HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 2024-02-12MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
February 12, 2024
This meeting will also be on ZOOM (ID 98910958241)
and YouTube Link for your convenience.
- HN-ON -
1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
2. Persons to be Heard
3. Public hearing regarding a local law amending Town of Ithaca Code Chapter 239, Taxation, to
update income tables for certain exemptions
a. Consider adoption
4. Presentation of the Forest Home Road Signage Study
5. Approval of, and future amendments to, the 2024 Municipal Cooperative Agreement for the
GTCMHIC (Health Consortium)
6. Consider authorizing expenditure from the 2020 A Bond Payment Reserve Fund — PWF
Expansion Project
7. Consider approval of award of the Garage Door Opener Replacement Services, subject to
Permissive Referendum
8. Consider Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Town Board Minutes
b. Approval of Town of Ithaca Abstract
c. Approval of Bolton Point Abstract
d. Approve appointment of Senior Code Officer — Magnuson
e. Ratify appointment of Distribution Operator — BP
f. Ratify appointment of Water Treatment Plant Operator — BP
g. Ratify appointment of GIS/IT Specialist — BP
h. Ratify appointment of Deputy Town Clerk — PT — Moll
9. Report of Town Officials, Committees, and review of Correspondence
a. AOT Resolutions
Adjournment
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
February 12, 2024
Minutes
Board Members Present: Rod Howe, Supervisor; Members Eric Levine, Rich DePaolo,
Pamela Bleiwas, Rob Rosen, and Susie Gutenberger Absent: Margaret Johnson
Staff Present: Susan Brock, Attorney for the Town; Judy Drake, Director of Human Resources;
Marty Moseley, Director of Code Enforcement; CJ Randall, Director of Planning; Paulette Rosa,
Town Clerk; Donna Shaw, Director of Finance; Joe Slater, Director of Public Works; and Dan
Thaete, Director of Engineering
1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance — 5:30 p.m.
Pierre Saint -Perez, Yd Ward City Councilperson spoke, saying that he is a strong believer in
communication between the Town and the City. He reported that the City will be transitioning to
committees of the whole and dissolving the existing committees which will mean that the Council
as a whole will begin meeting three times a month.
The City is offering incentives for lateral transfers for officers to the Ithaca Police Department and
sewer rates were increased to match what was in the projections in last year's budget.
There were no questions and Mr. Howe thanked him for coming.
2. Persons to be Heard
Dina Maxwell spoke to the Forest Home Road Signage study saying that she lives on Muriel St
and she was traveling on. Hanshaw Rd and saw a double -trailer road head down Warren Rd and
she honked and waved and eventually stopped her car in front of him and explained that there was
no way he was going to make the turn on Forest Home Rd. He turned into the golf course, and
when I returned that way, he was still there, obviously with no idea how he was going to get to
where he was supposed to go. I stopped and told him how to go, but then when I saw this agenda
item, I wanted to make sure the Board understood that this really needs to be done sooner rather
than later.
Bruce Brittain spoke, saying that he appreciates the Board trying to address the truck issue in
Forest Home. The report has three recommendations; one is to establish and sign a vehicular
length limit on Forest Home Drive between Warren and Caldwell, which is the S Curve by the
chapel and while he strongly supported that, he also felt it really should be expanded to cover all
of Forest Home weight restricted zone.
The second recommendation is to expand the limits of the existing weight restricted zone and he
was strongly opposed to that, saying it is well intention, but it would backfire because Forest
Home is tightly surrounded by Cornell and if you expand the boundaries to include Cornell
TB 2024-02-12 (Filed 2/16) Pg. 1
delivery addresses, it would allow large trucks headed to campus to come through Forest Home,
which they cannot do right now.
The recommendation is to extend the zone to Forest Home Dr east to 366 at Varna and that
would have the effect that, for example, when Cornell dredges gravel at the water inlet dam,
those trucks could then go through Forest Home.
Extending Forest Home Dr west to the Triphammer Rd bridge, as recommended, then you get
loading docks for the chilled water plant and more.
