HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 2021-03-08TB 2021-03-08 Pg. 1
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
Monday, March 8, 2021
Due to the Governor’s Executive Orders suspending certain aspects of the Open Meetings Law
to protect the health and safety of New Yorkers, the meeting was held via video conferencing
MINUTES
Board Members Present: Rod Howe, Supervisor; Members Eric Levine, Rich DePaolo, Bill
Goodman, Tee-Ann Hunter, Pat Leary and Pamela Bleiwas
Staff Present: Susan Brock, Attorney for the Town; Judy Drake, Director of Human Resources;
Marty Moseley, Director of Code Enforcement; Susan Ritter, Director of Planning; Paulette
Rosa, Town Clerk; Joe Slater, Director of Public Works; Donna Shaw, Director of Finance; and
Dan Thaete, Director of Engineering
1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
2. Persons to be Heard – None
3. Community Science Institute presentation – Nate Launer (Attachment 1)
Mr. Lanier gave an overview of their accomplishments and studies on HABs.
Mr. DePaolo asked if these documents and studies can be used in a regulatory framework and
Mr. Lanier responded that it doe tie in with the DEC HABs Action Plan and the data their studies
provide to back up the need for actions identified in the Plan.
Mr. DePaolo asked if he was aware of people using this data to pursue actions.
Mr. Lanier said he isn’t aware if DEC is using the data but the Tompkins County Health
Department is.
Mr. DePaolo asked if CSI is correlating the HABs to nutrient loading data to draw conclusions.
Mr. Lanier responded that that is hard to do with the 20+ tributaries they monitor and they do see
the northern concentrations being higher which correlates with the HABs in that area but there
are many other factors like wind and waves so it isn’t conclusive.
Ms. Leary asked why the increase was seen when there was less human action on the lake.
Mr. Lanier said it is puzzling and Seneca had a significant decrease. A lot of our volunteers were
reporting warmer temperatures in Cayuga and that is a major factor in HAB blooms and will be
monitoring that carefully this year.
Mr. Howe thanked him for the presentation.
TB 2021-03-08 Pg. 2
Added Item Joel Malina, Cornell University – Joel Malina
Mr. Malina read a Resolution of Appreciation on the Town’s Bicentennial this year on behalf of
Pres. Pollack. (Attachment 2)
4. Public Hearing regarding a Noise Permit application from Limbwalkers Tree Care,
LLC
Mr. Howe opened the public hearing at 6:01 p.m. There was no one wishing to address the
board and the hearing was closed.
Adrienne Ruzic was available for questions.
Mr. DePaolo stated that he was happy to see the care that was taken regarding neighbor
notification and times of day and to balance the needs of a small local business we want to see
succeed and the needs of the neighborhood.
TB Resolution 2021 - 031: Noise permit for Limbwalker Tree Care, LLC for a stump
grinding project
Whereas, the Town Board held a public hearing on March 8, 2021 regarding a noise permit
application for stump grinding operations received by Limbwalker Tree Care, LLC., and discussed
the request, and
Whereas, as stated in the application and detailed by the applicant, such stump griding operations
are dependent upon a third party providing the service and will be scheduled when they are
available, is estimated to take up to 5 days to complete and can be impacted by weather, now
therefore be it
Resolved that the Town Board grants a noise permit to Limbwalker Tree Care, LLC for the purpose
of completing stump grinding at their location of 1457 Trumansburg Rd, at a date to be determined
by the third-party contractor dependent upon weather and other conditions, with the following
Conditions
1. Grinding operations can begin no earlier than 8 am and must cease no later than 5 pm, and
2. Grinding operations are prohibited from being conducted on a weekend or holiday, and
3. Limbwalker Tree Care LLC will notify its contiguous neighbors no later than 48 hours
prior to the dates of operations when the third party commits to a schedule, and if canceled,
will again notify its contiguous neighbors when rescheduled, and with the following
Findings:
TB 2021-03-08 Pg. 3
1. The waiver is the minimal intrusion needed, because the industrial equipment is
necessary to perform the stated task and strict timeframes have been made conditions to
mitigate to the extent possible any detriment to the neighborhood, and
2. On balance, the need for and benefits of the waiver outweigh the needs and rights of the
surrounding neighbors to a peaceable and quiet environment given the duration and
restrictions on hours of operation conditioned on the waiver.
Moved: Rich DePaolo Seconded: Eric Levine
Vote: ayes – Bleiwas, DePaolo, Goodman, Howe, Hunter, Levine and Leary
Added item – Consider approval of revised easements associated with Emersub for a future
trail extension
Ms. Brock reviewed changes from the first iteration and outlined the additional protections for
the Town from possible interpretations in the event of any liability claims from contamination. It
now specifically states that the Town is not responsible for any contamination or substances the
Town does not bring to the site. There are procedures the Town would have to follow because
this is a DEC Superfund Program such as submitting plans for approval prior to any work or
excavation on the site. If excavation is proposed, testing would have to happen and details on
disposal of that excavation and detailed different responsibilities associated with that.
