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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 2024-12-30YEAR END MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD Town Hall, 215 N Tioga St. Monday, December 30, 2024, @ 11:00 a.m. ZOOM ID 98910958241 AGENDA 1. Call To Order 2. Public Hearing and consider approval regarding a 1-year contract with the City of Ithaca Fire Department for Emergency Responses and Fire Protection and Capital Projects 3. Consider setting Public Hearing regarding a local law revising Town of Ithaca Code Chapter 270: Zoning violations and penalties 4. Consider approval of a sewer exemption – Woodgate Lane 5. Discuss Association of Towns proposed Resolutions 6. Consider extension of consultant agreement – telecommunications 7. Consider approval/adoption of Consent agenda Items a. Town Board Minutes b. Town of Ithaca Abstract c. Budget amendments d. Set a public hearing regarding a local law authorizing a monetary gift to the City of Ithaca for support of Cass and Stewart Parks e. Resolution regarding Conservation Board number of members f. Resolution of appreciation – Michael Roberts, Conservation Board g. Ratify promotional appointment of Benefits Manager – GTCMHIC - Rodrigues h. Ratify provisional appointment – Finance Manager – GTCMHIC - Sandsted i. Consider approval of sale of Surplus Items 8. Review of Correspondence a. Town of Caroline – Lead Agency 9. Consider entering executive session to discuss the acquisition of real property where disclosure may affect the outcome TB 2024-12-30 (Filed 2/7/25) MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD December 30, 2024 Minutes Board Members Present: Rod Howe, Supervisor; Members Rich DePaolo, Eric Levine, Pamela Bleiwas, Margaret Johnson, Susie Gutenberger and Rob Rosen Staff Present: Judy Drake, Director of Human Resources; Joe Slater, Highway Superintendent; David O’Shea, Director of Engineering; Ashley Colbert, Deputy Town Clerk and Monica Moll, Deputy Town Clerk 1. Call To Order Supervisor Howe called the meeting to order. 2. Public Hearing and consider approval regarding a 1-year contract with the City of Ithaca Fire Department for Emergency Responses, Fire Protection and Capital Projects No public comment. Public hearing closed at 11:03 am. Moved: Eric Levine Seconded: Susie Gutenberger Ayes: Rod Howe, Rich DePaolo, Eric Levine, Pamela Bleiwas, Margaret Johnson, Susie Gutenberger and Rob Rosen TB Resolution 2024 -142: Approval of, and authorization 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 2025 have been held, and Whereas, a duly publicized public hearing was held, and all persons interested in 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 for the Town except for the Village of Cayuga Heights pursuant to Town Law § 184, and TB 2024-12-30 (Filed 2/7/25) Whereas, the contract period is for one year, during which time an examination of costs and the apportionment thereof will be conducted by a consultancy hired by the City of Ithaca in order to inform future contracts, and, Whereas, the payment structure of the 2025 contract will remain the same as in the past, which is based proportionately using the total taxable property assessments in the Town and the City, and Whereas, Section 7 of the current contract requires the City to inform the Town of proposed capital projects in excess of $100,000, as such projects and aggregate capital expenditures per annum in excess of $200,000 are subject to Town approval, and Whereas, Section 13(a) of the current contract requires the City to inform the Town of the proposed addition of personnel to the Fire Department in excess of the 68 agreed to at inception of the current term, now, therefore be it Resolved, that the Town Board approves the contract as presented, which includes an annual payment of $4,775,754, and the expenditure of 32.98% of the capital project totals listed below, and additions to personnel, including Continued renovations of Central, South Hill, and West Hill fire stations: $1,000,000 Replacement of one 2009 fire engine: $1,000,000 Purchase of fire/rescue boat: $ 500,000 One (1) Administrative Assistant Three (3) Firefighters and be it further Resolved, that the Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor to sign the 2025 fire protection contract, subject to review by the Attorney for the Town. Moved: Eric Levine Seconded: Susie Gutenberger Vote: ayes – Howe, DePaolo, Bleiwas, Johnson, Levine, Gutenberger and Rosen 3. Consider setting a Public Hearing Regarding a local law revising Town of Ithaca Code Chapter 270: Zoning violations and penalties TB Resolution 2024 -143: Set a public hearing regarding a proposed local law revising Town of Ithaca Code Chapter 270: Zoning violations and penalties Resolved that the Town Board will hold a public hearing at its meeting on January 13, 2025, which begins at 5:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 215 N Tioga St., regarding a proposed local law Violations and Penalties in Chapter 270 (Zoning) of the Town of Ithaca Code, at which time all persons wishing to speak regarding the proposed legislation will be heard. TB 2024-12-30 (Filed 2/7/25) Moved: Rod Howe Seconded: Rob Rosen Vote: ayes- Howe, DePaolo, Bleiwas, Johnson, Levine, Gutenberger and Rosen 4. Consider approval of a sewer exemption for 0 Woodgate Lane TB Resolution 2024 - 144: Authorization for the Town Engineer to Issue a Sewer Exemption for 0 Woodgate Lane Whereas the Town Engineer received a request for a Sewer Exemption from Christopher Jones, owner of 0 Woodgate Lane, indicating there is no access to town sewer and identifying the difficulties associated with connecting to municipal sewer due to the nearest sewer main(s) being approximately 6000+/- feet away, which would require a main extension at an estimated cost greater than $1,000,000, which is not feasible to service one single family home, and Whereas the current owners are constructing a single-family residence and the Tompkins County Health Department will be designing and/or approving a septic system for this property, now therefore be it Resolved, pursuant to Town Code Section 214-6, the Town Board finds the applicant has shown unusual and extreme practical difficulties in connecting to municipal sewer for the reasons conveyed by town staff and the reasons detailed in the request for a sewer exemption submitted to the Town Engineer, dated December 3rd, 2024, and be it further Resolved, that the Town Board authorizes the Town Engineer to issue an exemption from Town Code Section 214-5 Connection required, for 0 Woodgate Lane, for the installation of a new, onsite wastewater treatment system associated with the new single-family residence, subject to the consent of the Tompkins County Health Department. Moved: Pamela Bleiwas Seconded: Rich DePaolo Vote: ayes- Howe, DePaolo, Bleiwas, Johnson, Levine, Gutenberger and Rosen 5. Discuss Association of Towns proposed Resolutions TB Resolution 2024 -145: Designation of Official Delegate and Alternate voting member to the New York State Association of Towns Annual Meeting Whereas, the NYS Association of Towns Annual Meeting is held annually in New York City and the Town of Ithaca is a member in good standing and eligible to have voting rights at the Annual Meeting, TB 2024-12-30 (Filed 2/7/25) Whereas the Town Board has reviewed the draft resolutions put forth by the NYS Association of Towns, now, therefore be it Resolved, that the Town Board hereby designates Rob Rosen as the Official Delegate and Susie Gutenberger as the Alternate to cast votes on behalf of the Town. Moved: Margaret Johnson Seconded: Pamela Bleiwas Vote: ayes – Howe, DePaolo, Bleiwas, Johnson, Levine, Gutenberger and Rosen 6. Consider extension of consultant agreement – telecommunications TB Resolution 2024-146: Authorization to Amend the Agreement with a Wireless Telecommunications Consultant to evaluate the proposed Personal Wireless Service Facility Tower at 111 Wiedmaier Ct S Whereas, the Town of Ithaca wishes to extend the services of a wireless telecommunications consultant 1. The term is revised to be extended to: December 31, 2025 2. All other provisions of the Contract remain unchanged. Resolved that the Town of Ithaca hereby authorizes the Town Supervisor to execute the Amended Agreement with William P. Johnson to conduct the requested services as described in the Proposed Statement