HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 2019-01-28 Meeting of the Ithaca Town Board
Study Session
Monday, January 28, 2019
1. Discuss and consider approval of an MOU with the Greater Tompkins County Municipal
Health Insurance Consortium for Employer of Record services
2. Discuss and consider authorization for the Supervisor to sign contract agreements associated
with the NYS Watershed Grant
3. Update on the draft Form Based Zoning
4. Discuss and consider authorization for an application to the DEC for a Deer Management
Permit and associated SEQR
5. Continue discussion regarding the South Hill and West Hill Water Study
6. Committee Reports
a. Planning
• Chainworks draft PDZ
b. Personnel and Organization
c. Public Works
d. Codes & Ordinances
e. Budget
f. Ad Hoc and Others
7. Consent
a. Town of Ithaca Abstract
b. Appoint Chelsea Benson to the JYC
Meeting of the Ithaca Town Board
Study Session
Monday, January 28, 2019
Minutes
Board Members Present: Bill Goodman, Supervisor; Eric Levine, Pamela Bleiwas, Pat Leary,
and Rod Howe; Rich DePaolo and Tee-Ann Hunter arriving after the first agenda item
Staff Present: Susan Ritter, Director of Planning; Bruce Bates, Director of Code Enforcement;
Mike Solvig, Director of Finance; Judy Drake, Director of Human Resources; Jim Weber,
Highway Superintendent; and Debra DeAugistine, Deputy Town Clerk
1. Discuss and consider approval of an MOU with the Greater Tompkins County
Municipal Health Insurance Consortium for Employer of Record services
Mr. Goodman gave a report from the committee meeting. He said Ms. Brock requested changes
after the draft agreement went out, which the committee accepted. The next step is to name an
executive director and draft a lease for the consortium to have an office downstairs.
TB Resolution 2019-016: Authorizing the Supervisor to Sign the Memorandum of Understanding
with Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium to Act as Employer of
Record and Provide Payroll and Benefits Services
Whereas, the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium (Consortium) is a
municipal cooperative formed under Article 5-G of the New York State General Municipal Law ("GML")
created for the purpose of establishing a joint body to administer a self-insured municipal cooperative
health plan pursuant to Article 47 of the New York Insurance Law; and
Whereas, the Town, among other municipalities,is a party to a certain Municipal Cooperative Agreement,
effective on the 1st day of October, 2010, and most recently amended as of June, 2015 (the "MCA"), that
governs the operation of the Consortium, whose purpose is to furnish health benefits (medical, surgical,
hospital, prescription drug, dental, and/or vision) to the enrollees of each participating municipality via a
self-insured municipal cooperative health plan; and
Whereas, the Consortium, is in need of support staff to assist in its administration of the provision of
services for which it was created and to carry out its duties and obligations under the MCA, and
Whereas, Pursuant to Section 119-o (2)(b) of the GML, the Consortium and the Town are permitted to
contract with each other in the manner set forth herein to designate that certain staff of the Consortium
"be deemed [that] of a specified participating corporation," namely the Town, and that such personnel be
assigned to Consortium but"shall possess the same powers, duties, immunities and privileges they would
ordinarily possess (1) if they performed their duties only in the corporation or district by which they are
employed or (2) if they were employed by the corporation or district in which they are required to
perform their duties'; and
Whereas, Pursuant to Section E(1) of the MCA, the Consortium is authorized to contract with its
participants in the furnishing goods and services reasonably needed in the efficient operation and
administration of the Consortium; and
TB 2019-01-28 Pg. 1
Whereas, The Town, as a participating municipal corporation under the MCA, has agreed to deem certain
support staff of the Consortium as employees of the Town, as permitted by Section 119-o (2)(b) of the
GML, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein; now, therefore,be it
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby authorizes the supervisor to sign the
Memorandum of Understanding with Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium
to Act as Employer of Record and provide Payroll, Benefits and Human Resource Services, subject to the
approval of the attorney for the town.
Moved: Bill Goodman Seconded: Rod Howe
Vote
Ayes: Goodman, Leary, Levine, Howe, Bleiwas
Absent: Hunter, DePaolo
2. Discuss and consider authorization for the Supervisor to sign contract agreements
associated with the NYS Watershed Grant
Ms. Hunter reported that it's a three-year grant and a three-tiered project. There's an exploration
of how to reconfigure the IO to be more effective in its role of advancing the recommendations
of the watershed management plan. The organization is peopled by representatives from local
municipalities that aren't sufficiently staffed and don't have big enough budgets to enable them
to be overseeing a watershed-wide advancement of projects. There are 46 municipalities
involved, so it's hard to get the biggest bang for your buck in terms of identifying projects. We
need to get five or six projects envisioned,planned, and in the funding pipeline.
TB Resolution 2019-017: Authorization for the Town Supervisor to sign an Independent
Contractor Agreement for the Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization (IO)
Whereas the IO is administering the Cayuga Lake Watershed Plan Intermunicipal Organization and
Implementation grant which requires third party contracts with CNY Regional Planning and Development
Board for$73,500 and the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network for$33,000 for tasks detailed in the grant,
now therefore be it
Resolved that the Town Supervisor is authorized to sign said contract agreements, as stated
above, on behalf of the town for work associated with the Cayuga Lake Watershed Plan
Intermunicipal Organization and Implementation grant, subject to the approval of the Attorney
for the Town.
Moved: Pamela Bleiwas Seconded: Tee-Ann Hunter
Vote
Ayes: Goodman, Leary, Levine, Howe, DePaolo, Bleiwas, Hunter
3. Update on the draft Form Based Zoning
Mr. DePaolo said the working group might provide some type of distilled summary of progress
to date that will help introduce people to the document.
TB 2019-01-28 Pg. 2
Mr. Goodman said that in February, we'll set up meetings internally with staff to get into more
detail, and will let town board members know when the meetings will happen. In March, we may
hold some stakeholder meetings for landowners for the areas identified in the comp plan. Maybe
in April, we'll do more general public outreach and then go through the formal process with the
town board in May and June, holding public hearings and doing the SEQRs. His goal is to get the
language adopted by June 30th. Once the language is adopted, the next phase is to figure out how
it will be applied in the different neighborhoods, or transect zones.
Ms. Ritter offered to supply any interested board members with the most current revisions. We
will refer it to the planning board after staff have made changes. The planning board needs to
give a recommendation to the town board.
4. Discuss and consider authorization for an application to the DEC for a Deer
Management Permit and associated SEQR(Attachment#1)
Mr. Goodman recognized Mike Smith for all the work he's done to put the documentation
together. The Deer Management citizen's advisory committee was meeting in the spring and
summer. They held a public hearing and decided it was okay to move forward. The new
committee—started in December with Mr. Goodman, Mr. Smith, Martin Kelly, Mike Roberts,
who runs the deer program at the Cornell Botanical Gardens and is the chair of our conservation
board, and Bernd Blossey, who works with municipalities on their deer management programs —
came up with the proposed program. We met on Friday with Courtney LaMere from the DEC
office in Cortland, who has to review these permits, and she suggested a number of changes, the
biggest of which is to remove the proposed farm sites. This permit will initially be a small trial to
see how it works, so we were looking at sites where folks would have their own hunters so we
wouldn't have to get into the process of vetting them. A number of farmers on our ag committee
wanted to participate in the program, but the DEC has said they don't want to issue the permits
for ag lands because they want farmers to apply for nuisance permits. Ms. LaMere suggested
starting off small in one area of our deer management focus area for the initial trial. We've had
complaints from residents on Westhaven Road. The YMCA owns a parcel in that area and John
Rancich owns several. They have a bow hunter they use for the regular season. We would still
include the Lake View cemetery. Mr. Goodman wants to meet with people who currently hunt
that area. The DEC rep also said that while a lot of municipalities do their deer management in
winter/spring after hunting season ends, we're part of the Tompkins County focus area for
hunting through the end of January, so our trial program would run in February and March. She
also said we might look in the future to September, before the regular bow season starts in
October.
Mr. Smith said he sent a lot of the documents to Ms. LaMere beforehand. Most of the material he
prepared was inspired by what other communities have done, so he was able to copy and paste
information and forms, including the SEQR, which most municipalities do as an Unlisted action.
Mr. DePaolo said he feels sandbagged by this, considering we're talking about an initiative that's
supposed to start three days from now. He doesn't know the authorship of the reports, whether
it's a committee report or something Mr. Smith did. In his experience on the town board, it's
highly unusual for something of this nature to come before the board seeking approval three days
before inception of the program. He had questions about implementation. He questioned why
TB 2019-01-28 Pg. 3
this is being discussed in study session and not in full session, where there would be greater
visibility, considering he knows many people who are not in favor of heading in this direction.
