HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 2025-12-30YEAR END MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
Town Hall, 215 N Tioga St.
December 30, 2025, 11:00 a.m.
For your convenience, participation is available through
ZOOM (929) 436-2866 Meeting ID 98910958241 and viewing only via YouTubeMeetingsLink
AGENDA
1. Public Hearing and consider:
a. Approval of a multi-year contract with the City of Ithaca for Emergency Response
and Fire Protection
b. Authorization to purchase approximately 137 acres on South Hill to establish Sage
Preserve
2. Consider approval of the Plant to Plant and Multijurisdictional Pretreatment Agreements
3. Consider award of contracts – Town of Ithaca 2nd Floor & Court Office Renovation
Project Construction Contracts
4. Consider approval of budget amendments and transfers
5. Consider resolutions of appreciation for:
a. Rich DePaolo
b. Margaret Johnson
6. Consider Consent agenda Items
a. Approval of Town Board Minutes
b. Approval of Town of Ithaca Abstract
c. Approval of provisional appointment of Human Resources and Finance Specialist
- Wood
d. Set public hearings for January 12, 2026 regarding proposed local laws for
Stewart and Cass Park Monetary Support; Senior/Certain Disabled Persons Tax
Exemptions, and Town of Ithaca Code definition of “ordinary high water”
e. Approval of transfer of funds to the Open Space Fund
f. Authorization of an extension of the existing contract with Barton and Loguidice,
D.P.C. for Site Design and Development Criteria Manual
g. Authorization to update contract with Taitem Engineering in support of Ithaca
Energy Code Supplement Implementation
h. Approval of designation and sale of Surplus Equipment
7. Review of Correspondence
TB 2025-12-30 (Filed 1/1/26) Pg. 1
YEAR END MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
December 30, 2025
MINUTES
Board Members: Rod Howe, Supervisor; Rich DePaolo, Pamela Bleiwas, Margaret Johnson
and Susie Gutenberger Absent: Eric Levine and Rob Rosen
Staff : Judy Drake, Director of Human Resources; Marty Moseley, Director of Code
Enforcement; Paulette Rosa, Town Clerk; Joe Slater, Director of Public Works; and Justin
McNeal, Acting Director of Engineering
1. Public Hearings and consider:
a. Approval of a multi-year contract with the City of Ithaca for Emergency Response
and Fire Protection
Mr. howe opened the public hearing; there was no one wishing to speak and the hearing was
closed.
Mr. Howe and Mr. DePaolo recapped the negotiations, noting that the Town and City hired a
consultant to look at the way the contract has been negotiated in the past, and although we are
paying the same as last year, it was a very informative exercise, and it will be useful in future
negotiations.
There is a lot of detail in the contract that protects against some of the issues the Town has had
in the past, such as no communication of budget overages, and waiting until the last minute to
negotiate contract terms, but this is a service contract, and we do not have a lot of leverage.
Ms. Bleiwas asked if there were protections in the contract to prohibit the City from postponing
negotiations until the last minute and Mr. Howe responded that there is; the contract spells out a
lot more than previous contracts.
TB Resolution 2025 146: Approval of and authorization for the Town Supervisor to sign a
contract with the City of Ithaca for Fire Protection and Emergency Services by the City of
Ithaca Fire Department
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca has contracted with the City of Ithaca for Fire Protection and
Emergency Services for a number of years, and
Whereas, negotiations for the proposed contract for 2026 - 2030 have been held, and
Whereas, a duly publicized public hearing was held, and all persons interested in speaking on the
subject were heard, and
TB 2025-12-30 (Filed 1/1/26) Pg. 2
Whereas, the proposed fire contract with the City of Ithaca is for the provision of fire
protection and emergency services for the Town except for the Village of Cayuga Heights
pursuant to Town Law § 184, and
Whereas, The initial term of this Agreement shall be January 1, 2026, through December 31,
2028. Unless a party gives the other party notice of intent not to renew by January 1 of the year
in which the Agreement terminates, this Agreement shall automatically renew for up to (2) one-
year terms on the same terms and conditions as those set forth in this Agreement.
Whereas, Town Law § 184(5) requires contracts for town fire protection districts to state a
definite sum to be paid each year for all of the services to be rendered thereunder. The Town
shall pay the City the following annual sums for the City’s services under this Agreement:
2026: $5,317,062
2027: $5,646,713
2028: $5,996,809
(If renewed):
2029: $6,368,611
2030: $6,763,465
Whereas, both parties understand that there are general City overhead expenses outside of the
internal Ithaca Fire Department administrative services that are required to operate the Fire
Department. These include expenses from the City Manager’s Office, City Controller’s Office,
Department of Public Works, Department of Information and Community Engagement, City
Chamberlain’s Office, City Attorney’s Office, and Human Resources Department. These and
other such expenses shall be considered administrative fees. The Town shall pay the City Three
Hundred Thirty Thousand Dollars ($330,000) for its share of such administrative fees for the
year 2026. The administrative fees are included in the annual sums listed for the years 2026-2030
at the beginning of Section 5, and the Town shall pay the City this fee in equal installments on a
monthly basis as part of its annual sum payments. For each year after 2026, the Town’s share of
the administrative fees to be included in the annual sum shall be calculated by multiplying
6.617% by the Town’s Percentage Share (defined in Section 5(d) above) of that year’s budgeted
Net Expenditures for the Ithaca Fire Department.
