HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 2021-02-22Study Session of the Ithaca Town Board
Monday, February 22, 2021 at 4:30 p.m.
https://zoom.us/j/99112301523
Agenda
1. Ithaca Fire Department report — Chief Parsons
a. Consider approval of the Town's share of the purchase of a pumper truck
2. Town and Departmental Year End Reports and Goals
3. Committee Reports
• Budget
• Codes & Ordinances
• Personnel and Organization/ERC
• Planning
• Public Works
• Others
o Short Term Rental
o Green New Deal
o Economic Development
o Bicentennial
o Parks, Trails, Preserves & Recreation
4. Discuss setting a public hearing regarding a noise permit application from Limbwalkers Tree
Care, LLC
5. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Minutes
b. Town of Ithaca Abstract
c. Acknowledge Receipt of Audit — Town Courts
Adjournment
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
Monday, February 22, 2021
Due to the Governor's Executive Orders suspending certain aspects of the Open Meetings
Law to protect the health and safety of New Yorkers, the meeting was held via ZOOM.com
Minutes
Board Members Present: Rod Howe, Supervisor; Members Eric Levine, Rich DePaolo, Bill
Goodman, Tee -Ann Hunter, Pat Leary and Pamela Bleiwas
Staff Present: Susan Brock, Attorney for the Town; 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; Donna Shaw, Director of Finance; and
Dan Thaete, Director of Engineering
1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance — 4:30 p.m.
2. Ithaca Fire Department Report — Chief Parson
Chief Parson went over the highlights of his reports (Attachment 1)
Chief Parsons noted that calls were down 20% since COVID-19 which is attributable to people
being more apt to stay home and many have been more fearful of seeking medical care and
waiting until last minute and then go to ER. Gorges and trails were more popular with people
escaping confines of home and so gorge rescues increased with people who were not really ready
for that type of exercise and not familiar with the trails.
With the decrease in sales tax revenue, there were furloughs and a hiring and spending freeze so
personnel costs are down. The four new firefighters have been through the academy and assigned
shifts and two more will start at the academy in March. We are down two positions from previous
years in order to manage the budget with the unknowns of sales tax revenue.
As for efforts to reduce carbon footprint, we are asking for approval for a new pumper truck.
Although there are not hybrid options yet, we are including the idle reduction technology
whenever possible in our specifications which allows the trucks to run on battery for up to an
hour. We also are moving to electric power tools and converted station lighting to LED.
We bid out the pumper in 2019 for order in 2020, and the manufacturer is willing to hold the 2019
quote.
Questions from the Board
Mr. Goodman noted that the equipment replacement schedule looks like there are a couple
pumper trucks due for replacement in 2026 and a couple more in 2031, and a light rescue and
TBS 2021-02-22 Pg. 1
heavy rescue in 2023. He asked if there is any thought about staggering those out so they don't hit
in the same year?
Chief Parsons responded that they did that with the engines, but you do lose the advantage of
"bulk" purchase discounts for two. He added that they have submitted a federal grant application
to help pay for the heavy rescue due for replacement in 2023 and will look at other options if that
is not awarded.
The replacement schedule used to be 20 years and we changed it to 15 to allow some flexibility if
things need to be deferred and that has saved us significantly in repair and maintenance costs. If
the grant does not come through, we are looking at other options such as considering refurbishing
the body on a new chassis and the light rescue has low usage so that one may be deferred.
TB Resolution 2021 — 028: Approval for the purchase of a new Fire Pumper Truck by the
City of Ithaca
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca has entered into a Contract for Fire Protection with the City of Ithaca
for the provision of fire, and emergency medical incident response by the Ithaca Fire Department
within the Fire Protection District of the Town of Ithaca, and
Whereas, the Contract for Fire Protection specifies that the Town of Ithaca shall pay a proportion
of the Ithaca Fire Department's capital expenses, with the proportion of the Town's contribution
determined by calculation specified within the Contract, estimated to be approximately 31 % of the
capital expense, and
Whereas, the Town Supervisor has received communication from the City of Ithaca informing him
of the planned acquisition of a new Fire Pumper Truck, to be delivered in 2022, as replacement of
a 20 -year old Pumper Truck, at cost not to exceed $688,500 with the Town share estimated to be
$213,435.
Whereas, the City of Ithaca will issue bonds to pay for the City of Ithaca's share of the Equipment
as well as for the Town of Ithaca's share, the Town of Ithaca will not co -issue or be liable on the
bonds, the Town of Ithaca will reimburse the City of Ithaca through the annual payments to the
City of Ithaca under the Contract for Fire Protection, and
Whereas, the Town Supervisor and Town Finance Officer, after review of financial projections for
the Town's Fire Protection Fund, are recommending to this governing Town Board that the Town
of Ithaca approve the requested contribution, to be budgeted in the Fire Protection Fund of the
annual Ithaca Town Budget; now therefore be it
Resolved, that the Town Board approves the purchase of a new Fire Pumper Truck by the City of
Ithaca, and be it further
Resolved, that a certified copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Mayor of the City of Ithaca
and Fire Chief of the Ithaca Fire Department.
TBS 2021-02-22 Pg. 2
Moved: Eric Levine Seconded: Bill Goodman
Vote: ayes — Goodman, Levine, Howe, Hunter, DePaolo, Leary and Bleiwas
3. Town and Departmental Year End Reports and Goals (Attachment 2)
Each Department gave brief highlights of their written reports.
Questions and comments from the Board
Supervisor
Ms. Hunter asked if the Ithaca Energy Building Code is on the website and Mr. Goodman responded
that it is, but he will work to make it more visible.
Building/Codes
Mr. DePaolo asked for a brief synopsis of the research and rollout of the new management software
to replace Municity.
Mr. Mosely replied that there was extensive research on many companies which were narrowed
down to three who went through town -specific demonstrations with input from each department.
Mr. DePaolo asked if he anticipates strain on personnel time in the transition from the old database
to the new and Mr. Moseley responded absolutely.
Human Resources
Mr. DePaolo asked about the increase in non -elected full-time positions over the last 9 years, noting
that it is a fairly significant increase and he wondered if the population is increasing proportionately
to the number of FTEs and is this a trend we can anticipate and more importantly support and sustain
in the future.
Ms. Drake responded that the trend will be slowing down, but we have been gradually building
back up to levels that were identified as needed which had been cut during the financial downturn
over 10 years ago. We also added a very important position of a GIS technician which will help
with projects and processes in many departments.
Public Works/Highway
Mr. Slater pointed out that operations changed daily with staffing shortages related to COVID-19
and he is working through familiarizing himself with all the duties of the position.
Engineering
Mr. Thaete highlighted that they have been very busy with stormwater related activities, capital
improvement projects and starting the groundwork for upcoming projects.
Planning
Ms. Ritter highlighted the adoption of the New Neighborhood Code and the completion of the
Danby Road Sidewalk project as major accomplishments of the year.
TBS 2021-02-22 Pg. 3
Finance
Ms. Shaw commented that Mike Solvig left us in a good spot, and we ended the year in a positive
way with an 8.8% decrease from our projections.
Town Clerks
Ms. Rosa commented that the highlight of 2020 was remaining open and available during COVID-
19 which was a huge benefit to the public and they thanked us for being there for them. The other
major accomplishment was finalizing the revised Records Management policy with the goal of
implementing and clearing out during 2021.
4. Committee Reports
Budget — Mr. Levine reported that Linda Woodard, Mayor of the Village of Cayuga Heights
came and most of the meeting was spent discussing the concerns raised with their concerns
regarding the part -highway fund that is charged to Village residents. Also discussed the goals
for the year such as investments and our CDs since interest rates are now not worth sustaining
the efforts needed to manage them; long term debt and projections and begin drafting a fund
balance policy. He added that we were conservative in our estimates for 2020 sales tax and
we were almost exactly on budget with those estimations.
Codes & Ordinances — Mr. Goodman reported on the status of the telecommunications law
revisions and what a municipality can and cannot regulate based upon a joint municipal
discussion with a legal consultant who specializes in the topic. The key take away is that
although a municipality can request extensive proof of a gap in coverage and can establish
setbacks and spacing based on aesthetic concerns, we cannot legislate due to health concerns.
Mr. DePaolo asked, regarding the gaps in coverage, is that not delineated based on the
technology being deployed? If there is 4G service does that stand in for the 5G they are
proposing to roll out or are they only required to show a gap in 5G?
Mr. Goodman responded that he believes we could make a claim that 4G is sufficient.
Mr. Howe asked if he knew how far along the City is on this issue.
Mr. Goodman responded that Verizon has already approached them to do a 5G rollout last
year but because they own their streets and poles, they have different rights and authority than
we do. In the City's case, Verizon would enter into a master license agreement with the City
and the regulations and guidelines are incorporated right into the contract as opposed to
having a separate ordinance as we would have to have.
Mr. Goodman noted that Verizon has approached the Town, Village of Cayuga Heights and
the Village of Lansing also. We continue to receive correspondence from an active
community who are tracking latest developments in the industry and importantly, it seems a
municipality can require the telecommunications companies to have an insurance policy that
does not exclude pollution.
TBS 2021-02-22 Pg. 4
Mr. Goodman then reported that they also discussed the Ithaca Energy Code Supplement (IECS)
which we used to call the Green Building Policy. The IECS is being developed with the goal of
adopting it in conjunction with the City and applies to new construction and major renovations.
The general idea is to build up to no use of fossil fuels for heating or cooking in both residential
and commercial buildings by the year 2030. The City's Planning and Economic Development
Committee had their first public comment meeting on the IECS last night and there were many
people who would like the timetable moved up and both the City and the Town have received
multiple written comments that Mr. Goldsmith is compiling. The City Committee moved to have
a "committee of the whole" to get input from Common Council now rather than waiting.
He added that the COC will discuss the IECS again at the next meeting and the City's meetings
are viewable on their YouTube channel.
Personnel & Organization — Ms. Bleiwas reported that they discussed the revised lease with the
Health Consortium for additional space, the Public Employers' Health Emergency Preparedness
Plan and a Vaccine Incentive Plan and recommended all to the board for consideration.
The committee will also begin a review of the Board Protocol and Procedures Manual and they
are asking board members and staff to review it and send suggestions and comments.
Lastly, the committee discussed the next staff engagement survey and building a better connection
between the Town Board and Staff.
Planning — Mr. DePaolo reported that they reviewed the draft food trucks legislation and
discussed the length of the permit period and how it could be used; getting closer to referral to
the Board. Also discussed the Chamber of Commerce building which has a purchase offer in on
it and the person is saying they intend to keep it for office space uses but there it is in a PDZ
which limits it to not-for-profit entities and they idea is for commercial entities.
Public Works — Ms. Hunter reported they discussed the water connection for the North Campus
Residential Expansion project and the draft MOU; complicated by approximately 40 residences
in Forest Home being in that connection and it would allow Cornell to tap into Bolton Point when
needed so there are a lot of details to work out and arrive at an agreement on pricing and services.
Ms. Hunter stated that se requested more information and this will be back at PWC in the near
future.
Ms. Hunter said they also discussed the Bostwick Rd cemetery and received and update on the
Forest Home Walkway Improvement project.
STR — Mr. Goodman reported they did not February but a survey will be going out to Lakefront
residential home owners to gather information.
Green New Deal — Mr. Howe reported that the committee's task is done and the goal is to bring
a Green New Deal action plan to the March Town Board Study session and have it as a regular
discussion at management meetings and board meetings as we move forward.
TBS 2021-02-22 Pg. 5
Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) — Mr. Howe reported that the goal is to submit a Park
Foundation application to engage Sustainable Tompkins to hire a consultant to help walk us
through the process and look at next steps. Many municipalities are interested in moving
forward. We will start with a CCA 2.0 but keep open the possibility of a CCA 3.0.
Economic Development — Mr. Howe reported on March 3rd we are hosting a Zoom meeting for
a presentation by the consultant for the stakeholders in the Inlet Valley to share what we have in
mind.
Bicentennial Committee — Mr. Howe reported that we have three events coming up; March 9th
highlighting the indigenous history of the land; a reading of the NYS Legislative Order
establishing the town and a reenactment of the first Town Board meeting, which will be a
combination of some of the interesting items from many of the very early meetings.
Parks, Trails, Preserves and Recreation — Mr. Howe reported that they extedned the deadline
for the survey so more to come next time.
5. Discuss setting a public hearing regarding a noise permit application from
LimbWalkers Tree Care, LLC
Mr. DePaolo asked why the span of days and no set date. Ms. Rosa stated that she had spoken
with the applicant and they are hiring an outside company who will not commit to a date within
the 45 days required prior to submission of our noise permit application. They indicated that it
is dependent on when and if there are additional jobs lined up in the area and the weather, but
the applicants will be here for the public hearing and she will convey the questions.
TB Resolution 2021 — 029: Setting a public hearing regarding an application for a Noise
Permit submitted by Limbwalkers Tree Care, LLC, 1457 Trumansburg Rd
Resolved that, per Governor Cuomo's Executive Order(s) and Extension(s) regarding safety efforts
associated with COVID-19 and the suspension of certain aspects of the Open Meetings Law, the
Town Board of the Town of Ithaca will hold a public hearing at their meeting which begins at 5:30
p.m. on the 8th day of March, 2021 via the ZOOM video and audio conferencing platform ZOOM ID
991 1230 1523, for the purpose of considering a Noise Permit Application submitted by
Limbwalker Tree Care, LLC to perform grinding of stockpiled tree debris between the hours of Sam
and 5pm for up to 5 days, and be it further
Resolved, that at such time and place all persons interested in the proposed noise permit shall be
heard concerning the same. Information on the application is available from the Town Clerk or
on the Town website as well as a link to the video conference.
