HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 2025-04-28MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
Town Hall - 215 N Tioga St.
April 28, 2025 – 4:30 p.m.
ZOOM (ID 98910958241) YOUTUBE LINK
AGENDA
1. Ithaca Fire Department Quarterly Report
2. Consider approval of purchase offer and associated survey – Holmes property
(Sheffield Road, Hayts Road, and Bundy Road)
3. Consideration of Authorization to Apply for Funding through the 2025 Municipal Parks
and Recreation Grant Program for improvements to Iacovelli Park
4. Presentation – How to use Geographic Information System aka GIS
5. Update on Historic Preservation implementation
6. Authorization to award:
a. Engineering Consultant Agreement for East Shore Drive Pedestrian and Bicyclist
Safety Corridor Project
b. Town of Ithaca 2025 Striping Contract
7. Committee Reports
a) Budget
b) Codes & Ordinances
c) Personnel and Organization/ERC
d) Planning
e) Public Works
f) Others
o Economic Development
o Parks, Trails, Preserves & Recreation
o TCCOG
8. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Town Board Minutes
b. Approval of the Town of Ithaca Abstract
c. Appointment of Town Historian – Stewart
d. Designate and authorize the sale of Surplus Equipment
e. Appointments to the Ethics Board
9. Review of Correspondence
TB 2025-04-28 (Filed 5/7) Pg. 1
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
April 28, 2025
MINUTES
Present: Rod Howe, Supervisor; Board Members Rich DePaolo, Pamela Bleiwas, Susie
Gutenberger and Rob Rosen Absent: Eric Levine and Margaret Johnson
CJ Randall, Director of Planning; Dana Magnuson, Senior Code Officer; Ashley Colbert, Deputy
Town Clerk; Joe Slater, Director of Public Works; Judy Drake, Director of Human Resources;
and David O’Shea, Director of Engineering; Max Villanueva, GIS Analyst
Mr. Howe opened the meeting at 4:30 p.m.
1. Persons to be Heard – None
2. Ithaca Fire Department Quarterly Report – Chief Covert
Chief Covert went through his submitted reports.
Fully staffed
A new heavy rescue was ordered and being upfitted, there are delays and issues given
the current political climate with ordering and receiving vehicles and equipment
Training and operations update
East Hill Fire Station construction is on track and the plan is to transition to that location
at the end of June
Reviewed repairs and renovations needed at other stations.
Mr. Howe noted that the Town signed a 1-year extension for the Fire Protection services, and we
are working on getting a consultant to work through issues with the City and what percentages
we should pay prior to signing another contract.
Mr. Rosen asked about the three resignations in the reports and why they occurred.
Chief Covert responded that one had an off-duty injury, and they couldn’t continue; one left to
join the ministry and the other couldn’t continue their training at the Fire Academy.
3. Consider approval of purchase offer and associated survey – Holmes property
(Sheffield Road, Hayts Road, and Bundy Road)
Mr. Smith reported that this came to the Planning Committee back in 2023. The property is
roughly 84 acres, with frontage on Sheffield, Bundy and Hayts Roads and the owners are
interested in the conservation program to protect the property against future sales.
TB Resolution 2025 - 040: Authorization to proceed with contracting for survey services
and authorization to proceed with purchase contract for potential purchase of agricultural
TB 2025-04-28 (Filed 5/7) Pg. 2
conservation easement on Tax Parcel No. 24.-5-1.6 (Holmes)
Whereas, the owner of Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24.-5-1.6 (Julia Holmes / Trustee of the
“Julia Holmes Trust”), located on Hayts, Sheffield, and Bundy Roads, has expressed interest in
the potential sale of the development rights to their property through the purchase of an
agricultural conservation easement by the Town of Ithaca; and
Whereas, on March 16, 2023 the Town’s Planning Committee reviewed the application and
property details and recommended that an appraisal be completed for the property, which was
authorized by the Town Board on April 10, 2023; and
Whereas, an appraisal was completed in January 2024 with the easement value determined to be
$260,000; and
Whereas, the Planning Committee (on April 18, 2024) and the landowner concur with the
appraised easement value; and
Whereas, the Planning Department has received a proposal from T.G. Miller, P.C. to perform a
boundary survey and conservation easement mapping, with a total cost of $6,300; and
Whereas, a Purchase of Development Rights Agreement and Sales Contract has been prepared to
outline the process, costs, and responsibilities for this conservation easement project; now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca authorizes the Town Supervisor to execute
the “Purchase of Development Rights Agreement and Sales Contract” with Julia Holmes
(Trustee of the “Julia Holmes Trust”) regarding the potential purchase of an agricultural
conservation easement on Tax parcel No. 24.-5-1.6 (located on Hayts, Sheffield, and Bundy
Roads), and be it further
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca authorizes the hiring of T.G. Miller, P.C.
to perform a boundary survey and conservation easement mapping for Tax Parcel No. 24.-5-1.6,
at a cost not to exceed $6,300.