Ms. Leary asked about nuisance permits.
Mr. Smith said the DEC goes out to ag sites to document deer damage being done, then they
issue permits directly to the farmers. A couple farms have done this pretty regularly in the town;
one site was issued 10 tags and filled them all last year.
Ms. Leary asked whether the sites we're contemplating will give us enough information on how
things are going; it doesn't sound like just two or three sites would have an impact on the deer
population.
Mr. Goodman explained that the reason for starting small is to figure out the logistics, because
the town will have to get bait and tree stands to the hunters. A two-month trial will give us an
idea of how much staff time and resources will be involved before starting a large program.
Ms. Hunter remembered when Cayuga Heights was considering sharpshooters, and people
wanted to know when the hunters would be out in the trees. We won't know when they're there
and how often they're going out. She has no problem with the program; it's on private property.
She asked why it wasn't limited to one month.
Mr. Smith said it takes a while to do the program. If DEC gave us a permit this week, we would
then go out and purchase the deer feeders. They're put out on a property for two weeks to get the
deer coming to the location, then the hunters go out on one or two weekends, and then there's a
rest period where the feeders are dormant for a couple weeks with no hunting. They're not out
using the sites continuously.
Ms. Hunter asked if we have explored with the DEC potentially giving hunters more permits.
Mr. Smith responded that the DEC does that now in deer focus areas. A hunter can take two deer
a day: does and bucks with no antlers. A lot of deer are in areas where you can't hunt because of
closeness to structures.
Ms. Hunter asked if we're allowing random hunters or if they'll have to be specially trained.
Mr. Smith said they all have to be approved by us. Some programs have to check with local
police for marksmanship certification.
Mr. Goodman said for this initial program, the landowners who volunteered have people who
already hunt on their land. In many programs, landowners will volunteer their land and
municipalities will find the hunters and assign them to certain areas; we're not proposing that at
this stage. The reason for February and March is because growing season begins in the spring
and the bait is more effective in that time period. Come spring, the deer just eat the young shoots.
In September, you might get more hunters because the meat is more desirable after deer have
been feeding free range. Nothing would start right away until the DEC grants approval.
Mr. DePaolo said that for this pilot project, we don't know which sites will be approved. In the
proposal, there's no guarantee that people would have to prove their marksmanship. It's not
going to be on a scale that will be more effective than the extra doe permits. He can see it as
TB 2019-01-28 Pg. 4
useful for considering how a program might work, but not necessarily useful for population
control. He has problems with assumptions; for example, deer-related car accidents. The
numbers don't square at all with the numbers in the comp plan, which says that between 2000
and 2007, 27 deer-related accidents were reported; now it says that seven or eight years later,
there are 400+in a similar time period. He'd like that information to be reconciled.
Ms. Ritter responded that the source is different and is probably a better count than in the comp
plan. Tom Mank, of the Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council, did not give us the
first round of data.
Mr. DePaolo said he has questions as to whether bow hunting is the most effective way to kill an
animal. If the objective is to kill an animal, he'd rather the animal die right away rather than
bleed out while being tracked. Did we elect to rely on archery because it's more discreet so we
can keep this practice hidden from our residents? Will we carry them out in body bags under
cover of darkness? The other issue he has is whether we will kill enough deer to allow the
understory to regenerate and thereby creating a food environment for more deer. He questions
the efficacy of doing this on a town-wide basis. He understands car accidents involving deer are
a problem, but questions whether this solves the problem. At this point, there are too many
questions for him to feel good about rubberstamping the program three days before it is supposed
to go into effect. He doesn't recall receiving a single report from the deer management
committee.
Ms. Leary said the proposed program cites the conservation board report. That's the group that
studied this for the longest time. Then we appointed a deer management committee, and this is
their recommendation. This is a very limited, two-month trial. She's comfortable recommending
it, but she wanted to hear from the committee members.
Mr. Goodman said the committee was himself, Ms. Bleiwas; Mr. Levine; Linda Woodard, the
mayor of Cayuga Heights; Lisa Ferguson, liaison from the town ag committee; and Lindsay
Dombrovsky from the conservation board. We met monthly from January to May, then we held a
public hearing, and then we met again in June after the hearing. Since the vast majority of people
who spoke were in favor of the program, the committee decided to move forward.
Mr. Levine said this has been a long process with a lot of work that started with the conservation
board's report and resulted in forming a committee that anyone was invited onto. Some of the
issues being raised now they've heard before. A good number of people showed up to the public
hearing and people were overwhelmingly in support of it; not a single person showed up who
was opposed to it. Another committee was formed to study how to implement a program. He is
satisfied with the professionalism of the staff to continue to implement the program. There were
people who were opposed to it before who are probably still opposed now. He doesn't know if
anyone's mind has been changed, but this is by no means a rubber stamp: a lot of work has been
done to address very serious problems. It's a controversial issue. He expects a split vote.
Ms. Bleiwas said she thought she might be a skeptical person. One of her main questions was
how it would affect the people of Ithaca. Mr. Smith put together a chart with all the car accidents
in Ithaca over a five-year period. It really demonstrated a problem. She also heard a lot of reports
from farmers on the trouble they're having with deer and how this affects us economically.
Taking into consideration the economic impact together with traffic accidents, she came to
realize this is more of a problem than she thought, so she was willing to explore it. People in
Cayuga Heights think the problem has been abated since they started their program. She's not an
TB 2019-01-28 Pg. 5
expert on deer management, but he trusts the staff we've hired to work for us. She's in favor of
going forward and reevaluating in two months.
Mr. Goodman said that since we just heard on Friday from the DEC about changing sites, he's
willing to put this off to the next meeting to identify sites.
Ms. Hunter wanted to understand why we recommend baiting deer and whether farmers have to
hunt their own land.
Mr. Smith said farmers can hire others.
Mr. Levine explained why baiting is necessary: These will be archers in tree stands fixed in one
position, so you want the deer to go to one site where the archers will be stationed.
Mr. Bates added that deer are smart; they learn where the hunters are and will avoid that area, so
you're trying to overcome their survival instinct by making their hunger instinct stronger. Once
you shoot one deer, the other deer are gone and won't come back for a few days. You can't run
the program during hunting season because hunters can't bait.
Mr. Goodman said that in Cayuga Heights, the sharpshooter darts the deer, paralyzing it, and
then a police officer bolts the deer to kill it. With this method, they have to dispose of the meat
instead of donating it, because it has a chemical in it. We're proposing what a number of other
municipalities are doing.
Ms. Hunter expressed concerned that the people from Conifer go walking in that area. Are
people going to know this will be happening?
Mr. Smith responded that the properties that are participating will be identified. Also, these
programs occur after dark, when people are not out hiking.
Mr. Bates said a bow is limited in range and designed for 10 to 45 feet. You have to identify your
target. When you take the bow hunters course, you learn that hunters identify themselves to one
another. Bow hunters are generally accurate with their bows, and if you're limiting it to just bow
hunting, you won't have the issue of people being shot.
Mr. Smith added that most communities use bow hunting because it's at night, so people aren't
hearing gun shots.
Mr. Bates said bow hunting is less stress on the animal than a shotgun. The gun produces more
trauma, and if the bullet is not placed properly, more suffering for the animal. Deer he's shot
with the bow generally lie down and go to sleep. It's over. It's clean. The ones he's shot with a
gun usually have trauma: the animal struggles, tries to get back up and figure out what happened.
Mr. DePaolo said we have the oversight issue. Is the committee proposing to meet weekly? How
will they react to the information they get?
Mr. Goodman said the meetings would happen after the trial period is done. Then we'd collect
data and the adjustments would be applied to future harvests.
TB 2019-01-28 Pg. 6
Mr. Smith said there could be modifications and adjustments during the program time, too. If no
deer are taken at a certain site, we might not pursue that one anymore. The information could
also identify more effective time frames.
Mr. DePaolo pointed out that the proposal says participants would be selected and approved by
the town. That's not true if the landowners are going to pick their hunters. Then it talks about
using dogs to track deer that are wounded. How are the deer going to be removed discretely?
Mr. Smith responded that the recommendation is using a tarp.
Mr. DePaolo continued: "every effort will be made to recover all animals or assure they will be
fine."Why not just finish the job?
Mr. Smith said it's a problem if the deer crosses the boundary of a property that we don't have
permission to hunt on or if it gets too close to a structure.
Mr. DePaolo asked how you assure it's going to be fine. If it's not going to happen, why have the
language in there? There's no scenario envisioned to make the language actually happen. Also, if
the goal is to reduce deer numbers to the levels where forest regeneration and survival of
sensitive plants in the town of Ithaca is once again possible, that tells him we're going to keep
killing deer until the understory grows back. And if it does grow back, we're ringing the dinner
bell.
