HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 2026-04-27
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MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
Town Hall - 215 N Tioga St.
April 27, 2026 – 4:30 p.m.
https://zoom.us/j/98910958241 YOUTUBE LINK
AGENDA
Ithaca Fire Department Quarterly Report – Chief Moody (Attachment 1)
Tompkins County Wayfinding presentation – Whitham Planning & Design on behalf of
Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce
Green New Deal annual report – Town Sustainability Planner Hilary Swartwood
(Attachment 2)
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
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
Review of Correspondence
TB 2026-04-27 Pg. 1
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
Town Hall - 215 N Tioga St.
April 27, 2026
MINUTES
Board Members Present: Rod Howe, Supervisor; Eric Levine, Rich DePaolo, Susie
Gutenberger, Pamela Bleiwas, David McCune and Diana Sinton
Present: Judy Drake (virtual), Marty Moseley, CJ Randall, Paulette Rosa, and Justin McNeal
Mr. Howe opened the meeting at 4:30 p.m.
1. Ithaca Fire Department Quarterly Report – Chief Moody (Attachment 1)
Chief Moody noted:
He is suggesting a restructuring Staff with the Assistant Chief’s position becoming the
Fire Marshall and Emergency Manager, and the Assistant Chief’s position would be the
Assistant Fire Marshal/Emergency Manager. This move will help with getting reviews
and sign offs for building plans and similar things that only a Fire Marshall can do as
well as assist in Emergency planning where that need was illustrated by the recent
evacuation of the Asteri building. The restructuring will result in a nominal increase in
staff costs of about $40k.
Equipment maintenance costs and fuel prices are severely affecting the budget. He is
looking at response plans and whether they can reduce the number of apparatus that go
to certain types of calls and using a light apparatus for EMS calls.
Updating kitchens using Capital Funds
Reviewed staffing and new recruits
Mr. DePaolo asked if he could include the municipality in the call numbers as in the past and
Chief Moody responded that he could do that.
Mr. Howe thanked the Chief for his report.
2. Tompkins County Wayfinding presentation – Whitham Planning & Design on behalf of
Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce
Presentation and update on the 2014 Wayfinding Project.
TB 2026-04-27 Pg. 2
Discussed how the locations and destinations were determined through a committee of diverse
stakeholders; long-standing outdoor recreation and major attractions to account for longevity
issues. Example of the Nature Center that was originally proposed and is now defunct, so
although there are some places you think should have a sign, there are many things to consider.
The majority of the funding is from the Tourism Program with the Town, City and Cornell
having committed funding support in 2014. The next step is searching out the fabricating of the
signs and getting the funds from those municipalities that opt in and those that supported the
Project from the beginning.
Mr. Howe thanked them for their report.
3. Green New Deal annual report – Town Sustainability Planner Hilary Swartwood
(Attachment 2)
Ms. Swartwood went through her presentation, highlighting progress and current obstacles in
meeting our goals, such as Federal Government changes that may affect the Energy Code,
Community Choice Aggregation process challenges and availability of electric vehicles of the
type needed.
Some goals are aspirational, but overall, the Town has done very well.
4. Committee Reports
a. Budget – No meeting other than the interviewing process for Counsel. We have
selected PMV, and the approval will be before the Board at the next meeting.
b.Codes & Ordinances – None – Mr. Howe noted that May is Building
Safety Month with a proclamation posted.
c.Personnel and Organization/ERC – Ms. Bleiwas reported they discussed possible
changes to the Remote Attendance Policy to allow a bit more flexibility if that is what
we want and it was suggested that the new Counsel review the topic. ERC meets in
May.
d.Planning – Mr. Howe reported they discussed the grant we received to develop a
build-out scenario using GIS and other technologies and South Hill TND was an
obvious choice to pursue. Other - the Woods at South Works is moving forward, NYS
Freshwater Wetlands regulations are solved and just waiting on how that will move
forward; attending the Congress for New Urbanism in Arkansas (3).
e. Public Works – None
f. Others
o CWIO – None
o Parks, Trails, Preserves & Recreation – Mr. DePaolo asked about the
Community Garden and Ms. Rosa gave an update, saying that the last 3 years
have been tough with some of the majority groups moving. She met with Mr.
