HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 2025-09-29
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
September 29, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. @ Town Hall, 215 N. Tioga St.
AGENDA
Links: YouTubeLiveMeetings ZOOM
1. City Representatives – Collaborative Emergency Manager Position -
Attachment 1
2. Tompkins County Environmental Management Council - Unique Natural Areas
- Attachment 2
3. Ithaca Energy Code Supplement (IECS) Overview of Updates
4. Consider setting public hearings, subject to Permissive Referendum, regarding:
a. Approval of real property exchange – Saponi Meadows
b. Approval of Holmes’ Purchase of Development Rights
5. Consider award of the Babcock Ridge Trail at Culver Preserve contract
6. Consider authorization for a Request for Qualifications for State Environmental
Quality Review Services associated with the South Hill TND
7. Consider approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with Local Power, LLC
associated with Community Choice Aggregation
8. Consider approval of Elected Officials Salaries for 2026
Added Item Approval of Contract Documents and Bid Specifications for the 2025
Miscellaneous Water Main Replacement Project Construction Contract
9. Committee Reports
a. Budget
• Presentation of Tentative Town of Ithaca Budget 2026
b. COC
c. Personnel and Organization
d. Planning
e. Public Works
f. Other Committees
10. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Town Board Minutes
b. Approval of Town of Ithaca Abstract
c. Approval of contract – Outside Engineering Services
d. Approval of revised Town of Ithaca Fee Schedule
e. Approval of increased cost – Remediation Plan, Calkins Rd
f. Approval of appointment of Town of Ithaca Representative to the JYC –
Kayln Deans
g. Approval of temporary appointment – Town Engineer - Justin McNeal
h. Approval of permanent appointment – GIS Analyst - Villanueva
11.Reports of Town Officials
TB 2025-09-29 (Filed 10/3) Pg. 1
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
September 29, 2025
MINUTES
Present: Town Board Members Rod Howe, Supervisor; Eric Levine, Rich DePaolo, Susie
Gutenberger and Margaret Johnson Absent: Pamela Bleiwas and Rob Rosen
Marty Moseley, CJ Randall, Paulette Rosa, Kelly Anderson, Judy Drake, Justin McNeal, Hilary
Swartwood and David O’Shea
Mr. Howe opened the meeting at 4:30pm
1. City Representatives – Collaborative Emergency Manager Position
Fire Chief Rob Covert and Rebecca Evans gave an overview of the Position.
They stressed the importance of a shared position for the city and town as the largest
municipalities with needs and events that overlap and cross boundaries. The County EMS is not
staffed to meet individual needs.
The Park Foundation grant is a matching grant of $50,000 for one year and the State has some
grant opportunities for the following years which will be pursued.
Questions
Mr. DePaolo asked if they had considered this as a contract-based position due to the limited
funding at this point.
Chief Covert responded that these consultants will only do a narrow-scope project unless you
pay an exorbitant amount of money. The scope of this project is very large, and planning is only
one part of the process, followed by training employees and revisiting the plan as it is
implemented.
The real benefit of disaster mitigation is preparedness. Whatever the disaster is, the process that
people go through planning and exercising that plan on a continual basis is where the real benefit
comes from.
Mr. DePaolo asked where this position would fall in the organizational structure of the City.
Ms. Evans replied that this position would report directly to the City Manager and Chief Covert
added that this person should have a desk at Town Hall as well as the City so they get to know
the staff of both and can learn their roles and concerns.
Mr. Levine asked how common a position like this was within New York State and nationwide.
TB 2025-09-29 (Filed 10/3) Pg. 2
Chief Covert responded that in New York State emergency management is required to be done
on a county level and most rely solely on the county. He could not find a similar program in
New York. There are municipalities in Florida that have this position because of where they are
geographically and the potential for severe weather events in those municipalities and he
believes the town and city could become a model for the State, which would lead to further
funding opportunities.
Ms. Gutenberger asked what if any overlap this position would have with County EMS positions.
Ms. Evans said that this position is unique and would have different duties than what the existing
County departments or offices currently provide. An example of this is the production of
emergency plans. Each municipality is responsible for producing their own emergency plans.
Therefore, the County plan is only as strong as the municipalities themselves can produce. Chief
Covert added that Ithaca College, Cayuga Medical Center and Cornell all have emergency
management positions. These entities work with the county already but focus on specific needs
of their organizations.