Moved: Pamela Bleiwas Seconded: Susie Gutenberger
Vote: ayes- Howe, DePaolo, Bleiwas, Gutenberger and Rosen
4. Consideration of Authorization to Apply for Funding through the 2025 Municipal
Parks and Recreation Grant Program for improvements to Iacovelli Park
Mr. Smith gave an overview, saying the request is to replace the last wooden playground in the
Town and this is a new grant program specifically for municipal parks we have not applied to
before. There is $10M allocated and a $1M maximum request, with a 10% Town match.
TB 2025-04-28 (Filed 5/7) Pg. 3
Mr. Slater and Mr. O’Shea went through the layout and scope of the project, saying that there are
parking restrictions in the area and the intent is to relocate the trail and add some parking in a
phased approach.
Mr. DePaolo asked if we could supplement the grant if we were not awarded the full amount and
Mr. Smith responded that it would depend on the wording from the State, but we could reduce
the scope to bring the price down.
TB Resolution 2025 - 041: Authorization to Apply for Funding through the 2025 Municipal
Parks and Recreation Grant Program for the design and construction of the Vincenzo
Iacovelli Park Playground Replacement and Site Improvements Project
Whereas, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation (OPRHP) has
announced the availability of funding under the 2025 Municipal Parks and Recreation Grant
Program, and
Whereas, the maximum assistance allowed toward the cost of the project is capped at
$1,000,000, with a 10% local match required, and
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca is seeking to develop designs and construct new active and passive
recreational facilities (inclusive playground, multi-use court, walkways, benches, picnic tables,
etc.) at the Town’s Vincenzo Iacovelli Park (Tax Parcel No. 53.-1-22.2), and
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca estimates the total cost of this project to be approximately
$664,400.00, based on cost estimates prepared by the Town of Ithaca’s Engineering, Public
Works and Planning Departments, and
Whereas, grant applications are due by May 2, 2025; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Supervisor of the Town of Ithaca, or designated representative, is hereby
authorized and directed to file an application for design and construction costs for the Vincenzo
Iacovelli Park Playground Replacement and Site Improvements Project under the 2025
Municipal Parks and Recreation Grant Program in an amount not to exceed $664,400.00
($66,440.00 Town of Ithaca local share), and upon approval of said request to enter into and
execute a project agreement with OPRHP for such financial assistance to the Town of Ithaca.
Moved: Susie Gutenberger Seconded: Rod Howe
Vote: ayes- Howe, DePaolo, Bleiwas, Gutenberger and Rosen
TB Resolution 2025 - 042: SEQR-Design and Construction of the Vincenzo Iacovelli Park
Playground Replacement and Site Improvements Project
Whereas, this action is the design and construction of active and passive recreational facilities
(inclusive playground, multi-use court, walkways, benches, picnic tables, etc.) at the Town’s
Vincenzo Iacovelli Park (Tax Parcel No. 53.-1-22.2), and
TB 2025-04-28 (Filed 5/7) Pg. 4
Whereas, the park currently contains an old wooden playground and ½ basketball court that were
installed in 1999-2000 along with a small pavilion, picnic tables, and benches, and
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca is applying for funding from NYS Office of Parks, Recreation &
Historic Preservation (OPRHP) under the 2025 Municipal Parks and Recreation Grant Program
to assist in the design and construction costs (90% State funds), and
Whereas, it has been determined that the above-described action is an Unlisted Action, pursuant
to the State Environmental Quality Review Act, 6 NYCRR Part 617, and Town of Ithaca Code,
Chapter 148 – Environmental Quality Review, for which the Town of Ithaca Town Board is
acting as Lead Agency in an environmental review with respect to the design and construction
project, and
Whereas, the Town Board, on April 28, 2025, has reviewed and accepted as adequate the Short
Environmental Assessment Form, Parts 1, 2, and 3 prepared by Town staff for this action; now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Ithaca Town Board hereby makes a negative determination of environmental
significance based on the information in the Short EAF Part 1 and for the reasons set forth in the
Short EAF Parts 2 and 3 in accordance with the New York State Environmental Quality Review
Act and Chapter 148 of the Town of Ithaca Code for the above referenced action as proposed
and, therefore, neither a Full Environmental Assessment Form, nor an Environmental Impact
Statement will be required.
