HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-11-2018 Town Board Meeting Minutes ApprovedVirgil Town Board Meeting October 11th, 2018
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TOWN OF VIRGIL REGULAR MEETING
October 11th, 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, Sandy Price County Legislator, Ken Scherrieble Camden Group, Jenae Withey
W2Operators, Highway Superintendent Britt Morse, Sue Connolly & Corena Morse Virgil Youth Commission, Wes Kryger Greek Peak,
Carol Rehkugler. Jacqueline Mei, Teri Pelton, Sara Sirus
6:30 PM –THE REGULAR MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER
Supervisor Kaminski called the meeting to order, followed by the salute to the flag.
RESOLUTION #18-107 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Draft of the Regular Board Meeting Minutes dated Sept. 11th, 2018: Member Stiles moved to approve the minutes for Sept.11th,
2018. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays-None
Draft of the Special Board Meeting Minutes dated Oct. 2nd, 2018: Member Stiles moved to approve the minutes for Oct. 2nd, 2018.
Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays-None
RESOLUTION# 18-108 AUTHORIZATION TO PAY BILLS
GENERAL FUND FOR SEPT. 2018 NUMBER 010: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the General Fund’s audited
vouchers numbered 295-323 adding in voucher 323 in the amended amount of $210.00 approving the amended amount of $18,196.45
Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None
HIGHWAY FUND FOR SEPT. 2018 NUMBER 010: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the Highway Fund audited
vouchers numbered 1188-1202 in the amount of $7,323.89. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow,
Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None
RECREATIONAL AREA CAPITAL PROJECT FUND FOR SEPT. 2018 NUMBER 010: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the
Recreational Area Capital Project Fund audited voucher number 4003-4009 in the amount of $13,361.32. Member Snow seconded
the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None
SEWER DISTRICT #1 FUND FOR SEPT. 2018 NUMBER 010: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the Sewer District #1
audited voucher’s numbered 2095-2105, in the amount of $6,920.00. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members
Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None They questioned
WATER DISTRICT #1 FUND FOR SEPT. 2018 NUMBER 010: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the Water District #1
audited vouchers 3052-3056 in the amount of $11,262.22. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow,
Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays-None
MONTHLY REPORTS
SUPERVISOR’S MONTHLY REPORT FOR SEPT. 2018 LONG FORM: Member Stiles moved to accept the Supervisor’s Monthly Report in
long form for September 2018. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and
Kaminski. Nays –None
TOWN CLERK’S MONTHLY REPORT FOR SEPT. 2018: Member Stiles moved to accept the Town Clerks Monthly Report for September
2018. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None
SEWER DISTRICT OPERATIONS REPORT: Ken Scherrieble was present from the Camden Group. Supervisor Kaminski said that the town
has two bids for an aerator. Scherrieble said that one of the bids is for a repair of $5533.00 and the other bid is to replace the unit for
$9720. He said that since both have the same warranty of one year, he recommends rebuilding it. Member Pelton asked if the work
is done manually or by machine? Scherrieble said that it had to be done in the filed because they didn’t have the equipment.
Scherrieble said that he can get more quotes, however the town board determined that this would be considered an emergency repair.
Member Stiles moved to accept the Sewer Districts Report. Member Pelton seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow,
Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None
RESOLUTION#18-109 APPROVAL OF THE QUOTE TO REBUILD THE 10HP SUBMERSIBLE MOTOR WITH IMPELLER AT THE SEWAGE
TREATMENT PLANT: Member Stiles made a motion to approve the quote to rebuild a 10HP Submersible Motor with Impeller as an
emergency repair for $5533.00 through Volland Electric Equipment Corporation. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-
Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays-None
WATER DISTRICT OPERATIONS REPORT: A written report was submitted by W2Operators. Supervisor Kaminski asked if there were
any questions for Jenae, there were none. 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: Member Stiles moved to accept the Animal Control Officer’s Report. Member Snow
seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays-None
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CODE ENFORCEMENT AND ZONING OFFICERS REPORT: A written report was submitted by Code and Zoning Officer Kevin McMahon.
