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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-12-TB-FINAL-minutesTOWN BOARD MEETING Town of Ulysses August 12, 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 h ttps://www. youtube. com/channel/UCWVIs--g9CpHlxdk9YxZyPw. CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Goldman (Deputy Supervisor)called the meeting to order at 7:04pm. ATTENDANCE: TOWN OFFICIALS: In person - Board members- Rich Goldman, Michael Boggs, Liz Weatherby, Mary Bouchard Town Clerk- Carissa Parlato Absent - Town Supervisor- Katelin Olson Via Zoom - Nathan VanWhy, Attorney for the Town OTHERS: In person - Fred Bonn (NYS Parks Regional Director), Nancy Zahler, Linda Liddle (WSPPC), Melanie Cole, Theresa Fulton, Amy Puryear, Liz & Bob Thomas, Judy Abrams, Chad Doolittle, Maria Klemperer-Johnson, Sally Yates, Tom Prisloe, Roxanne Marino (WSPPC), Eric Slocum, Jana Hexter Via Zoom- Aubryn Sidle, Anne Koreman (Tompkins County Legislator) APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Mr. Goldman suggested holding an additional Privilege of the Floor specifically for the Gorge Road "No Parking" comments. Mr. Boggs moved to approve the agenda as amended. This was seconded by Ms. Weatherby and passed unanimously. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR (3 minutes per person): Ms. Zahler, a neighbor of 2012 Trumansburg Road/Dev. District 3 wanted clarification on the Planning Board's recommendation for rezoning this property. She met with other neighbors and they feel that it is preferable for the Route 96 section to be zoned as A/R (agricultural/rural) rather than business. She also has traffic concerns. PUBLIC HEARING ON A LOCAL LAW TO OVERRIDE THE TAX LEVY LIMIT ESTABLISHED IN GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW3-C: Mr. Goldman explained that the board is not planning to override the tax cap but considers passing the law to be preventative in case it is needed. Ms. Weatherby made a motion to open the hearing at 7:11pm. This was seconded by Mr. Boggs and passed unanimously. Mr. Slocum feels that the town needs to adhere to its budget the way a household does and should not be able to go above it. He said that his family has been here for 4 generations but it is getting too expensive for him to stay. Mr. Goldman asked if there was anyone else who wanted to speak. The clerk noted that a comment was received via email and shared with the board. No one else wished to comment. Mr. Boggs made a motion to close the hearing at 7:14pm. This was seconded by Ms. Weatherby and passed unanimously. OLD BUSINESS: TEMPORARY NO -PARKING ON GORGE ROAD — UPDATE FROM NYS PARKS Mr. Bonn gave a brief introduction, saying that Taughannock Park now has a new parking lot and restroom. It was constructed on Gorge Road as the prior lot on Jacksonville Road was unsafe due to visibility, space, and traffic speeds. He noted that park use has increased dramatically and said that the paid parking is not a "money grab". He shared information on state programs that offer free/reduced parking fees. He said that park police & the sheriff support the temporary no parking rule on the shoulder of Gorge Road near the intersection with Jacksonville Road. Ms. Hexter inquired about the source of funding for the project. Mr. Bonn said it is part of the annual allocation. Mr. Prisloe asked how far the signs are posted on Gorge Road. Mr. Bonn said that it is the town's purview. Mr. Prisloe said that they are farther down than they need to be. Ms. Weatherby said that the parking ban is temporary and coincides with the time period for when DOT will allow signage for the new speed limit reductions. She has concerns for bikes, pedestrians and cars sharing the road near the trail. Ms. Koreman asked where people can find a list of upcoming projects for the park. Mr. Bonn said it is an internal document as the park region is large and projects are ever-changing. Ms. Sidle has concerns about access due to park closures and fees. She supports limiting the amount of no parking on Gorge Road to make sure everyone can access the park without having to pay. Mr. Bonn said that the new lot has 70 spots and in 2026 additional parking at regional headquarters will be created. Mr. Slocum said that this is a money grab and we shouldn't be charged. He read a statement (see Appendix). Mr. Thomas read a statement (see Appendix). Ms. Thomas read a statement (see Appendix). Ms. Hexter added that she loves new parking lot and instigated getting the speed