transmission facility as a
permitted use in the EcoVillage Agricultural Area
Whereas, the not-for-profit Ithaca community radio station, WRFI, would like to maintain its
transmission facility and tower at the top of West Hill on land that is part of the EcoVillage at
Ithaca, Inc. agricultural area; and
Whereas, on January 23, 2014, the Town Board's Planning Committee discussed the need for a
change in the EcoVillage Planned Development Zone language to permit such a use in the
desired location and recommended the enactment of the proposed local law to allow for one
radio facility in that area; and
Whereas, on January 27, 2014, a resolution was duly adopted by the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca for a public hearing to be held by said Town Board on February 10, 2014, at 5:30 p.m. to
hear all interested parties on a proposed local law entitled "A Local Law Amending Chapter
271 of the Town of Ithaca Code, Entitled `Zoning: Special Land Use Districts,' To Change
EcoVillage Planned Development Zone Provisions to include a Radio Transmission Facility
as a Permitted Use in the EcoVillage Agricultural Area"; and
Whereas, notice of said public hearing was duly advertised in the Ithaca Journal; and
Whereas, said public hearing was duly held on said date and time at the Town Hall of the Town
of Ithaca and all parties in attendance were permitted an opportunity to speak on behalf of or in
opposition to said proposed local law, or any part thereof, and
Whereas, the adoption of this local law is an unlisted action, pursuant to Part 617 of the
Implementing Regulations pertaining to Article 8 of the New York State Environmental
Conservation Law and Chapter 148 of the Town of Ithaca Code (which laws and regulations
thereunder, including the Town's local law, are collectively referred to as "SEQR"); and
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Whereas, the Town of Ithaca Town Board, acting as lead agency in an environmental review
with respect to adoption of the local law, has, on February 10, 2014, made a negative
determination of environmental significance, after having reviewed and accepted as adequate a
Short Environmental Assessment Form Parts 1, 2 and 3; and
Whereas, the Town Board finds it is in the best interests of the Town and its citizens to adopt the
local law;
Now, Therefore,be it
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby adopts Local Law 1 of 2014
entitled "A Local Law Amending Chapter 271 of the Town of Ithaca Code, Entitled
`Zoning: Special Land Use Districts,' To Change EcoVillage Planned Development Zone
Provisions to include a Radio Transmission Facility as a Permitted Use in the EcoVillage
Agricultural Area", and it is further
Resolved, that the Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to file said local law with the
Secretary of State as required by law.
Moved: Rich DePaolo Seconded: Rod Howe
Vote: Ayes—Howe, DePaolo, Hunter, Levine, Leary and Engman
Absent: Goodman
Agenda Item 7 Presentation and Discussion—Troy Road Housing Development
Scott Whitham,Noah Demerest and Bob Bates presented an overview of the project.
Mr. Whitham stated that they appreciate the comments from the neighbors and this is the
beginning of a process and the design will evolve greatly as the process moves forward and
address some of the concerns heard tonight.
Using a PowerPoint presentation, the applicants showed a progression of development in the
Troy Road area over the past 60 years in 10 year increments and explained the reasoning behind
locating the development on the specific area of the acreage. There are a number of electric
power lines and utility and trail easements that run through it. The thought is to keep the lot
sizes very small and the remaining land would be open and natural space for passive enjoyment
and views.
Mr. Demerest showed examples of other developments this group has done in this area and other
states noting that they are just beginning to look at architectural styles to fit in with the existing
area but they haven't designed anything yet.
Questions from the Board
Mr. Engman noted that the Board is just learning about the project, and the only action tonight is
to refer it to the Planning Committee for comment.
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Ms. Hunter asked about the numbers of each type of unit and the applicants responded that the
estimated numbers right now are 8-12 units per larger apartment building with 10 being shown
and they would vary in size as well as 26 owner occupied smaller units for a total of 190 rentals.
Ms. Leary thought that it looked like a nice mix of types of housing and asked how much it was
modeled after EcoVillage and whether the communal living aspect would be present or would
each have their own kitchens etc. The applicants responded that this would not be communal
living but would be very eco-friendly in building type and the clustering to leave open space.
Ms. Hunter asked about the differing statements in the project overview which was submitted
pertaining to the type of resident they were marketing to and the applicant responded that they
are looking for the 2-4 year graduate student or small working family. They were not looking for
4-6 unrelated people in a unit and would be open to language to support that in the PDZ. He
went on to say that they are not looking to make these high-end houses and apartments that
would drive the price up and out of the working family price range. He really would like to see a
mix of small families and seniors and that is his intent.
Ms. Leary stated that it comes as close to what we have been asking for as one can get.
Mr. DePaolo asked if they have considered phasing the project and they responded that they
might and the financing would be the key to that. He noted that many banks want to see a
portion of a project this size built and sold or rented before moving onto another loan for more.
Mr. DePaolo asked him what his target price range would be and he responded$150 to $200 a
square foot with turns out to be $175,000 to $300,000 span.
Mr. Levine asked if the size of the project were to become a concern, what size could be done
and still be financially viable? The applicant responded that the current proposal would disturb
less land than what they could build under current zoning with single family units on separate
lots. He stated that he was not going to tell the Board that he could reduce it to 110 units, but the
numbers are negotiable. He added that they are willing to consider more single family units
because they think it might be appropriate but they are primarily a multi-family developer.
Mr. Engman asked Ms. Ritter to outline the process for the Board and the audience. Ms. Ritter
said that the applicant would meet with the Planning Committee at least once for comments and
review then develop a draft PDZ for review by the Town Board before going to the Planning
Board for Site Plan and the Zoning Board for any variances.
Mr. DePaolo asked the applicants if they had developed any mechanism to meet with and hear
comments from the neighbors and they responded that they had not, but the plan was to do that
in a question and answer format.
Ms. Hunter addressed the Board and staff asking if the Board were to refer this to the Planning
Committee tonight, would that mean we are predisposed to be in favor of a PDZ because she had
a number of other questions if that was the case. Ms. Ritter responded that by referring it to the
Committee the Board would be saying they are open to the idea. Mr. DePaolo added that it was
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his expectation that at the committee level we would endeavor to answer the question of whether
it is a good idea to move forward.
Ms. Leary thought this type of development would relieve some pressure on the housing market
and provide the affordable housing we are looking for.
TB Resolution No. 2014 - 024: Referral to the Planning Committee for a recommendation
on a request from Rural Housing Preservation Associates,LLC to rezone land located on
Troy Road to a Planned Development Zone for development of a mixed housing type
development.
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby refers consideration of a proposal
by Rural Housing Preservation Associates, LLC to rezone land to a Planned Development Zone
for the purposes of developing approximately 22 acres of a+/- 67 acre parcel located on Troy
Road, (Tax Parcel No. 49.-1-26) for a 216-unit housing development comprised of multi-family
homes, garden homes,patio homes, single family homes and a clubhouse, to the Town of Ithaca
Planning Committee for a recommendation.
Moved: Rod Howe Seconded: Rich DePaolo
Vote: Ayes—Howe, DePaolo, Hunter, Levine, Leary and Engman
Absent: Goodman
Agenda Item 8 Discuss and consider honorary street sign for Rocco Lucente at
Briarwood Drive
There was some discussion on the description of Mr. Lucente as a pioneer and the Board decided
to take the word"true" out of the last Whereas.
TB Resolution No. 2014- 025: Honoring Rocco P. Lucente by adding "Rocco Lucente
Way" to Briarwood Drive in the Town of Ithaca
Whereas Rocco P. Lucente established Lucente Homes in 1950 and
Whereas Mr. Lucente has been building homes in the Town of Ithaca and surrounding
municipalities for over 60 years and
Whereas his homes bear an astonishing number of street addresses including Sapsucker Woods
Road, Hanshaw Road, Warren Road, Cardinal Drive, Meadowlark Road, Muriel Street, Village
Circle, Tareyton Drive, Christopher Lane, Birchwood Drive, Briarwood Drive, Sycamore Drive,
Maplewood Drive, Salem Drive, Winston Drive, Deerfield Place, Pinewood Place and more and
Whereas Mr. Lucente has lived in the Town of Ithaca for 84 years and
Whereas in Mr. Lucente's words "I always built houses that people could afford, and not what
they wanted" and
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Whereas most of Mr. Lucente's houses are affordable by middle income earners, a type of home
being rarely built in the Town of Ithaca today yet badly needed and
Whereas Rocco P. Lucente is an entrepreneurial pioneer who deserves recognition for his
contributions to the entire community
Now therefore be it
Resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby declares Briarwood Drive to also be
named Rocco Lucente Way and
Further Resolved that street signs designating Rocco Lucente Way be made and installed as soon
as practicable.
Moved: Pat Leary Seconded: Tee Ann Hunter
Vote: Ayes—Leary, Hunter, Engman, Levine, DePaolo and Howe
Absent: Goodman
Agenda Item 9 Supervisor's 2013 Report and Outlook for 2014
Mr. Engman read his report and outlook focusing on fiscal challenges in the future as the State
looks to enforce the 2% tax cap without taking back unfunded mandates. The Town will need to
look at its discretionary spending on things such as the library, city parks, TCAT and others.
(Attachment 2)
Agenda Item 10 Departmental Annual Reports (Attachments 3)
Agenda Item 11 Discuss and consider approval or Supervisor to sign Agreement of
New York Natural Heritage Program
Mr. DePaolo had questions about FOIL as it pertains to this agreement and Ms. Brock responded
that she has researched it and we have a good faith basis to refuse pursuant to the States
requirements.
TB Resolution No. 2014 - 026 : Authorizing the Town Supervisor to Execute a License
Agreement for the use of New York Natural Heritage Data
Whereas the Town Planning Staff regularly prepares SEQR environmental assessment forms and
uses the Town's GIS system to analyze various environmental factors, and
Whereas the New York Natural Heritage Program has GIS files that show the locations of rare
plants, rare animals, and significant natural communities that can be obtained by the Town
through a license agreement, and
Whereas such license agreement requires a Town official's signature and, now therefore be it
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Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby authorizes the Town Supervisor to
execute on behalf of the Town annual license agreements for the use of New York Natural
Heritage data.
Moved: Rod Howe Seconded: Tee Ann Hunter
Vote: Ayes—Howe, Hunter, Leary, Levine, DePaolo and Engman
Absent: Goodman
Agenda Item 12 Acceptance of Town and City Sustainability Plan Implementation
Grant#13-527
TB Resolution No. 2014 - 027 : Accept Grant for the Town and City Sustainability Plan
Implementation (Grant#13-527)
Whereas the Town of Ithaca received a grant from the Park Foundation to support the Town and
City of Ithaca Sustainability Plan Implementation; now therefore be it
Resolved that the Town Board does accept these grant monies and authorizes the Town
Supervisor to execute any agreements or documents associated with same.
Moved: Eric Levine Seconded: Rich DePaolo
Vote: Ayes—Howe, DePaolo, Hunter, Levine, Leary and Engman
Absent: Goodman
Agenda Item 13 Acceptance of Smart Growth Community Education & Outreach
Grant#13-481
TB Resolution No. 2014 - 028 : Accept Grant for the Smart Growth Community Education
& Outreach (Grant#13-481)
Whereas the Town of Ithaca received a grant from the Park Foundation to support the Smart
Growth Community Education& Outreach; now therefore be it
Resolved that the Town Board does accept these grant monies and authorizes the Town
Supervisor to execute any agreements or documents associated with same.
Moved: Rod Howe Seconded: Rich DePaolo
Vote: Ayes—Howe, DePaolo, Hunter, Levine, Leary and Engman
Absent: Goodman
Agenda Item 14 Acceptance of Cleaner Greener Communities Grant CFA#30040
TB Resolution No. 2014- 029: Accept and Authorize Grant for the Cleaner Greener
Communities (CFA#30040)
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Whereas the Town of Ithaca has received notification it has been awarded a grant from Regional
Economic Development Council and the Consolidated Funding Application through NYSERDA
to support the Cleaner Greener Communities program; now therefore be it
Resolved that the Town Board does accept these grant monies and authorizes the Town
Supervisor to execute any agreements or documents associated with same.
Moved: Tee Ann Hunter Seconded: Rod Howe
Vote: Ayes—Howe, DePaolo, Hunter, Levine, Leary and Engman
Absent: Goodman
Agenda Item 15 Discuss Preliminary Draft GEIS for the Comprehensive Plan
The Board decided it would postpone this item to the second meeting and if necessary, schedule
a special meeting with this as the sole item.
Agenda Item 16 Consider Consent Agenda Items
TB Resolution 2013 - 031: Adopt Consent Agenda
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves and/or adopts the
following Consent Agenda items:
a) Approval of Town Board Minutes of January 13 and January 27, 2014
January 27th Pulled
b) Town of Ithaca Abstract
c) Bolton Point Abstract
d) Approval of Records Management Day—2/28/2014 Close Town Hall
e) Approval of appointment to the Youth Services Board—Natatli Detert
f) Appointment of Conservation Board member—Mike Roberts
Moved: Tee Ann Hunter Seconded: Eric Levine
Vote: Ayes—Hunter, Levine, Engman, DePaolo, Howe and Leary
Absent: Goodman
TB Resolution 2013 - 031a: Approval of Minutes of January 13,2014
Whereas, the draft Minutes of the January 13, 2014 meetings of the Town Board have been
submitted for review and approval, now therefore be it
Resolved, that the Town Board hereby approves the submitted minutes as the final minutes of the
meeting January 13, 2014of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca.
TB Resolution No. 2014 - 031b: Town of Ithaca Abstract
Whereas the following numbered vouchers have been presented to the Ithaca Town Board for
approval of payment; and
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Whereas the said vouchers have been audited for payment by the said Town Board; now
therefore be it
Resolved that the governing Town Board hereby authorizes the payment of the said vouchers in
total for the amounts indicated.
VOUCHER NOS. 4928 - 2984
General Fund Town wide 39,359.80
General Fund Part Town 6,645.18
Highway Fund Part Town 43,523.71
Water Fund 3,240.26
Sewer Fund 2,434.23
Gateway Trail 1,713.12
Risk Retention Fund 18,900.00
Fire Protection Fund 162,542.04
TOTAL 278,358.34
TB Resolution No. 2014- 031c: Bolton Point Abstract
Whereas, the following numbered vouchers for the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water
Commission have been presented to the governing Town Board for approval of payment; and
Whereas, the said vouchers have been audited for payment by the said Town Board; now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, that the governing Town Board hereby authorizes the payment of the said vouchers.
Voucher Numbers: 12-61
Check Numbers: 15076-15125
Burdick Hill Tanks Project $ 40,072.50
Capital Impr/Repl Project $ 0
Operating Fund $ 123,896.50
TOTAL $ 163,969.00
Less Prepaid $ 80,883.55
TOTAL $ 83,085.45
TB Resolution No. 2014—031d: Approve Closing Town Hall for a Full Day of Records
Management
Whereas, the Records Management Officer & the Records Management Advisory Board have
found it beneficial to close Town Hall for Records Management in order to cycle records into
storage and prepare records for year-end disposition; now, therefore, be it
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Resolved, that the Town of Ithaca Town Board hereby approves closing Town Hall on Friday,
February 28, 2014 for Records Management.
TB Resolution No, 2014 - 031e: Appointment of Youth Services Board Member for the
Town of Ithaca /Village of Cavuga Heights - Natalie Detert
Whereas Natali Detert has been recommended by Mayor Kate Supron to serve as a member of
the Youth Services Board representing the Town of Ithaca/Village of Cayuga Heights; now
therefore be it
Resolved that the Town Board does hereby appoint Natali Detert for a two-year term expiring
December 31, 2015.
TB Resolution No. 2014 - 03If; Appointment of Conservation Board Member - Mike
Roberts
Be it Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby appoints the following
individual to the Conservation Board to fill a vacant seat, the term ending December 31,2015:
Michael Roberts 106 Penny Lane, Ithaca, NY 14850
TB Resolution 2013-032; Approval of Minutes of .Tanuarv 27.2014
Whereas, the draft Minutes of the January 27,2014 meetings of the Town Board have been
submitted for review and approval, now therefore be it
Resolved, that the Town Board hereby approves the submitted minutes, with changes, as the
final minutes of the meeting January 27, 2014 of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca.
Moved: Rich DePaolo Seconded: Rod Howe
Vote: Ayes - DePaolo, Howe, Hunter, Levine, Engman and Leary
Absent: Goodman
Added Agenda Item Establish Local Assessment Review Board
TB Resolution 2013 - 033; Establishment of Local Assessment Review Board
Resolved that Rich DePaolo and Eric Levine are appointed to the Local Assessment Review
Board as required by Tompkins County Assessment with Rod Howe serving as an alternate.
Moved: Rich DePaolo Seconded: Rod Howe
Vote: Ayes - DePaolo, Howe, Hunter, Levine, Engman and Leary
Absent: Goodman
Agenda Item 17 Reports of Town Officials, Committees and Intermunicipal
Committees - None
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Agenda Item 18 Review of Correspondence - None
Agenda Item 19 Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned upon motion and a second at 8:39 p.m.
Submitted
Paulette Terwilliger
Town Clerk
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Board of Fire Commissioners
Report to Ithaca Town Board
February 10,2014
The following is a summary of the Board of Fire Commissioners quarterly report to the Ithaca Town Board
for the 4th quarter of 2013.
Included with this report are:
• The Fire Chief's Report given at the January 10,2014 BFC meeting.This includes the Fire
Marshal's Report&Fire Prevention Bureau activity.
• The department call activity reports for January I-December 31,2013.
• The financial operations summary through December 31,2013 —City Controller's office still
working on year-end transactions—fire department is expected to be within or very close to 2013
total budget.
Fire Department Operational Staffing(Dec 31,2013).
• As of Dec.31,2013 the Active Fire Fighting staffing totaled 60(on duty staffing- 1 Chief,4
Assistant Chiefs,9 lieutenants,&45 Fire Fighters)plus 1 Deputy Chief on per diem.
• The Department will continue to cover a portion of the Deputy Fire Chief s duties on a per diem
basis for 2014.
• Personnel changes in 2013—There were 4 retirements in 2013,resulting in 2 promotions done in
Jan 2014(Assistant Chief and Lieutenant),and 2 new recruit hires completed in January 2014.
There is 1 additional firefighter vacancy remaining to be filled.
• A reclassification request has been submitted to the Common Council to create a new assistant
chief's position to be in charge of the Code Inspection unit. This will not increase the number of
line staff,but reflects the increasing responsibilities related to code inspection activities.
Capital Proiects
The roofing project at Central Fire Station has been completed as well as the related installation of solar
panels on the roof. Roof renovation work was also completed on stations 6&9 during 2013.
Capital Equipment
A combined ladder/Engine apparatus was delivered in June 2013. This apparatus will function primarily as
a ladder truck in responding to calls,but does provide some additional flexibility,beyond the older trucks.
2014 Fire Department Budget— The Fire Department budget was passed by the Common Council as part
of the City Budget on November 12,2013.
Board Agendas&Minutes for 2013
The BFC meeting agendas and minutes have been posted on the City Website.Agenda's for meetings in
2013 can be found at:
http://www.egovlink.com/ithaca/docs/menu/home.asp?oath—/public_documents300/ithaca/published docu
ments/Agendas
Volunteer Development
The consolidation of the 8 volunteer companies into a single active Volunteer Company—Neriton-
Company 9 occurred at the end of 2012. During 2013 Company 9 has held regular monthly meetings. The
company currently has 14 members with 4 interior firefighters and 10 Fire Police members. The Fire
Police have been called into service a number of times during 2013 (flooding incidents,traffic accidents,
community service events). Most recently,the fire police assisted with traffic control during the flooding
in the Fall Creek section of Ithaca in the early part of January 2014.
The Fire Police hold monthly training sessions and the interior volunteers participate in training with the
career staff.
BFC Town Board Report February 10,2014
2%funding has been returned by 5 of the former active companies for use by the IWFA and Company 9.
Of the remaining two companies 1 had no funds to return and the other is pending.
A draft volunteer handbook has been prepared and an effort is underway for a more active recruitment
campaign to begin in the spring of 2014.
A federal grant proposal was submitted in 2013 to revitalize the bunker/volunteer system. The grant is
seeking funding for a volunteer coordinator position and funds to train volunteersibunkers. As of January
2014 no decision had been received regarding the proposal.
Other Items&Items in progress:
1 Charter Review-the BFC continues to review and discuss changes in the charter relating to the
role and responsibilities of the Board of Fire Commissioners. We anticipate working with the
Common Council's City Administration committee on this issue.
2 Resource recovery/False Alarm Policy—Currently on hold following preliminary review with the
City Attorney.
3 County Fire-Disaster—EMS Advisory Board—no new action on this issue.
4 Training Center Facility Project—this is still under consideration,no construction has been
authorized due to the training site being located on land designated as City Park land.
5 City-Town Fire Service Contract- The Board of Fire Commissioners is concerned about the
organizational impact and impact on the Community served by the Ithaca Fire Department if there
is a significant change in the current agreement between the City and the Town.
6 There is a vacancy on the Board as of January 2014 as Commissioner McGonigal was elected to
the Common Council for a 2 year term beginning January 1,2014.
