HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Packet 2019-12-30 Year End Meeting of the Ithaca Town Board
Monday, December 30, 2019
11:30 a.m.
Agenda
1. Call to order
2. Public Hearing regarding contract with City of Ithaca Fire Department
a. Consider approval
3. Discuss and consider authorization and cost sharing for the purchase of a fire truck by the
Village of Cayuga Heights Fire Department
4. Discuss and consider setting a public hearing regarding a public interest order Increasing
the Maximum Amount to be Expended for the Town of Ithaca Grit Removal and Plant
Improvements Sewer Improvement at the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility from
$2,939,272to $4,540,818
5. Discuss and consider setting a public hearing regarding a public interest order Increasing
the Maximum Amount to be Expended for the Town of Ithaca Winston-Salem Road
Water Main Replacement Water Improvement from $875,000 to $950,000
6. Discuss and consider approval of concept and location for water and sewer infrastructure
—Alex Way subdivision
7. Discuss and consider approval of application and submission of a Deer Management
DEC Nuisance Permit
8. Discuss and consider appointments to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals
9. Consent
a. Town of Ithaca Abstract
10. Swearing in of 2020 Elected Officials
11. Adjourn
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
December 30, 2019
TB Resolution 2019 - : Approval of, and authorize for the Town Supervisor to sign, a
contract with the City of Ithaca for Fire Protection Services by the City of Ithaca Fire
Department
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca has contracted with the City of Ithaca for Fire Protection Services
for a number of years, and
Whereas, negotiations for the proposed contract for 2020-2024 have been held, and
Whereas, a duly publicized public hearing was held and all persons interested in the speaking on
the subject were heard, and
Whereas, the proposed fire contract with the City of Ithaca is for the provision of fire protection
services and emergency services the Town except for the Village of Cayuga Heights Town
pursuant to Town Law § 184 with the following substantive changes:
1. Shifting coverage of the North Campus Residential Expansion buildings/properties
from the Village of Cayuga Heights Fire Department to the City of Ithaca Fire
Department, and
2. The waiving during the contract period of a requirement for five (5)volunteers per
each additional paid firefighter position being added, and
Whereas,the contract period is five (5)years with the payment structure remaining the same as in
the past,which is based proportionately using the total taxable property assessments in the Town and
the City.
Town of Ithaca's payment are project to be:
2020 $3,495,000
2021 $3,582,375
2022 $3,671,934
2023 $3,763,733
2024 $3,857,826
Now therefore be it
Resolved,that the Town Board approves the contract as presented and described and authorizes the
Town Supervisor to sign same, subject to the approval of the Attorney for the Town.
Moved: Seconded:
Vote:
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
Tuesday, December 30, 2019
TB Resolution 2019 - : Approval for the Purchase of a Fire Ladder Truck by the Village
of Cayuga Heights Volunteer Fire Department and any appropriate Budget Amendment
Increasing Appropriations within the Fire Protection Fund
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca entered into a Contract with the Village of Cayuga Heights for the
provision of fire, hazardous material and emergency medical incident response by the Cayuga
Heights Fire Department within the Fire Protection District of the Town of Ithaca; and
Whereas, the Contract for Fire Protection specifies that the Town of Ithaca shall pay a proportion
of the Cayuga Heights Fire Department's capital expenses; and
Whereas, the Village of Cayuga Heights is requesting approval of and funding for a new Ladder
Truck which is estimated at approximately $869,279 with the Town's portion being
approximately $264,000; and
Whereas, the current ladder truck will be placed sold and proceeds from that sale will be put
toward the total purchase price noted above; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Town Board approves the contributory payment in an amount not to exceed
$285,000 for the new Ladder Truck and be it further
Resolved, that the Tow Board approves and authorizes any necessary budget amendments to
meet this contribution.
Moved: Seconded:
Vote:
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
December 30, 2019 p.m.
215 N. Tioga St., Ithaca, NY, Tompkins County
TB Resolution 2019 — : Order Setting a Public Hearing Re2ardin2 an Increase in
the Maximum Amount to be Expended for the Town of Ithaca Grit Removal and
Plant Improvements Sewer Improvement at the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment
Facility from $2,939,272to $4,540,818
Present:
Moved: Seconded:
Whereas, on December 10, 2018 the Ithaca Town Board held a public hearing and
subsequently adopted a Public Interest Order authorizing the Town of Ithaca Grit Removal
and Plant Improvements Sewer Improvement at the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment
Facility (the "Improvement") and the establishment of the Town of Ithaca Grit Removal
and Plant Improvements Sewer Improvement at the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment
Facility Sewer Improvement Area ("Sewer Improvement Area"), through TB Resolution
2018-150; and
Whereas,the notice of public hearing stated that the initially determined maximum
estimated cost to said Sewer Improvement Area was $2,939,272 (Town portion), and the
adopted Public Interest Order stated that the maximum amount proposed to be expended
by the Town of Ithaca for the Improvement is $2,939,272; and
Whereas, bids were received and opened on November 26, 2019, which were
considerably higher than the estimates for same from the Engineers; and
Whereas, Ithaca Area Wastewater Facility Staff, in conjunction with the project's
Consultant Engineers concluded that the bids received were responsive and reflective of
today's reality, and
Whereas, the Facility and Consultant Engineers have prepared a new estimate of
cost in a memo that amends the map, plan and report for the Improvement by increasing
the maximum estimated cost to the Sewer Improvement Area (Town portion) from
$2,939,272 to $4,540,818; and
Whereas,no other changes are proposed to any aspect of the Improvement or Sewer
Improvement Area; and
Whereas, it is now desired to call a public hearing for the purpose of considering
the increase in the maximum amount to be expended by the Town of Ithaca from
$2,939,272to $4,540,818, and to hear all persons interested in the subject thereof
concerning the same, all in accordance with the provisions of Section 209-q of the Town
Law;
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Now, therefore, it is hereby ordered, by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca,
Tompkins County, New York, as follows:
Section 1. A public hearing shall be held by the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca, Tompkins County,New York, at the Town Hall, 215 North Tioga Street, in Ithaca,
New York, in said Town, on the 301h day of December, 2019, at 11:30 o'clock A.M.,
Prevailing Time,to consider the aforesaid increase in the maximum amount to be expended
by the Town of Ithaca on the Improvement, and to hear all persons interested in the subject
thereof concerning the same and to take such action thereon as is required by law.