2. Tompkins County Environmental Management Council - Unique Natural Areas
David Weinstein made a presentation to board regarding unique natural areas in Tompkins
County. Once complete the Town will get a flash drive on all the identified unique natural areas
around the Town for planning purposes.
3. Ithaca Energy Code Supplement (IECS) Overview of Updates.
Ms. Swartwood addressed the Board regarding a recently distributed memo highlighting what
the Town and City have been working on the past few years. The best path forward with he
energy code is to follow New York State’s 2025 code. In addition, the Town will adopt two
additional appendices. They are the net zero appendices for commercial and residential
construction. It will be easier for code enforcement because this is the code that everyone will be
using.
Mr. Mosely described the sweeping changes to the NYS energy code. Since the Town already
followed a local energy code very similar to the new State one there will be very little changes
for the Town. It will come into effect Jan 1, 2026.
Mr. DePaolo asked how net zero would be enforced. What would be an acceptable way to meet
that goal. Mr. Mosely replied that people could buy renewable energy on a contractual basis. A
15 year contract to purchase renewable energy. Mr. DePaolo asked a follow-up question. Since
these regulations are mostly for new or substantially renovated buildings how far will this go to
meet our 2030 goals. Ms. Swartwood answered that it would be difficult to predict. It has a lot to
do with the number of new construction projects that start after the code goes into effect. Mr.
DePaolo is unconvinced this will do enough to make a real difference. Mr. Howe pointed out that
the community aggregation of power will help existing buildings come closet to net zero. Mr.
Moseley further explained that requiring existing buildings to adhere to the code would require
special permission from the State. As far as Mr. Moseley knows we are the only municipality
TB 2025-09-29 (Filed 10/3) Pg. 3
adopting the net zero code. Mr. DePaolo asked about disincentivizing people from building here.
Is it more expensive to build with the net zero options. Ms. Evans stated that in the City of Ithaca
all the new construction for commercial and residential has been fully electric. In order to meet
net zero code it is just about the source of the electricity. With the new community choice
aggregation, it should make it easy for these fully electrified buildings to meet the code. To meet
2030 goals these new construction projects are not adding to the overall carbon emissions.
4. Consider setting public hearings, subject to Permissive Referendum, regarding:
TB Resolution 2025 - 102: Setting a public hearing regarding the Release of the Existing
Saponi Park Parcel to Eddy Hill Inc. and Acceptance of Substitute Parkland from Eddy
Hill Inc. for the new Saponi Park (Permissive Referendum)
Resolved, that the Town Board will hold a public hearing at their meeting on Monday, October
27, 2025, which begins at 4:30 p.m.at Town Hall, 215 N. Tioga Street, and broadcast via Zoom,
regarding the project as described below. This action is subject to a permissive referendum. At
which time, all people wishing to address the Board in favor or opposed to the proposed release
of the existing Saponi Park parcel and the acceptance of substitute parkland pursuant to Section
64 (2) of Town Law, for such project shall be heard.
The proposed project involves the release of the Town’s existing Saponi Park (Tax Parcel No.
33.-3-1.3) located on Seven Mile Drive and the acceptance of substitute parkland approximately
1,100 feet to the north, currently owned by Eddy Hill Inc.
Moved: Rich DePaolo Seconded: Margaret Johnson
Vote: ayes - Bleiwas, Gutenberger, Howe, DePaolo, Levine and Johnson
TB Resolution 2025 - 103: Setting a public hearing regarding Holmes (Hayts, Sheffield and
Bundy Roads) Purchase of Development Rights (Permissive Referendum)
Resolved, that the Town Board will hold a public hearing at their meeting on Monday, October
27, 2025, which begins at 4:30 p.m.at Town Hall, 215 N. Tioga Street, and broadcast via Zoom,
regarding the project as described below, pursuant to the Town of Ithaca Agricultural Land
Preservation Program. This action is subject to a permissive referendum. At which time, all
people wishing to address the Board in favor or opposed to the proposed acquisition of an
interest or right in real property to preserve open space pursuant to Section 247 of the General
Municipal Law, including the purchase of a contractual right necessary to achieve the purposes
of such provisions, for such project shall be heard.