Respectfully Submitted,
Bill Gilligan
Chair,Board of Fire Commissioners
ITx� CITY OF ITHACA
310 West Green Street Ithaca, New York 14850-5497
OFFICE OF THE FIRE CHIEF
A�RA7�0 Telephone: 607/272-1234 Fax: 607/272-2793
MEMORANDUM
To: Board of Fire Commissioners
From: Tom Parsons, Fire Chief
Date: January 14th, 2014
Re: Fire Chief's Monthly Report to the Board of Fire Commissioners
ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
Administration
1) Career Personnel Report
PERSONNEL STAFFING LEVELS
1 Chief
1 Deputy Chief(per diem)
4 Assistant Chiefs
9 Lieutenants
45 Fire Fighters
61 Uniform Personnel
1 Administrative Coordinator
Total employees as of December 31st, 2013 —62
a) Vacancies
• 1 Assistant Chief
• 2 Fire Fighters
b) Hiring/Promotions
• We are in the process of interviewing for a promotion to Assistant Fire Chief,
a promotion to Fire Lieutenant to backfill for the Assistant Chief's promotion;
and to hire 3 fire fighters with one of those fire fighters to backfill for the Fire
Lieutenant promotion.
b) Retirements:
Page 2 of 6 -Fire Chief's Monthly Report January 14th 2014
e) Vacancies:
• I have submitted a request to fill the Assistant Chief's position created by
Assistant Chief Sheldon's retirement. I have also requested to back fill the
Lieutenant and Firefighter positions caused by the promotion.
• I have submitted requests to fill the Firefighter positions created by the
retirements of Firefighter Foote, and Firefighter Hagin.
2) Budget Status
a) 2013 Budget: Included with this report is an update on the department budget
through December 31th, 2013. Our deficit in our personnel lines is lower than I
previously estimated in November. The deficit was due to retirement buyouts and
covering the salary of a firefighter who was budgeted to only work four months,
but worked 11 months due to an unforeseen delay in his retirement. The City
Controller will be transferring unused funds and savings in other accounts to our
personnel budget lines. We anticipate a final close out on our 2013 budget in
February.
C) Capital Budget—The roof replacement for Central Station is complete. The roof
replacement of the rear roof at Station 9 is complete. The HVAC work at Central
Station is complete. The Solar Panel installation has been completed.
3) County Communications and 911 Programs:
a) Christina Dravis, the new 911 Center Communications Manager, started work on
January 6th, 2013. Ms. Dravis comes from the NYC area where she worked for
Intergraph as an instructor for NYPD's new Computer Aided Dispatch System,
and prior to moving to New York, she worked for Alameda County California as
a Communications Supervisor.
4) Grants and Donations
a) On November 6th, 2013, I submitted an application for the Assistance to
Firefighters Grant(AFG). We've applied for funds to provide hardware and
software for incident command training of our officers.
b) On August 30th, 2013, I submitted an application for the Staffing for Adequate
Fire and Emergency Response Grant(SAFER). We are waiting to hear if we are
going to receive an award.
5) Resource Recovery Legislation
Page 3 of 6 -Fire Chief's Monthly Report January 14th 2014
a) As reported in December, I drafted the framework for a false alarm ordinance for
review by Common Council. The ordinance would require the registration of all
fire alarm systems in the City of Ithaca, and the ordinance would have fees for
excessive false alarms. I presented information to the City Administration
Committee on November 25th, 2013. The City Administration Committee did not
recommend moving forward with an ordinance. There were concerns about the
impact it would have on private business owners. I will be looking at other means
to curb the number of false and nuisance alarms and report back to the City
Administration Committee in the spring.
6) City Charter Update
a) No Report
Operations
1) Mutual Aid Calls: Quarterly Report
LIFE SAFETY DIVISION
Fire Prevention Bureau
1) Code Enforcement Division: The following is a list of December activities -
Complaints Received: 24
Referred to the City Building Division 15
Referred to the Town of Ithaca 3
Inspections: 102
City Fire Safety& Property Maintenance 59
Town Fire Safety&Property Maintenance 11
City- Sprinkler Inspections 14
City-Alternative Fire Protection 1
City-Fire Alarm Inspections 15
City- Standpipe Flow Test 1
City—Fire Pump Flow Test 1
Permits or Certificates: 25
Operating Permit—Assembly Occupancy 7
Operating Permit—Hazardous Occupancy 1
Operating Permit—Lumber Yard 0
Operating Permit—Elevator 2
Operating Permit—Fireworks 0
Page 4 of 6 -Fire Chief's Monthly Report January 14`" 2014
Certificate of Compliance - Occupancy 9
Certificate of Compliance - Fire Alarm 3
Certificate of Compliance - Fire Sprinkler 1
Certificate of Compliance—Fire Standpipe 1
Certificate of Compliance -Alternative Suppression 1
2) Fire Investigation Unit:
There were three fire investigations in December. The first was for a fatal fire that
occurred at 213 South Fulton Street in the City of Ithaca also known as the Jungle. The
cause was undetermined due to lack of evidence. The second investigation was for a
house fire at 330 Hook Place in the City of Ithaca. The cause was accidental. The third
investigation was for a truck fire that occurred at 214 Culver Road in the Town of Ithaca.
The cause is undetermined at this time.
3) Public Education and Special Events:
Public Education Events: I
Fire Drills Witnessed: 0
Child Safety Seat Inspections: 8
4) Town of Ithaca:
No Report
5) City of Ithaca:
No Report
Page 5 of 6 -Fire Chief's Monthly Report January 14`" 2014
OPERATIONS DIVISION
Response
1) December 2013 Responses
City of Ithaca: 260 Incidents (68.06%)
Fires: 10
Overpressure/Rupture 0
EMS/Rescue: 97
Hazardous Conditions: 20
Service Calls: 13
Good Intent: 30
Alarms/No Fires: 90
Severe Weather: 0
Town of Ithaca: 118 Incidents (30.89%)
Fires: 4
Overpressure/Rupture 0
EMS/Rescue: 74
Hazardous Conditions: 4
Service Calls: 6
Good Intent: 13
Alarms/No Fires: 17
Severe Weather: 0
Mutual Aid: 4 Incident(1.05%)
Fires: 1
Overpressure/Rupture 0
EMS/Rescue: 1
Hazardous Conditions: 0
Service Calls: 0
Good Intent: 2
Alarms/No Fires: 0
Severe Weather: 0
2) Emergency Management: Members met in December with the Tompkins County's
Exercise and Development Team to discuss joint training to be provided to both County
and City Staffs. The objectives is to develop a joint City and County Employee training
program that will be used to prepare both jurisdictions for joint emergency management
operations.
Support
Page 6 of 6 -Fire Chief's Monthly Report January 14`" 2014
1) Training Center
Quarterly Report
2) Apparatus and Facilities
No Report
Training
Quarterly Report
Volunteer Recruitment and Retention
1) Summaries of Service Hours: Quarterly Report
2) There are currently 14 Active Volunteer Firefighters and Fire Police
3) Requests from Company Members to become active: No Requests Received
Ithaca Fire Department
IFD - Incident Type Period Comparisons
Alarm Date Between {01/01/2013} and {12/31/2013}
Incident Type 01/01/2013 01/01/201 01/01/2011 01/01/2010
to 2 to to to
12/31/2013 12/31/201 12/31/2011 12/31/2010
2
100 Fire, Other 6 5 8 6
111 Building fire 32 34 34 34
112 Fires in structure other than in a building 1 0 2 1
113 Cooking fire, confined to container 24 30 32 19
114 Chimney or flue fire, confined to chimney or flue 1 1 3 2
116 Fuel burner/boiler malfunction, fire confined 1 0 0 0
118 Trash or rubbish fire, contained 5 3 6 2
130 Mobile property (vehicle) fire, Other 2 1 2 3
131 Passenger vehicle fire 14 11 12 8
132 Road freight or transport vehicle fire 2 2 0 0
134 Water vehicle fire 1 0 0 0
138 Off-road vehicle or heavy equipment fire 0 2 0 0
140 Natural vegetation fire, Other 2 11 6 6
141 Forest, woods or wildland fire 0 0 0 1
142 Brush or brush-and-grass mixture fire 2 2 1 2
143 Grass fire 0 3 0 2
150 Outside rubbish fire, Other 6 5 5 5
151 Outside rubbish, trash or waste fire 8 14 11 15
154 Dumpster or other outside trash receptacle fire 4 4 3 8
155 Outside stationary compactor/compacted trash fire 0 0 0 1
160 Special outside fire, Other 6 3 4 3
161 Outside storage fire 1 0 0 0
162 Outside equipment fire 1 1 0 1
170 Cultivated vegetation, crop fire, Other 1 0 1 2
172 Cultivated orchard or vineyard fire 0 0 1 0
212 Overpressure rupture of steam boiler 1 1 0 0
231 Chemical reaction rupture of process vessel 1 0 0 0
240 Explosion (no fire) , Other 1 0 0 0
243 Fireworks explosion (no fire) 0 0 0 1
251 Excessive heat, scorch burns with no ignition 0 3 1 2
300 Rescue, EMS incident, other 15 11 19 27
300lGorge Rescue, EMS incident, Ground Evacuation 1 1 1 2
3002Gorge Rescue, EMS incident, Low Angle Rope Assist 1 0 1 0
311 Medical assist, assist EMS crew 24 28 33 36
320 Emergency medical service, other 47 13 0 0
321 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury 1940 2034 2121 1943
322 Motor vehicle accident with injuries 102 94 112 105
323 Motor vehicle/pedestrian accident (MV Ped) 23 31 17 15
324 Motor Vehicle Accident with no injuries 39 29 37 37
331 Lock-in (if lock out , use 511 ) 1 0 0 2
33llLock-in / Knox Box Access Required 0 3 0 4
02/09/2014 23:26 Page 1
Ithaca Fire Department
IFD - Incident Type Period Comparisons
Alarm Date Between {01/01/2013} and {12/31/2013}
Incident Type 01/01/2013 01/01/201 01/01/2011 01/01/2010
to 2 to to to
12/31/2013 12/31/201 12/31/2011 12/31/2010
2
341 Search for person on land 1 3 0 0
342 Search for person in water 0 0 0 1
350 Extrication, rescue, Other 1 2 1 3
351 Extrication of victim(s) from building/structure 0 0 1 0
352 Extrication of victim(s) from vehicle 4 4 2 4
353 Removal of victim(s) from stalled elevator 9 8 12 14
354 Trench/below-grade rescue 0 1 0 0
356 High-angle rescue 0 0 0 3
3561Gorge Rescue, High-angle Extrication 3 0 2 0
360 Water & ice-related rescue, other 1 1 3 2
361 Swimming/recreational water areas rescue 3 4 3 1
362 Ice rescue 0 0 0 1
363 Swift water rescue 1 0 1 1
365 Watercraft rescue 1 0 0 1
381 Rescue or EMS standby 6 4 4 6
400 Hazardous condition, Other 52 60 55 74
410 Combustible/flammable gas/liquid condition, other 7 7 11 6
411 Gasoline or other flammable liquid spill 9 8 6 11
412 Gas leak (natural gas or LPG) 69 64 81 102
413 Oil or other combustible liquid spill 3 3 7 4
421 Chemical hazard (no spill or leak) 2 1 2 2
422 Chemical spill or leak 2 3 2 2
424 Carbon monoxide incident 25 16 25 27
440 Electrical wiring/equipment problem, Other 19 12 13 13
441 Heat from short circuit (wiring) , defective/worn 6 3 3 4
442 Overheated motor 9 6 3 9
443 Breakdown of light ballast 4 1 5 2
444 Power line down 23 26 28 28
445 Arcing, shorted electrical equipment 19 24 18 19
451 Biological hazard, confirmed or suspected 1 0 1 1
460 Accident, potential accident, Other 2 1 1 2
461 Building or structure weakened or collapsed 0 1 4 1
462 Aircraft standby 0 1 1 0
463 Vehicle accident, general cleanup 7 10 3 11
471 Explosive, bomb removal (for bomb scare, use 721) 0 0 0 1
480 Attempted burning, illegal action, Other 1 3 0 1
481 Attempt to burn 0 0 0 1
500 Service Call, other 147 149 131 132
510 Person in distress, Other 12 12 10 22
511 Lock-out 9 8 9 11
512 Ring or jewelry removal 0 1 0 0
02/09/2014 23:26 Page 2
Ithaca Fire Department
IFD - Incident Type Period Comparisons
Alarm Date Between {01/01/2013} and {12/31/2013}
Incident Type 01/01/2013 01/01/201 01/01/2011 01/01/2010
to 2 to to to
12/31/2013 12/31/201 12/31/2011 12/31/2010
2
521 Water evacuation 7 2 76 10
522 Water or steam leak 14 13 18 23
531 Smoke or odor removal 8 8 5 16
540 Animal problem, Other 0 1 0 0
541 Animal problem 0 0 0 1
542 Animal rescue 1 0 1 2
550 Public service assistance, Other 16 15 23 23
551 Assist police or other governmental agency 22 27 31 17
552 Police matter 3 1 6 7
553 Public service 5 5 2 11
554 Assist invalid 16 4 4 15
555 Defective elevator, no occupants 1 0 0 0
561 Unauthorized burning 12 7 7 12
571 Cover assignment, standby, moveup 1 3 2 1
600 Good intent call, Other 72 66 67 87
611 Dispatched & cancelled en route 5 8 12 13
6111Dispatched & cancelled en route - By Dispatcher 8 14 22 10
6112Dispatched & cancelled en route - By Bangs 218 167 97 115
6113Dispatched & cancelled en route - By CUEMS 70 73 66 53
6114Dispatched & cancelled en route - By CU EH&S 111 57 52 45
6115Dispatched & cancelled en route - By IC Safety 69 50 9 1
6116Dispatched & cancelled en route - By Other EMS 0 1 0 1
6117Dispatched & cancelled en route - By MA Dept 4 6 6 1
6118Dispatched & cancelled en route - By IPD 17 6 8 7
6119Dispatched & cancelled en route - By Other Police 0 0 2 1
621 Wrong location 1 3 6 5
622 No Incident found on arrival at dispatch address 31 26 32 25
631 Authorized controlled burning 4 6 8 9
632 Prescribed fire 0 0 0 3
641 Vicinity alarm (incident in other location) 1 0 1 3
650 Steam, Other gas mistaken for smoke, Other 0 1 5 4
651 Smoke scare, odor of smoke 15 8 23 14
652 Steam, vapor, fog or dust thought to be smoke 5 9 9 6
653 Smoke from barbecue, tar kettle 2 4 0 2
661 EMS call, party transported by non-fire agency 1 1 3 3
671 HazMat release investigation w/no HazMat 24 38 32 20
672 Biological hazard investigation 0 0 1 0
700 False alarm or false call, Other 8 15 20 30
700lFalse alarm or false call, Other - Medical Alarm 47 25 31 0
710 Malicious, mischievous false call, Other 14 7 12 11
711 Municipal alarm system, malicious false alarm 4 6 1 17
02/09/2014 23:26 Page 3
Ithaca Fire Department
IFD - Incident Type Period Comparisons
Alarm Date Between {01/01/2013} and {12/31/2013}
Incident Type 01/01/2013 01/01/201 01/01/2011 01/01/2010
to 2 to to to
12/31/2013 12/31/201 12/31/2011 12/31/2010
2
713 Telephone, malicious false alarm 1 2 2 1
714 Central station, malicious false alarm 49 35 51 41
715 Local alarm system, malicious false alarm 3 3 4 4
721 Bomb scare - no bomb 0 3 1 0
730 System malfunction, Other 26 41 58 56
731 Sprinkler activation due to malfunction 10 6 9 7
732 Extinguishing system activation due to malfunction 2 0 0 0
733 Smoke detector activation due to malfunction 49 44 49 83
734 Heat detector activation due to malfunction 13 6 6 8
735 Alarm system sounded due to malfunction 117 124 106 92
736 CO detector activation due to malfunction 20 29 27 18
740 Unintentional transmission of alarm, Other 102 101 100 112
741 Sprinkler activation, no fire - unintentional 19 15 9 20
742 Extinguishing system activation 0 2 0 0
743 Smoke detector activation, no fire - unintentional 519 534 611 632
744 Detector activation, no fire - unintentional 243 221 178 150
745 Alarm system activation, no fire - unintentional 174 150 143 164
746 Carbon monoxide detector activation, no CO 16 27 18 20
800 Severe weather or natural disaster, Other 3 2 0 0
811 Earthquake assessment 0 0 1 0
812 Flood assessment 5 0 0 0
813 Wind storm, tornado/hurricane assessment 0 1 0 0
900 Special type of incident, Other 1 0 2 3
911 Citizen complaint 0 1 0 0
Totals 4994 4870 5019 4874
02/09/2014 23:26 Page 4
Ithaca Fire Department
2013 Responses - Incident Type by District
3100
3000 ■Other
2900
2800 ■Severe Weather
2700
2600
2500— ■Alarms/No Fire
2400
2300 ■Good Intent Call
2200
2100 ■Service Call
2000—
1900
1800-----
800 ❑Hazardous Condition
1700-----
700
�y 1600 ■EMS/Rescue
0
1500
1400 ■Overpressure/Rupture
1300
1200
1100.- 0 Fire
1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200—
100— L
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Ithaca Fire Department
2013 Responses - Incident Type by Municipality
4000 fl
3500
3000
■Other
2500 ■Severe Weather
■Alarms/No Fire
■Good Intent Call
2000 ■Service Call
❑Hazardous Condition
1500 ■EMS/Rescue
M Overpressure/Rupture
■Fire
1000
500
0
Total City Total Town Outside Ithaca
Municipality
Ithaca Fire Department
2013 Responses by Municipality
100%
90%
•
80%
70%
60%
50%-----
0% ■Outside Ithaca
■Town of Ithaca
40%------
0% ■City of Ithaca
30%
20%
10%
0%
Ithaca Fire Department
Municipality,District,and Incident Type Responses
2013
Overpressure/ Hazardous Good Intent Severe Percentage of
District Fire Rupture EMS/Rescue Condition Service Call Call Alarms/No Fire Weather Other Total Incidents
City of Ithaca 76 1 1315 191 227 340 926 3 1 3080 61.67%
City of Ithaca-Cornell Property 6 1 144 5 1 144 195 0 0 496 9.93%
City of Ithaca-Ithaca College 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00%
City Cascadillla Creek Gorge 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0.02%
City Fall Creek Gorge 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0.04%
City Six Mile Creek Gorge 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 0.06%
Town of Ithaca 17 1 620 46 50 65 153 5 0 957 19.16%
Town of Ithaca-Cornell Property 2 0 20 3 0 34 35 0 0 94 1.88%
Town of Ithaca-Ithaca College 8 0 109 10 2 65 126 0 0 320 6.41°
Town of Ithaca-Six Mile Gorge 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0.02%
Town of Ithaca-Buttermilk Gorge 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0.02%
Town of Ithaca-Treman Gorge 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0.02%
Outside Ithaca 9 0 11 5 3 9 1 0 0 38 0.76%
Total 120 3 2224 260 284 658 1436 8 1 4994 100.00%
Overpressure/ Hazardous Good Intent Severe Percentage of
District Fire Rupture EMS/Rescue Condition Service Call Call Alarms/No Fire Weather Other Total Incidents
Total City 84 2 1461 196 229 485 1121 3 1 3582 71.73%
Total Town 27 1 752 59 52 164 314 5 0 1374 27.51°
Outside Ithaca 9 0 11 5 3 9 1 0 0 38 0.76%
Total 120 3 2224 260 284 658 1436 8 1 4994 100.00%
2013 - Ithaca Fire Department Responses - Election District
480 ❑Other
460
440 ❑Severe Weather
420—/ ❑Alarm / No Fire
400 ❑Good Intent
380 ❑Service Call
380 ❑Hazardous Condition
340
320 ■EMS Rescue
300— 0 Overpressure Rupture
280 M Fire -
260-
240
220
zoo
180—
160
140—
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00
80
00
40
20 O O O a
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Ithaca Fire Department Responses-Electrion District
2013
Overpressure Hazardous
Fire Rupture EMS Rescue Condition Service Call Good Intent Alarm/No Fire Severe Weather Other Total
City-1st Ward,District 1,NE,West Hill 3 0 44 12 14 14 12 1 0 100
City-1st Ward,District 2, W,West Hill 4 1 107 7 7 41 7 1 0 175
City-1 st Ward,District 3,SW,Southwest 2 0 111 24 18 35 53 0 0 243
City-1st Ward,District 4,S,Lower South Hill 2 0 25 5 19 6 8 0 0 65
City-1 st Ward,District 5,S,Upper South Hill 2 0 29 11 6 7 34 0 0 89
City-2nd Ward,District 1,NE,Triangle 9 0 89 10 21 1 24 28 0 0 1 181
City-2nd Ward,District 2, S,Southside,Titus 14 0 213 13 31 51 145 0 1 468
City-2nd Ward,District 3,W,Fulton,Court,Lin 10 0 202 23 20 60 87 0 0 402
City-2nd Ward,District 4,Commons East Business 10 0 194 24 32 39 138 0 0 437
City-3rd Ward,District 1,E,Cornell Campus 4 1 100 6 1 109 135 0 0 356
City-3rd Ward,District 2,E,Collegetn BelSher 4 0 55 7 5 8 69 0 0 148
City-3rd Ward,District 3,SE,BelSher,E State 1 0 17 2 4 9 11 1 0 45
City-4th Ward,District 1, NE,West Campus 4 0 41 8 2 22 80 0 0 157
City-4th Ward,District 2,E,Middle East Hill 3 0 22 7 2 7 32 0 0 73
City-4th Ward,District 3,E,Lower Collegetown 3 0 83 12 11 11 126 0 0 246
City-5th Ward,District 1,N,Fall Crk and Willw 4 0 34 3 16 11 14 0 0 82
City-5th Ward,District 2,N, Fall Crk,Gun Hil 2 0 42 8 11 6 46 0 0 115
City-5th Ward,District 3,NE,Cornell Heights 3 0 37 9 4 21 80 0 0 154
City-5th Ward,District 4,Farm,Aurora,King 0 0 16 4 5 4 16 0 0 45
City-5th Ward,District 5 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
Town-District 1,NW,Trumansburg Rd 4 0 75 7 8 9 29 2 0 134
Town-District 2,SW,Bostwick&Elmira Rds 2 0 30 4 4 4 0 2 0 46
Town-District 3,S,Stone Quarry and South Hill 4 0 174 3 5 21 49 0 0 256
Town-District 4,E,Ellis Hollow to Slaterville 3 1 96 13 7 12 37 0 0 169
Town-District 5,NE,Cornell Campus to NE 0 0 15 1 0 30 20 0 0 66
Town-District 6,NE,Roat,Hanshaw,Winthrop 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1
Town-District 7,N,Village of Cayuga Hgts 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Town-District 8,N,Cayuga Heights Rd 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 3
Town-District 9,N,East Shore and Renwick 1 0 7 3 3 2 10 0 0 26
Town-District 10,S,Ithaca College 7 0 130 10 2 57 116 0 0 322
Town-District 11,SE,Troy Coddingtn Slaterville 1 0 27 4 6 3 10 0 0 51
Town-District 12,E,Maple Ave 3 0 12 4 0 2 1 0 0 22
Town-District 13,S,South of King Rd 1 0 22 2 0 3 11 0 0 39
Town-District 14,W,Mecklenburg Rd 1 0 162 7 17 21 29 1 0 238
Out of District 9 0 11 5 3 9 1 0 0 38
False Alarm Causes
By District
2013
Town of Ithaca-
City of Ithaca- Ithaca College Town of Ithaca-
False Cause City of Ithaca Cornell Property Town of Ithaca Property Cornell Property Total Percentage
Smoke, Cooking NO FIRE 291 42 20 3 60 416 28.99%
Detection Device, Malfunction 118 31 17 3 9 178 12.40%
Detection Device, Dust 93 30 18 3 8 152 10.59%
System Activation, Malfunction 62 14 27 6 2 111 7.74%
System Activation,Contractor 38 14 3 2 16 73 5.09%
Pull Station Unintentional 46 3 7 0 2 58 4.04%
Malicious, Pull-Private Alarm 41 7 4 1 2 55 3.83%
Steam, Bathroom or Shower 19 5 2 0 9 35 2.44%
Detection Device,Water 27 1 3 0 0 31 2.16%
Sprinkler,Water Surge 6 12 5 8 0 31 2.16%
None 18 5 4 1 2 30 2.09%
PERS, Emergency Button 15 0 9 0 0 24 1.67%
Smoke,Tobacco Product 19 0 1 0 0 20 1.39%
PERS, Pendenant 10 0 7 0 0 17 1.18%
Sprinkler, Frozen Pipe 8 2 3 2 1 16 1.11%
Steam,Other 6 7 1 1 1 16 1.11%
Trouble Alarm 10 3 1 1 0 15 1.05%
Detection Device, Damage 13 0 0 0 1 14 0.98%
Fog-Smoke Machine 11 1 0 0 1 13 0.91%
Smoke, Illegal Drug Use 9 0 1 0 3 13 0.91%
Sprinkler,Contractor 7 3 1 0 1 12 0.84%
Sprinkler, Flow Switch Malfunction 4 3 0 2 2 11 0.77%
System Activation,Weather 5 0 5 0 0 10 0.70%
Duct Detector, Dust 1 1 4 0 2 8 0.56%
Smoke,Soldering-Welding 6 0 2 0 0 8 0.56%
Detection Device,Cleaning 5 0 1 0 1 7 0.49%
Detection Device, Extinguisher 5 0 0 0 2 7 0.49%
Detection Device, Insects 6 0 0 0 1 7 0.49%
Smoke,Solid Fuel Appliance 3 3 1 0 0 7 0.49%
System Activation, Power Out 2 4 0 1 0 7 0.49%
System Activation,Maliciou: 5 1 1 0 0 7 0.49%
Sprinkler, Physical Damage 5 0 1 0 0 6 0.42%
Steam,Cooking 5 0 0 1 0 6 0.42%
Duct Detector, Malfunction 1 2 2 0 0 5 0.35%
Detection Device, Painting 3 0 0 0 0 3 0.21%
BioHazard Alarm, Device Malfunction 2 0 0 0 0 2 0.14%
Malicious, Phone Call 1 1 0 0 0 2 0.14%
Steam, Laundry 0 0 2 0 0 2 0.14%
Total 926 195 153 35 126 1435 100.00%
Ithaca Fire Department
IFD Mutual Aid Responses by Department (Summary)
Alarm Date Between {01/01/2013} And {12/31/2013}
Type of Aid Count Type of Aid Count
55001 Brooktondale Fire Department 55019 Varna Fire Department
Mutual aid given 6 Mutual aid given 3
6 3
55002 Cayuga Heights Fire Department
Mutual aid received 8
Mutual aid given 8
16
55004 Danby Fire Department
Mutual aid given 2
2
55005 Dryden Fire Department
Mutual aid received 2
Automatic aid received 1
3
55006 Enfield Fire Department
Mutual aid received 2
Mutual aid given 2
4
55011 Lansing Fire Department
Mutual aid received 1
Mutual aid given 2
3
55013 Newfield Fire Department
Mutual aid received 1
Mutual aid given 2
3
55018 Trumansburg Fire Department
Mutual aid received 1
Mutual aid given 8
9
55019 Varna Fire Department
02/09/2014 19:27 Page 1
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Appendix B
Short Environmental Assessment Form
Instructions for Completing
Part 1-Project Information. The applicant or project sponsor is responsible for the completion of Part 1. Responses
become part of the application for approval or funding,are subject to public review,and may be subject to further verification.
