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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-12-8 minutes.pdf EXHIBIT 2015-068 Minutes VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS Monday, December 8, 2014 Marcham Hall BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor Supron; Trustees: Friend, Hamilton, Robinson, Salton, and Woodard; Chief of Police Steinmetz; Clerk & Treasurer Mangione; Attorney Marcus. Absent: Trustee Crooker and Fire Superintendent Tamborelle; Asst. Superintendent of Public Works Frisbie; Superintendent of Public Works Cross (will join meeting as soon as able) Call to Order: Mayor Supron called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. 1. Approval of Meeting Minutes: November 10, 2014 Resolution # 7539 BE IT RESOLVED THAT: Minutes of the November 10, 2014 Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees Meeting are approved as written in Exhibit FYE2015-060. Motion: Trustee Salton Second: Trustee Woodard Discussion: none Ayes: Trustees Friend, Hamilton, Robinson, Salton, and Woodard Nays: none Abstentions: none Motion carried 2. Report of Fire Superintendent Tamborelle (Exhibit FYE2015-061) The Village Fire Company responded to the severe storm in Buffalo, NY; a crew and equipment was sent to assist. A letter to Cornell requesting financial assistance for the Fire Department is being prepared by Mayor Supron, Fire Superintendent Tamborelle and Clerk & Treasurer Mangione. A draft will be sent to John Gutenberger with the final letter submitted to Joel Malina by the middle of December. A request has been made and granted to be included on the February agenda of the grant committee. Fire Department calls to Cornell property account for an average 6% of the total received per year over the past five years. Fraternities and sororities account for an additional 9%; these properties do pay property tax. It will be requested that Cornell contribute 6% of the department’s annual budget including fire station bond payments. A further request of $50,000 to outfit the anticipated fire truck replacement in 2016 will be made. The last contribution Cornell made to the Village of Cayuga Heights for any purpose was $40,000 donated in 2000 for the construction of the $2.2 million fire station. 3. Report of Asst. Superintendent of Public Works Frisbie No report 4. Privilege of the Floor No speakers 5. Report of the Mayor a. Water Rate Surcharge: A discussion leading to a decision on the Village’s surcharge which is added to the water rent charged by Bolton Point took place. Prior to a significant increase a few ago, the Village surcharge was 100%; to buffer residents from an excessive increase the surcharge was reduced to 79%. The primary point of discussion was whether or not a revenue increase would meaningfully offset future maintenance or upgrades expenses for the Village’s water infrastructure. Resolution # 7540 BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees establishes the Water Surcharge Rate at 79% of the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission (Bolton Point) Water Rent of four dollars and thirty five cents ($4.35) per 10,000 gallons effective January 1, 2015. The surcharge results in a total base rate of $77.87 per 10,000 gallons of water. The sewer rate of $21.50 remains unchanged. Motion: Trustee Woodard Second: Trustee Hamilton Discussion: none Ayes: Trustees Friend, Hamilton, Robinson, and Woodard Nays: Salton Abstentions: none Motion carried b. Declaring Freedom from Domestic Violence as a Human Right: A copy of Tompkins County Adopted Resolution #2014-214 was reviewed. Police Chief Steinmetz brought attention to the discrepancy between the number of calls made to the Advocacy Center of Tompkins County and the average number of criminal domestic violence victims, highlighting the stigma associated with and difficulty of reporting occurrences to police. The Board concurred that it is important and significant to stand against this social ill. Trustee Hamilton will prepare a resolution declaring freedom from domestic violence as a fundamental human right and in support of the initiatives taken by Tompkins County and others. This draft resolution will be distributed ahead of the January 12, 2015 Board of Trustees Meeting. c. Reappointment of Brian Eden: Resolution # 7541 WHEREAS, Representation from the Village of Cayuga Heights on the Tompkins County Environmental Management Council is deemed worthwhile; and WHEREAS, Brian Eden has faithfully represented the Village of Cayuga Heights on the Tompkins County Environmental Management Council; and WHEREAS, Brian Eden lives in the Village of Cayuga Heights and agrees to serve as its representative on the Tompkins County Environmental Management Council, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: Approval is granted to Mayor Supron supporting the reappointment of Brian Eden to the Tompkins County Environmental Management Council representing the Village of Cayuga Heights commencing on January 1, 2014 for a term of two (2) years. Motion: Trustee Hamilton Second: Trustee Robinson Discussion: none Ayes: Trustees Friend, Hamilton, Robinson, Salton, and Woodard Nays: none Abstentions: none Motion carried The Board went on to emphasize that the Village’s stormwater infrastructure needs to be bolstered. d. Zoning Review Committee Update: Three main sections of the code have been completely rewritten; these sections are: residential, multi-family, and commercial. The overriding sections remain; these include but are not limited to: parking, unique natural areas (UNA), stream set-backs, and steep slope protections. Regulations need not be onerous; they are designed to be helpful for property owners and code enforcement. The trend is for more protections to control stormwater flow. e. Holiday Luncheon: The