HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Packet 2025-10-27MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
October 27, 2025, 4:30 p.m.
215 N Tioga St.
AGENDA
ZOOM (ID 98910958241) YOUTUBE LINK
1. Public Hearings and consider adoption of:
Subject to permissive referendum:
a. The release of the existing Saponi Park parcel and the acceptance of adjacent substitute parkland
located on Seven Mile Dr., and
b. The purchase of development rights (Holmes) by conservation easement on approximately 84-acre
located on Hayts, Sheffield, and Bundy Roads with an estimated cost not to exceed $260,000.
and on the following budget related items:
c. The proposed increase to the Town of Ithaca Water Rates
d. The proposed increase to the Town of Ithaca Sewer Rents
e. The 2026 Assessment Rolls for the Special Benefit Districts and Special Benefit Areas
f. The Preliminary 2026 Town of Ithaca Budget
2. Consider Approval of 2026 Employee Wages
3. Discuss the Preliminary Budget and Consider adoption of the 2026 Town of Ithaca Budget
4. Consider award – 2025 Miscellaneous Water Main Replacement Project Phase 1
5. Committee Reports
a. Budget
b. Codes & Ordinances
c. Personnel and Organization
d. Planning
e. Public Works
f. Other
6. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Town Board Minutes
b. Approval of Town of Ithaca Abstract
c. Approval of Bolton Point abstract
d. Approval of Holiday List
e. Approval of Snow & Ice Agreement
f. Approval of Civil Service Position – Human Resources & Finance Specialist
g. Ratify appointment of Principal Acct Clerk Typist – BP – Fisher
h. Acknowledge GTCMHIC 2026 Wage Scale and Wages
i. Setting Public Hearing regarding the repeal and replacement of Town Code Chapter 144:
Ithaca Energy Code Supplement Local Law and Chapter 250, to add Yield signs to both
entrances of one lane bridges on Forest Home Dr
j. Acknowledge receipt of Conservation Easement Annual Inspections
k. Approval of Designation and Sale of Surplus Equipment
l. Ratify Appointment of Working Supervisor – Fellows
7. Executive Session: Discuss the current litigation from Verizon Wireless pertaining to 111
Wiedmaier Ct
8. Consideration of Stipulation of Settlement and Consent Order - Town of Ithaca and Verizon
Wireless
Adjourn
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
October 27, 2025
TB Resolution 2025 – : Authorization to Release the Existing Saponi Park Parcel to
Eddy Hill Inc. and Acceptance of Substitute Parkland from Eddy Hill Inc. for the new
Saponi Park
Whereas, the Saponi Meadows Subdivision was approved in 1994, which created Peachtree
Lane, Apple Blossom Land and Amber Lane. As part of this approval, Saponi Park was
dedicated to the Town of Ithaca in 1995 as the park land requirement. The 1994 plans showed
future phases and roads which would have continued to the south on the 21.6-acre Eddy Hill Inc.
property, filling in the gap between Peachtree Lane and the current park property; and
Whereas, the park property and the remaining Eddy Hill Inc. property have been farmed since
1994 and the current owners have stated they have no intention of developing the property into
additional residential lots; and
Whereas, the Town has not made any improvements to the park property; and
Whereas, the current landowners and the Town feel there would be substantial public benefits to
relocating the park approximately 1,100 feet to the north, adjacent to the residential development
that it went with; and
Whereas, on February 11, 2025, the Town of Ithaca and Eddy Hill Inc. signed a “Memorandum
of Understanding Respecting Park Relocation and Land Purchase and Swap Agreement”; and
Whereas, the use of designated parkland for non-park or private sector use requires that the
alienation of parkland process be undertaken with New York State Legislature; and
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca wishes to discontinue the use of the existing Saponi Park for park
and recreation purposes and wishes the New York State Legislature to authorize and empower
the Town of Ithaca to alienate Saponi Park so that the Town can acquire another property of the
same size and within 1,100 feet on the same road; and
Whereas, this is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Town Board is acting in an
uncoordinated environmental review with respect to this action and made a negative
determination of environmental significance on April 14, 2025; and
Whereas, in the summer of 2025, the Town obtained permission from the New York State
Legislature (Assembly Bill A8371 and Senate Bill S7834) and the Governor (signed August 15,
2025) to alienate the existing parkland and replace it with another property of the same size; and
Whereas, the Town Board held a duly noticed public hearing on October 27, 2025 to consider
comments from the public regarding the proposed release the existing Saponi Park parcel to
Eddy Hill Inc. and acceptance of substitute parkland from Eddy Hill Inc. for the new Saponi
Park;
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca authorizes the release of the existing
Saponi Park parcel to Eddy Hill Inc., to accept a new parcel of the same size from Eddy Hill Inc.
for the new Saponi Park, and authorizes the Town Supervisor to execute the necessary
documents, subject to the approval of the Attorney for the Town and satisfaction of all
requirements in the adopted alienation legislation, and be it further
Resolved, that the Town pay the incidental costs (recording fees and other similar expenses) as
incurred in order to complete such closing; and be it further
Resolved, that pursuant to Section 64 (2) of Town Law, this resolution is subject to a permissive
referendum in accordance with Article 7 of Town Law (§ 90), and the Town Clerk is directed to
publish and post a notice of adoption of this resolution, within ten days of its adoption, together
with a copy or an abstract of the resolution and a notice stating it is subject to a permissive
referendum.
Moved: Seconded:
Vote:
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING
215 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca NY 14850
607-273-1747
www.townithacany.gov
TO: TOWN BOARD MEMBERS
FROM: MICHAEL SMITH, SENIOR PLANNER
DATE: OCTOBER 22, 2025
RE: AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION EASEMENT – AUTHORIZE PURCHASE
- JULIA HOLMES TRUST (HAYTS, SHEFFIELD AND BUNDY ROADS)
As you may recall from 2023, the Town received an application from the Julia Holmes Trust for
land located along Hayts, Sheffield, and Bundy Roads to participate in the Town’s Agricultural
Land Preservation Program. This program was set up by the Town in 1999 to preserve the
Town’s farmland resources by purchasing the development rights (PDR) on active agricultural
lands. The Town purchases the development rights from willing sellers, and the landowner
conveys to the Town of Ithaca an agricultural conservation easement. Through this program,
the Town has previously acquired four agricultural conservation easements (Laughing Goat
Fiber Farm, Indian Creek Farm, the Mendez property, and the Pokorney property).
In 2023 the Planning Committee reviewed this application along with materials provided by
Planning Staff and made a recommendation to the Town Board that a formal appraisal be
prepared for the property. In April 2023 the Town Board authorized the hiring of North East
Appraisal & Management Co. Inc. to prepare the appraisal, which was provided to the Town in
January 2024. The cost of the agricultural conservation easement for the Holmes easement is
$260,000. A copy of the appraisal was provided to the landowner. The funds for this acquisition
will come from the Town’s Parks, Recreation & Open Space Plan Account, which requires a
permissive referendum.
The Planning Committee has also discussed the appraisals at their February and April 2024
meetings and were interested in moving forward with this easement. An update was provided
to the Town Board in May 2024 on the status of this potential easement and the next steps. On
April 28, 2025, the Town Board authorized the signing of the Purchase of Development Rights
Agreement and Sales Contract, which has been signed by the landowner and the Town.
Planning staff have been drafting many of the documents that will be needed to finalize the
conservation easement. Below is a list of the draft items that have been prepared to complete
the purchase of the agricultural conservation easement. I have attached a copy of the draft
conservation easement and the survey map for the Board’s review. If anyone is interested in
any of the other draft documents listed below, please let me know and I can send them to you.
- Draft Agricultural Conservation Easement (dated 05/15/2025) (attached)
- Survey Map – Showing Proposed Conservation Easement on Lands of The Julia Holmes
Trust (dated 6/3/2025) (attached)
- Baseline Documentation Report
- Monitoring Plan for an Agricultural Conservation Easement
- NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets – Waiver
Also for the Board’s consideration is the proposed authorizing resolution for the purchase of
the conservation easement by the Town and allowing the Town Supervisor to execute the
easement and other related documents. Since the funding is coming from the Town’s Parks,
Recreation & Open Space Plan Account, which requires a permissive referendum, this
resolution will only take effect upon either the passage of 30 days from the date of this
resolution if no qualifying petition is submitted or upon a vote approving the proposition upon
referendum if a qualifying petition is submitted.
Please let me know if you have any questions prior to the October 27th meeting.
Example of the open fields on the Holmes Property (07/08/2025)
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
Monday, October 27, 2025
TB Resolution No. 2025 - : Authorization to Purchase an Agricultural Conservation
Easement on Tax Parcel No. 24.-5-1.6 (Julia Holmes Trust / Hayts, Sheffield and Bundy
Roads)
Whereas, the Town Board has adopted a Policies and Procedures Manual (July 12, 1999, updated
March 13, 2006 and January 7, 2008) with specific guidelines and criteria for implementation of
the Agricultural Land Preservation Program; and
Whereas, the owner of Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24.-5-1.6 (Julia Holmes Trust / Hayts,
Sheffield and Bundy Roads) has submitted an application for the potential sale of the
development rights to the property through the purchase of an agricultural conservation easement
by the Town of Ithaca; and
Whereas, an appraisal was completed in January 2024 with the easement value determined to be
$260,000; and
Whereas, the Town has established a reserve fund for open space preservation and park and
recreation facilities, and such fund contains sufficient monies for the purpose of the acquisition
of this conservation easement; and
Whereas, a draft agricultural conservation easement and preliminary site plan have been
prepared for the project and have been presented to this Board; 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 the acquisition of a conservation easement is a Type II action pursuant to 6 NYCRR Section
617.5(c)(39), and thus the acquisition of the conservation easement is not subject to review under
SEQRA; and
Whereas, the Town Board held a duly noticed public hearing on October 27, 2025 to consider
comments from the public regarding the proposed acquisition of the agricultural conservation
easement;
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby authorizes the execution of the
proposed agricultural conservation easement with Julia Holmes Trust for the receipt by the Town
of an agricultural conservation easement on approximately 84 acres of vacant land located on
Hayts, Sheffield, and Bundy Roads in the Town of Ithaca; and it is further
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca authorizes the payment to Julia Holmes
Trust of $260,000 for such easement upon closing the transfer, receipt of the executed deed of
the easement, and approval of the attorney for the Town of the title to such easement; and it is
further
Resolved, that payment of said funds are to be made from the Town’s Parks, Recreation & Open
Space Plan Account; and it is further
Resolved, that the Town pay the incidental costs (recording fees and other similar expenses) as
incurred in order to complete such closing; and it is further
Resolved, that the Town Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute said agricultural
conservation easement and other related documents on behalf of the Town; and it is further
Resolved, that pursuant to General Municipal Law Section 6 (c), this resolution is subject to a
permissive referendum in accordance with Article 7 of the Town Law (payment of funds are to
be made from the Town’s Parks, Recreation & Open Space Plan Account, which is a reserve
fund), and the Town Clerk is directed to publish and post a notice of adoption of this resolution,
within ten days of its adoption, together with a copy or an abstract of the resolution and a notice
stating it is subject to a permissive referendum.
Moved:
Seconded:
Vote:
R/W
BUNDY ROAD A.K.A. COUNTY ROUTE 138
(ASSUMED 3 ROD RIGHT OF WAY=49.5')
PRESENT CENTERLINE
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816/156
TMN 24-5-19
GILDERSLEEVE (R.O.)
891/206
TMN 24-5-2
C-TECH REALTY LLC (R.O.)
2022-14051
TMN 24-5-1.3
BUSY BULL LLC (R.O.)
2025-00712
TMN 24-5-1.2
WET AREA
WET AREA
N 89°21'37" E
201.14'
S 87°44'55" W
1
9
6
7
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0
2
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*S 87°44'55" W 47
1
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N 87°44'55" E 471
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2
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6
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N 82°43'52" E
250.98' TOTAL
N 52°49'57" E
101.12'
N 30°07'47" E
122.10'
N 20°36'01" E
208.29'
N 87°57'29" E 768.63'
N 86
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4
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183.28'
S 77°04'46" W
93.06'
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2025-00712
TMN 24-5-1.2
FARMSTEAD AREA
AREA= 3.43 ACRES GROSS TO C RD.
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AREA= 3.00 ACRES NET TO RD. R/W
FARM AREA
AREA= 83.42 ACRES GROSS TO C RD.
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AREA= 81.35 ACRES NET TO RD. R/W
FARM AREA
AREA= 83.42 ACRES GROSS TO C RD.
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AREA= 81.35 ACRES NET TO RD. R/W
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2024-07711
TMN 24-5-1.1
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TMN 24-5-1.4
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TMN 24-5-1.1
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N.Y.S.E.G POLE LINE EASEMENT - SEE 241/136
MIL. LOT 48
MIL. LOT 49
MI
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MIL. LOT 41
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I hereby certify to
that I am a licensed land surveyor, New York State License
No.051180, and that this map correctly delineates an
actual survey on the ground made by me or under my direct
and that I found no visible encroachments either
way across property lines except as shown hereon.
SIGNED: DATED:
CERTIFICATION
WARNING
ALTERATION OF THIS MAP NOT
CONFORMING TO SECTION 7209,
SUBDIVISION 2, NEW YORK STATE
EDUCATION LAW, ARE PROHIBITED
BY LAW. ALL CERTIFICATIONS
HEREON ARE VALID FOR THIS MAP
AND COPIES THEREOF ONLY IF SAID
MAP OR COPIES BEAR THE IMPRESSION
SEAL OF THE LICENSED LAND SURVEYOR
WHOSE SIGNATURE APPEARS HEREON.
DATE:
TITLE:
1"=120'
SCALE:
REVISED
6/3/2025
S25434
TOWN OF ITHACA, TOMPKINS COUNTY, NEW YORK
THE JULIA HOLMES TRUST
SURVEY MAP
SHOWING PROPOSED CONSERVATION EASEMENT ON LANDS OF
LOCATED ON
BUNDY ROAD, SHEFFIELD ROAD & HAYTS ROAD
THE JULIA HOLMES TRUST
TOWN OF ITHACA
"DEED TO CENTERLINE OF
ROAD, EXCEPT & RESERVE ALL
EXISTING PUBLIC ROAD &
UTILITY RIGHT OF WAYS"
PE
R
G
N
S
S
O
B
S
E
R
V
A
T
I
O
N
LEGEND
-COMPUTED POINT
-IRON PIPE FOUND
-PIN SET WITH CAP
-UTILITY POLE
-FENCE & HEDGE
* -PROPOSED NEW CONSERVATION ZONE LINE
-TELEPHONE PEDESTAL
-IRON PIN FOUND
-STAND PIPE
TITLE INFORMATION
JULIA P. HOLMES, AS TRUSTEE
OF THE JULIA HOLMES TRUST
DATED JUNE 27, 2000
INSTRUMENT NO. 2022-11388
TAX MAP NO. 24-5-1.6
TOTAL AREA= 86.85 ACRES GROSS TO RD Cs
TOTAL AREA= 84.35 ACRES NET TO RD. R/W
REFERENCE MAPS:
1) "LANDS OF NEW YORK ARTIFICIAL BREEDERS CO-OPERATIVE, INC...." DATED
NOVEMBER 19, 2021 BY MICHAEL J. REAGAN, L.S. AND FILED IN THE T.C.C.O.
AS INSTRUMENT NO. 2022-10016
2) "SUBDIVISION MAP LANDS OF NEW YORK ARTIFICIAL BREEDERS CO-OPERATIVE,
INC...." DATED FEBRUARY 11, 2022 BY MICHAEL J. REAGAN, L.S. AND FILED IN
THE TC.C.O. AS INSTRUMENT NO. 2022-03382
3) "SUBDIVISION MAP SHOWING PROPOSED SUBDIVISION BY ROBERT AINSLIE &
JUDY SINGER..." DATED APRIL 1, 2000 BY T.G. MILLER, P.C. AND FILED IN
THE T.C.C.O. AS INSTRUMENT NO. 286775-001
4) "SURVEY MAP SHOWING PORTION OF LANDS OF LEACH & CEDRONE..." DATED
DECEMBER 23, 1996 BY T.G. MILLER, P.C.
NOTES:
1)CONSERVATION EASEMENT AREAS "FARMSTEAD AREA" &
"FARM AREA" REPRESENT CONSERVATION EASEMENT ZONES
ONLY. THIS SURVEY MAP NOT INTENDED TO BE USED TO
SUBDIVIDE OR CREATE NEW TAX PARCELS.
2) THIS SURVEY MAP PREPARED WITHOUT BENEFIT OF AN
ABSTRACT OF TITLE PROVIDED, SUBJECT TO ANY STATE OF
FACT THAT AN UPDATED ABSTRACT OF TITLE MAY SHOW.
T.G. MILLER, P.C.
ENGINEERS AND SURVEYORS
605 WEST STATE STREET, SUITE A
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850
WWW.TGMILLERPC.COM
607-272-6477
L
6/3/2025
10-14-2025
Page 1 of 24
Deed of Conservation Easement
THIS CONSERVATION EASEMENT ("Easement") is granted this _____ day of
_______________ 2025, by JULIA HOLMES TRUST (“Grantor”), residing at 3220 Jacksonville Road,
Trumansburg, New York, 14886 to the TOWN OF ITHACA (“Grantee” or “Town”), a New York
municipal corporation having an office at 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, New York 14850.
