HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 2016-03-21Study Session of the Ithaca Town Board
Monday,March 21,2016
AGENDA
1.Review Regular Agenda
2. Considerawardof contractforthe Trumansburg WaterTank Replacement Project
3.Forest Home Wall and Walkway -LaBella Presentation
4. Discuss draft language of a proposed moratorium on new 2-family dwellings, the
additionof a seconddwellingunit to an existing 1-family dwellingunit
5.Supervisor's Outlook for 2016
6.Departmental Reports and Goals for 2016
7.Report on Association of Towns Meeting
8.Continue discussion on Sign Law revisions
9.Discuss City plan for eliminating parking on sections of N.Tioga Street
10.Committee reports
11.Consent Agenda
a.Approval of Town of Ithaca Abstract
b. Approval of Town Board Meeting Minutes
c.Appointment of Planning Board Alternate
d.Approval of NYSERDA contract extension and authorization to sign
12.Adjourn
Study Session of the Ithaca Town Board
Monday,March 21,2016
Minutes
Board MembersPresent:Bill Goodman,Supervisor;Rod Howe,Deputy Town Supervisor;
Pat Leary,Tee-Ann Hunter,Eric Levine,Rich DePaolo,and Pamela Bleiwas
Staff Present: Susan Ritter, Directorof Planning,BruceBates,Directorof Code Enforcement;
Mike Solvig, Director of Finance,Judy Drake, Director of Human Resources; Paulette
Terwilliger, Town Clerk; and Jim Weber, Highway Superintendent
1.Review Regular Agenda
Mr.DePaolo asked about the timeline for comments on the draft GEIs for Chainworks and
whether that item would be a recurring item given the size of the project and Ms. Ritter
explained that comments are due in 60 days.
Mr.Goodman asked about a field trip to look at the East Shore Drive item and the Guinea hens
tilon April 9 and he will send an email out for confirmation.
2.Consider award of contract for the Trumansburg Water Tank Replacement Project
Mr. Weber reported that the apparent low bidder was non-responsive in a number of areas. The
second lowest bidder has done our other tanks and was responsive.The bid had alternates for the
mixer and aerator for the Town of Ulysses tank and Mr.Goodman will be talking to them about
a cost-share on that. This resolution covers the base bid with contingency and ancillary costs.
TB Resolution 2016-052:Authorization to Award Contract for Construction of the Town
of Ithaca Trumansburg Water Tank Water Improvement and to Establish the Town of
Ithaca Trumansburg Water Tank Water Improvement Capital Proiect Fund
Whereas,on March 16, 2016, the Town of Ithaca Director of Public Works/Highway
Superintendent received bids for the Town of Ithaca Trumansburg Water Tank Water
Improvement for the replacement of an existing 500,000 gallon steel water tank with a 500,000
gallon glass-lined water tank on the same site located off Trumansburg Road, and other related
ancillary facilities,which bids included a base project bid plus bids on two alternates related to
mixers,and
Whereas,the Director of Public Works has reviewed the bids and qualifications of the
bidders,has decided to recommend award of only the base project at this time, and has
determined that the base project bid of $609,622.00 for the tank replacement made by Statewide
Aquastore, Inc., 6010 Drott Drive, East Syracuse, New York 13057, is the lowest responsive bid,
and Statewide Aquastore,Inc. is a responsible bidder, and
TBS 3-21-2016 pg 1
Whereas,at the December 7, 2015 Town Board Regular meeting,the Town Board
adopted a Public Interest Order (Resolution No. 2015-140) authorizing the maximum amount of
$900,000.00 to be expended by the Town of Ithaca for this Improvement, now therefore, be it
Resolved,that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca authorizes the award of the contract
for the Town of Ithaca Trumansburg Water Tank Water Improvement project (base project
without mixer alternates)to Statewide Aquastore,Inc.,subject to final approval of the contract
documents by the Town Engineer and Attorney for the Town, and be it further
Resolved,that the Town Supervisor is authorized to execute such contract upon such
approval of the final contract documents;and be it further
Resolved, that the Director of Public Works is authorized to approve change orders to
such contract upon receipt of appropriate justification provided that the maximum amount of
such change orders shall not in the aggregate exceed $25,000.00 without prior authorization of
this Board, and providedfurther that the total project cost,including the contract,engineering,
legal and other expenses does not exceed the maximum authorizedcost of the project, and be it
further
Resolved,that the Town Finance Officer is directed and authorized to record all
necessary and appropriate budgetary and cash transactions transferring the $609,622.00 bid
amount plus a $25,000 contingency,and $30,378.00 for ancillary costs,for a total budget of
$665,000.00 to establish the construction account for the capital project fund 'Town of Ithaca
Trumansburg Water Tank Water Improvement"project.
Moved:Rod Howe Seconded:Rich DePaolo
Vote: Ayes- Howe,DePaolo, Goodman,Leary, Levine and Bleiwas
3. Forest Home Wall and Walkway -LaBella,Dan Walker, Senior Engineer
Mr. Weber gave a bit of history on the project stating that this started in 2015 to come to some
resolution relative tothe potential ownership andrepairofthewall through the Forest Home
curve andto lookat options forthe sidewalk.This report isa stepping stoneto make a
determination as tothe amount oflandthatwouldbe required foreithertheeasementor ROW
for the wall and the sidewalk.
Mr.Weber stated that the Town sentoutan RFP and received one response.Public Works
Committee hasseenthis report and heard aboutthefour options.Oneofthe conditions the
property owner and the Forest Home Association wanted to make sure was thatthe alignment
thatexistsrightnowwasnotgoingtochangewithanyof the alternatives thatwouldbe
presented.Thisareawas considered inthe Forest Home Traffic Calming Planas a traffic
calming device in its current alignment and size.Thebig issue is that in working with Cornell
doing research on the wall, there are no indications that the wall was ever constructed for the
purpose of the roadway;the wall does not support the roadway but supports the property.By
State law,the Town is only responsiblefor maintenancefor what we have maintained and there
are no records of theTown installingor maintainingthe wall.
TBS 3-21-2016 pg 2
That brings us to the point where we are looking at the options to replace and the costs of each as
well as the long term maintenance costs associated with each option if the Town were to take
over the wall and the sidewalk.
Dan Walker went through his written report.(Attachment 1)
Mr.Weber added that the property owner has emailed him restating that he does not want any
changeinthe conditions thatarethererightnow. Mr.Weberisalso concerned aboutthe
driveway and the easements that would have to be prepared as they relate to the driveways.
Mr.Goodman asked if members of the Public Works Committee members had anything to add
and Mr.Howe added that the owner at section four has been good about having conversations
buthehasputhis foot down about option number four andhe also had questions about the other
option indicating a need fora fence.He added thatthe Committee didnot come up with a
recommendation but preferred thatitcome through thefull board because ofthe funding
implications.
Mr.DePaolo statedthatthishasbeena confusing discussion from thestartforhimanditgoes
backto whois responsible forthewallandMr.Weber is saying thatweareonly responsible up
to the wallandtechnicallythehomeowneris responsibleyetisbeinggivena lot of authority
over how the wall takes shape; it seems he wants to own the wall but he wants the Town to build
it, pay for and maintain it. How far do we want to go with that?
Ms. Leary asked how high of a fence would be required and Mr. Walker responded a 3-foot
fence along the length of the most of the wall. She asked what the wall was currently made of
and Mr. Weber responded concrete but not reinforced concrete; if the wall were to disappear, the
owner would not have a level lawn but a sloped lawn down to the road. Mr.Walker added that
there is no hazard to the house if that wall were to disappear.
Ms.Leary stated that it looks like the proposals are very different from what is currently there
and Mr.Walker responded that it is a liability issue for the Town;if someone falls from the wall
and gets hurt it is a liability whereas right now, the Town didn't create the "hazard."
Ms.Leary did not like the look of what was being proposed.
Mr.Goodman stated that he would like to distill or simply state that the reason,in his mind,that
the Town Board is looking at this is mostly because of the sidewalk because if we are interested
in encouraging walkability in our neighborhoods,this sidewalk is an important connection in the
neighborhood.I the homeowner were to let this crumble,it wouldn't be as conducive to a
sidewalk.He stated that this needs to be looked at more thoroughly than tonight and the topic of
sidewalks and maintenance is a policy issue that needs to be discussed also.
Mr.Goodman also noted that this brings up policy issues regarding walkways and sidewalks.
We do not have sidewalk districts like the City but we could do something like that to help pay
for them and the maintenance or have the property owners clear them. Mr.Weber added that
TBS 3-21-2016 pg 3
there is a fine line between walkways and sidewalks and the Town maintains walkways which
are generally built to sidewalk specifications.
Mr. DePaolo stated that in looking at the aerial of the overall project, it seems that the 90 degree
comer is the most potentially dangerous for pedestrians and where the most vehicular issues are
and it seems that most of the other areas of the walkway are a sufficient distance from the
roadway that they wouldn't require a guardrail and he wasn't sure why one was indicated.Mr.
Walker responded that he put 70 feet of guiderail in because there is some transition length
needed called termination ends. Mr.Weber added that they could be shortened a little bit.
Mr.Howe wanted to add that even though the Public Works Committee did not take a vote,he
thought they were leaning towards taking ownership of the wall and he reiterated that the area is
a very important passageway with a lot of pedestrian traffic there.
Ms. Hunter wanted to talk about the ownership and if we are considering taking ownership she
assumedthat an easementwouldbe grantedat no cost to theTown,and infact, maybethey
should be paying the Town to take it over, but, regarding the sidewalk; given the character of
ForestHome,shedid not wantto seetheTowntakingovertheshovelingand plowingof all the
sidewalksin theTown and weshouldhavethat conversationbeforemovingforward.
Ms.Hunterstatedthathavingsaidthat,she wondered if therewasanoptionwithouta guardrail
or a nice wooden guardrail to keep with the character of the neighborhood. Mr. Weber
responded thatthereisthe option,Altemative 2or 3,which isa wall,thenwe would just be
protecting the users of the sidewalk from a fall so that would be more of a fence.Should the
Boardgo forward with altemative 4, which is lowering the sidewalkdown, then we would have
tohavea guiderailintheretoprotecttheusersof the sidewalkfromanytmcks thatcome
through.Option4 istheonlyoptionthathas a guiderail,the resthavea fence.
Ms.Hunter looked at Option 2 which stated guiderail or fence sothe operative wordisthe word
"or"andthe property owner wants the fence and refuses the guiderail option.Mr.Walker
responded that yes,if you wanted a lower stmcture,a fence would be more logical if the goal is
to keep the pedestrians from falling offthe wall and there isa split-rail fence further down the
road.
Mr.Weber statedthata partof what he was looking atisthe long term maintenance andwhat
our staff can maintain and in looking at the different altematives,we have so many guiderails
now,that isa budgeted item right now butwedo not have the capability to repair concrete walls
andthat would bean additional lineinthe operating budget and contractors would havetobe
brought intodo repairs when needed.Ifthe altemative used was the concrete stack wall,our
staffcandothat.Mr.Weber reiterated thatthereare different costs tobe looked at;costfor
constmction and costs for long term maintenance.
Mr.Goodman stated that since Mr.Foote stated that he would not be willing to give an easement
for Altemative 4, that options seems to be off the table and Altematives 2 and 3 seem to be the
choices ifwe choose to move forward.Given that Altemative 3 is less expensive,that would be
the one he would be in favor ofif we move forward but he would like to see an example of what
TBS 3-21-2016 pg 4
the concrete blocks would look like.Mr.Walker responded that there isone closer toFlat Rock
butthatis much higher and Mr.Weber added thathe thought the Town would look at different
styles that could look like a laid block wall and are more decorative.
Mr.DePaolo asked from a legal perspective,ifthe homeowner would not grant an easement fora
sidewalk,buta sidewalk has existed there for a long period of time,is there any way a claim
couldbe laidto that regardless ofhis grantingan easementor notwithouteminentdomain?
Could thepublic continue touseit against his objections iftheyhadan adverse claimandMr.
Goodman didnotthinkan adverse claimcouldbe made forthe general public,only individual
people.
Ms.Learywantedto clarifythetopicandaskedthat ifwedo nothing,doesthatjeopardizethe
walkway?Mr.Goodman responded,potentiallyif the wall continues to degradeandfails
because the wall is not holding the yard back anymore, it will encroach onto the road and not be
suitable for pedestrians. Ms. Leary asked if there is an altemative where we do only the section
wherethe walkwayis threatened andMr.Goodmanrespondedthatifwe aregoingto takeover
the maintenance,we wouldwantto do thefull lengthalthoughpossiblythe first sectionand into
the second section where the wall is almost gone already could be stabilized instead of replacing.
Mr. Weber stated that he would not be in favor of partial repair because the equipment to do it
would be affecting the other parts of the wall and it could fail from that activity.
Mr.Levine stated that he feels it is a fairly dense area with a lot of pedestrian traffic and it seems
it should have a nice walkway and good construction.The differences in prices are not big. Mr.
Weber added that this is step one and if the Board does move forward, there will be design costs
and construction drawings so there will be more costs than what was indicated in the report. Ms.
Hunter asked for an estimate and Mr.Weber responded that the rule of thumb is 20%of the
project so $25K. Mr.Walker did not think it would be that much.
Ms.Hunter asked how wide the sidewalk is now and it looks like we would be expanding it; Mr.
Walker responded that it is approximately3 feet and Mr. Weber stated that we would have to
meet ADA requirements which are a 4 foot width.
Mr. DePaolo asked why it has becomeour responsibility to fix this; we are subsidizing or
building somethingon private propertyandMr. Weberrespondedthat we wouldbe puttingin
publicinfrastructurefor a public sidewalk.Mr.DePaolo responded thatthere is anothersideto
this because we do not know how Mr.Foote feels about the wall deteriorating to the point where
he loses his side and front lawn, we can assume he is opposed to that as well but it seemed to him
that we have more bargaining powerthan we have been willing to exercise. It seems somewhere
alongthe line we agreedto do whateverhe wants andpay for it andthat doesn't need to be the
case. Mr. Goodman responded that that is the other big questions,do we want to pay for it and
how would we if we do; grants, spread it out, establish sidewalk districts, etc. because none of
the options are cheap.
Ms. Leary stated that she is leaningtowarddoing nothingbecauseit soundslike pedestrianswill
continue to use the path that is there. It might not be perfectbut it is a small neighborhood and it
TBS 3-21-2016 pg 5
hasbeenusedthatwayfor years and years andif weget involved it mightmakeit worsefor us
and open up additional expenses and liabilities.
Mr. Goodman wanted to moveon and suggested the Board read the materials and visit the site
and the Board can discuss it at the study session.
4.Discuss draft language ofa proposedmoratorium on new 2-famiIy dwellings,the
addition ofa seconddwellingunit to an existing l-family dwellingunit
Mr. Goodman asked for questions to list.
Mr.Howe said that he still has a question about whether the full year is needed adding that he
knows there is a lot of homework to do on the issue but it will have economic impacts to
residents.
Ms.Bleiwas asked if there was a plan for moving forward and studying what needs tobe studied.
Ms.Leary asked ifwe could do exceptions oran overlay ordowe need todothe whole town.
She thought there was a potential to not apply the moratorium everywhere.
Mr.Goodman reported that he met with Travis Cleveland's attorney,David Tyler,last week and
requested thatthe language be changed to accommodate the subdivision thatMr.Travis has
because some of the lots have been used as security for a mortgage for the construction of the
infrastructure by Bellasario and the Bellasario is planning on calling the mortgage and take 7 lots
because although he had potential buyers for three lots,they fell through with the possibility of
the moratorium.
