HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-01-08-TB-FINAL-minutesTOWN BOARD MEETING
Town of Ulysses
January 8, 2019
Audio of the minutes are available on the website at ulysses.ny.us.
The meeting was held at the Ulysses Town Hall at 10 Elm Street, Trumansburg.
Notice of Town Board meetings are posted on the Town’s website and Clerk’s board.
ATTENDANCE:
TOWN OFFICIALS PRESENT:
Supervisor- Liz Thomas
Board members- Nancy Zahler, Michael Boggs, John Hertzler
Town Clerk- Carissa Parlato
Bookkeeper- Nina Thompson
Attorney for the Town- Khandi Sokoni
ABSENT:
Richard Goldman
OTHERS PRESENT:
Jessica Giles, Don Ellis
CALL TO ORDER:
Ms. Thomas called the meeting to order at 7pm and moved into a Public Hearing for the 2019 Fire Contract
(see separate minutes).
APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
RESOLUTION 2019-1: APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approve the agenda for Jan. 8, 2019 with the additions of
an Executive Session for medical and personnel issues; and the agreement with the Village of
Trumansburg for access to Salo Drive and its parking area.
Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Boggs
Ms. Thomas aye
Ms. Zahler aye
Mr. Hertzler aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman absent
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 1/8/19
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:
(none)
REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES:
(none)
TOWN REPORTS:
(see Appendix B)
OLD BUSINESS:
FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT CONTRACT
RESOLUTION 2019-2: APPROVAL OF THE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT CONTRACT WITH THE VILLAGE
OF TRUMANSBURG
WHEREAS, a fire protection district known as “the Fire Protection District of the Towns of Ulysses,
Hector and Covert” (hereafter referred to as “the Fire Protection District”) has been duly established in
the said towns; and
WHEREAS, the Fire Protection District encompasses the following territory in the Town of Ulysses: All
of the Town of Ulysses, excepting the area within the limits of the incorporated Village of
Trumansburg; and
WHEREAS, the Village of Trumansburg (hereafter referred to as “the Village”) maintains a volunteer
fire department, with adequate and suitable apparatus, equipment and training for the furnishing of
fire protection services within the Fire Protection District; and
WHEREAS, Town Law §184 permits a town to contract with a village which maintains adequate and
suitable apparatus and appliances for the furnishing of fire protection services in such fire protection
district; and
WHEREAS, the Town wishes to contract with the Village of Trumansburg to provide fire protection
services in the Fire Protection District; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing as required by §184 of the Town Law was duly advertised on December 19,
2018 and was held on January 8, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the Town of Ulysses Town Hall,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
The Town Board of the Town of Ulysses hereby approves and authorizes execution of the attached
Agreement between the Village and the Town, whereby the Village will provide the Town with fire
protection capable of responding to fire related and health related emergencies on an ongoing basis
within the Fire Protection District, for the period from January 1, 2019 until December 31, 2019. And
be it further
RESOLVED that pursuant to the Agreement, the Town shall pay the Village the sum of $228,645 for
such services, on or before March 1, 2019, and be it further
RESOLVED that the Supervisor of the Town of Ulysses is hereby authorized to execute the Agreement
on behalf of the Town of Ulysses.
Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Boggs
Ms. Thomas aye
Ms. Zahler aye
Mr. Hertzler aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman absent
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 1/8/19
PERSONNEL POLICY SECTION 510
RESOLUTION 2019-3: AMENDING SECTION 510 OF THE PERSONNEL POLICY OF THE TOWN OF
ULYSSES - Non-medical leave of absence
WHEREAS the current Personnel Policy for the Town of Ulysses does not address if an employee may
ask for and be granted a non-medical leave of absence without pay.
Therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the Ulysses Personnel Policy sections 510 is amended as presented and edited at the
1/8/2019 meeting. (See Appendix A for policy amendment).
Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Boggs
DISCUSSION: The board discussed whether an employee should exhaust vacation benefits first and
whether the policy is too open-ended.
