HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 2020-11-23MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
Monday, November 23, 2020 at 4:30 p.m.
Due to Governor Cuomo's Executive Orders relating to Public Health and Safety Measures
related to COVID- 19 suspending certain aspects of Open Meetings Law, the meeting will be
held using the ZOOM video conferencing platform
hi.i.ps://zoom.us/.i/99112301523 or (929) 436-2866 Zoom ID 991 1230 1523
AGENDA
1. Green New Deal Presentation and Discussion
2. Committee Reports
a. Planning
b. Public Works
c. COC
d. Personnel & Organization (Employee Relations)
e. Ad Hoc
Short Term Rental (STR)
Economic Development — Inlet Valley
f. Joint Youth Commission
g. 10
3. Report of Town Officials
4. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Town Board Minutes
b. Town of Ithaca Abstract
c. Ratify appointment of MEO
d. Lead Court Clerk Stipend
5. Adjournment
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
Monday, November 23, 2020
Due to Governor Cuomo's Executive Orders related to COVID-19 suspending certain aspects of
Open Meetings Law, the meeting was held using the ZOOM video conferencing platform.
Minutes
Present - Board Members: Rod Howe, Supervisor; Members Eric Levine, Rich DePaolo, Bill
Goodman, Tee -Ann Hunter, Pat Leary and Pamela Bleiwas
Judy Drake, Director of Human Resources; Marty Moseley, Director of Code Enforcement;
Susan Ritter, Director of Planning; Paulette Rosa, Town Clerk; Joe Slater, Director of Public
Works; Mike Solvig, Director of Finance; and Dan Thaete, Director of Engineering
Mr. Howe opened the meeting at 4:32 p.m.
1. Green New Deal Presentation and Discussion
Mr. Howe introduced the topic, saying this is to keep everyone updated with the progress so far
on developing our Green New Deal initiative and Mr. Goldsmith went through a PowerPoint
presentation. (Attachment 1)
After the presentation, Mr. Howe added that there is a current question about whether to move
forward with updated energy audits which could be up to $ l Ok.
Mr. DePaolo asked if we are using the renovated building as the baseline or what had been there
and our improvements?
Mr. Thaete and Mr. Slater stated that they would be interested in using the current renovated is as
a baseline to both verify our calculations and to determine if there is anything else that would be
recommended to go to the next level.
Mr. DePaolo asked if there is staff time involved to get information to the company doing the
review.
Mr. Goldsmith said he didn't think it would be a big lift of staff time and the Annex is being used
mor now than it was, so that would be an option.
Some discussion followed regarding costs and if there was interest in moving forward. There is a
deadline to at least apply by the end of the year. If these audits will help meet our target(s) and
goal(s) it is worth considering but not if it will only validate calculations or statements we have
made.
Mr. Howe added that he will also draft a resolution to join the 2030 District, which is confined to
the downtown core, so it will be Town Hall only.
TBS 2020-11-23 Pg. 1
The Board agreed to moving forward with both initiatives.
Mr. DePaolo asked about who would bear the costs of upgrades to existing structures, saying we
can set goals all we want, but the implementation of those programs to reach those goals are going
to be burdensome to owners.
Mr. Goldsmith stated that the committee and people working on this are very aware of these
concerns and thinking outside the box to address those concerns. This will be a huge undertaking,
and ways will have to be found to defer costs or support them.
Ms. Leary agreed with Mr. DePaolo, saying that she is very concerned about what this will do to
the cost of housing, and the impact on affordable housing and building in the town.
Mr. Goldsmith responded that he has no hard numbers on cost increases, but the policy on new
buildings was drafted with realistic options for not increasing building costs. When you turn to
existing structures, it is very hard and a real, real issue.
Mr. Howe thanked Mr. Goldsmith and his associate for the presentation.
Added Item: Discuss setting a public hearing regarding accepting an easement associated
with the Gateway Trail and Emersub
Mr. Howe noted that this has been almost on the agenda a number of times, but we think it is ready
and this resolution is to set the public hearing.
