HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 2025-07-14TB 2025-07-14 (Filed 7/21) Pg. 1
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
July 14, 2025
Minutes
Board Members Present: Rod Howe, Supervisor; Members Eric Levine, Rich DePaolo, Pamela
Bleiwas, Rob Rosen, Margaret Johnson and Susie Gutenberger
Staff Present: Susan Brock, Attorney for the Town; Judy Drake, Director of Human Resources;
Marty Moseley, Director of Code Enforcement; CJ Randall, Director of Planning; Paulette Rosa,
Town Clerk; Joe Slater, Director of Public Works; and David O’Shea, Director of Engineering
1. Call to order and Pledge of Allegiance – 5:30 p.m.
2. Persons to be heard and Board Comments - None
3. Consider setting public hearings regarding proposed local laws amending Town of
Ithaca Code Chapter 175, “Lock boxes”; Chapter 18, “Notification of defects” and
Chapter 270, “Zoning” and regarding the Preliminary Southern Cayuga Lake
Intermunicipal Water Commission’s 2026 budget
Mr. Howe noted that the SCLIWC budget proposes a 5% increase in water/sewer rates.
TB Resolution 2025 - 069: Set public hearings regarding proposed local laws amending
Town of Ithaca Code Chapter 175 “Lock Boxes”, Chapter 18 “Notification of Defects” and
Chapter 270 “Zoning” and regarding adoption of the preliminary 2026 Budget for
SCLIWC
Resolved, that the Town Board will hold public hearings at their meeting on Monday, August 11,
2025, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 215 N. Tioga St., and broadcast live via the ZOOM
platform (material and link available on the Town’s website), on the following actions:
1. Proposed adoption of local laws:
a. Repealing Chapter 175, “Lock Boxes”, as repetitive, and
b. Amending Chapter 18, “Notification of defects”, clarifying types of submissions and
updating certain processes, and
c. Amending Chapter 270, “Zoning”, Article XXVI, Special Regulations, regarding
short-term rentals uses and regulations in the Conservation Zone, and
2. Proposed adoption of the preliminary 2026 Budget for Southern Cayuga Lake
Intermunicipal Water Commission as the Final 2026 Budget
All people wishing to be heard shall be heard. Comments may also be submitted up to 4p.m. on
the day of the meeting by USPS or via email, and during the public hearing on the ZOOM
platform.
TB 2025-07-14 (Filed 7/21) Pg. 2
Moved: Rich DePaolo Seconded: Pamela Bleiwas
Vote: ayes – DePaolo, Bleiwas, Howe, Levine, Rosen, Gutenberger and Johnson
4. Introduction of a Proposed Local Law adding a Landmarks Preservation chapter to the
Ithaca Town Code and associated Intermunicipal Agreement with the City of Ithaca
regarding a Joint Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission
Mr. Howe gave an overview of the status of initiating a Joint Ithaca Landmarks Preservation
Commission with the City. This has been going on for about 3 years, and the intent is to do a lot
of public outreach over the next month with Brian McCracken and then hold a public hearing in
September.
The draft contract is for two years, through December 2027, with either a two- or three-year
renewal unless either party gives one year notice of nonrenewal. The cost will be $30k annually
with a cost of living increase each year and includes support from the City’s Historic
Preservation staff.
Mr. DePaolo asked whether there would be an eventual accounting of Mr. McCracken’s time to
determine whether the payment amount is appropriate.
Mr. Howe responded that the first two years would be a straightforward dollar amount, and Mr.
McCracken will keep track of his time and there are deliverables spelled out for his time.
Mr. Rosen asked why the Town had only two seats to the City’s five seats.
Mr. Howe responded that they are looking for expertise in those seat positions and the person
does not have to live in either the City or the Town; this is a very specialized field, and the goal
is to get as much knowledge about historical renovation and preservation as possible.
Mr. Rosen was concerned about the City making decisions on Town properties, saying that he
was in favor of the preservation efforts, but thought this could be done in-house by a town
committee.
Mr. Howe added that we would be looking at how it goes for the first two years and make any
needed adjustments after that trial period.
Mr. DePaolo added that unlike some of our other intermunicipal arrangements, this one does
seem to have the Town and the City aligned with the same goals and using the same criteria and
there are no financial implications that would make the difference in representation important.
