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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 2022-05-23 Study Session of the Ithaca Town Board May 23, 2022 4:30 pm Due to the continued Emergency Declaration by Gov. Hochul, under NYS Laws of 2022, Chapter 56, this meeting will be held virtually on the ZOOM platform, meeting ID 99112301523. Or call in at(929) 436-2866, and broadcast via YouTubeLive. htt s://zoom.us/`/O9112301523 n�uT'uke Link AGENDA 1. Nick Goldsmith—NYS Climate Action Plan update 2. Continue consideration of the West Haven noise permit application 3. Committee Reports a) Budget i. Consider adoption of revised Debt Management Policy ii. Consider adoption of revised Electronic Banking Policy b) Public Works i. Consider adoption of Parks Bench/Tree Donation Policy c) Personnel and Organization/ERC i. Consider adoption of revised policy—Employer Vehicle and Driving Responsibilities d) Codes & Ordinances e) Planning f) Others o Economic Development o Sidewalks o Parks, Trails, Preserves & Recreation 4. Consent Agenda a. Approval of Town of Ithaca Abstract b. Approval of Provisional Appointment—Computer System Support Aide c. Appoint Ariel Casper to Codes and Ordinances Committee d. Approval of Agreement with Town of Ulysses for temporary Code Enforcement Services e. Approval of temporary stipend—Judge Salk 5. Review of Correspondence MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD May 23, 2022 Due to the continued Emergency Declaration by Gov. Hochul, under NYS Laws of 2022, Chapter 56, this meeting was held virtually on the ZOOM platform and broadcast via the Town's YouTubeLive channel. Minutes Board Members Present: Rod Howe, Supervisor; Members Rich DePaolo, Pamela Bleiwas, Margaret Johnson, Bill Goodman, Rob Rosen and Eric Levine (5:25) Staff Present: Judy Drake, Marty Moseley, Susan Ritter, Paulette Rosa, Joe Slater, and Donna Shaw Mr. Howe called the meeting to order at 4:31 p.m. 1. Nick Goldsmith—NYS Climate Action Plan update This is in support of NY Climate Law, Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) passed a few years ago with the goal for net zero emissions by 2050 throughout NYS, 70% renewable electricity by 2030, 100% zero carbon electricity by 2040, and a strong commitment to climate justice. To help meet these goals NYS convened a Climate Action Counsel with the task of developing a draft scoping plan which has been released for public comment through June loth and finalized by year end. Key strategies are similar to that of our Green New Deal such as energy efficiency measures, transitioning away from fossil fuels through electrification in buildings and transport, zero emissions electricity, and maximizing carbon sequestration in lands and forests. Link to scoping plan https//c lit-nate ray. rov/Oaar Caia-raate-E1ct/1D:)ralt-Sco m �-lane 2. Continue consideration of the West Haven noise permit application Mr. Howe noted that we have not heard anything from the applicant and that Ms.Rosa had reached out to him. Mr. DePaolo asked a procedural question; do we typically draft resolutions of denial of a permit application complete with findings? Ms. Rosa responded that it was with the advice of counsel that she prepares a draft grant/deny resolution for the board to have the criteria as listed in the law in front of them when discussing a permit application and given this was a tabled one and we did not receive any further information, the assumption was it would be denied as submitted previously. TB 2022-05-23 (Filed 6/21) Pg. 1 Mr. Goodman stated that he is still open to consider a noise permit if the applicant submitted a different application with a reduced number of music events. TB Resolution 2022 —091: Denial of a Noise permit for 101 Westhaven Rd Personal live stream broadcast of Dead & Co concert series Whereas, the Town Board held a public hearing on May 9, 2022, regarding a noise permit application for personal broadcast of a concert series received from David Robertson, and Whereas, the Town Board heard from a number of people during the public hearing and through emailed comments, and Whereas the Town Board discussed the request and asked for further information and/or a revised application from the applicant, and Whereas the Town Board tabled the action item to give the applicant the opportunity to revise the application, and Whereas the Town has not received a subsequent revised application, now therefore be it Resolved that the Town Board denies a noise permit to David Robertson for the personal live stream broadcast of the Dead& Co as submitted,with the following Findings: 1. The waiver from the requirements of Town Code Chapter 184 for the above music event is not necessary for a valid purpose, because music might not be able to conform at all times to the requirements of Chapter 184, and 2. The requested waiver is not the minimal intrusion needed, because the amplification level can be heard far beyond the property,based upon the oral and written comments received, and 3. On balance, the need for and benefits of