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Home My WebLink About2024-01-23-TB-PH-FINAL-minutes1 TOWN BOARD MEETING & PUBLIC HEARING (ARPA funds) Town of Ulysses Jan. 23, 2024 The meeting was held in person at the Town Hall at 10 Elm St., Trumansburg NY as well as via Zoom videoconference. Notice of Town Board meetings are posted on the Town’s website and Clerk’s board. Video recordings of meetings are available on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWVIs--g9CpHIxdk9YxZyPw. CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Olson called the meeting to order at 7:03pm. ATTENDANCE: TOWN OFFICIALS: Supervisor- Katelin Olson Board members- Mary Bouchard, Liz Weatherby, Rich Goldman, Michael Boggs Town Clerk- Carissa Parlato Second Deputy Supervisor/Budget Officer- Michelle E. Wright MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: In person- Dona Roman, Jane Hexter, Frank Cava, Marina Delaney, Ezra Delaney, Karen Shepherd, Marlaine Darfler, George Cook, Anisa Mendizabal, Maureen Shallish, Dolores Higareda, Eileen Heptig, Joseph Heptig, Vivien Rose, Aracelis Ortiz Via Zoom- Dee, Linda Liddle, Molly Wadzeck Kraus, K Mackey, Heidi Oros, David Durrett, Nancy, Grassroots Festival, Dori, Nancy Fuhr, Shannon Mackey, Nancy’s ipad2, Melissa, Karen Meador, John Wertis, Dana Bevins APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Motion: Ms. Olson requested the addition of a resolution to appoint a BZA alternate and discussion on a message from Tompkins County Board of Elections regarding polling places. Mr. Boggs moved to approve the agenda as amended. This was seconded by Ms. Bouchard and passed unanimously. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: (none) PUBLIC HEARING: RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC ON THE TOWN’S USE OF REMAINING AMERICAN RECOVERY PLAN ACT FUNDS (ARPA) (3-min limit per person) Ms. Bouchard made a motion to open the hearing at 7:05pm. This was seconded by Mr. Boggs and passed unanimously. 2 PUBLIC COMMENTS: David Tyler feels that more rec space is needed for youth but doesn’t want the town to be pushed into another referendum. He understands the timeline for committing funds and that the board must move quickly. Ezra Delaney, Board member of TCFA and Schuyler County resident, gave some background on the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts (TCFA), noting its importance to arts in the community and for tourism. Attendance has grown and there is a need for ADA accessibility to continue their trajectory. Jane Hexter spoke on Concerts in the Park at Taughannock and how to bring back the events. She inquired whether the town could take it over or provide an alternate location. She offered her assistance. Marlaine Darfler, Village resident, supports the town using ARPA funds for TCFA renovations and accessibility. She feels that it is an important asset for every age group in the community but particularly elders. George Cook, board president of TCFA, and Village resident, said that if town could provide $75,000 they could complete their project this year. The project is shovel ready and meets the town’s comp plan goals by providing recreation and cultural and historical resources and enhancing assets. Mike Roenke, Village resident, said that it looks like town has already appropriated $175K, leaving ~$196K. The board has committed itself to the boy scout camp and funding could be used for that. Dona Roman, managing director of TCFA, asked for $75,000 that could go to their matching grant. It is an historic restoration project that would restore, replace, upgrade, put an ADA restroom in the lobby, etc. all at highest standard but wisely with limited funds. Andrea Beesing, Schuyler County resident, supports TCFA. Their project needs funding support from many sources to continue their growth. Eileen Heptig, Schuyler County resident, has been involved with TCFA and seen its quality and quantity has increase. Handicapped access is needed for ADA compliance and she asked the board to consider the funding request. Dolores Higareda, Village resident, said that town has hard choices to make. So many things are worthwhile. TCFA is a blessing for the community and Camp Barton could use some help too. She also supports land for recreation. Dori supports funding for TCFA as well as Camp Barton. Vivien Rose commented- SEE APPENDIX Maureen Shallish thanked the board for its past attempt to support recreation. She also supports TCFA and referenced the Tug Hill Commission of 2016 with regards to a municipality’s ability to gift funds to other organizations. Roxanne Marino, Town resident, suggested putting funds for items that have been budgeted for into reserves and using this money to pay for those things. She supports environmental projects and short term/shovel ready projects. Nancy Fuhr, Village resident, supports TCFA, Camp Barton, the concert series, and the food bank. 3 Ms. Olson asked whether anyone else would like to address the board on this topic. Hearing no responses, Mr. Goldman moved to close the hearing at 7:48pm. This was seconded by Mr. Boggs and passed unanimously. OLD BUSINESS: ARPA UPDATE Ms. Olson said that the next phase is to send the list of project ideas to the finance committee for review, using the rating matrix posted online. She wanted to make sure that the public is clear that the Village also has ARPA funds and that allocation guidelines have loosened since funds were initially released. The town has a $4 million budget and allocates funds each year for community groups to help them offset services. Gadabout, TCFA, UHS, the library, TCNS, Fish & Game Club all received an average of $6000 for 2024. She thanked all who attended and commented. The board continues to discuss the decision process. NEW BUSINESS: ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TOWN BOARD AUDIT OF JUSTICE COURT Ms. Olson thanked Mr. Boggs and Ms. Weatherby for their audit of court financials. Mr. Boggs commended Court Clerk Champion’s efforts to improve the bookkeeping. RESOLUTION #50 OF 2024: ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TOWN BOARD AUDIT OF JUSTICE COURTS WHEREAS, NYS requires an annual audit of the finances of the Ulysses Town Justice Courts, either as an internal audit by Town Board members or by an auditing firm; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Ulysses Board acknowledges an internal audit of the Ulysses Justice Courts was completed by