HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-13 Agenda and MaterialsORGANIZATIONAL MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
January 13, 2025 @ 5:30 p.m.
Town Hall, 215 N Tioga St.
This meeting will be on ZOOM (ID 98910958241)
AGENDA
1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
2. Persons to be Heard
3. Public hearing and consider adoption of a proposed local law, authorizing a monetary gift to
the City of Ithaca to support Cass and Stewart Park recreational facilities
4. Public hearing and consider adoption of a proposed local law revising Town of Ithaca Code
Chapter 270: Zoning violations and penalties
5. Consider authorization for the Town Supervisor to sign annual service contracts as
approved in the 2025 Town Budget
6. Consider approval of Town Board Meeting Schedule
7. Acknowledge Supervisor’s Town Board Members’ Committee Appointments & Confirm
Staff, Citizen and Intermunicipal Committee/Board Appointments and Recommendations to
the City as noted
8. Consider Appointments/Reappointments of Members and Chair positions on the Zoning
Board of Appeals, Planning Board and Conservation Board
9. Consider approval of the 2025 Highway Expenditures Agreement
10. Consider authorization for certain expenditures by the Superintendent of Highways without
prior Town Board approval.
11. Consider annual approval of certain policies, manuals and plans
12. Consider Authorization of Expenditure from Bond Payment Reserve Fund for PWF
13. Consider approval of the 2025 Amendments to the Municipal Cooperative Agreement for
the Consortium
14. Consider approval of Cargill Incorporated’s Renewal Permit Application
15. Consider authorization for a Sewer Exemption for 955 Coddington Road
16. Consider Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Town Board Minutes
b. Town of Ithaca Abstract
c. Bolton Point Abstract
d. Designation of Official Depositories of Town Funds
e. Designation of Official Newspaper of the Town
f. Official Bonds of Town Officers and Employees
g. Consider extension of design services agreement with EDR for Babcock Ridge Trail
h. Consider approval of 2025 rates with Barton & Loguidice, D.P.C. for Site Design and
Development Criteria
i. Establishing amounts for petty cash
17. Reports of Town Officials, Committees, and Review of Correspondence
Item 3
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
January 13, 2025
TB Resolution 2025 - : Adoption of Local Law 1 of 2025, “Authorizing a monetary gift to
the City of Ithaca to support Cass Park and Stewart Park recreational facilities
Whereas, the Town Board adopted a budget for 2025 including an amount of $100,000.00 for a
contribution towards City Parks, of which approximately $62,000 would result in a special benefit
to Town residents, but the remainder would be considered a gift, and
Whereas, pursuant to the Town’s New York State Municipal Home Rule powers, a local law may
be adopted to authorize the Town to make a gift to another municipality where the gift furthers a
public purpose of the Town, and
Whereas, a public hearing was duly advertised and held on January 13, 2025, and all persons
interested permitted an opportunity to speak on behalf of or in opposition to the proposed local
law, and
Whereas, pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) and its
implementing regulations at 6 NYCRR Part 617, it has been determined by the Town Board that
approval of the local law is a Type II action because it constitutes “routine or continuing agency
administration and management, not including new programs or major reordering of priorities that
may affect the environment,” and therefore this action is not subject to review under SEQRA, now
therefore be it
Resolved that the Town Board adopts Local Law 1 of 2025 “Authorizing a monetary gift to the
City of Ithaca to support Cass Park and Stewart Park recreational facilities.”
Moved: Seconded:
Vote: ayes –
Adopted XXXX
TOWN OF ITHACA
LOCAL LAW NO. OF THE YEAR 2025
A LOCAL LAW AUTHORIZING A MONETARY GIFT TO THE CITY OF ITHACA
TO SUPPORT CASS PARK AND STEWART PARK RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
Be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca as follows:
Section 1. Authorization. This local law is adopted pursuant to New York
Municipal Home Rule Law §10(1)(i), which grants local governments the power to adopt local
laws not inconsistent with the New York State Constitution or any general law, relating to their
property, affairs or government. The New York State Constitution, Article VIII, §1 does not
prohibit municipalities from making gifts to or in aid of public entities for public purposes.
