HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes of the Board Meeting November 9, 2009.pdf
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Minutes of the Board of Trustees November 9, 2009
Village of Cayuga Heights
Meeting of the Board of Trustees
Present: Mayor Gilmore, Trustees Andolina, Bors, Donner, Riesman, Supron and
Szekely, Supt. Cross, Ass’t Supt. Frisbie, Chief Boyce, Treasurer Silber, Clerk Manning
Absent: Fire Supt. Tamborelle
Others: Sarah Hatcher, Mindy Mindlin, Lee Donner, James LaVeck, Eric Huang
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Mayor Gilmore called the meeting of the Board to order at 12:05 pm.
The minutes of October 13, 2009 were presented for approval.
Motion by Trustee Szekely
Seconded by Trustee Riesman
Move to approve the minutes of October 13, 2009.
Mayor Gilmore, Trustees Andolina, Bors, Donner, Riesman, Supron, and Szekely
Voted YES.
Report of the Supt. of Public Works – Supt. Cross had quite a few items to discuss so
the Mayor asked the Board to allow him to speak first.
Phosphorous Treatment Project - Supt. Cross reported that the phosphorous treatment
project is coming to a close. New additional costs have come in at the amount of
approximately $53,348.43. Supt. Cross has asked to have that number reviewed. He plans
to have a new number soon; however, the Village is still within 5-10% of the contingency
with the project.
Ferric Chloride spill at the Wastewater Treatment Plant – Supt. Cross reviewed what
happened regarding the ferric chloride spill, reminding the trustees that a plumbing
contractor working on the phosphorous treatment project stepped on a pipe spilling ferric
chloride on the floor. They are looking for reimbursement for paying for the cleanup along
with the payment of a tank rental ($1928) that was used while the ferric chloride was being
cleaned. There was discussion among the trustees regarding who was liable or what was at
fault. Attorney Marcus suggested that the Village should probably pay the charges
because if we decided to fight the issue, it would most likely cost more in attorneys fees
than the actual charges of the bill. A suggestion was made to offer a resolution authorizing
the settlement of $4889 to King & King for cleanup of ferric chloride at the WWTP which
would be contingent upon King & King supplying the Village with a release. It was
decided to add the $1928 for tank rental to a future abstract. It was then further decided to
table any decisions until the November 16 Board meeting.
Contract renewal on drug and alcohol testing - The contract that the Village has with the
County for alcohol and drug testing DPW employees is up for renewal. Supt. Cross
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offered that the Village renew the contract as it has been working very well for the past 15
years.
Motion by Trustee Bors
Seconded by Trustee Donner
Pass resolution 6572 authorizing the Mayor to sign the renewal contract for Drug and
Alcohol Testing Program Policy with Tompkins County.
Mayor Gilmore, Trustees Andolina, Bors, Donner, Riesman, Supron, and Szekely
Voted YES.
Settlement of claim by Mr. Bellisario on sewer main backup – Mr. Bellisario’s house at
1015 Triphammer had minor sewer backup flooding. The homeowner incurred an expense
of $622.95. The homeowner went to his insurance company and was informed that he
didn’t have coverage. Mr. Bellisario has asked the Village for payment. Treasurer Silber
said that for this amount of payment, it is ok to pay based on an approval by Attorney
Marcus and a hold harmless agreement signed by Mr. Bellisario.
Motion by Mayor Gilmore
Seconded by Trustee Szekely
Pass resolution 6573 approving payment of $622.95 to Mr. Bellisario subject to
approval by Attorney Marcus and a hold harmless agreement signed by Mr.
Bellisario.
Mayor Gilmore, Trustees Andolina, Bors, Donner, Riesman, Supron, and Szekely
Voted YES.
The water main project is complete. Trees were removed on the site on Hanshaw Road
owned by Kendal where some of the work was done. After discussion with Kendal, it was
agreed that the Village would purchase 10 trees and Kendal would purchase 10 trees. Our
contractor (Chicago Construction) planted all 20 trees. An approval for a change order for
$3070 is needed to cover the cost to Chicago Construction.