Section 2. The Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to publish a
Notice of Public Hearing regarding the aforesaid increase in the maximum amount to be
expended,with such Notice to be published once in the official newspaper, and also to post
a copy thereof on the town signboard maintained by the Town Clerk,not less than ten (10)
nor more than twenty (20) days before the day designated for the hearing as aforesaid, all
in accordance with the provisions of Section 209-q of the Town Law.
Section 3. This Order shall take effect immediately.
The question of the adoption of the foregoing Order was duly put to a vote on roll
call, which resulted as follows;
The Order was thereupon declared duly adopted.
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Capital Project Construction Phase for Grit Removal Project, Concrete Restoration
Project, Emergency Generator Replacement, and Miscellaneous Plant Improvements at the
Ithaca Area Wastewater Facility
WInIEREAS, the Ithaca Area Wastewater"Freatment Plant is in need of certain Capital Improvements,
and
WHEREAS, on September 19, 2018, the Special Joint Committee (SJC) UnaniroOUsly recommended to
the Owners that this prqject be authorized and handed in an amount not to exceed $7,190,000 for the costs
required to construct the Grit Removal and Concrete Restoration project in its entirety, and
WHEREAS, bids were received for the Ithaca WWTF Grit Removal and Miscellaneous Improvements
Pi-cJJect on November 26,2019, and Staff, in association with the Plant's C011SUlting engineers, GYID, have
completed the Post-Bid Project Cost Analysis, and
WHEREAS, Staff, in association with the P'lant's consulting engineers GI-ID, have concluded that
GI-ID's "opinion of'probable protect costs" (Engineers Estimate)was low, and the bids received were
responsive arid reflective of today's reality,and
WHEREAS, whether the Contract is Awarded or Re-Bid the project flunding authorization will need to
be increased as follows"
Original Cost Revised Cost Change
Authorized Estimate
Contract I —General $4,420,000 $7,417,175 $2,997,175
Contract 2 - Electrical $1,260,000 $2,043,600 $783,600
Contract 3 - HVAC $310,000 $521,900 $211,900
Subtotal Construction $5,99'0,000 $9,982,675 $3,992,675
C'011tingency $600,000 $325,000 ($275,000)
Total Construction $6,590,000 $10,307,675 $3,717,675
Engineering, Testing, Legal, Administration $600,000 $800,000 $200,000
Total Project Cost $7,190,000 $11,107,675 $3,917,675
WHEREAS, the SJC recommends to the Owners that this project be authorized and handed in an
additional amount not to exceed $3,917,675 for the costs required to construct the Grit Removal and
Concrete Restoration pro.ject in its entirety, and be it further
RESOLVED, That SJC hereby recommends authorization of this project contingent Upon action by all
wastewater partners committing their percentage of reimbursement shares to the Joint Activity bund
allocated per the Joint Sewer Agreement as follows:
Municipality Percentage Total Project Cost Increased Cost Authorization
City of Ithaca 57.14 $6.,346,925 $2,238,559
']'own of Ithaca 40.88 $4,540,818 $1,601,54&?
Town of Dryden 1.98 $21x).932 V7,570
$11,107.675 $3,917,675
page 15 of 15
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
December 30, 2019 p.m.
215 N. Tioga St., Ithaca, NY, Tompkins County
TB Resolution 2019 — : Order Setting a Public Hearing Re2ardin2 an Increase in
the Maximum Amount to be Expended for the Town of Ithaca Winston-Salem
Water Main Replacement Water Improvement from $875,000 to $950,000
Present:
Moved: Seconded:
Whereas, on April 8, 2019, the Ithaca Town Board held a public hearing and
subsequently adopted a Public Interest Order authorizing the Winston-Salem Water Main
Replacement Water Improvement (the "Improvement") and the establishment of the
Winston-Salem Water Main Replacement Water Improvement Area("Water Improvement
Area"), through TB Resolution 2019-055; and
Whereas,the notice of public hearing stated that the initially determined maximum
estimated cost to said Water Improvement Area was $875,000, and the adopted Public
Interest Order stated that the maximum amount proposed to be expended by the Town of
Ithaca for the Improvement is $875,000; and
Whereas, because of anticipated increased construction costs in 2020, the Town
Engineer has prepared a new estimate of cost in a memo that amends the map, plan and
report for the Improvement by increasing the maximum estimated cost to the Water
Improvement Area from $875,000 to $950,000; and
Whereas,no other changes are proposed to any aspect of the Improvement or Water
Improvement Area; and
Whereas, it is now desired to call a public hearing for the purpose of considering
the increase in the maximum amount to be expended by the Town of Ithaca from $875,000
to $950,000, and to hear all persons interested in the subject thereof concerning the same,
all in accordance with the provisions of Section 209-q of the Town Law;
Now, therefore, it is hereby ordered, by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca,
Tompkins County, New York, as follows:
Section 1. A public hearing shall be held by the Town Board of the Town of
Ithaca, Tompkins County,New York, at the Town Hall, 215 North Tioga Street, in Ithaca,
New York, in said Town, on the 301h day of December, 2019, at 11:30 o'clock A.M.,
Prevailing Time,to consider the aforesaid increase in the maximum amount to be expended
by the Town of Ithaca on the Improvement, and to hear all persons interested in the subject
thereof concerning the same and to take such action thereon as is required by law.
