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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 2023-02-27MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD February 27, 2023 — 4:30 p.m. Tow�`V.of Vt1ta c..a .�.�a. b]..c Ke°ct.�.0 .t:a`s '.i'o.i�T u.bo. https:// Lasaf1V1 eb.zooiT .us! I/ �'i�'i68082F,447 AGENDA 1. Supervisor's and Town Departments Year End Reports and 2023 Goals 2. Consider authorization to award contracts for the 2023 Townwide Geotechnical Services 3. Committee Reports • Budget • Codes & Ordinances • Personnel and Organization/ERC • Planning • Public Works • Others • Economic Development • Parks, Trails, Preserves & Recreation • Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization (CWIO) 4. Association of Towns Conference Highlights 5. Consent Agenda a. Approval of Minutes - b. Town of Ithaca Abstract c. Appointment of Town Representative to TC Youth Advisory Board d. Approval of a refund of water charges to the Town of Ulysses 6. Reports of Town Officials/Correspondence MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD February 27, 2023 — 4:30 p.m. Minutes Board Members Present: Rod Howe, Supervisor; Members Rich DePaolo, Pamela Bleiwas, Rob Rosen and Margaret Johnson Absent: Eric Levine, and Bill Goodman Present: Judy Drake, John Little, Marty Moseley, CJ Randall, Paulette Rosa, Donna Shaw, and Dan Thaete Mr. Howe opened the meeting at 4:30 p.m. 1. Supervisor's and Town Departments Year End Reports and 2023 Goals (Attachment 1) Mr. Howe and Department Heads reviewed their reports with a highlighted goal and achievement. 2. Consider authorization to award contracts for the 2023 Townwide Geotechnical Services Mr. Thaete explained the scope of the contracts, which are essentially an as -needed basis for testing compliance of developers and contractors as well as our own capital projects and are chosen by experience and reliability and past engagement with the Town. TB Resolution 2023 - 047: Authorization to Award Contract(s) for 2023 Townwide Geotechnical Services Whereas, the Town of Ithaca retains the services of a Professional Geotechnical Engineer to perform various testing services for multiple townwide capital improvement projects throughout the fiscal year 2023; and Whereas, the geotechnical testing is required to assure contractors are adhering to proper construction techniques as outlined within town specifications.; and Whereas, the Town will need to award Geotechnical Services to two (2) independent firms to procure the necessary testing required throughout the year; and Whereas, the Director reviewed the proposals and qualifications received and has determined the need to award geotechnical services to two (2) separate firms; Atlantic Testing Laboratories, 6431 US highway 11, Canton NY 13617 and SJB Services, Inc., 5167 South Park Ave., Hamburg, NY 14075; and now therefore be it Resolved, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the award of the contracts for the 2023 Town of Ithaca Townwide Geotechnical Services to Atlantic Testing Laboratories and SJB Services, Inc.; and be it further TB 2023-02-27 (Files 3/24) Pg. 1 Resolved, that the Town Supervisor is authorized to execute such contract subject to review of the final contract documents by the Town Engineer and Attorney for the Town. Moved: Pamela Bleiwas Seconded: Rich DePaolo Vote: ayesBleiwas, DePaolo, Rosen, Johnson and Howe 3. Committee Reports • Budget — No meeting/report • Codes & Ordinances — Continued discussion on telecommunications revisions • Personnel and Organization/ERC — Current position movements and start review of the Volunteerism Policy • Planning — Met with an applicant for a Limited Historic Commercial District zoning request on Buttermilk Falls Rd and continued review of the Solar Law revisions • Public Works — No meeting/report • Others • Economic Development — No meeting/report • Parks, Trails, Preserves & Recreation — Cornell Landscape class using Saponi Meadows as a project site • Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization (CWIO) — Update on activities 4. Association of Towns Conference Highlights Attending Board Members gave highlights of the classes they attended. 5. Consent Agenda TB Resolution 2023 — 048: Adopt Consent Agenda Resolved, that the Town Board hereby approves and/or adopts the following Consent Agenda items: a. Approval of Minutes — None b. Town of Ithaca Abstract c. Appointment of Youth Advisory Board Member d. Approval of refund of Water Charges — Town of Ulysses Moved: Rob Rosen Seconded: Pamela Bleiwas Vote: ayes — Rosen, Bleiwas, Johnson, Howe and DePaolo TB Resolution 2023 — 048b: Town of Ithaca Abstract No. 4 for FY-2023 Resolved that the Town Board authorizes payment of the audited vouchers listed: VOUCHERS 1 -58 (Started new accounting program) TB 2023-02-27 (Files 3/24) Pg. 2 General Fund Town Wide 67,247.85 General Fund Part -Town 18,774.67 Highway Fund Town Wide DA 2,975.66 Highway Fund Part Town DB 5,171.48 Water Fund 9,928.00 Sewer Fund 4,093.50 Risk Retention Fund 2,040.00 Forest Home Lighting District 247.60 Glenside Lighting District 47.16 Renwick Heights Lighting District 74.04 Eastwood Commons Lighting District 81.59 Clover Lane Lighting District 11.26 Winner's Circle Light nDistrict 16.39 Burlei h Drive Lighting District 48.41 West Haven Road Lighting District 172.69 Coddin ton Road Lighting District 103.79 Trust and Agency 23,349.32 TOTAL 134,383.41 TB Resolution 2023 — 048c: Approve Appointment of Youth Services Advisory Board Member Resolved, that the Town Board appoints Susie Gutenberger as Town Representative to the Tompkins County Youth Advisory Board for the year 2023. TB Resolution 