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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Packet 2026-04-27 MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD Town Hall-215 N Tioga St. April 27, 2026—4:30 p.m. hgps:Hzoom.us/j/98910958241 YOUTUBE LINK AGENDA 1. Ithaca Fire Department Quarterly Report—Chief Moody 2. Tompkins County Wayfinding presentation—Whitham Planning & Design on behalf of Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce 3. Green New Deal annual report—Town Sustainability Planner Hilary Swartwood 4. Committee Reports a) Budget b) Codes & Ordinances c) Personnel and Organization/ERC d) Planning e) Public Works f) Others o CWIO o Parks, Trails, Preserves &Recreation o TCCOG 5. Consent Agenda a. Approval of Town Board Minutes b. Approval of the Town of Ithaca Abstract c. Appointment of Court Attendants d. Appointment of Planning Board Member 6. Review of Correspondence TOWN OF ITHACA „ NEW YORK Green New Deal Action Plan Overview In March 2020,the Town of Ithaca adopted a resolution in support of a Green New Deal(GND).The resolution included the development of a GND Action Plan,which describes how to achieve the Town of Ithaca goals for government operations and the broader community. The Action Plan should be thought of as a road map that provides a path for implementation by detailing specific actions and deliverables. Key Goals 1. Meet the electricity needs of Town government operations with 100%regionally sourced renewable electricity by 2025 2. Reduce emissions,or create offsets,from the Town fleet of vehicles by 50%from the 2010 levels by 2025 o Reduce emissions by at least 10% o Offset remaining emissions 3. Achieve an equitable transition to carbon-neutrality town-wide by 2030 o Reduce net emissions by at least 85%through efficiency,conservation,and renewable energy o Sequester carbon in the Town o Offset remaining GHG emissions through regional initiatives The Process: Goal Setting&Review Specific goals will be identified for 2-year periods and will be re-evaluated annually by the Planning Committee and Town Board. During the year,updates will be given periodically to the Planning Committee as a way to continually assess progress.The goals in the accompanying table are for 2025-2026. In order for the Town to achieve its goals it will include a range of topics,as determined by the Town's Comprehensive Plan. These include Institutionalization of Sustainability(EC-1);Buildings and Infrastructure(EC-2);Municipal Water and Wastewater(EC-3); Transportation(EC-4);Renewable Energy Production(EC-5);Waste Generation and Sustainable Purchasing(EC-6);and Community Resilience and Adaption(EC-7).Not every topic will be included in each new version of the Action Plan: only those actions which the sustainability planner has direct or partial involvement with will be listed. When identifying and evaluating goals for the Action Plan,the Town will: • incorporate the energy and climate protection goals and recommendations from the Town's Comprehensive Plan • incorporate policy,cost and staffing implications • seek community input and collaborative approaches,when appropriate • develop metrics to adhere to equity principles outlined in the Town's Green New Deal resolution • support exploration of grant opportunities,including federal and state,to aid implementation of GND initiatives • integrate across all components of the Town's organization and work • tap into knowledge,research,and creativity • coordinate to the fullest extent possible with City of Ithaca,Tompkins County,and other municipalities • utilize a decision-making process that factors in: Town's goals,meeting residents'needs,prosperity and vibrancy,and the environmental health of the community • track and report on progress towards achieving goals • consider the costs of environmental externalities Roles and Responsibilities • Role of Town Board:to provide policy leadership for the Town's Green New Deal initiatives • Role of Management:to provide management direction for policies and initiatives • Role of Planning Committee:annually evaluate priorities and initiatives of the Green New Deal • Role of Departments:to implement policies and initiatives • Role of Town Residents:to educate each other and collaborate with the Town,as appropriate • Partnerships/Collaborations:to collaborate with municipalities,community institutions,and organizations to achieve mutual sustainability goals 1 Green New Deal Action Plan 2025- 2026 Howwe measure progress GND-1 EC-1-B Complete government operations greenhouse gas inventory in 2025. High Sustainability Government Operations Greenhouse