1
Section 2. The Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to publish a
Notice of Public Hearing regarding the aforesaid increase in the maximum amount to be
expended,with such Notice to be published once in the official newspaper, and also to post
a copy thereof on the town signboard maintained by the Town Clerk, not less than ten (10)
nor more than twenty (20) days before the day designated for the hearing as aforesaid, all
in accordance with the provisions of Section 209-q of the Town Law.
Section 3. This Order shall take effect immediately.
The question of the adoption of the foregoing Order was duly put to a vote on roll
call, which resulted as follows;
The Order was thereupon declared duly adopted.
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MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
Tuesday, December 30, 2019
TB Resolution 2019 : Acceptance of the Concept and Locations of the Proposed
Public Utilities (water & sewer) to be dedicated to the Town in Coniunction with the
Alex Way Subdivision Proiect
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, on November 19, 2019, has
granted Preliminary Site Plan Approval for the proposed for the proposed subdivision
located at 11 Alex Way, 14 Alex Way, 15 Alex Way and 128 Honness Lane, Town of
Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 60.-1-25.21, 60.-1-25.22, 60.-1-25.23 and 60.-1-21, Medium
Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves subdividing the three existing lots on
Alex Way to create six new residential lots, with Lot 1 containing the existing residence
at 11 Alex Way. The proposal also involves subdividing a strip from the north edge of
128 Honness Lane which will become part of Lots 5 and 6. The project will also involve
improving Alex Way, extension of water and sewer lines, and stormwater facilities. Giora
and Limor Fix, Owners/Applicants;
Whereas, the applicant for the above-referenced project has proposed to dedicate
to the Town of Ithaca the public utilities (water& sewer) as shown on the plans titled
"xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, prepared by T.G. Miller, P.C. Engineers and Surveyors,
and associated easement(s), and
Whereas, the Town Engineer has reviewed the plans for the above-referenced
improvements proposed for dedication to the Town, and have found them generally
acceptable and recommended them to the Town Board for consideration, now therefore
be it
Resolved, that the Town of Ithaca Town Board hereby accepts the concept and
locations of the above-described improvements.
Moved: Seconded:
Vote: Ayes —
PLANNING DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM
TO: TOWN BOARD MEMBERS
FROM: MICHAEL SMITH, SENIOR PLANNER
DATE: DECEMBER 20, 2019
RE: DEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
- AUTHORIZATION TO SUBMIT DEER DAMAGE PERMIT APPLICATION
Please find attached material related to the authorization to submit a new Deer Damage Permit
(DDP) application to NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). As you know,
in February 2019 the Town Board established the Town of Ithaca's Deer Management Program,
made the SEAR determination, and authorized the first DDP application. The program ran from
approximately February 15th to April 15th on three properties. While the NYSDEC issued the
Town 40 tags for the program and the trail cameras we had at each bait site showed lots of
deer activity, only one deer was harvested. Unfortunately, the participants (hunters) on two of
the properties never went out.
Prior to the start of the program last year, a letter was sent to all the landowners that were
adjacent to the three properties being used. This letter let neighbors know about the deer
program and that one of the sites is adjacent to their property. The letter also asked if the
landowner would provide approval to retrieve deer off their property if necessary. We sent out
approximately 48 letters and received 16 responses (14 by email and 2 phone calls). Attached
is a copy of all the responses that were received.
The new DDP application is requesting to start implementing the program on approximately 5
properties on February 1, 2020 and continue through March 3151. Listed below are the various
documents that are attached which provide additional details about the program and DDP
application.
Attached:
• Draft resolution to authorize a new DDP application
• "Town of Ithaca - Deer Management Program Proposal" (detailed description of how
the program will operate)
• NYSDEC Deer Damage Permit application form
• Attachment to the DDP: "Justification for use of Deer Damage Permits"
• "NYSDEC Deer Damage Permit Application — Parcels where Activities will Occur" Map
• Email responses from letter sent to all adjacent landowners
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
Monday, December 30, 2019
TB Resolution 2019 - : Authorization to Submit a Deer Damage Permit Application to
the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Whereas, in May 2017, the Town of Ithaca Conservation Board presented a report(titled"Deer
Management: Recommended Actions for the Town of Ithaca")to the Ithaca Town Board
regarding the overabundance of White-tailed deer in the Town of Ithaca; and
Whereas, this report outlined the history and justification of deer management(health and human
safety, ecological, agricultural losses, car-deer collisions, NYSDEC Deer Management Focus
Area),provided a review of local deer management programs in Tompkins County (Village of
Trumansburg, Cornell University, Village of Cayuga Heights, Village of Lansing), and provided
recommendations for a potential Town of Ithaca deer management program (form sub-
committee, utilize NYSDEC Deer Damage Permits for a Town program, measure impacts of
deer to asses effectiveness of program, coordinate efforts with adjacent municipalities and
Cornell University, etc.); and
Whereas, in September 2017 the Ithaca Town Board established a Deer Management Committee
which met several times in spring and summer 2018; and
Whereas, the Deer Management Committee held a public meeting in May 2018 seeking feedback
on the report and the potential of starting a deer management program, with the feedback
received being very positive; and
Whereas, pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act("SEQRA") and
its implementing regulations at 6 NYCRR Part 617, the establishment of this Deer Management
Program and submission of annual Deer Damage Permit applications is an Unlisted Action for
which the Town of Ithaca Town Board, acting as lead agency in an uncoordinated environmental
review with respect to these actions,has, on February 11, 2019 , made a negative environmental
determination of significance, after having reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short
Environmental Assessment Form Parts 1, 2 and 3; and
Whereas, the Town applied for and received a Deer Damage Permit from NYSDEC in February
2019 and conducted the program on three properties, resulting in the harvesting of one deer;
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Supervisor of the Town of Ithaca, is hereby authorized and directed to file a
new Deer Damage Permit application with NYS Department of Environmental Conservation for
activities in 2020, including any associated future documents, forms or reports.