2023 — 048d: Approval of a Refund of Water Charges to the Town of Ulysses Whereas, the Town of Ithaca and Town of Ulysses entered into a Water Service Agreement (Agreement), which was amended in 2011 to include a water loss calculation; and Whereas, prior to the December 13, 2011, water usage readings from the Town of Ithaca's Woolf Lane Water Pump Station deducted the Town of Ithaca's water customers from the pump stations master meter and the Town of Ithaca billed the Town of Ulysses for the difference for their water usage; and Whereas, the amended Agreement between the municipalities requires the Town of Ulysses to invoice the Town of Ithaca in January of each year for the previous four quarters; and Whereas, after conducting a review and reconciliation of the Water Services, it has been determined that a water loss payment based on the amended Agreement formula in the amount of $2186.90 for the four quarter of water usage in 2022 is due to the Town of Ulysses, now, therefore, be it Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca authorizes a refund to the Town of TB 2023-02-27 (Files 3/24) Pg. 3 Ulysses in the amount of $2186.90 as detailed above from account F8350.475 titled Water Services Exchange. 6. Reports of Town Officials/Correspondence I Ms. Rosa noted for the record that the Board had the final drafts in local law format for the City Parks Contribution and the changes to Chapter 270 regarding accessory buildings/garages as required by law. Meeting adjourned upon motion and second, unanimous. Submipq by aulette Rosa, Town Clerk TB 2023-02-27 (Files 3/24) Pg. 4 Town of Ithaca Supervisor's 2022 Report and 2023 Priorities 2022 Accomplishments Community oriented Participation in Ithaca Festival Parade Successful Tree Planting event Networking/communication related Regular phone calls with county and peers Monthly Town Supervisor calls Regular phone calls with county leadership Weekly Management Team meetings TCCOG participation (including energy committee) Ithaca -Tompkins County Transportation Council (ITCTC) leadership role Presentations to Ithaca City Council and Tompkins County Legislature (in partnership w/ Deputy) Cornell University Borehole Observatory advisory committee Developing Town presence on social media (Twitter, FaceBook) Regular changes to material in lobby display cases Town involvement with Spirit of Tompkins initiative Administrative Town of Ithaca and Teamsters Local 317 Union Contract (2023-24) successfully negotiated 2023 Budget adopted Open Gov (tracked) New website (tracked) COVID was still an issue in 2022 but less so than the previous two years Onboarding of two new Town Board members Town Mission and Vision statements adopted Town Board technology updated for better experience with Zoom and YouTube Progress Made (and will continue into 2023) Green New Deal action items (including Electrification initiative with Bloc Power) Community Choice Aggregation Inlet Valley Overlay Zone Parks, Preserves, Trails and Recreation Plan Historic preservation ordinance drafted that will cover both the City and the Town South Hill Traditional Neighborhood Development/New Neighborhood Code South Hill Trail Extension Game Farm Road crossing Successful completion of streetlights' conversion Deputy Supervisor (2022) Short-term rentals local law update South Hill TND Zoning and Regulating Plan Community Choice Aggregation enabling legislation and implementation plan Intermunicipal discussions pertaining to wastewater Director of Planning Interview Committee 2023 Priorities that are not mentioned in "Prosiress Made" above (Combined for Supervisor and Deputy Supervisor) • Community event at Tutelo Park • Dissolve lighting districts • Explore historic preservation funding opportunities for "greening" Town Hall • Explore Funding opportunities for other key initiatives • Consider creating a transportation ad hoc committee to update Transportation Plan • Reengage economic development committee • Follow-up with housing discussion with Ithaca Area Economic Development • If board approves, get mezzanine rooms ready to be rented • Cannabis related decisions • Updated solar law adopted • 2024 Budget TOWN CLERKS' OFFICE Paulette Rosa and Becky Jordan 2022 Year End Report Marriage License Issued 118 Marriage Transcripts Issued 50 Domestic Partnerships Registered 3 Dog Licenses Issued or Renewed 900 Handicap Permits Issued 239 Public Notary Services Provided 300 Easements Filed 50 Local Laws Filed 19 Public Interest Orders/Perm Ref 9 Newsletters Sent 14 HIGHLIGHTS *Open Gov Rolls Out *Planetaria Goes Live *Newsletter — very well received and expanding *Departmental Support *Integration of Open Gov to Laserfische Historical and Current Permanent Retention Documents PETITION OUTCOMES 2022 Trumansburg Rd Speed Limit Reduction 11/2022 Pending 2" d Deer Run Subdivision Speed Reduction July 2021 Granted `22 Elm St Ext Speed Reduction July 2021 Granted `22 Hopkins Rd Speed Reduction July 2021 Granted `22 Sand Bank Rd Speed Reduction 12/2021 Granted `22 Whitetail Dr Speed Reduction 12/2020 Granted `22 Game Farm Rd Speed Reduction 2020 Granted `22 2023 GOALS • Return to Records Management — Organizing, Scanning, Laserfische Filing, Destruction • Master Open Gov and Planetaria to keep both up to date, active and user friendly • Expand Social Media Presence and Interactions • Training — NYS Town Clerks Annual Meeting — Syracuse • Training — Open Gov Reporting Module • Work With County Assessment and Clerk — Records Research Tools ; 6 Town of Ithaca Planning Department 2022 Year End Report & 2023 Priorities The following provides an overview of the Planning Department's accomplishments in 2022 and