Mr.Goodman started with the length and plan for the moratorium and Mr.DePaolo stated that
the most outstanding and difficult question is whether to require owner occupancy and where and
how do we apply that if we do choose to do that.The other issue is how to keep track of that.
One way is cross referencing tax bills or a full blown rental registry.He stated that we do have
examples and have done a research and as for the length,it takes time to devise legislation and
move it through the committees so if we go with 6 months,the likelihood of needing an
extensionishigh. Hethoughta yearis reasonable.
Mr.DePaolo spoke to the carving out sections also saying that it is very dangerous because
people will say "why not me"and if Mr.Travis is talking about a hardship,there is a hardship
waiver in the law and he can come to the board and lay out his case and potentially be granted a
waiver and that would force anyone else to do the same.If we open the door based on
geographic grounds,we don't have a moratorium we have an arbitrary implementation.He
thought the waiver system seemed very streamlined and easy to administer.
Ms.Leary responded that she can see Mr.DePaolo's point about geographic but what about a
development that is already far along such as Mr.Travis'but at least there is a waiver process.
She added that she still has the basic question of whether we need a moratorium to study the
issue;do we need to stop construction while we change the law.
TBS3-21-2016 pg 6
Mr. Goodmanstatedthat he is in favorof the full yearbecausehe believeswe will needthat time
and heis hoping that some of the questions that will be answered are should we be allowing
duplexes in the town and close the loophole as well as have some design standards.Are there
certain areas where we say they are far enough along in student rentals that we say those areas
are student areas and allow more apartment sized buildings rather than have them try and get as
many people inas possible by loopholes and pushing the envelope.We ask developers what
they would liketodoand work onitthat way.He thought that in some ways,what we come out
with is going tobe more liberal for developers than what we have but add standards so they are
somewhat appealing.
Ms.Hunter agreed with the length andthe waiver process and added thatinthat process it might
help inform the Board on what the developers wantand Mr.Howe agreed,saying the flexibility
is importantto him if we are goingto go withthe full year.
Ms. Hunter asked what the 45 day lead time was for and Mr. Goodman responded that it is
probablybasedon past moratoriums andto accommodate ourmeeting schedule.
The Board decided to leave the draft as proposed.
5.Supervisor's Outlook for 2016 (Attachment 2)
Mr.Goodman reviewed his Outlook for 2016 focusing on discussing cost sharing with Cornell
regarding Maplewood and Ithaca College regarding fire protection;drafting new zoning;Union
Contracts and future staffing;Social Media and phone system upgrades;Trails,City Park
Contributions and Six Mile Creek gorge issues.
6.Departmental Reports and Goals for 2016 (Attachment 2)
Mr.Goodman asked if anyone had questions on any of the departmental reports.
Ms. Hunter asked about the Planning Department's Zoning Report and the drafting of the new
zoning and in particular, whether we will be using anyoutside consultantsto help with that. She
especially wanted to make sure we have some landscape architects involvedbecause she is
concerned with recent building in the City and the setbacks. She would like to see more tree
lawns and the incorporation of natural features in our densified areas. She stated that she has
gone to a number of the charrettes and commented and doesn't feel they were heard. She thought
people in the town value their yards and the charrettes planners seem to want to put as much as
possible on each lot to maximize tax revenue.
Ms. Hunter thought our time is stretched and she didn't want it to take a very long time so using
consultants would help and benefit us.
Ms.Ritter responded that we are using Form Ithaca right now and if the NYSERDA grant
monies run out,she would be interested in keeping them going and as far as the revising the
existing zoning, she sees that as happening in-house with oversight from the Form Ithaca people
TBS 3-21-2016 pg 7
who are very familiar with Ithaca and our zoning.Down the road when we have todo the SEQR
forthe rezoning,she anticipates outside contractors for things like traffic studies.
Ms.Ritter added that Planning staffis sensitive tothe fact that you need shade as you walk down
the sidewalk andthereisa certain level of empathy for landscaping aswemove forward.She
added that there are a lot of resourcesup at Cornell and a document from them that deals with
landscaping guidelines.
7.Report on Association of Towns Meeting
Mr.Goodman reported that as for the tax cap this coming year,the State is only looking at
whether the School District is staying under the cap,notthe municipalities.
Mr.Howe reported that there was no major insights learned but it was at the meeting but he did
say it was interesting to get some background;he went to the a presentation by NYCOM called
Working together for a better New York and it was interesting to see how at that level they are
tryingtobecooperativeand NYSAC didsaythat it ishard sometimes becausethe levelshave
such different responsibilities.
Mr.Howe stated that he went to some others on inter-municipal cooperation and it was
interesting to see how smaller towns handle responsibilities when they have less or no
professional staff.
Mr.Howe reported on a few more but again,there was a lot more focus on the municipalities
that do not have staff butit was good to get background.
Ms.Blei was stated that she choice a variety of classes with a focus on employee relations and a
lot were introductory and very useful for her as a new member such as budgeting,solar energy,
policies and such.
Ms.Hunter reported that she focused on the Mortgage Authority and subsidized housing and
spent a fair amount of time talking to the Department of State and vendors regarding
landscaping.She added that it is always good to talk to other municipalities and interesting to
lookatthe operation of the organization itself.
Mr.Goodman thanks Ms.Hunter for being our representative and moving a vote on the bylaw
amendments we put forth last year.It failed as expected but there are some more we may try and
work on.
8.Continue discussion on Sign Law revisions -Moved to next meeting.
Mr.DePaolo asked ifit could be at the front of the next agenda because it keeps getting put off
and he had a number or questions.Mr.Goodman asked if members could get their questions in
writing so they could be handed out and looked at ahead of time so members are familiar with
them and also if there were some simple questions,he might be able to answer them as Chair
one-on-one.
TBS 3-21-2016 pg 8
9. Discuss City plan for eliminating parking on sections of N. Tioga Street
TheBoard discussed theCity's proposals for eliminating parking insomeformonN.Tioga
Streetto accommodate a biking boulevard andeverymembertalkedaboutthe importance of the
10minute parking for residents doing business at Town Hall, County Offices and the Post
Office. These are all public buildings and should be available for short term business
transactions. Ms. Leary also notedthat peoplewith mobilityissuesreallyrelyon those spots and
Mr.Howeaddedthatthoseon thissideof the streetarebetterforthosewithchildrenso you
don't have to cross thestreetandMr.DePaoloaddedthat to puta bikeboulevardto
accommodate some doesn't balance the needs of all and at the least there should be other 10-
minute spots made somewhere. Ms. Hunter agreed and thought the Post Office must have to
have parking available but Mr.Goodman didn't think so.
Mr. Goodmanwill writea letterto the Citystating that the Boardis againstremovingany
parking spots and if they do remove them, they should be replaced elsewhere in the block.
10.Committee reports -Limited reports
11.Consent Agenda
TB Resolution 2016 -053:Adopt Consent Agenda
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithacahereby approves and/or adopts the
following Consent Agenda items:
a.Approval of Town Board Meeting Minutes of February 22,2016
b.Approval of Town of Ithaca Abstract
c.Appoint Planning Board Alternate
d. Approvalof NYSERDA contractextensionand authorizationfor Supervisorto sign
Moved:Eric Levine Seconded:Pamela B leiwas
Vote:Ayes -Levine,Bleiwas,Leary,Goodman,Howe,DePaolo and Hunter
TB Resoiution 2015 -053 a:Approval of Minutes of February 22,2016
Whereas, the draft Minutes of the February 22,2016 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 of February 22,2016 of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca.
TB Resolution 2016 -053b:Town of Ithaca Abstract
Whereas the following numbered vouchers have been presented to the Ithaca 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
TBS 3-21-2016 pg 9
Resolved that the governingTown Board hereby authorizes the payment of the said
vouchers in total for the amounts indicated.
VOUCHER NOS.306 -406
General Fund Town wide 26,866.62
General Fund Part Town 15,903.03
Highway Fund Part Town 33,603.02
Water Fund 538,486.68
Sewer Fund 3,137.31
Gateway Trail 3,172.22
Sapsucker Water Tank Replace 510.30
Fire Protection Fund 255,000.00
Forest Home Lighting District 277.84
Glenside Lighting District 19.46
Renwick Heights Lighting District 33.77
Eastwood Commons Lighting District 45.57
Clover Lane Lighting District 6.04
Winner's Circle Lighting District 9.09
Burleigh Drive Lighting District 21.22
West Haven Road Lighting District 84.15
Coddington Road Lighting District 48.96
Trust and Agency 6,271.57
TOTAL 883,496.85
TB Resolution 2016 - 053c:Appointment of Planning Board Alternate Member
Be it Resolved,that Katherine Herlemanof 108LakeStreet,is appointedas thePlanning
BoardAlternatememberfor a termbeginningMarch21, 2016andendingDecember31, 2016.
TB Resolution 2016 -053d:Approval of NYSERDA contract extension and authorization
for Supervisor to sign same
Whereas NYSERDA has submitted minor changes to an existing contract with the
Town's Agreement No 39504,now therefore be it
Resolvedthat the Town Boardapprovesthe amendment and extensionof the Agreement
39504 underNick Goldsmith's administration and authorizes theTown Supervisor tosign same.
12.Adjourn Meeting was adjourned upona motion anda second at7:07 p.m.
Submitted>
Paulette Terwilliger,Town Clerk
TBS 3-21-2016 pg 10
FOREST HOME WALL EVALUATION REPORT 3/15/2016
Introduction and Background
This engineering evaluation and report was commissioned by the Townof Ithaca to address a
deteriorating retaining wallalong the north side of Forest Home Drivelocated at 228and 230 Forest
Home Drive.
Forest Home isa residential neighborhood adjacent to the Cornell Campus and the community sees a
much highervolumeoftrafficthan would normally be found on residential roads. Thesection of Forest
home drive between Warren Road and Caldwell Hill Road is approximately 20 feet wide and includes a
very narrow section with a sharp curvewhich hasan existing deteriorated concrete retainingwallon the
north side of the road.This section of Forest home drive is not suitable for high volumes of automobile
trafficor any largetruck because ofthe narrow width, the sharp curveand the one lane bridgelocated
at the eastern end of the road.
Forest Home Driveisa roadway by use and the Town of Ithaca has a Rightof Wayto maintain the road
that is assumed to be a minimum of 3 rods (49.5').The width of a Right of Way on a road by use is
determined bythe section that has been actively maintained bythe Town. Inthe caseofthissection of
road the Town does not have a history of maintaining the existing wall and the responsibility for
maintenance of the wall isin question.The proximityof the wall to the residence at 228 Forest Home
Driveand the need to protect the structural integrity of the residence as well as providingfor a walkway
that meets ADA requirements are allissues that need to be resolved to the satisfaction of the Townand
to the property owner. Thedesignofan acceptable alternative ismore than just structural and
geometric design but will also includea significant amount of cooperation and negotiation to be
sensitive to the needs of the community,the property owner and the Town.
The current road configuration along the retaining wallis constrained by the properties on both sides of
the road with very small front yard setbacks along with the utility poles, mailboxes and driveways. The
existingpavement isapproximately20feet wideat each end of the section and isreducedto 16feet of
width at the narrowest point of the sharp curve. There is currently a gravel path between the top of the
wall and the front yard of the property at both ends of the wall and a section of concrete sidewalk along
the side yard.
After meeting withJohn Foote the following summarizes hisconcerns:
1. The Primaryobjectivesof replacing the wallissafety for pedestrians and property and the
aesthetics
2.Location of the wall has been shown in the Forest Home Traffic Calming Plan as remaining in
current configuration.Past discussions have been understood that the current sidewalk and
wall configuration willbe maintained
3.NYSDOT requirements are for wallsover three feet in height and localrequirements may
govern
4.Sidewalk width is shown as 4' in the traffic calming plan with 3'in constricted areas
5.Fencing isnot required and should be excluded
6. Forest home isa designated Scenic Byway and design should be compliant
7. Traffic restrictions to exclude large trucks are require
Town of Ithaca Forest home Wall
Page I 2
Existing Conditions
The existing wall is approximately 250 feet long on Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel 66.-3-16,and because the
topography varies along the wall there are five distinct sections.
Section 1
This section starts on the North West end of the existing walland extends approximately 25' to the
House front walkfrom the porch to the road. Thegravel path inthis area isapproximately 1 foot higher
than the edge of pavement and there is approximately 10 feet of lawn between the edge of pavement
and the edge of the walkway. There are two mature Russian olive trees located between the path and
the roadway inthis area.The original wall height in this section varies from 6" to 1'in height.There isa
2 foot wide gravel shoulder between the pavement and base of the wall inthis area.
lABELlA
SEaiONl LOOKING EAST
SEaiON 1 LOOKING WEST
Town of Ithaca Forest home Wall
Paga I 3
LABELIA
Town of Ithaca Forest home Wall
Page 14
Section 2
This section starts at the edge of the front walkfrom the house and extends 70 feet alongthe existing
wall.The wall in this section is closest to the house at 228 Forest Home Drive with the north west end a
distance of approximately 21 feet from the porch,the curved portion of the wall which isa distance of
approximately 12 feet from the corner of the porch and the east end of the section approximately 21
feet from the house. Thewall is2feet highinthis section. There is25 feet of a three foot wide gravel
path on the north part of the section and 45 feet of concrete walkon the east end. Thegrade of the
path and walk are approximately 2'above the edge of road in this section.
The roadway is narrowed along this section and the wall has been damaged by multiple vehicle impacts
over the years.Several pieces of the wall have been broken off and the soil behind the wall has settled
to a natural angle of repose,resulting in a stable slope between the walkway and the roadway.
The gravel shoulder between the pavement and base of the wall in this section varies from 2 feet at
each end to less than a foot at the curve.
SECTION 2 LOOKING EAST
lABELlA
SEaiON 2 FACE OF WALL
Town of Ithaca Forest home Wall
Page 15
lABELlA
Town of Ithaca Forest home Wall
Page I 6
SECTION 2 FACE OF WALL
Section 3
This section starts at the end of Section 2 and extends 35 feet to the west edge of the driveway.The
existing wall inthis section Is not parallel to the house and distance from the house varies from 20 to 30
feet.The wall height is 2 feet at the west end and 1.5 feet at the east end.The yard and sidewalk in this
section varies from about 2 feet above the edge of the road at the west end to approximately 3 feet at
the east end adjacent to the driveway. The concrete sidewalk is approximately 5 feet from the wall at
the west end of the section and 10 feet from the wall at the driveway on the east end of the section.
The gravelshoulder Is approximately 3 feet wide at the west end of the section and is5 feet wide at the
east end.The concrete wail has a slight radius at the intersection with the driveway.
Ml,'
0
SEaiON 3
lABELlA
SEaiON 3
Section 4
Town of Ithaca Forest home Wall
Page 17
This section starts at the west edge of the driveway,crosses the IS foot wide gravel driveway and
extends 25 feet to the west edge of the barn.There is a 3'wide gravel path from the east side of the
driveway extending to the end of this section.The driveway is fairly steep as there is a 3 foot elevation
difference between the pavement and the point where the sidewalk crosses the driveway.
The wall on the east side of the driveway is approximately 18" high and there isa broken section of
concrete wall at the east side of the driveway curb cut.The gravel shoulder in this area varies from 3'to
2'in width.
The 3 foot wide gravel path isfive feet from the wall at the west end of the section to three feet from
the wall at the east end of the section.The west end of the path is3 feet above the road surface at the
west end and 2 feet above the pavement at east end.
lABELlA
SECTION 4 AT THE DRIVEWAY
w
SEaiON 4
i
Town of Ithaca Forest home Wall
Page I 8
lABELlA
Town of Ithaca Forest home Wall
Page I 9
Section 5
This section Is the last 50 feet of the existing retaining wall. The difference in elevation between the
edge of pavement and the path is approximately 18" at the west end of the section and less than a foot
at the east end.