Talbut and Monty and some habitually problematic plots will be returned to grass
to focus on the active plots and gardeners have been told once again that the care
and future of the garden is in their hands; the Town supplies tools, water and
compost, the rest is up to them.
TB 2026-04-27 Pg. 3
o TCCOG – None
5. Consent Agenda
TB Resolution 2026 –027: 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: Pamela Bleiwas Seconded: Eric Levine
Vote: ayes- Bleiwas, Levine, Howe, Gutenberger, DePaolo, Sinton and McCune
TB Resolution 2026 – 027a: 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 - 027b: 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
TOTAL 152,573.06
TB Resolution 2026 - 027c: 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
TB 2026-04-27 Pg. 4
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 A1110.110, with no benefits.
TB Resolution 2026 - 027d: 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.
6. Review of Correspondence – None
7. Board/Staff reports
Mr. Howe noted that we received a check from the State for the Inlet Valley properties; the Deer
Management Report was sent out; Ms. Sinton has got some ideas for her articles from MTM and
Ms. Sinton added that she likes the idea of having them under the FAQs on the website and she
will write them that way.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:56 p.m. upon a motion by Mr. Howe, seconded by Mr. Levine,
unanimous.
Submitted by
Paulette Rosa
Town Clerk
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ItKaca Town Board Meeting
April 27,2026
Restructuring of the department's Fire Prevention Bureau
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Attachment 1
Ithaca Fire Department
Q1 Incident Analysis Report
January -March 2026 vs.January -March 2025
Prepared:April 2,2026
Executive Summary
The Ithaca Fire Department responded to 1,405 incidents during Q1 2026 (January 1 -
March 31),a modest increase of 14 incidents (+1.0%)over the 1,391 recorded in Q1
2025.This version of the report incorporates full incident type data for Q1 2025 from the
NFIRS CAD export,enabling a direct cross-system comparison.NFIRS codes have
been crosswalked to NERIS groups for consistency.Medical demand grew
approximately 21 %year-over-year on a normalized basis.Fire/Smoke Alarm activations
rose 28.5%.Actual fire incidents declined.Geographically,Downtown zones saw the
most growth (+66 incidents,+9.5%)while East and South Hill declined.All Q1 2026
response zones are fully assigned.A major weather event on March 31 generated 21
weather-response calls in a single day.
Data Note:Q1 2025 incident types are sourced from the NFIRS system;Q1 2026 from NERIS.
NFIRS codes have been mapped to equivalent NERIS groups for comparison.Some differences
in category counts reflect classification-system conventions rather than true operational changes
(particularly in the No Emergency category).
1.Overall Incident Volume
Total Q1 volume was essentially fiat year-over-year,but the monthly distribution shifted
meaningfully within the quarter.February spiked significantly while January and March
pulled back.
%ChangeChangeQ12026Q12025Month
474 442 -32 -6.8%January
+13.9%+55450395February
-1.7%-9513522March
+1.0%+1414051391TOTAL
•Fire/Smoke Alarms (+28.5%):Alarm activations rose from -'291 (NFIRS 2025)to
374 (NERIS 2026)—the single largest call category,averaging over 4 per day.This
is a real operational increase,not a classification artifact.
•Actual Fires (-18.5%):22 fire incidents were recorded in Q1 2026,down from 27 in
Q1 2025.Serious structure fires declined:NFIRS recorded 11 building fires in Q1
2025 vs.fewer structural events in Q1 2026.An encouraging public safety trend.
•Hazardous Situations (+38.0%):Gas leak/odor calls nearly doubled (11^20).CO
incidents held steady at 8.NERIS added dedicated Odor/Smoke Investigation sub-
types (19 total)with no direct NFIRS equivalent.
•Rescue (flat):Total rescue calls nearly unchanged (15 14),but elevator rescues
doubled (6 12),while MVC-no-injury rescues fell from 7 to 1.
3.Temporal Patterns
3a.Day-of-Week Distribution
The most notable shift between years is a significant increase on Tuesdays (+46
incidents,+25.0%)and Fridays (+25,+12.7%),with corresponding declines on
Thursdays (-34,-15.0%)and Sundays (-26,-12.7%).