proposed priorities for 2023. Accomplishment Highlights for 2022 DEVELOPMENT REVIEW The Planning Department received a total of 15 new development review applications in 2022. This included nine subdivision requests, mostly involving 2-3 new lots, with one a 5-lot subdivision (Schickel Rd./Genex property), and an 8-lot subdivision (West Haven Rd). Of the six Site Plans, three were carry-overs from 2022 (new baseball field/Ellis Hollow Rd and the Wilson Lab). Actions associated with these applications and other Board responsibilities resulted in a total of 32 Planning Board actions. For a comparison, board actions in 2021 and in earlier years were as follows: 35 in 2021; 58 in 2011; 83 in 2006; and 61 in 2001. Noteworthy development proposals in 2022 included: Strawberry Hill Circle subdivision Sketch Plan (52 lots) and the RaNic Golf Club Planned Development Zone. ZONING & CODE RELATED Adopted Legislation • Limited Historic Commercial Overlay District. • Energy Code Supplement amendments. • Food Truck regulations. • Agricultural zone amendments addressing agritourism and seasonal farm lodging facilities. • Accessory dwelling definition amendment. • Swimming pool requirements prohibiting placement in front yards in residential zones. • Site Plan Review and Approval Procedures amendment. Legislation In -Progress • Inlet Valley Overlay Zone (tentative adoption February 2023). • South Hill TND Regulating Plan and Rezoning (King/Danby Road intersection area). • Telecommunications Law amendments. • Solar Law amendments. • RaNic Golf Club Planned Development Zone. • Town/City Landmarks Preservation Law: legislation establishing a joint City/Town of Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission. PARK/OPEN SPACE & AGRICULTURAL RELATED • Prepared a grant application (NYS Parks) for design of a passive recreational plan and pedestrian trail construction for Babcock Ridge a 74-acre portion of Culver Preserve (awarded December 2022!). • Prepared a grant application (Tompkins County Tourism) to conduct a feasibility study for the South Hill Rec Way Extension (Burns Rd. to Banks Rd.) with funding awarded in November 2022. • Update to the Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan initiated. • Deer management plan implementation continued and expanded. Conservation Easements • Finalized a new agricultural conservation easement on the 52-acre Mallon property on Bostwick Rd. • Agricultural conservation easements inspections / monitoring: Indian Creek Farm, Laughing Goat Fiber Farm and the Mallon property were all found in compliance. • Wetland conservation easement inspections / monitoring: Ithaca College's Raponi and Rich Road wetland mitigation sites, and the Ridgecrest Rd./Little property wetland CE were all found in compliance. Submitted 212212023 Town Planning Department Annual Report SLISTAINABILITY RELATED • Transitioned from split position with City of Ithaca to 30 hour/week position with Town. • Led NYSERDA Stretch to Zero pilot program application process, awarded $200,000 to assist implementation of the Energy Code Supplement. • Worked extensively with Code Department to implement the Energy Code Supplement, for example: filing of ECS with NYS, permit application review, legislation amendments. • Supported Green New Deal implementation through project management and coordination with Town Supervisor. • Worked with interdepartmental team to advance GHG reduction in Town facilities: provided project management and/or other support on energy assessments, planning for implementation, and funding application. • Worked with interdepartmental team to implement LED Streetlight Upgrade. • Continued development of Community Choice Aggregation program in collaboration with City of Ithaca and administrator Local Power. • Represented Town regionally and nationally, including collaboration with Urban Sustainability Directors Network and presentation at NYS Green Building Conference. • Attended antiracism and equity workshops to inform equity elements of Green New Deal. • Negotiated new electric supply contract in partnership with Budget Officer. • Supported Public Works in implementation of Green Fleet Policy. • Supported participation in City of Ithaca's Electrification program. • Developed spreadsheet of available grant funding and shared with department heads. • Leveraged Town efforts by working with student interns. ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES Operational • Development of Planning Department webpages for the Town's new website. • OpenGov: the platform launched in mid -July, staff began electronic intake of development review applications and continues to make improvement to the process. • Records Management: A student from the YES Program (Youth Employment Services) worked for the summer at the Town Hall scanning past closed project files. The process of scanning and organizing files electronically continues to be a department priority. Ongoing The Planning Department continues to provide staff support and coordination for the Planning Board, Conservation Board, Planning Committee, Codes and Ordinances Committee, and Agricultural Committee, as well as providing support across departments and assistance to residents and landowners in the community. Planning Department Proposed Priorities for 2023 • Undertake Comprehensive Plan evaluation process to inform detailed planning, programs, projects, and decision -making; monitor and measure progress as implementation moves forward. • Continue work towards adoption of a South Hill TND (traditional neighborhood development) regulating plan. • Consider development of institutional zoning to recognize and accommodate