Town Board members Michael Boggs and Elizabeth Weatherby, on behalf of the Town Board, on January 12, 2024; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Clerk shall submit a certified copy of this resolution along with the results of the audit to the NYS Office of Court Administration. Moved: Mr. Boggs Seconded: Ms. Weatherby Olson aye Boggs aye Bouchard aye Goldman aye Weatherby aye 4 Vote: 5-0 Date Adopted: 1/23/24 AUTHORIZATION TO SIGN 2024 CONTRACT WITH TOMPKINS COUNTY SOIL AND WATER RESOLUTION #51 OF 2024: AUTHORIZATION TO SIGN 2024 TOMPKINS COUNTY SOIL AND WATER CONTRACT RESOLVED, the Ulysses Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor to sign the 2024 Tompkins County Soil and Water Contract, and be it FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Clerk is directed to submit the signed contract to Tompkins County. Moved: Mr. Boggs Seconded: Ms. Bouchard Olson aye Boggs aye Bouchard aye Goldman aye Weatherby aye Vote: 5-0 Date Adopted: 1/23/24 AUTHORIZATION TO SIGN MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH THE TEAMSTERS LOCAL 317 RESOLUTION #52 OF 2024: AUTHORIZATION TO SIGN MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH TEAMSTERS LOCAL #317 WHEREAS, the passage of Local Law No. 5 for the Year 2023: A Local Law Creating a New Chapter 40 of the Town Code Entitled “Public Works Department” on October 24, 2023 by Resolution 169 of 2023, resulted in the replacement of the Highway Department with the Department of Public Works; and WHEREAS, the existing collective bargaining agreement between the Town of Ulysses and Teamsters Local 317 of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (hereafter “Union”), dated January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024 refers to the Highway Department; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor to sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the Union recognizing the name change from Highway Department to the Department of Public Works in the existing collective bargaining agreement. Moved: Ms. Bouchard Seconded: Mr. Boggs Olson aye Boggs aye Bouchard aye Goldman aye 5 Weatherby aye Vote: 5-0 Date Adopted: 1/23/24 RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF STEVEN MANCIOCCHI RESOLUTION #53 OF 2024: RECOGNIZING SERVICE OF STEVEN MANCIOCCHI WHEREAS, Mr. Manciocchi has been an appreciated and valued member of the Town’s Highway Department since 2005, and WHEREAS, Mr. Manciocchi served as a union steward for several years and worked with the Town Board to develop multiple contracts to serve the members and the Town; and WHEREAS, the Highway Department, now the Department of Public Works, will miss his sense of humor and work ethic; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board extends its appreciation to Mr. Manciocchi for his many years of service to the Town of Ulysses and wishes him well in his retirement. Moved: Ms. Olson Seconded: Mr. Goldman Olson aye Boggs abstain Bouchard aye Goldman aye Weatherby aye Vote: 4-0 Date Adopted: 1/23/24 APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATE TO BZA RESOLUTION #54 OF 2024: APPOINTMENT TO BZA RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board appoints Karen Meador to the BZA as an alternate with a term ending on 12/31/24. Moved: Ms. Olson Seconded: Mr. Goldman Olson aye Boggs abstain Bouchard aye Goldman aye Weatherby aye Vote: 4-0 Date Adopted: 1/23/24 6 DISCUSSION OF CHANGING POLLING LOCATIONS IN THE TOWN Ms. Olson received a message from the Board of Elections who is seeking feedback on a proposal to eliminate the West Hill polling place due to increased early voting options, difficulty finding poll workers and proximity to the Racker Center location. UPCOMING EVENTS: February 13 – Regular Town Board Meeting February 19 – Town Hall Closed for Presidents’ Day February 27 – Regular Town Board Meeting APPROVAL OF MINUTES: RESOLUTION #55 OF 2024: APPROVAL OF MINUTES: RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board approve the meeting minutes as presented from 1/4/24 Organizational Meeting and the 1/9/24 Regular Meeting. Moved: Ms. Bouchard Seconded: Mr. Boggs Olson aye Boggs aye Bouchard aye Goldman aye Weatherby aye Vote: 5-0 Date Adopted: 1/23/24 BOARD NOTIFICATIONS: (none) PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR (3 min limit per person): Dolores Higareda asked if the board would consider voting against expansion of Seneca Meadows. Ms. Olson said that the board did so in Nov. Vivien Rose requested increased funding for the highway dept, bee committee and native seeds for residents. SEE APPENDIX Roxanne Marino offered the Conservation and Sustainability Committee’s (CSAC) help with the parking lot project and reiterated that the board could raise money from budget to free up money for the longer term projects. She also encouraged the town to join the county’s RFP for new EV chargers. ADJOURN Mr. Goldman made a motion to adjourn at 8:33pm. This was seconded by Ms. Bouchard and passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted by Carissa Parlato, Town Clerk 2/9/24 7 APPENDIX: Public Hearing comments PUBLIC COMMENTS from 1/23/24 ARPA funds Public Hearing David Tyler apprec board is gunshy by what happened in Dec. we need more rec space for youth. Doesn’t want town to be pushed into another referendum. Must think twice. Understands that TB must move quickly. Ezra Delaney- Board member of TCFA, Schuyler county resident. Non-profit founded 40 yrs ago to rpeserve building & provide cult activities to community through TC tourism, NC for arts, inkind… employees + instructors. Remained open during COVID. Attendance has grown. TCFA should be restored to expand access, code compliance, ADA accessibility. Can’t partner with schools, etc. due to bathroom & non ADA compliance. Jane Hexter- 30 yrs, loves concert in park, wants to bring back. Parks don’t want to host it anymore. Need another location- wondered if town would be interested in taking over the concert series with her help, and sponsorships. Costs offset by the income from the bands. Need things that bring us together and this is what makes it great. Addresses mental & community health and has been going for 45 years. Marlaine Darfler- village resident. TCFA is a treasure that offers programing for every age, is a hub for the arts. Great support for elders in community for aging in place to avoid driving into Ithaca at night in the winter. Supports using ARPA for renovation