WHEREAS:
A. Grantor is the owner of certain real property (the “Property”) consisting of 84 acres, in one tax
map parcel located on Hayts Road, Sheffield Road, and Bundy Road Road in the Town of
Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, more fully described in the legal survey description of
the property (“EXHIBIT A”) and shown on the Easement Map (“EXHIBIT B”), both attached
hereto;
B. Grantee is a municipal corporation and has the authority pursuant to Section 247 of the General
Municipal Law and Article 49, Title 3 of the New York Environmental Conservation Law (the
“ECL”) to acquire conservation easements;
C. The Property consists primarily of productive agricultural land. The Property contains
approximately 69.5 acres of prime farmland soils and approximately 10.1 acres of soils of
statewide importance as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources
Conservation Service;
D. The Property is located within Tompkins County’s Agricultural District #2, created pursuant to
Article 25AA of the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law. In Section 300, it states:
“It is hereby found and declared that many of the agricultural lands in New York State are in
jeopardy of being lost for any agricultural purposes. When nonagricultural development
extends into farm areas, competition for limited land resources results…It is, therefore, the
declared policy of the state to conserve, protect and encourage the development and
improvement of its agricultural land for production of food and other agricultural products…It
is the purpose of this article to provide a locally-initiated mechanism for the protection and
enhancement of New York State’s agricultural land as a viable segment of the local and state
economies and as an economic and environmental resource of major importance;”
E. The Property is located within Tompkins County, which has adopted (September 2015) an
Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan. The Plan’s goals are (1) support a diversity of
viable farm businesses, (2) a vibrant local food system based on local food production
supported by local purchasing that enables producers to grow and thrive, (3) farming is
supported through local land use policies and actions that protect farmland, allow the
development of diverse farming enterprises, avoid increased costs of doing business, and
ensure access to quality farmland for future farming, (4) a high level of community awareness
and appreciation of sustainable farming practices and agriculture’s contribution to the
economy, rural life, scenic landscapes, natural resource preservation, agritourism and local
foods, (5) farmers follow sustainable farming practices that protect natural resources and
mitigate negative environmental impacts on soil, water, ecology, wildlife, and people while
10-14-2025
Page 2 of 24
increasing resilience to address climate change and environmental challenges over the long
term, and (6) people interested in farming will become successful future farmers or farm
employees;
F. The Property is located within the Town of Ithaca, which has adopted (November 2011) an
Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan. The Plan’s goals are to (1) promote the availability
of locally grown foods and other agricultural products for all residents including limited
income families, (2) retain and encourage a diversity of economically viable farm types, (3)
ensure long-term protection of agricultural-land resources for agriculture, open space, and
scenic resources, (4) encourage public understanding and involvement, and (5) promote wise
land use and waste management on agricultural land;
G. To achieve goal #3 above, the Town of Ithaca’s Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan
recommends, among other actions, the following: “Continue implementation of the Town’s
current agricultural conservation-easement acquisition (PDR) program for appropriate
agricultural parcels that have been targeted in the Policies and Procedures Manual for the
Agricultural Land Preservation Program.” The Property is included on the Town’s Policies and
Procedures Manual’s “Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easements Target Areas” map
(1999, updated 2006), and on the Town’s Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan’s “Target
Areas for Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easements” Map 8 (November 2011);
H. In addition to the productive agricultural land on the Property, there is a small stream (Williams
Brook) in the middle of the property with some wetlands and wooded areas on the east side of
the property;
I. Grantor has received independent legal and financial advice regarding this Easement to the
extent that Grantor has deemed necessary. Grantor freely signs this Easement in order to
accomplish its conservation purposes.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, Two Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars
($260,000) and the mutual covenants, terms, conditions and restrictions contained herein, the parties agree
as follows:
1. Grant of Conservation Easement.
Grantor hereby grants and conveys to Grantee, a Conservation Easement (the “Easement”), an
immediately vested interest in real property defined by Article 49, Title 3 of the ECL of the nature and
character described herein, for the benefit of the general public, which Easement shall run with and
bind the Property in perpetuity. Grantor will neither perform, nor knowingly allow others to perform,
any act on or affecting the Property that is inconsistent with the covenants contained herein. Grantor
authorizes Grantee to enforce these covenants in the manner described below.
2. Purpose.
The Primary Purpose of this easement is to conserve viable agricultural land and soil resources by
preventing uses of the Property that will significantly impair or interfere with the Property’s
agricultural and forestry viability and productive capacity.
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3. Implementation.
This Easement shall be implemented by limiting and restricting the development and use of the
Property in accordance with its provisions. The Property remains subject to all applicable local,
state and federal laws and regulations. This Easement and the administration of its provisions shall
not unreasonably restrict or regulate farm operations in contravention of the purposes of Article 25-
AA of the Agriculture and Markets Law.
4. Definitions.
4.(a). “Farm Labor Housing” means dwellings or structures, together with accessory
improvements used to house seasonal and/or full-time employees where such residences
are provided by the farm landowner and/or operator, the worker is an essential
employee of the farm landowner and/or operator employed in the operation of the farm
and the farm worker is not a partner or owner of the Farm Operation. For instance, a
structure used as the primary residence of a farm owner is not “farm labor housing”.
4.(b). “Farm Operation” shall be defined as “the land and on-farm buildings, equipment,
manure processing and handling facilities, and practices which contribute to the
production, preparation and marketing of crops, livestock and livestock products as a
commercial enterprise” in accordance with Section 301 of the New York State
Agriculture and Markets Law (“Agriculture and Markets Law”), or such successor law
as enacted or amended.
4.(c). “Grantee” includes the original Grantee, including its elected officials, public officers,
employees and agents, and its successors and assigns.
4.(d). “Grantor” or “owner” includes the original Grantor, its heirs, successors and assigns, all
future owners of any legal or equitable interest in all or any portion of the Property, and
any party entitled to the possession or use of all or any part thereof.
4.(e). “Impervious Surfaces” are defined as structures or improvements that permanently cover
soil resources. Impervious Surfaces do not include permeable surfaces such as gravel roads
and parking areas, structures whose principal purpose is to protect soil and water
resources, such as manure storage areas, and structures and improvements lacking
permanent foundations.
4.(f). “Residential Dwelling” means dwellings or structures, together with accessory
improvements that comprise single-family, multi-family, apartments, “in-law” apartments,
guest houses and farm labor housing, whether or not the structure(s) are used as the
primary residence of a farm owner.
4.(g). “Sound Agricultural Practices” is defined as those practices necessary for on-farm
production, preparation and marketing of agricultural commodities, provided such
practices are legal, necessary, do not cause bodily harm or property damage off the farm,
and achieve the intended results in a reasonable and supportable way. If necessary, to
determine if a practice is “sound,” Grantee or Grantor may request that the New York
State Department of Agriculture and Markets initiate a sound agricultural practice review
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pursuant to Section 308 of the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, or any
successor law as enacted or amended.
4.(h). “Viable Agricultural Land” is defined as land highly suited for agricultural production.
4.(i). The following use areas are defined for the Easement:
“Farmstead Area” is defined as the area depicted in Exhibit B, that centers on existing
farm structures or future planned structures.
“Farm Area” is defined as the remaining area of the farm, depicted in Exhibit B.
5. Reserved Rights Retained by Grantor.
As the owner of the Property, Grantor reserves all customary rights and privileges of ownership,
including the right of exclusive use, possession and enjoyment of the Property, the rights to sell,
lease, and devise the Property, as well as any other rights consistent with the Purpose set forth in
Section 2 (“Purpose”) and not specifically prohibited or limited by this Easement.
However, nothing in this Easement relieves Grantor of any obligation with respect to the Property or
restriction on the use of the Property imposed by law and nothing in this Easement shall require
Grantor to take any action to restore the condition of the Property after any act of God or force
majeure.
5.(a). Right to Use Property for Agricultural Uses.
Grantor has the right to produce crops, livestock and livestock products and use the
Property as a Farm Operation, which includes but is not limited to the right to establish,
reestablish, maintain, and use cultivated fields, orchards, pastures and woodlands. Said
farming practices shall be carried out in accordance with Sound Agricultural Practices
as defined herein.
5.(b). Right to Use Property for Rural Enterprises.
Grantor has the right to operate otherwise lawful rural enterprises, which may include, if
permitted by Zoning, uses such as, but not limited to, farm machinery repair,
professional offices within the home, bed and breakfasts, crafts production and
firewood distribution, subject to the limitations set forth in this Easement, including
Section 7 (“Construction of Buildings and Other Improvements”). In all cases, such rural
enterprises must be compatible with the Purpose of this Easement and subordinate to
the agricultural use of the Property.
5.(c). Right to Use Property for Recreational Purposes.
Grantor retains the right to use the Property for otherwise lawful personal or
commercial recreational uses, including, but not limited to, hunting, fishing, cross-
country skiing, camping, horseback riding and snowmobiling, subject to the limitations
set forth in this Easement, including Section 7 (“Construction of Buildings and Other
Improvements”). In all cases, such recreational uses must be compatible with the
Purpose of this Easement and subordinate to the agricultural use of the Property.
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6. Access.
Nothing contained in this Easement shall give or grant to the public a right to enter upon or to use
the Property or any portion thereof where no such right existed in the public immediately prior to
the execution of this Easement.
7. Construction of Buildings and Other Improvements.
The Property is separated into two principal areas as further described in the Baseline
Documentation Report, Section 18 (“Baseline Documentation”) and identified in the Easement
Map attached hereto as Exhibit B: 1) the Farmstead Area and 2) the Farm Area. Grantor may
undertake construction, erection, installation, removal or placement of buildings, structures, or
other improvement to the Property within these areas only as provided in this Easement and set
forth below.
7.(a). Impervious Surfaces
Subject to the limitations set forth below and in the Town’s Zoning requirements, Impervious
Surfaces may be constructed or placed on up to a maximum of 10% of the Farm Area and
without limitation in the Farmstead Area.
7.(b). Fences
Subject to the Town’s Zoning requirements, existing fences may be repaired, removed and
replaced, and new fences may be built anywhere on the Property for purposes of reasonable
and customary management of livestock and wildlife, safety and general management and to
prevent trespassing on the Property.
7.(c). Agricultural Structures and Improvements
(i) Existing agricultural structures and improvements
Any agricultural structures and improvements existing as of the date of this Easement may be
repaired, removed, enlarged and replaced at their current locations, subject to the Impervious
Surface coverage limitations set forth in Section 7(a) (“Impervious Surfaces”).
(ii) New agricultural structures and improvements
Farmstead Area: Without permission of Grantee, except as otherwise required by the Town
of Ithaca Code, Grantor may construct new buildings, structures and other improvements,
including asphalt and concrete roads and parking areas, within the Farmstead Area to be
used primarily for purposes related to a Farm Operation and for such other agricultural
purposes as (i) the production, storage, marketing or sale of farm products or by-products,
or processing of farm products or by-products, (ii) the storage of equipment used for
agricultural production, and (iii) the keeping of livestock or other animals.
Farm Area: The following are subject to the Impervious Surface coverage limitations set
forth in Section 7(a) (“Impervious Surfaces”). Grantor may construct new buildings,
structures and other improvements for purposes related to the Farm Operation on up to 5%
of the Farm Area without permission of Grantee, except where such permission is otherwise
required by the Town of Ithaca Code. With permission of Grantee, Grantor may construct
new buildings, structures and improvements related to the Farm Operation that would cover
up to an additional 5% of the Farm Area.
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7.(d). Residential Dwellings
Residential Dwellings may be placed or constructed on the Property in accordance with the
provisions of this Section 7(d).
New Residential Dwellings
Farmstead Area: Without permission of Grantee, except as otherwise required by the
Town of Ithaca Code, Grantor may construct new residential dwellings, together with
accessory structures and improvements, within the Farmstead Area, subject to any
applicable local, state or federal laws and regulations.
Farm Area: Subject to the Impervious Surface coverage limitations set forth in Section
7(a) (“Impervious Surfaces”), Grantor may construct new dwellings or structures and
improvements for Farm Labor Housing, as defined in Section 4(a) (“Farm Labor
Housing”), on up to 1% of the Farm Area without permission of the Grantee except where
such permission is otherwise required by the Town of Ithaca Code. With Grantee’s
permission, Grantor may construct additional Farm Labor Housing in the Farm Area as
proven necessary to conduct current farm operations. The land on which these dwellings,
structures and improvements stand shall not be subdivided.
7.(e). Rural Enterprises
Rural enterprises may be established and carried out within the Farmstead Area, if
permitted by the Town’s Zoning requirements, including but not limited to, professional
offices within the home, bed and breakfasts, crafts production and firewood distribution. In
all cases, such uses and any necessary structures or improvements shall be compatible with
the Purpose of this Easement, and subordinate to the agricultural use of the Property.
Enterprises which market non-agricultural petroleum or chemical products are prohibited.
The land on which these structures stand shall not be subdivided. Rural Enterprises are
subject to the Impervious Surface coverage limitations set forth in Section 7(a) (“Impervious
Surfaces”).
7.(f). Recreational Structures and Improvements
Recreational buildings, structures and improvements are permitted on the Property so long as
such buildings, structures and improvements are compatible with the Purpose of this Easement
and subordinate to the agricultural use of the Property. Under no circumstances shall golf
courses and/or ranges be allowed on the Property.
Farmstead Area: Without permission of Grantee, except where such permission is
otherwise required by the Town of Ithaca Code, Grantor may enlarge existing or construct or
place new recreational buildings, structures and improvements within the Farmstead Area,
so long as they are compatible with the Purpose of this Easement and subordinate to the
agricultural use of the Property.
Farm Area: Subject to the Impervious Surface coverage limitations set forth in Section 7(a)
(“Impervious Surfaces”) and the Town’s Zoning requirements, Grantor may enlarge
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existing or construct or place new recreational buildings, structures and improvements in
the Farm Area up to an aggregate of 1,000 square feet in size without permission of
Grantee, unless permission is required by the Town of Ithaca Code. With permission of
Grantee, recreational buildings, structures and improvements that exceed an aggregate
footprint of 1,000 square feet may be constructed in the Farm Area. All recreational
buildings, structures and improvements shall be compatible with the Purpose of this
Easement, subordinate to the agricultural use of the Property, and located in a manner that
minimizes the impact to prime farmland and statewide important soils.
7.(g). Utility Services and Septic Systems
Wires, lines, pipes, cables or other facilities providing electrical, gas, water, sewer,
communications, or other utility services to or from the improvements permitted in this
Easement may be installed, maintained, repaired, removed, relocated and replaced, and
Grantor may grant easements over and under the Property for such purposes. Septic or
other underground sanitary systems serving the improvements permitted herein may be
installed, maintained, repaired or improved. All such services and systems shall be
compatible with the Purpose of this Easement, subordinate to the agricultural use of the
Property, and located in a manner that minimizes the impact to the prime farmland and
statewide important soils.
7.(h). Renewable Energy and Communications Structures and Improvements
Renewable energy is derived from a fuel source that readily restores over short periods of
time and typically does not diminish. Such fuel sources include the sun, wind, moving
water, organic plant and waste material (e.g., biomass) and the earth’s heat (i.e.,
geothermal). Telecommunications is the transmission, receipt, or exchange of information
through the use of technology involving the Property and any other location.
Structures (including buildings) and improvements necessary to undertake renewable
energy generation or telecommunications are permitted on the Property as further described
below provided they are compatible with the Purpose of this Easement, subordinate to the
Agricultural Use of the Property and located in a manner that minimizes the impact to the
prime farmland and statewide importance soils. Such structures and improvements may be
placed or constructed on the Property in accordance with the provisions of this Section 7(h)
and may be maintained, repaired, removed, enlarged and replaced at their respective
locations subject to the Impervious Surface coverage limitations set forth in Section 7(a),
and are subject to the Town’s Zoning requirements.
Farmstead Area: Within any designated Farmstead Area, Grantor may construct such
structures and improvements without permission of Grantee, unless permission is required
by the Town of Ithaca Code.
Farm Area: Subject to the Impervious Surface coverage limitations set forth in Section 7(a)
(“Impervious Surfaces”), such structures and improvements, including associated roads
and drainage ditches, may be built in the Farm Area only with the permission of Grantee,
which may be conditioned upon the posting of a bond. These structures and
improvements are permitted only if the activity is limited and localized in impact
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affecting no more than two percent (2%) of the Farm Area at one time.
Prior to determining the location of a site for these structures and improvements in the Farm
Area, the Grantor shall notify the Grantee and the local Soil and Water Conservation District
to give them an opportunity to participate in an onsite meeting to review proposed locations.
Grantor shall agree to comply with the New York State Department of Agriculture and
Markets guidelines for agricultural mitigation for construction of such structures.
8. Maintenance and Improvement of Water Sources.
Grantor may use, maintain, establish, construct, and improve water sources, water courses and water
bodies within the Property for the uses permitted by this Easement. Grantor may alter the natural flow
of water over the Property in order to improve drainage of agricultural soils, reduce soil erosion and/or
flooding, provide irrigation for the Property or improve the agricultural or forest management
potential of the Property, provided such alteration is consistent with Sound Agricultural Practices and
the Purpose of this Easement and is carried out in accordance with applicable local, state and federal
laws and regulations.
9. Water Rights.
Grantor may use any appurtenant water rights sufficient to maintain the agricultural productivity of the
Property in accordance with applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations. Grantor shall not
transfer, encumber, lease, sell or otherwise sever such water rights from title to the Property itself.
10. Subdivision.
The Property is currently comprised of one tax map parcel (Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24.-5-
1.6) owned by Grantor. The Property shall not be further partitioned or subdivided.
Mortgages, or other non-possessory interests in land do not constitute subdivisions for the purpose
herein, provided such interests encompass the whole parcel.
11. Forest Management.
Without permission of Grantee, except as otherwise required by the Town of Ithaca Code, Grantor
may harvest wood for use on the Property including heating or construction of buildings and
improvements, manage forested areas for wildlife habitat and recreation, and remove trees that are
fallen, dead, diseased or invasive, so long as such activities are consistent with generally accepted
forest best management practices and do not significantly cause sedimentation or pollution of any
stream or wetland.
The killing, control, or removal of non-native, invasive species is permitted. Grantor retains the
right to plant non-native vegetation within the Farmstead Area, and in conjunction with permitted
agricultural uses in the Farm Area.
In the Farmstead Area and Farm Area, Grantor retains the right to clear forested areas for
conversion to farmland and to plant, cut, and manage trees and shrubs for landscaping, gardening,
or agricultural purposes, including plantation forestry and the cutting and removal of trees to
maintain or reclaim fields. For the purposes of this Conservation Easement, vegetation clearing
conducted in the Farm Area shall be considered an agricultural activity.
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The following activities may be undertaken without permission from Grantee, except as otherwise
required by the Town of Ithaca Code, and require a forest management plan and harvest plan as
described below. Grantor may commercially harvest timber and other wood products, conduct
timber stand improvements and construct, maintain, remove, and repair unpaved access roads and
“staging areas”, those areas where logs are temporarily stored for transport necessary for such
activities. All such activities shall be in accordance with generally-accepted forestry best
management practices. Such commercial timber harvests and timber stand improvements shall be
carried out in accordance with a forest management plan and harvest plan prepared by a forester
who is certified by the Society of American Foresters or such successor organization as is later
created, a Cooperating Consulting Forester with the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation or a qualified forester approved by Grantee.
In order to facilitate the monitoring and stewardship of this Conservation Easement, and ensure
continuing communication between parties, Grantor shall give Grantee, its successors or assigns,
written notice not less than forty-five (45) days prior to the anticipated commencement of any
commercial timber harvest or timber stand improvement. Such written notice shall include
submission of the then-current forest management plan and harvest plan.
The forest management plan must incorporate Best Management Practices to the greatest extent
practicable and specifically address safeguards and provide for the protection and minimal
disturbance of any steep slopes, watercourses, wetlands, and riparian areas.
12. Mining and On-Site Extractive Activity.
Exploration for, or development, storage and extraction of sand and gravel on or from the Property by
any method are permitted only under the following conditions. Grantor may remove sand and gravel
on the Property, provided said removal: (a) is limited and localized in impact, affecting no more
than two acres of the Property at one time; (b) is compatible with the Purpose of this Easement; (c)
is reasonably necessary and exclusively for the Farm Operation; (d) minimizes the impact to the
prime farmland and statewide important soils; and (e) subject to the Town’s Zoning requirements.
Surface activities related to subsurface mineral and hydrocarbon exploration, development and
extraction are not permitted on the Property, except as set forth above regarding sand and gravel
exploration development and extraction.
13. Road Construction.
Pursuant to the Impervious Surface coverage limitations set forth in Section 7(a) (“Impervious
Surfaces”) and local and state requirements, Grantor may construct roads for residential driveways,
barnyards, farm markets or other improvements necessary to provide access to, and parking for,
permitted buildings or improvements, or to conduct other activities permitted by this Easement.