Ms. Leary said you have to look at this as part of an overall program with the contiguous
municipalities and Cornell. If it's not the whole geographic area, and the town of Ithaca doesn't
participate, you'll reduce the deer in other areas and Ithaca will be a magnet.
Mr. Goodman said the city is also looking to participate in the future.
Ms. Brock said Trumansburg has posted a report on their activities, which states that over the last
three and a half years, their program has removed over 200 deer. That should give you a sense of
the order of magnitude of that program and its efficacy.
Mr. Levine said the language assuring the deer will be fine should be tweaked. You go on the
property to see if the deer is going to collapse there or if it's going to move on. You're not going
to chase it for a long period of time. Maybe it's to recover all animals or assure they're
sufficiently mobile.
Mr. Weber pointed out that if you cross property lines at 11 o'clock at night, you need to get
permission from the property owner or you're trespassing. Hunters are supposed to shoot and
kill, not wound, but as a bow hunter, he knows there's no guarantee. Ninety percent of the time
you miss or wound the animal when shooting from a tree stand is because a branch is in the way.
5. Continue discussion regarding the South and West Hill Water Study
Mr. Goodman reminded the board that this discussion was started at the January town board
meeting and continued at the public works committee. The question that came up is whether we
accept the findings of the study or acknowledge receipt. What's the difference? We also had
contact from some developers who want to put a townhome development north of the Westview
Subdivision. They were asking us about some assumptions in the report. For the Northeast water
TB 2019-01-28 Pg. 7
study, we did a resolution accepting the findings, but we didn't do anything for the East Hill
study.
Mr. Weber said he had a draft that was supposed to be done in September, but with the issues
associated with the Ellis Hollow tank, he never got back to it.
Mr. Goodman said the larger discussion is whether we want to draft an official town policy or
guidelines for development. The assumptions we've used when engineers were doing these
studies so we have something we can point to when developers ask what authority we have to
hold them to certain standards are: 35 psi at the street level, so that showers will have pressure on
the second floor; 1500 gallons per minute for fire flow; and a three-day storage in our system in
case electricity goes out.
Mr. Weber said it's not just if the power goes out, but if there's a break in a line that would
preclude the ability to get water to the different locations. Over the weekend, we had five water
main breaks. Page 38 of the South Hill and West Hill report notes that this analysis for the
quantity of future developments is conservative. Actual future development may be less. We
have to balance short-term and long-terms needs. These won't be decisions made by staff. The
question is: who funds infrastructure for development? The one example we have right now is in
the worst possible location it can be: at a dead end and a high elevation. The Ridgecrest tank:
that zone is problematic. Out of a half-million-gallon tank,we only use seven feet of the water
that's in it, or about 70,000 gallons per day. We don't go any lower because other customers
within that zone would be out of water. In this particular development, you can't just do
improvements for them. You have to be able to get the water from the Pearsall pump station to
the Northview tank to the Troy Road tank; the Troy Road tank gets pumped up to the Ridgecrest
tank. At the other extreme, we have the hospital. That water goes to the Bostwick tank through
the Coy Glen pump station up to EcoVillage and then to Trumansburg. Two components in the
report: one is an assessment of the existing system and its ability to meet demands. The fire
department equipment is for a flow rate of 1500 gallons per minute. By the time the operator of
the truck figures out they're not getting 1500 gallons per minute and idles the machine back, our
system can be damaged. The report will identify what needs to be done short term to help the
customers we have, but as we move out and increase density, we have to look at how to get
water to those zones. We have interconnections with Bolton Point on East Hill and Northeast, so
there is redundancy within those systems, but on West and South hills, there is no redundancy.
Ms. Drake asked why we use only seven feet of the water from the Ridgecrest tank.
Mr. Weber said you have the volume for the three-day storage, but the way our tanks have been
set up is that they fill from the bottom and that same pipe extracts the water, so there is no
mixing. All of our new tanks have mixers to deal with the water quality. This tank is a problem
for our current customers.
Mr. Goodman wanted to address the question of accepting findings or acknowledging receipt.
Accepting the findings sounds stronger, but does it commit us to anything? The more immediate
question is how we explain to developers that they have to have 1500 gallons of fire flow. Do we
need to adopt something to give us the ability to set standards we can hold developers to?
On a motion by Mr. Goodman, seconded by Mr. DePaolo, the board voted to go into executive
session at 6:14 p.m. to seek advice of counsel. On a motion by Mr. Goodman and seconded by
Mr. DePaolo, the board exited closed session at 6:48.
TB 2019-01-28 Pg. 8
6. Committee Reports
Planning
Chainworks draft PDZ: Mr. DePaolo reported that the committee finished their review and
recommended it be turned over to the planning board for comment. They'll begin initial
discussions on February 5th.
Ms. Ritter said the city needs to do a findings statement, which would include the city and
town's planned development zones. Also, the planning board is required through our code to
have a public hearing on the PDZ, which will probably happen at the first meeting in March and
perhaps at that time, they'll be ready to give a recommendation. She asked at what point the
town board wants to look at it.
The board agreed that they prefer to wait for planning board comments.
Personnel and Organization
Ms. Bleiwas said they met today and spent a good amount of time talking about what we'll do
with the basement space. We'll use it for civil engineers during the public works reconstruction.
Also they voted in favor of allowing the consortium to use it. The county would like to use it for
voting machine storage. The History Center would like some storage space also.
Budget
Mr. Levine said upcoming issues are to review of the supervisor's salary, because the previous
supervisor didn't want a review, and to study sidewalk and park districts.
Ad Hoc and Others
STR: Mr. Goodman said he received a memo from Carolyn Greenwald and Brent Katzman
requesting a back and forth dialog. Committee members were in favor of doing that, so we'll set
it up. As STR hosts, they want to figure out a way to regulate STRs without imposing time
limits; for example, through permits and other regulations to maintain control if becomes a
problem for neighbors.
Sidewalk: Mr. Goodman said they looked at potential boundaries for the Forest Home sidewalk
district to pay for sidewalk improvements to the Forest Home area.
He reported that Mr. Goldsmith has put together a green building policy advisory committee of
town and city staff to talk about how to draft an ordinance to implement a policy.
Guard rail in Forest Home: We received a quote for $38,000 to bring it up to current DOT
standards. The Town of would have to supply certain work such as flagging, road closures,
filling holes, for an estimated total project cost of$45,000.
7. Consent
a. Town of Ithaca Abstract
b. Appoint Chelsea Benson to the JYC
TB 2019-01-28 Pg. 9
TB Resolution 2019-018: Adopt Consent Agenda
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves and/or adopts
the following Consent Agenda items:
c. Town of Ithaca Abstract
d. Appoint Chelsea Benson to the JYC
Vote
Moved: Eric Levine Seconded: Rich DePaolo
Ayes: Goodman, Leary, Levine, Howe, DePaolo, Bleiwas, Hunter
TB Resolution No. 2019-018a: Town of Ithaca Abstract No. 1 for FY-2019
Whereas the following numbered vouchers have been presented to the Ithaca Town Board for
approval of payment; and
Whereas the said vouchers have been audited for payment by the said Town Board; now
therefore be it
Resolved that the governing Town Board hereby authorizes the payment of the said vouchers in total for
the amounts indicated.
VOUCHER NOS. 35 - 135
General Fund Town Wide 144,448.03
General Fund Part-Town 36,477.06
Highway Fund Town Wide DA 73,174.39
Highway Fund Part Town DB 46,525.46
Water Fund 34,911.06
Sewer Fund 263,482.49
Gateway Trail—H8
State Route 96b Sidewalk—H7 1,135.86
Park Lane Water Main Improv—H11 1,445.00
Sapsucker Woods Water Main—H12 1,355.00
Christopher Circle Water Main—H13 1,070.00
Ellis Hollow Water Tank—H10 6,361.73
Trumansburg Water Tank Replace—H9 2,055.00
Risk Retention Fund
Fire Protection Fund
Forest Home Lighting District 54.33
Glenside Lighting District 16.26
Renwick Heights Lighting District 27.12
Eastwood Commons Lighting District 37.97
Clover Lane Lighting District 5.04
Winner's Circle Lighting District 7.56
Burleigh Drive Lighting District 17.70
West Haven Road Lighting District 70.23
Coddington Road Lighting District 40.80
Trust and Agency
TB 2019-01-28 Pg. 10
Debt Service
TOTAL 1 612,718.09
TB Resolution 2019-018b: Appointment to the Joint Youth Commission
Resolved, that the Town Board hereby appoints Chelsea Benson to serve on the Tompkins
County Joint Youth Commission for a five-year term from January 28, 2019 to December 31,
2023.
