HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Packet 2025-06-23
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MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
215 N. Tioga Street
June 23, 2025, 4:30 p.m.
ZOOM (ID 98910958241) YOUTUBE LINK
AGENDA
Tompkins County Legislature Report – Shawna Black
Update on draft revisions to Short Term Rental legislation
Consider approval to apply for a Park Foundation Grant – Forest Home Update Traffic
Calming Plan
Consider approval of an SOMRA and associated easement with Cayuga Medical Center
Reports from Committees
a)Budget
b)Personnel and Organization/ERC
(i) Consider approval of a revised Classification List and Criteria
c)Public Works
d)Planning
e)Codes & Ordinances
f)Parks & Trails
g)Economic Development
h)Other
Consent Agenda
a.Approval of Minutes
b.Town of Ithaca Abstract
Review of Correspondence/Board Member Comments
To: Town Board Members
From: C.J. Randall, Director of Planning
Date: June 18, 2025
Subject: Short-Term Rentals – proposed update to Conservation Zone
In Brief
Short-term Rentals (STR) – such as those advertised on Airbnb, FlipKey, Vrbo, etc. – allow landowners in some areas
of the Town to rent their homes for a term shorter than a traditional calendar year (or academic year) lease
arrangement. The action under consideration allows existing buildings in the Town’s Conservation Zone to host
STRs and waives owner occupancy requirements; this stems from our assumption that low density and adequate
setbacks will allow for increased STR use with minimal nuisance issues in accordance with the purpose and
legislative intent of Town Code § 270-219.7A.
Background
The Town adopted Zoning regulations related to Short -Term Rentals in 2021, which limited the number of days and
geographic areas in which hosted or unhosted rentals. (These short -term rental regulations replaced the Town’s
Zoning regulations for the use defined as ‘Bed-and-Breakfast.’) Hosted rentals are where the owner may rent out
just a room or an area of their property while they reside at the property ; guests typically don’t have access to the
whole property. Unhosted rentals are more like hotel lodging, where the entire property is at the disposal of the
guests and there is no resident owner at the property.
The Short-Term Rental regulations were amended in 2022 to address cooperative corporations, trusts, and
operating permits associated with Short-Term Rentals. The Town ensures compliance with these Short-Term Rental
regulations with a combination of enforcement tools including software that locates property listings and owners
on major Short-Term Rental platforms and an online permitting system, OpenGov.
The Town’s Planning Committee reviewed maps of areas where Short-Term Rentals are operational and are allowed
by Zoning and discussed proposed changes to the Zoning language on November 21, 2024; January 16, 2025;
March 20, 2025; April 17, 2025; and May 29, 2025. Authorizing Short-Term Rental uses within existing structures in
the Town’s Conservation Zone was the approach recommended so as not to induce construction of new buildings
solely for hospitality uses in the Conservation Zone. The proposed revisions (as included herein as a draft redline
markup) were reviewed by the Planning Committee on May 29, 2025 and recommended for Town Board
consideration.
Further Information
Please contact me with any questions or concerns at cjrandall@townithacany.gov or 607-882-2474.
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Town of Ithaca, NY
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§ 270-219.7. Short-term rental uses. [Added 12-29-2021 by L.L. No. 16-2021]
A. Purpose and legislative intent.
(1) The purpose of this section is to establish appropriate regulations for short-term rental
uses in the Town. While the Town recognizes that some property owners wish to rent to
others on a short-term basis all or part of dwelling units they own, the Town also
recognizes that it has an obligation to protect the public health, safety and welfare and
minimize the adverse effects of such short-term rental uses.
(2) By enacting this section, the Town intends to:
(a) Protect the health, safety and welfare of the community and of persons occupying
short-term rentals;
(b) Prevent to the greatest extent practicable public safety risks and other impacts,
including, but not limited to, increased noise, trash, traffic, and parking impacts
associated with short-term rental uses;
(c) Protect neighborhood character and minimize the impact of short-term rental uses
on neighbors and residential properties;
(d) Protect property values of the community;
(e) Protect housing affordability within the community for long-term residents,
whether owners or renters;
(f) Assist homeowners to stay in their homes by allowing some short-term rental use
of their homes to generate income to defray their cost of homeownership;
(g) Enable property owners to provide lodging for visitors to the Town during periods
of peak visitor and tourist demand, such as university and college graduation
weekends and holiday weekends; and
(h) Promote the efficient use of housing stock.
B. Applicability. This section applies to all short-term rental uses except: [Amended 1-23-2023
by L.L. No. 2-2023]
(1) Rentals of dwelling units that meet all of the following: the dwelling unit is owned by a
cooperative corporation and is subject to a proprietary lease under the Cooperative
Corporations Law, and the dwelling unit is the principal residence of the proprietary
lease holder.
(2) House sitting arrangements where a house sitter occupies a principal residence while the
owner or proprietary lease holder is away, the house sitter provides security,
maintenance and/or pet care, and the house sitter pays no money or other financial
consideration to the owner or proprietary lease holder in exchange for the occupancy.
(3) For short-term rental uses that were previously allowed by or exempt from this
§ 270-219.7 and that are subject to termination on April 1, 2023 pursuant to
amendments to this § 270-219.7 that become effective on April 1, 2023, this section
Town of Ithaca, NY
§ 270-219.7 § 270-219.7
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shall not apply to any short-term rental use for which a written rental agreement exists
as of April 1, 2023, provided that the rental concludes by September 30, 2023.
(4) For the purposes of this § 270-219.7, for a dwelling unit to be considered an owner's or
proprietary lease holder's principal residence, the owner or proprietary lease holder must
reside in the dwelling unit for a minimum of 185 days per year. For trusts, principal
residence requirements are met if all of the criteria in Subsection E(1)(b)[2] are met.
C. Except as prohibited by the New York Multiple Dwelling Law, a short-term rental use is
permitted, subject to this section's provisions, in a principal dwelling unit or an accessory
dwelling unit in all zoning districts that allow a short-term rental use as a permitted accessory
use.
D. (1) Except in the Lakefront Residential Zone, and in the Conservation Zone in structures that
existed as of (the adoption date of this amendment), short-term rental uses may occur
only in a dwelling unit that is the principal residence of at least one of the property
owners, in another dwelling unit on the same tax parcel as the principal residence, or in
a dwelling unit on no more than one adjacent tax parcel that is owned by the same
owner(s). No other owner(s), collectively or individually, shall own a larger percentage
of the tax parcel(s) than the owner-occupant(s) who reside in the principal residence for
a minimum of 185 days per year. [Amended 1-23-2023 by L.L. No. 2-2023]
(2) An owner may obtain up to two operating permits at any one time from the Town for
dwelling units used for short-term rental uses, with no more than one of the two permits
being for an unhosted short-term rental use.
E. Provisions applicable to hosted and unhosted short-term rental uses. The following
requirements apply to both hosted and unhosted short-term rental uses: [Amended
1-23-2023 by L.L. No. 2-2023]
(1) Operating permit required.