of building for accessibility. George Cook- board president of TCFA, Village resident. ARPA funds are leveraged by- if town approves $75K, project could get completed this year. Project is shovel ready and meets towns comp plan goals by providing recreation and cult/hist resources and enhancing assets. Mike Roenke- village resident- looks like town has already approp $175K, leaves ~$146K for deciding what to do. Board has committed itself to boy scout camp and funding could be used for that. Dona Roman- managing director of TCFA. Is asking for $75 that would go to council of arts matching grant. Bldg. is in national registry. Is historic restoration project- would restore, replace, upgrade, ADA restroom in the lobby, etc. all at highest standard but wisely with limited funds. Andrea Beesing- owns blueberry farm on sirrine rd. Supports TCFA, is board member. Needs funding support from many sources. New successful events. Village of Tburg has built new sidewalks. Eileen Heptig- Schuyler county- has been involved with TCFA- quality and quantity has increased for TCFA. Handicapped access needed/ADA compliance. Asks board to consider the request of the conservatory. Dolores Higareda- town has hard choices to make. So many things worth while. Village resident. TCFA is a blessing for the community. Camp Barton could use some help- will benefit village and town. Rec land- can that still be considered- put money aside for this? school doesn’t have enough space. Dori- supports TCFA. Also camp barton- was HAB monitor with CSI at camp barton. 8 1 Carissa Parlato From:Carol Bobertz <carolbobertz@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, January 23, 2024 8:57 AM To:ulysses.clerk@gmail.com Subject:Comment for Public Hearing Follow Up Flag:Flag for follow up Flag Status:Flagged I want to thank you for your efforts to purchase land for a park in our community and to express my disappointment in the results of the referendum. Although I am not personally active in local recreational programs, I work with many children and families who depend on them. I believe these programs are very beneficial to our community and additional spaces in which to offer them are needed. I hope other options to support recreational opportunities will arise in the future and that the Town Board will consider supporting them. Thank you for your continued work in support of our community. Best, Carol Bobertz Director, Trumansburg After School Program 9 1 Carissa Parlato From:Christine Finnigan <cfinn1952@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, January 23, 2024 3:27 PM To:Carissa Parlato Subject:ARPA funds I strongly support use of these funds for the Tburg Conservatory! Christine Robinson 4005 Cold Springs Rd Tburg 10 1 Carissa Parlato From:Xanthe Matychak <xanthe.matychak@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, January 23, 2024 11:16 AM To:ulysses.clerk@gmail.com; ulyssestownsupervisor Subject:TCFA proposal. Re: Request for Allocation of ARPA 2024-26 Funds to Support Local Performing Musicians Follow Up Flag:Follow up Flag Status:Flagged Hello I am writing to say that I am interested in the proposal from TCFA for ARPA funds. I have not read the proposal but I would request that they include a meaningful and measurable line item about how investment in their building rehabilitation will create economic opportunity for our local performing artists who took a major economic hit during COVID that has lasting effects. I would be happy to brainstorm with folks on this should my support be needed. Xanthe Matychak 7 McLallen St, Trumansburg, Ny 14886 On Wed, Oct 18, 2023 at 1:00 PM Xanthe Matychak <xanthe.matychak@gmail.com> wrote: Dear Katelin Olson, Town Supervisor and Carissa Parlato, Town Clerk: I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you as a concerned and engaged member of our community to propose the allocation of the town's ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds for the years 2024-26 in support of our local performing musicians. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound and lasting impact on these talented individuals, and it is imperative that we consider their well-being and economic stability as we allocate these crucial funds. The arts, including performing arts, have been among the sectors that witnessed the most significant decline in the U.S. economy in 2020. According to recent data, when adjusting for inflation, the value added by performing arts presenters, which includes festivals, plummeted by almost 73 percent between 2019 and 2020. This statistic underscores the severity of the challenges faced by those involved in the performing arts. While it is difficult to find specific data on the economic impact of the pandemic on independent musicians, it is reasonable to assume that their experiences mirrored those of the broader performing arts community. With performing arts organizations reporting a 73% downturn in revenue, we can only imagine that independent musicians faced similar, if not more severe, hardships during this period. Our local musicians are invaluable assets to the cultural and economic identity of our region. They contribute to our town's unique character, enrich the quality of life for residents, and attract visitors who support our tourism and hospitality businesses. A recent report, "ARTS & ECONOMIC PROSPERITY 6," highlights the multifaceted contributions of the arts to our economy, and the positive ripple effect it generates. One of the remarkable aspects of the arts is its ability to drive commerce in our local businesses. Unlike most industries, the arts inspire substantial event-related spending by their audiences. In 2017, arts attendees spent an average of $31.47 per person, per event, over and above the cost of admission, on items such as 11 2 meals, parking, and lodging. This additional income is essential for the sustainability of our local businesses and the livelihoods of our residents. Moreover, arts travelers are the ideal tourists. They tend to stay longer and spend more as they seek out authentic cultural experiences. One-third of these attendees travel from outside the county where the activity takes place, and they spend an average of $48 per person. A significant 69% of them even state that their primary reason for travel was to attend these cultural events. This not only enriches our community but also bolsters our town's image as a cultural destination, attracting visitors from near and far. In conclusion, it is important to highlight that even modest investments in the arts yield substantial returns. In 2017, the combined $5 billion in direct arts funding by local, state, and federal governments resulted in an impressive $27.5 billion in government revenue. This speaks to the positive economic impact that supporting the arts can have on our community. I would like to emphasize the urgency of considering the allocation of ARPA 2024-26 funds to support our local performing musicians. By doing so, we not only assist them in recovering from the unprecedented challenges of the past few years but also invest in the cultural vibrancy and economic well-being of our town. I kindly request that you give this proposal your full consideration and explore the possibilities of supporting our local performing musicians. Your decision will not only provide assistance but also reaffirm our town's commitment to the arts and culture that define us. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to a positive response that will benefit both our community and its talented artists. Sincerely, Xanthe Matychak Trumansburg, NY SOURCES https://www.arts.gov/news/press-releases/2023/new-data-show-economic-activity-us-arts-cultural-sector-2021 https://www.americansforthearts.org/by-program/reports-and-data/research-studies-publications/arts- economic-prosperity-6 12 1 Carissa Parlato From:clerk trumansburg-ny.gov <clerk@trumansburg-ny.gov> Sent:Tuesday, January 23, 2024 11:32 AM To:Julie Prisloe; Carissa Parlato Subject:Re: Use of ARPA Funds for TCFA Good morning, Your comments found their way to me at the Village of Trumansburg. I am including the Town of Ulysses Clerk, the presumed intended recipient, in this reply. Sincerely, Jessica Giles Village Clerk Treasurer Village of Trumansburg 56 East Main Street Trumansburg, NY 14886 Office: (607)387-6501 ext. 1002 www.trumansburg-ny.gov From: Julie Prisloe <julie@prisloephotography.com> Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2024 10:49 AM To: clerk trumansburg-ny.gov <clerk@trumansburg-ny.gov> Subject: Use of ARPA Funds for TCFA Hello, I am in complete support in using ARPA funds for helping the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Artst. Thanks, Julie Prisloe 13 V.E. Rose ARPA Fund Use Public Hearing Testimony 1 To: Town of Ulysses Board Members From: Vivien E. Rose, Town of Ulysses resident and voter Subject: ARPA Fund Use Public Hearing Testimony 2nd Edition Date: 1/23/2024 This statement slightly revised to identify specific funds for landowner storm water retention. Thank you. Thank you for the opportunity to provide public testimony for Board prioritization of remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds to support recovery from the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency and to shift Town policy and operations to a primary purpose of supporting ecosystem health above all other priorities. In priority order, I recommend the Town Board use $182,000 in ARPA funds to 1. Support Ecosystem Health; 2. Provide Youth Ecosystem Education and Care through long-standing Town non-profits affected by the COVID-19 pandemic; 3. Pay 109 Town of Ulysses Disproportionately Impacted Households $200/household; and 4. Build non-motorized transportation infrastructure. 1. Support Ecosystem Health; Prevent/Address Ecosystem Damage. Contract/Partnership staff up to $50k; $10k each of native cultivars (per Doug Tallamy for support of pollinators) to replace non- natives/invasives in DPW operations and to grant to landowners; $10k grants to homeowners for bioswale/sink near streams. $80k An unhealthy ecosystem cannot support public or economic health. Multiple studies of indicator species show 40-60% declines due to loss of habitat, herbicide/pesticide poisoning, and loss of native cultivars to non-native species. Storm events are more severe. Air and water quality are diminished. Topsoil does not regenerate. Development continues these losses. To date, Town of Ulysses government appears to be focused on installing infrastructure to mitigate rather than demonstrating ecological practices in its daily operations and supporting landowners in ecological practices that underlie local ecosystem health. -Fund one full time position to monitor all environmental health indicators at critical data points in Town of Ulysses and provide guidance and resources to Town of Ulysses and landowners for effective stewardship of ecological resources including air, earth, water and native vegetation. -Monitor (as a start) Install and report daily rain gauges through the Community Science Institute throughout the Town and especially at areas of significant run off into local creeks. -Provide Resources (as a start) 14 V.E. Rose ARPA Fund Use Public Hearing Testimony 2 Advocate and fund landowner gardening/planting practices that reduce storm run off and increase water quality, including sinks, bioswales and stormwater ponds Provide native, open-pollinated seeds/plants to Town of Ulysses DPW to replace non-natives in areas under DPW control. Town of Ulysses landowners who commit to plant and maintain native pollinator gardens of 1acre or more through 2026. Leadership to be provided by Bee Committee. -*Change Local Law to assure that NO ZONING LAW PROTECTIONS of water, air, earth, plants and animals are “waived” by the Zoning Board of Appeals. 2. Provide Youth Ecosystem Education and Care through long-standing Town non-profits affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Direct grants to two non-profits up to $60k total. Town and village government appear focused on youth recreation rather than youth education and training to know ecosystem health indicators and to effectively care for the ecosystem into the future. Ulysses youth do not spend outside time with nature, do not know local insect or bird populations, and do not appear to take action in support of ecosystem health. The Cayuga Nature Center, which the Town Comprehensive Plan supports, is currently closed. The FFA program at the Trumansburg Central School District ended school accessible education programs at the Trumansburg Fairgrounds in 1966. These programs predate TCFA -Provide funds to the Union Agricultural and Horticultural Society of Ulysses, Hector and Covert aka Trumansburg Fair Association, to replace the roof of the office/entrance building. Direct grant up to $30k. The oldest agricultural and horticultural fairgrounds