Ms. Thomas aye
Ms. Zahler aye
Mr. Hertzler aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman absent
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 1/8/19
NEW BUSINESS:
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) CONTRACT
RESOLUTION 2019-4: 2019 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) CONTRACT WITH THE VILLAGE OF
TRUMANSBURG
WHEREAS, the Town Board established the Town of Ulysses Ambulance District by resolution adopted
on March 12, 2013; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Town Law §198(10-f) (a) (ii) and (iii), the Town Board is authorized to contract
with a municipal corporation on behalf of an ambulance district for provision of ambulance services;
and
WHEREAS, the Village of Trumansburg (hereafter referred to as “The Village”), a municipal corporation,
maintains an ambulance department with a basic and advanced life support transporting ambulance
service; and
WHEREAS, the Town wishes to provide ambulance services to its residents in the Town of Ulysses
Ambulance District; and
WHEREAS, such emergency services are vital and necessary to the health and welfare of the
inhabitants of the Town; and
WHEREAS, in joint cooperation as contemplated by General Municipal Law 122-b, the Town and the
Village wish to cooperate to provide an ambulance service to persons situated in the Town of Ulysses
Ambulance District;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
The Town Board of the Town of Ulysses, on behalf of the Town of Ulysses Ambulance District, hereby
approves and authorizes execution of the attached Agreement between the Village and the Town,
whereby the Village will provide the Town with basic and advanced life support emergency medical
ambulance services, which complies with the regulations of the New York State Department of Health,
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services to serve the emergency medical needs of those persons within
the boundaries of the Town of Ulysses Ambulance District. Services to be provided include Basic Life
Support transport and treatment and arranging for or providing Advanced Life Support Treatment. And
be it further
RESOLVED that pursuant to the Agreement, the Town shall pay the Village the sum of $401,031 for
such services, for the period 1/1/19 through 12/31/19, paid on or before February 15, 2019, and be it
further
RESOLVED that the actual cost to town taxpayers is reduced by ambulance billing revenue at rates
adopted periodically by the Town Board, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, pursuant to Town Law §198(11), the Agreement shall be executed by
the signatures of a majority of the members of the Town Board.
Moved: Ms. Zahler Seconded: Mr. Boggs
DISCUSSION- The board discussed the recent lack of monthly reports and how they might improve this.
AMENDMENT:
Ms. Zahler moved to change in the 2nd resolved to Feb. 15 rather than March 1. This was seconded by
Ms. Thomas and passed unanimously.
VOTE on main motion:
Ms. Thomas aye
Ms. Zahler aye
Mr. Hertzler aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman absent
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 1/8/19
CEMETERY ROAD BRIDGE GRANT
The board discussed whether and how to move forward with this grant award, expressing concerns with the
staff time needed to execute the grant.
SALO HABITAT PARKING AREA
RESOLUTION 2019-5: Authorization to enter into an Agreement with the Village of Trumansburg for
Salo Habitat parking area
WHEREAS, the Town of Ulysses purchased the Salo Habitat parcels to allow Village and Town residents
and visitors to access a natural area with boundaries that include an entry located on Salo Drive in the
Village of Trumansburg and
WHEREAS, the Town desires to create a small parking area within the Village's right-of-way on Salo
Drive and
WHEREAS, the Village has drafted an agreement that outlines the terms and conditions under which it
would allow the Town to create and maintain a parking area within the Village's right-of-way on Salo
Drive and
WHEREAS, the Attorney for the Town has reviewed the agreement and recommended several minor
changes incorporated into the attached agreement tonight, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town of Ulysses Town Board authorizes Supervisor Elizabeth Thomas to enter into
an agreement with the Village of Trumansburg with minor changes if needed to create a parking area
within the Village right-of-way to be used to access the Salo Habitat recreational land.
Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Boggs
Ms. Thomas aye
Ms. Zahler aye
Mr. Hertzler aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman absent
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 1/8/19
MONTHLY BUSINESS:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
RESOLUTION 2019-6: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approves the minutes from 12/11/18.
Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Hertzler
Ms. Thomas aye
Ms. Zahler aye
Mr. Hertzler aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman absent
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 1/8/19
BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
RESOLUTION 2019-7: APPROVAL OF BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approve the following budget modifications:
A FUND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
A5410.4 Sidewalk CE INCREASE $450.00
To increase budget for excess needed to cover year end bills
A1320.4 Auditor CE DECREASE $450.00
Budget available
A5132.4 HIGHWAY BARN CE INCREASE $1,800.00
To increase budget for excess needed to cover year end bills
A1320.4 Auditor CE DECREASE $1,800.00
Budget available
B FUND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
B3310.4 Traffic Control CE INCREASE $475.00
To fund new budget line for cost of house number signs
B1990.4 Contingency DECREASE $475.00
Budget available - $4,202.00 would remain in the B fund Contingency Account
SW3 FUND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
SW3-8340.4 WATER TRANSPORT &
DISTR CE
INCREASE $750.00
To cover projected overage through end of year
SW3-8330.4 WATER PURIFICATION CE DECREASE $750.00
Budget available
Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Boggs
Ms. Thomas aye
Ms. Zahler aye
Mr. Hertzler aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman absent
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 1/8/19
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:
(none)
APPROVAL OF CLAIMS
RESOLUTION 2019-8: APPROVAL OF CLAIMS
BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approve payment of claims for vouchers for 2018, #611-
654 in the amount of $33,223.49; for 2019, #1-16 in the amount of $102,536.01; for a grand total of
$135,759.50.
Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Boggs
Ms. Thomas aye
Ms. Zahler aye
Mr. Hertzler aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman absent
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 1/8/19
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Ms. Thomas moved to go into at 8:50pm for the purpose of discussing the medical history of a particular
person and the promotion of a particular person. This was seconded by Mr. Boggs and passed unanimously.
Ms. Zahler made a motion to end Executive Session at 9:24. This was seconded by Mr. Hertzler and passed
unanimously.
APPOINTMENT OF PLANNING BOARD CHAIR
RESOLUTION 2019-9: APPOINTMENT OF PLANNING BOARD CHAIR
BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board appoint Katelin Olsen as the Planning Board Chair for
2019.
Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Boggs
Ms. Thomas aye
Ms. Zahler aye
Mr. Hertzler aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman absent
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 1/8/19
AUTHORIZING EXTENSION OF MEDICAL LEAVE OF ABSENCE
RESOLUTION 2019-10: AUTHORIZING EXTENSION OF MEDICAL LEAVE OF ABSENCE
BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board authorize the extension of a medical leave of absence for
Bill Conroy through March 17, 2019.
Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Hertzler
Ms. Thomas aye
Ms. Zahler aye
Mr. Hertzler aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman absent
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 1/8/19
ADJOURN:
Mr. Boggs moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:26pm; seconded by Mr. Hertzler.
APPENDIX A:
510 Leave of Absence for Personal Reasons
An employee may request a leave of absence (LOA) from work without pay for personal reasons. The
leave is subject to approval by the Town Board (or by the Town Supervisor if the Town Board makes that
designation) in consultation with the employee’s direct supervisor. The Town may deny a request for
unpaid leave for personal reasons if the operations of the Town would be adversely affected by the leave.
The town will only maintain payment of its share of the health insurance benefits for class A or B
employees if the employee’s average number of hours for the year, including the Leave of Absence will
not drop below the required number of hours worked per week to qualify for health insurance (30
hrs/week in 2018). The employee will still be responsible for paying the employee’s share of health and
dental insurance during the leave of absence. If the employee’s average hours/week drop below that
required to maintain health and dental insurance, the Town will no longer pay for those benefits.
Vacation and sick time credit will not accumulate during the unpaid leave of absence. An employee on
unpaid leave of absence may not claim any bereavement pay or holiday pay.
APPENDIX B:
TOWN REPORTS:
PLANNER: Submitted by Mr. Zepko
Planning Board
• Staff to Planning Board meetings:
18 Dec 2018
The Planning Board heard to conceptual proposals for subdivision
• Minor Subdivision of 3 lots (2 flag lots)
• Major Subdivision of 6 lots (no roads or infrastructure)
• 2018 Planning Board Totals
The Planning Board reviewed the following applications in 2018:
Two (2) Major Subdivisions resulting in the creation of seven (7) lots
Three (3) Site Plans
One (1) Special Use Permit
12 Simple Subdivision applications were approved in-house, resulting in the creation of
approximately 10 new lots and two (boundary line adjustments)
Board of Zoning Appeals
• Staff to BZA
No appeals were before the BZA in December of 2018
• 2018 BZA Totals
The BZA reviewed the following applications in 2018:
14 Area Variances
Zoning Enforcement
• Reviewed three (3) building permits for zoning compliance
• Investigated one zoning complaint
Zoning Update
• Served as point of contact for residents regarding proposed zoning
• (see Planner Activity)
Planner Activity
• Responded to approximately 16 requests for information
o Comments and questions regarding proposed zoning changes
o Development questions or applications
• 11 Dec 2018, attended Town Board meeting where zoning amendments were discussed
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT- no report
TOWN CLERK: Submitted by Ms. Parlato
LICENSES/PERMITS issued: #
Sporting licenses 4
Disabled parking permits 11
Dog licenses and renewals 58
Marriage licenses 1
Plumbing permits 1
Address assignments 1
Notarizations 3
FOIL requests-received 0
FOIL requests-completed 0
CLERK’s OFFICE TASKS:
• Notarizations
• Ordered supplies
• Retrieved, sorted, vouchered mail
• Answered inquiries on various topics
• Attended Town Board meetings and took minutes
• Kept website current
• Sent listserv messages to residents (~2/month)
• Mailed and posted dog licenses; issued tickets as needed
• Scheduling of various meetings
• Assist other departments when possible
• Updated health/dental insurance info for staff as needed
• Prepare for organizational meeting
• Plan annual staff holiday meeting
TAX COLLECTION:
• Coordinate getting bills from Tompkins County.