The wall on the section is approximately 18" high. The gravel shoulder in this area varies from 2 feet in
width at the west end to 4 feet at the east end of the section.
The 3 foot wide gravel path is five feet from the wall at the west end of the section and three feet from
the wall at the east end of the section.The west end of the path Is2 feet above the road surface at the
west end and 1 foot above the pavement at east end.
SEaiON 5 FACE OF WALL
LABELIA
SEaiON 5 LOOKING WEST
Town of Ithaca Forest home Wall
Page I 10
lABELlA
Town of Ithaca Forest home Wall
Page 111
SECTION 5 LOOKING WEST FROM END OF BRIDGE APPROACH
EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES
The Town of Ithaca has requested that several alternatives be evaluated and presented to the Town
Board.
FIRST ALTERNATIVE -DO NOTHING
The first alternative considered is to do nothing and current conditions will continue:
1.Remnants of existing wall will remain
2. The existing path will remain
3. The Town will not have maintenance responsibility for wall or sidewalk
4. Town responsibility will be to maintain traveled roadwayand gravel shoulder only
Expected impacts at each section willbe:
Section 1
This section will have minimal impacts as the remnant of the existing wall is basically a curb transitioning
to a gravelshoulder. The existing slopeis minimal and nolongterm changesinconditionare expected.
Section 2
This section has the highestsection of originalwalland isalsointhe worst condition. Thisalternative
will result in continued degradation of the walland additional failures resulting in some cleanup related
to removal of portions ofwallfrom the road surface as has happened inthe past. The soilbehind the
wallwillstabilize in a slope which mayimpact the path at the points closest to the wall. There may be
degradation of the path condition with this alternative.
Section 3
This alternative willresult in continued degradation of the walland additional failures resulting in some
cleanup related to removal of portionsof wall fromthe roadsurfaceas has happened inthe past. The
soil behind the wall will stabilize ina slope which willprobably not impact the sidewalk because of the
space between the walland sidewalk.
Section 4
Degradationofthe wall inthisarea mayimpactthe driveway asthe west end ofthe retaining wall
supports the driveway.Somecleanuprelatedto removal ofportionsof wall fromthe roadsurface
should be expected. Thesoilbehindthe wall will stabilize ina slope which will probably not impactthe
path because of the space between the walland the path
Section 5
lABELIA
Town of Ithaca Forest home Wall
Page I 12
There will be minimal impact as the waii islow and there islittie grade change between the road
pavement and the path.
ESTIMATED COST OF THE DO NOTHING ALTERNATIVE
There will be no capital costs for this alternative.There willbe minimal costs related to removing debris
from the road surface as the wall continues to faii.
SECOND ALTERNATIVE -REPLACE WALL WITH CAST IN PLACE RETAINING WALL IN EXISTING
LOCATION
This aiternative would consist of construction of a cast in place reinforced concrete retaining wall in the
existing iocation with the same profiie as the originalwall.
This option would require acquisition of an easement or fee ownership of Rightof Way by the Town if
constructed as a capital project.
Section 1
This section of wail can be replaced with a 6"highcurb in the existing wall location with minimai grading
of the tree lawn to maintain a continuous surface.No modification to the gravel path is necessary.
There is sufficient room to instaii a four foot sidewaik inthis area with no change in grade necessary.
The section of walk between the path and the curb would be removed and regarded as the property
owner has indicated that removal is acceptable.
Section 2
A cast in place retaining wail inthis section would consist of a 1' high retaining wallin the existing
aiignment.This section wouid incorporate a lO'Veinforced concrete wall with a 4'wide foundation siab
constructed at a 4'depth.The existing grade difference between the road way and the lawn would be
maintained and the current path location couid be maintained,if the Town took ownership of this wall
and the existing path was to be maintained by the Town a guide railor fence along the top of the wall
would be required for protection of the public.
Section 3
A cast in place retaining wali in this section wouid consist of a 1'high retaining wali in the existing
aiignment.This section wouid incorporate a 10"reinforced concrete waii with a 4' wide foundation slab
constructed at a 4'depth.The existing grade difference between the road way and the lawn would be
maintained and the current path location could be maintained.If the Town took ownership of this wall
and the existing path was to be maintained by the Town a guide rail or fence along the top of the wall
would be required for protection of the public.
Section 4
lABELIA
Town of Ithaca Forest home Wall
Page I 13
Acast Inplace retaining wall in this section would consist of an 18" high retaining wall in the existing
alignment.This section would incorporate a lO'Veinforced concrete wall with a 4'wide foundation slab
constructed at a 4'depth.The existing grade difference between the road way and the lawn would be
maintained and the current path location could be maintained.If the Town took ownership of this wall
and the existing path was to be maintained by the Town a guide rail or fence along the top of the wall
would be required for protection of the public.
Section 5
Thissection of wall can be replaced with a 35'long section of 18" high retaining wall along the section
adjacent to the barn and a 30 foot long section of 6" highcurb in the existing wall location with minimal
grading of the tree lawn to maintain a continuous surface.Nomodification to the gravel path is
necessary. There is sufficient room to install a four foot sidewalk in this area with no change in grade
necessary.
ESTIMATED COST OF THE SECOND ALTERNATIVE
The total estimated cost for replacing the existingwall with a cast in place reinforced concrete wall is
$110,000 forthe retaining walland an additional $12,000 for the sidewalk. Installationof a fence ifthe
Townisresponsiblefor the wallwould add $3,400 to the project cost, for a total project cost of
$125,400.
THIRD ALTERNATIVE -REPLACE WALL WITH PRECAST WALL UNITS IN EXISTING LOCATION
This alternative would consist of construction of a large block precast wallin the existing location with
the same profile as the original wall.
This option would require acquisition of an easement or fee ownership of Right of Way by the Town if
constructed as a capital project.
Section 1
This section of wall can be replaced with a 6" high curb in the existing wall location with minimal grading
of the tree lawn to maintain a continuous surface.No modification to the gravel path is necessary.
There issufficient room to install a four foot sidewalk in this area with no change in grade necessary.
The section of walk between the path and the curb would be removed and regarded as the property
owner has indicated that removal is acceptable.
Section 2 and 3
A precast concrete gravity retaining wall system in this section would consist of a 2' high retaining wall in
the existing alignment.Precast Concrete Block Gravitywalls are constructed of large interlocking
concrete blocks. TypicalBlocks are 16" high and 4' to 8' wide invarying depths depending on the height
of wall and the sloped surcharge above the wall. This section would incorporate a precast concrete
block wall on a 12"deep crushed stone base.The existing grade difference between the road way and
lABELlA
Town of Ithaca Forest home Wall
Page I 14
the lawn would be maintained and the current path location could be maintained.If the Town took
ownership of this wall and the existing path was to be maintained by the Town a guide rail or fence
along the top of the wall would be required for protection of the public.
Section 4
A precast concrete gravity retaining wall system in this section would consist of an 18"'high retaining
wall in the existing alignment.This section would incorporate a precast concrete block wall on a 12"
deep crushed stone base.The existing grade difference between the road way and the lawn would be
maintained and the current path location could be maintained.If the Town took ownership of this wall
and the existing path was to be maintained by the Town a guide railor fence along the top of the wall
would be required for protection of the public.
Section 5
This section of wall can be replaced with a 35' long section of 18" high retaining walland a 30 foot long
section of 6" high curb in the existing wall location with minimal grading of the tree lawn to maintain a
continuous surface.No modification to the gravel path is necessary.There is sufficient room to install a
four foot sidewalk in this area with no change in grade necessary.
ESTIMATED COST OF THE THIRD ALTERNATIVE
The total estimated cost for replacing the existing wall with a large block precast concrete wall is
$85,000 for the Wall and an additional $12,000 for the sidewalk.Installation of a fence if the Town is
responsible for the wallwould add $3,400 to the project cost, for a total cost of $100,400.
FOURTH ALTERNATIVE -RELOCATE RETAINING WALL AND INSTALL CURB IN LOCATION OF EXISTING
WALL
This alternative would consist of eliminating the need for a heavy wall by placing a curb in the location
of the existing wall and regrading the yard and utilizing landscaping features to establish a sidewalk.
This option would require acquisition of an easement or fee ownership of Rightof Way by the Town.
Section 1
This section of wall would be replaced with a 6" high curb in the existing wall location with minimal
grading of the tree lawn to maintain a continuous surface.Nomodification to the gravel path is
necessary. There issufficient room to installa four foot sidewalk inthis area with no change ingrade
necessary.The section of walk between the path and the curb would be removed and regraded as the
property owner has indicated that removal is acceptable.
Section 2
lABELIA
Town of Ithaca Forest home Wall
Page I 15
Thissection ofwallwould be replaced with a 6" highcurb inthe existingwalllocation with regradingof
the lawn and path by excavating approximately 18 inches ofsoiland usinga Precast Stepped
Landscapingblockwall12 to 18 inches highto preserve the existing foundation planting bed at the
pinch point of the curve. The landscapingand regradingwould start at the lO'east of edge of the house
walk and extend approximately 40 feet along the existing planting beds.A 6"curb would be installed at
the locationof the existingwall. Afour foot sidewalkmaybe constructed in the existinglocation witha
2 foot setback from the face of the curb.
Inthis section an option to Install 24"timber beam guide railbehind the curb on curve with the primary
purpose of prevent run up on curve due to the close proximity of the sidewalk to the road.This would
not normally be required on low speed roadways with truck traffic restrictions,but due to the narrow
pavement and history of impacts with the wall it can be justified to protect pedestrians.
Section 3
Thissection of wallcan be replaced with a 35 foot longsection of 6" highcurb in the existingwall
location witha slope of V in 3'gradingof the tree lawnto the locationof the existingsidewalk. Some
grading of the lawn would be required ifa 4 foot wide side walk was constructed.
Section 4
Thissection of wallcan be replaced with a 25foot longsection of 6" highcurb in the existing wall
location with a slope of V in 3'gradingof the tree lawnto the locationof the existingpath. No
modification to the gravel path is necessary. Some gradingof the lawnand driveway would be required
if a 4 foot wide side walk was constructed.
Section 5
Thissection of wallcan be replaced with a 65 foot longsection of 6" highcurb in the existing wall
location with minimal grading of the tree lawn to maintain a continuous surface.No modification to the
gravel path is necessary.There is sufficient room to install a four foot sidewalk in this area with no
change in grade necessary.
ESTIMATED COST OF THE FOURTH ALTERNATIVE
Thetotal estimated cost for replacingthe existing wall by lowering the grade and installing a curband
guiderail is$72,000, with an additional cost of$12,000 for the sidewalkfor a total cost of $84,000.
lABELIA
PROJECT g g ST 14c.M r rnAit SHEET OF
PROJECT NO.CALC.BY_2L^JLii_DATEAssociates,RC.
ENGINeERING.AflCHITECTURE.ENVmONMEKTAL.PLAHHINQ
300 State street.Suite 201 • Rochester, NY14614
''hone 585.454.6110 •Fax 585.454.3066
Aww.labeilapc.com
SBctIOM 2.
SUBJECT St TC SCALE
,V'
>.)
dP
^P (-A c ^UO A-C I ?CA.C ^
^/
/''4?cue-e>
I ^f/i<.p-/.,-A
Cu(crp '"CATtL iPacC
Kp..TL(,A/.'^(P—
a.C (p
A'f (Tc-r-
ttt-Am r fVi 'L.
Pof_c'-
lABELlA
Associates,RC.
ENQINEERINO.ARCHITECTURE.ENVIRONMENTAL.PLANNINa
300 State Street, Suite 201 • Rochester, NY14614
Phone 585.454.6110 • Fax 585.454.3066
www.labellapc.com
^B^cST/oN 3
O v<\
i/?d ^^<^3
PROJECT ht-6^E shftt 0F_
PROJECT NO.CALC.BY 1>£|a/DATE
SUBJECT S SCALE
r(\
>
k
A
&
o
to
Oo
^\
CO
(
i
€b
f-
2
o
c!i
c/
U
lABELlA
Associates,RC.
ENQtNEERINO.ARCKITECTURE.ENVIRONMENTAL.PLANNtNG
300 State Street.Suite 201 •Rochester.NY14614
Phone 585.454.6110 •Fax 585.454.3066
www.labellapc.com ^
Cr
5Ect7C/vS ^
PROJECT
PROJECT NO.CALC.BY
SUBJECT ^O AJ C (£-T F.TC <;
4
«:>
qd
1
X
A
7^
i£i
vTs
?-
S;
(1\
i \
>5(0
SHEET OF
LX/J DATE
SCALE
OD
o
o
<
Q)
>
k
0
cd
lABELIA
Associates,D.RC.
EKSINESRINa.ARCHITECTURE.EMVIRONMENTAL.PLANNINQ
300 State Street,Suite 201 •Rochester,NY14614
Phone 585.454.6110 •Fax 585.454.3066
www.lat}ellapc.com
PROJECT F U-O M ^lUAC i •
PROJECT NO.CALC.BY
SUBJECT IA/AL.L S
CAiT IH PuAcE bO^LU
/ft'—ij
i.Ho'-iTVf
6 ^5"^'-^®
.SHEET OF.
DATE
SCALE
lABELlA
Associates,QRC.
EiiaiNIERINaJil(CHITECTilRE.ENVIRONKENTAL.PUNNINQ
300 state Street, Suite 201 • Rochester, NY14614
Phone 585.454.6110 •Fax 585.454.3066
www.labeliapc.com
PROJECT
PROJECT NO..