Moved: Seconded:
Vote:
December 17,2019
Town of Ithaca
Deer Management Program Proposal
February 1— March 31, 2020
Deer Management Program Approved by the Town of Ithaca Town Board on February 11, 2019
Ithaca Town Board Resolution No. 2019-021
Authorization to apply for DDP for 2020 by the Town of Ithaca Town Board on
Ithaca Town Board Resolution No. 2019-
In May 2017, the Town of Ithaca Conservation Board presented a report (DDr _IMrn „grri „rpf;
Rccommcrnd_ed„A ctiorns for the Town of lltha_ca„),to the Ithaca Town Board regarding the overabundance of
White-tailed deer in the Town of Ithaca. This report outlined the history and justification of deer
management (health and human safety, ecological, agricultural losses, car-deer collisions, NYSDEC Deer
Management Focus Area), a review of local deer management programs in Tompkins County (Village of
Trumansburg, Cornell University, Village of Cayuga Heights, Village of Lansing), and provided
recommendations for a potential Town of Ithaca deer management program(form sub-committee, utilize
NYSDEC Deer Damage Permits for a Town program, measure impacts of deer to assess effectiveness of
program, coordinate efforts with adjacent municipalities and Cornell University, etc.). The Ithaca Town
Board reviewed and discussed this report and in September 2017, formally established a Deer
Management Committee.This Committee met several times in the spring and summer of 2018 and held
a public meeting in May 2018 seeking feedback on the report and the potential of a deer management
program. The public feedback received was very positive regarding deer management in the Town and
the Town Board agreed to move forward with establishing a program. The Town received a DDP from
NYSDEC in February 2019 to use three properties through mid-April, but only harvested one deer. The
Town Board designated $3,000 in the 2020 Town budget for this program.
Based on input from the Town's Conservation Board, the Town's former Deer Management Committee,
representatives from Cornell University and other local municipal deer management programs, and the
new Town Deer Management Oversight Committee, the use of New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) approved Deer Damage Permits (DDP) — also known as nuisance
permits—is recommended to reduce deer numbers. This approach is not considered regular hunting and
for the Town of Ithaca program it proposes to use proficient archers (including crossbows) at baited
locations as the preferred low cost method. Firearms could also be used at selected sites in the more
rural areas of the Town. What follows is believed to be the best approach to significantly reduce the deer
population and negative impacts of the high deer level in the Town of Ithaca.
It is anticipated that for this second year, five properties will be used. Since several of the properties are
very large,there is the potential that more than one bait site could be located on some of those properties.
The Town program, once fully implemented, is designed to initially reduce the size of the deer population
over the first few years, and then provide stability in population numbers thereafter. It is proposed
(pending DEC approval) that implementation of the deer management program will start on February 1,
2020 and continue until March 31, 2020. A map showing the properties where activities will occur will be
available at Town Hall and will be posted on the Town of Ithaca's website
(hft //vvvvvv„fr rn,ifh�_c2_,rpy„ as O 2J. The Deer Management Oversight Committee will continue to
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December 17,2019
review properties throughout the Town that are ideal locations given their size, expected deer traffic,and
availability of trees and cover for this and future years. The following is detailed information on the Town
of Ithaca deer management program.
1. Activities are proposed to occur from February 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020. The Town's Deer
Management Oversight Committee will review the success of the program and will reduce or
expand activities as needed based on deer harvests and assessment on ecological and other
indicators. All landowners will be kept informed about management activities (including who the
participants are on their property) in regular updates.
2. Tree stands will be placed (no screw insteps, ladder stands are preferred)at landowner approved
locations prior to the start of the program. A few branches may need to be trimmed to improve
shooting lanes. Shooting from elevated positions directs arrows/bullets into the ground after
passing through a deer. Trail monitoring cameras may be installed to capture deer activity. If
needed, locations may need to be shifted slightly or abandoned. Each landowner will be informed
about any activities on their properties, as indicated by landowner preferences.
3. The properties the Town has selected to use already have participants available and familiar with
the properties. Participants will primarily be using vertical bows or crossbows, but could
potentially use a firearm in selected locations in the more rural areas of the Town. The activities
are coordinated by Michael Smith, Senior Planner,Town of Ithaca, and he is assisted by members
of the Town of Ithaca Deer Management Oversight Committee.
4. Activities will occur as needed to allow for variations in weather conditions, deer movement
patterns and participants' availability. There will be the use of supplemental lights after dark that
will allow for safe, highly accurate shots at very close range. Several of the participants are
experienced in using this approach and any new ones will be trained if they desire to use
supplemental light. Deer use patterns at bait will be monitored using infrared trail cameras to
target the best possible times to utilize locations.
5. All participants are required to follow all Town rules and laws, NYS laws, and any expressed
landowner preferences. It is the right of each landowner,if so desired,to select individuals among
approved participants who may be permitted access to their property, the times or dates
participants are allowed on properties, stand locations, parking locations, or access routes as
desired. The agreement to use properties can be terminated by landowners at any time by
notifying the Town of Ithaca Town Clerk (towrnclerk @towrn.ithaca.rn .us).
