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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-05-26-TB-FINAL-minutes1 TOWN BOARD MEETING Town of Ulysses May 26, 2020 Audio of the minutes are available on the website at ulysses.ny.us. The meeting was held via videoconference on the Zoom platform. Notice of Town Board meetings are posted on the Town’s website and Clerk’s board. ATTENDANCE: TOWN OFFICIALS PRESENT: Supervisor- Nancy Zahler Board members- Richard Goldman, Michael Boggs, Katelin Olson, Marc Devokaitis Town Clerk- Carissa Parlato Second Deputy Supervisor- Michelle Wright Environmental Planner- John Zepko OTHERS PRESENT: Roxanne Marino (Chair of Conservation & Sustainability Advisory Committee), Linda Liddle (Planning Board chair), Liz Thomas (Town liaison to Watershed Intermunicipal Organization aka IO) CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Zahler called meeting to order at 7pm. ATTENDANCE: The Town Clerk called the roll. Town Board: Ms. Zahler present Ms. Olson present Mr. Boggs present Mr. Goldman present Mr. Devokaitis present Town Staff: Ms. Wright present Mr. Zepko present APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA: RESOLUTION 2020-117: APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approve the agenda for May 26, 2020 with the addition of a presentation by the IO (Watershed Intermunicipal Organization). Moved: Ms. Zahler Seconded: Mr. Goldman 2 Ms. Zahler aye Ms. Olson aye Mr. Boggs aye Mr. Goldman aye Mr. Devokaitis aye Vote: 5-0 Date Adopted: 5/26/2020 PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: Ms. Marino noted that the agenda includes a work plan for the CSAC. The committee has discussed this and will follow up with the board at a later date. PRESENTATION ON IO (WATERSHED INTERMUNICIPAL ORGANIZATION): Ms. Thomas shared that the group has been working hard on the following: • Creating a watershed management plan • Collaborating with Community Science Institute • HABs (harmful algal blooms) action plan • Getting a watershed manager like as other neighboring lakes have. They may be able to contract with another county’s manager until hiring a Tompkins County manager is feasible. o Working on a funding model to fund this • Trying to increase membership • Outreach & education The group is seeking project ideas from the town. TOWN REPORTS: Mr. Devokaitis reported the following: • Attended village board meeting and heard the following: o They will not do any pay raises in the new budget year o Trying to encourage outdoor seating for restaurants • Worked with Ms. Olson and Zahler to relocate a food cabinet in the village. o Takin’ Care of T’burg will help maintain it. • Attended webinars on CCA and NYS agriculture plans Mr. Goldman reported the following: • Attended Health Consortium meeting Ms. Olson reported the following: • Ended the business response survey. Got some interesting information that they will share with Tompkins County Area Development. Mr. Boggs reported the following: • Helped with HVAC project 3 • Kudos to Ms. Wright • Trumansburg fire appointed Matt Taylor as fire chief UPDATES ON CAPITAL PROJECTS & STAFFING Ms. Wright shared the following updates: Cemetery Bridge: • Working on ROW easements at state level Aerator: • County health department has approved our plan • Project is planned for July-November HVAC project: • Contractors have been very compliant with COVID guidelines • On-track with timing and budget Ms. Zahler shared the following: • Martin Kelly from Town of Ithaca is working on interim code enforcement while new officer gets up to speed. • Dutch door installed for clerk’s office to help with distancing. UPDATES ON TOWN RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS AND NYS STATE OF EMERGENCY Ms. Wright shared the following: • Meeting with Ms. Parlato to discuss parameters for re-opening OLD BUSINESS: ACTION STEPS ON ZONING AMENDMENT #1 RESOLUTION 2020-118: APPROVAL OF DRAFT ZONING AMENDMENT ON DEVELOPMENT IN LAKESHORE AND CONSERVATION ZONES AND SCHEDULING OF PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses (Town Board) enacted Local Law No. 3 of 2019 on December 10, 2019, which law was filed with the New York State Secretary of State on December 16, 2019, which local law repealed in its entirety the Town of Ulysses Zoning Law adopted by Local Law No. 3 of 2013, amended from time to time, and codified as Chapter 212 of the Laws of the Town of Ulysses, and in its place adopted a new zoning law, and WHEREAS, when adopting the Zoning Law on December 10, 2019 by Resolution 2019-211 several members of the Town Board wanted to re-visit the law in 2020 based on feedback from the Public Hearing held November 12, 2019 and WHEREAS, the Town Board wished to consider alternative strategies that balance our environmental stewardship responsibilities with the property rights of landowners when protecting steep slopes and Unique Natural Areas in the Lakeshore and Conservation