limits lowered around the park. She noticed that the new lot hasn't been used much and feels there is a real need for signage for safety reasons. Ms. Marino suggested smaller signs on Gorge Road and a way to collect data on usage. Ms. Koreman encouraged Mr. Bonn and the park to share their project/construction plans. As a legislator, she often gets questions and some issues may be mitigated with more information. The group discussed possible solutions to the parking issue. Mr. Goldman read a statement from Highway Superintendent Scott Stewart. RESOLUTION # 114 OF 2025: RESCINDIND NO PARKING ON GORGE RD RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board rescinds the July 22 resolution that authorized "No Parking" signs on Gorge Road. Ms. Weatherby made a Friendly Amendment to leave up 2 signs on the south side of Gorge Road closest to the Black Diamond Trail entrance/crossing. This motion was approved by Mr. Boggs and Goldman. Moved: Mr. Boggs Seconded: Mr. Goldman Olson absent Boggs aye Bouchard aye Goldman aye Weatherby aye Vote: 4-0 Date adopted: 8/12/25 DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT 3— APPLICATION REVISION BASED ON PLANNING BOARD RESIDENTIAL ZONE RECOMMENDATION Mr. Doolittle said that after some feedback from the Town's Attorney, he understands that it is best for Development District 3 to stay in effect along Route 96 and to rezone the Halseyville Road side to Residential (pending a subdivision). Mr. Van Why explained that a survey description, subdivision and local law language are necessary before the Town Board can move this forward. 3 The group discussed. RESOLUTION # 115 OF 2025: AUTHORIZING DRAFTING OF REZONING LOCAL LAW AND RELATED MATTERS WHEREAS, Chad Doolittle previously submitted an application to the Town of Ulysses to rezone the western portion of property located at 2012 Trumansburg Rd., Trumansburg, NY 14886, tax parcel no. 20.-3-1, from Development District 3 to Residential, and the eastern portion of said property from Development District 3 to Business; and WHEREAS, the Town Board has received and reviewed the recommendation from the Town of Ulysses Planning Board to rezone the entire property as Residential; and WHEREAS, Mr. Doolittle has submitted an amended application to the Town of Ulysses to rezone only the western portion of property located at 2012 Trumansburg Rd., Trumansburg, NY 14886, tax parcel no. 20.-3-1, from Development District 3 to Residential, leaving the eastern portion of said property as Development District 3; and WHEREAS, said application includes a draft plan showing an intent to subdivide such western portion of property into three separate lots, but does not include a legal description of the area proposed for rezoning; and WHEREAS, the Town Board wishes to consider the proposed rezoning and intends to draft a local law implementing such rezoning for further Town Board consideration and public review, after submission by the applicant of an updated survey and legal description for the area to be rezoned; and WHEREAS, the Town Board further deems it necessary to ensure the costs and expenses of the Town's professional consultants engaged for the drafting, review, and implementation of the rezoning local law are reimbursed through an escrow agreement; and WHEREAS, the Town Board intends to act as lead agency for the purposes of environmental review of the proposed rezoning and related subdivision under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), and to preliminarily classify this action as an Unlisted Action; and WHEREAS, the Town Board, as an interested agency, has identified the following additional involved and interested agencies for which Lead Agency coordination must be conducted: • US Army Corp of Engineers • US Federal Emergency Management Agency • New York State Department of Environmental Conservation • New York State Department of Transportation • New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets • Tompkins County Highway Department • Tompkins County Planning and Sustainability Department • Tompkins County Department of Whole Health • Town of Ulysses Planning Board • Town of Ulysses Building, Code, Planning, and Zoning Office; and 2 WHEREAS, the Town Board intends to proceed with coordinated review and a Lead Agency must be established prior to making a determination of significance. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses hereby authorizes and directs the drafting of a local law to rezone the western portion of 2012 Trumansburg Rd., Trumansburg, NY 14886, tax parcel no. 20.