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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-04-08-TB-FINAL-minutes1 TOWN BOARD MEETING Town of Ulysses April 8, 2025 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.youtube.com/channel/UCWVIs--g9CpHIxdk9YxZyPw. CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Olson called the meeting to order at 7pm. ATTENDANCE: TOWN OFFICIALS: In person- Supervisor- Katelin Olson Board members- Mary Bouchard, Liz Weatherby, Rich Goldman, Michael Boggs Town Clerk- Carissa Parlato WSPPC (Water Source Protection Plan Committee) member & CSAC (Conservation & Sustainability Advisory Committee) chair- Roxanne Marino Planning Board Chair-Karl Klankowski OTHERS: In person- P. Smith, Mark Scibilia-Carver, Maureen Shallish, Irene Kehoe, Mark Sherman, Diane Vann, Sandy Harrington, Jyll Strothmann, Dave Douglas, Don Ellis, Dolores Higareda, Natasha Lyon- Yonge, Dustin VanDerzee, Karl Klankowski, Marvin & Allison Pritts, Whitney Simone, Annie Koreman, Cynthia Mannino, Christine Wallace, Keith Hannon, Beth Muraca, Linda Scibilia- Carver, Marissa Nolan (Cornell Cooperative Extension) Via Zoom- Emma Hughes, Mark Veca, Casey, Lucas Taves, Alex Acuna, Ben Darfler, Cailin Matthewson, Cori Vogel, Danny, Denise Kooperman, Jessica Giles, Eddie Velazquez, iPad, iPhone, Jamie Kemmerer, Jay Hart, Jessica Valdez-Taves, jntwe, Lisa Joyce, Lydian, Marlaine Darfler, Nancy Zahler, Natalie, Owner, Patricia’s iPhone, Peterjs, Sage Peake, Steve Jackson, Steve Manley, Susan Thomas, Tyler, Sherman APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Mr. Goldman moved to approve the agenda as presented. This was seconded by Mr. Boggs and passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARING ON A PROPOSED DONATION OF LAND FOR RECREATION PURPOSES: Ms. Olson said that although a public hearing is not legally required, it is an opportunity for the Town Board to hear the public’s thoughts, feelings, and concerns related to the proposed donation of land to the town. She noted that the town has received quite a lot of feedback (which is posted on the website). 2 Christine Wallace read a statement. (See Appendix). Marlaine Darfler read a statement. (See Appendix). Sandy Harrington responded to other comments by saying that anyone who pays taxes has a right to comment whether they live here full-time or not, especially if the driveway will be right next to their property. Nancy Zahler said that she is very grateful to the Pritts for the offer of land. She added that as a past member of the Town Board and Youth Commission, she is aware of the need for organized activities and space for kids. She knows that open space for recreation has been a priority in the Town’s comprehensive plan in the past and hopefully will continue to be in the upcoming plan. She understands the issues that have been raised by neighbors and believes they can be mitigated. Diane Vann said she agrees that kids and adults need space and appreciates the generosity of the donation, but the issue is taxes as they are a struggle for many people. People who live at the entrance are concerned because this has been a peaceful road. She invites people to come look/visit. Lucas Taves introduced himself as a 2022 Trumansburg alumnus and 3-sport athlete. He said that Trumansburg is the only school district in the area that doesn’t have a common recreation space so often groups have to travel to play. He has seen the community come together to support one another in sports and believes that this can happen now. The park will provide a place for mentorship between older and younger folks. Don Ellis believes the Town can take care of the issues raised if the project goes ahead. The things that are really important are understanding and resilience. Our society is moving toward further isolation and we live in divisive times, so we need to share more public places where people come together. Sage Peake said she is a friend and neighbor of the Pritts and works in philanthropy. She thinks that this could be part of our legacy and understands and respects neighbors’ concerns and thinks we can figure that out. Progress means taking a chance and finding a way to move fwd. Cynthia Mannino said change can be difficult but supports the park and feels that concerns are legitimate and can be addressed by the Town. Her daughters played sports in school and experienced lack of space. Max from Halsey Street said he supports a park where he can grow and play. Kevin Fellowes of Podunk Road shared concerns about the setback of discharge of firearms from the proposed park that would seriously impact 5 taxpayers. The pathway that has been mentioned crosses Jenny and Taughannock Creeks which are not passable without substantial bridges. Patty Porter and Jay Hart from 5210 Cold