Section 2. Purpose. The purpose of this local law is to authorize the Town of Ithaca
to make a gift to the City of Ithaca to support the City’s Cass Park pool and skating rink, and the
City’s recreational facilities at Stewart Park. The Town of Ithaca intends to give the City of
Ithaca One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) in 2025 to support these facilities, which
are used by Town of Ithaca residents and serve a Town of Ithaca public purpose. In exchange,
the City of Ithaca will offer Town of Ithaca residents a discount on recreation programs valued at
approximately Sixty-two Thousand Dollars ($62,000). This law authorizes the Town of Ithaca to
make a gift to the City of Ithaca to the extent the Town’s payments to the City exceed the
monetary benefit of the discounts received by Town residents.
Section 3. Gift to City of Ithaca. Upon execution of a Memorandum of
Understanding between the Town of Ithaca and the City of Ithaca, the Town of Ithaca is
authorized to make a gift to the City of Ithaca, pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding’s
terms, in the amount and for the purposes described in Section 2 above.
Section 4. Partial Invalidity. In the event that any portion of this law is declared
invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the validity of the remaining portions shall not be
affected by such declaration of invalidity.
Section 5. Effective Date. This local law shall take effect immediately upon its
filing with the New York Secretary of State.
Item 4
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MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
Monday, January 13, 2025
TB Resolution 2025- : A Local Law Amending the Town of Ithaca Code, Chapter 270
Entitled “Zoning,” Regarding Enforcement Provisions
Whereas, the Codes & Ordinances Committee, at their regular August 8, 2024 meeting, along
with Town staff, researched and considered legislative options for addressing issues associated
with Zoning violations and penalties in the Town, and
Whereas, the Town Board, at a meeting held on November 25, 2024, reviewed and discussed a
preliminary draft of the legislative language, and
Whereas, at a meeting on December 30, 2024, the Town Board reviewed and discussed a revised
draft of the legislative language and scheduled a public hearing for January 13, 2025 at 5:30 pm
to hear all interested parties on the proposed local law entitled “A Local Law Amending
Enforcement Provisions in Chapter 270 (Zoning) of the Town of Ithaca Code,” and
Whereas, notice of said public hearing was duly advertised in the Ithaca Journal, and
Whereas, said public hearing was duly held on said date and time at the Town Hall of the Town
of Ithaca and all parties in attendance were permitted an opportunity to speak on behalf of or in
opposition to said proposed local law, or any part thereof, and
Whereas, pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) and
its implementing regulations at 6 NYCRR Part 617.5(c)(26), it has been determined by the Town
Board that adoption of the proposed local law is a Type II action because it constitutes “routine
or continuing agency administration and management, not including new programs or major
reordering of priorities that may affect the environment,” and thus this action is not subject to
review under SEQRA, and
Whereas, the Town Board finds that the proposed amendments to the Town Code will further the
health and welfare of the community and are in accordance with the purpose of the Town of
Ithaca Comprehensive Plan; now, therefore, be it:
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby adopts said local law entitled “A
Local Law Amending Enforcement Provisions in Chapter 270 (Zoning) of the Town of Ithaca
Code,” and be it further
Resolved, that the Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to file said local laws with the
Secretary of State as required by law.
Moved: Seconded:
Vote:
1
TOWN OF ITHACA
LOCAL LAW NO. ___ OF THE YEAR 2024
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS IN
CHAPTER 270 (ZONING) OF THE TOWN OF ITHACA CODE
Be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca as follows:
Section 1. Chapter 270 (Zoning), Article XXVI (Special Regulations) of the Town of
Ithaca Code, Section 270-219, titled “Personal wireless service facilities,” is amended by
deleting subsection Z, titled “Enforcement.”
Section 2. Chapter 270 (Zoning), Article XXVIII (Administration) of the Town of Ithaca
Code, Section 270-239, titled “Violations and penalties,” is amended by deleting current Section
270-239 and replacing it with the following:
Ҥ 270-239 Violations, fines and penalties, and other enforcement mechanisms
A. Order to remedy.
(1) Whenever the Code Enforcement Officer finds that there has been a violation of this
chapter, the Code Enforcement Officer is authorized to issue an order to remedy.
