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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 2026-06-22MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD 215 N. Tioga Street June 22, 2026, 4:30 p.m. Members may participate via videoconferencing, available at www.zoom.com/join and entering Meeting ID 98910958241. ZOOM LINK YOUTUBE LINK OpenGovLink AGENDA 1. Public Hearings and consider noise permits for events/series at Ithaca Beer a. Consider noise permit for Weekly Music Series b. Summer Music Events 2. ITCTC Presentation – Thomas Knipe (Attachment 1) 3. JYC 2025 Annual Report 4. Discuss and consider referral of the draft Subdivision of Land Regulations to the Conservation Board and Planning Board for review and recommendation 5. Reports from Committees a) Budget b) Personnel and Organization/ERC c) Public Works d) Planning e) Codes & Ordinances f) RMAB 6. Consent Agenda a. Approval of Minutes b. Town of Ithaca Abstract c. Approval of revised Access to Public Records Policy d. Approval of Employee Recognition and Support Policy e. Approval of revised Personnel Policy – Travel and Training - Mileage f. Resolution of Appreciation – Debby Kelley g. Resolution of Appreciation – Joe Hulbert 7. Review of Correspondence/Board Member Comments TBS 2026-06-22 (Filed 6/23) Pg. 1 MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD June 22, 2026 YOUTUBE LINK MINUTES Board Members Present: Rod Howe, Supervisor; Eric Levine, Rich DePaolo, Susie Gutenberger, Pamela Bleiwas, David McCune and Diana Sinton Present: Judy Drake, Marty Moseley, CJ Randall, Paulette Rosa, Joe Slater, Kelly Anderson, Justin McNeal and Nate VanWhy Mr. Howe opened the meeting at 4:30 p.m. 1. Public Hearings and consider noise permit applications for events/series at Ithaca Beer Mr. Howe opened the public hearing. Ms. Rosa noted for the record that comments were received from the Sallingers and the Geiszlers saying they had no issues with the applications as stated with the usual mitigation conditions. There was no one wishing to speak, and the public hearing was closed. TB Resolution 2026 – 042: Noise permit for Ithaca Beer Company for the 2025 Weekly Sunday Summer Music Series Whereas, the Town Board held a public hearing on June 22, 2026, regarding a noise permit application for a Weekly Sunday Summer Music Series received by Ithaca Beer Co., and discussed the request, and Whereas, as stated in the application speakers will be facing Rte. 13 to prevent amplified noise bouncing off the brewery, now therefore be it Resolved that the Town Board grants a noise permit to Ithaca Beer Co. for the purpose of their Summer Music Series, entertaining Guests at their location of 122 Ithaca Beer Dr., on Sundays from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm June through September 2026, with the following Conditions: 1. As in past permits, hay bales must be placed behind the musicians, must meet NYS Building/Fire Code and be as tall as the tallest speaker, and 2. Amplification speakers must face NYS Route 13, and with the following TBS 2026-06-22 (Filed 6/23) Pg. 2 Findings: 1. The waiver from the requirements of Town Code Chapter 184 for the above music event is necessary for a valid purpose, because music might not be able to conform at all times to the requirements of Chapter 184, and Ithaca Beer’s Planned Development Zone specifically allows for music events, subject to or upon the issuance of any permits required (Town Code §271-15. D (3), and 2. The waiver is the minimal intrusion needed, because the amplification is needed to provide dinner music to the area, and music is limited to 3-6 p.m., which hours are within “daytime hours” as defined by Town Code § 184-4; the entertainment is intended to be and has proven to be background in nature and not overly intrusive; the amplification speakers will face Route 13 to provide some mitigation from sound traveling toward the residential areas, and 3. 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, because the music is for a limited amount of time during late afternoon/early evenings on the specified dates, with the above-listed mitigation in place to minimize the intrusion on the neighbors. Moved: Susie Gutenberger Seconded: Dave McCune Vote: ayes – Gutenberger, McCune, Howe, DePaolo, Levine, Bleiwas and Sinton TB Resolution 2026 – 043: Noise permit for Ithaca Beer Company for the 2026 Summer Music Event Series Whereas, the Town Board held a public hearing on June 22, 2026, regarding a noise permit application for Summer Music Events received by Ithaca Beer Co., and discussed the request, and Whereas, as stated in the application speakers will be facing Rte. 13 to prevent amplified noise bouncing off the brewery, now therefore be it Resolved that the Town Board grants a noise permit to Ithaca Beer Co. for the purpose of two Summer Music Events, entertaining guests at their location of 122 Ithaca Beer Dr., on July 9th and 25th as described in their application, with the following Conditions: 1. Music will take place between the hours of 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. and for no longer than 4 hours, and 