Ms. Johnson added that she likes the phrase “adaptive reuse” and suggested the word
“deconstruction” be used more heavily than “demolition” in the documents.
TB 2025-07-14 (Filed 7/21) Pg. 3
5. Consider approval and authorization to sign a Use and Occupancy Permit associated
with the Inlet Valley Sewer Project
No comments or questions.
TB Resolution 2025 - 070: Authorization to Accept NYSDOT Use and Occupancy Permit
Conditions and Designate the Highway Superintendent as an Authorized Representative
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca is undertaking the 2024 Inlet Valley Sewer Improvements Project
(Project), which consists of making improvements to the Wonderland and Waldorf Pump station,
and
Whereas, the Waldorf pump station is located adjacent to 855 Five Mile Drive within the New
York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Right of Way, which required the Town of
Ithaca to obtain a Use and Occupancy (U&O) Permit for the Project, and
Whereas, NYSDOT has issued a U&O Permit for the Project, which requires the Town of Ithaca
Town Board to formally accept all conditions of the permit and authorize a representative(s) to
execute any documentation associated with the permit, and
Whereas, the Use and Occupancy permit conditions, attached herein, have been reviewed by the
Town Engineer and the Highway Superintendent and now, therefore be it
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby accepts all conditions of the
NYSDOT Use and Occupancy Permit issued in connection with the 2024 Inlet Valley Sewer
Improvements Project, and be it further
Resolved, that the Highway Superintendent is hereby authorized as the Town’s representative to
sign any and all documentation associated with said permit on behalf of the Town of Ithaca Town
Board.
Moved: Susie Gutenberger Seconded: Margaret Johnson
Vote: ayes – Howe, Levine, DePaolo, Bleiwas, Rosen, Gutenberger, and Johnson
6. Consider approval and authorization for a SOMRA agreement and easement associated
with the Maplewood II project
There were no comments or questions.
TB Resolution 2025 – 071: Authorization for Town Supervisor to Sign the Stormwater
Operation, Maintenance, and Reporting Agreement and Stormwater Related Easements
Associated with Maplewood II Development
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca Planning Board has granted Final Site Plan approval with
conditions for the Maplewood II Development, and
TB 2025-07-14 (Filed 7/21) Pg. 4
Whereas the Maplewood II project includes the construction of stormwater management and
treatment facilities in accordance with NYSDEC and Town stormwater regulations, and
Whereas, such approval was granted conditionally upon the construction, maintenance and
implementation of approved stormwater facilities and/or other stormwater management
practices, submission of stormwater inspection reports, and an agreement with the Town
regarding the same, and
Whereas, the Town requires execution of a Stormwater Operation, Maintenance, and Reporting
Agreement (SOMRA) and associated permanent stormwater and access easements to ensure
long-term maintenance and inspection access to the stormwater facilities, and
Whereas, pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) and
its implementing regulations at 6 NYCRR Part 617, the Town Board has determined that
execution of the proposed Stormwater 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 Stormwater
Operation, Maintenance, and Reporting Agreement and associated permanent stormwater
easements associated with the Maplewood II Development project, subject to the review by the
Attorney for the Town and approval of the Town Engineer.
Moved: Rod howe Seconded: Margaret Johnson
Vote: ayes – Howe, Johnson, Bleiwas, Levine, DePaolo, Rosen and Gutenberger
7. Consider Authorization to Apply for Funding through the 2025 Environmental
Protection Fund Grants Program for Historic Preservation of Town Hall
Mr. Howe referred to the memo from Hillary Swartwood. There were no questions.
