HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-18-2015 Town Board Special Meeting Minutes ApprovedTown of Virgil Regular Meeting 09/03/2015
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TOWN OF VIRGIL PUBLICC HEARING AND SPECIAL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 3rd, 2015
PRESENT: Supervisor John Kaminski, Board Members Dale Taylor, Eric Snow and Matthew Denniston, (Member Jereme
Stiles Excused) Town Clerk/Collector Alane Van Donsel, John Morse Highway Superintendent, Rick Horner Asst. Highway
Superintendent, Sheila Morse, Bob and Christine Applegate, Jeff Stewart, Jim Murphy, Barb Bean, Paul Slowey, Jeffrey
Hall, Kathy Jensen, Kathleen Taylor, Floyd Parker, John Whittleton, Sue Connelly, Tom Dumas, Craig Umbehauer, John
Carroll, David Denniston, Ron Denniston, Stacey Kelsey and .
7:00 PM – PUBLIC HEARING: Supervisor Kaminski called the Public Hearing to order. Kaminski asked the Virgil Town
Clerk to read the legal Notice that was published in the Cortland Standard. Kaminski then said that this was an
opportunity for members of the public to make comment on the Proposed Local Law #1 of 2015. He asked residents to
state their name and address and to limit their comments to 3 minutes. He said that if they wish to have more time they
can make a second comment.
Jim Murphy of 1122 Rte: Mr. Murphy commented that he has been a resident of Virgil for the past 43 years. He served
on the Virgil Town Board for 24 years. He said he had to constantly remind himself that he was a part-time politician
and that he looked for input from the state and county, Planning department and highway department. Murphy said he
would never do anything without checking with the state. He felt it would be a disservice to take away the vote from
the people and to put that decision in a handful of town board members. He felt that the electoral process helps with
integrity. Murphy felt that the Highway Department was in better shape than ever. He said that there have been several
good Highway Superintendents and he would like to see voter’s votes to count.
John Carole 481 Nye Road: Mr. Carole made comments starting with a question. Mr. Carol asked if there was anyone in
the room who felt they were infallible. No one responded. He continued by saying that the petition by the Klessig’s says
that they want to make a change in the current law which says that the Highway superintendent has to be a resident.
Carole said having a wider pool may not neciarily mean finding a good person. He said that the Klessigs are failing to look
at the other concerns from the audit and merely focusing in on this one area. He felt this was bringing on shame and
disgrace to an individual that has done a good job. He said the minimum qualifications have not changed and that they
mentioned that the Highway superintendent has sole control over CHIPS money. He didn’t feel these were good enough
reasons to have his vote taken away. Mr. Carole said there are certain things he cherishes in life; one was his wife, who
is no longer with us, his daughters and his vote. Mr. Carole asked that his vote not be taken away.
Tom Dumas 478 Nye Road: Mr. Dumas said that he is not a native to Virgil, but he has lived here for 41 plus years. He
too was worried about his vote being taken away. He was also concerned that if the Highway Superintendent was
beholden to the board it wouldn’t be as good as being beholden to the residents who live on the roads being taken care
of. He felt it was better for that person in that position to have to answer to the people rather than to the town board.
He said he would like to see it stay the way it is.
Floyd Parker 238 Snyder Hill Road:
With no further business to discuss, Member Stiles moved to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:50 P.M., Member
Denniston seconded the Motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Taylor, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None.
Respectfully Submitted by,
Alane Van Donsel, Virgil Town Clerk