Complete Part 1 based on information currently available. If additional research or investigation would be needed to fully
respond to any item,please answer as thoroughly as possible based on current information.
Complete all items in Part 1. You may also provide any additional information which you believe will be needed by or useful
to the lead agency;attach additional pages as necessary to supplement any item.
Part 1-Project and Sponsor Information
Name of Action or Project:
]EC Wi"o. Fac' VAy PD7—
Project Location(describe,and attach a location map):
RoAL
Brief Description of Proposed Action:
J e�� 1"�T�AL1n t�n.eM
Name of Applicant or Sponsor: Telephone: —7 P_ _ S (�
�GAU� lla o�\ .��AC� ) ��_ E-Mail: P.tdvtl e ��z� VIA4k. :oln1
Address:
l �S
City/PO: State: Zip Code:
Z-�txaC.a. N11 (y gs
1.Does the proposed action only involve the legislative adoption of a plan,local law,ordinance, NO YES
administrative rule,or regulation?
If Yes,attach a narrative description of the intent of the proposed action and the environmental resources that ❑ NA
may be affected in the municipality and proceed to Part 2. If no,continue to question 2.
2. Does the proposed action require a permit,approval or funding from any other governmental Agency? NO YES
If Yes,list agency(s)name and permit or approval: bFE:1
3.a.Total acreage of the site of the proposed action? acres
b.Total acreage to be physically disturbed? acres
c.Total acreage(project site and any contiguous properties)owned
or controlled by the applicant or project sponsor? acres
4. Check all land uses that occur on,adjoining and near the proposed action.
E]Urban El Rural(non-agriculture) ❑Industrial ❑Commercial ❑Residential(suburban)
❑Forest ❑Agriculture ❑Aquatic ❑Other(specify):
❑Parkland
Page 1 of 4 RESET
5. Is the proposed action, NO YES N/A
a.A permitted use under the zoning regulations? ❑ ❑ ❑
b.Consistent with the adopted comprehensive plan? ❑ ❑ ❑
6. Is the proposed action consistent with the predominant character of the existing built or natural NO YES
landscape? ❑ ❑
7. Is the site of the proposed action located in,or does it adjoin,a state listed Critical Environmental Area? NO YES
If Yes, identify: ❑ ❑
8. a.Will the proposed action result in a substantial increase in traffic above present levels? NO YES
❑ ❑
b.Are public transportation service(s)available at or near the site of the proposed action? ❑ ❑
c.Are any pedestrian accommodations or bicycle routes available on or near site of the proposed action? ❑ ❑
9.Does the proposed action meet or exceed the state energy code requirements? NO YES
If the proposed action will exceed requirements,describe design features and technologies:
10. Will the proposed action connect to an existing public/private water supply? NO YES
If No,describe method for providing potable water: ❑ ❑
11.Will the proposed action connect to existing wastewater utilities? NO YES
If No,describe method for providing wastewater treatment: ❑ ❑
12. a.Does the site contain a structure that is listed on either the State or National Register of Historic NO YES
Places? ❑ ❑
b.Is the proposed action located in an archeological sensitive area? ❑ ❑
13.a.Does any portion of the site of the proposed action,or lands adjoining the proposed action,contain NO YES
wetlands or other waterbodies regulated by a federal,state or local agency? ❑ ❑
b.Would the proposed action physically alter,or encroach into,any existing wetland or waterbody? ❑ ❑
If Yes,identify the wetland or waterbody and extent of alterations in square feet or acres:
14. Identify the typical habitat types that occur on,or are likely to be found on the project site. Check all that apply:
❑Shoreline ❑Forest ❑Agricultural/grasslands E3 Early mid-successional
❑ Wetland E3 Urban ❑Suburban
15.Does the site of the proposed action contain any species of animal,or associated habitats,listed NO YES
by the State or Federal government as threatened or endangered? ❑ ❑
16.Is the project site located in the 100 year flood plain? NO YES
17.Will the proposed action create storm water discharge,either from point or non-point sources? NO YES
If Yes, ❑ ❑
a.Will storm water discharges flow to adjacent properties? ❑NO ❑YES
b.Will storm water discharges be directed to established conveyance systems(runoff and storm drains)?
If Yes,briefly describe: ❑NO ❑YES
Page 2 of 4 RESET
18.Does the proposed action include construction or other activities that result in the impoundment of NO YES
water or other liquids(e.g.retention pond,waste lagoon,dam)?
If Yes,explain purpose and size: — ❑ ❑
19.Has the site of the proposed action or an adjoining property been the location of an active or closed NO YES
solid waste management facility?
If Yes,describe: ❑ ❑
20.Has the site of the proposed action or an adjoining property been the subject of remediation(ongoing or NO YES
completed)for hazardous waste?
If Yes,describe: T _ _ __ ❑ ❑
I AFFIRM THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ABOVE IS TRUE AND ACCURATE TO THE BEST OF MY
KNOWLEDGE GG I
Applicant/sponsor name: 1�wv� «a Q � "0. �'� Date:
/ /����
Signature: Exec. bit.
Part 2-Impact Assessment. The Lead Agency is responsible for the completion of Part 2. Answer all of the following
questions in Part 2 using the information contained in Part 1 and other materials submitted by the project sponsor or
otherwise available to the reviewer. When answering the questions the reviewer should be guided by the concept"Have my
responses been reasonable considering the scale and context of the proposed action?"
No,or Moderate
small to large
impact impact
may may
occur occur
1. Will the proposed action create a material conflict with an adopted land use plan or zoning ❑ ❑
regulations?
2. Will the proposed action result in a change in the use or intensity of use of land? ❑ ❑
3. Will the proposed action impair the character or quality of the existing community? ❑ ❑
4. Will the proposed action have an impact on the environmental characteristics that caused the El El of a Critical Environmental Area(CEA)?
5. Will the proposed action result in an adverse change in the existing level of traffic or ❑ ❑
affect existing infrastructure for mass transit,biking or walkway?
6. Will the proposed action cause an increase in the use of energy and it fails to incorporate ❑ ❑
reasonably available energy conservation or renewable energy opportunities?
7. Will the proposed action impact existing: ❑ ❑
a.public/private water supplies?
b.public/private wastewater treatment utilities? ❑ ❑
8. Will the proposed action impair the character or quality of important historic,archaeological, El E]
architectural or aesthetic resources?
9. Will the proposed action result in an adverse change to natural resources(e.g.,wetlands, ❑ ❑
waterbodies,groundwater,air quality,flora and fauna)?
Page 3 of 4 RESET
February 4, 2014
ATTACHMENT to the
Short Environmental Assessment Form, Part 1 for the
EcoVillage Radio Facility PDZ Amendment Action
Brief Description of Proposed Action:
The proposed action is the adoption of an amendment to the EcoVillage Planned
Development Zone language that would allow the placement of a single radio
transmission facility, with a tower not to exceed 45 feet tall, in the Agricultural
Area of the EcoVillage PDZ (which consists of approximately 100 acres of fields
and 15 acres of woods at the top of West Hill).
Narrative Description of the intent of the proposed action and the environmental
resources that may be affected:
The intent of the proposed amendment is to allow a radio transmission facility
(tower and storage/electrical shed) near the existing barn of the West Haven
Farm in EcoVillage's agricultural zone. No environmental resources will be
affected except for a slight change to the viewshed looking west (uphill) from
West Haven Road near Mecklenburg Road.
EcoVillage Radio Transmission Tower
18.Does the proposed action include construction or other activities that result in the impoundment of NO YES
water or other liquids(e.g.retention pond,waste lagoon,dam)?
If Yes,explain purpose and size: ❑ ❑
19.Has the site of the proposed action or an adjoining property been the location of an active or closed NO YES
solid waste management facility?
If Yes,describe: ❑ ❑
20.Has the site of the proposed action or an adjoining property been the subject of remediation(ongoing or NO YES
completed)for hazardous waste?
If Yes,describe: 0 F
I AFFIRM THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ABOVE IS TRUE AND ACCURATE TO THE BEST OF MY
KNOWLEDGE
Applicant/sponsor name: Date:
Signature:
Part 2-Impact Assessment. The Lead Agency is responsible for the completion of Part 2. Answer all of the following
questions in Part 2 using the information contained in Part 1 and other materials submitted by the project sponsor or
otherwise available to the reviewer. When answering the questions the reviewer should be guided by the concept"Have my
responses been reasonable considering the scale and context of the proposed action?"
No,or Moderate
small to large
impact impact
may may
occur occur
1. Will the proposed action create a material conflict with an adopted land use plan or zoning 1:1 regulations?
2. Will the proposed action result in a change in the use or intensity of use of land? RI E
3. Will the proposed action impair the character or quality of the existing community? RI E
4. Will the proposed action have an impact on the environmental characteristics that caused the ❑
establishment of a Critical Environmental Area(CEA)?
5. Will the proposed action result in an adverse change in the existing level of traffic or El
existing infrastructure for mass transit,biking or walkway?
6. Will the proposed action cause an increase in the use of energy and it fails to incorporate a ❑
reasonably available energy conservation or renewable energy opportunities?
7. Will the proposed action impact existing:
a.public/private water supplies?
b.public/private wastewater treatment utilities? ❑✓
S. Will the proposed action impair the character or quality of important historic,archaeological, ❑
architectural or aesthetic resources?
9. Will the proposed action result in an adverse change to natural resources(e.g.,wetlands, El waterbodies,groundwater,air quality,flora and fauna)?
Page 3 of 4 RESET
No,or Moderate
small to large
impact impact
may may
occur occur
10. Will the proposed action result in an increase in the potential for erosion,flooding or drainage El problems?
11. Will the proposed action create a hazard to environmental resources or human health?
Part 3-Determination of significance. The Lead Agency is responsible for the completion of Part 3. For every
question in Part 2 that was answered"moderate to large impact may occur",or if there is a need to explain why a particular
element of the proposed action may or will not result in a significant adverse environmental impact,please complete Part 3.
Part 3 should,in sufficient detail,identify the impact,including any measures or design elements that have been included by
the project sponsor to avoid or reduce impacts. Part 3 should also explain how the lead agency determined that the impact
may or will not be significant. Each potential impact should be assessed considering its setting,probability of occurring,
duration,irreversibility,geographic scope and magnitude. Also consider the potential for short-term,long-term and
cumulative impacts.
The proposal is to amend the Planned Development Zone for EcoVillage(P8)to allow one radio transmission facility as a permitted use in the
EcoVillage Agricultural Area. The radio transmission facility would be allowed up to 45 feet tall and could only contain equipment from one
licensed station. Depending on the location on the property and the size of the tower and equipment,the facility could potentially be visible from
adjacent public roads(Mecklenburg Road,Westhaven Road,Helen's Way,Elm Street Extension)or the Towns Westhaven Preserve(off Helen's
Way). Future placement of a radio transmission tower should be sited in a location away from the public roads or parks to limit its visibility
Using the EAF Mapper,Question 13a in Part 1 is answered Yes. The EcoVillage Agricultural Area contains a small wetland area along with two
small streams on the property. Future placement of a radio transmission tower should avoid these areas.
The EAF Mapper also answers Question 15 in Part 1 as Yes. The southern portion of the EcoVillage Agricultural Area is identified by the New
York Nature Explorer as potentially containing threatened or endangered plants or animals. All but one of the species listed as possible in this
area were last confirmed over 35 years ago. The Gray Petaltail(dragonfly)was recently confirmed in 2012 and its status in New York State is
considered of Special Concern. The general habitat of the gray petaitaii can be described as hillside seeps and fens in areas of deciduous
forests.In New York,all known populations are found at rocky gorges and glens with deciduous or mixed forests. Since the majority of the
EcoVillage Agricultural Area is open fields or low brush,it is not anticipated that the gray petaltail is present on this site.
The EcoVillage Agricultural Area is located within Tompkins County Agricultural District No.2. A radio transmission tower would have a small
footprint and disturbance,and it is not anticipated that it would prevent or conflict with the active agricultural uses on the property.
❑ Check this box if you have determined,based on the information and analysis above,and any supporting documentation,
that the proposed action may result in one or more potentially large or significant adverse impacts and an
environmental impact statement is required.
❑V Check this box if you have determined,based on the information and analysis above,and any supporting documentation,
that the proposed action will not result in any significant adverse environmental impacts.
Town of Ithaca Town Board
Name of Lead Agency Date
Herb Engman Town Supervisor
Print or Type Name of Responsible Officer in Lead Agency Title of Responsible Officer
�wz �y /`/
Signature of Responsible Officer in Lead Agency Signature of Ffeparer(if different from Responsible Officer)
PRINT Page 4 of 4 RESET
EAF Mapper Summary Report Tuesday, February 04,2014 1:36 PM
Disclaimer: The EAF Mapper is a screening tool intended to assist
I R f R7�D project sponsors and reviewing agencies in preparing an environmental
iL assessment form(EAF).Not all questions asked in the EAF are
answered by the EAF Mapper.Additional information on any EAF
Cb question can be obtained by consulting the EAF Workbooks. Although
1 the EAF Mapper provides the most up-to-date digital data available to
fig rg Rd DEC,you may also need to contact local or other data sources In order
to obtain data not provided by the Mapper.Digital data is not a
substitute for agency determinations..
Ottawa Nfontr6al
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Part 1 /Question 7 [Critical Environmental No
Area]
Part 1 /Question 12a [National Register of No
Historic Places]
Part 1 /Question 12b [Archeological Sites] No
Part 1 /Question 13a[Wetlands or Other Yes-Digital mapping information on local and federal wetlands and
Regulated Waterbodies] waterbodies is known to be incomplete. Refer to EAF Workbook.
Part 1 /Question 15[Threatened or Yes
Endangered]
Part 1 /Question 16[100 Year Flood Plain] Digital mapping data are not available or are incomplete. Refer to EAF
Workbook.
Part 1 /Question 20[Remediation Site] No
Short Environmental Assessment Form - EAF Mapper Summary Report r
hftp://www.dec.ny.gov/natureexplorer/
New York Nature Explorer
User Defined Results Report
Criteria: Selected Map Area
hlecklenbutg
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t
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Tom J4LIi18
courat�y
k `-.w Unnamed Street
_ .- ...
Animal: Dragonflies and Damselflies
Gray Petaltail Dragonflies Recently 2012 Special Concern S2 G4
Confirmed
Tachopteryz thoreyi
Midland Clubtail Dragonflies Historically 1894 S3 G6
Confirmed
Gomphus fraternus
Mocha Emerald Dragonflies Historically 1926 S2S3 G5
Confirmed
Somatochlora linearis
Plant: Flowering Plants
Catfoot Asters,Goldenrods and Historically 1919 Endangered SH G4G6T3?
Daisies Confirmed
Pseudognaphalium helleri ssp.
micradenium
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Page 1 of 2
2/4/14 1:44 PM
New York Nature Explorer
Common Name Subgroup Distribution Year Last Protection Status Conservation Rank
Status Documente Federal ...
Downy Lettuce Asters.Goldenrods and Historically 1946 Endangered S1 G57
Daisies Confirmed
Lactuca hirsuta
Swamp Lousewort Other Flowering Plants Historically 1977 Threatened S2 G5
Confirmed
Pedicularis lanceolata
Yellow Giant-hyssop Other Flowering Plants Historically 1943 Threatened S2S3 G5
Confirmed
Agastache nepetoides
Note: Restricted plants and animals may also have also been documented in one or more of the Towns or Cities in which
your user-defined area is located, but are not listed in these results.This application does not provide information at the level
of Town or City on state-listed animals and on other sensitive animals and plants.A list of the restricted animals and plants
documented at the corresponding county level can be obtained via the County link(s)on the original User Defined Search
Results page.Any individual plant or animal on this county's restricted list may or may not occur in this particular user-defined
area.
This list only includes records of rare species and significant natural communities from the databases of the NY Natural
Heritage Program.This list is not a definitive statement about the presence or absence of all plants and animals, including
rare or state-listed species, or of all significant natural communities. For most areas,comprehensive field surveys have not
been conducted,and this list should not be considered a substitute for on-site surveys.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Page 2 of 2
2/4/14 1:44 PM
nt�
Gray P
Tachoptery thorep
Scientific Name Tachopteryx thoreyi
l (Hagen in Selys, 1858)
Family Name Petaluridae
Ni - Petaltails
L
Did you know?
The gray petaltail is the only northeastern
dragonfly species whose larvae may not be truly
=, aquatic. The larvae live in the mud and vegetation
of mucky, mossy, spring seeps which often contain
very little standing water(Needham et al. 2000,
Nikula et al. 2003).
Photo credits Martha Reinhardt+
Summary
Protection Species of Special Concern in New York State, not listed federally.
This level of state protection means: A native species at risk of becoming Threatened; does
not qualify as Endangered or Threatened, but have been determined to require some
measure of protection or attention to ensure that the species does not become threatened.