Mr. DePaolo asked whether the first round of testing associated with any excavation would be
our financial responsibility even if it subsequently shows contamination that preexisted our
activities on the easement and Ms. Brock responded that yes, it would be the Town’s
responsibility.
Mr. DePaolo asked about the general liability limits and if those were standard at $5M per
occurrence and if it is atypical, does it cost more to have it.
Ms. Brock responded that typically it would be $1M or $2M and we have $5M and we have this
coverage currently under our Town insurance policy.
Ms. Brock noted that the attorneys for the city and the property have reviewed these changes and
approved them.
Mr. Howe thanked Ms. Brock for her efforts in negotiating the changes to the easement language
and protections for the Town.
TB Resolution 2021 - 032: Authorization for Supervisor to sign an easement and right-of-
way agreement from Emersub 15 LLC, to be jointly held with the City of Ithaca, for the
purpose of a future trail extension
Whereas, the multi-use Gateway Trail was originally proposed and funded (in 2004) as a joint
project of the Town of Ithaca, City of Ithaca, and NY State Parks, that would connect the South
TB 2021-03-08 Pg. 4
Hill Recreation Way (at Hudson Street) with Buttermilk Falls State Park, the existing bridge over
Route 13 and the future Black Diamond Trail, and
Whereas, due to the inability to secure an easement across the property previously owned and
operated by Emerson Power Transmission Corporation, the trail project was modified to a
phased project, with phase one terminating at Stone Quarry Road, and
Whereas, Emersub 15 LLC, the current owner of land previously held by Emerson Power
Transmission Corporation, is now willing to enter into a joint agreement with the City and Town
of Ithaca for the purposes of providing an easement for a trail connection from Stone Quarry
Road to the City/Town intersection (as shown on Exhibit B of the Agreement), along with a
separate agreement with the City of Ithaca for the portion within the City, from the City/Town
intersection to South Aurora Street, thus allowing for a future extension of the Gateway Trail and
a connection with the South Hill Recreation Way, and
Whereas, the need for this easement and trail connection was included in the Generic
Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Chain Works District Redevelopment Project
that was accepted by the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board on March 8, 2016; and
was further specified in the Final Generic Environmental Impact Statement, accepted as
complete by the City Planning and Development Board on February 26, 2019, and
Whereas, pursuant to NY General Municipal Law §247, on December 14, 2020, the Town Board
held a duly noticed public hearing on the proposed trail easement acquisition, during which the
Town Board heard all persons interested in the trail easement acquisition who appeared at such
time and through the designated means, and
Whereas, on December 14, 2020, the Town Board voted against approving the proposed Trail
Easement and Right-of-Way Agreement, and
Whereas, the Trail Easement and Right-of-Way Agreement has now been revised to address
Town Board liability concerns, with all other provisions remaining unchanged, and
Whereas, the Town Board has reviewed the revised Trail Easement and Right-of-Way
Agreement, which provides the City and Town of Ithaca with a joint permanent easement from
Emersub 15 LLC for the purposes of the City and Town constructing and maintaining a public
multi-use trail, now therefore be it
Resolved, that the Town Board authorizes the Supervisor to execute said revised Trail Easement
and Right-of-Way Agreement, subject to approval by the Attorney for the Town.
Moved: Rod Howe Seconded: Bill Goodman
Vote: ayes - Bleiwas, DePaolo, Goodman, Howe, Hunter, Levine and Leary
Paul Sylvestri was present and gave a brief update saying that Emerson did extensive work
removing contaminate soil based on what was discovered during the remedial investigation and
that work has been approved by the DEC. The DEC also approved a feasibility study that
TB 2021-03-08 Pg. 5
addressed the final remedial actions that would occur and alternative remedies; what is largely
left is groundwater and the DEC tentative schedule is to amend the record of decision or ROD to
allow for the proposed mixed uses development on the property.
A draft is being prepared right now and the DEC is looking to have it ready for public comment
by April. There will be a 30-day public comment period followed by 3 weeks for DEC to
respond and our hope would be by the middle of June that there would be a final amended ROD
with required actions.
5. Consider approval of a COVID -19 Vaccine Incentive Program for 2021
Ms. Drake shared her screen and reviewed some changes to the draft that went out in the packet
to take into consideration a singular shot and calling out a “reaction” to the vaccine rather than
simply saying “unwell.”
Mr. DePaolo asked what the difference is between the two; is having a reaction just implied that
it is more severe?
Ms. Bleiwas responded that she had the shot and her arm was sore, but she was able to work so
the distinction is being made. If you have a position that requires manual labor, having a sore
arm may limit your ability to work, while if you are not manual labor, you could work. It is open
to interpretation.
Mr. DePaolo said he is unsure of the need for this when it is incentive enough to get the vaccine
to survive and having this is more to accommodate schedules rather than incentivizing someone.