Pay of Week Q1 2025 Q1 2026 Change
Monday 190 192 +2 (+1.1%)
Tuesday 184 230 +46 (+25.0%)
-5 (-2.5%)
-34 (-15.0%)
+25 (+12.7%)
+6 (+3.2%)
-26 (-12.7%)
Wednesday 204 199
Thursday 226 192
Friday 197 222
Saturday 186 192
Sunday 204 178
3b.Time-of-Day Patterns
Q1 2026 saw notable increases in evening call volume compared to Q1 2025.The 19:00
hour gained +26 incidents (+42%),the 23:00 hour+21 (+51%).and 11:00 +21 calls.The
13:00 hour dropped sharply (-33,-29%).Both years follow the typical profile of peak
activity in mid-morning through early evening,with a secondary overnight uptick.
01 2025Hour 01 2026 Change Notable
00:00 55 52 -3
01:00 43 51 +8
02:00 42 26 -16
03:00 25 34 +9
04:00 31 22 -9
05:00 26 27 +1
06:00 35 41 +6
ChangeQ12026Q12025Address
800 S.Plain St.49 58 +9 (+18.4%)
-5 (-10.4%)1 Bella Vista Dr.48 43
>19 (-42.2%)261028EllisHollowRd.45
+5 (+12.8%)118 E.Green St.39 44
+8 (+25.8%)798 S.Plain St.31 39
+26 (+2600.0%)1 27227CherrySt.
+13 (+108.3%)12 25130CherrySt.
103 Bundy Rd.+1 (+5.9%)1817
-7 (-43.8%)320 W.Buffalo St.16 9
-3 (-23.1%)10401CayugaParkLn.13
5.Notable Events &Observations
March 31,2026 —Major Weather Event
42 incidents were recorded in a single day,including 21 Weather Response calls and 7
Damage Assessment calls across multiple fire zones.This accounts for the majority of
the quarter's weather-response sub-category and represents a significant single-day
operational demand.
Elevator Rescues Doubled
Elevator/escalator rescues jumped from 6 (NFIRS 353)in Q1 2025 to 12 in Q1 2026.
Twelve of 14 total rescue incidents were elevator-related,suggesting aging infrastructure
in high-traffic facilities.Specific buildings generating repeat calls should be identified.
Cherry St.Corridor Surge
227 Cherry St.(0 27 calls)and 130 Cherry St (12 ^25 calls)combined for 52 Q1
2026 incidents vs.just 12 in Q1 2025.This geographic concentration warrants
investigation into whether a new facility or change in occupancy is driving the increase.
Partner Agency Cancellation Drop
NFIRS recorded 168 Q1 2025 dispatches cancelled en route by partner agencies
(Bangs Ambulance,CL)EH&S,IC Safety).Only 52 NERIS "Cancelled"entries appear in
Q1 2026.Whether this reflects fewer co-dispatches,changed protocols,or a
classification difference should be verified.
CO &Overdose Activity
8 carbon monoxide incidents and 30 overdose/poisoning calls in Q1 2026 continue to
highlight public health challenges.CO count is consistent with Q1 2025 (NFIRS 424:8).
Overdose volume is not directly comparable due to NFIRS sub-type limitations but
warrants ongoing monitoring.
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Ellis Hollow Rd.Decline
1028 Ellis Hollow Rd.fell from 45 calls in Q1 2025 to just 26 in Q1 2026 (-42%).This
significant reduction may reflect a change in facility operations,staffing,or resident
population.
Restructuring Plan for-the Fire Prevention Bureau
V
Scope:
1,Promoting an existing Assistant Chief to the Deputy Chief (fire marshal/emergency
manager)position.The fire department currently has a vacant,unfunded Deputy
Chief position.
2.4.Promoting an existing Lieutenant to the Assistant Chief (assistant fire
marshal/assistant emergency manager)position.
3.Promoting an existing firefighter to the vacant Lieutenant position created by
promoting a Lieutenant to Assistant Chief.