6. Which days and stands will be used cannot be predicted in advance, as this will depend on
individual time schedules, wind direction, weather, and previous use of stand locations. To
prevent overuse,the use of resting periods of 1-2 weeks between activity periods will allow deer
to fall back into their usual use patterns. Baiting will continue during the resting periods.
7. Participants will be in trees using camouflage and will use flashlights to locate shot deer or to walk
in or out of the woods; therefore landowners may notice a slow moving flashlight. If deer can't
be readily retrieved due to poor blood trails, approved tracking dogs are available to help in
locating the wounded deer. In very rare circumstances,tracking may occur the next morning with
better light. Landowners will be alerted to any of these possibilities and will have access to cell
phone numbers of participants.
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December 17,2019
8. Occasionally a mortally wounded deer may run beyond property boundaries. All participants will
have information about property boundaries when in the field. This information will include
phone numbers of landowners and neighbors who need to be notified if a search extends beyond
the approved properties. If necessary, the participant or member of the Deer Management
Oversight Committee will call and ask permission to retrieve a deer, unless pre-authorization to
retrieve deer from a property exists. An attempt will be made to inform all immediate neighbors
on these activities, regardless of whether a deer ever leaves an approved property.
9. Participants will keep track of and report all shots (arrows/bullets) using a secure website
(Qualtrics website). Arrows usually pass through deer and fall close to the spot where a deer was
hit, but occasionally will remain in the deer. Every effort will be made to retrieve arrows.
10. All shot deer will be removed discretely and not be field dressed on properties, unless previously
approved by the landowner.
11. All harvested deer will be consumed by participants, landowners, or donated. As many deer as
possible will be dropped off to an approved venison donation processor for distribution to local
food banks and pantries for families that can benefit from the meat.
12. In most instances, landowners and neighbors will not notice activities or the killing of a deer,since
it happens fast. However,despite all precautions and skills,deer may be wounded, may not expire
immediately, collapse on neighboring properties or may not be found. Every effort will be made
(including the possible use of a trained dog)to recover all animals.
13. The Town Deer Management Oversight Committee will review activities and success in regular
intervals and determine if activities should continue or be terminated based on activities and
number of deer harvested.
14. The Deer Management Oversight Committee will provide regular updates to the Town Board,
including the number of deer harvested, which will also be posted on the Town's website
15. The goal of the program is to reduce deer numbers to levels where forest regeneration and
survival of browse sensitive plants within the Town of Ithaca is once again possible. In addition,
the program seeks to reduce deer tick populations to levels where Lyme disease risks are
minimized, reduce vehicle collusions with deer, and reduce agricultural crop damage. With
assistance from the Town of Ithaca Conservation Board,the ecological success of deer reductions
in the Town may be assessed using oak sentinels or other methods.
16. Given the high deer densities and the articulated ecological and health goals, the program will
aim to target both antlered and antlerless deer. This requires approval by the NYSDEC.
Participants shooting bucks will be required to saw off antlers and antlers will be delivered to the
NYSDEC by the Town.
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December 17,2019
Town of Ithaca Contacts:
William Goodman,Town Supervisor
Email: . . . . . .!!. ..rn... .. .rp..:.!..?. .. ..:..r?..Y.:..!..
Office Phone: 607-273-1721
Cell Phone: 607-229-8142
Michael Smith, Senior Planner
Email: !~�:.s.! :.!..�?..<�.�r�. .rp..:..!.�.h.a.�F2..:..rn.�.:..�!.�.
Office Phone: 607-273-1747(ext. 123)
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apart east of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
STAGE OF
PPORTUNITY Environmental. Division of Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Bureau of Wildlife
DEER DAMAGE PERMIT APPLICATION
Reg.Year Rec. Number
Regional Wildlife Office: Cortland-Region 7
Landowner/Lessee/Organization Representative Name: Organization/Business Name(if applicable):
Rod Howe, Town Supervisor Town of Ithaca
Street Address: Daytime Phone:
215 North Tioga Street 607-273-1721
City/State/Zip: E-mail address:
Ithaca, NY 14850 rhowe@town.ithaca.ny.us
Location Where Damage Is Occurring:
County: Tompkins Town: Ithaca Village/City(if applicable): N/A
WMU:718S"" Physical address/location:various-please see attached map for parcels where activities will occur
Type Of Damage Occurring (check all that apply):
❑ Agriculture ❑ Tree Farm/Orchard/Nursery ❑ Community/Residential Park/Preserve
Other: damage occuring Town-wide Estimated Annual Damages: $ unknown #of Acres Affected: 19,370
Description of Most Significant Damage: see attached
Damage Abatement Methods Tried (check all that apply):
9 Fence Repellent ❑Visual or Auditory Scare Device ❑Alternate Plantings Dog ❑Non-lethal Shot ❑Other
Do you allow deer hunting on this property? ❑ Yes ❑ No If no, why not? hunting is permitted throughout the Town
Do you use DMAP on this property? ❑ Yes ❑ No If no, why not? some landowners may be using DMAP in the Town
Approximately how many deer were taken on this property last year? 163 in Ithaca 2 years ago? 135 in Ithaca 3 years ago? 157 in Ithaca
Permit Implementation:
Principal Proposed Permit Agent(if other than applicant): Street Address:
Michael Smith, Senior Planner 215 North Tioga Street
Daytime Phone: City/State/Zip:
607-273-1747 / msmith@town.ithaca.ny.us Ithaca, NY 14850
Tax Map ID#s for all parcels where permit activities will occur(or attach map identifying parcels):please see attached map
for parcels where activities will occur
Will shooting occur within 500' (firearm), 250' (crossbow) or 150' (vertical bow) of homes other than yours? ❑ Yes 8 No
If yes, do you have permission from the owners of those homes? ❑ Yes ❑ No
APPLICANT AGREEMENT/CERTIFICATION
I affirm by the signature below, under penalty of perjury,that the information in this application is true to the best of my knowledge and belief. I am
aware that false statements made herein are punishable as Class A misdemeanors under Penal Law 210.45. 1 further understand that,upon filing of this
application with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation(DEC),DEC has the right to inspect any property listed on this
application at any time up until the permit expiration date in order to confirm the information provided. Any findings of false statements may lead to
immediate permit revocation.1 have read and fully understand the permit conditions and agree to abide by them.