Moved: Tee -Ann Hunter Seconded: Rich DePaolo
Vote: ayes — Goodman, Levine, Howe, Hunter, DePaolo, Leary and Bleiwas
TBS 2021-02-22 Pg. 6
6. Consider Consent Agenda
TB Resolution 2021— 030: Adopt Consent Agenda
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves and/or adopts the
following Consent Agenda items:
a. Approval of Town Board Minutes
b. Town of Ithaca Abstract
c. Acknowledge Receipt of Audit -Town Courts
Moved: Rich DePaolo Seconded: Eric Levine
Vote: ayes — Levine, Hunter, Howe, DePaolo, Goodman, Leary and Bleiwas
TB Resolution 2021 - 030a: Approval of Minutes
Resolved, that the Town Board hereby approves the minutes of January 25 and February 8, 2021
with non -substantial corrections suggested by the Board made.
TB Resolution 2021 — 030b: Town of Ithaca Abstract No. 4 for FY -2021
Resolved that the Town Board authorizes payment of the submitted and audited numbered
vouchers as listed:
VOUCHER NOS. 188 - 239
General Fund Town Wide
87,700.85
General Fund Part -Town
7,094.28
Highway Fund Town Wide DA
3,315.35
Highway Fund Part Town DB
10,949.77
Water Fund
10,363.83
Sewer Fund
5,510.55
Risk Retention Fund
1,575.00
Fire Protection Fund
521.66
Forest Home Lighting District
53.47
Glenside Lighting District
16.02
Renwick Heights Lighting District
26.62
Eastwood Commons Lighting District
37.31
Clover Lane Lighting District
4.99
Winner's Circle Lighting District
7.46
Burleigh Drive Lighting District
17.4
West Haven Road Lighting District
67.87
Coddin ton Road Lighting District
40.16
Debt Service
74.57
TOTAL
127,377.16
TBS 2021-02-22 Pg. 7
7. Report of Town Officials and revie", of Correspondence — No discussion
Meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.rn.
Sul mia y
Paulette osa, I own Clerk
TBS 2021-02-22 Pg. 8
CITY OF ITHACA
310 West Green Street Ithaca, New York 14850-5497
OFFICE OF THE FIRE CHIEF
Telephone: 607/272-1234 Fax: 607/272-2793
MEMORANDUM
To: Mayor Svante Myrick
City of Ithaca Common Council
Ithaca Town Board
From: Tom Parsons, Fire Chief
Date: February 9th 2021
Re: Fire Chief s Annual Report
ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
Administration
1) Career Personnel Report
PERSONNEL STAFFING LEVELS
1
Chief
0
Deputy Chief
5
Assistant Chiefs
8
Lieutenants
44
Fire Fighters
58
Uniform Personnel
1 Administrative Coordinator
Total employees as of January 1st, 2021 — 59
a) Vacancies
• There were seven funded firefighter vacancies at the end of 2020. There were
two officer vacancies at the end of 2020; One Assistant Fire Chief and one
funded Deputy Fire Chief. Two firefighter positions and one Deputy Fire
Chief position have been unfunded in 2021. There are five firefighter
positions and one Assistant Fire Chief position that will be filled in 2021
b) Retirements and Separation from Service:
Page 2 of 7 - Fire Chief's Annual Report February 9th, 2021
• In 2020, there were two Assistant Fire Chief retirements, five firefighter
retirements, and two firefighters who separated from service.
C) Hiring/Promotions
• In 2020, one Lieutenant was promoted to Assistant Chief to fill a vacancy
caused by retirement. One firefighter was promoted to Lieutenant to fill the
vacancy caused by the previous promotion.
• Three firefighters were hired to fill two vacancies.
d) Firefighters on Injury Leave or Light Duty
There are one fire lieutenant and one firefighter who were on injury leave as
of January 1st, 2021
2) Budget Report
a) 2020 Budget: Budget Summary is attached to this memo (The 2020 budget has
not been closed out, but it is expected to be closed soon)
3) Operational Changes in Response to COVID-10 Pandemic:
a) Under the Mayor's directive 2020, like all City buildings, fire stations are currently
closed to the public to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Though not taking visitors,
each station continues to be fully staffed with firefighters 24 hours a day, seven days
a week.
b) Firefighters were working 24-hour shifts from April 6th through July 24th to limit the
amount of interaction between groups and keep everyone healthy and respond to true
emergencies. They have returned to their previous work schedule and only had a few
situations where firefighters or officers were placed in quarantine and unable to work.
c) The department implemented the practice of daily temperature checks on all
firefighters on duty and constant station and equipment cleaning to complement the
hand washing and social distancing that all have been practicing.
d) The Fire Prevention Bureau suspended inspections of existing occupancies and
extended operating permits for six months. While Governor Cuomo's Orders had
deemed code Enforcement activities essential, the Fire Prevention Bureau limited its
activities to new construction and fire protection system inspections through August
of 2020. The Fire Prevention Bureau restarted inspection of existing occupancies
under modified procedures that permit inspections with social distancing and face
coverings being worn by all participants.
Page 3 of 7 - Fire Chief's Annual Report February 9th, 2021
a) During the first four months of the pandemic, emergency medical responses were
limited to immediate life-threatening injuries or conditions when the department had
a limited supply of Persona Protective Equipment. The department only responded to
serious calls ranked D and E call severity classification in the dispatch system. Those
include chest pain, respiratory distress, and other life-threatening emergencies. The
fire department was not responding to lower priority calls unless requested to assist
the ambulance.
In August, we received a large order of N95 masks; the EMS response protocols
were reviewed and modified to add department responses to severe but less life-
threatening calls that included emergencies classified as lower B and C call severity
classifications.
All steps taken were to ensure compliance with guidelines handed down by the State
Department of Health Bureau of EMS and were enacted by counties across New
York. Those steps helped limit firefighters' exposure and ration valuable personal
protective equipment (PPE).
4) Grants and Donations
a) In 2020, we received a $36,981.82 FEMA AFG (Assistance to Firefighting Grant)
grant to replace extrication tools. The new systems will be installed in the spring
of 2020.
b) In 2020, the department also received $11,059.38 from two FEMA AFG COVID
relief grants to fund personal protective equipment purchased for firefighters to
use while on emergency medical, fire, and rescue calls.
C) In 2021, we applied for two FEMA Assistant to Firefighting Grants. The first
grant application is requesting funding to replace our 31 -year-old Heavy Rescue,
and the second grant application is requesting funding to replace 63 Portable
Radios.
5) Apparatus
a) One Staff Vehicle was purchased and delivered in 2020.
b) One Aerial Platform Truck was purchased in October of 2019 and was delivered
in October of 2020.
C) One Pumper was ordered in 2020, with delivery expected in March of 2021.
d) Common Council approved a Capital project for 2021 to replace a 2001 Pumper
Truck reaching its end of service life. The Pumper Truck will be delivered in the
spring of 2022.
Page 4 of 7 - Fire Chief's Annual Report
6) Fire Training Center
February 9th, 2021
The fire training was used regularly in 2020. Due to structural damage and needed
repairs, the live -fire training building has not been used for live -fire training. Due to
COVID restrictions, repairs were not completed on the fire training center that would
allow live -fire training.
The training facility is in need of replacement. A capital project for its replacement was
submitted in 2020 for replacement in 2021, but the request was not approved.
LIFE SAFETY DIVISION
Fire Prevention Bureau
1) Code Enforcement Division: The following is a list of Activities for 2020:
Complaints Received: 234
Referred to the City Building Division 146
Referred to the Town of Ithaca 34
Investigated by the Fire Prevention Bureau 54
Inspections: 925
City Fire Safety & Property Maintenance 210
City - Permit Required City Fire Safety 407
Town Fire Safety & Property
47
City -
Sprinkler Inspections
95
City -
Alternative Fire Protection Systems
7
City -
Fire Alarm Inspection
72
City —
Standpipe Hydrostatic Test
7
City -
Standpipe Flow Test
1
City —
Fire Pump Flow Test
2
City —
Elevator
26
Permits or Certificates: 609
Operating Permit
- Install/Alter Fire Protection
96
Operating Permit
- Assembly Occupancy
177
Operating Permit
- Large Assembly Occupancy
39
Operating Permit
- Elevator
53
Operating Permit
- Food Truck
6
Operating Permit
- Hazardous Occupancy
8
Operating Permit
- Lumberyard
2
Page 5 of 7 - Fire Chief's Annual Report
February 9th, 2021
Operating Permit - Parking Garage
7
Operating Permit - Discharge Fireworks - Outdoors
0
Certificate of Compliance -
Alternative Suppression
7
Certificate of Compliance -
Commercial Inspection
117
Certificate of Compliance -
Educational Occupancy
5
Certificate of Compliance -
Emergency Responder Radio
1
Certificate of Compliance -
Fire Alarm System
46
Certificate of Compliance -
Fire Pump
1
Certificate of Compliance -
Fire Sprinkler System
21
Certificate of Compliance -
Fire Standpipe
1
Occupancy Postings
16
Plan Reviews: 57
Alternative Fire Protection System Plan Review 5
Fire Alarm System Plan Review 30
Water -Based Fire Protection System Plan Review 52
2) Fire Investigation Unit:
The Fire Investigation Team investigated thirty-four fires in 2020. Twenty-eight fires
were in the City of Ithaca, and six fires were in the Town of Ithaca
3) Public Education and Special Events (Due to COVID, in-person activities were suspended
after February 2020):
Public Education Events: 6
Fire Drills Witnessed: 0
Child Safety Seat Inspections: 0
4) Inspection fees will remain at $58 per hour for 2021. Permit fees will remain the same as
they were in 2020. The last change in fire prevention inspection fees was in 2020.
Page 6 of 7 - Fire Chief's Annual Report
OPERATIONS DIVISION
1) Emergency Response:
2020 Responses - 4271 Incidents
City of Ithaca: 3225 Incidents (75.51%)
Fires:
104
Overpressure/Rupture
8
EMS/Rescue:
1034
Hazardous Conditions:
189
Service Calls:
212
Good Intent:
746
Alarms/No Fires:
930
Severe Weather:
1
Other:
1
Town of Ithaca: 1027 Incidents (24.05%)
Fires:
26
Overpressure/Rupture:
2
EMS/Rescue:
480
Hazardous Conditions:
38
Service Calls:
53
Good Intent:
245
Alarms/No Alarm:
180
Severe Weather:
3
Other:
0
Mutual Aid: 19 Incidents (0.44%)
Fires: 5
Overpressure/Rupture: 0
EMS/Rescue: 7
Hazardous Conditions: 1
Service Calls: 2
Good Intent: 4
Alarms/No Fires: 0
Severe Weather: 0
Simultaneous Incidents: 671 Incidents (15.71%)
February 9th, 2021
Page 7 of 7 - Fire Chief's Annual Report February 9th, 2021
Volunteer Recruitment and Retention
1) Summaries of Service Hours: Annual Report
2) There are currently 10 Active Volunteer Fire Police and 1 Active Scene Support
Volunteer Firefighter.
