HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-08-2018 Town Board Meeting Minutes ApprovedVirgil Town Board Meeting November 08th, 2018
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TOWN OF VIRGIL REGULAR MEETING
November 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 and David Coish Camden Group, Highway Superintendent Britt
Morse, Sandy Price Legislator, Corena Morse Virgil Youth Commission, Wes Kryger Greek Peak, Carol Rehkugler
6:00 PM PUBLIC HEARING ON THE 2019 BUDGET
Supervisor Kaminski asked Town Clerk Alane Van Donsel to read the legal notice that was posted in the Cortland Standard on October
26th, 2018 and was posted at the Virgil Town Hall, 1176 Church Street, and on the Virgil website www.virgilny.org, and was sent to
WXHC and Cortland Standard newsroom.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN the Town Board of the Town of Virgil shall hold a public hearing on the proposed budget of the Town of
Virgil for the year 2019 on Thursday November 8th, 2018, at 6:00 PM at the Virgil Town Hall, 1176 Church Street, Virgil, New York. At
said hearing, any person may be heard in favor for or against the proposed budget as complied or for or against any item or items
therein contained. A copy of said budget is on file with the Virgil Town Clerk and may be reviewed by any interested person during
regular office hours. The proposed salaries for Elected Officials for the year 2019 are:
Town Board (4) $2,100.00 each/yearly
Justice $13,000.00 yearly
Supervisor $6,000.00 yearly
Town Clerk/Collector $27,900.00 yearly
Highway Superintendent $48,000.00 yearly
Supervisor Kaminski asked three times if there were any comments on the proposed budget. There was none. Kaminski asked for a
motion to close the Public Hearing at 6:05 PM. Member Stiles moved to close the Public Hearing on the 2019 Town of Virgil Budget.
Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays –None
6:15 PM PUBLIC HEARING ON RAISING LOCAL LAW #4 OF 2018: RAISING SEWER RATES IN 2019
Supervisor Kaminski asked Town Clerk Alane Van Donsel to read the legal notice that was posted in the Cortland Standard on October
26th, 2018 and was posted at the Virgil Town Hall, 1176 Church Street, and on the Virgil website www.virgilny.org, and was sent to
WXHC and Cortland Standard newsroom.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town Board of the Town of Virgil will hold a public hearing on a proposed local law to raise the
minimum sewer rent in Sewer District #1 from $100 to $115 per quarter. The public hearing will be held on Thursday, November 8,
2018, at 6:15 pm at the Virgil Town Hall, 1176 Church Street, Virgil, New York. All interested parties will be heard, and written
comments may be submitted prior to or at the hearing.
Supervisor Kaminski asked three times if there were any comments on the proposed Local Law #5 of 2018. There was none. Kaminski
asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing at 6:18 PM. Member Stiles moved to close the Public Hearing on Local Law#5 of 2018,
the raising the rents on sewer District #1 starting in 2019. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow,
Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays –None
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 #18-120 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Draft of the Regular Board Meeting Minutes dated Oct. 11th, 2018: Member Stiles moved to approve the minutes for Oct.11th, 2018.
Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays-None
RESOLUTION #18-121 AUTHORIZATION TO PAY BILLS
GENERAL FUND FOR OCT. 2018 NUMBER 011: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the General Fund’s audited vouchers
numbered 324-361 in the amount of $22,148.63 Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston,
Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None
HIGHWAY FUND FOR OCT. 2018 NUMBER 011: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the Highway Fund audited vouchers
numbered 1203-1220 in the amount of $30,106.97. 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 2105-2112, in the amount of $6,052.57. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members
Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None
WATER DISTRICT #1 FUND FOR SEPT. 2018 NUMBER 010: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the Water District #1
audited vouchers 3057-3059 in the amount of $3,546.57. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow,
Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays-None
MONTHLY REPORTS
SUPERVISOR’S MONTHLY REPORT FOR OCT. 2018 LONG FORM: Member Stiles moved to accept the Supervisor’s Monthly Report in
long form for October 2018. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski.