Application for purchase of development rights (Holmes) submitted for acquisition of a
conservation easement to be held by the Town of Ithaca, with respect to an approximately 84-
acre parcel of property, Tax Parcel No. 24.-5-1.6, in the Town of Ithaca, located on Hayts Road,
Sheffield Road, and Bundy Road in Tompkins County, New York. The Town’s cost is estimated
not to exceed $260,000.
Moved: Pamela Bleiwas Seconded: Susie Gutenberger
TB 2025-09-29 (Filed 10/3) Pg. 4
Vote: ayes - Bleiwas, Gutenberger, Howe, DePaolo, Levine and Johnson
5. Consider award of the Babcock Ridge Trail at Culver Preserve contract
Mr. DePaolo asked if the references were checked on the company because we have not used
them before and their bid was considerably lower than others.
Mr. O’Shea responded that they did check their references and he believes the bid is smaller
because it is a smaller company that usually doesn’t bid these type of projects, but it is in their
wheelhouse. Work is anticipated to start this fall and go through the winter.
TB Resolution 2025 - 104: Authorization to Award Contract for the Babcock Ridge Trail at
Culver Preserve
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca applied for, and pursuant to Town Board Resolution 2023-052
accepted a grant for financial assistance in the amount of $211,275, from the New York State
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) under the Environmental
Protection Fund Grant Program for Parks, Preservation and Heritage for the purpose of funding
the development of the Babcock Ridge Trail at Culver Road Preserve, which was based on an
estimated total Project cost of $281,700, and
Whereas, prior to the funding application, and pursuant to the New York State Environmental
Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) and its implementing regulations at NYCRR Part 617, and
Town of Ithaca Code, Chapter 148 – Environmental Quality Review, for which the Town of
Ithaca Town Board, acting as lead agency in an environmental review, made a negative
determination of environmental significance via Town Board Resolution 2021-096, and
Whereas the design phase of the project has been completed at a cost of $66,675 for which the
Town will be reimbursed 75% or $50,006 from the State grant, and
Whereas, on September 10, 2025, the Director of Engineering (Director) received and reviewed
bids and qualifications for the Project (consisting of a Base Bid, Bid Alternate 1, and Bid
Alternate 2), and has determined the lowest responsive bid is in the amount of $323,073.00 (Base
Bid and Bid Alternate 2) to be constructed by Byler Excavating, LLC; 745 Martin Hill Rd,
Harpursville, NY 13787, and
Whereas, based on the updated construction costs, the Director is recommending a contingency
of approximately ten percent in the amount of $32,500.00 for a total construction cost of
$355,573.00, which would bring the total project cost to $422,248, and
Whereas the Town’s share of the design and construction costs will be increased from an
estimated $70,425 to $140,548; now therefore be it
Resolved, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the award of the contract for the Babcock
Ridge Trail at Culver Preserve to Byler Excavating, LLC; and that the Town Supervisor is
authorized to execute such contract subject to approval of the final contract documents by the
TB 2025-09-29 (Filed 10/3) Pg. 5
Director and review by the Attorney for the Town; and be it further
Resolved, that the Town Engineer is authorized to approve change orders to such contract upon
receipt of appropriate justification provided the maximum amount of such change orders shall
not in the aggregate exceed $32,500.00 without prior authorization of this Board, and provided
further that the total contracted construction cost does not exceed the maximum authorized
amount of $355,573 for the project, and be it further
Resolved, that the Town Finance Officer is authorized to transfer the additional share of local
funds out of General Fund - Fund Balance, in an amount not to exceed $140,548, as needed to
complete the project.
Moved: Rod Howe Seconded: Rich DePaolo
Vote: ayes - Bleiwas, Gutenberger, Howe, DePaolo, Levine and Johnson
6. Consider authorization for a Request for Qualifications for State Environmental
Quality Review Services associated with the South Hill TND
Ms. Randall explained that this is a significant undertaking, and the review is expected to start at
the end of this year and continue 12 to 18 months, with the Town Board as Lead Agency in the
scoping of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.
TB Resolution 2025 - 105: Authorization to issue a Request for Qualifications for State
Environmental Quality Review services for the South Hill Traditional Neighborhood
Development
Whereas the Planning Department has identified a need to continue to have Consultant(s)
provide professional services associated with adoption of the South Hill Traditional
Neighborhood Development (TND) Regulating Plan, now, therefore be it
Resolved that the Town Board authorizes issuance of a Request for Qualifications for
professional services for the South Hill TND environmental review process.