If they don’t want to get it, they aren’t, regardless.
Ms. Leary responded that she has a problem with the word “incentive” also and when we first
talked about it at committee level, she thought it would be a prize or cash to encourage people
but she also didn’t think that was a good idea. She said this is more like the accommodation we
make for people to go vote. It’s a good idea to accommodate someone who wants to get the
vaccine and may be worried if they have a reaction and don’t have any fringe time. It is more an
accommodation rather than an incentive, but it is a minor semantics issue.
Mr. Levine said it is an incentive to get it with the least problem and it is in the Town’s interest
to get people vaccinated as soon as possible. He didn’t care about the semantics, just the intent.
Ms. Drake pointed out that EOC is not favoring giving people cash incentives and it goes along
with our cancer screening and blood donation fringe benefits. We were debating whether we
want to strongly encourage or require, and incentive sounds more like encouraging.
The Board decided to leave it as is.
Mr. DePaolo thought retroactive aspect is unnecessary. Some discussion followed and the Board
decided to leave that aspect in.
TB 2021-03-08 Pg. 6
Ms. Drake added that it was also easier this way to get it through the Unions without any
issue(s).
6. Consider adoption of the Town of Ithaca Public Employer Health Emergency Plan
Ms. Drake noted that this has been through all the appropriate committees.
TB Resolution 2021- 034: Approval of the Town of Ithaca Public Employer Health
Emergency Plan
Whereas, on September 7, 2020 the Governor of New York State passed legislation requiring
public employers to adopt a Public Employer Health Emergency Plan (Plan) for operations in the
event of a declared public health emergency involving a communicable disease, and
Whereas said legislation requires that the Plan must be reviewed by labor unions and the public
employer’s governing body and adopted by April 1, 2021; and
Whereas, the Teamsters Local 317 has reviewed the Plan and had no recommended changes; and
Whereas, the Employee Relations Committee and the Personnel and Organization Committee have
reviewed the Plan and had no recommended changes; and
Whereas, the Personnel and Organization Committee recommends approval of the Public
Employer Health Emergency Plan by the Town Board, now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby approve and adopt the Town of
Ithaca Public Employer Health Emergency Plan and authorizes the Town Supervisor to attest that
the Plan has been developed, approved, and placed into effect as required by New York State.
Moved: Pamela Bleiwas Seconded: Rod Howe
Vote: ayes - Bleiwas, DePaolo, Goodman, Howe, Hunter, Levine and Leary
7. Consider approval and authorization for the Supervisor to sign an amendment to the
Barton & Loguidice contract associated with the Forest Home Walkway Improvement
Project
Mr. Thaete explained that the amendment is for a surveyor for easement drawings and Cornell
has requested a special investigation of some of the root stock and seeds.
TB Resolution 2021 - 035: Approval and authorization for the Supervisor to sign an
amendment to the existing contract with Barton & Loguidice for the Forest Home
Walkway Improvement Project
Whereas, on September 28, 2020 the Town Board approved the Award of the Contract for Final
TB 2021-03-08 Pg. 7
Design and Bid Phase Services for the Forest Home Walkway Improvement Project (TB 2020-
127) to Barton & Loguidice (B&L), and
Whereas, the Town has requested additional services related to preparing a series of easement
maps and restoration specifications for Cornell review and approval, and
Whereas, the scope of work has been expanded to by including said additional services and
outlined in Amendment 1, at an additional cost not to exceed $4,500.00; now therefore be it
Resolved, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the expansion of the scope and authorizes the
Town Supervisor to execute the amendment to the existing contract as detailed above.
Moved: Bill Goodman Seconded: Eric Levine
Vote: Bleiwas, DePaolo, Goodman, Howe, Hunter, Levine and Leary
8. Item moved up earlier
9. Consider authorization for the Town Engineer to issue a Sewer Exemption for 161
King Rd East
Mr. Thaete gave a brief overview and noted that it was discussed at the Public Works Committee
and the design has been reviewed and approved by the County Health Department.
TB Resolution 2021 - 036: Authorization for the Town Engineer to issue a Sewer
Exemption for 161 King Rd East
Whereas the Town Engineer received a request for a Sewer Exemption from the owner(s) of 161
King Rd. East stating the financial difficulty to connect to municipal sewer due to the nearest
sewer main(s) being approximately 800 to 1600+/- feet away and requiring pumps and/or a long
gravity sewer lateral and a main extension at an estimated minimum cost of $40-$60K, and
Whereas the owners are constructing a single-family home on the property and the Tompkins
County Health Department has designed and approved a septic system for the property, and
Whereas the Public Works Committee discussed the request at its February 27, 2020 meeting
and recommended the exemption be brought to the Town Board for review and authorization,
now therefore be it
Resolved, that pursuant to Town Code Section 214-6, the Town Board hereby finds that the
applicant has shown unusual and extreme practical difficulties in connecting its house with the
public sewers for the reasons detailed in Gary Bush, P.E.’s request to the Town dated February
11, 2020, and be it further
Resolved, that the Town Board authorizes the Town Engineer to issue an exemption from the
Town Code Section 214-5 public sewer connection requirement for 161 King Rd E for the
installation of a new, onsite wastewater treatment system associated with the new single-family
TB 2021-03-08 Pg. 8
residence being constructed on the property, subject to the consent of the Tompkins County
Health Department to this exemption.