Gas Inventory completed and approved by Town Board in 2025. Explore incorporating internal(TOI)cost of carbon into project Sustainability,Finance,Planning, Create an analysis of possiblewaysto incorporate cost of planning GND-1 EC-1 A selection and planning(e.g.,through CIP and/or budget process). Medium Engineering,Public Works into project selection and presentto management Institutionalization of Sustainabitity GND-3 EC-1-A Develop a plan on how to best incorporate equity principles into High Sustainability,Planning Provide a draft analysis and scope of work to Town Supervisor and decision-making processes Directorof Planning Use Town newsletter and website to encourage/enable Town Revise website to be more accessible.Update website quarterly. GND-3 EC-1-A residents,employees,and other stakeholders to help create a vibrant Medium Sustainability Provide sustainability updatestothe Town newsletter. and healthy community. GND-1 EC-2-B Implementand amend the Ithaca Energy Code Supplement(Chapter High Sustainability,Codes&Zoning Amended code approved by Town Board and NYS 135 of Town Law) GND-3 EC-2-C Manage the lECS Implementation Assistance Program Medium Sustainability,Codes&Zoning Numberof projectsthat utilize thefree assistance program GND-1 EC-2-B Participate inthe NYSERDA Stretch to Zero(STZ)pilot program High Sustainability,Codes&Zoning Participation in each quarterly meetingand receive$200kin grantfunds Continue planning and implementation towards goal of net-zero Sustainability,Engineering, Town Hall weatherization study completed in 2025 and successfully Infrastructure GND-1 EC-2-D High government facilities(Town Hall and Public Works). Planning,Finance applyforgrants GND-3 EC-2-A StayinformedofCROWDand related policies(local and statelevel) Medium Sustainability Update Town Supervisor and other interested partieson for deconstruction/construction waste recycling deconstruction policies and develop a potential scope of work GND-1 EC-2-D Explore grant and funding opportunities to support Green New Deal Medium Sustainability,Finance Updated listofpotentialgrant,rebate,and incentive programs initiatives GND-2 EC-4-B Investigate implementation of EVcharging stations town-wide High Sustainability,PublicWorks Collaborate with internal departmentsto determine feasibility of EV charging stations throughout the Town Transportation GND-2 EC-4-B Analyze and monitor Town fleet with the annual Green Fleet Inventory High Sustainability,Public Works Complete Inventory and present analysis to Town Public Works Committee annually(summer) GND-2 EC-4-B Reviewand revisethe Town's Green Fleet Policy in 2025 High Sustainability,Public Works,Town Revised policyapproved by Town Board by December2025 Supervisor Continue partnership with City of Ithaca and Local Power to advance GND-3 EC-S-D the creation of a Community Choice Aggregation(CCA)program High Sustainability Launch CCA program when local administrators are approved by NYS. Renewable Energy (Chapter 144 of Town Law) Production GND-3 EC-5-B In partnership with the City of Ithaca and Local Power develop a High Sustainability Final DER Plan approved by Town Board. Distributed Energy Resource(DER)Plan Waste Generation& GND-3 EC-6-D Reviewand,if needed,revise the Gren Procurement policy. High Sustainability,Human Resources Revised policy approved by Town Board by December2025 Purchasing GND-3 EC-7-B Stay informed of NYS CLCPA implementation and related NYS Medium Sustainability Continually update TownSupervisorand other interested parties on policies. NYS climate and energy policy.Use this to inform Town policy. 2 In 010, �. 4 \ 'S• � a' _14-.� �, i3: «. �; Sy�f. j� '1. r; .� �r S/��� '��• Fig t�P# 1 / +-� -J� r .f i. `�. t• id ft, .yam � �_ �� •' OCR 40 Vv y ", r LZ Green New Deal Plam I Action Progress Report Swartwood, 00'r Hilary Sustainabitity Planner tv 'YO Town of • : • . • 0000 April 27, 2026 Agenda Sustainability Planner: What does she do? Green New Deal (GND) Action Plan Process GND + Comprehensive Plan Overview - GND Action Plan 2025- 2026 Status of Government Operations: Transitioning to 100% Regionally Sourced Renewable Energylop Status of Town Vehicle Fleet: Emission Trends Status of Town Vehicle Fleet: Challenges & Focus Areas Major Accomplishments since the Adoption of the 2020 Green New Deal Resources 04/27/2026 ®TOWN OF ITHACA NEW YORK Sustainability Planner: What does she do? This is a general overview,these percetages fluctuate depending on the programs/projects. Percentages are based on work done in one week(5 days, 35 hours). Sustainability Programs: Tompkins Green Energy Network (CCA + Own Your