Applicant signature: Date:
-------------------------------------------------------------*NYS DEC USE ONLY*-------------------------------------------------------------------
Actions Taken: 0 Information and education 0 Field visit 0 Recommended DMPs/DMAP 0 DDP issued
0 Repeat Complaint 0 Applicant failed to comply with previous DDP conditions:
0 Enforcement action taken:
Field Inspector: Date: Notes:
Application Reviewer: Date: Notes:
December 17,2019
Town of Ithaca
Deer Management Program
Justification for use of Deer Damage Permits
February 1— March 31, 2020
In May 2017, the Town of Ithaca Conservation Board presented a report ("Deer Management:
Recommended Actions for the Town of Ithaca") to the Ithaca Town Board regarding the overabundance
of White-tailed deer in the Town of Ithaca. This report outlined the history and justification of deer
management (health and human safety, ecological, agricultural losses, car-deer collisions, NYSDEC Deer
Management Focus Area), a review of local deer management programs in Tompkins County (Village of
Trumansburg, Cornell University, Village of Cayuga Heights, Village of Lansing), and provided
recommendations for a potential Town of Ithaca deer management program(form sub-committee, utilize
NYSDEC Deer Damage Permits (DDP)for a Town program, measure impacts of deer to asses effectiveness
of program, coordinate efforts with adjacent municipalities and Cornell University, etc.).The Ithaca Town
Board reviewed and discussed this report and in September 2017, established a Deer Management
Committee. This Committee met several times in the spring and summer of 2018 and held a public
meeting in May 2018 seeking feedback on the report and the potential of a deer management program.
The public feedback received was very positive regarding deer management in the Town and the Town
Board agreed to move forward with establishing a program. The Town received a DDP from NYSDEC in
February 2019 to use three properties through mid-April, but only harvested one deer. The Town Board
designated $3,000 in the 2020 Town budget for this program.
The Town of Ithaca is proposing to continue to address the overpopulation of deer by using a culling
program. The Town program would use proficient volunteer archers(firearms could also be used at select
sites in the rural areas of the Town) at baited locations. Locations for the baited sites will be scattered
throughout the Town, and could include residential properties, cemeteries, and in natural areas. The
Town has obtained interest from five landowners to host bait locations on their property for this second
year of the program. Since several of the properties are very large, there is the potential that more than
one bait site could be located on some of those properties. The proposed Town program, once fully
implemented, is designed to initially reduce the size of the deer population over the first few years, and
then provide stability in population numbers thereafter. Detailed information about the proposed
program can be found in the attached document titled "Town of Ithaca - Deer Management Program
Proposal" (dated December 17, 2019).
The existing overpopulation of deer in the Town are creating a significant ecological impact (deer forage
of native vegetation, little forest regeneration), health and human safety issues (ticks / Lyme disease),
ornamental landscape damage,and vehicle/deer collisions(see attached map showing"Vehicle Collisions
with Deer") as further described below.
• Ecological Impact— Deer suppress not only the perennial herbaceous layer of the forest through
grazing the understory, they also alter the succession trajectories of forests via browsing. Native
plants, including tree species, are disappearing from the Town landscape only to be replaced by
unpalatable non-native and invasive plants. In a series of 2017 ecological assessments for the
Town of Ithaca parks and preserves, Newleaf Environmental LLC consistently documented that
tree regeneration is very low (less than 100 seedlings per acre) with heavy deer pressure and
competition from invasive shrubs impeding young tree growth. The photo below is from the
1
December 17,2019
Finger Lakes Land Trust's Sweedler Preserve at Lick Brook (located in the Town of Ithaca on
Townline Rd) taken in 2017 of a deer exclosure they have been maintaining for several years.
J
J
It is anticipated that in 2020 members of the Town of Ithaca Conservation Board will start
monitoring deer impacts in several Town parks and preserves using the "Monitoring White-tailed
Deer Impacts: The Ten-tallest Method" (htt s.. flrn s.or sites default files rnewsletters Tern
f:allesf�20Methr�c���2011lrnstructiorns��2.02.01i .p f). In 2019 the City of Ithaca Forestry staff set up
....... ...... . . ...... .. ......... ......... ...........
five plots with red oak seedlings to gather baseline data on City owned properties. The initial data
show that seedling survival was very low as a result of deer browsing.
• Health and Human Safety Issues— Deer serve as the primary host for the adult blacklegged tick,
the vector for Lyme disease. In a pivotal Connecticut study, the rates of Lyme disease in a
community were tracked over 13 years in conjunction with the implementation of a deer
management program. There was a strong correlation between deer population reduction and
decreased incidence of the disease. In Tompkins County, the incidence of Lyme disease has
increased by 50% since 2011. The Town of Ithaca has posted signs at the entrances to most the
Town parks and trails as a warning about the possibility that ticks are present and how to avoid
them.