•V ■
Currently,the Fire Prevention Bureau (FPB)is staffed by an Assistant Chief (fire marshal)
who is a certified codes inspector,and three firefighters who are certified building safety
inspectors,
in addition to serving as a fire officer,the fire marshal is responsible for the following job
responsibilities:,’..
o Plan review of new fire protection building systems in newly constructed buildings.
Required to perform all on-site testing involving building fire protection systems (fire
alarms,sprinkler systems,standpipe hydro flow testing),
o Required to review and sign off on all inspection reports submitted by building
safety inspectors.
Required to sign and iesue all approved permits (new cor=struction/fire protection
systems,fire inspections,propane,food truck).
Responsible for scheduling and supervision of three building safety inspectors.
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Currently,the FPB has 300+inspections to complete on commercial buildings within the
city.Some of these buildings are overdue for required inspections.This creates potential
f.
fire safety hazards and a loss of revenue for inspectidns that are not completed.
Due to the ihofease in new development,the FPB is failing to deliver to developers the
required bUildirig plan reviews,fire alerting,and suppression system testing in a timely
fashion,this is delaying and frustrating the developers who are trying to complete projects.
As required by Godei the fire marshal is responsible for completing this work.
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Adding the Assistant Chief (assistant fire marshal/assistant emergency manager)position
will provide another trained person qualified to perform building system testing and sign off
on required inspections and permits.This will facilitate better service to developers,help
catch up on delinquent inspections of existing buildings,and provide some “depth on the
bench”when the fire marshal is on vacation,out sick,or out for any other reasons.
Structuring FPB with a Deputy Chief (fire marshal/emergency manager and an Assistant
Chief (assistant fire marshal/assistant emergency manager)will allow the FPB to:
•Complete plan review for new construction in an efficient and timely manner.
•Provide twice the bandwidth for fire system testing.
•Provide twice the bandwidth for reviewing and signing off on required inspection
reports.
•Provide twice the bandwidth for issuing permits.
The Assistant Chief (assistant fire marshal)will also help FPB run more efficiently,allowing
the backlog of approximately 300+inspections to be caught up and kept current in the
future.We have buildings in the city that are overdue for inspection,and we cannot free up
inspectors to complete these due to the volume of construction projects.The entire spring,
summer,and fall months are primarily spent on plan review,system testing,and
inspections of new construction projects.!estimate that this restructuring plan would
allow FPB to complete approximately 100 backlogged inspections in a twelve-month
period and,conservatively,should generate $8,000-10,000 in additional inspection
revenue.
Added Value of an Emergency Managen
The added value of creatingthe Deputy Chief position is that it will also provide an
emergency manager position to assist the fire chief with emergency planning and
management.The department is lacking in proper emergency planning and
management for a wide range of potential emergencies in the city and town.
•The corresponding chart provides the annual salary increase associated with this
plan (there is no increase in benefits because the personnel movement involves
current employees)and an organizational chart of the Ithaca Fire Department,
inclusive of the proposed restructuring.
TTHACA FTRE DEPARTMENT
37O West Green St fthaca, NY 74850
Office (507J 272-7234
Fire Prevention Bureau Restructuring
Tra in ing
E Shift
Assistant Chief
MTO
Moving the AC to DC (Fire Marshatt), a LT to AC (Assistant Fire Marshal.t), FF to LT
Current Satary
TotaL
New Sal,ary
tota I
Satary $
lncrease
AC to DC 130,381 138,990 +8,609 Codes
LTto AC 1 15,050 130,381 +15,331 Codes
FF to LI 98,953 115,050 +1 6,497 Backfitt for Promotion
Totat $ Amount $344,384 $394,421 + $40,037
Fire Chief
Deputy Chief
Chief of Operations
Deputy Chief
Fire Marshatt &
Emergency Manager2 Lieutenants
l2Firefighters
Suppression
AShift
Assistant Chief
2 Lieutena nts
12 Firefighters
Su ppression
B Shift
Assistant Chief
Fire Prevention
E Shift
Assistant Chief
Assistant Fire MarshatL2 Lieutenants
12 Firefighters
Suppression
c shift
Assistant Chief
3 Firefighters
2 Lieutenants
12 Firefighters
Suppression
D Shift
Assistant Chief
1
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
2
Green New Deal Action Plan 2025- 2026
Green New Deal Action Plan:
Progress Report
Hilary Swartwood, Sustainability Planner
Town of Ithaca | Town Board
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 Energy
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 2
14%
11%
17%
17%
17%
23%
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).