Springs Road said that they haven’t heard from the Town about how neighbors’ privacy would be protected. They need to know that traffic will be moderated and there won’t be partiers after dark. They added that Cold Springs Road is not walkable and they are concerned about property values as people won’t want to buy a home next to sports fields. Mark Sherman of 5250 Cold Springs Road said that people don’t care if they don’t live there. Those that live there won’t have any privacy and there are already have plenty of parks. Jessica Giles thanked the board and said that healthy bodies make healthy minds. She understands that traffic, lighting, and hours of operation are a huge concern but she trusts that the board will 3 address these concerns. She added that when you buy property next to other private property, you don’t know what it may become. Anne Koreman of Swamp College Road said that their neighboring land was used for fracking. She feels that this location is better for rec land than the previous parcel but understands people’s feelings because it is a big change. Playing sports outside in 5 th grade changed her life and helped her be a team player. She believes that we can work together to make this a great space. Alex Acuna reminded the group that there are no set plans as to what the land is going to be so we will need to figure that out and fundraising will be necessary. He added that they overpaid for their house and brought the values up in the area. He asks for compassion and reasoning on behalf of the neighbors. Dolores Higareda from Bradley Street has lived here for 30ish years. She thinks a park will do a lot for the community and be a place for people to go to have fun. The community can take its time and make it what we want and do it in a good way that works for people. Children can have a place to go after school. Ben Darfler thinks this is a wonderful opportunity for Town and has faith that the Town can work out the needs of residents and neighbors. Dusty VanDerzee lives out of the Town but has kids and nieces who play sports. He thinks this is a great opportunity as he is well aware of the need for space. Jessica Valdez-Taves of 39 Cayuga Street is familiar with Cold Springs Rd. She agrees with the need for sports space as it is a constant shuffle. She is a member of the Lions Club who does alot of fundraising. She is also an occupational therapist who works with aging adults that would like to have a smaller park for walking and watching sports. She feels we are a respectful community that slows down for kids and dogs. Keith Hannon of Whig Street is a neighbor to the school district and understands living next to traffic. The neighbors have valid concerns. As a coach he knows that youth are in crisis and this might be mitigated with more outside places to go and get off the screen. Suse Thomas, retired teacher, knows the Pritts to be people of integrity and that they want their land to be maintained in a natural state. She reiterated that our community listens and takes care of each other. She feels that the space could host soccer, baseball, nature trails, etc. Maureen Shallish of 120 Larchmont recalls when kids were in highschool had to travel 100 miles in a day for kids to participate in sports. She feels that the neighbors’ concerns are valid. She saw that the board listened last time and trusts that they will do it again this time. Health and well-being is important in community. Jyll Strothman of 5291 Cold Spring Road hears the concerns about kids but doesn’t think the location is the right location for this as the Shermans would hear traffic and have no privacy, which they specifically chose this area for. Mark Veca of 5270 Cold Springs Road said that this project will run right behind their house. He asked if the decision will go to a vote and whether a park could go somewhere else. Phil Garin thanked the Pritts and is in favor of a park. He lives at 56 Elm Street and said that we live in divisive times and parks bring people together. He encourages everyone to keep working toward it. 4 Jonathan Ferrari from Cayuga Street is a soccer coach and said that so many times they’ve had to cancel practices or play in a small corner of a field. Public land is a legacy that we have all benefitted from and now we can do this on smaller scale for future generations. At 8:07pm, Mr. Goldman moved to adjourn the Public Hearing until the next meeting. This was seconded by Ms. Bouchard and passed unanimously. Ms. Olson noted that people can continue to submit comments and can visit the website for past comments, FAQ, etc. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR (3 minutes per person): Scott Hoffman, neighboring property owner of the Town hall, read from the 2021 Encroachment Agreement he has with the Town. He asked why the Town would get rid of parking spaces we share and turn it to grass. He has never complained about snowplow piles are left on his property. He is choosing not to repave his portion of the parking lot as the bids he received were too expensive and it doesn’t need to be replaced. Anne Koreman shared that the JCA will hold its annual spring cleanup on Sat. 4/19 from 9am-12 noon. MUNICIPAL BOARD & STAFF REPORTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Anne Koreman shared the following updates from the Tompkins County Legislature:  Advisory board openings for ethics and public information  Susan Currie has resigned to take over at the library  Road work on Kraft & Dubois Roads is upcoming  Working with NYSEG on rates, maintenance  Sales tax is up  Re: a complaint about the light at Milliken Station- this is an FCC requirement for airplanes but the previous owner was out of compliance  The airport will resume service to Washington Dulles 2x/week and maintain flights to JFK  2 EV fast chargers will be installed at the airport- takes 30-40 minutes to charge as opposed to 1.5 days Ms. Marino shared the following:  CSAC will meet this Thursday- planning Earthcare Day on 5/4  WSPPC draft is still in progress  Attended the TC Farm & Ag land Protection conference which focused on solar energy  Met with consultant from Taitem who is working on a solar recommendation for the Town Mr. Klankowski said that the Planning Board reached out to the Town Attorney for stream & wetland information but has not heard back. Ms. Weatherby shared the following:  CPSC is getting closer to finalizing vision stmt. o Survey closed- got 369 responses. We had high youth participation. Should be seeing drafts next month 5 o Open house- 70-80 people The Youth Commission made a recommendation to hire a new specialist Ms. Bouchard shared the following: The Rec Partnership met and released 2024 stats: 1338 Ulysses residents participated The Bee Committee will host Brian Danforth at the library to speak on ground-nesting bee Ms. Olson said that Three Falls LDC is still waiting on NYS to announce that they have acquired and named the (Camp Barton) property. OLD BUSINESS: NY POTENTIAL PARK DONATION – UPDATE Ms. Olson noted the following: All of the necessary feedback on the environmental review (FEAF) has been received (from the Planning Board, Board of Zoning Appeals and Tompkins County). The board can review and formalize at a future meeting. Public comments are posted on webpage. NYS law specifies what items can be voted on. Purchases of land are subject to a vote (permissive referendum) but not donations. Folks should continue to share opinions and concerns. The Town is not considering development at this time- only the acceptance of a donation. If the donation is accepted then a public development process would begin. Conversations with property owners have happened to discuss mitigation and how a park might be thoughtfully integrated into the neighborhood. REZONING REQUEST FOR DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT 3 – UPDATE The Planning Board has recommended a zoning reclassification to Residential for 2012 Trumansburg Rd. If the Town Board agrees it will need to pass a local law to eliminate DD3. NEW BUSINESS: RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY SPECIALIST RESOLUTION #72 OF 2025: RECREATION ACTIVITY SPECIALIST RESOLVED, the Ulysses Town Board hires Lucky Lucas to serve as the Town's Recreation Activity Specialist at a pay rate of $23/hour for up to 19 hours per week effective April 21, 2025; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED that the probationary period for this position will be 6 months. Moved: Ms. Olson Seconded: Ms. Weatherby Olson aye Boggs aye Bouchard aye Goldman aye 6 Weatherby aye Vote: 5-0 Date Adopted: 4/8/25 APPOINTMENT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN STEERING COMMITTEE RESOLUTION #73 OF 2025: APPOINTMENT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board appoints the following person(s) to the Ulysses Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee:  Kim Moore – Business representative  Karen Meador to BZA representative  Reassign Allison Weaver to Village representative Moved: Ms. Olson Seconded: Mr. Goldman Olson aye Boggs aye Bouchard aye Goldman aye Weatherby aye Vote: 5-0 Date Adopted: 4/8/25 CITIZEN PRUNERS Ms. Olson said that it is unknown at this time whether the Village will pay for half of the program as they did last year. RESOLUTION #74 OF 2025: RESOLVED, the Ulysses Town Board approves spending $1225 for services related to the Citizen Pruner program; and FURTHER RESOLVED that Ulysses Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor to enter into a contract with CCE after a decision on 4/14 by the Village of Trumansburg about their