of Work and Engagement Agreement originally dated June 18, 2024 and further dated January 1st, 2025. Moved: Rich DePaolo Seconded: Rod Howe Vote: ayes- Howe, DePaolo, Bleiwas, Johnson, Levine, Gutenberger and Rosen 7. Consider approval/adoption of Consent agenda Items TB Resolution 2024 -147: Adopt/Approve Consent Agenda Items Resolved that the Town Board adopts/approves the following consent agenda items: a. Town Board Minutes b. Town of Ithaca Abstract c. Budget amendments d. Set a public hearing regarding a local law authorizing a monetary gift to the City of Ithaca for support of Cass and Stewart Parks Pulled TB 2024-12-30 (Filed 2/7/25) e. Resolution regarding Conservation Board number of members f. Resolution of appreciation – Michael Roberts, Conservation Board g. Ratify promotional appointment of Benefits Manager – GTCMHIC - Rodrigues h. Ratify provisional appointment – Finance Manager – GTCMHIC - Sandsted i. Consider approval of sale of Surplus Items Moved: Susie Gutenberger Seconded: Pamela Bleiwas Vote: ayes- Howe, DePaolo, Bleiwas, Johnson, Levine, Gutenberger and Rosen TB Resolution 2024 -147a: Approval of Minutes – Town Board Resolved that the minutes of November 25 and December 9, 2024 are approved as submitted with any non-substantive changes made. TB Resolution 2024 -147b: Approval of Town of Ithaca Abstract Resolved that the Town Board approves the payment of the following audited vouchers in total for the amounts indicated: VOUCHER NOS. 1167 - 1250 General Fund Town Wide 241,912.37 General Fund Part-Town 29,997.93 Highway Fund Town Wide DA 15,012.59 Highway Fund Part Town DB 68,859.09 Water Fund 102,468.32 Sewer Fund 19,807.37 Capital Projects 16,721.63 Fire Protection Fund 641,204.00 TOTAL 1,135,983.30 TB Resolution 2024 -147c: Approval of Budget Transfers, Amendments and Modifications for December 15, 2024. TB 2024-12-30 (Filed 2/7/25) Whereas, the Town Finance Officer has reviewed all budgetary revenue and appropriation accounts for the period ending December 15, 2024, and Whereas, this review disclosed certain budgetary revenues and expenditures requiring transfers, amendments or modifications summarized below: General Town-wide Fund Budget Adjustment Account Description Revenue Expense A2401 Interest 180,000 A2705 Gifts & Donations (CU) 42,625 A2770 Miscellaneous Revenue (Rebates) 25,000 A5031 Interfund Revenue (from SL Funds) 39,777 A5182.400 Contractual (NYPA Contract) 287,402 Budget Adjustment Account Description Revenue Expense A4089 Federal Aid (ARPA) 776,498 A9901.905 Transfer to Other Funds (F&G) 776,498 Budget Transfers Account Description From To A1110.412 Law Library and Publications 300 A1110.420 Dues and Publications 300 A1316.400 Contractual 400 A1316.408 Postage 400 A1620.445 Bus Pass Program 3,412 A1320.401 Auditing Services 1,977 A1330.400 Contractual 200 TB 2024-12-30 (Filed 2/7/25) A1410.408 Postage 300 A1410.420 Dues & Publications 35 A1440.415 Telephone 200 A1460.400 Contractual 500 A1620.448 Elevator Maintenance 200 A1990.499 Contingency Account 811 A1920.420 Dues & Publications 811 A1990.499 Contingency Account 800 A1920.488 Taxes/Assessments on Town Prop 800 A5132.441 Garage Maintenance 2,200 A5132.415 Telephone 800 A5132.444 Security & Fire Alarm 100 A5132.447 Garage Utilities 1,000 A5132.459 Tools & Equipment 300 A7110.273 Light Duty Truck 14,480 A7110.272 Medium Duty Truck 14,480 A8540.273 Light Duty Truck 3,602 A8540.272 Medium Duty Truck 3,602 A8540.450 Petroleum Products 350 A8540.459 Tools & Equipment 350 A5132.500 New Streetlights 14,300 A1680.400 Contractual 8,000 A1680.421 Employee Education 400 A1680.491 Hardware & Equipment 2,500 A1680.492 Software 1,900 A1680.496 Time Warner 100 TB 2024-12-30 (Filed 2/7/25) A1680.497 Tools & Supplies 1,400 General Part Town Fund Budget Transfers Account Description From To B1650.415 Telephone 750 B1320.401 Auditing Services 750 B9040.800 Workers Compensation 300 B9010.800 NYS Retirement 300 B9040.800 Workers Compensation 1,600 B9050.800 Unemployment 1,600 B8010.449 Furniture 6,435 B8010.491 Hardware & Equipment 6,435 B8020.403 Planning Study 300 B1670.408 Postage 300 B8020.403 Planning Study 800 B1670.437 Xerox Printers 800 Highway Fund Budget