Ithaca Fire Department
Municipality, District, and Incident Type Responses
January through December 2020
District
Fire
Overpressure/
Rupture
EMS/Rescue
Hazardous
Condition
Service Call
Good Intent
Call
Alarms/No Fire
Severe
Weather
Special
Incident
Type
Total
Percentage of
Incidents
City of Ithaca
98
7
999
181
206
596
835
1
1
2924
68.46%
City of Ithaca - Cornell Property
6
1
28
7
5
150
95
0
0
292
6.84%
City of Ithaca - Ithaca College
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
2
0.05%
City Cascadillla Creek Gorge
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0.02%
City Fall Creek Gorge
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0.07%
City Six Mile Creek Gorge
0
0
2
0
1
0
0
0
0
3
0.07%
Town of Ithaca
23
1
448
35
49
190
139
3
0
888
20.79%
Town of Ithaca - Cornell Property
1
1
1
0
0
9
21
0
0
33
0.77%
Town of Ithaca - Ithaca College
2
0
19
3
4
45
20
0
0
93
2.18%
Town of Ithaca - Six Mile Gorge
0
0
7
0
0
0
0
0
0
7
0.16%
Town of Ithaca - Buttermilk Gorge
0
0
4
0
0
1
0
0
0
5
0.12%
Town of Ithaca - Treman Gorge
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0.02%
Outside Ithaca
5
0
7
1
2
4
0
0
0
19
0.44%
Total
135
10
1521
228
267
995
1110
4
1
4271
100.00%
verpressure
Hazardous
Good intentSevere
Percentage o
District
Fire
Rupture
EMS/Rescue
Condition
Service Call
Call
Alarms/No Fire
Weather
Other
Total
Incidents
Total City
104
8
1034
189
212
746
930
1
1
3225
75.51%
Total Town
26
2
480
38
53
245
180
3
0
1027
24.05%
Outside Ithaca
5
0
7
1
2
4
0
0
0
19
0.44%
Total
135
10
1521
228
267
995
1110
4
1
4271
100.00%
3000
2900
2800
2700
2600
2500
2400
2300
2200
2100
2000
1900
1800
1700
4600
aeo 500
1400
1300
1200
1100
1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
Ithaca Fire Department
January through December 2020 - Incident Type by District
District
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3500
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Ithaca Fire Department
January through December 2020 Responses - Incident Type by Municipality
Total City Total Town Outside Ithaca
Municipality
■Other
®Severe Weather
■Alarms/No Fire
IlGood Intent Call
®Service Call
OHazardous Condition
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Ithaca Fire Department
January through December 2020
Responses by Municipality
Municipality
®Outside Ithaca
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Ithaca FD
Incident Type Period Comparisons
Alarm Date Between {01/01/2020} and {12/31/2020}
Incident Type
100 Fire, Other
111 Building fire
112 Fires in structure other than in a building
113 Cooking fire, confined to container
114 Chimney or flue fire, confined to chimney or
115 Incinerator overload or malfunction, fire
116 Fuel burner/boiler malfunction, fire confined
117 Commercial Compactor fire, confined to rubbish
118 Trash or rubbish fire, contained
120 Fire in mobile prop used as a fixed struc, Othe
123 Fire in portable building, fixed location
130 Mobile property (vehicle) fire, Other
131 Passenger vehicle fire
132 Road freight or transport vehicle fire
134 Water vehicle fire
137 Camper or recreational vehicle (RV) fire
138 Off-road vehicle or heavy equipment fire
140 Natural vegetation fire, Other
141 Forest, woods or wildland fire
142 Brush or brush -and -grass mixture fire
143 Grass fire
150 Outside rubbish fire, Other
151 Outside rubbish, trash or waste fire
154 Dumpster or other outside trash receptacle fire
160 Special outside fire, Other
162 Outside equipment fire
170 Cultivated vegetation, crop fire, Other
200 Overpressure rupture, explosion, overheat other
210 Overpressure rupture from steam, Other
212 Overpressure rupture of steam boiler
231 Chemical reaction rupture of process vessel
243 Fireworks explosion (no fire)
251 Excessive heat, scorch burns with no ignition
300 Rescue, EMS incident, other
300lGorge Rescue, EMS incident, Ground Evacuation
3002Gorge Rescue, EMS incident, Low Angle Rope
311 Medical assist, assist EMS crew
320 Emergency medical service, other
321 EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injur
322 Motor vehicle accident with injuries
323 Motor vehicle/pedestrian accident (MV Ped)
324 Motor Vehicle Accident with no injuries
331 Lock -in (if lock out , use 511 )
01/01/2020
01/01/2019
01/01/2018
01/01/2017
to
to
to
to
12/31/2020
12/31/2019
12/31/2018
12/31/2017
10
11
8
5
27
38
35
42
1
0
0
0
23
15
18
16
1
1
2
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
2
1
0
0
0
7
1
1
1
r 0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
2
0
0
1
10
9
6
11
0
1
2
2
1
1
1
0
0
0
1
0
3
0
0
0
10
2
6
2
0
0
3
0
5
3
5
3
1
0
3
1
8
4
2
6
16
6
9
6
2
2
6
5
7
3
5
2
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
1
0
2
1
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
5
2
0
0
0
1
0
10
4
2
4
2
10
9
16
2
1
1
4
2
0
2
1
17
24
40
36
151
98
80
61
y 1214
2040
1928
1996
48
62
74
78
17
16
27
15
27
36
36
30
0
1
0
0
02/08/2021 12:48 Page 1
Ithaca FD
Incident Type Period Comparisons
Alarm Date Between {01/01/2020} and {12/31/2020}
Incident Type
3311Lock-in Knox Box Access Required
3312Lock-in Force Entry Required
341 Search for person on land
342 Search for person in water
350 Extrication, rescue, Other
350lGorge Rescue w/o Rope Systems
351 Extrication of victim(s) from building/structur
352 Extrication of victim(s) from vehicle
353 Removal of victim(s) from stalled elevator
355 Confined space rescue
3561Gorge Rescue, w/ High -angle Rope Extrication
360 Water & ice -related rescue, other
361 Swimming/recreational water areas rescue
362 Ice rescue
363 Swift water rescue
365 Watercraft rescue
371 Electrocution or potential electrocution
381 Rescue or EMS standby
400 Hazardous condition, Other
410 Combustible/flammable gas/liquid condition,
411 Gasoline or other flammable liquid spill
412 Gas leak (natural gas or LPG)
413 Oil or other combustible liquid spill
420 Toxic condition, Other
421 Chemical hazard (no spill or leak)
422 Chemical spill or leak
424 Carbon monoxide incident
431 Radiation leak, radioactive material
440 Electrical wiring/equipment problem, Other
441 Heat from short circuit (wiring), defective/wor
442 Overheated motor
443 Breakdown of light ballast
444 Power line down
445 Arcing, shorted electrical equipment
451 Biological hazard, confirmed or suspected
460 Accident, potential accident, Other
461 Building or structure weakened or collapsed
463 Vehicle accident, general cleanup
480 Attempted burning, illegal action, Other
481 Attempt to burn
500 Service Call, other
510 Person in distress, Other
511 Lock -out
01/01/2020
01/01/2019
01/01/2018
01/01/2017
to
to
to
to
12/31/2020
12/31/2019
12/31/2018
12/31/2017
7
7
10
3
0
0
4
3
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
3
2
2
3
8
1
3
0
e 1
0
0
1
0
1
2
2
12
12
12
24
0
0
1
0
7
2
1
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
2
1
1
0
0
0
0
2
1
3
1
3
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
3
1
1
44
48
30
37
7
1
4
6
5
10
12
7
38
65
93
65
3
3
3
4
2
0
0
1
2
3
1
2
3
3
0
1
25
27
34
22
0
0
1
0
25
14
21
12
n 3
4
2
5
10
11
9
8
0
2
2
1
28
27
48
42
21
18
18
13
0
1
0
1
6
2
2
1
1
2
2
0
5
6
3
2
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
1
165
165
126
125
4
7
3
10
10
12
14
9
02/08/2021 12:48 Page 2
Ithaca FD
Incident Type Period Comparisons
Alarm Date Between {01/01/2020} and {12/31/2020}
Incident Type
512 Ring or jewelry removal
520 Water problem, Other
521 Water evacuation
522 Water or steam leak
531 Smoke or odor removal
540 Animal problem, Other
541 Animal problem
542 Animal rescue
550 Public service assistance, Other
551 Assist police or other governmental agency
552 Police matter
553 Public service
554 Assist invalid
555 Defective elevator, no occupants
561 Unauthorized burning
571 Cover assignment, standby, moveup
600 Good intent call, Other
611 Dispatched & cancelled en route
6110Dispatched & cancelled - Per Policy
6111Dispatched & cancelled en route - By Dispatcher
6112Dispatched & cancelled en route - By Bangs
6113Dispatched & cancelled en route - By CUEMS
6114Dispatched & cancelled en route - By CU EH&S
6115Dispatched & cancelled en route - By IC Safety
6117Dispatched & cancelled en route - By MA Dept
6118Dispatched & cancelled en route - By IPD
6119Dispatched & cancelled en route - By Other
621 Wrong location
622 No Incident found on arrival at dispatch addres
631 Authorized controlled burning
632 Prescribed fire
641 Vicinity alarm (incident in other location)
650 Steam, Other gas mistaken for smoke, Other
651 Smoke scare, odor of smoke
652 Steam, vapor, fog or dust thought to be smoke
653 Smoke from barbecue, tar kettle
661 EMS call, party transported by non -fire agency
671 HazMat release investigation w/no HazMat
700 False alarm or false call, Other
700lFalse alarm or false call, Other - Medical Alar
710 Malicious, mischievous false call, Other
711 Municipal alarm system, malicious false alarm
712 Direct tie to FD, malicious false alarm
01/01/2020
01/01/2019
01/01/2018
01/01/2017
to
to
to
to
12/31/2020
12/31/2019
12/31/2018
12/31/2017
1
1
0
0
14
9
23
16
3
1
5
10
9
17
17
14
4
8
11
9
0
0
1
0
1
2
1
2
4
9
7
1
9
9
6
14
24
23
22
20
1
4
3
5
8
15
11
11
0
8
7
7
0
2
3
1
9
6
7
4
1
2
2
1
40
58
53
55
10
15
12
8
294
0
0
0
31
16
28
27
269
267
265
347
30
45
29
26
130
241
201
199
43
93
83
85
2
6
1
14
22
10
12
14
2
5
4
3
1
1
0
0
s 47
70
85
60
5
0
1
2
2
0
0
0
1
1
1
3
0
0
5
0
12
12
13
22
4
4
4
3
0
0
1
0
0
1
2
2
50
33
35
42
6
8
15
6
m 53
70
46
62
5
13
7
7
7
2
4
1
0
0
0
1
02/08/2021 12:48 Page 3
Ithaca B]
Incident Type Period Comparisons
Alarm Date Between {01/01/2020} and {12/31/2020}
Incident Type
713 Telephone, malicious false alarm
7I4 Central station, malicious false alarm
715 Local alarm system, malicious false alarm
721 Bomb scare - no bomb
730 System malfunction, Other
731 Sprinkler activation doe to malfunction
733 Smoke detector activation doe to malfunction
734 Heat detector activation doe to malfunction
735 Alarm system sounded doe to malfunction
736 CO detector activation doe to malfunction
740 Unintentional transmission of alarm, Other
74I Sprinkler activation, no fire - unintentional
742 Extinguishing system activation
743 Smoke detector activation, no fire -
744 Detector activation, no fire - unintentional
745 Alarm system activation, no fire - ooiotentiooa
746 Carbon monoxide detector activation, no CO
800 Severe weather or natural disaster, Other
812 Flood assessment
813 Wind storm, tornado/hurricane assessment
8I4 Lightning strike (no fire)
900 Special type of incident, Other
911 Citizen complaint
-
Totals
oz/oz/uuuo
01/01/2019
01/01/2018
01/01/2017
to
to
to
to
zu/az/uuuo
12/31/2019
12/31/2018
12/31/2017
0
0
I
0
6
17
10
30
y
l
5
8
I
0
0
I
19
39
40
43
25
18
16
6
86
87
88
79
10
10
19
9
86
90
71
110
23
26
20
32
54
III
119
112
25
25
25
23
I
0
0
3
505
632
599
611
51
64
70
66
I 133
124
155
195
10
4
10
12
I
II
3
3
2
I
5
3
0
3
3
I
I
0
0
0
0
0
2
4
I
2
I
2
4271
5217
5084
5229
02/08/202I I2:48 Page 4
Ithaca FD
NF9A Fire Experience Survey
01/0I/2020 to 12/31/2020
Part II: MAJOR FIRES
Date
Name of Occup/Owner, Address and
Property Use
Civilian Fire
Deaths
Property Loss
I2/17/2020
No Occupant or Owner Listed
0
60,000
I601 m Cayuga ST
Vehicle parking area
07/01/2020
No Occupant or Owner Listed
0
25,000
628 Coddiogton RD
I or 2 family dwelling
08/25/2020
No Occupant or Owner Listed
0
25,000
737 willow AVE
Outside or special property, Other
02/08/202I 12:54 Page 1
Ithaca FD
NFPA Fire Experience Survey
01/01/2020 to 12/31/2020
Part III: BREAKDOWN OF STRUCTURE FIRES AND OTHER FIRES AND INCIDENTS
A. FIRES IN STRUCTURES BY
Number
of Civilian
Casualties Property
FIXED
PROPERTY USE
Fires
Deaths
Injuries
Damage
1.
Private Dwellings
46
0
0
187,500
2.
Apartments
122
0
4
150,680
3.
Hotels and Motels
5
0
0
500
4.
All Other Residential
12
0
0
0
5.
TOTAL RESIDENTIAL FIRES
185
0
4
338,680
6.
Public Assembly
22
0
0
3,600
7.
Schools and Colleges
10
0
0
0
8.
Health Care/Penal
0
0
0
0
9.
Stores and Offices
6
0
0
0
10.
Industry/Utility
6
0
0
0
11.
Storage in Structures
11
0
0
12,500
12.
Other Structures
4
0
0
0
13.
TOTAL STRUCTURE FIRES
244
0
4
354,780
B. OTHER FIRES AND INCIDENTS
14a.
Highway Vehicles
22
0
0
64,400
14b.
Other Vehicles
18
0
0
394,000
15.
Non-Structure/Non-Vehicle
23
0
0
0
16.
Brush/Grass/Wildland
11
0
0 XXXXXXXXXXXXX
17.
Rubbish/Dumpsters
53
0
0 XXXXXXXXXXXXX
18.
All Other Fires
47
0
0
7,700
19.
TOTAL FOR FIRES
418
0
4
820,880
20.
Rescue/Emergency Med
1,767
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
21.
False Alarms
4,012
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
22.
Mutual Aid (Given)
36
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
23a.
Hazmat Responses
242
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
23b.
Other Hazardous Responses
359
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
24.
All Other Responses
2,020
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
25.
TOTAL FOR ALL INCIDENTS
8,854
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Number of
Confined Fires
Number of Nonconfined
Fires
5. Residential Fires (line 5 above)
104
81
13. Structure Fires (line 13 above)
135
109
02/08/2021 12:54 Page 2
Ithaca FD
NFPA Fire Experience Survey
01/01/2020 to 12/31/2020
Part IV: BREAKDOWN OF FALSE ALARM RESPONSES
Type of Response
0
2.