Roads constructed in the Farm Area shall be located in a manner that minimizes impacts to the
prime farmland and statewide important soils.
14. Dumping and Trash.
The dumping, land filling, burial, application, injection, or accumulation of any kind of garbage,
trash or debris on the Property is prohibited, other than agriculturally-related waste or
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biodegradable material as described below. Subject to the limitations and requirements of the Town
of Ithaca Code, and without the need for additional permission of Grantee beyond the requirements
of the Town Code, Grantor may 1) store, compost, apply or inject agriculturally-related waste or
biodegradable material; 2) store old farm equipment to be used for parts; 3) temporarily store trash
or household waste in receptacles for periodic off-site disposal and 4) compost or re-use
biodegradable materials generated off the Property for use on the Property or commercial use or
sale. All such activities shall be conducted in accordance with Sound Agricultural Practices and in
a manner consistent with all applicable local, state or federal laws and regulations.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the storage and treatment of sewage associated with buildings
permitted on the Property is permitted by this Easement.
15. Permission of Grantee.
When Grantor is required to obtain Grantee's permission for a proposed action pursuant to the
Easement, such permission shall be requested in writing. Grantee shall grant permission unless it
determines that such action is 1) incompatible with the Purpose of this Easement or 2) not subordinate
to the agricultural use of the Property. Such permission shall not be unreasonably withheld. Grantee
shall respond with a decision in writing within forty-five (45) days of receipt of the Grantor’s written
request, which shall include all relevant building plans identifying the use, footprint and total square
footage of any proposed structures, and related survey information, if available. If mutually agreed
upon by Grantee and Grantor, this timeline may be reasonably extended. Nothing in this Easement
relieves Grantor of the obligation to obtain approvals, permits, variances or other permissions required
by the Town of Ithaca Code or by other local, state or federal requirements or regulations.
16. Ongoing Responsibilities of Grantor and Grantee.
Other than as specified herein, this Easement is not intended to impose any legal or other
responsibility on Grantee, or in any way to affect any obligations of Grantor as owner of the Property,
including, but not limited to, the following:
16.(a). Taxes
Grantor shall be solely responsible for payment of all taxes and assessments levied against the
Property.
16.(b). Upkeep and Maintenance
Grantor shall be solely responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the Property, to the
extent required by law and this Easement. Grantee shall have no obligation for the upkeep or
maintenance of the Property.
16.(c). Liability and Indemnification
Grantor agrees to fully defend, indemnify and hold harmless Grantee, its elected officials,
public officers, employees, and agents from and against all claims, actions, suits, demands,
damages, liabilities, obligations, losses, settlements, judgments, costs and expenses
(including without limitation reasonable attorney’s fees and costs), whether or not involving
a third party claim, which any or all of them may incur, resulting from bodily injuries (or
death) to any person, damage (including loss of use) to any property, other damages, or
contamination of or adverse effects on the environment, related to the Property, or caused
by the acts or omissions of Grantor or Grantor’s employees or agents in connection with the
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Property, unless due to the negligence of Grantee or its agents, in which case liability shall
be apportioned accordingly.
17. Extinguishment of Development Rights.
Except as otherwise reserved to the Grantor in this Easement, all non-agricultural development rights
appurtenant to the Property are hereby released, terminated and extinguished, and may not be used on
or transferred to any portion of the Property as it now or hereafter may be bounded or described, or to
any other property adjacent or otherwise, or used for the purpose of calculating permissible lot yield of
the Property or any other property.
18. Baseline Documentation.
By its execution of this Easement, Grantee acknowledges that the present uses of, and related
structures and improvements on the Property, are permitted by this Easement. In order to evidence
the present condition of the Property so as to facilitate future monitoring and enforcement of this
Easement, a Baseline Documentation Report, including relevant maps and photographs, describing
such condition at the date hereof, has been prepared and subscribed by both parties, and a copy
thereof has been delivered to Grantor and a copy will be kept on file with Grantee. The Report may
be used by Grantee to establish that a change in the use or character of the Property has occurred, but
its existence shall not preclude the use by Grantee of other evidence to establish the condition of the
Property as of the date of this Easement.
19. Right of Inspection.
Grantee shall have the right to enter upon the Property with forty-eight (48) hours advance notice to
Grantor for the purpose of inspecting for compliance with the terms of this Easement. Such
inspection shall be conducted between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. on a weekday that is not a
legal holiday recognized by the State of New York or at a date and time agreeable to the Grantee
and Grantor. In the instance of a violation or suspected violation of the terms of this Easement
which has caused or threatens to cause irreparable harm to any of the agricultural or other resources
this Easement is designed to protect, no such advance notice is required.
20. Enforcement and Remedies.
If Grantee determines that a violation of this Easement has occurred, Grantee shall so notify Grantor,
giving Grantor thirty (30) days to cure the violation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, where Grantee in
Grantee's sole discretion determines that an ongoing or threatened violation could irreversibly
diminish or impair the Purpose of this Easement, Grantee may bring an action to enjoin the violation,
ex parte if necessary, through temporary or permanent injunction.
In addition to injunctive relief, Grantee shall be entitled to seek the following remedies in the event of
a violation: (a) money damages, including damages for the loss of the resources protected under the
Purpose of this Easement; and (b) restoration of the Property to its condition existing prior to such
violation.
Said remedies shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to all remedies now or hereafter existing
at law or in equity. In any case where a court finds that a violation has occurred, Grantor shall
reimburse Grantee for all its expenses incurred in stopping and correcting the violation, including,
but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees. The failure of Grantee to discover a violation or to
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take immediate legal action shall not bar Grantee from doing so at a later time. In any case where a
court finds no violation has occurred, each party shall bear its own costs.
If the Grantee determines that this Easement is being or has been violated, or that a violation is
threatened or imminent, and the Grantor has not cured same as required by this instrument or any
notice hereunder given, then the following provisions shall apply:
20.(a). Remedies.
If the violation or non-compliance persists upon the expiration of any applicable corrective
period (including as extended) then, in addition to seeking equitable relief, the Grantee also
may exercise the right of self-help and enter the Property to prevent or mitigate further damage
to the Conservation Values. The Grantee’s remedies described in this section shall be
cumulative and in addition to any other remedies now or hereafter existing at law or in equity.
20.(b). Special Recoveries.
In the event the Grantee files or commences any claim or proceeding and the Grantor (or any
other person) is found to be in material violation of this Easement, or if this Easement is sought
to be terminated by the Grantor (or such other person) and the Easement survives such claim,
then the Grantee shall be entitled to seek and collect:
1. Compensatory damages, including consequential, incidental, and exemplary damages,
each in an amount fixed by the court or applicable tribunal; plus
2. Damages equal to the fair market value of the loss or partial loss or impairment of any
Conservation Values (which amount shall be, at a minimum, equal to two times the base
value of the real estate upon which the Conservation Value is located); plus
3. Restitution damages calculated to reimburse the Grantee for the costs of obtaining and
recording this Easement, the cost of all monitoring and reporting undertaken to ensure the
vitality of the Conservation Values, the cost of any improvements made to the Property,
including pathways, trails, structures and the like, and the sum costs of any other amount
invested in the Property for the public’s benefit; plus
4. All costs and expenses incurred or to be incurred for the restoration of the Property or
any Conservation Values; plus
5. Reimbursement of the Grantee’s attorneys’, consultants’, engineering, and expert fees
incurred in relation to the Property or any such claims or proceedings.
20.(c). Waivers; Unintentional and Special Defaults.
Notwithstanding the foregoing and the right to recover Special Recoveries, the Grantee may
waive or partially waive its right to seek or be reimbursed for Special Recoveries from the
Grantor if the Grantee, in its sole discretion exercised without recourse, is reasonably satisfied
that the violation was not the Grantor’s fault, was inadvertent or minor, or could not have been
anticipated or prevented by reasonable means. In addition, Grantee may not bring action
against Grantor for violations resulting from causes beyond Grantor’s reasonable control
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including, without limitation, fire, flood, storm, and earth movement, or from prudent action or
taken by Grantor under emergency conditions to prevent, abate, or mitigate significant injury to
persons, property, or to the Property.
20.(d). Continuing Liability.
If any land subject to this Easement is conveyed, the Grantor remains liable and responsible for
any existing or discovered violations jointly and severally with the new landowner(s) other
party or parties in interest. This provision does not apply if Grantee has issued a certificate of
compliance within 30 days of the date of conveyance evidencing “no violations.”
20.(e). Terminations.
If future circumstances render this Easement’s conservation and related goals impossible to
accomplish, including due or partly due to any Grantor violations or defaults, this Easement
may be terminated or extinguished in whole or in part, but only by judicial proceedings. In such
circumstances, or if any decree terminates this Easement whole or in any part, then (and
regardless of fault) the Grantee is entitled to receive compensation for such loss or termination
equal to the greater of the value of this Easement or the Conservation Values lost or impaired,
calculated in accordance with generally accepted appraisal standards and state and federal law
and regulations, or the difference in value of the Property after the removal of this Easement as
compared to its value as encumbered, calculated in accordance with generally accepted
appraisal standards and state and federal law and regulations. In all such cases the
compensation to the Grantee shall not be less than the Proportionate Value, as defined below
and in the Internal Revenue Code, and the Grantee may seek any Special Recoveries whenever
any partial or whole termination is caused in whole or in part by willful, intentional, reckless,
or affirmative acts of or actions by the Grantor.
21. Qualified Conservation Contribution.
The rights hereby granted to the Grantee have been donated in whole or in part by Grantor. This
Easement is intended to qualify as a charitable donation of a partial interest in real estate as defined
under §170(f)(3)(B)(iii) of the Internal Revenue Code to a qualified organization as defined in
§1.170A-(14)(c)(1) of the IRS regulations. In connection with the foregoing, the following
standards apply and shall at all times be met and adhered to by the Grantor and the Grantee:
21.(a). Public Benefit.
The parties have entered into this Easement to provide a significant public benefit as defined in
the Internal Revenue Code §1.170A-14(d)(2)(i) and §49-0301 of the Environmental
Conservation Law of the State of New York.
21.(b). Qualified Mineral Rights Surrendered.
No person or party has retained a qualified mineral right or interest in the Property of a nature
that would disqualify this Easement under the Internal Revenue Code or Regulations, such as
§1.170A-14(g)(4). From and after the date hereof, the grant or severance of any such right or
interest is prohibited, and Grantee has the right to prohibit the exercise of any such right or
interest when in violation of this Easement, New York State law (including but not limited to
the Environmental Conservation Law and Real Property Tax Law), or the Internal Revenue
Code and its regulations.
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21.(c). Notice of Adverse Impacts.
Per the Internal Revenue Code and regulations, including §1.170A-14(g)(5)(ii), and in addition
to any other notice or approval requirements set forth in this Easement, Grantor agrees to notify
Grantee before exercising any right, or undertaking any action, that could have any potential
adverse impact on the Conservation Values.
21.(d). Immediate Vesting.
In accordance with the Internal Revenue Code and regulations, including §1.170A-14(g)(6),
Grantor agrees that the grant of this Easement gives rise to a property right immediately vested
in the Grantee that entitles the Grantee to compensation upon extinguishment of the Easement.
The fair market value of that property right is to be determined in accordance with the Internal
Revenue Code and New York Law, but it shall never be an amount lesser than the
proportionate value that this Easement bears upon the date hereof to the value of the Property
as a whole (the “Proportionate Value”). If the Proportionate Value exceeds the compensation
otherwise calculable herein as payable to the Grantee, the Grantee is entitled to payment of the
Proportionate Value. The Grantee must use any funds received on account of the Proportionate
Value only for conservation purposes (as that phrase is defined in the Internal Revenue Code).
21.(f). Additional Required Terms.
If any requirement of applicable law or regulations are required to be inserted into this
instrument to make this grant and conservation easement comply with the requirements thereof,
or to demonstrate that the donation of this easement is a transaction with substantial economic
effect, then the Grantor and Grantee agree that this Easement shall be read, interpreted, and
construed as if such terms or clauses are or were incorporated within this Easement, and as
soon as practically possible the Grantor and the Grantee shall formally incorporate any such
terms or clauses by formal amendment to this Easement. All parties agree to cooperate to give
effect to such amendments to assure compliance with the requirements of law pertaining to
conservations easements.
21.(g). No Representation of Tax Benefits.
Grantor represents, warrants, and covenants that: (i) Grantor has not relied upon any
information or analyses furnished by Grantee with respect to the availability, amount, or effect
of any deduction, credit, or other benefit to Grantor under the Internal Revenue Code and
regulations, any other applicable law, or with respect to the monetary value of this Easement or
the Property; (ii) Grantor has relied solely upon Grantor’s own judgment and professional
advice furnished to Grantor by consultants and professionals of Grantor’s own choice, and that
if any person or party providing services in connection with this Easement or the Property was
referred or recommended by the Grantee, Grantor acknowledges that Grantee is not responsible
in any way for the performance of services by these persons or parties; and (iii) the donation of
this Easement is not conditioned upon the availability or amount of any deduction, credit, or
other benefit under the Internal Revenue Code or other applicable law or regulation.
22. Dispute Resolution.
If a dispute arises between the Grantor and the Grantee concerning the consistency of any proposed
use or activity with the purposes of this Easement or any of the specific provisions contained
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herein, and Grantor agrees not to proceed with the use or activity pending resolution of the dispute,
either party may request a meeting between the parties, or refer the dispute to mediation by written
request. Within ten (10) days of such request, Grantee shall schedule a meeting or the parties shall
select a single trained and impartial mediator knowledgeable about production agriculture to
recommend potential resolutions of the dispute. Reasonable costs associated with the mediation
process shall be determined by the impartial mediator. Nothing in this clause shall diminish
Grantee’s rights under Section 20 (“Enforcement”).
23. Transfer of Easement.
Grantee shall have the right to transfer this Easement to any private non-governmental organization or
public agency that, at the time of transfer is a “public body” or “not-for-profit conservation
organization” as defined by Article 49 of New York State Environmental Conservation Law and is a
“qualified organization” under Section 170(h) of the Internal Revenue Code, provided the transferee
expressly agrees to assume the responsibility imposed on Grantee by this Easement. If Grantee ever
ceases to exist or qualify under Article 49 of New York State Environmental Conservation Law and
Section 170(h) of the Internal Revenue Code, a court of competent jurisdiction shall transfer this
Easement to another qualified organization having similar purposes that agrees to assume the
responsibilities imposed by this Easement. Grantor must be notified in writing in advance of any such
transfer.
24. Transfer of Property.
Any subsequent conveyance, including, without limitation, transfer, lease or mortgage of the
Property, shall be subject to this Easement, and any deed or other instrument evidencing or
effecting such conveyance shall contain language substantially as follows: "This {conveyance,
lease, mortgage, easement, etc.} is subject to a Conservation Easement which runs with the land
and which was granted to the Town of Ithaca by instrument dated ______________________, and
recorded in the office of the Clerk of Tompkins County by Instrument No. __________________.”
Grantor shall notify Grantee in writing at least thirty (30) days before conveying the Property, or any
part thereof or interest therein, to any third party. The failure to notify Grantee or to include said
language in any deed or instrument shall not, however, affect the validity or applicability of this
Easement to the Property or limit its enforceability in any way.
25. Amendment of Easement.
This Easement may be amended only with the written consent of Grantee and the then current
property owner. Any such amendment shall be consistent with the Purpose of this Easement and shall
comply with the Environmental Conservation Law or any regulations promulgated thereunder, and
shall not unreasonably restrict or regulate farm operations in contravention of the purposes of
Article 25-AA of the Agriculture and Markets Law or such successor law as enacted or amended.
Any such amendment to this Easement shall be duly recorded.
26. Extinguishment of Easement.
Subject to recapture rules and Internal Revenue Code requirements for the payment of a Proportional
Value upon the event of any termination, at the mutual request of Grantor and Grantee, a court with
jurisdiction may, if it determines that conditions surrounding the Property have changed so much that
it becomes impossible to fulfill the Purpose of this Easement described in Section 2 (“Purpose”),
extinguish or modify this Easement in accordance with applicable law. The mere cessation of
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farming on the Property shall not be construed to be grounds for extinguishment of this Easement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if condemnation by exercise of the power of eminent domain makes
impossible the continued use of all or such portion of the Property for the Purpose of this Easement
as described in Section 2 (“Purpose”) herein, the restrictions may be extinguished as to any such
portion so condemned by judicial proceeding. Upon any subsequent sale, exchange or involuntary
conversion (pursuant to this Section) by the Grantor, Grantee shall be entitled to a portion of the
proceeds from any subsequent sale or other disposition of the Property, or title insurance proceeds,
in accordance with Section 27 (“Proceeds”) herein.
In the event that Grantor retains the Property subsequent to any such extinguishment or partial
extinguishment, Grantee shall be entitled to receive from Grantor an amount equal to the fair
market value of the Property or a portion of the Property as to which the extinguishment applies
times the percentage determined under Section 27.
27. Proceeds.
The grant of this Easement gives rise to a property right, immediately vested in Grantee, which, for
purposes of calculating value in the event of any such extinguishment or partial extinguishment or
proceeds from a sale or other disposition of the Property as contemplated under Section 25
(“Extinguishment of Easement”), shall have a value equal to a percentage of the value of the Property
unencumbered by this Easement (the "Proportionate Share"). The Proportionate Share is determined
by dividing the value of this Easement, calculated as of the date hereof, by the unencumbered value of
the Property, also calculated as of the date hereof. The Proportionate Share is 49.9%. The
Proportionate Share shall remain constant (subject to reasonable adjustment to the extent permissible
under Section 170(h) of the Internal Revenue Code for any improvements which may hereafter be
made on the Property).
28. Interpretation.
This Easement shall be interpreted under the laws of the State of New York without regard to, or the
application of, New York State’s choice of law provisions. Any general rule of construction to the
contrary notwithstanding, this Easement shall be liberally construed to affect the Purpose of this
Easement. If any provision in this Easement is found to be ambiguous, an interpretation consistent
with the Purpose of this Easement that would render the provision valid shall be favored over any
interpretation that would render it invalid.
29. Successors.
Every provision of this Easement that applies to Grantor or Grantee shall also apply to their respective
agents, heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, and other successors in interest, and shall continue as
a servitude running in perpetuity with the Property.
30. Severability.
Invalidity of any of the covenants, terms or conditions of this Easement, or any part thereof, by court
order or judgment shall in no way affect the validity of any of the other provisions hereof which shall
remain in full force and effect.
31. Notices.
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Any notice required or desired to be given under this Easement shall be in writing and shall be sent
by (i) personal delivery, (ii) via registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or (iii) via
Federal Express or other private courier of national reputation providing written evidence of
delivery. Notice shall be deemed given upon receipt in the case of personal delivery, and upon
delivery by the U.S. Postal Service or private courier. All notices shall be properly addressed as
follows: (a) if to Grantee, at the address set forth above; (b) if to Grantor, at the address set forth
above; or (c) if to any subsequent owner, at the address of the Property. Any party can change the
address to which notices are to be sent to him, her or it by duly giving notice pursuant to this
Section.