Moved: Susie Guttenberger Seconded: Pam Bleiwas
Vote: ayes - Bleiwas, Gutenberger, Howe, DePaolo, Levine and Johnson
7. Consider approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with Local Power, LLC
associated with Community Choice Aggregation
Mr. Howe noted that this project has been in the works for a few years and this is the contract
stage.
TB Resolution 2025 – 106: Adoption of Community Choice Aggregation Memorandum of
Understanding
Whereas, the Town Board unanimously passed the Green New Deal Resolution in March of
TB 2025-09-29 (Filed 10/3) Pg. 6
2020, which calls for an equitable transition to carbon neutrality Town-wide by 2030,
Whereas, the Community Choice Aggregation Program (CCA), now known as the Tompkins
Green Energy Network (T-GEN) is designed to be an innovative, efficient, and affordable way to
engage the local population in achieving time-critical local and state goals for decarbonization
and equity through the aggregated purchasing of renewable electricity and the development of
regional renewable energy projects, and
Whereas, the Town adopted Local Law 6 of 2025 on June 9, 2025, which replaced Chapter 135
with a new Chapter 135 “Community Choice Aggregation (Energy) Program and Distributed
Energy Resource Program,” and
Whereas the CCA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) details the rights and responsibilities
of the Town of Ithaca as a participating municipality in the CCA program and affirms that the
CCA Administrator (Local Power) and Town of Ithaca will execute and adhere to the terms and
conditions of any energy service agreements (ESAs) for electricity and gas, and be it
Resolved that the Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor to sign the MOU as submitted.
Moved: Margaret Johnson Seconded: Rod Howe
Vote: ayes – Bleiwas, Gutenberger, Howe, DePaolo, Levine and Johnson
8. Consider approval of Elected Officials Salaries for 2026
No comments or questions.
TB Resolution 2025 - 107: Approval of 2026 Proposed Elected Officials Salaries
Be it Resolved; the governing Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby approve the below
proposed salaries for the elected officials for the year 2026:
TOWN SUPERVISOR $ 88,784.28 (Paid Biweekly)
(includes Town Supervisor pay and 80% percentage of Supervisor’s Administrative
Function pay)
DEPUTY TOWN SUPERVISOR $ 30,568.28 (Paid Biweekly)
(includes Board Member pay and 20% percentage of Supervisor’s Administrative
Function Pay)
TOWN BOARD MEMBER (5) $ 18,461.33 Each (Paid Biweekly)
TOWN JUSTICE (2) $ 30,654.92 Each (Paid Biweekly)
Resolved further, the Town Clerk is hereby authorized to publish the approved salaries as required
by Section 108 of the Town Law.
TB 2025-09-29 (Filed 10/3) Pg. 7
Moved: Eric Levine Seconded: Pamela Bleiwas
Vote: ayes - Bleiwas, Gutenberger, Howe, DePaolo, Levine and Johnson
Added Item Approval of Contract Documents and Bid Specifications for the 2025
Miscellaneous Water Main Replacement Project Construction Contract
Mr. Howe noted that this is a standard requirement.
TB Resolution 2025 - 108: Approval of Contract Documents and Bid Specifications for the
2025 Miscellaneous Water Main Replacement Project Construction Contract
Whereas New York Town Law Article 12-C, § 209-q(7) states that after a resolution authorizing
a sewer, drainage or water improvement becomes effective, contracts for the improvement may
be let in the manner provided by Town Law § 197, and
Whereas Town Law § 197 requires that the Town Board adopt definite plans, specifications,
estimates and the proposed contracts for sewer, drainage and water improvements, and
Whereas plans, specifications, estimates, and the proposed Materials Contract for the 2025
Miscellaneous Water Main Replacement Project are on file in the Town Clerk’s office and have
been available for review by the Town Board since September 26, 2025, now therefore be it
Resolved that the Town Board does hereby approve and adopt the plans dated September 26,
2025, and the specifications and proposed contract dated October 2025, which were all filed in
the Town Clerk’s office on September 29, 2025, and authorizes the Town Clerk to advertise the
request for bids for the project, and be it further
Resolved that the Director of Engineering is authorized to make minor changes to the plans,
specifications, and proposed contract.