(2) An order to remedy shall be in writing; identify the property at issue; specify the
condition or activity that violates this chapter; specify the provisions of this chapter
which are violated by the specified condition or activity; and include a statement that
the violations must be corrected within 30 days after the date of the order to remedy
(or, if the violations are not reasonably capable of cure within 30 days, shall include a
statement that the owner, operator, or occupant must commence to cure such
violations within such 30 day period and thereafter diligently and with continuity
prosecute such cure to completion in a period not to exceed 90 days after the Town’s
notice). The order may direct the person served with the order to begin to remedy the
violation(s) immediately or within some other stated period of time that can be less
than 30 days after the date of the order; direct that compliance be achieved within the
specified period of time; and shall state that an action or proceeding to compel
compliance and/or seek penalties, fines and/or imprisonment may be instituted if
compliance is not achieved within the specified period of time.
(3) The order to remedy, or a copy thereof, may be served by personal service on the
owner, operator or occupant, by mailing by registered or certified mail sent to the
address set forth in the application for any permit or approval submitted to the Town
or to the property address, or by posting a copy thereof on the premises that are the
subject of the order to remedy and mailing a copy, enclosed in a prepaid wrapper,
addressed to the last known address of the owner as set forth in the Town of Ithaca
records, or if none, in the most recent tax roll available to the Town of Ithaca. The
2
Code Enforcement Officer shall be permitted, but not required, to cause the order to
remedy, or a copy thereof, to be served on any tenant, lessee, or any other person or
entity taking part or assisting in actions regarding structures or uses at the affected
property. Such service shall be made personally or by registered mail or certified
mail; provided, however, that failure to serve any person or entity mentioned in the
preceding sentence shall not affect the efficacy of the order to remedy.
B. Fines and imprisonment. Pursuant to § 268 of the New York Town Law, any
individual, association, organization, partnership, firm, corporation or other entity
recognized by law that violates any provision of this chapter, any term or condition of
any permit or approval issued pursuant to this chapter, or any term or condition of any
order to remedy or other order or notice issued by the Code Enforcement Officer
pursuant to any provision of this chapter, shall be deemed guilty of an offense, and
upon conviction thereof shall be subject to a fine or imprisonment (or both) as
provided in § 268. Each week's continued violation shall constitute a separate offense.
C. Civil penalties.
(1) In addition to any other remedies, any individual, association, organization,
partnership, firm, corporation or other entity recognized by law that violates any
provision of this chapter, any term or condition of any permit or approval issued
pursuant to this chapter, or any term or condition of any order to remedy or other
order or notice issued by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to any provision of
this chapter, shall be liable for a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each day or
part thereof during which such violation continues. The civil penalties provided by
this subsection shall be recoverable in an action instituted in the name of the Town of
Ithaca.
(2) Notwithstanding the foregoing, any individual, association, organization, partnership,
firm, corporation or other entity recognized by law that violates any provision of §
270-219 (Personal wireless service facility), any term or condition of any Personal
Wireless Service Facility Permit, any term or condition of any approval related to a
Personal Wireless Service Facility issued pursuant to this chapter, or any term or
condition of any order to remedy or other order or notice related to a Personal
Wireless Service Facility issued by the Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to any
provision of this chapter, shall be liable for a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for
each day or part thereof during which such violation continues. The civil penalties
provided by this subsection shall be recoverable in an action instituted in the name of
the Town of Ithaca.
D. Injunctions and court orders. An action or proceeding in the name of the Town of Ithaca
may be commenced in any court of competent jurisdiction to prevent, restrain, enjoin,
correct, or abate any violation of, or to enforce, any provision of this chapter, any term or
condition of any permit or approval issued pursuant to this chapter, or any term or
condition of any order to remedy or other order or notice issued by the Code Enforcement
Officer pursuant to any provision of this chapter. Such remedy shall be in addition to
3
fines, penalties, imprisonment, and other remedies otherwise prescribed by law
(including by this chapter or by New York Town Law).
E. Remedies not exclusive. No remedy, fine or penalty specified in this section shall be the
exclusive remedy, fine or penalty available to address any violation described in this
chapter, and each remedy, fine or penalty specified in this section shall be in addition to,
and not in substitution for or limitation of, the other remedies, fines or penalties specified
in this section, or in any other section of this chapter or other applicable law. Any
remedy, fine or penalty specified in this section may be pursued at any time, whether
prior to, simultaneously with, or after the pursuit of any other remedy, fine or penalty
specified in this section, in any other section of this chapter, or in any other applicable
law.
F. Conviction or judicial determination of a violation of this section shall constitute and
effect an immediate forfeiture of any permit hereunder held by the individual,
association, organization, partnership, firm, corporation or other entity recognized by law
that is so convicted.”