the waiver do not outweigh the needs and rights of the surrounding neighbors to a peaceable and quiet environment. Moved: Rich DePaolo Seconded: Margaret Johnson Vote: ayes—DePaolo, Johnson, Howe, Goodman, Rosen and Bleiwas 3. Committee Reports a) Budget—Mr. Howe reported that they reviewed proposed policies that were included in the packet and looked at sales tax and interest rate trends. TB 2022-05-23 (Filed 6/21) Pg. 2 Mr. DePaolo had a question about the Debt Management Policy and suggested a clarifying change regarding short-term borrowing and the hierarchy of the approval to do that. A change was made to the policy to clarify that the Supervisor, in conjunction with the Finance Officer, would discuss options and bring any action to the Board. Mr. DePaolo turned to the "should include"phrase regarding a prospective impact statement on the CIP debt payment impacts and whether that is intended to be optional or mandatory. Mr. Howe suggested leaving is as "shall" for the first couple of years to allow for some flexibility as we see how it goes in practice. The Board agreed. Ms. Drake suggested adding the Director of Public Works to the preparation of the CIP as referenced in the policy. The Board agreed. TB Resolution 2022—092: Adoption of the Town of Ithaca Debt Management Policy Whereas the Budget Committee has reviewed and recommended the adoption of a Debt Management Policy to the Town Board, now therefore be it Resolved that the Town Board adopts the Debt Management Policy as submitted, effective immediately. Moved: Pamela Bleiwas Seconded: Rich DePaolo Vote: ayes—Bleiwas, DePaolo, Goodman, Johnson, Rosen and Howe TB Resolution 2022—093: Adoption of the Town of Ithaca Electronic Banking Policy Whereas the Budget Committee has reviewed and recommended the adoption of an Electronic Banking Policy to the Town Board, now therefore be it Resolved that the Town Board adopts the Electronic Banking Policy as submitted, effective immediately. Moved: Margaret Johnson Seconded: Rod Howe Vote: ayes—Johnson, Howe, DePaolo, Goodman, Rosen and Bleiwas b) Public Works Mr. Howe reported they discussed the Westhaven Homes sewer concept and location; a Tree/Bench Dedication policy; possible land acquisition near PWF; a draft local law regarding restriction by length on certain roads and/or intersections and project updates. Mr. Slater added that our paving projects are being affected by fuel and asphalt price increases and it is likely that he will be asking for additional funding from reserves later in the season. i. Consider adoption of Parks Bench/Tree Donation Policy TB 2022-05-23 (Filed 6/21) Pg. 3 There were no questions on the draft policy; Mr. Rosen stated that this a great idea and Ms. Bleiwas agreed and suggested putting this in the town newsletter. TB Resolution 2022 —094: Approval of a Parks Bench/Tree Donation Policy Whereas the Public Works Committee has drafted, reviewed and recommended the adoption of a Parks Bench/Tree Donation policy to clarify the process and specifications for people wishing to donate said items to the Town's parks/recreation areas, now therefore be it Resolved that the Town Board adopts the Parks Bench/Tree Donation Policy as submitted, effective immediately. Moved: Rob Rosen Seconded: Rich DePaolo Vote: ayes—Rosen, DePaolo, Howe, Goodman, Bleiwas and Johnson c) Personnel and Organization/ERC—Ms. Bleiwas reported they discussed policies regarding vacation buyback, sick time maximum, reviewed job description, staffing updates, discussed the stipend for Judge Klein and revisions to the drug free workplace policy. The drug free policy will be on a future meeting agenda for full board discussion as the committee was not fully supportive of some changes and it was felt that this is best discussed by the full board. Employee Vehicle Policy— Mr. DePaolo asked what business use qualifies someone to be able to take a company car home? Ms. Drake replied that the Deputy Highway Superintendent, Water and Sewer Maintenance Supervisor and Parks Maintenance Manager positions which are responsible for 24/7 emergency response are the only ones permitted to take the company car home and the use is included in the benefit package of those titles. It is not meant for personal use, other than minimal stops to or from such as childcare/school/incidentals. A change made to clarify that having certification from attending a defensive driving course is required by all employees who drive town owned vehicles. TB Resolution 2022 -095: Approval of Revised -Employer Vehicle Policy and Driving Responsibilities Policy Whereas, the Employee Relations Committee, Personnel & Organization Committee and Teamsters Shop Stewards have reviewed and recommend the revised Employer Vehicle and Driver Responsibilities Policies; now, therefore,be it Resolved, the Town Board approves the revised Employer Vehicle and Driver Responsibilities Policies in the Personnel Manual. TB 2022-05-23 (Filed 6/21) Pg. 4 Moved: Pamela Bleiwas Seconded: Margaret Johnson Vote: ayes—Bleiwas, Johnson, Goodman, Howe, DePaolo, and