Moved: Rod Howe Seconded: Eric Levine
Vote: ayes - Bleiwas, Gutenberger, Howe, DePaolo, Levine and Johnson
9. Committee Reports
a. Budget
• Presentation of Tentative Town of Ithaca Budget 2026
The budget committee is meeting on Oct 20 and if there are any big changes a public hearing
will be held on Oct 27. Property values townwide increased by .085% with 45% of the town
property as tax exempt. The proposed levy went up by 4.3%. considering the property value
increases. The final figures reflect the final budget for the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment
Facility. Water and Sewer rates are also going up. The Town is not affected in a significant way
by any State and Federal aid changes.
b. COC – Discussed changes to zoning to permit sheds (accessory buildings) in the side
yard again, with a presentation by Nick Quilty-Koval. Decision was to stay with the
recommendations stated at the previous meeting allowing them in the side yards and a
TB 2025-09-29 (Filed 10/3) Pg. 8
maximum height of 12’ feet.
c. Personnel and Organization – No Meeting
d. Planning – Discussed the process and timeline for the South Hill TND SEQR review
and the RFQ discussed above.
e. Public Works – Discussed a request to move a streetlight from Glenside Rd, adding
some yield signs to Forest Home Drive. Mr. Howe noted that a Project Summaries
report was submitted by Mr. O’Shea, and he reported on the Open House which was
very well attended. He thanked everyone involved in making it a success.
f. Other Committees - CWIO - Presentation from the director of the Lake Champlain
and Lake George Regional Planning Board on their non-point source implementation
plan, including guidance for its phosphorus BMDL. This is one of the templates
CWIO is using to develop a plan for the Cayuga Lake Watershed.
Tompkins County has submitted a grant for $500,000 to help low- and moderate-
income homeowners replace their septic systems.
10. Consent Agenda
TB Resolution 2025 – 109: Consent Agenda
Resolved that the Town Board adopts the following Consent Agenda items:
a. Approval of Town Board Minutes
b. Approval of Town of Ithaca Abstract
c. Approval of contract – Outside Engineering Services
d. Approval of revised Town of Ithaca Fee Schedule
e. Approval of increased cost – Remediation Plan, Calkins Rd
f. Approval of appointment of Town of Ithaca Representative to the JYC – Kalyn Deans
g. Approval of temporary appointment – Town Engineer - Justin McNeal
h. Approval of permanent appointment – GIS Analyst - Villanueva
Moved: Pamela Bleiwas Seconded: Margaret Johnson
Vote: ayes - Bleiwas, Gutenberger, Howe, DePaolo, Levine and Johnson
TB Resolution 2025 - 109a: Approval of Town Board Minutes
Resolved that the Town Board approves the draft minutes of September 8, 2025, as final with
any non-substantive changes made.
TB Resolution 2025 – 109b: Approval of Town of Ithaca Abstract 17 for FY 2025
Resolved that the Town Board approves payment of the following audited vouchers for the
TB 2025-09-29 (Filed 10/3) Pg. 9
amounts listed:
VOUCHER NOS. 2025 838 - 916
General Fund Town Wide 31,365.71
General Fund Part-Town 6,651.90
Highway Fund Town Wide DA 17,774.46
Highway Fund Part Town DB 21,227.70
Water Fund 721,353.02
Sewer Fund 208,456.92
Capital Projects 36,734.86
Risk Retention Fund 3,503.30
Debt Service 344.08
TOTAL 1,047,411.95
TB Resolution 2025 - 109c: Authorization to Award Engineering Consultant Agreement to
Barton & Loguidice
Whereas there will be a vacancy in the Director of Engineering position and there are no other
staff that possess a Professional Engineer license as required for certain duties; and
Whereas, the Town issued a Request for Qualifications for services of a Professional Engineer to
work with the Town’s staff to: review for approval contract documents and drawings, meet with
and provide guidance to engineering staff regarding engineering related projects; perform
Stormwater review as required by NYS DEC; review plans associated with capital projects and
other engineering related work as requested by the Town; and
Whereas all firms that submitted a response to the RFQ were evaluated using the standard
matrix; and
Whereas Barton & Loguidice, D.P.C, (B&L), 443 Electronics Parkway, Liverpool, NY 13088
has provided an Engineering Consultant Agreement and Fee for the services; and
Whereas, B&L has adequately outlined the objectives, timelines, and knowledge of required
design elements that meet and/or exceed the Town’s expectations; therefore, be it
Resolved, that based on the scoring procedure and evaluation process, the Town Board
authorizes the award and execution by the Supervisor of a contract for Engineering Services to
Barton and Loguidice, D.P.C, 443 Electronics Parkway, Liverpool, NY 13088, subject to review
of the contract documents by the Attorney for the Town.