TB Resolution 2020 -156: Setting a public hearing regarding acceptance and authorization
to sign a trail easement between the Town of Ithaca and Emersub 15 LLC on property
formerly owned by Emerson Power Transmission Corporation
Whereas Emersub 15 LLC has purchased the property formerly owned by Emerson Power
Transmission located off of South Aurora St., and
Whereas the Town of Ithaca is considering accepting a trail easement from Emersub LLC on the
property to allow for the future extension of the Gateway Trail and a future connection to the
South Hill Recreation Way, now therefore be it
Resolved that the Ithaca Town Board will hold a public hearing, required by General Municipal
Law Section 247, on December 14, 2020, beginning at 5:30 p.m., via ZOOM audio/visual
conferencing platform, due to Governor Cuomo's extensions of an Executive Order waiving
certain requirements of the Open Meetings Law. At such time all person wishing to speak
concerning the approval and acceptance of a trail easement as described will be heard.
Moved: Rich DePaolo Seconded: Tee -Ann Hunter
Vote: ayes — DePaolo, Hunter, Leary, Levine, Howe, Goodman and Bleiwas
TBS 2020-11-23 Pg. 2
2. Committee Reports
a. Planning — Mr. DePaolo reported that they discussed a draft legislation regarding food
trucks and there were questions about siting issues such as setbacks as well as
exemptions and Mr. Moseley will be coming back with a revised draft at the next
meeting. The other topic was the potential for small scale retail as South Hill Business
Campus and will be working on tailoring legislation to allow that with protections from.
anything larger coming in.
b. Public Works — Ms. Hunter reported that they discussed the streetlighting and gave
questions to Mr. Goldsmith to come back with. Discussed the Green New Deal and
the Bostwick Rd cemetery, which is privately owned, and the issues associated with
that which will also come back to the committee. Project updates and possible SEQR
projects for water/sewer projects coming up.
c. COC — Mr. Goodman reported that had an update on the Ithaca Energy Code Supplement
as above. This is for new building only and the City takes a bit longer and this is a joint
effort. Also talked about possible changes to our Sign law to alleviate having to go to the
Planning and/or Zoning Boards for straight -forward reviews. Also did a quick update on
small cell and telecommunications. There is a meeting scheduled with a consultant and
multiple municipalities to get some input and answers to some questions.
d. Personnel & Organization (Employee Relations) — Ms. Bleiwas reported that they
discussed the revised Personnel Manual, an Emergency Operations Plan, and
amendments to some Code fees and recommended them to the Town Board for
review and approval.
Also discussed the COVID alert app and in researching this, it is not very applicable
or useful given our lack of density.
Employee Relations — moved to a quarterly meeting and upon request if needed.
e. Ad Hoc
Short Term Rental (STR) — Mr. Goodman reported that they discussed
applying some regulations to both hosted and un -hosted rentals. About a year ago we
shifted to regulating the use and not differentiating between hosted or un -hosted. A
recent change is looking at treating hosted rentals of bedrooms in their house being
treated the same as the other STRs but 3 or more bedrooms in a house would be a
regular B&B and have to follow those rules.
Next meeting we will be looking at Lakefront residential. When we started this 3
years ago, we were not going to address that zone due to the historical nature of the
rentals, but now that this is a more comprehensive regulation, we need to address that
zone also while recognizing that they have been rented longer than most.
TBS 2020-11-23 Pg. 3
The County should have the results of their RFP for consulting services by the next
meeting.
Economic Development — Inlet Valley — Mr. Howe reported that they are
meeting with the consultants next month, followed by a meeting with stakeholders
in the area.
Bicentennial Committee — The beginning of our Bicentennial year is fast
approaching and we will be sending out an announcement inviting people to submit
ideas for a Bicentennial logo.
f. Intermunicipal
Joint Youth Commission — Mr. DePaolo reported that they did receive a request
to be able to use funds next year that were not used this year. Mr. Solvig added that
the Youth Bureau was shut down for most of the year and so there is about $63K that
is Left over and the JYC is asking that that be added to the 2021 budget to bring the
2021 budget level back to the 2020 level. Representatives from the Commission were
present for questions and they are excited to fund a new initiative Youth Entrepreneur
Initiative so they are thankful for Mr. Solvig's help and the town's support.