Transfers Account Description From To DA5142.450 Petroleum Products 1,000 DA5130.451 Vehicle Maintenance 1,000 DA9050.800 Unemployment 100 DA9055.800 Disability 100 TB 2024-12-30 (Filed 2/7/25) Highway Part-Town Fund Budget Transfers Account Description From To DB5112.450 Petroleum Products 2,000 DB1420.402 Legal Services 2,000 DB1680.491 Hardware & Equipment 1,100 DB1680.400 Contractual 1,100 DB9040.800 Workers Compensation 9,960 DB9010.800 NYS Retirement 9,960 DB5112.450 Petroleum Products 4,375 DB9901.907 Transfer to Debt 4,375 DB5130.273 Light Duty Truck 36,201 DB5130.272 Medium Duty Truck 36,201 Water Fund Budget Transfers Account Description From To F8340.273 Light Duty Truck 10,860 F8340.272 Medium Duty Truck 10,860 F8340.450 Petroleum Products 4,375 F8310.400 Contractual 500 F8340.279 Miscellaneous Equipment 10 F8340.451 Vehicle Maintenance 600 F9010.800 NYS Retirement 2,986 F9045.800 Life Insurance 100 F9055.800 Disability Insurance 20 TB 2024-12-30 (Filed 2/7/25) Sewer Fund Budget Transfers Account Description From To G8120.273 Light Duty Truck 7,240 G8120.272 Medium Duty Truck 7,240 G8120.450 Petroleum Products 3,344 G1670.437 Xerox Printers 100 G1680.492 Software 100 G8120.279 Miscellaneous Equipment 10 G8120.451 Vehicle Maintenance 100 G9010.800 NYS Retirement 2,934 G9045.800 Life Insurance 100 Budget Transfer Account Description From To A5132.517 PWF MEP/Site Improvements 521,100 A9950.900 Contribution to Capital 521,100 Budget Adjustment Account Description Revenue Expense H6-5031 Transfer from General 521,100 H6-5132.517 PWF MEP/Site Improvements 521,100 To transfer MEP project funding from General Fund to H6 PWF MEP capital project fund, now, therefore be it TB 2024-12-30 (Filed 2/7/25) Resolved, that the Town Board authorizes the budget transfers, amendments, and modifications, as summarized above. TB Resolution 2024 -147d: Set public hearing regarding adoption of a local law authorizing a monetary contribution in support of Cass and Stewart Parks Resolved that the Town Board will hold a public hearing at their meeting on January 13, 2025, beginning at 5:30 p.m., regarding the adoption of a local law authorizing a monetary contribution in support of Cass Park and Stewart Park. Moved: Rich DePaolo Seconded: Eric Levine Vote- ayes Howe, DePaolo, Bleiwas, Johnson, Levine, Gutenberger and Rosen TB Resolution 2024 -147e: Modify Full Board Membership for the Conservation Board Whereas, the Town of Ithaca Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) was established by the Town Board in 1990 (Resolution No. 25, February 12, 1990) and outlined that the CAC membership “shall consist of no less than three (3) members and no more than nine (9) members, appointed by the Town Board, who shall serve for terms of two (2) years. The initial number will be nine (9)”; and Whereas, the CAC was redesignated as the Conservation Board (CB) in 1993 (Resolution No. 85, April 12, 1993; Local Law No. 4-1993); and Whereas, in 2002 the Town Board amended Local Law No. 4 of 1993 to change certain governing rules related to the CB and to provide for the appointment of associate members to work with the CB (Resolution No. 2002-198, December 9, 2002; Local Law No. 10-2002); and Whereas, the last time the CB had a full board of nine members was in 2020 and the CB has consistently had a problem recruiting and keeping members over the past few years, creating issues with having a quorum present at many meetings; and Whereas, currently the CB has only five (5) members, requiring all members to be present to have a quorum; and Whereas, the CB and Planning Department staff are recommending that the Town Board consider a full CB to currently be seven (7) members; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that consistent with the provisions in New York General Municipal Law Section 239-x and Town Code Section 23-4 that the CB shall consist of no fewer than three members and no more than nine members, the Town Board sets the whole number of the CB at seven (7), TB 2024-12-30 (Filed 2/7/25) effective January 1, 2025. Four (4) members shall constitute a quorum, regardless of vacancies or disqualifications of a member to act; and it is further