Section 3. In the event that any portion of this law is declared invalid by a court of
competent jurisdiction, the validity of the remaining portions shall not be affected by such
declaration of invalidity.
Section 4. This local law shall take effect immediately upon its filing with the New York
State Secretary of State.
Item 5
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
January 13, 2025
TB Resolution 2025 - : Approval and Authorization for the Town Supervisor to Execute
Contracts included in the 2025 Budget
Resolved that the Ithaca Town Board hereby approves and authorizes the Town Supervisor to
execute annual contracts, which amounts were included as part of the 2025 Town Budget or are
recurring agreements, with the following service provider(s):
Annual – 2025
a. Legal Services – Susan H. Brock and Guy Krogh
b. Tompkins County Public Library ($15,000)
c. Recreation Partnership ($102,208)
d. Coddington Rd CC/CIT Program ($22,547)
e. Youth Entrepreneurship Program ($17,186)
f. Youth Employment Program ($79,870)
g. CCE Youth Development Program ($63,505)
h. Youth Exploration Program - Learning Web ($47,127)
i. Ithaca Bike Share ($10,000)
j. Gadabout ($12,000)
k. Lifelong ($9,000)
l. Human Services Coalition ($5,000)
m. Community Science Institute (CSI) Water Quality Monitoring ($23,766)
n. Ithaca Babe Ruth League MOU
o. Materials Testing and Geotechnical Services
One year only
a. Tompkins County Animal Control/TCAC – ($45,334)
Moved: Seconded:
Vote: ayes –
Item 6
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
January 13, 2025
TB Resolution 2025 - : Set Dates for 2025 Meetings of the Town Board
Whereas the Town Board generally meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at
5:30 p.m. and 4:30 respectively unless moved earlier/later due to holiday observance schedules;
now therefore be it
Resolved that the 2025 Town Board Schedule is as follows:
January 13th and 27th
February 10th and 24th
March 10th and 24th
April 14th and 28th
May 12th and None (Memorial Day on 26th)
June 9th and 23rd
July 14th and 28th
August 11th and 25th
September 8th
29th Moved later – (Rash Hashanah 22nd ) Supervisor’s Budget Presented
October Budget Meeting TBD if needed. (Yom Kippur Oct 1st)
6th (Early – Columbus Day)
27th
November 10th and 24th
December 8th and 22nd
December 30th 11:00 am - Year End Meeting
Moved: Seconded:
Vote: ayes –
Item 7
Page 1 of 3
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
January 13, 2025
TB Resolution 2025 - : Acknowledge Supervisor’s Town Board Committee Appointments
and Confirm Staff, Citizen and Intermunicipal Committee/Board Appointments and
Recommendations to the City as Noted
Resolved, that the Town Board acknowledges the Supervisor’s annual Town Board Committee
Appointments and confirms the appointments of Staff, Citizen and Intermunicipal Committee
and Board appointments and recommendations to the City of Ithaca Common Council as
indicated:
TOWN BOARD COMMITTEES
Budget Planning
Eric Levine, Chair Rich DePaolo, Chair
Rod Howe Rod Howe
Pam Bleiwas Margaret Johnson
Personnel and Organization Public Works
Pam Bleiwas, Chair Rich DePaolo
Susie Gutenberger-Fitzpatrick Rod Howe, Chair
Rod Howe Rob Rosen
Codes and Ordinances
Rob Rosen, Chair Bill Arms – Planning Board
Susie Gutenberger-Fitzpatrick Eva Hoffmann – Conservation Board
Margaret Johnson Christine Jung – Zoning Board of Appeals
TOWN BOARD AD HOC COMMITTEES
Economic Development
Rod Howe, Chair
Rich DePaolo
Pam Bleiwas
STAFF COMMITTEES
Employee Relations
Pam Bleiwas – Chair
Susie Gutenberger-Fitzpatrick
Rod Howe *Staff representatives are appointed by fellow staff
Records Management
Susie Gutenberger-Fitzpatrick Paulette Rosa – Facilitator
Eric Levine Town Historian
Rod Howe
Item 7
Page 2 of 3
CITIZEN COMMITTEES
Agriculture West Hill Community Garden
Rich DePaolo (Liaison) Paulette Rosa (Liaison)
INTERMUNICIPAL
Cable Access Oversight Committee (Recommendation to the City Council)
Rich DePaolo
Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization
Margaret Johnson
Rich DePaolo (Alternate)
Cayuga Medical Center
Rod Howe
Community Housing Development Fund (CHDF) Program
Rob Rosen – Town Representative
Greater Tompkins Municipal Health Insurance Consortium
Judy Drake Subcommittee -- Joint Committee on Plan Design
Eric Levine (alternate) Judy Drake
Eric Levine (alternate)
Ithaca College Community Work Group
Rich DePaolo
Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council (ITCTC)