On a motion by Mr. Goodman, seconded by Mr. DePaolo, the board voted to enter executive
session at 6:56 p.m. to discuss the acquisition of real property and proposed legislation regarding
Devinctis. On a motion by Mr. Goodman, seconded by Ms. Bleiwas, the board reentered open
session at 7:19.
Adjournment
On a motion by Ms. Leary, seconded by Mr. Levine,the board voted to adjourn at 7:20 p.m.
>ubmilted by
(Debra DeAugistin
e D
p y Town Clerk
TB 2019-01-28 Pg. 11.
IF lB IM E,E,t liir1lg 01.2 8-2019
PLANNING DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM
TO: TOWN BOARD MEMBERS
FROM: MICHAEL SMITH, SENIOR PLANNER
DATE: JANUARY 23, 2019
RE: DEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
- ESTABLISHMENT OF DEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
- AUTHORIZATION TO SUBMIT DEER DAMAGE PERMIT APPLICATION
Please find attached material related to the establishment of the Town of Ithaca's Deer
Management Program and for the authorization to submit a Deer Damage Permit (DDP)
application to NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. The DDP application is
requesting to start implementing the program this year on approximately 7 properties during
February and March. Listed below are the various documents that are attached. Many of the
documents apply to both the establishment of the Deer Management Program and the
submission of the DDP application. A draft of the DDP application has been provided to
NYSDEC to obtain initial feedback and allow for modifications to address their concerns prior to
the formal submission.
Attached:
• Short Environmental Assessment Form, Parts 1, 2 and 3
• Draft resolutions for the SEAR determination and authorization of the Town's program
and the DDP application
• "Town of Ithaca - Deer Management Program Proposal" (detailed description of how
the program will operate)
• Deer Damage Permit application form
• Attachment to the DDP: "Justification for use of Deer Damage Permits"
• "NYSDEC Deer Damage Permit Application — Parcels where Activities will Occur" Map
• "Vehicle Collisions with Deer 2012—2016" map
I have not attached a copy of the Conservation Board's 2017 report ("Deer Management:
Recommended Actions for the Town of Ithaca") that was previously provided to the Town
Board. If you would like a copy, it is available at http://www.town.ithaca.ny.us/conservation-
board or let me know and I can get a paper version to you.
Please contact me if you have any questions prior to the January 28th Town Board meeting.
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
Monday, January 28, 2019
TB Resolution 2019 - : SEOR: Establishment of a Town of Ithaca Deer Management
Program and Authorization to Submit Annual Deer Damage Permit Applications to the
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Whereas, this action is the establishment of a Town of Ithaca Deer Management Program and
authorization to submit annual Deer Damage Permit(DDP) applications to the NYS Department
of Environmental Conservation; and
Whereas, this an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Town Board is acting as lead
agency in an uncoordinated environmental review with respect to this action; and
Whereas, the Town Board, at a meeting held on January 28, 2019, has reviewed and accepted as
adequate the Short Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF), Parts 1, 2 and 3, for this action,
prepared by Town Planning staff,
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby makes a negative determination of
environmental significance in accordance with Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation
Law, 6 NYCRR Part 617 New York State Environmental Quality Review, and Chapter 148
Environmental Quality Review of the Town of Ithaca Code for the above-referenced action as
proposed, based on the information in the EAF Part 1 and for the reasons set forth in the EAF
Parts 2 and 3, and, therefore,,a Draft Environmental Impact Statement will not be required.
Moved: Seconded:
Vote:
Short Environmental Assessment Form
Part I - Project Information
Instructions for Completing
Part 1—Project Information. The applicant or project sponsor is responsible for the completion of Part 1. Responses become part of the
application for approval or funding,are subject to public review,and may be subject to further verification. Complete Part 1 based on
information currently available. If additional research or investigation would be needed to fully respond to any item,please answer as
thoroughly as possible based on current information.
Complete all items in Part 1.You may also provide any additional information which you believe will be needed by or useful to the
lead agency; attach additional pages as necessary to supplement any item.
Part 1–Project and Sponsor Information
Name of Action or Project:
Town of Ithaca Deer Management Program
Project Location(describe,and attach a location map):
Located on multiple parcels throughout the Town of Ithaca
Brief Description of Proposed Action:
The Town of Ithaca proposes to establish a program to engage in deer population control by culling deer living within the Town of Ithaca boundary.
This program,once fully implemented,is designed to initially reduce the size of the deer population over the first few years,and then provide stability in
population numbers thereafter. The Town would apply annually to NYSDEC for Deer Damage Permits(DDP)-also known as nuisance permits-to
reduce the deer numbers. This approach is not considered regular hunting and the Town program proposes to use archers(including crossbows)at
baited locations. Firearms could also be used at selected sites in the rural and agricultural areas of the Town.
All healthy deer venison culled will either be consumed by the participants and landowners,or donated through the Venison Donation Coalition Inc.
See attached"Town of Ithaca-Deer Management Program Proposal"for detailed information about the program.
Name of Applicant or Sponsor: Telephone:p 607-273-1721
Town of Ithaca E-Mail:
bgoodman@town.ithaca.ny.us
Address:
215 North Tioga Street
City/PO: State: Zip Code:
Ithaca NY 14850
1. Does the proposed action only involve the legislative adoption of a plan,local law,ordinance, NO YES
administrative rule,or regulation?
If Yes,attach a narrative description of the intent of the proposed action and the environmental resources that
may be affected in the municipality and proceed to Part 2. If no,continue to question 2.
2. Does the proposed action require a permit,approval or funding from any other government Agency? NO YES
If Yes,list agency(s)name and permit or approval: NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Deer Damage Permit ii—I Z
3. a.Total acreage of the site of the proposed action? 19,392 acres Town-wide
b.Total acreage to be physically disturbed? 0 acres
c.Total acreage(project site and any contiguous properties)owned
or controlled by the applicant or project sponsor? N/A acres
4. Check all land uses that occur on,are adjoining or near the proposed action:
5. m Urban Rural(non-agriculture) Industrial Commercial m Residential(suburban)
R1 Forest Agriculture Aquatic ❑ Other(Specify):
m Parkland
Page I of 3 SEAF 2019
5. Is the proposed action, NO YES N/A
a. A permitted use under the zoning regulations? ❑ ❑ ❑✓
b. Consistent with the adopted comprehensive plan? ❑ ✓❑ ❑
NO YES
6. Is the proposed action consistent with the predominant character of the existing built or natural landscape?
NUA ❑ ❑
7. Is the site of the proposed action located in,or does it adjoin,a state listed Critical Environmental Area? NO YES
The program could occur within the Coy Glen Critical Environmental Area.
If Yes,identify: ❑
NO YES
8. a. Will the proposed action result in a substantial increase in traffic above present levels? ✓❑ ❑
b. Are public transportation services available at or near the site of the proposed action? NUA 11 0_
c. Are any pedestrian accommodations or bicycle routes available on or near the site of the proposed
action? �w�� ❑ ❑
9. Does the proposed action meet or exceed the state energy code requirements? NO YES
If the proposed action will exceed requirements,describe design features and technologies: NU
The proposed action does not involve the construction of any permanent structures,only very small temporary ground blinds(tents) El 1:1will potentially be installed.
10. Will the proposed action connect to an existing public/private water supply? NO YES
If No,describe method for providing potable water:
The proposed action does not involve the construction of any permanent structures and will not require any new utilities. Only very EZI ❑
small temporary ground blinds(tents)will potentially be installed.
11. Will the proposed action connect to existing wastewater utilities? NO YES
If No,describe method for providing wastewater treatment:
The proposed action does not involve the construction of any permanent structures and will not require any new utilities. Only very W1 ❑
small temporary ground blinds(tents)will potentially be installed.
12. a.Does the project site contain,or is it substantially contiguous to,abuilding,archaeological site,or district NO YES
which is listed on the National or State Register of Historic Places,or that has been determined by the
Commissioner of the NYS Office of Parks,Recreation and Historic Preservation to be eligible for listing on the NUN ❑ ❑
State Register of Historic Places?
The proposed action is Town-wide. Locations could occur on properties that contain historic or archaeological resources.
b.Is the project site,or any portion of it,located in or adjacent to an area designated as sensitive for NUA ❑ ❑
archaeological sites on the NY State Historic Preservation Office(SHPO)archaeological site inventory?
13. a. Does any portion of the site of the proposed action,or lands adjoining the proposed action,contain NO YES
wetlands or other waterbodies regulated by a federal,state or local agency?
