HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB 2025-048 Updated Contract Taitem STZ_05.12.2025MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
May 12, 2025
TB Resolution 2025 -048: Authorization to update contract with Taitem Engineering in support of theNYSERDA Stretch to Zero Pilot Program
Whereas, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
launched a Stretch to Zero pilot program; and
Whereas, the Town Board unanimously adopted the Town' s Green New Deal on March 23,
2020, which sets forth a goal to achieve an equitable transition to carbon-neutrality communitywide by 2030; and
Whereas, as a major milestone in its Green New Deal efforts, the Town of Ithaca on June 14,
2021, adopted Local Law 5 of 2021, adding Chapter 144 to the Town of Ithaca Code, Titled
Energy Code Supplement; and
Whereas, the Energy Code Supplement (ECS) had an effective date of September 13, 2021, and sincethen has been enforced by the Town; and
Whereas, the ECS currently requires that new construction, certain additions, and major
renovations be constructed to produce 80% fewer GHG emissions than those built to NYS code, and starting in 2026,the ECS will require that all buildings shall be built to have net-zero
GHG emissions and shall not use fossil fuels for space heating, water heating, or clothes drying, withexceptions for cooking and process energy; and
Whereas, the NYSERDA Stretch to Zero pilot program, was awarded to the Town of Ithaca because of local legislative action to adopt a zero on- sitegreenhouse gas emissions code, and interest
in sharing information with NYSERDA and learning from the other participating municipalities; and
Whereas,the Town of Ithaca received up to $25, 000 per quarter over the two-year Stretch
to Zero Pilot Program for a maximum award of$200, 000; and
Whereas,Stretch to Zero pilot program funding supported ongoing implementation and
enforcement of the Energy Code Supplement; and
Whereas,an agreement for services, not to exceed $12,000, was executed with Taitem Engineering on May 15 2024, with financial assistance from the NYSERDA Stretch to Zero pilot program;
and
Whereas, Taitem Engineering participates in in-person and/or virtual meetings with the Town and other stakeholders to discuss development and implementation of the Ithaca Energy Code
Supplement; and
Whereas,participation in the Stretch to Zero program was a valuable opportunity to show
Town of Ithaca leadership and inspire other governments to take legislative action to reduce GHG emissions, in support of the climate goals of New York State and other national and international
bodies; and
Resolved, that the Town Board approves and authorizes the Supervisor to sign the contract with Taitem Engineering; renewing the service fee, not to exceed $12,000 for the period of January
1, 2025 through December 31, 2025, using the financial assistance from the NYSERDA Stretch to Zero Pilot Program.
Moved: Susie GutenbergerSeconded: Rod Howe
Vote: ayes- Howe, Levine, Johnson and Gutenberger
Recused- Rob Rosen