HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 2026-07-13SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
July 13, 2026 @ 5:00 p.m.
215 N. Tioga St
YouTube Link Zoom Link
AGENDA
1. Consider entering executive session to discuss the proposed acquisition, sale or lease
of real property where publicity would substantially affect the value thereof.
No action is being considered or taken.
Adjourn
Links to the meeting materials are available at https://townithacany.gov/meeting-calendar-agendas/.
Board Member(s) may attend via the videoconferencing platform ZOOM when necessary. The public can
access ZOOM by the links provided or by going to www.zoom.com/join or calling (929) 436-2866 and
entering the Meeting ID# 98910958241.
Public comments where applicable can be made at the meeting in person or via ZOOM; by mail to the
address above, or via email to Clerks@townithacany.gov until 3pm the day of the meeting. All comments
become a public record and are distributed to Board Members and the Applicant(s) prior to the meeting.
The meeting is also broadcast and saved as a courtesy on Youtube.com/@townofithacavideo
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
July 13, 2026 @ 5:30 p.m.
215 N. Tioga St
AGENDA
1. Call to order and Pledge of Allegiance
2. Persons to be heard
3. Community Housing Development Fund Presentation
4. Consider award of 2025 Miscellaneous Water Improvements Phase 2 contract
5. Consider Authorization to Apply for Funding through the 2026 Environmental Protection
Fund Grant’s Historic Preservation Program for Town Hall
6. Consider approval of budget amendments/transfers
7. Consider Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Town Board Minutes
b. Approval of the Town of Ithaca Abstract
c. Approval of the Bolton Point Abstract
d. Approval of Agreement with City of Ithaca re DER Consulting Contract
e. Approval of appointment of Planning Board member – Minner
f. Approval of appointment of Zoning Board of Appeals member - Friedman
g. Approval of promotional appointment – Civil Engineer – Crandall
h. Approval of appointment of Deputy Finance Officer – Snyder
i. Approval of Agreement for Legal Services - SJC
j. Approval of a Sewer Exemption – 415 Bostwick Rd
k. Approval of Parks & Recreation Month - July
8. Reports from Town Officials
9. Review of Correspondence
Links to the meeting materials are available at https://townithacany.gov/meeting-calendar-agendas/.
Board Member(s) may attend via the videoconferencing platform ZOOM when necessary. The public can
access ZOOM by the links provided or by going to www.zoom.com/join or calling (929) 436-2866 and
entering the Meeting ID# 98910958241.
Public comments where applicable can be made at the meeting in person or via ZOOM; by mail to the
address above, or via email to Clerks@townithacany.gov until 3pm the day of the meeting. All comments
become a public record and are distributed to Board Members and the Applicant(s) prior to the meeting.
The meeting is also broadcast and saved as a courtesy on Youtube.com/@townofithacavideo
TB 2026-07-13 (Filed 7/14) Pg. 1
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
July 13, 2026 @ 5:00 p.m.
215 N. Tioga St
MINUTES
Present: Board Members Rod Howe, Supervisor; Eric Levine, Pamela Bleiwas, Rich DePaolo,
Susie Gutenberger, and Diana Sinton (Videoconferencing) Absent: David McCune
Judy Drake, Director of Human Resources; Justin McNeal, Director of Engineering; Marty
Moseley, Director of Code Enforcement; CJ Randall, Director of Planning; Paulette Rosa, Town
Clerk; Joe Slater, Director of Public Works and Nate VanWhy, Attorney for the Town
Guests: Rob Cantelmo, Mayor, and Dominick Recckio, Acting City Manager
1. Consider entering executive session to discuss the proposed acquisition, sale or lease
of real property where publicity would substantially affect the value thereof.
No action is being considered or taken.
Mr. Howe called the meeting to order at 5:02 pm
Motion made by Mr. Howe, to enter executive session to discuss the proposed acquisition, sale or
lease of real property where publicity would substantially affect the value thereof, seconded by
Mr. DePaolo; unanimous.
Motion made by Mr. Howe to reenter public session and adjourn, seconded by Ms. Bleiwas,
unanimous.