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 reported that she had five things
that she’d like to share. Price said that since she submitted her written report the County Legislature had appointed a new chair Kevin
Whitney, everyone that was presented voted yes, except one person. Sandy voted “no” on the county administration position. She
said the salary is $100,000 and it’s not budgeted for. Price said that the processed was done behind closed doors and many legislators
didn’t know who it was or the background of the individual. She said that there was a new rule enforced that anything discussed in
executive session, can’t be shared with another legislator. She felt this caused a lack of communication. Member Denniston asked if
the reviewing of the applications and the interviewing was done behind closed doors. Price said that she voted it down because of the
process. Stiles asked if there was a plan? Price said that wounds will have to be healed and any plans moving forward will need to be
open and done differently. She felt that there was more secrecy this time. Stiles asked if there will there be money put in the budget
for this position. Price said that she believes that there is money being put in the budget for the position. Price said that Eric Snow was
in attendance of the Emergency Preparedness training. Price hopes to see member Denniston at the workers compensation meeting.
Kaminski said that if anyone had any questions on worker compensation to relay them to Denniston. Price said that the solid waste
costs have a proposed cost increase from $65.00 to $80.00 a ton in tipping fees. It was stated that is a big jump, and it was explained
that it has to do with a large deficit at the recycling center. Highway Superintendent Morse questioned about the no electronics policy.
He is concerned that there is going to a large increase of these items being dumped all over state land. Morse suggested that rather
than not taking electronics, perhaps they can charge a fee to cover the costs. This will help with the items being dumped. Price said
that she will pass that on. Stiles asked about flow control and these items will not be able to be taken out of the county. Stiles said
that Cortland has the highest for tipping fees. Price said that she sat in on a meeting and the increase will be about the same in
surrounding counties. She said that in the past the fee was $75.00 a ton and things were better. She stated that there was no support
for control this attracted haulers and the county lost a lot to Seneca Meadows. She said that there have been site visits to other
landfills. She said the biggest problem is that Cortland County has been in the hole. She said that they are going to have to transfer
money to balance the budget. Price said they are looking to contract with Casella. She said that there are many different possibilities
and they are keeping no stone unturned. Morse asked how much it costs to use Casella, he is concerned that it might not be worth it
to take it down there. Attorney Snyder said that there used to be a market for carboard, but it hasn’t been paying lately. Stiles wanted
to know what the deal was with County Highway Superintendent. He wanted to know why The Chairmen of the Legislator got the
position? Stiles felt that it’s was a conflict of interest. Price said that out of all the people that applied for the position, he had the most
experience and he is qualified. Stiles asked if the last superintendent was an engineer? Price said yes. She said that they are paying
the new person less money. The former Superintendent was making $99,000 plus. It was stated that the State of New York determines
the District Attorneys and the County Judges salary. There will be a new deputy Highway Superintendent appointed, but it hasn’t been
done or announced. Stiles asked if that will happen this month. The Legislature will approve the appointment, but Price cannot discuss
the persons being considered as it is a personal matter. Price did say the salary is going up. Stiles asked if was budgeted for. Price said
they will have to transfer $38,000 for the county’s savings. Member Denniston 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: Corena Morse of the Youth Commission submitted a written report. Supervisor Kaminski asked
the board of they had any concerns. Morse said that she hasn’t had a chance to get ahold of the Cortland City School District on the
bussing for the ski club. Member Stiles asked the Wes Kryger if Greek Peak could help with transportation. Kryger said no, because
they were not insured in that area. 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: A yearend report was submitted from Hope Lake Park. It was stated that the attendance numbers
were down due to the poor water quality. Wes Kryger reported that the valves for the lake were closed and the lake is full. Kryger
said that they are switching gears and they are getting ready for Nordic center. They are asking to donations for fireworks for next
fourth of July. They do have a commitment for a Home Owners Association, Greek Peak and the Virgil Youth Commission. They are
going to get a quote, they are estimation it will cost around $4500 to $6500 for a show that will last no less than 20 minutes and no
more than 30 minutes. They think that it will cost around $5500 for a nice show. They usually use Youngs Explosives and it was stated
that it costs about $2500. Member Stiles motioned to approve the Hope Lake Operations report. Member Pelton seconded the
motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT: Highway Superintendent Britt Morse was present and submitted a written
report. Supervisor Kaminski commended the Highway department for doing a great job dredging the lake. He said that it turned out
really well. The only thing left is to Hydroseed the grassy areas and a little touch up areas. Member Stiles motioned to accept the
Highway Supervisor report. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays:
None.