For example, a truck going to the chilled water plant coming in on Rte. 366 could get off at
Varna and follow Forest Home Dr through Forest Home to drop off then turn around and make
the same trip back and that would become legal, right not they can't do that, but if you add these
loading docks, that will become legal.
The third recommendation is to establish official truck routes in the town. This is a huge can of
worms because if you designate a truck route, that means all trucks are automatically barred from
using any other roads in the town. That is a huge hammer to use for addressing trucks through
Forest Home, so you really don't want to do that.
He summarized, saying that the length limit is good, for the S curve and probably for all of
Forest Home; do not expand the weight limit zone; and don't deal with truck routes.
Caroline Arms spoke, saying that she lives at the intersection of Pleasant Grove Rd and Forest
Home Dr at the downstream bridge and she had sent in written comments (Attachment 1) that
extending the weight limit zone has a lot of problems, except possibly up Warren Rd and
Pleasant Grove Rd.
She said that David, a Forest Home resident, has worked very hard keeping the trucks that
service Cornel on a regular basis out of Forest Home and the extensions that bring in the loading
docks would be a disaster.
She felt the vehicle length limits were welcomed, but she had concerns regarding the sight -lines
for the signs, sign placement and reflectivity and getting gps systems to acknowledge and list the
limits and restrictions for users.
Mr. Howe thanked the public and closed the agenda item.
3. Public hearing regarding a local law amending Town of Ithaca Code Chapter 239,
Taxation, to update income tables for certain exemptions
Mr. Howe opened the public hearing and explained that we have established these exemptions in
the past and this is updating the income tables and we are following the County's levels.
Michael Hayes spoke, saying he was in favor of this change, and it will help him and his wife,
and he appreciated the Board's support for change.
TB 2024-02-12 (Filed 2/16) Pg. 2
There was no one else wishing to speak and the hearing was closed.
Mr. DePaolo asked why there is an age or disability attached to this and not simply an income -
based exemption.
Mr. Howe stated that we have passed separate legislation that covers low-income in the past.
TB Resolution 2024 - 019: Adoption of Local Law of 2024. entitled "A Local Law amending
Town of Ithaca Code Chapter 239, Taxation, regarding exemptions for Senior Citizens and
Certain Disabled Persons with Limited Income
Whereas the Ithaca Town Board reviewed the proposed local law entitled "A Local Law
Amending Town of Ithaca Code Chapter 239, Taxation, regarding Exemptions for Senior
Citizens and Certain Disabled Persons with Limited Income" and held a duly scheduled and
publicized public hearing at its meeting on February 12, 2024, at which time all persons wishing
toaddress the Board on the proposed local law were heard, and
Whereas, pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act ("SEQRA") and its
implementing regulations at 6 NYCRR Part 617, it has been determined by the Town Board that
adoption of the proposed local law is a Type II action because it constitutes "routine or continuing
agency administration and management, not including new programs or major reordering of
priorities that may affect the environment," and thus not subject to review under SEQRA; now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Ithaca Town Board adopts Local Law of 2024 entitled "A Local Law amending
Town of Ithaca Code Chapter 239, Taxation, regarding exemptions for Senior Citizens and Certain
Disabled Persons with Limited Income."
Moved: Eric Levine Seconded: Susie Gutenberger
Vote: ayes- Howe, DePaolo, Bleiwas, Levine, Gutenberger & Rosen
4. Presentation of the Forest Home Road Signage Study (Attachment 2)
Mr. Howe noted that this has been presented to the Public Works Committee and now we need
the full board to weigh in on how to proceed. The initial thought is to move in phases.
Mr. Slater added that he has talked with the Sheriff about the signs, and the Highway
Superintendent of Dryden and the City's Director of Public Works and their engineers to see if
they have any concerns and they are all willing to support our efforts for any of these options.
Alex Kerr from Barton and Loguidice went through the Study memo outlining the goals and
describing the information shown in the maps.
TB 2024-02-12 (Filed 2/16) Pg. 3
Of special concern was the S curve between Caldwell Rd and Warren Rd and develop
approaches for restrictions by length and signage packages to implement those restrictions in
conjunction with existing weight limitations and current local laws.