32. Title.
The Grantor covenants and represents that the Grantor is the sole owner and is seized of the
Property in fee simple and has good right to grant and convey the aforesaid Easement; that the
Property is free and clear of any and all mortgages not subordinated to this Easement, and that the
Grantee shall have the use of and enjoyment of the benefits derived from and existing out of the
aforesaid Easement.
33. Subsequent Liens on Property.
No provisions of this Easement should be construed as impairing the ability of Grantor to use this
Property, or a portion thereof encompassing entire separately deeded parcels, as collateral for a
subsequent borrowing. Any subsequent liens on the Property must be subordinate to this Easement.
34. Subsequent Encumbrances.
The grant of any easements or use restrictions is prohibited, except with the permission of Grantee.
Any future encumbrances shall be consistent with the primary Purpose of this Easement and shall not
unreasonably restrict or regulate farm operations in contravention of the purposes of Article 25-AA of
the Agriculture and Markets Law.
35. Grantor's Environmental Warranty.
Grantor warrants that it has no actual or suspected knowledge of a release or threatened release of
hazardous substances or wastes on or under the Property, as such substances and wastes are defined by
applicable law, and has no actual or suspected knowledge of any violations of any federal, state or
local environmental laws, and hereby promises to hold harmless, defend, and indemnify Grantee, its
elected officials, public officers, employee and agents against and from, any and all loss, cost, claim,
action, suit, demand, damage, obligation, settlement, judgment, liability or expense (including without
limitation reasonable attorneys' fees and costs) arising from or with respect to any release of hazardous
wastes or hazardous substances or violation of federal, state or local environmental laws.
If at any time after the effective date of this Easement there occurs a release in, on, under or about
the Property of any substance now or hereafter defined, listed, or otherwise classified pursuant to
any federal, state, or local law, regulation, or requirement as hazardous, toxic, polluting, or
otherwise contaminating to the air, water, or soil, or in any way harmful or threatening to human
health or the environment, Grantor agrees to take all steps that may be required under federal, state,
or local law necessary to assure its containment and remediation, including any cleanup.
Nothing in this Easement shall be construed as giving rise to any right or ability in Grantee, to
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exercise physical or management control over the day-to-day operations of the Property, or any of
Grantor’s activities on the Property, or otherwise to become an owner, operator or arranger with
respect to the Property within the meaning of the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (“CERCLA”) or any corresponding state or
local statute or ordinance.
36. Duration of Easement.
Except as expressly otherwise provided herein, this Easement shall be of perpetual duration, and no
merger of title, estate or interest shall be deemed effected by any previous, contemporaneous, or
subsequent deed, grant, or assignment of an interest or estate in the Property, or any portion thereof, to
Grantee, it being the express intent of the parties that this Easement not be extinguished by, or merged
into, any other interest or estate in the Property now or hereafter held by Grantee.
37. Entire Agreement.
This instrument sets forth the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the Easement and
supersedes all prior discussions, negotiations, understandings and agreements relating to the
Easement, all of which are merged herein. No alteration or variation of this instrument shall be
valid or binding unless contained in an amendment that complies with Sections 21(f) or 25
(“Amendment of Easement”).
38. Waiver.
No waiver by Grantee of any default, or breach hereunder, whether intentional or not, shall be deemed
to extend to any prior or subsequent default or breach hereunder or affect in any way any rights arising
by virtue of any prior or subsequent such occurrence. No waiver shall be binding unless executed in
writing by Grantee.
39. Binding Effect.
The provisions of this Easement shall run with the Property in perpetuity and shall bind and be
enforceable against the Grantor and all future owners and any party entitled to possess or use the
Property or any portion thereof while such party is the owner or entitled to possession or use
thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon any transfer of title, the transferor shall, with respect
to the Property transferred cease being a Grantor or owner with respect to such Property for
purposes of this Easement and shall, with respect to the Property transferred, have no further
responsibility, rights or liability hereunder for acts done or conditions arising thereafter on or with
respect to such Property, but the transferor shall remain liable for earlier acts and conditions done
or occurring during the period of his or her ownership or conduct.
40. Captions.
The captions in this instrument have been inserted solely for convenience of reference and are not a
part of this instrument and shall have no effect upon construction or interpretation.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Grantor and Grantee, intending to be legally bound hereby, have hereunto
set their hands on the date first above written.
Grantor: Julia Holmes Trust u/t/d June 27, 2000
By: __________________________________
Julia Holmes, Trustee
Grantee: Town of Ithaca
By: _____________________________
Rod Howe, Town Supervisor
State of New York )
County of ), 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.
__________________________________________
Signature/office of individual taking acknowledgement
State of New York )
County of ), 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.
__________________________________________
Signature/office of individual taking acknowledgement
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Exhibit A
Legal Survey Description of the Property
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Legal Description – Schedule “A”
ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND situate in the Town of Ithaca, County of Tompkins, State of New
York, being bounded and described as follows:
Beginning at a point at the present centerline intersection of Bundy Road and Sheffield Road;
RUNNING THENCE North 02°07’03” West along the present centerline of Sheffield Road for a distance of
317.21’ to a point;
RUNNING THENCE North 02°25’20” West along the present centerline of Sheffield Road for a distance of
285.66’ to a point;
RUNNING THENCE North 82°43’52” East, passing through an iron pin found at a distance of 25.23’ and
continuing for a total distance of 250.98’ to an iron pin found;
RUNNING THENCE North 52°49’57” East for a distance of 101.12’ to an iron pin found;
RUNNING THENCE North 30°07’47” East for a distance of 122.10’ to an iron pin found;
RUNNING THENCE North 20°36’01” East for a distance of 208.29’ to an iron pin found;
RUNNING THENCE North 87°57’29” East for a distance of 768.63’ to an iron pin found;
RUNNING THENCE North 86°25’00” East for a distance of 311.61’ to an iron pin found;
RUNNING THENCE North 23°16’05” East for a distance of 313.48’ to an iron pin found;
RUNNING THENCE North 07°02’43” West for a distance of 110.36’ to an iron pin found;
RUNNING THENCE South 82°18’15” West for a distance of 282.24’ to an iron pin found;
RUNNING THENCE North 03°16’44” West for a distance of 247.65’ to an iron pin found;
RUNNING THENCE North 12°33’28” West for a distance of 316.10’ to an iron pin found;
RUNNING THENCE North 68°05’43” West for a distance of 471.81’ to an iron pin found;
RUNNING THENCE South 87°37’50” West for a distance of 183.28’ to an iron pin found;
RUNNING THENCE South 77°04’46” West for a distance of 93.06’ to an iron pin found;
RUNNING THENCE South 55°18’27” West for a distance of 359.31’ to an iron pin found;
RUNNING THENCE North 01°57’57” East, passing through an iron pin found at a distance of 819.58’ and
continuing for a total distance of 844.60’ to a point;
RUNNING THENCE North 89°21’37” East along the present centerline of Hayts Road for a distance of 201.14’
to a point;
RUNNING THENCE North 87°33’10” East along the present centerline of Hayts Road for a distance of
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1179.81’ to a point;
RUNNING THENCE South 02°40’13” East, passing through an iron pin found at a distance of 30.06’ and
continuing for a total distance of 1404.95’ to an iron pin found;
RUNNING THENCE North 87°54’24” East for a distance of 646.02’ to a point;
RUNNING THENCE South 02°27’02” East, passing through an iron pin found at a distance of 1.0’, passing
through an iron pin found at an additional distance of 1297.94’ and continuing for a distance of 24.67’ to a
point, said course having a total distance of 1323.61’;
RUNNING THENCE South 87°44’55” West along the present centerline of Bundy Road for a distance of
2438.52’ to the point and place of beginning;
Said parcel containing an area of 86.85 acres gross to the road centerlines and containing an area of 84.35 acres
net to the road rights of way.
SUBJECT TO covenants, restrictions, easements and encumbrances of record.
For a more particular description thereof, reference is hereby made to a survey map entitled “Survey Map
Showing Proposed Conservation Easement on Lands of The Julia Holmes Trust, Located on Bundy Road,
Sheffield Road & Hayts Road, Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York”, dated June 3, 2025, prepared by
T.G. Miller, P.C., Engineers and Surveyors, Ithaca, New York, filed concurrently herewith and incorporated
herein by reference.
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Exhibit B
Easement Map
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1
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
October 27, 2025
TB Resolution 2025 - : Increasing Water Rates Chargeable to Consumers of Water in the
Town of Ithaca Effective November 15, 2025
Whereas, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca wishes to revise water rate schedules for all Town
of Ithaca Water Improvement Areas; and
Whereas, a public hearing, duly advertised and posted, was held on the 27th day of October 2025,
and the public was permitted an opportunity to be heard on the proposed increase; 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
adoption of the proposed resolution 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 hereby establishes a water rate of $10.41 (was $9.91) per 1,000
gallons of water consumed with the following water rate schedule:
WATER RATE SCHEDULE
Effective November 15, 2025
The rate charged for water consumption shall be $10.41 per 1,000 gallons of water consumed. The
foregoing rate will be the rate charged for all regular quarterly bills sent on or after January 1,
2026. Actual or base consumption may occur prior to January 1, 2026.
Notwithstanding the foregoing rates, the following minimum base charges shall be applicable to
the meter size indicated below for regular quarterly bills issued on or after January 1, 2026. The
table below also shows the amount of water consumption that is permitted before the minimum
base charge would be exceeded:
METER SIZE
(INCHES)
BASE CONSUMPTION
(Gallons)
MINIMUM CHARGE
3/4 5,000 $ 52.03
1 15,000 $ 156.08
1-1/2 22,500 $ 234.12
2 45,000 $ 468.25
3 70,000 $ 728.39
2
4 100,000 $1,040.55
6 175,000 $1,820.96
Multiple Housing and mobile home parks of over 2 dwelling units, using a master meter, will be
computed as follows: The quarterly master meter reading will be divided by the number of
dwelling units and the water charge will be figured on this number as if the unit was individually
metered. The water charge will then be multiplied by the number of units on the master meter and
this will be the billing rendered. If the calculation of the water consumed per dwelling unit is less
than the allowable consumption for a three-quarter inch meter, then the billing will be calculated
by multiplying the number of units on the master meter times the minimum charge for a three-
quarter inch meter.
The water application fee for each new application for water service shall be the charges for new
water connections charged by the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission
including application fees, meter charges, service tap fees, inspection fees, accessory materials,
installation costs, and any other fee or cost charged by the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal
Water Commission for connecting new water services.
Moved: Seconded:
Vote: ayes –
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
November 4, 2025
TB Resolution 2025 - : Increasing Sewer Rents in all of the Town of Ithaca Sewer
Improvement Areas Effective November 15, 2025
Whereas, the Town Board wishes to revise the sewer rent schedules for all of the Town of Ithaca
Sewer Improvement Areas; and
Whereas, a public hearing, duly advertised and posted, was held on the 27th day of October 2025,
and the public was permitted an opportunity to be heard on the proposed increase; 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
adoption of the proposed resolution 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 establishes and imposes the following:
(1) Effective November 15, 2025, there is hereby imposed a sewer rent payable by all users
connected to the Town-wide sewer system at a rate of $7.94 (was $7.22) per 1,000 gallons of
water consumed.
In addition, and notwithstanding the foregoing rate structure, there shall be a minimum base charge
for regular quarterly bills sent on or after November 15, 2025, in the amount of $39.70, which
minimum charge is based on 5,000 gallons of usage, regardless of whether that amount is used.
Multiple housing and mobile home parks of over two dwelling units, using a master water meter,
will be computed as follows: The quarterly master water meter reading will be divided by the
number of dwelling units and the sewer rent charge will be figured on this number as if the unit was
individually metered. The sewer rent will then be multiplied by the number of units on the master
water meter, and this will be the billing rendered and the amount payable. If the calculation of the
water consumed per dwelling unit is less than the amount that would be permitted before exceeding
the minimum sewer rent set forth above, then the billing will be calculated by multiplying the
number of units served by the master water meter times the minimum sewer rent set forth above.
In the event a property is connected to a public sewer, but is not connected to a water meter, the
sewer rent shall be based upon estimated water consumption as reasonably determined by the
Director of Public Works based upon recognized methods of estimating typical consumption for
the type of facility involved (e.g., gallons per day per bedroom).
Moved: Seconded:
Vote: ayes –
Item 1e
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
October 27, 2025
TB Resolution 2025 -114: Adoption of the 2025 Assessment Rolls for Special Benefit Districts
and Special Benefit Areas for Tax Year 2026
Whereas, the Town Board held a properly advertised public hearing at the Town Hall, 215 North
Tioga Street, Ithaca, New York, on the 27th day of October 2025, to consider the 2025 Assessment
Rolls for Special Benefit Districts and Special Benefit Areas for the Town of Ithaca for Tax Year
2026; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, the Town Board approves and adopts the 2025 Assessment Rolls for the Special Benefit
Districts and Special Benefit Areas of the Town of Ithaca for Tax Year 2026 as follows:
Fire Protection District: Assessed Value - $1,774,051,241
Water Improvement Benefit Area: Units Available & Connected – 7,803.57
Ad Valorem Water Improvement Benefit Area: Assessed Value - $771,032,012
Sewer Improvement Benefit Area: Units Available & Connected – 7,477.82
Ad Valorem Sewer Improvement Benefit Area: Assessed Value - $786,156,572
Moved: Seconded:
Vote: ayes -
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
Monday, October 27, 2025
TB Resolution No. 2025-XXX: Approval of 2026 Employee Wages
Whereas, the governing Town Board of the Town of Ithaca has reviewed the proposed wages for
the Town of Ithaca non-collective bargaining employees for the year 2026, utilizing the 4.5% wage
scales approved by the Town Board July 28, 2025; and
Whereas, the Town Board has reviewed the wages established by the collective bargaining
agreement with the Public Works unit represented by Teamsters Local 317 at the 4.5% cost of
living increase; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby approve the said wages for the non-
collective bargaining employees and collective bargaining employees for 20 26, as filed in the
Human Resources Office.
Moved: Seconded:
Vote: Ayes:
Town of Ithaca 2026 Budget 7/30/2025 104.50%ncb & cb TB:2025-xxx
APPROPRIATION ACCOUNT AND POSITION TITLE
TENTATIVE
Base Rate
TENTATIVE
BUDGET
PRELIMINARY
BUDGET
ADOPTED
BUDGET 2026 bdgt 2025 bdgt diff % diff
GENERAL TOWN WIDE FUND
A1010.100 TOWN BOARD Line Total: 110,800.00$ 110,800$ 106,550$ 4,250$ 4.0%
Town Board Members (6) 18,461.33$ 110,767.98$ 710.05$
A1110.100 JUSTICES Line Total: 219,400.00$ 219,400$ 200,200$ 19,200$ 9.6%
Justices (2) 30,654.92$ 61,309.84$ 1,179.04$
Court Clerk (37.5 hours week/ Salary) 76,537.50$ 77,037.50$ 2,943.75$
Court Clerk (37.5 hours week/ Salary)76,537.50$ 76,787.50$ 2,943.75$
Lead Court Clerk stipend $25/ Week 25.00$ 1,300.00$
vac buyback 219,378.59$ 2,943.75$
A1220.100 TOWN SUPERVISOR Line Total: 40,360.00$ 40,360$ 38,900$ 1,460$ 3.8%
Town Supervisor/Fiscal Officer 40,356.49$ 40,356.49$ 1,552.17$
A1220.101 DEPUTY SUPERVISOR Line Total:12,110.00$ 12,110$ 11,650$ 460$ 3.9%
Deputy Town Supervisor '23= 20% job share Admin Func 12,106.95$ 12,106.95$ 465.65$
A1220.103 ADMIN FUNCTION SUPERVISOR Line Total: 48,430.00$ 48,430$ 46,570$ 1,860$ 4.0%
Administrator function for Town -TS job sharing 48,427.79$ 48,427.79$ 1,862.61$
A1316.100 ACCOUNTING/BOOKKEEPING Line Total: 88,900.00$ 88,900$ 78,000$ 10,900$ 14.0%
Deputy Finance Officer - 1/2 yr retire 40.00$ 43,300.00$
Deputy Finance Officer - replacement 1/2 yr 38.75$ 43,593.75$
Vacation Buyback ~50 hrs 88,893.75$ 2,000.00$
A1330.100 TAX COLLECTION Line Total: 8,700.00$ 8,700$ 8,400$ 300$ 3.6%
Receiver of Taxes (Salary) 7,176.80$ 7,176.80$ 276.03$
Deputy Receiver of Taxes 8,676.80$ 1,500.00$
A1340.100 BUDGET Line Total: 106,600.00$ 106,600$ 100,800$ 5,800$ 5.8%
Finance Officer 106,412.80$ 106,412.80$ 4,092.80$
vac buyback 106,412.80$ -$
A1410.100 TOWN CLERK Line Total: 219,400.00$ 219,400$ 206,500$ 12,900$ 6.2%
Town Clerk 107,972.80$ 108,772.80$ 4,152.80$
First Deputy Town Clerk not filling -$ -$
Deputy Town Clerk 32.10$ 65,002.50$
Deputy Town Clerk P/T 25 hrs 31.85$ 41,405.00$
Vacation Buyback ~80/ 0 hrs 219,333.10$ 4,152.80$
A1430.100 HUMAN RESOURCES Line Total: 191,900.00$ 191,900$ 109,000$ 82,900$ 76.1%
Human Resources Manager 107,972.80$ 109,272.80$ 4,152.80$
HR Specialist new position 38.75$ 78,468.75$
Vacation Buyback ~80 hrs 191,894.35$ 4,152.80$
A1440.100 ENGINEER Line Total:501,000.00$ 501,000$ 454,500$ 46,500$ 10.2%
Director of Engineer 120,556.80$ 120,556.80$ 4,636.80$
SR. Civil Engineer 44.63$ 96,650.80$
Civil Engineer 42.75$ 92,340.00$
Civil Engineer 42.75$ 92,840.00$
GIS Analyst 43.50$ 93,960.00$
Civil w/ PE stipend $5,200 ($2.50/hr)-$
Vacation Buyback ~40/40 500,451.20$ 4,103.60$
A1440.102 ENGINEERING -O/T (~100 hrs) Line Total: 5,000.00$ 5,000$ 4,000$ 1,000$ 25.0%
pay survey class OT for Tech from here offset w .110 6,694.50$
A1440.110 ENGINEERING -Intern Line Total: 25,800.00$ 25,800$ 22,500$ 3,300$ 14.7%
Project Assistant-Eng. (14wks@40hrs)= 560 x2 23.00$ 25,760.00$
A1460.100 RECORDS MANAGEMENT Line Total: -$ -$ -$ -$ #DIV/0!