in the county is located within the Town of Ulysses. No other association has worked as long or as hard to promote agriculture and horticulture. It is the only venue for large agricultural animal husbandry or exhibition in the Town. In addition, it is the host and reason for the location of the GrassRoots Festival, the Town’s largest one-event tourism draw. In 2020 it lost all its Fair and GrassRoots income due to the pandemic. The roof on its office building needs replacement; interior offices are experiencing water damage. -Provide funds to Cayuga Nature Center for Education Programs for Ulysses Youth programming. Direct grant up to $30k This center, the former Tompkins County youth tuberculosis sanitarium, provides unique programming to familiarize local youth with local animal and plant species and habitats and habitat care. No other current Town of Ulysses non-profit has the same history or youth educational mission. Funding for school, after school, summer camp and other programming should be provided before ANY Town funds are spent on Camp Barton. 3. Pay 109 Town of Ulysses households under “disproportionately impacted” economic threshold (per 2022 HUD Community Study Data) $200/household. Direct grant based on proof of income per HUD charts for households of 3 or more. $22k 4. Build non-motorized transportation infrastructure. $20k 15 V.E. Rose ARPA Fund Use Public Hearing Testimony 3 Minimizing motorized vehicle use is supported by the Black Diamond Trail from Ithaca to Gorge Road in the Town of Ulysses. Continuing the BDT into the Town’s major population center would increase healthy opportunities to commute or travel south from Trumansburg without crossing major roads. Increased non-motorized vehicle use supports ecosystem and human health. The Supervisor’s 2024 budget report accompanying the 2024 County/Town tax bill includes but does not credit items paid for with American Rescue Plan Act funds: 1. Water Source Protection Plan; 2. IT/ Cybersecurity updates; 3. Maintenance of Town facilities (ADA compliant back door, Town Hall). EMS and Fire Service is the largest tax supported category; these are “emergency” not health and safety expenditures. Other budget items tangentially related to health (youth programs, environmental services, code enforcement) provide no data documenting health or economic outcomes. The budget report notes that the Town of Ulysses 2024 budget included $49,173 for “groups that make the community healthier;” $22,500, or 46% of these funds go to the Ulysses Philomathic Library, Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts, and Jacksonville Community Association, whose core missions are (respectively) to provide library resources to residents of the Trumansburg Central School District, provide music and arts classes, performances and exhibitions to area residents, and maintain a community park in Jacksonville open to the public. None provide direct aid to public health or economic health for Town of Ulysses residents. In my view, providing “nice” while neglecting the effect Town of Ulysses government choices and priorities on ecosystem health and thereby public and economic health is unsustainable. Thank you for your consideration of this testimony. 16 1 Carissa Parlato From:Sammy <gentlemanninja547@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, January 22, 2024 7:49 PM To:Carissa Parlato Subject:Comment for Public Hearing Follow Up Flag:Flag for follow up Flag Status:Flagged Dear Town Board, Thank you for attempting to purchase land for a community park. Many of us active in local recreation were very disappointed in the outcome of the special referendum because we know how limited the current spaces are. I hope that if other opportunities come about in the future, the Town Board will consider investing and creating more public space. If the Town has the opportunity to use the ARPA funds in ways that support increased recreational opportunities, I hope that the Board will support it. The Town's programs serve a lot of youth and adults, and these services improve the health and well-being of our community in important ways. Thank you, Sam Bobertz 4 Sunrise Terrace, Trumansburg, Ny 14886 17 1/24/24, 11:01 AM Mail - Carissa Parlato - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/inbox/id/AAQkADY1Njc1NmI1LWJhZjktNDE2MC04YzMwLWZhMDA1ODE1MmJjNgAQALAzbeOg5F5Jt7Sp9l0uP9…1/3 A PS to my comments at tonight's Hearing on the best Use of the Town's use of our share of the Federal Pandemic relief Monies David Tyler <datyler123@gmail.com> Tue 1/23/2024 10:22 PM To: Katelin Olson <olson@ulysses.ny.us>; Carissa Parlato <clerk@townofulyssesny.gov> I request the Town Clerk forward these thoughts to the Board Members not included in my address line. Although implied in my comments tonight, I neglected to emphasize your idea behind the rejected proposal for a recreation area for the Town citizens, especially its young people, was and remains a good one, and worthy of a second try, if the opportunity presents itself. I know the Board has done much soul-searching since the early December defeat of the land purchase. I was pleasantly surprised the Village Board was unanimously on record in favor of our town's proposal, which then failed at the ballot box, even if the location was far from the center of gravity of the Community. I believe that was one of the reasons it failed, and it may have been destined to be underutilized, in the long run. As someone who has observed our town's electorate since 1987, when our family first moved to this community, from Ithaca's West Hill, there are people who, lacking any community spirit, and as a matter of principle, are almost always against a positive initiative, especially where it involves spending money. For example, such folks almost always find a reason to vote against our annual school budgets, and are a 18 1/24/24, 11:01 AM Mail - Carissa Parlato - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/inbox/id/AAQkADY1Njc1NmI1LWJhZjktNDE2MC04YzMwLWZhMDA1ODE1MmJjNgAQALAzbeOg5F5Jt7Sp9l0uP9…2/3 fact of life, here in our Town. That is behind my suggestion of a "poison pill" if any Permissive Referendum is raised, as a negative pre-condition in any resolution the Board hereafter approves, whether it is for recreation/parkland, or other community purposes. This will require the "grinches" to stand up and be counted, from which exposure the ballot box shields them. If that condition is included, I'm