Submitted by
Paulette Rosa, Town Clerk
MEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
July 13, 2026 @ 5:30 p.m.
MINUTES
Present: Board Members Rod Howe, Supervisor; Eric Levine, Pamela Bleiwas, Rich DePaolo,
Susie Gutenberger, and Diana Sinton (Videoconferencing) Absent: David McCune
Judy Drake, Director of Human Resources; Justin McNeal, Director of Engineering; Marty
Moseley, Director of Code Enforcement; CJ Randall, Director of Planning; Paulette Rosa, Town
Clerk; Joe Slater, Director of Public Works and Nate VanWhy, Attorney for the Town
1. Call to order and Pledge of Allegiance – Mr. Howe opened the meeting at 5:30 pm
TB 2026-07-13 (Filed 7/14) Pg. 2
2. Persons to be heard – None
3. Community Housing Development Fund Presentation (Attachment 1)
Shawna Black and David West, Tompkins County Planning - Presentation outlining the levels of
participation in the program; Full/$100,000 Associate/$50,000 a year.
This program provides support for projects throughout the County and helps projects when
applying for grant funding opportunities and leveraging other funding sources.
Town funds are not collected until or unless a project is in the Town of Ithaca.
Mr. Howe noted that no decision is being made tonight.
4. Consider award of 2025 Miscellaneous Water Improvements Phase 2 contract
Mr. McNeal gave an overview of the project and its history.
TB Resolution 2026-046: Authorization to Award Construction Contract for 2025
Miscellaneous Water Main Replacement Project Phase 2
Whereas, on July 1, 2026, the Town of Ithaca Town Engineer received bids for the 2025
Miscellaneous Water Main Replacement Project (Improvement), and
Whereas, pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) and its
implementing regulations at 6 NYCRR Part 617, it has been determined by the Town Board that
approval, construction and implementation of the Improvement are a Type II action due to the
Improvement being a “replacement, rehabilitation or reconstruction of a structure or facility, in
kind, on the same site….”; and
Whereas, at its meeting on August 25, 2025, the Town Board adopted a Public Interest Order (TB
Resolution 2025-092) establishing the Improvement and the Town of Ithaca 2025 Miscellaneous
Water Main Replacement Project Improvement Area and authorizing a maximum amount of
$1,428,645.00 to be expended on this Improvement this was subject to permissive referendum in
the manner provided in Town Law Article 7 and Town Law Section 209-q, no referendum was
requested, and
Whereas, at its meeting on October 27, 2025 the Town Board authorized the award of the Phase 1
of the 2025 Miscellaneous Water Main Replacement Project , with a maximum authorized cost of
$384,527.00, the remaining balance of $1,044,118.00 is available for Phase 2 of the 2025
Miscellaneous Water Main Replacement Project, and
Whereas the Town Engineer reviewed the bids and has determined that the budget allows for
Award Scenario 3, ( Base bid, Additive 1, and Additive 2), and
Whereas the Town Engineer reviewed the bidder’s qualification and determined the lowest
responsive bid for award scenario 3, in the amount of $859,126.00 was submitted by the lowest
TB 2026-07-13 (Filed 7/14) Pg. 3
responsible bidder, Hurd Development LLC, 22 N. Brookside Ave Endwell, NY 13760.
Whereas an additional 10% for contingency is recommended in the amount of $85,912.00 for a
total of $945,038.00; now therefore be it
Resolved, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the award of the contract for the Town of
Ithaca for Award scenario 3 for the 2025 Miscellaneous Water Main Replacement Project Phase
2 Construction Contract to Hurd Development LLC.; and be it further
Resolved, that the Town Supervisor is authorized to execute such contract subject to review of the
final contract documents by the Director and the Attorney for the Town; and be it further
Resolved, that the Town Engineer is authorized to approve change orders to such contract upon
receipt of appropriate justification provided the maximum amount of such change orders shall not
in the aggregate exceed $85,912.00 without prior authorization of this Board, and provided further
that the total project cost, including contract, engineering, legal, inspection, and other expenses,
does not exceed the maximum authorized cost of $945,038.00 for the project.