NUA ❑ ❑
b. Would the proposed action physically alter,or encroach into,any existing wetland or waterbody? ❑ ❑
If Yes,identify the wetland or waterbody and extent of alterations in square feet or acres:
The proposed action is Town-wide. Locations could occur on properties that contain wetlands,streams or other waterbodies.
Mage 2 of 3
14. Identify the typical habitat types that occur on,or are likely to be found on the project site. Check all that apply:
❑Shoreline m Forest m Agricultural/grasslands m Early mid-successional
R]Wetland 2] Urban 2] Suburban
15. Does the site of the proposed action contain any species of animal,or associated habitats,listed by the State or NO YES
Federal government as threatened or endangered? El 1:1The proposed action is Town-wide.Locations could occur on properties that contain animals or habitat listed as threatened or endangered. Tq U
16. Is the project site located in the 100-year flood plan? NO YES
The proposed action is Town-wide. Locations could occur on properties that are located within the 100-year floodplain. T°wJ/ ❑ ❑
17. Will the proposed action create storm water discharge,either from point or non-point sources? NO YES
If Yes, ❑-7 ❑
a. Will storm water discharges flow to adjacent properties? ❑ ❑
b. Will storm water discharges be directed to established conveyance systems(runoff and storm drains)? ❑ ❑
If Yes,briefly describe:
18. Does the proposed action include construction or other activities that would result in the impoundment of water NO YES
or other liquids(e.g.,retention pond,waste lagoon,dam)?
If Yes,explain the purpose and size of the impoundment: ❑ ❑
-19. Has the site of the proposed action or an adjoining property been the location of an active or closed solid waste NO YES
management facility?
If Yes,describe: ❑ ❑
20.Has the site of the proposed action or an adjoining property been the subject of remediation(ongoing or NO YES
completed) for hazardous waste?
If Yes,describe: ❑ ❑
I CERTIFY THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ABOVE IS TRUE AND ACCURATE TO THE BEST OF
MY KNOWLEDGE
Applicant/sponsor/name: Town of Ithaca/William Goodman Date:
Signature: Title:Town Supervisor
PRINT FORM Page 3 of 3
Agency Use Only [If applicable]
Project: Ithaca Deer Management Program
Date: January 28,2019
Short Environmental Assessment Form
Part 2 -Impact Assessment
Part 2 is to be completed by the Lead Agency.
Answer all of the following questions in Part 2 using the information contained in Part 1 and other materials submitted by
the project sponsor or otherwise available to the reviewer. When answering the questions the reviewer should be guided by
the concept"Have my responses been reasonable considering the scale and context of the proposed action?"
No,or Moderate
small to large
impact impact
may may
occur occur
1. Will the proposed action create a material conflict with an adopted land use plan or zoning
regulations? Z El
2. Will the proposed action result in a change in the use or intensity of use of land? ✓❑ ❑
3. Will the proposed action impair the character or quality of the existing community? ✓❑ ❑
4. Will the proposed action have an impact on the environmental characteristics that caused the
establishment of a Critical Environmental Area(CEA)?
5. Will the proposed action result in an adverse change in the existing level of traffic or
affect existing infrastructure for mass transit,biking or walkway?
6. Will the proposed action cause an increase in the use of energy and it fails to incorporate
reasonably available energy conservation or renewable energy opportunities?
7. Will the proposed action impact existing:
a.public/private water supplies? Z El
b.public/private wastewater treatment utilities? ✓❑ ❑
8. Will the proposed action impair the character or quality of important historic,archaeological,
architectural or aesthetic resources? Z El
9. Will the proposed action result in an adverse change to natural resources(e.g.,wetlands,
waterbodies,groundwater, air quality,flora and fauna)?
10. Will the proposed action result in an increase in the potential for erosion,flooding or drainage
problems?
11. Will the proposed action create a hazard to environmental resources or human health? ✓❑ ❑
PRINT FORM Paget of 2
SEAF 2019
Agency Use Only[If applicable]
Project: Ithaca Deer Management Program
Date: January 28,2019
Short Environmental Assessment Form
Part 3 Determination of Significance
For every question in Part 2 that was answered"moderate to large impact may occur",or if there is a need to explain why a
particular element of the proposed action may or will not result in a significant adverse environmental impact,please
complete Part 3.Part 3 should,in sufficient detail,identify the impact,including any measures or design elements that
have been included by the project sponsor to avoid or reduce impacts. Part 3 should also explain how the lead agency
determined that the impact may or will not be significant.Each potential impact should be assessed considering its setting,
probability of occurring,duration,irreversibility,geographic scope and magnitude. Also consider the potential for short-
term,long-term and cumulative impacts.
There are no anticipated negative environmental impacts related to the proposed deer management program. As
outlined in the May 2017 report (Deer Management: Recommended Actions for the Town of Ithaca)from the Town
of Ithaca Conservation Board, the Town is proposing to address the overpopulation of deer by pursuing a culling
program. The Town program would apply to NYS Department of Environmental Conservation for Deer Damage
Permits (DDP)and use proficient volunteer archers (firearms could also be used at select sites in the rural and
agricultural areas of the Town)at baited locations. Locations for the baited sites will be scattered throughout the
Town, and could include residential properties, cemeteries, farms, and in natural areas. Detailed information about
the proposed program can be found in the attached document titled "Town of Ithaca - Deer Management Program
Proposal".
The existing overpopulation of deer are creating a significant ecological impact (deer forage of native vegetation,
little forest regeneration), health and human safety issues (ticks/Lyme disease), agricultural losses (crop damage,
diseases and parasites transmitted to animals), and vehicle/deer collisions. Deer overpopulation is a product of the
ideal food and shelter offered by the urban and suburban landscape, inadequate predation pressure, and protection
from hunting in some areas. Deer management efforts by adjacent municipalities and Cornell University have made
modest gains towards their goals, but the addition of a similar program in the Town would enhance their efforts.
Based on the experience of Cornell and other local municipalities, deer management programs are safe, and
support public health and the environment.
All healthy deer venison culled will either be consumed by the participants or donated through the Venison Donation
Coalition Inc.
While the program may operate with locations in a CEA, in or near wetlands, streams or floodplains, or in or near
areas containing threatened or endangered species, the program will not alter or damage any of these resources
and the reduction in deer numbers should benefit these resources.
Check this box if you have determined,based on the information and analysis above,and any supporting documentation,
that the proposed action may result in one or more potentially large or significant adverse impacts and an
environmental impact statement is required.
Check this box if you have determined,based on the information and analysis above,and any supporting documentation,
that the proposed action will not result in any significant adverse environmental impacts.
Town of Ithaca Town Board
Name of Lead Agency Date
William Goodman Town Supervisor
Print or Type Name of Responsible Officer in Lead Agency Title of Responsible Officer
Signature of Responsible Officer in Lead Agency Signature of Preparer(if different from Responsible Officer)
PRINT FORM Page 2 of 2
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
Monday, January 28, 2019
TB Resolution 2019 - : Establishment of a Town of Ithaca Deer Management Program
and Authorization to Submit a Deer Damage Permit Application to the NYS Department of
Environmental Conservation
Whereas, in May 2017, the Town of Ithaca Conservation Board presented a report (titled "Deer
Management: Recommended Actions for the Town of Ithaca") to the Ithaca Town Board
regarding the overabundance of White-tailed deer in the Town of Ithaca; and
Whereas, this report outlined the history and justification of deer management(health and human
safety, ecological, agricultural losses, car-deer collisions,NYSDEC Deer Management Focus
Area),provided a review of local deer management programs in Tompkins County (Village of
Trumansburg, Cornell University, Village of Cayuga Heights, Village of Lansing), and provided
recommendations for a potential Town of Ithaca deer management program (form sub-
committee, utilize NYSDEC Deer Damage Permits for a Town program, measure impacts of
deer to asses effectiveness of program, coordinate efforts with adjacent municipalities and
Cornell University, etc.); and
Whereas, in September 2017 the Ithaca Town Board established a Deer Management Committee
which met several times in spring and summer 2018; and
Whereas, the Deer Management Committee held a public meeting in May 2018 seeking feedback
on the report and the potential of starting a deer management program, with the feedback
received being very positive; and
Whereas,pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act ("SEQRA") and
its implementing regulations at 6 NYCRR Part 617, the establishment of this Deer Management
Program and submission of annual Deer Damage Permit applications is an Unlisted Action for
which the Town of Ithaca Town Board, acting as lead agency in an uncoordinated environmental
review with respect to these actions, has, on January 28, 2019 , made a negative environmental
determination of significance, after having reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short
Environmental Assessment Form Parts 1, 2and 3;
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby authorizes the establishment of the
Town of Ithaca Deer Management Program as outlined in the "Deer Management Program
Proposal" (dated January 16, 2019) and other related documents, and it is further
Resolved, that William Goodman, as Supervisor of the Town of Ithaca, is hereby authorized and
directed to file a Deer Damage Permit application with NYS Department of Environmental
Conservation, including any associated future documents, forms or reports.