Moved: Rich DePaolo Seconded: Pamela Bleiwas
Vote: Ayes – Bleiwas, DePaolo, Goodman, Howe, Hunter, Levine and Leary
10. Consider authorization for the Town Supervisor to sign an easement associated with
the Campbell Ave-Hopkins Place Water System Improvement Project
Mr. Thaete gave a brief overview. No comments or questions from the Board.
TB Resolution 2021 – 037: Approval and approval for the Supervisor to sign an easement
associated with the Campbell Avenue-Hopkins Place Water System Improvements Water
Improvement Project
Whereas, the Town Board established the Town of Ithaca Campbell-Hopkins Water System
Improvements Water Improvement Project, and
Whereas, an easement is necessary for the project on a portion of property located at 1 Hopkins
Place that serves or facilitates the provision of municipal water associated with this project, now
therefore be it
Resolved, that the Town Board approves the proposed Permanent Water Easement and Right-of-
Way and authorizes the Town Supervisor to execute any said easement, subject to the approval of
the Attorney for the Town.
Moved: Eric Levine Seconded: Tee-Ann Hunter
Vote: ayes - Bleiwas, DePaolo, Goodman, Howe, Hunter, Levine and Leary
11. Consider Consent Agenda
TB Resolution 2021 - 038: Adopt Consent Agenda
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby approves and/or adopts the
following Consent Agenda items:
a. Approval of Town Board Minutes
b. Town of Ithaca Abstract
c. Bolton Point Abstract
d. Appoint Associate Members – Conservation Board
e. Ratify provisional appointment of a GIS IT Specialist – SCLIWC (Bolton Point)
f. Approve the appointment of an Engineering Technician I – Engineering
g. Approval and authorization to sign – Consortium Lease
TB 2021-03-08 Pg. 9
Moved: Rich DePaolo Seconded: Tee-Ann Hunter
Vote: ayes – Bleiwas, DePaolo, Goodman, Howe, Hunter, Levine and Leary
TB Resolution 2021 - 038a: Approval of Minutes
Resolved, that the Town Board hereby approves the minutes of February 8th and 22nd, 2021 with
any non-substantial corrections suggested by the Board having been made.
TB Resolution 2021 - 038b: Town of Ithaca Abstract No. 5 for FY-2021
Whereas, numbered vouchers have been presented to the Ithaca Town Board for audit and
approval of payment; now, therefore be it
Resolved, that the governing Town Board hereby authorizes the payment of the audited vouchers
in total for the amounts indicated:
VOUCHER NOS. 240 - 307
General Fund Town Wide 88,980.38
General Fund Part-Town 7,165.45
Highway Fund Town Wide DA 56,637.66
Highway Fund Part Town DB 14,995.15
Water Fund 33,661.24
Sewer Fund 10,639.43
Gateway Trail – H8 588.89
PWF Renovations Project – H22 1,152.00
Forest Home Lighting District 204.43
Glenside Lighting District 73.71
Renwick Heights Lighting District 88.57
Eastwood Commons Lighting District 187.17
Clover Lane Lighting District 21.80
Winner’s Circle Lighting District 71.81
Burleigh Drive Lighting District 74.09
West Haven Road Lighting District 225.29
Coddington Road Lighting District 134.75
Trust and Agency 5,000.00
TOTAL 219,901.82
TB Resolution 2021 - 038c: Bolton Point Abstract
Whereas, numbered vouchers for the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission
have been presented to the governing Town Board for approval of payment; now therefore, be it
Resolved, that the governing Town Board hereby authorizes the payment of the audited vouchers
in total for the amounts indicated:
TB 2021-03-08 Pg. 10
Voucher Numbers: 57-106
Check Numbers: 19491-19540
Capital Impr/Repl Project $ 9,783.10
Operating Fund $ 62,706.21
TOTAL $ 72,489.31
Less Prepaid $ 1,883.12
TOTAL $ 70,606.19
TB Resolution 2021 - 038d: Appointment of Associate Conservation Board Members
Whereas, Vladimir Micic has been a member of the Town of Ithaca Conservation Board since
2012; and
Whereas, Will VanDyke has been a member of the Town of Ithaca Conservation Board since 2016;
and
Whereas, Vladimir and Will have not been able to regularly attend Conservation Board meetings
recently, but would like to remain part of the Conservation Board and have requested to become
associate members; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca hereby appoints Vladimir Micic and Will
VanDyke as associate members of the Conservation Board, for a term of March 8, 2021 to
December 31, 2021.