(a) Each dwelling unit used or offered for a short termshort-term rental use shall require
a valid operating permit issued pursuant to Town of Ithaca Code Chapter 125
(Building Construction and Fire Prevention), § 125-8. Each operating permit shall
specify whether it is for a hosted or an unhosted short-term rental use, only one
such use being allowed per unit. Before the expiration or renewal of an existing
operating permit, it shall be the responsibility of the owner of such unit to schedule
an inspection with the Town of Ithaca Code Enforcement Department in order to
obtain a new or renewed permit.
(b) Owners eligible to receive short-term rental operating permits must be either:
[1] Natural persons (defined for purposes of this § 270-219.7 as living human
beings), or
[2] Trusts that meet all of the following criteria: the dwelling unit is the principal
residence of at least one natural person who is a trust grantor, a trustee, or a
beneficiary of the trust that owns the dwelling unit, and said trust grantor,
trustee or beneficiary resides in the dwelling unit for a minimum of 185 days
per year.
Town of Ithaca, NY
§ 270-219.7 § 270-219.7
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(c) Owners of dwelling units used or offered for short-term rental uses as of April 1,
2022, must apply by July 1, 2022, for operating permits. Owners of dwelling units
that are not used or offered for short-term rental uses as of April 1, 2022, but that
are subsequently used or offered for short-term rental uses, must apply for operating
permits prior to such use or offer for a short-term rental use. After an operating
permit is obtained, it must be maintained throughout the period that such unit is used
or offered for a short-term rental use.
(d) The Code Enforcement Department shall issue an operating permit upon
verification by inspection that the items listed in Subsection E(1)(a)[1] through
[13] below meet the requirements of the applicable New York State Uniform Fire
Prevention and Building Code and the items listed in Subsection E(1)(c)[14] and
[15] below meet the requirements of the Town of Ithaca Code:
[1] 911 address number properly posted (with each unit posted);
[2] Exterior structure in good repair;
[3] Entrances, access areas, parking spaces and similar areas in good repair;
[4] Receptacles for proper storage of garbage;
[5] Compliant pools and decks (if present);
[6] Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors;
[7] Interior structure in good repair;
[8] Fire separation (where required);
[9] Electrical, plumbing and heating in good repair;
[10] Appliances in good repair (if supplied by landlord);
[11] Proper light and ventilation;
[12] Proper room sizes;
[13] Proper egress doors or windows;
[14] Compliant off-street parking, per § 270-227 and this section;
[15] Exterior property areas do not violate Town of Ithaca Code Chapter 205
(Property Maintenance).
(e) A Code Enforcement Officer shall seek a search warrant from a court of competent
jurisdiction whenever the owner, managing agent or occupant fails to allow
inspections of any premises believed to be subject to this section and where there
is a reasonable cause to believe that there is a violation of this section, Town of
Ithaca Code Chapter 205 (Property Maintenance), or the New York State Uniform
Fire Prevention and Building Code.
(f) Failure of an owner of any unit that is required to have an operating permit to apply
Town of Ithaca, NY
§ 270-219.7 § 270-219.7
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for an operating permit in a timely manner, to obtain an operating permit after
inspection, or to maintain a valid operating permit after it is granted throughout the
period that such unit is used or offered for short-term rental use, shall be deemed a
violation of this section.
(g) Over-occupancy. Verified over-occupancy shall constitute a violation of the
operating permit.
(2) Additional hosted and unhosted short-term rental use requirements.
(a) The following provisions in this Subsection E(2)(a) apply in all zones where short-
term rental uses are allowed, except in the Lakefront Residential Zone. The owner
of any unit used for a short-term rental use shall provide enough driveway parking
spaces on the parcel containing such unit so that all vehicles belonging to the short-
term renters are parked on-site. Such vehicles may not park on the street.
(b) The following provisions in this Subsection E(2)(b) apply in all zones where short-
term rental uses are allowed, except in the Lakefront Residential Zone. No unit
except a principal residence with a hosted short-term rental shall be subject to more
than one short-term rental agreement at any one time. If the owner offers more than
one unit on a parcel and/or adjacent parcel, only one unit may be rented as a short-
term rental use at any one time.
(c) No unit used for a short-term rental use shall be rented for the accommodation of
more individuals than two times the number of legal bedrooms in such unit.
(d) All units used for short-term rental uses shall have prominently posted in all
bedrooms in such unit a copy of the valid operating permit for such unit and a notice
in a form approved by the Code Enforcement Department containing safety and
legal compliance information including, but not limited to, the following: location
of the nearest exit in case of a fire; limitations contained in the Town's laws
regarding short-term rental uses and noise; and cell phone numbers of the owner
and any manager, if there is one.
(e) Collection of rental information and actions to address complaints.
[1] Every time an owner rents a unit for an unhosted short-term rental use, prior
to the beginning of the rental stay, the owner shall notify the Code
Enforcement Department of the dates of the rental agreement by electronic
methods established by such Department.
[2] Local contact person. Owners shall provide the Code Enforcement
Department, all short-term renters and all occupants of adjacent properties
with the name and contact information of a local individual who shall be
available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, during the term of the
unhosted stay. Once this notification is given to the Code Enforcement
Department and adjacent property occupants, it does not need to be given to
them again until the name and/or contact information changes. The owner or
designated local contact person shall:
Town of Ithaca, NY
§ 270-219.7 § 270-219.7
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[a] Respond on-site within 60 minutes to complaints regarding a condition
or operation of the short-term rental use or the conduct of the renters; and
[b] Take remedial action to resolve any and all complaints.
F. Limitations on number of days allowed for short-term rental use.
(1) Hosted short-term rental uses. There is no limit on the number of days per year that a
dwelling unit may be used for a hosted short-term rental use.
(2) Unhosted short-term rental uses.
(a) Unless allowed a greater number of days below, no unit shall be used for an
unhosted short-term rental use for more than 29 days in any calendar year in the
Conservation, Agricultural, Low Density Residential, Medium Density Residential
and High Density Residential Zones. This limitation of 29 days shall not apply to
any written rental agreement that existed as of July 1, 2022, provided that the rental
concludes by September 30, 2022. For the purposes of this § 270-219.7, each of the
following shall count as one day:
[1] A rental of 24 hours.
[2] A rental of less than 24 hours that includes an overnight stay.
[3] A rental of less than 24 hours that does not include an overnight stay.
(b) An owner of a unit that satisfies at least one of the following criteria may rent such
unit for unhosted short-term rental uses for up to 90 days in the aggregate in any
calendar year:
[1] A unit that is (a) located in a Conservation, Agricultural, Low Density
Residential or Medium Density Residential Zone on a parcel that is larger than
three acres, and (b) located more than 40 feet from the side property lines.
[2] A unit that is located in a Conservation, Agricultural, Low Density Residential
or Medium Density Residential Zone on a parcel that is not adjacent to any
parcels that contain a dwelling.
(c) No unit shall be used for an unhosted short-term rental use for more than 245 days
in any calendar year in the Lakefront Residential Zone. This limitation of 245 days
shall not apply to any written rental agreement that existed as of July 1, 2022,
provided that the rental concludes by September 30, 2022. For the purposes of this
§ 270-219.7, each of the following shall count as one day:
[1] A rental of 24 hours.
[2] A rental of less than 24 hours that includes an overnight stay.