zone rather than a zone-wide limit of 2000 square footprint and 4 WHEREAS, the Ulysses Town Planning Board transmitted their recommendations including proposed changes to the current zoning along with their rationale to the Town Board on April 28, 2020 through Planning Board Resolution Numbers 1 of 2020 and 2 of 2020, and WHEREAS, the Ulysses Town Board accepted the Planning Board recommendations and wishes to seek feedback from those affected by the proposed amendments to the Zoning Law, as well as from the public in general, now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Town Board adopts the attached draft of Local Law #__ of 2020 for review and discussion by the public to inform the final wording of the amendment that will be subject to Environmental reviews, Review by Tompkins County Planning Department, neighboring municipalities and public at a public hearing, and FURTHER RESOLVED, that a Public Information Meeting be convened on Tuesday, June 16 at 7pm via videoconference for the purpose of presenting the proposed changes and responding to questions and comments about the proposed amendment; and FURTHER RESOLVED, that after the Public Information Meeting, if all steps legally required to prepare for enactment of a local law are completed in a timely way, the Town Board intends to schedule a Public Hearing for July 28 at 7pm by videoconference with an option for call in or written comments. Moved: Ms. Zahler Seconded: Ms. Olson Ms. Zahler aye Ms. Olson aye Mr. Boggs aye Mr. Goldman aye Mr. Devokaitis aye Vote: 5-0 Date Adopted: 5/26/2020 APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES TO THE ULYSSES PLANNING BOARD Ms. Zahler gave some background on the alternate position and noted that Pete Angie, Liz Thomas, and John Wertis submitted applications and were interviewed for the position. Ms. Olson shared that the town was very fortunate to have such a talented pool and wanted to utilize their talents in as many ways as possible. RESOLUTION 2020-119: APPOINTMENT OF FIRST ALTERNATE TO THE ULYSSES PLANNING BOARD 5 WHEREAS, the Ulysses Town Planning Board has two one-year positions for alternates who are permitted to participate in the deliberations of the Planning Board and may be authorized by the Planning Board chair to vote when needed to establish a quorum; and WHEREAS, the Town is fortunate to have three candidates interested in serving as Planning Board alternates and all applicants have been interviewed by the Chair of the Planning Board, the Town Board Liaison to the Planning Board, the Planner and the Supervisor and have all been endorsed as well-qualified, now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board appoints John Wertis as First Alternate to the Planning Board for the balance of a one-year term ending December 31, 2020. Moved: Ms. Seconded: Mr. Goldman DISCUSSION: Ms. Olson believes it important to have a diversity of opinions on the board and is grateful to have Mr. Wertis’ ag community perspective. Ms. Zahler aye Ms. Olson aye Mr. Boggs aye Mr. Goldman nay Mr. Devokaitis aye Vote: 4-1 Date Adopted: 5/26/2020 RESOLUTION 2020-120: APPOINTMENT OF SECOND ALTERNATE TO THE ULYSSES PLANNING BOARD WHEREAS, the Ulysses Town Planning Board has two one-year positions for alternates who are permitted to participate in the deliberations of the Planning Board and may be authorized by the Planning Board chair to vote when needed to establish a quorum; and WHEREAS, the Town is fortunate to have three candidates interested in serving as Planning Board alternates and all applicants have been interviewed by the Chair of the Planning Board, the Town Board Liaison to the Planning Board, the Planner and the Supervisor and have all been endorsed as well-qualified, now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board appoints Pete Angie as Second Alternate to the Planning Board for the balance of a one-year term ending December 31, 2020. Moved: Mr. Boggs Seconded: Mr. Goldman Mr. Boggs noted that he wanted to have some fresh energy on board. Ms. Zahler aye Ms. Olson aye Mr. Boggs aye Mr. Goldman aye Mr. Devokaitis aye 6 Vote: 5-0 Date Adopted: 5/26/2020 NEW BUSINESS: DISCUSSION OF REVISED 284 AGREEMENT WITH HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT RESOLUTION 2020-121: APPROVAL OF REVISED 284 AGREEMENT FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF HIGHWAY MONEYS TO RESPOND TO FINANCIAL IMPACT OF COVID-19 WHEREAS, New York State Town Law Section 284 requires the Highway Superintendent submit an annual plan for using Highway moneys appropriated by the Town Board; and WHEREAS, the Annual Agreement approved on January 6, 2020 at the Town Board’s Organizational Meeting has been revised by the Highway Superintendent in response to the projected loss of revenue related to COVID-19 pandemic; and WHEREAS, the Town Board has reviewed the Revised Agreement which calls for: • The sum of $50,000 to be set aside to be expended for primary