HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-12-2016 Town Board Meeting Minutes ApprovedTown Board Meeting May 12th, 2016
TOWN OF VIRGIL REGULAR MEETING
May 12TH 2016
PRESENT: Supervisor John Kaminski, Board Members Eric Snow, Jereme Stiles, Gary Pelton and Matthew Denniston, Town Clerk Alane
Van Donsel, John Morse Highway Superintendent, Rick Horner Assistant Highway Superintendent, Demont Lang Highway Department,
Craig Umbehauer Code and Zoning Enforcer (did not sign attendance sheet), Doug Withey W20perators, Jenae Withey W2Operators,
David Coish Yaws Environmental, Teri Pelton Virgil Youth Commission, Sandy Price County Legislator, Stanley Connelly Milton C at, Wes
Kryger Greek Peak, Carol Rekhuglar, Dale Taylor (Did not sign Attendance Sheet.)
7:00 PM –TOWN HALL MEETING: Dale Taylor addressed the board stating that Mental Health is a concern for society. He said that
one out of four people suffer from some sort of mental illness, such as Bi-Polar Disorder, PTSD, and Schizophrenia etc. Dale and his
wife Cathy have been trained in a class that helps people to learn to help individuals with mental illnesses. It helps to teach people to
becoming advocates. It teaches about different type of medications they may be prescribed and much more. Dale felt they learned
enough from the course to become teachers. Dale and Cathy are looking to use the Town Hall to teach the course. He said the classes
run about 2 and ½ hours each week on Saturday mornings. Many people who take the class are couples with children or those who’s
spouse may suffer from mental illness. He said that the Ithaca police comes and explains what happens during a crisis-. Also Tompkins
Community Hospital came and spoke to them as well. They teach folks how to help a person who is in recovery. Dale felt it was very
informative. He said he would like to have the opportunity to share what he has learned. Dale said the training group would do all the
advertising. He said there is usually a waiting list for the class. The limit would be 16 couples. Taylor said he is really concerned with
the care of the mentally ill. Dale felt this is a chance to do something to help people. Supervisor Kaminski said that the board is willing
to allow them to hold the class at the town hall. He told Dale to get together with the Town Clerk to check the Calendar to see when
the Town Hall is available. Dale said he would like to hold the class starting on Sept. 10th and run it until Nov. 10th.
7:30 PM – THE REGULAR MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER
Supervisor Kaminski called the meeting to order, followed by the salute to the flag.
RESOLUTION# 16-050 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Draft of Town Board Regular Meeting Minutes dated April. 14th, 2016: Member Stiles moved to approve the minutes for April 14th
2016 as presented. The motion was seconded by Member Snow Vote: Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles, Pelton and Kaminski.
Nays-None.
Draft of Town Board Special Meeting Minutes dated April 21st, 2016: Member Denniston moved to approve the minutes for April
21st 2016 special meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Member Snow. Vote: Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles,
Pelton and Kaminski. Nays-None.
RESOLUTION# 16-051 AUTHORIZATION TO PAY BILLS
GENERAL FUND: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the General Fund’s audited vouchers numbered 108- 135 in the
amount of $21,236.01. The motion was seconded by Member Snow. Vote: Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles, Pelton and
Kaminski. Nays- None.
HIGHWAY FUND: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the Highway Fund audited vouchers numbered 1083-1108 in
the amount of $31,939.42. The motion was seconded by Member Snow. Vote: Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles, Pelton and
Kaminski. Nays- None
SEWER DISTRICT #1: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the Sewer District #1 audited voucher’s numbered 2045-
2058 in the amount of $10,304.44. Including the Correction of Voucher Number 3022 being added from a voucher that was
mistakenly posted to the Water District in the amount of $297.50 The motion was seconded by Member Stiles. Vote: Ayes-
Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles, Pelton and Kaminski. Nays- None
WATER DISTRICT #1: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the Water District #1 audited vouchers 3018-3021 in the
amount of $5,624.70 with the correction of removing voucher 3022 RL Stone Co. Inc. being moved to the Sewer District in the
amount of $297.50. Member Stiles seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles, Pelton and Kaminski. Nays-
None
MONTHLY REPORTS
SUPERVISOR’S MONTHLY REPORT: Member Stiles moved to accept the Supervisor’s Monthly Report in short form for April 2016.
Member Denniston seconded the motion. Member Denniston wondered when they will be receiving the report in long form again.