04/27/2026 3
Sustainability Programs: Tompkins Green Energy
Network (CCA + Own Your Power), Green Fleet
Inventory, Clean Energy Communities (CEC),
Green New Deal Action Plan, Energy and Climate
Protection Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan,
Town Building Electrification, Ithaca Energy Code
Supplement (IECS).
Capital Projects: Town Hall Weatherization,
Incorporating/ institutionalizing sustainability
and equity in Town processes (like Capital
Improvement Project (CIP))
Administration: Website updates, email,
timesheets, HR forms, grant management,
project management, etc.
Professional Development: Urban Sustainability
Directors Network (USDN) participation, ICLEI
participation, certificate programs, continuing
education (conferences, workshops, webinars)
Sustainability Planner: What does she do?
Partnerships: Tompkins County Climate
Protection Initiative (TCCPI), Climate and
Sustainable Energy Advisory (CaSE) Board, 2030
District, Circular Reuse and Zero Waste
Development (CR0WD), Town Meetings,
Intermunicipal meetings, community meetings,
etc.
Regulatory Projects: IECS, Gov’t Operations GHG
Inventory, Green Procurement policy review,
Deconstruction analysis
Green New Deal Action Plan Process
04/27/2026 4
*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 will occur in the Planning Committee.
The Action Plan is a living
document that provides a
path for implementation by
detailing specific actions and
deliverables.
New goals are developed
based on the Comprehensive
Plan, progress reviews and
input from internal and
external partners.
The Planning Committee
assesses progress annually.*
This helps Town staff
prioritize actions for the next
two years.
Changes are incorporated
and reported to the Town
Board.
The Sustainability Planner
acts as the project / program
manager for the Green New
Deal Action Plan.Tasks are
designated by department.
Updates are provided
periodically to the Planning
Committee throughout the
year.**
Green New Deal Comprehensive Plan
Achieve an equitable transition to carbon-
neutrality town-wide by 2030
Meet electricity needs of Town government
operations with 100% regionally sourced
renewable electricity by 2025
Reduce emissions from the Town fleet of
vehicles by 50% from 2010 levels by 2025
Incorporate sustainability and climate protection into long-
term planning [EC-1]
Reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
in buildings and infrastructure [EC-2]
Reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
related to treatment and distribution [EC-3]
Reduce energy consumption and greenhouse emissions in
transportation [EC-4]
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 5
04/27/2026 6
Sector GND
Goal
Comp Plan
Goal Action Priority Department How we measure progress 2026 Progress
Institutionalization
of Sustainability
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.
Progress delayed: Approval will be in second quarter of 2026. Significant
data discrepancies have stymied progress.
GND-1 EC-1-A Explore incorporating internal (TOI) cost of carbon into project selection
and planning (e.g., through CIP and/or budget process).Medium
Sustainability, Finance,
Planning, Engineering, Public
Works
Create an analysis of possible ways to incorporate cost of
planning into project selection and present to management
No Progress: other projects took precedent over this analysis- "green
energy" projects are considered in CIP selection, but cost of carbon is not
considered.
GND-3 EC-1-A Develop a plan on how to best incorporate equity principles into decision-
making processes High Sustainability, Planning Provide a draft analysis and scope of work to Town Supervisor
and Director of Planning No Progress: a good project for the summer internship program
GND-3 EC-1-A
Use Town newsletter and website to encourage/ enable Town residents,
employees, and other stakeholders to help create a vibrant and healthy
community.
Medium Sustainability
Revise website to be more accessible. Update website
quarterly. Provide sustainability updates to the Town
newsletter.
Completed and Ongoing: The website was revised in summer 2025.
Newsletter updates have gone out periodically (based on relevant
information).