Policy Planning
Rod Howe CJ Randall
Rich DePaolo (Alternate) Joe Slater
Joint Youth Commission Youth Services Board
Rich DePaolo Susie Gutenberger-Fitzpatrick
Eric Levine (Alternate)
Recreation Partnership
Eric Levine
Pam Bleiwas
Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission (Bolton Point)
Rod Howe
Pam Bleiwas
Sewer Joint Committee of the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility
Rod Howe
Rob Rosen
Rich DePaolo
Item 7
Page 3 of 3
Tompkins County Council of Governments
Rod Howe
Rich DePaolo (alternate)
Moved: Seconded:
Vote: ayes –
Item 8
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
January 13, 2025
TB Resolution 2025 - : Appointments of Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Board, and
Conservation Board Members and Chairs
Resolved that the Town Board concurs with and makes the following re/appointments as
requested by the applicable boards:
Planning Board Cindy Kaufman as Regular Member – through 2031
Kelda McGurk as Alternate Member through 2025
Caitlin Cameron as Chair for 2025
Zoning Board of Appeals Connor Terry as Chair for 2025
Conservation Board Eva Hoffman, James Hamilton and Frank Cantone as Regular
Members through 2026
Lindsay Dombroski as Associate Member – through 2025
Lori Brewer as Chair for 2025
Moved: Seconded:
Vote: ayes –
Item 9
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
January 13, 2025
TB Resolution 2025 – : Approval of 2025 Agreement for Expenditure of Highway Monies
Resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca approves the following Agreement with the
Highway Superintendent of the Town of Ithaca for 2025:
AGREEMENT between the Town Highway Superintendent of the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins
County, New York, and the undersigned members of the Town Board.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 284 of the Highway Law, we agree that moneys levied and
collected in the Town for the repair and improvement of highways, and received from the State
for State Aid for the repair and improvement of highways, shall be expended as follows:
HIGHWAY:
GENERAL REPAIRS. The sum of $300,000 shall be set aside to be expended for primary
work and general repairs of town highways, including sluices, culverts, pavement markings,
guiderails, surface treating and bridges having a span of less than five feet and walks or the
renewals thereof.
PERMANENT IMPROVEMENTS. The sum of $130,000 shall be set aside to be expended
for the permanent improvement of town highways, such as paving and should repairs, that are
not included in the capital project section below.
1. The sum of $54,000 shall be set aside to be expended for the permanent improvement of
a portion of Forest Home Drive to re-establish shoulders, mill asphalt, and install an
asphalt overly on 0.57 miles of road
2. The sum of $52,000 shall be set aside to be expended for the permanent improvement of
a portion of Judd Falls Road to re-establish shoulders, mill asphalt, and install an asphalt
overly on 1.57 miles of road
3. The sum of $82,000 shall be set aside to be expended for the permanent improvement of
Drew Road to re- establish shoulders, mill asphalt, and install an asphalt overly on 0.98
miles of road
4. The sum of $39,000 shall be set aside to be expended for the permanent improvement of
Longview Drive to re-establish shoulders, mill asphalt, and install an asphalt overly on
0.18 miles of road
5. The sum of $62,000 shall be set aside to be expended for the permanent improvement of
Max’s Drive to re-establish shoulders, mill asphalt, and install an asphalt overly on 0.55
miles of road
Item 9
6. The sum of $208,000 shall be set aside to be expended for the permanent improvement of
Vera Circle to re-establish shoulders, mill asphalt, and install an asphalt overly on 0.20
miles of road
7. The sum of $136,000 shall be set aside to be expended for the permanent improvement of
Woodgate Lane to re-establish shoulders, mill asphalt, and install an asphalt overly on
0.72 miles of road
8. The sum of $363,000 shall be set aside to be expended for the permanent improvement of
King Road West (from approximately #333 West King Road to Dany Road a.k.a.
route 96B to re-establish shoulders, mill asphalt, and install an asphalt overly on 0.72
miles of road
9. The sum of $95,000 shall be set aside to replace and / reset the various guard rails along
the length of West King Road in it’s entirety.