SUBJECT__
B Lock
t [Z.U{
CALC. BY_
.SHEET 0F_
DATE
SCALE
Cost Estimates for Alternates
SECTION DATA
SECTION 1
Length
wall hgt
path
grade
SECTION 2
Length
wall hgt
path
grade
SECTION 3
Length
wall hgt
path
grade
SECTION 4
Length
wall length
wall hgt
path
grade
SECTION 5
25 ft
0.5 ft
1 foot above pavement
gravel
70 ft
2 ft
25 ft gravel 45 ft cone
2 foot above pavement
25 ft
2 ft
25 ft
2 foot above pavement
40 ft
25
1.5 ft
3 foot above pavement west end
gravel
Length 25 ft
wall hgt low/curb
path gravel
grade 1 foot above pavement
2 foot above pavement east end
ALTERNATE 2 REPLACE WAU WITH CAST IN PLACE RETAINING WAU IN EXISTING LOCATION
Wall Section 10"thick
Foundation 4' below road grade
Foundation Slab 12"thick and 4 feet wide
Concrete Volume
Section 2 & 3
thickness height volume
wall 0.83 5.00 4.17 CUFT/FT
Base 1.00 4.00 4.00
8.17 cuft/ft=0.30
section 4 &5
wall 0.83 4.50 3.75 CUFT/FT
Base 1.00 4.00 4.00
7.75 cuft/ft=0.29
Concrete cost at $1,000 /cy $300.00
excavation and backfill $150.00
Item of work
1 Maintenance and protection of traffic
$5,000.00
2 Concrete Curb
Section 1 25 If $40.00 /If $1,000.00
Section 5 30 If $40.00 /If $1,200.00
3 retaining wall
2 70 If $450.00 /If $31,500.00
3 35 If $450.00 /If $15,750.00
4 30 If $450.00 /If $13,500.00
5 35 If $450.00 /If $15,750.00
4 Asphalt repair
2 70 If $45.00 /If $3,150.00
3 35 If $45.00 /If $1,575.00
4 30 If $45.00 /If $1,350.00
5 35 If $45.00 /If $1,575.00
5 Restoration $15,000.00
0.66666667
Total $106,350.00 $110,000.00
ALTERNATES REPLACE WALL WITH PRECAST WALL UNITS IN EXISTING LOCATION
Item of work
1 Maintenance and protection of traffic
$5,000.00
2 Concrete Curb
Section 1 25 If $40.00 /If $1,000.00
Section 5 30 If $40.00 /If $1,200.00
3 block retaining wall
2 70 If $300.00 /If $21,000.00
3 35 If $300.00 /If $10,500.00
4 30 If $300.00 /If $9,000.00
5 35 If $300.00 /If $10,500.00
4 Asphalt repair
2 70 If $60.00 /If $4,200.00
3 35 If $45.00 /If $1,575.00
4 30 If $45.00 /If $1,350.00
5 35 If $45.00 /If $1,575.00
5 Restoration $15,000.00
Total $81,900.00 $85,000
ALTERNATE 4 RELOCATE RETAINING WALL AND INSTALL CURB IN LOCATION OF EXISTING WALL
Item of work
1
2
Maintenance and protection of traffic
Concrete Curb
$5,000.00
Section 1 25 If $40.00 /If $1,000.00
2 70 If $40.00 /If $2,800.00
3 35 If $40.00 /If $1,400.00
4 30 If $40.00 /If $1,200.00
5 65 If $40.00 /If $2,600.00
4 Asphalt repair
2 70 If $25.00 /If $1,750.00
3 35 If $25.00 /If $875.00
4 30 If $25.00 /If $750.00
5 65 If $25.00 /If $1,625.00
5 excavation and landscaping restoration $50,000.00
6 Guide rail 70 If $50.00 /If $3,500.00
Total
sidewalk cost
225 If $50.00 /If $11,250.00
$72,500.00
HouseQA^8408398388370NewSplitfaceWaII12"highExiStingSidewGIk4"Thidk5'SidewalkNewBoxBeamRei I9"facetofaceCurb'9"facetofaceSidewalkExiStIngWaII
Town of Ithaca
Supervisor's Outlook for 2016
These are some of the major issues I'll be spending my time on in 2016,working in
conjunction with the Town Board and Town Staff:
FINANCES:
1.Ithaca College Fire Contribution -Obtain monetary contribution or remove IC
from the Town's fire district
2.Cornell Maplewood Development -Detenuine the various ways this will
impact the Town's finances and seek contributions from Cornell for same
3. Parks,Recreation & Open Space Account -Analyze and discuss plans/goals
for this Account and proper funding level
NEW ZONING:
1.Establish Working Group - To work on drafting new zoning language
PERSONNEL:
1.Union Contract -Determine negotiation positions and renew negotiations
with Teamsters
2.Analvsis of Growth Implications -Determine future needs for potential
staffing increases with expected increase in development
COMMUNICATIONS:
1.Establish Working Group - To revise Website and look at other
communication strategies (social media, newsletter, etc.)
2.Fiber Optic to PW.New Phone Svstem -Updating the Town's
communication infrastructure
INTERMUNICIPAL:
1.Six Mile Creek Gorge - Work with City and County to respond to concerns
about activities at Second Dam
2.Citv Parks Contributions -Work with City and County to determine fair
amount for parks funding
3.Trails Network -Work with County and other municipalities to help develop
Town portions of an area wide trails network
90
Town of Ithaca
Department of Public Works
To:Town Board
From:James Weber,Director of Public Works
Date:March 21,2016
Re:2016 Goals
The Public Works Department had a very productive 2015 by completing all of the
projects identified with the 2015 budget,for all of the divisions and by
responding/reacting to the requests of our customers.The staff was able to provide our
customers with a safe traveling environment during one of the harshest winters on record,
even though we ran short of road salt.
2016 Goals
General Fund:
•Plavaround Structure Replacement -This project will replace one of our aging wooden
playground structures.These wooden playground structures are no longer considered to
be safe by the insurance industry.The Town's insurance carrier has requested that,as
the Town replaces these older structures,all new equipment meet current insurance
industry safety standards.It is anticipated that Hungerford Heights Park will be the site
for the playground structure replacement in 2016.The existing structure will be removed
and replaced with a pre-manufactured,modular unit that would be assembled and
installed by Town staff.$50,000 will be allocated for this project,which will be funded
from current year revenues.
The Town has applied for a grant through the NYS Office of Parks,Recreation & Historic
Preservation that would pay 50%of the cost,up to $48,000,for replacement of
playground equipment over a two year period.This would include the replacement of
playground equipment at Hungerford Heights Park in 2016,and Grandview Park
scheduled for 2017.
•South Hill Trail Culvert Replacement -This is an ongoing program for replacement of the
culverts under the South Hill Trail.The alignment of the South Hill Trail follows an
abandoned railroad right-of-way,and many of these culverts were originally installed with
the construction of the railroad. This work will be done by Town staff.$25,000 will be
allocated for purchase of materials,which will be funded from current year revenues.
•East Ithaca Recreation Wav Culvert Replacement - This is for replacement of a long
storm drain culvert under the East Ithaca Recreation Way.The alignment of this trail
follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way,and this culvert was originally installed with
the construction of the railroad.This work will be done by Town staff.$25,000 will be
allocated for purchase of materials,which will also be funded from current year revenues.
• Elm Street Extenslon/Cov Glen Creek Culvert Improvements - During heavy rains in
August 2013,the downstream slope of the embankment over the Coy Glen Creek culvert
under the Elm Street Extension collapsed and washed away.This collapse left the
embankment weakened,threatening the possible collapse of the roadway,and exposed
approx.20' of the 60"diameter culvert pipe. An examination of the culvert pipe revealed
several holes in the exposed section which likely contributed to the collapse.It was
originally estimated that to remove the roadway and embankment,remove and replace
the culvert,and then rebuild the embankment and roadway could cost as much as $2
million.
In an effort to avoid this staggering cost,the Public Works Department made repairs to
the exterior of the exposed culvert pipe early in 2014.In May,the headwall at the mouth
of the pipe was rebuilt using select rip-rap.Following completion of the headwall,the
embankment slope was rebuilt.The cost for this work was approx.$10,000 for materials.
This project will complete the repair of the culvert by installing a new,smaller diameter
pipe inside the existing culvert pipe. This new pipe will reinforce the exterior repairs
made to the pipe in early 2014,and provide a smooth interior surface which will increase
the hydraulic properties of the pipe,and also reduce the probability that logs and other
debris could become jammed in the pipe again.This work will be contracted out.The
estimated cost of this work is $250,000,which will be funded from current year revenues.
Highway Fund:
Town Line Road Improvements - This is a reconstruction project to address deteriorating
pavement conditions,including various drainage improvements.The estimated cost of
this work is $150,000,which will be funded by issuing new long-term debt.
Sand Bank Road Improvements - This is a reconstruction project to address deteriorating
pavement conditions and improve site lines along the upper section of Sand Bank Road.
Contributing to the pavement deterioration is poor drainage failures and the extremely
harsh conditions encountered during the winters of 2013-2014 and 2014-2015.This
project will include removal of the existing pavement and base,improvement of site lines
where practicable,installation of new base materials and asphalt overlay,and various
drainage improvements.
The estimated cost of this work is $650,000,which will be funded partly by issuing new
long-term debt,and partly with $300,000 of remaining bond proceeds from the 2014 bond
issue for Sand Bank Road.
Water Fund:
•Trumansburo Road Water Tank Replacement -Constructed circa 1932 {last rehabilitation
was 2000), the existing steel tank is 48' in diameter by 38' in height, with a storage
capacity of 500,000 gallons. This tank supplies 200 customers with an average of
150,000 gallons of water per day.Past inspections have indicated the need for
increasing levels of maintenance.The estimated cost of this work is $900,000,which will
be funded by issuing new long-term debt.
• Pine Tree Road Water Tank Replacement -Constructed circa 1954,the existing steel
tank is 344' in diameter by 30' in height, with a storage capacity of 200,000 gallons.This
tank supplies 450 customers with an average of 160,000gallons of water per day.Past
inspections have indicated the need for increasing levels of maintenance.The estimated
cost of this work is $600,000, which will also be funded by issuing new long-term debt.
Northeast Area Water Main improvements -Phase 1
Sapsucker Woods Road Water Mains - The installation date of the water main along
Sapsucker Woods Road is 1959.There have been significantwater main breaks along
the section of pipe since 2010.This project will provide for the replacement of 2,250 lineal
feet of water mains at an estimated cost of $425,000.
Christopher Circle Water Mains - The installation date of the water main along
Christopher Circle is 1959.As part of the Northeast Water Study, this main will be placed
on the Sapsucker Tank Grid to raise pressures to industry standards.There have been
water breaks on this section of water main already.Given its age and break history, it will
need to be replaced before the switch to the higher pressure zone.This project will
provide for the replacement of 1,650 lineal feet of water mains at an estimated cost of
$325,000.
Park Lane Water Main - In response to a significant number of main breaks since 2010,
approximately 2,400 linear feet of main will be replaced.The estimated project cost will
be $500,000.00.
Sewer Funp:
•Sewer Rehabilitation - This is an on-going maintenance project to eliminate water
infiltration into the sewer mains and reduce blockages.Selected sewer mains will first be
thoroughly cleaned,and then slip-lined with cured in-piace plastic pipe. This project is
estimated to cost $250,000 and will be funded from current year revenues.
•Manhole Rehabilitation - This is also an on-going maintenance project to reduce water
infiltration into manholes,rebuild inverts and reduce blockages.This project will be
budgeted for $50,000 and will also be funded from current year revenues.
•Gatewav Trail -The Gateway Trail project is located on South Hill along the boundary of
the Town and City of Ithaca.The project involves the development of a multi-use trail
that would provide bicycle and pedestrian connections between the existing South Hill
Recreation Way at Hudson Street,Buttermilk Falls State Park,the existing bridge over
NYS Route 13,the City of Ithaca parklands,and the future Black Diamond Trail.The
proposed trail covers approximately 2 miles, with approximately 90%of the trail
alignment following an abandoned railroad right-of-way.The project was awarded
$544,000 in grant funding, including design,right-of-way acquisition and construction,
with a ratio of 80%Federal funds and 20%Town funds.
Phase 1 of this project will connect the City parklands area up to Stone Quarry Road (+/-
1 mile).The estimated cost for Phase 1 is $84,000 for engineering and design,and
$350,000 for construction.The Town currently has almost $88,000 set aside to cover its
share of the costs,and staff is not requesting additional funding at this time.
Phase 2,which crosses the Emerson Plant property,will be constructed in the future as
the right-of-way and additional funding becomes available.
&TOWN OF ITHACA
215 N.Tioga Street,Ithaca,N.Y.14850
www.to wn.itha ca.ny.us
CODE ENFORCEMENT - BRUCE W. BATES, DIRECTOR
Phone (607)273-1783 • Fax (607)273-1704
codes@town.ithaca.nv.us
CODE ENFORCEMENT/ZONING
2015 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 buildings
•Plumbing
•Mechanical
• Fuel gas
•Energy conservation
•Property Maintenance
The department is also responsible for Flood Plain Management,assigning 911 addresses and
investigatingcomplaints within the Town of Ithaca (excluding the Village of Cayuga Heights).
Our current budgeted staff consists of;
• 37.5 hrs. /wk.Administration Assistant,(Lori Kofoid);
• 30 hrs./wk. Code Enforcement Officer /Electrical inspector (Charles Bruner);
• 37.5 hrs./wk. Code Enforcement Officer /Electrical inspector (Martin Kelly);
•37.5 hrs./wk.Code Enforcement Officer (Steven Williams);
•Director of Code Enforcement and Zoning (Bruce W.Bates);
• A couple of part time people at 16 weeks equivalent.
BUILDING PERMITS (See appendix A)
We did a record number of applications 688. For a more detailed report please refer to the monthly
reports given to the board at their regular Town Board meetings.
Reported Construction value of the 2015 permits was estimated about $33,359,523.30.
PERMIT RENEWALS
There were a total of 41 permits renewed in 2015.
CONSTRUCTION INSPECTIONS
This year we averaged 5 inspections on simple permits (solar, decks and reroofing) and averaged 31 or
more for a new residence.Commercial properties averaged -a higher number of inspections.
COMPLAINTS (see appendix B)
EIRE /SAFETY /OPERATING PERMIT INSPECTIONS
Fire Safety and Operating Permit inspections are being done by both Code Staff and the Ithaca Fire
Department (IFD),in the area of the town for which they are contracted to provide fire protection
services.Ithaca College and Cornell University required an increase in time for tracking and billing
inspections.Due to this increase,the Personnel and Operations Committee asked that the Director look
into ways to reduce this time which could include the involvement of the Office of Fire Prevention and
Control (OFPC) at the State level. That outcome will be in next year's report.
The department manages 345 active Operating Permits which 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. The total
Operating Permits issued for 2015 was 48. This is an area that it has been very difficult to manage due
to lack of sta^time which has caused a back log.
911
The Codes Office is assigned the responsibility of monitoring changes and assigning addresses for the
911emergency response system. We are able to track address changes in Municity, which has been
very helpful, especially when it comes to tracking address changes. We are still running into old
addressing problems, which we try to work it out with all parties involved, including the fire
departments, emergency dispatch and the property owner. A goal for next year is to utilize the
additional staff (16 week person)to work on this project.
MONTHLY REPORTS
The monthly report that is provided to the Town Board reflects the activities of the Codes office.
Any changes the Town Board would like to see in this report can be given to me and I will try to have
those changes made.
ZONING BOARD
In 2015 we started using the Zoning Board Of Appeals (ZBA)section of Municity. The program
allows us to track variances and what tasks are needed to be done, along with communication between
staff.
There 24 requests to appear before the Board;
•18 Area Variances - all granted
• 3 Special Approvals - all granted (2 were chicken)
• 1Use Variance -granted
• 2 Sprinkler Variances - both granted
The Zoning Board consists of five full members who are appointed by the Town Board and they serve
five year staged terms; Rob Rosen (term expires 2016) was re-appointed as the chairperson. Other
members of the Zoning Board are; Bill King (term expires 2020), is acting representative to the Codes
and Ordinance Committee,Chris Jung (term expires 2018),Christine Decker (term expires 2019),
George Vignaux and Caren Rubin as alternates,terms expire at the end of each year and must be
reappointed every year.John DeRosa (term expires 2017)resigned at the end of 2015.
FINANCIALLY
The 2015 Code Enforcement/Zoning Department's share of the budgeted income was $175,200. The
actualincomewas$164,950.Ourbudgetedexpenseswere$347,500andthe actualexpenseswere
$311,770.01.Whenyoucomparefinalreal numbersexpensesversesincomethis department brought
in almost 56%of its budget, an increase of10% more than last year. One must remember that an
expense of the line Item,Ithaca fire Department fire safety inspections,goes toward the Fire
department income that should be counted toward The towns fire contact,even as little as it is in
relationship to the total dollars of the contact.
CONFIRMED MAJOR PROJECT FOR NEXT YEAR
Ithaca College elevator addition to Friends Hall
Explanation of Brookdale Senior Living
Conifer senior housing
STATE MANDATED REPORT (see appendix C)
OBJECTIVES/GOALS
2015 Objectives/goals
• Improve customer service by having code officers assist constituents during certain hours of
operation,which may include same day issuance of permits for simple projects.
•Evaluate and possibly implement a contractor registration system utilizing.Operating permits.
• Work with OFPC on Fire Safety inspections at Ithaca College and Cornell University.
•Continue to assist and train other departments in using Municity
•Continue to correct 911 addressing
•Continue to advance public education
CONCLUSION
The Town of Ithaca Code Enforcement/Zoning Department enforces The Code of the Town of Ithaca
and the New York State Fire and Building Code. The Code Enforcement Department manages a
increasing daily workload. Municity is working better and has improved how we conduct business
within the department. We came in under budget on expenses and under budget on income; but still
managed to bring in 56 % of our departments expenses. We ended the year with the remodeling of the
front office area which we hope will improve efficiency and provide better service to our constituents.