Whereas, the contract articulates processes for the communication of budgetary information,
may it therefore be
Resolved, that the Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor to sign this multi-year fire
protection contract.
Moved: Susie Gutenberger Seconded: Rich DePaolo
Vote: ayes – Gutenberger, Howe, DePaolo, Bleiwas and Johnson
b. Authorization to purchase approximately 137 acres on South Hill to establish Sage
Preserve
TB 2025-12-30 (Filed 1/1/26) Pg. 3
Mr. howe opened the public hearing; there was no one wishing to speak and the hearing was
closed.
Mr. Howe gave an overview of the acquisition, noting that we have received two grants totaling
$250,000 for this preserve, with a projected cost for the Town of around $258,650. He added that
this has been in process for a couple of years and the owners graciously reduced the cost by
$168,000 because they want the land preserved and noted there is a memo from Mr. Smith with
more details.
Ms. Johnson asked why the Town buys properties for preserves.
Mr. Howe responded that the Town values protecting open space and nature and Mr. DePaolo
added that this strategically limits certain types of development sprawl because usually, the
properties as zoned could have multiple lots or dense developments on them, in line with our
Comprehensive Plan and New Neighborhood Code.
TB Resolution 2025 - 147: Authorization to purchase approximately 137 acres on South
Hill (Sage Preserve)
Whereas, the owners of approximately 137 acres (Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.’s 44.-2-10, 45.-
1-2.2 and a portion of 45.-1-1.2) of undeveloped lands on South Hill have offered to sell the
properties to the Town of Ithaca for a new preserve, and
Whereas, on May 8, 2023, the Town Board authorized an appraisal be completed for the
properties, and
Whereas, an appraisal was completed in May 2023 with a purchase value determined to be
$655,000, with the total cost to acquire the properties being approximately $676,650, and
Whereas, the landowners have offered to donate a portion of the value ($168,000) of the
acquisition, reducing the overall cost of the acquisition to the Town to $508,650, and
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca has received a $50,000 grant from the Park Foundation and a
$200,000 grant from Tompkins County (Natural Infrastructure Capital Program) toward this
acquisition project, leaving approximately $258,650 as the Town share, and
Whereas, a Real Property Purchase Agreement and Sales Contract was signed in September
2025, 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 July 24, 2023, and
Whereas, the Town Board held a duly noticed public hearing on December 30, 2025, to consider
comments from the public regarding the proposed acquisition of approximately 137 acres for a
new preserve; now, therefore, be it
TB 2025-12-30 (Filed 1/1/26) Pg. 4
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby authorizes the acquisition of
approximately 137 acres on South Hill (Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.’s 44.-2-10, 45.-1-2.2 and
a portion of 45.-1-1.2) from Tessa Sage Flores and Ird Goldstein; and be it further
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca authorizes the payment to Tessa Sage
Flores and Ira Goldstein of $508,650 (includes $50,000 from Park Foundation, $200,000 from
Tompkins County, and $258,650 from the Town of Ithaca) for such property upon closing the
transfer, receipt of the executed deed, and approval of the attorney for the Town of the title to
such property; and be it further
Resolved, that payment of said funds are to be made from the Town’s Parks, Recreation & Open
Space Plan Account; 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 the Town Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute the necessary documents on
behalf of the Town; and be it 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 will publish and post a notice of adoption of this resolution, stating it
is subject to a permissive referendum.
Moved: Rich DePaolo Seconded: Rod Howe
Vote: ayes – DePaolo, Howe, Gutenberger, Bleiwas and Johnson
2. Consider approval of the Plant to Plant and Multijurisdictional Pretreatment
Agreements
Mr. DePaolo gave an overview, saying these agreements have been simplified a bit and changes
the calculations and fee structure for flows from the Village to the Town which benefits the
Town.
TB Resolution 2025 - 148: Approval of and Authorization for Supervisor to Sign the Plant
to Plant Agreement and Multijurisdictional Pretreatment Agreement between the City of
Ithaca, Town of Ithaca, Town of Dryden and Village of Cayuga Heights relating to Sewer
Flows from Cayuga Heights through the Kline Road Bypass.