There are 7 concise packages in the memo with justifications for restricting heavy vehicles using
the technical, standardized classifications in Highway Engineering.
Anything beyond class four is going to be considered your heavy vehicles, basically anything
larger than your single unit UPS or FedEx truck, that would fall under the restrictions we are
proposing to implement.
The other goal is to provide information on alternate routes to allow deliveries to the places that
need them under the proposed weight and length restrictions. The restrictions would need to be
expanded to Hanshaw Rd and Rte. 366. Advance signage is key; move the trucks away from
Forest Home long before they get there.
As to the weight restrictions, there are pick-up trucks that are rated for more than 5 tons and so
then you would be restricting all of your larger mail carrier type deliveries and we do want to
allow local deliveries.
With all the proposed restrictions and proposed laws, it is very important to focus on signage and
enforcement, which are really two separate issues. Ultimately, the goal is to find a solution that
works best for the community while recognizing there is a need for heavy vehicles delivering to
Cornell and other major locations in the area.
There is also the matter of recognizing municipal boundaries and the expanded stakeholders if
the restrictions and routing of trucks brings them through other areas that don't want them there
or are not made for such traffic also.
Mr. Howe said this is a lot to absorb, but we wanted to start sharing this to the full group and get
feedback. The signage seems pretty straightforward, but extending the limits needs more
discussion and drafting of legislation.
Mr. Levine asked about Mr. Britain's' concerns regarding issues with allowing local deliveries.
Mr. Kerr responded that that is part of the enforcement issues and establishing the limited areas
specifically near or around the eastern boundaries up to the Equine Center.
The extensions need to be discussed much more.
Mr. DePaolo said he didn't understand how this is going to change the deliveries happening right
now that are an issue. Has there been any modeling to quantify what is through traffic as opposed
to local delivery traffic?
Mr. Slater said he is not aware of any studies or reports with that type of detailed information.
TB 2024-02-12 (Filed 2/16) Pg. 4
Discussion followed, and one aspect is the signage would probably deter those that are not
familiar with the area from cutting through. Mr. Slater will look for any type of studies that have
been done, and in particular, there might be some for Pleasant Grove area, but we can work to
establish some type of baseline.
The Board seemed in favor of moving forward with the vehicle by length restrictions and
associated signage component and see what happens.
Mr. Thaete asked if the restrictions by weight are lifted for local deliveries but not the length
restricted zone so some of the concerns expressed don't play out as the length restriction is not
lifted.
Mr. Howe stated that this will go back to the Public Works Committee for further discussion.
5. Approval of, and future amendments to, the 2024 Municipal Cooperative Agreement
for the GTCMHIC (Health Consortium)
Mr. Howe noted that this amendment adds municipalities participating in the Consortium.
TB Resolution 2024 - 020: Approval of the 2024 Amendments to the Municipal Cooperative
Agreement for the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium
(GTCMHIC)
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca is a Participant in the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health
Insurance Consortium (the "Consortium"), a municipal cooperative organized under Article 47 of
the New York Insurance Law, and
Whereas, the municipal participants in the Consortium, including this body, have approved and
executed a certain Municipal Cooperation Agreement (the "Agreement"; effective date of October
1, 2010), and
Whereas, Article 47 of the New York Insurance Law (the "Insurance Law") and the rules and
regulations of the New York State Department of Financial Services set forth certain requirements
for governance of municipal cooperatives that offer self -insured municipal cooperative health
insurance plans that requires any amendments or restatements thereto, shall be subject to Board
review and upon acceptance of any new Participant hereafter, and
Whereas, the Municipal Cooperative Agreement requires that amendments to the agreement be
presented to each participant for review and adopted by a majority vote by its municipal board, and
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca is in receipt of the proposed amended Agreement and has
determined that it is in the best interest of its constituents who are served by the Consortium to
amend the Agreement as set forth in the Amended Municipal Cooperative Agreement, now
therefore be it
TB 2024-02-12 (Filed 2/16) Pg. 5
Resolved, that upon receipt and review of the amended Agreement, the Town of Ithaca approves
and authorizes the Town Supervisor to sign the 2024 Amendment to the Municipal Cooperative
Agreement of the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium as
recommended by the GTCMHIC's Board of Directors.
