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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-08-2018 Town Board Meeting Minutes ApprovedVirgil Town Board Meeting March 08th, 2018 1 | P a g e TOWN OF VIRGIL REGULAR MEETING March 08th, 2018 PRESENT: Supervisor John Kaminski, Board Members Jereme Stiles, Eric Snow, Matt Denniston, Gary Pelton, Attorney for the Town Pat Snyder, Town Clerk/Collector Alane Van Donsel, Ken Scherrieble Camden Group, David Coish Camden Group, Doug & Jenae Withey, Britt Morse Highway Superintendent, Sandy Price County Legislator, Representing th e Virgil Youth Commission: Teri Pelton, Stacey Bradley, Corena Morse, Sue Connelly, Stacy Burns, Linda Hall, Hunter Eaves, Makenzie Morgan, Jasmine Brand, Abbey Albright, D avid Forehand Reigning Miracle Ministries, Courtney Pelus Child Development Center, Wes Kryger Greek Peak, Cat and Terry Fitzgerald Lash Road, Rebekah Stull, Eric and Ellen Fitchette, Carole Rehkugler 6:15PM PUBLIC HEARING ON LOCAL LAW #3 OF 2018- Virgil Town Clerk Alane Van Donsel read the legal notice that was posted at the town hall and published in the Cortland Standard. Supervisor Kaminski asked if there were any comments on Local Law #3 of 2018. David Forehand a representative from Reigning Miracle Ministries residing at 2910 Douglas Rd. commented. Forehand said that t he organization is on the out skirts of town and many folks may not know about them. He said that they bring a lot to the table. He said they are small, but they plan to expand. They have a conceptual plan that may someday include a senior citizen complex. He said that currently they run a K-12 school with 18 students and they run summer camps that are open to anyone in the community. He said that right now they are busting at the seams and they need to expand. He mentioned that the building process has been in the works for two years and they would like to see the commencement of building happen this year. Supervisor Kaminski asked three times if there were any more comments. There were none. Supervisor Kaminski then asked for a motion to close the public hearing. Member Stiles made the motion to close the Public Hearing. Member Snow seconded the motion. Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays-None 6:25 PM PUBLIC COMMENT FROM PARENTS FROM THE VIRGIL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REGARDING THE BEFORE AND AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM: Teri Pelton said that the Virgil Youth commission has met a couple of times since last month and they have sent out a survey to all the families in Virgil School. They received 35 responses. They looked at the comments. There were some concerns with the difference in price with the Child Development Center and the YMCA compared to the current prices. The VYC commission has tried to contain costs by raising the price of the program and by cutting staff. They got it down to having to people working in the morning and two people working in the afternoon. Pelton said they will have a better idea in couple weeks to see if these changes will help the program to be financially sustainable. There were two representatives from the Cortland Child Development Center there to speak to the board and the audience, which was comprised of many parents and Before and After school staff. Ellen and Country from the Child Development Center said that they run a New York State licensed program and the staff is fully trained for the needs of all the children. They said that they need to look at the Virgil population and they need to look at what the needs of the community are. They said they would be active on the needs of the children and they would teach them to make good choices. They invited anyone to come and visit them at Barry Elementary School. They run a full day programs even when schools are closed. They use the Barry gymnasium; playground and they sometimes go over to Beaudry park. They offer many activities such as science experiments and making lava lamps. They even created a music band out of recycled materials. They said that the staff plays and engages with the children. They said the children have a strong relationship with the staff. The staff that they hire is consistent and a large majority of the staff members are local. The children get used to them and enjoy them. Teri pelton said the current Before and After School program has had issues with children with special needs. The current staff do not have the special education and first aid training there is a concern with liability for the Town. The reps from CDC said that licensing is very important, and their staff are getting 60 hours of training a year. The CDC currently has several children with special needs in their program and they never turn away students with special needs. They said they could make a larger profit if they didn’t staff the way they do. Pelton said that what Virgil has now is a drop-in center, which makes it hard to predict the number of children that are going to attend. They may have 20 kids on a day and end up being under staffed. She said