Whereas, the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility (IAWWTF), which is owned and
operated by the three IAWWTF Owners, treats municipal wastewater originating from the City
and Town of Ithaca, as well as portions of the Town of Dryden, pursuant to a Joint Sewer
Agreement dated December 31, 2003, as it may be amended; and
TB 2025-12-30 (Filed 1/1/26) Pg. 5
Whereas, the Village of Cayuga Heights Wastewater Treatment Plant (VCHWWTP), which is
owned and operated by the Village of Cayuga Heights, treats municipal wastewater from the
Village of Cayuga Heights as well as portions of the Towns of Ithaca, Dryden, Lansing, and the
Village of Lansing under the terms of individual agreements with the Village of Cayuga Heights
and their respective sewer use laws and ordinances; and
Whereas, the four municipalities believe that it is in their best interests to make full use of
existing community assets before building new or expanding existing facilities, provided any
proposed agreement makes allowance for future demands within those municipalities during the
agreement period, and that the costs are distributed in accordance with the benefits received,
including avoided costs; and
Whereas, because their mission is to serve the aforementioned municipalities, there is a history
of cooperation between the owners of the two wastewater treatment plants focused on protecting
the environment by cooperating in the treatment of sewage; and
Whereas, the municipalities’ Intermunicipal Wastewater Agreement dated December 31, 2003,
endorses the concept of the Village of Cayuga Heights’ utilization of excess IAWWTF capacity
to leverage the efficient treatment of waste without causing an environmental emergency and/or
to comply with DEC point discharge regulations; and
Whereas, the IAWWTF Owners must implement and enforce a pretreatment program to control
discharges from all IAWWTF industrial users pursuant to requirements set out in 40 CFR Part
403; and
Whereas, the Village of Cayuga Heights agrees to adopt a sewer use law that subjects the
industrial users within its boundaries, whose wastewater discharges are capable of flowing to the
IAWWTF, to the necessary pretreatment controls, and to implement and enforce that sewer use
law; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Ithaca Town Board authorizes the Supervisor to sign the (A) Plant to Plant
Agreement Between City of Ithaca, Town of Ithaca, Town of Dryden and Village of Cayuga
Heights, and (B) Multijurisdictional Pretreatment Agreement Between City of Ithaca, Town of
Ithaca, Town of Dryden and Village of Cayuga Heights, subject to approval from the Attorney
for the Town, and contingent on approval of both Agreements by the City of Ithaca, Town of
Dryden and Village of Cayuga Heights.
Moved: Pamela Bleiwas Seconded: Rich DePaolo
Vote: ayes – Bleiwas, DePaolo, Howe, Gutenberger and Johnson
3. Consider award of contracts – Town of Ithaca 2nd Floor & Court Office Renovation
Project Construction Contracts
Mr. O’Neal gave an overview and recapped the bidding processes, noting that this second bid
came in lower than the first.
TB 2025-12-30 (Filed 1/1/26) Pg. 6
TB Resolution 2025 - 149: Authorization to increase the budget, award, and execute
Contracts for the Town of Ithaca 2nd Floor & Court Office Renovation Project
Whereas, the Town Board allocated $1.2 million for the Town of Ithaca 2nd Floor & Court
Office Renovation Project Construction Contracts (Project), for the removal of hazardous
materials remediation and installation of elements such as walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and
windows, along with plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and lighting systems installations at
Town Hall in the 2025 Town Budget, and
Whereas, the Town solicited and received bids in March of 2025 for the Project, totaling over
$1.92 million (with contingencies), and
Whereas the Town Engineer suggested the higher costs were due to a poor bidding environment
and the Town Board rejected the bids and authorized rebidding the project in December 2025,
and
Whereas, on December 8, 2025, the Town received the second round of bids for the Project and
the Town Engineer reviewed the bids and determined that the lowest responsive and responsible
bidders are as shown:
Table 1
Constructi
on
Contract
Bidder Bidder Adress Bid Amount
General Aventus NV,
Inc. 1461 Country Road 6 Phelps, NY 14532 $1,276,825.00
Mechanical
DFM
Mechanical
Services, Inc.
390 Peruville Rd, Freeville, NY 13068 $74,480.00
Plumbing
DFM
Mechanical
Services, Inc.
390 Peruville Rd, Freeville, NY 13068 $80,465.00
Electrical
Matco
Electric
Corporation
3913 Gates Road Vestal, NY 13850 $89,500.00
Construction Contract Total = $ 1,521,270.00
Construction Contingency, Special Inspections and Testing, Utility
Fees (10%) = $ 152,127.00
Project Total = $ 1,673,397.00
Resolved, the Town Board authorizes the budget amendment for the Project at a cost not to
exceed $1,673,397 and approves the award and execution of the contracts for the Project as
detailed in Table 1, subject to final approval by the Town Engineer and review by the Attorney
for the Town, and be it further
TB 2025-12-30 (Filed 1/1/26) Pg. 7
Resolved, the Town Engineer is authorized to approve change orders to said contracts, order
special inspections and testing, and pay utility modification fees at a cost not to exceed
$152,127.00 in aggregate, upon receipt of appropriate justification.