TB Resolution 2025 - 072: Authorization to Apply for Funding through the 2025
Environmental Protection Fund Grants Program for Historic Preservation of Town Hall
Whereas, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation (OPRHP) has
announced the availability of funding under the 2025 Environmental Protection Fund Grants
Program for Parks, Recreation and Heritage, which includes a category for historic preservation,
and
Whereas, the maximum assistance allowed toward the cost of the project is $675,000, with a
25% local match required, and
TB 2025-07-14 (Filed 7/21) Pg. 5
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca is seeking to restore and weatherize the historic Town Hall facility,
excluding the post office, and includes insulating the exterior walls, replacing single pane glass
with insulated glass within the historic windows, replacing exterior doors, air sealing,
replacement of lighting fixtures with LED fixtures, installation of lighting controls, and other
associated items, and
Whereas, the Town estimates the total cost to be approximately $2 million to $3 million for the
total weatherization upgrades, outlined further in the application for this historic preservation
grant, and
Whereas this is a Type II action, pursuant to 6 NYCRR Part 617.5(c)(2), as it would be a
"replacement, rehabilitation, or reconstruction of a structure or facility, in kind, on the same site,
including upgrading buildings to meet building, energy, or fire codes, unless such action meets
or exceeds any of the thresholds in 617.4 of this Part." and
Whereas, grant applications are due by July 31, 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 the historic preservation of the historic Town
Hall under the 2025 Environmental Protection Fund Grants Program for Parks, Recreation and
Heritage in an amount not to exceed $675,000, 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: Rob Rosen Seconded: Margaret Johnson
Vote: ayes – Howe, Johnson, Bleiwas, Levine, DePaolo, Rosen and Gutenberger
8. Consider approval of revised Fee Schedule
Mr. Howe noted the one change was an increase in the escrow amount for Personal Wireless
Service Facility applications, which was decreased from $5K to $3K a few years back, but it has
been shown to need to be back to the original amount and we will track and review costs to
determine if it needs to be raised any higher in the future.
TB Resolution 2025 - 073: Approval of revised Fee Schedule
Whereas the recommendation was made by Town Counsel to increase the amount for the initial
escrow associated with Personal Wireless Service Facility, now, therefore be it
Resolved, that the Town Board approves and adopts the revised Fee Schedule as submitted,
effective July 15, 2025.
Moved: Eric Levine Seconded: Rich DePaolo
Vote: ayes -- Howe, Johnson, Bleiwas, Levine, DePaolo, Rosen and Gutenberger
TB 2025-07-14 (Filed 7/21) Pg. 6
9. Consider Consent Agenda
TB Resolution 2025 - 074: Adopt Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Town Board Minutes
b. Approval of the Town of Ithaca Abstract
c. Approval of the Bolton Point Abstract
d. Approval of a Water/Sewer High Consumption Refund Request
e. Approval of permanent appointments – Engineering
f. Approval of revised Director of Engineering job description
g. Ratify appointment of Water Treatment Plant Operator – SCLIWC
h. Acknowledge receipt of SCLIWC Independent Audit for FY 2024
i. Approval of an amendment to the 2025 Expenditure of Highway Monies
Moved: Rich DePaolo Seconded: Pamela Bleiwas
Vote: ayes – DePaolo, Bleiwas, Levine, Howe, Rosen, Gutenberger and Johnson
TB Resolution 2025 – 074a: Approval of Town Board Minutes
Resolved that the draft minutes of June 23, 2025, are adopted as final with any non-substantive
changes made.
TB Resolution 2025 - 074b: Approval of Town of Ithaca Abstract No. 13 for FY-2025
Resolved that the Town Board authorizes payment of the following audited vouchers for the
amounts indicated:
VOUCHER NOS. 2025 574 - 644
General Fund Town Wide 77,507.17
General Fund Part-Town 22,589.72
Highway Fund Town Wide DA 3,112.09
Highway Fund Part Town DB 210,633.21
Water Fund 37,832.14
Sewer Fund 46,868.68
Capital Projects 14,132.25
Fire Protection Fund 2,425,971.31
TOTAL 2,838,646.57
TB Resolution 2025 – 074c: Approval of Bolton Point Abstract
Resolved that the governing town board hereby authorizes the payment of the audited vouchers as
listed:
Voucher Numbers: 258-307
Check Numbers: 21278-21327
TB 2025-07-14 (Filed 7/21) Pg. 7
Capital Impr/Repl Project $ 21,032.75
Operating Fund $ 115,999.27
TOTAL $ 137,032.02
TB Resolution 2025 - 074d: Sewer Utility Use Refund - Tax Parcel 28.-1-28.7
Whereas, Tax Parcel 28.-1-28.7, Michael Olszewski and Susan Terwilliger, owners of the property
at 622 Elm Street Extension, were billed for sewer usage over the last two year while building a
new structure on the aforementioned address, and
Whereas, Mr. Olszewski and Ms. Terwilliger requested a refund due to a delay in their construction
process in which they hooked up the exterior sewer pipe but did not have plumbing fixtures
installed inside for a considerable amount of time after the exterior connection , and
Whereas, the Town’s Internal Review Panel conducted a review, talked to the building code
official assigned to the project, and determined that the internal fixtures had not been installed for
approximately 2 years, from 2023-2025, and
Whereas, it was determined that the sewer resident should receive a partial refund of their request
of $613.97 since their fixtures were utilized starting in May of 2025, now, therefore be it
Resolved, that the Town Board approves and authorizes the refund of $526.26 to be paid from the
sewer fund to the property owner.