betting the statutory threshold for a referendum will not be reached. Frankly, I was distressed at the amount of disinformation/misinformation disseminated in our Town, in the lead-up to the recent vote. Those are the two points I wanted to emphasize in my comments tonight. I wanted to urge you on, in your good work, and not lose sight of the the positive, forward-looking goals. And yes, all your board must be heard, LOUDLY, by the citizens in support of your chosen project, detailing all the anticipated benefits to our community, you can see. Grateful for your ceaseless efforts, and persistence on behalf of everyone's Town, Dave Tyler 49 Elm St. Trumansburg, NY 14886 (P) 607-387-3484 (C) 607-280-8017 datyler123@gmail.com ******************************************************************************* ******************************************************************************* **************************** The information contained in this electronic message is intended for the named recipients only. It may contain material that is privileged, confidential or 19 1 Carissa Parlato From:Sarah Adams <sarahadams85@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, January 23, 2024 3:47 PM To:Carissa Parlato Subject:Support TCFA for ARPA funds WE strongly support TCFA's proposal for the use of the ARPA funds. This is an important community resource that lost a lot of revenue during Covid as did a number of local artists who typically would be sponsored by this organization. TCFA has a project ready to go and can show the need for these funds to help with the required matching grant. This is a great opportunity for the Town and its residents! Please endorse this proposal. Best, Sarah Adams & Victoria Romanoff -- V. Romanoff and Associates http://www.vromanoffandassociates.com Restoration and Design Consultants 20 1 Carissa Parlato From: Sent:Tuesday, January 23, 2024 2:58 PM To:Carissa Parlato Subject:ARPA Funds Comment Hello, I’d like to submit a comment ahead of the public hearing this evening. I am a resident of Trumansburg Village, just down the street from the TCFA. I would *love* for any remaining ARPA funds to be used towards the ongoing renovaƟon of the TCFA building. It is a unique treasure in our town and holds the potenƟal to serve a mulƟtude of community needs for generaƟons to come, but only if we set a strong precedent of taking care of the building and grounds. Thank you for considering public input. Please keep my name confidenƟal if you read this comment aloud during the meeƟng but please feel free to share my demographic info: Late 30s, Parent. Thanks so much! Sent from my iPhone _________________________________ The Ulysses Town Board will hold a Public Hearing (10 Elm Street) on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2023 at 7:05pm for the purpose of hearing the public’s recommendaƟons for how to use the Town’s remaining allotment of the American Recovery Plan Act Funds. The Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts will be presenƟng a proposal for funds to support our building renovaƟon and restoraƟon. Town funds, if awarded, would leverage a New York State Council for the Arts grant, private donaƟons, and other grants. The Town will allow the public three minutes per person to speak on proposed uses for the town funds. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to provide our elected officials input on this important issue. Comments may also be sent in advance to the Town Clerk at 10 Elm St., Trumansburg NY 14886 or via e-mail to clerk@townofulyssesny.gov by 5pm on Jan. 23, 2024 21 1 Carissa Parlato From:judy barringer <reau439@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, January 23, 2024 11:10 AM To:Carissa Parlato Subject:Fwd: Support of TCFA receiving ARPA funds ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Forwarded message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ From: judy barringer <reau439@gmail.com> Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2024 at 11:05 Subject: Support of TCFA receiving ARPA funds To: <clerk@trumansburg‐ny.gov> Carissa, To Whom It May Concern, I am writing in support of The Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts receiving ARPA(American Recovery Plan Act) funds, that it can meet the matching grant from NYSCA(New York State Council on the Arts). Since Calista Smith's vision, 40+ years ago, Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts has served the residents of Trumansburg, the Town of Ulysses, and all neighboring communities with the unwavering and priceless gift of the Arts to all. There is no organization more deserving of these funds. With this email, I express my wholehearted support of TCFA receiving this money. Respectfully, Judy Barringer 3480 Agard Road Trumansburg, NY 14886 607.275.7299(mobile) 607.387.3667(landline) 22 1 Carissa Parlato From:Diane Capalongo <dmcapalongo@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, January 23, 2024 10:14 AM To:Carissa Parlato Subject:ARPA Funds and TCFA Follow Up Flag:Flag for follow up Flag Status:Flagged Hello, I am writing in support of using the available ARPA funds to help the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts meet their funding requirements for renovations on a beautiful, historic building so they can continue serving even more people with their awesome programs and classes. Thank you, Diane Capalongo 4421 Ploss Ln, Trumansburg, NY 14886 23 1 Carissa Parlato From:Shirley C <scleere07@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, January 23, 2024 4:35 PM To:ulysses.clerk@gmail.com Subject:Re: Ulysses Updates for 1/19/24 Follow Up Flag:Flag for follow up Flag Status:Flagged In regard to the ARPA funds, I suggest TCFA receive these funds to help them meet the matching grant from NYS Council for the Arts! Our Town of Ulysses will benefit immensely from a new improved Conservatory for the ARTS. Sincerely, Shirley A. Cleere Thomas Cleere On Fri, Jan 19, 2024 at 4:20 PM Carissa Parlato, Town Clerk <ulysses.clerk@gmail.com> wrote: Hello Ulysses, Prepare for an “Arctic Blast” tomorrow: From Tompkins County Dept. of Emergency Mgmt: Forecasters say a blast of arctic air will impact our region this weekend, ushering in some of the coldest temperatures of the season and sending wind chill readings below zero. Mark Pellerito, the Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Binghamton, said temperatures will fall through the teens Friday night, to