TB Resolution 2021 - 038e: Ratify Provisional Appointment of Geographic Information
Systems/ Information Technology Specialist (GIS/IT Specialist) at SCLIWC.
Whereas, on March 4, 2021 the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission
appointed Jeffrey Kaplan to the title of Geographic Information Systems/ Information Technology
Specialist (GIS/IT Specialist), effective, March 15, 2021; now, therefore be it
Resolved, that the Ithaca Town Board does hereby ratify SCLIWC’s appointment of Jeffrey
Kaplan to the title of Geographic Information Systems/ Information Technology Specialist (GIS/IT
Specialist), effective, March 15, 2021, at the hourly wage of $27.67, in Job Classification 6, with
full time benefits.
TB Resolution 2021 – 038f: Provisional Appointment of Engineering Technician I
Whereas, there is a vacancy in the full-time position of Engineering Technician I for the
Engineering Department; and
Whereas, the Interview Committee interviewed six candidates from an open competitive
TB 2021-03-08 Pg. 11
recruitment; and
Whereas, the Committee has determined that Connor Terry possesses the necessary knowledge
and skills to satisfactorily perform the duties of Engineering Technician I; and
Whereas, this would be a provisional appointment that requires the appointee to be one of the top
three reachable candidates from the next civil service exam for the said position; and
Whereas, Dan Thaete, Director of Engineering, provisionally appointed Connor Terry as
Engineering Technician I, effective March 15, 2021; now, therefore be it
Resolved, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby approve of the provisional
appointment made by the Director of Engineering, of Connor Terry as Engineering Technician I,
effective March 15, 2021; and be it further
Resolved, this position is at 40 hours a week, at the hourly wage of $28.17, which is an estimated
annual salary of $58,593 from Engineering, Water and Sewer account numbers, in Job
Classification “IV”, 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 2021 – 038g: Authorization for the Town Supervisor to sign revised lease
agreement with Greater Tompkins County Intermunicipal Health Insurance Consortium
Whereas, the Greater Tompkins County Intermunicipal Health Insurance Consortium
(Consortium) has a current lease with the Town of Ithaca that is renewable annually on March 31st;
and
Whereas, the revised lease agreement includes an additional area to be leased at the total lease cost
of $800 per month; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor to execute the revised lease
agreement as described.
12. Report of Town Officials and Committees
Mr. Howe stated that it was nice of Cornell to recognize our Bicentennial; first Bicentennial
event tomorrow on our land history.
Ms. Ritter reported that in light of the news regarding the status of the ROD for Chainworks,
there are two actions the Town Board had put off, and Planning staff is starting to dust off these
documents and getting back up to speed on the Findings Statement and adoption of the Planned
Development Zone. We will start thinking about when to bring these back to the Planning
Committee and the Board.
Mr.DePaolo said we wanted the benefit of having the ROD in hand and that is subject to a
public hearing and comment period so we shouldn’t front-load our actions until we have that
which,seems to be maybe June.
Ms.Ritter responded that she could understand that for the Findings Statement but would like to
start looking at the PDZ language sooner than that.
13.Review of Correspondence
Liquor License notice to renew -Country Club
Ms.Rosa noted that we received a notice of intent to obtain a license by the new owners and a
request to waive the 30-day comment period which expedites the process.
Ms.Leary asked about the current situation on indoor occupancy for restaurants and bars.
Mr.Moseley responded that he believes it is up to 75%.
Ms.Leary asked if we feel ok with that.
Mr.Rod said this isn’t about occupancy.
Ms.Leary said this is about allowing them to operate.
Mr.Goodman said we can’t control whether they operate or not,this is only for their liquor
license.
Mr.Howe stated that the Board is in favor of the waiver.
Mr.DePaolo asked about the Code report and a permit for gatherings of 100 or more and what is
that?
Mr.Moseley responded that this is an Operating Permit,not what they are allowed at this time.It
is a safety review and inspection process.
Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned upon a motion and a second at 6:55p.m.
Submittei
aulette Rosa,Town Clerk
TB 2021-03-08 Pg .12
Three Years of Monitoring
Harmful Algal Blooms
(HABs) on Cayuga Lake
Nathaniel Launer
Outreach Coordinator,
Community Science Institute
Attachment 1
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM ALERT
Discover
CAYUGA LAKE
The 2020 Monitoring Season
Over 90 HABs Harrier volunteers participated in the program this year!
HAB Information and Reporting Guide brochures installed at six lakefront parks. More to be installed ahead of the 2021 season.
With 83 monitoring zones, over 53% of lake shoreline was monitored weekly, including State Parks, municipal lakefront parks, natural
areas, and other public shoreline.
-59% of the Tompkins County shoreline was monitored weekly. Most of the remaining unmonitored shoreline consists of areas of steep
cliffs north of Myers Park and Salt Point where access to the shoreline is difficult.