NYSDEC may regulate the takin
Rarity G4, S2
A global rarity rank of G4 means: Apparently secure globally, though it may be quite rare in
parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
A state rarity rank of S2 means: Typically 6 to 20 occurrences, few remaining individuals,
acres, or miles of stream, or factors demonstrably make it very vulnerable in New York
State.
Conservation Status In New York
As of 2006, there are just 11 confirmed locations for this uncommon and local species.
Several of the sites are in close proximity to one another and could be functioning as a
single metapopulation. While additional, undiscovered populations are expected, the
specific nature of the species' habitat suggests that the number of sites may not be large.
Although most known populations are on protected lands, populations for this species are
not thought to be particularly large and there are some potential threats to the species.
Short-term Trends
There is no information on population trends for this species at known locations, although
several sites have been known for decades, indicating that they are viable and presumably
stable. There is also the possibility that some sites have been lost in recent years due to
new suburban and other development in at least the rapidly growing lower Hudson Valley
portion of the species range.
Long-term Trends
Several sites have been known for decades indicating that they are viable and presumably
stable over the long-term. Suburban and other development has been taking place in the
lower Hudson Valley portion of the species range for decades and it is possible that some
sites, including two represented by historical records, have been lost.
Conservation and Management
Threats
Since seepage areas are the key larval habitat for this species, any activities that alter the
quality or quantity of groundwater seepage in an occupied area would pose a threat to gray
petaltails. The most important likely negative impacts would come from changes in natural
hydrology through the building of dams, increases in sediment load of the seepage (such
as might occur should extensive logging take place in or adjacent to the seepage),
changes in dissolved oxygen content, direct effects of pesticides, and chemical
contamination by runoff or agricultural discharge. Direct, intentional killing by people is a
possible threat to this species. In at least one state park, petaltails squashed by park
visitors have been observed. Petaltails are not wary and occasionally land on people
whose first reaction is probably to swat the insect.
Conservation Strategies and Management Practices
Consideration should be given to providing information to the public at state parks where
this species occurs. The tame and harmless nature of the insects could be stressed in
order to reduce the likelihood of the dragonflies being killed by startled hikers. For example,
a photograph and brief information sheets could be provided at kiosks located near the
entrances to trails during the late May-July flight period.
Research Needs
Although the larvae are known to be associated with seepage areas, and seepage areas
are very apparent at some known sites, probable larval habitat is less apparent at some
others. Efforts to locate larvae or exuviae to determine specific larval habitat is warranted
for at least some of the known sites. A mark-recapture study similar to the study conducted
by Dunkle (1981) in Florida would provide the basis for a better overall population estimate
and long-term monitoring efforts for the species.
Habitat
The general habitat of the gray petaltail can be described as hillside seeps and fens in areas of
deciduous forest (Dunkle 2000). In New York, all known populations are found at rocky gorges and
glens with deciduous or mixed forests. Small shallow streams flow through the gorges and glens,
and these streams are fed by hillside seepage areas, groundwater fed seepage streamlets or fens.
The seepage areas represent the larval habitat for these populations, while the adults use both the
seepage areas and the stream courses (New York Natural Heritage Program 2006).
Associated Ecological Communities
Appalachian Oak-hickory Forest
A hardwood forest that occurs on well-drained sites, usually on ridgetops, upper slopes, or
south- and west-facing slopes. The soils are usually loams or sandy loams. This is a
broadly defined forest community with several regional and edaphic variants. The dominant
trees include red oak, white oak, and/or black oak. Mixed with the oaks, usually at lower
densities, are pignut, shagbark, and/or sweet pignut hickory.
Appalachian Oak-pine Forest
A mixed forest that occurs on sandy soils, sandy ravines in pine barrens, or on slopes with
rocky soils that are well-drained. The canopy is dominated by a mixture of oaks and pines.
Fioodpiain Forest
A hardwood forest that occurs on mineral soils on low terraces of river floodplains and river
deltas. These sites are characterized by their flood regime; low areas are annually flooded
in spring, and high areas are flooded irregularly.
Hemlock-northern Hardwood Forest
A mixed forest that typically occurs on middle to lower slopes of ravines, on cool,
mid-elevation slopes, and on moist, well-drained sites at the margins of swamps. Eastern
hemlock is present and is often the most abundant tree in the forest.
Oak-tulip Tree Forest
A hardwood forest that occurs on moist, well-drained sites in southeastern New York. The
dominant trees include a mixture of five or more of the following: red oak, tulip tree,
American beech, black birch, red maple, scarlet oak, black oak, and white oak.
Rich Sloping Fen
A small, gently sloping wetland that occurs in a shallow depression on a slope composed
of calcareous glacial deposits. Sloping fens are fed by small springs or groundwater
seepage. Like other rich fens, their water sources have high concentrations of minerals and
high pH values, generally from 6.0 to 7.8. They often have water flowing at the surface in
small channels or rivulets.
Rocky Headwater Stream
The aquatic community of a small-to moderate-sized perennial rocky stream typically with
a moderate to steep gradient, and cold water that flows over eroded bedrock, boulders, or
cobbles in the area where a stream system originates.
WV61YD f`.,...e.vuHwn f2..1•1._f2re.•D.M11sil fTnrhnntnn"thnrnvll :'l
Other Probable Associated Communities
Marsh headwater stream
Identification Comments
Identifying Characteristics
Gray petaltails are large black and gray dragonflies that are often seen perching on tree
trunks. While they resemble some of the species of mosaic darners (genus Aeshna), they
are easily distinguished from them by their well-separated eyes,and the long, parallel-sided
stigma on the wing. The eyes are dark brown to gray. The thorax is mainly gray, while the
abdomen is gray with black markings. Adult gray petaltails are approximately 7.1-8.0 cm in
length. Females are similar to males, but have a well-developed blade-like ovipositor. The
larvae can be recognized by their short, thick, and hairy 7-jointed antennae and by the
quadrate form of the prementum and the strongly- angulated side margins of the abdominal
segments (Needham et al. 2000).
Characteristics Most Useful for Identification
The well-separated eyes and the long, parallel-sided stigmas on the wings are important
characters for this species, although its large size and black and gray color make it difficult
to confuse with any other northeastern dragonfly species.
Best Life Stage for Identifying This Species
Mature adults are the best life stage for the identification of all dragonflies. Although the
identification of larval dragonflies requires the use of detailed taxonomic keys, can be very
difficult, and can be very unreliable, especially in the case of larvae that are not yet mature,
the larva of this species is easier to distinguish than the larva of many other species. Larval
identification is best done by people with a great deal of expertise in this area.
Behavior
The behavior of adult gray petaltails is quite interesting. They frequent sunny openings at,
or near, the hillside seepages where males chase one another and wait for females to
enter the habitat, mate and oviposit. Males also will fly up the length of large tree trunks
searching for females and both sexes frequently perch on tree trunks. Adult petaltails are
easy to approach, not wary of people and in fact will frequently land on people. At the same
time, they are swift of flight and are difficult to follow when they do take flight(Dunkle 1981,
Needham et al. 2000, Nikula et al. 2003).
The Best Time to See
The majority of the New York records and observations for this early-season species are
from mid June through mid July, although there are also records from early June and into
early August (New York Natural Heritage Program 2006, Donnelly 1999).
NVM14P Cnnaarvatinn('Zelda-Pnav Pa4altall Marhnntann thnravil 4
SUPERVISOR'S 2013 REPORT AND 2014 OUTLOOK
A headline for the George Will column in the January 3, 2014 Ithaca Journal stated "Prove
progressives wrong—let them rule awhile." That got me thinking about politics and the Town of
Ithaca. Progressives have constituted the Ithaca Town Board for many years now and have
done pretty well. In fact,the Ithaca Town Board is the most progressive in the County and one
of the most progressive in the state. True,Town staff is in general less progressive that the
elected officials. True, also, there is no "loyal opposition" from another political party, but then
politics have not paid a policy role in the Town for as long as I have been involved. That is, I
have never received a message from any political party leader that we should take one stance
or the other on any specific issue. The major role of local political parties is to serve as the
human resource office for elected officials—to recruit candidates for the elections.
One of the reasons the headline caught my attention was that I had been reading a series of
biographies of prominent Americans—Benjamin Franklin,Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln
and Harry Truman. All were superb politicians. Franklin, especially, impressed me. He lived until
age 84, but retired at age 42. He was what today we call a "self-made man" and thought he had
accumulated enough money to live comfortably the rest of his life. He retired to focus on
science and soon became the most famous scientist in the world. He also became one of the
world's greatest revolutionaries and diplomats. He was the only person to sign the Declaration
of Independence,the agreement with France that secured the United States' independence,
the peace treaty with England, and the U.S. Constitution. Along the way he created the
University of Pennsylvania, served as governor of Pennsylvania, modernized the U.S. Postal
Service, started the U.S.'s first public library and volunteer fire company, and invented bifocals
(thanks, Ben). He refused to take out patents on bifocals, the lightning rod, the battery, or any
of his other inventions. He did all this because he believed that everyone has an obligation to
contribute freely to society.
That, to me, is the true progressive spirit. I believe elected and appointive office should focus
primarily on public service. We are fortunate in that our Town Board is not elected from wards
or districts. That frees us up to best represent the entire Town, to focus on policy and
implementation that benefits the majority or those most in need. As Don Barber, Supervisor of
the Town of Caroline, has reminded us, we are a republic, not a pure democracy. That is, we are
elected to represent the people of the Town, not to decide by polls of the citizenry. I hope we
will continue to emphasize public service in all our Town operations in 2014 and seek to serve
even better.
For the most part 2013 was, as predicted in my 2013 Outlook, a fairly uneventful year. Staff and
Board worked hard, but there were no major turnovers, negotiations or calamities. Since Town
staff does a great job of reporting their activities I am going to forgo a summary this year and
move directly to what I believe will be a very different 2014.
1
2014 OUTLOOK
The multi-year tax cap plan proposed by the governor will influence financial planning for a long
time to come. The plan cleverly involves residents in the debate by providing taxpayers with
state rebates on property tax increases if local governments adhere to the governor's wishes. If
local governments override the tax cap, residents do not get the rebate, and, in later years,
local governments are penalized if progress is not made in consolidating or coordinating local
services which results in significant reductions in the property tax. If the governor's "circuit
breaker" plan is put into effect, local property taxes will be based on income and the average
homeowner may save considerably more, but only if the taxing jurisdiction has stayed within
the tax cap. While the savings to the individual Town of Ithaca homeowner would not be
significant-$16 if the plan had been in effect in 2014 for example—the combined amount
under a circuit breaker might be. However, there is such a lack of detail in the plan that all local
municipalities will waste considerable time (and thus money) following the ill-advised tax cap
plans. An additional challenge for the Town of Ithaca is that we already collaborate with other
municipalities to a huge extent and have many fewer areas of potential savings with new
efforts. At this point no credit is given for past good performance, a decided weakness in the
governor's plan.To illustrate the problem I have attached to this report a list of 33 ways that
the Town of Ithaca collaborates with other municipalities. A second appendix to this report
describes how, if the state would simply pay for all its unfunded mandates,the Town could
easily reduce its property tax by 50%or more.
Independent of the tax cap is another fiscal challenge for the Town. Our 5-year budget
projection shows that in four years we will have exhausted all our reserves in our town-wide
and highway accounts. That means we must increase income or reduce expenses or both.
Increasing income via taxes is difficult because our tax rate is low and over 47%of property in
the Town is tax-exempt. To this point appeals to holders of by far the most tax-exempt property
- Cornell University and Ithaca College -to help cover costs have been rejected. Reducing
expenses is difficult because we have already cut staff by 8%over the past few years. I believe
we will have to consider seriously protecting our core Town responsibility by eliminating
voluntary contributions to worthy causes that are the primary responsibility of other
governments and entities. These include:
1. TCAT-$50,000
2. City of Ithaca Parks—$111,240
3. Learning Web/Youth Works- $58,222
4. Tompkins County Public Library- $20,000
5. Life-Long- $9,000
6. Human Services Coalition- $5,000
7. Gadabout- $12,000
8. Hydrilla Outreach-$5,000
9. Water Quality Monitoring Program -$18,740
TOTAL- $289,202
2
I propose cutting the contributions in half($144,601) for 2015 and eliminating them entirely in
2016. By eliminating all voluntary, non-Town required expense, we avoid the challenge of
cutting one over another.
Another way to cut costs is to identify large potential liabilities and avoid the costs. I have asked
the Public Works Committee to think about roads that might be closed or abandoned.Two
roads alone - a portion of Forest Home Drive and Elm Street Extension—may cost the Town
upwards of$5,000,000 in the near future.
Crucial to the future financial health of the Town of Ithaca is a serious reduction in the cost of
the City of Ithaca Fire Department contract. Almost half of the Town's property tax is used to
cover that one bill. All options should be considered including volunteer fire companies, fees
for services (including for false alarms and gorge rescues), restrictions on salary levels, and
closing of fire stations.
In addition to fiscal concerns, 2014 will see other major challenges:
1. Completion of the Comprehensive Plan and resultant changes in zoning
2. Emerson conversion to Chain Works District which will involve close collaboration
with the City of Ithaca
3. Possible adoption of a new water rate schedule via Bolton Point
4. Reductions in the Town's carbon footprint in accordance with our Town and
Community Energy Action Plans and collaboration with the City of Ithaca on
sustainability
5. Negotiations with three labor unions for new contracts
6. Continued progress on trails, walkways and sidewalks
7. Franchise negotiations with Time Warner Cable in coordination with Tompkins
County Council of Governments
8. Dog enumeration in coordination with 6 other municipalities and Tompkins County
Animal Control
9. Increased planning for economic development via the Ad Hoc committee
10. Investigate the purchase of increased road patrols via the Ad Hoc committee
11. Continue to improve service to the public via staff training and Town Hall renovation
12. Respond to increased housing proposals in all areas of the Town.
In summary 2014 will present many more challenges than 2013, but with strong staff and
boards we are positioned to continue to emulate Ben Franklin and live up to our progressive
ideals and thus provide a very high level of service to the people of the Town of Ithaca.
3
Town of Ithaca Intermunicipal Collaboration
The following is a list,probably incomplete and in no particular order, of the
intermunicipal linkages of the Town of Ithaca. Intermunicipal is defined as involving
another governmental entity. These efforts avoid duplication and result in savings to
residents through decreased taxes and fees.
1. Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility—joint owner with the City of
Ithaca and the Town of Dryden. The Town pays approximately 41% of
expenses and has 3 of 8 votes on the governing board. The Town also "trades"
water and sewer services for the sake of efficiency with the City of Ithaca, the
Village of Cayuga Heights and Cornell University.
2. Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission—joint owner
with the Towns of Lansing and Dryden and the Villages of Cayuga Heights
and Lansing. The Town pays about 51% of expenses and has two of ten votes
on the governing board.
3. City of Ithaca Fire Department—the Town contracts with the City for fire
and emergency response services and pays approximately 33% of expenses.
The Town recommends two of the five fire commissioners,but has no
appointing or governance authority.
4. Village of Cayuga Heights Fire Department—The Town contracts with the
Village of Cayuga Heights for fire and emergency response services and pays
approximately 33% of expenses. The Town has no appointing or governing
authority.
5. Recreation Partnership—The Town contracts with Tompkins County to
provide recreational services in cooperation with the Towns of Caroline,
Danby, Dryden, Enfield, Groton,Newfield, and Ulysses and the City of Ithaca
and the Village of Lansing. The Town pays 25% of expenses and has two
members on the advisory board.
6. Youth Development Services—through the Joint Youth Commission in
partnership with the Villages of Cayuga Heights and Lansing and the Town of
Caroline the Town contracts with a number of organizations,principally
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, to provide youth
development and summer job opportunities.
7. Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium—
The Town participates with the following governments to purchase health
insurance: Tompkins County, the Cities of Ithaca and Cortland, the Towns of
Enfield, Caroline, Danby, Lansing, Dryden,Newfield, and Ulysses and the
Villages of Groton, Cayuga Heights, Lansing, Dryden, and Trumansburg. The
governing board has a weighted voting system based on the numbers of
employees covered by the health insurance plans.
8. Tompkins County Animal Control—The Town contracts with Tompkins
Animal Control ( a subsidiary of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals— SPCA)to provide dog control in cooperation with the Towns of
Caroline, Danby, Enfield,Newfield and Ulysses and the City of Ithaca.
1
9. Tompkins County Public Library—The Town provides $20,000 per year to
help keep the County Library open on Sundays.
10. Gadabout—The Town provides $12,000 per year to assure good
transportation service to Town seniors through this County-based program.
11. Human Services Coalition—The Town provides $5,000 to help coordinate
human services delivery through this County-sponsored program.
12. Lifelong—The Town provides $9,000 per year to support general services to
Town seniors.
13. Recreational Services Support for the City of Ithaca—the Town pays
$111,000 per year in support of Town residents' use of facilities in Cass and
Stewart Parks.
14. Tompkins County Area Transit(TCAT)—until 2014 the Town paid
$50,000 per year to support TCAT, which is managed by the County, City and
Cornell University.
15. Town of Ulysses Water—the Town provides drinking water to parts of the
Town of Ulysses.
16. Town of Dryden Sewer—the Town provides for the transmission of sewage
from parts of Dryden to the waste treatment plants.
17. Sewer Interceptors/Pump Stations—the Town owns 41.57% of the capacity
of certain sewer lines in the City of Ithaca and pays for 41.57% of the cost of
repair or replacement.
18. Time Warner Cable Franchise—the Town is collaborating, via TCCOG,
with 13 other municipalities in negotiating jointly with Time Warner Cable
for new franchise agreements. As part of the Town's current franchise
agreement,we collaborate with the City of Ithaca and the Village of Cayuga
Heights for providing PEG Access for local cable television.
19. Hydrofracking—with TCCOG, the Town has collaborated with most other
municipalities in Tompkins County on the issues concerning horizontal
hydrofracking.
20. Fire Inspections—the Town arranges with the Ithaca Fire Department to
conduct fire inspections in the Town, especially for multiple residences at
Ithaca College and Cornell.
21. Highway Equipment Sharing—the Town has reciprocal agreements with
most other Highway Departments in Tompkins County to share equipment
and services.
22. Court Security—the Town contracts with the Village of Cayuga Heights
Police Department for court security.
23. Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization—The Town
administers the funds for this multi-government program focusing on Cayuga
Lake and its watersheds.
24. Black Diamond Trail—the Town has replaced and repaired culverts on the
path of the future Black Diamond Trail in cooperation with NYS Parks.
25. Stormwater Coalition—the Town is the fiscal agent for a coalition of
Tompkins County municipalities dealing with stormwater runoff regulations.
2
26. Water Quality Monitoring Program—the Town joins with a number of
other municipalities in supporting water testing by the Community Science
Institute throughout the Cayuga Lake watershed.
27. Tompkins Shared Services Electronic Records Repository - the Town of
Ithaca along with the towns of Newfield, Enfield, Groton, Lansing and
Dryden are participating in this shared services grant via a Tompkins County
Local Government Records Management Grant from the State Archives to
have these municipalities' paper records scanned by our local imaging vendor,
Challenge Industries, and then hosted by the County.
28. Studies and Project Agreements-the Town from time to time makes short-
term agreements such as the form-based planning study with Tompkins
County and the Pine Tree Road project with the County, State and Cornell.
29. Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council—the Town participates
with a number of other levels of government, including the State, County,
City, villages and towns, in coordinating local transportation issues including
funding. The Town has active representation on both the Policy and Planning
Committees of the ITCTC.
30. Tompkins County Environmental Management Council—the Town has
active membership with the other municipalities of the County via the Town
Conservation Board.
31. Tompkins County Council of Governments—the Town was involved in the
creation of TCCOG and remains very active in it along with all the other
governmental units of Tompkins County.
32. Sustainability Planning—The Town has shared a sustainability planner with
the Town of Dryden and will share with the City of Ithaca beginning in 2014.
33. Housing—the Town has cooperated with Tompkins County on housing
projects as well as with housing non—profits such as Better Housing for
Tompkins County, Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services and Pathstone.
5/8/2013
Updated 1/23/14 HE
3
PROPERTY TAX—A TOWN OF ITHACA ILLUSTRATION
Property taxes are generally high in the state of New York. That seems to be a factual and
widely accepted statement. But why are local property taxes high?The answer is very different
from what has been proclaimed by NYS-level officials and trumpeted in the media. Property
taxes are high because New York State government dramatically reduced the state income tax
decades ago and then systematically shifted the tax burden from income tax to the property
tax.
In the 1970s the top personal income tax rate was 15.375%. It is now 6.85% and was
temporarily raised to 8.9%for 2009 through 2011. Investment income showed a similar
dramatic decrease. How did the state get by with such a substantial decrease in income? It
shifted responsibilities—and costs—to local government and thus to the property tax. How can
the state do that? Because all local governments are units of state government and thus are
under the direction of the state except for specific rights under home rule law.
Below are some of the NYS unfunded mandates and their fiscal effect on the Town of Ithaca:
1. Courts
Town courts in 2013 cost $363,000 and received $287,000 in income from fines,
fees, etc. However, the state took $179,800 and the County$33,900 leaving the
Town only$73,100 with the rest- $289,900—to be charged to Town of Ithaca
taxpayers.
2. Code Inspections
The Town receives no reimbursement from the state for enforcement international
building codes with NYS revisions. This amounts to approximately $200,000 per year
in additional costs to taxpayers via the property tax.
3. MS4 Storm Water Control Inspection and Enforcement
This relatively new requirement costs local taxpayers approximately$46,000 in
property tax.
4. Fire Protection
While state law authorizes cities and villages to run fire departments, towns are
prohibited from doing so. Thus, for fire protection there must be created volunteer
(usually) fire companies that have their own property taxing authority or the town
must contract with a city or village or existing fire company. The Town of Ithaca
contracts with the Village of Cayuga Heights, which has a primarily volunteer
department, and the City of Ithaca, which has a primarily paid department. In effect,
the state forces the Town to spend much more than necessary for fire protection
because it severely reduces options that are available to other municipalities. The
Town's fire protection budget for 2014 is $3,435,000 which is over 40% of the total
property tax raised by the Town.
