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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-11-28-TB-FINAL-minutesTOWN BOARD MEETING Town of Ulysses Nov. 28, 2023 The meeting was held in person at the Town Hall at 10 Elm St., Trumansburg NY as well as via Zoom videoconference. Notice of Town Board meetings are posted on the Town's website and Clerk's board. Video recordings of meetings are available on Youtube at https://www. voutube.com/channel/UCWV/s--cl9Cj)Hlxdk9YxZvPw. CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Olson called the meeting to order at 7:01pm. ATTENDANCE: TOWN OFFICIALS: Supervisor- Katelin Olson Board members- Mary Bouchard, Liz Weatherby, Rich Goldman, Michael Boggs Town Clerk- Carissa Parlato Recreation Director- Will Glennon MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: In person- Roxanne Marino (Water Source Protection Plan Committee (WSPPC)), Devon Van Noble, Sage Peake Via Zoom- Nancy Cusumano, Durga Bor, Jessica Valdez Taves, David Durrett, Heather Mount, 17812085907, Mike, Karyn, Michael, Molly Wadzeck Kraus, Jordan b (Bonafede), Ouckama, Michael APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Motion: Ms. Olson suggested that the following items be removed: item #6a, claims, and budget modifications. Mr. Boggs suggested a discussion of Ms. Parlato's email from 11/20 regarding meeting security. Mr. Boggs moved to approve the agenda as amended. This was seconded by Ms. Bouchard and passed unanimously. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: none MUNICIPAL BOARD & STAFF REPORTS: Mr. Goldman inquired about Planning Board concerns. Mr. Boggs inquired about a complete list of fire inspections as well as an update on the Cemetery bridge project reimbursement. OLD BUSINESS: RECREATION UPDATE —WILL GLENNON, RECREATION DIRECTOR Mr. Glennon shared that he has been in the position since 2019 and registrations have increased in part because the town has taken over some independent programs like the adult/community ed programs. The program has also been updated with software to manage registrations and payments. He supports the town's purchase of rec land as it is a need for his program. The school has been generous in allowing the space to be used after 5pm when school practices are done. But there are issues in that some groups are forced to play on smaller spaces, daylight is poor after 5pm at this time of year, and some groups will not get any space at all due to the demand. Adult programs often do not get any space. Mr. Goldman asked about space at the fairgrounds. Mr. Glennon said that they have been used but are labor-intensive to maintain due to the other activities that take place on those fields. Mr. Glennon said that there are several activities each night. Community members are asking for activities but they do not have the space. Mr. Glennon offered that the school offers interscholastic sports for 7t"-121" graders but nothing for younger kids- the rec program helps fill this need. Ms. Olson noted that the summer rec program has been very successful- was sold out almost all weeks this year. It serves an important need in the community for affordable childcare. SPECIAL ELECTION UPDATE - APPOINTMENT OF POLL WORKERS Ms. Olson reiterated that the Special Election on Dec. 6, from 11am-8pm will be held at 2 locations- Racker Center & Village Hall. The Board of Registration held 2 registration sessions and 2 people registered. She shared the absentee ballots due dates. Poll Inspectors from the county's list will be appointed tonight. Government land acquisitions can take a long time. This process has taken 14 months to get to this point. The Town has been working with the school and village on recreation since 2016 and has been looking for land since the 1990s. If the purchase of rec land passes at the election, the Town will work with the community in an engaged process to create a space for recreation that is not funded by taxpayer funds. The Town Board would be fulfilling a comp plan goal. If the public votes no, the decision will be respected but it will take a while before this could happen again. She thanked the board, staff and community for their efforts. She also thanked the Village Board who passed a resolution last night to unanimously support the acquisition. RESOLUTION #182 OF 2023: A RESOLUTION CONCERNING MATTERS RELATED TO THE DECEMBER 6, 2023 SPECIAL ELECTION WHEREAS, on October 10, 2023, the Town Board designated December 6, 2023 as the date for a special election concerning a petition filed on September 7, 2023, and took action to require personal registration for such special election; and WHEREAS, the Board also desires