Moved: Pamela Bleiwas Seconded: Susie Gutenberger
Vote: ayes — Bleiwas, Gutenberger, Howe, DePaolo, Levine and Rosen
6. Consider authorizing expenditure from the 2020 A Bond Payment Reserve Fund —
PWF Expansion Project
TB Resolution 2024 - 021: Authorizing the Expenditure of $104,700.10 from the Town of
Ithaca Public Works Facility Office Expansion — 2020-A Bond Payment Reserve Fund
Whereas, by Resolution 2023-157 adopted on September 25, 2023, the Town Board established
the Public Works Facility Office Expansion — 2020-A Bond Payment Reserve Fund (the
"Reserve Fund") to accumulate money to pay the principal and interest related to the Town's
Public Works Facility Office Expansion project (the "Project") included in the Series 2020-A
Bond Issue, and
Whereas, pursuant to General Municipal Law § 6-h, expenditures from such Reserve Fund may
be made only with the approval of the Town Board, and
Whereas, the total of 2024 principal and interest payments under the Series 2020-A Bond Issue
for the Project is One Hundred Four Thousand Seven Hundred Dollars and Ten Cents
($104,700.10), now, therefore be it
Resolved, that the Town Board authorizes the expenditure of One Hundred Four Thousand
Seven Hundred Dollars and Ten Cents ($104,700.10) from the Town of Ithaca Public Works
Facility Office Expansion — 2020-A Bond Payment Reserve Fund for the payment of said 2024
principal and interest for the Project.
Moved: Rod Howe Seconded: Eric Levine
Vote: ayes- Howe, DePaolo, Bleiwas, Levine, Gutenberger & Rosen
7. Consider approval of award of the Garage Door Opener Replacement Services, subject
to Permissive Referendum
Mr. Howe noted that this was awarded last month but the contractor could not fulfil the terms
and this awards the contract to the next lowest proposal.
TB Resolution 2024 -022: Rescind TB Resolution 2023-186 and Authorization to award
and execute agreement for Garage Door Opener Replacement Services, Subject to
Permissive Referendum
TB 2024-02-12 (Filed 2/16) Pg. 6
Whereas on. November 22, 2023, the Town of Ithaca Director of Public Works (Director)
received proposals for the Garage Door Opener Replacement Services for the replacement of 7
commercial jackshaft garage door openers due to the existing openers being near their end of life
and safety features are no longer operational; and
Whereas pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act ("SEQRA") and its
implementing regulations at 6 NYCRR Part 617, it has been determined by the Town Board that
approval, construction and implementation of the Garage Door Opener Replacement Services is
a Type 1I Action because the Action constitutes "replacement, rehabilitation or reconstruction of
a structure or facility, in kind, on the same site," and thus the Project is not subject to review
under SEQRA; and
Whereas the Director previously reviewed the proposals and determined that the lowest,
qualified contractor's proposal of Twenty -Three Thousand Six Hundred Forty -Four Dollars and
Zero Cents ($23,644.00) for the work was made by Martin's Door Service LLC, 1116 Route 5 &
20 Geneva NY 14456; and
Whereas Martin's Door Service could not provide satisfactory insurance to fulfill the terms of
the agreements; and
Whereas the subsequent lowest, qualified contractor's proposal of Twenty -Nine Thousand Eight
Hundred Fifty -Five Dollars and Zero Cents ($29,855.00) for the work was made by Genson
Overhead Door Inc., 11710 State Rte. 90 Locke, NY 13092, and
Whereas the Director is authorized to approve change orders without further authorization from
this Board, provided that the Director receives appropriate justification, and the maximum
amount of such change orders does not exceed $5,000 in aggregate and the total project cost,
including the contract, engineering, legal and other expenses, does not exceed the maximum
authorized cost of the project of $34,855.00, now therefore be it
Resolved that the Town Board rescinds TB Resolution 2023-186 which authorized the Town
Supervisor to award and execute the agreement for the Garage Door Opener Replacement
Services to Martin's Door Service LLC, and be it further
Resolved that the Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor to award and execute an
agreement for the Garage Door Opener Replacement Services to Genson Overhead Door Inc.,
with a cost not to exceed Thirty -Four Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty -Five Dollars and Zero