1
5. Other Unfunded Mandates—dog control, fireworks regulation, abandoned
cemeteries, administration of the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), handicapped
permits, State Environmental Quality Review (SEAR), Workers Compensation, etc. In
addition, NYS long ago took all the 54G insurance monies instead of continuing to
distribute them to local governments. A form of unfunded mandate is the state-
imposed exemption from property tax of non-profit institutions including major land
and property holders like Cornell University and Ithaca College. With 49%of the
Town of Ithaca total assessed valuation tax-exempt, about half the holders of
property wealth pay 100% of the property tax.
While teasing out the state-mandated costs of these elements is difficult,they easily
amount to millions more dollars per year.
Conclusion
If New York State paid for its unfunded mandate to localities via the income tax rather than
property tax, local property taxes could be reduced dramatically—at least 25% - and the cost
would be borne by those most able to pay. Another benefit would be that the state could be
held accountable for its own budget-busting costs which are now simply passed along to the
local property tax payers.
HE - 2/10/14
2
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
2013 Annual Report
The Ithaca area saw a few weather related incidents which included an extended
cold and snowier spring, an intense rain event that saw up to 5" of rain in a 3
hour period and snowy/icy December. The Public Works Department had a
very busy 2013 in which the following maintenance and Capitol projects were
accomplished:
Highway:
• Experienced an unusually long (spring) and cold wet (early) winter
season,resulting in the placement of 2656 tons of salt.
• Worked with other Town Departments to address concerns with Inter-
municipal Utility Agreements.
• Employed 12 seasonal workers for the summer providing assistance on
Highway, Engineering, Water and Sewer and Parks projects.
• Employed one Engineering intern.
• Bid farewell to one employee.
• Provided training sessions for staff on topics including: construction
site safety, snow removal operations, motor vehicle laws and CDL
requirements, CPR and First Aid, trench excavation, and Storm water.
• Purchased equipment and tools, as approved within the budget
including; Three medium duty trucks, drum chipper, leaf vacuum,
mini excavator, utility vehicle, tractor mower, Tractor/trailer, 2-post
service lift, 2 equipment trailers and a Sewer Inspection Camera.
• Completed drainage maintenance work at various locations
throughout Town which included, ditch cleaning, driveway culvert
replacement/installation, replacement of 30" and 36" road crossing
culvert and various culvert replacements. The Elm Street Ext. Culvert
carrying Coy Glen Creek experienced a slope failure after the large
rain event in August. Repair options are being investigated.
• Completed pavement overlay work on part of Forest Home Drive at
Flat Rock and pavement repair on sections of Eastern Heights Drive.
• Completed pavement maintenance work on 3.5 miles of roadway in
the Northeast section of the Town.
• Performed site preparation work and excavation for the Salt Storage
Barn project as a means to control project costs.
• Crews responded to 40 (24 Jan to March and 16 November to
December) "call-in" events for winter maintenance and plowing.
• Completed three rounds of roadside mowing throughout the Town.
• Completed mowing and clearing along trails and utility easements.
• Cooperated with other municipal agencies to provide manpower and
equipment support through our mutual aid agreements.
• Continued to provide staff support and representation to Town
committees and intermunicipal organizations.
• Continue to coordinate with Tompkins County for improvements to
Hanshaw Road, Pine Tree Road and Forest Home Upstream Bridge.
• Provided input and review for the Roadway Preservation Law
discussion.
• Provided for and responded to the daily maintenance needs of the
Town's vehicle, equipment and small tools, utility infrastructure,
buildings and facilities, roadways parks and trails.
• Continued dealings and service to the citizens of the Town.
Parks/Trails/Preserves/Cemeteries:
• Provide weekly grounds maintenance at 65 Town owned sites (parks,
trails, preserves, tank sites, pump stations, Town Hall and the Public
Works Facility).
• Completed weekly site checks at park and trail facilities.
• Replaced failed culverts on the South Hill Recreation Way at Juniper
Drive. Restoration of disturbed areas will be completed in early 2014.
• Completed the restriping of all cross walks and stop bars within the
Town and restriping of our three basketball courts.
• Removed old pressure-treated lumber play structure at Tudor Park
and installed new plastic and metal play structure. Cornell University
POST project team assisted with brush removal and general clean up
at Inlet Valley Cemetery.
• Continued administration and maintenance of the use of Tutelo Park
and Valentino Field for Cal Ripken Little League and pavilion picnic
use.
• Refurbished the "infield" at Valentino Field with the assistance of
volunteers from the Cal Ripken and the neighboring Assembly of God
Church.
• Continued to support volunteers doing grounds maintenance at the
Inlet Valley Cemetery,West Hill Community Garden, and Tutelo Park.
• Continued support for the West Hill Community Garden.
• Assisted Town's Conservation Board with the annual Richard Fischer
Award tree planting at East Ithaca Recreation Way - Game Farm
section using a locally-sourced, native Swamp White Oak tree.
• Continued to assist Cornell Natural Areas staff with Pale Swallow-
wort eradication efforts at the Troy Road water tank site.
• Mulched beds and no-mow areas were refreshed with new woodchip
mulch at all park and trail sites.
• Continued administration of the Town's "Adopt-a-Park/Trail
program.
• New park and trail identification signs were installed at Hungerford
Heights and Tudor Parks and at the Juniper Drive entrance to South
Hill Trail.
• The parking lot at Grandview Park was surface-treated and barricade
boulders were installed around the periphery to replace a failed cedar
rail fence.
• Provided assistance to the New York State Parks along the Black
Diamond Trail with culvert installation and ditching.
• Reconstruction of parking lot and pavilion walkway at East Shore Park
• Install scenic vista sign for East Shore Park provided by Town
Conservation Board.
• Tree plantings at Triphammer Road T-main project, Harris B. Dates
Drive reconstruction project and Tutelo Park playground which were
completed last year.
• Secured a Community Beautification grant and helped organize and
assist a new Adopt-a-Park volunteer group to begin rehabilitation of
our newest park site in Forest Home.
Water:
• Installed 2 "Inserta valves" on main in Danby Road to facilitate
necessary repairs to our facilities.
• Completed design, public hearing process, and utility approval for
water projects scheduled for 2014 which includes; Coddington Road
Water main replacement (Phase 1) and replacement of the Christopher
Road Water tank.
• Began construction on two water projects,which include Danby
Road/W. King water main, Danby Rd Water Tank replacement, All
projects were completed on time and within budget.
• Responded to and repaired 29 water main breaks, repaired/replaced 6
hydrants, replaced/repaired four water valves and performed
preventative maintenance on 50 hydrants.
• Installed 50 new high visibility markers on hydrants around town.
• Repainted 192 Fire Hydrants
• Administrated Contract for Northeast Water System Study.
Sewer:
• Responded to and repaired 4 sanitary sewer emergencies.
• Installed and monitored temporary flow meters in six sanitary sewer
locations throughout the Town.
• Responded to 1085 NY Dig Safely utility "mark out" requests.
• Trumansburg Rd Manhole Rehabilitation and Sewer Reline Project
Engineering:
• Administered 30 SWPPP permits.
• Represented the Town at the Tompkins County Storm Water Coalition.
• Represented the Town at the Multi-Jurisdictional All-Hazard
Mitigation
• Provided Engineering assistance to Bolton Point for Distribution Main
Replacement projects. Completed design, ROW and Construction
Administration work on the Pleasant Grove Road Transmission main.
• Plan update meetings.
• Completed engineering support and design review for 15 development
submittals.
• Completed design, construction and project administration of
Whitetail Drive Reconstruction, Town Hall Parking Lot
Reconstruction, Town Hall HVAC Re-commissioning and upgrades
and the Salt Storage Facility capital projects.
• Installed and monitored temporary traffic counters in various locations
throughout the Town.
Yard Waste Management:
• Completed the biannual town wide pick up of leaves, debris and
annual Christmas trees.
• Realized over 900 visits by Town Residents to either drop off leaves
and debris or take compost and mulch.
• In cooperation with the Village of Cayuga Heights,facilitated the
storage and processing of woody debris. Grinding of the brush pile
was completed in May and again in September.
• Management of yard waste stockpiles, composting and topsoil mixing.
Overall Town staff was able to meet the expectations of the community by
providing services and representation and being fiscally responsible by staying
within approved budgets.
2014 Priorities
The year 2014 will provide many challenges for the Public Works Department as
we continue to meet the expectations of the community and complete programs
and projects identified within the approved 2014 Town Budget.
2014 Programs/Projects include:
• Participate in the County Reconstruction/replacement projects of
"Upstream Forest Home Bridge", Hanshaw Road, and Pine Tree Road
• South Hill Recreation Way culvert repairs and site restoration and tree
plantings at Juniper Drive trailhead
• Coddington Road Watermain Replacement Phase 1
• Christopher Circle Water Tank Replacement
• Sand Bank Road and Winners Circle Reconstruction
• Town Hall drywell replacement (Post Office entrance)
• Biannual leaf and brush pickup
• Biannual tub grinding of brush pile in partnership with the Village of
Cayuga Heights
• Pavement Maintenance, including "Stone and Oil" treatments and
overlays in the Northeast area of Town.
• Pavement Markings
• Administration support and cooperation with other Town
departments and Municipal organizations
• Maintenance of Town water and sewer infrastructure
• Maintenance of Town's parks, trails, preserves and cemetery
• Continue support of West Hill Community Garden
• Respond to Dig Safely New York"mark out" requests
• Provide engineering support for development proposals
• Respond to citizen concerns and needs
• Hazardous tree and brush removal town wide
• Repaving of several blacktop walkways in the Northeast
• Surface treatment of Northeast Ithaca Walkway and part of the East
Ithaca Recreation Way,Troy Park access driveway and parking lot,
and Pew Trail parking lot
• Begin maintenance of the new Hanshaw Road Walkway and the new
Pine Tree Paths trail sections
• Playground maintenance and re-freshen Fibar mulch at various parks
• Design and cost estimate for access to Glenside Preserve and adjacent
water main
• Install bike racks at East Shore Park and Tutelo Park
• Incorporate additions to Dress Woods Preserve and East Ithaca
Preserve into our green space
• Re-surface Dewitt Exercise Trail
• Install (2) donated memorial benches
• Landscape restoration for water main breaks and hydro-seeding of
disturbed areas
• Water system modeling for Christopher and Sapsucker Tanks service
areas
• Sanitary Sewer maintenance work including re-lining of mains and
manholes
• Continue to investigate and discuss repair/replacement options for the
Elm Street Extension culvert for Coy Glen Creek
• Hydrant painting
2013 Equipment Vendor Date Bid Opened or Budgeted Price Paid
Other Process Used
Tractor Trailer International Piggy Back Oneida 250,000.00 121,457.00
Vantage Equipment
Low Boy Trailer Bid 3/14/2013 see above 58,820.00
ODB Leaf Vac ODB Contract 25,000.00 23,375.25
2012 Morbark Chipper L. C. Whitford 2012 Continuance 65,000.00 50,200.00
2013 Ford F-250 w/plow Van Bortel Ford Quote 50,000.00 36,640.07
Joe Johnson
Sewer Camera Equipment Quote 15,000.00 10,204.00
Service Lift & Wt.
Gauges Mohawk Lifts Quote 22,500.00 17,671.50
4x4 Utility Vehicle Vision Ford (Bid) 3/14/2013 65,000.00 54,048.00
Piggy Back
Flat Bed Truck Van Bortel Ford Chatauqua 50,000.00 43,445.88
Tractor Mower O'Hara Machine Bid 3/7/2013 60,000.00 59,920.00
Bob Wrisley Auto
Equipment Trailers 2 Repair Purchase Orders 15,000.00 9,867.00
Mini Excavator Milton Cat ( Bid) 3/7/2013 100,000.00 86,436.00
2013 Ford Escape Van Bortel Ford Quote 23,473.10 23,473.10
740,973.10 595,557.80
E- � of I7,�g9
TOWN OF ITHACA
215 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850
41 4� www.town.ithaca.ny.us
FINANCE AND BUDGET - (607)273-1721 FAX - (607)273-1704
Date: February 5, 2014
Memo to: Herb Engman, Town Supervisor, and Members of the Town Board
From: Michael T. Solvig, Finance Officer
Subject: Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2013
The financial results for Fiscal Year 2013 were generally positive, with fund equity increasing in all major
funds except the Debt Service Fund. For all funds, combined revenues and other sources of$22,037,818
exceeded combined expenditures of$19,608,079. Revenues for sales tax and mortgage tax continue to
increase over prior years' totals, although mortgage tax collections remain over $58,000 short of 2008
levels.
Results of Fiscal Year 2013 Operations by Fund:
• GENERAL FUND TOWNwIDE - Fund equity increased by $290,178, with revenues of $4,314,758
exceeding expenditures of$4,024,580. Both sales tax and mortgage tax collections exceeded prior
year totals. Ending fund balance totaled $2,788,646, which includes reserves of$758,248 for the
Parks and Open Space Plan Reserve, $180,260 for the General Benefit Reserve, and $40,006 for
the Preserve Maintenance Reserve. The unreserved fund balance of$1,810,133 represents 37.1%
of 2014 budgeted appropriations.
• GENERAL PART-TOWN FUND - Fund balance increased by $119,758 as revenues of $1,322,731
exceeded expenditures of$1,202,973. Total expenses were significantly under budget, due largely
to the planning study being postponed for at least one year. The ending fund balance of$785,679
includes $63,501 for the General Benefit Reserve. The unreserved fund balance of $722,179
represents 44.9% of 2014 budgeted appropriations.
• HIGHWAY PART-TOWN FUND - With revenues of$2,658,686 exceeding expenditures of $2,425,655,
fund equity increased by $233,031. Revenues were higher than expected, helped by increased
sales tax and state aid (CHIPS) receipts. Expenditures also were under budget due, in part, to
lower than expected equipment replacement costs. Ending fund balance of $1,678,719 includes
$150,655 for the Highway Equipment Reserve and $99,799 for the General Benefit Reserve.
Unreserved fund balance totals $1,428,265 or 39.1% of 2014 budgeted appropriations.
• WATER FUND - For Fiscal Year 2013, fund balance increased by $287,864 as revenues of
$3,598,185 exceeded expenditures totaling $3,310,321. The ending fund balance of $1,632,390
includes reserves of $14,206 for the General Benefit Reserve. The unreserved fund balance of
$1,618,184 represents 29.7% of 2014 budgeted appropriations.
• SEWER FUND - With revenues of $2,429,215 exceeding expenditures of $2,095,136, fund balance
increased by$334,079. Increased revenues were realized due to higher than expected sewer rent
receipts. The ending fund balance of$1,630,208 includes $7,994 for the General Benefit Reserve
and $305,075 for SJC projects. The unreserved fund balance of $1,317,139 represents 50.8% of
2014 budgeted appropriations.
i
• CAPITAL PROJECT FUNDS - As of December 31, 2013, the Town of Ithaca had eight active capital
project funds with a combined fund balance of $609,997. Eight (8) capital projects received
$3,498,600 in bond proceeds from the Public Improvement (Serial) Bonds issued in 2013. Four(4)
of these projects were completed and closed in 2013. The remaining four (4) projects will be
completed and closed in 2014.
CAPITAL PROJECT BEGINNING 2013 2013 ENDING
FUND BALANCE REVENUES EXPENDITURES FUND BALANCE
Hanshaw Road Walkway 100,359 91 - 100,450
Pine Tree Road Walkway 35,038 32 - 35,070
Gateway Trail 87,309 19,412 32,887 73,834
Northview Water Tank Repl. (480,710) 491,863 11,153 -
Danby Rd Water Tank Repl. (3,720) 512,149 508,429 -
Forest Home Upstrm Bridge 102,589 93 - 102,682
H.B.Dates Dr.Improvements (238,270) 243,398 5,128 -
Town Hall Parking Lot Imprvmnt (120) 141,984 141,864 -
Salt Storage Building - 659,272 516,041 143,231
Whitetail Drive Improvements - 760,735 756,190 4,545
Forest Home Drive Imprvmnts - 253,560 125,846 127,714
Danby Road Water Main Imp. - 436,082 413,609 22,473
TOTAL-CAPITAL PROJECTS (397,523) 3,518,671 2,511,150 609,997
• RISK RETENTION FUND - Fund balance increased by $18,510 as revenues of $37,080 exceeded
expenditures of$18,570. Ending fund balance for 2013 totaled$122,227.
• FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT FUND - With revenues of $3,495,645 exceeding expenditures of
$3,223,979, fund equity increased by $271,666 to total $774,434 at year-end. The year-end fund
balance represents 22.5% of 2014 budgeted appropriations.
• LIGHT DISTRICT FUNDS - Fund equity at year-end for all light district funds totaled $8,202. The
results of 2013 operations for individual districts are presented on the table shown below.
LIGHT DISTRICT BEGINNING 2013 2013 ENDING
FUND BALANCE REVENUES EXPENDITURES FUND BALANCE
Forest Home Light District 1,382 2,101 2,984 499
Glenside Light District 734 651 715 670
Renwick Heights Light District 1,335 903 998 1,241
Eastwood Cmmns Light Dist 1,784 1,902 2,055 1,632
Clover Lane Light District 319 225 245 299
Winner's Circle Light District 623 701 716 608
Burleigh Drive Light District 609 801 839 571
Westhaven Road Light District 1,945 2,503 2,727 1,721
Coddington Road Light District 1,074 1,502 1,614 961
TOTAL 9,807 11,289 12,894 8,202
• INLET VALLEY CEMETERY FUND - There were no expenditures and $8 in revenue for this fund In
Fiscal Year 2013. Fund balance at year-end totaled $9,069.
• DEBT SERVICE FUND- In 2013, $79,166 in remaining bond proceeds from four (4) completed capital
projects funded by the 2013 Public Improvement(Serial) Bonds was transferred to the Debt Service
Fund. We also anticipate transferring up to $297,962 in unused bond proceeds from the four (4)
remaining capital projects funded by the 2013 Public Improvement(Serial) Bonds, as these projects
are completed in 2014. These funds will be used for future debt service payments. Fund balance
at year-end totaled $425,798, a decrease of $34,886 from the prior year. The year-end fund
balance represents 42.8% of 2014 budgeted appropriations.
2
Reserves:
• PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN RESERVE - The General Townwide Fund includes reserve funds
designated for the purpose of future park development and the purchasing of development rights,
as outlined in the Town's Parks and Open Space Plan. $75,000 in unreserved fund balance was
designated as reserved for this purpose by the Town Board in 2013. The balance at year end was
$758,248.
• HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT RESERVE - The Highway Part-Town Fund includes reserve funds established
for the purchase/replacement of highway equipment and machinery. $45,270 was added to this
reserve in 2013 through the sale of surplus equipment. The balance at year end was $150,655.
• GENERAL BENEFIT RESERVE - The General Townwide Fund, General Part-Town Fund, Highway
Part-Town Fund, Water Fund, and Sewer Fund equity includes funds established for managing
unanticipated increases in employee fringe benefit costs (e.g. NYS Retirement, Health Insurance).
The aggregate balance for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $365,760. The balance by
fund is as follows:
General Townwide Fund $ 180,260
General Part-Town Fund 63,501
Highway Part-Town Fund 99,799
Water Fund 14,206
Sewer Fund 7.994
Total Reserve: $ 365,760
In December 2013 the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium refunded
$149,705 to the Town. This refund represented the Town's $137,033 capitalization contribution to
the Consortium made in September 2010, plus$12,672 in accumulated interest.
• PRESERVE MAINTENANCE RESERVE - The General Townwide Fund includes reserve funds
designated for the maintenance of the Pine Tree Wildlife Preserve, donated to the Town in 2013. In
conjunction with the donation of the land, the amount of $40,000 was also donated to provide for
future maintenance of the preserve. The balance at year end was$40,006.
Sales Tax and Mortgage Tax:
• SALES TAx - Collections increased to $2,981,146 in 2013 from the previous year's total of
$2,907,213. This is an increase of $73,933 or 2.5% over 2012. Sales tax revenues are split
between the General Townwide Fund, General Part-Town Fund and Highway Part-Town Fund.
• MORTGAGE TAX- Collections for 2013 totaled $313,999, an increase of$34,439 or 12.3%, over the
previous year's total of $279,560. Mortgage tax collections still remain significantly below the
$372,390 collected in 2008.
TAX COLLECTIONS ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
SALES TAX 2,678,451 2,582,422 2,667,106 2,809,431 2,907,213 2,981,146
MORTGAGE TAX 372,390 341,823 222,213 248,039 279,560 313,999
General Obligation Lona-Term Debt:
• OUTSTANDING DEBT - As of December 31, 2013, the total outstanding general obligation long-term
debt of the Town of Ithaca totaled $8,612,000. This is an increase of$2,952,000 over the prior year,
and is due to the Town's$3,450,000 Public Improvement(Serial)Bonds issued in August 2013.
3
This total is aggregated from the Town's outstanding bond issues, as shown on the following table:
Description of Debt Amount of Amount Year of
Debt Issued Outstanding Maturity
Public Improvement(Serial)Bonds-2003 $ 1,000,000 $ 285,000 2017
Public Improvement(Serial)Bonds-2004A 1,000,000 402,000 2019
Public Improvement(Serial)Bonds-2004B 2,000,000 1,100,000 2024
Public Improvement(Serial)Bonds-2005 500,000 120,000 2015
Public Improvement(Serial)Bonds-2009 1,125,000 870,000 2024
Public Improvement(Serial)Bonds-2011 2,650,000 2,385,000 2031
Public Improvement(Serial)Bonds-2013 3,450,000 3,450,000 2028
Total General Obligation Long-Term Debt: $ 11,725,000 $ 8,612,000
Of this total outstanding general obligation debt, $1,315,000 is for facility improvements, $1,520,000 is
for road improvements, and $5,777,000 is for water infrastructure improvements.