to appoint persons to act as election inspectors and ballot clerks (hereinafter, "poll workers") for such special election; and WHEREAS, Dolores Higareda, Liz Thomas, Carol Czimbach, Patricia Dodge, Christine Holtkamp, Dorianne Almann, and Emily Ouckama were appointed by the Town Board and assigned polling sites at the regular Town Board meeting on November 14, 2023; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board appoints Patricia Speno to work as a poll workers for the Franziska Racker Center, 3226 Wilkins Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 All poll workers shall be paid $17 per hour. This Resolution shall take immediate effect. Moved: Mr. Goldman Seconded: Ms. Bouchard Olson aye Boggs aye Bouchard aye Goldman aye Weatherby aye Vote: 5-0 Date Adopted: 11/28/23 Ms. Olson noted that the Town Attorney's memo was received this evening and will be posted on the website tomorrow. NEW BUSINESS: PRESENTATION — DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT 3 Devon Van Noble shared his plans for the old Barangus property. He wants to tear it down & put up a new bldg. for a restaurant, catering, packaged products with retail in front, a patio, and event space. He wants to subdivide off the trailer parcel (2.75 acres), retain 9 acres and remove the abandoned trailer. Ms. Olson noted that in the past the town board referred zoning requests/development districts to the Planning Board to evaluate the request and make a recommendation on how the town board should respond. Mr. Tygesen said that when the district was created the town board never established regulations for setback or lot requirements, but only what was permitted- a restaurant/bar, the mobile homes, signage and parking. He recommends that the Town Board establish additional rules. Mr. Boggs said that his interpretation is that when the development district is over, the area reverts back to original zoning so it would now be considered Ag/Rural. Another issue is that no one enforces the development district rules. Mr. Tygesen said that based on his conversations with the Town Attorney, if development district is over - once the town issues a rezone/variance..., that is in effect until the town changes it, so DD#3 is still applicable. The group then discussed the mobile homes. Ms. Olson clarified that double -wide mobile homes are permitted but single-wides only in mobile home parks. Ms. Olson said she has spoken with Nate that altering/creating a development district is at the discretion of the Town Board. Since the board has taken no action to dissolve it, it still adheres to the DD#3 rules. The group discussed what other regulations would have the greatest benefits to the public and the applicant. Mr. Klankowski shared the Planning Board's concerns about the property, i.e. the parking area being able to accommodate big delivery trucks, being sensitive to wetland, regulations for entertainment/special events tents. RESOLUTION #183 OF 2023: REFERRAL OF DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT 3 TO THE PLANNING BOARD Ms. Olson moved that the proposal merits further consideration and be referred to the Planning Board for additional review and recommendations for alterations to the development district language on lot dimensions, building, signage, wetland and stream standards, etc. This was seconded by Ms. Weatherby. Olson aye Boggs aye Bouchard aye Goldman aye Weatherby aye Vote: 5-0 Date Adopted: 11/28/23 SCHEDULE 2024 ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING The board agreed to meet at 8:30am on Thurs. 1/4/23 for the Organizational Meeting. BOARD NOTIFICATION ON CANNABIS DISPENSARY @ 1708 TRUMANSBURG RD. Ms. Olson said that the town received notification of plans for a dispensary on Trumansburg Rd. The board has a window to let the state know if it has any concerns. MR. BOGGS- SECURITY AT PUBLIC INFO MEETING: Mr. Boggs brought up the email regarding security/safety at the 11/9/23 Public information Session. He felt that tension was created at the meeting as some people did not who Ms. Olson's husband was and his role was unclear. 