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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-09-TB-FINAL-minutes w App TOWN BOARD MEETING & PUBLIC HEARING Town of Ulysses June 9, 2026 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 CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Olson called the meeting to order at 7:07pm ATTENDANCE: TOWN OFFICIALS: In person- Supervisor- Katelin Olson Board members- Steve Manley, Liz Weatherby, Michael Boggs DPW Supervisor- Scott Stewart Town Bookkeeper- Blixy Taetzsch Deputy Town Clerk- Casey Beck OTHERS: In person- Sarah Adams Vicki Romanoff Roxanne Marino Holly McLallen Jessica Geary from MRB Group Via Zoom- Rich Goldman Shirley Brown Michael Miller Bob Howarth Nancy Cusamano Krys Cail Cynthia Mannino Sarah Adams (left in-person, rejoined via Zoom at 8:15) APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Ms. Olson would like to add 2 items to New Business: b. April Surplus Equipment resolution c. Recreation Partnership Contract Update 1 Mr. Boggs moved to approve the agenda as amended. This was seconded by Mr. Manly and passed unanimously. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: Sarah Adams-Would like to discuss the board's process; she has concerns regarding a lack of transparency. Regarding Comp Plan resolution changes from 5/26 TB meeting-she would like Board to wait to approve anything until a completed draft plan with the 5/26 changes added and has been made available to the public to review. Concerns regarding agenda New Business 6a due to housing study action recommended in Comp Plan has not been initiated. Would like the board to wait to sign the contract in addition to slowing down finalizing Comp Plan. Feels residents' concerns are not being addressed. Ms. Olson clarified that the public comment period has not closed for the Comp Plan. Bob Howarth- Stressed concern with both medium density residential category and low-density residential categories on future land maps. Discussed detailed reasoning. Urging board to not adopt the current plan, at this time. Roxanne Marino- See comments provided, attached. Rich Goldman- Supports other's concern about timing and pace of finalizing comp plan. Concerned that residents and local experts are not being utilized or listened to. Supports not voting on any resolutions tonight and for the board to take its time in reevaluating the zoning maps and their potential impacts on both the economic and environmental. Shirley Brown- Feels residents are not feeling supported by town board, that the board is not listening to residents or local experts. Would like board to consider residents' repeated requests to slow down Comp Plan acceptance. Nancy Cusumano- Requests that the Board slow down the finalization of the Comprehensive Plan. Requests Town Board to review each section, one meeting per section. Please listen to the town. Krys Cail- Requests that the board slow down Comprehensive Plan draft review. Agrees with all previous residents. She is concerned there is not a clear understanding of how the Agriculture district law works. She continues to request that the board look for a grant for a hydrology study before additional housing begins to cause flooding for residents who live closer to the lake/bottom of the west hill. MUNICIPAL BOARD & STAFF REPORTS &ANNOUNCEMENTS: Ms. Weatherby—3 Falls meeting tomorrow, June 101". Planning Board meeting last week was cancelled. BZA meeting is next week so no recent updates. Ms. Weatherby and Mr. Manley discussed the Youth Commission meeting last week: lots of discussion regarding Recreation Partnership, its value to the town. Youth commission did not have 2 full attendance to make decisions, but they did generate questions to discuss further at future meetings, regarding evaluating roles of board members serving on youth commission. Ms. Weatherby received confirmation from Tompkins County that the Recreation Partnership contract can be terminated at any time, with 18 months' notice required, regardless of how long contract is for. Ms. Olson clarified that if we would like to be out of Rec Partnership agreement by 2028, we would need to let them know by the end of this month. Village of Trumansburg will be discussing the rec partnership agreement at their next meeting on 6/22. Mr. Manley- Finance Committee Meeting is next week. Ms. Olson- Successful staff training 6/4 for all staff, elected staff and committee members Mr. Manley enjoyed the board training, particularly how case law was integrated into presented material. Ms. Marino- May meeting of Community Conservation Sustainability Advisory was a joint meeting with several other Smart Community task forces. Will provide a report at tomorrow's meeting. There are a few new people interested in joining the conservation advisory. She will pass along names of interested parties to the board. Noting a special interest in vulnerability assessments She attended a webinar for the tree committee which reviewed potential grant applications regarding invasive species. She will share with the Tree Committee. Old Business: Ms. Taetzsch discussed changes to highway equipment capital plan updates. One of the biggest changes was for 2027. Planned to replace an existing vehicle but the vehicle will be sold and will NOT be replaced as previously budgeted for. Discussed different accounts that have changed plus accounts funding the