(Signatures on file on separate Agreement)
Moved: Seconded:
Vote: ayes –
Item 10
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
January 13, 2025
TB Resolution 2025 - : Authorizing Certain Expenditures by the Superintendent of
Highways without Prior Town Board Approval
Whereas, Section 142, Subdivision- 1(a) of the New York Highway Law authorizes the Town
Board to adopt a resolution permitting the Town Superintendent of Highways to purchase
equipment, tools and implements without prior approval of the Town Board in an amount or
amounts to be fixed by it from time to time; and
Whereas, the Town Board adopted a 2025 Ithaca Town Budget which included monies for the
purchase of vehicles, tools and equipment; and
Whereas, it is determined by this Board to be reasonable and proper and in the best interests of
the efficient functioning of the Public Works Department that the Town Superintendent of
Highways be granted permission to purchase such items without its prior approval in amounts
not to exceed the approved respective budgeted amounts; now therefore be it
Resolved, that the governing Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby authorize the Town
Superintendent of Highways to spend amounts, not to exceed what is identified within the
adopted 2025 Ithaca Town Budget, without the prior approval of this Board, for the purchase
during fiscal year 2025 of vehicles, tools and equipment to be used for highway maintenance,
construction, reconstruction, and/or snow removal; except when the lowest responsive and
responsible bidder is not selected and be it further
Resolved, that the authorization hereinabove granted shall be construed as meaning that the total
amount spent on each item purchased by the Town Highway Superintendent during fiscal year
2025 shall not exceed the respective budgeted amount for that item in the adopted 2025 Town of
Ithaca budget.
Moved: Seconded:
Vote: ayes –
Item 11
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
January 13, 2025
TB Resolution 2025 - : Annual Approval of Certain Town Policies, Manuals and
Plans
Whereas the Town Board reviews certain policies and procedures at its Organizational
Meeting as required by the Town of Ithaca Code or at direction of the Town Board, and
Whereas the following have been submitted to the Town Board for review:
a. Board Protocol Manual
b. Ethics Disclosure Form and Distribution List
c. Procurement
d. Cash Management and Investment
e. Debt Management
f. Electronic Banking
g. Fund Balance, Procurement
h. Green Fleet
i. Green Procurement Policies
j. Emergency Preparedness Plan
k. Town Protocol and Procedures Manual
Resolved, that the Ithaca Town Board hereby accepts, approves, and affirms the above
listed policies, procedures and forms as required for the year 2025.
Moved: Seconded:
Vote: ayes –
Item 12
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
January 13, 2025
TB Resolution 2025 - xxx: Authorizing the Expenditure of $103,005 from the Town of
Ithaca Public Works Facility Office Expansion – 2020-A Bond Payment Reserve Fund
Whereas, by Resolution 2023-157 adopted on September 25, 2023, the Town Board established
the Public Works Facility Office Expansion – 2020-A Bond Payment Reserve Fund (the
“Reserve Fund”) to accumulate money to pay the principal and interest related to the Town’s
Public Works Facility Office Expansion project (the “Project”) included in the Series 2020-A
Bond Issue, and
Whereas, pursuant to General Municipal Law § 6-h, expenditures from such Reserve Fund may
be made only with the approval of the Town Board, and
Whereas, the total of 2025 principal and interest payments under the Series 2020-A Bond Issue
for the Project is One Hundred Three Thousand Five Dollars ($103,005), now, therefore be it
Resolved, that the Town Board authorizes the expenditure of One Hundred Three Thousand Five
Dollars ($103,005) from the Town of Ithaca Public Works Facility Office Expansion – 2020-A
Bond Payment Reserve Fund for the payment of said 2025 principal and interest for the Project.