Number
of
Incidents
5
1. Malicious, Mischievous False Call
Overexertion
0
5. Stepped on/Contact With
0
84
Struck By
2. System Malfunction
7. Extreme Weather
0
8.
All Other
872
Number of Injuries Resulting in Lost
3. Unintentional
0
How many shifts were lost as a result
2,980
injuries:
4. Other False Alarms
76
Part V: INTENTIONALLY SET FIRES
IN STRUCTURES
AND
VEHICLES
Number of
Civilian Casualties
Property
Fires
Deaths
Injuries
Damage
1. Structure Fires Intentionally Set
4
0
4
400
2. Vehicle Fires Intentionally Set
0
0
0
0
Part VI: FIRE SERVICE EXPOSURES
AND INJURIES
Total Number of Infectious Disease Exposures.......:
0
Total Number of Hazardous Condition
Exposures......:
0
Total Number of Nonfatal Firefighter
Injuries......:
5
On -Duty Fire Fighter Injuries (Nonfatal) by Type of
Duty,
and Nature
of
Most Serious Injury
Respond/ At
Fire
Non -Fire
Other
Nature of Most Serious Injury
Return Ground
Emerg
Train.
On -Duty_
1. Burns
0
0
0
0
0
2a. Smoke or Gas Inhalation
0
0
0
0
0
2b. Other Respiratory Distress
0
0
0
0
0
3. Burns and Smoke Inhalation
0
0
0
0
0
4. Wound/Cut/Bleeding/Bruise
0
0
0
0
0
5. Dislocation/Fracture
0
0
0
0
0
6. Heart Attack or Stroke
0
0
0
0
0
7. Strain/Sprain/Muscle Pain
0
5
0
0
0
8. Thermal Stress
0
0
0
0
0
9. All Other
0
0
0
0
0
10. TOTAL
0
5
0
0
0
Fire Ground Injuries (Nonfatal) By Cause
1. Exposure to Fire Products
0
2.
Exposure to Chem./Radiation
0
3. Fell, Slipped, Jumped
5
4.
Overexertion
0
5. Stepped on/Contact With
0
6.
Struck By
0
7. Extreme Weather
0
8.
All Other
0
Number of Injuries Resulting in Lost
Time:
0
How many shifts were lost as a result
of these
injuries:
Fire Department Vehicle Accidents
Accidents involving fire department emergency vehicles: Resulting injuries:
Accidents involving firefighter's personal vehicles...: Resulting injuries:
02/08/2021 12:54 Page 3
Ithaca FD
IFD Mutual Aid Responses by Department (Summary)
Alarm Date Between (01/01/2020) And (12/31/2020)
Type of Aid Count
55001 Brooktondale Fire Department
Mutual aid given
55002 Cayuga Heights Fire Department
Mutual aid given
55004 Danby Fire Department
Mutual aid given
55006 Enfield Fire Department
Mutual aid received
55011 Lansing Fire Department
Mutual aid given
55013 Newfield Fire Department
Mutual aid received
55018 Trumansburg Fire Department
Mutual aid given
7
7
2
2
2
2
3
3
2
2
02/08/2021 12:51 Page 1
Ithaca FD
Volunteer Hours Report (Summary)
Date Between (01/01/2020) And (12/31/2020)
Staff Id Alt Id Name Total
4602
3258
3617
3883
4188
4301
4618
4609
4153
4620
4621
3793
4617
Adams, Andrew J
31.87
Baker, Lyman E
4.50
Bordoni, Gary
29.70
Cornelius, Dave
25.93
Gilligan, William
35.54
Gould, Jack
29.07
Greven, Christin B
11.50
Howland, Morgan D
9.00
Longo, Robert
37.99
Onah, Joy
24.50
Powers, John
14.00
Rogers, James
34.53
Williams, Steve
20.27
308.40
02/08/2021 12:53 Page 1
2020 Accts ,SMO
12/31/2020
so
51
52
53
54
55
2a 0
C4
00
:E ,y
(D
0)
0.0
Uu
0
OR
C
0 0
, §
.0 W)
W.S
2020
E
Cd
21
2 0
z
OL
x
to
v
. .....
Admin
243,659
105
V]VIA 68
9,IW3
1,837
4,134
.. ....
➢2,055
R/3?
7,350
➢KI 64 1
25%
'139895
Staff
5,484,054
110
279,992
4,50,758
53,844
2,692,239
1,615,343
102,304
209,994
5,384,474
1%
99,580
Ovefflrne
4110,970
125
8,350
1,651
289
339,598
2,973
0
117,521
370,382
110%
40,W
Furn & Fbdures,
0
205
0
0%
0
Office Equlp
10,000
210 1
0
0➢00%
VoWdes
55,000
215
50,970
50,970
7%
4,0W
MI -icer EquIp
27,504
225
3,096
(36,9,,-,,,
223%
61,389
Telephone
1 19,000
405 1
17,0/2
480
17,552
8%
1,448
UlNes
82,000
410
67,626
67,626
14,374
Mthies
1 1 U73
415
39,438
60,962
100,400
W%
11,573
Gas & OH
6 WOO
420
20, ➢ 68
20,1168
67%
40,832
Office Expen
5, 1180
425
5,058
0
5,058 1
67%
10,122
Contracts
36,250
435
2f,093
23,800
44,893
-24%
(Et,643)
Staff IDevel
23,375
440
3,658
➢0,000
5,203
W,(;61
19%
4,514
Travel
9,205
445
0
5,540
5,540
40%
3,665
Msuravice
88,000
4,551
84,162
84,162
4%
lPirqm Suppl
20,990
460
2,694
H097
43
➢0,394
2,349
"1
337
16,955
➢9%
- -
4,fl)35
---------
Rerrfd
2,000
470
3,673
3,673
-84%
(1,673)
Pirolp Mah%t
24,000
475
25,078
25,078
-4%
Equip MWO
142,8;M
476
0
0
100,7011
500
101,201
29%
41,637
Equip Pons
9,000
477 1
88,093
88,093
26%
"�0,9(17
Bfdg Maint
8,800
4808x)44
8,944
0441!
6,994,798
560,547
442,694
95,451
3,059,461
2,045,754
114,057
245,945
6,563,909
6%
430,889
2020 Accts ,SMO
12/31/2020
2020 REVENUE SUMMARY BY ACCOUNT
KM
Revised Remaining
REVENUE YTD REVENUE PCTCollected REVENUE
Fire Code lnspection-City
1565
$80,250
$66,132
82%
Fire Code Inspeclior) - Town
1565
$10,000
$0
254%
Fire Code �nspections - CLJ
1565
1
$0
Refund Pdor Year Expense
Horne & Comm Services
2189
$100
0%
0%
Pulolic Safeiy Services
2260
$2,000
107%
0%
Dire Protective Services
2262
$3,141,000
$3,080,000
98%
Ren faI of Real Prober ly
2410
$3,000
$7,475
249%
Rental of Equipr-rienf
2414
$0
0%
0%
Public Safety Permits
2550
$14,000
$13,150
94%
Fines 8, Foileiled Bail
2610
$0
$57,785
0%
Minor Sales
2655
$100
$398
1398%
Sale of EqUiprnenf
2665
$0
$2,700
0%
I nsura rice Recoveries
2680
$10,000
11$25,378
254%
011ier Cornpensation for Losr2690
$0
1
0%
Refund Pdor Year Expense
2701
$0
$132
0%
Gifts & Donations
2705$782,006
$0
$839,842
107%
Gifts & Donations (12250)
2705
$0
$0
$225
Unclassified Revenue
2770
$600
$0
0%
Public Safety
4389
$0
$5,927
0%
$4,033,050 i$4,041,134 100.2%
Average
Mthly Projected
$14,118
$5,511
$0
$t0D
$0
$0
$2,000
$0
$0
$61,000
$256,667
$3,080,000
-$4,475
$623
$7,475
$0
$0
$0
$850
$ V,096
$0
$0
$0
-$298
$398
$0
$225
$0
-$15,378
$2,115
$25,378
�$0
$0
$0
-$132
$
$132
$0
$69,98/
$839,842
$0
$0
$0
$494
$0
$57,785
$336,267
$3,953,225
Town of Ithaca
Supervisor's 2020 Report and 2021 Priorities
Ongoing
Responsive to COVID-19 (from multiple perspectives)
Weekly meetings with Management Team and work to close out unresolved initiatives
Targeted
Inlet Valley Economic Development Plan
Parks, Preserves, Trails and Recreation Plan — start process of updating
Revised Town's Emergency Plan
UAW Contract, Bolton Point, 2021-23 (approved)
MOU (County, Town of Ithaca and Town of Dryden) for Game Farm Road crossing design
FEMA application submitted for COVID-19 expenses
Green New Deal and development of two-year action plan; work on Community Choice Aggregation
Historic preservation — stage set for exploration with City of Ithaca and Landmarks Preservation
Committee
Work on USPS revised lease
Puhlic related
Gearing up for Bicentennial including Spirit of Tompkins photographs
Developing Town presence on social media (Twitter, FaceBook)
Regular changes to material in lobby display cases
Involved (minimally)
Public Works facility renovation
Forest Home Walkway
Deputy Supervisor
Updating Telecommunications law and 5G considerations
Short Term rentals -progress made on a policy
Intermunicipal discussions pertaining to water and sewer
2021 Priorities
Decisions about 5G within Telecommunications updated law
Short Term Rentals policy adopted
Integrated Software decision made and implementation plan rolled out
New Town website
Celebrate Bicentennial
Develop and adopt 2022 budget
Adopt updated Parks, Preserves, Trail and Recreation Plan
Inlet Valley economic development plan finalized
Green New Deal initiatives (including decision about Community Choice Aggregation and
Ithaca Energy Code Supplement)
Monitor COVID-19 practices and protocols
Implementation of New Neighborhood Code
Decision made about Town's involvement in Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission
Strategic & Informed infrastructure decisions
United State Postal Service — new lease signed
Participate in Community Housing Fund Program
Continue exploration of sidewalk districts
Town Clerk's Office
2020 Year End Report and 2021 Goals
I start each year saying that there are not many categories for which I have quantitative
numbers for what we do, but here are the few:
By the Numbers
Marriage Licenses Issued 182
Marriage Transcripts Issued 149
Domestic Partnerships Registered 5
Dog Licenses Issued or Renewed 700
Handicap Permits 202
The most important thing we do is interact with the public and our residents and project a
friendly, open and helpful atmosphere. This was especially important and appreciated
this year while the pandemic took hold and offices closed.
We also support, in various ways, every other department, board and committee.
Highlights this year
• Worked through and established a revised Records Management Policy and
associated Scanning Procedures
• Clean up of Laserfische and Municity
• Significantly increased public interaction, both in person and over the telephone
acting as an information center
• Increased issuance of marriage licenses
• Established a monthly newsletter
2021 Goals and Plans
Clean up and prepare for new Town management program (Municity replacement)
Learn updated Laserfische license
Teach everyone how to use Laserfische and scanners
Verification and Disposition of scanned document series
2021 Town of Ithaca Historian Report
In the past year, my activities have included the following:
1) Attended select monthly meetings of the Municipal Historians of Tompkins County.
2) Participated in Town of Ithaca Records Management Advisory Board (RMAB) meetings.
3) Participated in Bicentennial Committee meetings to discuss the Town of Ithaca 2021 Bicentennial.
4) Obtained digital copies of the act by the state of New York establishing the Town of Ithaca:
a) from Laws of New York, 44`h sess. 1821 Ch. CV10001, cover page, & pp. 96-97 from Cornell
University Law Library.
b) from Laws of New York, 44th sess. 1821, Ch. CV10001, cover page, & pp. 96-97 from the New
York State Library. These were high quality scans of 2 different copies of the bound
printed edition.
c) from the original handwritten documents from the New York State Archives. These scans of
the original documents contain the signatures of DeWitt Clinton, Governor of New York,
John Tayler, President of the New York State Senate and Peter Sharpe, Speaker
of the New York State Assembly. There are two scans of the same 3 -page document.
5) Looked into and received quotes for printing and mounting copies of the printed and hand-written
versions of the act founding the Town of Ithaca on foam board with matte lamination at the FedEx store
in Ithaca. Investigated funds available and explored alternatives for printing using Town Hall facilities.
6) Researched the Board Town Minutes from the late 19' century and early 20th century. A century ago,
transportation infrastructure was a major concern of the Town with the laying out of new roads and the
building of bridges appearing often in the records. Other activities recorded were the election and
appointment of Town officials and the auditing of the financial records that Town officials kept for their
departments. Many current road names are those of Town officials whose activities were recorded in
the minutes, such as Bundy, Coddington, Cornell, Eddy, Hanshaw, King, Kline, Mitchell and Titus. Not
only does a Hanshaw appear in the Minutes as a Town Supervisor, but we have Comfort Hanshaw
(Excise Commissioner), Frank Hanshaw (Town Clerk), and John and Samuel Hanshaw (Overseers of
Highways).
7) Researched the discrepancy in the date of the founding of the Town of Ithaca in different sources. The
date was listed as March 16, 1821 on page 52 of the book Ithaca by Henry Abt. The date was also listed
as March 16, 1821 on pages 6 and 93 of the book Landmarks of Tompkins County, New York by John H.