you can’t control that unless you have enrollment and to have enrollment you need to be licensed. Parent Abby Albright said she is concerned because she has two children that attend the program only in the mornings and the cost difference would be $1700. The CDC reps said that they realize the price difference, however what they are bringing so much more to the program. Pelton said they also have the issue of some parents that aren’t paying which makes it hard to pay the staff . They would look forward to having others do the billing. The CDC was asked if children would have to go to Barry for the program, the said that their goal is to have it at Virgil. They were also asked if there be a limit on the number of students. They said that It would depend on the license they receive and a lot of different factors. They said that the maximum number of students at Barry is 85 now. They have a one to ten ratio of staffing to children. They feel that helps to run the program smoothly. Town Deputy Supervisor Stiles, asked if the figures presented was based on certain number of students. They said that they based it on the pricing at Barry if a minimum of twenty students. Stiles would like to try and make this affordable for families. Stiles said that if the pricing will be what is presented its going to be hard sell. They feel if they have 20 students, they would break even. If they have less children, they would have no flexibility. If there are not 20 students, they will work with the number for a while, but they hope that they excitement about the program would allow it to grow. Stiles said that the huge sticking point will be the price. Pelton said that there are already some Virgil children using the program in Cortland, so they can always be bussed to Cortland and they might be able to draw Virgil children from Barry back to Virgil. It was asked if there were more concerns than just pricing. Stiles said the board is concerned with lack of licensing of the current program and they are concerned with the tax payers having to pick up the tab when they fall short financially. There is paperwork that needs to be done with the state. Parents would want to know what they need to do to get licensed. Sandy Price stated that the VYC has looked into licensing the program in the past and t he cost licensing was too much, that is why the Youth Commission made it a drop-in center, because a drop-in program does not need to be licensed. Supervisor Kaminski said that he is all for the program, but it needs to sustain itself. He said that there will be no summer program this year. Pelton said that if the program was licensed families would have access to child subsidy programs. Stacey Kelsy, treasurer said that the program is consistently losing a $1,000 a month. Eric Fitchette asked how much the cost would need to be raised to be sustainable. Stiles, said that he would like to see it licensed and that the members of the VYC and the board do not want to chase money. Kaminski said that the youth Commission answers to the Town Board. Members of the Youth Commission said it’s a lot of work. Stiles said that the program needs to be licensed and the staff needs to have clearances and training hours. The CDC staff members receive 60 hours of taring per licensing period and they are trained in first aid and CPR. They would be willing to open their training to other agencies. They were asked about grants. They said there are some grants and they do look for them daily. It was asked what the deadline was on this decision. It was stated the VYC has enough money to get through the end of the year. Licensing takes six months to get into place. Stacey Bradly said that they can wait another month to see if the cuts have worked. She said that volunteers run the youth commission, she is moving out of Virgil Town Board Meeting March 08th, 2018 2 | P a g e town and most of them are burnt out. She said that the entire youth commission will be probably be debunk by the end of the year, they need people to step up. Kaminski said that the board is willing to appoint more people. He said they need to come up with a way to shore up the program. The CDC said that they would be happy to come and help. Burns asked what would happen if the school is slated to be closed? Kaminski said that he and Stiles sat with the business official at the school and they are at 1.6-million-dollar deficit and they need to close a school to close the gap. He said that closing Parker will close the gap, but if enrollment doesn’t go up in Virgil, then Virgil will follow in two years. The school board needs to sit down and decide on that. The CDC said that if they go through the process and the school closes you won’t be out anything. Linda Hall, the current director of the Before and after Program said that the cut backs are hurting the program. She said that she is losing her help. She can’t expect them to keep working with such few hours. She said she needs the extra help, because of the special needs child. Sandy Price said she has a suggestion to help Linda now and she will speak to her about it. 7:05 PM –THE REGULAR MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER Supervisor Kaminski called the meeting to order, followed by the salute to the flag. RESOLUTION# 18-035 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Draft of the Regular Board Meeting Minutes dated February 8th, 2018: Member Stiles moved to approve the minutes for Feb. 08th, 2018. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays-None RESOLUTION# 18-036 AUTHORIZATION TO PAY BILLS GENERAL FUND FOR FEBRUARY 2018 NUMBER 03: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the General Fund’s audited vouchers numbered 60-84 in the amount of $21,925.24. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None. HIGHWAY FUND FOR FEBRUARY 2018 NUMBER 03: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the Highway Fund audited vouchers numbered 1048-1073 with a correction on voucher 1053. The amount should be $26.88. The corrected amount is $43,744.52. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston and Kaminski. Nays- None SEWER DISTRICT #1 FUND FOR FEBRUARY 2018 NUMBER 03: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the Sewer District #1 audited voucher’s numbered 2018-2027 in the amount of $14,337.46. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston and Kaminski. Nays- None WATER DISTRICT #1 FUND FOR FEBRUARY 2018 NUMBER 03: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the Water District #1 audited vouchers 3009-3013 in the amount of $5,860.56. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston and Kaminski. Nays-None MONTHLY REPORTS SUPERVISOR’S MONTHLY REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 2018: Member Stiles moved to accept the Supervisor’s Monthly Report in Short form for February 2018. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays –None TOWN CLERK’S MONTHLY REPORT FEBRUARY 2018: Member Stiles moved to accept the Town Clerks Monthly Report for February 2018. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None TAX COLLECTORS REPORT AS OF MARCH 2018: Member Stiles moved to accept the Tax Collector’s Monthly Report as of March 2018. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None 88.46% of tax SEWER DISTRICT OPERATIONS REPORT: Representatives Ken Scherrieble and Dave Coish were present from the Camden Group they said that everything is good. Member Stiles moved to accept the Sewer Districts Report. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None WATER DISTRICT OPERATIONS REPORT: Member Gary Pelton asked Withey what’s going on in front of Town house number six. Withey said that they are trying to find a shutoff box. Pelton said that there has been a loss of water pressure. Withey said that the digging has nothing to do with it. He said that they might need a new water regulation valve. Member Stiles moved to accept the Water Districts Report. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER’S REPORT: There was no Animal control offers report this month. Lindsay Kemp spoke to the town clerk and apologized, and she said she has been ill, but she said that there was no action this month. CODE ENFORCEMENT AND ZONING OFFICERS REPORT: Code and Zoning Officer Kevin McMahon submitted A written report. Member Stiles motioned to accept the Code and Zoning Officers report. The motion was seconded Member Snow. Vote: Ayes- Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None COUNTY LEGISLATOR’S REPORT: County Legislator Sandy Price submitted A written report. Price announced that there will be a worker’s compensation meeting. She said that Matt Dennison is the board representative and to let Matt know if there is anything the board would like for the committee to know. Price said that they are working on shared services. Price hasn’t gotten any response on the sales tax committee. Kaminski told Price to tell the chair of the legislator that they will be at the meeting and that they feel they are being pushed off regarding the sales tax discussion. Kaminski said that they take it as an insult. The sales tax committee hasn’t Virgil Town Board Meeting March 08th, 2018 3 | P a g e met yet to her knowledge. Price said that If nothing is done by June, they will under the same contract and it will all be the same. Kaminski said that the fear is that more money is going to be taken from the towns. Sandy said she will look forward to seeing them Tuesday. The county is not doing another study on the jail, but there is talk about it. They are bringing someone in that did a study in Tompkins County. Kaminski said that he doesn’t feel that the option of expanding the existing jail hasn’t been explored. Price does think that it is possible to expand. Price said that some have the mindset and the tax payers cannot afford a 50 million jail. Price said that $200,000 was put in a reserve fund and only $12,000 was spent. There were some questions as to what will happen with the treasurer position. Price said that the governor could step in and appoint someone, or a special election could be held in the fall. Price said that Canfield has done a wonderful job. Price