participation. Moved: Mr. Goldman Seconded: Ms. Bouchard Olson aye Boggs aye Bouchard aye Goldman aye Weatherby aye Vote: 5-0 7 Date Adopted: 4/8/25 DISCUSSION ON PARKING LOT : Ms. Olson said that the 2021 Encroachment Agreement identifies the asphalt on Mr. Hoffman’s property as Town-owned. The parking lot pre-construction meeting is on Friday, with construction slated to begin soon. The Town Supervisor, Highway Superintendent, Attorney and Engineer met with all of the property owners in September to figure this out. Neighbors were invited to bid along with the Town at that time. The Town is using ARPA funds for this project and the final reporting will be done at the end of this month. The group discussed that the Town cannot just gift a public asset and that leaving the asphalt is a liability for the Town. They decided that it is best left to the attorneys to suggest solutions. UPCOMING EVENTS April 22 – Regular Town Board Meeting, 7pm @ Town Hall May 13– Regular Town Board Meeting, 7pm @ Town Hall APPROVAL OF MINUTES: RESOLUTION #75 OF 2025: APPROVAL OF MINUTES RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board approve the meeting minutes as corrected from March 25 regular meeting and April 2, 2025 special meeting. Moved: Ms. Olson Seconded: Ms. Bouchard Olson aye Boggs aye Bouchard aye Goldman aye Weatherby aye Vote: 5-0 Date Adopted: 4/8/25 BUDGET MODIFICATIONS: RESOLUTION #76 of 2025: APPROVAL OF BUDGET MODIFICATIONS RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board approves the following budget modifications, as amended. (See appendix) Moved: Ms. Olson Seconded: Mr. Boggs Olson aye Boggs aye Bouchard aye Goldman aye Weatherby aye Vote: 5-0 8 Date Adopted: 4/8/25 PAYMENT OF AUDITED CLAIMS: RESOLUTION #77 OF 2025: PAYMENT OF CLAIMS RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board has reviewed and approves payment of claims for the following vouchers:  A-SW Funds: vouchers #170-221 in the amount of $87,809.93  HA Fund voucher #9 in the amount of $2,461.50 Moved: Ms. Olson Seconded: Ms. Bouchard Olson aye Boggs aye Bouchard aye Goldman aye Weatherby aye Vote: 5-0 Date Adopted: 4/8/25 PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR (3 min limit per person): Scott Hoffman thanked the board and said that he wants to be good neighbors and get along. Sage Peake apologized for speaking out after time. She wanted to draw attention to someone who was misrepresenting themselves as a resident of Cold springs Road. Maureen Shallish said the board processes show responsibility and transparency with public funds. Tyler Sherman said that regardless of how much time people spend at their property it is still important. Roxanne Marino seconded Ms. Shallish’s comment, saying it is great that the Public Hearing was adjourned so people can have more time to comment. She also suggested that maybe there is a way for kids who didn’t get into the Town summer camp program could participate in the Rec Partnership. ADJOURN: Mr. Goldman made a motion to adjourn at 9:35pm. This was seconded by Ms. Bouchard and passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted by Carissa Parlato, Town Clerk, 4/18/25 9 APPENDIX: Included on the following pages:  Statements on land donation: o C. Wallace o M. Darfler o D. Vann  Budget modifications  Staff reports Statement from Marlaine Darfler: I was at a meeting yesterday, and they opened the meeting with the quote, saying, the best way to respond to the future is to So I started imagining, and I was realizing in these turbulent times, when many neighborhood and community connections have been weakened, due to our busy and kind of plugged in lifestyles, building resilience and understanding, forming bridges between people through community projects and shared community spaces is what we need to help care for each other and support each other as we move forward. One of the main ingredients of a strong community is shared. Public space, especially shared green space. This parkland can become a place where our children play formally and informally with a place where they can learn skills and feel connected to the neighborhood and the community. It can be a place where adults play and gather and connect again across di Ưerent ages and interests. It can become a place for community activities and events. And, as we all know, after the spring camp, sign up, issue a place to expand the summer camp options for our youth. This park will be for everyone, but what may be its best asset is as a place for kids to play, a place to meet friends, a place to be outdoors, and a place that can fill a child with: Thank you. Sent: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 2:12 PM To: supervisor@townofulyssesny.gov <supervisor@townofulyssesny.gov>; Marvin P. Pri Ʃs Subject: last night's meeƟng Hello