Selkreg. On page 103 of Selkreg's book, however, he writes that the Town "was formed March 15, 1821,
at the court house in Ithaca," and he goes on to list the officers elected and appointed. The Ithaca Town
Record (the Town's minutes) dates the first meeting at which Town officers were chosen as being held
on April 3, 1821. The Ithaca Town Record states, "At the first annual meeting of the Freeholders and
Inhabitants of the town of Ithaca held at the Court House in said town pursuant to an act of the
legislature of this State dividing the town of Ulysses April 3, 1821 Nathan Herrick was chosen
Supervisor..." and goes on to list all of the other offices filled. Selkreg's date on page 103 may have led to
the error on the sign out in front of the Ithaca Town Hall. The correct date of March 16, 1821 was
confirmed by the original copy of the act from the New York State Archives.
8) Obtained digital copies from the Tompkins County Public Library of microfilmed news articles
covering the centennial celebration of the incorporation of Ithaca: "Park Opening Part of City's
Centennial Plan," and "Pioneer Days in Ithaca," March 14, 1921, Ithaca Journal -News [originally located
in Ithaca Journal -News (1919-1933), (via ProQuest Historical Newspapers: New York Collection)]
9) Researched the background of the original officeholders of the Town of Ithaca to assist the
participants in the bicentennial reenactment of the first Town Board Meeting to portray them accurately
and to create a better appreciation of the way the Town functioned in its early days.
10) Shared articles about the flu epidemic of 1918 on March 3, 2020, 10 days before the national
emergency was declared for COVID-19: "Previous Pandemic in 1918 Recalled as Cornell Plans for
Possible Avian Flu Threat," February 7, 2006, Cornell Chronicle and "Outbreak: Ithaca and the 1918 Flu
Epidemic," January 26, 2018, Ithaca.com.
11) Responded to public inquires:
-- Discussed placing a gate in front of the Bostwick Road Cemetery, formally establishing the
cemetery boundaries, and settling the issue of taxes currently levied on the cemetery land
despite it being explicitly excluded from the surrounding land on an earlier deed. Helped
facilitate the October 22, 2020 meeting of Town Parks Maintenance Manager with the owner of
the land surrounding the cemetery to discuss establishing the boundaries, taking care of
dangerous trees, and resetting grave stones. The expectation is that the boundaries will be
established in the spring of 2021.
-- Researched early Ithacan Otis Eddy (b. Jan. 20, 1787: d. Sept. 5, 1843) to assist the education
director of the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site in his project creating presentations on
Eddy, who was the Erie Canal contractor who built the Schoharie Creek Aqueduct.
-- Researched the possible origin of the name of Culver Road in the Town of Ithaca. There was a
prominent businessman Lewis H. Culver (August 9, 1808 -July 18, 1876) who ran a general goods store in
Ithaca with his son Thomas S. Culver (b. January 1, 1848). Lewis H. Culver served as a president of the
Village of Ithaca in 1856 and as a trustee of the Village of Ithaca in 1839 and 1840.
-- Investigated and shared resources with a local developer to determine who bore the responsibility for
building roads for new subdivisions in the Town of Ithaca 50 years ago.
Respectfully submitted, February 16, 2021,
David George
Town of Ithaca
Department of Code Enforcement (and Zoning)
2020 Year End Report
The Department:
In 2020 we had no changes in personnel positions in the Code Department. The total staffing level, for 2020,
is four inspectors in the field, a director, and two administrative assistants.
Our department provides the Town Board with activity reports at the regular Town Board Meeting, on a
monthly basis.
Accomplishments in 2020:
Some of the items, not identified in the matrix's below, that have been accomplished during the 2020 year are
as follows:
• We successfully updated the Town's website page, for the Codes Department. This allows for the
public to find helpful information and apply for permits easier.
• We effectively utilized Laerfiche to build digital permit applications so individuals could apply for
permits through the Towns Website. We are still in the process of finalizing some digital permit
applications.
• We re -wrote and amended chapter 125 of Town Code. We rescinded chapter 129 of Town Code (the
unsafe building chapter) and implemented an unsafe building section in the new revised chapter 125
of Town Code.
• Proposed amended language with the Planning Department, to the Planning Committee, for attached
accessory dwelling units, detached accessory dwelling units, and setback proposals for swimming
pools.
• Worked through a nine-month interview and reference check process, with the LT Department, to
identify a software company that could provide the Town a permitting software system for all
departments to utilize.
• Identified and implemented a remote video inspection option during the initial COVID-19 remote
work requirement. This allowed certain essential projects to move forward. This allow identified
areas that we could determine may need additional work before we can rely heavily on remote video
inspections.
• Assisted the Town of Ulysses in training their new Code Enforcement Official.
• Worked with Engineering and Planning Department to update the Tompkins County Hazard
Mitigation plan, specific to the Town.
• Assisted the Engineering Department in updating the Town Road Map.
Goals:
• Continue to update, clean, and organize our records in the Municity Data Base with the anticipation
of transitioning to a new permitting software program for all departments.
• Work towards implementing, training, and utilizing a new permitting software system, for all
departments, by the end of 2021. This will allow for digital submission of applications and permits
for all users.
• Work with the LT Department to have more of a web presence when the new Town website is
designed and implemented.
• Continue to work with the Planning Department and Town Committees on local law amendment
proposals or new proposed local laws.
• Work with Engineering Department and Department of Public Works to assist in amending the
Town Sewer Code
• Continue to publish items on our website to enhance the public or applicants experience.
• Work toward digitizing all permit applications through Laserfiche, until we transition to a new permit
software system.
• Continue to train our new Electrical and Code Enforcement Official.
• Continue to work with the Ithaca Fire Department and the NYS Office of Fire Prevention and
Control. Work with our hybrid tracking system, in conjunction with Municity, to issue operating
permits, vouchers, and fire inspections for large properties, such as Cornell and Ithaca College.
Current major projects carrVing over to next year:
• Cornell — several small projects
• Sleep Inn Hotel — Elmira Road
• CMC- several small projects
Anticipated projects for next` year:
• Amabel- Five Mile Drive
• Wilson Lab projects
• Subdivision of 519 Elm Street Extension with buildout of residential dwellings
• Coddington Road Community Center
• Various Cornell projects
• Possible construction associated with 904 East Shore Drive
• Permit software transition to implement a new cloud -based system for Codes, Planning, Clerk,
Engineering, and Public Works Departments.
Conclusion.•
While 2020 was an interesting year for everyone, including our department, the upcoming year will be another
year of transition and a continuation of our typical activities. We will look to transition and train in the new
software permitting system that can be used by all departments. This will require a significant amount of time
for Town staff assist with several processes in order for the data migration and implementation, of the new
software program system, to work well. We will continue to seek ways to help, where possible, applicants,
constituents, and the general public. We will also strive to provide our constituents and applicants with a
quality service, while also keeping the public health and safety a priority.
A summary of reports and activities can be found below. Attached to this report are additional graphs and
matrixes from our department. A copy of the report, supplied to the State, can be provided upon request.
Respectfully Submitted,
Marty Moseley
Director of Code Enforcement
(and Zoning Department)
Condensed view of the 2020 activity for the Code Enforcement (and Zoning) Department
All Permit Applications:
570 23 External Pluming Permits
All Permits Issued:
530 22 External Plumbing Permits
Open Active Permits not including operating permits):
267
Total Inspections Conducted:
3557
Stop Work Orders Issued:
8
Permits Renewed
13
Total Certificates issued:
288 13 External Plumbing Certificates
Operating Permit Applications:
50
Operating Permits Issued:
36
Rental Registry Applications Received:
28
Rental Registry Operating Permits Issued
35
Complaints Received:
118
Complaints Closed:
73
Zoning Variance A plications Received:
12
Zoning Variances Approved:
7
Zoning Variances Withdrawn:
2
Zoning Variances Denied:
1
Zoning Variances Pending:
2
Total Fees Collected:
$ 131,073
Total Cost of Construction:
$ 53,893,151
Permit Applications, Permits Issued, and Certificates Issued include External Plumbing Permits that
are issue by the Engineering Department.
Total Cost of Construction does not include Cornell North Campus, valued at $85,042,216 because
Code Department only issued zoning permits.
Total Fees Collected does not include External Plumbing Permit fees.
Permits Issued:
Accessory Structure:
36
Change in Use
3
Commercial Addition:
2
Commercial Renovation/Alteration:
14
Deck:
29
Demolition:
53
Electrical Only:
45
External Plumbing Permit (Engineering)
22
Fence or Retaining Wall:
4
Generators:
1
Heating and Cooling Units:
44
Operating Permits:
36
Operating Permit Rental Registry:
35
Pool or Spa:
3
Roofing:
82
Signs:
3
Single Family Renovation/Alteration:
64
Single Family Residence Addition:
5
Single Family Residence New:
3
Solar:
8
Temporary Membrane Structure:
25
Two Family Residence New:
5
Two Family Residence Alteration/Renovation
2
Zoning Only:
6
Permit Applications Received:
Accessory Structure:
45
Change in Use
2
Commercial Addition:
2
Commercial Renovation/Alteration:
18
Deck:
31
Demolition:
53
Dock:
1
Electrical Only:
47
External Plumbing Permit (Engineering):
23
Fence or Retaining Wall:
5
Heating and Cooling Units:
54
Operating Permits:
50
Operating Permit Rental Registry:
28
Pool or Spa:
5
Roofing:
82
Signs:
2
Single Family Renovation/Alteration:
67
Single Family Residence Addition:
3
Single Family Residence New:
5
Solar:
9
Temporary Membrane Structure:
26
Two Family Residence New:
5
Two Family Residence Alteration/Renovation
1
Zoning Only:
6
Certificates Issued:
Certificate of Compliance
172
Certificate of Occupancy
102
Electrical only Certificate of Compliance
7
Temporary Certificate of Compliance
7
Complaints Received
Building without a permit
20
Fire safety violations
30
Garbage
4
Grass
1
Local Law
20
Noise
1
NYS Building Code
5
NYS Residential Code
1
Other
5
Property maintenance
16
Report of fire
3
Sign law
4
Unregistered Vehicle
2
Unsafe occupancy
3
Zoning violation
3
NUrnber of Per -r -nits vs Inspectioris CoridUcted
ii:
mmm �nsj,',jlecdoris C0r'IdUCted Fil e r irr� i t s � ss, u e
Cost of CanstIIS 'U(-AiOIIS l vs Pern'-III ts �SSL,ied
ME=
C0 S L Cw f iC,0VlStRlCt.VOrl P le r rn � �. s i SS U e d
$1.00"000"00aw
$80,000,000,0,0
$,40,000, 000. 0,0
Costof Canstructiii ours vs [::�ees C&lIll ected
2015 2016 2017 �2 01.8 �2 019 �2 02 0
iiffmom C"d ".., f o f Cb n s to ch o I@ —mm— F e e .., ( o III III e c e d
$4�.O,000.00
$,4'00,,000,00
S3SOAM100
�,00,000,00
$ 2 CHI CXXX CMD
s 1 CHI C)CM CMD
Human Resources 2020 Year End Report, by Judy Drake
■ Civil Service: Maintained compliant requirements
o Received approved payroll certification as required by civil service law.
o Reviewed changes for positions and reclassifications
o Position changes at the Town and SCLIWC due to deaths, retirements,
resignations/terminations. 5 retirements, 4 resignation, 2 termination, 9 internal
promotions and 6 new hires.
o Staff levels as of 12/31 (see page 2-3) (not including new positions budgeted for 2021)
• Town: 56 FT/ 0 PT Vacant 12/31/20: 1 MEC? —back filled by Laborer,
Water/Sewer Maint. Supervisor, and Engineering Technician I
• BP: 20 FT/ 0 PT Vacant: GIS/IT Specialist
• GTCMHIC: 2 FT/ 0 PT Vacant: Admin/Computer Asst.
• Town and BP Personnel Committee and Employee Relations Committee staff support
o Consistent meetings with each committee monthly- prepared minutes/agendas
o Discussed and recommended revisions to policies -COVID-19
o Completed review of Personnel Manual!
o ERC reviewed suggestion box comments and reviewed policies
o Scheduled and arranged training events -Unconscious Bias — Hiring and Workplace
o HR support to BP's UAW negotiations team.
• Town Hall management representative on Safety Committee- reviewed 2 injury claims
• Benefits Administrator for:
o Health, Dental, Life, Short Term Disability, Flex Spending, Workers' Compensation,
Deferred Compensation & NYS Retirement System
o Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium
• Serve as the Director representing the Town and serves as Board Chair
■ Member of sub committees -Joint Committee on Plan Structure & Design, Audit &
Finance Committee, Operations, and the Executive Committee
• Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium- Created two additional
positions for 2021 - Finance Manager and Benefits Specialist
■ Human Resources support to Bolton Point Commissioners and staff —attend weekly
management team meetings.
■ Commercial Insurance coordinator for Town and Bolton Point - Worked on insurance claims
against the town and Bolton Point.
■ Payroll management and law compliance — ran payroll collaboratively with Debby Kelley
Payroll was moved to a cloud based WLB platform in December
o 125 w -2's issued, 1095 and 1094 C forms regarding health insurance coverage were
completed and sent with w -2's — Completed budget work for 2021 for Town, BP & GTC
■ Represent Town on TCC OG Training Academy, TC Diversity Consortium and PW
Apprenticeship program.