• CONsTITUTIONAI_DEBT LIMIT-The Town of Ithaca maintains a very low direct debt burden. At year-end
the Town had exhausted only 3.18%of its debt-contracting power.
• BOND RATING - In July 2013, Moody's Investors Service assigned an Aa2 rating with a positive outlook
to the Town's $3,450,000 Public Improvement(Serial) Bonds issue. Concurrently, Moody's reaffirmed
the Aa2 rating on $5,100,000 of outstanding rated parity debt. The Aa2 rating reflects 1) the Town's
ample reserve levels, 2) stable, moderately-sized tax base with sizable institutional presence, and 3)a
modest debt profile.
Moody's full report is available upon request.
4
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4"e- TOWN OF ITHACA
H 215 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 ��www.town.ithaca.ny.us
CODE ENFORCEMENT- BRUCE W. BATES, DIRECTOR
Phone (607) 273-1783 ■ Fax (607) 273-1704
codes@townJthaca.ny.us
CODE ENFORCEMENT/ZONING
2013 YEAR END REPORT
The Town of Ithaca Code Enforcement Department's task is to enforce The Code of the Town of
Ithaca and The New York State Fire and Building Code, which includes the 9 series of Codes:
building, residential, fire, existing,plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, energy conservation and property
maintenance code. We are also responsible for assigning 911 addresses and investigating complaints
within the Town of Ithaca(excluding the Village of Cayuga Heights).
The year 2013 seems to have been an even busier year than the previous 4 years for the Code
Department. We continued inspecting ongoing projects from 2012 such as Cayuga Medical Center,
Holly Creek Development, and Eco Village's Tree project which consists of 36 structures ranging
from garages to homes and a community building; Long View's Vista Circle 11 duplex senior town
house project, as well as many single family home projects. We implemented procedures that utilized
the Ithaca Fire Department(IFD) to assist in fire safety inspections in their contracted district of the
town. Staff changes only included the addition of a part time person/temporary position to assist in
updating and gathering data to input into our new(pending) database program called Municity
The department goal of improving customer service was continued into this year. I believe that we
finally turned a corner with this because the number of complaints about staff has decreased, we have
improved our application to permit turnaround time, and we have increased our fire safety inspection
numbers (with assistance from IFD). We have also worked hard to address all reported complaints in a
timely manner but we are restrained by time and legal issues. But, as you can see in appendix B of this
report, our work activity has remained consistent this year.
Our current budgeted staff consists of(1) 37.5 hrs./wk. Administration Assistant, (Lori Kofoid); (1)
12hrs./wk. Part-time Clerk, (Allison Lonsky), October—December; (1) 30 hrs./wk. Code Enforcement
Officer/Electrical inspector(Charles Bruner); (1) 37.5 hrs./wk. Code Enforcement Officer/Electrical
inspector(Martin Kelly) (1) 37.5 hrs./wk. Code Enforcement Officer(Steven Williams); (1) Director
of Code Enforcement and Zoning(Bruce W. Bates).
We signed a contract with General Code to provide us with the Municity, a data record keeping system
for Code Enforcement, Zoning and Planning. However, due to reasons beyond our control, we will not
have this in place in 2013 but we were able to work on the beginning steps of gathering and correcting
data. We continue to rely on google notes and our current mix of systems to keep communication
between departments and to accurately record information about building projects.
BUILDING PERMITS
The department issued 398 building permits in 2013 compared to last year's 410 (See appendix A).
The total reported estimated cost of construction was $671,748,646.08. This is a staggering 626 million
dollars plus over last year's $45,555,200.00. I am not sure if this is reflected in the town's total dollar
value of assessment.
Each permit application is reviewed for compliance with The Code of the Town of Ithaca and NYS
Fire and Building Code before it is issued. All applications (per the Town of Ithaca Code section 125-
4 D) must comply with all zoning and other town regulations, including but not limited to: planning
restrictions, soil and water protection plan, and sanitation requirements. This means consulting with
other departments to confirm compliance. Large projects may require days or even weeks to confirm
compliance. It is not uncommon for architects or engineers to consult with code officials throughout
the design stages of a project. While smaller project applications may take a couple of days for review,
simple projects may take even less time to review if all the information and the application are
complete.
There were a few significant changes to department procedures this year. The Town Board put changes
in place that allowed the issuing of reroofing permit when other violations are noted on a property, thus
protecting the property from greater water damage. We also changed our procedures for electrical
permit certifications. We now add the electrical permit final to the building permit final if they are part
of the same job, with that in mind, we had a total of 44 permits not associated with a permit such as an
electrical update for a new entrance into a structure or electrical wiring upgrade, etc.
SIGN PERMITS
Our procedures to track sign permits through the system still has not been perfected; we are still
tracking them through our task list in Outlook. Fortunately, this year we had only 6 new sign permits
issued, compared to 51 last year(See appendix A), of these 6 permits 4 were issued for multiple
banners: 6 for Museum of the Earth and 37 at Ithaca College. Banners were not allowed in the town
without a variance until this year. The Codes and Ordinance Committee recommended a change in the
sign law to allow banners under certain conditions and the Town Board approved the change.
However, 20 banners still needed a variance due noncompliance with that law (see appendix ZBA).
The review of our sign law has been an ongoing discussion at the Codes and Ordinance Committee.
The committee's goal is to bring a new sign law to the full board for discussion and adoption in 2014.
PERMIT RENEWALS
The cost of renewing a permit is the greater of$50 or 50% of the original fee for the first renewal and
100% of the original permit fee for any subsequent renewals. 45 permits were renewed during 2012;
this is up by 13 from last year. Of these renewals 11 were 2nd renewals.
OPEN PERMITS
We have decreased the number of open permits to 244. This is a decrease of 94 over last year's 338.
CONSTRUCTION INSPECTIONS
Staff conducted 1929 reported construction inspections during 2013. This was an increase over 2012.
The number of inspections continues to increase each of the past 4 years since we began tracking our
activities. This figure includes progress inspections from footings to finals. I am sure this increase
2 1 P a g e
can be contributed to the increased number of permits, better recordkeeping and the increase of the
required inspections. However, our percentage of staff time in the field went from 30%to about 33%.
The 33% is an average of the Code Officers and the Director's time spent in the field. If you average
just the Code Officers time it increases to about 46.25% of time spent in the field.
COMPLAINTS
New York State's title 19NYCRR Part 1203 require that the town establish procedures for addressing
code related complaints. The department received 82 complaints for 2013 which was an increase by 9
over the previous year. This year the town was able to clean up a problem property due to the changes
in the property maintenance law by the town in 2011. We try to investigate all code related complaints
that are filed with our office. However, the timing of when this is done depends on the severity of
possible violations. Some may be delayed until we have more time to deal with them. This is constant
battle as complaints are placed as low priority due to our work load. It is our duty to identify the
problem, contact the responsible party, and resolve the situation. This is done without reimbursement
of our costs related to the investigation and resolution of these complaints. The three highest
complaints, in order of numbers, are
1) Property maintenance issues. This moved up from second to first this year.
2) Fire related complaints, which are complaints received from the fire department that are related
to a non-emergency situation. This went from the bottom of the list to 2nd
3) Building Code Violations. These dropped, from first last year, to 3rd just beating out Occupancy
complaints at number 4.
Zoning violations, drainage and noise all tied for the number 5 spot and signs, and miscellaneous
finishing out the rest. While signage violations were included in our complaint numbers, these are
complaints we generally receive from residents or people outside the department. Most signage
complaints are seen while in the field by our Code Officers. It is generally handled at that point
between the code officer and the owner of the property or sign and not tracked through our complaint
procedure, so the numbers of these types of complaints are not an actual reflection of the number that
we handle.
FIRE SAFETY/OPERATING PERMITS INSPECTIONS
Fire Safety and Operating Permit inspections for the most part have been being done by the Ithaca Fire
Department(IFD) in the area of the town for which they are contracted to provide fire protection
services. IFD did a total of 134 initial inspections and 108 re-inspections. Of these inspections (both
initial and re-inspection, 114 were at Ithaca College and 40 were at Cornell College. But with the Fire
department doing these inspections it only allows these building to be inspected for violations of the
NYS Fire and Building Code and not for Zoning violations; but at least they are being inspected so that
we can assure some level of safety in these structures. With the fire department helping to get these
required inspections done, it has increased our administrative assistant's workload. Because, now she
is not only handling the paperwork and billing from town code staff, she is also being inundated by
IFD's fire prevention division,which has 3 inspectors, and she has to handle those reports plus the
billing of them.
The Town's Code Enforcement staff did 11 fire safety/operating permit inspections and 5 re-
inspections. These inspections do not include inspections that have to be done when a Code
Enforcement Officer is requested to respond to the scene of a fire or emergency.
3 1 P a g e
The total Operating Permits issued for 2013 was 74. Operating Permits are issued per section 125-8 of
The Code of The Town of Ithaca; mandated by Part 1208 Rules and Regulations of NYS. Operating
Permits are good for three years and are renewable upon passing a current fire safety inspection.
REPORT OF FIRE/EMERGENCY
There were a total of 9 complaints received due to fire emergencies. This is when the Fire Department
requests that a Code officer report to the scene before the Fire Department relinquishes the scene back
to the owner or when they feel we need to act right away on a particular incident related to public
safety. This could be at any hour of the day or night.
911
The Codes Office is assigned the responsibility of monitoring changes and assigning addresses for the
911 emergency response system. This year we had the usual number of addresses added. However,
there seemed to be a large amount of time devoted to address corrections. Some of this can be
contributed to the larger than usual number of two lot subdivisions that require renumbering of whole
portions of streets and previous numbering errors.
MONTHLY REPORTS
The monthly report reflects the activities accomplished by this department. The report lists the number
of building permit inspections, permit consultations,permit reviews, complaints and associated follow
ups, continuing education, fire incidents, fire safety/operating permit inspections and re-inspections,
legal, meetings, miscellaneous, storm water pollution, Zoning Board, and 911 addressing activities. It
also includes a report indicating the number of permits issued, Certificates of Occupancy issued(new
construction), complaints received and their disposition, and Certificates of Occupancy issued to
existing buildings. The monthly report is given to the Town Board and the Tompkins County
Assessment Office.
ZONING BOARD
The Zoning Board consists of five full members who are appointed by the Town Board and they serve
five year staged terms. We started 2013 with Chairman Kirk Sigel (term expires 12/31/13), Ron Krantz
(term expires 12/31/14), Bill King (term expires 12/31/15) Rob Rosen (term expires 12/31/16), new
member John DeRosa(term expires 12/31/17),who replaced David Mountain, who chose not to serve
again, and two new alternates Christine Decker and Chris Jung. Alternates serve a 1 year term and
have to be reappointed each year. Former alternates, Yvonne Fogarty was appointed to the Planning
Board at the end of her term and Andrew Dixon resigned.
Zoning Board applications take a lot of staff time in research and preparation of the appeal to go before
the Zoning Board of Appeals. 22 zoning applications requesting 33 variances or special approval were
filed in 2013. This was down from 2012's 47 applications. The Board heard 19 area variances. 5 use
variances. 5 special approvals, 2 code interpretations and 1 each of a sign variance and sprinkler
variance. Of these 33 requests, 13 were granted. 5 were adjourned, 2 were denied and 1 interpretation
resulted in a variance not being needed and also resulted in the Zoning Board making a
recommendation to the Town Board to looking into clarifying the code language on domestic animals,
to which the Town Board referred to Codes and Ordinance Committee. The Zoning Board most often,
if it looks like the variance may not be granted, will allow the withdrawal of an application or adjourn
a request. This allows the applicant to modify their request and return to the board. Because once a
4 1 P a g e
variance has been denied it can only be heard again if new conditions arise or the Zoning Board agrees
to reopen the case by a unanimous vote.
FINANCIALLY
The 2013 Code Enforcement/Zoning Department's share of the budgeted income was $154,500.00.
The actual income was $193,204.00 which created a surplus of$38,704.00 of our projected income.
Our budgeted expenses were $336,110.00 and the actual expenses were $ 342,210.16 - coming in
$6,100.16 over budgeted expenses. When you compare final real numbers expenses verses income
this department brought in 56.4 % of its budget. This is down by 2.6 from last year's 59% of its budget
that was raised from fees. We will have to watch this closely in the year 2014 to see if an adjustment
needs to be made in our fee schedule. The last major fee schedule change was in 2011. In 2012 we
made an adjustment in the sign, tent and the electrical permit fee which resulted in a more appropriate
fee and in most cases lowered the amount paid per permit.
OBJECTIVES/GOALS
So how did we do? Last year's Objectives and Goals are listed below. I have included the progress we
have made toward reaching our goals.
2013 objectives/goals;
1) Continue to strive to decrease permit review time. I feel we achieved this objective. We have
been able to maintain an average of 10 days from application to permit time. This does not mean we
will not continue to strive to do even better.
2) Strive to improve the department's image. Here again, I feel we have improved the department's
image. I base this on the latest customer survey done. Almost all area and staff showed improvement
from the previous survey. Again we will strive to continue with improve the department's image.
3) Continue to advance public education. This area was not as prevalent as we would have wished.
Other than person to person and education at the time of inspection, we did not reach our self-
appointed goals. We will keep this as one of our goals and see where we are next year.
4) Implement a new data system. While this has not happened, we did enter in to a contract to pursue
this. We also have been preparing all year to transfer our information into this system once it is started.
Thus the part time employee noted earlier in this report.
2014 Objectives/goals
• Implement Municity(our new data record keeping system).
• Reevaluate fee schedule.
• Continue to advance public education
• Improve the application process
• Strive to improve department's image
CONCLUSION
The Town of Ithaca Code Enforcement/Zoning Department is an enforcement department. We enforce
The Code of the Town of Ithaca and the New York State Fire and Building Code. The Code
Enforcement Department maintained a work load about the same as the year, which was a record year.
5 1 P a g e
Permit numbers remained about the same but the type of permits changed, mainly for residential new
homes. We continue to reduce application to permit time. Complaints and the complaint investigations
remained constant. Fire safety inspections were increased with the help of IFD. However, it created an
increase in work load for staff. Construction inspections were up and Zoning Board reviews went
down. Financially we held a pretty steady line. We came in over budget on expenses and over budget
on income; only relying on tax dollars for less than 44% our budget. We improved the department's
image, still it is not where we want it, but improving. We met 2 of our 4 goals from last year. Staff has
been diligent in working with, not against, constituents and continues to make the Code Enforcement
and Zoning Department, to take a slogan from the army, the best we can be.
Respectfully Submitted
Bruce W. Bates
Director of Code Enforcement and Zoning
Appendix A—Department Activities
CODE ENFORCEMENVZONING
2013 Year End Report
2013 2012 2011 2010 2009
New one and two Family 38 33 19 13 12
New Commercial 1 3 8 3 3
Total other permits 320 374 326 230 262
Stop work orders 3 8 7 7 14
Complaints 77 73 121 93 73
Electrical 44 202 176 168
Sign 6 51 6 6 13
Fireworks 1 2 1 1 2
6 1 P a g e
Appendix B- Staff activities
CODE ENFORCEMENT/ZONING
2013 Year End Report
2013 % of 2012 2011 2010 2009*
time
Building permit inspections 1929 32.5 1853 1495 1197 999
Building Permit Consultation 425 7.1 401 244 160 127
Building Permit Review 1719 29.0 1725 1592 846 467
Complaint New Investigation 73 1.2 76 121 126 52
Complaint Follow-Up 76 1.2 84 185 80 54
Continuing Education 114 1.9 68 49 50 30
Fire Incident Investigation 18 0.3 4 14 11 14
Fire Safety/Operating Permit Inspection ** 56 0.9 65 118 63 67
Fire Safety/Operating Permit Re-Inspection ** 4 0.06 92 299 49 28
Legal 6 0.1 266 36 28 27
Meetings 382 6.4 470 501 479 383
Miscellaneous 1015 17.1 960 1234 1103 541
Stormwater Pollution 0 0.0 0 0 3 4
Zoning Board of Appeals 80 1.3 71 74 56 66
911 Addressing 28 00.4 32 30
*Does not reflect the full year. New system started mid February.
** Town staff only, does not include IFD inspections.
7 1 P a g e
Appendix C- Zoning
January 28, 2013 (cutoff for submission: 12114112 mail out: 1118113)
Date App. App.
In Status Project Name Request Action
12/7/2013 Complete Banners Ithaca College sign variance Granted
February 25, 2013 (cutoff for submission: 1/11113 mail out: 2115113)
Date App. App.
In Status Project Name Request Action
12/21/2012 Complete Town of Ithaca PW Area & Sprinkler Granted
Front and side
12/30/2012 Complete 103 Wiedmaire Court variances/2 lots Adjourned
March 18, 2013 (cutoff for submission: 211113 mail out: 318113)
Date App. App.
In Status Project Name Request Action
841 Taughannock Blvd -enlarge
1/28/2013 Complete existing property Area Variance Granted
2/1/2013 Complete 936A&938 East Shore Drive Area Variance Granted
12/30/2013 Complete 103 Wiedmaier Ct Area Variance Granted
April 15, 2013 (cutoff for submission: 311113 mail out: 415113 )
Date App. App.
In Status Project Name Request Action
930 Danby Rd -convert office Area and Use
3/1/2013 Complete building Variances Adjourned
Max's Dr-28.-1-3.2 - build two
3/1/2013 Complete residences Area Variance Adjourned
1061 Danby Rd -drive thru
3/1/2013 Complete restaurant& bank ATM Use Variance Adjourned
-May 20, 2013 (cutoff for submission: 415113 mail out: 5110113)
Date App. App.
In Status Project Name Request Action
655 Five Mile Dr-front porch Interpretation/Area
3/19/2013 Complete remodel Variance Granted
June 17, 2013 (cutoff for submission: 513113 mailout:6 17113 )
Date App. App.
In Status Project Name Request Action
655 Five Mile Dr-convert 1
3/19/2013 Complete family to two family Special Approval Granted
July 15, 2013 (cutoff for submission: 5131113 mail out: 713113)
Date App. App.
In Status Project Name Request Action
126 Judd Falls Rd - Garage Area Variance and
6/3/2013 Complete demo& Rebuild/1 bdrm apt. Special Approval Adjourned
Code Interpretation
6/10/2013 Complete 662 Five Mile Dr- Guinea Hens & Use Variance interpretation
930 Danby Rd - Drive thru/Use - Use Variance &
6/17/2013 Complete adjourned on previous date Area Variance Granted
8 1r ; , .
August 19, 2013 (cutoff for submission: 715113 mail out: 819113)
Date App. App.
In Status Project Name Request Action
Ranchich Mining Permit
6.14.13 Reviewing Extension Special Approval Granted
7.23.13 Complete 150 Whitetail Dr Area Variance Granted
Area Variance and
6.3.13 Complete 126 Judd Falls Rd Special Approval Granted
September 16, 2013 (cutoff for submission: 812113 mail out: 916113)
Date App. App.
In Status Project Name Request Action
No Meeting
October 21, 2013 (cutoff for submission: 916113 mail out: 10/11113)
Date App. App.
In Status Project Name Request Action
9/4/2013 Complete 1132 Danby Rd -subdivision Area Variance Granted
November 25, 2013 (cutoff for submission: 10/11113 mail out: 11/15/13)
Date App. App.
In Status Project Name Request Action
Special
Approval/Area
10/8/2013 Complete 104 Ridgecrest Variance Denied
10/10/2013 Complete 302 Pine Tree Rd Area Variance Denied
10/10/2013 Complete 618 Elmira Rd Use Variance Granted
December 16, 2013 (cutoff for submission: 11/1/13 mail out: 1216113)
Date App. App.
In Status Project Name Request Action
11/12/2013 reviewing 654 Elmira Rd - Roadway Inn Area Variance Granted
9 1P .,
Appendix D— State reporting
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GENERAL INf-011MATIOH
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12�Page
i ■ Wu York State Department of State 5v4mitby Ernwl
pivislon at Building Standards,and Codes print Form
�1III fY7 4911'as-drlyluu AYeiwe,Suite 1166
V�.+►o�ootaFS 'U44'' '"A" , Page 4 of 6
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19 NYCRR PART 1263
UNIFORM CODE-MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR ADMINIFMATION AND ENFOKEM ENT
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
UnHorm Code Administration and Enforcement Report
Reporting Year: 2013 Municipality Town of Ithaca
14)WfCRR rART,2173Z:U COMPLAINT50
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ii?WdcOmpIFJw-reWkel IrlalkJ wnl�einl�leikire Islr U}K I's.}nnlrjyrs:
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4,Llaxao-riurrorre rU trlPeie3lveaelrJaulf:rs5pecHWe ri19NYC9912R3 A3 Pr9klgh0:t4�nasrahlt.dirdmarnalnorl? 'Ifes T
ADUFf1ONAL INFORMA110N
Addlltloruldnformahlon ixion wnlsc
Ibk LLiHOfl U code does pot ra[canmericN as it lw%occt•pen_p lhep are?l.F,.H.4 A.1 5 a"U nrcllrwrCV.M.-4W rhr farm xhnLld stzte what i=ioancy s
bong regrsted Bader the deRntdon of Ccrnmercdd
SIGNATURE
Name and Titlr of person cmpleting this farm: Eruce W.Bates-Nie[4or
A Sigir4oreh nVl nquhi i•Ilel+ Kmrl Na^rctikalki .