Buildings and
Infrastructure
GND-1 EC-2-B Implement and amend the Ithaca Energy Code Supplement (Chapter 135
of Town Law)High Sustainability, Codes &
Zoning Amended code approved by Town Board and NYS Complete: the Town adopted net- zero appendices for commercial and
residential construction.
GND-3 EC-2-C Manage the IECS Implementation Assistance Program Medium Sustainability, Codes &
Zoning Number of projects that utilize the free assistance program Complete: the program was shuttered do to lack of participation.
GND-1 EC-2-B Participate in the NYSERDA Stretch to Zero (STZ) pilot program High Sustainability, Codes &
Zoning
Participation in each quarterly meeting and recieve $200k in
grant funds Complete: The grant was completed and money was received.
GND-1 EC-2-D Continue planning and implementation towards goal of net- zero
government facilities (Town Hall and Public Works).High Sustainability, Engineering,
Planning, Finance
Town Hall weatherization study completed in 2025 and
successfully apply for grants
Complete and Ongoing: Applied for NYS grant, USDN grant, NYSERDA grant,
and Preservation Fund Grant. Weatherization study is not yet complete by TY
Lin. TH Weatherization study is not yet completed.
GND-3 EC-2-A Stay informed of CR0WD and related policies (local and state level) for
deconstruction / construction waste recycling Medium Sustainability Update Town Supervisor and other interested parties on
deconstruction policies and develop a potential scope of work
Complete: A plan of action was completed in first quarter of 2025. A non-
binding resolution was passed in March 2026. Next Step: get access to
technical assistance from CR0WD.
GND-1 EC-2-D Explore grant and funding opportunities to support Green New Deal
initiatives Medium Sustainability, Finance Updated list of potential grant, rebate, and incentive programs Ongoing: research is done as needed.
Transportation
GND-2 EC-4-B Investigate implementation of EV charging stations town-wide High Sustainability, Public Works Collaborate with internal departments to determine feasability
of EV charging stations throughout the Town
Ongoing: The Town plans to reach out to EV Charging company and discuss
options in 2026.
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)
Progress delayed: there was a significant data discrepancy in the emissions
data last year that we are solving. Will be back on track this year (2026).
GND-2 EC-4-B Review and revise the Town's Green Fleet Policy in 2025 High Sustainability, Public Works,
Town Supervisor Revised policy approved by Town Board by December 2025 Complete: after internal review, it was determined that no changes needed
to be made to the Green Fleet policy.
Renewable Energy
Production
GND-3 EC-5-D
Continue partnership with City of Ithaca and Local Power to advance the
creation of a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program (Chapter 144
of Town Law)
High Sustainability Launch CCA program when local administrators are approved
by NYS.Complete: CCA launched in the first quarter of 2026.
GND-3 EC-5-B In partnership with the City of Ithaca and Local Power develop a
Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Plan High Sustainability Final DER Plan approved by Town Board.Complete: The Town finalized contract docs and DER Plan with Local Power
and Town Board. Awaiting MOU between City and Town of Ithaca.
Waste Generation &
Purchasing GND-3 EC-6-D Review and, if needed, revise the Gren Procurement policy.High Sustainability, Human
Resources Revised policy approved by Town Board by December 2025
Progress delayed: Town staff met a few times to discuss new direction
(combine Green procurement and procurement into one policy). But other
projects took precedence over proceeding further in 2025. Looking at 2026
approval.
Community
Resiliency &
Adaption
GND-3 EC-7-B Stay informed of NYS CLCPA implementation and related NYS policies. Medium Sustainability
Continually update Town Supervisor and other interested
parties on NYS climate and energy policy. Use this to inform
Town policy.
Ongoing: as relevant topics come up, I provide updates to Town Supervisor
and Director of Planning.