Engagement Survey
Evaluate HR and Payroll Software options — cloud based
Succession planning for retirements in 2021 through 2025
ffoTINNUTAYPIT-M.
Town Board
Town Supervisor
Town Board Members
J!;SIIces
Tom Justice
Court Clerk
Town Clark
Town Clerk
First Deputy Town Clerk
Deputy Town Clerk
Sudaet & Finance
Finance Officer
Deputy Finance Officer
Bookkeeper to the Supervisor
Receiver of Taxes (Dec. - March)
Human Resources
Human Resources Manager
Principal Account Clerk - Payroll
Information Technology
Network/ Records Specialist
Network Specialist
Sub -Total - General Government
Code EnIQrcement
Director of Code Enforcement
Sr. Code Enforcement Officer
Code Enforcement Officer
Electrical/Code Enforcement Officer
Senior Typist
Administrative Assistant IV
Administrative Assistant I
Sub -Total - Code Enforcement
ELannipg
Director of Planning
Asst. Director of Planning
Senior Planner
Environmental Planner
Planner
Senior Typist
Sustainability Planner
Sub -Total - Planning
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
6.00
6,00
6,00
6.00
6.00
6.00
6.00
6.00
6.00
6.00
2.00
2.00
2.00
2,00
2.00
2.00
100
2.00
2.00
2.00
2,00
2,00
2.00
2,00
2.00
2,00
2,00
2.00
2.00
2.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1,00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
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1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
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1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1,00
1.00
1,00
1.00
1.00
1,00
-
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01,50
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1.00
1.00
1.00
1,00
1.00
1.00
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1
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0.25
0.25
0,25
0.25
0.25
0,25
0.25
0.25
0,25
0.25
1.00
1.00
1,00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1,00
1,00
1.00
1,00
1100
1,00
1.00
1.00
1.00
17.25
17.25
17.25
17.25
17.25
17.25
18.25
18.25
18.75
105
1.00
1.00
1,00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00 1
-
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1.00
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1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
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1 0.75
1.75
1.75
1.75
1.75
2.00
3.00
100
3.00
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1.00
1.00
1.00
--
-
-
1.00
1.00
1.00
1,00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
4.75
4.75
4.75
4.75
4.75
5.00
7.00
8.00
8.00
7.00
1,00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1,00
1.00
1,00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
-
-
--
-
2.00
2.00
2.00
2.00
2.00
2,00
2.00
1.00
1,00
1.00
-
1.00,0
11.000
1
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1.00
1. 0
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1.00
1,00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
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1.00
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1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1,000
0
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1,00
1.00
6.00
6.00 1
6.00
6.00
6.00
6.00
6.00
6.00
6.00
6.00
Key: 0.00 -vacant and Willmay fill - vacant and not filling position
I islIeRl 141 Al 111 10
Public Works DegilrLnLep
Highway Superintendent/Director PW
Deputy Highway Superintendent
Parks Maintenance Manager
Water/Sewer Maint, Supervisor
Maintenance Supervisor
Maintenance Worker
Working Supervisor
Heavy Equipment Operator
Motor Equipment Operator
Laborer
Sr. Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Automotive Mechanic Assistant
Administrative Assistant IV
Administrative Assistant I
Sr. Civil Engineer/ Town Engineer
Civil Engineer
Sr. Engineering Technician
En ineerin � Technician
Sub -Total - Public Works Department
Enalneerino Imoved from PWD 1/20201
Director of Engineering /Town Eng.
,Sr. Civil Engineer
Civil Engineer
'Senior Engineering Technician
Engineering Technician I
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1100
1,00
1.00
1-00
1.00
1,00
1.00
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1.00
1.00
1,00
1,00
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1100
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1000
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100
3,00
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4w00
4.00
4.00
4.00
4.00
4,00
4,00
4.00
4.00
4.00
4.00
4.00
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6.00
6.00
6.00
6.00
6.00
8,00
8,00
8.00
8.00
8.00
5.00
5.00
5.00
5.00
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3.00
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4,00
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4.00
1.00
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11.00
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28.75
30,75
30.75
30.75
30.75
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31.75
3435
35.00
30.00
1.00
1.00
2.00
0.00
0.00
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0100
0.00
0.00
0.00,
0,00
0.0110
6.00
TOWN OF ITHACA
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
2020 Annual Report
2020 presented several weather challenges for the department. Substantial fall rains and premature
snow gave us some wet environments. Several staffing changes challenged the DPW which resulted
in new approaches to past practices. The Public Works Department had a very busy year in which the
following maintenance and Capital Projects were accomplished:
Highway:
• Purchased 2980 tons treated and raw salt, thus providing a full salt barn for the beginning
of the next winter season.
• Employed three seasonal workers for the summer aiding on Highway, Engineering, Water
and Sewer and Parks projects.
• Provided training sessions for staff on topics including construction site safety, snow
removal operations, storm water, motor vehicle laws and CDL requirements.
• Purchased equipment and tools, as approved within the budget including a light duty
pickup truck, a medium duty truck with plow, a John Deere front-end loader, a Bobcat skid
steer loader, a Cat Mini -excavator, and a turf mower.
• Completed drainage maintenance work at various locations throughout town which
included ditch cleaning, driveway culvert replacement/ installation.
• Completed pavement reconstructions/repairs to Winston Drive, Sandra Place, Simsbury
Drive, Pennsylvania Avenue, Kendall Avenue. This work was completed with Town CIP,
operations, CHIPS and NYS Emergency Roads monies.
• Completed pavement maintenance work on various roads throughout the town.
• Crews responded to "call-in" events for winter maintenance and plowing.
• Completed four rounds of roadside mowing throughout the town.
• Completed mowing and clearing along trails and utility easements.
• Cooperated with other municipal agencies to provide manpower and equipment support
through our mutual aid agreements.
• Provided for and responded to the daily maintenance needs of the town's vehicle,
equipment and small tools, utility infrastructure, buildings and facilities, roadways parks
and trails.
• Completed PW administrative addition, along with groundwork, lawn
modification/ restoration, and a blacktop overlay on the parking lot.
• Contracted the demolition and removal of the newly acquired Town of Ithaca property at
#124 Seven Mile Drive, a.k.a. the "Welch House".
Parks/ Trails/ Preserves/ Cemeteries:
• Provide weekly grounds maintenance at 65 town -owned sites (parks, trails, preserves, tank
sites, pump stations, Town Hall and the Public Works Facility).
• Completed year-round weekly site checks at park and trail facilities.
• Completed the restriping of all cross walks and stop bars within the town.
• Continued administration and maintenance of the use of Tutelo Park and Valentino Field
for Cal Ripken Little League and pavilion picnic use. Completed a renovation of the infield
dirt and warning track on Valentino Field.
• Continued to support volunteers doing grounds maintenance at the Inlet Valley Cemetery,
West Hill Community Garden, East Ithaca Recreation Way (Honness Lane/ Pew Trail) and
Tutelo Park, Town Hall, and Game Farm Trail.
• Assisted Town's Conservation Board with the annual Richard Fischer Award tree planting
at Salem Park, planting twelve locally sourced, native Shadblow Serviceberries.
• Continued Pale Swallow-Wort eradication efforts at the East Ithaca Preserve.
• Worked closely with Jim Engel, owner of White Oak Nursery in Geneva, as our invasive
species control contractor to rid several sites of woody invasive trees and shrubs. Extensive
elimination of these invasive species was done at the East Ithaca Recreation Way (Honness
Lane); the East Ithaca Preserve and adjacent Pew Trail alignment; East Shore Park; Babcock
Preserve. At many of these sites we planted a wide selection of native trees and shrubs,
along with various herbaceous seed mixes. Park staff also cleared invasive woody plants
along several other trails and at several parks during the year.
• Mulched beds and no-mow areas were refreshed with new woodchip mulch at all park and
trail sites.
• Several town parks were refurbished with fibar playground mulch to improve stabilization
and playground safety.
• Continued work on the invasive removal along the South Hill Trail. Stump cutting and
treating invasive woody plants within 15 feet on either side of the trail.
• Completed native planting on the South Hill Trail thus completing a grant from the DEC.
Over 900 native trees and shrubs were planted after the eradication of invasive plants.
• Coordinated work by volunteer Master Gardener at Town Hall. He continued working on
rehabilitating the planting bed, adding new plant material and mulch.
• Continued on-going removal of hazardous trees along our trails and in the parks. This
included several of the trees identified by our contractor as part of the grant to do a tree
census of all town-owned rights-of-way.
• Annual inspection of Pine Tree Preserve was completed with the representative of Finger
Lakes Land Trust.
• Resumed maintenance of the Pine Tree paths trail linking our trails and sidewalk along
Maple Avenue.
• Established new and improved walking trails at several park sites. Salem Park, Tutelo Park,
and Eastern Heights Park all received upgrades and maintenance relative to drainage and
obstructions along the paths.
• Continued the construction of the trail section at new Saunders Park. Created an
established walking path and improved drainage along the entire project. To be continued
and revamped during 2021.
• Ongoing removal and treatment of Ash trees in town rights-of-way/parks/preserves.
• Installed new cedar split rail fencing along Saunders Parks and South Hill Trail.
• Continued to work on the update of the town's Park and Open Space Plan. This allows us
to better plan for future development of existing Town of Ithaca property as well as current
maintenance methods of established parks and trails.
• Worked with Engineering staff to develop and continue with the reconstruction of the
Forest Home Walkway.
• Replaced and planted over 100 native trees and shrubs in various park/trail sites.
• Due to Covid-19, established several park and trail policies throughout the year to keep
residents safe while using our facilities.
Water:
Salem Drive, Winston Drive, Winston Court and Deerfield Place, contractor
accommodations to facilitate the project.
• Replaced the electrical service line at the Regency Pump Station including a new meter set
and associated conduits, wiring and breaker upgrades.
• Installed perforated drainage piping on the property of #1060 Danby Road to address a
long-standing drainage issue resulting from the 2008 Danby Road Watermain Replacement
Project.
• Pressure washed various water tanks to prevent algae growth.
• Site work at the West Hill Tank in preparation for new security fence.
• Responded to and repaired 16 water main breaks, replaced/ repaired water valves, and
water curb boxes as well as several hydrants around the municipality.
• Blacktop repair and lawn restoration from winter water main breaks.
• Installed new high visibility markers on hydrants around town.
• Installed driveway pipe on the Springwood Townhouses property located on East King
Road to access the East King Road PRV pit.
• Placed stream crossings on the Emerson Power Transmission site for both the water and
sewer line to access for maintenance.
• Installed a drain at one of the three pressure reducing valve (PRV) pits on Stone Quarry
Road.
• Contracted with Bolton Point to upgrade motor drivers, rebuild water pumps and motors
at various water pump stations as well as installation of a chlorination monitoring device at
the Coy Glen Pump station.
Sewer:
• Installed call out monitoring equipment (Omni Guard Dog) on nine of the Town owned
sanitary sewer pump stations.
• Started repairing air release valves and manholes located in the East Shore Drive, Waldorf
and Wonderland sanitary sewer pump station systems.
• Continued to repair leaking manholes as found with Parson Environmental Product and
received training on how to use these products.
• Investigated Cornell's sewer billing and held meetings to figure out disconnects.
• Repaired miscellaneous sewer lines including deficiencies highlighted from the
Engineering Department's annual Sewer Rehabilitation Project.
• Preventative maintenance on nine sanitary sewer pump stations including oil replacement,
pump amperage checks, impellor checks, seal checks.
Engineering:
• Administered 30 Simple SWPPP permits, 3 Basic SWPPP permits, and managed 9 full
SPDES Permits.
• Reviewed and administered 47 External Plumbing Permits for various residential and
commercial customers.
• Represented the town at the Tompkins County Storm Water Coalition.
• Represented the town at the Multi -Jurisdictional FEMA Flood Plain Review and Analysis.
• Represented the Town of Ithaca at the Bolton Point Engineering and Operation Meetings.
• Represented the Town of Ithaca at the "Meeting of 6' relative to intermunicipal
cooperation, review, and coordination for sewage flows to the VCHWTP and IAWTP.
• Represented the Town of Ithaca at the IAWTP SJC monthly meetings.
• Attended meetings with the VCH, City, and Cornell to review/update existing/ outdated
sanitary sewer contracts.
• Attended construction/ coordination meetings for ongoing town/city sidewalk projects: RT
9613; Trumansburg Rd.; Hector St.
• Attended monthly/bi-monthly Town Planning Board meetings to facilitate ongoing
Engineering/PWD review and approval of projects.
• Completed engineering support and design review for 18 development submittals.
• Completed design, construction and project administration of the Winston/Salem
Watermain Replacement, Public Works Facility Expansion, and town wide Sanitary Sewer
Manhole/Sewer Main Rehabilitation Projects.
• Onsite inspection on various construction sites town wide to review installation and testing
of town infrastructure and stormwater management facilities. (Cornell North Campus
Residential Expansion, Amabel, Larisa Lane/ Westview Subdivision, CMC Parking
Expansion, IC3 Redevelopment).
• Assisted town parks staff for installation, layout, and survey of the future Saunders Park
and Trail and/or Town Preserve Facilities.
• MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System): town wide inventory of Illicit
Discharge/ End Section review and classification. Town wide Stormwater Management
Structure inventory and data collection. Stormwater pipe inventory.