-3-1, from Development District 3 to Residential, for Town Board consideration and review, after submission by the applicant of an updated survey and legal description of the area to be rezoned; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute an escrow agreement with the applicant, Chad Doolittle, in an initial amount of not less than $1,500 for the reimbursement of all costs and expenses of the Town's professional consultants related to the drafting, review, and implementation of such rezoning local law, including matters relating to the initial application for rezoning; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby declares its intent to act as lead agency under SEQRA for the environmental review of the proposed rezoning and related subdivision, and classifies the action as an Unlisted Action for purposes of initial environmental review; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Town Board shall continue to consider the recommendations of the Planning Board and Tompkins County, and shall undertake any and all actions necessary to further consider the proposed rezoning in accordance with applicable law; and be it further RESOLVED, upon submission of the updated survey and legal description and drafting of the related local law, the Town Supervisor shall cause a notice of intent to act as lead agency be submitted to all identified involved and interested agencies; and be it further RESOLVED, that this resolution shall take effect immediately. Moved: Ms. Bouchard Seconded: Mr. Boggs Ms. Weatherby made a Friendly Amendment to change DD3 from A/R to Residential. Olson absent Boggs nay Bouchard aye Goldman aye Weatherby aye Vote: 3-1 Date adopted: 8/12/25 NEW BUSINESS: PRESENTATIONS FROM COMMUNITY GROUPS REQUESTING FUNDING IN THE 2026 BUDGET (3 MIN PER GROUP) Maria Klemperer-Johnson from Hammerstone Carpentry for Women shared the following information about her business: • Empowers women and gender minorities • Gives people the skills and confidence to stay in their homes 5 • Participants experience a personal transformation from not confident to proud • Nurtures community She is seeking to make the programs more accessible so offers a sliding -scale model and free classes to gender queer/non-binary folks, immigrants, and refugees. She is requesting funds from the town for summer 2026 to reach a wider group of residents. Theresa Fulton from Mutual Aid Tompkins- Food Sharing Cabinets shared the following: • Began in 2020 • Food insecurity is higher in TC • Most cabinets have a steward • Need for personal items that can't be purchased with SNAP • Each cabinet stocked 10 times (over the course of several months) Amy Puryear from Women's Wellness Wednesday shared the following: • Program started in 2023 • Facebook group has over 600 ppl • Presenters from the community each week • Asking for funds for 6-8 hours/week to compensate self and presenters Ms. Puryear also shared information on Sing Song Music Education: • Has been teaching for 15 years • Wants to expand the age groups currently served • Has received funding from local libraries to offer if for free • 15 kids/class and waitlists Melanie Cole from Trumansburg Farmers Market shared the following: • From Jan.- April there are 13 markets inside; May -Oct markets are outside • Vending also happens during Grassroots festival on and off -site • Pollinator garden at market • Free programming at markets • Is closest market to Ulysses residents WATER SOURCE PROTECTION PLAN — INTRODUCTION AND SCHEDULING A PUBLIC HEARING Jacob Gardner shared information about the draft plan. The board, WSPP Committee members, and Mr. Van Why discussed the plan, public hearing, and adoption timing. RESOLUTION #116 of 2025: SENDING THE DRAFT DSWP2 PLAN TO DEC Mr. Boggs moved that the plan be sent to the NYS DEC for feedback. This was seconded by Ms. Bouchard. Olson absent Boggs aye Bouchard aye Goldman aye Weatherby aye Vote: 4-0 Date adopted: 8/12/25 RESOLUTION #117 of 2025: SCHEDULING A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE DRAFT WATER SOURCE PROTECTION PLAN WHEREAS, the Water Source Protection Plan Committee was formed in 2022 for the proposes for putting together a Water Source Protection Plan, and WHEREAS, the Ulysses Town Board is grateful for the committee volunteers who have worked with NY DEC staff to prepare this robust draft; and WHEREAS, the Ulysses Town Board is interested in getting the opinions of the community and staff on the draft