HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-03-10-RTB-minutesREGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING
Town of Ulysses
March 10, 2015
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.
PRESENT:
Supervisor- Liz Thomas
15t Deputy Supervisor- Nancy Zahler
Board members- John Hertzler, Rich Goldman, Dave Kerness
Clerk- Carissa Parlato
Highway Superintendent- Jim Meeker
ABSENT:
2nd Deputy Supervisor- Michelle Wright
Planner/Zoning Officer- Darby Kiley
OTHERS PRESENT: Phillip Antweiler, Jacksonville Community Association (JCA)
Notice of Town Board meetings are posted on the town's website and clerk's board.
CALL TO ORDER:
Ms. Thomas called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
RESOLUTION 2015-58:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approve the agenda for March 10, 2015 with
the addition of an executive session and a resolution to set a public hearing to spend bridge
reserve money for work done in 2013.
Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Goldman
Amendment- Mr. Kerness would like to add an EMS resolution under new business.
Ms. Thomas
aye
Ms. Zahler
aye
Mr. Hertzler
aye
Mr. Kerness
aye
Mr. Goldman
aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 3/10/15
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March 10, 2015
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:
Mr. Antweiler noted that he will attend a conference in Rochester on brownfield sites and grant
funding.
REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES:
(none)
TOWN REPORTS: (see appendix)
OLD BUSINESS:
(none)
(Mr. Meeker was excused at this time (8:45pm)).
NEW BUSINESS:
APPROVAL OF COOPERATIVE EXTENSION CONTRACT
RESOLUTION 2015-59:
Resolved that the Ulysses Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor to sign the 2015
contract with Tompkins County Cooperative Extension to provide support for youth service
programmmg.
Moved: Ms. Thomas
Ms. Thomas
aye
Ms. Zahler
aye
Mr. Hertzler
aye
Mr. Kerness
aye
Mr. Goldman
aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 3/10/15
Seconded: Mr. Kerness
SETTING PUBLIC HEARING FOR APPROPRIATION OF BRIDGE FUNDS
RESOLUTION 2015-60:
Resolved that the Ulysses Town Board sets the public hearing for March 24, 2015 at 6:45 p.m.
to hear public comment on the appropriation of funds in the amount of $36,018.24 to pay the
Town's share for repairs done to the Seneca Road bridge in 2013.
Moved: Ms. Thomas
Ms. Thomas
aye
Ms. Zahler
aye
Mr. Hertzler
aye
Seconded: Mr. Goldman
OA
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March 10, 2015
Mr. Kerness aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 3/10/15
EMS MEETING FOR LAKESHORE OWNERS
Ms. Thomas would like to proceed with the meeting on the 3/21.
Mr. Kerness presented information and data and explained why he would like to change the meeting
date.
RESOLUTION 2015-61: EMS Lakeshore public information meeting scheduled for March
21, 2015
WHEREAS the subject meeting is scheduled when most of the lakeshore community are not in
residence, and
WHEREAS the remaining residence are wintering in warmer climates', and
WHEREAS there is no apparent schedule that is pressing for a conclusion, and
WHEREAS the West Shore Neighborhood Association (WSNA) has specifically requested a
Town Board/ WSNA executive committee meeting to discuss the concerns, and
WHEREAS WSNA has gone on record requesting to conduct this meeting in June to assure the
good attendance of this meeting
NOW THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED the EMS information meeting be rescheduled for June 2015, and be it further
RESOLVED a Town Board/WSNA executive committee meeting be conducted at a time
convenient to all and a "sit down to understand the areas of concern.
Moved: Mr. Kerness Seconded: Mr. Goldman
Discussion:
Ms. Thomas felt that the meeting should be held sooner since a number of residents had called
her to express concerns. Ms. Zahler indicated that several members of the West Shore
Neighborhood Association expressed interest in meeting with her for background on EMS.
Most of the board expressed support for a compromise that included having members of the
Town Board meet with the WSNA representatives prior to the March 21St meeting to listen to
their concerns and to offer a second meeting if needed in June when seasonal residents return.
Ms. Thomas nay
REGULAR TOWN BOARD
March 10, 2015
Ms. Zahler
nay
Mr. Hertzler
nay
Mr. Kerness
aye
Mr. Goldman
nay
Vote: 1-4
Motion failed.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:
(no comments spoken nor submitted)
MONTHLY BUSINESS:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 2/24
RESOLUTION 2015-62:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approve the minutes of 2/24.
Moved: Ms. Thomas
Ms. Thomas
aye
Ms. Zahler
aye
Mr. Hertzler
aye
Mr. Kerness
aye
Mr. Goldman
aye
Vote: 5-0
Adopted: 3/10/15
APPROVAL OF CLAIMS:
Seconded: Mr. Goldman
RESOLUTION 2015-63:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approves payment of claims, voucher # 53-93
in the amount of $59,719.41.