• Mail bills
• Collect taxes
SALO HABITAT COMMITTEE:
• No action
WATER DISTRICT TASKS:
• Collect and post bills.
RECORDS MANAGEMENT TASKS:
• Continue with scanning of building plans into Laserfiche for easier access and storage. Scanning is
being done through the County Clerk’s office.
SAFETY COMMITTEE:
• Update staff training records
• Work on updating town Sexual Harassment policy to be in compliance with new regs
COMMITTEES/ASSOCIATIONS:
• Health Consortium- December meeting cancelled
• Send out health insurance updates to staff
CODE ENFORCEMENT: submitted by Mr. Myers
Building Permits issued 3
Plan Reviews 2
FINANCIAL REPORT:
$1336.00 TOTAL Collected for fees & licenses
$1067.96 stays in the town
$268.04 goes to the state
Certificate of Occupancy issued 2
Certificate of Compliance issued 1
Complaints Received 1
Complaints Resolved 0
Inspections (Footers, Foundations, Plumbing, Insulation, roofing, Pools, Etc.) 41
New Site Inspections 1
Building Review Consultations (pre-plan meetings, Future Building/Remodeling) 2
Fire Safety Inspections 1
Code Training Seminars 0
County Assessment/Board Reports 2
Open property in violation cases 6
Property violations resolved 0
Value of Permits issued: $151,275
Building Permit fees collected for month: $771
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT- Submitted by Ms. Thomas
Energy
• Help coordinate effort to replace street lighting with LEDs to reduce overall energy usage in County.
• Assist with efforts to increase use of Electric Vehicles across county.
• Help resolve issue with EV Charging Station.
Highway
• Bridge NY grant – navigate the beginning requirements of grant. Talk to county, Ulysses Highway,
NYS DOT.
Planning and Zoning update
• Work with TB, Planner and Consultant on remaining issues in order to create a draft for public to
review.
• Reach out to try to fill vacancies on PB and BZA.
Water Districts
WD3
• Submit Progress report to TC Health Department.
Other
• Finalize Police contract with Village
• Assist with close out of sidewalk grant.
• Assist with Habitat parking MOU with Village.
• NYSERDA Planning Grant paperwork
• Heat pump grant – resolution to proceed with design for Town Hall.
• Personnel Policy – add notes and make final copy after 12/11 meeting.
• Organizational meeting – work with Carissa, Sarah and Nina to gather all information needed for
resolutions.
• EMS – Respond to questions about 35% increase in EMS levy and tax rate.
• Right-of-way issue with Rt 89 at Garrett Road.
Meetings and Training
12/11 – TB meeting
12/13 – TCCOG
Questions/Concerns from Residents
• Dead animal pickup requests
• Zoning enforcement request
• Welcome new residents
• Question about ag exemption on taxes.
• Question about hunting in the Habitat.
• Water concerns from lakeshore property owner re: HABs.
• Who dictates which side of the road a mailbox needs to be on.
Repeating daily/weekly/monthly tasks:
• Work with each department on current topics.
• Respond to constant flow of questions from residents, volunteers and staff.
• Weekly review of topics with attorney for the town.
• Monthly review of county actions.
• Daily check-in with Town Hall staff.