TB Resolution 2025 – 074e: Approve Permanent Appointments of Engineering Positions
Whereas David O’Shea was provisionally appointed as the Director of Engineering, effective
July 28, 2024, pending the next civil service exam; and
Whereas Emily Rodgers, effective May 20, 2024, and Sam Harris, effective September 8, 2024,
were provisionally appointed as Civil Engineers, pending the next civil service exam; and
Whereas the Tompkins County Civil Service office has provided the certificate of eligible listing
for the said titles and the staff were reachable candidates; now, therefore be it
Resolved, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby approve the permanent
appointments of David O’Shea to the position of Director of Engineering, and Emily Rodgers
and Sam Harris to the position of Civil Engineer with no change in current compensation or
benefits, retroactive to June 25, 2025.
TB Resolution 2025 - 074f: Approval of Revised Director of Engineering Job Descriptions
Whereas, the Personnel and Organization Committee reviewed the revisions made to the
Director of Engineering job description to bring it up to date and recommend approving the
revised job descriptions; now, therefore, be it
TB 2025-07-14 (Filed 7/21) Pg. 8
Resolved, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby approve the revised job description
for Director of Engineering.
TB Resolution 2025 - 074g: Ratify Permanent Appointment of Water Treatment Plant
Operator at SCLIWC.
Whereas, the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission on July 3, 2025,
appointed Christopher McKane to the Water Treatment Plant Operator position- Permanent
Status, retro-active to June 1, 2025; now, therefore be it
Resolved, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby ratify SCLIWC’s Permanent
appointment Christopher McKane to the Water Treatment Plant Operator position, retro-active to
June 1, 2025, at $30.32 per hour with no change to full-time benefits.
TB Resolution 2025 - 074g: Acknowledge receipt of FY 2024 Independent Audit –
SCLIWC
Resolved that this Board acknowledges receipt of the Independent Audit for Fiscal Year 2024
submitted by Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission (Bolton Point).
TB Resolution 2025 – 074i: Approval of 2025 Agreement for Expenditure of Highway
Monies – Revised to Include McIntyre Place
Resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca approves the following Agreement with the
Highway Superintendent of the Town of Ithaca for 2025:
AGREEMENT between the Town Highway Superintendent of the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins
County, New York, and the undersigned members of the Town Board.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 284 of the Highway Law, we agree that moneys levied and
collected in the Town for the repair and improvement of highways, and received from the State
for State Aid for the repair and improvement of highways, shall be expended as follows:
HIGHWAY:
GENERAL REPAIRS. The sum of $300,000 shall be set aside to be expended for primary work
and general repairs of town highways, including sluices, culverts, pavement markings, guiderails,
surface treating and bridges having a span of less than five feet and walks or the renewals thereof.
PERMANENT IMPROVEMENTS. The sum of $130,000 shall be set aside to be expended
for the permanent improvement of town highways, such as paving and should repairs, that are
not included in the capital project section below.