Katelin, I feel compelled to write to you this aŌernoon to clarify some specific things. I was unable to finish my statement @ last night's meeƟng because I became emoƟonal. I sat there and listened to everyone speak last night. I acknowledge the town's need for more athleƟc fields and the benefits of this donaƟon for a park in general. I have stated this before. I do, however, take issue with many in the public who discount the rights and concerns of many of us on Cold Springs Rd. One of the best things in my enƟre life (yes, enƟre life) is living on Cold Springs Rd...with it's quiet, healing environment. I don't think people really "get" that. It has been our haven for years and we do not want to lose it. I could not sleep last night and I cried. I cried because we are being made to feel that we don't maƩer. Our lives and what we hold dear do not mean anything to anyone out speaking last night. It has been decided that the needs of the supporters of this are the only ones who DO maƩer. I can assure you that this is an AWFUL way for me/us to feel. So for all of the people who spoke last night who are proponents of the park, they have discounted and dismissed us. We have even become enemies to them...a group to be stomped down and made to feel like we are doing something wrong. In reality, we are only trying to keep what we hold dear. How can that be misconstrued into being something awful...like we are doing something wrong? I do know that ANYONE would fight for something that they hold dear...no maƩer what that might be. We all have spent endless hours pondering this issue. I think that there are (at least) 3 main categoies to consider. (This is what I was trying to say last night.) First, it's the taxpayers. I know that the town board has stated the minimal amount of money needed to get the park up and running, that grants and fundraising will be insƟtuted and such. Yet, it is not far down the road where this will sƟll hold true. A lot of money will have to be spent to build and maintain it. Yes, taxpayers will be called in to help. Yes, it is worth the gains. However, it will also mean tax increases for the poorest of residents who barely pay their bills now. Yet, are they being considered right now? I think not. I'm not hearing that they are. Secondly, are the supporters of the park. Third, are the people who think that there can be a much less intrusive locaƟon aquired. All people and groups maƩer here. I sit and think about having someone who is outside of our town come in and look at everything from a distance ...and unbiased opinion. I know that all par Ɵes would be listened to and considered equally. Is there not great disparity between one grouup of people wanƟng something for "the good of all", yet, not including some people into that group of "ALL." It is my opinion that leƫng the residents on Cold Springs Rd, the ones who own property that touches the donated land, be able to purchase a few acres of land to buffer/help them maintain a certain degree of privacy. The money could then be used for a field elsewhere or start-up costs for the park. I can see almost see immediate arms going up against such an idea. AŌer all, it is not our land. However, aŌer consideraƟon, it will become reluctantly clear that this is not only kind, but it is also an ethical and equitable soluƟon. Another entry point to the park is also a prime consideraƟon...an entrance with much less impact on residents. I know that I could travel out to ANY one resident's property, look at their living space, and create the same sort of scenario. Only then would people understand. So, there you have them. Those are my thoughts and opinions. They are worthy of consideraƟon. I don't like the feeling that people think that we're "against them." I don't like the feeling that people don't like or respect us for trying to keep what we love so much. I don't like feeling that we don't maƩer. That is how I feel right now. Don't we all maƩer? I am asking you to demonstate that we all do. Sincerely, Diane Vann 2025 Budget Modifications Requested at Town Board Meeting 4/8/2025 A FUND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS 1 Account #Account Name Current Budget Increase / Decrease Budget Mod Request Post Budget Mod. A4089 Federal Aid - Other (ARPA)-$ Increase 230,000.00$ 230,000.00$ A1620.21 Town Hall Facilities - Parking Lot -$ Increase 230,000.00$ 230,000.00$ 2 Account #Account Name Current Budget Increase / Decrease Budget Mod Request Post Budget Mod. A5132.2 Highway Barn - Equipment 4,000.00$ Increase 10,000.00$ 14,000.00$ A599 Appropriated FB - Assigned Funds 142,018.00$ Increase 10,000.00$ 152,018.00$ 3 Account #Account Name Current Budget Increase / Decrease Budget Mod Request Post Budget Mod. A7989.4 Culture and Recreation - Contractual 12,150.00$ Increase 