HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 2026-03-09
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
215 N Tioga St. 5:30 p.m.
March 9, 2026
https://zoom.us/j/98910958241 YouTube Link
AGENDA
1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
2. Persons to be Heard
3. Consider authorizing the submission of an application for a NYS Transportation
Alternatives Program (TAP) Grant for the NYS Route 96 / Trumansburg Road Pedestrian
Improvements Project
4. Consider Appointment of Interim Town Board Member
5. Consider Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Town Board Minutes
b. Approval of Town of Ithaca Abstract
c. Approval of Bolton Point Abstract
d. Resolution Supporting the Deconstruction and Reuse of the Built Environment
e. Ratify permanent appointments – GTCMHIC
f. Approval of water refund to Town of Ulysses
6. Reports of Town Officials and Committees
7. Review of Correspondence
TB 2026-03-09 (Filed 3/10) Pg. 1
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
215 N Tioga St. 5:30 p.m.
March 9, 2026
For your convenience, a recording of this meeting is available on our YouTube Link
MINUTES
Present: Board Members Rod Howe, Supervisor; Eric Levine, Pamela Bleiwas, Rich DePaolo,
Susie Gutenberger, David McCune and Diana Sinton
Kelly Anderson, Director of Finance; Susan Brock, Attorney for the Town; Judy Drake, Director
of Human Resources; Justin McNeal, Town Engineer; Marty Moseley, Director of Code
Enforcement; CJ Randall, Director of Planning; Paulette Rosa, Town Clerk; and Joe Slater,
Director of Public Works
1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance – Mr. Howe called the meeting to order
2. Persons to be Heard – None
3. Consider authorizing the submission of an application for a NYS Transportation
Alternatives Program (TAP) Grant for the NYS Route 96 / Trumansburg Road
Pedestrian Improvements Project
Mr. Howe noted there was a detailed memo in the packet and the Budget and Planning
Committees have recommended applying for the grant.
Ms. Randall gave a brief overview, noting that this is authority to submit the application only.
The project is approximately 1.3 miles of sidewalk on the east side of NYS Route 96 from the
City line past the hospital with a 20% match from the Town and a projected start of 2028 if we
are successful and the Board approves accepting the grant.
Ms. Bleiwas added that she lives in the area and has heard from residents since she became a
member 10 years ago that this is needed and wanted and she was happy to see a move towards
that end.
TB Resolution 2026 - 018: Authorizing the submission of an application for a NYS
Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Grant for the NYS Route 96 / Trumansburg
Road Pedestrian Improvements Project
Whereas, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca after due consideration, has determined
that it is desirable and in the public interest to submit a grant application under the NYS
Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP); and
Whereas, the Project shall be titled “NYS Route 96 / TRUMANSBURG ROAD PEDESTRIAN
TB 2026-03-09 (Filed 3/10) Pg. 2
IMPROVEMENTS, TOWN OF ITHACA AND CITY OF ITHACA TOWN LINE TO HAYTS
ROAD TOWN OF ITHACA” (Project); and
Whereas, this Project would progress design and construction of new sidewalks along the east
side of NYS Route 96 from the Cayuga Professional Center driveway near Hayts Rd to the
existing sidewalk at the City of Ithaca boundary line including new curbing, a guiderail, a
retaining wall, and landscaping; and
Whereas, this project will significantly enhance pedestrian safety; create a reliable, connected
walking route between key facilities in the 1.3 +/- mile corridor; promote active transportation
while improving access to public transit; and, has been envisioned by the Town since 2007; and
Whereas, the total project cost is estimated to be six million dollars ($6,000,000.00) intended to
cover the design and construction with reimbursement expected at the ratio of 80% grant funds
and 20% local match; and
Whereas, The Town Board acknowledges that, if the grant is awarded, the Town of Ithaca will
pay in the first instance 100% of the cost of Engineering, ROW and Construction work for the
Project or portions thereof, with the understanding that qualified costs may be eligible for grant
reimbursement; and
Resolved, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby authorizes the submission of an
application for a NYS Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Grant and authorizes the
Supervisor, or his designee, to execute all related documents for this submission, and be it further
Resolved, the Town of Ithaca is committed to completing the Project as per the project
schedule provided in the application and will comply with all federal and state regulations.