Supervisor Kaminski said he had talked to bookkeeper Nourse and he thought they would have one this meeting. He said he will talk
to her again. Vote: Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles, Pelton and Kaminski. Nays –None
TOWN CLERK’S MONTHLY REPORT: Member Stiles moved to accept the Town Clerks Monthly Report for April 2016. The motion was
seconded by Member Snow. Vote: Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles, Pelton and Kaminski. Nays- None
TAX COLLECTORS REPORT: Member Stiles moved to accept the Tax Collectors Report from January 1st 2016 to May 9th 2016. The
motion was seconded by Member Denniston. Supervisor Kaminski noted that the town has collected almost 95% of the taxes due. He
said that was very good. Tax Collector Van Donsel said she has a meeting to settle up with the County on June 9th 2016. Vote: Ayes-
Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles, Pelton and Kaminski. Nays- None
Town Board Meeting May 12th, 2016
SEWER DISTRICT OPERATIONS REPORT: David Coish of Yaws Environmental was present at the meeting. Member Snow asked about
the first item on his written report regarding a manhole? Coish said that it has to do with the Mack Cook installation. When they
installed the lines there was supposed to be a manhole installed, but it was never done and Coish is wondering when it will b e installed.
It was asked of Coish what is the estimate on the CL 17 for. Coish said it’s for the chlorination system. Coish said it keeps coming up.
He said it’s going to be an issue as it was installed in 2004 and it only has a ten year life span. It was asked of Coish how expensive it
was to replace. Coish said between $2500 and $3500. Member Stiles asked about an E-mail from the health dept. He said the Health
Department had all the permits for grease traps and they didn’t find any concerns. Coish said in his report that Grease is an issue. He
has it under control with a variety of different chemicals, but he feels it should be fixed correctly. Coish said that the to wn is paying
$400-$500 a month on chemicals to deal with the grease. Supervisor Kaminski was wondering if there was an engineer involved when
it was designed. Code Enforcer Umbehauer said that he has asked for receipts from Greek Peak showing when it’s been pumped, but
no report have been forth coming. Umbehauer said he is working on following up on this. Kaminski asked if the Health Dept inspected
it. Coish said yes. Kaminski said that he feels it’s an issue between the Health Dept and Greek Peak. Attorney Snyder asked if there
was a sewer use ordinance. Coish said there was one in the Local Laws, as he looked at it a few years ago. Kaminski said this needs to
be figured out. Member Stiles moved to accept the Sewer Districts Report. The motion was seconded by member Snow. Vote: Ayes-
Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles, Pelton and Kaminski. Nays- None
WATER DISTRICT OPERATIONS REPOR T: Doug Withey reported that everything going smoothly. Withey said he is looking for
authorization to buy a water meter for pump house. He said it will cost a little less than $3000. He said that the meter is millions of
gallons off. It looks like they are pumping less water than they are selling. Member Stiles motioned to accept the Water report from
W2Operator’s. The motion was seconded by Member Snow. Vote: Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles, Pelton and Kaminski.
Nays-None
RESOLUTION #16-052 APPROVAL OF THE PURCHSE OF A NEW NEPTUNE WATER METER FOR THE PUMPHOUSE: Member Stiles
motioned to approve the purchase of a new Neptune Water Meter for the Water pump house not to exceed $3000. The motion
was seconded by Member Snow. Vote: Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles, Pelton and Kaminski. Nays-None
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER’S REPORT: A motion was made by Member Stiles to accept the Animal Control Officers report
submitted this month by Country Acres. The motion was seconded by Member Snow. Vote: Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles,
Pelton and Kaminski. Nays: None
CODE ENFORCEMENT AND ZONING OFFICERS REPORT: A written report was submitted by Code and Zoning Officer Craig
Umbehauer. Member Stiles asked what was being done on West State Road. Umbehauer said that the owner of the property is
putting up a garage. Stiles asked what happened to the pond. Umbehauer said that there were Issues with the overflow so they are
draining it and redoing it. Member Pelton asked what was going on with the Blue Barn Property. Umbehauer said he wasn’t sure
what else could be done, as they have mowed and cut down the tree. Member Denniston motioned to accept the Code and Zoning
Officers report. The motion was seconded Member Snow. Vote: Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles, Pelton and Kaminski. Nays-
None
COUNTY LEGISLATOR’S REPORT: A written report was submitted by County Legislator Sandy Price. Supervisor Kaminski asked Price
to explain Workers Compensation. Price said they held the third and final meeting. She said it was very well attended. She said there
was a lot of good input. They ended up with the same 60/40 formula. There was some discussion regarding the $211,000
administration fee that the county has been baring the full cost. She said that the county can’t continue to bare that cost . She said
that the plan they came up with has a soft landing. It will be paid over a 4 year period starting in 2018. She said there is no formal draft
yet, because the budget officer and County Attorney are still having a discussion. When it’s done they will send out the local law to
all. Member Stiles wanted to know why this wasn’t brought up before. Stiles said that the year 2018 wasn’t talked about at all. Price
said that was decided for the fairness of the towns it wouldn’t go to 100% until 2022. Stiles said that assessments would have to go
up if funding is going to come from the towns. He said this is going to throw us over the 2% tax cap. He felt that the town should just
manage their portion of Workers Compensation. He said maybe we should shop and form a consortium to get this under control. Price
said that is an option, she said keep in mind that they would need to notify the county any given year by July 14th. It was mentioned
that certain municipalities have had hard hits. Price said that people didn’t’ go away happy, but it could have been much worse. Stiles
felt that the towns have no say at all. Price felt differently and she mentioned that the 25% soft landing came from negotiating.