hopes and prays that he would change his mind and stay. Stiles said that Canfield was frustrated that the Legislature is spending money that is not budgeted. Some people want a county administrator and it would cost over $100,000. Price said that Canfield did an analysis and that the county debt load and taxes increased the greatest under the county administrators. Stiles felt that it was important to have someone in that position with the amou nt of spending that takes place. There were some concerns with politics as well. Price can say nothing but good things about Mr. Canfield. It would be to every tax payers advantage if he stayed. Kaminski asked who was going to do the job. Price said that the deputy treasurer can step in, but they do not do what Jack Canfield does. They created a position to give him as assistant. Member Stiles motioned to accept the County Legislators report. The motion was seconded Member Snow. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None VIRGIL YOUTH COMMISSION REPORT: Teri Pelton of the Youth Commission submitted a written report. T. Pelton reported that 65 students participated in the ski program this year and they are very thankful to Greek peak. They are preparing for the father daughter dance and the sock hop. Member Stiles motioned to accept the Virgil Youth Commissions report. The motion was seconded Member Snow. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None HOPE LAKE OPERATIONS REPORT: Wes Kryger reported that the Nordic center is open, and that the no snow mobile sign has been installed. Member Snow said that there has been a snow mobile on the bridge lately. Kryger said he is aware of the snow mobile, because there was an emergency and Greek Peak might be the one who went across the bridge to get to the emergency faster. Kryger said they are gearing up for the Spartan race. They had a meeting with emergency management and 3794 participants have signed up. He said they are all set to go. Member Denniston motioned to accept the verbal Hope Lake operation report. The motion was seconded Member Pelton. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays - None HIGHWAY DEPT. SUPERINTENDENTS REPORT: Highway Superintendent Britt Morse was present and submitted a written report. Terence Fitzgerald addressed the board. He said he is a resident of Lash road. He said he thinks it maybe one of the last dirt roads in Cortland county. Morse said that there are 7 dirt roads. Fitzgerald was wondering if the road could be paved or at least part of it. Morse said that Lash Road was on the schedule to be oil and stoned it this year. Morse said that the sand and salt is holding up. Member Stiles motioned to accept the Highway Supervisor report. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None. OLD BUSINESS RESOLUTION # 18-037 CULVERT POLICY: Member Snow motioned to accept the Culvert Policy as presented. Member Stiles seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None. GREEK PEAK LAW SUT SETTLEMENT: Supervisor Kaminski said that they have come to terms with Greek Peak and a final draft agreement will be at the next meeting. NEW BUSINESS RESOLUTION #18-038 APPROVE THE BID FROM AUCTIONS INTERNATIONAL OF $11,900.00 FOR THE 2002 INTERNATIONAL F2674 6X$ DUMP TRUCK WITH PLOW: Member Stiles motioned to accept the Bids from auctions International of $11,900.00 for the 2002 International F2674 6X$ Dump Truck with Plow. Member Denniston seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes -Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None. RESOLUTION #18-039 APPROVE THE BID FROM AUCTIONS INTERNATIONAL OF $10,200.00 2004 NEW HOLLAND TN 70 TRACTOR : Member Stiles motioned to accept the Bids from auctions International of $10,200.00 2004 New Holland TN 70 Tractor. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None. RESOLUTION #18-040 APPROVE THE BID FROM AUCTIONS INTERNATIONAL OF $4,250.00 FOR THE 1992 MOBIL H-10 SWEEPER: Member Stiles motioned to accept the Bids from auctions International $4,250.00 FOR THE 1992 MOBIL H-10 sweeper. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None. RESOLUTION #18-041 APPROVE THE BID FROM AUCTIONS INTERNATIONAL OF $32.00 FOR THE OLD TRASH PUMP: Member Stiles motioned to accept the Bids from auctions International of $32.00 for the old trash pump. Member Stiles motioned to accept the Bids from auctions International RESOLUTION #18-42 APPROVE THE BID FROM AUCTIONS INTERNATIONAL OF $105.00 FOR THE FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION TWIN SONIC ENERGY LIGHT: Member Stiles motioned to accept the Bids from auctions International of $105.00 for the Federal Signal Virgil Town Board Meeting March 08th, 2018 4 | P a g e Corporation Twin Sonic Energy Light. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None. LETTER TO FRONTIER COMMUNICATIONS: Supervisor Kaminski said that he sent a letter to Frontier Communications on high speed internet. He received a letter from the Public Service Commission, but they said that don’t have any authority on this matter. Kaminski said that he tried. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED LOCAL LAW #3 OF 2018- WAITING ON SEQR: Supervisor Kaminski said that there was a mix up and this project needs to go through the SEQR process with the planning board before the board can approve it. He said that the town Code and Zoning Officer has some concerns that need to be ironed out with the heath dept. RESOLUTION #18-043 RESCIND LOCAL LAW #2 OF 2018- RAISING WATER RENT: Supervisor Kaminski said there was a mix up with the need to raise the water rents, so they need to rescind Local Law #2 of 2018. Member Stiles motioned to rescind Local Law #2 of 2018. Member Pelton seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None. DISCUSSION ON QUOTE FOR SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS: Supervisor Kaminski said that they are looking into getting surveillance cameras at the Town Hall, the highway garage and that the Fire Station would be piggybackin g on the quote as well. He would like to proceed in getting bids. He said that he is going to write up a bid specs. RESOLUTION #18-044 APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF A BROOM FOR THE LOADER: Supervisor Kaminski said that Highway Superintendent Britt Morse received a price for a new broom for the Caterpillar. He said this it’s a state bid $17,500. Member Denniston wanted to know if the town will own it or will it need to be traded in when the loader is turned in. Morse said the town will own it and it will fit on future leased loaders. Member Stiles motioned to approve the final Budget Amen. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None. RESOLUTION #18-045 APPROVE 2017 FINAL BUDGET AMENDMENTS: Supervisor Kaminski said they need to make the make the amendments to close out the 2017 books. Member Stiles motioned to approve the 2017 Final Budget amendments as presented. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None. RESOLUTION #18-46 APPROVE 2018 TRANSFERS TO RESERVES: Proposed recommended transfer: From General Fund To Retirement Reserve $2,010.00 To Unemployment Reserve $500.00s To Building Repair Reserve $20,000.00 To Highway Equipment Reserve $20,000.00 From Highway Fund To Retirement Reserve $1,150.00 To Unemployment Reserve $500.00 From Water District To Repair Reserve $20,000.00 Member Stiles motioned to approve the proposed transfers to reserves from the Towns Bookkeeper Gina Nourse. Member Snow seconded the motion. Discussion: Member Snow wanted to know why the board was approving putting money into the water district, when the sewer district really needs it. He said that the water fund has $224, 000 and sewer only has $44,000. Supervisor Kaminski said that was what was left over in the water budget and it has to be put into the water reserve. They can’t be crossed over into other accounts Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None. RESOLUTION #18-047 HIRE JOHN NOURSE TO HELP WITH FILING IN THE BOOKKEEPERS OFFICE: Supervisor Kaminski said that the towns bookkeeper needs help cleaning up her office. She would like to hire John Nourse for a month to help with that. Kaminski would like to set his salary at $12.00 an hour. Member Pelton made a motion to set the wage of John Nourse as $12.00 and hour. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston and Kaminski. Nays: Stiles RESOLUTION #18-048 CONTRACT WITH JOHNSON PATROLS: Supervisor Kaminski said they have been having issues with Service Alert at the Highway Garage. There seems to be a problem with the line. They keep getting false fire alarms. He would like for the town to contract with Johnson Patrols. They will be tearing out the old system and replacing it with a new system and they wil l be saving money. Member Stiles made a motion to contract with Johnson Patrols for $917.68, they are a NYS contractor and this is a state bid price. Member Snow seconded the motion. Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None. FURTHER DISCUSSION: Supervisor Kaminski said that he and Deputy Supervisor Stiles met with the insurance company, Bailey Place. The town needs to get them a copy of a dam permit and they are going to make some recommendations. Kaminski said that they are going to investigate town emails. He said that the Towns IT person is looking into getting a domain. The board is also looking into buying tablets for the board members. The tablets will go with the position and move onto new members of the council. Sandy Price said that town resident Rob Copora is head of IT of the county and he is willing to help the town. Kaminski said they do not like town officials using personal emails for town business. Kaminski said that on Tuesday Council Member Gary Pelton is going to learn to be a backup payroll officer. Britt Morse is looking at purchasing a trailer. Supervisor Kaminski told him to get bids and get the specs posted. ADJOURN: With no further business to discuss, Member Stiles moved to adjourn the meeting 7:45 PM. Member Denniston seconded the Motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None. Virgil Town Board Meeting March 08th, 2018 5 | P a g e Alane Van Donsel, Virgil Town Clerk