500.00$ 12,650.00$ A1990.4 Contingency 30,000.00$ Decrease 500.00$ 29,500.00$ 4 Account #Account Name Current Budget Increase / Decrease Budget Mod Request Post Budget Mod. A9040.8 Worker's Compensation 1,402.00$ Increase 240.00$ 1,642.00$ A9055.8 Disability and PFL 1,400.00$ Decrease 240.00$ 1,160.00$ B FUND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS 1 Account #Account Name Current Budget Increase / Decrease Budget Mod Request Post Budget Mod. B9040.8 Worker's Compensation 2,995.00$ Increase 200.00$ 3,195.00$ B9055.8 Disability and PFL Insurance 800.00$ Increase 190.00$ 990.00$ B1990.41 Employee Benefit Contingency 10,700.00$ Decrease 390.00$ 10,310.00$ DA FUND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS 1 Account #Account Name Current Budget Increase / Decrease Budget Mod Request Post Budget Mod. DA9055.8 Disability and PFL Insurance 700.00$ Increase 50.00$ 750.00$ DA9040.8 Worker's Compensation 3,711.00$ Decrease $ 50.00 3,641.00$ To reflect ARPA funding and related spending for the Parking Lot Project. To use savings in Disability and PFL line to cover overage in Worker's Compensation line. To reflect use of Assigned Funds from NYSERDA grant to pay for highway barn heating system. To reflect increased costs of employee benefits. Adequate contingency is available to cover these costs. To cover small overage in Disability and PFL with savings in Worker's Compensation insurance. To cover $500 in excess spending due to error in preparation of annual payout list for vouchers. Town of Ulysses Clerk’s Office MONTHLY REPORT for March 2025 Submitted by Carissa Parlato LICENSES/PERMITS issued: # Sporting licenses 9 Disabled parking permits 7 Dog licenses and renewals 29 Marriage licenses 1 Notarizations 5 FOIL requests-received 2 FOIL requests-completed 2 CLERK’s OFFICE TASKS: General/routine tasks: • mail, answered inquiries on various topics, attended town board meetings and took minutes, made website updates, notary services, licensing (marriage, dog, sporting), disabled parking permits, collected building & zoning fees, participated in weekly Supervisor/Clerks office meetings, managed building use/equipment sign out, responded to FOIL requests, ordered supplies, posted meetings & videos • Facilities: o Take part in NYSEG meeting to learn more about billing/solar • Taxes: o Collected ~$5.6 million to date o Sent weekly pmts to Tompkins County o Reconciled accounts • Water: o Continued implementation of new online bill view & pay portal- has been successful so far o Worked with DPW on quarterly readings & billing o Worked on reconciling with bookkeeper • Social media & website o Continued to share town updates on FB o Sent weekly e-newsletters • Habitat Nature Preserve: o Walk through with CCE for grant application o Held committee meeting on 3/24 o Met with DPW on repair of bridges/walkways • IT: o Checked spam filter weekly • Safety Committee o Next meeting in May FINANCIAL REPORT: $11,569.97 TOTAL fees collected $11,361.31 stays in the town $208.66 goes to the state 2025-3 Recreation Monthly Report April 3, 2025 Created by: Will Glennon, Recreation Director Adult Recreation Programming ● Pickleball program will resume with time changes on April 6th (new time 7:30-8:45 am) ● Afternoon pickleball program will begin on Sunday April 20th (12-2pm). Current youth programming ● Spring youth sports program registration opened on March 1st. ○ Currently open for registration are three baseball/tball based program divisions, spring track, and spring tennis. This is a total of seven individual programs. ● Total spring registration numbers are currently: 192 ● Summer camp programming opened on March 15th at 8:00 am. Registration was expected to sell out very quickly for the majority of the camp weeks. In an unprecedented registration season, all six weeks of the camp sold out in 27 minutes. ○ Waitlists for the summer camp weeks are double digits for every week including over 50 for weeks 2, 3, 4, and 6. ○ The camp director for the past several years will be returning to the same position this summer. One of the assistant directors will not return this summer due to an opportunity in Scotland and Genesee, NY. ○ The job posting for the camp positions are open. Interviews and recruitment will begin in April. ○ The application for the camp has been submitted. The safety plan and supporting materials are due at the end of April for camp. General administration ● Attend Town Hall meeting for second meeting of March to talk about need for additional recreation space. ● A new recreation directors meeting has been set by Kate Shanks-Booth, Director of Tompkins County Youth Development for Rec Directors monthly to come together and discuss current issues in the area. The meetings will be monthly on the second Monday of each month, next meeting