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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-07 Newsletter Back to In Person Meetings! The Town’s Boards and Committees return to in-person meetings. To allow for a transition and increase access for the public to attend meetings, boards and committee meetings will be broadcast via ZOOM and/or YouTubeLive for your convenience. ZOOM will primarily be used for staff, presenters, and those wishing to speak under a public hearing or persons to be heard agenda item. As many of you have probably experienced over the past year, juggling the ZOOM “Hollywood Squares” can be challenging, and we encourage people to attend meetings via YouTubeLive when available and only via ZOOM at those meetings where you plan to speak and move to YouTubeLive afterwards. Some committees that do not routinely have public comment periods will broadcast only via YouTubeLive. Links for access to one or both platforms as applicable will be posted on the agenda and web calendar listing for each meeting. Codes Corner Dear Friends, The Town is currently transitioning to a new software system to allow for electronic applications and documents to be submitted to the Code Enforcement, Planning, Town Clerk, Engineering, and Public Works Departments. The user will establish and account using an email address and other standard contact information. This will allow for enhanced communication to Town staff in all departments. The system is anticipated to become live in mid-September of 2021. Although this will be a change from what we are all accustomed to, we expect that this new software system will provide for a more positive experience on the applicant’s side. Please check back in with the town newsletter to receive some additional updates as we continue to work towards implementing this new program. As usual, always remember to check and replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. If you have any questions, please feel free to call our offices at 607-273-1783 (option #2) or email us at codes@town.ithaca.ny.us. Thank you, Marty Moseley, Director Spirit of Tompkins If it has been a while since you have checked out the Spirit of Tompkins portraits check out the expanded group (now including other Tompkins County Towns and Villages): https://www.spiritoftompkins.org/ The Village of Cayuga Heights Fire Department The VCH FD is a very strong volunteer fire department with a robust bunker program where members commit to training and service in exchange for a room and communal areas. The Town contributes some financial support to their efforts and appreciates their dedication to our community’s emergency response. Advance Notice NYS DOT Route 366 from Ithaca City line to Route 13/366 Interchange Public Comment Meeting – August 10th NYS DOT has announced a meeting for public comment on their Route 366 – 13/366 Interchange re- milling and resurfacing project scheduled for Spring 2022 through late Fall 2022. Exact time and link coming soon. From DOT: This project will remove and replace the top 4 inches of asphalt surface on Rte. 366 in both directions, for a distance of approximately 3.8 miles. Work will also include isolated pavement joint and crack repairs, replacement of traffic signal detection, and new pavement markings as needed. In addition, a new segment of sidewalk and associated pedestrian ramps will be installed on the south side of Rte. 366 between Forest Home Drive and Mt. Pleasant Rd. The project is currently in the preliminary design phase. Final plans will be completed in December 2021 with bid opening in February 2022. Construction is scheduled to begin in the Spring of 2022 and to be completed by late Fall 2022. Traffic will be maintained on-site during construction utilizing shoulder and lane closures. Alternating one-way traffic with flaggers will occur as necessary to complete the work. 2021-2022 RECYCLING GUIDELINES BROCHURE NOW AVAILABLE The new 2021-2022 Tompkins County Curbside Recycling Guidelines brochure is now available. The brochure is produced by the Tompkins County Department of Recycling and Materials Management (TCRMM) and covers the 12-month period from July 2021 through June 2022. County residents are reminded to check the guidelines to be sure that an item is recyclable before including it in their bin. Plastic bags and films, styrofoam, electronics, clothing, padded envelopes, and many other items are not accepted. Any curbside recycling bin with unacceptable items will be left at the curb with a sticker explaining why it was rejected. Visit, www.recycletompkins.org or these easy links: Print Orientation Screen Orientation CAMPAIGN FOR CLEAN HEATING The Town of Ithaca is partnering with HeatSmart Tompkins on the Campaign for Clean Heating, which offers free energy assessments in homes and businesses for energy improvements such as insulation, heat pumps, and water heaters. After the assessment, you will have access to pre-vetted installers, and financial incentives to help with any recommendations you consider acting upon. • Sign up for a free energy assessment at https://tinyurl.com/vtu8eenw. • Learn more in the Town’s Campaign for Clean Heating webinar: Webinar full video • Contact Nick Goldsmith, Sustainability Planner, ngoldsmith@town.ithaca.ny.us Town Water Billing NOTICE TO RESIDENTIAL AND SMALL BUSINESS WATER CUSTOMERS On June 17, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed into law amendments to the Public Service Law that prevent municipalities and public utilities from terminating water and sewer service to customers for non-payment of an overdue charge during the COVID-19 state of emergency. Even before this new law, the Town of Ithaca did not terminate service for non-payment, so the new law did not change the Town’s practice of not terminating for non-payment. New York State recently granted additional protections for residential and small business customers who have been financially disadvantaged by the COVID-19 emergency by prohibiting the placement of a lien on property owned by residential and small business customers who have been unable to pay their water bills from March 7, 2020, to June 24, 2021, because of financial challenges caused by the pandemic. If you are a resident or small business owner who has experienced a change in financial circumstances due to the COVID-19 state of emergency and would like to request relief from the placement of a lien on your property, it will be necessary for you to self-certify your change in circumstance. You may contact Debby Kelley, Town of Ithaca at (607) 273-1721 x114 or dkelley@town.ithaca.ny.us for additional information. Please note that successful completion of the self-certification process does not eliminate a customer’s obligation to pay accrued charges. However, customers who have experienced a change in financial circumstances due to the COVID-19 state of emergency (from March 7, 2020, through June 24, 2021) are being afforded the opportunity to enter into a deferred payment agreement without the imposition of deposits, future late fees, or future penalties.