Moved: Eric Levine Seconded: Susie Gutenberger
Vote: ayes – Howe, Sinton, McCune, Levine, Gutenberger, and Bleiwas
4. Consider Appointment of Interim Town Board Member
Mr. Howe explained that Mr. DePaolo has graciously agreed to an interim appointment to the
Town Board and the Democratic Committee will be putting forth a candidate for the November
election to fill the remaining 2 years of Mr. Rosen’s term.
TB Resolution 2026 -019: Appointment of Interim Town Board Member DePaolo
Whereas Robert Rosen, Town Board Member, passed away on February 16, 2026, creating a
vacant Town Board Member position; and
Whereas, under NYS Town Law §64 (5) and Public Officers Law §42, the Town Board, upon an
affirmative vote by the majority of its members, is authorized to fill the vacancy with a qualified
person to serve for the remainder of the calendar year, now, therefore be it
TB 2026-03-09 (Filed 3/10) Pg. 3
Resolved, that the Town Board appoints former Town Board Member Rich DePaolo to fill the
vacancy for a term beginning March 9, 2026, through December 31, 2026.
Moved: Rod Howe Seconded: Pamela Bleiwas
Vote: ayes – Howe, Bleiwas, McCune, Levine, Gutenberger, and Sinton
5. Consider Consent Agenda
TB Resolution 2026 – 020: Adopt Consent Agenda
Resolved, that the Town Board approves and/or adopts the following Consent Agenda items:
a. Approval of Town Board Minutes
b. Approval of Town of Ithaca Abstract
c. Approval of Bolton Point Abstract
d. Resolution Supporting the Deconstruction and Reuse of the Built Environment
e. Ratify permanent appointment – GTCMHIC
f. Approval of a refund of water charges to the Town of Ulysses
Moved: Rod Howe Seconded: Diane Sinton
Vote: ayes – Howe, Sinton, McCune, Levine, Gutenberger, Bleiwas and DePaolo
TB Resolution 2026 - 020a: Approval of Town Board Minutes
Resolved that the Town Board approves the minutes of February 23, 2026, as final with any non-
substantive changes made.
TB Resolution 2026 - 020b: Town of Ithaca Abstract No. 5 for FY-2026
Resolved that the Town Board authorizes the payment of the following audited vouchers in total
for the amounts indicated:
VOUCHER NOS. 2025 1308 - 1309
2026 151 - 213
General Fund Town Wide 70,760.79
General Fund Part-Town 11,701.57
Highway Fund Town Wide DA 36,059.63
Highway Fund Part Town DB 70,164.22
Water Fund 735,743.31
Sewer Fund 15,664.46
Capital Projects 62,795.00
Risk Retention Fund 2,278.30
Fire Protection Fund 886,177.00
TOTAL 1,891,344.28
TB 2026-03-09 (Filed 3/10) Pg. 4
TB Resolution 2026 - 020c: Approval of Bolton Point Abstract
Resolved that the governing Town Board approves payment of the following audited vouchers
and amounts listed:
Voucher Numbers: 58-101
Check Numbers: 21680-21723
Capital Impr/Repl Project $ 41,552.00
Operating Fund $ 122,581.63
TOTAL $ 164,133.63
TB Resolution 2026 – 020d: Supporting the Deconstruction and Reuse of the Built
Environment in the Town of Ithaca
Whereas, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca recognizes the benefits of deconstruction, and is
among a handful of other municipalities nationwide supporting these measures; and
Whereas, the Town Board recognizes the value of reuse and preservation of its cultural heritage
by prolonging the lifespan of current building stock, its architectural features, and building
material as much as possible; and
Whereas, globally, buildings account for 39% of annual greenhouse gas emissions and more than
50% of resource extraction; and
Whereas, the Town Board supports a circular economy approach to construction and
deconstruction in the built environment; and
Whereas, the Town Board supports the reduction of landfill waste through careful deconstruction
of buildings that have run their full course of use; and
Whereas, the Town Board desires as much material as possible to be reused in the community;
and
Whereas, the Town Board desires as much material as possible to be recycled that cannot be
easily reused; and