Moved: Pamela Bleiwas Seconded: Rich DePaolo
Vote: ayes- Howe, DePaolo, Bleiwas, Levine, and Sinton
5. Consider Authorization to Apply for Funding through the 2026 Environmental
Protection Fund Grant’s Historic Preservation Program for Town Hall
Mr. Howe gave an overview.
TB Resolution 2026-046: Authorization to Award Construction Contract for 2025
Miscellaneous Water Main Replacement Project Phase 2
Whereas, on July 1, 2026, the Town of Ithaca Town Engineer received bids for the 2025
Miscellaneous Water Main Replacement Project (Improvement), and
Whereas, pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) and its
implementing regulations at 6 NYCRR Part 617, it has been determined by the Town Board that
approval, construction and implementation of the Improvement are a Type II action due to the
Improvement being a “replacement, rehabilitation or reconstruction of a structure or facility, in
kind, on the same site….”; and
Whereas, at its meeting on August 25, 2025, the Town Board adopted a Public Interest Order (TB
Resolution 2025-092) establishing the Improvement and the Town of Ithaca 2025 Miscellaneous
Water Main Replacement Project Improvement Area and authorizing a maximum amount of
$1,428,645.00 to be expended on this Improvement this was subject to permissive referendum in
the manner provided in Town Law Article 7 and Town Law Section 209-q, no referendum was
requested, and,
Whereas, at its meeting on October 27, 2025 the Town Board authorized the award of the Phase 1
of the 2025 Miscellaneous Water Main Replacement Project , with a maximum authorized cost of
TB 2026-07-13 (Filed 7/14) Pg. 4
$384,527.00, the remaining balance of $1,044,118.00 is available for Phase 2 of the 2025
Miscellaneous Water Main Replacement Project, and
Whereas the Town Engineer reviewed the bids and has determined that the budget allows for
Award Scenario 3, ( Base bid, Additive 1, and Additive 2), and,
Whereas the Town Engineer reviewed the bidder’s qualification and determined the lowest
responsive bid for award scenario 3, in the amount of $859,126.00 was submitted by the lowest
responsible bidder, Hurd Development LLC, 22 N. Brookside Ave Endwell, NY 13760.
Whereas an additional 10% for contingency is recommended in the amount of $85,912.00 for a
total of $945,038.00 : now therefore be it
Resolved, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the award of the contract for the Town of
Ithaca for Award scenario 3 for the 2025 Miscellaneous Water Main Replacement Project Phase
2 Construction Contract to Hurd Development LLC.; and be it further
Resolved, that the Town Supervisor is authorized to execute such contract subject to review of the
final contract documents by the Director and the Attorney for the Town; and be it further
Resolved, that the Town Engineer is authorized to approve change orders to such contract upon
receipt of appropriate justification provided the maximum amount of such change orders shall not
in the aggregate exceed $85,912.00 without prior authorization of this Board, and provided further
that the total project cost, including contract, engineering, legal, inspection, and other expenses,
does not exceed the maximum authorized cost of $945,038.00 for the project.
Moved: Pamela Bleiwas Seconded: Rich DePaolo
Vote: ayes- Howe, DePaolo, Bleiwas, Levine, and Sinton
6. Consider approval of budget amendments/transfers
7. Consider Consent Agenda
TB Resolution 2026 -048: Consent Agenda
Resolved that the Town Board approves, accepts, or acknowledges the following Consent
Agenda items:
a. Approval of Town Board Minutes
b. Approval of the Town of Ithaca Abstract
c. Approval of the Bolton Point Abstract
d. Approval of Agreement with City of Ithaca re DER Consulting Contract
e. Approval of appointment of Planning Board member – Minner
f. Approval of appointment of Zoning Board of Appeals member - Friedman
g. Approval of promotional appointment – Civil Engineer – Crandall
h. Approval of appointment of Deputy Finance Officer – Snyder
i. Approval of Agreement for Legal Services - SJC
TB 2026-07-13 (Filed 7/14) Pg. 5
j. Approval of a Sewer Exemption – 415 Bostwick Rd
k. Approval of Parks and Recreation Month – July
l. Approval of appointment to TCAC Advisory Board – Rosa
m. Acknowledge receipt of the SCLIWC Independent Financial Audit for YE 2025
Moved: Pamela Bleiwas Seconded: Eric Levine
Vote: ayes – Howe, DePaolo, Bleiwas, Levine and Sinton
TB Resolution 2026 – 048a: Approval of Town Board minutes
Resolved that the Town Board approves the draft minutes of the meeting on June 22, 2026, as
final with any non-substantive changes made.