Project Assistant-Records (13 wks@ 37.5hrs= 525 hrs) 23.00$ -$
A1620.100 BUILDINGS/TOWN HALL Line Total: 23,900.00$ 23,900$ 22,000$ 1,900$ 8.6%
Maintenance Supervisor (15% or 324 hrs)38.22$ 12,383.28$
Maintenance Worker (15% or 324 hrs)35.47$ 11,492.28$
23,875.56$
A1620.101 BLDG/TOWN HALL -PWD EMPLOYEES Line Total: 3,300.00$ 3,300$ 2,988$ 312$ 10.4%
Percentage of PWD Employees 0.25%3,222.50$
Percentage of fringe benefit time 0.00% -$
3,222.50$
A1620.102 BLDG/TOWN HALL -O/T Line Total: 5,000.00$ 5,000$ 5,000$ -$ 0.0%
A1680.100 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Line Total: 195,000.00$ 195,000$ 183,100$ 11,900$ 6.5%
Network Manager 51.91$ 108,222.80$
Network Specialist 40.00$ 86,400.00$
Computer System Support Aide not filling -$ -$
vacation buyback 194,622.80$ -$
A1680.110 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY -Intern Line Total:-$ -$ -$ -$ #DIV/0!
A3120.100 POLICE/ CROSSING GUARDS Line Total: 38,700.00$ 38,700$ 36,000$ 2,700$ 7.5%
8 crossing per day for 5 days/wk for 42 weeks 23.00$ 38,640.00$
A5010.100 SUPERINTENDENT HIGHWAYS Line Total: 278,000.00$ 278,000$ 252,900$ 25,100$ 9.9%
Highway Superintendent/Dir. Public Works 122,116.80$ 123,166.80$ 4,696.80$
Administrative Assistant IV 36.68$ 79,478.80$
Administrative Assistant II 31.35$ 67,716.00$
Acting Director PW Stipend $75/week 75.00$ 2,025.00$
vacation buyback 277,817.00$ 5,430.40$
A5010.102 SUPERINTENDENT HIGHWAYS O/T -$ -$ -$ -$ 0.0%
A5132.100 HIGHWAY GARAGE Line Total: 84,500.00$ 84,500$ 75,000$ 9,500$ 12.7%
Maintenance Supervisor (50% or 1040 hrs)38.22$ 42,327.60$
Maintenance Worker (50% or 1040 hrs)35.47$ 38,957.60$
vacation payout for retirement 84,342.80$ 3,057.60$
A5132.101 HIGHWAY GARAGE-PWD EMPLOYEES Line Total: 59,700.00$ 59,700$ 43,000$ 16,700$ 38.8%
Percentage of PWD Employees + trng, mtg time 4.00% 51,560.00$
Percentage of fringe benefit time 3.25% 8,125.00$
59,685.00$
A5132.102 HIGHWAY GARAGE -O/T Line Total: 2,200.00$ 2,200$ 2,200$ -$ 0.0%
A7110.100 TOWN PARKS Line Total: $107,300.00 107,300$ 98,900$ 8,400$ 8.5%
Parks Maintenance Manager 45.87$ 99,329.20$
Maintenance Supervisor (5% or 108 hrs)38.22$ 4,127.76$
Maintenance Worker (5% or 108 hrs)35.47$ 3,830.76$
vacation time pay out 107,287.72$ -$
A7110.101 PARKS (PWD EMPLOYEES)Line Total:369,300.00$ 369,300$ 337,150$ 32,150$ 9.5%
Percentage of PWD Employees 21.00% 270,690.00$
Laborer(temp)(25wks@40hrs) 23.00$ 23,000.00$
Laborer(temp)(25wks@40hrs) 23.00$ 23,000.00$
Percentage of fringe benefit time 21.00%52,500.00$
369,190.00$
A7110.102 PARKS O/T Line Total: 21,000.00$ 21,000$ 21,000$ -$ 0.0%
May-Sept 8 hours/weekend & 4 hrs per 5 holidays park cleanup
A7510.100 TOWN HISTORIAN Line Total: 1,000.00$ 1,000$ 1,000$ -$ 0.0%
Town Historian (pd quarterly stipend) 1,000.00$
A8540.101 STORM WATER MANAGEMENT -PWD Line Total: 7,600.00$ 7,600$ 21,775$ (14,175)$ -65.1%
Percentage of PWD Employees 0.25% 3,222.50$
Percentage of fringe benefit time 1.75% 4,375.00$
7,597.50$
A8540.102 STORM WATER MANAGEMENT-OT Line Total: 2,500.00$ 2,500$ 2,500$ -$ 0.0%
A8810.101 CEMETARY (PWD EMPLOYEES)Line Total:6,500.00$ 6,500$ 3,000$ 3,500$ 116.7%
Percentage of PWD Employees 0.50% 6,445.00$
A8810.102 CEMETARY-OT Line Total: -$ -$ -$ -$ 0.0%
GENERAL TOWN WIDE FUND (A) TOTAL .100 Personal 2,215,460.00$ -$ -$ 0.100 2,215,460$ 1,971,750$ 243,710$
GENERAL TOWN WIDE FUND (A) TOTAL .101 Personal 458,510.00$ -$ -$ 0.101 458,510$ 419,563$ 38,947$
GENERAL TOWN WIDE FUND (A) TOTAL .102 Personal 35,700.00$ -$ -$ 0.102 35,700$ 34,700$ 1,000$
GENERAL TOWN WIDE FUND (A) TOTAL .103 Personal 48,430.00$ -$ -$ 0.103 48,430$ 46,570$ 1,860$
GENERAL TOWN WIDE FUND (A) TOTAL .110 Personal 25,800.00$ -$ -$ 0.110 25,800$ 22,500$ 3,300$
GENERAL TOWN WIDE FUND A FUND TOTAL 2,783,900.00$ -$ -$ 2,783,900$ 2,495,083$ 288,817$ 11.6%
people vs. dept 2,778,828.08$
rounding 5,071.92$
Pay Biweekly
26 pays
26 draft 4.5 revised27 step 1 2026 salary bdgt - 4.5 Prepared by Judy Drake
7/30/2025
Town of Ithaca 2026 Budget 7/30/2025 104.50%ncb & cb TB:2025-xxx
APPROPRIATION ACCOUNT AND POSITION TITLE
TENTATIVE
Base Rate
TENTATIVE
BUDGET
PRELIMINARY
BUDGET
ADOPTED
BUDGET 2026 bdgt 2025 bdgt diff % diff
Pay Biweekly
26 pays
GENERAL FUND PART TOWN 2026 bdgt 2025 bdgt diff % diff
B8010.100 ZONING Line Total: 728,600.00$ 728,600$ 655,800$ 72,800$ 11.1%
Director of Code Enforcement 122,116.80$ 122,366.80$ 4,696.80$
Sr. Code Enforcement Officer- 44.88$ 97,440.80$
Electrical / Code Enforcement Officer 42.75$ 92,590.00$
Electrical / Code Enforcement Officer 42.75$ 92,590.00$
Electrical / Code Enforcement Officer 42.75$ 92,340.00$
Code Safety Inspector 39.25$ 85,030.00$
Administrative Assistant IV 36.68$ 74,777.00$
Administrative Assistant II 32.10$ 65,002.50$
Vac buyback 728,543.90$ 6,406.80$
B8010.101 ZONING BOARD Line Total: 12,000.00$ 12,000$ 12,000$ -$ 0.0%
Zoning Board Members (5+2 members for 18 mtgs/yr)95.00$ 11,970.00$
B8010.102 ZONING OT ~25hrs Line Total: 1,500.00$ 1,500$ 1,500$ -$ 0.0%
1,603.13$
B8020.100 PLANNING Line Total: 470,500.00$ 470,500$ 431,800$ 38,700$ 9.0%
Director of Planning 122,116.80$ 122,116.80$ 4,696.80$
Senior Planner 44.88$ 92,032.00$
Senior Planner 44.88$ 92,032.00$
Planner 42.75$ 86,568.75$
Administrative Assistant III 35.28$ 71,692.00$
Lead Sr. Planner Stipend $25/week 25.00$ 1,350.00$
Vac buyback 470,488.35$ 4,696.80$
B8020.101 PLANNING BOARD Line Total: 18,400.00$ 18,400$ 18,400$ -$ 0.0%
Planning Board Chairman (24 meetings per year)100.00$ 2,400.00$
Planning Board Members (6+1 members for 24 mtgs yr.)95.00$ 15,960.00$
18,360.00$
B8020.110 PLANNING INTERN Line Total: 16,500.00$ 16,500$ 14,250$ 2,250$ 15.8%
Planning Intern (15 wks@37.5hrs =562.5 hrs)(10wk@15 hrs=150hrs)23.00$ 16,387.50$
B8010.120 GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL Line Total: 86,600.00$ 86,600$ 75,600$ 11,000$ 14.6%
Sustainability Planner - 42.75$ 86,568.75$
vacation buyback 86,568.75$ -$
PART TOWN WIDE FUND (B) TOTAL .100 Personal 1,199,100.00$ -$ -$ 0.100 1,199,100$ 1,087,600$ 111,500$
PART TOWN WIDE FUND (B) TOTAL .101 Personal 30,400.00$ -$ -$ 0.101 30,400$ 30,400$ -$
PART TOWN WIDE FUND (B) TOTAL .102 Personal 1,500.00$ -$ -$ 0.102 1,500$ 1,500$ -$
PART TOWN WIDE FUND (B) TOTAL .110 Personal 16,500.00$ -$ -$ 0.110 16,500$ 14,250$ 2,250$
PART TOWN WIDE FUND (B) TOTAL .120 Personal 86,600.00$ -$ -$ 0.110 86,600$ 75,600$ 11,000$
B Fund Total:1,334,100.00$ -$ -$ 1,334,100$ 1,209,350$ 124,750$ 10.3%
people vs. dept 1,333,818.50$
rounding 281.50$
26 draft 4.5 revised27 step 1 2026 salary bdgt - 4.5 Prepared by Judy Drake
7/30/2025
Town of Ithaca 2026 Budget 7/30/2025 104.50%ncb & cb TB:2025-xxx
APPROPRIATION ACCOUNT AND POSITION TITLE
TENTATIVE
Base Rate
TENTATIVE
BUDGET
PRELIMINARY
BUDGET
ADOPTED
BUDGET 2026 bdgt 2025 bdgt diff % diff
Pay Biweekly
26 pays
HIGHWAY FUND TOWN WIDE DA 2026 bdgt 2025 bdgt diff % diff
DA5130.100 MACHINERY staff + (25% mechs time) 0.00% 40,100.00$ 100 40,100$ 37,000$ 3,100$ 8.4% ^ pw%
DA5130.102 MACHINERY (mech call in snow) O/T 9,000.00$ 102 9,000$ 9,000$ -$ 0.0%
DA5142.100 SNOW REMOVAL 9.00% 116,010.00$ 148,030.00$ 100 116,010$ 119,500$ (3,490)$ -2.9% ^ pw%
DA5142.100 Snow - Shift Differential (26 wks @ 40 hrs)x3 2.25$ 7,020.00$ 7,020$ 7,020$ -$ 0.0%
DA5142.100 Percentage of fringe benefit time 10.00% 25,000.00$ 25,000$ 22,000$ 3,000$ 13.6% ^ pw%
DA5142.102 SNOW REMOVAL O/T 75,000.00$ 102 75,000$ 70,000$ 5,000$ 7.1%^
HIGHWAY TOWN WIDE FUND (DA) TOTAL .100 Personal 188,130.00$ -$ -$ 272,130$ 264,520$ 7,610$ 2.9%
HIGHWAY TOWN WIDE FUND (DA) TOTAL .102 Personal 84,000.00$ -$ -$ 257,500.00
DA Fund Total:272,130.00$ -$ -$
272,130.00$
HIGHWAY FUND PART TOWN DB
Deputy Highway Superintendent 45.87$ 100,229.20$ % of 1,289,000.00$ RECHECK fringe check $1,289,000.00
Sr. Heavy Equipment Mechanic 38.22$ 83,555.20$ 0.25 0.25%A1620.101 3,223$ -$ 0.25%
Heavy Equipment Mechanic 35.47$ 76,615.20$ 4 4.0%A5132.101 51,560$ 8,125$ 4.00%
Working Supervisor 38.22$ 83,855.20$ 21 21.00%A7110.101 270,690$ 52,500$ 21.00%
Working Supervisor 38.22$ 83,055.20$ 0.25 0.25%A8540.101 3,223$ 4,375$ 0.25%
Working Supervisor 38.22$ 82,805.20$ 0.5 0.50%A8810.101 6,445$ 0.50%
Working Supervisor 38.22$ 83,805.20$ 18 18.0%F8340.101 232,020$ 37,500$ 18.00%
Heavy Equipment Operator 35.47$ 78,065.20$ 3 3.0%G8120.101 38,670$ 10,000$ 3.00%
Heavy Equipment Operator 35.47$ 77,915.20$ 20 20.0%DB5110.100 257,800$ 112,500$ 20.00%
Heavy Equipment Operator 35.47$ 77,515.20$ 12 12.0%DB5112.100 154,680$ 12.00%
Heavy Equipment Operator 35.47$ 76,865.20$ 12 12.0%DB5140.100 154,680$ 12.00%
Motor Equipment Operator w/ CDL- A 34.32$ 74,131.20$ 0.00%DA5130.100 -$ 0.00%
Motor Equipment Operator w/ CDL- A 33.57$ 72,511.20$ 9 9.0%DA5142.100 116,010$ 25,000$ 9.00%
Motor Equipment Operator 32.03$ 69,434.80$ 10000.0% 100.0%sub total:1,289,000$ 250,000$ 19% 100.00%
Motor Equipment Operator 32.28$ 69,974.80$ DB5110.101 100,300$ 100.00%
Motor Equipment Operator- 32.28$ 69,974.80$ DB5130.100 120,130$ 1,539,000$
Motor Equipment Operator 32.28$ 69,974.80$ 0.00%DA5130.100 40,100$ 1,539,000$
Motor Equipment Operator 32.28$ 69,974.80$ total fringe 250,000$ 1,539,000$
Motor Equipment Operator 32.03$ 69,184.80$ Total 1,799,530$ -$ grand total
1,287,445.60$ 1,684.80$
Laborer w/ CDL 29.53$ 63,784.80$
Laborer 26.85$ 58,246.00$ overage from
Laborer 26.85$ 57,996.00$ DB 44.00% 1,554.40$ left overage from original bdgt
Laborer - 26.10$ 56,376.00$ DA 9.00%130.40$ dept & mech
Laborer (40 hrs X 25 wks) 23.00$ 23,000.00$ A 26.00%1,684.80$ should be $1500-3000
Laborer (40 hrs X 25 wks)23.00$ 23,000.00$ F 18.00%
Laborer (40 hrs X 25 wks) 23.00$ 23,000.00$ G 3.00%
Laborer (40 hrs X 25 wks)23.00$ 23,000.00$ 100%
Total of all Employees:1,797,845.20$ -$ -$
HIGHWAY DB PERSONNEL BREAKOUT:1,289,000.00$ Line Total: Line Total: Line Total: 2026 bdgt 2025 bdgt diff
DB5110.100 GENERAL REPAIRS 20.00% 257,800.00$ DB5110.100 257,800.00$ 298,750.00$ (40,950)$ -13.7% ^ pw%
DB5110.101 GENERAL REPAIRS Depty Hwy Sup 100,229.20$ 100,300.00$ DB5110.101 100,300.00$ 92,400.00$ 7,900$ 8.5%
DB5110.102 GENERAL REPAIRS O/T 3,500.00$ DB5110.102 3,500.00$ 3,500.00$ -$ 0.0%
DB5112.100 PERMANENT IMPROVEMENTS 12.00% 154,680.00$ DB5112.100 154,680.00$ 83,650.00$ 71,030$ 84.9% ^ pw%
DB5112.102 PERMANENT IMPROVEMENTS O/T 2,500.00$ DB5112.102 2,500.00$ 2,500.00$ -$ 0.0%
DB5130.100 MACHINERY BM & BW & long 120,130.00$ DB5130.100 120,130.00$ 120,129.70$ 0$ 0.0%
DB5130.102 MACHINERY w/o snow callins DA O/T 160,170.40$ 1,000.00$ DB5130.102 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ -$ 0.0%
DB5140.100 BRUSH / WEEDS 12.00% 154,680.00$ DB5140.100 154,680.00$ 107,550.00$ 47,130$ 43.8% ^ pw%
DB5140.110 BRUSH / WEEDS (Hol, V,S,P+ VBB+Long 250,000.00$ 112,500.00$ DB5140.110 112,500.00$ 90,200.00$ 22,300$ 24.7% ^ pw%
DB5140.102 BRUSH / WEEDS O/T 45.00%1,000.00$ DB5140.102 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ -$ 0.0%
HIGHWAY FUND (DB) TOTAL .100 Personal 687,290.00$ -$ -$ 0.100 687,290.00$ 610,079.70 77,210$ 12.7%
HIGHWAY FUND (DB) TOTAL .101 Personal 100,300.00$ -$ -$ 0.101 100,300.00$ 92,400 7,900$ 8.5%
HIGHWAY FUND (DB) TOTAL .110 Personal 112,500.00$ -$ -$ 0.110 112,500.00$ 90,200 22,300$ 24.7%
HIGHWAY FUND (DB) TOTAL .102 Personal 8,000.00$ -$ -$ 0.102 8,000.00$ 8,000 -$ 0.0%
DB Fund Total:908,090.00$ -$ -$ 908,090.00$ 800,680$ 107,410$ 13.4%^ pw%
44.00%
26 draft 4.5 revised27 step 1 2026 salary bdgt - 4.5 Prepared by Judy Drake
7/30/2025
Town of Ithaca 2026 Budget 7/30/2025 104.50%ncb & cb TB:2025-xxx
APPROPRIATION ACCOUNT AND POSITION TITLE
TENTATIVE
Base Rate
TENTATIVE
BUDGET
PRELIMINARY
BUDGET
ADOPTED
BUDGET 2026 bdgt 2025 bdgt diff % diff
Pay
Biweekly 26
pays
WATER FUND 2026 bdgt 2025 bdgt diff
F8310.100 WATER: ADMINISTRATION Line Total: 62,500.00$ check 62,500$ 57,500$ 5,000$ 8.7%
Water/Sewer Maintenance Supervisor (50hrs/pay 1350)45.87$ 62,424.50$ 99,579.20$
99,579.20$
F8340.100 WATER: DISTRIBUTION Line Total: 100,000.00$ 100,000$ 91,500$ 8,500$ 9.3%
SR. Engineering Technician (60% =24/hrs/wk =1248) -$ -$
Engineering Technician I 35.22$ 76,075.20$
Maintenance Supervisor (15% or 324 hrs)38.22$ 12,383.28$
Maintenance Worker (15% or 324 hrs)35.47$ 11,492.28$
99,950.76$
F8340.101 WATER: PWD EMPLOYEES Line Total: 269,600.00$ 269,600$ 212,250$ 57,350$ 27.0%
Percentage of PWD Employees hours 18.00% 232,020.00$
Percentage of fringe benefit time 15.00% 37,500.00$
269,520.00$
F8340.102 WATER: OVERTIME Line Total:12,000.00$ 12,000$ 12,000$ -$ 0.0%
WATER FUND ( F ) TOTAL .100 Personal 162,500.00$ -$ -$ 0.100 162,500$ 149,000$ 13,500$ 9.1%
WATER FUND ( F ) TOTAL .101 Personal 269,600.00$ -$ -$ 0.101 269,600$ 212,250$ 57,350$ 27.0%
WATER FUND ( F ) TOTAL .102 Personal 12,000.00$ -$ -$ 0.102 12,000$ 12,000$ -$ 0.0%
F Fund Total:444,100.00$ -$ -$ 444,100$ 373,250$ 70,850$ 19.0%
people vs. dept 443,895.26$
rounding 204.74
SEWER FUND
G8110.100 SEWER: ADMINISTRATION Line Total: 37,200.00$ 37,200.00$ 34,300.00 2,900.00$ 8.5%
Water/Sewer Maintenance Supervisor (30 hrs/pay 810)45.87$ 37,154.70$
G8120.100 SEWER: SANITARY SEWERS 100,500.00$ 100,500.00$ 92,200.00 8,300.00$ 9.0%
SR. Engineering Technician (40%- 16 hr/wk =832) -$ -$
Engineering Technician I 35.47$ 76,615.20$
Maintenance Supervisor (15% or 324 hrs)38.22$ 12,383.28$
Maintenance Worker (15% or 324 hrs)35.47$ 11,492.28$
100,490.76$
G8120.101 SEWER: PWD EMPLOYEES Line Total: 48,700.00$ 48,700.00$ 113,200.00 (64,500)$ -57.0%
Percentage of PWD Employees 3.00% 38,670.00$
Percentage of fringe benefit time 4.00% 10,000.00$
48,670.00$
G8120.102 SEWER: OVERTIME Line Total:6,000.00$ 6,000.00$ 6,000.00 -$ 0.0%
SEWER FUND ( G ) TOTAL .100 Personal 137,700.00$ 0.100 137,700.00$ 126,500.00$ 11,200.00$ 8.9%
SEWER FUND ( G ) TOTAL .101 Personal 48,700.00$ 0.101 48,700.00$ 113,200.00$ (64,500)$ -57.0%
SEWER FUND ( G ) TOTAL .102 Personal 6,000.00$ 0.102 6,000.00$ 6,000.00$ -$ 0.0%
G Fund Total:192,400.00$ -$ -$ 192,400.00$ 245,700.00$ (53,300.00)$ -21.7%
people vs. dept 192,315.46$
rounding 84.54$
GRAND TOTALS AS BUDGETED:
GRAND TOTAL FOR .100 Personal Service + (DB .110) 4,702,680.00$ -$ -$ 0.100 4,702,680$ 4,220,649.70$ 482,030.30$ 11.4%
GRAND TOTAL FOR .101 Personal Service 907,510.00$ -$ -$ 0.101 907,510$ 867,813.00$ 39,697.00$ 5%
GRAND TOTAL FOR .102 Personal Service 147,200.00$ -$ -$ 0.102 147,200$ 141,200.00$ 6,000.00$ 4%
GRAND TOTAL FOR .103 Personal Service 48,430.00$ -$ -$ 0.103 48,430$ 46,570.00$ 1,860.00$ 4%
GRAND TOTAL FOR .110 Personal Service 42,300.00$ -$ -$ 0.110 42,300$ 36,750.00$ 5,550.00$ 15%
GRAND TOTAL FOR .120 Personal Service 86,600.00$ -$ -$ 0.120 86,600$ 75,600$ 11,000.00$ 15%
GRAND TOTAL :5,934,720.00$ -$ -$ TOTAL 5,934,720$ 5,388,582.70 546,137.30$ 10.1%
( - .102) 5,787,520.00$ -$ w/o 102 5,787,520$ 5,247,382.70 540,137.30$ 10.3%
7,327.50$ 5,934,720.00$
26 draft 4.5 revised27 step 1 2026 salary bdgt - 4.5 Prepared by Judy Drake
7/30/2025
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
October 27, 2025
TB Resolution 2025 - : Adoption of the 2026 Town of Ithaca Budget
Whereas a properly published and posted public hearing was held on October 27, 2025,
regarding the 2026 Preliminary Town Budget (Budget), and
Whereas the Town Board reviewed and discussed the Budget and made no changes, now,
therefore be it
Resolved that the Town Board adopts the Preliminary 2026 Town of Ithaca Budget as submitted,
as the Final 2026 Town of Ithaca Budget.