Whereas, the Town Board recognizes that the process of deconstruction, and not mechanical
demolition, will reduce the release of hazardous toxins into the environment; and
Whereas, the Town Board desires to reduce the carbon emissions associated with the extraction
and transportation of raw materials that make up our built environment; and
Whereas, the Town Board, in supporting initiatives to preserve, protect, deconstruct, and reuse
rather than demolish, desires to provide opportunities for deconstruction and reuse
businesses; and
TB 2026-03-09 (Filed 3/10) Pg. 5
Whereas, the Town Board recognizes that reused materials will still need to meet the Uniform
Code; and
Whereas, the Town Board considers this resolution to be aligned with the circular
economy objectives of Tompkins County Solid Waste Management Plan and the Town of
Ithaca’s Green New Deal Resolution goal to equitably transition to carbon-neutrality town-wide
by 2030.
Whereas, in accordance with 6 NYCRR Part 617.5 (c)(26) “routine or continuing agency
administration and management, not including new programs or major reordering of priorities
that may affect the environment,” this action does not require State Environmental Quality
Review; now, therefore be it, now, therefore, be it
Resolved that the Town of Ithaca Town Board hereby affirms its support for deconstruction and
reuse solutions as outlined above.
TB Resolution 2026 - 020e: Ratify Approval of Permanent Non-Competitive Appointment
of Certain Positions Due to NYS HELPS Program at GTCMHIC
Whereas, NYS Civil Service has developed the NY Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement
Statewide (NY HELPS) Program, which allows for competitive positions to be filled via non-
competitive appointment, which means examinations are not required, but candidates must meet
the minimum qualifications of the titles for which they apply; and
Whereas, the GTCM Heath Insurance Consortium’s titles of Benefits Manager and Benefits
Specialist have been approved under the NY HELPS program as being characterized as “Non-
Competitive”; and
Whereas, the Consortium on February 25, 2026, approved the permanent non-competitive civil
service appointments of Kylie Rodrigues, Benefits Manager and Jessica Maleski, Benefits
Specialist retroactive to July 1, 2025, with no changes in their wages and benefits; now therefore
be it
Resolved, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby ratify Consortium’s permanent
non-competitive appointments of Kylie Rodrigues, Benefits Manager and Jessica Maleski,
Benefits Specialist retroactive to July 1, 2025, with no changes in their wages and benefits.
TB Resolution 2026 - 020f: Approval of a refund of water charges to the Town of Ulysses
2025
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca and Town of Ulysses entered into a Water Service Agreement
(Agreement), which was amended in 2011 to include a water loss calculation; and
Whereas, the amended Agreement between the municipalities requires the Town of Ulysses to
invoice the Town of Ithaca in January of each year for the previous four quarters; and
TB 2026-03-09 (Filed 3/10) Pg. 6
Whereas, after conducting a review and reconciliation of the Water Services, it has been
determined that a water loss payment based on the amended Agreement formula in the amount of
$3,290.64 for the four quarters of water usage in 2025 is due to the Town of Ulysses, now,
therefore, be it
Resolved that the Town Board authorizes a refund to the Town of Ulysses in the amount of
$3,290.64 as detailed above from account F8340.475 titled Water Services Exchange.
6. Reports of Town Officials and Committees
Mr. Howe reported that:
• TGEN public event was well attended and there is another virtual meeting scheduled
for next week
• Sage Preserve closing was held today
7. Review of Correspondence – None
The meeting was adjourned upon a motion by Mr. Howe, seconded by Ms. Bleiwas; unanimous.
Submitted by
Paulette Ross
Town Clerk