reserve Mr. Stewart explained that this year there will be more selling of used/older equipment than anticipated. Discussed necessary upcoming purchases for DPW. RESOLUTION # 100 OF 2026: HIGHWAY EQ CAPITAL PLAN RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approves the Highway EQ Capital Plan as presented/amended. Moved: Olson Second: Boggs Olson Aye Manley Aye Weatherby Aye Boggs Aye Vote 4-0 3 Date adopted 6/9/26 RESOLUTION #101 OF 2026: DECLARING SURPLUS HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board declares that the following equipment belonging to the Town is hereby declared surplus and can be sent to auction, sold, used in trade for new equipment, or disposed of by the Highway Superintendent: 1. Chevrolet Silverado Water Truck a. Year: 2016 b. VIN: 1GCVKNEClGZ190400 2. Ford 350 [T-3] dump— 1 ton a. Year: 2016 b. VIN: IFDRF3G60GEA92852 3. Volvo VHD [T-21] a. Year: 2003 b. VIN: 4V5KC9GH13N338532 4. International [T-10] a. Year: 2007 b. VIN: IHTWZAHR57J462683 S. John Deere Backhoe a. Year: 2003 b. VIN: SG924408 Moved: Olson Second: Weatherby Olson Aye Manley Aye Weatherby Aye Boggs Aye Vote 4-0 Date adopted 6/9/26 2027 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT CALENDAR: • Ms. Taetzsch discussed timeline for planning of the 2027 budget. It will be very similar to last year's schedule. • Departments will submit their requests by early August. • Detailed budget review TB meeting, Sept 215Y (during the day, approx. 5 hours, accessible to staff needing to meet and review) to do detailed review. • Sept 22"d meeting date for tentative Board Budget Review. • Public Hearing to follow. 4 PAYMENT OF CLAIMS: RESOLUTION #102 OF 2026 PAYMENT OF CLAIMS: RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board has reviewed and approves payment of claims for: voucher numbered 253-317 in the amount of$180,988.77. RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board has reviewed and approves payment of claims for: voucher number HA#14 in the amount of$3,559.79 RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board has reviewed and approves payment of claims for: voucher HA#1 in the amount of$1,628.07 Moved: Olson Second: Manley Olson Aye Manley Aye Weatherby Aye Boggs Aye Vote 4-0 Date adopted 6/9/26 NEW BUSINESS: ZONING GRANT: Ms. Olson discussed the 1-month delay in New York State's release of consolidated funding applications but noted there was no delay in grant submission due dates. If the Board chooses to wait, the next opportunity to apply for the consolidated funding application, needed for future zoning updates, would be July 2027. Looked for funding for housing related funding but we are ineligible to apply at this time due to Ulysses not yet a designated "pro-housing community." Ms. Taetzsch explained that the B fund budget has funds available if needed. It would not be a budget modification since the funds are already there, reserved for future unknown but anticipated expenses related to the Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Weatherby asked what the process is, beyond board approval, what the grant application would entail. Discussed having a general update to zoning code soon after Comprehensive Plan is approved. Grant application is due by 7/31/26. Mr. Manley discussed MRB continuing to be a part of Comprehensive Plan process if the Board chooses to submit the grant application. Ms. Olson clarified that the grant writer does not have to also be the grant administrator. Reviewed procurement laws and how they differ from the RFP process. 5 RESOLUTION #103 OF 2026: SMART GROWTH COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION PREPARATION RESOLVED, that Ulysses Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor to sign a contract with MRB Group not to exceed $6500 for the preparation of a Smart Growth Comprehensive Planning Program Grant. Be it further resolved that the Town Attorney must first give approval on the contract language with the greatest flexibility possible inserted. Moved: Olson Second: Manley Olson Aye Manley Aye Weatherby Aye Boggs Nay Vote 3-1 Date adopted 6/9/26 DETAILED BOARD DISCUSSION OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FUTURE LAND USE MAPS: Jessica from MRB discussed an overview of the proposed changes to the future land use map, in the context of the existing land use maps within zoning maps. Ms. Olson reviewed the current water district on zoning map in detail. She noted where water currently is, in addition to where residents have requested it be added. Board began discussions of the draft future land use map review. Focused discussions on: - Medium density housing zoning language. - Agriculture district currently allows 1 fam + 2 family homes. 400' frontage. 2 acre minimum. - Existing residential zone is (approx.) 155' frontage - Current medium density description calls for no more than 50% lot coverage. - Ms. Weatherby noted that this language was specifically changed at the May 26t" Board meeting (definition of both medium density + low density). - Mr. Boggs suggested additional protections around Taughannock Creek with low density housing. Motion: Resolved that the Town Board declares its intent to identify the land currently used at the Trumansburg Fish and Game Club as a legacy business. (No vote taken) Agreed upon, unanimously. RESOLUTION #104 OF 2026: AMENDING FUTURE LAND USE MAP FOR QUAKER CEMETERY AND ST. JAMES CEMETERY. 