10 — Ms. Hunter reported that they met last month and approved the 2021.
budget and work plan and of note, they will be contracting with the .Finger Lakes
Institute and the Cayuga Seneca Lake Watershed IO to hire 50 hours or their
watershed manager to help us make the rounds to municipalities. We have developed
a PowerPoint presentation with the objective to raise sufficient funds to hire a
Watershed Manager or funds to be able to increase hours to subcontract with an
existing Manager. The presentation extols the benefits of have a Watershed Manager.
We are also embarking on an organizational assessment to identify important
stakeholders to work with thele more and determine the best way to move forward.
3. Report of Town Officials
Mr. DePaolo said he will have more information at a later meeting on the gun range issue and there
are issues with Charter Communications and the PEG channels. There is a meeting tomorrow and
he will report at the next meeting about the status of the funding and operational issues that are not
being met as required in their Charter.
Mr. Howe reported that Ms. Drake is heading toward her 25 years of service and he thanked her
for her service to the town.
The Board discussed upcoming meetings and decided to cancel the Study Session and hold the
Year End as scheduled on December 30th at 11:00 with no lunch to follow given the pandemic.
TBS 2020-11-23 Pg. 4
4. Consent Agenda
TB Resolution 2020 -157: Adopt Consent Agenda
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves and/or adopts the
following Consent Agenda items:
a. Town of Ithaca Abstract
b. Ratify Highway Superintendents promotional appointments (2) for Motor Equipment
Operator positions
c. Approval of Lead Court Clerk duties and stipend
Moved: Rich DePaolo Seconded: Eric Levine
Vote: ayes — DePaolo, Levine, Leary, Howe, Hunter, Goodman and Bleiwas
TB Resolution 2020 —157a: Town of Ithaca Abstract No. 21 for FY -2020
Whereas the following numbered vouchers have been presented to the Ithaca Town Board for
audit and approval of payment; now therefore be it
Resolved that the Ithaca Town Board hereby authorizes the payment of said vouchers in total for
the amounts indicated below:
VOUCHER NOS. 1286- 1335
General Fund Town Wide
32,616.91
General Fund Part -Town
2,210.32
Highway Fund Town Wide DA
2,034.55
Highway Fund Part Town DB
5,557.61
Water Fund
11,945.30
Sewer Fund
108,243.74
State Route 96b Sidewalk — H7
173,353.42
PWF Renovations Project — H22
5,883.30
Fire Protection Fund
500.00
Forest Home Lighting District
40.64
Glenside Lighting District
12.12
Renwick Heights Lighting District
20.30
Eastwood Commons Lighting District
28.42
Clover Lane Lighting District
3.80
Winner's Circle Lighting District
5.66
Burleigh Drive Lighting District
13.21
West Haven Road Lighting District
52.52
Coddin ton Road Lighting District
30.51
Debt Service
642.00
TOTAL
343,194.33
TBS 2020-11-23 Pg. 5
TB Resolution 2020 — 157b: Ratify (2) Promotional Appointments to Motor Equipment
Operator positions
Whereas, there are two vacant Motor Equipment Operator position due to promotions; and
Whereas, the Highway Superintendent has determined through interviews and evaluation that
Colin Fellows and Jonathan Sornberger, Laborers, possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and
ability to satisfactorily perform the duties of the Motor Equipment Operator position; and
Whereas, the Highway Superintendent promotionally appointed Colin Fellows and Jonathan
Sornberger to the Motor Equipment Operator position, effective November 22, 2020; now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby ratify the Highway
Superintendent's regular promotional appointment of Colin Fellows and Jonathan Sornberger as
full time Motor Equipment Operators for the Public Works Department, effective November 22,
2020; and be it further
Resolved, this is a 40 hour a week position, at the hourly wage of $25.32, in Job Classification
"III", with no change to their full-time benefits; and be it further
Resolved, if the said successfully complete the mandatory eight (8) week probationary period
there will be no further action required by the Town Board.
