Highlights of the 5/19/26 Tompkins County Legislature meeting
Published on May 22, 2026
Watch the 5/19 meeting recording on YouTube
Jump to discussions on specific agenda items on the Meeting Portal
Topics included:
- Asteri updates from the City of Ithaca and Tompkins County Whole Health
- County's state of energy and sustainability presentation
- Actions taken
- Proclamations: Memorial Day; Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month; Older Americans Month
Asteri updates from the City of Ithaca and Tompkins County Whole Health
Tompkins County legislators received an update on ongoing concerns at the Asteri apartment building from City of Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo, Whole Health Commissioner Jennie Sutcliffe, and Whole Health Environmental Health Director Skip Parr. Officials described continued health, safety, and management issues at the facility, while outlining enforcement efforts and the limitations local governments face in addressing conditions at the privately owned property.
Mayor Cantelmo said conditions inside the building had not “materially improved” despite assurances from property management. During a recent walkthrough, he observed elevators without working lights, damaged apartment units, broken doors, overflowing waste, and unsanitary stairwells. He also criticized management for failing to respond to city inspection requests and said the city intends to enforce code violations as aggressively as possible. Cantelmo noted that meaningful long-term change will likely require action from the building’s investor group and additional state support for supportive housing services.
Commissioner Sutcliffe explained that Whole Health has been working with Asteri for nearly two years on sanitary code compliance, primarily related to garbage, biohazards, and unsafe common areas. She said the county issued a $40,000 penalty after violations of Commissioner’s Orders and has conducted repeated inspections in May. While concerns remain, Sutcliffe noted that inspectors have observed positive relationships between security staff and residents, helping create some stability within the building. Parr added that inspectors have seen some improvement in conditions compared to earlier visits, though several violations remain unresolved. He clarified that Whole Health’s authority is limited to public health concerns rather than broader building code issues.
Legislators raised concerns about enforcement, supportive services, and public safety impacts. Legislator Hubbard (D-Ithaca City, Town) questioned whether stronger financial penalties may be necessary if conditions do not improve, while Legislator Brown (R-Newfield, Enfield) argued the county should pursue every legal remedy available and expand case management support for residents.
Discussion also focused on the balance between tenant responsibility and property management accountability. Legislator Mezey (D-Dryden) asked how responsibility should be shared when residents create hazardous conditions, while Sutcliffe emphasized the importance of stable housing, mental health support, and supportive services in helping residents maintain safe living environments. Legislator Brooks (D-Ithaca City, Town) raised concerns about inadequate lease oversight and management practices that he said contributed to ongoing instability within the building.
State of energy and sustainability presentation
Tompkins County Chief Sustainability Officer Terry Carroll provided legislators with an overview of the county’s energy usage, sustainability initiatives, and renewable energy projects, highlighting both rising utility costs and ongoing efforts to reduce emissions and improve efficiency. Carroll reported that county electricity and natural gas spending increased by 8.3% from 2024 to 2025, driven largely by higher utility rates and weather-related demand. Overall energy costs reached their highest level since the county began tracking them in 2019.
A major focus of the presentation was the county’s hydroelectric partnership at the Waterloo facility, which Carroll described as one of the county’s most successful long-term sustainability investments. Although hydroelectric production was lower in 2025 due to drought conditions and fluctuating water levels, the county realized approximately $242,000 in savings, nearly double the savings from 2024, because of higher wholesale electricity market prices. Carroll estimated that the facility now offsets roughly 40% of the county’s electricity use and may have saved taxpayers nearly $1 million since the partnership began.
Carroll also reviewed progress on the county’s green fleet and facilities projects. About 27% of the county fleet is currently electrified. He highlighted completed high-efficiency boiler upgrades at the Human Services Building, ongoing solar development at the Health Department, and continued planning for a district geothermal energy system that could eventually serve multiple county buildings.
Additional sustainability accomplishments included the distribution of 163 induction cooktops through a Healthy Neighborhoods partnership program funded by a $30,000 NYSERDA grant, a statewide sustainability conference hosted in Tompkins County with representatives from 22 municipalities, and continued support for the county’s Business Energy Advisor program through new grant funding. Carroll also discussed future work on the county’s Climate Action Plan, battery energy storage projects, and new electricity supply contracts.
Actions taken
The legislature discussed and approved several resolutions, including:
Creation of a Senior Motor Vehicle Examiner Position was approved unanimously, with an amendment for this to be a temporary position until the current DMV Deputy retires in January 2027.
Authorization to Disburse County Funds to the Community Housing Development Fund (CHDF) was approved unanimously, utilizing $80,000 in Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency (TCIDA) contributions to support the Habitat for Humanity of Tompkins and Cortland Counties 610 W. Court Street in Ithaca project.
Resolution calling for state action
Endorsing State Legislation A7620 and S7072 - Authorizing Tompkins County to Amend General Municipal Law (GML) Through the Passage of a Home Rule Law Request to Expand Membership of the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency (TCIDA) From Seven to Nine Members was approved unanimously.
Resolution calling for federal action
Calling on the Federal Government to Invest in Economic Development, Housing, and Infrastructure and to Deliver Results Through Bipartisan Action was approved with an amendment in a 12-2 vote, with Legislators Shurtleff (R-Groton, Dryden) and Brown (R-Newfield, Enfield) opposed.
Proclamations
The legislature proclaimed May 25, 2026 as Memorial Day and encouraged all residents to pause or join in local ceremonies at 11:00 a.m. on May 25 and carry forward the legacy of courage, service, and sacrifice that defines the nation. The proclamation honored fallen service members, recognized the sacrifices of Gold Star families, including 12 Tompkins County residents lost during the Vietnam War and five lost in military conflicts since 2000, and was presented to Veterans Services Director J.R. Clairborne (pictured on the left).
The legislature declared May 2026 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) American Heritage Month, recognizing the significant cultural, economic, academic, and civic contributions of AANHPI residents in Tompkins County and celebrating the 2026 theme, “Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together.” The proclamation noted that AANHPI residents make up approximately 11% of the county population and highlighted the resilience and contributions of AANHPI communities throughout American history.
The legislature proclaimed May 2026 as Older Americans Month, recognizing the important contributions of older adults in Tompkins County and highlighting the 2026 theme, “Champion Your Health,” which emphasizes prevention, wellness, and healthy aging. The proclamation also recognized the work of the Tompkins County Office for the Aging, Lifelong, and Foodnet Meals on Wheels in supporting older residents through nutrition services, social engagement, and programs that promote independence and community connection. Lifelong Director Liza Burger and Foodnet Registered Dietitian Jill Seeley received the proclamation and shared remarks (pictured above).
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