Moved: Rod Howe Seconded: Susie Gutenberger
Vote: ayes – Howe, Gutenberger, Johnson, Bleiwas and DePaolo
4. Consider approval of budget amendments and transfers
TB Resolution 2025 - 150: Approval of Budget Transfers, Amendments and Modifications
for December 30, 2025.
Whereas, the Town Finance Officer has reviewed all budgetary revenue and appropriation
accounts for the period ending December 15, 2025, and
Whereas, this review disclosed certain budgetary revenues and expenditures requiring transfers,
amendments or modifications summarized below:
General Fund
ACCOUNT DEPT DESCRIPTION TO FROM
AA1010.410 TOWN BOARD CONFERENCES & MILEAGE 3,000
AA1110.400 JUSTICE CONTRACTUAL 10,225
AA1110.408 JUSTICE POSTAGE 200
AA1110.410 JUSTICE CONFERENCES & MILEAGE 1,000
AA1110.420 JUSTICE DUES & PUBLICATIONS 50
AA1110.482 JUSTICE NYS FEES, FINES & COLLECTIONS 13,000
AA1110.489 JUSTICE COURT SECURITY OFFICER 1,800
AA1320.401 AUDITING AUDITING SERVICES 243
AA1410.400 CLERK CONTRACTUAL 260
AA1410.408 CLERK POSTAGE 300
AA1410.410 CLERK CONFERENCES & MILEAGE 2,250
AA1410.420 CLERK DUES & PUBLICATIONS 60
AA1410.423 CLERK LEGAL ADS 1,000
AA1420.402 LAW LEGAL SERVICES 60,000
AA1430.403 HR LABOR CONSULTANT 2,500
AA1430.404 HR PAYROLL SUPPLIES 1
AA1430.410 HR CONFERENCES & MILEAGE 3,000
AA1430.421 HR EDUCATION & TRAINING 5,500
AA1430.428 HR COLLEGE REIMBURSEMENT 1,500
AA1430.429 HR MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS 2,800
AA1430.492 HR SOFTWARE 20,000
AA1440.110 ENGINEERING INTERN 22,500
AA1440.200 ENGINEERING EQUIPMENT 10,500
AA1440.403 ENGINEERING CONSULTING SERVICES 20,000
AA1440.416 ENGINEERING CELL PHONE REIMB 540
AA1440.420 ENGINEERING DUES & PUBLICATIONS 1,500
AA1440.421 ENGINEERING EDUCATION & TRAINING 4,800
AA1440.440 ENGINEERING PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIP 1,400
AA1440.450 ENGINEERING PETROLEUM PRODUCTS 2,500
AA1440.451 ENGINEERING VEHICLE MAINTENANCE 500
AA1460.413 RECORDS MGMT CODIFICATION 3,000
TB 2025-12-30 (Filed 1/1/26) Pg. 8
ACCOUNT DEPT DESCRIPTION TO FROM
AA1620.441 BLDG & GROUNDS
BLDG & GROUNDS
MAINTENANCE 9,000
AA1620.444 BLDG & GROUNDS SECURITY & FIRE ALARM 2,500
AA1620.447 BLDG & GROUNDS UTILITIES 8,000
AA1620.449 BLDG & GROUNDS FURNITURE & FURNISHINGS 17,000
AA1620.517 BLDG & GROUNDS COURT CLERK/MEZZ PROJECT 385,093
AA1650.415 TELEPHONES CONTRACTUAL 14,500
AA1680.400 IT CONTRACTUAL 35,000
AA1680.415 IT TELEPHONE 5,000
AA1680.421 IT EDUCATION & TRAINING 5,000
AA1680.496 IT INTERNET & PWF 60
AA1910.439 SPECIAL ITEMS LIABILITY INSURANCE 51
AA1920.488 SPECIAL ITEMS TAXES & ASSESSMENTS 1,908
AA1990.488 SPECIAL ITEMS CONTINGENCY 74,647
AA2501.000 REVENUE GIFTS & DONATIONS 140,485
AA3088.000 REVENUE JUSTICE COURT GRANT 6,564
AA3310.455 TRAFFIC ROAD SIGNS 4,500
AA5010.420 HIGHWAY SUPT DUES & PUBLICATIONS 1,200
AA5010.421 HIGHWAY SUPT SAFETY & TRAINING 2,000
AA5132.441 HIGHWAY GARAGE GARAGE MAINTENANCE 5,000
AA5132.447 HIGHWAY GARAGE UTILITIES 6,000
AA5132.517 HIGHWAY GARAGE CAPITAL PROJECT 617,276
AA5182.400 STREET LIGHTING CONTRACTUAL 6,000
AA5182.447 STREET LIGHTING ELECTRICITY 2,000
AA5182.500 STREET LIGHTING NEW STREET LIGHTS 20,000
AA7110.271 PARKS TRUCK 10,000
AA7110.272 PARKS TRUCK 3,200
AA7110.278 PARKS EQUIPMENT 5,186
AA7110.279 PARKS EQUIPMENT 1,190