E-mail Address_ 1Sh;&ie. Cown_th3ca.ny_us Phone: eo7-213-ijsi
Signs#use=� � -� � Pates OTfU8,13 - --
T,tk H)HYdCRp Rdlt untram f ndr to ardllmllyr
nbmlta repartafmactlVmeslD the SeaEurr&3Au k.IHleli-Cum ailan pruVrled ur LIISruiir h used toV liryy�n141 LIp dFSx={wrl pHl,+�Kk'n+ll�IH'e
mL7knum ssandards far adminmrrlon a-d errrumm{ o*t urdarm Cade oaTtilned In a2rt1203.The rrhrmafionprcvidec wil dsobemer to
UP'+dl6p edllCalJOr4005fE90"i and wRr�cirt ryr�g'ah75tnrrnlln�rlpn151p5 and rada rrdnr,rmrntafflctils.
PLFASE hIDTE
Naasa compkca tlds form ok Vm catty and c.ma I to the Ewsbn of OLd:dr.9 skwedards and Lades.Please Leo-he'3uEm 1 oy Cmall'l:a!6an+Quad an
She LipW 1glyi hand cxi'E{10 sat'lift[tip roan E-rrRII ihls'urrfl T4 She r%',iwn nt eulkting Srardams and Lodes sro La athar.January,MAh of the yea-
ralk7Mng the reporlrspTear(e ple:the deed ire for IFe 2413 rk-paniup Yearn Jdl,wry N.70 HD.Onai ehs s4aerrerra feat Ir snealuad4 tha Cadw
GNlsmmwill rasporrd with anaynoll odn"Iedniiinp rmodp+taf the form Sabin three business doy3.IF an ockwwledymwM4 e-IMII d eim Nfel ad
frees ahe cadas DPWSIan,pll6ma far or mad a cepy ofiika furvd to the adildnas balaw.
If e-mail s uwmilebre,this form may be rrwled or Famed to d-e Npertr-aril of 51uke tlt UP-- u.mirig Add-k55:
Haw York Strto-OapartmmA of Stets
nie<nnrdMilkiingSTant.in+mdf'Ml
99Ylmhillsycn♦SSCrIaGSuile 1150
PJbarq'.Mf 12231
Phone:(.5'2�474 41173 Fadc;S18-474-5765
.r■u"drs.aaranpu;
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131Page
' 19NYCRRPA1FT12a3 SNbmat by Email
• • UNIFORM CODE MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
p"I��I Pfrl}t I'rrrrl
OV LOCAL GOVERNMENT
STA7IGARC6.th4€ap5
Uniform Code Administration and Enforcement Report Page 5 of
PLLUE M
Please corY L1 W rids roTn Elech orical y aniJ a mall t6 ME C44151on U 6ul0+lg SlrAidnrds inp(',ides.f4mx Lee the'9jhnlit by Dro'i'b tl,3 fcLnd an d-&upper
right hard rn,trr lb s hash tie farm.E-mail tl'IS ran a to the GMsbi of EILIldlnp Standards and Codes ro later ran April 1st of th0 ycapr frlldwTiC the reodrti g
y nr{rxamole:the deodl'ne for the 200 AeportingYeerisA_ari di,2GL4).10nm the elemtrodiCfarm 18reoalvedr t15e Co11e60Wllilan wMl rslpond wlth
an a mall R rnovrl adgtngrcaulp[af thufarm wrthln thrau businosdalrs.IF an e-mail d mat received Fromthecade9 DIWIglam
pleme fax or marl a copy aF the Forst W me addWs6 below.
IF e-mail is ureealilable,11-:is r3rm may be ntaledat faxed to the a=_parhnenko'5tat,,at the fdlewrl9 arldr�;
Near Yorfl 9tarkr Depa rbrrrenb 4 9W Itle
!]Mwcn of Bjildiig Staiderds and Cafes
99 111a51h7tonAvcruw Suite L109
AlL'aW,NY 1U3L
Pha:ie:(51$)474-4473 Fax:(5'a)474-57BO
xww.d cs.stall c.rryr.u s
INSTRUCTIONS
Tliese iusruLlior'6 rallow Lhe order of regdesed'iryWnatim 5n Hie Anrual Local Code AdPVriiFVE;t1a1 end I7lfrrcenr riot prpnrt Fumy-1-1-11 nm Td rd:I—A tc rlariy
the rz"nrtarneWied For u campkte-tTjurL lr ycu s0.11 hum 4LeAuusdrLr reddly die rep1-Lroilm a}d tbeEe IrshlucLro 15,6VEase call the[Wibn of EWIFding
Star&rds and UKW at(tit�)41440-12-
GINNAL INFOPMATIONi
•use enr.vmn for each munlopallty.
•The'PeWRIngYe3f Is1YacAendsryeirlimi mryltroUgh OKemho'1 fnrtyhlrhihrwponai iah has boencollected
•The'Code UFfclel'Is the DM=Ibl enbT ng the New ra•k State Ln farm fire Prcsentian and DuildinF7 Cade IUuiruni Ccde}ri the nim,coor{y.
•Prar:de the hlluminlio-,Ir1r tY,? �lil mare irrla ovinrcamanr ail}:1nl.If1ho prlrir{catlo-anfarmmant Oft Dl is not y_tcamficl,c74r the expected eertifira:ivn mmpledvn
daul,Im"d air the cerllficatun numb^_r,n the As eertFrcallcn d spa_e.
•Ir dime h rnofe illap ope ooJe eirorcennem*MCe1 I}-rye municilowle,%isp ppg,6 m Ilsr chr aridhlr.r it zdr enfarcoment Dilya Lc Iran Indr idsal a not w cemr.W enter
she copccred pert fkatlor completion dete,:nstead arthe cerllPoallon number,n the 6175 cenirimtnon i spur.
€OOe ENKMIZIMUff;{Leirs 1 e 111raul;h 2bl 5J WAer Id dud lb bdneU u'1 IIle use or II-rd-pdutr tu'prrXt%1J ytuCet rnr uniform Cadr.ldminlstranen and cnrarcerrnent In
the murlclp3l3'-Answwr 2a and�b a 1rdlcetn_who Is responsible Far perbrming fire safety inspecliurs in Lrse rruikipeliLy.
LOCAL LAW.ORCINAWL REGULATIOR Enie the 0kna and xrmla nl TlR lncal LatY,oe llnarca and'or mgu aKon that pna Ides der the adminlsbabor and enForoenent
afiFe underm Code in tlm nmuicipJnLy jir rr.ple:Lai-A-uwr12 arzM..
BUflMNQ# llee-5 a-.hmllgh I r}Fnoarthc numhor r)r tKilkiing rrrmft Issucri for=h amuparzv tppeIrstedduddmgperiuitsWLnaFrJedri3LII"s4Ii9Should
he end-red in 9.ruler the nuirber cr LerfkAl!5 of JtLUV0IlL%'iintYCr cpn'prarra ikaxfl in I n.
STOP WDU URGER kErzo 111 Eller thenumberaf stop YDrk D!dm ao.red. fnone hevo-been Lssuec,eider 0.
NUMCATMOFFAH!OatIRPLO WNrindUNSAFE STRUCTUAE'S ANDEQUIPMENT.-:I;amcI7 awd1:4Ar stvcrYesairFlaHprcctdushe'eebeenesiehllshed.
OPERATI111IS PERMITS!(gems IAa chraugh'49)Answer'rc•Y or T,a'F aperateg pennlb ere twed.IF the unvxer h'Tes:enlxf the 111.11-tbei+:r Lrield Ur!j Ix-nlils xtc+J r.}r
t Lll d Elie ilen'S Ilsled h,14a rhm.igh 146 If rho,nuricoairy requlml apsr:..ing parmlu riot Ikhed In 143 thicugh 14y enterth,c number orthesc wensdrg miiliu iswed
n 14F.Cfye d brrerdcccliplivn of ed'dl of She xJdliiw�4 epwaliq Le fnlu irl the sµacB prVOW
FIRE 5AFEIY AND PRDPERT'f rAAINTENAN€EINSPECTIOr6!UMM 1S through'7l Lnter the number of cacu.Taencin n the nIUIiLripFty rLr ach ocCd"IlCe WE Bled I}
15a.161:1.ulld 17d.111 16b.elder Ilrp tnlal nhn%har n1 dnall ng erlm In Ttx,rre.lhlple dlemling bulk:1119s.Entorihe tool Tramberaf bu Icings rtpeaed the reparling year in
1 S3.11r_and 17b:Fmeadn type araurapdixy us desuihed in 15a,I Ea arc]17a.Nve:r en ega hurMer 15 tlnkidwn rnr 15 tt5mugh 11,rnt.nary estrnater.maruer.
SPECIAL INSPEEMME!Jhpmr 1R71R6Anamr 1 R7 ihmugh 1 Hd In re&fcrimto speda:Inspo-tin asdefired in 51772 eP-1ie-%idi'np CadearNeNVY 45lile.
ovoECOMPLIANCEI furs 19 dhlmti 31i 2}i Arawer 19a 111raugh 274dseJ J1l Uw.r,p d{lti hryg arm.inln;ikm anti pnhiircn will rf the..Y lLinn{r k nn.-2 ffrt Energy Cade
iNiRfff CODE![tame 1R thrauch 39;Anstaar 37 ihroLy722 bared or tit manic pJVs romrds In regards ID tx admnalr-!tbri a-11 enrormuienL of till Erler3y CWA
OOMPWNMtltsis20-AI Enter iheni-mberoFUribmi Cclk-and EnerurCoJe eWa jot 1ploirilq 'anacIli 334anA3laFinar-.hamrnbarofunlformLoJo and
Energy C.rde rda"comp Jru acted upon In elb and ll b.Note Iran erect nLrnlxr is unknrxnn roll sO a 31,enlef all esduIaGdd odn'bef,
R8edn0 REEPWG;Illein 3Z Aussne'Yei 010Vlla recorr,rk',Vlfry Kim,14 wIJ-)ltley rerlhcd In 11 Nyt RR Part 1113.3120 rca beer established and P.-.aned.
AODITIDNAL FNFOHMIRTION:PTwldc any aidtiona:lnfamntron or mmn-rrnt tied meg prove h 1prul in prmuNi1111 lire land
SWAU 7URE:11ert6enerveutk.e-rsldiloptlllrymwno1*bar r4 the ipmirn n'pbdn6rha farm.If tip form Ishningsuhrnlra ielr clrarimilyLvlaarrL3 II.nosrgnalLreis
squired.
Please use the"Submit by Email'button found on the upper right hand corroor to lubmtC the f*rm electronlealtyf.
10i 1743 ;12x11;
141Page
■ Submit byEmai!
14 NYCAR PART 1263
• • UNIFORM CODE.MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORC:Wwf
$ktll,pllG LOCAL GOVERNMENT Print fawn
TPNQJpl.TS NIQ
Uniform Code Administration and Enforcement Report Page 6 of 6
Reparti ng Year: 2013 Munidpall(V Town of Ithaca
1Jstofaddition el Code Enforcement Of rialsEnfarr1nrg the OmIform Code withlnyourMLmicipility.
PleasE do natindude individuals whoseduties ire hmitedtoZor ingandforPlailIng funCelana,
llama + Ue frmallAddress OOS CEO cw fkatwn# H° m
P er week
Olorle*Nlfiwr CEOr1=ler-insperroi cburner .toivn.ny.us 1210-7278 30
MartinKE'lly C1:0rtler_3nspedor mkelly@tavn.ithaca.ny.us 061CL0129 375
;1Cvt•willi;l rii CEO sv;llllamsK-xavrn.lthaca.ny.us 04Cr1-7298-9 375
I
I
Plawa use tha'SubmitbyEmail'button found on the uppor Fight hand aarnrrta submit the farm_
G1.r�a (,fir„
151Page
Town of Ithaca
Department of Code Enforcement
Monthly Activity Report for January 2013
Category Description Entries
Building Permit Inspection In the Field inspection tied to a building permit 123
Building Permit Consultation In-office or in-field consultation w/project managers or 21
contractors regarding building projects
Building Permit Review Review and processing of building permits 142
Complaint New Investigation New complaint investigation 4
Complaint Follow-Up Processing of complaints 8
Continuing Education Training, seminars, CEU's 0
Fire Incident Investigation Fire Incident Investigation following dispatched call 2
Fire Safety/Operating Permit Fire Safety inspection for and/or operating permit.
Inspection Processing of notes and issuance of permit. 16
Fire Safety/Operating Permit Processing of Fire Safety re-inspection notes and
Re-Inspection issuing operating permit/follow-up. 0
Legal Processing Order to Remedy, issuing Appearance
Tickets, and actual court appearances 5
Meeting Attendance at Departmental meetings, Board
meetings, Committee meetings & Staff meetings, etc. 33
Miscellaneous Counter service, phone calls not associated with an
active file. 71
Storm Water Pollution 0
Prevention Plan Review Field Inspection/Report
Zoning Board of Appeals Review and research of ZBA applications 7
Addresses 911 All related work for address changes 15
Town of Ithaca Code Enforcement Monthly Report
01/01/20130-001/31/2013
Building Permits Issued
BP# Date Value Description fee category
9470 1/2/2013 $8,000.00 Install ventless fireplace into Room 300 $65.00 Renovations&
Additions to
Commercial
9521 1/4/2013 $180,000.00 Erect a new 40 ft by 54 ft pole barn type $900.00 Renovations&
building-Equine Annex Barn Additions to
Replacement Commercial
9529 1/4/2013 $16,670.00 Remodel kitchen and garage. $80.00 Renovations and
Addition to 1 &2
Family Homes
9532 1/8/2013 $10,000.00 Construct 1-story detached garage $65.00 Miscellaneous
structure in accordance with approved
construction documents&as noted in
the comments below.
9531 1/8/2013 $10,000.00 Construct one-story detached garage $65.00 Miscellaneous
strucutre in accordance with approved
construction documents&as noted in
the comments below
9533 1/8/2013 $10,000.00 Construct 1-story detached garage $65.00 Miscellaneous
structure in accordance with approved
construction documents&as noted in
the comments below.
9534 1/8/2013 $10,000.00 Construct 1-story detached garage $65.00 Miscellaneous
structure in accordance with approved
construction documents&as noted in
the comments below.
9535 1/8/2013 $10,000.00 Construct 1-story detached garage $65.00 Miscellaneous
structure in accordance with approved
construction documents&as noted in
the comments below.
9536 1/8/2013 $10,000.00 Construct 1-story detached garage $65.00 Miscellaneous
structure in accordance with approved
construction documents&as noted in
the comments below.
Tuesday, February 05,2013 Page 1
Town of Ithaca Code Enforcement Monthly Report
01/01/20130-001/31/2013
9539 1/10/2013 $8,000.00 Repair front bearing wall and entry on $65.00 Renovations and
Unit#2 Addition to 1 &2
Family Homes
9540 1/24/2013 $44,000.00 Install new EPDM roof on Wilson Center $200.00 Renovations&
Modular Trailer Additions to
Commercial
9530 1/24/2013 $13,695.06 Install 7.848kW grid-connected, roof $80.00 Renovations and
mounted solar photovoltaic system Addition to 1 &2
Family Homes
9537 1/24/2013 $9,400.00 Install metal roof over one layer of $65.00 Renovations and
shingles. Addition to 1 &2
Family Homes
9538 1/29/2013 $18,771.00 Remodel main floor 1/2 bath and add $80.00 Renovations and
shower Addition to 1 &2
Family Homes
9545 1/30/2013 $6,000.00 Convert existing storage area in $65.00 Renovations and
basement apartment into one bedroom Addition to 1 &2
with remainder to remain unfinished Family Homes
storage
9551 1/30/2013$640,000,000.00 Change in occupancy for second story $8,500.00 Renovations&
of lab addition &north patient wing to Additions to
create Obstetrics& NICU Center Commercial
9550 1/30/2013 $45,000.00 Interior renovations in all sections of $200.00 Renovations and
existing single family residence (kitchen; Addition to 1 &2
bathrooms; living room; bedrooms) Family Homes
Totals $640,409,536.06 $10,690.00
Certificates of Occupancy Issued
BP# Address Description CO Temp
9436 616 Coddington Rd Remove and replace existing windows 1/7/2013 El
with new energy efficient windows.
Replace bathroom fixtures with new..
Tuesday, February 05,2013 Page 2
Town of Ithaca Code Enforcement Monthly Report
01/01/20130-001/31/2013
9073 211 Westview Ln Convert portion of garage into living 1/9/2013 ❑
space
9478 256 Bundy Rd Replace bathroom fixtures in same 1/11/2013 ❑�
locations. No plumbing replacement or
modifications with this permit
9141 114 Rachel Carson Way Remodel upper bathroom, remove forced- 1/15/2013 ❑
air air handling equipment and replace
with radiant and room air handling equip
9525 240 Stone Quarry Rd Tear off roof cover on existing structure 1/23/2013 ❑
and replace with like material
8846 803 Coddington Rd Repair fire damage; renewal letter sent, 1/23/2013
deadline 11/26/12.
9315 125 Textor Cir Convert rooms 115, 117& 119 from 1/23/2013 ❑
smaller configuration into area of
assembly/lecture rooms
9528 239 Coy Glen Rd Construct new stairway and landing on 1/25/2013 ❑
existing exterior deck
9271 198 King Rd E Replace exterior covering and construct 1/29/2013 ❑
covered entryway
9148 10 Fairway Dr Install fireplace insert in existing brick 1/29/2013 ❑
fireplace in family room
9153 1414 Hanshaw Rd Replace 4 windows and install 1/29/2013 ❑
CO/smoke detectors
9139 318 Eastwood Ave Recover roof 1/30/2013
Tuesday, February 05,2013 Page 3
Town of Ithaca Code Enforcement Monthly Report
01/01/20130-001/31/2013
9058 125 Holly Creek Ln Construct 2-story townhouse 1/30/2013 ❑
9057 127 Holly Creek Ln Construct 2-story townhouse 1/30/2013 ❑
9056 111 Holly Creek Ln Construct 2-story townhouse 1/30/2013 ❑
9054 115 Holly Creek Ln Construct 2-story townhouse 1/30/2013 ❑
9053 117 Holly Creek Ln Construct 2-story townhouse 1/30/2013 ❑
9052 103 Holly Creek Ln Construct 2-story townhouse 1/30/2013 ❑
9051 105 Holly Creek Ln Construct 2-story townhouse 1/30/2013 ❑
9049 109 Holly Creek Ln Construct 2-story townhouse 1/30/2013 ❑
9458 112 Ridgecrest Rd Secure rear entry stair by installing footer 1/30/2013 ❑
under existing pre-cast concrete staircase
9278 212 Northview Rd W Tear off existing roof cover and replace 1/30/2013 ❑
with new"like" material
9128 215 Snyder Hill Rd replace front landing and stairs 1/30/2013
Tuesday, February 05,2013 Page 4
Town of Ithaca Code Enforcement Monthly Report
01/01/20130-001/31/2013
9335 214 Enfield Falls Rd Tear off existing roof cover and replace 1/30/2013
with new like material.
9137 117 Pine Tree Rd recover roof 1/30/2013 ❑
9453 5 Amber Ln Tear off and replace exterior wall cover 1/30/2013 ❑
and roof cover damaged by hailstorm
9449 124 King Rd E Replace roof cover 1/30/2013 ❑
9421 107 Rich Rd Install 352 sq ft roof mounted 1/30/2013 ❑
photovoltaic system on existing structure
9393 13 Peachtree Ln Tear off existing roof covering and 1/30/2013 ❑
replace with new like material
9363 144 Whitetail Dr Tear off existing roof cover and replace 1/30/2013 ❑
with like material
9282 122 Haller Blvd Tear off roof cover over porch and side 1/30/2013 ❑
roofs; replace roof cover with "like"
material
9305 169 Seven Mile Dr Tear off existing roof covering and 1/30/2013 ❑
replace with new material of like quality
9361 138 Whitetail Dr Tear off existing roof and replace with 1/30/2013 ❑
like material
9338 1016 Trumansburg Rd Tear off existing roof cover and replace 1/30/2013
with like material
Tuesday, February 05,2013 Page 5
Town of Ithaca Code Enforcement Monthly Report
01/01/20130-001/31/2013
9126 123,A- King Rd E Install new"Metalbestos"chimney to 1/30/2013
replace chimney damaged by fire
Complaints Received
Date Address Complaint Type Disposition
1/6/2013 770 Elm St Ext property maintenance
1/9/2013 25 Renwick Heights Rd other Local Law Other
1/16/2013 1028 Ellis Hollow Rd property maintenance
1/20/2013 1150 Danby Rd fire Abated
1/23/2013 204 Glenside Rd building code
1/23/2013 381 Pine Tree Rd fire
1/25/2013 1457 Trumansburg Rd zoning use
1/20/2013 1 bella Vista Dr fire Abated
1/25/2013 950 Danby Rd fire
Existing Building CO
Tuesday, February 05,2013 Page 6
Town of Ithaca Codes Department
Building Permit Applications Received January 2013
Date Recd CEO BP# St# Street Name Status
1/2/2013 SW 9531 109 Shagbark Ln Issued
1/2/2013 SW 9532 106 Shagbark Ln Issued
1/2/2013 SW 9533 107 Shagbark Ln Issued
1/2/2013 SW 9534 301 Rachel Carson Trail Issued
1/2/2013 SW 9535 303 Rachel Carson Trail Issued
1/2/2013 SW 9536 105 Shagbark Ln Issued
1/2/2013 MK 9530 145 Honness Ln Issued
1/3/2013 MK 9537 226 Sapsucker Woods Ln Issued
1/4/2013 MK 9538 179 Lexington Dr Issued
1/7/2013 SW 9539 1 Candlewyck Dr Issued
1/10/2013 MK 9540 150 Synchrotron Dr Issued
1/11/2013 MK 9541 940A East Shore Dr pending
1/14/2013 MK 9542 104 Halcyon Hill Rd Pending
1/16/2013 MK 9543 175 Kendall Ave Pending
1/17/2013 SW 9545 924 Danby Rd Issued
1/17/2013 MK 9544 130 Flora Brown Dr Terrace Pending
1/23/2013 MK 9547 322 Winthrop Dr Pending
1/23/2013 SW 9548 167 Seven Mile Dr Pending
1/23/2013 MK 9579 102 Terraceview Dr Pending
1/25/2013 SW 9550 204 Glenside Rd Issued
Monday, February 04, 2013 Page I of 2
Date Recd CEO BP# St# Street Name Status
1/28/2013 SW 9551 101 Harris B. Dates Dr Issued
1/30/2013 BB 9553 327/329 Rachel Carson Trail Pending-Foundation
1/30/2013 BB 9554 323/325 Rachel Carson Trail Pending-Foundation only
1/30/2013 BB 9555 331/333 Rachel Carson Trail Pending-Foundation
Monday, February 04, 2013 Page 2 of 2
Human Resources 2013 Year End Report, by Judy Drake
■ Civil Service: Maintained compliant requirements
• Received approved payroll certification as required by law.