[3] A rental of less than 24 hours that does not include an overnight stay.
G. Termination of certain legal nonconforming uses after amortization.
Town of Ithaca, NY
§ 270-219.7 § 270-219.7
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(1) Except as provided in Subsection G(3) below, The Zoning Board of Appeals may grant
special approval for a short-term rental use subject to termination or a limitation on days
under this § 270-219.7 to continue for a stated period of time after the termination or
limitation takes effect, provided that the owner applies to the Zoning Board of Appeals
by October 1, 2022, for such special approval, and further provided that the Zoning
Board of Appeals finds that: [Amended 1-23-2023 by L.L. No. 2-2023]
(a) The owner demonstrates that the short-term rental use is a legal nonconforming use;
and
(b) The owner demonstrates through competent dollars-and-cents proof that prior to
April 1, 2022, they made substantial financial expenditures unique to the short-
term rental use; and
(c) The owner provides documentation of their total receipts from short-term rentals
and expected revenue through the date of termination or limitation; and
(d) The owner demonstrates that they have not recovered substantially all of the
financial expenditures related to the short-term rental use; and
(e) The owner demonstrates that they cannot obtain a reasonable return on their
investment unique to the short-term rental use if the property is used for any other
purpose permitted within the zoning district, and that the lack of a reasonable return
is due solely to the termination or limitation on short-term rental days and not other
market forces; and
(f) The extension period granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals is the minimum
extension period necessary to mitigate the demonstrated loss of a reasonable return.
(2) The criteria for granting such special approval shall be as set forth above rather than the
normal criteria in Article XXIV for granting a special approval.
(3) For a short-term rental use that was previously allowed by or exempt from this
§ 270-219.7 and that is subject to termination on April 1, 2023 pursuant to amendments
to this § 270-219.7 that become effective on April 1, 2023, the Zoning Board of Appeals
may grant special approval for such short-term rental use to continue for a stated period
of time after the termination takes effect, provided that the owner applies to the Zoning
Board of Appeals by May 15, 2023, for such special approval, and further provided that
the Zoning Board of Appeals finds that: [Added 1-23-2023 by L.L. No. 2-2023]
(a) The owner demonstrates that the short-term rental use is a legal nonconforming use;
and
(b) The owner demonstrates through competent dollars-and-cents proof that prior to
April 1, 2023, they made substantial financial expenditures unique to the short-
term rental use; and
(c) The owner provides documentation of their total receipts from short-term rentals
and expected revenue through the date of termination; and
(d) The owner demonstrates that they have not recovered substantially all of the
Town of Ithaca, NY
§ 270-219.7 § 270-219.7
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financial expenditures related to the short-term rental use; and
(e) The owner demonstrates that they cannot obtain a reasonable return on their
investment unique to the short-term rental use if the property is used for any other
purpose permitted within the zoning district, and that the lack of a reasonable return
is due solely to the termination on short-term rental days and not other market
forces; and
(f) The extension period granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals is the minimum
extension period necessary to mitigate the demonstrated loss of a reasonable return.
(4) The criteria for granting special approval pursuant to Subsection G(3) above shall be as
set forth in Subsection G(3) above rather than the normal criteria in Article XXIV for
granting a special approval. [Added 1-23-2023 by L.L. No. 2-2023]
(5) Owners of dwelling units that were previously exempt from this section and receive
special approval pursuant to Subsection G(3) above must apply for an operating permit
within five days of the grant of special approval. Upon the grant of special approval, all
provisions of this § 270-219.7 apply during the duration of the special approval, except
the Town may grant an operating permit to such owner even though it is not a natural
person or trust. [Added 1-23-2023 by L.L. No. 2-2023]
H. Order to remedy; operating permit suspension and revocation.
(1) Whenever the Code Enforcement Officer finds that there has been a violation of this
section, the Code Enforcement Officer is authorized to order in writing the remedying
of any condition or activity in violation of this section.
(2) An order to remedy shall be in writing; identify the property or premises; specify the
condition or activity that violates this section; shall specify the provisions of this section
which are violated by the specified condition or activity; shall include a statement that
the violations must be corrected within 30 days after the date of the order to remedy;
may direct the person served with the order to begin to remedy the viol ation(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 within five days after the date of
the order to remedy by personal service, by mailing by registered or certified mail sent
to the address set forth in the application for any permit 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.
(4) In case the owner, operator, or the agent of any of them shall fail, neglect or refuse to
remove, eliminate or abate the violation within the time specified in the order to remedy,
a request to take appropriate legal action may be made to the Attorney for the Town of
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§ 270-219.7 § 270-219.7
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Ithaca, and/or the Code Enforcement Officer may initiate the process to suspend or
revoke an operating permit, if the suspension/revocation process has not already been
instituted.
(5) Suspension and revocation of operating permit.
(a) An operating permit may be suspended or revoked pursuant to Town of Ithaca Code
Chapter 125 (Building Construction and Fire Prevention), § 125-8. In addition to
the reasons for suspension and revocation in that section, an operating permit may
be suspended or revoked if the owner of a dwelling unit used or offered for short-
term rental use fails to apply for an operating permit in a timely manner, to obtain
an operating permit after inspection, to maintain a valid operating permit after it is
granted throughout the period that such unit is used or offered for a short- term rental
use, or to otherwise comply with this section.
(b) To initiate the process to suspend or revoke an operating permit, the Code
Enforcement Officer shall issue a notice of intent to suspend or revoke the operating
permit. The notice of intent to suspend or revoke shall describe the violation and
require the operating permit holder to immediately correct the violation or cause
the violation to be corrected.
(c) The notice of intent shall be provided to the operating permit holder by personal
service, by registered or certified mail to the address submitted with the permit
application, or by posting on the premises at issue.
(d) If the operating permit holder fails to immediately correct the violation or cause the
violation to be corrected, the Code Enforcement Officer shall suspend or revoke the
permit.
(e) An operating permit holder shall be entitled to request a hearing on suspension or
revocation before the Town Board, upon application made to the Town Clerk
demonstrating that the operating permit holder was not in violation. Such hearing
shall be requested, in writing, with the request addressed to and received by the
Town Clerk within five business days of the permit holder's receipt of the notice of
intent or of posting, whichever occurs earlier. Any suspension or revocation
remains in effect unless modified by the Town Board. Within 30 days of the permit
holder's written request, the Town Board shall hold a hearing to determine whether
to reverse the suspension or revocation. The Town Board shall issue its written
decision within 15 days after the hearing.
(f) The owner of a dwelling unit for which a short-term rental operating permit has
been revoked for the first time may not reapply for a new operating permit until one
year after such revocation.
(g) The owner of a dwelling unit for which a short-term rental operating permit has
been revoked at least once before may not reapply for a new operating permit until
five years after such revocation.
To: Town Board Members
From: C.J. Randall, LEED AP ND, Director of Planning
Date: June 20, 2025
Subject: Forest Home Traffic Calming Plan – grant funding for proposed update
In Brief
The Town of Ithaca Planning Department – in consultation with the Town’s Departments of Engineering and Public
Works, respectively – is seeking grant funding to select Consultant(s) with capacity to provide active transportation
planning and engineering services, community relations support services (including the support of community and
stakeholder engagement), and agency strategic guidance for the Forest Home neighborhood .