Motion by Trustee Supron
Motion by Trustee Donner
Pass resolution 6574 approving change order of $3070 to Chicago Construction to
cover the cost of purchasing 10 trees and planting 20 on Kendal’s property on
Hanshaw Road.
Mayor Gilmore, Trustees Andolina, Bors, Donner, Riesman, Supron, and Szekely
Voted YES.
Treasurer Silber stated that the Village should have had a formal agreement in place with
Kendal before we used their land during this construction period. The Village needs to
have an agreement in the future for us to make this a legal use of funds. Trustee Szekely
stated that the Village also uses Kendal land on N. Triphammer Road, who that should also
be included in the agreement. Treasurer Silber will help draft the agreement with Kendall.
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Report of the Treasurer – Treasurer Silber noted that the auditors (CDLM) are presently
doing an audit of the Village. He then presented an overview of the upcoming budget
process. The worksheets will go out to the department heads in January for return to the
treasurer at the end of February. The tentative budget will be presented in March. The
trustees would like to look closer this year at the department head budgets.
The Abstract of Vouchers was presented for approval. Various questions by the trustees
were answered by the treasurer.
Motion by Trustee Bors
Seconded by Trustee Donner
Move to pass Resolution 6578 approving Abstract of Audited Vouchers dated
11/09/09.
Mayor Gilmore, Trustees Andolina, Bors, Donner, Riesman, Supron and Szekely
voted YES.
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Report of the Clerk – Clerk Manning presented the list of unpaid taxes to be sent to the
County for relevy for the trustees to approve.
The Cayuga Heights representative to the Tompkins County Youth Services board will be
vacant at the end of this year.
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Report of the Assistant Supt. of Public Works – Ass’t. Supt. Frisbie touched base on
smaller projects that the DPW is working on in getting ready for winter. The TCAT bus
shelter is on hold till some logistical issues are straightened out.
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Report of the Police Chief - Report is on file. There were no questions.
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Report of the Mayor - The Mayor reported on the successful Public Hearing on deer
remediation on October 28. The Board got a good start on the SEQR at its meeting on
November 3 and will meet again to continue the SEQR process on November 24. The
Mayor would like any board members who were assigned duties to email the information
to Clerk Manning and Attorney Marcus.
Update on 825 Hanshaw Road – the Mayor would like the repairs made to make the
property look better. He would like the repairs done asap on a time and materials basis.
Trustee Szekely asked about a line item in the budget for repairs on the house. Treasurer
Silber said that we do have a line item of approximately $5000 which goes mainly to
utilities. The Mayor reiterated that he wants to find the money in the budget to repair the
house. Trustee Andolina asked if a contractor has been authorized to perform the work.
He has not, but has been asked to do time and materials repairs. Treasurer Silber said that
if the nature of the work is essential, then we should move ahead with it. Trustee Supron
suggested that the Mayor bring back the estimate of the work to be done to the Board.
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Supt. Cross said that considering that the nature of the repairs are of a safety issue, he is
requesting that the treasurer transfer money into the line item on 824 Hanshaw Road.
Trustee Riesman agreed with Trustee Supron that Supt. Cross figure out the cost and bring
it back to the board at the next meeting.
The Mayor stated that regarding the TCCOG Health Plan, major plans are in place for
2010 and the ancillary plans are still being negotiated.
The PBA grievance meeting is scheduled for Friday, November 13.
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Trustee Privilege of the Floor – The Newman papers will be discussed further at the
meeting on November 16.
Trustee Szekely requested that the Board discuss a memorial policy at the meeting on
November 16.
Motion by Trustee Donner
Seconded by Trustee Bors
Move to adjourn the meeting at 1:40 pm.
Mayor Gilmore, Trustees Andolina, Bors, Donner, Riesman, Supron and Szekely
voted YES.