OLD BUSINESS
UPDATE ON HOPE LAKE PARK DREDGING: This item was already discussed. Highway Superintendent Morse said that he thinks there
is a little more that can be done, but not too much. The cost of the project rounded out to be about $26,000 and the initial lowest bid
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from contractors was $120,000, so the town saved quite a bit of money by doing the work. Once the seeding is done, they should be
all set. It has been too wet to seed.
AUCTIONS INTERNATIONAL TRACTOR SALE RESULTS: This item is listed on Auctions International currently. The results should be
available by the nest meeting.
APPOINT A COMMITTEE FOR THE SCHOOL & DEFINE A MISSION: There was a list of names of folks that showed interest in being on
a committee to come up with a plan for the use of the Virgil School building. Supervisor Kaminski said that they will appoint all who
showed interest to the committee. He said the board of looking to offset around $57,000 in costs to maintain the building. He would
like to see two board members head up the committee. Kaminski said that they will go out for a public referendum to see if the
community wants to take over the building. He is looking for ideas to generate revenue to pay the costs of the building. He is looking
for businesses of folks who might be looking for office space. Member Stiles said that he wants the school to stay open, but he knows
that is not going to happen. Hopefully some ideas will be generated and presented to the public before the public referendum.
Member Denniston said that he will serve, although he is not sure he is the most qualified. Kaminski said that he needs him to steer
the committee and to keep the focus on the mission. Kaminski asked Denniston to Set up a night to meet and he is hoping they can
meet once a month until June, when a recommendation can be presented. And at that time, they will go out to the public for a vote.
Kaminski said that the building will have to stay vacant for one year. He is hoping to go out for a public referendum in July or August
to find out if the community want to take it over or not. He is hoping to have voting done on a Tuesday and they will state the purpose
for a vote. He said they are going to have to raise taxes. He said that it’s like buying a $57,000 debt. Member Denniston wanted to
make it clear that the goal of the committee is to make recommendations on what to do with the building and what direction to take,
not trying to save the school. Kaminski said yes, they are looking for ideas that are outside of the box. He said it’s about the dollars
and cents at this point. Kaminski said that they need the people to let the board know what they want to do and they need to stay on
track.
DISCUSSION ON FRANCIS ROAD BRIDGE: Superintendent Kaminski said that they received no engineering proposals. He said that
Highway Superintendent Morse contacted the Unadilla Company that built the bridge. They said that their engineer can write up a
proposal and spec. They weren’t positive if they could be the engineer, but they can give specs that an engineer can sign off on.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION #18-110 APPROVE DRYDEN AMBULANCE CONTRACT: The Dryden Ambulance Company submitted a two-year contract
for $3700 for the first year and $3800 for the following year. Member Stiles motioned to approve the two-year Dryden Ambulance
contract starting in 2019. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays:
None
RESOLUTION #18-111 CORTLAND-VIRGIL SNOW PLOWING AGREEMENT 18-19: Supervisor Kaminski said that they raised the prices a
bit at budget time. Member Stiles motioned to approve the 2018-2018 Snow plowing agreement with the Cortland Enlarged City
School District. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None
DISCUSSION ON ITEMS FROM BUDGET WORKSHOP: Supervisor Kaminski said that there are a few items that came up during the
budget workshops. They are extending the Water and Sewer operators contracts, replacing the water district water meters, a sign for
the water district’s plant, preform a water district well efficiency study, preform a recommended tank inspection with a scuba diver,
buy sand for Hope Lake, replace overhead doors at the highway garage, replace a lawn mower, create a policy to cap vacation and
sick time for full time hourly employees and upgrading copiers. He said that the last budget meeting will be held next Tuesday October
16th at 6:00 PM.