Respectfully Submitted,
Bruce W.Bates,Director
Code Enforcement and Zoning Department
A//a-Y
Town of Ithaca
215 N.Tioga Street
Ithaca,NY 14850
Permit Application Report -Totals
From:1/1/2015
Permit T pe
ACCESSORY STRUCTURE
CHANGE OF USE
COMMERCIAL ADDITION
COMMERCIAL NEW
COMMERCIAL RENOVATION/ALTERATION
DECK
DEMOLITION
DOCK
ELECTRICAL ONLY
ELECTRICAL WITH BP
FENCE/RETAINING WALLS
FOUNDATION ONLY
GENERATORS
HEATING AND COOLING UNIT
INSTITUTIONAL RENOVATION/ALTERATION
MULTIPLE RESIDENCE RENOVATION/ALTER
OPERATING PERMIT
PYROTECHNICS
ROOFING
SIGN
SINGLE FAMILY RENOVATION/ALTERATION
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE ADDITION
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE NEW
SOLAR
TEMPORARY MEMBRANE STRUCTURE
TWO FAMILY RESIDENCE NEW
TWO FAMILY RESIDENCE RENOVATION/ALT
Total:
To:1/1/2016
Count
16
1
1
10
45
13
5
2
33
183
3
3
4
7
1
6
73
1
74
6
51
8
27
57
48
3
7
688
3/1
Town of Ithaca
215 N.Tioga Street
Ithaca,NY 14850
Complaints Report
From:1/1/2015 To:12/31/2015
Totals bv Complaint Type &Status
ComplaintType Complaint Status
BUILDING WITHOUT A PERMIT
FIRE SAFETY VIOLATIONS
GARBAGE
GRASS
LOCAL LAW
NOISE -Work HRS.
NYS BUILDING CODE
NYS Resldental Code
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
REPORT OF FIRE
SIGN UW
UNSECURED VACANT STRUCTURE
ZONING VIOLATION
CLOSED
OPEN
UNFOUNDED
Page 13 of 13
Total:
3/16/2016
Count
12
22
8
1
13
2
5
1
22
7
1
1
9
104
43
53
8
Building Standards
and Codes
New York Stale
Department of Stale
Divlaion of Building Standarde
and Codee
One Commerc*Plaza
99 Washington Avenue.Sutle 1190
Albany,NY 12231-0001
(518)474-4073
Fax (318)474-5788
Vr'ww.dos ry gov
Submit by Email
NEW YORK
STATE OF
^OPPORTUNITY
Print Form
19NYCRRPART1203
UNIFORM CODE;MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Uniform Code Administration and Enforcement Report
GENERAL INFORMATION
Page 1 of 6
Reporting Year;2015
Municipality Ithaca
City/Town/Village or County Town
Address 215 N.TiogaSt.
Address Ithaca NY
Zip/Postal Code
County:Tompklns
14850
•
Name of Code Official Bruce W.Bates
Title of Code Official Director
Code OfficialDOSCertification #^199-7498-B
Hours worked per week:50+
Phone Number:607-273-1783
E-mail Address:bbate$(§)town.ithaca.ny.us
To list additional Code Enforcament Offidals enforcing the UniformCodewithin your municipality/please use page 6ofthis form
CODE ENFORCEMENT
1a. Are third-party contracted services used to meet the
requirements of 19 NYCRR Part 1203?Yes 2a. Does the fire department perform Aresafety inspections?Yes a
1b.IfYes,does the third-party meet the educational
requirements of §1203.2(e)(1)?Yes •
_
2b. IfNo,who isresponsible for firesafety inspections?Code Offlda
19 NYCRR PART 12032 LOCAL LAW,ORDINANCE,REGULATION
Please listthe locallaw,ordinance or other appropriate regulation that provides forthe
administrationand enforcement ofthe NewYork State Uniform FirePreventionand Building
Code and Energy Conservation Construction Code inthis municipality:
Chapter 125 of The Code OfThe
Town Of Ithaca
19NYCRRPART1203.3(a)
3.New One-or Two-^mliy dwellings:
4. NewCommerciai/industriai buildings:
5. New Hazardous (H)occupancies:
6. New Residential (R)occupandes:
(not including One-or Two-Family)
19 NYCRR PARn2033(c)
BUILDING PERMITS (Number ofpermits Issued fiarthis reporting year)
32
12
-0-
-0-
7.Additions,alterations or repairson existing
dwellings and residential buildings or occupandes:
8.Additions,alterationsor repairson existing
commerclal/industrlal/hazardous buildings:
9.Ail other permits(pools,sheds,decks,plumbing,
HVAC,etc.)
10.Numberof CertificatesofOccupancyor
Comp/ionceIssued for all occupandes:
STOP WORK ORDERS
T1.Number ofStop WorkOrdersIssued this reporting year
19 NYCRR PARTI 2033(e)NOTIFICATION OF FIRE OR EXPLOSION
12.Have procedures been established for notification bythe chiefof your fire department(s)regarding fire
or explosion Involving any structural damage,fuel burning appliance,chimney or gas vent?
19 NYCRR PART 12033(f)UNSAFE STRUCTURES AND EQUIPMENT
13. Have procedures been established for identifyingand addressing unsafe structures and equipment?
Yes
Yes
•05-1743 (12/11 Please tyse or print leelbly -Incomplete or Uleolble fomu will be returned
161
47
485
472
13
New Yorit State
Department of State
Division of Building Standards
and Codes
One Coniinerce Plaza
99 Washtngton Avenue.Suite 1160
Albany.NY 12231-0001
(518)474-4073
Fax (518)474-5788
'•ftw.doe.ny.gov
Submit by Email
Print FormNEWYORK
STATE OF
OPPORTUNITY
Building Standards
and Codes Page 2 of6
19NYCRR PART1203
UNiFORM CODE:MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Uniform Code Administration and Enforcement Report
Reporting Year:2015 Municipality T/lthaca
19NYCRRPARTl2Cl33(g)OPERATING PERMITS (Numberofoperating permits issued forthis reporting year)
314a.Are operating permits required by the municipality?
14b. Manufacturing, storing or handling hazardous materials
in quantities exceeding those listed in Tables 2703.1.1(1),
2703.1.1 (2),2703.1.1 (3)or 2703.1.1 (4),of the Fire Code of New
York State (see 19 NYCRR Part 1225):
14c. Hazardous processes and activities,including but not
limited to,commercial and industrial operations which
produce combustible dust as a by-products,fruit and crop
ripening,and waste handling:
14d.Use of pyrotechnic devices in assembly occupancies:
Yes
-0-
-0-
-0-
14e.buildings containing one ormore areas of public
assembly with an occupant load of 100 persons or more:
14f.Buildingswhose use or occupancy classification
may pose a substantial potential hazard to public
safety,as determined by the government or agency
charged with or accountable foradministration and
enforcement of the Uniform Code:
14g.0then -0-Please Specify;
19 NYCRR PART 12033(h)FIRE SAFETY AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS
Area of Public Assembly (wiUi an occupant load of 50 or more and not an accessory use):
15b. Number of occupancies inspected inthis municipality:15a.Number of occupancies inthis municipality:24
Multiple Dwellings (not including dormitories):
16a.Number of buildings containing 3 or more dwelling units inthis munldpallty:167
16b.Totalnumber of dwelling units Inmultiple dwellings:
(contained In Item 16a)1987 16c.Numberof multipledwellingbuildings
Inspected (from Item 16a):
Commercial/Industrial occupancies (not Induded above):
17a.Number of occupancies inthis municipality:80 17b.Numberofoccupanciesinspectedinthis municipality:
19 NYCRR PART 1203 SPECIAL INSPEaiONS
1Sa. Arespecial Inspeaions required by the municipality?Yes 3
Yes •18b. Doesthe munidpality retain special inspection reports?
1Scis a statement of special inspections required as part of a
condition for permit Issuance?
18d.Arespecialinspection reports required to be submitted prior
to the issuance ofa certificateof compliance or completion?
20
13
75
N/A
Yes 3
Yes e
19 NYCRR PART 1203 CODE COMPLIANCE
19a.Has your municipality adopted more restrictivelocalstandards(requirements) to the UniformFire Prevention and BuildingCode (Uniform Code)?
I Yes,Residential only ^Yes,Commercial only 1 Yes,Commercial and Residential |No
t9b.IfYes,hasa petition been filedwith the State FirePrevention and BuildingCode Councilper ExecutiveLaw Article 18 Section379?
^Yes |~No |~Unknown
20a.Has your municipality adopted morerestrictivelocalstandards (requirement)to the State EnergyConservation Construction Code (Energy Code)?
|~Yes,Residential only |Yes,Commercial only |Yes,Commercial and flesldential p<No
20b. IfYes,hasthemore restrictive local standard (requiremmts)forthe Energy Codebeen filed withtheCode Council,per Energy Law (Artkie 11-§109)?
r"Yes I No I Unknown
DOS-1743 (12/11)Please type or print lealbly*Incomplete or lileolble foims will be returned
New Yodt State
Dapartmant of Stale
Oivialon of Building Standards
and Codes
One Commerce Plaza
99 WKhington Avenue,Suite 1160
Albany. NY 12231-0001
(518)474-4073
Fax;(518)474-5766
www.cios.ny.gov
Submit by Email
NEWYORK
STATE OF
OPPORTUNITY.
Building Standards
and Codes
Print Form
Page 3 of6
19NyCRR PART 1203
UNIFORM CODE:MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Uniform Code Administration and Enforcement Report
Reporting Year:2015 Municipality T/lthaca
19NYCRR PART 1203 CODE COMPLIANCE
21. Has the munldpality adopted Greenor Sustainable Building Standards for construction?
r*Yes,Residential only f Yes,Commerclalonly p"Yes,Commerdal and Residential |x No
22. Pleasecheckallprocedures used bythe municipality to ensurecompliancewiththe UniformCoda:
[)^Field Inspections Plan Reviews ^Software Report^rlnt-out ^Compliance Check List
P Other (Please Specify):
23. Pleasecheckallprocedures used bythe municipality to ensurecompliance with the Energy Code:
15?Reld Inspections |5?Plan Reviews JJ?Software Report/Prlnt-out
r*Other (Please Specify):
24.On average,howmanysiteinspectionsare conducted forUniformCode complianceforeach newresidentialbuilding?
PO Pi P2 P3 (•4 or more
25. On average, how many site inspections are conducted for Uniform Code compliance foreach new commercial building?
P 0-2 P 3-5 P 6-9 P 10-14 (•ISormore
26. Onaverage, how many site Inspections are conducted for Energy Code compliance foreach new residential building?
PO Pi P2 P3 (•4 or more
27. Onaverage,howmany site inspectionsareconducted forEnergyCode complianceforeach newcommercial building?
PO PI P2 P3 {•4 or more
ComplianceCheck List
19NYCRRPART1203 ENERGY CODE
28. Basedon the munlclpallt/s records,what method ofEnergyCodecomplianceIssubmitted mostoftenfor Residential construction?
(RankIn order from 1 to 6,with 1 being the most used method)
Software RESCheck •Trade-off Method a PrescriptiveMethod
Other Software Method El Worksheets (DOS Web site)El Energy Analysis Method
29. Basedon the munlcipalit/s records,what method ofEnergyCodecomplianceIssubmitted mostoftenfor Commercial construction?
(Rankin order from 1to 6,with 1 being the most used method)
Software COMCheck
Other Software Method
DOS-1743 (12/11)
•
El
Trade-off Method
Worksheets (DOS Web site]
El
a
Prescriptive Method
Energy Analysis Method
Please type ar print legibly •Incomplete or Illegible fonns willbe retumed
3
B
El
New Yoflt Stete
Department of State
Divleion of Bulfding Standerde
and Codee
One Ccmmeree Plaza
99 Washington Avenue. Suite 11SO
Altwry,NY 12231-XOl
(518)474-4073
Fax (518)474-5788
wwwdos.ny.gov
Submit by Email
NEWYORK
STATE OF
OPPORTUNITY
Building Standards
and Codes
Print Form
Page 4 of6
19NYCRRPART12a3
UNIFORM CODE:MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Uniform Code Administration and Enforcement Report
Reporting Year:2015 Municipality T/lthaca
19NYCRRPART1203J(D
30a.Total number of all registered UniformCode
related complaints received for this reporting yean
30b. Total number of all registered Uniform Code
related complaints acted upon for this reporting yean
COMPLAINTS
31a.Total number ofall registered EnergyCode
related complaints received forthis reporting yean
31b.Total number of all registered EnergyCode
related complaints acted upon forthls reporting
yean
19NYCRRPART1203.3(j)RECORD KEEPING
32.Hasa systemofrecordsofthe featuresand aaivities specifiedin 19 NYCRR12033(a)through (1)been establishedand maintained?
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information/comments:
Yes
SIGNATURE
Name and Title of person completing this form:Bruce W.Bates -Director of Code Enforcement &Zoning
ASignatureIsnot requiredwhensubmitting this form electronicallyE-mail Address:bbates@town.lthaca.ny.us
Signature:
Phone:607-273-1783
Date:2/8/2016
a
Title 19NYCRR Part 1203,requires every dty.village,town,and county,charged with administration and enforcement ofthe Uniform Code to annually
submit a report ofitsactivities tothe Secretary of State.The information provided onthisform isused to verify your municipality's compliance with the
minimum standards foradministration and enforcement ofthe Uniform Codecontained in Part 1203.Theinformation provided will alsobeusedto
developeducation,outreach and supportprogramsfor municipalities and code enforcement officials.
PLEASE NOTE
Please complete this form electronically and e-mail tothe Division of Building Standards andCodes.Please usethe 'Submit byEmail'button found on
the upper right hand corner to submit the form.E-mail this form tothe Division ofBuilding Standards and Codes nolater thanApril 30th oftheyear
following the reporting year(example;the deadline forthe 2014 Reporting Year isApril 30,2015).Oncethe electronicformis received,the Codes
Division will respondwithan e-rnaii acknowledging receiptofthe formwithinthree businessdays.Ifan acknowledgment e-mail Isnotreceived
from the Codes Division,please fax or mail a copy of the form to the address below.
Ife-mail is unavailable,this form maybemailedor faxed to the DepartmentofStateat the following address:
New York State Department of State
Divisionof Building Standards and Codes
99 Washington Avenue, Suite 1160
Albany, NY12231
Phone;(518)474-4073 Fax: (518)474-5788
www.dos.state.ny.us
OOS-1743 (12/11)Please type or print legibly -Incomplete or Illegible forms wlU be returned
19NYCRR PART 1203
UNIFORM CODE;MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Uniform Code Administration and Enforcement Report Page 5 of 6
PLEASE NOTE
Please complete this form electronically and e-mail tothe Division of Building Standards and Codes.Please usethe "Submit by Email'button feund onthe upper
right hand corner to submit the form.E-mail this form tothe Division of Building Standards and Codes nolaterthan April 1stofthe year following the reporting
year (example:the deadline for the 2014 Reporting Year is April 30,2016).Oncethe electronicform is received,the Codes Division will respond with
an e-mailacknowledging receipt ofthe form within three business days. If an acknowledgment e-mail isnot received from the Codes Division,
please fax or mail a copy of the form to the address below.