2. Applicant will adjust volume to the minimum necessary for the size/number of attending guests, and 3. Amplification speakers will face NYS Route 13, and 4. As in past permits, hay bales must be placed behind the musicians, must meet NYS Building/Fire Code and be as tall as the tallest speaker, and with the following TBS 2026-06-22 (Filed 6/23) Pg. 3 Findings: 1. The waiver from the requirements of Town Code Chapter 184 for the above music event is necessary for a valid purpose, because music might not be able to conform at all times to the requirements of Chapter 184, and Ithaca Beer’s Planned Development Zone specifically allows for music events, subject to or upon the issuance of any permits required (Town Code §271-15. D (3), and 2. The waiver is the minimal intrusion needed, because the amplification is needed to enjoy the music events, and music is limited to 6 p.m.-10 p.m., the majority of which hours are within “daytime hours” as defined by Town Code § 184-4; and further mitigated by the Conditions set by the Board, and 3. 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, for the reasons stated above. Moved: Diana Sinton Seconded: Pamela Bleiwas Vote: ayes – Sinton, Bleiwas, Howe, Levine, DePaolo, McCune and Gutenberger 2. ITCTC Presentation – Thomas Knipe (Attachment 1) 3. JYC 2025 Annual Report – (Attachment 2) 4. Discuss and consider referral of the draft Subdivision of Land Regulations to the Conservation Board and Planning Board for review and recommendation Mr. Howe thanked everyone who has worked on this for the last 3-plus years and noted that there is a detailed memo from Ms. Randall in the packet. Ms. Randall gave a brief history of the process to update the Subdivision regulations. She added that there will be public outreach efforts as well as soliciting comments from the Boards. TB Resolution 2026 - 044: Referral of the draft Subdivision of Land Regulations to the Town of Ithaca Conservation Board and Town of Ithaca Planning Board for review and recommendation Resolved, that the Town Board has reviewed the draft Subdivision of Land Regulations (Town Code Chapter 234) as prepared by Town staff and recommended by the Codes & Ordinances Committee on June 10, 2026, and hereby refers the draft Subdivision of Land Regulations to the Town of Ithaca Conservation Board and Town of Ithaca Planning Board, respectively, for review and recommendation. Moved: Susie Gutenberger Seconded: Dave McCune Vote: ayes - Howe, Levine, Bleiwas, McCune, Gutenberger, Sinton and DePaolo 5. Reports from Committees TBS 2026-06-22 (Filed 6/23) Pg. 4 a) Budget b) Personnel and Organization/ERC- Ms. Bleiwas reported they talked about health insurance benefits and the Platinum vs PPO plans. Changes may become necessary and this is the beginning of those types of conversations. c) Public Works d) Planning – Mr. Howe reported they asked people to come in and explain – and e) Codes & Ordinances – Ms. Gutenberger reported that they reviewed the final draft Subdivision legislation to send to the Conservation and Planning Boards. f) RMAB – Ms. Rosa reported that they reviewed a complete revision of the Access to Public Records Policy and Procedures which was updated to reflect current practices, technology, and added the required notification to former/current employees when a personnel record was requested and the designation of the Town Board as the Appeal Body as it pertains to denied FOIL requests. g) TCCOG – Mr. Howe reported that they continue to discuss emergency services and he has invited Bangs to come and give a presentation to the Board. h) CWIO – Mr. McCune reported that he continues to be impressed with the organization; they are looking at studying and oversight possibilities associated with the canal in the northern end of the Watershed, which may be contributing to certain contaminants in the watershed. i) Recreation Partnership – Ms. Bleiwas reported that they have reviewed and recommended their 2027 budget with a 4.8% increase across programs resulting in a 7% increase in the request for support from the Town because support request have lagged behind actual costs. 6. Consent Agenda TB Resolution 2026 - 045: Consent Agenda Resolved that the Town Board approves, accepts, or acknowledges the following Consent Agenda action: a. Approval of Minutes b. Town of Ithaca Abstract c. Approval of revised Access to Public Records Policy d. Approval of Employee Recognition and Support Policy e. Approval of revised Personnel Policy – Travel and Training - Mileage f. Resolution of Appreciation – Debby Kelley g. Resolution of Appreciation – Joe Hulbert Moved: Pamela Bleiwas Seconded: Rich DePaolo Vote: ayes- Bleiwas, DePaolo, Howe, Levine, McCune, Sinton and Gutenberger TB Resolution 2026 – 045a: Approval of Town Board minutes TBS 2026-06-22 (Filed 6/23) Pg. 5 Resolved that the Town Board approves the draft minutes of the meeting on June 8, 2026, as final with any non-substantive changes made. TB Resolution 2026 - 045b: Town of Ithaca Abstracts No. 12 of FY-2026 Resolved that the Town Board authorizes the payment of the following audited vouchers in total for the amounts