Power), Green Fleet Capital Projects: Town Hall Weatherization, o Inventory, Clean Energy Communities (CEC), Incorporating/ institutionalizing Sustainability 23/o Green New Deal Action Plan, Energy and Climate 17o� and equity in Town processes (like Capital Protection Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan, Improvement Project (CIP)) Town Building Electrification, Ithaca Energy Code Supplement (IECS). Partnerships: Tompkins County Climate Protection Initiative (TCCPI), Climate and Administration: Website updates, email, 17% Sustainable Energy Advisory (CaSE) Board, 2030 11/ timesheets, HR forms, grant management, District, Circular Reuse and Zero Waste project management, etc. Development (CROWD), Town Meetings, Intermunicipal meetings, community meetings, etc. Professional Development: Urban Sustainability Regulatory Projects: IECS, Gov't Operations GHG Directors Network (USDN) participation, ICLEI 17% Inventory, Green Procurement policy review, 14% participation, certificate programs, continuing Deconstruction analysis education (conferences, workshops, webinars) 04/27/2026 ®TOWN OF ITHACA NEW YORK The Action Plan is a living New goals are developed The Planning Committee document that provides a based on the Comprehensive assesses progress annually.* path for implementation by Plan, progress reviews and This helps Town staff detailing specific actions and input from internal and prioritize actions for the next deliverables. external partners. two years. Updates are provided The Sustainability Planner periodically to the Planning acts as the project / program Changes are incorporated Committee throughout the manager for the Green New and reported to the Town Deal Action Plan. Tasks are Board. Green New Deal Action Plan Process year.** designated by department. *This is a change from 2025.Instead of assessing progress every 2 years,as was done previously,the Planning Committee recommends moving to an annual update. "This is a change from 2024.Instead of reconvening the GND Action Plan Committee _ every year,the review process TOWN 1 14 1 • NEW 1 ' Cq Green New Dead Comprehensive Plan O • Incorporate sustainability and climate protection into Long- Achieve an equitable transition to carbon- term planning [EC-1] =; neutrality town-wide by2030 Reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in buildings and infrastructure [EC-2] 0000 ;�- Meet electricity needs of Town government �.. � Reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions operations with 100% regionally sourced related to treatment and distribution [EC-3] renewable electricity by 2025 Reduce energy consumption and greenhouse emissions in 0000, ' transportation [EC-4] Reduce emissions from the Town fleet o %qo i i 4 vehicles by 50% from 2010 levels by 2025 Encourage and facilitate production and use of renewable - energy [EC-5] Reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to waste generation and purchasing [EC-6] ••• • Build a resilient community by preparing for adapting to impacts of climate change [EC-7] 04/27/2026 .'n TOWN OF ITHACA NEW YORK How we measure progress 2026 Progress GND-1 EC-1-13 Complete government operations greenhouse gas inventory in 2025. High Sustainability Government Operations Greenhouse Gas Inventory completed Progress delayed:Approval will be in second quarter of 2026.Significant and approved by Town Board in 2025. late discrepancies have stymied progress. Sustainability,Finance, No Progress:other projects took precedent over this analysis-"green GND-1 EC-1-A Explore incorporating internal(TOI)cost d carbon into project selection Medium Planning,Engineering,Public Create an analysis t possible ways to incorporate cost a ;nergy"projects are considered in CIP selection,but cost of carbon is not and planning(e.g.,through CIP and/or budget process).M� - Works planning into project selection and present to management 3onsidered. of Sustainability GND-3 EC-1-A Develop a plan on how to best incorporate equity principles into decision- High Sustainability,Planning Provide a draft analysis and scope of workto Town Supervisor No Progress:a good projectfor the summer internship program making processes and Director of Planning bsite Completed and Ongoing:The website was revised in summer 2025. GND-3 E wn Vewsletter updates have gone out periodically(based on relevant So far in 2025 and 2026, of the 17 total actions: information). GND-1 E -omplete:the Town adopted net-zero appendices for commercial and are construction. GND-3 E 7 actions are completer] e program Complete:the program was shuttered do to lack of participation. GND-1 F e$200k in complete:The grant was completed and money was received. Buildings and 2 actions are completed with ongoir ,b progress 5 and complete and Ongoing:Applied for NYS grant,USDN grant,NYSERDA grant, Infrastructure GND-1 F and Preservation Fund Grant.Weatherization study is not yet complete byTY _in.TH Weatherization study is not yet completed. 