If e-mailIs unavailable,this form maybe mailedor faxed to the Department ofState at the following address:
New York State Department of State
Division of Building Standards and Codes
99 Washington Avenue, Suite 1160
Albany,NY 12231
Phone: (518) 474-4073 Fax:(518)474-5788
www.dos.state.ny.us
INSTRUCTIONS
These Instructions follow the order of requested Informationon the AnnualLocalCode Administrationand Enforcement Report form, and are intended to clarify
the response required for a complete report. If you still have questions after reading the report form and these Instructions, please callthe Division of Building
Standards and Codes at (518)474-4073.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
• Use one form for each municipality.
• The 'Reporting Year' Isthe calendar year (January through December]for which the reported data has been collected.
• The 'Code Official'isthe official enforcing the NewYorkState UniformFirePrevention and BuildingCode (UniformCode) inthe municipality.
• Providethe informationforthe pfimarvcode enforcement official.Ifthe primarycodeenforcement official isnot yet certified,enter the expectedcertificationcompletion
date,Instead of the certification number, Inthe DOS certlhcation #space.
• If there Ismore than one code enforcement officialIn the municipality,use page 6to listthe additional code enforcement offidals. Ifan indMdual (s not yet certified,enter
the expeaed certification completion date.Instead of the certificationnumber, Inthe DOS certification #space.
CODEENFORCEMENT:(Items la through 2b]Answer la and lb based on the use ofthlrd-party contracted servicesfor UniformCode administration and enforcement In
the municipality.Answer2aand 2bto indicatewho isresponsibleforperformingfiresafetyInspectionsin the municipality.
LOCAL LAW,ORDINANCE,REGULATION:Enterthe name and number ofthe locallaw,ordinance and/or regulation that provides for the administration and enforcement
of the Uniform Code In the municipality (example: Local Law #12 of 2006).
BUILDING PERMITS:(Items3through 10]Enterthe number ofbuildingpermitsIssuedforeachoccupancytype listed.Building permitsnot includedIn3through 8 should
be entered In9. Enter the number ofcertificates of occupancy and/or compliance issued in 10.
STOP WORKORDER:(Item 11)Enter the number of stop work orders issued,if none have been Issued,enter 0.
NOTIFICATION OF FIRE OR EXPLOSION and UNSAFE STRUaURES AND EQUIPMENT:(Items 12 and 13]AnswerYes' or 'No'if procedures have been established.
OPERATING PERMITS:(Items 14athrough 14g]Answer 'Yes'or'No'Ifoperatingpermitsare Issued,ifthe answerIs'Yes,'enterthe numberofoperatingpermitsIssuedfor
each ofthe itemslisted In 14athrough 14f.Ifthe municipalityrequiresoperating permits not listedIn14bthrough 14g,enter the number ofthose operating permitsIssued
in 14f.Givea brief description of each of the additional operating permits inthe space provided.
FIRE SAFETY AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS:(Item 15 through 17]Enterthe numberofoccupanciesInthe municipality foreachoccupancytype listedIn
15a,16a,and 17a.In 16b,enter the total number ofdwelling units inthe multiple dwelling buildings. Enter the total number ofbuildings Inspeaed this reporting year In
15b,16c and17b;,foreachtypeof occupancy asdescribedin ISa,16aand 17a.Note:Ifan exact numberJs unknown for15through 17,enteranestimatednumber.
SPECIAL INSPECTIONS:(Items 18a -18d)Answer 18a through 18d Inreference to special inspections as defined In §1702 of the BuildingCodeofNew York State.
CODE COMPLIANCE:(Items 19through 27)Answer 19a through27basedonthe municipality's administration and enforcementofthe Uniform Codeandthe Energy Code.
^ERGY CODE:(items28through 29)Answer 27through29basedonthe municipality's records Inregardsto the administration andenforcementofthe Energy Code.
COMPLAINTS:(Items 30-31]Enter thenumberof Uniform Code-and Energy Code-related complaints received in30aand 31a.Enter the numberof Uniform Code-and
Energy Code-related complaints acteduponin30band 31b.Note:ifanexactnumberIsunknown for 30 or31,enteranestimatednumber.
RECORD KEEPING:(Item32]Answer Yesor'No'ifa recordkeepingsystemfor activities specified in 19 NYCRR Part1203J(a]hasbeenestablishedand maintained.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Provideany additional Informationor comments that may prove helpful Inprocessing the form.
SIGNATURE:Enterthe name,title,e-malland phone number ofthe personcompletingthe form.Ifthe formIsbeingsubmitted electronically (via e-mail],no signature Is
required.
Please use the 'Submit by Email'button found on the upper right hand corner to submit the form electronically.
DOS-1743 (12/11)
Submit by Email
Print Form
19NYCRR PART 1203
UNIFORM CODE:MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Uniform Code Administration and Enforcement Report e of6
Reporting Year:2015 Municipality T/Ithaca
Listof additional Code Enforcement Officials and Building Safety Inspectors Enforcing the Uniform Code
within your Municipality.Please do not Include individuals whose duties are limited to Zoning and/or Planing functions.
Submit by Email
Print Form
Name THIe E>mail Address DOS CEO Certification #Hours
per Week
Charles Burner
Martin Kelly
Steve Williams
Elec.Inspector/CEO
Elec.Inspector/CEO
CEO
cburner@town.lthaca.ny.us
mkelly@town.lthaca.ny.us
swllllams@town.lthaca.ny.us
1210-7278
0610-012
0404-7298 B
Please use the 'Submit by Email'button found on the upper right hand corner to submit the form.
OOS-1743 (12/11
30
37.5
37.5
Human Resources 2015 Year End Report, by Judy Drake
Civil Service:Maintained compliant requirements
o Received approved payroll certification as required by law.
o Reviewed changes for positions and reclassifications
o Position changes at the Town and SOLIWO due to deaths,retirements,
resignations/terminations.3 retirements,1 resignation,1 termination, 2 internal
promotions and 6 new hires.
o Staff levels as of 12/31
•Town:45 FT/ 1 FT (30/25 hrs)Vacant:Laborer & P/T Admin at PWF
• BP:19 FT/1 PT (25 hrs)Vacant:Assistant Production Manager
Human Resources support to Bolton Point Commissioners and staff as needed
Town and BP Personnel Committee and Employee Relations Committee staff support
o Consistent meetings with each committee monthly-prepared minutes/agendas
o Discussed and recommended revisions to policies which were printed and
provided to all staff.
o Implemented Platinum health plan
o ERC reviewed several suggestion box comments and reviewed policies
o Scheduled and arranged for Board/staff lunches and other events,
o Held a 2 day program for supervisors on Performance Management
Town Hall management representative on Safety Committee.
Benefits Administrator for:
o Health,Dental,Life,Short Term Disability, Flex Spending,Workers'
Compensation,Deferred Compensation & NYS Retirement System
o Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium
•Serve as the Director representing the Town and serves as Board Chair
•Member of sub committees-Joint Committee on Plan Structure &Design,
Audit &Finance Committee and the Executive Committee
•Started a recertification of eligible dependents for health insurance
Insurance coordinator for Town and Bolton Point -Worked on 15 insurance claims
Payroll management and law compliance - ran payrollcollaborativelywith Debby Kelly
o 119 w-2's issued -Completed budget work for 2016
Worked on PWD Teamsters negotiations -completed mediation in June with no further
resolve to date.
Worked on BP UAW negotiations -finalized 7/1/15-12/31/17 contract
Worked with BP on setting up an all staff two day communication/collaboration training for
2016.
•Represent Town on TC Diversity Consortium and served on Society for Human
Resources Management of Tompkins County as Past President.
2016 Priorities:
Teamsters Contract -
Revisions to Retiree Health Insurance policy
Revisions to Job Classification and Wage Scale for specific positions
Network/Record Specialist
2015 Accomplishments / 2016 Priorities Report
2015 Accomplishments
• Completed project:Municity Integrated Parcel Management Software
o Information tracking softwarefor Building 8l Planning Depts.
• Completed project:Fiber connection between Town Hall and Tompkins
County data center
o Forfuture Laserfiche and Municity software integration,
o Opportunities for TOI/Tompkins county data collaboration
• Replaced PublicWork facility server with new Windows 2012R2server
o Microsoft support for Win2003 server ended July2015.
•Provided software updates and hardware maintenance for Town Hall and
Public Works facilities networks/servers/PCs/mobile devices.
•Provided daily Help Desk support for Town Hall and Public Works staff.
•Served as member of Tompkins County Shared Services Electronic Records
Repository Group
•Served as alternate member of Diversity Consortium of Tompkins County
Priorlties/Goals/Expectations for 2016
•Update Town Hall network switches and firewall to accommodate fiber
connection.
• Plan for fiber connection between Town Hall and Public Works Facility
o Will allow for merging of phone/network systems
• Cost savings maintain only one phone/network system
o Faster data connection between facilities
•Replace 19 year old Town Hall analog phone system with digital phones
o Will connect Town Hall and Public Works phone systems
o Will provide better customer service between facilities
•Update Town Hallemail server
•Current server nearing end of life
• Will provide better SPAM protection
•Will better support email on mobile devices
• Refresh Xerox equipment leases at Town Hall and Public Works
• Add addition wireless access point to improve signal strength in Town Hall.
Town Clerk's Office
2016 Goals
The general goal of my department will be to continue with the implementation and
integration of the two major software programs the Town uses; Municity and Laserfische.
The two programs are very powerful and integrate fully and the time has come to harness
that power and use both to their fullest.
On the horizon is General Code and E-Code.General Code may also integrate with
Municity and Laserfische and by then,the new Zoning should be underway and that will
be another project to get the most out of another program the town has been using for
years.
Highlights
1.Laserfische - This will be a major project focusing on preparing for the fiber optic
connection with the County which will enable the full power and functionality of
Laserfische to be used as well as the integration of the documents with Municity.
To prepare for that, the RMAB will be meeting to discuss different record series and their
formats, physical storage of the records and organization of the repository. Now is the
time to make decisions about which direction the town wishes to go in as far as records
management and will be a huge undertaking that will take a lot of time and manpower but
will pay off in many ways once it is done.
2.Town Website - Deb DeAugustine will be participating in an ad hoc committee on the
web redesign. Many municipalities are already integrating with their Laserfische
repositoriesvia theirwebsiteand this will be a headedbyDeb for the Clerk's office.
3.Shared Services - The next shared services grant by the County will be the scanning of
large maps and drawings. Learning from the first scanning project, this will take a
considerable effort to organize, cull and prepare the drawings and maps for scanning
prior to starting the actual scanning.
4.Customer Service -Continue to encourage and facilitate an atmosphere of coordination
and cooperation in the front.
TOWN OF ITHACA
215 N.Tioga Street,Ithaca,N.Y.14850
www.town.lthaca.ny.us
FINANCE AND BUDGET -(607)273-1721 FAX -(607)273-1704
Date:March 15,2016
Memo to:Bill Goodman,Town Supervisor,and Members of the Town Board
From:Michael T. Solvig,Finance Officer
Subject:Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31,2015
The financial results for Fiscal Year 2015 were generally positive,with fund equity increasing in all funds
except the Light District Funds and Debt Service Fund.For all funds,combined revenues and other
sources of $23,552,510 exceeded combined expenditures and other uses of $22,971,911.Revenues
from sales tax declined from the prior year's total for the firsttime since 2009.
Results of Fiscal Year 2015 Operations bv Fund:
•General Townwide Fund - Fund equity Increased by $378,016, with revenues of $4,688,488
exceeding expenditures of $4,310,472.Ending fund balance totaled $3,495,445,which includes
reserves of $811,260 for the Parks,Recreation and Open Space Plan Reserve,$180,522 for the
General Benefit Reserve,$40,067 for the Preserve Maintenance Reserve,and $10,010 for the
Land Stewardship Reserve.The unreserved fund balance of $2,453,586 represents 52.0%of 2016
budgeted appropriations.
•General Part-Town Fund - Fund balance increased by $36,854 as revenues of $1,337,045
exceeded expenditures of $1,300,192.Total expenses were significantly under budget, due partly
to the planning study being postponed for another year. The ending fund balance of $870,594
includes $63,595 for the General Benefit Reserve.The unreserved fund balance of $806,998
represents 51.6%of 2016 budgeted appropriations.
• Highway Part-Town Fund - With revenues of $2,884,916 exceeding expenditures of $2,769,365,
fund equity increased by $115,550.Revenues were higher than expected, helped by increased
receipts for sales tax,sale of surplus equipment and state aid (CHIPS).Ending fund balance of
$1,825,219 includes $249,988 for the Highway Equipment Reserve and $99,954 for the General
Benefit Reserve.Unreserved fund balance totals $1,475,277 or 42.0%of 2016 budgeted
appropriations.
•Water Fund - Fund balance increased by $312,716 as revenues of $4,157,429 exceeded
expenditures totaling $3,844,713. Revenues were higher than expected, helped by increased
receipts for metered watersales. The ending fund balance of $2,404,041 includes $14,234 forthe
General Benefit Reserve.The unreserved fund balance of $2,389,807 represents 60.4% of 2016
budgeted appropriations.
•Sewer Fund - With revenues of $2,778,514 exceeding expenditures of $2,213,910,fund balance
increased by $564,604.Increased revenues were realized due to higher than budgeted sewer rent
receipts. The ending fund balance of $2,749,401 includes $8,011 for the General Benefit Reserve
and $1,306,276 for SJG projects account. The unreserved fund balance of $1,435,115 represents
45.7%of 2016 budgeted appropriations.
Capital Project Funds -As of December 31,2015,the Town of Ithaca had ten (10)active capital
project funds with a combined fund balance of $1,007,265.Four (4)capital projects received
$2,989,471 In bond proceeds from the Public Improvement (Serial)Bonds Issued In November
2015.Two (2)projects were completed and closed In 2015.An additional seven (7)projects are
expected to be completed and closed In 2016.
Capital Project Fund Beginning
Fund Balance
2015
Revenues
2015
Expenditures
Ending
Fund Balance
Hanshaw Road Walkway $100.526 $76 $$100,602
Pine Tree Road Walkway 35,096 34,808 .69,904
Gateway Trail 64,344 30,926 21,459 73,811
Forest Home Upstrm Bridge 93,045 9,455 102,500
Whitetail Drive improvements 155 4 160
Sand Bank Road Imprvmnts 359,632 274 359,906
Winners Circle Reconstruction 40,731 31 .40,762
Christopher Lane Water Tank 117,895 72 49,658 68,309
Coddington Road Water Main 124,394 658,791 672,086 111,098
Sapsucker Woods Water Tank -1,520,122 1,361,586 158,536
Honness Lane Improvements -506,764 471,401 35,363
Marcy Court Improvements
-304,019 315,045 (11.027)
Total -Capital Project Funds $935,818 $3,065,343 $2,993,897 $1,007,265
Risk Retention Fund -Fund balance Increased by $18,441 as revenues of $28,597 exceeded
expenditures of $10,156.Ending fund balance for 2015 totaled $160,317.
Fire Protection District Fund -With revenues of $3,609,065 exceeding estimated expenditures
of $3,374,613,fund equity Increased by $234,451 to total $1,272,591 at year-end.The year-end
fund balance represents 37.3%of 2016 budgeted appropriations.
Light District Funds -Fund equity at year-end for all light district funds totaled $5,063.
results of 2015 operations for Individual districts arepresentedonthetable shown below.
Light District Fund Beginning
Fund Balance
2015
Revenues
2015
Expenditures
Ending
Fund Balance
Forest Home LightDistrict $143 $4,000 $2,607 $1,536
Glenslde LightDistrict 404 651 911 144
RenwickHeightsLightDistrict 1,043 952 1,135 859
Eastwood Cmmns Light Dist 1,160 1,902 2,274 788
Clover Lane LightDistrict 241 200 273 169
Winner's Circle LightDistrict 473 701 788 385
BurleighDriveLightDistrict 403 801 932 271
Westhaven Road LightDistrict 1,092 2,502 3,045 548CoddingtonRoadLightDistrict6071,501 1.746 362
Total -Light District Funds $5,565 $13,209 $13,711 $5,063
The
Inlet Valley Cemetery Fund -In 2015 the Inlet Valley Cemetery received a $51,450 NYS grant to
repair broken headstones and the stone retaining wall.$26,555 was expended for headstone
repairs,$24,475 for repair of the stone retaining wall,and the remaining $420 was returned to NYS.