Moved: Seconded:
Vote: ayes-
To: Town Board Members
From: C.J. Randall, Director of Planning
Date: October 21, 2025
Subject: Chapter 270 (Zoning) selected updates
In Brief
The Town’s Codes & Ordinances Committee (COC) has drafted and considered, with assistance from staff, the
Zoning amendments included herein for the Town Board’s consideration related to accessory buildings; permits to
build; and expiration of variances and special approvals.
Accessory Buildings
The proposed amendments to accessory buildings are the result of a June 25, 2024 request by the Zoning Board of
Appeals to the Town Board; this request was subsequently included as a High Priority task in the COC’s 2025 Work
Plan, affirmed by the COC on December 12, 2024.
On July 10, 2025, the COC discussed the proposed amendments to accessory buildings in the following Zones:
• Conservation (Town Code § 270-17)
• Low Density Residential (Town Code § 270-60)
• Medium Density Residential (Town Code § 270-71)
• High Density Residential (Town Code § 270-82)
The COC unanimously recommended these amended provisions as included herein at their regular meeting on
September 11, 2025. A table of accessory building requirements – which highlights the four Zones considered along
with proposed revisions in redlined – is included here as reference. Adoption of these provisions is anticipated to be
classified as an Unlisted Action under State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR).
Permits to Build
The COC discussed the recommended amendments to Zoning administration: Permit to Build (Town Code § 270-
233B). The COC unanimously recommended this provision at their regular meeting on September 11, 2025.
Adoption of these provisions is anticipated to be classified as a Type II Action under State Environmental Quality
Review (SEQR).
Expiration of Variances and Special Approvals
The COC discussed a recommendation to extend the timeframe for variances granted by the Town’s Zoning Board
of Appeals from 18 months to 36 months (Town Code § 270-235J); if approved, this provision would coincidence
with the Town’s existing Site Plan review approval timeline (also 36 months). The COC unanimously recommended
this provision at their regular meeting on July 10, 2025. Adoption of these provisions is anticipated to be classified
as a Type II Action under State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR).
Further Information
Please contact me (cjrandall@townithacany.gov or 607-882-2474) with any questions or concerns.
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§ 270-5. Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter certain words and terms shall have the following meanings unless
the context otherwise requires:
WOODSHED — An accessory building used exclusively for the storage of firewood and which has
at least one side that has no wall.
Conservation Zone
§ 270-16. Height limitations.
Except as may be specifically otherwise authorized in this chapter, in Conservation Zones no
nonagricultural building shall exceed 38 feet in height from lowest interior grade nor 36 feet in
height from lowest exterior grade, and no nonagricultural structure other than a building shall
exceed 30 feet in height. A building occupied by a detached accessory dwelling unit shall not
exceed one story and 20 feet in height, except buildings constructed prior to the effective date
of Local Law No. 20 of the Year 2017 may exceed these two parameters as long as the building
height is not subsequently increased beyond that existing on the effective date of said local law.
Other nonagricultural accessory buildings shall not exceed 20 feet in height. Height limits for
certain nonagricultural accessory buildings in side yards are governed by § 270-17.F(2)(b).
§ 270-17. Yard regulations.
Except as may be specifically otherwise authorized in this chapter, in Conservation Zones yards
of at least the following dimensions are required:
A. Front yard: Not less than the average depth of the front yards of building immediately
adjacent. However, except for roadside stands authorized by § 270-11, the front yard shall
not be less than 50 feet nor need it be greater than 75 feet in depth.
B. Rear yard: Not less than 200 feet in depth.
C. Side yards: Each not less than 50 feet.
D. Greater yards: Notwithstanding the foregoing, any special yard requirements for specific uses
or buildings set forth elsewhere in this chapter shall, if more restrictive, supersede the above
yard provisions.
E. Buffer areas: The foregoing requirements may include any required buffer areas and shall not
be in addition to any required buffer areas.
F. Accessory buildings.
(1) Buildings occupied by a detached accessory dwelling unit. Any such buildings that are
less than 200 feet from a street line must be located in a rear yard. Any such buildings
that are 200 feet or more from a street line may be located in any yard. All buildings
occupied by a detached accessory dwelling unit must be at least 100 feet from any side
lot line and at least 200 feet from a rear lot line.
(2) All other accessory buildings (except garages, and except woodsheds meeting the
requirements of Subsection H below) may not occupy any open space other than a rear
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yard. All other accessory buildings (except garages) may not occupy any open space
other than:
(a) A rear yard, or
(b) A side yard, provided that their height in the side yard does not exceed 12 feet, and
their cumulative footprint in the side yard does not exceed 400 square feet in area.
(2)
(3) The total lot area covered by nonagricultural accessory buildings (including garages)
and woodsheds) may not occupy more than 1,000 square feet of the two-hundred-foot
rear yard setback required by Subsection B above.
(4) Accessory buildings (other than garages or buildings occupied by a detached accessory
dwelling unit) shall be not less than 50 feet from any side or rear lot line.
G. Garages: An attached or detached garage may occupy any yard provided that it shall be no
less than 50 feet from the front property line, no less than 50 feet from a side line, and no less
than 50 feet (detached garages) or 200 feet (attached garages) from a rear line. All detached
garages in the aggregate shall not exceed a total footprint of 780 square feet in size. Detached
garages shall be included in the calculations of nonagricultural accessory buildings that, in
the aggregate, may not occupy more than 1,000 square feet of any required rear yard.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following shall apply:
(1) A one-story detached garage that serves dwellings on two separate lots may be built
across a common lot line with a party wall by mutual agreement between adjoining
property owners, provided that there is at least one garage bay on each lot, and further
provided that the garage meets the front property line setback requirement above.
(2) Where the average natural slope of a lot exceeds 8% rise or fall directly from the street
line, a one-story detached garage capable of housing not in excess of two cars may be
located in the front or side yard not less than five feet from said street line upon
receiving a special approval from the Board of Appeals.
H. Woodsheds: A woodshed which has no more than 100 square feet in floor area and the
highest point of which is no more than 10 feet above ground level may occupy a side yard,
provided that the total storage space of all woodsheds in a side yard shall not be more than
1,000 cubic feet. A woodshed in a side yard shall be not less than 50 feet from any side lot
line.
LDR
§ 270-59. Height limitations.
Except as may be specifically otherwise authorized in this chapter, in Low Density Residential
Zones no building shall be erected, altered, or extended to exceed 38 feet in height from lowest
interior grade nor 36 feet in height from lowest exterior grade, whichever is lower. No structure
other than a building shall be erected, altered, or extended to exceed 30 feet in height. A building
occupied by a detached accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed one story and 20 feet in height,
except buildings constructed prior to the effective date of Local Law No. 20 of the Year 2017 may
exceed these two parameters as long as the building height is not subsequently increased beyond
that existing on the effective date of said local law. Other accessory buildings shall not exceed 20
feet in height. Height limits for certain accessory buildings in side yards are governed by § 270-
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60.E(2)(b). The foregoing height limitations shall not apply to buildings and structures used for
agricultural purposes on lands the principal use of which is as a farm and which are located
within a county agricultural district created under the provisions of Article 25-AA of the New
York State Agriculture and Markets Law. Such agricultural buildings and structures so located
may be constructed without limitations as to heights.
§ 270-60. Yard regulations.
In Low Density Residential Zones yards of at least the following dimensions are required:
A. Front yard: Not less than the average depth of the front yards of buildings on lots immediately
adjacent. However, the front yard depth shall not be less than 30 feet or need it be greater
than 60 feet.
B. Rear yard: Not less than 50 feet in depth.
C. Side yards: Each not less than 40 feet in width.
D. Greater yards: Notwithstanding the foregoing, any special yard requirements for specific uses
or buildings set forth elsewhere in this chapter shall, if more restrictive, supersede the above
yard provisions.
E. Accessory buildings.
(1) Buildings occupied by a detached accessory dwelling unit. Any such buildings must be
located in a rear yard, be at least 50 feet from any side lot line, and be at least 35 feet
from a rear lot line.
(2) All other accessory buildings (except garages, and except woodsheds meeting the
requirements of Subsection G below) may not occupy any open space other than a rear
yard. All other accessory buildings (except garages) may not occupy any open space
other than:
(a) A rear yard, or
(2) (b) A side yard, provided that their height in the side yard does not exceed 12 feet,
and their cumulative footprint in the side yard does not exceed 350 square feet in area.
(3) Accessory buildings (including garages, woodsheds, and buildings occupied by a
detached accessory dwelling unit), in the aggregate, may occupy not more than 15% of
the fifty-foot rear yard setback required by Subsection B above.
(4) Accessory buildings (except for garages and buildings occupied by a detached
accessory dwelling unit) shall be not less than three feet from any side or rear lot line.
Any accessory building, other than a garage or a building occupied by a detached
accessory dwelling unit, on a corner lot shall be not less than five feet from the rear lot
line.
F. Garages: An attached or detached garage may occupy any yard provided that it shall be no
less than 30 feet from the front property line, no less than 40 feet from a side line, and no less
than 50 feet from a rear line. All detached garages in the aggregate shall not exceed a total
footprint of 780 square feet in size. Detached garages shall be included in the calculations of
accessory buildings that, in the aggregate, may not occupy more than 15% of any required
rear yard. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following shall apply:
(1) In one of the side yards, a one-story garage, either attached to the principal building or
4
separate therefrom, may be no less than 15 feet from a side line which is not a street
line. In the rear yard, a one-story detached garage may be no less than five feet from any
side or rear lot line.
(2) A one-story detached garage that serves dwellings on two separate lots may be built
across a common lot line with a party wall by mutual agreement between adjoining
property owners, provided that there is at least one garage bay on each lot, and further
provided that the garage meets the front property line setback requirement above.
(3) Where the average natural slope of a lot exceeds 8% rise or fall directly from the street
line, a one-story detached garage capable of housing not in excess of two cars may be
located in the front or side yard not less than five feet from said street line upon
receiving a special approval from the Board of Appeals.
G. Woodsheds: A woodshed which has no more than 100 square feet in floor area and the
highest point of which is no more than 10 feet above ground level may occupy a side yard,
provided that the total storage space of all woodsheds in a side yard shall not be more than
1,000 cubic feet. A woodshed in a side yard shall be not less than three feet from any side lot
line.
H.G. Swimming pools: Private swimming pools allowed for one- or two-family dwellings per
§ 270-56B may not be located in a front yard, and must be at least 15 feet from any side lot
line or rear lot line, as measured from the edge of the pool structure.
MDR
§ 270-70. Height limitations.
In Medium Density Residential Zones, no building shall be erected, altered, or extended to exceed
38 feet in height from the lowest interior grade or 36 feet in height from the lowest exterior grade,
whichever is lower. No structure other than a building shall be erected, altered, or extended to
exceed 30 feet in height. A building occupied by a detached accessory dwelling unit shall not
exceed one story and 20 feet in height, except buildings constructed prior to the effective date
of Local Law No. 20 of the Year 2017 may exceed these two parameters as long as the building
height is not subsequently increased beyond that existing on the effective date of said local law.
Other accessory buildings shall not exceed 20 feet in height. Height limits for certain accessory
buildings in side yards are governed by § 270-71.E(2)(b).
§ 270-71. Yard regulations.
In Medium Density Residential Zones yards of at least the following dimensions are required:
A. Front yard: Not less than the average depth of the front yards of buildings on lots immediately
adjacent. However, the front yard depth shall not be less than 25 feet or need it be greater
than 50 feet.
B. Rear yard: Not less than 30 feet in depth.
C. Side yards: Each not less than 15 feet in width.
D. Greater yards: Notwithstanding the foregoing, any special yard requirements for specific uses
or buildings set forth elsewhere in this chapter shall, if more restrictive, supersede the above
yard provisions.
E. Accessory buildings.
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(1) Buildings occupied by a detached accessory dwelling unit. Such buildings must be
located in a rear yard, be at least 30 feet from any side lot line, and be at least 15 feet
from a rear lot line.
(2) All other accessory buildings (except garages, and except woodsheds meeting the
requirements of Subsection G below) may not occupy any open space other than a rear
yard. All other accessory buildings (except garages) may not occupy any open space
other than:
(a) A rear yard, or
(2) (b) A side yard, provided that their height in the side yard does not exceed 12 feet,
and their cumulative footprint in the side yard does not exceed 200 square feet in area.
(3) Accessory buildings (including garages, woodsheds, and buildings occupied by a
detached accessory dwelling unit), in the aggregate, may occupy not more than 40% of
the thirty-foot rear yard setback required by Subsection B above.
(4) Accessory buildings (except for garages and buildings occupied by a detached
accessory dwelling unit) shall be not less than three feet from any side or rear lot line.
Any accessory building, other than a garage or a building occupied by a detached
accessory dwelling unit, on a corner lot shall be not less than five feet from the rear lot
line.
F. Garages: An attached or detached garage may occupy any yard provided that it shall be no
less than 25 feet from the front property line, no less than 15 feet from a side line, and no less
than 30 feet from a rear line. All detached garages in the aggregate shall not exceed a total
footprint of 780 square feet in size. Detached garages shall be included in the calculations of
accessory buildings that, in the aggregate, may not occupy more than 40% of any required
rear yard. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following shall apply:
(1) In one of the side yards, a one-story garage, either attached to the principal building or
separate therefrom, may be no less than 10 feet from a side line which is not a street
line. In the rear yard, a one-story detached garage may be no less than five feet from any
side or rear lot line.
(2) A one-story detached garage that serves dwellings on two separate lots may be built
across a common lot line with a party wall by mutual agreement between adjoining
property owners, provided that there is at least one garage bay on each lot, and further
provided that the garage meets the front property line setback requirement above.
(3) Where the average natural slope of a lot exceeds 8% rise or fall directly from the street
line, a one-story detached garage capable of housing not in excess of two cars may be
located in the front or side yard not less than five feet from said street line upon
receiving a special approval from the Board of Appeals.
G. Woodsheds: A woodshed which has no more than 100 square feet in floor area and the
highest point of which is no more than 10 feet above ground level may occupy a side yard,
provided that the total storage space of all woodsheds in a side yard shall not be more than
1,000 cubic feet. A woodshed in a side yard shall be not less than three feet from any side lot
line.
H.G. Swimming pools: Private swimming pools allowed for one- or two-family dwellings per
§ 270-68B may not be located in a front yard, and must be at least 15 feet from any side lot
line or rear lot line, as measured from the edge of the pool structure.
6
HDR
§ 270-81. Height limitations.
In High Density Residential Zones, no building shall be erected, altered, or extended to exceed 38
feet in height from the lowest interior grade or 36 feet in height from the lowest exterior grade,
whichever is lower. No structure other than a building shall be erected, altered, or extended to
exceed 30 feet in height. A building occupied by a detached accessory dwelling unit shall not
exceed one story and 20 feet in height, except buildings constructed prior to the effective date
of Local Law No. 20 of the Year 2017 may exceed these two parameters as long as the building
height is not subsequently increased beyond that existing on the effective date of said local law.