the unique land uses and built environment at the medical campus, colleges, and universities. • Develop a passive recreational plan with construction of a pedestrian trail and parking area for the 74-acre Babcock Ridge (portion of Culver Road Preserve) with funding awarded from a NYS Parks grant. • Undertake a feasibility study for the South Hill Rec Way Extension (Burns Rd. to Banks Rd.) with funding awarded from the Tompkins County Tourism grant. • Review and consider two applications submitted for the Town's Purchase of Development Rights Program. • Participate in Safe Streets 4 All Comprehensive Safety Action Plan process led by City of Ithaca. Town Planning Department Annual Report Review and revise Town Code zoning and land use regulations per recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan, with anticipated priority revisions to the Subdivision Regulations. • Support Conservation Board in assisting County EMC with hosting the annual NYSACC Conference on the Environment. • Assist Engineering, Finance, and Public Works with identification and prioritization of capital projects, project management, and anticipated grant funding, including operations + maintenance plan for Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan and energy system upgrades to achieve net -zero facilities. • Coordinate with Engineering on developing and adopting a long-range water and sewer master plan, consistent with the land use goals of the Comprehensive Plan, for the operation, maintenance, and extension of water distribution and wastewater collection facilities. The plan will document existing service conditions and identify short and long-term water and wastewater servicing strategies and associated capital projects to serve the developed areas of the Town. • Explore incentives for housing development in cooperation with Tompkins County Planning & Sustainability and Ithaca Area Economic Development. • Pursue grant funding opportunities to further Comprehensive Plan goals especially as related to non -motorized transportation, parks, trails, open space and sustainability related projects, with a priority of funding the Trumansburg Road sidewalk design and construction. • Scan and organize historic Planning Board minutes electronically. • Continue work on the Energy Code Supplement o Participate in Stretch to Zero project o Enable technical assistance in coordination with Tompkins County Business Energy Advisors • Amend code • Continue collaboration with City of Ithaca to develop Community Choice Aggregation program, with goal to kick off in 2024. • Continue exploration with renewable energy providers (including related to CCA) in service of GND goal of 100% regionally -sourced renewable electricity. • Existing Buildings: o Policy: Track progress of State initiatives. o Policy: If necessary, research and possibly develop policies for reducing GHG emissions in existing buildings o Support City -led Electrification project • Consider development of a Town Deconstruction policy. N N w TOWN OF ITHA `A BN 2i NE W Y 0 RK DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS 114 Seven Mile Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850 Phone:607-273-1656 Fax:607-882-2472 Roads, Parks, Trails, Sewer, and Water www.town.iithaca.n us _..._................................................................... 2022 Town of Ithaca Department of Public Works Annual Report Summary The Town of Ithaca Department of Public Works (DPW) had many accomplishments in 2022. The department finally filled all the allocated 30 positions in the fall. This aided in efficiently completing many routine tasks, such as brush and leaf collection, snow removal, and utility repair. Some additional items that are notable to mention are: • Saunders Park was completed on South Hill, including installing a stone dust trail that traversed from East King Road near Hospicare to Whitetail Drive, installation of a playground, finished grading and seeding of the lawn areas of the site, and installation of a paved parking lot. The Parks Department also worked hard to maintain the existing 65 town -owned sites around town. • Milling and paving of approximately three Miles of roadway, as identified in the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), with binder and top course asphalt and surface treating almost six miles of existing roadway. This also included replacing older culvert pipes in the roadway and backing up the pavement with shoulders. Additionally, the DPW road crew did a full restoration of Burns Way using the Town's forces. • Implementation of the Streetlight Conversion Project which included conversion of approximately 250 streetlights from the existing high pressure sodium lights to a more energy efficient LED light fixture. This is still an ongoing project with completion anticipated in the Spring of 2023. • Upgrading water pumps and control valves at the Coddington and Troy Road Water Pumpstations as well as working with Engineering to install the Southwoods water pressure reducing station. The water and sewer staff also responded to and repaired 14 water main breaks, seven leaking water main valves, and replaced several old inoperable hydrants throughout the water system. • Maintained Roof for Town Hall and DPW to include resealing the dormers at Town Hall and applying repair patches to both facilities to keep the rubber roofing at both facilities free of leaks. N N w TOWN OF ITHA `A BN 2i NE W Y 0 RK DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS 114 Seven Mile Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850 Phone:607-273-1656 Fax:607-882-2472 Roads, Parks, Trails, Sewer, and Water