Background
The Forest Home Improvement Association (FHIA), with the participation of the Town of Ithaca and other interested
groups, prepared the Forest Home Traffic Calming Plan – Final Report (June 29, 2007) with the intent of reducing
vehicle speeds and increasing driver attentiveness in this residential neighborhood to improve pedestrian, bicycle
and vehicular safety, and create a more livable residential environment. Select interventions proposed in the 2007
Traffic Calming Plan – identified by the Forest Home Improvement Association and the Town of Ithaca ’s Planning
Committee as high priority elements – were completed in 2010; construction included the installation of gateway
entrance features, mid-block speed tables, signage and other related elements to reduce vehicle speeds.
Much has changed in transportation planning since the 2007 Traffic Calming Plan, including the Town’s Complete
Streets (2015) and Vision Zero (2025) policy frameworks; approaches to and tools for meaningful public
involvement and stakeholder engagement in transportation decision-making; and location-based tools for roadway
safety management. In addition to robust public and stakeholder engagement, this initiative is anticipated to study
the physical, operational, and regulatory environment to identify the level of service for all travel modes,
emphasizing vulnerable road users; consider Forest Home as a Historic District listed on the National Register of
Historic Places; develop a concept plan and recommendations that improve multimodal level of service; and
prepare realistic cost estimates, funding sources, priority, and parties responsible for implementation of
recommendations.
This proposed initiative coincides with the Park Foundation’s Sustainable Ithaca program emphasis of integrating
systems and cross-sectoral collaboration; the Town, with support from Cornell University and FHIA, is seeking
funding through a Smart Growth priority grant (“…includes support for smart growth planning, zoning reform,
alternative transportation modes, and vehicle mile reduction ”).
Further Information
Please contact me with any questions or concerns at cjrandall@townithacany.gov or 607-882-2474.
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Item 3
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
June 23, 2025
TB Resolution No. 2025 - : Authorization to Apply for Funding through the Park
Foundation to update the Forest Home Traffic Calming Plan
Whereas, the Park Foundation is currently accepting funding request proposals and includes a
funding priority for “Sustainable Ithaca” with a category for “Smart Growth,” and
Whereas, the Forest Home Improvement Association (FHIA), with the participation of the Town
of Ithaca and other interested stakeholders, prepared the 2007 Forest Home Traffic Calming Plan
with the intent of reducing vehicle speeds and increasing driver attentiveness in this residential
neighborhood, thereby improving pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular safety, and creating a more
livable residential environment, and
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca, with the participation of the Forest Home Improvement
Association (FHIA) and other interested stakeholders, intends to engage active transportation
planning and engineering services, community relations support services, and agency strategic
guidance for the Forest Home neighborhood in accordance with the Town’s Complete Streets
policy (April 15, 2015) and Vision Zero policy (June 9, 2025), and
Whereas, the Town estimates the total cost to be approximately $175,000 for the project, and
Whereas, Park Foundation applications are due by July 8, 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 to update the Forest Home Traffic Calming Plan
through the Park Foundation for $75,000, and upon approval of said request to enter into and
execute a project agreement with the Park Foundation for such financial assistance to the Town
of Ithaca.
MOVED: SECONDED:
VOTE:
Item 4
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
June 23, 2025
TB Resolution 2025 – : Authorization for Supervisor to sign the Campus Wide Stormwater
Operation, Maintenance, and Reporting Agreement and stormwater related easement
associated with Cayuga Medical Center
Whereas, the Cayuga Medical Center (CMC) has many stormwater management and treatment
facilities that have been installed over the years during various projects. Each project has an
individual Stormwater Operation, Maintenance, and Reporting Agreement (SOMRA) and
associated easements, and
Whereas, CMC wishes to terminate the individual agreements and easements and enter into a
campus wide SOMRA and easement that will replace the prior individual agreements, 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 proposed Operation, Maintenance and Reporting Agreement, and the
proposed Permanent Stormwater and Access Easements and Right-of-Way, 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; now therefore be it
Resolved that the Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor to sign the Campus Wide
Stormwater Operation, Maintenance, and Reporting Agreement and stormwater easement
associated with the Cayuga Medical Center and termination of the prior stormwater agreements
and easements, subject to the review by the Attorney for the Town and approval of the Town
Engineer.
Moved: Seconded:
Vote: ayes -
1
PERMANENT STORMWATER
EASEMENTAND RIGHT-OF-WAY
THIS INDENTURE is made this _____day of ______, 2025 by and between
CAYUGA MEDICAL CENTER, a hospital with offices at 101 Dates Drive, Ithaca,
New York, 14850 (“Grantor”), and the Town of Ithaca, a municipal corporation of
the State of New York, with offices at 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, New York
14850 (“Grantee” or the “Town”).
The Grantor is the owner of a certain parcel of land of 161.47 acres, identified as
tax parcel number 24.-3-2.1, located in the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County,
New York, commonly known as Cayuga Medical Center Campus (the
“Premises”).
NOW WITNESSETH, that the Grantor, in consideration of One and 00/100 Dollar
($1.00) and other good and valuable consideration paid by the Town, the receipt
and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by the Grantor and the Town,
does hereby grant, remise, relinquish and release unto the Town, its successors and
assigns forever, an EASEMENT and RIGHT-OF-WAY to excavate, install, lay,
construct, operate, make observations of, inspect, maintain, alter, improve, repair,
remove, replace or change the size of stormwater, drainage and/or sediment
control facilities, including ditches, ponds, together with any and all necessary or
desirable related appurtenances and devices, together with the rights of free
ingress and egress in, over, across, upon, and under the Premises.
FURTHER WITNESSETH: That the Grantor covenants and agrees that no
buildings or structures (except for roads, buildings and other structures to be
constructed, used and maintained on or beneath the surface of the Premises in
accordance with permits and approvals issued by Grantee that explicitly reference
the aforesaid permanent easement) shall be constructed within the aforesaid
permanent easement and right-of-way which will in any way interfere with
complete access by the Town, its successors, assigns, employees and agents to
excavate, install, lay, construct, operate, make observations of, inspect, maintain,
alter, improve, repair, remove, replace or change the size of any stormwater,
drainage and/or sediment control facilities, including ditches, ponds, and other
and related appurtenances and devices.
AND, Grantor further covenants and agrees:
1. Grantor, for itself and all of its successors and assigns, covenants and
agrees that no building or structures (except for roads, buildings and other
structures to be constructed, used and maintained on or beneath the surface of the
Premises in accordance with permits and approvals issued by Grantee that
2
explicitly reference the aforesaid permanent easement) shall be constructed or
placed within the aforesaid permanent easement and right-of-way which will in
any way interfere with complete access by the Town, its successors, assigns,
employees and agents to excavate, install, lay, construct, operate, make
observations of, inspect, maintain, alter, improve, repair, remove, replace or change
the size of any stormwater, drainage and/or sediment control facilities, including
ditches, ponds, and other and related appurtenances and devices.