TB Resolution 2025 - 109d: Approval of revised Town of Ithaca Fee Schedule
Whereas a discrepancy was discovered on the Fee Schedule and the recommended corrections is
to correct and make clear the fee associated with inspections/services by any Town Staff done
before or after normal work hours and/or holidays to be:
TB 2025-09-29 (Filed 10/3) Pg. 10
Before/After Hours - $150
Holiday $200- Hour
Both are a minimum of 2 hours and include a standard 1-hour travel time with subsequent time
billed in half-hour increments, now, therefore be it
Resolved that the Town Board approves and adopts the revised Town of Ithaca Fee Schedule as
indicated.
TB Resolution 2025 - 109e: Approval of increased cost – Remediation Plan, Calkins Rd
Whereas TB Resolution 2025-087 authorizing a Remediation Plan for 172 Calkins Rd was based
upon an estimate of $3,000 and
Whereas as the remediation began, the scope of the material to be removed was significantly
more than could be seen during the inspection process, resulting in a final cost of just under
$6,000 for removal of all materials, now therefore be it
Resolved that the Town Board approves the increase in the cost for the Compliance and
Remediation Plan approved under TB 2025-087.
TB Resolution 2025 – 109f: Approval of appointment of Town of Ithaca Representative -
Joint Youth Commission (JYC)
Resolved that the Town Board approves the appointment of Kayln Deans as the Town of Ithaca’s
representative on the Joint Youth Commission, filling the vacant position through December 31,
2025.
TB Resolution 2025 - 109g: Approval of Temporary Appointment of Town Engineer and
Temporary Stipend to Senior Civil Engineer
Whereas there will be a vacancy in the Director of Engineering position effective October 4,
2025; and
Whereas Justin McNeal, Senior Civil Engineer, has agreed to take on further responsibilities
during this absence, including serving as “Town Engineer” as specified in Town Laws, when
appropriate; and
Whereas the Human Resources Manager recommends providing a $100 per week stipend
temporarily effective October 5, 2025; and
Whereas the Personnel and Organization Committee has reviewed the request and recommends
the approval of the temporary stipend for Justin McNeal; now, therefore be it
Resolved the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby temporarily appoint Justin McNeal,
Senior Civil Engineer, to serve the role as “Town Engineer” for Town Law purposes and direct
the day-to-day functions of the Engineering Office during the absence of a Director of
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Date: 23 September 2025
To: Ithaca Town Board
From: Collaborative Emergency Manager Program Team
RE: Collaborative Emergency Manager Program
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This memo provides updates on the Collaborative Emergency Manager Program proposal and grant
application submitted on behalf of the City and Town of Ithaca, as well as next steps and requests of the
Town Board and Common Council.
PROJECT HISTORY & BACKGROUND
In early 2025, the City of Ithaca Fire Department, Office of the City Manager, and the Sustainability
office began collaborating on a proposed Emergency Manager shared service to provide resilience
measures to the City and Town of Ithaca. After thorough conversations with community partners and
internal departments, several under-mitigated risks were identified, many of which are caused or
significantly exacerbated by climate change. The Emergency Manager Program team thus decided to
approach emergency management work through a climate change lens and apply for grant funding
through the Park Foundation’s Sustainable Ithaca program. Given that the City and Town face many
identical climate risks, already share municipal services, and share similar Green New Deal goals, staff
were excited to collaborate with the Town of Ithaca on this important grant application.
A Few FAQ:
What is an Emergency Manager?
Emergency Managers are trained professionals responsible for planning, coordinating, asset recovery,
and critical communication before, during, and after an emergency event.
Why is an Emergency Manager Needed?