www.town.iithaca.n us _..._................................................................... Looking forward to 2023, the DPW will be focusing on the completion of the Streetlight Conversion Project and working with the respective boards to form a streetlight policy to allow for the placement of additional streetlights, while reevaluating the existing lights and their current locations. We will also be focusing on getting the department adjusted to newer staff, as well as long term staff, in their new roles This will include quantifying existing assets and reviewing our existing asset management program (Pubworks), as well as soliciting other asset management companies to try to transition the department to a work order program. Furthermore, the DPW will be looking at vehicle and equipment tracking software to monitor and maintain efficiencies as we move forward to pursuing electrification of the fleet, where possible. TOWN OF ITHACA Director's 2022 Accomplishments and 2023 Priorities ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT 2022 Engineering Accomplishments The Engineering Department continues to provide engineering support amongst all departments throughout the town and constituents within the community. The fiscal year 2022 has been challenging due to continued manpower and material supply issues, we were successful in implementing over 4 million dollars' worth of infrastructure/project related expenditures. Engineering Department Highlights: • Administered 40 Simple SWPPP permits,1 Basic SWPPP permits, and managed 7 full SPDES Permits with a combined total of 245 inspections throughout the year. • Completed engineering support and design review for 15 development submittals. • Reviewed and administered 51 External Plumbing Permits for various residential and commercial customers. • Employed 1 intern aiding on Highway, Engineering, Water and Sewer and Parks projects. • Worked to develop and integrate GIS systems into daily operations throughout town wide operations. • Analyzed numerous development scenario to identify development needs/constraints and how they interact with the town water/ sewer systems. • Represented the town at the Tompkins County Storm Water Coalition, Multi -Jurisdictional FEMA Flood Plain Review and Analysis, Bolton Point Engineering and Operation Meetings, Meeting of 6' relative to intermunicipal cooperation, review, and coordination for sewage flows to the VCHWTP and IAWTP, IAWTP SJC monthly meetings. • Attended construction/coordination meetings for ongoing town/city projects. • Began survey/design for 2023-2024 projects including Mitchell Street Sewer Upgrade, Inlet Valley Pump Station Upgrades, Troy/Coddington Generators, Iacovelli Playground Replacement, FH Pump Station, PWF Fuel Station, and Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation. • Onsite inspection on various construction sites town wide to review installation and testing of town infrastructure and stormwater management facilities. (Cornell North Campus Residential Expansion, Amabel, Larisa Lane/Westview Subdivision, Namgyal Library, Westhaven Homes, Cornell; Multidisciplinary Bldg., Synchrotron Upgrade Project, CALS Greenhouse; Hoy Baseball; Robert Trent Jones Golf course; Equine Facility Project -Bluegrass Ln.). • MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System): town wide inventory of Illicit Discharge/End Section review and classification. Town wide Stormwater Management Structure inventory and data collection. Stormwater pipe inventory. • Updating the Towri s MS4 program to meet forthcoming permit updates. • Installed and monitored temporary traffic counters in various locations throughout the town. • Installed and monitored temporary and permanent sanitary flow meters. Attended numerous meetings with City of Ithaca, Cayuga Heights to discuss ongoing sewer meter issues/coordination. • Responded to approximately 260 NY Udig utility "mark out" requests. • Assisted with LED light conversion town wide. • Provided/completed training sessions for staff on topics including construction site safety, office safety, storm water, water/sewer infrastructure, and state permitting updates. Highway: • Reviewed, designed, and aided numerous drainage maintenance projects throughout the town including storm sewer overflows/failures, driveway culvert replacements, and miscellaneous road maintenance/ up -grades. • Provided Engineering support and guidance for pavement reconstruction/repairs to road network utilizing Town CIP, operations, CHIPS and NYS Emergency Roads monies. • Provided GIS support for numerous maintenance, inventory, and mapping needs. Parks/Trails/Preserves/Cemeteries: • Provided Engineering support and guidance for the construction of the trail section and stormwater devices at the new Saunders Park. • Provided Engineering support and guidance for the Game Farm Rd. Trail crossing. • Continued to work on the update of the towns Park and Open Space Plan. This allows us to better plan for future development of existing Town of Ithaca property as well as current maintenance methods of established parks and trails. • Provided GIS support for numerous maintenance, inventory, and mapping needs. Water: • Successful completion of the Troy/King Watermain upgrade project • Attended meetings with the VCH, City, and Cornell to review/update existing/outdated water contracts. Sewer: • Completed the design, review, and approval of the Forest Home Pump Station reconstruction. • Continue towns endeavor to decrease overall I&I within the sanitary sewer system. • Successful completion of Inlet Valley I&I reduction project. • Attended meetings with the VCH, City, and Cornell to