Resolved, that the Town Board acknowledges the current members’ terms and designates the terms of the two remaining vacant seats as follows: - Lori Brewer Term: (01/01/2024 – 12/31/2025) - Frank Cantone (03/13/2023 – 12/31/2024) - James Hamilton (01/01/2023 – 12/31/2024) - Eva Hoffmann (01/01/2023 – 12/31/2024) - Ingrid Zabel (01/01/2024 – 12/31-2025) - Vacant (01/01/2024 – 12/31/2025) - Vacant (01/01/2024 – 12/31/2025) TB Resolution 2024 -147f: Resolution of Appreciation and Recognition for Michael Roberts for more than 10 years of Service on the Conservation Board Whereas, Michael Roberts was appointed to the Conservation Board in February 2014; and Whereas, Mr. Roberts submitted his resignation on said board effective December 31, 2024; and Whereas, Mr. Roberts served as Vice-Chair of said board from 2016 – 2017 and Chair of said board from 2018 – 2020; and Whereas, Mr. Roberts has been a significant member of the board, who devoted much personal time and energy to Conservation Board projects, including serving on the Communications Committee (2016 – 2017), the Environmental Review Committee (2018 – 2024), and actively participating in the board’s public events (Fischer Award tree plantings, invasive species events, etc.); and Whereas, Mr. Roberts’s background, passion for environmental concerns, and expertise (especially on invasive species and native plants), has been a valuable asset to the board; and Whereas, Mr. Roberts spearheaded the development of the Conservation Board’s 2017 report to the Town Board titled “Deer Management: Recommended Actions for the Town of Ithaca” and the related assistance with establishing the Town’s deer management program in 2019; and Whereas, Mr. Roberts took the lead in developing and establishing an ethnobotanic walk in the Town’s Tutelo Park which heightens our awareness of the Gayogohó:nǫˀ and their relationship to place and land ; and Whereas, the Town has greatly benefited from Michael Roberts’s years of dedication and service to the Town of Ithaca via his membership on the Conservation Board; now, therefore be it TB 2024-12-30 (Filed 2/7/25) Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca, on behalf of the Town and its citizens, express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to Michael Roberts for his dedicated and valuable service to our community and wish him well as he raises his family in the beautiful natural lands he helped to protect. TB Resolution 2024 -147g: Ratify Provisional Promotional Appointment of Benefits Manager – Rodrigues Whereas, the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium on November 20, 2024, appointed Kylie Rodrigues to the title of Benefits Manager, effective, December 15, 2024; now, therefore be it Resolved, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby ratify GTCMHIC’s appointment of Kylie Rodrigues to the title of Benefits Manager, effective, December 15, 2024, at the 2025 hourly wage of $38.80, in Job Classification D, with no change to the full-time benefits. TB Resolution 2024 -147h: Ratify Provisional Appointment of Finance Manager – GTCMHIC Whereas, the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium on December 18 2024, provisionally appointed Jennifer Sandsted to the title of Finance Manager, effective, January 6, 2025; now, therefore be it Resolved, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby ratify GTCMHIC’s appointment of Jennifer Sandsted to the title of Finance Manager, effective, January 6, 2025, at the 2025 salary wage of $78,135, in Job Classification D, with full-time benefits. TB Resolution 2024 –147i: Sale of Surplus Items Whereas, a municipal online auction is held from time to time hosted by Auctions International located in East Aurora, NY, and Whereas, certain items have become surplus/no longer needed by the Town, and Whereas, the Town wishes to put the following surplus equipment in an online auction in September:  Town of Ithaca Vehicle # 60 2015 F350 Crew Cab with Service Body  14,000 # Air Powered Bumper Jack  15 Ton Air Over Hydraulic Axle Jack  Misc. Sign Brackets  (2) Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor Scanners  Misc. Streetlights  Misc. Circuit Breakers