Moved: Seconded:
Vote: ayes-
Item 13
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
January 13, 2025
TB Resolution 2025 - xxx: Approval of the 2025 Amendments to the Municipal Cooperative
Agreement for the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium
(GTCMHIC)
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca is a Participant in the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance
Consortium (the "Consortium"), a municipal cooperative organized under Article 47 of the New York
Insurance Law, and
Whereas, the municipal participants in the Consortium, including this body, have approved and executed
a certain Municipal Cooperation Agreement (the "Agreement"; effective date of October 1, 2010), and
Whereas, Article 47 of the New York Insurance Law (the "Insurance Law") and the rules and regulations
of the New York State Department of Financial Services set forth certain requirements for governance of
municipal cooperatives that offer self-insured municipal cooperative health insurance plans, and
Whereas, the Agreement sets forth in Section Q2 that continuation of the Consortium under the terms
and conditions of the Agreement, or any amendments or restatements thereto, shall be subject to Board
review and upon acceptance of any new Participant hereafter, and
Whereas, the Municipal Cooperative Agreement requires that amendments to the agreement be presented
to each participant for review and adopted by a majority vote by its municipal board, and
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca is in receipt of the proposed amended Agreement and has determined that
it is in the best interest of its constituents who are served by the Consortium to amend the Agreement as
set forth in the Amended Municipal Cooperative Agreement, now therefore be it
Resolved, that upon receipt and review of the amended Agreement, the Town of Ithaca approves and
authorizes the Town Supervisor to sign the 2025 Amendment to the Municipal Cooperative Agreement
(Effective 1.1.2025) of the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium as
recommended by the GTCMHIC’s Board of Directors.
Moved: Seconded:
Vote:
Clerk Signature/Stamp
Item 13
2025 Municipal Cooperative Agreement Signature
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date adopted
by the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium Board of Directors and subsequently
adopted by the Municipal Corporation named below.
Town of Ithaca
Municipality
Rod Howe Town Supervisor
Name Title
Signature Date
Resolution Requesting Additional Environmental Review and Release
of Data Related to Cargill Incorporated’s Renewal Permit Application
for the Cayuga Salt Mine
WHEREAS, Cargill Incorporated has submitted a permit application (0-
9999-00075/00001) to renew and modify its Mined Land Reclamation
Permit for the Cayuga Salt Mine, which includes plans to flood the
abandoned S3 Zone of the mine beneath Cayuga Lake with wastewater,
potentially impacting the environment and the community;
WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) has declared itself the lead agency under the State
Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) and has issued a Negative
Declaration despite the application being classified as a Type I action;
WHEREAS, concerns have been raised regarding the adequacy of Cargill’s
application, including monitoring and treatment of waste materials, the
potential for groundwater pollution, the stability of the mine, and the long-
term reclamation of the affected areas;
WHEREAS, the proposed flooding of the S3 Zone raises serious questions
about the safety and environmental integrity of Cayuga Lake, particularly in
light of prior instability noted in this area and the implications of storing
unsaturated brine beneath the lake;
Whereas, since the collapse of Retsof, the only other large NYS salt mine
in 1994 and the Assembly’s Joint Public Hearing on Underground Mining in
NYS in 1995, many local municipalities and nonprofits whose missions are
to preserve Cayuga Lake’s water quality have supported an independent
third-party scientific review of the relevant data facilitated by an
Environmental Impact Study to provide a more comprehensive public
assessment of the long-term threats to the Lake from the large rock salt
mine beneath the Lake;
Whereas, since the community has been denied access to much of the
relevant geological and seismic data needed to assess the risk of the
mine’s operations, the DEC’s Senior Administrative Law Judge found in
2002 that “shielding from public scrutiny the very information to assess the
potential environmental impact and safety issues associated with a
proposed mine (Permit) is inimical to the process,” and in 2005 the DEC’s
Asst. Commissioner overruled the ALJ and denied access to this
information as a trade secret, we urge the DEC to reject this overly broad
determination and order the release of the necessary data.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Ithaca formally
requests that the DEC:
1. Rescind the Negative Declaration and require the preparation of a
comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement to assess all potential
environmental risks associated with the proposed activities.
2. Conduct a public hearing to allow for community input and address the
substantive concerns raised by residents and stakeholders regarding the
application.