• Ornamental Landscape Damage — In the residential and higher density areas of the Town, the
overpopulation of deer are negatively impacting the ornamental landscapes and gardens at
residences, business, college campuses and cemeteries. The deer are causing damage by heavy
browsing and rubbing their antlers on ornamentals throughout the year. Since there is limited
opportunity for regular hunting in these high density areas, there are limited options to
eliminating deer in these areas. Some private landowners have installed fencing or used
repellents, but that is only helpful for those individual properties.
• Vehicle / Deer Collisions—According to data obtained from the Ithaca Tompkins Transportation
Council (crash data from NYSDOT Accident Location Information System) for the years 2012
through 2016,439 accidents involved deer in the Town of Ithaca. This database utilizes all crashes
reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The attached map, "Vehicle Collisions with Deer
2
December 17,2019
—2012—2016",shows the approximate location of any accidents that involved deer and is broken
down by each year.
While some deer hunting is occurring in the rural and agricultural areas of the Town and there is the
Tompkins County Deer Management Focus Area hunting available throughout the Town in January, the
issues above are still occurring.
Deer management efforts by adjacent municipalities (Villages of Lansing and Cayuga Heights) and Cornell
University have made some gains towards their goals, but the addition of a similar program in the Town
would enhance their efforts.
We respectfully request approval of the Town of Ithaca's DDP application, starting as early as possible
after February 1, 2020 and continuing to March 31, 2020. We request the ability to take deer of either
sex (with any antlers delivered to the NYSDEC every 10 days), using archery, crossbows or firearms, with
shooting over bait during a 24 hour period. The specific parcels where activity will occur are shown on
the attached map("NYSDEC Deer Damage Permit Application—Parcels where Activities will Occur", dated
December 11, 2019). The Town has established a Deer Management Oversight Committee to help
implement this program.
Attached:
- "NYSDEC Deer Damage Permit Application—Parcels where Activities will Occur" Map (December
11, 2019)
- "Town of Ithaca—Deer Management Program Proposal" (December 17, 2019)
- "Vehicle Collisions with Deer 2012—2016" Map (February 2018)
- "Deer Management: Recommended Actions for the Town of Ithaca"Town of Ithaca
Conservation Board (May 2017)
3
Town of Ithaca—Deer Management Program
Email responses from letter sent to all adjacent landowners—February/March 2019
Tax Parcel No. 16.-2-5- Lake View Cemetery(8 letters sent)
909 Wyckoff Road: You have our permission to enter our property to remove a wounded deer, should
the situation warrant it.
208 Kline Road: I could not discern the methods being used;we're on the boundary of a culling area. Is it
safe for our dog to be in that area?We just returned to find this notice in our collected mail.
Tax Parcel No.28.-1-20.2—YMCA (11 letters sent)
1407 Mecklenburg Road: Chuck is the hunter who manages our property and we often track with him.
No problem and no need to mail a paper copy of the letter.
Cornell Botanic Gardens: You have my authorization to allow the Town's DDP participants on the YMCA
Camp to enter the Cornell Botanic Garden's Coy Glen Natural Area, if necessary to track and/or retrieve
a deer shot during the program's operations, through this year's permit authorized dates. If a
participant does end up needing to do so, please have them notify me within 24 hours so we are made
aware. Thank you.
1381 Mecklenburg Road: I received the Town of Ithaca letter yesterday about culling deer on a property
next to mine at 1381 Mecklenburg Road. I am completely in agreement with deer management
(including culling) and write to give my permission for you to retrieve wounded or dying deer on my
property when or if that happens.
1345 Mecklenburg Road: I got your letter regarding deer management in the Town which I think is
appropriate. I was wondering,what adjacent property to us would have culling. I think it must be across
route 79, since I believe that eco-village is south of us, the YMCA Camp to the west and a house(s) to the
east. Our address is 1345 Mecklenburg Road.
1367 Mecklenburg Road: (phone call) Yes—can retrieve deer from her property.
Tax Parcel No.28.-2-6.302—Rancich Family Ltd Partnership (29 letters sent)
177 Westhaven Road: I grant approval to remove any deer from my property.
424 Richard Place:We received today a letter from the Town of Ithaca announcing the town's deer
culling program. Please feel free to enter our property as necessary to remove wounded or dead deer.
We are on the City/Town line on West Hill between Rt. 79 and Elm Street Extension.The letter was
unclear as to how the culling will be carried out. Is this to be a mini hunting season, allowing licensed
hunters to participate, or is the town hiring hunters to carry out the program?
1209 Mecklenburg Road: Received the letter about deer culling near my property at 1209 Mecklenburg
road. I do give permission to retrieve a wounded or expired deer from my property if that becomes
necessary.
520 Warren Place:Thank you for putting this program together. Our family has had two car/deer
accidents with a combined cost of over$5,000 to repair in the West Hill neighborhood. In addition, one
1
serious Lyme disease case. We support this effort and deer can be taken off the property should they
wander onto it. Please let us know when the program begins on the property adjacent to ours. In
addition, each day, if possible. Can we expect to hear gunshots? Or is the culling being done via a silent
method? (Second Email:Thank you Mike. Happy Hunting. We have deer groups up to 20 at a time
crossing down from the town land above our property down into the city limits on a regular basis. Let
us know if you need an organized deer drive up from the city!)
1295 Mecklenburg Road: I received the notice regarding a deer management program. I wish that the
DEC and the town could have contacted hunters w licenses to assist with this "culling" process. For
instance, there exists a Venison Donation Network that receives deer meat to butcher and give to
families who have no food.This year my boyfriend did not get a deer during hunting season, and we
depend on that meat. I wish there was published information about the "so called" number of deer in
the Town of Ithaca. I would like to see the number of deer that exist in the 3 selected areas.