EXTEND SEWER AND WATER DISTRICT OPERATORS CONTRACTS: Deputy Supervisor Stiles said that he would like to vote on the
extensions separately. There was some discussion regarding the possible extension of the water and sewer lines. Jacquie Mei who
purchased the former Foggy Goggle was wondering if there was any discussion of extending the water and sewer lines further down
RTE 392. It was stated that her property is outside the sewer and water district. If she would like the lines extended the home owners
would have to pay for it. Attorney Snyder said that to expand the lines would take a local law and a map new map would have to be
created. He said it would be quite a project. The burden would be on the home owners and it would be very expensive. Mei was
looking for an estimate. Kaminski said that the last time they extended it was 1300 feet and they were in the district. Highway
superintendent Morse said there are more concerns. He said that RTE 392 is a state road and the right of way is very limited. He didn’t
think there would be enough right of way to even consider it.
RESOLUTION #18-112 EXTEND THE CONTRACT WITH W2OPERTORS TRAINING GROUP FOR WATER OPERATIONS: Member Stiles
motioned to approve the extension of the contract with the W2Operators Training Group for the year 2019.Member Snow seconded
the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None
RESOLUTION #18-113 EXTEND THE CONTRACT WITH THE CAMDEN GROUP LLC. FOR SEWER OPERATIONS: Member Stiles motioned
to approve the extension of the contract with the Camden Group LLC for the year 2019.Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote:
Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None Ps- extension for two years and after two years it will have to be
bid.
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DISCUSSION ON WATER AND SEWER CONTRACTS: It was stated that the next time the contracts come up, they will have to go out
to bid.
RESOLUTION #18-114 SET A PUBLIC HEARING AND LOCAL LAW TO RAISE THE SEWER RATES: Supervisor Kaminski said that Attorney
Snyder will write a local law to raise the minimum sewer rate from $100 to $115. He said they will hold a public hearing at the next
town board meeting on November 8th, 2018 at 6:15 PM. Member Stiles motioned to set a date for a public hearing on November 8th
2018 at 6:15 PM at the Virgil Town Hall, 1176 Church Street Cortland NY 13045.Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-
Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None
RESOLUTION #18-115 SET A PUBLIC HEARING DATE ON THE 2019 TOWN BUDGET: Member Stiles motioned to set a date for a
budget hearing on the 2019 town budget as November 8th 2018 at 6:00 PM at the Virgil Town Hall, 1176 Church Street Cortland NY
13045.Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None
DISCUSSION ON THE COUNTY SOLAR PILOT LAW: Kaminski said that the County adopted a law regarding the taxing of commercial
solar, we can either stay in the program with them or opt out. It was stated that right now the town doesn’t receive any money under
the pilot or under state law. Stiles said that if the town opts out, it doesn’t receive anything. The consensus of the board was to go
along with the county.
RESOLUTION #18-116 APPROVAL OF THE PARTICPATION OF THE TOWN OF VIRGIL IN THE COUNTY PILOT PROGRAM LOCAL LAW
#1 OF 2018 FOR CORTLAND COUNTY:
WHEREAS, the Cortland County Legislature has adopted County Local Law #1 of 2018, which law establishes a Payment in Lieu of Tax
(PILOT) Agreement program for commercial solar energy projects, and
WHREAS the County has advised the Town of Virgil and other municipalities that in order to partner with the County a town must
pass a resolution adopting the county law, and
WHEREAS the Virgil Town Board wishes to participate in the PILOT program with the County
NOW, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the Town of Virgil approves and adopts the County Local Law #1 of 2018 and will participate in
the PILOT program for commercial solar projects located within the Town of Virgil. Member Stiles motioned to approve the
participation of the Town of Virgil in the County Solar law as stated in the above Resolution # #18-115.Member Snow seconded the
motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None
COUNTY POWER LINE MAPS: Supervisor Kaminski said that National Grid is looking to run a high voltage powerline through the town
of Virgil. He said that the course zig zags next to the existing poles. Kaminski said that he has a copy of the maps that identifies all the
properties that will be affected. He said that they are planning to the building that the town owns by the sewage treatment plant and
they might have to buy the building. Attorney Snyder said that he heard that they were putting this project on hold. Stiles said he
thought that the maps were old. Town Clerk Van Donsel said that County Legislator Price had dropped them off at the Town Hall.