Mayor reminded the group that the get-together is scheduled for Friday the 12th at noon and as in the past it will be held at the Fire Station. It was determined that a moment of silence will replace words of thanksgiving prior to the beginning of the buffet. f. Deer Management Population Monitoring: Cornell University, Department of Natural Resources, has forwarded a contract amounting to $22,723 to begin negotiations for deer population monitoring this year. The project, entitled “Deer Research and Management Plan, Village of Cayuga Heights, New York,” will be under the direction of Professor Paul Curtis. Since negotiations will need to be finalized prior to the next board meeting, the Mayor requests authority to sign the contract once it has been reviewed by Attorney Marcus. Resolution # 7542 BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes Mayor Supron to sign a contract with Cornell University for annual deer population monitoring, not to exceed $22,723 and pending attorney review. Motion: Trustee Woodard Second: Trustee Salton Discussion: none Ayes: Trustees Friend, Hamilton, Robinson, Salton, and Woodard Nays and Abstentions: none Motion carried 6. Report of the Trustees Examples of Emergency Plan Incidence Specific Response pamphlets/flip charts were distributed by Trustee Salton. These charts would be supplied to designated responders. They are not meant to replace a full Emergency Plan but are a quick guide. Trustee Salton expects to receive an editable version of a complete Emergency Plan to use as an example. Trustee Salton reported on the excessive heat in the server room resulting from removal of the asbestos covering. On Friday, December 5th the Sherpa Technologies IT consultant reported that the current heat level can and likely will damage the servers. A temporary solution that afternoon involved wrapping the heat pipes in fiberglass insulation by a Public Works crew. A more secure, permanent solution is planned in the near future. The Department of Public Works internet needs to be updated. DSL through Verizon is currently in place. An upgrade is necessitated by required improved security for the facility at 123 Sheldon Road. An incident of vandalism there took place during the previous week. Trustee Woodard wondered if it is possible to require all employees to use payroll direct deposit. While reviewing the monthly banking reconciliations earlier in the day, it became apparent that it would simplify the process for the Trust and Agency account. The primary saving would be administrative and mayoral time. Superintendent of Public Works Cross joined the meeting. 7. Report of Police Chief Steinmetz (Exhibit FYE2015-065a,b,c) Preparation of the 2014 Police Department Annual Report is in process. It has been a busy year for the department. In response to a Cornell student’s email requesting installation of a Blue Light call box in the Village, the Board reviewed applicable information. Blue Light call boxes are hard wired to a central monitoring system. The Village of Cayuga Heights is connected to the county 911 dispatch center. Nearly every student carries a mobile phone allowing for access to emergency response; Cornell has an app for students to load on their mobile devices. Many communities are moving away from hard-wired emergency call boxes. Trustee Salton will respond to the student and share the discussion results. Officer Brandon Manheim was named Outstanding DWI Officer of the Year (small police agency) and the Village Police Department was honored as Small Agency of the Year by Stop DWI Tompkins County. 8. Report of Superintendent of Public Works Cross NYS DEC Audit of the Village’s Stormwater Management Plan: As set forth in the Village’s Local Law #2 of 2007 for Stormwater Management, Erosion, and Sediment Control, the Village must maintain a Stormwater Management Plan (SMP) consistent with NYS DEC law; most of the audit findings require updates to the existing SMP. Supt. Cross believes that no change to the aforementioned Local Law is required to satisfy the audit’s findings. Attorney Marcus will review this assertion. Supt. Cross has made progress on the revisions. The Stormwater Coalition of Tompkins County released its template dated December 8, 2014 for the same purpose. This template will be incorporated with the SMP and an updated document will be available for review prior to the next meeting of the Board. The audit response is required by the end of January 2015. Asbestos Abatement: Removal is complete. Mayor Supron contacted Industrial Medical Associates in Syracuse to arrange for a presentation to employees on the health risks associated with asbestos exposure. They do not provide advice in this capacity. Supt. Cross and Trustee Salton will contact other experts who may be available for dialog at an all-hands meeting. Marcham Hall Roofing: Repair work to the roof was completed a few weeks prior to the meeting. Superintendent of Public Works Cross left the meeting. 