Nays –None
TOWN CLERK’S MONTHLY REPORT FOR OCT. 2018: Member Denniston moved to accept the Town Clerks Monthly Report for October
2018. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None
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SEWER DISTRICT OPERATIONS REPORT: Ken Scherrieble was present from the Camden Group. All quiet. Any questions. 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: Janae Withey submitted a written report. Members of the W2Operators Training group were
unable to attend tonight’s meeting. 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
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 by 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. Supervisor Kaminski asked if there were
any comments or questions for Sandy Price. Deputy Supervisor Stiles asked what the process will be to police flow control. He was
wondering If someone is dumping outside the county, how would that be able to be enforced? Price said that the haulers will police
each other and she believes they are already doing that. Price doesn’t think a special police officer would need to be hired. Highway
Superintendent Britt Morse said that they haven’t seen any extra garbage on the roads, however the new laws will not go into effect
until Jan 1st. Stiles has some questions regarding the moving of the backup 911 center. Price said that the County is applying for a
grant to do a study to see the feasibility of that project. Member Denniston was wondering if there are any benefits in moving the
center. Stiles feels that the county spent a lot of money moving it to where it is now. He did hear that they are concerned because the
current location is noisy, however Stiles feels the noise issue could be remedied by installing sound proofing, saving the tax payers
money. He also felt that moving the backup center closer to the regular 911 center wouldn’t make sense. Stiles wanted to know if
there were any further talks about the jail. Price said that there has been a study done, at no cost to the county. She said that there
will be a meeting next week on the report of that study. She thinks it’s being held next Thursday night. Stiles wanted to know what
was going on with the county administrator’s position. Price said that they plan on conducting a wider search with professional head
hunters. She said that the process will be more open to the public and there will be community members and leaders involved.
Kaminski said that he feels that the people should choose by making that position an elected position. He feels that there is somebody
in this county that can do the job. Denniston didn’t feel that would be a good idea, because there could be too much turnover if
someone wasn’t reelected. Price felt that the county needs to shore up the financial office, before hiring an administrator. It was
stated that the salary of the county administrator is a minimum of $100,000. Stiles wanted to be certain that the county is not looking
to hire from within. He said that he fears that the County grooms’ people for positions. He said it has been done before and he hopes
it doesn’t happen again. Price, she feels it will take at least six months to hire someone. Member Pelton had a question about TC3
receiving a reduced payment of $88,000 from the county. Price said they didn’t have the money to pay. They are offering TC3 a longer
repayment schedule due to low enrollment. There was some question why TC3’s enrollment was down, where SUNY Cortland’s is up.
Town Clerk Van Donsel said it was due to the free tuition. Most students would rather go to a four-year school for free, than a
community college. This is why our community colleges are struggling. Many community colleges are experiencing the same thing.
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: Corena Morse of the Youth Commission submitted a written report. Supervisor Kaminski said
that the Youth Commission has been pretty busy. Morse said that they will be working to expand the program next year due to the
fact that the school is closing. 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 said that there is nothing to report, as he submitted the Park’s final report last month
and the Nordic Center hasn’t opened yet. He did say that the lake is full. Member Stiles motioned to accept the Hope Lake Operations
report. The motion was seconded Member Denniston. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None
HIGHWAY DEPT. SUPERINTENDENTS REPORT: Deputy Highway Superintendent Britt Morse was present and submitted a written
report. Morse reported that the crew will begin their Winter hours the week of Thanksgiving. Supervisor Kaminski reminded Morse
that he will have to Post seasonal roads soon. 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
HOPE LAKE PROJECT FINAL REPORT: Supervisor Kaminski said that there a few things that need to be done at the lake. He said that a
drain needs to be installed for one side of the walking trail. He said that as soon as its dry they need to hydroseed. He said that it’s too
late to do it this year. He said that in the spring they will go back in and clean everything up
REJECTION OF TRACTOR BID: The highest bid on the tractor truck was $10,200. Member Stiles made a motion not to accept the bid.