2. Grantor, for itself and all of its successors and assigns, covenants and
agrees that, except for trees or other plants to be installed and maintained on or
beneath the surface of the Premises in accordance with permits and approvals
issued by Grantee that explicitly reference the aforesaid permanent easement, no
trees or other plants will be planted or cultivated that may interfere with the said
easement and right-of-way.
3. Grantor, for itself and all of its successors and assigns, covenants and
agrees that, except to the extent necessary for the construction, use and
maintenance of buildings and other improvements on the Premises in accordance
with permits and approvals issued by Grantee that explicitly reference the
aforesaid permanent easement, it will not permit or conduct any mining,
excavation, construction or blasting within said easement and right-of-way.
4. Grantor, for itself and all of its successors and assigns, covenants and
agrees that, except during the construction or maintenance of buildings,
foundations and other improvements to be constructed, used and maintained on
or beneath the surface of the Premises in accordance with permits and approvals
issued by the Grantee that explicitly reference the aforesaid permanent easement,
it will not engage in any conduct, directly or indirectly, that blocks, obstructs, or
interferes with the ingress and egress rights of the Town, its successors, assigns,
employees and agents.
5. Grantor, for itself and all of its successors and assigns, covenants and
agrees that it will place the following provision in all conveyances of the
property or portions thereof covered by this easement, or any rights therein:
“Being the purpose of the said stormwater easement and right-of way to
convey rights to the Town of Ithaca for stormwater, drainage, sediment
control and stormwater management purposes, including the conveyance of
rights to said Town to excavate, install, lay, construct, operate, make
observations of, inspect, maintain, alter, improve, repair, remove, replace or
change the size of stormwater, drainage and/or sediment control facilities,
including ditches, ponds, and other and related appurtenances and devices,
together with the rights of free ingress and egress in, over, across, upon and
3
under the below-described permanent easement and right-of-way, and
including the right to trim and/or remove trees, shrubs and other obstructions,
all of which rights are (1) set forth in a permanent easement and right-of-way
granted to the Town, the terms, obligations and conditions of which are
expressly incorporated herein, and (2) assignable by the said Town to any
successor or assign, or to any improvement district(s) now existing or hereafter
to be formed.”
AND FURTHER, Grantor and the Town acknowledge that the easement and
right-of-way hereby granted are fully assignable by the Town to any successor or
assign, or to any existing or future improvement district(s), without prejudice or
recourse.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD said right-of-way and easement unto the Town, its
successors and assigns forever, it being the intent of the Grantor to have this
easement and all related rights-of-way herein expressed run with the land forever,
and be permanent and perpetual.
AND THE TOWN DOES COVENANT that Grantee will at all times, when it
enters the Premises for any purpose related to the permanent easement as
granted by this instrument, leave the Premises in a neat and presentable
condition, returning the Premises as nearly as practicable to its condition before
such entry.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Grantor and Grantee have hereunto set their hands
and seals the day and year first above written.
CAYUGA MEDICAL CENTER TOWN OF ITHACA
By: __________________________ By: __________________________
John Gaetano Rod Howe
Assistant Vice President Facilities Supervisor
4
State of New York )
County of Tompkins ) ss.:
On the ______ day of ______________ in the year 20__ before me, the undersigned,
personally appeared __________________, personally known to me or proved to me on
the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the individual(s) whose name(s) is (are)
subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they
executed the same in his/her/their capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their signature(s)
on the instrument, the individual(s), or the person upon behalf of which the
individual(s) acted, executed the instrument.
_______________________________________
Notary Public
State of New York )
County of Tompkins ) ss.:
On the ______ day of _______________ in the year 20__ before me, the undersigned,
personally appeared Rod Howe personally known to me or proved to me on the basis of
satisfactory evidence to be the individual(s) whose name(s) is (are) subscribed to the
within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in
his/her/their capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument, the
individual(s), or the person upon behalf of which the individual(s) acted, executed the
instrument.
_______________________________________
Notary Public
Cayuga Medical Center Stormwater Maintenance Agreement
Page 1 of 7
OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPORTING AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is effective this _______ day of ______, 2025, by and between the
TOWN OF ITHACA, a municipal corporation with offices at 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, New
York 14850 (the "Town"), and CAYUGA MEDICAL CENTER, a hospital with offices at 101
Dates Drive, Ithaca, New York, 14850 (the “Owner”).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Owner has received final site plan approvals, final subdivision approvals,
and/or special permits for one or more projects in the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York,
and may receive project approvals in the future (collectively, the "Approvals") from the Town's
Planning Board or other Town boards or officers; and
WHEREAS, some of these Approvals have been, or will be, granted conditional upon the
construction, maintenance and implementation of approved stormwater facilities and/or other
stormwater management practices, submission of stormwater inspection reports, and/or entry into
this agreement with the Town regarding the same (collectively, "Covered Approvals"); and
WHEREAS, ordinarily an owner would execute one Operation, Maintenance, and Reporting
Agreement and one Easement and Right-of-Way for each project containing stormwater
facilities/practices; and
WHEREAS, the Owner is a large land owner that expects to be constructing and
implementing many stormwater facilities/practices in the future; and
WHEREAS, a single agreement covering stormwater facilities/practices on multiple
locations within the Owner's property within the Town would be easier for both parties to administer
than multiple individual agreements;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the granting of the Approval and in furtherance of
the public purposes of providing adequate stormwater retention and maintenance, the parties agree as
follows:
1. Construction of Facilities and Implementation of Practices.
(a) The Owner agrees to construct all of the stormwater management facilities, erosion and
sedimentation control facilities and storm drainage facilities (collectively referred to as the
“Facilities”) shown on the final plans which are part of the Approval, copies of which are on file in
the Town of Ithaca offices. Without limiting the foregoing, the Owner agrees to construct, at its
expense:
(i) The Facilities, which shall be located substantially as shown on the site plan
drawings submitted as part of each Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) approval
(referred to in this Agreement as the “Drawings”); and
Cayuga Medical Center Stormwater Maintenance Agreement
Page 2 of 7
(ii) All other Facilities, including pipes, mains, drains, outlet and inlet structures,
manholes, and all other drainage-related facilities and structures, whether above or below
grade, which shall be located substantially as shown on the Drawings; and
(iii) Such future Facilities as may be required to be constructed by applicable laws,
rules, or regulations.
(b) The Owner further agrees to implement, at its expense, all approved stormwater
management practices (“Practices”), in addition to the Facilities, that are required as part of the
Approval, and such future Practices as may be required by applicable laws, rules, or regulations.
(c) All of the Facilities and Practices in subparagraphs (a) and (b) above shall be constructed
and implemented as shown on the Drawings, in accordance with good engineering practice and
applicable New York State standards and specifications, and to the reasonable satisfaction of the
Town Engineer.