• Communications – assist with listserv news
• Periodic discussions with Zoning Officer over a variety of topics.
• Prepare agendas, resolutions, and background documents. Review topics with TB members, conduct
meetings, and review minutes.
• Provide oversight and follow-through on decisions and requests made at Town Board meetings.
• Review claims and budget, make suggested budget modifications to be approved by TB, review
payroll, sign checks,
• Review financial reports.
• Periodic check in with Town Clerk and Deputy Supervisor re work load and coordination.
• Respond to surveys when requested.
BOOKKEEPER REPORT: Submitted by Nina Thompson
Regular Duties:
• Personnel
• Payroll
Processed and reconciled payrolls 25 & 26
Processed 2019 payroll 1 on 12/31/2018 for a pay date of 1/2/2019
Processed employee changes and made corrections as needed
• NYSLRS
Monthly Reporting
• Banking
• Completed regular bank deposits – in person for cash with remote deposit system for
checks
• Completed regular bank account transfers to cover payments
• Payments
• Produced vouchers for monthly pre-pays, insurance invoices and other miscellaneous
payments
• Reviewed monthly vouchers & abstracts
• Printed checks for pre-pays and scheduled voucher payments once approved
• Month End Close Out – November
• Entered all Payroll entries (cash receipts, cash disbursements & general journal entries)
• Entered all cash receipts (general receipts, WD accounting, etc.)
• Entered all cash disbursements
• Entered all general journal entries (bank transfers, interest, WD billings, budget
modifications & other general journal entries)
• Close out steps (Load abstracts, close CR & CD journals & print reports)
• Reconciled WD3 & 4 receivable accounts
• Reviewed month end financial reports and distributed them to Town Board & Staff
• 2018 Year–End
• Ordered supplies for preparing 1099 forms
• Sent letter to vendors requesting all 2018 invoices
• Processed end of year checks for payment of 2018 invoices
Trainings:
• Webinar – NYSLRS Retirement Online Job Codes – December 17
Meetings:
• 12/04/2018 – Youth Program reconciliation meeting with Village
• 12/11/2018 – Town Board Meeting
• 12/13/2018 – Town Staff Meeting
Non-Regular Duties:
• Trumansburg/Ulysses Sidewalk Project
• Reconciled project finances with Village Treasurer
• Drafted project close out Town Board resolution
• Completed project close-out entries in accounting system
• Personnel
• Retiree benefits
Further work related to retiree benefits
Communication with retirees regarding benefits
Communication with insurance company staff to try to get clarity around
transition to Medicare for retirees
• Responded to HR related inquires
• New hire paperwork for temp seasonal Highway employee
• Youth Employees
Communicated with Youth Program Manager regarding time sheets and
close-out of the 2018 program
• Employee Leave
Paperwork regarding employee leave
• End of Year Payroll Accruals and the 27th pay period
Implementation of the Board’s decision regarding how to handle this
situation
• Personnel Policy
Extensive work on clarification/updates to Town Personnel Policy as
adopted by the Board
• 2018 to 2019
Many hours spent trying to get assistance from Paychex to implement 2019
changes and 27 pay periods
Entered 2019 payroll changes in the Paychex system
• Procedures
• Continued to update and refine written accounting procedures
• Budget Modification
• Researched and drafted budget modification for 12/11/2018 meeting
• Entered approved budget modification into accounting system
• Other Accounting
5
• Continued to investigate, research and work on resolutions to outstanding
accounting issues
• Some preliminary research into financial implication of the Town being awarded
Bridge NY grant funds for the County’s bridge on Cemetery Rd.
Upcoming:
• Fiscal Year End
o Begin fiscal year end close out process
• Other Accounting
o Continue to work on how to handle outstanding accounting issues
TA Fund/Bank Account
Full GAAP Compliance
• Personnel
o Continue to review/clarify/update Personnel Policy
MR. BOGGS shared the following:
• sent fire dept report
• no io last month
• working on town heat proj
MS. ZAHLER shared the following:
• Attended health consortium mtg on 12/13. They are seeking an exec director who will be
hired via the town of ithaca.
• Discussions with village for creation of parking area on salo
• Design Connect application has been accepted
• County has other grants that may be helpful for Jville
• Youth Commission is discussing the idea of creating a part-time, year- round rec coordinator
for all ages
Respectfully submitted by Carissa Parlato on 1/11/19.