around 10 degrees by Saturday morning, adding “Saturday will likely be the coldest air we’ve experienced thus far this winter. Wind gusts from the northwest of 25-35 miles per hour combined with the cold temperatures will result in persistent wind chills of 5 to 10 degrees below zero.” The Department of Emergency Response is reminding residents to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against frostbite and hypothermia. Extremely low wind chills can pose a risk to anyone outdoors for extended periods of time without protective clothing. Signs of hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature, include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling of hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. Frostbite is the freezing of specific body parts such as fingers, toes, the nose, or earlobes. Signs of frostbite include a lack of feeling in the affected area; skin that appears waxy, is cold to the touch, or is discolored. Geoff Dunn, Community Preparedness Coordinator for Tompkins County Emergency Response, advises “Limit your time outdoors, dress in layers, and be sure to wear gloves, a hat and a scarf to protect your face. If signs of hypothermia or frostbite appear, get out of the cold immediately and call 9-1-1.” 24 1 Carissa Parlato From:Nancy Cusumano <nancycusumano62@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, January 18, 2024 1:14 PM To:Carissa Parlato Cc:ulyssestownsupervisor; Rich Goldman; Elizabeth Weatherby; Michael Boggs; Mary Bouchard Subject:Use of remaining ARPA funds Follow Up Flag:Follow up Flag Status:Flagged Dear Carissa, Supervisor Olson and town board members, Thank you for holding the public hearing for suggestions on the use of the remaining ARPA funds. It seems to me that you have two directions that you could take. The first is to continue with a recreation initiative, working with the Grassroots and Trumansburg Community Recreation organizations on their offer, or another location if one comes along. The second would be to go in a different direction altogether. Some suggestions, in no particular order: Trumansburg Fairgrounds upkeep and maintenance Preschool and After school programs Re-establish the MOU with the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts and make that the community center once again. Work toward expanding accessible town water services I will be interested to hear what other community members have to say about this as well. See you next week, Nancy Cusumano 25 1 Carissa Parlato From:Marc Devokaitis <mdevokaitis@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, January 23, 2024 3:00 PM To:Carissa Parlato Subject:Supporting user of ARPA funds for TCFA renovations Dear Town Board of Ulysses, I'm writing to express support for using the ARPA funds for renovation and restoration of the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts. The TCFA is an invaluable community resource that provides programming of all kinds for all ages throughout the year at extremely affordable rates, as well as many free events - a bright spot of community gathering and education in an area where such resources are few and far between! Thanks for considering putting the funds toward helping this very worthy nonprofit institution. Marc Devokaitis Ulysses, NY 26 1 Carissa Parlato From:Caroline Hecht <carolinehecht@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, January 23, 2024 1:27 PM To:Carissa Parlato Subject:Commenting on using American Recovery Plan Act Funds for TCFA Hello, I can't be at tonight's Ulysses Town Board meeting, but I want to add my support for TCFA's proposal to use American Recovery Plan Act Funds to support their building renovation and restoration. TCFA is a community‐wide resource and provides a needed array of dance, music, and art‐related classes for all ages, as well as a venue for music events and art shows. I hope you will consider their proposal favorably. Please note, I live in the town of Hector, but feel very connected to Trumansburg / town of Ulysses as I only live six miles from Tburg. I'm a Tburg Farmers' Market Board member, I have three kids who went to Tburg schools, and Tburg is my go‐to place for groceries, gas, and so on. Thank you, Caroline Hecht 5689 Burr Rd. Trumansburg, NY 14886 carolinehecht@gmail.com 27 1 Carissa Parlato From:Mary Kaszyca <makablue27@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, January 23, 2024 12:48 PM To:Carissa Parlato Subject:ARPA FUNDS We support the TCFA's bid to receive ARPA funds. This would be a wonderful way to enrich our community since the other good idea recently fell through. Mary Kaszyca Ken Pickens 111 Tamarack Ln Trumansburg NY 14886 28 1 Carissa Parlato From:Kathy Klemperer <kklemperer@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, January 22, 2024 8:14 AM To:Carissa Parlato Subject:Suggestion for using ARPA funds Follow Up Flag:Follow up Flag Status:Flagged Hello, I would like to suggest that ARPA funds be used to pursue Internet accessibility throughout the town. Perhaps in collaboration with the county. I know there was a push for this in the past; I haven't heard that it was actually accomplished. Thank you ================================ Katharina Klemperer 31 Whig St. Trumansburg, NY 14886 978-590-6021 kklemperer@gmail.com 29 1 Carissa Parlato From:Laura Mielenhausen <lauramielen@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, January 23, 2024 10:26 AM To:Carissa Parlato Subject:In support of TCFA use of ARPA funds Follow Up Flag:Follow up Flag Status:Flagged Hello, I'm a Town of Ulysses resident and I'm writing to share my support of using Town ARPA funds to help TCFA reach its fundraising goal for the building renovation and restoration plan. TCFA is such a jewel of the community and provides so many enriching activities to all ages. Using Town funds that are available to help reach the fundraising goal will allow TCFA to continue to grow and also welcome more members of the community who were previously excluded from attending TCFA events due to lack of accessibility. It's important for us to take care of this asset in our community to make sure that future generations can benefit from everything it has to offer. Thank you! Laura Mielenhausen 3050 Frontenac Rd 30 1 Carissa Parlato From:Sandra J. Repp <sjr37@cornell.edu> Sent:Tuesday, January 23, 2024 9:46 AM To:clerk trumansburg-ny.gov Cc:Carissa Parlato Subject:Re: Support for directing ARPA funds to the