TB Resolution 2026 - 048b: Town of Ithaca Abstracts No. 13 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 629 - 704
General Fund Town Wide 121,450.38
General Fund Part-Town 10,261.09
Highway Fund Town Wide DA 1,898.15
Highway Fund Part Town DB 320,026.69
Water Fund 63,051.39
Sewer Fund 97,812.06
Risk Retention Fund 316.55
Fire Protection Fund 935,873.77
TOTAL 1,550,690.18
TB Resolution 2026 - 048c: Approval of Bolton Point Abstract
Resolved that the governing Town Board approves and authorizes payments of the following
audited vouchers in the amounts listed:
Voucher Numbers: 240-291
Check Numbers: 21928-21979
Capital Impr/Repl Project $ 1,006.00
Operating Fund $ 161,622.85
TOTAL $ 162,628.85
TB Resolution 2026 - 048d: Approval of an Intermunicipal Agreement Regarding
Distributed Energy Resources Consulting Contract with the City of Ithaca
Resolved that the Town Board approves and authorizes the Town Supervisor to execute the
TB 2026-07-13 (Filed 7/14) Pg. 6
Intermunicipal Agreement Regarding Distributed Energy Resources Consulting Contract with
the City of Ithaca at a cost not to exceed $12,000, as submitted.
TB Resolution 2026 - 048e: 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 Jennifer Minner, 200 Roat Street, to the position
for the remainder of an active term ending December 31, 2031; now, therefore, be it
Resolved that the Town Board appoints Jennifer Minner as a Planning Board Member for the
term of July 13, 2026, through December 31, 2031.
TB Resolution 2026 - 048f: Appointment of Zoning Board of Appeals Member- Friedman
Whereas there is a vacant Zoning Board of Appeals Member position due to a resignation, and
the Director of Code Enforcement recommends appointing current Alternate Stuart Friedman,
219 Rachel Carson Way, to the full position, be it
Resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby appoint Stuart Friedman as a
Zoning Board of Appeals Member for the term of July 13, 2026, through December 31, 2030.
TB Resolution 2026 – 048g: Approve Promotional Appointment of Civil Engineer-
Crandall
Whereas, there is currently a vacancy in the Senior Civil Engineer position but are backfilling the
position with a Civil Engineer position; and
Whereas the Interview Committee interviewed one internal candidate for the position after an open
recruitment; and
Whereas the Committee has determined that Connor Crandall, Engineering Technician I, possesses
the necessary knowledge and skills to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position; and
Whereas Justin McNeal, Director of Engineering, appointed Connor Crandall as a Civil Engineer,
effective August 9, 2026; now, therefore be it
Resolved the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby approve the promotional appointment
of Connor Crandall as a Civil Engineer, effective August 9, 2026; and be it further
Resolved the position is at 40 hours per week, at the hourly wage of $42.75, which is an estimated
annual salary of $88,920 from A1440.100, in Job Classification “F” Step 1, with full time benefits;
and be it further
Resolved the said appointment is a non-competitive appointment due to the NYS HELPS
program; and be it further
Resolved, a minimum twelve (12) week probationary period applies with no further action by the
TB 2026-07-13 (Filed 7/14) Pg. 7
Town Board if there is successful completion of the probationary period as determined by the
Director of Engineering.