6 Resolved that the Ulysses Town board amends the future land use map to designate the Quaker Cemetery on Perry City Road and the St. James Cemetery on Searsburg Road as public/infrastructure land use. Moved: Olson Second: Boggs Olson Aye Manley Aye Weatherby Aye Boggs Aye Vote 4-0 Date adopted 6/9/26 The Town Board will review Ms. Weatherby's proposed amendments to Comprehensive Plan at next board meeting. The board will also schedule a public hearing for Town Board vacancy at the next meeting, June 23. The board has proposed 2 additional meetings to continue to review Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Olson would possibly call a June 301" board meeting to further review comp plan before July deadlines. DEC and Ag+ Markets will submit comments *if any by June 22na Board discussed pros and cons of submitting grant application. Board will need to create gatekeeper resolution if board decides, after 2 additional meetings, to extend MRB contract. Suggestion for applying for a grant in case it is needed but may not be necessary. May not know in time to make a last-minute grant application decision. Board still has time to vote on submitting grant application by next meeting. UPCOMING EVENTS June 23- Regular Town Board Meeting, 7pm @ Town Hall July 3- Town buildings closed for July 4 holiday July 14— Regular Town Board Meeting, 7pm @ Town Hall APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Mr. Boggs reviewed rules and procedures for meeting regarding May 26, 2026 meeting minutes and resolutions that were added mid-meeting. "Presentations of motions says new motions submitted without the required notice may be debated but unless there is a super majority to wave these rules shall be tabled without a vote unless withdrawn by the board member making a motion will automatically be on the agenda for the next regular meeting." Mr. Boggs would like Town Attorney to review 5/26/26 Comprehensive Plan edit resolutions and claims he did not receive them in advance of meeting. Ms. Weatherby reminded him that is incorrect and all Comprehensive Plan edit resolutions were sent to the Board members via email, before the meeting. Ms. Olson encouraged Mr. Boggs to discuss concerns directly with Town Attorney. Nate would also be able to clarify procedural issues. 7 Ms. Olson reminded Mr. Boggs that by policy, communication notifications can be provided by email per our Town Board organizational meeting and reminded him that she emailed all Board members the Comprehensive Plan edit resolutions ahead of meeting. Ms. Olson will review 5/26/26 Comp Plan resolution edits with Town Attorney. BUDGET MODIFICATIONS: None PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR (3-min limit per person) Roxanne Marino Expressed several concerns related to tonight's meeting and agenda. ADJOURN: Ms. Olson made a motion to adjourn at 10:42 pm. This was seconded by Ms. Weatherby and passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted by Casey Beck, Deputy Town Clerk, 612312026 8 APPENDIX: - Monthly Department reports - Statement from R. Marino 9 Town of Ulysses Clerk's Office MONTHLY REPORT for May 2026 Submitted by Carissa Parlato LICENSES/PERMITS issued: # FINANCIAL REPORT: Sporting licenses 13 $6155.61 TOTAL fees collected Disabled parking permits 13 $5609.41 stays in the town Dog licenses and renewals 69 $546.20 goes to the state Marriage licenses 1 Notarizations 5 FOIL requests completed CLERK's OFFICE TASKS: Building plans 5/27 Water: • Collected payments • Coordinated system audit and quarterly reads with DPW Public engagement projects and tasks: • Weekly newsletter, Facebook updates, press releases on: o Town Board vacancy o RFP for solar project o RFQ for engineering o Comp Plan public hearings IT: • Checked spam filter weekly • Corresponded with Computer Room &Advance 2000 for assistance as needed • Collected information & had meetings on contract renewal Health &Safety Committee • Met on 5/14 to continue work on Emergency Plan TC Public Information Advisory Board • Attended monthly mtg o Advised on how to allocate funding for 250th celebration; plans for a local media networking event o Discussed filling vacancy Records Management: • Weekly meetings with Lori on planning for disposal of scanned building plans and scanning of new plans Facilities • Search for landscapers • Coordinate projects with DPW General/routine tasks: • mail, answered inquiries on various topics, attended town board meetings and took minutes, 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 board meetings&videos on web and Youtube, monthly solar meter reads Town of Ulysses May 2026 Bookkeeper Board Report June 9,2026, Town Board Meeting Prepared by Blixy Taetzsch, 6/4/26 Greetings Board Members: Below are financial highlights from the May 2026 financial statements.Next month I will be completing a more detailed analytical review of the Town's financial status as of June 30. Balance Sheet As detailed in the Supervisor's Report,total cash balances as of 5/31/2026 amounted to $502,559.73, a decrease of$58,137.90 from the end of April. A few notable items to comment on for this month, and the first quarter of the year: • We did not need to liquidate any investments to provide cash flow this month. • Sales tax payments are coming on a timely basis,having received payments through April as of the end of May. Sales tax revenue is