review/update existing/outdated sanitary sewer contracts. • Coordinate remote meter/telemetry upgrades for the IAWTP & VCHWTP. • Worked with water and sewer maintenance supervisor to review and update sewer pump station infrastructure and monitoring capabilities. • Coordinate ongoing joint sewer upgrades with the City of Ithaca. Buildings/Maintenance: • Initiated Town Hall Weatherization Project to help meet the Towns Green Energy Goals • Completed the design, review, and approval of the PWF Fuel Station Project. • Complete floor -drain replacement project at the Public Works Facility • Misc. Roof repair contracts at multiple facilities 2023 Engineering Priorities During the 2023 fiscal year approximately 5.5 million dollars' worth of project related construction expenditures will be designed, completed, and constructed. Besides continuing to provide a robust infrastructure systems upgrade/improvement program the following items will be priorities within the Engineering Department for 2023. • Homogenize the Engineering Department operations with other departments to create a balanced proactive approach to servicing the internal and external needs of the community and improve efficiency. • Healthy/balanced integration of green infrastructure practices into daily operations of the town. • Improve relationships with outside agencies and Town Officials • Upgrade infrastructure to facilitate the Town's Comprehensive Plan development goals. • Work with Planning Department to review funding sources, grants, etc. • Work with the Deputy Highway Superintendent and Town's Finance Director to fine tune project funding and Town Board procedures, Green Infrastructure Projects, etc. • Review/Update new MS4 Stormwater Permitting requirements. • Review Water and Sewer Benefit Units fee structure and implementation. • Review/Update Water and Sewer Codes. • Review/Update Stormwater Codes. Town of Ithaca Department of Code Enforcement (and Zoning) 2022 Year End Report The Department: In 2022 we had no changes in personnel positions in the Code Department. The total staffing level, for 2022, is four inspectors in the field, a director, and two administrative assistants. Our department provides the Town Board with activity reports at the regular Town Board Meeting, on a monthly basis. Accomplishments in 2022: Some of the items, not identified in the matrix's below, that have been accomplished during the 2022 year are as follows: • Reviewed 15 new development review applications in conjunction with the Planning Department and Engineering Department. • Worked on combination with the Planning Department and Engineering Department when developers proposed various development scenarios. • We invested a significant amount of time in the OpenGov platform for permitting and assisting all departments with understanding and building out their applications, licenses, and forms. This allowed the town to go live on July 18t'1, 2022 with the OpenGov software system. • Onboarded the new Granicus software program to monitor all Short -Term Rentals. This system was up and running by the end of December. • Began to implement the Short -Term Rental regulations and the Food Truck local law • Worked with the Planning Department on various projects, such as but not limited to, swimming pool regulations, the limited historic commercial overlay zone amendments, energy code supplement amendments, Agricultural Zone district regulation amendments, and food truck local law. • We implemented the Code Enforcement Departments new website page (on the Town's new website). • We were granted the ability to implement Ithaca Energy Code Supplement on building projects, by the State of New York Code Council in September of 2022. We represented the Town in this endeavor when submitting all documents and attending the NYS Code Council meetings. • Completed a re -write and adoption of chapter 125 to Town Code, based on NYS requiring amendments for every municipality in NYS. • Represented the town at the MultiJurisdictional FEMA Flood Plain Review and Analysis. • Represented the town on the County steering committee for consolidated services related to building code/code departments. Goals: • Fully implement the Short Term Rental Law with assistance from the Granicus system. • Finalize all Rental Registry (long term) inspections and issue operating permits. • Train our new Code Safety Inspector and hire a replacement Admin level II position. • Continue to work on, training, and utilizing the OpenGov permitting software system and the Granicus system. • Add additional documents to our department website page to assist applicants in understanding what is required for certain applications. • Continue to Work with the Engineering Department and Public Works Department on various projects. • Continue to work with the Planning Department and Town Committees on local law amendment proposals or new proposed local laws. • Continue to work with the Ithaca Fire Department and the NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control to issue operating permits and fire inspections for large properties, such as Cornell and Ithaca College, based on their inspection reports. • Continue to strengthen our intermunicipal relationships. Current major projects carrVing over to next year: • Cornell: o Baseball facilities o New Experimental Hall o Multidisciplinary Building (Atkinson Hall) • Amabel has bolt a significant amount of housing, which we anticipate will continue into next year. • Dalai Lama New Library Anticipated major projects for next year: • Approval from the NYS Code Council related to Energy Code updates and clarifications. • Coddington Road Community Center • Mirabito redevelopment • RaNic development process • Review the sprinkler local law and flood damage prevention local law for any amendments or updates. • Develop a permit application for the flood damage prevention law. Conclusion: This year appeared to have the highest construction cost of construction that has been seen. In addition, the amount of fees collected, by the department, was comparable to 2017. 