Moved: Ms. Thomas
Ms. Thomas
aye
Ms. Zahler
aye
Mr. Hertzler
aye
Mr. Kerness
aye
Mr. Goldman
aye
Vote: 5-0
Adopted: 3/10/15
Seconded: Ms. Zahler
rd
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March 10, 2015
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Ms. Thomas moved to go into Executive Session at 9:26pm to discuss matters of the employment of a
particular person and matters of current or pending litigation. This was seconded by Ms. Zahler and
passed unanimously.
Ms. Thomas moved to end executive session at 10:09pm, seconded by Ms. Zahler and passed
unanimously.
ADJOURN:
Mr. Goldman moved to adjourn the meeting at l0:1 Opm, seconded by Mr. Hertzler and passed
unanimously.
APPENDIX:
TOWN REPORTS:
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT:
Mr. Meeker reported the following:
It's been a busy month with plowing and sanding.
Salt is still scarce.
The crew has only had two days off in the last few months: 2/28 and 3/7.
They are trying to stay ahead of equipment repairs due to the high use.
Water meters were read
A few hydrants were cleaned
PLANNING BOARD / ZONING OFFICER: Darby Kiley
Planning Board
At the February 17 meeting, the Planning Board reviewed the Zoning revisions as part of the
General Code project. At the March 3 meeting, the Planning Board approved a two -lot
subdivision on the corner of Taughannock Blvd and Garrett Rd.
BZA
At the February 18 meeting, the Board of Zoning Appeals heard and approved appeals on three
properties: a height variance for a garage on Watermark Rd; height and lakeshore setback
variances for an accessory building on Taughannock Blvd; lot area and width variances for a
property on Perry City Rd.
Enforcement actions
Stormwater violation:Ms. Thomas and Ms. Kiley met with the town's stormwater
consultants, and the Town has approved the Stormwater Plan for the property on
Pennsylvania Ave. They are finalizing the Maintenance Agreement.
Zoning violation: 1942 Trumansburg Rd — At the January 27 court date, the sentencing
was stayed for another 30 days because some progress has been made and a list of
additional actions was provided. At the March 10 court appearance, Ms. Kiley updated
the court that no significant progress had been made, and Judge Dresser closed the
matter and ordered Mr. Dodge to appear at the Tompkins County jail on March 13 to
serve the 10 day sentence.
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March 10, 2015
Grants
Residential Energy Score Project Grant — Susan Brock is researching the legal issues
associated with the project. The project consultant is preparing a report summarizing the
research conducted on existing home energy laws and programs.
Zoning Amendments Grant — NYSERDA is reviewing the contract documents.
Other Meetings/Issues
ITCTC — The Planning Committee recommended approval of the Council budget and work
plan. Council staff provided an update of accident data for Tompkins County for 2008-2013.
Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization (IO) — The group finalized a press
release for the upcoming watershed plan update process. The IO discussed members of past
committees and how to re-engage those members.
TOWN CLERK: Carissa Parlato
Financial Report:
Collected $931.50 in fees for licenses (dog, marriage, sporting)
The town keeps $872.50 of that.
Licenses Issued:
Sporting licenses- 0
Disabled parking permits- 6
Dog licenses and renewals- 55
Marriage licenses- 0
Plumbing permits- 1
Water District Tasks:
Sent out new bills
collected and processed payments,
answered general inquiries,
issued plumbing and new contractor permits,
reconciled water account balances with Michelle.
Other Tasks:
Cross —reconciliation of town bank accounts with Michelle
Sent listsery messages to keep residents updated.
Updated the website
General Code- spent time gathering information and creating a master list of edits to
submit
Vacation 2/25-3/3.
Updating plumbing permit
Helped advertise Ag Committee and EMS lake shore mtg.
Updating organizing/filing systems
Worked on FOIL request
Committees.
Health Consortium- the March 5 meeting was cancelled.
r,
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CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
(no report)
SUPERVISOR -Elizabeth Thomas
Newsletter will come out soon should include:
EMS
Dorsey Hill- May 16
Sidewalk and zoning grants
2014 accomplishments and 2015 work plan
Healthcare navigation
Providing a place for residents to offer feedback on town services
Water District
Meet with Town of Ithaca to resolve water leakage payments for 2014 and discuss
aerator in Ithaca water tank.
Meet with the TC Dept of Health about TTHM options (Hunt engineer present).
Arrange for TTHM Working Group to be formed, prepare information for meeting and
run meeting with TTHM Working Group.