Other accessory buildings shall not exceed 20 feet in height. Height limits for certain accessory
buildings in side yards are governed by § 270-82.E(2)(b).
§ 270-82. Yard regulations.
In High Density Residential Zones yards of at least the following dimensions are required:
A. Front yard: Not less than the average depth of the front yards of buildings on lots immediately
adjacent. However, the front yard depth shall not be less than 25 feet or need it be greater
than 50 feet.
B. Rear yard: Not less than 30 feet in depth.
C. Side yards: Each not less than 10 feet in width.
D. Greater yards: Notwithstanding the foregoing, any special yard requirements for specific uses
or buildings set forth elsewhere in this chapter shall, if more restrictive, supersede the above
yard provisions.
E. Accessory buildings.
(1) Buildings occupied by a detached accessory dwelling unit. Such buildings must be
located in a rear yard, be at least 20 feet from any side lot line, and be at least 15 feet
from a rear lot line.
(2) All other accessory buildings (except garages, and except woodsheds meeting the
requirements of Subsection G below) may not occupy any open space other than a rear
yard. All other accessory buildings (except garages) may not occupy any open space
other than:
(a) A rear yard, or
(2) (b) A side yard, provided that their height in the side yard does not exceed 12 feet,
and their cumulative footprint in the side yard does not exceed 150 square feet in area.
(3) Accessory buildings (including garages, woodsheds, and buildings occupied by a
detached accessory dwelling unit), in the aggregate, may occupy not more than 40% of
the thirty-foot rear yard setback required by Subsection B above.
(4) Accessory buildings (except for garages and buildings occupied by a detached
accessory dwelling unit) shall be not less than three feet from any side or rear lot line.
Any accessory building, other than a garage or a building occupied by a detached
accessory dwelling unit, on a corner lot shall be not less than five feet from the rear lot
7
line.
F. Garages: An attached or detached garage may occupy any yard provided that it shall be no
less than 25 feet from the front property line, no less than 10 feet from a side line, and no less
than 30 feet from a rear line. All detached garages in the aggregate shall not exceed a total
footprint of 780 square feet in size. Detached garages shall be included in the calculations of
accessory buildings that, in the aggregate, may not occupy more than 40% of any required
rear yard. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following shall apply:
(1) In one of the side yards, a one-story garage, either attached to the principal building or
separate therefrom, may be no less than seven feet from a side line which is not a street
line. In the rear yard, a one-story detached garage may be no less than five feet from any
side or rear lot line.
(2) A one-story detached garage that serves dwellings on two separate lots may be built
across a common lot line with a party wall by mutual agreement between adjoining
property owners, provided that there is at least one garage bay on each lot, and further
provided that the garage meets the front property line setback requirement above.
(3) Where the average natural slope of a lot exceeds 8% rise or fall directly from the street
line, a one-story detached garage capable of housing not in excess of two cars may be
located in the front or side yard not less than five feet from said street line upon
receiving a special approval from the Board of Appeals.
G. Woodsheds: A woodshed which has no more than 100 square feet in floor area and the
highest point of which is no more than 10 feet above ground level may occupy a side yard,
provided that the total storage space of all woodsheds in a side yard shall not be more than
1,000 cubic feet. A woodshed in a side yard shall be not less than three feet from any side lot
line.
H.G. Swimming pools: Private swimming pools allowed for one- or two-family dwellings per
§ 270-79B may not be located in a front yard, and must be at least 15 feet from any side lot
line or rear lot line, as measured from the edge of the pool structure.
§ 270-233. Permit to build.
A. No person, firm, corporation, association or other organization shall commence the erection,
construction, enlargement, alteration, improvement, repair, removal, or demolition of any
building or structure (including signs, except as specified in Article XXIX, Signs), nor install
heating equipment, nor undertake any other work which must conform to New York State's
Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code or the Energy Code Supplement found at
Chapter 144 of the Code of the Town of Ithaca, without having applied for and obtained a
building permit from a Code Enforcement Officer pursuant to Chapter 125 of the Code of the
Town of Ithaca. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no building permit shall be required under
those circumstances specified in § 125-4A of the Code of the Town of Ithaca for which no
building permit is required.
B. No permit to build shall be issued except pursuant to written order of the Board of Appeals,
where the proposed construction, alteration, or use would be in violation of any provision of
this chapter or would occur on a parcel on which a violation of any provision of this chapter
exists. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this subsection shall not prohibit the issuance of a
permit to repair or replace a roof or another element of a structure that needs such repair or
replacement in order to maintain the structure’s integrity in the determination of the Director
of Code Enforcement, even if there is an existing violation of this chapter on the parcel.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, even if there is an existing violation of this chapter on the
parcel, this subsection shall not prohibit the issuance of a permit to repair or replace an
element of a structure or part or all of a system when the Director of Code Enforcement
determines that such repair or replacement is necessary to maintain the structure’s integrity
or to protect the occupant’s or public’s health, safety or wellbeing.
§ 270-235. Zoning Board of Appeals.
There is hereby established a Zoning Board of Appeals which shall function in the manner
prescribed by law (except as the same may be superseded by the terms of this chapter as set
forth below).
J. Unless work has commenced in accordance with the variance or special approval given
by the Zoning Board of Appeals within one year from the issuance of the building permit
authorizing such work, or within 18 36 months of the granting of such variance or special
approval, whichever is earlier, not only the building permit but the variance or special
approval shall expire and the permissible uses and construction on the property shall
revert to those in effect prior to the issuance of such special approval or variance.
Front Rear Side Front Rear Side
Yard Yard Yard Yard Yard Yard
Conservation 50'
50'-det /
200' -att 50' 12
see Code 270-
17.F(1)50' 50'
12' 15'
(non-ag)
Agricultural see Code see Code see Code
38' int /
36' ext see Code see Code see Code
38' int /
36' ext
Lakefront Residential 30'prohibited 20'1 story 30'3'3'20'
Low Density Residential 30'50' 40'1 story prohibited
3' / 5'-cnr
lot 3'
20' / 12'
side yard
Medium Density Residential 25'30' 15'1 story prohibited
3' / 5'-cnr
lot 3'
20' / 12'
side yard
High Density Residential 25'30' 10'1 story prohibited
3' / 5'-cnr
lot 3'
20' / 12'
side yard
Mobile Home Park see Code see Code see Code see Code see Code see Code 15'
Neighborhood Commercial
Office Park Commercial
Community Commercial
Vehicle Fueling and Repair
Lakefront Commercial
Light Industrial N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
38' int/
36'ext
Industrial N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
38' int/
36'ext
Notes:
ACCESSORY BUILDINGS
Height
38' int/
36'ext
38' int/
36'ext
N/A N/A N/A
N/A
N/A N/A
N/A N/AN/A
Height
N/A
N/A
Multiple Residence N/A
Town of Ithaca Code Chapter 270 (Zoning)
Dimensional Requirements - GARAGES/ACCESSORY BUILDINGS
There are special requirements for garages across a common lot line, on a corner lot, and for shoreline structures.
See specific zone in Code for additional requirements.
N/A N/A
GARAGES
Item 6
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MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
October 27, 2025
TB Resolution 2025 - : Adopt Consent Agenda
Resolved that the Town Board adopts/approves/ratifies the following Consent Agenda items:
a. Approval of Town Board Minutes
b. Town of Ithaca Abstract
c. Approval of Bolton Point abstract
d. Approval of Holiday List
e. Approval of 2025/2026 Snow & Ice Agreement
f. Approval of Civil Service Position – Human Resources & Finance Specialist
g. Ratify appointment of Principal Acct Clerk Typist – BP – Fisher
h. Acknowledge GTCMHIC 2026 Wage Scale and Wages
i. Consider setting Public Hearing regarding the repeal and replacement of Town
Code Chapter 144: Ithaca Energy Code Supplement Local Law and Chapter 250,
to add Yield signs to both entrances of one lane bridges on Forest Home Dr
j. Acknowledge receipt of Conservation Easement Annual Inspections
k. Approval of Designation and Sale of Surplus Equipment
l. Ratify Appointment of Working Supervisor – Fellows
Moved: Seconded:
Vote:
TB Resolution 2025 - a: Approval of Minutes
Resolved that the Town Board approves the draft minutes of the meeting on October 6, 2025, as
final, with any non-substantive changes made.
TB Resolution 2025 - b: Approval of Town of Ithaca Abstract
TB Resolution 2025 - c: Bolton Point Abstract
Resolved that the governing Town Board approves payment of the following audited numbered
vouchers for the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission:
Voucher Numbers: 405-452
Check Numbers: 21426-21473
Capital Impr/Repl Project $ 3,622.71
Operating Fund $ 102,122.11
TOTAL $ 105,744.82
TB Resolution 2025 - d: Acceptance of Floating Holidays for 2026.
Item 6
2
Whereas, there is an annual poll conducted of all Town Hall, Public Works Facility, SCLIWC and
GTCMHIC employees to determine their preference for next year’s floating holiday for each
location; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby accept the Floating Holiday for 2026
for Town Hall staff as Friday, January 2, 2026, as requested by a majority vote of the employees
of Town Hall; and be it further
Resolved, the Town Board does hereby accept the Floating Holiday for 2026 for Public Works
Facility staff as Monday, July 6, 2026, as requested by a majority vote of the employees that work
at the Public Works Facility; and be it further
Resolved, the Town Board does hereby accept the Floating Holiday for 2026 for SCLIWC staff as
Thursday, July 2, 2026, as requested by a majority vote of the employees that work for SCLIWC;
and be it further
Resolved, the Town Board does hereby accept the Floating Holiday for 2026 for GTCMHIC staff
as Monday, December 28, 2026, as requested by a majority vote of the employees that work for
GTCMHIC.
TB Resolution 2025 - e: Approval of and authorization to sign, a three-year Snow and Ice
Agreement with Tompkins County
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca and Tompkins County have contracted with each other for removal
of snow and ice from County and Town roads since October 2002; and
Whereas, the current contract has expired on September 30th, 2025; and
Whereas, the agreement has been submitted for renewal of a 3-year term, from October 1st, 2025,
through September 30th, 2028; and
Whereas, the Town Board reviewed the Agreement as submitted at its September 27th, 2025,
meeting, now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor to execute the Snow & Ice
Agreement with Tompkins County as submitted.
TB Resolution 2025 – f: Creation of Human Resources & Finance Specialist Position
under Civil Service
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca established compliance under the New York State Civil Service
Agency to qualify employment positions in the Town of Ithaca in accordance with Section 22 of
Civil Service Laws, Rules and Regulations; and
Item 6
3
Whereas, by regulation of Civil Service Law the Town must create a position and approve the
job description before making an appointment; and
Whereas, the Town has determined the need to create a Human Resources & Finance Specialist
position; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby establish the additional following
position in accordance with the applicable New York State and Tompkins County Civil Service
rules:
1. The following position is established in the competitive class pursuant to Section 44 of the
Civil Service Law:
1-(One) – Human Resources & Finance Specialist
And be it further
Resolved, the Town Board does hereby approve the job description for the said position as
created and monitored by Tompkins County Civil Service with the position being placed in
Office Job Classification E.
TB Resolution 2025 - g: Ratify Appointment of Principal Account Clerk/Typist-
SCLIWC.
Whereas, the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission on October 9, 2025,
appointed Winona Fisher to the Principal Account Clerk Typist position, effective, September 9,
2025; now, therefore be it
Resolved, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby ratify SCLIWC’s appointment of
Winona Fisher to the Principal Account Clerk Typist position, effective, September 9, 2025, at
the hourly wage of $31.55, in Job Classification 4, with no change in their full time benefits.
TB Resolution 2025 - h: Acknowledge Greater Tompkins Co Municipal Health Insurance
Consortium Wage Scale and Employee Wages for 2026
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca was established as the “Employer of Record” for the Greater
Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium (Consortium); and
Whereas, on September 25, 2025, the Board of Directors of the Consortium approved of the
2026 budget which included the wages for the staff based on step increases for 2026; and
Whereas, on October 15, 2025, the Executive Committee of the Consortium approved of the
2026 Job Classification and Wage Scale with a 4.5% cost of living increase; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, the governing Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby acknowledge the
Consortium’s 2026 wages as detailed in the Human Resources Office for payroll services and civil
service payroll certification.
Item 6
4
TB Resolution 2025 - i: Set Public Hearings
Resolved that the Town Board will hold public hearings at its meeting held on November 10, 2025,
which begins at 5:30 p.m. at Town Hall, regarding adoption of the following proposed local laws
affecting the Town of Ithaca Code:
a. Repeal and replacement of Chapter 144, Ithaca Energy Code Supplement, and
b. Amending Chapter 250 Vehicle and Traffic, to add yield signs – Forest Home One-Lane
Bridges
at which time all persons wishing to speak for or against the proposed action shall be heard.
TB Resolution 2025 - j: Acknowledgement of the annual inspections of certain conservation
easements
Resolved that the Town Board acknowledges receipt of the annual conservation easement
inspections of agricultural conservation easements of – Laughing Goar Fiber Farm; Indian Creek
Farm; Maria Mendez – 471 Bostwick Rd.
TB Resolution 2025 – k: Designation and Sale of Surplus Items
Whereas, a municipal online auction is held from time to time hosted by Auctions International
located in East Aurora, NY, and
Whereas, the following items have become surplus/no longer needed by the Town:
• Fleet ID# 84 – Marathon Crack Filler Tar Kettle Trailer Mounted
• Fleet ID #20 – 2020 F350 Super Cab – W/ Plow
• Fleet ID#16 – F450 XLT Medium Duty w / Custom Box
• (2) Pressure Washers - Shark Model HPB-353007h
• (1) Fan – ¼ HP Model msc-243
• Scissor arms for dump box – 37” x 37”
Resolved, that the Town Board declares said above-described equipment to be surplus and no
longer needed by the Town and authorizes said items to be placed in auction with the proceeds
going to the appropriate funds.
TB Resolution 2025 – l: Ratify Promotional Appointment to Working Supervisor
Whereas, there are currently a vacant Working Supervisor position due to a retirement; and
Whereas, the Director of Public Works/ Highway Superintendent has determined through
interviews and evaluation that Colin Fellows, Motor Equipment Operator, possesses the
necessary knowledge, skills, and ability to satisfactorily perform the duties of the Working
Supervisor position; and
Item 6
5
Whereas, the Director of Public Works/ Highway Superintendent promotionally appointed Colin
Fellows to the Working Supervisor position, effective October 20, 2025; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby ratify the Director of Public
Works/ Highway Superintendent’s regular promotional appointment of Colin Fellows as full
time Working Supervisor for the Public Works Department, effective October 20, 2025; and be it
further
Resolved, this is a 40 hour a week position, at the hourly wage of $35.82, in Job Classification
“V”, with no change to their full-time benefits; and be it further
Resolved, if the said successfully complete the mandatory eight (8) week probationary period
there will be no further action required by the Town Board.
SNOW AND ICE AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT, made as of the 1st day of October 2025, by and between the COUNTY OF
TOMPKINS, a municipal corporation of the State of New York, with offices at 125 East Court Street,
Ithaca, New York, hereinafter referred to as the "County", and the TOWN OF ITHACA, a municipal
corporation of the State of New York within the County of Tompkins, with offices at 215 North Tioga
Street, Ithaca, New York, 14850 hereinafter referred to as the "Town".
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Highway Law Section 135-a of the State Highway Law and General Municipal
Law Section 119-0 authorize a County to contract with a Town for the removal of snow and ice from
the County roads or for sanding or otherwise treating them for the purpose of removing the danger of
ice and snow (the use of Liquid Brine of any type is not permitted on County Roads without prior
written consent of the Tompkins County Highway Director, subject to such terms and conditions as
may be agreed upon by the parties involved and to the approval by Resolution of each of the
legislative bodies of such County or Town, and
WHEREAS, the County wishes to contract with the Town for the removal of snow and ice
and otherwise treating such County Roads (See Schedule A) in said Town (and neighboring towns)
as are hereafter listed in accordance with snow and ice policies pertaining to County highways and
promulgated before each snow and ice season by the County Highway Director.
NOW, THEREFORE, in'consideration of the promises, covenants, and agreements contained
herein, the parties agree as follows:
1. The term of this Agreement shall be for three (3) years, to commence on
October 1, 2025 and terminating September 30, 2028. This Agreement may
be extended by written mutual consent of both parties and approval of the
County Legislature.
2. The County agrees to rent from the Town and the Town agrees to rent to the
County Highway Department, tools, equipment, and personnel for such purposes
to sand, salt, and remove snow from the County Roads listed in the attached
Schedule A, and otherwise treat the County Roads for the purpose of
removing the danger of ice and snow. The Town Highway Superintendent
shall supervise and provide the necessary personnel, supplies, machinery,
tools, and equipment and to furnish abrasives, salt, and/or related materials
necessary for the performance of this Agreement.
3. Payment for such services aforementioned above and listed in Schedule A, shall
not exceed nineteen-thousand seven-hundred seventeen dollars and
twenty-four cents ($19,717.24) for plowing, salting, and sanding two-lane miles
for the 2025/26 season. Said payments shall be made to the Town in four equal
installments (for total sum of full amount) on each February 1, March 1, April 1,
and December 1 of each year. The amount paid per two-lane mile will be
adjusted each year by the percentage change in County costs for snow and ice
removal work performed, comparing the two preceding winter seasons
(October-April).
4. The County shall submit payment to the Town within thirty (30) days
following receipt of such monthly accounting of expenditures and
acceptance by the County that all terms and conditions of this Agreement
have been met and that progress on work activities has been made as billed.
The Town will submit detailed invoices based on the billing format as specified in
the body of the Agreement. The County will not prepay for services prior to
services being provided, with the exception that if the County Highway Director
agrees that unusual circumstances have drastically increased the cost of snow
and ice removal during any year, a one-time payment may be negotiated.
5. If either party disputes the level of reimbursement, then at the request of either
party, a comparison of the last two (2) year average of the fixed payment with that
payment which would have been due under a time and material reimbursement
method can be used to determine a new base amount for adjustment in
compliance with the terms of this agreement.
6. The Town shall credit the money received from the County to the respective
funds in the Town budget which were charged with the objects of expense.
7. The Town shall keep records showing when work under this Agreement is
performed on County Roads. Such records will be available for review by
County staff during normal Town Highway Department business hours.
8. On an annual basis, and if either party disputes the level of payment, the rates
being applied, the specific road segments included, or other aspect of the
agreement, then modifications may be considered.
9. The Town shall release, waive, indemnify, hold harmless and defend the County,
its officers, employees, agents, and elected officials from and against any and all
claims, demands, actions, causes of action, suits, or judgements, including but
not limited to, losses, costs, expenses, penalties, or other damages or liability
brought against the COUNTY and its officers, employees, agents and elected
officials for injury, illness, or death to any person or persons or damage to
property arising out of the performance of this Agreement by the Town, its
employees, subcontractors or agents except all actions and claims arising out of
the negligence of the County. The indemnification will survive the term of this
Agreement whether it is terminated or expired. The Town shall be fully
responsible for the work performed under this Agreement and shall indemnify and
hold harmless the County, its officers, employees, agents, and elected officials
from and against any and all claims for injury to persons, including employees of
the Town or any subcontractor, where such claim asserts that the injury, illness,
or death was the result of conditions of the worksites or that the County, its
officers, employees, agents, and elected officials were in any way negligent in the
hiring of the Town to do the work or failure to maintain safe worksites.