HABs Information and Reporting Guide installed at Harris Park in the Village of CayugaBill Ebert collecting a late summer bloom sample Widespread bloom near Union Springs
Over 40,000 views of our Cayuga Lake HABs Reporting Page.
C»Vu9<v
Discover
CAYUGA LAKEWNe^°
When did HABs Occur in 2020?
Blooms with a microcystin level
ranging from 4 µg/L to over 1,500
µg/L.
Blooms with a microcystin level
greater than 0.3 µg/L but less than
the recreation limit of 4.0 µg/L .
Blooms with a microcystin level less
than the method detection limit of
0.3 µg/L*.
Not tested for microcystin.
*0.3 µg/L is also the NYSDOH limit
for microcystin in finished drinking
water.
Legend
Daily Counts of Cyanobacteria Booms (HABs)in Three Microcystin Categories,
June 29th -October 15,2020mCO8<x
in 7obo0rm'DO u<UTO
TOSiu 5uc
TO-Q £4O'c £
S -y 3TO
o
+-*_Q ^CDO 1 Iu
TO 0Q
6/29 /2020 7/15 /2020 7 /31/2020 8 /16 /2020 9 /1/2020 9 /17/2020 10/3 /2020
Dates when Cyanobacteria Blooms (HABs)Occurred Along the Cayuga Lake Shore
When did HABs Occur in Tompkins County in 2020?
Blooms with a microcystin level ranging from 4
µg/L to 418.8 µg/L.
Blooms with a microcystin level greater than 0.3
µg/L but less than the recreation limit of 4.0 µg/L .
Blooms with a microcystin level less than the
method detection limit of 0.3 µg/L*.
Not tested for microcystin.
*0.3 µg/L is also the NYSDOH limit for microcystin
in finished drinking water.
Legend
At a private residence
on the southwest shore
on July 9, 2020
At a private residence on southeastern shore just north of
East Shore park on July 9, 2020
At the Ithaca Yacht
Club on July 6, 2020 At the floating dock at Stewart Park on August 24, 2020 At the Merrill Family Sailing Center docks on
September 22, 2020.
Daily Counts of Cyanobacteria Blooms (HABs)in Three Microcystin Categories
that Occurred on Tompkins County Shoreline:June 29 -October 15,2020
8
1/1CO<7n:
«/i
o C ^O oco
r-S ip 5
Ol o
U .£4ouco3>>u
o >>+3 2
o
>>1re
0
6 /29 /2020 7/15 /2020 7/31/2020 8 /16 /2020 9/1/2020 9 /17/2020 10/3/2020
Dates that Cyanobacteria Blooms (HABs)Occurred Along the Cayuga Lake Shoreline
Multi-Year Patterns: Temporal Patterns
Blooms with a microcystin level ranging from 4
µg/L to 2,533 µg/L.
Blooms with a microcystin level greater than 0.3
µg/L but less than the recreation limit of 4.0 µg/L .
Blooms with a microcystin level less than the
method detection limit of 0.3 µg/L*.
Not tested for microcystin.
*0.3 µg/L is also the NYSDOH limit for microcystin
in finished drinking water.
Legend
The temporal pattern of “high” microcystin blooms
was different in 2020 compared to 2018 and 2019.
-In 2020 blooms occurred continuously throughout
the summer.
-“High” microcystin blooms began occurring in
early July
Daily Counts and Annual Totals of Cyanobacteria Blooms (HABs)
in Three Microcystin Categories in 2018,2019,and 2020
2018 -Shoreline Coverage:31%
90
t 14
o 12
*
60
70o60W)8 0»03 50U60340Cu4
S'*I.I Ino
30C
20IICO>>10u7/15/2018 7/31/2018 8/16/2018 9/1/2018 9 /17/2018 10/3/20186/29/2018 ou 02o 20185£2019 -Shoreline Coverage:47%90
14 _Q SoonCDCO1270E<10x o 60o850VIE6CD
4003o4O 300»CD 2 20IIuIII I I03 030 10XIC01 6/29/2019 7/15/2019 7/31/2019 8/16/2019 9/1/2019 9/17/2019 10/3/2019 o ocUra 201903-§2020 -Shoreline Coverage:53%u yo
c SoO1403>%7012cu36010oou508c40036DO30cVJ4c20<2 1.1 I I II 1003IIllll0Oo
6/29/2020 7/31/2020 9/1/2020 9/17/2020 10/3/20207/13/2020 8/16/2020
2020
YearDateswhenCyanobacteriaBlooms(HABs)Occurred Along the Cayuga Lake Shore
7 7 1
9
24
7
2
8
15
22
28
55
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
2018 2019 2020
An
n
u
a
l
C
o
u
n
t
o
f
C
y
a
n
o
b
a
c
t
e
r
i
a
B
l
o
o
m
s
(
H
A
B
s
)
by
L
e
v
e
l
s
o
f
T
o
x
i
c
R
i
s
k
Annual Count of Cyanobacteria Blooms (HABs) on Cayuga Lake shoreline
at Three Levels of Toxic Risk from Microcystin
Ranging from 4.0 ug/L to 2,533
ug/L
Between 0.3 ug/L and 4.0 ug/L
Less than 0.3 ug/L
Not Tested for Microcystin
(55%)
(5%)
(23%)
(17%)(10%)
(36%)
(12%)
(42%)
(71%)
(19%)
(9%)
(1%)
Shoreline Coverage:31%Shoreline Coverage:47%Shoreline Coverage:53%
Multi-Year Patterns: An Increase of “High” Microcystin Blooms
40
67
78
Multi-Year Patterns: Spatial Patterns
Annual Count of HABs for each
Monitoring Zone by Microcyst in
Category in 2020
Figure 4b."High''microcystin blooms were
recorded along the southern 75 miles of
shoreline in addition to a large cluster in the
north.