Conservatory Thanks so much for forwarding this to Carissa. That was the address I was given and I didn't notice it was for the Village. I've let the person who encouraged me to submit my comments know of the error. Be well, Sandy From: clerk trumansburg-ny.gov <clerk@trumansburg-ny.gov> Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2024 8:45 AM To: Sandra J. Repp <sjr37@cornell.edu> Cc: Carissa Parlato <clerk@townofulyssesny.gov> Subject: Re: Support for directing ARPA funds to the Conservatory Good morning, Your below comments found their way to me as the Village of Trumansburg Clerk. I am including the Town of Ulysses Clerk, the presumed intended recipient. Sincerely, Jessica Giles Village Clerk Treasurer Village of Trumansburg 56 East Main Street Trumansburg, NY 14886 Office: (607)387-6501 ext. 1002 www.trumansburg-ny.gov From: Sandra J. Repp <sjr37@cornell.edu> Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2024 8:33 AM To: clerk trumansburg-ny.gov <clerk@trumansburg-ny.gov> Subject: Support for directing ARPA funds to the Conservatory To the Town of Ulysses Board: As long-time Ulysses residents, we strongly support the use of ARPA funds to enable the Trumansburg 31 2 Conservatory of Art to meet the matching requirement for a grant from NYS Council for the Arts. The Conservatory is a gem that serves all residents of the Town of Ulysses and our family has benefitted from their classes, programs and other events frequently during the past 23 years. Sandy Repp & Harry Seichepin 3134 Van Dorn Corners Road Ithaca, NY 14850 32 1 Carissa Parlato From:clerk trumansburg-ny.gov <clerk@trumansburg-ny.gov> Sent:Tuesday, January 23, 2024 9:14 AM To:Gail Shapiro; Carissa Parlato Subject:Re: ARPA FUNDS Follow Up Flag:Flag for follow up Flag Status:Flagged Good morning, Your comments found their way to me at the Village of Trumansburg. I am including the Town of Ulysses Clerk, the presumed intended recipient, in this reply. Sincerely, Jessica Giles Village Clerk Treasurer Village of Trumansburg 56 East Main Street Trumansburg, NY 14886 Office: (607)387-6501 ext. 1002 www.trumansburg-ny.gov From: Gail Shapiro <gshapiro3@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2024 9:02 AM To: clerk trumansburg-ny.gov <clerk@trumansburg-ny.gov> Subject: ARPA FUNDS Hello, I support the TCFA FUNDING to meet the matching grants. This is a wonderful of money. The whole community benefits . TCFA has become a wonderfully active part of our community and growing each year. Yes on support. Gail Shapiro Sent from my iPhone 33 1 Carissa Parlato From:Elizabeth Graeper Thomas <liz.graeper.thomas@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, January 20, 2024 7:41 AM To:Carissa Parlato Cc:Michelle Wright Subject:ideas for ARPA funds Follow Up Flag:Follow up Flag Status:Flagged Hello Carissa, Here are my comments for the public hearing on the use of the ARPA funds. Please extend my thanks to the board for this opportunity for public input. Trumansburg Conservatory of Music and Arts - in years past, this building served as the community center for the town. Besides already providing the services of a community center with instruction and performances for all ages in dance, art, and music, the historic building so cherished in Trumansbur g also provides space for events which can sometimes be tricky to find. The town used to (and maybe still does?) have a contract to allow the town to coordinate with TCMA for use of their space beyond the public services they offer on their own. In years past, the Ulysses Youth Commission used the building for activities such as family movie nights and game nights. The relationship was symbiotic with TCMA bringing in most of their own funding and the town contributing a small fraction in exchange for some hours of building use. Currently the TCMA has a big grant to do some desperately needed upgrades but they need matching funds. The ARPA funds would be a HUGE help and only a small fraction of the total project cost. It's a win win. I believe they are about $70,000 short of their goal of ~$350,000(not sure of the numbers). Habitat on Salo Drive - we are fortunate Habitat for Humanity made it possible to acquire this land, but extra funding would help pay to widen the trails and clear out some of the invasive species. Also, a picnic table by the creek would be sweet. The creek area is currently so overgrown it's hard to view the creek. Some ARPA funding to hire people--maybe some from the youth employment program--would improve this park a lot. Guesstimate $20,000. Boy Scout Camp - I'm so excited at the potential of this land becoming a park. I hope it happens! If it does, there is so much maintenance to be done there. Water quality - Stormwater is becoming more intense and with it soil and nutrients are washed into the lake. We have no control of stormwater going into creeks but we can intervene with ditch treatments and stormwater retention areas. The simplest ditch remediations involve check dams to slow water and the stone for this is not cheap. Stormwater retention areas are basically bits of land either purchased from landowners or leased--usually wet areas at the bottom of fields--that are turned into small ponds that fill up during storms and then slowly release the water after the storm surge is over. Nutrient-rich sediment settles in the retention ponds and occasionally needs to be removed, but since it is rich in the nutrients farmers need, can be put back on the land where it originated or sold to another farm/landowner where the nutrients are needed. Since Ulysses has a robust email list to its residents, advertising this possibility could result in enough contacts to use the ARPA funds. This could use 100% of the ARPA funding. Parking lot - Not a very jazzy project, but that parking lot really does need paving and using permeable paving with a stormwater catchment to prevent all that very salty water from going into Cayuga Lake would help. The salt levels in the 34 2 lake are very high--far about all the other Finger Lakes except Seneca Lake where the salt mine brine often is discharged directly into the lake. We truly do need all municipalities to reduce stormwater runoff, especially from parking lots where salting occurs. Isaac can help! Thank you for this opportunity and thank you for your service, -Liz -- Elizabeth Thomas Vice Chair, Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization 607-279-0675 AWAY FROM EMAIL UNTIL 2/11 35