TB Resolution 2026 – 048h: Approve Appointment of Deputy Finance Officer -Snyder
Whereas, there is a vacant Deputy Finance Officer position due to retirement on June 26, 2026;
and
Whereas the Interview Committee interviewed five candidates from an open recruitment for the
position; and
Whereas the Committee has determined that Lisa Snyder possesses the necessary knowledge and
skills to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position; and
Whereas Kelly Anderson, Finance Officer appointed Lisa Snyder as Deputy Finance Officer,
effective July 20, 2026; now, therefore be it
Resolved the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby approve the non-competitive
appointment of Lisa Snyder as Deputy Finance Officer position for the Finance Office, effective
July 20, 2026; and be it further
Resolved the position is at 40 hours per week, at the hourly wage of $38.75, which is an estimated
annual salary of $80,600 from A1316.100, in Job Classification “E”, with full time benefits; and
be it further
Resolved a minimum twenty-six (26) week probationary period applies with no further action by
the Town Board if there is successful completion of the probationary period as determined by the
Finance Officer.
TB Resolution 2026 - 048i: Approval of Contract – Legal Services – IAWWTF
Resolved that the Town Board approves and authorizes the Town Supervisor to sign the contract
with PMV Legal Group, PLLC for Legal Services to the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment
Facility as submitted.
TB Resolution 2026 - 048j: Authorization for the Town Engineer to issue a Sewer
Exemption for 415 Bostwick Road
Whereas the Town Engineer received a request for a Sewer Exemption from Eric Caster, the
owner of 415 Bostwick Road, Tax Parcel 32.-2-3.3, due to the excessively large costs and
difficulties connecting into municipal sewer due to the nearest sewer main being approximately
5,100+/- feet away, resulting in an estimated cost of $1,275,000.00, and
Whereas the owners are replacing an existing septic system for a single-family home that has
failed on the property and are working with a contractor and Tompkins County Health
Department to design the replacement system, and
TB 2026-07-13 (Filed 7/14) Pg. 8
Resolved, pursuant to Town Code Section 214-6, the Town Board finds the applicant has shown
unusual and extreme practical difficulties in connecting to municipal sewer for the reasons
conveyed by town staff and the reasons detailed in the request for a sewer exemption submitted
to the Town Engineer, dated July 1, 2026, and be it further
Resolved, the Town Board authorizes the Town Engineer to issue an exemption from the Town
Code Section 214-5 for 415 Bostwick Road, Tax Parcel 32.-2-3.3 for the installation of a new,
onsite wastewater treatment system associated with the existing single-family residence, subject
to the consent of the Tompkins County Health Department.
TB Resolution 2026 - 048k: Proclaiming July as Parks and Recreation Month
Whereas, parks and recreation are an integral part of communities throughout this country,
including the Town of Ithaca; and
Whereas, parks and recreation promote health and wellness, improving the physical and mental
health of people who live near parks; and
Whereas, parks and recreation promote time spent in nature and encourages physical activities by
providing space for sports, hiking trails, and activities designed to promote active lifestyles; and
Whereas, park and recreation programming and education activities, such as youth sports and
environmental education, are critical to childhood development; and
Whereas, parks and recreation increase a community’s economic prosperity through increased
property values, expansion of the local tax base, increased tourism, and the attraction and retention
of businesses; and
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca Public Works Department plays a vital role in caring for the Town’s
parks, trails, recreation and open space areas, which include many neighborhood parks, a
developed community park, six nature preserves, four multiuse trails, and numerous walkways;
and
Whereas, the Town’s parks and natural recreation areas ensure the ecological beauty of our
community and provide a place for children and adults to connect with nature and recreate
outdoors; now therefore be it
Resolved, July is recognized as Park and Recreation Month in the Town of Ithaca.
TB Resolution 2026 - 048l: Approval of appointment to TCAC Advisory Board – Rosa
Whereas, the contract with the Tompkins County Animal Control for dog control services
requires the appointment of a representative on the TCAC Advisory Board, now, therefore be it
Resolve that the appointed Town Clerk will be the Town’s representative on the TCAC Advisory
Board for as long as the Town contract with Tompkins County Animal Control for dog control
services requires such representation.
TB 2026-07-13 (Filed 7/14) Pg. 9
TB Resolution 2026 - 048m: Acknowledge receipt - SCLIWC Independent Financial Audit
for the fiscal year 2025
Resolved that the Town Board acknowledges receipt of the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal
Water Commission’s Independent Audit for the fiscal year 2025.