• Reviewed changes for positions and reclassifications
• Position changes at the Town and SCLIWC due to deaths, retirements,
resignations/terminations. Total of 3 staff changes = 2 —Town 1 -BP
• Staff levels as of 12/31
• Town: 46 FT/ 2 PT (30 hrs) Vacant: Court Clerk and Laborer position
• BP: 19 FT/ 1 PT (20 hrs) no vacancies
• Worked with management on employee relations and performance management
issues.
• Town and BP Personnel Committee and Employee Relations Committee staff support
• Consistent meetings with each committee monthly- prepared minutes/agendas
• Discussed and recommended revisions to policies which were printed and
provided to all staff.
• Reviewed and revised job descriptions
• ERC reviewed several suggestion box comments and reviewed policies
• Established schedule for Board/staff lunches and other events.
• Reviewed results of 2012 Employee Engagement Survey and ongoing Code Enforcement
Customer Satisfaction survey
• Town Hall management rep. on Safety Committee. Assisted Bolton Point on PESH
inspection, response and compliance.
• Benefits Administrator for:
• Health, Dental, Life, Short Term Disability, Flex Spending, Workers'
Compensation, Deferred Compensation & NYS Retirement System
• Great deal of time has been devoted to working on the Greater Tompkins County
Municipal Health Insurance Consortium
• Serve as the Director representing the Town and serves as Board Secretary
• Member of sub committees-Joint Committee on Plan Structure & Design,
Audit Committee and the Executive Committee
• Provided internal training to Town and Bolton Point staff.
• Insurance coordinator for Town and Bolton Point - Worked on insurance claims -5
claims/incidents filed on the Town and 3 claims recouped from other insurances. Another
6 incidents occurs which resulted in no claims filed. Worked on insurance listing project
at Bolton Point to ensure accurate items insured under inland marine policy.
• Payroll management and law compliance — ran payroll collaboratively with Debby Kelly
o 123 w-2's issued — Completed budget work for 2014
• Worked with BP on providing an all staff communication/collaboration training and set up
a follow up training for 2014.
• Designed and coordinated staff & board lunches, networking event at Ithaca Beer and
appreciation picnic event.
• Human Resources support to Bolton Point Commissioners and staff as needed
• Represent Town on TC Diversity Consortium and served on Society for Human
Resources Management of Tompkins County as President.
Network/Record Specialist
2013 Accomplishments /2014 Priorities Report
2013 Accomplishments
• Helped secure Municity software contract for Code Enforcement &
Planning Department
• Enhanced network security with improved firewalls at Town Hall and
Public Works facilities
• Installed new Vehicle maintenance computer system in Public Works
mechanic shop.
• Installed new Color Xerox printer/copier/scan/fax at Town Hall
• Helped develop ITS policy on Social Media
• Completed online TO class on presentation software
• Provided software updates and hardware maintenance for Town Hall and
Public Works networks and peripherals.
• Provided daily Help Desk support for Town Hall and Public Works staff.
• Member of Tompkins County Shared Services Electronic Records
Repository Group
Priorities/Goals/Expectations for 2014
1. Project manager for Municity Integrated Parcel Management Software.
2. Finish Windows 7 upgrades at Town Hall and Public Works
2013 Year-End/2014 Priorities Report
Town of Ithaca Planning Department
Planning Department 2013 Annual Report
Accomplishments & Proposed 2014 Priorities
Accomplishments in 2013
Comprehensive Plan
Continued progress was made in moving the draft Comprehensive Plan forward.Accomplishments during
2013 included:
• Formal referral of the Comprehensive Plan Committee's draft Plan to the Town Board for
consideration; concluding the committee's work.
• Public hearings on the draft Plan, one sponsored by the Comprehensive Plan Committee on January
28`h and the second sponsored by the Town Board on April 22nd.
• Reviewed and discussion of the draft document by the Town Board,with emphasis on the Chapters
1-4. The Board also considered public comments received since January 2013. These efforts
resulted in various modifications,ranging from minor language clarifications to more significant
content changes.
• SEQR was initiated with the Board determining that the environmental review would be conducted
as a Generic Environmental Impact Statement(GEIS).
• A scoping document was prepared,through a public scoping process,to identify issues and analysis
to be included in the GEIS.
• Staff went to work on preparing a draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement for the Board's
consideration.
• Staff revised Chapters 1-4 and continued to make additional improvements, including updates to the
Appendix section and formatting and layout enhancements.
Development Reviews—Planning Board
The number of development reviews in 2013 was relatively low compared to more recent years. The
Planning Department received a total of 26 new development review applications compared with 32 in
2012 and 41 in 2011. Actions associated with these applications along with other Board responsibilities
resulted in 32 total Planning Board actions (compared to 61 in 2012 and 57 in 2011). The majority of the
residential-related proposals tended to be either two and three lot subdivisions. The exceptions were a
sketch plan proposal(no approvals yet)for a 3-story 49-unit apartment building geared for seniors(King
Road E.) and final approval for the Cayuga Meadows/Conifer apartment building(Trumansburg Road).
Non-residential development proposals tended to be modifications of existing/approved site plans or
repurposing of existing buildings. A tally of Planning Board actions is attached at the end of this
document.
Gateway Trail
Progress continues to be made on moving the Gateway Trail forward. The Town signed an agreement
with Fisher Associates for architectural and engineering services. They have been collected survey and
environmental information, conducted property owner research,prepared the draft Design Report, and
prepared cost estimates. The advisory team(representatives from the Town, City,NYSDOT, and NYS
Parks)has met several times with Fisher Associates regarding the project status. Discussions and site
visits have also been held with City staff regarding potential access routes through the Emerson Property.
Planning Department 2013 Annual Report
Accomplishment and 2014 Priorities
Planning Department Agricultural Related Activities
• Staff continued work on the agricultural conservation easement for the Indian Creek Farm. The
project file(including monitoring plan,baseline documentation report, sales contract, appraisal,
survey,preliminary site plan, and draft conservation easement)was provided to NYS Department of
Agriculture and Markets. The attorney for the Town provided various other legal documents(drafts of
the title insurance binder, schedule A,title report opinion letter,and subordination agreement).
• The Town's Agriculture Committee met five times in 2013 and discussed forest management and
resources available in NYS,GPS registration for farm stands and other agritourism locations in the
Town, discussed and provided comments on the draft Comprehensive Plan,provided updates on
health insurance, farmland valuation, and ag assessment, and reviewed the requirements for using
rough-cut lumber in the Town.
• Staff developed and maintains a Town webpage promoting and providing information on local
agriculture.
• Staff conducted the annual inspection for the agricultural conservation easement for the Ferguson
property on Sheffield Road and found the property to be in compliance.
Grant/Project Funding Applications
• Route 96B Pedestrian Corridor Study—applications were submitted to two funding sources for a
project to study of the State Route 96 corridor from the City of Ithaca/Town of Ithaca municipal
boundary to the intersection with King Road East/West to determine pedestrian needs within the
corridor. The project was selected for funding through the Ithaca Tompkins County Transportation
Council's 2014-2017 Transportation Improvement Program. Work is expected to get underway in
2014.
• Forest Home Sidewalk—an application to the NYS DOT's Transportation Enhancement Program was
submitted to fund the replacement of approximately'/4 mile of informal foot path along Forest Home
Drive with a constructed walkway. The project was not funded.
• Tree Inventory project—an application to NYS DEC's Urban and Community Forestry Grant
program was a submitted to fund an inventory of trees(location, species,type, size, condition)that
the Town is responsible for(parks/trails and right-of-ways). The inventory would serve multiple
purposes, including informing plans for dealing with invasive insects(Emerald Ash Borer,Hemlock
Woolly Adelgid), diseases, and natural disasters; serve to guide more proactive tree maintenance or
removal, including financial planning; guide fixture planting/re-planting; and serve as an educational
tool for residents.
• Phase 2 of the Town/City Form-based Code Demonstration Study included a public outreach and
education component. Better Cities and Towns,with the Town as the sponsor,applied to the Park
Foundation for funding this component of the study. It was recently announced that the project would
be awarded$25,000. Phase 1 of the draft study,prepared by STREAM Collaborative and Randall+
West, and funded by a grant from Tompkins County and a match from the Town,was completed in
September 2013.
• Better Cities and Towns applied for a grant from NYSERDA to fund continued work on a form-based
code for the Town and City. It was recently announced that the project would be awarded$175,000
($400,000 was requested).
Other Activities
The Planning Department continues to provide regular staff support and coordination to the Conservation
Board,Planning Committee, and the Codes and Ordinances Committee on a variety of projects. Below is
a summary of their activities/accomplishments for 2013.
2
Planning Department 2013 Annual Report
Accomplishment and 2014 Priorities
CONSERVATION BOARD:
• Awarded its Richard B. Fischer Environmental Award to Cornell Plantations Natural Areas Program
and held the associated tree planting ceremony along the Town's East Ithaca Recreation Way.
• Continued progress on establishing conservation zoning in the Southwest Glens and Creeks area; the
board sponsored a public informational meeting and subsequently met individually with several
concerned landowners; worked with the Planning Committee and Town Board on a final conservation
zone proposal that was adopted in October.
• The interpretative sign panel developed by the Board for East Shore Park was installed.
• Environmental Review Committee continued to provide comments on various proposed site plan and
subdivision projects, and conducted site visits for many of the project locations.
• Prepared articles for the Town newsletter regarding the East Shore Park sign panel and water use &
greenhouse gas emissions.
• Prepared the"Conservation Board recommendations for a Town of Ithaca Pest Management Policy"
white paper and provided it to the Town Board(Public Works Committee).
• Prepared a scenic views tour brochure for the Town.
• Initiated discussions regarding the Solarize Tompkins program and deer management efforts in
Tompkins County.
• Continued to update and monitor the Conservation Board Facebook page
(http://www.facebook.com/IthacaConservationBoard);
• Continued to discuss water rates in the Town and potential water conservation ideas for public
outreach.
CODES AND ORDINANCES COMMITTEE:
• Continued work on a proposed new Town Sign Law(Town Code Chapter 221).
• Finalized several amendments to the Rules and Regulations for Cluster Subdivisions (§ 234-21 —
§ 234-30). These were adopted by the Town Board in June.
• Considered and discussed proposed revisions to the mining regulations(§ 270-219.6).
• Considered and discussed proposed new regulations for campfires and outdoor wood boilers.
• Discussed and considered proposed revisions to the definition of domestic animals in the zoning
regulations (§ 270-5).
PLANNING COMMITTEE:
• Reviewed and provided input on the draft Scenic Resources Inventory and Analysis document.
• Considered alternative concept designs presented by The NRP Group for the County-owned property
located off Harris B. Dates Drive/Dubois Road.
• Considered the development concept and rezoning request for a pocket neighborhood proposal
presented by New Earth Living(Sue Cosentini)for property off Five Mile Drive.
• Considered proposed revisions for Southwest Glens and Creeks proposed conservation zone.
• Initiated discussion on Town parks and trails;planning and priority issues.
• Discussed with City official(Cynthia Brock)recent crime activity on West Hill associated with large
apartment complexes and its relationship to facility management practices.
• Reviewed and discussed the recently drafted Form-based Code Demonstration Study report with co-
writer Noah Demarest.
• Received an update from Hollis Erb on the City of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan process.
MISCELLANEOUS
o Planning staff,with representatives from the Finger Lakes Land Trust and Ithaca College,
conducted the annual inspection for the conservation easement for Ithaca College's Raponi and
Rich Road Wetland Mitigation Sites. The sites were found to be in compliance.
3
Planning Department 2013 Annual Report
Accomplishment and 2014 Priorities
o The Planning Department shared a summer intern position with the Town's Sustainability
Planner.
STAFF TRAINING/CONFERENCES/SEMINARS
Conferences
• Tompkins County Agricultural Summit,Dryden,NY,March 2013; Topics: Estate Planning,PDR
&Conservation Easements,Ag District Law and Local Laws; TC Farmland Valuation&Ag
Assessment.
• Finger Lakes Land Link meeting, Cooperative Extension,November 2013; discussion of this
online service program connecting Finger Lakes farmers with landowners interested having their
unused acreage farmed.
• Onondaga County Planning Symposium, Syracuse March 2013; Topics: Economics of Smart
Growth,Using the New SEQRA EAF's,Farmland Protection,Keynote: The Economics of Land
Use, Land Conservation Options, Case Law Update.
• New York Upstate APA/ASLA(American Planning Association/American Society of Landscape
Architects)Annual Conference in Schenectady in September 2013; Topics: Professional Ethics
for Planning and Design, Community Transformations: A Critical Look at Retrofitting Suburbia,
Koontz vs. St.John's River Management District: How SCOTUS Changed Land Use
Negotiation. Connecting the Neighborhood/Complete Streets in Action
Webinars
• Emerald Ash Borer Will Hit Your Budget--Planning is Key; EAB University; February 2013.
• Impacts of EAB on Forests: Ash Mortality and Responses of Other Plant Species,EAB
University,Feb.2013
• Using Design Guidelines to Control Strip Development,American Planning Association(APA),
March 2013.
• City and County Open Space Programs,US Forest Service,April 2013.
• The State of Takings After Koontz,APA,July 2013.
• Beyond(Low Impact Development): Density and Form-Based Zoning Codes for Watershed
Health,APA,August 2013.
• Parking Reform Made Easy; How to Make Smarter Parking Requirements,APA October 2013.
Planning Department Proposed Priorities for 2014
Comprehensive Plan Update- Completion
Completion and adoption of a Comprehensive Plan is a high priority for 2014. Now that the Town Board
has completed its initial review of the draft Plan, staff is working on a revised version of the entire
document, including updating information in the appendix,revising maps, and enhancing the
layout/design. A revised version of the full draft Plan is anticipated to be ready for posting to the Town's
website later in February.
Major focus will now turn to the environmental review and the Town Board's consideration of a
preliminary draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement(GEIS)prepared by staff. The Board in
reviewing this document will need to make the determination as to when the document is complete and
adequate for public review. Once that determination is made the Town Board can file a Notice of
Completion(to the DEC regional office,with posting to the Town's website) announcing that the draft
GEIS has been accepted and that the public review and comment period has begun. The minimum public
review period is thirty days from the date of the filing of the Notice of Completion.
4
Planning Department 2013 Annual Report
Accomplishment and 2014 Priorities
Implementation of Comprehensive Plan
Depending on when the Comprehensive Plan is adopted by the Board will determine to what extent
implementation efforts can get underway in 2014. A priority for implementation should be revision of the
Zoning Chapter of the Town Code. Areas experiencing development pressure and which have been
identified for more compact mixed use development,which could not take place under existing zoning,
should be given the highest priority. This would include identified areas on West Hill,which would
benefit from a collaborative design/planning process involving residents, landowners and various
stakeholders to establish a neighborhood vision and a regulatory framework to guide future development
in the area. East Hill should also be considered a priority location for new and redevelopment.
Equally important will be the update of the Town's subdivision regulations. The subdivision regulations
are covered in a separate law within the Town Code which at times creates confusion. While the Town is
in the process of modernizing its zoning and subdivision regulations, staff has recommended that the
Town consider consolidating all of its laws governing planning and land use into a Unified Development
Code. This approach is being taken by a growing number of communities who see the advantages of
having these regulations(zoning, subdivision, sign, lighting, stormwater, stream setback, etc)
consolidated rather than being in disparate chapters throughout the Town Code.
Development Reviews/Planning Board
Staff will continue to provide support to the Planning Board. It is anticipated that the work load for
development review applications will increase in 2014,with staff time devoted to a number of larger and
more complex projects. Some of these larger projects anticipated for the coming year include,the Chain
Works mixed used development(formerly known as Emerson),Amabel clustered subdivision/pocket
neighborhood(Five Mile Drive), Cayuga Trails townhouse development(Harris B. Dates Drive), INHS
work force townhome development(Strawberry Ln), and the Rural Housing Preservation Association,
LLC proposal for a mixed housing type development(Troy Road).
Additional Planning Department Priorities
• Continue staff support and coordination for the Conservation Board, Codes and Ordinances
Committee,Planning Committee and Agricultural Committee;
• Continue progress and coordination with the consultant team and stakeholders in developing a design
for the Gateway Trail;
• Finalize the Scenic Resource Inventory and Analysis Report;
• Coordinate the Route 96B Pedestrian Corridor Study;
• Continue implementation of recommended actions in the Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan;
• Continue to seek funding opportunities for Forest Home sidewalk and other planning related
project/initiatives.
• Initiate inventory and data collection in preparation of an update to the Park,Recreation, and Open
Space Plan.
Submitted by Susan Ritter, Director of Planning
February 5, 2014
5
Planning Department 2013 Annual Report
Accomplishment and 2014 Priorities
2013 PLANNING BOARD APPLICATIONS &ACTIONS
The following provides a tally of Planning Board actions in 2013.
Tally of Planning Board Actions in 2013
Preliminary(only) Subdivision Applications/Approvals 0
(usually involves more complex projects that require several
stages of review).
Preliminary and Final Subdivision Applications/Approvals
(includes simple subdivisions where preliminary 10
and final approvals were simultaneously granted)
Preliminary(only) Site Plan Applications/Approvals 1
Final(only) Site Plan Applications/Approvals 1
1
Preliminary and Final Site Plan Applications/Approvals 8
(includes actions where prelim. & final approvals were simultaneous)
Preliminary Site Plan with Prelim Subdivision Applications/Approvals 0
(generally large projects involving both approvals)
Final Site Plan with Final Subdivision Applications/Approvals 1
(generally large projects involving both approvals)
Sketch Plan Reviews 2
Sign Review Board—Recommendations to ZBA 0
Special Permits/Approvals
(includes actions where special permits were 6
simultaneous with other approvals)
Miscellaneous Planning Board Actions:
Acceptance of Scoping,EIS 0
Recommendation to Town Board for Rezoning 1
Waiver of Conditions 1
Withdrawals 1
Total Actions By Board in 2013 32
Total Number of Individual Projects in 2013 26
6
Town Clerk's Office
2013 Year-End Report and 2014 Goals
The Town Clerks' office is the front line for the public and the helpers for everyone. It
seems that every department is helped in some way by the clerks whether it is simply
taking in money and printing receipts or organizing, distributing and receiving bids, or
filing and tracking public interest orders, or coordinating and collating materials for
meeting and taking minutes. I feel we have a behind-the-scenes part in almost all
business of the Town which can not always be quantified, but is always there.
2013
Board meetings
Town Board
• Prepared for and attended all meetings of the Town Board
• Prepare and file minutes
• Filed 160 resolutions
• Filed 10 local laws with the state
• Posted public hearing and permissive referendum notices on the web, in the lobby and
in the Ithaca Journal
• Began posting complete packets of Town Board meeting information on the web
• Facilitated distribution and advertisement of capital project bids to contractors
Planning Board
• Attended all meetings of the Planning Board
• Prepared minutes
• Filed 60 resolutions
Records Management Advisory Board
■ Chair of the Board focused on County Shared Services project and scanning of all
Town Board, Zoning Board and Planning Board minutes; all ZB appeal folders and all
building permits.
Ethics Board
■ Reviewed annual disclosure forms and assisted in meetings regarding two complaints
to the Board.
Contracts
Prepared and mailed annual contracts. Logged signed contracts in Town Clerk Database.
Licenses and permits /cash management transactions
• Issues 163 marriage licenses
• Issued 102 Marriage Transcripts
• Issued 10 Domestic Partnership Licenses
• Issued 1,029 dog licenses and renewals
• Processed 2 Noise Permits
• Processed 10 Park Reservations/Refunds
• Processed 62 Outside Room Use Reservations
• Issued 270 handicapped parking permits
• Collected $4,428 in Town Clerk fees
• Performed approx.700 Building/Zoning transactions
• Performed approx. 29 Planning transactions
• Retail outlet for TCAT bus passes
• Retail outlet for trash tags (discontinued)
Training
• Assisted with training for intern working on Municity for Building/Codes Department
• Graduated from Cornell Municipal Clerks Institute,president of class
• Attended regional town clerk meetings focused on shared services
Records management
• Revised access to records procedure and forms to be more user friendly
• Worked with the County to accept and pilot a shared services grant for records
management
• Logged and filed 66 pieces of permanent correspondence
• Filed 97 easements, agreements, Public Interest Orders and Miscellaneous documents
with the Tompkins County Clerk's office
• Continued logging all Town Board agenda item discussion topics for which there was
no action for easier retrieval
• Fulfilled 4 significant FOIL requests
Community projects
• Moved to an electronic Fall and Spring editions of the Town of Ithaca newsletter
designed and published in house
• Manage the Community Garden
Tax bills and water bills
Continue assisting the Tax Receiver with collections
2013 and 2014 Goals
• Investigate and transition into an electronic newsletter for timely information to our
residents—Completed
• Shared services with the County—Implementation and training of the shared services
grant and the scanning of all Town records—Ongoing
• Deeds and Easements project which was a goal for 2012 will be finished with the
help of the scanning and implementation of Municity—Ongoing
• Learn about Municity as well as continue cross-training for coverage—Ongoing
• Coordinate and help implement a"frontline"working group for improved customer
service, coverage and work flow—Started