Cents ($34,855), and subject to a permissive referendum pursuant to the provisions of Town Law
§220(2); and be it further
Resolved, that pursuant to Town Law §90 and §91, within ten (10) days from the date of this
resolution, the Town Clerk, in the same manner as provided for notice of a special election, shall
post and publish a notice which shall set forth the date of adoption of this resolution, shall
contain such resolution or an abstract of such resolution concisely setting forth the purpose and
effect thereof, shall specify that this resolution was adopted subject to a permissive referendum;
and shall publish such notice in the Ithaca Journal, a newspaper published in Tompkins County
TB 2024-02-12 (Filed 2/16) Pg. 7
having general circulation in the Town, and in addition thereto that the Town Clerk shall post or
cause to be posted on the sign -board of the Town, a copy of such notice within ten (10) days
after the date of adoption of this resolution.
Moved: Rob Rosen Seconded: Rich DePaolo
Vote: ayes- Howe, DePaolo, Bleiwas, Levine, Gutenberger & Rosen
8. Consider Consent Agenda
TB Resolution 2024 — 023: Adopt Consent Agenda
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves and/or adopts the
following Consent Agenda items:
a. Approval of Town Board Minutes
b. Approval of Town of Ithaca Abstract
c. Approval of Bolton Point Abstract
d. Approve appointment of Senior Code Officer — Magnuson
e. Ratify appointment of Distribution Operator — BP
f. Ratify appointment of Water Treatment Plant Operator — BP
g. Ratify appointment of GIS/IT Specialist — BP
h. Ratify appointment of Deputy Town Clerk — PT — Moll
Moved: Rod Howe Seconded: Eric Levine
Vote: ayes — Howe, DePaolo, Bleiwas, Levine, Gutenberger & Rosen
TB Resolution 2024 - 023a: Approval of Town Board Minutes
Resolved that the draft minutes of January 22, 2024, are adopted as final with any non -
substantive changes made.
TB Resolution 2024 - 023b: Town of Ithaca Abstract No. 3 for FY-2024
Resolved that the Town Board authorizes the payment of the audited vouchers in total for the
amounts indicated:
VOUCHER NOS. 2023 1222 - 1249
2024 32 — 116
General Fund Town Wide
156,711.29
General Fund Part -Town
24,037.1.2
Highway Fund Town Wide DA
6,462.03
Highway Fund Part Town DB
21,598.65
Water Fund
32,639.28
Sewer Fund
1,364,006.63
Capital Projects
7,055.00
TB 2024-02-12 (Filed 2/16) Pg. 8
Fire Protection. Fund
42,581.78
Trust and Agency
5,501.43
TOTAL
1,660,593.21.
TB Resolution 2024 - 023c: Approval of Bolton Point Abstract
Resolved that the Town Board approves the audited Bolton Point abstract as submitted and
authorizes the following payments:
Voucher Numbers: 7-57
Check Numbers: 21310-21.360
Capital Impr/Repl Project $ 675.00
Operating Fund $ 152,723.35
TOTAL $ 153,398.35
Less Prepaid $ 305.39
TOTAL $ 153,092.96
TB Resolution 2024 - 023d: Approve Provisional Promotional Appointment of Senior
Code Enforcement Officer
Whereas the 2024 Staffing Plan for Codes it was recommended to fill the vacant Senior Code
Enforcement Officer position through internal promotions, which would then leave a
Electrical/Code Enforcement Officer position vacant long term; and
Whereas the Interview Committee interviewed the four eligible candidates for the position; and
Whereas the Committee has determined that Dana Magnuson possesses the necessary knowledge
and skills to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position; and
Whereas Marty Moseley, Director of Code Enforcement, appointed Dana Magnuson as Senior
Code Enforcement Officer, effective January 28, 2024; now, therefore be it
Resolved the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby approve the provisional
promotional appointment of Dana Magnuson as Senior Code Enforcement Officer, effective
January 28, 2024; and be it further
Resolved the position is at 40 hours per week, at the hourly wage of $40.55, which is an
estimated annual salary of $83,344 from B8010.100, in Job Classification "F" Step 1, with full
time benefits; and be it further
Resolved the said appointment is a provisional appointment pending the results from the next
civil service exam for this position; and be it further
TB 2024-02-12 (Filed 2/16) Pg. 9
Resolved, a minimum eight (8) week probationary period applies with no further action by the
Town Board if there is successful completion of the probationary period as determined by the
Director of Code Enforcement.