2. Inspection, Maintenance and Repair of Facilities and Practices. The Owner agrees for
itself, its legal representatives, successors and assigns and any other persons or entities who obtain
title to or an interest in any portion of the properties on which any of the Facilities or Practices are
located, such agreement being expressly intended to run with the land and be binding forever, to
operate, maintain and repair the Facilities and Practices to insure that they continue to function for
their intended purpose and as designed. In furtherance of such obligation, and without limiting the
obligations set forth in the preceding sentence, the Owner agrees to follow the maintenance plan for
regular and recurring inspections and maintenance of the Facilities and Practices which is part of the
Approval and is set forth in the approved SWPPPs . In addition, the Owner shall perform such other
inspections, maintenance and repair as may be reasonably required by the Town Engineer in order to
assure the continued operation of the Facilities and Practices as intended and designed. The Owner,
at its own expense, shall perform all of the foregoing inspections, maintenance and repair, and any
other inspections, maintenance and repair reasonably necessary to keep all Facilities and Practices
functioning in a good and workmanlike manner.
3. Town Inspections, Repair, and other Activities. The Owner shall grant to the Town the
permanent easement and right-of-way which is attached to this Agreement as Exhibit A. The Owner
agrees the Town may enter upon the easement areas described in the Permanent Stormwater and
Access Easements and Rights-of Way (Exhibit A) or any portion thereof for the purposes of
observing and inspecting the Facilities and Practices at any time and from time to time as may be
deemed appropriate, necessary or desirable by the Town, the Town Engineer, or other officers or
employees of the Town, and to make repairs to and undertake other actions regarding the Facilities
and Practices as set forth below. If maintenance deficiencies are found as a result of such
inspections, the Town Engineer will notify the Owner in writing, and the Owner shall cause needed
repairs to be made and/or needed maintenance performed within the number of days set forth in such
notice. If the Owner fails to complete the repairs and/or maintenance to the satisfaction of the Town
Engineer within the required period, the Town reserves the right (but does not have the obligation) to
have the repairs made and/or maintenance performed and will charge the Owner for the cost of such
repairs and maintenance. The Owner agrees to pay for such repairs and maintenance within 10 days
Cayuga Medical Center Stormwater Maintenance Agreement
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after demand for same. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an emergency exists requiring immediate
action, the Owner hereby authorizes the Town, its officers, agents, contractors and employees, to
enter upon the property and effect emergency repairs to and perform emergency maintenance on,
and/or to alter, remove, replace, or change the size of, any portion of the Facilities or Practices in the
event of a threat to the safety of the Facilities, Practices or properties adjacent to or downstream of
any portion of the Facilities or Practices, with the cost of such activities to be reimbursed by the
Owner to the Town within 10 days of demand for same. When any portion of any Facility or
Practice is located off-site or on the property of a third party, the Owner, at its sole cost and expense,
shall obtain easements and rights-of-way thereto acceptable to the Town.
4. Contest of Bills. In the event the Town makes repairs or undertakes emergency activities
as described in paragraph 3 above and issues a demand for reimbursement, and the Owner disputes
either the need for the repairs/activities or the cost of the repairs/activities, the Owner, in lieu of
paying the amount demanded shall, within 10 days of receipt of the demand, deliver to the Town
Clerk at the Town offices a Notice of Contest stating that the need for the repairs/activities, or cost,
or both, is in dispute and concisely stating the basis for the dispute. Failure to serve such a Notice of
Contest shall be deemed a waiver of any claim or defense that the amount demanded is not justified.
If the Notice of Contest is timely filed, the Town shall, within forty-five days of the filing, arrange
for a hearing before the Town Board which, based upon any relevant materials presented by the
Town Engineer and the Owner, shall issue a resolution determining the dispute within 10 days after
the hearing. Such resolution shall be filed with the Town Clerk, who shall arrange for delivery of a
copy of the resolution to the Owner, within five days after such filing, at the address for such Owner
set forth at the outset of this Agreement or at such other address as the Owner may designate in
writing to the Town Clerk and Town Engineer. If the Owner disagrees with the resolution, it may
bring a proceeding pursuant to Article 78 of the Civil Practice Law and Rules of the State of New
York, provided such proceeding is commenced within 30 days of the filing with the Town Clerk of
the decision of the Town Board. The Owner agrees to the shortened statute of limitations of 30 days
within which it must assert its claims in any Article 78 proceeding. Failure to timely institute such a
proceeding shall be deemed an agreement with the decision of the Board.
5. Addition to Taxes. In the event the Town makes repairs or undertakes emergency
activities as described in paragraph 3 above and the Owner fails to reimburse the Town for the cost
of said repairs/activities within 10 days after the demand for same, or, if contested by the
proceedings set forth above, fails to so reimburse within 30 days of the filing of the final decision on
the contest determining the amount due to the Town, then such unpaid costs, expenses and interest at
the per annum rate of 9% incurred from the date of repair/activity shall constitute a lien upon the
land on which the Facilities or Practices are located. The Town may bring a legal action or
proceeding to collect such costs, expenses, interest, and recoverable attorney’s fees, or to foreclose
such lien. As an alternative to the maintenance of any such action, the Town may file a certificate
with the Tompkins County Department of Assessment stating the costs and expenses incurred and
interest accruing as aforesaid, together with a statement identifying the property and Owner so that
the Tompkins County Department of Assessment shall in the preparation of the next assessment roll
assess such unpaid costs, expenses and interest upon such property. Such amount shall be included
as a special ad valorem levy (administered as a move tax) against such property, shall constitute a
lien, and shall be collected and enforced in the same manner, by the same proceedings, at the same
time, and under the same penalties as are provided by law for collection and enforcement of real
Cayuga Medical Center Stormwater Maintenance Agreement
Page 4 of 7
property taxes in the Town of Ithaca. The Owner agrees that the assessment of such costs, expenses
and interest shall be effective even if the property would otherwise be exempt from real estate
taxation. In any action or proceeding brought hereunder, the prevailing party shall be entitled to
recovery from the other party of its reasonable costs in prosecuting or defending any action,
including reasonable attorneys’ fees. The prevailing party shall be determined by the court
determining the matter. “Prevailing party” shall mean a party which is awarded all or substantially
all of the relief demanded by such party.
6. Inspection Reports. The Owner shall submit an annual stormwater inspection report
prepared by a Qualified Inspector to the Town Engineer on or before the first day of October of each
year. Newly constructed Facilities and Practices shall be included in the first report submitted
following the issuance of the Final Construction Inspection and/or SPDES Notice of Termination.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Owner shall submit stormwater inspection reports on a more
frequent basis or on a different timetable where required by the Approval or by law, rule or
regulation. Such reports shall, at a minimum, include the location of the property, Owner’s contact
information, a summary of completed inspections and results of such inspections, and a summary of
any maintenance activities or corrective actions undertaken. Reports shall be signed by the Owner
or other legally responsible party, and shall attest to the accuracy of the information provided in the
report. Failure to submit the reports, or the submission of inaccurate reports, shall constitute a
condition of non-compliance with the site plan Approval and be subject to enforcement as outlined
below.
7. Alterations and Discontinuation of Facilities and Practices. The Owner shall not
authorize, undertake or permit alteration, abandonment, modification or discontinuation of the
Facilities or Practices except in accordance with written approval of the Town and pursuant to any
applicable requirements for modification of site plan approvals.
8. Additional Requirements. The Owner shall comply with all Town of Ithaca stormwater
operation, maintenance or reporting local laws, ordinances and regulations as they now exist or are
hereafter added or amended. The parties agree to amend this Agreement as necessary to incorporate
the requirements of any new or amended laws, ordinances or regulations.