Annual Count of HABs for each
Monitoring Zone by Microcystin
Category in 2019
Figure 4a.The distribution of “high "microcystin
blooms was characterized by a cluster along
approximately 25 miles of northern shoreline in
Cayuga and Seneca Counties.
^3458
w -
143458923401
1 3400
3453-
34690
340
23400
3453
3469
34023402II
21 4521 \3404 l L:3452 3404
^.3459
13 “
8V4S93474fif.43405 143405344e..?
3400 \3432
3400 3406 3
1 KM
3407fsdOS 7
3444 T I3444|
34432\:3443%
H344 A \34133442\
3414
1
Map Legend
Microcystin Categories
Not tested for microcystin.
3478
3460
3473
3416 1
3466N3loomswithmicrocystinlevelsmlessthanthemethod3471Shorelinezonesmonitoreddetectionlimitof0.3 pg/L*weekly by HABs Harrier
volunteers.The four digit3loomsw'ith microcystin levels
greater than 0.3 pg/L and less number is the lake-specific zone
code.3 looms sampled outside
than recreation limit of 4 pg/L of existing zones are labeled
with the genera lake code|3looms w'ith microcystin
levels ranging from 4 pg/L to
3400.Zones change from year
to year as volunteers join or
retire from the program.2,200 pg/L.
*0.3 pg/L is also the NYSDOH limit for microcystin in finished drinking water
0.1
1
10
100
1000
10000
1 10 100 1000 10000 100000
Three years of bloom data reinforces the idea that the microcystin toxin concentrations of blooms on Cayuga Lake are
associated with the type of cyanobacteria that forms the bloom.
Blooms of roughly the same density
Microcystin Toxin Concentration Increased with Cyanobacteria Bloom (HABs) Sample
Biomass when Microcystis was Dominant or Present in HABs, 2018 -2020
Lo
g
M
i
c
r
o
c
y
s
t
i
n
T
o
x
i
n
C
o
n
c
e
n
t
r
a
t
i
o
n
(
g/
L
)
Log Total Chlorophyll a Concentration (g/ L)
HAB with a mixed assemblage of
Microcystis and other cyanobacteria taxa.
Dolichospermum Dominant in HAB sample
Microcystis Dominant in HAB sample
Cyanobacteria Taxa Identified in HAB
Samples at CSI lab.
NYS DEC “high-toxin” bloom
threshold (20 ug/L)
Safe Guidance Value for
microcystin in water used for
contact recreation (4.0 ug/L)
Safe Guidance Value for microcystin in
drinking water (0.3 ug/L)
Multi-Year Patterns: Taxa Associated Microcystin
Results from the Cayuga Lake Phytoplankton Project show dense Microcystis populations to be more widely distributed around
Cayuga Lake in 2020 than in 2019. More dense Microcystis populations around the lake are consistent with a greater number of
“high” microcystin, Microcystis dominant blooms.
Multi-Year Patterns: Taxa Density and Distribution
2019 2020
i 5SCLNECLNE:.i
Canal Park
i2
O i n r^c>U J O ^f v x)m »-«rg rs *-i rsi ^S S S ^S S S S
9 9C l S o o o o o o o o od c i d d d d c i c i c;£§5 I S|I|§
«H «H Key to
Cyanobacteria
Taxa and
Density
£CU
CayugaLake
State Park *fD<UiiiiiilLiCLCL CUCLCL(ULO in“OXi cH3OCUCL2f f l O C l (7^O f C l C l
^->*-S^o w>at to om**»N r*J 9*r s.o o o o c i o
s o o o o o o o o o
«-*«-1
E TDJN
?'