(For cash flow purposes,grant revenues and expenditures were accounted for In the General
Townwide Fund.)Fund balance of the Inlet Valley Cemetery Fund totaled $9,083 at year-end.
Debt Service Fund -In 2015,the Town retired the remaining bonds from the Public Improvement
(Serial)Bonds,2004-B and Public Improvement (Serial)Bonds,2005.Fund balance at vear-end
totaled $276,202.
Reserve Accounts:
•Park.Recreation and Open Space Plan Account -The fund balance of the General Townwide
Fund includes funds designated for the purpose of future park and recreation facilities development
and the purchasing of development rights,as outlined in the Town's Park,Recreation and Open
Space Plan adopted in 1997. Each year,$75,000 in unreserved fund balance is designated as
reserved for this purpose by the Town Board.The balance in this account for the year ended
December 31,2015 was $811,260.
•General Benefit Reserve Account -The fund balance of the General Townwide Fund,General
Part-Town Fund, Highway Part-Town Fund,Water Fund, and Sewer Fund 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 31,2015 was
$366,316.The balance by fund Is as follows:
General Townwide Fund $180,522
General Part-Town Fund 63,595
Highway Part-Town Fund 99,954
Water Fund 14,234
Sewer Fund 8.011
Total -Benefit Reserve:$366,316
•Preserve Maintenance Account -The fund balance of the General Townwide Fund includes
funds designated for the maintenance of the Pine Tree Wildlife Presen/e,donated to the Town by a
local family in 2013.In conjunction withthe donation of the land, the amount of $40,000 was also
donated to provide for future maintenance of the preserve.As of December 31,2015,the balance
of this account totaled $40,064.
•Land Stewardship Account - In 2014 the Town purchased the development rights to the Indian
Creek Farm with financial assistance through a State of New York grant. This grant included
$10,000 to be held by the Town,designated for the future stewardship of the Indian Creek Farm
lands. For the year ended December 31,2015,the balance ofthis account totaled $10,010.
•Highway Equipment Account - The fund balance of the Highway Part-Town Fund includes funds
designated for the purchase/replacement of highway equipment and machinery.The balance at
December 31,2015 was $249,987.The Town Board has set the maximum amount of this account
at $250,000 in 2015.
•SJC Account in Sewer Fund -The fund balance of the Sewer Fund includes funds designated to
1) payforexpenditures relatedto the improvement of jointly-owned sewer interceptor lines,and 2)
pay the Town's share ofthe Cityof Ithaca's bonded debt issued to pay for lAWWTF improvements.
The balance in this account totaled $1,305,307 as of December 31,2015.
Sales Tax and Mortgage Tax;
•Sales Tax -Collections in 2015 totaled $3,067,336,a decrease of $67,748 or 2.2%from the
previous year's total of $3,135,084.Sales tax revenues are split between the General Townwide
Fund ($522,627),General Part-Town Fund($950,000)and Highway Part-Town Fund ($1,594,709).
Tax Collections Actual
2010
Actual
2011
Actual
2012
Actual
2013
Actual
2014
Actual
2015
Sales Tax $2,667,106 $2,809,431 $2,907,213 $2,990,863 $3,135,084 $3,067,336
Mortgage Tax 222,213 248,039 279,560 313,999 329,274 415,760
•Mortgage Tax -Collections for 2015 totaled $415,760,an increase of $86,486 or 26.3%,over the
total of $329,274 collected in 2014.Note that $169,770 of the 2015 total was a one-time receipt
from the expansion of Kendall at Ithaca.Without this one-time receipt,collections for 2015 would
have totaled only $245,990.
General Obligation Lonq'Term Debt:
•Outstanding Debt - As of December 31,2015,the total outstanding general obligation long-term
debt of the Town of Ithaca totaled $12,916,000,as shown on the following table:
Description of Debt Amount of
Debt Issued
Amount
Outstanding
Year of
Maturity
Public Improvement (Serial)Bonds -2003 $1,000,000 $143,000 2017
Public Improvement (Serial)Bonds -2004-A 1,000,000 260,000 2019
Public Improvement (Serial)Bonds -2009 1,125,000 730,000 2024
Public Improvement (Serial)Bonds -2011 2,650,000 2,110,000 2031
Public Improvement (Serial)Bonds -2013 3,450,000 2,990,000 2028
Public Improvement Refunding Bonds -2014-A 910,000 900,000 2024
Public Improvement (Serial)Bonds -2014-B 3,000,000 2,825,000 2029
Public Improvement (Serial)Bonds -2015 2,950,000 2,950,000 2030
Total General Obligation Long-Term Debt $16,085,000 $12,916,000
Of this total,$985,000 Is for facility improvements,$2,976,000 is for road improvements,and
$8,955,000 is for water infrastructure improvements.
Public Improvement fSerial)Bonds -2015 - In November 2015,the Town issued $2,950,000 Innew
general obligation debt. The Public Improvement (Serial) Bonds,Series 2015,was issued to finance
the Town's 2015 capital projects. In addition to the $2,950,000 par value, the Town received
$39,470.60 inpremiumon the bonds, fortotal proceeds of$2,989,470.60. Againstthis totalIs set bond
issuance costs of $31,738.26.Net proceeds of the bonds totaled $2,957,732.24.
2015 Capital Projects Par Value
of Bonds
Bond
Premium
Issuance
Costs
Net Bond
Proceeds
Coddington Road Water Main $650,000 $8,697 $(6,993)$651,704
Sapsucker Woods Water Tank 1,500,000 20,070 (16,138)1,503,932
2015 Road Improvements
-Honness Lane Improvements 500,000 6,690 (5,379)501,311
-I^rcy Court Improvements 300,000 4,014 (3,228)300,786
Total -2015 Capital Projects $2,950,000 $39,471 $(31,738)$2,957,732
Theaverage Interest rate for thisissue is 2,005%overthe 15 year life ofthe bonds.Please see page
8 for a detailed report of the 2015 Bond Issue.
BondRating -OnSeptember 30,2015,Mood/s Investors Service assignedan Aal rating tothe 2015
Bond Issue,and affirmed the Aal rating to the Town's $15.9 million of outstanding parity debt. The
Aal rating reflects the Town's "moderately-sized tax base with above-average Income levels and
significant institutional presence,strong financial management and sound budgeting practices,ample
reserve levels,and a modestdebt profile."Mood/s full report is available uponrequest.
Constitutional Debt Umit -The Town of Ithaca maintains a very low direct debt burden.At year-end
theTownhad exhausted only 4.33%of its debt-contracting power.Please see page 9 forthe detailed
calculation of the Constitutional Debt Limit.
ChaHenaes and Concerns for Fiscal Year 2016:
•Economy - The national,state and local economies continue to slowly Improve from the depths of
the Great Recession In 2008/2009, withthe Ithaca area economy faring better than many through
this period. The Ithaca area continues to maintain an unemployment rate below the national and
state averages,with Tompkins County's unemployment rate of 4.2%, down from 4.9% a year
earlier,the lowest in New York state.The very low rate of inflationin 2015,while most welcome on
the expenditure side,has also resulted in a tax cap growth factor so low as to allow for almost no
increase in the 2017 property tax levy.
•Sales Tax and Mortgage Tax -The level of sales tax and mortgage tax collections can be a good
Indicator of the state of the economy,and whether the economy is expanding or contracting.As the
economy improved over the past several years,sales tax and mortgage tax collections continued to
increase over the previous year through 2014.In 2015,however, both sales tax and mortgage tax
collections decreased from 2014 levels.
Sales tax collections had increased an average of 3.96%each year for the period 2010 through
2014,with a total of $3,135,084 collected in 2014.In 2015 a total of $3,067,336 was collected,a
decrease of 2.16%from the prior year.The decrease in sales tax collections is attributed to the
very low rate of inflation in 2015,coupled with the significant drop in prices of petroleum related
commodities throughout the year.Sales tax collections are one of the most important revenue
sources of the Town,representing 13.4%of revenue collected in 2015.
Based on mortgage tax collections totaling $415,760 in 2015,it appears collections have increased
an average of 14.81%each year forthe period2010 through 2015.However,$169,770 ofthe 2015
total was a one-time receipt fromthe expansion of Kendall at Ithaca.Without this one-time receipt,
collections for 2015 would have totaled only $245,990,a 25.29%decrease from the prior year.
•2016 Public Improvement (SerialI Bonds -The Town is scheduled to issue approx.$2,750,000 in
new long-term debt to finance capital projects budgeted In 2016.The 2015 bonds were issued at
an average interest rate of 2.005% over the 15 year life of the bonds, a combination of the Town's
Aal bond rating and good market timing.Atthis time we hope the average interest rate on the
2016 bonds will be less than 2.65%.
• 2017 Ithaca Town Budget - The development of balanced budgets that adequately fund costs for
employee retirement,health insurance, and capital projectsagainst limited and restrained revenue
sources will continueto occupythe timeand attention of the Budget Committee,Town Boardand
staff.Development of the Fiscal Year 2017 Budget will include:
- Reviewofcurrent and projected long-termdebt levels and associated debt service costs.
- Review of the Town's Five-Year Capital Improvement Program.
-Multi-year financial projections,with forecasts of revenues,expenditures,capital project and
debtservicecosts, to Identify possiblefuturebudgetimbalancesbeyondthe next fiscal year.
•Property Tax Cap - Chapter 20 of the Laws of 2015 created the Property Tax Relief Credit
program,a new rebate/circuit breaker hybrid that will provide state-financed tax rebate checks and
incometax credits to taxpayers in years 2016 through 2019.Contrary to initial reports,municipal
compliance with the tax cap is not required fortaxpayersto be eligible forthis program.Taxpayers
will be eligible forthe rebate/credit only if theirschool district complies with the tax cap.While the
Townmust still comply with the requirementsofthe tax cap, there is no longera financial penaltyto
residents If the Town adopts a property tax levywhich exceeds the tax cap.
With the inflation factor of the tax cap calculation currentlyat 0.12%, the allowable growth In the
2017 property tax levy will be essentially flat.Funding the 2017 Ithaca Town Budget,while
remainingunder the limits ofthe propertytax cap,will be a challenge forthe TownBoard in 2016.
TOWN OF ITHACA
SCHEDULE OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES -BUDGET TO ACTUAL
FOR THE HSCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,2015
GENERAL TOVmWIDE FUND GENERAL PART-TOWN FUND Highway part-town fund WATER FUND SEWER FUND CAPITAL PROJECTS FUNDS
BUDGET ACTUAL BUDGET ACTUAL BUDGET ACTUAL BUDGET ACTUAL BUDGET ACTUAL BUDGET ACTUAL
REVENUES:
REAL PROPERTY TAXES 2,600,000 2,600,000 --1,000,000 1,000,000 8,000 8,000 9,000 9,000 -
REAL PROPERTY TAX ITEMS 54,500 60,179 -•--764,658 764,658 192,582 192,582 .
SALES TAX 485,000 522,627 920,000 950,000 1,480,000 1,594,709 .....
FRANCHISE TAX --70,000 69,915 -.....
DEPARTMENTAL INCOME 16,700 15,486 185,200 175,020 --3,225,000 3,369,632 2,250,000 2,565,484 .
INTERGOVERNMENTAL CHRG 81,595 71,995 --10,000 24,121 •619 ...
INTEREST INCOME 6,000 5,758 500 729 2,500 1,929 2,000 2,261 2,000 2,471 791
RENTAL INCOME 26,350 28,790 ...__.__
LICENSES AND PERMITS 13,500 11,758 ---.....
FINES AND FORFEITURES 280,000 264,210 -._.....
PROPERTY SALE/RECOVERY -1,500 -3,475 25,000 151,950 .6,491 .977 -
LOCAL SOURCES 118,000 65,474 -.-5,026 -5,768 .8,000 .
STATE SOURCES 350,000 482,110 218,350 137,907 74,000 107,181 --..30,874
FEDERAL SOURCES -----------
Total revenues 4,031,645 4,129,888 1,394,050 1,337,045 2,591,500 2,884,916 3,999,658 4,157,429 2,453,582 2,778,514 31,666
INTERFUND TRANSFERS 558,600 558,600 .....44,207
PROCEEDS OF OBLIGATIONS -------...2,950,000 2,989,471
TOTAL OTHER SOURCES 558,600 558,600 --------2,950,000 3,033,678
REVENUE &OTHER SOURCES 4,590,245 4,688,488 1,394,050 1,337,045 2,591,500 2,884,916 3,999,658 4,157,429 2,453,582 2,778,514 2,950,000 3,065,343
EXPENDITURES:
GENERAL GOVERNMENT 1,920,570 1,445,942 141,730 116,789 61,120 61,531 63,050 47,063 48,900 36,606 .
PUBLIC SAFETY 74,484 74,987 ...._._
HEALTH &WELLNESS --.....
TRANSPORTATION 527,520 429,530 --2,097.120 1,902,700 ...800,000 888,947
CULTURE &RECREATION 1,082,064 916,374 -.-.._.,21,459
HOME &COMMUNITY SRVC 497,250 440,091 1,051,425 761,732 --2,886,400 2,845,849 2,521,450 1,959,952 2,150,000 2,083,331
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 939,650 850,253 325,450 338,970 482,500 460,231 99,420 90,208 51,370 43,551 ..
DEBT SERVICE ---------...
TOTAL EXPENDITURES 5,041,538 4,157,177 1,518,605 1,217,492 2,640,740 2,424,462 3,048,870 2,983,120 2,621,720 2,040,110 2,950,000 2,993,737
INTERFUND TRANSFERS 183,295 153,295 82,700 82,700 335,471 344,903 861,593 861,593 173,800 173,800 .160
TOTAL OTHER USES 183,295 153,295 82,700 82,700 335,471 344,903 861,593 861,593 173,800 173,800 -160
EXPENDITURES &OTHER USES 5,224,833 4,310,472 1,601,305 1.300,192 2,976,211 2,769,365 3,910,463 3,844,713 2,795,520 2,213,910 2,950,000 2,993,897
EXCESS(DEFICIT)OF REVENUES
OVER EXPENOnXIRES:(634,588)378,016 (207,255)36,854 (384,711)115,550 89,195 312,716 (341,938)564,604 -71,447
BEGINNING FUND BALANCE 3,117,429 3,117,429 833,740 833,740 1,709,669 1,709,669 2,091,325 2,091,325 2,184,797 2,184,797 935,818 935,818
ENDING FUND BALANCE 2,482,841 3,495,445 626,485 870,594 1,324,958 1,825,219 2,180,520 2,404,041 1,842,859 2,749,401 935,818 1,007,265
RESERVED FUND BALANCE 1,041,859 63,595 349,942 14,234 1,314,287 .