Moved: Seconded:
Vote:
January 16,2019
Town of Ithaca
Deer Management Program Proposal
February 1"through March 31s' 2019
Approved by the Town of Ithaca Town Board on
Ithaca Town Board Resolution No.
In May 2017, the Town of Ithaca Conservation Board presented a report (Deer Management:
Recommended Actions for the Town of Ithaca) to the Ithaca Town Board regarding the overabundance
of White-tailed deer in the Town of Ithaca. This report outlined the history and justification of deer
management (health and human safety, ecological, agricultural losses, car-deer collisions, NYSDEC Deer
Management Focus Area), a review of local deer management programs in Tompkins County (Village of
Trumansburg, Cornell University, Village of Cayuga Heights, Village of Lansing), and provided
recommendations for a potential Town of Ithaca deer management program (form sub-committee,
utilize NYSDEC Deer Damage Permits for a Town program, measure impacts of deer to assess
effectiveness of program, coordinate efforts with adjacent municipalities and Cornell University, etc.).
The Ithaca Town Board reviewed and discussed this report and in September 2017, formally established
a Deer Management Committee. This Committee met several times in the spring and summer of 2018
and held a public meeting in May 2018 seeking feedback on the report and the potential of a deer
management program. The public feedback received was very positive regarding deer management in
the Town and the Town Board agreed to move forward with establishing a program. The Town Board
designated $4,000 in the 2019 Town budget for this program.
Based on input from the Town's Conservation Board, the Town's former Deer Management Committee,
representatives from Cornell University and other local municipal deer management programs, and the
new Town Deer Management Oversight Committee, the use of New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) approved Deer Damage Permits (DDP) — also known as nuisance
permits — is recommended to reduce deer numbers. This approach is not considered regular hunting
and for the Town of Ithaca program it proposes to use proficient archers (including crossbows) at baited
locations as the preferred low cost method. Firearms could also be used at selected sites in the rural
and agricultural areas of the Town. What follows is believed to be the best approach to significantly
reduce the deer population and negative impacts of the high deer level in the Town of Ithaca.
It is anticipated that for this initial year, 10 or less properties will be used. The Town program, once fully
implemented, is designed to initially reduce the size of the deer population over the first few years, and
then provide stability in population numbers thereafter. It is proposed (pending DEC approval) that
implementation of the deer management program will start on February 1, 2019 and continue until
March 31, 2019 at the latest. Once the final list of sites is determined, a map showing the locations will
be available at Town Hall and will be posted on the Town of Ithaca's website
(http://www.town.ithaca.ny.us/Deer). The Deer Management Oversight Committee will continue to
review properties across the Town that are ideal locations given their size, expected deer traffic, and
availability of trees and cover for this first year. The following is detailed information on the Town of
Ithaca deer management program.
1. Activities are proposed to occur from February 1, 2019 to March 31, 2019. The Town's Deer
Management Oversight Committee will review the success of the program and will reduce or
1
January 16,2019
expand activities as needed based on deer harvests and assessment on ecological and other
indicators. All landowners will be kept informed about management activities (including who
the participants are on their property) in regular updates.
2. Tree stands will be placed (no screw insteps, ladder stands are preferred) at landowner
approved locations prior to February 1St. A few branches may need to be trimmed to improve
shooting lanes. Shooting from elevated positions directs arrows/bullets into the ground after
passing through a deer. Trail monitoring cameras may be installed to capture deer activity. If
needed, locations may need to be shifted slightly or abandoned. Each landowner will be
informed about any activities on their properties, as indicated by landowner preferences. If an
elevated position cannot be used and the area is found to hold deer, the use of a ground blind
can be implemented.
3. The Town would seek a small group of proficient participants. Participants will be selected and
approved by the Deer Management Oversight Committee. A demonstration of archery or
firearm marksmanship may be required. A background check through the Tompkins County
Sherriff's Department may also be required. Participants will primarily be using compound bows
or cross bows, but could potentially use a firearm in selected locations in the rural and
agricultural areas of the Town. The activities are coordinated by Michael Smith, Senior Planner,
Town of Ithaca, and he is assisted by members of the Town of Ithaca Deer Management
Oversight Committee.
4. Activities will occur as needed to allow for variations in weather conditions, deer movement
patterns and participants' availability. There will be the use of supplemental lights after dark
that will allow for safe, highly accurate shots at very close range. All of the participants are
experienced in using this approach and any new ones will be trained. Deer use patterns at bait
will be monitored using infrared trail cameras to target the best possible times to utilize
locations.
5. All participants are required to follow all Town rules and laws, NYS laws, and any expressed
landowner preferences. It is the right of each landowner, if so desired, to select individuals
among approved participants who may be permitted access to their property, the times or dates
participants are allowed on properties, stand locations, parking locations, or access routes as
desired. The agreement to use properties can be terminated by landowners at any time by
notifying Michael Smith, Senior Planner,Town of Ithaca (msmith@town.ithaca.ny.us).
6. Which days and stands will be used cannot be predicted in advance, as this will depend on
individual time schedules, wind direction, weather, and previous use of stand locations. To
prevent overuse, the use of resting periods of 1-2 weeks between activity periods will allow deer
to fall back into their usual use patterns. Baiting will continue during the resting periods.
7. Participants will be in trees using camouflage and will use flashlights to locate shot deer or to
walk in or out of the woods; therefore landowners may notice a slow moving flashlight. If deer
can't be readily retrieved due to poor blood trails, approved tracking dogs are available to help
in locating the wounded deer. In very rare circumstances, tracking may occur the next morning
with better light. Landowners will be alerted to any of these possibilities and will have access to
cell phone numbers of participants.
2
January 16,2019
8. Occasionally a mortally wounded deer may run beyond property boundaries. All participants will
have information about property boundaries when in the field. This information will include
phone numbers of landowners and neighbors who need to be notified if a search extends
beyond the approved properties. If necessary, the participant or member of the Deer
Management Oversight Committee will call and ask permission to retrieve a deer, unless pre-
authorization to retrieve deer from a property exists. An attempt will be made to inform all
immediate neighbors on these activities, regardless of whether a deer ever leaves an approved
property.
9. Participants will keep track of and report all shots (arrows/bullets) using a secure website
(Qualtrics website). Arrows usually pass through deer and fall close to the spot where a deer
was hit, but occasionally will remain in the deer. Every effort will be made to retrieve arrows
(they are expensive), aided with the help of a metal detector when needed.
10. All shot deer will be removed discretely and not be field dressed on properties, unless previously
approved by the landowner.
11. All harvested deer will be consumed by participants, landowners, or donated. As many deer as
possible will be dropped off to an approved venison donation processor for distribution to local
food banks and pantries for families that can benefit from the meat.
12. In most instances, landowners and neighbors will not notice activities or the killing of a deer,
since it happens fast. However, despite all precautions and skills, deer may be wounded, may
not expire immediately, collapse on neighboring properties or may not be found. Every effort
will be made (including the use of a trained dog) to recover all animals or assure that they will
be fine (superficial arrow wounds heal quickly).
13. The Town Deer Management Oversight Committee will review activities and success in regular
intervals and determine if activities should continue or be terminated based on activities and
number of deer harvested.
14. The Deer Management Oversight Committee will provide regular updates to the Town Board,
including the number of deer harvested, which will also be posted on the Town's website
(http://www.town.ithaca.ny.us/Deer).
15. The goal of the program is to reduce deer numbers to levels where forest regeneration and
survival of browse sensitive plants within the Town of Ithaca is once again possible. In addition,
the program seeks to reduce deer tick populations to levels where Lyme disease risks are
minimized, reduce vehicle collusions with deer, and reduce agricultural crop damage. With
assistance from the Town of Ithaca Conservation Board, the ecological success of deer
reductions in the Town may be assessed using oak sentinels or other plants.
16. Given the high deer densities and the articulated ecological and health goals, the program will
aim to target both antlered and antlerless deer. This requires approval by the NYSDEC.
Participants shooting bucks will be required to saw off antlers and antlers will be delivered to
the NYSDEC by the Town.