work and general repairs on 37.15 miles of town highways, including sluices, culverts and bridges having a span of less than five feet and boardwalks or renewals thereof AND • Permanent Improvements to be made on Agard Road from Route 96 to Jacksonville Rd by re- paving .87miles at a sum not to exceed $75,000; now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board approves the Revised Agreement for the Expenditure of Highway Moneys as proposed by the Highway Superintendent. Moved: Ms. Zahler Seconded: Ms. Olson DISCUSSION: Ms. Zahler noted that Mr. Stewart (Highway Superintendent) felt that road plans could be scaled back this year because they have been kept up so well in previous years. The group discussed how this will benefit the expected revenue cuts due to COVID-19. Ms. Zahler aye Ms. Olson aye Mr. Boggs aye Mr. Goldman aye Mr. Devokaitis aye Vote: 5-0 Date Adopted: 5/26/2020 DISCUSSION OF WATERSHED PROTECTION PROJECTS OF INTEREST TO ULYSSES & IO Ms. Olson suggested projects relating to water quality of private wells. Ms. Marino shared several current areas of interest that the IO has identified. 7 DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE WORK PLAN ITEMS FOR CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE Ms. Zahler shared the following suggestions: • EV charging station- setting up a fee model for users • Taughannock Creek watershed overlay district • Wind turbine policy Ms. Marino shared some of the committee’s discussions. SCHEDULE BID OPENING FOR AERATOR PROJECT FOR WD#3 RESOLUTION 2020-122: SETTING A PUBLIC BID OPENING DATE FOR WATER DISTRICT 3 TTHM REMEDIATION AERATOR PROJECT BID SUBMISSIONS WHEREAS, advertisement for bids for the Water District 3 TTHM Remediation Aerator Project partially funded by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation Grant through the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIA) Grant Program, EFC project number 18217 has been posted per Town Procurement Policy and New York State Law; Now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board sets a public bid opening date of June 2, 2020 at 10:00am at Ulysses Town Hall; and FURTHER RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Clerk will advertise the bid opening in adherence to State law and relevant NYS Executive Orders regarding public meetings; and FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board designates the Town Clerk or the Deputy Town Clerk to open and read out the bids at the June 2, 2020 public meeting. Moved: Ms. Zahler Seconded: Mr. Devokaitis Ms. Zahler aye Ms. Olson aye Mr. Boggs aye Mr. Goldman aye Mr. Devokaitis aye Vote: 5-0 Date Adopted: 5/26/2020 SCHEDULE PUBLIC PRESENTATION ABOUT AERATOR PROJECT RESOLUTION 2020-123: SCHEDULING PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION ON WATER DISTRICT 3 TTHM REMEDIATION AERATOR PROJECT WHEREAS, the Town of Ulysses has obtained grant funding to partially offset the cost of an aerator to be installed in the Town’s water tank on Van Dorn Corners Road to improve the water quality for users in Water District #3 by reducing the TTHM levels to comply with Health Department standards; and WHEREAS, the engineering firm contracted to design and oversee the project is currently seeking bids on the proposed project; and 8 WHEREAS, the Ulysses Town Board wishes to inform those in Water District #3 and the Town about the proposed project, the timeline, and the anticipated benefits, and to answer questions from the public about the project; now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Town Board schedule a public information meeting for 6:30 PM prior to the June 23, 2020 Town Board meeting; and FURTHER RESOLVED, that in compliance with the NYS Executive Order prohibiting public gatherings, the Public Information Session will be conducted via videoconference with opportunities for residents to join by telephone and will be recorded and posted for later viewing. Details for participating will be posted on the Town of Ulysses website. Moved: Ms. Zahler Seconded: Mr. Goldman Ms. Zahler aye Ms. Olson aye Mr. Boggs aye Mr. Goldman aye Mr. Devokaitis aye Vote: 5-0 Date Adopted: 5/26/2020 PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: (none) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: RESOLUTION 2020-124: APPROVAL OF MINUTES RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approves the minutes from the Special Town Board meetings held May 13 AM, May 13 PM, May 14, and May 15 to interview Code Enforcement Applicants as permitted by the Open Meetings Law to discuss matters relating to the promotion, demotion or performance of specific individuals. Moved: Ms. Zahler Seconded: Mr. Devokaitis Ms. Zahler aye Ms. Olson aye Mr. Boggs aye Mr. Goldman aye Mr. Devokaitis aye Vote: 5-0 Date Adopted: 5/26/2020 ADJOURN: Mr. Goldman moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:25pm. This was seconded by Ms. Olson and passed unanimously.