8. Reports from Town Officials – Mr. Howe reminded everyone that the 50th Anniversary
of Bolton Point is next Wednesday and the Association of Towns book of municipal stories,
which he had submitted one for the Town of Ithaca, will be available in the Tioga Room Library.
9. Review of Correspondence – None
Meeting adjourned upon a motion and a second; unanimous.
Submitted by
Paulette Rosa
Town Clerk
Improving Housing
Affordability in
Tompkins County
7/2/2026
Community Housing Development Fund (CHDF)
7/2/2026 Improving Housing Affordability in Tompkins County 4
Comprehensive Plan
2004, 2015
Housing Needs
Assessment
2006, 2016
Housing Strategy
2007, 2017Implementation
Evaluation
CHDF Background
•Purpose: financially support the construction or rehabilitation of
permanently affordable housing units
•Local public-private partnership
•Tompkins County ($100,000 per year)
•City of Ithaca ($100,000 per year)
•Cornell University ($200,000 per year)
•Towns of Dryden and Ithaca became Associate Members in 2020 and 2021
•IDA Workforce Housing Policy contributions by developers
7/2/2026 Improving Housing Affordability in Tompkins County 5
CHDF Background
•Provides funding for both owner-occupied and rental units
•Rental projects – up to $300,000 for the entire project*
•Owner-occupied projects – up to $400,000 for the entire project*
•Additional funding limits set per unit based on income categories for both
rental and owner-occupied units:
7/2/2026 Improving Housing Affordability in Tompkins County 6
*based on Round 26 NOFA
CHDF Process
7/2/2026 Improving Housing Affordability in Tompkins County 7
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): agreement among partners
Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA): establishes annual funding rounds
Application Review Committee (ARC): evaluates applications
Program Oversight Committee (POC): formal funding recommendation
Funding partners: approve their contributions using their processes (ex. Common Council)
Award amount invoiced and distributed once building permits received from developer
Membership Levels
•Full Membership
- Annual funding commitment $100,000 or more according to MOU
- Committed funds roll into next year, unspent into next MOU
- 3 voting members plus alternate; 2 required for quorum
- Responsible for managing the CHDF as a program as well as
individual contributions and accounting (with TCDPS staff support)
7/2/2026 Presentation Title 9
Membership Levels
•Associate Membership
- Single funding commitment of $50,000 or more
- funds available until allocated or otherwise unavailable, no
requirement to re-up, individual contracts (no MOU)
- Can be municipality, employer, or charitable foundation
- 1 voting member; not required for quorum – only votes on funding
- Responsible for individual contributions and accounting only (with
TCDPS staff support)
7/2/2026 Presentation Title 10
Roles & Responsibilities – County Staff
•Support POC and ARC
•Draft NOFAs, advertise funding rounds, review applications
•Assist applicants
•Support County approval process (SEQR, HED, and Legislature)
•Develop and execute contracts (with awardees and funding partners)
•Manage invoicing and disbursement of award funds
•Track issues affecting projects and program
•Field program inquiries, provide data and materials
7/2/2026 Improving Housing Affordability in Tompkins County 11
CHDF Impacts
•1,032 Units supported
•~$8.5 million
commitment from CHDF
•$347 million leveraged
•$44 of investment for
every $1 in CHDF
contributions
7/2/2026 Improving Housing Affordability in Tompkins County 13
CHDF Going Forward
•Increasing demands on finite resources
•Low Income Housing Tax Credits
•Need for more partners/greater contributions
•Future funding sources
•Compliance with affordability agreements
•Less experienced applicants
•“Missing Middle”
•Yes in your backyard, just not in mine
•Competing priorities
7/2/2026 Improving Housing Affordability in Tompkins County 19
Thank you! Questions?
Tompkins County Department
of Planning and Sustainability
Phone: 607-274-5560
Shawna Stevenson
Housing and Community Development Planner
shstevenson@tompkins-co.org
David West
Housing and Community Development Director
dwest@tompkins-co.org
7/2/2026 Improving Housing Affordability in Tompkins County 20