plan; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board schedules a voluntary public hearing on the draft Water Source Protection Plan for September 9, 2025 at 7pm; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that it directs the Town Clerk to advertise the public hearing both in the newspaper of record and in other ways to promote community engagement and feedback. Moved: Ms. Bouchard Olson absent Boggs aye Bouchard aye Goldman aye Weatherby aye Vote: 4-0 Date adopted: 8/12/25 Seconded: Mr. Boggs UNITED WAY MOA FOR RECREATION AND YOUTH SERVICES RESOLUTION # 118 OF 2025: AUTHORIZING SUPERVISOR TO SIGN MOU WITH UNITED WAY RESOLVED, Ulysses Town Board authorized the Town Supervisor to sign MOUs with United Way for 2025-2026 funding for Recreation and Youth Services. Moved: Ms. Weatherby Seconded: Mr. Boggs Olson absent Boggs aye Bouchard aye Goldman aye 7 Weatherby aye Vote: 4-0 Date adopted: 8/12/25 MUNICIPAL BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Ms. Weatherby shared that the Comp Plan committee will be releasing more drafts elements soon and is scheduling an open house. UPCOMING EVENTS August 26 — Regular Meeting CANCELLED 2026 Budget Meetings: • Monday, September 8 (10am), • Wednesday, September 10 (9am), • Wednesday, September 17 (9am) • September 9 — Regular Town Board Meeting, 7pm @ Town Hall APPROVAL OF MINUTES: RESOLUTION # 119 OF 2025: APPROVAL OF MINUTES RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board approve the meeting minutes as presented from July 22, 2025 (regular meeting). Moved: Ms. Bouchard Olson absent Boggs aye Bouchard aye Goldman aye Weatherby aye Vote: 4-0 Date adopted: 8/12/25 BOARD NOTIFICATIONS: none BUDGET MODIFICATIONS: none PAYMENT OF CLAIMS: Seconded: Ms. Weatherby RESOLUTION # 120 OF 2025: PAYMENT OF CLAIMS RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approves payment of audited claims #378-430 in the amount of $201,193.30. Moved: Mr. Goldman Seconded: Mr. Boggs Olson absent Boggs aye Bouchard aye Goldman aye Weatherby aye Vote: 4-0 Date adopted: 8/12/25 PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR (3 min limit per person): Ms. Marino thanked the board for their support with the Water Source Protection Plan. ADJOURN: Mr. Goldman made a motion to adjourn at 9:26pm. This was seconded by Ms. Bouchard and passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted by Carissa Parlato, Town Clerk, 9/5/25 9 /_\ J i.1Ec 10 Intro �l Here request the Town of Ulysses to remove the "no parking" signs along top 1/3 mile of Gorge Rd near the new parking lot built by the state park. Hereto air concern for those who are tow Income and cannot afford the $10daily/80 annual parking fee to access the park. My land - next to the park - I have easy access- my needs are met As I stated in my letter • 28% of states have no charge for a day parking pass • 34% of states have lower access fees for in -state residents. • MostLurseamparksare4ree. Great that senior citizens can access park free Mon -Fri - but financial stresses these days are on younger generations - with them enduring sky rocketing expenses all around. Thank libraries for lending free parking passes —why should libraries use their tight funds to fund the state park? Unlike local goverments—states can levy income taxes. This is the most equitable way to fund parks —far more progressive than fees. This is the funding that should be used. I live directly next to the parking tot. My observations over time: • The old (free) parking lot on Jacksonville road was hardly ever full --6 cars - • last Sunday when park was turning away visitors at the lake -new lot had 5 cars at 2:00. • During construction (1.5 years) —parking along the road —range from 2-6 cars on the road • Now have 1.5 years of data on usage of roadside parking —it's light! Since prohibiting parking - Neighbors have noticed more parking on roads that cross the BDT—Willow Creek, Agard--People wilt find the free parking elsewhere Safety argument -I find the most odd— • Area of gorge posted no parking has the best sight line for traffic • It's very flat —great shoulders —plenty of room to be off pavement • On the other hand —when the park closes the trail Nov -April forcing hikers onto the road —THIS is not safe. • If parkas-werriedabout.safety—iet walker-stlike-on_thetrails for a4onger partof the year. Last - the signs are really ugly —it's sign pollution. At a time when the federal government seems to have tow income families in their crossfire, why would the town of Ulysses pile on new financial