1215 Mecklenburg Road: If a deer were to expire on my property as a result of deer culling, you have my
approval to enter my property to remove it.
153 Westhaven Road:The deer management program that has been adopted has merit. Having lived on
West Hill for more than 60 yrs I have been witness to the effects of a growing deer population and have
been repeatedly disappointed by their ability to destroy gardens, landscaping and tree regeneration. I
live on 35 acres next to the Rancich property on the south and run regularly through the YMCA property
so I know the area well. I' d like to make a few comments. First we not only have a deer problem but
also a coyote problem. They are seen regularly close to the house and are a threat to pets.There recent
success may parallel the deer population rise and their numbers in the long run may go down if the deer
population goes down. However in the short term allowing any field dressing of deer in the property
next to mine will draw more coyotes into the area and allow for more breeding success. So I would ask
that no field dressing of animals be allowed even with the land owners consent.The major landowners
on West Hill,John Rancich, and the YMCA don't live near the proposed hunt areas. It would help the
problem further if the hunters also were allowed to shoot coyotes who they will see regularly at night at
the bait sites.
Second although I don't hunt deer myself I allow hunting on my property.These hunters take both
antlered and antlerless deer as permitted. Of course they like to take the big bucks.To that end they
often pass on medium size bucks to give them some time to mature. Since this program is to control the
population taking does would be most efficient.Taking smaller bucks with more lifespan would also be
preferable to older bucks. To encourage in season hunting, leaving the big bucks for the regular hunters
would increase participation and help manage the population.
A third observation is that you seemed to have concentrated your hunting in one very small area of the
town. My paranoia that West Hill is often seen as the dumping ground for unpopular projects like this,
think(low income/sex offender/excon/drug selling housing). You should give the rest of the town a
chance to contribute to the greater good.
338 Richard Place: I'm writing in response to your March 4 letter about deer culling on West Hill. I
realize this may be too late, but you have my permission to enter my property, 338 Richard PI, Ithaca, NY
14850, to retrieve a deer.Thank you for asking and for addressing this problem.
506 Warren Place: (phone call) Owner ok with retrieving deer from his property.
2
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Deer Management Area Boundary(+/- 1.5 Miles from the City Boundary)
PRI NTKEY OWNERS LOCADDR ACRES
16.-2-5 Lake View Cemetery 605 EAST SHORE DR 15.59
28.-1-20.2 YMCA 1349 MECKLENBURG RD 103.2
28.-2-6.302 Rancich Family Ltd Partnership MECKLENBURG RD 70.11
31.-1-3.12 Bin&Scott D'Vileskis 144 COY GLEN RD 38
55.-1-1 City of tthaca CODDINGTON RD/JUNIPE 755.210
Map Prepared by Town of Ithaca Planning Department
Data from Tompkins County GIS Division and Town of Ithaca Planning Department
Aerial Image Taken Spring 2018
YEAR END MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
Monday, December 30, 2019
TB Resolution 2019-000: Appointment of Zoning Board of Appeals Members
Whereas there is a vacancy on the ZBA for the full five year term January 1, 2020
through December 31, 2024; and
Whereas, Alternates David Squires and David Filiberto would like to be considered for
the full membership or be reappointed as an Alternate; and
Whereas the interview committee interviewed four new candidates and recommends
David Squires as a regular member for the term ending December 31, 2024, and David Filiberto
and David Williams as Alternate Members for 2020; now, therefore, be it
Resolved appoints David Squires as a Regular Member for a five year term ending
December 31, 2024, reappoints David Filiberto as Alternate member for the year 2020 and
appoints David Williams of 212 Tudor Road as an Alternate member for the year 2020.
Moved: Seconded:
Vote: Ayes —
TB Resolution 2020-000: Appointment of Planning Board Members
Whereas, Joseph Haefeli has indicated he would not like to be reappointed as a Regular Member,
since his term is ending December 31, 2019, which leaves a full seven year term vacant; and
Whereas, there are three additional open positions on the Planning Board with one term ending
December 31, 2020 and one term ending December 31, 2022 and the 2020 Alternate position;
and
Whereas the interview committee interviewed six candidates for the open positions and
recommends appointing Christopher Biehn, 113 Larisa Lane, as a regular member for the full
seven year term ending December 31, 2026, Gregory Lindquist, 166 Whitetail Drive, as a
regular member completing a term ending December 31, 2022, Michael (Mick) LoPinto, 531
Elm Street, as a regular member completing a term ending December 31, 2020 and Ariel Casper,
429 Bostwick Road, as the Alternate member for 2020; now, therefore, be it
Resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby appoint Christopher Biehn as a
regular member for the full seven year term ending December 31, 2026, Gregory Lindquist as a
regular member completing a term ending December 31, 2022, Michael LoPinto as a regular
member completing a term ending December 31, 2020 and recommends Ariel Casper as the
Alternate member for 2020.
Moved: Seconded:
Vote: Ayes —
TB Resolution 2020-000: Appointment of Planning Board Chair and Zoning Board of
Appeals Chair
Whereas the Planning Board members have recommended that Liebe Meir Swain be appointed
as Chair for the year ending December 31, 2020, and
Whereas the Zoning Board of Appeals members have recommended that Rob Rosen be
reappointed as Chair for the year ending December 31, 2020, now, therefore, be it
Resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby appoint Liebe Meir Swain as
Chair of the Planning Board for the year 2020; and be it further
Resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby reappoints Rob Rosen as Chair of
the Zoning Board of Appeals for the year 2020.
Moved: Seconded:
Vote: Ayes —