• Initiated site survey and analysis for future 2021-2022 town projects
• Began design for 2021-2022 projects including Cliff St./Trumansburg Rd./Hopkins Rd.,
Southwoods PRV & Troy Rd. PRV, Troy Road Watermain, Ridgecrest Watermain extension
and booster station, Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation, Upper Sandbank and Maple Ave Road
rehabilitation.
• Ongoing design/ coordination of the Forest Home Walkway reconstruction project.
• Installed and monitored temporary traffic counters in various locations throughout the
town.
• Installed and monitored temporary and permanent sanitary flow meters. Attended
numerous meetings with City of Ithaca, Cayuga Heights to discuss ongoing sewer meter
issues/ coordination.
• Worked with water and sewer maintenance supervisor to review and update sewer pump
station infrastructure and monitoring capabilities.
• Completed the Danby Road I&I Study. Larson Design Group in conjunction with town
staff investigated, metered and analyzed the existing sanitary sewer system relative to
identifying sources of inflow and/or infiltration (I&I).
• Responded to NY Dig Safely utility "mark out" requests.
Engineering -2021 Priorities
• Water and Sewer Benefit Units review and update.
• Review/ Update Water and Sewer Codes.
• Review/Update Stormwater Codes.
• Review/ modify town water 3 -day storage requirements.
• Upgrade infrastructure to facilitate the Town's Comprehensive Plan development goals.
• Improve efficiency within the department.
Yard Waste Management:
• Completed the biannual town wide pick up of leaves, brush and annual holiday trees.
• Due to COVID-19 and the PWF Renovation Project, visits by town residents were not
tracked. Once the facility opens back up, we will require residents to sign in again.
• In cooperation with the Village of Cayuga Heights, facilitated the storage and processing of
woody debris.
• Management of yard waste stockpiles, composting and topsoil mixing.
Overall town staff was able to meet the expectations of the community by providing services and
representation and being fiscally responsible by staying within approved or modified budgets.
PWD -2021 Priorities
• Work with Engineering to analyze and design a new Department of Public Works site after
the acquisition and demolition of the building at #124 Seven Mile Drive.
• Revisit the asset management program to organize staff and highlight areas for gain in
efficiencies.
• Complete the Saunders Road Park and Trail started in 2020.
• Work with the Deputy Highway Superintendent and Town's Finance Director to fine tune
the roads portion of the CIP for future years.
• Get the new Water and Sewer Maintenance Supervisor up to speed with the utility systems
as we continue to tackle inflow and infiltration, water system upgrades, and revisions of
intermunicipal utility agreements.
0 _-17'ly
TOWN OF ITHACA
215 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850
�� - 04 www.town.ithaca.ny.us
FINANCE AND BUDGET - (607) 273-1721 FAX - (607) 273-1704
Date: February 17, 2021
Memo to: Rod Howe, Supervisor, and Members of the Town Board
From: Donna Shaw, Finance Officer
Subject: Preliminary Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2020
The financial results for Fiscal Year 2020 were generally positive, with fund balances increasing in all funds
except the General Fund, Fire Protection Fund, Risk Retention Fund and Capital Project Funds group.
COVID-19 affected sales tax collections in 2020 with the 2Q seeing a 31% decrease from 2019. Sales tax
collections for the full year were only down 8.8% from 2019. Interest rates were also impacted with CD
rates dropping from 2.23% in 2019 to .71 % in May of 2020.
Finance Goals for 2021:
• Develop a structurally balanced budget for 2022.
• Create a Fund Balance Policy.
• Submit the Annual Update Document by April 1St
• Complete audit by June 30tH
• Work with Budget Committee to achieve goals/priorities.
Results of Fiscal Year 2020 Operations by Fund:
GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS:
GENERALTOWNwiDE FUND - Fund balance decreased by $252,131, with expenditures of $4,880,647
exceeding revenues of $4,628,516. Ending fund balance totaled $3,756,074, which includes
reserves of $969,047 in the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan account, $154,642 for the
General Benefit Reserve, $41,129 in the Preserve Maintenance account, $10,041 in the Land
Stewardship account, and $4,495 for the Inlet Valley Cemetery. The unreserved fund balance of
$2,576,720 represents 43.4% of 2021 budgeted appropriations.
• GENERAL PART -TOWN FUND - With revenues of $1,845,594 exceeding expenditures of $1,573,324,
fund balance increased by $272,270. Revenues exceeded budget due to increased receipts from
sales tax collections. Expenses were significantly under budget for contractual services. Year-end
fund balance of $2,139,032 includes $77,321 for the General Benefit Reserve. The unreserved fund
balance of $2,061,711 represents 102.9% of 2021 budgeted appropriations.
• HIGHWAY TOWNwiDE FUND - This fund was established with the 2018 Ithaca Town Budget to account
for those highway activities to be funded on a town -wide basis. With revenues of $832,257 exceeding
expenditures of $617,739, year-end fund balance totaled $652,517 all of which is unreserved. The
unreserved fund balance represents 63.3% of 2021 budgeted appropriations.
• HIGHWAY PART -TOWN FUND - With revenues of $3,657,746 exceeding expenditures of $2,145,684,
year-end fund balance increased by $1,512,062. Revenues were higher than expected, helped by
adjusted sales tax collections, payment for Maple Ave road use agreement, sale of equipment and
unanticipated insurance recoveries. Ending fund balance of $5,282,722 includes $397,420 for the
Highway Equipment account, $80,835 for the General Benefit Reserve, and $153,000 reserved for
Maple Ave improvements. Unreserved fund balance totals $4,651,467 or 155.5% of 2021 budgeted
appropriations.
• RISK RETENTION FUND - With expenditures of $30,813 exceeding revenues of $30,139, fund balance
decreased from $150,392 to $149,718. In 2016 the Town Board set the target for year-end fund
balance at $150,000 for this fund.
• CAPITAL PROJECT FUNDS - As of January 1, 2020, the Town of Ithaca had four (4) active capital project
funds with a combined fund balance of $707,981. During 2020 one (1) of these capital project funds
were closed and one (1) was added for the Public Works Expansion Project. In 2020, the remaining
balance of the Ellis Hollow Water Tank Project was moved to the Water Fund. At year-end, the
combined fund balance of the Capital Project Funds totaled $255,491.
Route 96B Sidewalk
$ 270,795
$ 1,339,581
$ 1,416,426
$ 193,950
Gateway Trail
69,717
(11,186)
15,748
42,783
Sand Bank Road Imprvmnts
367,469
3,087
370,556
-
Ellis Hollow Water Tank
166,732
371
167,103
-
Public Works Expansion
-
1,578,565
1,559,807
18,758
Total - Capital Project Funds
$ 874,713
$ 2,910,418
$ 3,529,640
$ 255,491
• FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT FUND - With revenues of $3,274,939 falling short of expenditures of
$3,595,401, fund balance will decrease by $320,462 to total $1,487,423 at year-end. The year-end
fund balance represents 40.9% of 2021 budgeted appropriations.
LIGHT DISTRICT FUNDS - Combined fund balance for all light district funds increased from $15,619 in
2019 to $34,503 in 2020. 2020 was the first year of a 5 -year repayment schedule for the purchase
of streetlights and the conversion to LED. The purchase and conversion have been delayed to 2021.
The results of 2020 operations for individual districts are presented on the table shown below.
Forest Home Light District $
5,576 $
8,215 $
2,533 $
11,258
Glenside Light District
955
2,253
953
2,255
Renwick Heights Light District
949
3,159
1,190
2,918
Eastwood Cmmns Light Dist
1,725
4,230
2,401
3,554
Clover Lane Light District
220
638
283
575
Winner's Circle Light District
557
1,511
880
1,188
Burleigh Drive Light District
1,018
2,285
966
2,337
Westhaven Road Light District
2,615
6,519
3,045
6,089
Coddington Road Light District
2,004
4,134
1,809
4,329
Total - Light District Funds $
15,619 $
32,944 $
14,060 $
34,503
2
DEBT SERVICE FUND - With interfund transfers and other revenues of $799,492 exceeding debt service
and other expenditures of $429,027, fund balance increased by $370,465 to total $463,830 at year-
end. $370,556 is unexpended bond proceeds from the Sand Bank Road Improvement project and
is reserved for future debt payments.
PROPRIETARY FUNDS:
• WATER FUND - With revenues of $4,791,742 exceeding expenditures totaling $4,024,441 fund equity
increased by $767,301. The estimated ending fund equity of $7,774,772 includes $21,087 for the
General Benefit Reserve. The net fund equity is estimated at $3,232,008, representing 48.9% of
2021 budgeted appropriations.
• SEWER FUND - With revenues of $3,190,410 exceeding total expenditures of $2,740,232 fund equity
increased by $450,178. The estimated adjusted ending net fund equity of $3,662,877 includes
$17,573 for the General Benefit Reserve and $1,553,491 for the SJC Projects account. The
unreserved fund equity is estimated at $2,109,386 represents 65.4% of appropriations budgeted for
2021.
Reserve Accounts:
PARK, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN RESERVE ACCOUNT - The Fund Balance of the General Townwide
Fund includes funds designated for the purpose of future park development and the purchasing of
development rights, as outlined in the Town's Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan, as adopted on
December 12, 1997. As of 1/01/20, the balance of this account was $858,971. During FY -2020 this account
was increased by a $100,000 re -designation of fund balance, plus $10,076 in interest income. During FY -
2020 there were no expenditures from this account. The balance of this account as of 12/31/20 was
$969,047. At year-end, the State owed the Town $137,250 reimbursement for the Town's 2018 and 2019
purchases of the Babcock property under a NYS-DEC grant. This reimbursement is now expected in 2021.
This account is funded by the Town Board making an annual re -designation of a portion of the Fund Balance
of the General Townwide Fund from unreserved to reserved. Additional income is received from interest
earnings. An additional $100,000 in unreserved fund balance was designated as reserved for this purpose
by the Town Board in January 2021.
No maximum amount has been established for this reserve. It was recommended that the question of a
maximum designated amount be revisited when the balance reaches $1,000,000.
GENERAL BENEFIT RESERVE ACCOUNT - The fund balances in the General Townwide Fund, General Part -
Town Fund, Highway Part -Town Fund, Water Fund, and Sewer Fund includes reserves established for
managing unanticipated increases in employee fringe benefit costs (e.g. NYS Employee Retirement
System, Health Insurance). The aggregate balance of this reserve as of 12/31/20 was $350,001 plus an
estimated $1,457 in accrued interest on a CD maturing in June 2021. The balance by fund is as follows:
oe�neral Benefit Reserve
Savir►gs Certificates,
Account of Deposit
Accrued
Interest
Balance: as
of 12/31/2020
General Townwide Fund
$ 1 $ 154,000
$ 641:
$ 154,642
General Part -Town Fund
- 77,000
321
€ 77,321
Highway Part -Town Fund
- 80,500
335:
80,835
Water Fund
- 21,000
87
€ 21,087
Sewer Fund
- 17,500
73
17,573
Total as of 12/31/2020
$ 1 $ 350,000
$ 1,457
€ $ 351,458
In 2015 the Town Board established the maximum of this reserve be set at $350,000. Balance in excess
of the limit at year-end to be returned to the unreserved fund equity of the host funds.
3
INLET VALLEY CEMETERY ACCOUNT - In 2017 the Inlet Valley Cemetery Fund was closed and the remaining
assets transferred to the General Townwide Fund, to be used in maintaining the Inlet Valley Cemetery. For
the year ended 12/31/20, the balance of this account totaled $4,495. Future income for this reserve will be
limited to interest earnings. No maximum amount was established for this account.
PRESERVE MAINTENANCE ACCOUNT - The Fund Balance of the General Townwide Fund also includes funds
designated for the maintenance of the Pine Tree Wildlife Preserve, donated to the Town by a local family
in 2013. In conjunction with the donation of the land, the amount of $40,000 was also donated to provide
for future maintenance of the preserve. As of 1/01/20, the balance of this account was $40,907. During
FY -2020 this account was increased by $522 in interest income. There were no expenditures from this
account during FY -2020. As of 12/31/20 the balance of this account totaled $41,429. Future income will
be limited to interest earnings.
As this account is expected to decrease over time, no maximum amount was established.
LAND STEWARDSHIP ACCOUNT - In 2014 the Town purchased the development rights to the Indian Creek
Farm with financial assistance through a State of New York grant. This grant included $10,000 to be held
by the Town, designated for the future stewardship of the Indian Creek Farm lands. As of 1/01/19, the
balance of this account was $9,918. Revenue for FY -2020 totaled $123 in interest income. For the year
ended 12/31/20, the balance of this account totaled $10,041. Future income for this reserve will be limited
to interest earnings.
As this account is also expected to decrease over time, no maximum amount was established.
HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT RESERVE ACCOUNT - The Fund Balance of the Highway Part -Town Fund includes
funds designated for the purchase/replacement of highway equipment and machinery. The balance in this
account as of 1/01/20 was $370,892. During FY -2020, the Town deposited $22,250 from the sale of surplus
equipment and $4,278 in interest income. Balance of this account as of 12/31/20 was $397,420.
This account is funded by sale of surplus machinery and equipment, with additional income from interest
earnings. In 2015 the Town Board established the maximum of this account be set at $250,000. In 2018
the Town Board increased the maximum to $400,000. Balance in excess of the limit at year-end to be
returned to the unreserved fund equity of the Highway Part -Town Fund.