9. Recording. This Agreement shall be recorded in the office of the Tompkins County Clerk
and when recorded shall be referenced to the deeds for tax parcel 24.-3-2.1. The costs of recording
and referencing to affected deeds and parcels of land shall be the responsibility of the Owner.
10. Binding Effect and Enforcement.
(a) The Owner, its legal representatives, successors and assigns, and any other
persons or entities who obtain title to or an interest in any portion of the properties on which
any of the Facilities or Practices are located shall be bound by the terms of this Agreement.
The Owner shall execute whatever documents are necessary to make this Agreement binding
on any persons or entities who obtain title to, or an interest in, any portion of the properties
on which any of the Facilities or Practices are located.
(b) Failure to comply with any of the requirements of this Agreement shall, without
Cayuga Medical Center Stormwater Maintenance Agreement
Page 5 of 7
limiting the remedies otherwise available to the Town, constitute a condition of non -
compliance with the site plan Approval, shall be deemed a violation of the Town’s Zoning
Ordinance, and shall be subject to enforcement as outlined in Section 270-239 of the Town
of Ithaca Code and Section 268 of the Town Law.
11. Representation as to Authority. Each of the persons executing this Agreement on behalf
of the parties represents that he or she has full authority to execute the same on behalf of his or her
party, and that by his or her execution, the party for which he or she is executing this Agreement is
fully bound by its terms.
12. Limitation upon Town Liability and Indemnity. The Town shall not be liable or
responsible for any injury to persons or damage to property due to the Town’s actions, or failures to
act, under or pursuant to this Agreement, unless it is proven to a reasonable degree of certainty that
such injury or damage was caused by a reckless or intentional wrongful act of the Town or, where
the Owner is not in breach of this Agreement and no emergency situation exists, by the Town’s
negligence. The Owner agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Town and its elected officials,
employees, agents, subcontractors and consultants for all damages, losses and claims that arise out of
the Owner’s and/or Town’s actions or failures to act under or pursuant to this Agreement, except this
indemnification shall not extend to the proportion of damages, losses and claims caused by a
reckless or intentional wrongful act of the Town or, where Owner is not in breach of this Agreement
and no emergency situation exists, by the Town’s negligence. Such indemnity shall include the costs
of defending any action, including reasonable attorney fees, expert fees, and other litigation costs.
13. Waivers. Where the Town Board finds that, due to the special circumstances of a
particular case, a waiver of certain requirements in this Agreement is justified, a waiver may be
granted. In all cases, no waiver shall be granted unless the Town Board finds and records in its
minutes that: (1) granting the waiver would be in keeping with the intent and spirit of this
Agreement, and is in the best interests of the community; (2) there is no adverse effect upon the
character, appearance, or welfare of the neighborhood and any watercourses, watersheds, or surface
waters; (3) there are special circumstances involved in the particular case; (4) denying the waiver
would result in undue hardship, provided that such hardship has not been self-imposed; and (5) the
waiver is the minimum necessary degree of variation from the requirements of this Agreement.
14. Assignment. The Town may assign this Agreement and any of its rights, duties and
obligations to any successor entity or governmental institution, or to any one or more drainage or
other districts hereafter created by the Town.
15. Severability. In the event that any portion of this Agreement is declared invalid by a
court of competent jurisdiction, the validity of the remaining portions shall not be affected by such
declaration of invalidity.
Cayuga Medical Center Stormwater Maintenance Agreement
Page 6 of 7
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement effective the day and
year first above written.
TOWN OF ITHACA
________________ By: _______________________
Date Rod Howe, Supervisor
CAYUGA MEDICAL CENTER
________________ By: _______________________
Date John Gaetano, Assistant Vice President
Cayuga Medical Center Stormwater Maintenance Agreement
Page 7 of 7
STATE OF NEW YORK :
COUNTY OF TOMPKINS : ss.:
On the ______ day of ______________ in the year 20__ before me, the undersigned, personally
appeared _____________________________ personally known to me or proved to me on the basis of
satisfactory evidence to be the individual(s) whose name(s) is (are) subscribed to the within instrument and
acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their
signature(s) on the instrument, the individual(s), or the person upon behalf of which the individual(s) acted,
executed the instrument.
______________________________
Notary Public
STATE OF NEW YORK :
COUNTY OF TOMPKINS : ss.:
On the ______ day of ______________ in the year 20__ before me, the undersigned, personally
appeared _____________________ personally known to me or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory
evidence to be the individual(s) whose name(s) is (are) subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged
to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their signature(s) on
the instrument, the individual(s), or the person upon behalf of which the individual(s) acted, executed the
instrument.
______________________________
Notary Public
Town Hall Human Resources
215 N.Tioga St 14850 607.273.1721 x115
www.townithacany.gov
MEMORANDUM
TO: Town Board
FROM: Judith C. Drake, PHR, Human Resources Manager
DATE: June 16, 2025
SUBJECT: Job Classification Rating System
The Personnel and Organization Committee has been working on a project to revise and improve
the Town’s Job Classification Rating System. The system is used as a means of comparing and
grouping positions based on a point system. This system groups positions based on the job
description and how the position relates to others. The system is designed to eliminate biases
such as gender, age or any other discriminatory factors. The evaluation is done on the position
and not on the individual filling the position.
The history on the classification of positions has included many revisions over the past 29 years.
Prior to 1996, wages and raises were decided on by each department during the budget process.
This created many issues including pitting departments against each other. This practice was
subjective, unfair and resulted in complaints of discrimination. In 1996 the Town adopted the
County’s point factor system, without any changes to wording or structure. In 2001 a new system
was developed, changing the wording and criteria to better fit the Town’s departments, size and
structure. In 2012, the Town Board adopted the current point factor system that revamped the
criteria, points and created an Office structure and a Field structure. From that point, changes in
positions and new positions were evaluated based on the point factor system.
With the town continuing to grow and have changes in roles and functions of certain positions it
became clear that it was time to review the system for some modifications. Another issue that
has been lurking is that wages for certain positions have made recruitment and retention a
concern. However, the desire was to maintain, as much as possible, the current office
classification listing. The G class level wasn’t being utilized, so it could be used differently which
allowed for some adjustments in the ranking of some positions and the system.
The Personnel and Organization Committee is presenting a revised evaluation structure that
moves away from a complex point system and to a simpler position rating system. There are
descriptive criteria established for each level to assist with the placement of positions in the overall
structure. The positions in each department are ranked in a hierarchical manner. Then all the
departments are put together with similar level positions coming together in a classification. This
resulted in some positions listed in current Class D to be reclassed to Class E and most of the
positions in current Class E and F being reclassed up to Class F and G. Therefore, the only
change to the Classification listing is in Classes D, E, F and G. The field classification system has
not had many changes or additional positions, so that system remains the same.
The first step in this project is to have approval of establishing the criteria and classification
structure resulting from that. The next step is to establish the Hiring Rate through Job Rate for
the new system, which establishes a revised Wage Scale. This step is currently being evaluated
by the Personnel & Organization Committee and then the Budget & Finance Committee.
If you have any questions prior to the meeting, please let me know.