is set for April 14th. ● Recruitment for volunteers coaches for spring programs has started. We have coaches secured for coach pitch and hybrid pitch. ● Registration numbers are very low for kid pitch baseball and the program is in danger of not running this spring. Town of Ulysses April 2025 Bookkeeper Board Report April 8, 2025, Town Board Meeting Prepared by Blixy Taetzsch, 4/03/2025 1 Greetings Board Members: We have now completed the first quarter of the year, and I have included financial highlights from the March 2025 financial statements for my April board report. Balance Sheet As detailed in the Supervisor’s Report, total cash balances as of 3/31/2025 were $1,461,693.89 a decrease of $64,864.48 from the end of February. A few notable items to comment on for this month, and the first quarter of the year: • Sales tax payments are coming on a timely basis, having received January and February payments as of the end of March. • We have started receiving payments for summer camp, as noted in the accompanying analytical review. • Normal cash outlays occurred for operating expenses, with annual payments that occur at the beginning of the year, such as fire and ambulance and community organizations. In addition to cash balances, the Town had investments valued at a total of $2,803,172.72 as of March 31, 2025. Of the total investments, $1,520,955.79 represents reserve funds, and $1,282,216.93 represents a combination of fund balance, property tax revenue, and ARPA funds (about $229,000). As of March 31, $28,920.39 was recorded in interest and earnings across funds, representing the first quarter 2025 realized and unrealized earnings on investments. Other than cash, investments, and interfund transactions (due to/due from other funds), there are no significant assets and liabilities in the Town’s operational financial statements. Income Statement Revenues through March 2025 are as expected. You will primarily see tax revenue, with some revenue coming from the County and the Village for snow and ice and emergency services, respectively. Additionally, as mentioned above, we have started to receive funds for the recreation program. Sales tax payments have been received for January and February. You will also see in Water District #3 the first quarterly billing for the year. I have included for your reference a summary of all major revenue accounts that represent 96% - 100% of total revenues for each fund. Also, please note that interest income recorded includes investment income from reserve funds and therefore will exceed the amounts budgeted for operational uses. Town of Ulysses April 2025 Bookkeeper Board Report April 8, 2025, Town Board Meeting Prepared by Blixy Taetzsch, 4/03/2025 2 Expenditures through March 2025 are also as expected, with some spending being front loaded (such as payments for Fire and Ambulance services, community organizations, and some insurance costs). I have included a summary for each major fund by function of expense showing the budgeted amount and spending thus far. Below are a few observations I have about the summary of expenditures through March 31, 2025: • Employee benefits show spending at a rate slightly greater than the personnel spending for the first quarter – this is due to the upfront payment for worker’s compensation insurance and the advance payment for April health insurance. • Transportation spending in the DB fund occurs primarily between May and October depending on weather conditions – as these funds are for road maintenance and repair. • As noted previously, spending in the SF and SM funds are complete for the year. Bookkeeper Activities It’s been a busy first quarter with the completion of the audit, annual financial report to the Comptroller’s Office (AFR), and the ongoing activity with the Town’s budget, financial and personnel operations. Below are some highlights: • Audit: Fieldwork was conducted in mid-February, with some remote follow-up through late February and March. We now have a draft that I am reviewing. • AFR: As mentioned previously, I did file the AFR by the March 1 deadline. I have not had any correspondence yet from the Comptroller’s Office. • Personnel: I continue to support employees and retirees with benefit administration, employment, and civil services functions. Not a significant amount of hiring has happened in the first quarter of the year, but positions for summer camp have been posted, and I expect the next quarter to be very busy with youth employment activity. • Finance Committee: The Finance Committee met on March 20th. Meeting notes have been posted in the SharePoint portal. • Investments: We have enrolled in NYCLASS, as approved by the Board at their last meeting. I am in the process of figuring out the logistics of transferring funds from Tompkins to NYCLASS.