3 actions a r e ongoing (no definitive deadline/ -omplete:A plan of action was completed in first quarter of 2025.A non- GND-3 E ties a oinding resolution was passed in March 2026.Next Step:get access to productattached) cope of work :echnical assistance from CROWD. GND-1 E ive programs Dngoing:research is done as needed. ■ GND-2 E 3 actions are a e La ye d but progressing ne feasability Dngoing:The Town plans to reach out to EV Charging company and discuss options in 2026. Transportation GND-2 E Public Works Progress delayed:there was a significant data discrepancy in the emissions 2 actions are not progressing Jata last year that we are solving.Will be back on track this year(2026). GND-2 E iber2O25 -omplete:after internal review,it was determined that no changes needed o be made to the Green Fleet policy. GND-3 EC-5-D creation of a Community Choice Aggregation(CCA)program(Chapter 144 High Sustainability Launch CCA program when local administrators are approved complete:CCA launched in the first quarter of 2026. ........=_­...... ... of Town Law) by NYS. Production GND-3 EC-S-B In partnership with the City of Ithaca and Local Power develop a High Sustainability Final DER Plan approved by Town Board. complete:The Town finalized contract docs and DER Plan with Local Power Distributed Energy Resource(DER)Plan and Town Board.Awaiting MOU between City and Town of Ithaca. .Progress delayed:Town staff met a few times to discuss new direction GND-3 EC-6-D Review and,if needed,revise the Gren Procurement policy. High Sustainability,Human Revised policy approved by Town Board by December 2025 combine Green procurement and procurement into one policy).But other Resources projects took precedence over proceeding further in 2025.Looking at 2026 approval. Community Continually update Town Supervisor and other interested Ongoing:as relevant topics come up,I provide updates to Town Supervisor Resiliency& GND-3 EC-7-B Stay informed of NYS CLCPA implementation and related NYS policies. Medium Sustainability parties on NYS climate and energy policy.Use this to inform and Director of Planning. Adaption Town policy. 04/27/2026 6 Status of Government Operations: Transitioning to 100% Regionally Sourced Renewable Energy: Off Upstate Energy (Zones A-E) Track `"% '�` Key Focus Areas Challenges Launched Community 2023 Production Ewa y lwcleRpdmar 27,522 Choice Aggregation and • Wod 24.8892 20 va Nta N Solar 60 I Political Own Your Power w • 61fierRenewablcs 1 O • Ws 4,413A13 Uncertainty programs in 2026 • a 9 �' •Dual and 16:v014 404 Cost Researching and applying TOTAL Technological for grant opportunities Development Developing an Infrastructure and electrification strategy with internal Town Space Limitations Image courtesy of NYISO departments https://www.nViso.com/documentsl2Ol42/2223020/2024-Power- Trends.pdf 04/27/2026 TOWN OF ITHACA 7 to NEW YORK Status of Town Vehicle Fleet: Emission Trends Town of Ithaca Vehicle Fleet Emissions 900,000 The Town of Ithaca is off 800,000 776,686 Current Estimated track to meet the 2025 Emissions 700,000 699,017 [goal for vehicle emissions. A sub-goal stipulates that 600,000 N 2010Baseline the Town could reduce = Emissions .y _0 500,000 467,974 emissions by 10% a n d 405,336 y 389,752 offset with RECs as an W 400,000 388,343 _2025 Goal alternative to reducing N reductionfroons % emissions by 50% of the 300,000 reduction from V 2010baseline) 2010 baseline. The Town 200°°°° 2025 Goal has opted not to pursue Emissions(50% RECs currently as the 100,000 reduction from the 2010baseline) regulatory landscape is ° uncertain. 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 YEAR This graph reflects data from 2021-2023. 