Moved: Rich DePaolo Seconded: Pamela Bleiwas
Vote: ayes- Howe, DePaolo, Bleiwas, Gutenberger and Rosen
5. Presentation – How to use Geographic Information System aka GIS
Mr. Villanueva gave a presentation on the Town’s GIS and how the board could use it to be able
to actively get a view of parcels and locations in relation to projects or action items that come in
front of the board. They will be able to see different departments and data sets that will put
different layers on the map they are viewing. It also has different tools they can access that will
let them measure and see how far places may be and have the ability to create notes for later.
6. Update on Historic Preservation implementation
Ms. Randall gave some points of the memo she sent out for the update on Historic Preservation
implementation. Historical resources are one of the key policy areas on our comprehensive plan.
There has been a lot of work over many years to document significant historic resources. The
Town of Ithaca is not part of the Landmark Preservation Commission, and this is moving
towards a long-term protection of our man historic properties. The Town is working with the
City to create one ordinance that would apply to both places that would protect these properties
and buildings.
TB 2025-04-28 (Filed 5/7) Pg. 5
7. Authorization to award:
a. Engineering Consultant Agreement for East Shore Drive Pedestrian and Bicyclist
Safety Corridor Project
Mr. O’Shea reported that we solicited 15 firms and Barton & Loguidice was the only response,
but we have worked with them many times and we are comfortable with their submission and
ability to do the job within budget and on time.
TB Resolution 2025 - 043: Authorization to Award Engineering Consultant Agreement for
East Shore Drive Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety Corridor Project
Whereas, this resolution rescinds TB Resolution 2025-021, adopted February 10, 2025, which
authorized the Town Supervisor to award and execute the Engineering Consultant Agreement for
East Shore Drive Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety Corridor Project; and
Whereas, a Project for the TAP 2023 East Shore Drive Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Corridor,
Cayuga St to James L Gibbs Dr, Town of Ithaca, P.I.N. 395091 (the Project) will improve the
safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, linking existing multi-use trail infrastructure on East Shore
Drive (NYS-34) between Boynton Middle School (N. Cayuga Street) and the Ithaca Youth
Bureau (James L. Gibbs Dr.) providing an important link to Stewart Park and the Cayuga
Waterfront Trail for walkers, joggers, and cyclists from various City of Ithaca neighborhoods, as
well as nearby Town of Ithaca and Village of Cayuga Heights neighborhoods; and
Whereas, all fifteen engineering firms on the NYSDOT Local Design Services Agreement
(LDSA) list for Region 3 were contacted to solicit expressions of interest for the Project; and
Whereas, all firms that submitted interest were evaluated using the standard matrix provided in
Chapter 6 of the Procedures for Locally Administered Federal Aid Projects (PLAFAP); and
Whereas, Barton & Loguidice, D.P.C, 443 Electronics Parkway, Liverpool, NY 13088 (B&L)
has provided an Architectural/Engineering Consultant Agreement and Fee for the Project; and
Whereas, B&L has adequately outlined Project objectives, timelines, and knowledge of required
design elements that meet and/or exceed the Town’s expectations; and
Whereas in accordance with the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA)
and its implementing regulations at 6 NYCRR Part 617, TB 2024-120 classified the Project as a
Type II Action and not subject to environmental review; now therefore be it
Resolved, that based on the scoring procedure and evaluation process, the Town Board authorizes
the award and execution by the Supervisor of a contract for Engineering/Design Services for the
Project to Barton and Loguidice, D.P.C, 443 Electronics Parkway, Liverpool, NY 13088, subject
to approval of the contract documents by the Director of Engineering and Attorney for the Town;
and be it further
TB 2025-04-28 (Filed 5/7) Pg. 6
Resolved, the total cost shall not exceed $160,000.00 for the Professional Engineering/Design
services for the Project.
Moved: Rob Rosen Seconded: Susie Gutenberger
Vote: ayes- Howe, DePaolo, Bleiwas, Gutenberger and Rosen
b. Town of Ithaca 2025 Striping Contract
Mr. Howe stated that this went out to bid with only 1 response but again, we have worked with
them before and we are comfortable moving forward.
Mr. DePaolo asked what our in-house striping capabilities were.
Mr. Slater responded that we have a small walk behind striping machine that is used for projects
that require immediate attention, giving the example of the speed humps on Forest Home Drive,
but it would not work for long road lines such as fog or center lines as those would require a
buggy or a vehicle machine.