AA7110.400 PARKS CONTRACTUAL 2,500
AA7110.441 PARKS MAINTENANCE 8,000
AA7110.450 PARKS PETROLEUM 8,000
AA7110.457 PARKS PARKS IMPROVEMENTS 7,500
AA7110.526 PARKS TRAIL OVERLAY 16,482
AA7110.530 PARKS IACOVELLI PLAYGROUND 5,000
AA7110.531 PARKS CODDINGTON RD PARKING LOT 15,000
AA8540.2721 STORMWATER TRUCK 2,699
AA8540.272 STORMWATER TRUCK 785
AA8540.278 STORMWATER EQUIPMENT 1,297
AA8540.400 STORMWATER CONTRACTUAL 2,500
AA8540.408 STORMWATER POSTAGE 150
AA8540.410 STORMWATER CONFERENCES & MILEAGE 500
AA8540.459 STORMWATER TOOLS & EQUIPMENT 7,500
AA9030.800 NYS RETIREMENT SOCIAL SECURITY 28
AA9050.800 UNEMPLOYEMENT UNEMPLOYMENT 42
AA9950.900 CAPITAL PROJECT TRANSFER TO CAPITAL 282,162
AA9950.921 CAPITAL PROJECT E SHORE DRIVE 21,543
AA9950.928 CAPITAL PROJECT XFER TO PWF H 385,381
GENERAL FUND - PART TOWN
ACCOUNT DEPT DESCRIPTION TO FROM
BB1420.402 LAW LEGAL SERVICES 120,000
TB 2025-12-30 (Filed 1/1/26) Pg. 9
BB1680.400 IT CONTRACTUAL 5,000
BB1680.491 IT HARDWARE & SOFTWARE 79
BB1910.439 SPECIAL ITEMS LIABILITY INSURANCE 2,000
BB8010.420 CODES DUES & PUBLICATION 1,457
BB9010.800 BENEFITS NYS ERS 67,980
BB8020.403 PLANNING PLANNING STUDY 196,516
HIGHWAY - TOWNWIDE
ACCOUNT DEPT DESCRIPTION TO FROM
DA5130.271 MACHINERY TRUCK 5,084
DA5130.459 TOOLS & EQUIPMENT 6,825
DA5142.450 SNOW REMOVAL PETROLEUM PRODUCTS 11,909
HIGHWAY - PART TOWN
ACCOUNT DEPT DESCRIPTION TO FROM
DB1420.402 LAW LEGAL SERVICES 3,500
DB1670.437 PRINTING PRINTERS 1,250
DB5112.453
PERMANENT
IMPROVEMENTS ROAD REPAIRS 51,000
DB5130.271 MACHINERY HEAVY DUTY TRUCK 29,794
DB5130.272 MACHINERY MEDIUM DUTY TRUCK 33,849
DB5130.278 MACHINERY SPECIALTY EQUIPMENT 12,966
DB5142.459 SNOW REMOVAL TOOLS & EQUIPMENT 13,754
DB5110.453 GENERAL REPAIRS ROAD REPAIRS
146,113
WATER
ACCOUNT DEPT DESCRIPTION TO FROM
FF1380.400 BONDS CONTRACTUAL 1,680
FF1670.437 PRINTING COPIERS 600
FF1680.400 IT CONTRACTUAL 1,500
FF910.439 SPECIAL ITEMS LIABILITY INSURANCE 1,100
FF8340.271 TRANSM &DIST TRUCK 8,021
FF8340.272 TRANSM &DIST TRUCK 10,155
FF8340.278 TRANSM &DIST EQUIPMENT 3,890
FF8340.400 TRANSM &DIST CONTRACTUAL 1,800
FF8340.447 TRANSM &DIST ELECTRICITY 16,000
FF8340.451 TRANSM &DIST VEHICLE MAINTENANCE 1,200
FF8340.470 TRANSM &DIST LINE REPAIR 3,500
FF8340.476 TRANSM &DIST PUMP STATION MAINTENANCE 19,000
FF8340.479 TRANSM &DIST REFUNDS 214
FF8350.472 WATER SUPPLY SCLIWC CHARGES 3,700
FF9045.800 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS LIFE INSURANCE 33
FF8340.563 TRANSM &DIST CAPITAL PROJECT 72,393
SEWER
ACCOUNT DEPT DESCRIPTION TO FROM
GG1670.437 PRINTING PRINTERS 600
GG1680.400 IT CONTRACTUAL 90
GG1910.439 SPECIAL ITEMS LIABILITY INSURANCE 400
GG8120.271 SANITARY SEWERS TRUCK 5,350
GG8120.272 SANITARY SEWERS TRUCK 6,770
TB 2025-12-30 (Filed 1/1/26) Pg. 10
ACCOUNT DEPT DESCRIPTION TO FROM
GG8120.278 SANITARY SEWERS EQUIPMENT 2,592
GG8120.447 SANITARY SEWERS ELECTRICITY 2,282
GG8120.474 SANITARY SEWERS VCH SEWER TRANSMISSION 52,000
GG8150.471 JOINT SEWER TRANSMISSION 5,740
GG8150.472 JOINT SEWER IMPROVEMENT BONDS 2,940
GG8120.564 SANITARY SEWERS SEWER REHABILITATION 78,764
Resolved, that this Town Board authorizes and directs the Town Finance Officer to record all
budget transfers, amendments, and modifications, including all other changes deemed
appropriate and necessary.