TB Resolution 2020 —157c: Approval of Lead Court Clerk Duties and Stipend
Whereas, Justice Klein and Justice Salk requested to appoint one of the two Court Clerks
responsible for more duties for the Court Office as describe by the Lead Court Clerk Duties
listing; and
Whereas, the Human Resources Manager recommended to the Personnel and Organization
Committee establishing an internal duties listing and creating a per week stipend in place of
creating a different job description, in case future Justices don't warrant such an appointment;
and
Whereas, the Personnel & Organization Committee has reviewed the request and recommends
the approval of the internal duties listing for a Lead Court Clerk and a stipend for said at $25 per
week; and
Whereas, the Justices designate Penny Grant as the Lead Court Clerk, due to her six years of
experience at the Town of Ithaca and previous experience as the senior Court Clerk with the
Town of Lansing; now, therefore be it
Resolved, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby approve the Lead Court Clerk
duties and stipend at $25 per week and ratifies the Justice's designation of Penny Grant as the
Lead Court Clerk, effective November 23, 2020.
TBS 2020-11-23 Pg. 6
5. Adjournment
Meeting was ad.lourned upon motion and a second at 0: 10 p.m.; tlllffllillnOLIS�
Submittc 'I)
Paulette Rosa, Town Clerk
TBS 2020-11-23 Pg. 7
0
4,,,,#
CL
"lo
m
15
rn
Ln
r-
C�
00
(14
Lf�
M
rl%
oq
00
w
w
re
a)
rn
a)
00
15
rn
Ln
r-
C�
r-
(14
Lf�
M
rl%
oq
00
w
w
a)
rn
a)
00
C5
004
00
m
01
Mr
-I
Ln
l4t
N
(14
rn
a)
cli
00
0
C�
ro
r -I
V-4
R*
Ln
lzT
w
lzt
Ln
4"
ca
Ln
I�t
00
w
r14
Q)
zt
ok
C)
lzt
Ln
00
r-4
rq
rj
c
ui
rn
or-ol
6
-I
1
r-
1
r-
1
r14
r
fn
00
w
r-
0LM0
00
-i
( 14
Ln
cn
rq
Ln
0
r
rn
r-
Ln
r14
4
'o -,O
�
'0,0,
'o -,O
rn
()6
rH
Ln
rn
Ln
r14
r-4
r i
E
E
12
cv4-
0
U
to
0
cn
CO
Ln
LL
LL
LU
wpgmi,,,,,,,,,,,,,
rilp
3
z
qJ
I'Ll
QA
m
O
WVO3
Ln
VO
Lr)
0
tD
2!
r-
00
QA
m
-0,.,
a) N4- C-4 (N 1�0 -q r,4
T-4
O
Ln
of
Lr)
0
tD
r -I
r-
00
C
Q0
Q0
r -I
Izi-
Lr)
tO
0
F--
C-4
-:t
Ln
an
,t
dam'
O
-0,.,
a) N4- C-4 (N 1�0 -q r,4
T-4
i.
7j
(n
2)
0
U
"
4-J
U
CJ
—Uj
C
—
-a
0
(10
(31
C
-c
GJ
(10
(D
:3O"
4-J
(.0
z
x
0
(n
"
:t
z
0
F--
4-J
00
t"dIt
4110
"DA
2
CJ
a)
00
d-
I,zt'
0
"o
'g
00
Z)
Ln
r-,
.......>
(10
........... >
LU
ca
N
0
00
Ln
("0
r,4
a�
00
C�
00
4-J
a)
N
0
O
C)
N
r-4
0
0
0
ON
bD
00
CIA
CN
bn
C:
bD
CL
rIq
0
U
10
0
4-0
Q
610
o)
N
t"dIt
4110
"DA
CJ
N