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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-05-09 Agenda and MaterialsMEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD May 12, 2025 @ 5:30 p.m. Town Hall Boardroom 215 N Tioga St https://zoom.us/j/98910958241 YouTube Link AGENDA 1. Call to order and Pledge of Allegiance 2. Persons to be Heard and Board Comments 3. Set Public Hearing for: a) Flood Damage Prevention Local Law b) Local laws associated with Community Choice Aggregation 4. Consider approval and authorization to sign an updated/extended agreement: a) Taitem Engineering for support of the NYSERDA Stretch to Zero Pilot Program b) Engineering Agreement for the preparation of the IAWWTF Capital Improvement Plan Project c) Engineering contract associated with the Babcock Ridge Trail at Culver Road Preserve Project 5. Consider approval and authorization to sign a water easement with Cayuga Medical Center 6. Consider Consent Agenda a) Approval of Town Board Minutes b) Approval of the Town of Ithaca Abstract c) Approval of the Bolton Point Abstract d) Proclamation – National Public Works Week e) Ratify permanent appointment of Assistant Finance Manager - SCLIWC- Beckman f) Ratify appointment of Senior Account Clerk Typist – SCLIWC- Newhart 7. Reports of Town Officials 8. Review of Correspondence Item 3 MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD May 12, 2025 TB Resolution 2025 - : Setting a public hearing regarding proposed local laws associated with Community Choice Aggregation and Flood Damage Protection Resolved that the Town Board will hold public hearings regarding draft local laws amending the Town of Ithaca Code associated with Community Choice Aggregation and Flood Damage Protection at their meeting on June 9, 2025 which begins at 5:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 215 N. Tioga St, Ithaca. All persons interested in speaking on the proposed local laws will be heard. Moved: Seconded: Vote: To: Town Board Members From: Marty Moseley, Floodplain Administrator and Director of Code Enforcement & Zoning C.J. Randall, Director of Planning Date: May 5, 2025 Subject: Flood Damage Prevention Local Law and Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) update In Brief Since 2014, the Town has been working in cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) to identify new geographic areas susceptible to flooding. The Town’s existing Flood Damage Prevention Local Law (Town Code Chapter 157) and associated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) have been in place since 1987. Municipalities in Tompkins County, including the Town of Ithaca, are required to adopt new Flood Damage Prevention regulations and FIRMs to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which allows residents to purchase flood insurance. The Town’s existing Code must be updated by June 18, 2025; failure to adopt the updated regulations results in suspension from NFIP and resident inability to purchase (or renew) flood insurance. Background Map changes can be due to factors including changes in the topography and land uses in those areas, surface alterations (i.e., paved surfaces increasing the potential for water runoff), updated storm and rain gauge data, and changes to flood control channels. FEMA began the process to modernize the 1980s-era maps for Tompkins County as part of the Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning (Risk MAP) program in 2014. Flood insurance will be newly required for properties with federally backed mortgages that are in the Special Flood Hazard Area. Residents are encouraged to review the maps and to learn more about flood insurance. FEMA recommends that residents speak with their insurance broker or visit floodsmart.gov for more information. The maps will take effect on June 18, 2025. Property owners may purchase insurance through the NFIP ; details at https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance. Most homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Renters are encouraged to consider contents-only flood insurance (https://www.floodsmart.gov/get-insured), which can help protect items inside of a unit in the event of a flood. The Tompkins County Department of Planning and Sustainability is managing tcgov.co/floodmap with updated information on flood insurance, flood risk, and an online interactive map, as well as a list of Frequently Asked Questions. On February 20, 2025, the Town’s Planning Committee reviewed the Flood Damage Prevention model local law provided by NYS DEC; the revised draft (as included herein) was reviewed by the Planning Committee on March 20, 2025 and referred to NYS DEC for review. Further Information Please contact Marty Moseley with any questions or concerns at mmoseley@townithacany.gov or 607-273-1783. # # # Item 4a MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD May 12, 2025 TB Resolution 2025 - : Authorization to update contract with Taitem Engineering in support of the NYSERDA Stretch to Zero Pilot Program Whereas, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) launched a Stretch to Zero pilot program; and Whereas, the Town Board unanimously adopted the Town' s Green New Deal on March 23, 2020, which sets forth a goal to achieve an equitable transition to carbon-neutrality communitywide by 2030; and Whereas, as a major milestone in its Green New Deal efforts, the Town of Ithaca on June 14, 2021, adopted Local Law 5 of 2021, adding Chapter 144 to the Town of Ithaca Code, Titled Energy Code Supplement; and Whereas, the Energy Code Supplement (ECS) had an effective date of September 13, 2021, and since then has been enforced by the Town; and Whereas, the ECS currently requires that new construction, certain additions, and major renovations be constructed to produce 80% fewer GHG emissions than those built to NYS code, and starting in 2026, the ECS will require that all buildings shall be built to have net-zero GHG emissions and shall not use fossil fuels for space heating, water heating, or clothes drying, with exceptions for cooking and process energy; and Whereas, the NYSERDA Stretch to Zero pilot program, was awarded to the Town of Ithaca because of local legislative action to adopt a zero on- site greenhouse gas emissions code, and interest in sharing information with NYSERDA and learning from the other participating municipalities; and Whereas, the Town of Ithaca received up to $25, 000 per quarter over the two-year Stretch to Zero Pilot Program for a maximum award of $200, 000; and Whereas, Stretch to Zero pilot program funding supported ongoing implementation and enforcement of the Energy Code Supplement; and Whereas, an agreement for services, not to exceed $12,000, was executed with Taitem Engineering on May 15 2024, with financial assistance from the NYSERDA Stretch to Zero pilot program; and Item 4a Whereas, Taitem Engineering participates in in-person and/or virtual meetings with the Town and other stakeholders to discuss development and implementation of the Ithaca Energy Code Supplement; and Whereas, participation in the Stretch to Zero program was a valuable opportunity to show Town of Ithaca leadership and inspire other governments to take legislative action to reduce GHG emissions, in support of the climate goals of New York State and other national and international bodies; and Resolved, that the Town Board approves and authorizes the Supervisor to sign the contract with Taitem Engineering; renewing the service fee of $12,000, using the financial assistance from the NYSERDA Stretch to Zero Pilot Program. Moved: Seconded: Vote: DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING 215 N. Tioga St 14850 607.273.1747 www.town.ithaca.ny.us TO: TOWN BOARD MEMBERS FROM: HILARY SWARTWOOD, SUSTAINABILITY PLANNER DATE: MAY 12, 2025 RE: UPDATED AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES TOWN OF ITHACA AND TAITEM ENGINEERING The Town and Taitem Engineering entered into an agreement on November 4, 2022, as part of the New York State Research and Development Authority (“NYSERDA”) Stretch to Zero (“STZ”) pilot program. Under this agreement Taitem participates in meetings with the Town and other stakeholders to discuss the development and implementation of the Ithaca Energy Code Supplement. The Town was awarded $200,000 (received quarterly, at $25,000) through the NYSERDA Stretch to Zero pilot program. Under the original contract, the Town service fee was not to exceed $3,000. On May 15, 2024, the Town amended its contract with Taitem to increase the total service fee from $3,000 to $12,000, using financial assistance from NYSERDA. It is a critical time for the Ithaca Energy Code Supplement (IECS): starting in 2026 the IECS will require that all buildings shall be built to have net-zero GHG emissions and shall not use fossil fuels for space heating, water heating, or clothes drying, with exceptions for cooking and process energy. The IECS - which at the time of its adoption was the strongest energy code in New York State – contains requirements for new construction and major renovations that substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissio ns while emphasizing electrification and affordability. Adoption of the Ithaca Energy Code Supplement was a major milestone in addressing emissions from the buildings sector. As part of the ongoing development and implementation of the IECS, the Town and City of Ithaca reconvened the IECS Workgroup – which includes Taitem Engineering staff – in 2023 to research and amend the energy code. Taitem’s expertise in code development has proven invaluable in filling in knowledge gaps and drafting new code language. With New York State releasing a new, draft energy code in 2024, it is important that Taitem continue to assist the Town on the Ithaca Energy Code Supplement. We recommend renewing the contract with Taitem Engineering through the end of this year (December 31, 2025), with a service fee not to exceed $12,000, using the remainder of the contract from 2024 ($2,661.03) and the financial assistance from NYSERDA. Please contact me with any questions or concerns at hswartwood@townithacany.gov or 607-882-2672. Item 4c MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD May 12, 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, on January 13, 2025 the Town Board authorized extending the contract through March 30, 2025, 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 July 31, 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 July 31, 2025. Moved: Seconded: Vote: Item 4b MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD May 12, 2025 TB Resolution 2025 - : Approval and Authorization to sign an Engineering Agreement Amendment for the preparation of the IAWWTF Capital Improvement Plan Project Whereas, the Town of Ithaca approved its share of the preparation of the IAWWTF Capital Improvement Plan (the Project) and authorized the Town Supervisor to execute the agreement for the Project with Barton & Loguidice, D.P.C. (B&L) for a fee of One Hundred Twenty-Two Thousand Six Hundred and Forty Dollars ($122,640) by TB Resolution 2024-035; and Whereas, B&L has