TB Resolution 2024 - 023e: Ratify Provisional Appointment of Distribution Operator at
SCLIWC.
Whereas, the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission on February 8, 2024,
appointed John Tyler Fleming to a Distribution Operator position, retro-active to December 18,
2023; now, therefore be it
Resolved, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby ratify SCLIWC's appointment of
John Tyler Fleming to a Distribution Operator position, retro-active to December 18, 2023, at the
hourly wage of $29.80, in Job Classification 513, with full time benefits.
TB Resolution 2024 - 023f: Ratify Provisional Appointment of Water Treatment Plant
Operator Trainee at SCLIWC.
Whereas, the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission on February 8, 2024,
appointed Jacob Colbert to the Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee position, retro-active to
January 1.4, 2024; now, therefore be it
Resolved, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby ratify SCLIWC's appointment of
Jacob Colbert to the Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee position, retro-active to January 14,
2024, at the hourly wage of $25.35, in Job Classification 2, with full time benefits.
TB Resolution 2024 - 023g: Ratify Provisional Appointment of Geographic Information
Systems/ Information Technology Specialist (GIS/IT Specialist) at SCLIWC.
Whereas, the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission on February 8, 2024,
appointed Jacob Bolten to the title of Geographic Information Systems/ Information Technology
Specialist (GIS/IT Specialist), effective, February 5, 2024; now, therefore be it
Resolved, that the Town Board ratifies SCLIWC's appointment of Jacob Bolten to the title of
Geographic Information Systems/ Information Technology Specialist (GIS/IT Specialist),
effective, February 5, 2024, at the hourly wage of $30.90, in Job Classification 6, with full time
benefits.
TB Resolution 2024 - 023h: Ratification of Town Clerk's Appointment of a Deputy Town
Clerk
Whereas, there is a vacancy in the newly created for 2024 part time position of Deputy Town
Clerk in the Town Clerk's Department; and
Whereas, the Interview Committee that consisted of Paulette Rosa, Town Clerk and Judy Drake,
Human Resources Manager interviewed seven candidates from the open recruitment; and
TB 2024-02-12 (Filed 2/16) Pg. 10
Whereas, the Committee has determined that Monica Moll possesses the necessary knowledge
and skills to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position and make the recommendation for
appointment; now, therefore be it
Whereas, Paulette Rosa, Town Clerk, appointed Monica Moll to a part-time Deputy Town Clerk
position, effective February 5, 2024, now, therefore, be it
Resolved, the Town Board acknowledges the appointment of Monica Moll as a Deputy Town
Clerk by the Town Clerk, effective, February 5, 2024; and be it further
Resolved, the said position is in job classification "B" at 25.0 hours a week, at the hourly wage
of $28.29 (hire rate), estimated annual wage of $36,777, with part time benefits from account
A1410.100; and be it further
Resolved, a twenty-six (26) week probationary period applies with no further action by the Town
Board if there is successful completion of the probationary period as determined by the Town
Clerk.
9. Report of Town Officials, Committees, and review of Correspondence
a. AOT Resolutions
Mr. Howe noted that this is the last opportunity to discuss the proposed Association of Towns
resolutions.
