HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-02-15-STB-FINAL-minutesSPECIAL TOWN BOARD MEETING
Town of Ulysses
February 11, 2022
Audio of the minutes are available on the website at ulysses.ny.us.
The meeting was held at the Trumansburg Fire Hall.
Notice of Town Board meetings are posted on the Town’s website and Clerk’s board.
CALL TO ORDER:
Ms. Olson called the meeting to order at 6:35pm.
ATTENDANCE:
TOWN OFFICIALS PRESENT:
Supervisor- Katelin Olson
Board members- Michael Boggs, Rich Goldman, Mary Bouchard, Roxanne Marino
Town Clerk- Carissa Parlato
Recreation Director- Will Glennon
OTHERS:
Representatives from the Town of Covert: Deb Nottke, Mike Reynolds, (other unidentified person)
Representatives from NYS Parks: Fred Bonn, Bill Hughes, (other unidentified person)
Representatives from the Village of Trumansburg: Jessica Giles, Rordan Hart, Ben Darfler, Ben Carver,
Keith Hannon
Representatives from the Boy Scouts; various members of the public both in person and via Zoom
DISCUSSION:
Representatives introduced themselves to each other.
Mr. Hart gave a brief overview of the location noting that the location holds an important village water source.
He further added that Sens. Kelles & Helming have been helpful in moving the issue to the governor’s office.
Ms. Olson and Mr. B onn shared examples of other state and local partnerships for parks.
Mr. Bonn said that the local municipalities will need to come up with a management plan as NYS Parks can
purchase the property but does not have the capacity to manage it. The acquisition process will take 18-24
months. Finger Lakes Land Trust may be able to purchase the property in interim to satisfy the Boy Scout
Council needs.
A representative from Boy Scouts said that the parcel in question is 40 acres and the scouts would like to
continue renting the property for camps if sold.
The group discussed goals for the location (preservation and recreation) as well as costs for maintenance and
operations.
All agreed that the property would need to pay for itself and not lose money.
Citizens in attendance offered comments:
• Mr. Shaw advocated for a public/private partnership to assist with startup costs. Mr. Bonn added that
state funds can help.
• Mr. Tyler expressed noted that John Rice had the foresight to purchase the property in the 1930s.
• Mr. Wright, troop leader, said that it cost them $200K in 2019 to run 5 weeks of camp and a $15K
profit was made. He further added that the scouts have an annual work day for maintenance that they
would continue.
• Ms. Rose drew attention to conservation and preservation for animals, water, and humans.
• Mr. Rosenkrantz, cub master, believes the property to be a positive influence for youth.
• Mr. Brown, District Commissioner for the scouts, wants to make sure that scouts will continue to have
access to the property and if so, will continue to contribute to maintenance.
• Mr. Gavurnik, Frontenac Road resident, expressed concern about increased for local residents on the
road.
• Mr. Hutnik was a scout and supports keeping it as natural resource with recreational opportunities.
• Mr. Glennon, Trumansburg/Ulysses Recreation Director, said that the property represents a
tremendous opportunity for all of the local communities.
• Ms. Levine spoke in favor of additional water access for the public.
• Mr. Farnham owns property on the lake and supported the ideas discussed.
• Ms. Brown was concerned about underestimation of the potential popularity of property.
ADJOURN
Mr. Goldman made a move to adjourn at 8:33pm. This was seconded by Ms. Bouchard and passed
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by Carissa Parlato, Town Clerk
3/4/22