TB Resolution 2025-044: Authorization to award the 2025 Town Wide Pavement Markings
Contract
Whereas on April 21st, 2025, the Town of Ithaca Director of Engineering (Director) received bids
for the 2025 Town Wide Pavement Markings contract which included supplying the materials,
equipment, and labor for the installation of NYSDOT compliant pavement markings such as road
striping, parking lines, ADA symbols, and other miscellaneous pavement markings throughout
the Town of Ithaca; 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, construction and implementation of the pavement marking services is a Type II Action
because the Action constitutes "Installation of Traffic Control Devices on Existing Streets, Roads
and Highways," and thus the Project is not subject to review under SEQRA; and
Whereas the Director reviewed the sole bid and qualifications received and has determined the bid
in the amount of Twenty-Seven Thousand One Hundred Seventy Dollars and Zero Cents
($27,170.00) made by Apex Striping, Inc., 6500 New Venture Gear Dr., East Syracuse, NY 13057,
is both responsive and responsible, now, therefore be it
Resolved that the Town Board awards the contract and authorizes the Town Supervisor to
execute such contract with Apex Striping Inc., subject to final approval of the contract
documents by the Director, and be it further
Resolved that the Director is authorized to approve change orders to such contract upon receipt
of appropriate justification, provided the maximum amount of such change orders shall not in the
aggregate exceed Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars and Zero Cents ($2,500.00), without
prior authorization of this Board, and provided further that the total project cost, including
TB 2025-04-28 (Filed 5/7) Pg. 7
contract, engineering, legal, inspection, and other expenses, does not exceed the maximum
authorized cost of Twenty-Nine Thousand Six-Hundred Seventy Dollars and Zero Cents
($29,670.00) for this project.
Moved: Rich DePaolo Seconded: Pamela Bleiwas
Vote: ayes- Howe, DePaolo, Bleiwas, Gutenberger and Rosen
8. Committee Reports
a) Budget - Ms. Bleiwas reported – Discussed the division of funds in New York Class and
Tompkins Community Bank; reviewed financial reports; got an update on the revisions
being drafted to the procurement and green procurement policies to integrate them;
discussed sewer rate increase and correspondence from the Village of Cayuga Heights.
b) Codes & Ordinances- Mr. Rosen reported – Continued drafting subdivision regulations
and working through the definition section. The committee decided not to allow
developers to have private roads that did not need to meet Town standards but would
need to meet NYS Fire Code requirements.
c) Personnel and Organization/ERC - Ms. Bleiwas reported – Discussed wage scale
classification system and discussed updating it; continued review of the Board Protocol
Manual
d) Planning - Mr. DePaolo reported – Jay Franklin, County Assessment came and discussed
solar developments and the use of a local law to negotiate PILOT agreements with the
developers and the Town. Other municipalities are also looking into this option to have
them pay through PILOTS what they would have paid in taxes. Continued discussion on
potential modifications to the STR laws associated with owner occupancy requirements
and limitations on the number of days permitted in Conservation Zones.
e) Public Works – No meeting.
a) Others
o Economic Development -No Report
o Parks, Trails, Preserves & Recreation – Goal is a draft revision in the Fall.
o TCCOG – Mr. Howe reported that discussions continue regarding how to address
the continuing 911 emergency services, and a resolution was passed supporting
the expansion of the number of members on the Board of Directors for the
Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency.
9. Consent Agenda
Mr. Howe noted two additions to the consent agenda; the appointment of Gary Stewart as
Town Historian through the end of the year and a W&S refund.
TB 2025-04-28 (Filed 5/7) Pg. 8
TB Resolution 2025 -045: Adopt Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Town Board Minutes
b. Approval of the Town of Ithaca Abstract
c. Appointment of Town Historian – Stewart
d. Appointments to Ethics Board
e. Designate and authorize the sale of Surplus Equipment
f. Approval of Utility Refund Request
Moved: Pamela Bleiwas Seconded: Susie Gutenberger
Vote: ayes- Howe, DePaolo, Bleiwas, Gutenberger and Rosen
TB Resolution 2025 -045a: Approval of Town Board Minutes
Resolved that the draft minutes of April 14, 2025, are adopted as final with any non-substantive
changes made.
TB Resolution 2025 - 045b: Town of Ithaca Abstract 8 for FY-2025
Resolved that the Town Board authorizes the payment of the following audited vouchers in total
for the amounts indicated:
VOUCHER NOS. 2025 334 - 373
General Fund Town Wide 65,871.85
General Fund Part-Town 13,431.64
Highway Fund Town Wide DA 2,657.48
Highway Fund Part Town DB 29,243.05
Water Fund 47,058.04
Sewer Fund 4,968.17
Capital Projects 148,723.17
Risk Retention Fund 1,530.00
TOTAL 313,483.40
TB Resolution 2025 -045c: Appointment of Town Historian
Resolved that the Town Board appoints Gary Stewart, 110 Tudor Rd, Ithaca, as Town Historian,
for a term through December 31, 2025.
TB Resolution 2025 –045d: Appointments to the Ethics Board
Resolved that the Town Board reappoints Susan Kirby and Rajindra Aneja to 5-year terms on the
Ethics Board through December 31, 2030.
TB Resolution 2025 – 045e: Sale of Surplus Items