rj OCl=J inr s22"m/d
s/meCLUSCLUSt Microcystis
Dolichospermum
.::X s e
2 O C l O O C T i O O O
^'S 'S S.S.S.'S 'SO t n r^C'v o o ^f 'O
^S.'s O l -v 'V '^Hr s 03 o o o i o o »-«
o o o o o o o o o or g c g r g r g r g c g r g r g r gS V S N S S S S Sa i n '-o »-H m r'r r i L n o i
r»o o O'-<o o
IS S _Wells College
Oscillatoria
|Aphanizomenon
Planktothrix
CLWE
Dean’sXCove9ms2
*
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
m -H r M ^.r s -H r g 's
a o o o o o o o o or g ^r s r N r g r g r N f N i N
r s o o <n *«o o
Boat52LaunchSf
CLDC CLDC.X i :..«»>>;.Eucapsis
Woronochinia
Merismopedia
|j|Limnoraphis
P Synechocystis
Aphanocapsa
Unknown
X not sampled
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2IIHI|II O o o o o o o o o o op g r g r g r g r g r g r g r g r gS's 's.'s 's 's S.'^S.y §3 e o S o o
,King FerryAtwaterCLATCLAT
.M t ..x _!o o o o o o o o oc g r g r g r g c g r g r g r g c g'^S.'S 's S.S.S.N,.^
r'^0 0 2o °'c?2 g §
2 V S S.S 's '^S So u^r^c i ^o ^r o
S S.S.f f I S 's S.Hr-o o o o o i o o -H
o gu-S J O2
CLTC CLTC#X *l22 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 O o o o o o o o o or g c g r g r g r g c g r g r g r g2o i r i r v c i o o ^j oS S S -S ||=3?3r
"^m S:2 |S
_
ACLESCLES
s2 S S.V S.S S.S.S
o -s o o o o o o o o oc i d d d c i c i ^c i c iNmu n o*-i 'X »-«r s-f s S S|5 §S 3;2 SHSr
During the past three years, nearly all blooms on Cayuga Lake with “high” microcystin toxin levels
exceeding the limit for recreation and finished drinking water were dominated by the cyanobacteria
Microcystis.
A greater number of “high” microcystin blooms tend to occur in the northern fifth of Cayuga Lake –
from Union Springs to the outflow at the northern marshes.
In 2020 we observed a greater number of “high” microcystin blooms which is consistent with the
observation of more dense Microcystis populations around the lake.
Monitoring is essential for
1. Assessing the risk that cyanobacteria blooms may or may not present.
2. Data collection to support risk management
The Cayuga Lake HABs Monitoring Program fulfills many of the recommended monitoring actions
in Section 13.6 of the Cayuga Lake HABs Action Plan published by the NYSDEC in 2018. Our
community-led program continues to serve as the model HABs monitoring program as one of the only
programs in the state with the capability to continue testing levels of microcystin toxin in blooms and
as a program with one of the fastest and most comprehensive bloom reporting systems.
Review
Thank You!
Contact Us
info@communityscience.org
(607) 257-6606
www.communityscience.org
Attachment 2
Cornell University
Martha E.Pollack
President
March 8,2021
Rod Howe
Supervisor.Town of Ithaca
215 N .Tioga Street
Ithaca NY 14850
Dear Rod ,
It gives me great pleasure to congratulate the Town of Ithaca as it marks its bicentennial on March
16.Cornell 's identity is inextricably linked to our Ithaca home,with its beautiful scenery ,vibrant
neighborhoods,and committed and professional municipal workforce.Since Cornell 's founding,the
Town of Ithaca has been a key partner in building a world -class campus that supports education and
innovation while also enhancing the quality of life in the region.
Cornell 's essential relationship with the Town is reflected in several key campus entities that enable
Cornell to positively impact New York state and communities around the world through scientific
research and discovery,including the College of Veterinary Medicine,the Animal Health Diagnostic
Center,the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS )and the East Mill Office Building.
We are grateful for the Town 's partnership on projects that make it possible to provide sustainable
heat and energy to campus,namely the Lake Source Cooling facility ,and ,going forward.Earth
Source Heat .
The beauty and plenty of the Town are on display in the Cornell Orchards and in the Botanic
Gardens,the latter of which attracts thousands of visitors every year to enjoy the verdant gardens
and natural areas that surround campus.Working together,the Town of Ithaca and Cornell have
been able to enhance the local quality'of life through projects like the Pine Tree Road Bike and
Pedestrian Path,which helps Town residents and Cornell employees and students to access the
campus and surrounding areas without adding more vehicle traffic to our local roads.
And ,of course,the Town is also home to many of our students,faculty,and staff,who benefit so
much from living in such a dynamic community and ,in turn,help to enrich the academic,social ,and
cultural life of the region .
Speaking on behalf of the entire university,I deeply appreciate the Town ’s many collaborations with
Cornell on so many shared priorities.
Again ,congratulations on the Town of Ithaca 's bicentennial .
Sincerely,
Martha E.Pollack
300 Day Hall Ithaca,NY 14853-2801 Telephone:(607 )255-5201 Fax:(607 )255-9924 E-mail:president@cornell .edu