UNRESERVED FUND BALANCE 2,453,586 806,998 1,475,277 2,389,807 1,435,115 1,007,265
%OF 2016 APPROPRIATIONS:51.87%51.56%42.00%60.44%45.74%N/A I
REVENUES:
REAL PROPERTY TAXES
REAL PROPERTY TAX ITEMS
SALES TAX
FRANCHISE TAX
DEPARTMENTAL INCOME
INTERGOVERNMENTAL CHRG
INTEREST INCOME
RENTAL INCOME
UCENSES AND PERMITS
FINES AND FORFEITURES
PROPERTY SALE/RECOVERY
LOCALSOURCES
STATE SOURCES
FEDERAL SOURCES
TOTAL REVENUES
INTERFUND TRANSFERS
PROCEEDS OF OBLIGATIONS
TOTAL OTHER SOURCES
REVENUE &OTHER SOURCES
EXPENDITURES:
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
PUBLIC SAFETY
HEALTH &WELLNESS
TRANSPORTATION
CULTURE &RECREATION
HOME &COMMUNITY SRVC
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
DEBT SERVICE
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
INTERFUND TRANSFERS
Total other Uses
EXPENDITURES &OTHER USES
EXCESS (DEFICIT)OF REVENUES
OVER EXPENDITURES:
BEGINNING FUND BALANCE
ENDING FUND BALANCE
RESERVED FUND BALANCE
UNRESERVED FUND BALANCE
1%OF 2016 APPROPRIATIDNS:
TOWN OF ITHACA
SCHEDULE OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES -BUDGET TO ACTUAL
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,2015
FIRE PROTECTION FUND LIGHT DISTRICT FUNDS INLET VALLEY CEMETERY DEBT SERVICE FUND TOTAL'ALL FUNDSRISKRETENTIONFUND
BUDGET ACTUAL BUDGET ACTUAL BUDGET ACTUAL BUDGET ACTUAL BUDGET ACTUAL BUDGET ACTUAL
3,580,000 3,580,000 13,200 13,200 7,210,200 7,210.200
.--1,011,740 1,017,419
--2,885,000 3,067,336
--70,000 69,915
.-5,676,900 6,125,621
--91,595 96,735
124 5,000 3,701 -9 -7 500 1,254 18,500 19,034
--26,350 28,790
--13,500 11,758
--280,000 264,210
3,473 --25,000 167,866
--118,000 84,268
20,000 25,364 -662,350 783,436
3,597 3,605,000 3,609,065 13,200 13,209 -7 500 1,254 18,089,135 18,946,589
25,000 25,000 --988,644 988,644 1,572,244 1,616.451
..----2,950,000 2,989,471
25,000 25,000 --988,644 988,644 4,522,244 4,605,921
25,000 28,597 3,605,000 3,609,065 13,200 13,209 -7 989,144 989,897 22,611,379 23,552,510
5,000 1,648 5,250 3,277 2,245,620 1,712,858
..3,430,000 3,372,965 -3,504,484 3,447,952
15,500 10,048 ---15,500 10,048
..-.13,970 13,711 3,438,610 3,234,888
_...-1,082,064 937,834
__...1,500 9,108,025 8,090,955
,108 .--1,898,390 1,783,320
..-•-1,230,900 2,137,608 1,230,900 2,137,606
15,500 10,156 3,435,000 3,374,613 13,970 13,711 1,500 1,236,150 2,140,883 22,523,593 21,355,461
._.----1,636,859 1,616,451
-------1,636,859 1,616,451
15,500 10,156 3,435,000 3,374,613 13,970 13,711 1.500 1,236,150 2,140,883 24,160,452 22,971,911
9,500 18,441 170,000 234,451 (770)(502)(1,500)7 (247,006)(1,150,986)(1,549,073)580,599
141,875 141,875 1,038,139 1,038,139 5,565 5,565 9,076 9,076 1,427,187 1,427,187 13,494,621 13,494,621
151,375 160,317 1,208,139 1,272,591 4,795 5,063 7,576 9,083 1,180,181 276,202 11,945,547 14,075,219
_.---2,783,916
160,317 1,272,591 5,063 9,083 276,202 11,291,303
>100%37.32%31.35%>100%19.48%1:51.91%1
TOWN OF ITHACA
Public Improvement (SeriaU Bonds -2015
in November 2015, the Town of Ithaca issued $2,950,000 In new long-term general obligation debt.The
Public Improvement (Serial)Bonds,Series 2015,was issued to finance the Town's 2015 capital projects.
These projects included the following:
2015 Capital Projects Amount
Budgeted
Amount
Authorized
/Vmount
Bonded
Coddington Road Water Main -Ph.2
Sapsucker Woods Water Tank
2015 Road Improvement Program:
-Honness Lane Improvements
-Marcv Court Improvements
$760,000
1,650,000
500,000
300,000
$760,000
1,600,000
500,000
300.000
$650,000
1,500,000
500,000
300,000
Total -2015 Capital Projects $3,210,000 $3,160,000 $2,950,000
On September 30,2015,Moody's Investors Service assigned an Aal rating to the 2015 Bond Issue, and
affirmed the Aal rating to the Town's$15.9 million of outstanding parity debt. The Aal rating reflects the
Town's "moderately-sized tax base with above-average incomelevelsand significant institutional presence,
strong financial management and sound budgeting practices, ample reserve levels, and a modest debt
profile."Moody'scomplete reportisavailableupon request.
The bonds were sold on October 27, 2015.In addition to the $2,950,000 par value, the Town received
$39,470.60 in premium on the bonds, for total proceeds of $2,989,470.60.Against this total Is set bond
issuance costs of $31,738.26,as detailed on the schedule shown below.Bond issuance costs are 1.08%of
the par value of the bonds. Net proceeds ofthe bonds totaled $2,957,732.34.
TOWN OF ITHACA
Public Improvement (Serial)Bonds -2015
Rated Aa1 by Moody's Investors Service
Bond Proceeds -Par Value
Bond Proceeds -Premium
Bond Proceeds -received on 11/13/2015:
Deposit made to TTC -General Fund account.
Bond Issuance Costs:
- Bond Attorney - Orrick,Harrington &Sutcliffe
- Bond Advisor -Rscal Advisors and Marketing
-Bond Rating -Moody's Investors Services
-Printing Services -Premier Printing
-Mailing Services -FedEx
Total -Bond Issuance Costs:
Net Bond Proceeds -Series 2015
$2,950,000.00
39.470.60
$2,989.470.80
$10,350.00
8.400.00
11,000.00
1.871.01
117.25
$31,738.26
$2,957,732.34
Theaverage interestrateforthisissueis2.005%overthe 15 year life ofthe bonds.
TOWN OF ITHACA
CONSTITUTIONAL DEBT LIMIT
Year Ended December 31.2015
DEBT LIMIT
Assessed Full Valuation of Taxable Real Property:
-For the Fiscal Year ended 12/31/2011 1,273,589,816
-For the Fiscal Year ended 12/31/2012 1,279,947,066
-For the Fiscal Year ended 12/31/2013 1,294,998,380
-For the Fiscal Year ended 12/31/2014 1,323,741,670
-For the Fiscal Year ended 12/31/2015 1,366,007,677
Five-Year Average FullValuation of Taxable Real Property:$1,307,656,922
Permitted Percentage of the "Average FullValuation"7%
Town of Ithaca Constitutional Debt Limit:$91,535,985
$91,535,985 represents the maximum amount of indebtedness that the Town of Ithaca can
issue and have outstanding pursuant to Article VIII of the New York State Constitution,and
Title 9 of Article 2 of the Local Rnance Law.
TOTAL NET INDEBTEDNESS OF THE TOWN
Principal Borrowings Outstanding as of 12/31/2015:
-$1,000,000 Public Improvement (Serial) Bonds, 2003 $143,000
-$1,000,000 Public Improvement (Serial) Bonds, 2004
268,000
-$1,125,000 Public Improvement (Serial) Bonds, 2009
730,000
-$2,650,000 Public Improvement (Serial) Bonds,2011 2,110,000
-$3,450,000 Public Improvement (Serial) Bonds,2013 2,990,000
- $910,000 Public Improvement Refunding Bonds, 2014
900,000
-$3,000,000 Public Improvement (Serial) Bonds,2014 2,825,000
-$2,950,000 Public Improvement(Serial) Bonds,2015 2,950,000
Total Debt Outstanding as of 12/31/2015:$12,916,000
Less:Exclusion for Water &Sewer Indebtedness:(8,955,000)
Total Net Indebtedness Subject to Debt Limit:$3,961,000
NET DEBT-CONTRACTING MARGIN
Constitutional Debt Limit:$91,535,985
Less:Total Net Indebtedness (3,961,000)
Net Debt-Contracting Margin:$87,574,985
Percentage of Debt-Contracting Power Exhausted:4.33%
Town of Ithaca Planning Department
Planning Department 2015 Annual Report
Highlights &Proposed 2016 Priorities
Thefollowingprovides an overviewof the Planning Department's accomplishments/highlights in2015
and proposed priorities for 2016.
Activities &Accomplishment for 2015
DEVELOPMENT REVIEWS
Development reviews in 2015 were lowerthan in recent years. The Planning Departmentreceived a total
of 15 applications for new or modified development proposals compared with 27 in 2014 (32 in 2012 and
41 in 2011).Actions associated with these applications along with other Board responsibilities resulted in
28 total Planning Board actions compared to 32 in 2014 (61 in 2012 and 57 in 2011).
Applications in 2015 were fairly evenlysplit between residentialand non-residentialrelated proposals.
Some of the more notable projects included the 31-lot Amabel subdivision,32-unit expansion of memory
care for Clare Bridge/SterlingHouse,participationand collaborationwithCity planningstaff in preparing
the scoping document for the Chain Works District project, and discussions related to modifications of
the College Crossings mixed use development. Also noteworthy was the withdrawal of the 46-unit
Greenways project that received final approval in 2015.
GRANT FUNDED PROJECTS -STATUS AND APPLICATIONS
Transportation Related
• Gateway Trail (In process)- Consultants (Fisher Associates) have completed a final design report and
are now finalizing drawings and bid documents.
• Route 96B/Dahby Road PedestrianCorridor Study (In process)- Publicinput efforts includeda
survey questionnaire,stakeholderand publicmeetings.Theconsultantshavealsoexaminedthe
physical corridor and are preparinga report with recommendationsand alternatives.
• Route96/TrumansburgRoad PedestrianCorridorStudy(New:appliedand awarded$105,000;80%
DOT and 20% town) - the study will be modelled on the Route 96B study.
• Sidewalk construction PhaseI (city/town lineto IC)Route 96B/Danby Road (Applied,Not awarded
the requested $1.4 million)
Park,Trails &Environmental Related
• Tree Inventory projectforTownparksand right-of-ways (In process)- DECandTownhave signed
contract. Project scope has been discussed with consultant.
• PlaygroundStructureReplacement(New:appliedand awarded$48,000;50%State Parksand 50%
town)- The projectwillreplacetheexisting playground structuresin Grandview Park(SlatervilleRd.)
and Hungerford Heights Park(DoveDrive)withnew pre-manufactured,modular playgrounds.
Planning Related
•Economic Development Feasibility StudyandStrategic Planning Study(New,appliedand awarded
($30,000with50%Empire State Development and50%town)- The project,funded bythe Empire
State Development,involves conducting a feasibility studyand preparing a strategicplanfora +/-1.3
mile segment of the Elmira Road corridor.
Townof Ithaca Planning Department
DEPARTMENT GENERAL
Comprehensive Plan Implementation Efforts
•Completed a report titled Zoning Review and Approach Report that provides a critique of the Town's
land use regulations and recommendations for major changes and improvements.
•Participation by all planning staff in regular meetings with Form Ithaca representative,David West,of
West +Randall,to familiarize staff with form-based code and begin developing proposed
standards/calibration for the Town to consider.
•Held regular internal staff meetings to prepare and develop proposed ideas for revisions to the overall
Town's zoning map and update of zoning uses.
•Coordinated meetings and communications with South Hill (King Rd./Danby Rd)property owners,
and held pre-event meetings with Form Ithaca in preparation of the multi-day charrette held in Januarv
2016.
•Provided pre-planning coordination with Form Ithaca and participated in their June 2015 charrette.
•Coordinated two meetings with Inlet Valley/Elmira Road property owners/stakeholders,sponsored by
the Economic Development Committee,to discuss and get input on ways to improve and capitalize on
the existingassets within the corridor.
LocalLaw Development and Modifications
Boardand Committee Supported Activities
•Development ofa Solar Law to address large and small scale solar facilities.
•Modifications to the South Hill Business Campus (SHBC)PDZ,in cooperation with SHBC
management,to update language and allow for expanded uses.
•Modifications to the Light Industrial Zone to allow farm stand uses in certain LI zone locations.
•Modification to the Sterling House PDZ to allow for an expansion ofthe facility.
•Modification to the La Tourelle Resort PDZ to allow for changes to the seasonal camping facilities.
•Developed a proposal for modified fees associated with development review applications.
Agricultural Support
•Coordinated a farm tourforTown Board members in late summer.
•Performed annual inspections for Indian Creek and Laughing Goat Farms conservation easements;
both found tobein compliance.
Miscellaneous
•Provide continued GIS support to the Town;maintaining up to date GIS databases,coordinating
database updates with the County GIS staff,and producing maps and information as needed.
•Director of Planning completed the final year,of a 2.5 year term,as Chair of the Ithaca Tompkins
County Transportation Council.
•Senior Planner (Mike Smith)serves on the Electric Vehicle Feasibility Analysis Steering Committee
which aims to develop a strategic plan for charging stations in Tompkins County.
•Conducted annual inspection of the Ithaca College's Raponi and Rich Road Wetland Mitigation Sites
conservation easement;found the areas tobein compliance.
Town of Ithaca Planning Department
Planning Department Proposed Priorities for 2016
DEVELOPMENT REVIEWS/PUNNING BOARD
Several proposed large scale site plans, all requiring rezoning,are anticipatedor currently under Planning
Board/Town Board consideration, including;
•Maplewood redevelopment project
• Chain Works mixed used development
• East Hill Village mixed use development
Major new construction activities anticipated in 2016 (or ongoing in 2016)include:Cayuga Meadows
Senior Housing (West Hill Drive); Sterling House/Clare Bridge memory care facility expansion
(Trumansburg Road) and Ithaca Beer expansion project. Construction activity for the Amabel subdivision
is pending establishment of the sewage works corporation.
GRANT FUNDED PROJECTS
Anticipated to be completed in 2016
• Gateway Trail Phase I construction (segment east of Stone Quarry Rd. to west of Home Depot).
• Route 96B/Danby Road Pedestrian Corridor Study final report.
Will be underway or continued in 2016
• Tree Inventory Project - survey work to get underway in early-mid 2016.
• Playground Structure Replacement -subsequent to signing contract with State Parks, anticipate
replacement of the Hungerford Hill Park playground structure in 2016.
• Route 96/Trumansburg Road Pedestrian Corridor Study - anticipate signing of DOT contract
agreement in late 2016.
• Economic Development Feasibility Study and Strategic Planning for Elmira Rd. -subsequent to
contract agreement with Empire State Development, a consultant selection process will begin.
Funding still needed and continued to be pursued
• Phase I sidewalk construction on Danby Rd/96B from city line to IthacaCollege- expect to apply for
funding under NYS DOT Transportation Alternatives Program later in 2016.
IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
•Continue collaboration with Form Ithaca to develop standards and calibration for form-based zoning
applicable to areas of the town recommended for traditional neighborhooddevelopment.
• Continue work on developing a neighborhood plan for the King Rd./Danby Rdarea of South Hill,
following the success of the January design charrette.
• Initiatethe drafting of a newdevelopmentcode following inputon Zoning Reviewand Approach
Report. To include:
o New zoning map, updated uses and regulations;
o New site design standards
o Revised subdivision regulations.
• Potentially begin development of a neighborhood plan for the East Hill Plaza area.
• Inventory of existing conditions and needs assessment for update of the Park, Recreation, and Open
Space Plan.
COMMITTEE/BOARDSUPPORT ®ULAR ONGOING ACTIVITIES
• Continue staff support and coordination for the Planning Board,Conservation Board, Codes and
Ordinances Committee,Planning Committee, and Agricultural Committee.