Our city faces increasing risks from extreme weather events, public health crises, and other emergencies
that will require more coordinated response and planning in the coming years. The Police Chief, Fire
Chief, and Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response (DoER) have all identified this position
as filling a vital need in our community.
Are There Specific Risks the Emergency Manager Will Focus On?
Yes, but they are not exhaustive. Risks identified by municipal staff are detailed below.
• Flooding – Evacuation
• Flooding - Recovery
• Flooding – Continuity of Emergency Services
• Urban Fire – Emergency Shelter & Evacuation
• Sustained Power Outage – Continuity of Services
• Sustained Power Outage – Water and Power Supply
CITY OF ITHACA
108 E. Green St. — Third Floor Ithaca, NY 14850-5690
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Rebecca Evans, Director of Sustainability
Planning & Development – 607-274-6550
E-Mail: revans@cityofithaca.org
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Anticipated Deliverables
Risk Assessments
The Emergency Manager will be expected to produce a report that catalogues the risk and severity of
emergency situations of various types within the City and Town Ithaca. Many of the risks we expect to
be weather-related, however, the City also anticipates unnatural disaster risk to be present, particularly
those related to the electric grid, community violence, or utility failure.
Assessment of Existing Plans and Protocols
The Emergency Manager will work closely with City and Town department heads to compile all existing
emergency response plans and protocols, including those covering continuity of essential services. This
will include a gap analysis and assessment of effectiveness and continuity.
Plan and Protocol Recommendations
Based on the assessment of existing protocols and perceived risks, the Emergency Manager will be
responsible for recommending any changes, reductions, or augmentations to protocols to ensure service
gaps are filled and the municipalities are well-prepared for disasters. This may also include
recommendations for funding for any new plans or programming.
Civilian Training & Education
The position will be responsible for facilitating and/or recommending civilian training and education,
including exploring the potential and possibility for a county-wide train-the-trainer emergency
preparedness program.
CURRENT GRANT APPLICATION STATUS
The City of Ithaca received a grant agreement from the Park Foundation on 23 September. The
conditions reflect those of a “challenge grant”, which requires a 50% local match to release the
granted funds.
Park Foundation has offered a one-year $50,000 grant to support hiring an Emergency Manager
to support City and Town activities. Since this has a 50-50 match requirement, the
municipalities are required to produce $50,000 in funds to support the Emergency Manager
Program in order to unlock the Park Foundation grant.
BUDGET IMPLICATIONS
The City of Ithaca is requesting $16,667.00 in support of the Emergency Manager Program from
the Town of Ithaca in FY 2026. City staff will be submitting an over target request of $48,333 for
FY 2026. This distribution approximates the population served between the City and Town of
Ithaca.
The funding provided by the Park Foundation and matched by the municipalities will cover
Emergency Manager expenses for FY26 only. The Program team is eager to continue applying
for funding through other sources throughout 2026 and plans to request full salary support
from the City of Ithaca in FY27.
Chief Rob Covert, Fire Chief, City of Ithaca and Rebecca Evans, Director of Sustainability will be
present at the 29 September meeting of the Town Board to answer any questions. In the
meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out via email.
Tompkins County’s
Unique Natural Areas
(UNA) Inventory Update
Presentation to Ithaca Town Board
Wednesday, Sept 29, 2025
Attachment 2
•To identify and describe areas in the County with outstanding
environmental quality
•To promote the conservation and/or preservation of UNAs for
the benefit of future generations
•To help people make informed choices about development in,
or near, these areas.
The EMC shall “foster unified action…propose priorities and
promote coordination…in the development and management of
our [County] natural resources
Purpose of
Tompkins County Unique Natural Areas Inventory
A Unique Natural
Area designation….
Is advisory, not regulatory
Does not allow the public to
come on private property
without landowner permission
Does not provide legal
protection for an area
Can be referenced in
municipal planning and zoning
1973 Started with 26 Natural Areas as required by the NYS enabling
legislation in 1972
1976 Craig Tufts’ CU Master’s Thesis
“A Preliminary Inventory of Some Unique Natural Areas in Tompkins County,
New York” identified 96 sites.