4 Mr. Goldman said that it was awkward. Ms. Weatherby said that the behavior of the other gentleman was awkward as well and that Jordan is an officer trained to de-escalate and was not just defending his wife. Mr. Boggs suggested that we discuss further to decide how we would like to handle future situations. Ms. Olson said that having an armed officer in the room may have made people complain about intimidation. She takes security very seriously and staff and board members have received threats in the past. An individual was not acting appropriately and was asked to sit down. People deserve to be treated. Mr. Goldman agreed but said that it could have looked confusing to members of the public as people did not know who he was. Ms. Olson said that members of the public were also uncomfortable with the actions of the man who stood up and interrupted. Mr. Boggs said that the Safety Committee can come up with a procedure. Ms. Weatherby said that Jordan was trying to keep the peace and she agrees that having someone armed at the meeting would have been uncomfortable to people. Mr. Goldman said that a simple introduction at the beginning of the meeting would have worked well. Ms. Olson said that he was acting as a concerned member of the public. Jordan Bonafede said that nice people can turn unkind quickly. He would prefer not to be pointed out at a meeting due to his profession. People are allowed to disagree and yell and scream but when they leave their seat, it is necessary to intercede verbally. The Town should discuss whether it wants armed or unarmed security. Armed security brings its own issues. UPCOMING EVENTS: December 6 — Special Election, 11am-8pm, Village Hall and Racker Center December 7 — Special Town Board Meeting, 9am @ Town Hall December 12— Special Town Board Meeting, 6pm @ Town Hall December 12 — Regular Town Meeting @ 7pm ---- CANCELLED December 26 — Regular Town Meeting @ 7pm --- CANCELLED APPROVAL OF MINUTES RESOLUTION # 184 of 2023: APPROVAL OF MINUTES RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board approve the meeting minutes from October 24, 2023 (special meeting) and October 24, 2023 (regular meeting) as presented or amended. Moved: Ms. Bouchard Seconded: Ms. Weatherby Olson aye Boggs aye Bouchard aye Goldman aye Weatherby aye Vote: 5-0 Date Adopted: 11/28/23 PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR (3 min limit per person; 10 minutes maximum): Sage Peake thanked the Washburns and the town for its efforts on the rec land purchase. She has kids and knows that the fields get crowded and need a break from use, looks forward to more space and hopes it brings more families to our area. Nancy Cusumano referenced the last discussion and said that she didn't feel threatened by Joel but was by Jordan as all she heard was a loud voice coming from behind her. She felt that Joel was only standing up and talking. Roxanne Marino said that the people she were sitting with got very uncomfortable when Jordan approached and came forward. Thinks that in the future the security needs to be called out at the beginning and the rules need to be clearly noted to the public. Durga Bor asked about the discussion of the Inn at Taughannock. Ms. Olson said that the presentation was pulled from tonight's agenda. Ms. Bor also asked what was happening with a Grassroot meeting about recreation. Ms. Olson said that this will happen on Thurs. ADJOURN Mr. Goldman made a motion to adjourn at 8:55pm. This was seconded by Ms. Bouchard and passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted by Carissa Parlato, Town Clerk 12129123 APPENDIX: TOWN OF ULYSSES 10 Elna Street, Trumansburg, NY 14886 townofulyssesny.gov Town Supervisor (607) 387-5767, Ext 232 • supexviisor@townof6lyssesny.go'v Town Clerk (607) 387-5767, Ext 221 . clerk@townofulyssesnr.gov Building & Code Enforcement Office 607-387-9778 ext. 231 Buildings & Code Enforcement Report for October 2023 Submitted at November 2023 Town Board Meeting Building Permits issued Plan Reviews Certificate of Occupancy issued Permits Renewed Complaints Received Complaints Resolved Inspections (Footers, Foundations, Plumbing, Insulation, roofing, Pools, Etc.) New Site Inspections Building Review Consultations (pre -plan meetings, Future Building/Remodeling) Fire Safety Inspections Code Training Seminars County Assessment, Town, DOS Reports Open property in violation cases [Property violations resolved Respectful Mark Washburn — Building & Fire Code Enforcement Officer 6 4 2Cof0 3CofC 1 0 2 Resident working on compliance 18 0 Reinspection's 4 4 On going 4 Ongoing outreach 1 Building & Code Updates Mark Washburn, NYS CEO, Certification No. 1020-0364 October 1 -October 31, 2023 Plan Reviews ■ 10 discussions about upcoming projects ■ 6 permit review, passed along for zoning review, 6 Projects waiting on approval ■ 18 site visits job site check in Site visits ■ Ongoing monitoring of Erosion Plan, visited 4 times no issues ■ 8 Site meetings with contractors ■ 1 visit regarding erosion issues CEO Activity • 6 Foundation/Footer inspections/ 0 reinspection's • 4 Framing inspections/ 0 reinspection's Issue resolved. • 2 Plumbing inspections/ 1 reinspection • 6 Final inspection/0 Reinspection • Code research for 14 different issues approximately 18 hours • Plan review for 2 new home builds • Started investigation into multiple code and zoning violations Meetings with Zoning and Legal regarding 2 different properties. • Follow up safety meeting with grassroots regarding 2023 festival. • 2CofO's-3CofCs pg 1 Building & Codes Monthly Report SBL 12.