Moved: Margaret Johnson Seconded: Susie Gutenberger
Vote: ayes- Johnson, Gutenberger, Howe, DePaolo and Bleiwas
5. Consider resolutions of appreciation for:
Board members read the resolutions for Margaret Johnson and Rich DePaolo aloud.
Mr. Howe noted that Mr. DePaolo has agreed to stay on the Sewer Joint Committee and the
Access Oversight Committee as a non-voting, non-town board member appointee.
TB Resolution 2025 - 151: Recognition of Margaret Johnson’s Dedicated Years of Service
Whereas, Margaret Johnson has served as a Town Board member for the past 4 years, serving
from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2025, and
Whereas, Margaret had also served as an Alternate Planning Board member from January 1,
2021, through December 31, 2021, and
Whereas, Margaret brought her many years of experience as a Legislative Aide, and helped set
goals for creating a more sustainable community, and
Whereas, Margaret also served on the Town Board’s Planning, Personnel and Organization, and
Green New Deal Committees, and
Whereas, Margaret is passionate about the Town’s support for alternative modes of
transportation and the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists, and
Whereas, Margaret carefully considered the merits of every decision and deliberated with her
other Town Board members with kindness and sincerity, and
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca is grateful for Margaret’s service and has greatly benefited from her
thoughtful input and her desire to serve our municipality; and
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca is indebted to Margaret for her invaluable contributions to the
community; now, therefore, be it
TB 2025-12-30 (Filed 1/1/26) Pg. 11
Resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca, on behalf of the Town and its residents,
expresses its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Margaret Johnson for her years of dedicated
service to our community.
Moved: Rich DePaolo Seconded: Pamela Bleiwas
Vote: ayes – DePaolo, Bleiwas, Howe, and Gutenberger
TB Resolution 2025 - 152: Recognition of Richard DePaolo’s Dedicated Years of Service
Whereas, Richard (Rich) DePaolo was appointed as Town Board member in June of 2008 to fill
a vacancy, and elected to office in 2009, for a total of almost 18 years of service, and served as
Deputy Town Supervisor from January 2022 through December 2025; and
Whereas, Rich has served on the Town’s Planning Committee since 2008, the Public Works
Committee from 2009 until 2025, helping to protect the character of the town and foster
responsible development and growth while protecting against sprawl; and
Whereas, Rich was especially effective and diligent in protecting the Town’s interests while
serving on the Special Joint Committee of the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility,
potentially saving the Town hundreds of thousands of dollars; and
Whereas, Rich worked tirelessly on the development of Short-Term Rental legislation, serving
on that subcommittee for over 3 years and balancing the needs of property owners with the
protection of neighborhoods; and
Whereas, Rich came with experience coaching youth sports, and was appointed to the Joint
Youth Commission, serving from 2009 to 2025, helping to guide and support activities for our
youth; and
Whereas, Rich is passionate about public access to television, and served on the Cable Access
Oversight Committee, protecting the rights of the public to have access to public airwaves and
public television; and
Whereas, Rich’s expertise was utilized on many other committees, including the Southern
Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission - Bolton Point, and ad-hoc committee
appointments on the Green New Deal, Economic Development, and Community Choice
Aggregation Committees; and
Whereas, with those commitments and responsibilities, Rich retained his sense of humor, always
ready with a witty comeback or comment, which was appreciated by staff and colleagues; and
Whereas, Rich’s dedication to reading every packet thoroughly and asking pointed questions
have immeasurably impacted the Town’s local laws, policies and communications; and
Whereas, at times Rich’s musical talents benefited the Town as evidenced by the amazing drone
videos of East, West, and South Hills on the Town’s website, now, therefore, be it
TB 2025-12-30 (Filed 1/1/26) Pg. 12
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca, on behalf of the Town and all its citizens,
expresses its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Richard DePaolo for his dedicated service that
has helped position the Town to be a premier municipality.