3
January 16,2019
Town of Ithaca Contacts:
William Goodman,Town Supervisor
Email: bgoodman@town.ithaca.ny.us
Office Phone: 607-273-1721
Cell Phone: 607-229-8142
Michael Smith, Senior Planner
Email: msmith@town.ithaca.ny.us
Office Phone: 607-273-1747(ext. 123)
4
NEWlf"ORK Department of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation STATE
PPORT
F
OPPi]FETUNJI1fX Environmental Division of Fish and Wildlife
Conservation. Bureau of Wildlife
DEER DAMAGE PERMIT APPLICATION
Reg.Year Rec. Number
Regional Wildlife Office: Cortland-Region 7
Landowner/Lessee/Organization Representative Name: Organization/Business Name(if applicable):
William Goodman, Town Supervisor Town of Ithaca
Street Address: Daytime Phone:
215 North Tioga Street 607-273-1721
City/State/Zip: E-mail address:
Ithaca, NY 14850 bgoodman@town.ithaca.ny.us
Location Where Damage Is Occurring:
County: Tompkins Town: Ithaca Village/City(if applicable): N/A
WMU:711S/71 Physical address/location:various-please see attached map for parcels where activities will occur
Type Of Damage Occurring (check all that apply):
X Agriculture Tree Farm/Orchard/Nursery Community/Residential Park/Preserve
Other: damage occuring Town-wide Estimated Annual Damages: $ unknown #of Acres Affected: 19,370
Description of Most Significant Damage: see attached
Damage Abatement Methods Tried (check all that apply):
❑� Fence ❑� Repellent ❑Visual or Auditory Scare Device ❑Alternate Plantings ffl Dog ❑Non-lethal Shot ❑Other
Do you allow deer hunting on this property? Yes ❑ No If no, why not? hunting is permitted throughout the Town
Do you use DMAP on this property? ❑� Yes ❑ No If no, why not? some landowners may be using DMAP in the Town
Approximately how many deer were taken on this property last year? 135 in Ithaca 2 years ago? 157 in Ithaca 3 years ago? 183 in Ithaca
Permit Implementation:
Principal Proposed Permit Agent(if other than applicant): Street Address:
Michael Smith, Senior Planner 215 North Tioga Street
Daytime Phone: City/State/Zip:
607-273-1747 / msmith@town.ithaca.ny.us Ithaca, NY 14850
Tax Map ID#s for all parcels where permit activities will occur(or attach map identifying parcels):please see attached map
for parcels where activities will occur
Will shooting occur within 500' (firearm), 250' (crossbow) or 150' (vertical bow) of homes other than yours? ❑ Yes 8 No
If yes, do you have permission from the owners of those homes? ❑ Yes ❑ No
APPLICANT AGREEMENT/CERTIFICATION
I affirm by the signature below,under penalty of perjury,that the information in this application is true to the best of my knowledge and belief. lam
aware that false statements made herein are punishable as Class A misdemeanors under Penal Law 210.45. 1 further understand that,upon filing of this
application with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation(DEC),DEC has the right to inspect any property listed on this
application at any time up until the permit expiration date in order to confirm the information provided. Any findings of false statements may lead to
immediate permit revocation.1 have read and fully understand the permit conditions and agree to abide by them.
Applicant signature: Date:
-------------------------------------------------------------*NYS DEC USE ONLY*-------------------------------------------------------------------
Actions Taken: 0 Information and education 0 Field visit 0 Recommended DMPs/DMAP 0 DDP issued
0 Repeat Complaint 0 Applicant failed to comply with previous DDP conditions:
0 Enforcement action taken:
Field Inspector: Date: Notes:
Application Reviewer: Date: Notes:
January 10,2019
Town of Ithaca
Deer Management Program
Justification for use of Deer Damage Permits
February & March 2019
In May 2017, the Town of Ithaca Conservation Board presented a report ("Deer Management:
Recommended Actions for the Town of Ithaca") to the Ithaca Town Board regarding the overabundance
of White-tailed deer in the Town of Ithaca. This report outlined the history and justification of deer
management (health and human safety, ecological, agricultural losses, car-deer collisions, NYSDEC Deer
Management Focus Area), a review of local deer management programs in Tompkins County (Village of
Trumansburg, Cornell University, Village of Cayuga Heights, Village of Lansing), and provided
recommendations for a potential Town of Ithaca deer management program (form sub-committee,
utilize NYSDEC Deer Damage Permits for a Town program, measure impacts of deer to asses
effectiveness of program, coordinate efforts with adjacent municipalities and Cornell University, etc.).
The Ithaca Town Board reviewed and discussed this report and in September 2017, established a Deer
Management Committee.This Committee met several times in the spring and summer of 2018 and held
a public meeting in May 2018 seeking feedback on the report and the potential of a deer management
program. The public feedback received was very positive regarding deer management in the Town and
the Town Board agreed to move forward with establishing a program. The Town Board designated
$4,000 in the 2019 Town budget for this program.
The Town of Ithaca is proposing to address the overpopulation of deer by pursuing a culling program.
The Town program would use proficient volunteer archers (firearms could also be used at select sites in
the rural and agricultural areas of the Town) at baited locations. Locations for the baited sites will be
scattered throughout the Town, and could include residential properties, cemeteries, farms, and in
natural areas. The Town has obtained interest from seven landowners to host bait locations on their
property for the initial 2019 program. Five of the landowners have stated that they already have
hunters on their property, and that they want those individuals they know to be the participant on their
property. The proposed Town program, once fully implemented, is designed to initially reduce the size
of the deer population over the first few years, and then provide stability in population numbers
thereafter. Detailed information about the proposed program can be found in the attached document
titled "Town of Ithaca - Deer Management Program Proposal".
The existing overpopulation of deer in the Town are creating a significant ecological impact (deer forage
of native vegetation, little forest regeneration), health and human safety issues (ticks / Lyme disease),
agricultural losses (crop damage, diseases and parasites transmitted to animals), ornamental landscape
damage, and vehicle/deer collisions (see attached map showing "Vehicle Collisions with Deer") as
further described below.
• Ecological Impact— Deer suppress not only the perennial herbaceous layer of the forest through
grazing the understory, they also alter the succession trajectories of forests via browsing. Native
plants, including tree species, are disappearing from the Town landscape only to be replaced by
unpalatable non-native and invasive plants. In a series of 2017 ecological assessments for the
Town of Ithaca parks and preserves, Newleaf Environmental LLC consistently documented that
tree regeneration is very low (less than 100 seedlings per acre) with heavy deer pressure and
competition from invasive shrubs impeding young tree growth. The photo below is from the
1
January 10,2019
Finger Lakes Land Trust's Sweedler Preserve at Lick Brook (located in the Town of Ithaca on
Townline Rd) taken in 2017 of a deer exclosure they have been maintaining for several years.
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• Health and Human Safety Issues— Deer serve as the primary host for the adult blacklegged tick,
the vector for Lyme disease. In a pivotal Connecticut study, the rates of Lyme disease in a
community were tracked over 13 years in conjunction with the implementation of a deer
management program. There was a strong correlation between deer population reduction and
decreased incidence of the disease. In Tompkins County, the incidence of Lyme disease has
increased by 50% since 2011. The Town of Ithaca has posted signs at the entrances to most the
Town parks and trails as a warning about the possibility that ticks are present and how to avoid
them.
• Agricultural Losses —The Town of Ithaca contains approximately 3,412 acres of active farmland
associated with approximately 25 farms. The 25 farms in the town represent a diversity of
enterprises ranging from small-scale fruit and vegetable producers, livestock farms, and
ornamental horticultural businesses to a few farmers engaged in larger-scale dairy and
commodity field-crop production. In early 2018, the Town asked farmers about their
experiences with deer through email and at Town Agricultural Committee meetings, with all of
the responses (including seven email responses) experiencing some level of damage to their
crops (fruit trees, vegetables, nursery plants, field crops, etc.) and expenses related to deer.
Town farms that raise sheep and goats are especially impacted by deer, since they are vector for
barber pole worm. The equestrian operations in the Town are concerned with tick-borne
viruses, which affect their horses and can very costly to diagnose and treat. The farms that
contain fruit trees, vegetables and nursery stock have resorted to installing 8 foot tall deer
fencing around large areas or tree guards around individual trees.
• Ornamental Landscape Damage — In the residential and higher density areas of the Town, the
overpopulation of deer are negatively impacting the ornamental landscapes and gardens at
residences, business, college campuses and cemeteries. The deer are causing damage by heavy
browsing and rubbing their antlers on ornamentals throughout the year. Since there is limited
opportunity for regular hunting in these high density areas, there are limited options to
eliminating deer in these areas. Some private landowners have installed fencing or used
repellents, but that is only helpful for those individual properties.