He said that was way too low. Member Snow seconded the motion, not to accept the bid. Morse said that they took the truck back
and they ran further tests on it. He said that they put in a new computer> He said that Stadium did tests as well. Morse said that the
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truck quit twice this week. Ran diagnostics were run on it. Caskey’s said they will not bill the town until it is completely fixed. They are
hoping to have it fixed by the week of Thanksgiving.
SET THE DATES FOR SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETINGS: Member Denniston said he would like to set the date for the first meeting on
Tuesday November 20th at 6PM at the Virgil Town Hall. Town Clerk Van Donsel said she will send out an email invitation to the folks
who signed up for the committee.
DISCUSSION ON DRAFT LETTER RESPONSE TO JOHN MORSE: Supervisor Kaminski said that he drafted a response letter to John Morse
regarding a question he had on Health Insurance. He said that a draft copy was in front of each board member. He wanted to know if
the board wished to make any changes. They asked Attorney Snyder if he had any recommendations, he did not. Supervisor Kaminski
said that he would mail it to Morse.
CONTINUED DISCUSSION ON PERSONNEL POLICY: Member Denniston said that he would like to table this item, as he wants to over
it again. Kaminski asked Morse if the Highway crew had any concerns with it. Morse said that they were all fine with it.
RESOLUTION #18-122 APPROVE THE HIGHEST BID FROM AUCTIONS INTERNATIONAL ON THE 2008 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500HD:
Member Stiles motioned to approve the highest bid of $8100.00 Lot#0001: 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Pickup Truck and Plow
that was listed on Auctions International. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles
and Kaminski. Nays: None
RESOLUTION #18-123 APPROVE THE HIGHEST BID FROM AUCTIONS INTERNATIONAL ON THE 2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500HD:
Member Stiles motioned to approve the highest bid of $15,000.00 Lot#0002: 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Pickup Truck and Plow
that was listed on Auctions International. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles
and Kaminski. Nays: None
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION #18-124 APPROVE LOCAL LAW #5 OF 2018 RASING THE SEWER RENTS IN SEWER DISTRICT #1 STARTING IN 2019:
Member Denniston motioned to adopt Local Law #5 of 2018, that will become Local Law #4 of 2018 once adopted, as one law was
never filed, raising the Virgil Sewer rents from $100.00 to $115.00 starting in 2019. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-
Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None
RESOLUTION #18-125 APPROVE AND ADOPT THE 2019 TOWN BUDGET: Member Stiles motioned to adopt the 2019 Town Budget as
presented. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None
DISCUSSION ON IT NEEDS: Deputy Supervisor Stiles said he would like input form the board on the matter of information technology
at the Town Hall. He would like to contact a local company to get a quote. He said that he has heard good things about Plan First. He
would like to have a quote by the next month’s meeting. Town Clerk Van Donsel said that she is also interested in looking into getting
faster internet at the Town Hall. She is wondering if the hall could get either Hafele or Spectrum. Kaminski said to look into it.
RESOLUTION #18-126 APPROVE MARATHON AMBULANCE CONTRACT: TYPE HERE: The same as what was budgeted. Member Stiles
motioned to approve the 2-year MAVC ambulance contract starting in 2019. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-
Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None
DISCUSSION OF CLEAN ENERGY COMMUNITIES: Supervisor Kaminski said that the board received a letter in the mail about clean
energy communities. He said that the town did use them for switching lighting to LED’s. He said that they have extra money to do
more projects. Stiles said that he would like to bring them in to do something with light’s in the board room. Kaminski said that they
put in two hundred-watt light bulbs to make it brighter. Stiles said that is not energy efficient.
THIRD QUARTER SALES TAX REPORT: Supervisor Kaminski said that the town received the third quarter sales tax report. He said that
It was up significantly from last year, about $30,000.