currently running about 10%ahead of budget based on trends thus far in 2026. • Cash outlays were as expected,with no large or unusual expenditures. In addition to cash balances,the Town had investments valued at a total of$3,788,774.66 as of May, 2026. Of the total investments, $1,720,269.39 represents reserve funds, and$2,068,505.27 represents a combination of fund balance and property tax revenue. As of May 31, a total of$46,060.03 was recorded in interest and earnings from investments. Income Statement Revenues through May 2026 are mostly as expected. Below are some highlights: • Sales tax revenues through the end of April are running about 10%over budget. It is too early to know whether this trend will continue through the year. • EMS revenues for the first quarter are just slightly over 25%of the budgeted revenue. • Court revenue is only recorded through January, as NYS has not yet billed us for any subsequent months. When I pay NYS and the Village their share of the fees and fines collected,I also record the amount retained by the Town as revenue. Expenditures through May 2026 are also as expected. As mentioned last month, some spending is front loaded(fire and ambulance services, community organizations, and some insurance costs). And some costs, such as health insurance, are paid a month in advance. 1 Town of Ulysses May 2026 Bookkeeper Board Report June 9,2026, Town Board Meeting Prepared by Blixy Taetzsch, 6/4/26 Bookkeeper/Budget Officer Activities Below are some highlights of my activities for the Month: • Personnel: I continue to support employees and retirees with benefit administration, employment, and civil services functions. Summer employment is ramping up,and I expect to be very busy with hiring activities over the next month for summer camp and YEP program employees. • Finance Committee: The Finance Committee met on June 1 st,primarily reviewing the materials for the updated capital equipment plan and preliminary budget planning. Meeting notes have been posted in the SharePoint portal and accompany this report. • Budget Modifications: I will be presenting a few budget modifications for the Boards review and approval at the June 9'meeting. They will be distributed to the Board once the impact of the June abstract has been factored in. • Capital Equipment Plan: I have worked with Scott and Lori to update the capital equipment plan. We plan to present this plan to the Board at the June 9t'meeting. • 2027 Budget Planning: I have begun work on budget planning tasks for 2027. 1 have developed a draft budget calendar for Board review at the June 9'meeting. 2 Roxanne Marino 4124 Reynolds Road June 9, 2026 TB meeting , Good evening, &A I want to speak to the New Business item on tonight's agenda, "2026 Smart Growth Comprehensive Planning Program Grant Application for Zoning Code Update"and the accompanying resolution to authorize a contract with MRB Group. Therein, it is clearly laid out that"It is the primary goal of the updated Comprehensive Plan to revise the Town's Zoning and Development Ordinances and Zoning map to align with the Comprehensive Plan's land use and development recommendations." The public has been commenting on aspects of the draft plan, and in particular concerns with aspects of the Future Land Use Map and chapter for months, both to the CPSC and more recently at the Town Board's public hearings on May 1 211 and 26th, and were at times assured that a zoning update is a way off and that a detailed housing study will be the first priority. But the request for a proposal from MRB to assist with a grant application to conduct a Zoning update was made in May,just as the Board was beginning discussions of the draft received from the CPSC and the process to solicit input from the public, the County, and Ag& Markets. Tompkins County is currently updating their Housing Strategythis year, and it would seem a logical and cost-effective collaborative opportunity for the Town to begin our housing needs study first, as a key component to inform a townwide Zoning Update. It is difficult to see why the rush to apply for this grant right now to begin work on changing the - Zoning next year,when there is much still to consider with regard to the environmental impacts of the current draft Plan,the costs for building housing and infrastructure arebigh and unpredictable, and the Town has several other large grant projects with State funding in the works already, and limited staff time for supporting more. Perhaps if we are going to apply for ogrrantt in this CFA cycle, we could look at opportunities in 003 0.$rnx) 'e - P J _ the CSC program for example to develop a climate vulnerability assessment and flood risk reduction plan.This is an action item in the draft Plan that would directly help inform areas of highest risk where denser development should be minimized and where natural resource protection should be prioritized as a mitigation strategy. I respectfully urge the Board to not go forward with this authorization for MRB to prepare a grant for a zoning update based on the draft 2025-2045 Plan,which will need to be adopted by early September to qualify for consideration of funding,for the above stated reasons. A process that takes the time to build an information base and public consensus on the smartest and best fit growth strategy for our Town honors and strengthens our community, our environment, and our future.