Moved: Rod Howe Seconded: Susie Gutenberger
Vote: ayes – Howe, Gutenberger, Johnson, and Bleiwas
Added Item
Mr. Slater explained that the dump truck was delivered and we need it in service as soon as
possible.
TB Resolution 2025 - 153: Authorization of payment for Western Star Dump Truck
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca submitted a purchase order (2024009) to Tracey Road Equipment,
Inc. for a new dump truck on April 1, 2024, which was delivered on December 29, 2025, and,
Whereas, the Highway Superintendent would like to put the new dump truck in service
immediately for snow removal purposes and avoid any down time, and
Whereas, payment in full is required to allow the Town to take ownership and register the dump
truck, now, therefore be it
Resolved, that the Town Board approves and authorizes the release of payment in the amount of
$343,029.00 from the appropriate accounts to Tracy Road Equipment for the new dump truck.
Moved: Rich DePaolo Seconded: Susie Gutenberger
Vote: DePaolo, Gutenberger, Johnson, and Bleiwas
Added Item
Mr. Moseley explained that the current contract expires this week and he had solicited bids from
a number of companies and Deckard Technologies was lower in cost than the current contract
and their references were very good. This type of service is completely on-line and therefore
their physical location is irrelevant.
TB Resolution 2025 - 154: Award Contract for Short Term Rental monitoring services
Resolved that the Town Board approves and authorizes the Supervisor to sign a contract with
Deckard Technologies, 1620 Fifth Ave., Ste 400, Sand Diego, CA, for professional Short Term
Rental monitoring services with an initial term of one year at a cost of $5,000 with an option for
additional years subject to price increase(s) agreeable to both parties.
Moved: Rich DePaolo Seconded: Susie Gutenberger
Vote: ayes – DePaolo, Gutenberger, Howe, Bleiwas and Johnson
TB 2025-12-30 (Filed 1/1/26) Pg. 13
6. Consider Consent agenda Items
TB Resolution 2025 - 155: Consent Agenda
Resolved that the Town Board approves/authorizes the following items:
a. Approval of Town Board Minutes
b. Approval of Town of Ithaca Abstract
c. Approval of provisional appointment - Human Resources and Finance Specialist - Wood
d. Set public hearings for January 12, 2026, regarding proposed local laws for Stewart and
Cass Park Monetary Support Senior/Certain Disabled Persons Tax Exemptions, and
Definition of “ordinary high water”
e. Approval of Transfer to Open Space Fund
f. Authorization of an extension of the existing contract with Barton and Loguidice, D.P.C.
for Site Design and Development Criteria Manual
g. Authorization to update contract with Taitem Engineering in support of Ithaca Energy
Code Supplement Implementation
h. Approval of designation and sale of Surplus Equipment
Moved: Rich DePaolo Seconded: Pamela Bleiwas
Vote: ayes – DePaolo, Howe, Bleiwas, Johnson and Gutenberger
TB Resolution 2025 - 155a: Approval of Town Board Minutes
Resolved that the Town Board approves the draft minutes of November 24, and December 8,
2025 Town Board meetings as submitted with any non-substantial changes made.
TB Resolution 2025 - 155b: Approve Town of Ithaca Abstract 24 of 2025
Resolved that the Town Board approves payment of the following audited vouchers:
VOUCHER NOS. 2025 1160 - 1245
General Fund Town Wide 41,424.08
General Fund Part-Town 50,025.41
Highway Fund Town Wide DA 11,634.66
Highway Fund Part Town DB 58,291.31
Water Fund 14,106.74
Sewer Fund 776,210.99
Capital Projects 160,067.81
Risk Retention Fund 8,236.94
Fire Protection Fund 1,305.00
TOTAL 1,121,302.94
TB Resolution 2025 – 155c: Approve Provisional Appointment of Human Resources &
Finance Specialist - Wood
TB 2025-12-30 (Filed 1/1/26) Pg. 14
Whereas there is a vacancy in the Human Resources & Finance Specialist position for the
Human Resources Office; and
Whereas the Interview Committee interviewed eight candidates from an open recruitment for the
position; and
Whereas the Committee has determined that Victoria Wood possesses the necessary knowledge
and skills to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position; and
Whereas Judith Drake, Human Resources Manager appointed Victoria Wood as Human
Resources & Finance Specialist, effective December 22, 2025; now, therefore be it
Resolved the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby approve the provisional
appointment of Victoria Wood as Human Resources & Finance Specialist position for the
Human Resources Office, effective December 22, 2025; and be it further
Resolved that the position is at 37.5 hours per week, at the hourly wage of $38.75, which is an
estimated annual salary of $75,562.50 from A1430.100, in Job Classification “E”, with full time
benefits; and be it further
Resolved, the said appointment is a provisional appointment pending the results from the next
civil service exam for this position.