RESOLUTION #18-117 APPROVAL OF THE 2019 TAX RE-LEVY DELINQUENT SEWER & WATER BILLS: Member Pelton motioned to
approve the 2019 Tax Re-levy of the delinquent water and sewer accounts as presented. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote:
Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None
RESOLUTION #18-118 SURPLUS 2008 AND 2012 HIGHWAY PICKUP TRUCKS: Highway Superintendent Morse said that the trucks have
plows, but there is no sander with the 08. Morse said that they three sanders that are older. Kaminski said that they will review the
bids at the next month’s meeting. Member Stiles motioned to approve surplusing the 2008 Chevy Silverado 2500 regular cab long box
and 2012 2012 Chevy Silverado 3500 regular cab long box. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Snow,
Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None
RESOLUTION #18-119 APPROVAL TO GO OUT TO BID FOR A NEW PICKUP TRUCK FOR THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT: Superintendent
Morse said that he has a state bid price of $35,958.00 with a plow. It has an 8-foot Weston plow. It was asked of Morse how it will be
paid for. Morse said that there is $18,000 from the last auction that went into the machinery fund. Morse thought that they will be
able to pay for it this year. Stiles asked if it will be able to come out of this year’s budget, Morse thought it would. It was stated that
they needed to be receive the truck by the by December 15th meeting. Stiles stated that this truck will replace the current Highway
Superintendent’s truck and they will be using it to replace two trucks It was stated that the new truck will have a crew cab, so the men
can ride in it and they won’t have to use an additional truck. Member Stiles motioned to approve going out to bid for one new truck
to replace the 2008 and 2012 trucks that are being surplused. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Snow,
Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None
FURTHER DISCUSSION ON EMPLYEE BENEFITS: Supervisor Kaminski said that Member Denniston submitted a proposal regarding
the cap on sick and vacation time for hourly employees. Kaminski said that the town pays an absorbent amount of sick and vacation
time. Member Denniston said that he sent a draft earlier. He is proposing several amendments. He said that vacation time will be
based on years of service and there will be changes to time for personal and sick leave. He is proposing to create one bank for time
off. He said employees can use that bank of hours throughout the year and totals from the previous year can be rolled over, up to
200 hours or five weeks, this includes personal, sick and vacation time. After ten years of service a week will be added and after 20
years an additional week will be added. Major death or disability allowance of 1040 hours can be rolled over, with a stipulation that
it can only be used while they are an employee. This is separate from the town’s current rate of pay. The Highway Superintendents
current time will be banked. They are looking to adopted this on January 1st. The board wanted to make sure that the employee’s
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read it and the board will talk to them. Attorney Snyder said that he will give his feedback on this as well. Community member Sara
Sirus asked if the policy addressed maternity leave? The board said that was a good point.
FURTHER DISCUSSION REGARDING THE FORMER HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT: Supervisor Kaminski said that the former Highway
Superintendent feels he was over charged $960. for insurance. Kaminski said that he will get with the bookkeeper and look into this
and he will get back to the town board letting them know if there is any merit to his claim. Kaminski knows that there are two levels
on the plan, a family plan and a single plan. Kaminski said that they didn’t offer a couple’s plan, but couples paid less on the former
plan. Kaminski said that John More had a family plan. He never switched to the married couples plan and not the family plan.
With no further business to discuss, Member Stiles moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:35PM. Member Snow seconded the Motion.
Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None
Respectfully Submitted by,
Alane Van Donsel, Virgil Town Clerk