Kaminski said that looking at the rough numbers will be pressed. Stiles wanted to know if the County was going to lower taxes. Stiles
is concerned that people won’t be able to pay for this. He said this will force towns to max out the raising of taxes every year. Kaminski
said that last year the town could raise $10,600 without going over the tax cap. Price said that Tompkins County just voted not to stay
under tax cap and they have done that for years. Stiles said that unfortunately the newspapers pull it way out of proportion. Kaminski
asked if Mousaw was a county employee. Price said she was. There was some concern that she serves on committees. Price said she
is an advisory only member on committees. Supervisor Kaminski asked if they could talk about the jail now. He said that the Sheriff
did an interview and he said that they are looking to have a 150 bed facility. He mentioned that the Sheriff said that the state talks to
him. Kaminski said he felt that this is 2nd hand knowledge and that the Sheriff was sending out false signals. Price said there is an
appointed committee of 7 voting members to look at everything. She said it has come to light that working with the city there was
some misinformation. Price said that if the county went in together with the city, there may be many grant opportunities opened up.
Price said she will be appointed to the committee. It was asked if this was the JPS committee. Price said no, this is a whole different
committee. This new committee would report to the legislator and to the JPS on a monthly basis. She said the advisory committee will
be doing the leg work. Kaminski wanted to make sure that the County Attorney and County Administrator were not on the committee.
Price said that every year for the last 20 years no money has been put away to maintain the current jail. It was stated by Stiles that it
feels like elected representatives aren’t running the county, at the last session people did feel run over. This can all be brought back
Town Board Meeting May 12th, 2016
up and if they can sway 2 votes we may have a 38 million dollar project. There was concerned voiced that this would strap the county
so tight that roads will not be touched. There was also discussion regarding the efficiency of the new jail. It was stated that they are
going to need more people to run it. Right now there is no maintenance crew so a whole new crew will have to be hired. Price wanted
to know if the Sheriff asked to come and talk to the Town Board. It was stated that he did not. Price said that she knows he’s been to
Scott and Homer. Member Denniston said he realizes that something needs to be done, but what is being proposed has a huge sticker
shock. Denniston said he was looking at the data for incarcerations. He said that it’s coming down 8% for the state but that Cortland
County is going up 38%. He said those numbers don’t jive. There are some questions that need to be asked. Price also said that there
may be changes in the drug laws which may result in less incarcerated. Attorney Snyder said he hasn’t seen anything about it yet.
Member Stiles motioned to accept the County Legislators report. The motion was seconded Member Denniston. Vote: Ayes-Members
Snow, Denniston, Stiles, Pelton and Kaminski. Nays- None
VIRGIL YOUTH COMMISSION REPORT: Teri Pelton of the Youth Commission submitted a written report. Teri said let’s talk about some
happy things now. She said they are having fun doing a whole bunch of different things, hopefully having a bike rally on Sunday,
depending on the weather. She was wondering if they could use the bathrooms at the Town Hall. Supervisor Kaminski said that would
be fine. Member Pelton motioned to accept the Virgil Youth Commission report. The motion was seconded Member Snow. Vote:
Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles, Pelton and Kaminski. Nays- None
HOPE LAKE OPERATIONS REPORT: Wes Kryger was present and said they are prepping for opening day, He said there is an inspection
with the Health Department scheduled for Tuesday. Member Denniston motioned to accept the Hope Lake Operations Oral report.