Ms. Bleiwas stated that the Association opposes legislation that would require town justices to be
lawyers. She stated that as an attorney who practiced in town court for years, you cannot get
good justice if we don't have lawyers. When we had the opportunity to appoint a justice, we had
that requirement.
Criminal justice is very complicated and to expect a lay person to understand and administer
justice without having any training or experience dealing with the types of cases is not realistic.
Some town justices have no knowledge or experience in the legal field and are elected to the
position. There is a "Judge Camp" for 1 week, but that is not adequate. Also, sometimes the
people who are appointed or elected are law enforcement with a definite bias towards
prosecution.
Ms. Bleiwas said she believes the only fair way to have a town justice system is to require that
the town justice be lawyers. These justices have the ability to put people in jail for up to two
years.
She felt the town should not support any resolution against the requirement for town justices to
be lawyers.
TB 2024-02-12 (Filed 2/16) Pg. 11
Mr. Rosen spoke, saying lie agreed with Ms. Bleiwas and the full board agreed to oppose the
resolution.
Executive Session.
Motion made by Mr. L,evijie, seconded by Ms. Bleiwas to enter executive session to discuss
current litigation Bensel & Sanders v the rown of Ithaca; unanimous.
Motion made by Mr. Flowe, seconded by Ms. Bleiwas to reenter open session; unalUITIOUS.
Added Action Item
:111 RgIglUlion 2024 - �24: Aijilrojal pf the, �Jjaulajjgn ilt Settlemg1it aLld RgIcale regaiLding
L SlInders & S fleMsell y, IplIn Uf Ithaca
Whereas the Town began transitioning to LED street lighting in 2023, and
Whereas Elizabeth Sanders and Seth Bensel, (Litigants), 161'lie Byway, began petitioning the
Town regarding a light pole on their property and their wish that the light fixture not be changed
to LED, and
Whereas the Highway Superintendent, SUpervisor and Town Staff made ffilmer(ms attempts to
address and allay the Litigants concerns, and
Whereas the Litigants filed suit against, the Town, (Index # Ef,'2023-0195)ran March 24, 2023,
regarding the issue, and
Whereas the 'rown and the Litigants engaged in 3 sessions of mediation in January 2024 and
settled the matter via the Stipulation of Settlement and Release as submitted and discussed by the
Town Board at. it:s February 12, 2024, meeting, now therefore be it
Resolved, that the IthacaTown Board hereby agrees to the terms of the Stipulation of" Settlement
and Release as submitted and autborized the ToNvn Supervisor and involved Counsel to execute
and file all necessary doCUMentation regarding same.
Moved-. Pamela Bleiwas Seconded: Susie Gutenberger
Vote: ayes - Bleiwas, Gutenberger, Howe, Levine, DePaolo and Rosen
Meeting was adjourned at 6:38 p.m. Upon motion by Mr. Howe, seconded by Ms. Guteriberger,
unanimous,
Submitt
P flette osa
Town CIerk
TB 2024-02-12 (Filed 2/16) Pg. 12
TOWN OF ITHACA
4JEEU
1, Ashley Colbert, being duly sworn, say that I am the Deputy Town Clerk of the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County,
New York; that the following notice has been duly posted on the sign board of the Town Clerk of the Town of Ithaca
,?nd the notice has been duly published in the official newspaper, Ithaca Journal:
Regarding a Proposed Local Law Amending
Chpt 239, Titled "Taxation", Regarding
FOisabled Persons.
Town Clerk's 6ffice
215 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
Ashley Clert
Deputy Town Clerk
k"I #1 -
February �024.
IMUN
EMILY PMGE BANWELL.
NOTARY PUBUC-STAB" E OF NEW "CORK
No01 BAS421112
Ouslif led in Tompkins County
MYCOmmission Expires 08-30-202 5
Originally published on ithacajournal.com on
09/05/2024
wishing to address the Town Board on the draft
local law will be heard; links to the draft and the
meeting are available at www.town.ithaea.ny.us.
Comments may be made via email prior to the
meeting, or in person or via the ZOOM app.
Ashley Colber-t, Deputy Town Clerk
2/5/24