burdens. Town of Ulysses sees no benefit from preventing parking along the road -only state does —not your job to feed funds into the state. In fact town of Ulysses will instead endure the anger of its residents for not being our advocates. The charge of local governments - to protect the health safety and welfare of its residents —free access to parks is part of that. I truly thank you for your service in local government 8/12/2025 Trumansburg Town Board As a member of the Trumansburg community and living in proximity to Taughannock Park, I would like to speak to the issues raised with parking on Gorge Road near the new upper parking lot and the Black Diamond Trail. -The upper gorge parking used to be free. It is nice that there are now facilities and pavement but should patrons bear the cost of these upgrades when tax payers of New York State have already paid the bill. -Why are there No Parking signs now? Parking on the street was not an issue before there was a parking lot. Did the Town work in collusion with the Park to put up the No Parking signs? -The Park is not Darian Lake. Outlook Fw: Gorge Road Parking From Katelin Olson <supervisor@townofulyssesny.gov> Date Thu 7/24/2025 1:16 PM To Carissa Parlato <clerk@townofulyssesny.gov>; Scott Stewart <highway@townofulyssesny.gov> fyi Get Outlook for iOS From: Robert Thomas <robertthomas155@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2025 1:04:11 PM To: Rich Goldman <goldman@townofulyssesny.gov>; Elizabeth Weatherby <weatherby@townofulyssesny.gov>; Michael Boggs <boggs@townofulyssesny.gov>; Mary Bouchard <bouchard@townofulyssesny.gov>; Katelin Olson <supervisor@townofulyssesny.gov> Subject: Gorge Road Parking At the request of NYS Parks, Gorge Road has been posted by the Town of Ulysses "NO PARKING" on both sides from the corner of Jacksonville Road all the way to the boundary between Stover and Thomas properties, a distance of nearly 1/2 mile. The ostensible reason given is that it's a safety issue regarding traffic going into and coming out of the new NYS Parks parking lot. That is obviously not true, as a far less extensive area of "NO PARKING" near the parking lot entrance would suffice for that purpose. The real purpose, as I am sure you know, is to force vehicles to park, for a $10 fee, in the new parking lot. I don't believe that it's the Town's responsibility to comply with the Park's extensive "NO PARKING" preference. For most of the marked area, there is absolutely no reason for posting (except, of course, for the reason mentioned above), as the shoulder of Gorge Road is wide and flat, and perfectly adequate for safe parking, just like most of the other Town roads, and the portion of Gorge Road that is beyond the posted area. We frequently have gatherings of 50 or more people at our home, which requires parking along Gorge Road in the area now posted "NO PARKING". Shall we henceforth require our guests to pay $10 to park in the new lot? The Town Council's responsibility is to serve the citizens of the Town, not to kneel to the Park's desire to collect parking fees. The whole issue would not even exist if the parking lot were free, as it should be. At the rate of $10, the Park becomes inaccessible for low income residents; besides, most of the potential users of the lot are there to use the Black Diamond Trail, not to visit the Park. I respectfully request that the "NO PARKING" signs be removed except perhaps for the area directly across from the parking lot entrance. Thank you. Outlook Proposal to override NYS tax levy limit From David Allen <zombie.republik@gmail.com> Date Tue 8/12/2025 2:42 PM To Carissa Parlato <clerk@townofulyssesny.gov> To the Ulysses Town Board, I am writing on behalf of myself and my wife to state our strong opposition to the proposed town law aimed at overriding the NYS tax levy limit as outlined in General Municipal Law § 3-c.. It appears that there exists among a majority of Ulysses town, and Tompkins County legislators, an inability to recognize and acknowledge that not every taxpayer possesses an unlimited potential to absorb and shoulder the burden of perpetual tax increases and the "creative efforts" of local officials to wring more funds out of local citizens via every possible means. But let us be clear as 30+ year residents and taxpayers of this community, we DO have our limits and we have other finincial obligations aside from funding every extravagance those local officials can dream up, while handing out long-term tax - abatements like SNAP benefits to