Rosen d) Codes & Ordinances—Mr. Goodman reported they continued working on the revisions to the telecommunications law and brought new members Ariel Casper and Chris Jung up to date on the history of the topic and work so far. The next topic will be revisions to the Fire Prevention& Building Enforcement sections of the Town Code to conform with State requirements. e) Planning—Mr. Depaolo reported they continued discussion on the use table related to Inlet Valley Overlay zone and modified the map reducing the transition overlay and continued considering modifications to the Limited Historic Commercial zone and lastly, we reviewed a proposed local law to modernize our Site Plan Review requirement section of the Code. d) Other—Mr. Goodman reported that the South Hill Trail group continues to meet with NYSEG representatives on easement language and the goal is to bring it to the Board in July and also to apply for various grants. Mr. Howe—Reported on the Parade Committee and we are very excited and the float is coming along with a lot of work from Dan Thaete and Chris Balestra. Anyone wanting to be in the parade is welcome. Mr. DePaolo—Reported on the site visit to RaNic and it is clear their plan is much larger than we expected. They are going to need a PDZ to allow for some of the uses and infrastructure and water and sewer from Cayuga Heights. They need information from the Village on that before they can determine what they can pursue in their plan and we will wait to hear more. 4. Consent Agenda TB Resolution 2022 -096: Approval of Consent Agenda Items a. Approval of Town of Ithaca Abstract b. Approval of Provisional Appointment—Computer System Support Aide C. Appoint Ariel Casper to Codes and Ordinances Committee d. Approval of Agreement with Town of Ulysses for temporary Code Enforcement Services e. Approval of temporary stipend—Judge Salk Moved: Bill Goodman Seconded: Rich DePaolo Vote: ayes—Goodman, DePaolo, Howe, Bleiwas, Johnson and Rosen TB Resolution 2022 -096a: Town of Ithaca Abstract 10 for FY-2022 Resolved that the Town Board hereby authorizes the payment of the audited vouchers in total for the amounts indicated: TB 2022-05-23 (Filed 6/21) Pg. 5 VOUCHER NOS. 571 - 614 General Fund Town Wide 15,353.36 General Fund Part-Town 1,776.42 Highway Fund Town Wide DA 1,609.67 Highway Fund Part Town DB 41,035.75 Water Fund 96,466.24 Sewer Fund 3,864.37 TOTAL 160,105.81 TB Resolution 2022 —096b: Provisional Appointment of Computer System Support Aide Whereas, the Network Specialist, Human Resources Manager and Town Supervisor reviewed and interviewed applicants from an open recruitment; and Whereas, the Network Specialist, Human Resources Manager and Town Supervisor have determined that Jacob Newman possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position and makes the recommendation for provisional full-time appointment; and Whereas, Jacob Newman has been the temporary IT Intern while attending TC3 since May 2021, and has recently graduated from TC3 with an Associates in Computer Information Systems; now, therefore be it Resolved, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby approve the provisional appointment of Jacob Newman as Computer Systems Support Aide, effective May 22, 2022; and be it further Resolved, this is a 37.5 hour a week position, at the hourly wage of$28.76, which is an estimated annual salary of$56,082, from account number A1680.100, in Job Classification "C", with full time benefits. TB Resolution 2022 -096c: Approval of Agreement with Town of Ulysses for Temporary Code Enforcement Services Resolved that the Town Supervisor execute and Agreement between the Town of Ithaca and the Town of Ulysses for temporary Code Enforcement Services contained therein. TB Resolution 2022 -096d: Appointment of Ariel Casper to the Codes and Ordinances Resolved that the Town Board appoints Ariel Casper as the representative from the Planning Board to the Codes and Ordinances Committee through December 2022. TB Resolution 2022 -096e: Approval of Temporary Stipend for Justice Salk TB 2022-05-23 (Filed 6/21) Pg. 6 Whereas, Judge Klein has requested a Medical Leave of Absence and will not be able to perform work effective May 9, 2022, and is expected to be off for several weeks; and Whereas, Justice Salk has agreed to assume responsibility for both courts during Judge Klein's absence; and Whereas, the Personnel & Organization Committee discussed and recommends the Town Board approving a weekly stipend for Judge Salk due to extended coverage of the caseload for both courts at an amount of$225 per week until Judge Klein is able to return; now, therefore, be it Resolved, the Town Board approves a weekly stipend for Judge Salk due to extended coverage of the caseload for both courts at an amount of$225 per week effective May 9, 2022 and continuing until Judge Klein is able to return. 5. Review of Correspondence Meeting was adjourned at 5:42 p.m. upon motion by Mr. Howe, seconded by Mr. DcPaolo; unanimous. Subm' C;s Paulette Rosa, Town Clerk TB 2022-05-23 (Filed 6/2 1) Pg. 7