Write quarterly letter to residents about TTHM and progress on the solution.
Update job description for Water District Operator. Coordinate with Highway Dept.
Records and Local Laws
Continued: Review General Code recommendations for changes to local laws and
zoning, make recommendations, request input from Mariette on specifics, edit document
with recommendations, present to Town Board.
Look up answers to unresolved questions from GC.
Review zoning changes sent by Darby.
Final check of changes.
Shared Services
Update inventory of shared services.
Agriculture
Part of team organizing Ag Committee recruitment meeting, which involves
o Write/edit postcard announcing meeting and listsery announcement.
o Discuss how to proceed with former AFFP chair and Deputy Supervisor.
o Plan for meeting of farmers and farmland owners on 3/25.
Stormwater
Review the January version of the new stormwater plan
Request meeting with Stormwater Officer, Engineer and Stormwater Consultant to
understand SWPPP.
EMS
Address ambulance concerns along the lake by
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March 10, 2015
Written response to WSNA
Discuss how to respond to concerns with EMS and fire management from T -burg and
Bangs
Meet with EMS Manager, Fire Chiefs, T -burg Commissioner and Mayor, Deputy
Supervisor and Town Board member to discuss how to proceed.
Write up listsery announcement and help with postcard announcement of Public
Information Meeting
Talk to Tim Bangs about capabilities and policies.
Prepare for Public Information Meeting on 3/21 (meet with Michelle, Brian and
review/edit Michelle's draft of PowerPoint presentation).
TCCOG
Topics:
o Shared investing
o Stormwater issues
o Parameters for spending TCCOG funds.
o Assessment Dept. report
Association of Towns
Trails
Other
Coordinate with other municipalities on bylaws reforms for the AoT. This actually took
a lot of planning and energy.
Run for Executive Committee as an example of a democratic process and to highlight
the dysfunction of how the committee is selected.
Travel to NYC for annual meeting. Attend numerous sessions and the expo.
Meet with Trails Mapping coordinators and County Planning/Mapping staff to
coordinate work on project.
Finish writing grant and submit.
Monthly coffee break with staff
Press conference — present regarding Cayuga Power Plant repowering.
Submit comments on TC Comprehensive Plan.
Check FOIL request requirements.
Write up listsery news for the month.
Dig into details of Governors new tax savings proposal.
Recruit residents in Covert and Ovid for Intermunicipal Organization for Cayuga Lake
water quality improvements.
Design new logo for ToU.
Work with EPA Representative on the need for funding for water infrastructure. Provide
photos and text of the problems.
Work with Michelle on accounting, AUD, accounting software, etc.
Respond to constant flow of questions from residents, volunteers and staff.
Weekly review of topics with attorney for the town.
N.
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March 10, 2015
Prepare agendas, resolutions, background documents, review topics with TB members,
conduct meetings, and review minutes.
Review claims and budget, make suggested budget modifications to be approved by TB,
review payroll, sign checks,
Periodic check in with Town Clerk and Deputy Supervisor re work load and
coordination.
Ms. Thomas presented Gov. Cuomo's Circuit Breaker proposal which offers a tax
credit.
DEPUTY SUPERVISOR / BOOKKEEPER- Michelle E. Wright
Bookkeeper
Research of accounting software that is a more appropriate fit with our accounting needs
Payroll
2 youth added to payroll
NYSLRS (retirement system) reporting
Payments
AUD work with Mary
o Allocation of interest to reserves
o Other work needed to retrofit our system with AUD reporting requirements
CHIPS paperwork with Jim
Reserve fund diagram creation (still in the works)
Vouchers and other payments
o EMS and Fire contract payment
End of year budget modifications
Deputy Supervisor
Attendance at the annual AOT conference in NYC
o Report of sessions attended and related notes provided previously
Ag committee mailing
EMS info session mailing
Research pictures for Jacksonville
Solar utilities work
o Met with Melissa Kemp: she confirmed that the credit provided by NYSEG and
Direct Energy were accurate
o Investigating ways in which solar credit on utility bills can be more transparent
EMS poverty guidelines updated on website
Newsletter template update
REV comments posted to PSC website
Sidewalks
Work on organization of engineering selection committee
Draft MOU between Village and Town to Liz for edits
TOWN BOARD MEMBERS AND COMMITTEES
Mr. Hertzler-
Gave highlights on the shared services meeting with the school district at BOCES.
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Mr. Goldman -
Reported that the Planning Board is running smoothly.
Ms. Zahler-
Gave updates on the following:
Youth Commission
JCA and Exxon properties
Village of Trumansburg board meeting
Respectfully submitted by Carissa Parlato on 3/30/15.
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