1 believe that the upcoming year will be another year of transition and a continuation of our typical activities. We have several large projects that are continuing into 2023 and we anticipate being very busy with the additional operating permits and inspections that are required of us by NYS. We look forward to the implementation of the Short -Term Rental law with the assistance from the Granicus system and finishing all Rental Registry (long term) operating permits. We are hopeful that the OpenGov permitting system will enhance applicant's experiences when applying for permits, due to the increase transparency this system affords individuals. As usual, we will continue to seek ways to help, where possible, applicants, constituents, and the general public. We will also strive to provide our constituents and applicants with a quality service, while also keeping the public health and safety a priority. A summary of reports and activities can be found below. Attached to this report are additional graphs and matrixes from our department. A copy of the report, supplied to the State, can be provided upon request. Respectfully Submitted, Marty Moseley Director of Code Enforcement (and Zoning Department) Condensed view of the 2020 activity for the Code Enforcement (and Zoning) Department All Permit Applications: 945 All Permits Issued: 691 Sign Applications 9 Total Inspections Conducted: 5044 Stop Work Orders Issued: 7 Total Certificates issued: 439 Operating Permit Applications: 240 Operating Permits Issued: 280 Rental Registry Applications Received: 158 Rental Registry Operating Permits Issued 54 Complaints Received: 126 Zoning Variance Applications Received: 26 Zoning Variances Approved: 18 Zoning Variances Withdrawn 5 Zoning Variances Denied: 2 Total Fees Collected: $ 396,749.61 Total Cost of Construction: $ 255,422,749.57 Short Term Rental Applications Received 12 Short Term Rental Peris Issued 10 • Permit Applications, Permits Issued, and Certificates Issued do not include External Plumbing Permits that are issue by the Engineering Department. • Total Fees Collected does not include External Plumbing Permit fees. Number, of Permits vs �nspections Conducted 4 Cost of Construction vs s CoH cted 5 Cost of Construction vs Peanuts issued INNIM Cost of ConstrUCti0r) —0—Perr-nits iSSUed 0 Finance Office 2022 Year End Report • Prepared the 2023 Budget within the tax cap with a modest 1.92% increase in the tax levy. • Successfully transitioned to a new auditing firm in 2022. EFPR issued a clean report for 2021. • Increased interest rates resulted in $284,978 in interest revenue in 2022, $187,792 over the $96,866 budgeted. NYCLASS account opened on May 25, 2022, with an interest rate of .55% APR. On December 31, 2022, the rate had increased to 4.04% APR and the Town earned $101,884.62 in interest for the year from this account. Two certificates of deposit were held at Tompkins Community Bank on December 31 st. Both are 12-month CDs, earning 3.85% and 4.5%. • Early re -payment of the 2015 Road Improvement Bond. This utilized $461,000 in DB fund balance and saves 2023-2030 budgets approximately $64,000 per year in debt service payments. • Implementation of the Electronic Banking Policy and Debt Management Policy. • New finance and payroll software vendor chosen. Conversion from Williamson Law Book to Harris Local Government is currently underway. This software also includes fixed asset management. • Property tax bills were mailed before Christmas to accommodate those residents wishing to pre -pay in the current year. The Town received $443,608 in pre -paid property taxes between December 27 - 30. • Implemented automatic ACH payments for Water and Sewer customers. This service is optional and continues to grow with approximately 122 customers currently signed up. We also set up to receive ACH payments from Ithaca College, one of our largest customers with approximately 100 accounts. • Reminder notices were sent to delinquent Water and Sewer customers in October, resulting in an additional $228,558 received prior to the re -levy deadline. • The Town is a participating vendor in the New York State Low Income Household Water Assistance Program. This is a state program that provides assistance to low income residents to pay past due water and sewer bills. In 2022 we received payments for five customers through this program. 2023 Goals — • Successful conversion of financial software. • Continued education through webinars and conferences. • Procurement Policy update. • Work towards dissolving light districts. • Contract with vendor to implement utility audit. 2022 Town of Ithaca Historian Report In the past year, my activities have included the following: 1) Attended monthly meetings of the Municipal Historians of Tompkins County. 2) Served as a member of the Town of Ithaca Records Management Advisory Board (RMAB). 3) Created a display of the act that created the Town of Ithaca in the display cases of the Ithaca Town Hall lobby. The first is a large copy of the original hand-written version of the act with photos of a few of the signers of the document and the second is a large copy of the typed version of the act from Laws of New York. Cornell University Law Library, the New York State Archives, and the Tompkins County Clerk's Office were all instrumental in making the display possible. 