1990 Robert Wesley hired, 181 sites included in Update.
2000 Large binder published and given to all municipalities and libraries in
Tompkins County with 192 sites. Comprehensive outreach to owners of all
parcels included in UNAs. Inventory wins “Project of the year” at NYSAEMC
Conference.
2024 Last boundary revisions completed. Now
includes 14.7% of all land in Tompkins County,
about 43,800 acres. Currently 195 sites.
Unique Natural Area Inventory historical timeline
UNAs include one or more of the following
characteristics
•Designated area or preserve
•State-or County-designated
wetland
•Contains diverse flora or
fauna
•Rare or scarce plant or
animals
•Historical botanical or
zoological importance
•Geological importance
•Important teaching site
(e.g.meadow with a diverse
array of common plants all
in one place)
•Old growth woods
•Important birding site
•Quality of plant or
animal community
•Recreational value
•Scenic vista
•Wilderness
•Archeological or
paleontological site
•Cultural or historical
importance
•Urban greenspace
2024
Click here to
open map
1 mile
Sheffield
Wetland
093
Indiian
creek and
lake slope
097
Hogs hole
098
Coy Glen
137
Culver creek
and ravine
140
Inlet creek
Floodplain
147
Lick Brook
149
Enfield Glen
144
Buttermilk
Creek Gorge
150
Cawkins
Glen146
Steep Hollow
145
South Hill
swamp 154
Six mile creek
valley 156
Eldridge
preserve 155
Hawthorne
orchard 193
Cascadilla
woods 128
Cascadilla
gorge 136
McGowan
woods 129
Palmer woods
104
Fall creek
valley 130
Fleming
meadows 152
Early UNA boundary delineation methods
•Field assessments
•Expert knowledge
•Historical records
•Second-and third-
generation
photocopies of low-
resolution aerial
imagery from 1990
and earlier
•Hand-delineated
with marker and
then transferred
manually to GIS
•Limited GIS data
Guidelines for boundary reviews updates
•Snap to property lines if justified
•Inclusion of National Wetland Inventory
•Lidar mapping of wetlands provided by Nick Hollingshead
•Conform to edge of vegetation
•Inclusion of newly protected lands (e.g.nature preserves)
•Changes in landcover since last field visit or aerial photo
Cayuga Lake Watershed Network Wetlands
UNA #Ithaca site % change
Previous
acres
Current
acres
Difference
acres Common name
93 1 41.29 34.7 49.0 14.3 Shefield wetland
98 2 26.17 39.9 49.0 10.0 Hog hole
104 3 0.4 43.6 43.7 0.1 Palmer woods
105 4 0 29.4 29.4 0.0 Bull pasture ponds
129 5 -2.97 25.5 24.7 -0.8 McGowan woods
130 6 0 254.7 254.7 0.0 Fall Creek Valley
131 7 0 23.3 23.3 0.0 Mundy wildflower
132 8 0 50.8 50.8 0.0 Beebe lake
147 9 2.21 181.5 185.5 4.0 Cayuga Inlet floodplain
151 10 8.75 39.3 42.8 3.5 Larch meadows
152 11 -17.4 31.2 25.8 -5.4 Fleming meadows
153 12 0 29.1 29.1 0.0 Negundo woods
154 13 0 313.7 313.7 0.0 South hill swamp
155 14 0 108.7 108.7 0.0 Eldridge Preserve
156 15 0 1468.9 1468.9 0.0 Six mile creek valley
#
sites
15 sum 2673.4 2699.2 25.7
Name UNA #% change
Sheffield wetland 93 41.78
The hog hole 98 26.17
Palmer woods 104 0.4
McGowan woods 129 -2.97
Cayuga Inlet floodplain 147 2.21
Larch meadows 151 8.75
Selection of Town of Ithaca UNA’s with revisions
Field visits
Each year a few site visits have been done as part of the UNA
update process.
Those sites chosen for visits typically are:
•Ones that have not been visited before, or
•Newly designated UNAs, or
•Sites that are threatened by development or seen some other
recent change of status.
Visits are timed to be most likely to be able to find rare species or
rare plant communities.
Locally rare or scarce species and ecological community types are
noted, as are changes since previous visits (if there were).
Our process
QUESTIONS?
For additional information after this meeting, please
contact the Tompkins County Planning and Sustainability
Department
607-274-5560
Or email Planner Darby Kiley dkiley@tompkins-co.org