The motion was seconded Member Pelton. Vote: Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles, Pelton and Kaminski. Nays- None
HOPE LAKE PARK COMMITTEE REPORT: Member Gary Pelton submitted a written report on the walk around that took place on April
21st. Pelton said that Wes Kryger, JR Quail, John Morse and Eric Snow and himself were present. They looked at several concerns.
Pelton said that beach sand has been delivered. It has been dumped in the parking lot of Greek Peak. The town is going to load it up
and take it up to Hope Lake. The elimination of beavers and geese is being taken care of. Highway Superintendent Morse is digging
out ditches and replacing concrete blocks. There was some discussion regarding putting down oil and stone on the parking lots when
the roads are done. Morse said that he wasn’t sure that could be done, as it will cost money. There will have to be quotes gotten.
Quail has three people looking at the walking path and the bridge. Supervisor Kaminski wanted to make sure that all bidding is done
though the board. If the Board doesn’t do it there can be issue with being reimbursed from the state. Wes called the DEC and has to
put together a diagram. There was some discussion on the Dam valve, Wes said it will be ok for this year. Stiles asked if they are looking
to replace more picnic tables. Wes said that 50% of them are owned by Greek Peak and that there are some bad ones. Stiles said that
they need to look at getting a price. He said that Lowes has them on sale for the same price as last year. He recommended that
someone goes down and hand pick them, because last year they got some bad ones that had to be sent back. Member Denniston
motioned to accept the Hope Lake Park Committee’s report. The motion was seconded Member Snow. Vote: Ayes -Members Snow,
Denniston, Stiles, Pelton and Kaminski. Nays - None
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENTS REPORT: Highway Superintendent John Morse was present and submitted a written report. Supervisor
Kaminski said that the fuel accountability looks good. Morse said that they are within what they wanted us to be. Morse said that they
are set to oil and stone the roads starting on the 24th and going through the summer. He said they are going to use the town’s material;
it should be good for the next 20 to 25 years. He said they will mix what they have with oil and roll it down. Kaminski asked when the
board can look at the trailer. Morse said as soon as they can come down. It was discussed that it could be used for recyclables and
that the town owns it. Stiles said they have to decide what they want to do with it. Member Denniston motioned to accept the Highway
Supervisor report. The motion was seconded by Member Snow. Vote: Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles, Pelton and Kaminski.
Nays- None.
OLD BUSINESS
UPDATE ON TOWN HALL ADDITION: Member Stiles said he met with Weeks Engineering and Yale Construction for an hour long
meeting. They plan on starting on Monday and they may have to move electric lines and fiber optic lines. He said that the water line
goes dead center where the addition is going. He said that if they encounter a problem, it’s going to be town’s issue. It was stated
that the footers will be 4 ½ feet deep. If the water line gets hit it’s going to have to be dealt with then. Stiles said that the town has
to pay for all the special inspections. A company has been called to do all the special inspections. A proposal is going to be put
together and the Town is responsible for the cost. They will contract though us and Yale Construction will schedule the inspections
UPDATE ON CREEK RECLAMATION: It was stated that the Town has all the permits from the DEC. Everything should be wrapped up
by next week, for the work to get started. It was stated that as per the DEC the town can’t get into the creek before May 15th. Stiles
said they picked up sign from Sellco. He wanted everyone to be aware that a sign has to be installed stating that this project is being
funded by the state. This is all part of the grant. .
RESOLUTION # 16-053 TOWN OF VIRGIL SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY: Member Stiles motioned to approve the Town of Virgil’s
Sexual Harassment Policy. The motion was seconded by Member Snow. Attorney Snyder said he looked at it and it all looked fine to
him. Vote: Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles, Pelton and Kaminski. Nays- None.
RESOLUTION # 16-054 TOWN OF VIRGIL WORKPLACE VIOLANCE PREVENTION POLICY: Member Stiles motioned to approve the
Town of Virgil’s Workplace Prevention Policy. The motion was seconded by Member Denniston. Again Attorney Snyder said he
looked over the Workplace Prevention Policy and it looked good to him. Vote: Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles, Pelton and
Kaminski. Nays- None.
Town Board Meeting May 12th, 2016
CLOSE THE 2015 BOOKS: Supervisor Kaminski said he looked over the numbers, he said they were true numbers and not estimates.
He’s going to tell the Town’s bookkeeper to close the books. Member Stiles said he is still looking for a copy of the draft from the
county on the workers compensation numbers. Stiles said that every town should be concerned.
DISCUSSION ON REPLACING FRONTEND LOADER AT THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT: Supervisor Kaminski said that they talked with
Milton Cat and they went over some numbers. He said that they were guaranteed a trade in value of $50,000 for the current loader.