3. Ensure that Cargill’s Reclamation Plan and accompanying bond are
revised to adequately address environmental protection and public safety,
and that sufficient measures are implemented to prevent potential pollution
and ensure the long-term stability of the mine and surrounding areas.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be sent to
Comment.CayugaSaltMine2023@dec.ny.gov
DEC Region 7 Administrator Dereth Glance (dereth.glance@dec.ny.gov)
DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar (sean.mahar@dec.ny.gov)
OGS Commissioner Jeanette Moy (officeofthecommissioner@ogs.ny.gov)
Item 16b
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
Monday, January 13, 2025
TB Resolution No. 2025 -XXX: Town of Ithaca Abstract No. 1 for FY-2025
Resolved that the governing Town Board hereby authorizes the payment of the said
vouchers in total for the amounts indicated:
VOUCHER NOS. 2024 1251 - 1277
2025 1 - 24
General Fund Town Wide 242,469.40
General Fund Part-Town 36,000.01
Highway Fund Town Wide DA 8,376.65
Highway Fund Part Town DB 40,936.23
Water Fund 73,547.96
Sewer Fund 108,722.46
Capital Projects
Risk Retention Fund 75.00
Fire Protection Fund
Trust and Agency
Debt Service
TOTAL 510,127.71
Moved: Seconded:
Vote:
Item 16f
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
Monday, January 13, 2025
TB Resolution 2025 - f: Official Bonds for Town Officers and Employees
Resolved, that the Town Board approves the following Faithful Performance Bonds for the Town
Officials and Employees for the year 2025:
Town Supervisor/Fiscal Officer $3,000,000.00
Deputy Town Supervisor $3,000,000.00
Finance Officer $3,000,000.00
Receiver of Taxes $3,000,000.00
Town Clerk $ 25,000.00
Town Justice, James Salk $ 25,000.00
Town Justice, Bergren $ 25,000.00
Highway Superintendent $ 25,000.00
All Other Employees (Per Person) $ 25,000.00
Forgery & Alteration $ 5,000.00
Motion: Seconded:
Vote: ayes-
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
January 13, 2025
TB Resolution 2025 - : Authorization to Extend Contract Time with Environmental
Design & Research, Landscape Architecture, Engineering & Environmental Services,
D.P.C. for the Babcock Ridge Trail at Culver Road Preserve Project
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca has received financial assistance from the New York State Office
of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) under the environmental Protection
Fund Grant Program for Parks, Preservation and Heritage for the purpose of funding the design
and development of the Babcock Ridge Trail at Culver Road Preserve project, and
Whereas, the Town Board authorized the contract for design services with Environmental Design
& Research, Landscape Architecture, Engineering & Environmental Services, D.P.C. (EDR) on
May 13, 2024, and
Whereas, the contract with EDR was signed on May 15, 2024, with an original end date of
December 31, 2024, and
Whereas, the design portion of the trail project has not been completed and EDR has provided an
“Amendment to Agreement Between Client and Consultant for Professional Services” to extend
the contract timeframe through March 30, 2025 (no changes to the cost), and be it further
Resolved, that the Town Board authorizes the execution by the Town Supervisor of the contract
amendment with Environmental Design & Research, Landscape Architecture, Engineering &
Environmental Services, D.P.C. to extend the contract through March 30, 2025.
Moved: Seconded:
Vote:
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
January 13, 2025
TB Resolution 2025 - : Authorization to Update Exhibit B with Barton & Loguidice,
D.P.C. for the Site Design and Development Criteria Manual Project
Whereas, the Town Board authorized the Agreement for Services with Barton & Loguidice,
D.P.C. for the Site Design and Development Criteria Manual Project on May 13, 2024, and
Whereas, the contract with B&L was signed on October 1, 2024, with an end date of September
1, 2025, and
Whereas, consultants B&L published an updated Master Billing Titles, Billing Codes & Rates
for the Year Ending December 31, 2025 and be it further
Resolved, that the Town Board approves the updated Exhibit B for the Site Design and
Development Criteria Manual Project.
Moved: Seconded:
Vote:
Item 16i
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
January 13, 2025
TB Resolution 2025 - xxx: Establishing Petty Cash Funds for the Year 2025
Whereas, Pursuant to Town Law Section 64(1-a), a Town, by resolution, may establish a petty
cash fund for any Town Officer or Department Head, and
Whereas, it is the desire of the Town of Ithaca to establish such a fund for the following
Departments for a total amount of Five Hundred Fifty Dollars ($550):
Accounting/Finance $150
Clerk $100
Justice Bergin $50
Justice Salk $50
Public Works $200
Resolved, that the Town Board authorizes the establishment of such petty cash funds totaling Five
Hundred Fifty Dollars ($550).
Moved: Seconded:
Vote: ayes-