2024 and 2025 have not been added yet. 04/27/2026 TOWN OF ITHACA NEW YORK Challenges to Zero- Key Focus Areas to Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Increase ZEV Adoption Adoption in New York Vehicle Light-duty ZEV adoption Availability Investigate deployment of EV Increased Costs and Charging Stations at strategic Uncertainty locations Town-wide - Operational Updated Town Zoning to 1 � 09 Challenges make deployment of EV - ez charging stations easier Lack of Charging Infrastructure Research and implement - state programs/ incentives Political for ZEVs Uncertainty 04/27/2026 TOWN OF ITHACA 9 NEW YORK Major Accomplishments since the Adoption of the 2020 Green New Deal Adopted a Form- based Updated EV Launched code(New charging to an Completed Adopted a new Tompkins Green Updated Energy Network(T- NeighborhoodCode) p accessory use LED streetlight Energy Code that Produced an which serves as an Won a NYSERDA Zoning for in most Town and lighting requires net-zero GEN), two legally updated instruction manual for grant for the Stretch Solar Energy zones, making control emissions in new separate Green greenhouse gas planning and building to Zero Pilot to include charging more replacement. construction for programs: New Deal inventory walkable, mix-used, for Program to help building and convenient for Received - commercial and Community Choice Resolution government and compact with IECS ground solar residents and $24k in residential Aggregation and is adopted operations neighborhoods implementation facilities developers rebates. buildings. Own Your Power. 2022 A 0263 2026 40 The Town met its Applied for Passed a non- previously set goal Energy Code Supplement Fleet Policy to help time Reconvened IECS multiple grants analysis of Sustainability binding to reduce GHG (IECS), code track emissions Sustainability Working Group to (-5)to fund the deconstruction webpage to Deconstruction emissions from requirements for new and fuel usage Planner review and amend restoration potential and be more Resolution. government possible g o release of a new weatherization construction and across the Town's position code ahead of the and p accessible to facilities by 30/o by additions that vehicles and implementation users. 2020(2010 Energy substantially reduce equipment NYS energy code. of Town Hall. steps for the Action Plan) greenhouse gas Town of Ithaca. emissions while 04/27/2026 emphasizing affordability TOWN OF ITHACA 10 NEW YORK Resources � • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • hi 77777 Sustainability Homepa�e 777 2020 Green New Deal Resolution • • • • • � • • 2014 Comprehensive Plan • Ithaca Energy Code Supplement (Chapter 144 Town Code) Tompkins Green Energy Network (T-GEN) 71 , 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 0 0 0 0 I ' L L L L-1- L L-11 1, rTOWN OF ITHACA � � INEW ;ORK Ink Thankyou .' 0 A '7 ny q . 1 TOWN OF ITHACA 04/27/2026 NEW YORH 12 MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD April 27, 2026 TB Resolution 2026— :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 the Town of Ithaca Abstract c. Appointment of Court Attendants d. Appointment of Planning Board Member- Casper Moved: Seconded: Vote: ayes- TB Resolution 2026—a:Approval of Town Board Minutes Resolved that the Town Board approves the minutes of April 13, 2026, as final with any non- substantive changes made. TB Resolution 2026 -b: Town of Ithaca Abstract No. 8 for FY 2026 Resolved that the Town Board authorizes the payment of the following audited vouchers in total for the amounts indicated: VOUCHER NOS. 2026 347—397 General Fund Town Wide 71,770.84 General Fund Part-Town 8,703.30 Highway Fund Town Wide DA 6,197.32 Highway Fund Part Town DB 17,557.49 Water Fund 16,320.09 Sewer Fund 10,294.31 Capital Projects 21,729.71 Risk Retention Fund Fire Protection Fund Trust and Agency Debt Service TOTAL 152,573.06 TB Resolution 2026 - c:Appointment of Court Attendants Whereas the Town created two Court Attendant positions to provide security during court for Justice Bergin's on a part time basis; and Whereas the Interview Committee interviewed four candidates from an open recruitment for the position; and Whereas the Committee has determined that Robert Brotherton and Timothy Rumsey possess the necessary knowledge and skills to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position; and Whereas Judith Drake, Human Resources Manager appointed Robert Brotherton and Timothy Rumsey effective April 28, 2026; now, therefore be it Resolved the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby approve the part time appointment of Robert Brotherton and Timothy Rumsey as Court Attendants, effective April 28, 2026, at $60.00 per hour per diem with a two-hour minimum from AI 110.110, with no benefits. TB Resolution 2026 - d:Appointment of Planning Board Member Whereas there is a vacant Planning Board Regular Member position due to a resignation, and the Selection Committee recommends appointing Gideon Casper, 429 Bostwick Road, to the position for the remainder of an active term ending December 31, 2029; now, therefore,be it Resolved that the Town Board appoints Gideon Casper as a Planning Board Member for the term of April 27, 2026, through December 31, 2029.