TB Resolution 2025 - 155d: Set public hearings for January 12, 2026
Resolved that the Town Board will hold public hearings at its meeting held on January 12, 2026,
beginning at 5:30 p.m. local time, at Town Hall, 215 N Tioga St, regarding proposed local laws
amending Town of Ithaca Code:
1. Authorizing a monetary gift to the City of Ithaca to support Cass Park and Stewart Park
recreational facilities, and
2. Amending the definition of “ordinary high water level” in Chapter 270, Zoning, and
3. Amending exemptions for Senior Citizens and Certain Disabled Persons with Limited
Income, Chapter 239, Taxation
TB Resolution 2025 - 155e: Approval of transfer of funds to the Open Space Fund
Whereas, the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan account was created by the Town Board on
October 2, 1997, for the future development of parks, preservation of open space, and acquisition
of development rights; and
Whereas, the Town Board indicated its intention to increase the Parks, Recreation and Open
Space Plan account by $ 100,000 in the 2025 Town Budget; now, therefore, be it
TB 2025-12-30 (Filed 1/1/26) Pg. 15
Resolved, the Town Board authorizes the Finance Officer to transfer $100,000 from the
unreserved General Townwide Fund account to the Parks, Recreation and Open Space P1an
account.
TB Resolution 2025 – 155f: Authorization to Extend Contract for Creation of a Site Design
and Development Criteria Manual
Whereas on May 14, 2024, the Town Board authorized an agreement with Barton & Loguidice
(B&L) for the creation of the Ithaca Site Design and Development Criteria Manual at a cost not
to exceed $87,043.00 with a term through September 1, 2025, and
Whereas on August 25, 2025, the Town Board authorized the extension of said contract through
December 31, 2025, and
Whereas there is a need to amend the contract to extend the term through December 31, 2026,
with no increase in costs, now, therefore be it
Resolved that the Town Board approves the Modification Agreement No. 2 contract extension
for the Town of Ithaca Site Design and Development Criteria Manual with B&L through
December 31, 2026, and authorizes the Town Supervisor to execute said contract extension,
subject to review by the Attorney for the Town.
TB Resolution 2025 - 155g: Authorization to execute a contract with Taitem Engineering in
Support of Ithaca Energy Code Supplement (IECS) Implementation
Whereas, the Town entered into a contract with Taitem Engineering as an external consultant to
provide technical assistance in researching and developing the next phase of the Ithaca Energy
Code Supplement (IECS); and
Whereas, the existing contract (executed on May 12, 2025) ends on December 31, 2025; and
Whereas, in 2026, the Town of Ithaca will need additional technical assistance from Taitem
Engineering to support the implementation of the new Town of Ithaca Code Chapter 14, “Ithaca
Energy Code”; now, therefore be it
Resolved, that the Town Board approves and authorizes the Supervisor to sign a new contract
with Taitem Engineering to continue technical services associated with the IECS
implementation, through December 31, 2026, for a cost not to exceed $10,000, using the
financial assistance from the NYSERDA Stretch to Zero pilot program.
TB Resolution 2025 – 155h: Designation and Authorization of Sale of Surplus Item
Whereas, a municipal online auction is held from time to time hosted by Auctions International
located in East Aurora, NY, and
Whereas, certain items have become surplus/no longer needed by the Town, and
TB 2025-12-30 (Filed 1/1/26) Pg. 16
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca Department of Public Works attempted to auction a Metso Material
Screen through Auctions International in January of 2025 and received a closing bid of $23,300.
Whereas, the Town did not accept the Auctions International closing bid due to not being able to
find a replacement material screen that was available, and
Whereas during the auction process the Town of Danby Highway Department showed interest in
the material screen and offered to buy it from the Town of Ithaca Department of Public Works
when the Town found a new material screen, and
Whereas the Highway Superintendent discussed a price with the Town of Danby Highway
Department for this Metso screen and they are offering $18,000 for the equipment, and
Whereas the Town of Ithaca department heads discussed this internally and determined that this
price is an acceptable offer for the equipment, now therefore be it
Resolved, that the Town Board declares said above-described equipment to be surplus and no
longer needed by the Town and authorizes said item to be sold to the Town of Danby Highway
Department for $18,000 with the proceeds from the sale going into the appropriate funds.
7. Review of Correspondence
Mr. Howe reported:
That we received a thank you letter from the Lake View Cemetery for some assistance we
provided.
We received a grant associated with the SouthWorks project.
Major issues continue at the IAWWTF and that will cost the partners a significant amount of
money in 2026 and on.
Discussions continue at the County level regarding providing emergency services and how to
move forward. The Center for Governmental Research report was shared with the Board. The
idea of a county-wide service is being discussed and at some point, the Town will be asked to
share those costs.
The meeting was adjourned upon a motion by Mr. Howe, seconded by Mr. DePaolo, unanimous.
Submitted by
Paulette Rosa
Town Clerk