10. The Town and the County shall maintain the limits of insurance set forth in the
attached Schedule B or as required by law, whichever is greater.
11. The Town has reviewed and agrees to the additional County terms and conditions
as set forth in the attached Schedule C, hereinafter incorporated into this
contract
12. This Agreement is executed on behalf of the County pursuant to Resolution #
_____________ adopted by the County Legislature on October 7, 2025, and
by the Town Board pursuant to Resolution, adopted on .
13. The signees on behalf of each of the PARTIES warrant that they are duly
authorized to bind their organization to the terms and provisions set forth herein,
and further acknowledge that the other party is entitled to rely upon this
representation of authority.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day
and years first written above.
DATE: _______________ _______________________________
Jessi Schmeiske, Risk & Compliance Administrator
Tompkins County
DATE: _______________ _______________________________
Joe Slater, Superintendent
Town of Ithaca
DATE: _______________ _______________________________
Rod Howe, Supervisor
Town of Ithaca
SCHEDULE A
The Snow and Ice Maintenance Agreement between the Town of Ithaca and Tompkins County is for plowing, sanding,
and salting County roads as specified below. On all roads listed, the municipality will provide complete snow and ice
maintenance within the limits of this Agreement.
The Town will provide plowing, salt, and sand (the use of Liquid Brine of any type is not permitted on County Roads
without prior written consent of the Tompkins County Highway Director) on the following County Roads (letter
designations may be for internal (County) use, only; i.e. 153B, etc.):
County Road: Section: Miles:
East King Road, CR179
Hanshaw Road, CR109H
Pleasant Grove Road, CR l 22PG
Troy Road, CRl23T
Warren Road, CR121
Rt. 96B - CR 119, Coddington Road
Village Line - Rt. 13
Forest Home- Village Line
All
Forest Home - Village Line
Total Town Miles:
2.02
2.75
.60
2.00
1.91
9.28
The County will plow, salt and sand the following Town roads:
Town Road: Section: Miles:
Bundy Road All 2.19
Hopkins Road All .52
Maple Ave. City Line - Pine Tree Road, CR l 74J .48
Updike Road Coddington Road, CR 119 - Turn-Around .37
Total County Miles: 3.56
SCHEDULE B
TOMPKINS COUNTY INSURANCE
REQUIREMENTS
The Town shall maintain the following minimum limits of insurance or as required by law, whichever
is greater.
A.) Workers’ Compensation and New York Disability
Workers’ Compensation
Statutory coverage complying with NYS Workers’ Compensation Law Section 57 General Municipal Law Section
125, Town must submit one of the following:
CE-200 - Certification of Attestation of Exemption form NYS Workers’ Compensation and/or Disability Benefits
Coverage available at http://www.wcb.ny.gov/content/main/forms/AllForms.jsp, OR
CE-105.2 - Certification of NYS Workers’ Compensation Insurance (U-26.3 f or State Insurance Fund version),
OR
SI-12 - Certificate of NYS Workers’ Compensation Self Insurance, OR
GSI-105.2 - Certificate of NYS Workers’ Compensation Group Self-Insurance Employers’ Liability - $1,000,000
Disability Benefits Requirements
Statutory coverage complying with NYS Workers’ Compensation Law Section 220 (8) under General Municipal
Law Section 125, Town must submit one of the following:
CE-200 - Certification of Attestation of Exemption from NYS Workers’ Compensation and/or Disability Benefits
Coverage, OR
DB120.1 - Certificate of Disability Benefits Insurance, OR DB155 - Certificate of Disability Self-Insurance
NOTE: Proof of NYS Workers’ Compensation and NYS Disability Benefits must be provided on NYS forms as
listed above (complete information available at http://www.wcb.ny.gov/content/main/forms/AllForms.jsp
or Bureau of Compliance at (866) 546-9322).
B.) Commercial General Liability (CGL) including, contractual, independent contractors, products/completed
operations
Each Occurrence $1,000,000 General Aggregate $2,000,000
Products/Completed Operations Aggregate $2,000,000 Personal and Advertising Injury $1,000,000
Damage to Rented Premises $50,000 Medical Expense $5,000
• Town shall maintain CGL coverage for itself and all additional insureds for the duration of the
Agreement.
• Policy may not contain any exclusions relating to NY Labor Law or municipal work.
• It is expressly understood and agreed by the Town that the insurance requirements specified above,
contemplate the use of occurrence liability forms.
• Tompkins County and its officers, employees, agents and elected officials are to be included as
Additional Insured’s on a primary and non-contributory basis.
• This insurance for the additional insureds shall be as broad as the coverage provided for the named
insured Town. It shall apply as Primary and non-contributing Insurance before any other insurance or
self-insurance, including any deductible, maintained by, or provided to, the additional insured.
• Coverage for the Explosion, Collapse, and Underground Property Damage hazards will be
provided.
C.) Commercial Umbrella $5,000,000
• Policy may not contain any exclusions relating to NY Labor Law or municipal work.
• Tompkins County and its officers, employees, agents and elected officials are to be included as
Additional Insured’s on a primary and non-contributory basis.
• Umbrella coverage must include as insureds all entities that are additional insureds on the CGL.
• Umbrella coverage for such additional insureds shall apply as primary before any other insurance or
self-insurance, including any deductible, maintained by, or provided to, the additional insured other than
the CGL, Auto Liability and Employers Liability coverages maintained by the Town.
D.) Business Auto Coverage Liability for Owned, $1,000,000 CSL or
Hired and Non-Owned $500,000 Per Person BI
$1,000,000 Per Accident BI
$250,000 PD Split Limits
• Town and all other parties required of the Town shall be included as insureds on the auto policy.
E.) Owner’s & Contractor’s Protective Liability Each Occurrence $1,000,000
Annual Aggregate $2,000,000
F.) Waiver of Subrogation
Town waives all rights against Tompkins County and its officers, employees, agents and elected
officials for recovery of damages to the extent these damages are covered by commercial general
liability, commercial umbrella liability, business auto liability or workers compensation and employers
liability insurance maintained per requirements stated above.
All insurance shall be written with insurance carriers licensed by New York State and have an A.M.
Best’s Key Rating no lower than “A – X”. Proof of liability insurance shall be provided on the Acord
Certificate of Insurance, Acord 25 (03/2016), or insurance company certificate. Proof of Workers’
Compensation and NYS Disability shall be provide on forms as outlined in A, above. All
insurance policies and Certificates shall contain a provision that coverage afforded under the policies
will not be canceled, allowed to expire, or materially changed (except for non-payments) until at least
thirty (30) days prior written notice has been given to the County. All Certificates must be signed by a
licensed agent or authorized representative of the insurance company. Certificates of Insurance shall be
submitted with signed agreement.
SCHEDULE C
TOMPKINS COUNTY TERMS AND CONDITIONS
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises, covenants, and agreements contained herein,
the COUNTY and CONTRACTOR (the “PARTIES”) agree as follows:
1. The terms and provisions of this Agreement, and any controversies arising hereunder, shall be
interpreted, governed, and construed under the laws of the State of New York. The PARTIES
consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of, and venue in, the State Courts within Tompkins County,
New York or the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York if Federal
jurisdiction is sought. This Agreement is binding on all successors, heirs, executors,
administrators, representatives, and assigns of all the PARTIES hereto.
2. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the PARTIES with respect to the
subject matter hereof and supersedes all other prior agreements and understandings, both
written and oral, between the PARTIES with respect to the subject matter hereof. Attachments,
appendix, exhibits, schedules and annexes attached to this Agreement are incorporated herein
and shall be considered a part of this Agreement for the purposes stated herein, except that in
the event of any conflict between any of the provisions of such attachments, appendix, exhibits,
schedules, and annexes and the provisions of this Agreement, the provisions of the COUNTY’s
terms and conditions shall prevail.
3. If any of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall, for any reason, be held to be invalid,
illegal, or unenforceable, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other
provision hereof, and this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal or
unenforceable provision had never been contained herein. The PARTIES shall use all
reasonable efforts to substitute a valid, legal, and enforceable provision that implements the
purposes and intents of this Agreement.
4. Any notice, demand or communication required, permitted, or desired to be given hereunder sh
all
be deemed effectively given when personally delivered or mailed by prepaid certified mail, retur
n receipt requested, to the addresses set forth above.
5. The COUNTY reserves the right to terminate this Agreement for any reason giving thirty (30)
days written notice.
6. This Agreement may not be amended, modified, or reassigned except in writing by mutual
agreement of the PARTIES hereto nor may any obligations be waived orally.
7. The TOWN shall not assign any part of this Agreement to a subcontractor or other party without
the express written consent of the County. All terms and conditions of this Agreement shall
apply to any subcontractor.
8. The COUNTY reserves the right to perform work related to the Agreement with the
COUNTY's own forces, and to award separate agreements in connection with other
portions of the scope of work under conditions of this Agreement identical or substantially
similar to these, including those portions related to insurance and waiver of subrogation.
9. The COUNTY shall not be responsible for any failure to perform or delay attributable in whole or
in part to any cause beyond its reasonable control including, but not limited to, acts of God,
government actions, war, civil disturbance, terrorism, insurrection, sabotage, labor shortages or
disputes, or TOWN’s fault or negligence.
10. It is mutually agreed between the PARTIES that the TOWN is an independent contractor and
that no employee-employer, partnership, agent, or representative relationship exists between
the TOWN and the COUNTY under the terms of this Agreement, nor to enter into or assume, or
attempt to enter into or assume any obligation on behalf of the other.
11. Except as may otherwise be specified in the body of the Agreement, the TOWN agrees to
provide its employees with such tools, materials, and equipment required to perform
the services prescribed by this Agreement.
12. During the performance of this Agreement, the TOWN agrees that it will not discriminate against
any employee or applicant for employment because of age, ethnicity, creed, race, color, sex,
sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, disability, military status,
status as an ex-offender, arrest record, conviction record, and domestic violence victim status,
and will take affirmative action to ensure that they are afforded equal employment opportunities
without discrimination. The areas in which discrimination on the aforementioned grounds is
prohibited include, but are not limited to, recruitment, employment, job assignment, promotion,
upgrading, demotion, transfer, layoff or termination, rates of pay or other forms of
compensation, and selection for training or retraining, including apprenticeship and on-the-job
training.
13. The TOWN certifies to the COUNTY that the programs and services to be provided and
described herein are accessible to the handicapped in accordance with the provisions of
Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
14. The PARTIES agree that as a condition of receipt of Federal funds, if any, that audits be
performed of the TOWN 's records by auditors in compliance with the Federal Single Audit Act
of 1984.
15. All required Federal, State, and Local licenses shall be obtained by the TOWN prior to
commencement of this Agreement and shall be maintained by the TOWN for the duration of this
Agreement. The TOWN agrees to comply with all Federal, State, and Local laws and
regulations governing the provision of goods and services under this Agreement. To the extent
that Federal funds are provided to the TOWN under this Agreement, the TOWN agrees that it
will comply with all applicable Federal laws and regulations, including but not limited to those
laws and regulations under which the Federal funds were authorized.
16. TOWN agrees to observe and satisfy the requirements of the COUNTY’s Compliance Plan
regarding Federal and State fraud and abuse laws. The Compliance Plan can be viewed at
www.tompkinscountyny.gov/All-Departments/County-Compliance-Program, or a copy can be
obtained by contacting Tompkins County Department of Administration. Contractors who
provide healthcare services certify that neither the TOWN, nor its employees, directors, officers,
and subcontractors are “excluded individuals or entities” under Federal and/or New York State
statutes, rules and regulations. If the TOWN provides healthcare services, the TOWN agrees to
screen all employees, directors, officers and subcontractors on a monthly basis at the New York
State Office of Medicaid Inspector General website, and any other websites related to
the Excluded Parties List System required by Federal and/or New York State Medicare or
Medicaid statutes, rules and regulations, to determine if any employee, director, officer, or
subcontractors is on or has been added to the exclusion list.
The TOWN shall promptly notify the COUNTY if any employee, director, officer
or subcontractors is on or has been added to the exclusion list. The COUNTY reserves the
right to immediately cancel this Agreement, at no penalty to the COUNTY, if any employee,
director, officer or subcontractors is on or has been added to the exclusion list.
By signing this Agreement, the TOWN attests to that fact that the TOWN
and/or the provider have not been sanctioned nor excluded by any of the aforementioned
entities.
17. The New York State Labor Law at Article 9, Sections 230-239 A of said statute requires that
contractors and subcontractors pay the prevailing rate of wage and supplements (fringe
benefits) to all workers under a public work contract and follow other requirements. Employers
must pay the prevailing wage rate set for the locality where the work is performed. Prevailing
wage is the pay rate set by law for work on public work projects. This applies to all laborers,
workers or mechanics employed under a public work contract. Every contractor and
subcontractor must keep and provide certified original payrolls or transcripts subscribed and
affirmed as true under penalty of perjury. These must be made available to the COUNTY at its
request. Payrolls must be maintained for at least three (3) years from the project’s date of
completion. Additionally, as per Article 6 of the Labor Law, contractors and subcontractors are
required to establish, maintain, and preserve for not less than six (6) years, contemporaneous,
true, and accurate payroll records. At a minimum, payrolls must show the following information
for each person employed on a public work project: Name; Address, Last 4 Digits of Social
Security number, Classification(s) in which the worker was employed, Hourly wage rate(s) paid,
Supplements paid or provided, and Daily and weekly number of hours worked in each
classification. Payroll records and transcripts are required to be kept on site during all the time
that work under that contract is being performed.
DRAFT –
FOR P&O
CONSIDERATION
10/27
Human Resources & Finance Specialist
Tompkins County
DEPARTMENT TOWN OF ITHACA
CLASSIFICATION COMPETITIVE
LABOR GRADE E
APPROVED 9/2025
REVISED ____________
BY HB, Deputy Commissioner of Human Resources
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
a) Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered four-year college or university with a
Bachelor’s Degree in business or closely related field; OR
(b) Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered two-year college with an Associate’s Degree
in business or closely related field AND two years of full-time paid (or the equivalent part-time and/or volunteer)
experience in a role relating to human resources, payroll, finance or accounting; OR
(c) Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma AND four years of full-time paid
(or the equivalent part-time and/or volunteer) experience in a role relating to human resources, payroll, finance or
accounting; OR
(d) Any combination of education, training and experience equal to or greater than that described in (a), (b) or (C)
above.
Tompkins County is Committed to Equity and Inclusion. We encourage those with similar values to apply.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
This position is primarily responsible for the receipt and processing of information required to prepare and process
payroll but also includes a variety of other human resource, finance and clerical tasks. Routine, and at times, complex
work involving performance of standard municipal accounting practices is required. Work is performed under general
supervision of the Human Resources Manager and in collaboration with the Finance and Deputy Finance Officers.
Incumbent will also serve as Deputy Receiver of Taxes and assist with property tax collections. There is moderate
exercise of independent judgment and autonomy in carrying out details of the work, referring difficult or unusual
problems to the supervisor as needed. Supervision may be exercised over the work of interns, project assistants or
temporary clerical staff. The incumbent will perform all related duties as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Assists with the administration of human resources, payroll, and employee benefit programs including health
insurance, workers’ compensation, retirement, disability insurance, deferred compensation, life insurance
and unemployment benefits for employees, retirees and survivors;
Assists with work performed by the finance office including accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash
receipts, maintenance of the general ledger, bank reconciliations, budget monitoring and bank transactions;
Utilizes various software modules related to personnel, finance, utility billing and tax collection in the
performance of daily activities;
Inputs payroll data and troubleshoots payroll runs prior to finalizing and distributing employee pay
checks/stubs;
Prepares biweekly, monthly, quarterly and annual payroll-related reports and forms including civil service,
W2’s, state and federal tax distribution, NYS retirement, Department of Labor, health insurance, support
payments, garnishees, and union dues;
Prepares, processes and maintains payroll record changes such as health insurance, retirement, taxes, to
ensure accurate monthly billing and record keeping;
Assists with balancing and auditing payroll records including various contract provisions calculating paid
and fringe time;
Assists with the review of a variety of documents such as claim forms, vouchers, invoices, purchase orders
to determine eligibility for payment or to verify accuracy of payment made, according to defined procedures
and policies and assist with verifying all calculations and codes on documents;
Assist with accounts receivables including property tax collection and quarterly water and sewer collections;
Completes requests for wage and employment verification for retirement system, banks and other lending
institutions;
Maintains a computerized database of employee attendance and provides regular notification to all employees
of paid time off leave;
Contacts clients, vendors, etc. to obtain additional information as necessary;
Files and maintains all related records as related to processing of payrolls, invoices, vouchers, bills,
correspondences;
Assists with comparative salary and benefit data for various surveys, reports and collective bargaining;
Assists with orientations for all employees to review benefits and annual open enrollments;
Prepares confidential materials regarding employee wages and benefits for negotiations purposes;
Assists with the preparation of salary and benefit notices for all employees;
Assist with training and development opportunities, safety coordination and other employee related
programs;
Assist employees in understanding the terms and conditions of employment as specified in negotiated
collective bargaining agreements;
Assist with vacancy notices and advertising for vacancies;
Process data either for computer or other records, and operates calculator, and other related office equipment;
Prepares forms, form letters, transcripts, invoices, vouchers, records, payrolls, reports, letters, memoranda;
May assist with following up with various insurance carriers and/or providers on unique or difficult cases;
Assists with Employer of Record agencies needs;
Attends committee meetings and/or external meetings with outside entities with or for the Human Resources
Manager as requested.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Good knowledge of modern methods used in keeping and checking financial payroll and accounts payable
records and accounts;
Good knowledge of policies and procedures related to health, dental, and prescription program benefits,
coverage, and billing procedures;
Good knowledge of provisions, principles, and applications of negotiated agreements with employee
bargaining units;
Good knowledge of the principles and practices of modern public fiscal administration, including internal
auditing, accounting and fiscal management;
Good knowledge of computerized accounting systems and the NYS Uniform System of Accounts
Ability to apply Government Accounting principles and practices;
Good knowledge of computerized programs such as Microsoft Office Excel and Word programs;
Good knowledge of office terminology, procedures, equipment and business English;
Good knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, rules and regulations regarding payroll preparation;
Ability to operate personal computer with great accuracy (speed is not critical);
Ability to perform close, detailed work involving considerable concentration;
Ability to analyze and organize complex data and prepare records and reports;
Ability to understand and interpret complex oral and/or written directions;
Ability to develop effective working relationships and deal diplomatically with the public, subordinates, and
other work contacts;
Tact, confidentiality, integrity and good judgment in solving complex account keeping problems are all
required personal characteristics;
The employee’s mental and physical condition shall be commensurate with the demands of the position.
Originally Created 09/2025
H46