2
January 10,2019
• Vehicle / Deer Collisions—According to data obtained from the Ithaca Tompkins Transportation
Council (crash data from NYSDOT Accident Location Information System) for the years 2012
through 2016, 439 accidents involved deer in the Town of Ithaca. This database utilizes all
crashes reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The attached map, "Vehicle Collisions
with Deer— 2012 — 2016", shows the approximate location of any accidents that involved deer
and is broken down by each year.
While some deer hunting is occurring in the rural and agricultural areas of the Town and there is the
Tompkins County Deer Management Focus Area hunting available throughout the Town, the issues
above are still occurring.
Deer management efforts by adjacent municipalities (Villages of Lansing and Cayuga Heights) and
Cornell University have made some gains towards their goals, but the addition of a similar program in
the Town would enhance their efforts.
We respectfully request approval of the Town of Ithaca's DDP application, starting as early as possible
after February 1, 2019 and continuing to March 31, 2019. We request the ability to take deer of either
sex (with any antlers delivered to the NYSDEC every 10 days), using archery, crossbows or firearms, with
shooting over bait during a 24 hour period. The specific parcels where activity will occur are shown on
the attached map ("NYSDEC Deer Damage Permit Application — Parcels where Activities will Occur",
dated January 14, 2019). The Town has established a Deer Management Oversight Committee to help
implement this program.
Attached:
- "NYSDEC Deer Damage Permit Application—Parcels where Activities will Occur" Map (January
14, 2019)
- "Town of Ithaca—Deer Management Program Proposal" (January 16, 2019)
- "Vehicle Collisions with Deer 2012—2016" Map (February 2018)
- "Deer Management: Recommended Actions for the Town of Ithaca"Town of Ithaca
Conservation Board (May 2017)
3
NYSDEC Deer Damage Permit Application
Parcels where Activities will Occur
Town of Ithaca
January 14, 2019
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OF 17,
1-B ME,Ethr][C) 01-28-2019
TOWN OF ITHACA
18 21
215 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850
www.town.ithacamy.us
Board / Committee Application
Please type or print in black ink
If you are interested in serving as a member of a board or committee please complete this form, attach
additional sheets or resume if necessary. Return completed applications to the Town Clerk's Office.
Name: Chelsea Benson
Address (residence): 319 Coddinqton Rd, Ithaca
Telephone (home) (work) 255-0255
Email address: benson.chelseaa-.qmail.com (cell phone) (518) 598-7130
Do you live in the Town of Ithaca? . yes Length of residence: 4 years
Occupation: PreK-12 Program Coordinator, Cornell Public Service Center
Relevant education, experience and community affiliations: I have worked with youth and
.government agencies, universities, non-profits, and schools for 15 years. I currently oversee 10
different student-run organizations at Cornell that work with youth across the region. In the past,
I was the Education Program Coordinator for the Columbia County Soil & Water and oversaw
an environmental center and all its programming. I have a MA in Environment and Community
Studies from Humboldt State University and wrote my thesis about the importance of children's
special places (forts, dens, and hideouts) to children's Physical, emotional, and social
development. I have a BA in Psychology and English from Allegheny College.
Areas of Interest (specify board/committee if known): Joint Youth Commission
Why are you interested in this position? I would like to utilize my experience, education, and
skills to benefit the town of Ithaca and the youth and families residing therein.
What particular strengths would you bring to this position? I have an in-depth knowledge o
existinq programs for youth in the Ithaca area and have a track-record of program development
and improving programmatic reach and impact.
J/K41-k
11/20/2018
Signature of applicant Date
Submit application to Town Clerk with resume, if available.
Office use only.
Date received: Decision letter mailed:
Recommended to serve on: Replacing:
Committee recommendation: Date:
Town Board appointment date: Term:
(AHELSEA BENSON
319 CODDINGTON ROAD CB754@CORNELL.EDU � IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
� IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIILLIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIILI� ��� ���,
ITHACA, NY 14850 518.598.7130 Is,
IIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIII Microsoft: Word, PowerPoint,
Excel, Publisher
PreK-12 Program Coordinator January 2018-present Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop,
Cornell Public Service Center InDesign
• Advise and support students and student-led boards charged with the Digital Marketing: MailChimp,
facilitation of Public Service Center's PreK-12 Programs. Hubspot, Canva
• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise student volunteer and employees. Website Management: WorclPress
Ensure compliance with Federal Work-Study. Social Media: Facebook, Twitter,
• Ensure programs and organizations are adhering to university and Instagram, YouTube
Public Service Center policies. IIIIIIIIIII �� ���
• Maintain data collection systems including the timely reporting of
accurate numbers as dictated by program, center, and university
needs. Humboldt State University
• Maintain accounting records for PreK-12 budgets. Arcata, CA
• Seek out and apply for internal and external funding; support Masters of Arts: Social Science,
student's efforts to apply for grants and awards. Environment and Community
• Establish, build and maintain supportive and productive relationships Summa Cum Laude
with target school districts, community partners/agencies, Cornell
departments, programs and networks that will support and enhance Relevant Coursework:
the student experiences and opportunities, and outcomes. Grant Writing, Community and
Place, Academic Writing
Project Assistant June 2015-January 2018
Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Citizen Science Ithaca, NY Master's Thesis: Changing Places:
• Support Project FeederWatch and NestWatch in administering, Children's Experience of Place
developing, and servicing citizen-based research and education during Middle Childhood
initiatives.These projects enlist the help of over 25,000 volunteers Research cited on NPR's science
from across North America in gathering data on bird populations. blog Krulwich Wonders
• Responsible for the creation and implementation of NestWatch's STEM
curriculum and workshops for in-school and CCE afterschool, grades 5- http://bit.ly/ThesisResearch
8. Bilingual curriculum scheduled for 2018 release.
• Write, edit, and manage blogs, eNewsletters, and the projects' social Allegheny College
media presence for an audience of over 300,000. Meadville, PA
Bachelors of Arts: Psychology,
Education Program Coordinator June 2009-April 2015 English
Columbia Co. Soil& Water Conservation District Ghent, NY Cum Laude
• Developed and presented programming for the District and Mud Creek Relevant Coursework:
Environmental Learning Center. Developmental Psychology,
• Cultivated relationships with schools, libraries, community Psychology of Learning, Behavioral
organizations, and local governments. Psychology
• Educated 6,000 participants annually. Primary audience PreK-12.
• Increased programmatic outreach by 165%. Senior Thesis: Gender Segregation
• Lead coordinator and fundraiser for Hudson Valley Regional in Children's Literature: Reflections
Envirothon. of Reality?
(AHELSEA BENSON
319 CODDINGTON ROAD CB754@CORNELL.EDU
ITHACA, NY 14850 518.598.7130
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII,II!IIIIIII�IIIIIII Ill�glllll���
Youth Employment Service Representative April-June 2015 Columbia Co. Soil & Water
Ithaca Youth Bureau Ithaca, NY • NYS Conservation District
• Provided outreach at local high schools regarding summer Employee Assoc., Division VII
employment opportunities. Merit Award
• Helped youth develop work-readiness skills including resumes, • Boy Scouts of America,
interviewing, and jobsite professionalism Mahikan District, Youth
• Coordinated with the Department of Social Services and schools. Service Award
Education Specialist August 2007-June 2009 Frost Valley
YMCA
• Most Valuable First-Year
TOOTHAmeriCorps Fortuna, CA Instructor
• Supervised and evaluated 15 AmeriCorps members'teaching
progress. Humboldt State University
• Provided trainings, including classroom management and lesson . Graduation with Distinction
preparation. • McKonkey Award Nominee for
Service-learning Instructor August 2008-June 2009 Outstanding Master's Thesis
Jacoby Creek Charter School Bayside, CA Allegheny College
• Developed and taught place-based lessons for grade 6. • Outstanding Leadership Award
• Facilitated student-initiated service projects. • Psychology Departmental
Honors
Program Instructor August 2006-June 2007 • Senior Thesis: Outstanding
Frost Valley YMCA Claryville, NY Achievement
• Taught environmental education, outdoor recreation, and team- • NCAA Dill National Qualifier:
building programs. Cross Country, Track& Field
• Created curricula for environmental education program.
NNINIUMMENIM,
Team Leader, AmeriCorps August 2005-July 2006
OutDoor School, Northwest Youth Corps Eugene, OR
• Taught core subjects in alternative high school including Algebra, Find Chelsea on Linkedln
Biology, History, and English Language Arts. http://bit.ly/Chelsea enson
• Led student on multi-day backcountry conservation and trail
maintenance projects.
Team Member, AmeriCorps August 2004-July 2005
Elkhart EnviroCorps Elkhart, IN
• Taught environmental education at local schools,grades K-6.
• Designed and led summer camp programs, grades 3-8.
• Coordinated 7 community service projects.