-4-9 20.-3-9.22 Building & Code Updates Mark Washburn, NYS CEO, Certification No 1020-0364 Reporting Period October 1 — October 31, 2023 Violation Erosion control Burned out house Safety Violation/ Rubbish, Vehicles, Fire road violation Protective covering violations Cars, Rubbish Code [NY] 108.1.1 Unsafe structure Property maintenance code 301.2, 302.3, 302.8, 304.2 Fire Code 503.4 Multiple Property Maintenance code, Fire Code violations Action 4x Site visit No issues Clean up happening around house Possible Fire training Last pile being cleaned up Clean up and comply with DD regulations Status Ongoing Ongoing Property is now in compliance with violations in red New information Working with property owner pg 2 Building & Codes Monthly Report Town of Ulysses Clerk's Office MONTHLY REPORT for OCTOBER 2023 Submitted by Carissa Parlato LICENSES/PERMITS issued: # Sporting licenses 18 Disabled parking permits 2 Dog licenses and renewals 50 Marriage licenses 2 Plumbing permits 2 Address assignments 4 Notarizations 8 FOIL requests -received 1 FOIL requests -completed 1 CLERK's OFFICE TASKS: FINANCIAL REPORT: $5490.60 TOTAL fees collected $4407.70 stays in the town $1082.90 goes to the state • Routine tasks: o mail, answered inquiries on various topics, attended town board meetings and took minutes, kept website current, provided notary services, issued licenses (marriage, dog, sporting) and disabled parking permits, collected building & zoning fees, assigned new addresses, participated in weekly Supervisor/Clerks office meetings, sent weekly e-newsletters, contract management, coordinated building use/equipment sign out, FOIL requests, ordered supplies, posted meetings & videos, monthly Community Leaders meeting • Water: o Continue transition to new billing and meter reading software o Citizen communications for DOT project • Sporting Licenses: o Continue to sell hunting licenses • Dog Census: o continue to license new dogs o collect responses o mass mailing paused until Feb. • Social Media o Share info on Facebook • IT: o Continue weekly meetings with A2K o Help transition to new email • Records Mgmt o Fulfill FOIL requests- coordination with other departments to fulfill • Special Election: o Meet with attorney o Manage public notices o Begin planning Town of Ulysses October 2023 Bookkeeper Board Report November 14, 2023, Town Board Meeting Prepared by Blixy Taetzsch, 11/6/2023 Greetings Board Members: I have completed the October 2023 financial statements and will share some financial highlights. Balance Sheet As detailed in the Supervisor's Report, total cash balances as of 10/31/23 were $1,237,189.98, an increase of $97,736.91 from the prior month. A few notable items this month: • Sales tax payments — We received September sales tax — payments are now being received on a timely basis. • BDT Scoping — We received payment of $18,304 from the County for grant funds allocated to the BDT Scoping activity. • Mortgage Tax — We received our second payment amounting to $77,959.13. This payment was substantially more than the first, bringing our total mortgage tax revenue earned on target with the budget. • Normal cash outlays for planned operating expenses. In addition to cash balances, the Town had investments valued at a total of $2,422,656.32 as of October 31, 2023. Third quarter earnings (realized and unrealized) amounted to a total of $27,806.45, net of fees. This brings our year-to-date realized and unrealized income on investments to $72,490.54. Other than cash and investments there are no significant assets or liabilities in the Town's operational financial statements, other than the liability account where the ARPA funds reside until earned and recorded as revenue — this amounted to $313,997.89 as of October 31. Income Statement Revenues through October 2023 are mostly as expected, with amounts unearned at or below the remaining 25% of the year. Some items to note: • Sales tax revenue is recorded through September, with 19% of the budget unearned — this is slightly ahead of the annual budget. • EMS revenue is ahead of budget, with 10.4% earned as of September. • Mortgage tax is right on target with the annual budget. • CHIPS revenue in the highway department is not expected until December. • Building permit revenue exceeded the annual budget with revenue recorded through September. • Justice Court