indicated: VOUCHER NOS. 2026 568 - 628 General Fund Town Wide 63,113.19 General Fund Part-Town 11,153.30 Highway Fund Town Wide DA 2,161.27 Highway Fund Part Town DB 132,431.88 Water Fund 867,070.89 Sewer Fund 103,624.42 Capital Projects 121,207.86 Risk Retention Fund 308.68 Fire Protection Fund 1,250.50 Trust and Agency 7,000.00 TOTAL 1,309,321.99 TB Resolution 2026 – 045c: Approval of revised Access to Public Records Policy Resolved that the Town Board approves and adopts the revised Access to Public Records Policy as submitted, effective immediately. TB Resolution 2026 – 045d: Approval of Employee Recognition and Support Policy Whereas, the Personnel & Organization Committee reviewed the current guidelines on when the Town sends bereavement flowers, employee appreciation increment amounts and retirement celebrations and recommended that a policy is more appropriate than guidelines, and Whereas, the Personnel & Organization Committee reviewed the draft Employee Recognition and Support Policy and recommended approval by the Town Board; now therefore be it Resolved, the Town Board approves the Employee Recognition and Support Policy as submitted, effective July 1, 2026. TB Resolution 2026 - 045e: Adoption of Revised Personnel Policy- Travel and Training Whereas, the Personnel & Organization Committee has reviewed the revised Personnel Policy – Travel and Training – Mileage Reimbursement - which provides additional language regarding the use of Town vehicle(s) for travel and clarification on the calculation for reimbursable mileage, and recommended approval, now, therefore, be it TBS 2026-06-22 (Filed 6/23) Pg. 6 Resolved, the Town Board approves the revised personnel policy, Travel and Training – Mileage Reimbursement, as submitted, effective immediately. TB Resolution 2026 – 045f: Resolution of Appreciation – Debby Kelley Whereas, Debby Kelley began her career at the town on March 18, 1996, as a Keyboard Specialist in the Town Clerk’s Department; was promoted to Deputy Town Clerk in 1998; advanced to Bookkeeper to the Supervisor in 2001; and most recently was promoted to the Deputy Finance Officer position in January 2025; and Whereas, serving continuously as Receiver of Taxes for more than twenty-five years, Debby administered the collection of Town and County taxes with exceptional accuracy, accountability, and dedication, earning the trust and respect of residents, colleagues, and fellow municipal professionals alike; and Whereas, throughout her more than thirty years of service, Debby provided exemplary customer service to Town residents, consistently demonstrating professionalism, patience, courtesy, and a genuine commitment in helping others with tax, water, sewer, and other municipal matters; and Whereas, Debby was always willing to lend a helping hand and share her expertise by assisting other departments during periods of staffing shortages, including the Courts, Public Works Department, and Bolton Point Water System; and Whereas, Debby was a valued and dependable team member who worked collaboratively with department heads and colleagues throughout the organization, assisting with procurement, payroll administration, financial operations, and numerous other municipal functions that contributed to the efficient delivery of Town services; and Whereas, Debby fostered strong professional relationships beyond the Town through her service on volunteer boards and professional organizations, including the New York State Association of Tax Receivers and Collectors; and Whereas, after more than thirty (30) years of dedicated and distinguished service to the Town of Ithaca and its residents, Debby has chosen to retire, effective June 27, 2026; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that on this 22nd day of June 2026, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca, on behalf of the Town and its citizens, hereby expresses its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Debby Kelley for her outstanding service, commitment, and contributions to our community, and extends its best wishes for a long, healthy, and fulfilling retirement. TB Resolution 2026 – 045g: Resolution of Appreciation – Joe Hulbert Whereas, Joseph Hulbert began his career with the town on June 25, 2001, as a Maintenance Worker and was promoted to Maintenance Supervisor in 2017; and TBS 2026-06-22 (Filed 6/23) Pg. 7 Whereas, throughout his career, Joe demonstrated exceptional dedication in the maintenance and upkeep of Town Hall and the Town’s Public Works facilities, consistently going above and beyond in service to the community by tackling projects large and small, like building cold storage buildings, and intricately painting the Town Hall historic lobby ceiling to repairing picnic tables, park signs and replacing mailboxes damaged during snow removal; and Whereas, Joe was widely recognized for his expert woodworking skills and craftmanship, including constructing the custom wood panels for the Town Board dais; as well as building counters, cupboards, and other improvements that enhanced staff workspaces; and Whereas, Joe consistently fostered a spirit of cooperation