So far in 2025 and 2026, of the 17 total actions:
7 actions are completed
2 actions are completed with ongoing progress
3 actions are ongoing (no definitive deadline/
product attached)
3 actions are delayed but progressing
2 actions are not progressing
7
Image courtesy of NYISO
https://www.nyiso.com/documents/20142/2223020/2024-Power-
Trends.pdf
Status of Government Operations:
Transitioning to 100% Regionally
Sourced Renewable Energy: Off
Track
Challenges
Key Focus Areas
Political
Uncertainty
Cost
Technological
Development
Infrastructure and
Space Limitations
Launched Community
Choice Aggregation and
Own Your Power
programs in 2026
Researching and applying
for grant opportunities
Developing an
electrification strategy
with internal Town
departments
04/27/2026
Status of Town Vehicle Fleet: Emission Trends
04/27/2026 8
The Town of Ithaca is off
track to meet the 2025
goal for vehicle emissions.
A sub-goal stipulates that
the Town could reduce
emissions by 10% and
offset with RECs as an
alternative to reducing
emissions by 50% of the
2010 baseline. The Town
has opted not to pursue
RECs currently as the
regulatory landscape is
uncertain.
389,752405,336
467,974
776,686
699,017
388,343
0
100,000
200,000
300,000
400,000
500,000
600,000
700,000
800,000
900,000
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
CO
2
e
E
m
i
s
s
i
o
n
s
(
k
g
)
YEAR
Town of Ithaca Vehicle Fleet Emissions
Current Estimated
Emissions
2010 Baseline
Emissions
2025 Goal
Emissions (10%
reduction from
2010 baseline)
2025 Goal
Emissions (50%
reduction from the
2010 baseline)
This graph reflects data from 2021-2023. 2024 and 2025 have not been added yet.
Investigate deployment of EV
Charging Stations at strategic
locations Town-wide
Challenges to Zero-
Emission Vehicle (ZEV)
Adoption in New York
9
Vehicle
Availability
Increased Costs and
Uncertainty
Lack of Charging
Infrastructure
Operational
Challenges
Political
Uncertainty
Light-duty ZEV adoption
Research and implement
state programs/ incentives
for ZEVs
Updated Town Zoning to
make deployment of EV
charging stations easier
Key Focus Areas to
Increase ZEV Adoption
04/27/2026
Major Accomplishments since the Adoption of the 2020 Green New Deal
10
2026202520242023202220212020
The Town met its
previously set goal
to reduce GHG
emissions from
government
facilities by 30% by
2020 (2010 Energy
Action Plan)
Produced an
updated
greenhouse gas
inventory for
government
operations
Won a NYSERDA
grant for the Stretch
to Zero Pilot
Program to help
with IECS
implementation
Updated
Zoning for
Solar Energy
to include
building and
ground solar
facilities
Reconvened IECS
Working Group to
review and amend
code ahead of the
release of a new
NYS energy code.
Completed an
analysis of
deconstruction
potential and
possible
implementation
steps for the
Town of Ithaca.
Adopted the Ithaca
Energy Code Supplement
(IECS), code
requirements for new
construction and
additions that
substantially reduce
greenhouse gas
emissions while
emphasizing affordability
Adopted a Form- based
code (New
Neighborhood Code)
which serves as an
instruction manual for
planning and building
walkable, mix-used,
and compact
neighborhoods
Created a full-
time
Sustainability
Planner
position
Applied for
multiple grants
(~5) to fund the
restoration
and
weatherization
of Town Hall.
Green
New Deal
Resolution
is adopted
Adopted a Green
Fleet Policy to help
track emissions
and fuel usage
across the Town’s
vehicles and
equipment
Adopted a new
Energy Code that
requires net-zero
emissions in new
construction for
commercial and
residential
buildings.
Completed
LED streetlight
and lighting
control
replacement.
Received ~
$24k in
rebates.
Updated EV
charging to an
accessory use
in most Town
zones, making
charging more
convenient for
residents and
developers
Updated the
Sustainability
webpage to
be more
accessible to
users.
Launched
Tompkins Green
Energy Network (T-
GEN), two legally
separate
programs:
Community Choice
Aggregation and
Own Your Power.
Passed a non-
binding
Deconstruction
Resolution.
04/27/2026
Resources
04/27/2026 11
Sustainability Homepage
2020 Green New Deal Resolution
2014 Comprehensive Plan
Ithaca Energy Code Supplement (Chapter 144
Town Code)
Tompkins Green Energy Network (T-GEN)
12
Thank you!
Any questions?
04/27/2026