Esstablished: X/1/2025
Class EVALUATION CRITERIA
Leadership of medium to large department with staff completing complex functions
I Minimal level of oversight and supervision provided
Considerable leeway for independent judgement in performance
High level of decision making with minimal guidance by Town Supervisor
High degree of interpersonal skills to communicate with broad range of folks
Requires a high level of knowledge, skills, experience or education
Leadership of a small department or administrative function
Minimal level of oversight and supervision provided
H Considerable leeway for independent judgement in performance
High level of decision making with some guidance by Town Supervisor
High degree of interpersonal skills to communicate with broad range of folks
Requires a high level of knowledge, skills, experience or education
Requires responsibility for confidential privacy information or monetary funds
Middle management leadership over departments with 4+ staff
G Moderate level of oversight and supervision on complex projects or programs
Significant leeway for independent judgement and managing responsibilities
Moderate level of decision making with some guidance by upper management
Moderate degree of interpersonal skills to communicate with broad range of folks
Requires a higher level of knowledge, skills, experience or education than "F"
Provides mentorship to entry level staff, interns or temporary staff
F Moderate level of oversight and supervision on complex projects or programs
Moderate leeway for independent judgement and managing responsibilities
Moderate level of decision making with some guidance by upper management
Moderate degree of interpersonal skills to communicate with broad range of folks
Requires a high level of knowledge, skills, experience, education or certification
Provides leadership over lower level staff, interns or temporary staff
E Moderate level of oversight and supervision on complex projects or programs
Moderate leeway for independent judgement and managing responsibilities
Moderate level of decision making with some guidance by upper management
Moderate degree of interpersonal skills to communicate with broad range of folks
Requires a mid- level of knowledge, skills, experience, education or certification in a specialized function
Requires responsibility for confidential privacy information, monetary funds, network or life safety concerns
Provides leadership over lower level staff, interns or temporary staff
D Moderate level of oversight and supervision on complex projects or programs
Moderate leeway for independent judgement and managing responsibilities
Moderate level of decision making with some guidance by upper management
Moderate degree of interpersonal skills to communicate with broad range of folks
Requires a mid-level of knowledge, skills, experience, and education
Performs broad range of varying levels of clerical or accounting tasks
Does not require the exercise of direct supervision except for overseeing work of temporary staff
C Moderate level of oversight and supervision on complex projects or programs
Moderate leeway for independent judgement and managing responsibilities
Moderate level of decision making with some guidance on complex or unusual matters
Moderate degree of interpersonal skills to communicate with broad range of folks
Requires a mid-level of knowledge, skills, experience, and education
Performs broad range of clerical or accounting tasks and may act as sole administrative person
OFFICE SYSTEM JOB CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA
Does not require the exercise of direct supervision
B Direct level of oversight and supervision on projects or programs
Basic leeway for independent judgement and managing responsibilities
Basic level of decision making with general guidance by upper administrative staff
Basic degree of interpersonal skills to communicate with public on set rules and policies
Requires a entry-level of knowledge, skills, experience, and education
Performs moderate level of standardized clerical or accounting tasks
Does not require the exercise of supervision
A Direct level of oversight and supervision on projects or programs
Minimal leeway for independent judgement and managing responsibilities
Basic level of decision making with general guidance by upper administrative staff
Basic degree of interpersonal skills to communicate with public on routine communications
Requires a minimal level of knowledge, skills, experience, and education
Performs standardized clerical or accounting tasks
Class EVALUATION CRITERIA
Middle management leadership over departments with 4+ staff
VI Moderate level of oversight and supervision on complex projects or programs
Significant leeway for independent judgement and managing responsibilities
Moderate level of decision making with some guidance by upper management
Considerate degree of interpersonal skills to communicate with broad range of folks
Requires a high level of knowledge, skills, experience or education -CDL License
Requires responsibility for some confidential and privacy information
Management and leadership over work crews
V Moderate level of oversight and supervision on complex projects or assignments
Significant leeway for independent judgement and managing responsibilities
Moderate level of decision making with some guidance by upper management
Moderate degree of interpersonal skills to communicate with broad range of folks
Requires a high level of knowledge, skills, experience, and education -CDL License
Middle management and leadership over work crews
IV Moderate level of oversight and supervision on complex projects or programs
Moderate leeway for independent judgement and managing responsibilities
Moderate level of decision making with some guidance by upper management
Moderate degree of interpersonal skills to communicate with broad range of folks
Requires a mid-level of knowledge, skills, experience, and education -CDL License
Provides leadership and mentorship over lower level staff and temporary staff
Basic level of oversight and supervision on complex projects or programs
III Moderate leeway for independent judgement and managing responsibilities
Moderate level of decision making with some guidance on complex or unusual matters
Moderate degree of interpersonal skills to communicate with broad range of folks
Requires a mid-level of knowledge, skills, experience, and education -CDL License
Does not require the exercise of supervision
II Direct level of oversight and supervision on projects or programs
Minimal leeway for independent judgement and managing responsibilities
Basic level of decision making with general guidance by upper administrative staff
Basic degree of interpersonal skills to communicate with public on routine communications
Requires a minimal level of knowledge, skills, experience, and education
Performs physical work but may perform work using CDL
FIELD SYSTEM JOB CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA
Does not require the exercise of supervision
I Direct level of oversight and supervision on work performed
Minimal leeway for independent judgement and managing responsibilities
Basic level of decision making with general guidance by upper level staff
Basic degree of interpersonal skills to communicate with public on routine communications
Requires a minimal level of knowledge, skills, experience, and education
Performs physical work
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
June 23, 2025
TB Resolution 2025 - : Approve creation of a New Job Classification Criteria Rating System
and Job Classification Listing for the Office and Field Systems
Whereas, the Town had been using a job classification system that was created and approved of in
2012; and
Whereas, the Personnel and Organization Committee has evaluated a simpler position rating
system; as it was deemed that the 2012 system needed some revisions to better suit the Town’s
growing staffing needs; and
Whereas, the Personnel and Organization Committee recommends the revised Job Classification
System, which includes the revised job evaluation criteria, and position classification listing; and
Whereas, the Personnel and Organization Committee is continuing to evaluate the wage scale for
the revised Classification System; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby approve the revised Job
Classification System, which includes the revised job evaluation criteria, and position
classification listing; and be it further
Resolved, the approved criteria shall be used to determine job classifications for new and existing
positions.
Moved: Seconded:
Vote:
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
June 23, 2025
Moved: Seconded:
Vote: ayes –
TB Resolution 2025 - a: Approval of Town Board Minutes - none
TB Resolution 2025 - b: Town of Ithaca Abstract No. 12 for FY-2025
Resolved that the Town Board approves the audited vouchers be paid in full in the amounts
indicated:
VOUCHER NOS. 2025 520 - 573
General Fund Town Wide 74,322.92
General Fund Part-Town 2,385.00
Highway Fund Town Wide DA 2,035.77
Highway Fund Part Town DB 158,272.90
Water Fund 728,102.46
Sewer Fund 113,252.01
Capital Projects 148,164.46
TOTAL 1,226,535.52
TB Resolution 2023 - : Adopt Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Minutes
b. Town of Ithaca Abstract