and teamwork among his colleagues and was especially gifted at making new employees feel welcomed, valued, and appreciated; and Whereas, Joe was known for his attention to detail, willingness to lend a helping hand and commitment to getting the job done - even when it meant replacing the parking lot gate after yet another mishap, maintenance at sewer pump stations that are known to be unpleasant and have many odd glitches, to being the go to person for town picnic pavilion setup and bathroom cleaning; and Whereas, Joe enriched the workplace with his generosity in sharing homemade maple syrup, his talent for telling a good story, many competitive card games, and the pride and joy that shone through whenever he spoke of his beloved grandchildren; and Whereas, the Town of Ithaca has greatly benefited from Joe’s dedication, knowledge, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to serving the community and enhancing the quality of life for its residents; and Whereas, effective June 27, 2026, Joe has chosen to retire from his employment with the Town, after twenty-five (25) years of dedicated service; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that on this 22nd day of June 2026, the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca, on behalf of the Town and its residents, expresses its sincere appreciation, gratitude, and best wishes to Joseph Hulbert for his outstanding service, lasting contributions, and dedicated commitment to the Town of Ithaca and its community. 7. Review of Correspondence/Board Member Comments – None Added Item – Motion made by Rod Howe, seconded by Rich DePaolo, to enter executive session to discuss an elected official; unanimous. Motion made by Rich DePaolo, seconded by Pamela Bleiwas to return to open session and adjourn; unanimous. Submitted by Paulette Rosa, Town Clerk Town of Ithaca June 22, 2026 Transportation in Tompkins County: Understanding Your MPO Ithaca Tompkins County Transportation Council Tom Knipe, Director Transportation Shapes Everyday Life Transportation influences: •Housing and development •Economic vitality •Safety •Access to jobs and services •Environmental quality •Health and quality of life •Mobility options What is the ITCTC? Your MPO. We help communities work together on transportation issues that cross municipal boundaries. •Coordinate regional transportation planning •Guide federal transportation investment •Provide technical assistance and data •Support implementation Our work ensures that local voices shape federal transportation investments. How We Support Municipalities •Funding support and guidance •Planning studies and project development •Data, mapping, and analysis •Regional coordination •Grant opportunities •Technical assistance How Transportation Funding Works Federal Programs ↓ New York State Programs ↓ Long-Range Plan (LRTP) Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Local Projects Town of Ithaca -Sponsored Federal-Aid Projects since 2020 •4 projects •$5.9 Million project value •$5 Million + Town cost avoidance •Town funds leveraged 4:1 or higher Listening Tour: What We Heard From Our Stakeholders Strength: Strong collaboration, support for multimodal Challenge: Many people do not understand what ITCTC does and how to engage Opportunity: Better communication, data, and implementation support Concern: Funding uncertainty Sample of Stakeholder quotes: “ITCTC should work to articulate a clear regional vision for transportation and help guide the community to achieve that vision.“ “I know that ITCTC collects and publishes various types of data, but I don't really know how best to engage with that data to inform planning for the Town" “Focus time, energy and money where there is opportunity to improve safety and access for vulnerable roadway users.” Our vision: •More visible •More useful •More data-informed •More proactive •More implementation-focused Where We’re Headed Sample of Current ITCTC Projects •Staffing structure change; currently recruiting a Transportation Planner •ITCTC White Paper series: •Speed limit reductions in rural hamlets •Community Streets •Transportation funding primer •Data Requests and Resources - ITCTC | Tompkins County •Trail development support (BWT, Dryden Rail Trail, Lansing Greenway, CVRT, CWT support, E. Shore future research) •Community Streets Initiative •THAI – Transit Housing Accessibility Index with TCAT •Traffic modeling capacity rebuild; scenario-based long-range planning •Transportation Project Map Transportation in Tompkins County Today Transportation Snapshot •Commute and travel patterns •Transit use trends •Safety trends •Major transportation investments •Making the LRTP relevant •Partners with the Town in design and planning projects: •Safe Streets for All •Forest Home study •TIP management •Accelerated Mobility Playbook (AMP) with City Thread Current Town of Ithaca – ITCTC Collaboration How Can We Help? ITCTC is a resource for local governments. Reach out! -Data -TIP -UPWP Process -Technical Assistance -Planning & Analysis Tom Knipe, Director itctc@tompkins-co.org, 607-274-5572 www.tcgov.co/itctc Thank you for your input and support!