He said that there was a guarantee until June 1st. Member Denniston said that leasing the loader makes a lot of sense. Denniston said
he wasn’t sure if it would be feasible to buy both machines at this time. He thought the Town should pay $60,000 up front plus trade
in. Member Stiles felt it was wise to take advantage of the interest rate. He said it can always be paid off sooner. It was asked what
condition the backhoe is in. Morse said it was ok, it is being used every day, but it’s been a great backhoe. He said they have been
putting money into it. He said it’s used, but it’s not junk. He said they put $10,000 into the excavator. Stiles said he doesn’t want to
see the town continue to put money into this machine. Morse said they are going to have to put in another $1000. He said it all comes
down to what we can afford. Morse said he talked to state comptroller, if the Highway didn’t charge every hour at the transfer station
that money can be used toward the machine. He said it would have to be done with a board resolution . He also mentioned that the
Highway Department is supposed to get $20,000 for bridge project. It was stated that the highway was getting reimbursed and the
money would be coming out of sewer district. Stiles said that Morse has to keep track of all of that. Further discussion took place on
the numbers. Supervisor Kaminski said that bottom line the town needs a loader. Member Pelton wanted to make sure there were no
prepayment penalties. It was stated that there was none. Pelton felt financing will give the Town flexibility. It was stated that the town
would still have to make the annual payment. Kaminski said that the town does need the loader; he said that they can look at the
backhoe at budget time. Some discussion continued. Stan Connolly from Milton Cat said that if they sign the purchase offer he’ll take
care of it. Connolly said they could Look at backhoe at the end of the year. Member Stiles said that they will look at it at budget time.
He said there may be a way to figure out how to purchase the backhoe too. It was asked of Connelly what the trade value will be at
that time. Connelly said it’s going to decline, he said they are using it every day. It was asked of Connelly when the loader will be
shipped, it was stated June 1st. Morse said he would like a loaner.
RESOLUTION #16-055 APPROVAL TO PURCHASE A FRONTEND LOADER ON STATE BID FROM MILTON CAT: Stiles made a motion to
accept the proposal from Milton Cat to purchase a Frontend loader in the State Bid amount of $163,000 with a $50,000 trade in on
current machine and finance $113,000 though Milton Cat with an interest rate of 2.75% for five years. The motion was seconded by
Member Denniston. Vote: Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles, Pelton and Kaminski. Nays- None.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION #16-056 ACCEPT THE BID RESULTS ON TRACTORS FROM AUCTIONS INTERNATIONAL: Member Stiles made a motion
to accept the bid results from Auctions International as $1450 for the International 404 Tractor and $3950 for the Ford LCG I I Tractor
for a total amount of $5400. Member Denniston seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles, Pelton and
Kaminski. Nays- None.
AMNESTY WEEK AT THE COUNTY LANDFILL MAY 16th-20th: There was some discussion on Amnesty week. Member Stiles said he
talked to John Morse about this. Stiles felt that since the county was accepting 30 tons of trash from each municipality, why we can’t
get the compactor up there with 30 tons for free. Morse said that we would never generate that much trash. Town Clerk Van Donsel
asked if they wanted her to get the word out so that we get lots of people cleaning out their basements. They said that town folks
can dump anytime and it would be too overwhelming for the transfe r station attendants to handle all that trash in one week.
Kaminski asked what they wont they take. Morse said that it’s the same exact same rules as usual except the town gets 30 tons of
trash for free.
2016 1ST QUARTER SALES TAX DISTRIBUTION REPORT: Supervisor Kaminski said that the town uses $70,000 yearly towards the tax
levy yearly. It used to be that they spread it out over all 4 quarters. He said the County took all of it out of 1st payment. Kaminski said
that he doesn’t think they have the right to do that.
Some further discussion took place. Supervisor Kaminski said that the Town Assessor Randy Deal with be retiring on October 1 st. He
said that the board will have to set up a committee to hire a new Assessor. He said that he would like to make sure this is in place by
September 2nd. Stiles said that he would be a member of the committee. Supervisor Kaminski also said that Gary Pelton will be excused
at the next board meeting. It was stated the School Board Elections and budget vote will be held on May 17th and that Virgil voters
that are in the Cortland Enlarged City School District are to vote at the Virgil Fire Station.
With no further business to discuss, Member Stiles moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 P.M. Member Denniston seconded the
Motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles, Pelton and Kaminski. Nays: None.
Respectfully Submitted by,
Alane Van Donsel, Virgil Town Clerk