1. The sum of $54,000 shall be set aside to be expended for the permanent improvement of
a portion of Forest Home Drive to re-establish shoulders, mill asphalt, and install an
asphalt overly on 0.57 miles of road
TB 2025-07-14 (Filed 7/21) Pg. 9
2. The sum of $52,000 shall be set aside to be expended for the permanent improvement of
a portion of Judd Falls Road to re-establish shoulders, mill asphalt, and install an asphalt
overly on 1.57 miles of road
3. The sum of $82,000 shall be set aside to be expended for the permanent improvement of
Drew Road to re- establish shoulders, mill asphalt, and install an asphalt overly on 0.98
miles of road
4. The sum of $39,000 shall be set aside to be expended for the permanent improvement of
Longview Drive to re-establish shoulders, mill asphalt, and install an asphalt overly on
0.18 miles of road
5. The sum of $62,000 shall be set aside to be expended for the permanent improvement of
Max’s Drive to re-establish shoulders, mill asphalt, and install an asphalt overly on 0.55
miles of road
6. The sum of $208,000 shall be set aside to be expended for the permanent improvement of
Vera Circle to re-establish shoulders, mill asphalt, and install an asphalt overly on 0.20
miles of road
7. The sum of $136,000 shall be set aside to be expended for the permanent improvement of
Woodgate Lane to re-establish shoulders, mill asphalt, and install an asphalt overly on
0.72 miles of road
8. The sum of $363,000 shall be set aside to be expended for the permanent improvement of
King Road West (from approximately #333 West King Road to Dany Road a.k.a.
route 96B to re-establish shoulders, mill asphalt, and install an asphalt overly on 0.72
miles of road
9. The sum of $95,000 shall be set aside to replace and / reset the various guard rails along
the length of West King Road in its entirety.
10. The sum of $12,000 shall be set aside to be expended for the permanent improvement of
McIntyre Place to re-establish shoulders, mill asphalt, and install an asphalt overly on
0.09 miles of road
10. Reports from Town Officials
Mr. Howe reported that there will be a formal open house for the new East Hill Fire Station in
the Fall; the litigation regarding the cell tower is moving along, with a mediation meeting in
Syracuse with certain members of the Zoning Board of Appeals; litigation regarding the Cornell
Field Hockey artificial turf continues, with a hearing on improper service this week.
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
July 14, 2025 @ 5:30 p.m.
215 N. Tioga St
YouTube Link Zoom Link
AGENDA
1. Call to order and Pledge of Allegiance
2. Persons to be heard and Board Comments
3. Consider setting public hearings regarding proposed local laws amending Town of Ithaca
Code Chapter 175, “Lock boxes”; Chapter 18, “Notification of defects” and Chapter 270,
“Zoning” and regarding the Preliminary Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water
Commission’s 2026 budget
4. Introduction of:
a. Proposed Local Law adding a Landmarks Preservation chapter to the Ithaca Town
Code and associated Intermunicipal Agreement with the City of Ithaca regarding a
Joint Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission
5. Consider approval and authorization to sign a Use and Occupancy Permit associated with
the Inlet Valley Serwer Project
6. Consider approval and authorization for a SOMRA agreement and easement associated
with the Maplewood II project
7. Consider Authorization to Apply for Funding through the 2025 Environmental Protection
Fund Grants Program for Historic Preservation of Town Hall
8. Consider approval of revised Fee Schedule
9. Consider Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Town Board Minutes
b. Approval of the Town of Ithaca Abstract
c. Approval of the Bolton Point Abstract
d. Approval of a Water/Sewer High Consumption Refund Request
e. Approval of permanent appointments – Engineering
f. Approval of revised job description – Director of Engineering
g. Ratify appointment of Water Treatment Plant Operator – SCLIWC
h. Acknowledge receipt of SCLIWC Independent Audit – 2024
i. Approval of an amendment to the 2025 Expenditure of Highway Monies
10. Reports from Town Officials
11. Review of Correspondence
Ms.Fitzgerald reported that she attended the Chamber of Commerce Round Table and the
County is funding the Ithaca Airport by guaranteeing certain fees collected for a third incoming
Delta flight and they talked a lot about ensuring that Air BnB’s and similar are paying the room
tax and sales tax fees.
Ms.Randall reminded the group that there will be a Public Forum on the new Flood Maps and
the insurance implications here at Town Flail tomorrow night.
11.Review of Correspondence -None
The meeting was adjourned upon a motion and a second,unanimous.
Subrjiijted by
Paulette Rosa,Town Clerk
Pg.10TB2025-07-14 (Filed 7/21)