proposed a contract amendment to modify the scope of the project to include the preparation of a SEQR, and to provide engineering and technical assistance to compile funding application materials and bonding materials (Funding Assistance); and Whereas, B&L has proposed a lump sum fee of Five Thousand Dollars and Zero Cents ($5,000.00) for the SEQR, a fee not to exceed of Fourteen Thousand Five Hundred Dollars and Zero Cents ($14,500.00) for the Funding assistance, and a fee not to exceed of Five Hundred Dollars and Zero Cents ($500.00) reimbursable expenses, of which the Town of Ithaca’s share would be Seven Thousand Nine Hundred Twenty Dollars and Zero Cents ($7,920.00); and Whereas, the 50% cost match was received by the plant; and now therefore be it Resolved, that the initial authorization of funds is sufficient for this amendment and is authorized to fund the amendment; and be it further Resolved, that the Town Supervisor is authorized to execute said Contract Agreement on behalf of the Town of Ithaca. Moved: Seconded: Vote: ayes- Item 5 MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD May 12, 2025 TB Resolution 2025 - : Approval and authorization to sign a water easement with Cayuga Medical Center Resolved that the Town Board approves the draft water easement with Cayuga Medical Center as submitted and authorizes the Town Supervisor to execute same. Moved: Seconded: Vote: Item 6 1 MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD May 12, 2025 TB Resolution 2025 - : Adopt Consent Agenda a. Approval of Town Board Minutes b. Approval of the Town of Ithaca Abstract c. Approval of Bolton Point Abstract d. Proclamation – National Public Works Week e. Ratify appointment – Senior Account Clerk Typist – SCLIWC- Newhart f. Ratify permanent appointment – Assistant Finance Manager - SCLIWC- Beckman Moved: Seconded: Vote: ayes - TB Resolution 2025 - a: Approval of Town Board Minutes Resolved that the draft minutes of April 28, 2025, are adopted as final with any non-substantive changes made. TB Resolution 2025 - b: Approval of Town of Ithaca Abstract No. 9 for FY-2025 Resolved that the Town Board authorizes payment of the following audited vouchers for the amounts indicated: VOUCHER NOS. 2025 374 - 423 General Fund Town Wide 71,828.91 General Fund Part-Town 387.73 Highway Fund Town Wide DA 19,000.22 Highway Fund Part Town DB 33,182.68 Water Fund 11,427.68 Sewer Fund 4,834.25 Capital Projects 65,567.50 Fire Protection Fund 54,173.37 TOTAL 260,402.34 TB Resolution 2025 - c: Approval of BP Abstract Resolved that the governing Town Board authorizes payment of the audited vouchers as listed: TB Resolution 2025 - d: Approval of National Public Works Week proclamation Whereas public works professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities, and services that are of vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities and to public health, high quality of life, and well-being of the people of the Town of Ithaca and, Item 6 2 Whereas, these infrastructure, facilities, and services could not be provided without the dedicated efforts of public works professionals, who are engineers, managers, and employees at all levels of government and the private sector, who are responsible for rebuilding, improving, and protecting our nation’s transportation, water supply, water treatment and solid waste systems, public buildings, and other structures and facilities essential for our citizens; and, Whereas it is in the public interest of the citizens, civic leaders, and children of the Town of Ithaca to gain knowledge of and maintain an ongoing interest and understanding of the importance of public works and public works programs in their respective communities; and, Whereas 2025 marks the 65th annual National Public Works Week sponsored by the American Public Works Association/Canadian Public Works Association, now, therefore, be it Resolved, that I, Rod Howe, Town Supervisor, on behalf of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca, do hereby designate the week of May 18–24, 2025, as National Public Works Week. I urge all citizens to join with representatives of the American Public Works Association and government agencies in activities, events, and ceremonies designed to pay tribute to our public works professionals, engineers, managers, and employees and to recognize the substantial contributions they make to protecting our national health, safety, and advancing quality of life for all. TB Resolution 2025 - : Ratify Appointment of Sr. Account Clerk/Typist- SCLIWC. Whereas the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission on May 8, 2025, appointed Adriana Newhart to the title of Senior Account Clerk/Typist, effective, May 5, 2025; now, therefore be it Resolved, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby ratify SCLIWC’s appointment of Adriana Newhart to the title of Senior Account Clerk/Typist, effective May 5, 2025, at the hourly wage of $28.03, in Job Classification 3A, with full time benefits. TB Resolution 2025 - : Ratify Permanent Appointment of Assistant Finance Manager at SCLIWC. Whereas the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission on May 8, 2025, appointed Tina Beckman to the Assistant Finance Manager position- Permanent Status, retro- active to April 28, 2025; now, therefore be it Resolved, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby ratify SCLIWC’s Permanent appointment of Tina Beckman to the Assistant Finance Manager position- Permanent Status, retro-active to April 28, 2025, with no change to pay or full-time benefits.