RISK RETENTION FUND - This fund is used to account for expenditures for 1) direct employee health and
wellness expenditures, including training, work-related emergency room and clinic health care visits, and
2) repairs to equipment and facilities not covered by insurance, or until reimbursement from insurance is
received. Income for this fund is derived from annual budgeted inter -fund transfers, plus insurance
recoveries and interest income. Fund balance as of 12/31/20 was $149,719.
The Town Board has established the maximum fund balance of the Risk Retention Fund be set at $150,000.
Balance in excess of the limit at year-end to be returned to the unreserved fund equity of the contributing
Funds.
SJC ACCOUNT IN SEWER FUND - The Fund Balance of the Sewer Fund includes funds designated for SJC
purposes. In 2015 these purposes were defined by the Town Board as 1) to pay for expenditures related
to the improvement of jointly -owned sewer interceptor lines, and 2) to pay the Town's share of the City of
Ithaca's bonded debt issued to pay for Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility (IAWWTF)
improvements. The balance in this account as of 12/31/19 totaled $1,537,396. Revenue for FY -2020
totaled $16,095 in interest income, resulting in a 12/31/20 balance totaling $1,553,491.
1) Jointly -owned Sewer Interceptor Lines: Interceptor sewers convey sewage from the Town through
the City of Ithaca for treatment at the IAWWTF. These interceptor sewers are jointly owned with
12
the City, and the Town is responsible for a portion of the maintenance and replacement costs of
these lines. The Town of Ithaca and the City of Ithaca must initially approve all capital projects and
related expenditures before any construction can take place. With the replacement of the State
Street Interceptor completed in 2018, the last of five projects originally agreed to between the Town
and City, $63,228 of the SJC account balance remained for this purpose.
2) IAWWTF Bonded Debt: In 2015, the Town Board determined it would be prudent for the Town to
designate funds to pay part of this debt in the event of future economic hardships. As of 12/31/20,
the amount available in the SJC account for this purpose was $1,490,263.
Sales Tax and Mortgage Tax:
• SALEs TAx - Collections in 2020 totaled $3,280,847, a decrease of $316,315 or 8.8% over the 2019
total of $3,597,162. Sales tax revenues are distributed between the General Part -Town Fund and
Highway Part -Town Fund. Please see page 8 for detailed information on sales tax collections.
Tax GollectionsActual
/dual
Actual E
�
Actual
actual
Actual
2015,
201+6
2017
2018 '
2019
X020
Sales Tax $ 3,067,336
$ 3,003,943
$ 3,184,969
$ 3,388,799
$ 3,697,162
$ 3,280,847
Mortgage Tax 416,760
286,227
279,791
299,934
400,947
297,101
• MORTGAGE TAx - Mortgage taxes decreased $103,846 or 25.9%, from collections totaling $400,947
in 2019 to $297,101 in 2019. Mortgage tax revenues are assigned to the General Townwide Fund.
General Obligation Long -Term Debt:
OUTSTANDING DEBT - During 2019, the Town retired $1,302,000 in outstanding debt. As of December
31, 2020, the total outstanding general obligation long-term debt of the Town of Ithaca totaled
$14,495,000 as shown on the following table:
Public Improvement (Serial) Bonds
- 2013
3,450,000
1,555,000
2028
Public Improvement Refunding Bonds - 2014-A
910,000
380,000
2024
Public Improvement (Serial) Bonds
- 2014-B
3,000,000
1,895,000
2029
Public Improvement (Serial) Bonds
- 2015
2,950,000
2,075,000
2030
Public Improvement (Serial) Bonds
- 2018
4,150,000
3,700,000
2033
Public Improvement (Serial) Bonds
- 2020-A
3,340,000
3,340,000
2035
Public Improvement (Serial) Bonds
- 2020-B
1,550,000
1,550,000
2031
Total General Obligation Long -Term Debt
$ 19,360,000
$ 14,496,000
Done
Of this total, $1,570,620 is for facility improvements, $1,730,625 is for road improvements, and
$11,193,755 is for water infrastructure improvements.
• BOND RATING - On August 13, 2020, Moody's Investors Service assigned an Aa1 rating to the 2020 Bond
Issue. The Aa1 rating reflects the Town's "moderately-sized tax base supported by above average
resident wealth and income", and "management's history of sound budgeting practices resulting in ample
fund balances and strong liquidity position." Moody's full report is available upon request.
• CONSTITUTIONAL DEBT LIMIT - The Town of Ithaca maintains a very low direct debt burden. At year-end
the Town had exhausted only 3.06% of its debt -contracting power.
5
• 2020 PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT (SERIAL) BONDS - In 2020 the Town Issued $2,079,630 in new long-term debt
to finance water infrastructure improvement projects from 2019 and 2020, and an additional $1,260,370
to finance the 2020 Public Works Facility Office Expansion. We also took advantage of a favorable
market and refunded the outstanding 2009 and 2011 bonds.
Investments and Interest Income:
• INVESTMENTS - At December 31, 2020, out of $20,965,222 in available funds, $8,000,000 or 38.2% was
invested in Certificates of Deposit at an interest rate of 0.71%. $12,534,370 or 59.8% was in a short-term
investment account earning 0.22%. The remaining $430,852 was in various Town savings and checking
accounts.
• INTEREST INCOME - In 2020, the Town earned $210,948 in interest income.
9
Town of Ithaca Planning Department
February 17, 2021
Planning Department 2020 Year End Report
& Proposed 2021 Priorities
The following provides an overview of the Planning Department's accomplishments/highlights in 2020
and proposed priorities for 2021.
Activities & Accomplishment for 2020
DEVELOPMENT REVIEWS
The number of applications submitted to the Planning Board were relatively light in 2020. A total of
11 development related projects were considered by the Board, including seven site plans, three
subdivisions, and one modification of a subdivision condition, along with one recommendation to the
Town Board (Official Town Map). This compares with 23 projects in 2019. There were no major
projects under consideration in 2020, although the February approval for demolition of the Maple Hill
Apartments by Cornell does make way for future development of the site. And also noteworthy was
the granting of preliminary approval for the 9,670 ft2 addition to the Coddington Road Community
Center.
GRANT FUNDED PROJECTS
Transportation Related
• Route 96B/Danby Road sidewalk project: Following approval of construction and contract
documents, NYS DOT authorized the Town to advertise the project in March. In April the Town
accepted the low bid of $1,227,727 from Bothar Construction. Construction got underway at the end of
May and the long awaited 0.7 -mile long sidewalk, complete pedestrian lighting, was completed by
November.
• Gateway Trail: The Town worked with Fisher Associates to analyze drainage and culvert concerns
near the Home Depot property. The plans and contract documents were subsequently finalized. In
October 2020, the Town was authorized by NYSDOT to advertise the project. In December the Town
received eight bids, with the low bid of $616,000 from Procon Contracting LLC. This low bid was
$222,956 higher than the engineer's estimate.
• Route 96/Trumansburg Road Pedestrian Corridor Study: The final report was received from Barton &
Loguidice and the project was closed out with NYSDOT.
Park, Trails & Environmental Related
• Removal of invasive plants and replacement with native trees and shrubs along the South Hill
Recreation Way: White Oak Nursery completed removal of invasive plants in the spring, followed by
an inspection from the NYSDEC Forester. Native replanting by White Oak Nurser was conducted
during September — November 2020. A small planting event was held near the Juniper Drive trail
entrance with several Town Board, Conservation Board and staff participating. The Town's Public
Works staff installed a permanent educational sign near the Juniper Drive trail entrance in December.
Following the final inspection by NYSDEC, the project was closed out and reimbursement is expected
in early 2021.
• Funding acquisition of +/-74 acres of preserve land on Culver Road: An updated appraisal was
completed and provided to NYS Parks. Planning staff is waiting for approval of the appraisal by
NYS. Project close out and reimbursement is expected in 2021.
• Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan Update: Contributed to the update effort, including preparing
and administering a web -based survey questionnaire.
Town of Ithaca Planning Department
February 17, 2021
ZONING RELATED PROJECTS
Complete & Adopted Legislation
• New Neighborhood Code: This long-awaited new zoning initiative was adopted in November after a
multi-year in-house development effort. This form -based zoning and design code will enable and
guide the planning, zoning, platting, and building of neighborhoods that take the form of traditional
neighborhood developments (TND). TND neighborhoods are characterized by having a compact form;
a compatible mix of uses and building types; residential, commercial, civic spaces and parks that are
within walking distance of each other; a range of housing types, sizes and density levels; and an
interconnected network of streets and sidewalks.
Sign Law Revisions: Modifications to allow canopy signs and to amend sign design review
procedures.
Proposed Legislation In -Progress
• Inlet Valley/Elmira Road Corridor Zoning Amendment: Work continued in drafting proposed zoning
modifications consistent with recommendations in the Comprehensive Plan and the Inlet Valley Ithaca
Plan: Economic Feasibility Study and Strategic Plan. The plans support an economic development
strategy that conserves and enhances the rural and unique sense of place of the Inlet Valley corridor.
The modifications focus on enhancing development opportunities through diversifying permitted uses
and improving the aesthetic appearance through architectural design standards and guidelines. Behan
Planning and Design continues to lead the effort for the Town.
• Revise Telecommunications Law: Continued work on drafting revisions to the Town's law to address
updated wireless technology and to comply with Federal regulations for wireless telecommunications
facilities.
SUSTAINABILITY SPECIFIC PROJECTS
• Ithaca Energy Code Supplement (IECS): Worked with Town and City of Ithaca to continue codifying
IECS which will mandate reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in new construction.
• Green New Deal: Provided staff support in the development of the Green New Deal goals and
roadmap and initiated implementation.
• GHG emissions reduction in existing buildings: Worked with Town of Bedford, City of Saratoga
Springs, Sabin Center for Climate Change Law and Hodgson Russ Attorneys to conduct research,
develop state -level enabling legislation, and draft a model local law.
• GHG Inventory for government operations: Drafted an inventory with assistance from Cornell
Cooperative Extension (CCE) and Susan Christopherson Community Planning Center.
• LED Streetlight Upgrade: Worked with NY Power Authority and town staff on an approved
streetlight design and start discussion of smart city technology. With town officials, continued
negotiation of purchase agreement with NYSEG.
• Outreach Efforts: Worked with CCE to organize solar energy options web event for residents and
small businesses. And continued to represent the Town in local and national organizations through
presentations and meetings.
• NYSERDA Clean Energy Communities grant: Finalized $50,000 award to pay for sustainability
projects
GENERAL PROJECTS & ACTIVITIES
Agricultural
• Conservation Easement Annual inspections: Inspections were performed for Indian Creek Farm and
Laughing Goat Fiber Farm easements. Both were found to be in compliance,
Town of Ithaca Planning Department
February 17, 2021
Miscellaneous
Conservation Easement Annual inspections: Ithaca College's Raponi and Rich Road Wetland
Mitigation Sites conservation easements were conducted and found to be in compliance.
Richard B. Fischer Award: Coordination for the annual award was provided with the 2020 awardee
being the Cayuga Bird Club.
Deer Management Program: Staff continued to provide extensive support to the program, including
public outreach, coordination with landowners and participants, purchasing equipment and supplies,
and completing NYSDEC permit paperwork. The 2020 program used six locations and culled 20
deer.
Planning Department Proposed Priorities for 2021
Planning Board — major actions/development reviews anticipated
• Library of the Dalai Lama at Namgyal Monastery.
• Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Experimental Hall.
Anticipated Zoning Amendment Requests
• Chain Works District Planned Development Zone adoption following submission of a revised Record
of Decision from NYS DEC and acceptance of the SEQR Findings Statement by the Town Board.
• Regulating plan proposal for the Danby Road/King Road area through the implementation of the New
Neighborhood Code.
• Chamber of Commerce Planned Development Zone modification to allow expanded use(s) of the
property given impending sale.
New Zoning and Land Use Regulations.
• Adoption of modified zoning regulations for the Inlet Valley/Elmira Road corridor following
stakeholder meeting(s) and public input.
• Develop language and begin consideration of a new institutional/campus zone.
• Develop revisions to the Town's Subdivision Regulations with initial focus on the cluster provisions.
• Continue efforts to improve and update the Zoning Chapter of the Town Code.
Sustainability
• Adoption of the Ithaca Energy Code Supplement.
• Continue work on reducing GHG emissions, energy & water use in existing buildings.
• LED Streetlight Upgrade.
• Produce GHG inventories for government operations and community.
Parks & Trails/Environmental Related
Completion of the Gateway Trail (Phase I): Construction of the trail is expected to get underway with
completion of the phase I section between Stone Quarry Road, over Elmira Road (across the blue) to
an area near Home Depot.
Participate in completion of an update to the Town's Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan.
Consider pursuing development of a management plan to address the Emerald Ash Borer infestation
using the databases from the 2017 tree inventory (for town right-of-way and parks) and 2017 forest
assessment for parks and preserves
Town of Ithaca Planning Department
February 17, 2021
Committee/Board Support & Regular Ongoing Activities
• Continue staff support and coordination for the Planning Board, Conservation Board, Planning
Committee, Codes and Ordinances Committee, Green Building Policy Committee, Agricultural
Committee, Deer Management Oversight Committee and Economic Development Ad Hoc
Committee.
• Continue staff representation on Ithaca Tompkins Transportation Council, Tompkins County Parks
and Trails Network, Tompkins County Conservation Partners, and other interagency initiatives as
needed.
E