4) Examined Tutelo Park interpretative panels. Discussed them with Rod Howe and later with Laura Johnson -Kelly. 5) Responded to public inquires: -- Provided a copy of Alison Lurie's Memorial Statement from Cornell University in response to a request related to Women's History Month. https://ecommons.comell.edu/bitstream/handle/1813/112690/Lurie_Alison_Memorial_Statement .pdf?sequence=l &isAllowed=y -- Submitted text for a replacement historical sign for Renwick Heights to the Town in response to a request from a resident of that neighborhood. The previous one with errors was destroyed by a motor vehicle. -- Discussed matters concerning Bostwick Road Cemetery with a resident whose family owns the surrounding farm land. Passed concerns on to Rod Howe. These included 1) what to do with new information received by the family about the cemetery, 2) formally establishing the cemetery boundaries, and 3) recent vandalism at the cemetery. Recently, the resident reported that the boundaries were measured by the Town of Ithaca but said the Town said the boundaries marked needed to be approved by the Board (of the Town or of the County). The resident reported Town said it could take care of dangerous trees, and could apply for grants or funding to reset grave stones as was done in Inlet Valley. She reported the grave roster she has can be used to see where stones belong. The resident said that the graveyard does receive visits by descendants of those buried there. Respectfully submitted February 22, 2023, David George, Town Historian IT Accomplishments 2022 • Implemented 2 factor authentication using cisco DUO. • Installed new Fortigate firewall. • Secured VPN connection with SSL certificate. • Laptop upgrades for codes, planning, clerks, PW department heads and working supervisors. • Setup PDQ for windows updates and remote deployment of software and PC support. • Jake created a marriage license program for clerks to use with Opengov. • Jake created a program that auto uploads the master address table for Opengov. • Installed new plotter for town hall. • Upgraded fuelmaster to run off the internet instead of a dial up phone line. • New audio/video system in town hall boardroom and PC setup. • Added security cameras at public works. • Switched to VOIP phone system and upgraded office phones allowing for work numbers to be used outside the office. Saving town $12,000.00 a year. • Swapped old cisco network switches out for fortiswitches. Saving town $6,000.00 a year. • Finalized server configuration with dell and got installation approved for server upgrades. 2023 Goals • Install servers. • Update endpoint security. • Add a second internet line for redundancy and extra bandwidth. • Put together transition plan for Microsoft licenses to gov cloud to cover NY Court regulations. • Change domain from town. Ithaca.ny.us to new .gov domain. • Upgrade battery backup at townhall and public works • Setup cloud backup for offsite secure storage • Add a second firewall at public works for redundancy in case of hardware failure. • Obtain Fortinet Certificate and start Vsphere certificate training. Human Resources 2022 Year End Report, by Judy Drake ■ Civil Service: Maintained compliant requirements o Received approved payroll certification as required by civil service law. o Reviewed changes for positions and reclassifications. Created 3 new positions. o Position changes at the Town, SCLIWC and GTCMHIC due to deaths, retirements, resignations/terminations: 2 retirement, 5 resignation, 2 termination, 4 internal promotions and 8 new hires. o Staff levels as of 12/31 ■ Town: 59: FT/ 0 PT Vacant: 1 Eng Tech ■ BP: 18:21 FT/ 0 PT Vacant: Elect Mech Tech, Principal ACT, ACT ■ GTCMHIC: 4:4 FT/ 0 PT Vacant: none ■ 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 several policies o Completed review of Protocol and Procedures Manual and Personnel Manual o ERC reviewed suggestion box comments and reviewed policies. o Scheduled and arranged training events -Reasonable Suspicion D&A o Conducted Workplace Safety Survey ■ Completed Teamsters negotiations for 2023-2024 Agreement ■ Safety Committee- co-chair- reviewed injury and incident claims ■ 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, Operations, and the Executive Committee �onsortium- Human Resources support to Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance attended monthly staff meetings, established classification program and wage scale. ■ Human Resources support to Bolton Point Commissioners and staff —attend weekly management team meetings, established a 5-year staffing plan. ■ Commercial Insurance coordinator for Town and Bolton Point - Worked on insurance claims against the Town and Bolton Point, processed insurance certificate requests. ■ Payroll management and law compliance — ran payroll collaboratively with Debby Kelley o 124 w-2's issued, 1095 and 1094 C forms regarding health insurance coverage were completed and sent with w-2's — Completed budget work for 2023 for Town, BP & GTC o Evaluated (with Finance) different payroll software — chose Harris Local Government ■ Represent Town on TCCOG Training Academy, and TC Diversity Consortium 2023 Priorities: • Complete transition to new payroll and HR software, begin exploring an electronic timecard system. • Revise specific personnel policies with P&O committee and update website with required postings. • Support collective bargaining team for UAW 2024-202? Agreement. • Succession planning for retirements through 2026, onboard new Dir. Planning and Judge, fill new positions created for 2023 and vacant positions.