RESOLUTION #18-127 APPROVE BUDGET AMENDMENTS: Member Stiles motioned to approve the budget amendments as presented
by Gina Nourse, the Virgil Town Bookkeeper. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston,
Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None
FURTHER DISCUSSION
FIREWORKS DISCUSSION: Member Pelton said that he as his wife Teri went around to local businesses in town to see if they could
generate sponsorship to bring back the July 4th fireworks at Hope Lake Park. He said that they were able to generate a commitment
of $1500 to $1700 towards the fireworks show. He said that he spoke to the fireworks company and they said that $3500 would allow
for a good show. Pelton was wondering if the Town would be able to match what he can get from the community. Member Stiles was
wondering what budget line that money come out of? Pelton, thought that maybe the money could come from the recreation line.
Stiles was wondering if it could come out of the community development fund. Kaminski said that they can look at any surplus they
might have from this year. Pelton said that he would have to know soon, because days are getting booked. Kaminski said that they
would look and see how much surplus there is next month. Pelton said that when he gets a commitment on paying for the show, he
will contact the company. He is hoping by next meeting.
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TRANSFER STATION CONCERNS: Highway Superintendent Britt Morse said there are some concerns with the amount of trash that is
being taken to the transfer station. He said he would like to figure out a way to cap what can be brought up there. He would like to
see no more dump trucks and trailers. Stiles was thinking no oversized loads or trailer loads, unless they call ahead. Morse is concerned
about the amount of construction waste. The compactor is getting full very quickly. There may come a time that when the compactor
is full, they may have to close the gates. Morse said they can’t continue to run the truck every day. Attorney Snyder said they shouldn’t
have to take construction or demolition debris. Snyder said that those materials can be brought to Contento’s and can be recycled.
He said that they have a grinder that grinds it up. He said he isn’t sure what they are charging or if they are able to recycle the material.
Morse said that right now anything can be brought up there. Morse said that residents that use to use haulers are now using the
transfer station themselves, because of the threat of the tipping fees being increased. The companies they have been using said that
they are going to have to raise their prices. It was stated that the transfer station costs a lot of money. Stiles said that flow control is
going to dictate that it all needs to go to the landfill. Morse said that he is going to look at last year’s numbers. Stiles said that it’s going
to cost an additional $15,000 based on last year’s tonnage. It was stated that the volume is an issue.
PLANNING AND ZONING FEES- Town Deputy Supervisor Stiles proposed that the board looks at the fees being charged for Zoning and
Planning. He said that after looking at what other towns charge, Virgil is very high and complicated. He said that other towns have a
one-page fee schedule and Virgil has a four-page list. He said that Virgil charges $275.00 for a variance and another $255.00 for a
special permit. He said that the Codes Officer Kevin McMahon agrees that Virgil is not in line with other Towns. Stiles said that we
want people to follow the rules, but when the fees are so high it causes folks not to want to get permits. Having the fees more in line
with what other Towns charge will help residents to get permits and do things the right way.
PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD MEMEBERS LACK OF TRAINING: Deputy Supervisor Stiles said that there is a concern that some
members of the Planning and Zoning Boards are not getting the required four hours of training a year. Stiles said that he has spoken
to the members of both boards informing them that if they wish to continue to serve, they need to get the required training. He said
some members have failed to do anything about it. If they haven’t complied, he feels they should be removed. Stiles said that the
Town Clerk sends them training opportunities all the time. Supervisor Kaminski said that he wishes to have the Town Board review
the training hours of the both boards at the December board meeting. He said that anyone who hasn’t completed that training will be
told that starting January 1st 2019, their services will no longer be needed. Stiles is concerned that by not having the proper training
could become a liability. He said that one member that has never taken an ounce of training is a chair. He said that it is plain to see
that the members who have gotten the training are much more professional. It has been made clear that they need the training and
it’s a minimum commitment of only four hours a year. Stiles also said that Attorney Snyder was willing to teach the training, if needed.
With no further business to discuss, Member Stiles moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:25 PM. Member Denniston seconded the
Motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None
Respectfully Submitted by,
Alane Van Donsel, Virgil Town Clerk