wealthy developers. Our state government seems to recognize this reality. Our local governments do not. At a time when we should be enjoying the security of having finally paid off our 30 -year mortgage, my wife and I are instead wondering how much longer we can afford to remain in our modest home, largely thanks to an inability of local legislators to exercise any fiscal restraint. Perhaps the ultimate goal of local representatives is to cultivate a gentrified paradise where no one questions a limitless climb in tax levies. We would hope there is still room here for working people of more modest means, hope some sensitivity remains somewhere among our elected officials, for the limits of financial resources by which many in our communities are bound. Increasingly, the indifference we observe makes us doubtful of much sensitivity, and curious about who it is our representatives actually serve. Please reconsider this reckless act of enabling legislative irresponsibility toward the citizens of Ulysses. Thank you for your attention. Dave and Bonnie Allen 8/12/25, 8:05 PM Mail - Carissa Parlato - Outlook Outlook Fw: Gorge Road parking From Scott Stewart <highway@townofulyssesny.gov> Date Tue 8/12/2025 12:43 PM To Carissa Parlato <clerk@townofulyssesny.gov> FYI From: Scott Stewart Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2025 11:11 AM To: Rich Goldman <goldman@townofulyssesny.gov> Cc: Katelin Olson <supervisor@townofulyssesny.gov>; Michael Boggs <boggs@town ofulyssesny.gov>; Mary Bouchard <bouchard@townofulyssesny.gov>; Elizabeth Weatherby <weatherby@townofulyssesny.gov>; Bonn, Fred (PARKS) <fred.bonn@parks.ny.gov> Subject: Gorge Road parking All I wanted to share my thoughts on the Parking on Gorge rd. I absolutely agree with the State Police and the Sheriff's office that parking along Gorge rd. near the entrance to the parking lot is or can be a safety issue. That being said, I think we should consider letting residents of Ulysses park on the opposite side of the parking lot on Gorge Rd. Below is my explanation. First off, I don't think having vehicles park on BOTH sides of the road as being very safe. I would suggest putting permanent NO Parking signs on the side of the parking lot entrance. It will be difficult for drivers to see up and down the road pulling out of the parking lot onto gorge road. Plus, the wooden guiderails that the State park put up at the mouth of the entrance makes it difficult to see. So, those 2 factors should warrant NO parking on that side. Second, the shoulder on the opposite side of the parking lot has plenty of room for vehicles to park and the terrain is flat with enough room for vehicles to be completely off the road. We will have to add material along the shoulder to strengthen the shoulder ( Can be done as early as this week ) and the we could allow parking. My concern would be Winter Maintenace and would suggest not letting people park there during the winter months. Otherwise, I do believe letting people park there would not hinder traffic or be an issue for vehicles turning in and out of the parking lot. There would still be some NO parking along this side for the Stop Sign at the intersection of Gorge and Jacksonville and the trailhead. I would also suggest to Fred Bonn who is on this email thread to add signage to Jacksonville road regarding where the parking lot is. Right Now there is no signs indicating where the parking lot is.. Here are some suggestions.. https://outlook.office.com/mail/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACgAC%2FE Wg0A9Xyyhe6xQUO1 f9F1 mweQAA 1/2 8/12/25, 8:05 PM Mail - Carissa Parlato - Outlook Katelin had a great idea with going to permitted parking. Town residents could get a sticker, plaque or something that indicates they are Ulysses residents and be able to park there with the permit. I would suggest that they fill out an application and receive a permit free. Or, Let people park there during certain hours? Or just let people park there period? I guess that would be a board decision. But, I would lean towards the permit suggestion if I had a vote. Also, I don't think we need to worry about Parking along Gorge Road beyond where the parking lot is and the trailhead. I suggest we wait and see if other areas beyond where the parking lot is becomes a problem and if it does then we can entertain adding NO parking later. Please reach out if you have questions https://outlook.office.com/mail/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACgAC%2FE Wg0A9Xyyhe6xQUO1 f9F1 mweQAA 2/2