fines and fees are running behind budget, with revenue recorded through August. • Recreation Revenue has exceeded the annual budget. Expenditures through October 2023 are also as expected, with some spending being front loaded (such as payments for Fire and Ambulance services, and some insurance costs). Generally, expenditures for payroll and benefits are as expected or slightly lower than budget. Contractual spending also tends to be less than the budget. Overall, spending by fund is lower than the 83% of the year we have completed, except for Water District 3, where a significant portion of spending is debt service which has been paid in full for the year. Town of Ulysses October 2023 Bookkeeper Board Report November 14, 2023, Town Board Meeting Prepared by Blixy Taetzsch, 11/6/2023 Bookkeeper Activities • Personnel: I continue to support employees and retirees with payroll related questions and benefit administration. I will be providing a benefit information session to all staff on November 161}i. I am also working with Carissa and Michelle to develop a more formal new employee orientation process. Staff Training: I continue to assist with the development and delivery of staff training materials and maintain records of mandatory training for public officials and employees, including youth employees. Budget: I continue to update data in budget documents to support Michelle in updating budget projections and planning. 2 Report to Town Board Work between: 10/5—11/9/2023 Work Activities Meeting date: 11/14/2023 Submitted by Michelle E. Wright Insurance Related • Communications regarding obtaining application for 2024 coverage Financially Related • 11/9 first local Finance Monthly Zoom lunch meeting Finance Committee • No significant work this period Multi -year Planning • Budget related multiyear planning • Highway specific multiyear planning: culverts, paving, equipment Budget Related • Monthly financial statement review • Voucher review • 2024 Adopted Budget: 10/10 and 10/24 TB mtg and related prep Asset Management • IT update related work, see active projects section Stormwater Long Term Planning • Meeting with Cornell Culvert Program and Tompkins County Soil & Water Water District 3 Related • Working group coordination and communications • Participation in permit process development with multi -department working group • Budget monitoring General Water • No significant work this period Recreation Department Administration • County grant related admin: camp scholarship Transportation • No significant work this period Emergency Planning & Hazard Mitigation • No significant work activity for this period —place holder for future reports Compliance Related • No significant work activity for this period —place holder for future reports Procurement Related Updates • No significant work activity for this period —place holder for future reports Safety Committee • No significant work activity for this period —place holder for future reports Bookkeeper Supervision • Review of monthly financial statements • Budget development related work • HR related matters • IRS electronic reporting online account set up Page 1 of 2 Miscellaneous/General Town Work • JCA County grant related communications • General support for 12/6 special election • New employee orientation development with Clerk and Bookkeeper • Standing weekly meetings: Clerk, Supervisor, Bookkeeper, Project Assistant • Resolution drafting, agenda packet related work • Organization of once -a -month staff walk Active Protects Update • IT Related: Modernization Strategic Plan Execution o Multiple full work days related to the Microsoft 365 migration project ■ Staff training and communications ■ Vendor communication ■ General problem solving • DEC NPS Planning Grant o Contract review, clarification, etc. with DEC • DEC Climate Smart Communities Comp Plan Update o Contract review, clarification, etc. with DEC • BRIDGE NY Curry Road o Contract execution o Follow up communications with Barton and Loguidice and NYSDOT o Asset ownership planning related communications • Cemetery Road Bridge over Trumansburg Creek (NYSDOT 95% funded with FHWA money, Barton & Loguidice Engineers) Process update as of 5/24 from Doug Mills @ DOT: "We will get the State Local Agreement submitted to Main Office for further processing and execution, one that is done we'll make that final payment and close the project out." • USDOT Technical Assistance for Rural and Tribal Pilot Program o Application and budget development submitted Upcoming • Grant Administration: Contract Making o CSC DEC o NPS DEC o BRIDGE NY • IT Consultant: strategic plan execution • 2024 org meeting preparation Page 2 of 2