9. Report of Clerk & Treasurer Mangione (Exhibits FYE2015-066a,b) Resolution #7543 WHEREAS, The Village of Cayuga Heights owns an obsolete microfiche reader, and WHEREAS, Image Integrator is willing to purchase said equipment for parts, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: This Board of Trustees approves the sale of one (1) microfiche reader, currently stored in the attic of Marcham Hall for no less than scrap value of $100. Motion: Trustee Robinson Second: Trustee Friend Discussion: none Ayes: Trustees Friend, Hamilton, Robinson, Salton, and Woodard Nays and Abstentions: none Motion carried Resolution # 7544 BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes Treasurer Mangione to make the following revisions to the Fiscal Year Ending May 31, 2015 Adopted Budget: Increase Sewer Administration – Legal (G8110.410) by $449 funded from Sewer Special Items – Contingency (G1990.400) and, Increase Public Safety: Fire Insurance (A3410.430) by $1,694.49 transferred from Public Safety: Fire Utilities (A3410.440). Motion: Trustee Hamilton Second: Trustee Robinson Discussion: none Ayes: Trustees Friend, Hamilton, Robinson, Salton, and Woodard Nays and Abstentions: none Motion carried Non-profit organizations have requested exposure on the Village’s website and/or ability to post signs in front of Marcham Hall. Attorney Marcus advised that the Village cannot devote the property to benefit any organization. It would provide that organization with a measurable benefit that would otherwise be a cost to them, and so would be considered a gift, which is prohibited by the NYS Constitution. Resolution # 7545 BE IT RESOLVED THAT: Abstract #7 for FYE2015 consisting of Trust and Agency vouchers 49 - 57 in the amount of $16,034.34 and Consolidated Fund vouchers 439 - 516 in the amount of $357,222.44 is approved and the Treasurer is instructed to make payments thereon. Motion: Trustee Woodard Second: Trustee Friend Discussion: none Ayes: Trustees Friend, Hamilton, Robinson, Salton, and Woodard Nays and Abstentions: none Motion carried 10. Report of Attorney Marcus At the July 14, 2014 the Board approved (Resolution #7505) the Village of Lansing and Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission (SCLIWC) joint water project to build a water main under Route 13 in the Village’s role as member of the water commission. The project and therefore the contract between the Village of Lansing and SCLIWC have changed somewhat due to engineering modifications and budget concerns. This change necessitates, in the view of the attorney for SCLIWC, the affirmation of continued approval by the member municipalities. Village of Lansing - SCLIWC Route 13 Joint Water Main Project Intermunicipal Agreement Reaffirmation Approval Resolution Resolution # 7546 WHEREAS: A. Whereas, on July 14, 2014, the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees passed Resolutions 7505 and 7506 providing for (i) the adopt ion of its Negative Declaration in conjunction with its independent and uncoordinated environmental review in accordance with Article 8 of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law - the State Environmental Quality Review Act ("SEQR") for a joint water project (the “Joint Project") between the Village of Lansing and the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission ("SCLIWC”); (ii) its authorization for SCLIWC proceeding with the Joint Project; and (iii) its authorization for the completion and execution of an intended intermunicipal use agreement between the Village of Lansing and SCLIWC related thereto, pursuant to which the project expenses are to be set forth and other agreed upon provisions are to be included; and B. Whereas, a proposed Village of Lansing-Southern Cayuga Lake Water Commission & its Member Municipalities-Joint Intermunicipal Water Main Agreement regarding the Joint Project has been provided to the Village of Lansing and to the SCLJWC member municipalities for their respective and collective approvals of the Agreement and authorizations for its execution by the required parties thereto; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS: A. The Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees does hereby reaffirm its approval of the Village of Lansing- Southern Cayuga Lake Water Commission & its Member Municipalities-Joint Intermunicipal Water Main Agreement, a current copy of which has been submitted to the Board; and B. The Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees hereby authorizes the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor or the acting Mayor, as the case may be, to execute such proposed Agreement on behalf of the Village, as a member municipality of the SCLIWC, in substantially the form presented to the Village Board of Trustees, subject to the final approval as to form and content by the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor or the acting Mayor, as the case may be, the Village clerk/Treasurer, and the Attorney for the Village , and to take such further action as may be necessary and appropriate to give full force and effect to this resolution; and C. The Village Board of Trustees hereby authorizes and requests that the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor or the acting Mayor, as the case may be, the Village Clerk/Treasurer, and the Attorney for the Village take such steps as may be necessary, desirable and/or appropriate to effectuate the intent of the foregoing resolutions; and D. Any and all actions heretofore or hereafter taken by the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor or the acting Mayor, as the case may be, the Village Clerk/Treasurer, and the Attorney for the Village within the terms and in conformity with the intent and purpose of the foregoing resolutions hereby are in all respects ratified, confirmed and approved as the proper and authorized acts and deeds of the Village. Motion: Trustee Salton Second: Trustee Woodard Discussion: none Ayes: Trustees Friend, Hamilton, Robinson, Salton, and Woodard Nays and Abstentions: none Motion carried 11. Executive Session Resolution # 7547 BE IT RESOLVED THAT: An Executive Session of the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees is deemed appropriate by virtue of §105 of the NYS Open Meeting Law subsection (f) the medical, financial, credit or employment history of a particular person or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of a particular person or corporation. Motion: Trustee Salton Second: Trustee Robinson Discussion: none Ayes: Trustees Friend, Hamilton, Robinson, Salton, and Woodard Nays and Abstentions: none Motion carried Resolution # 7548 BE IT RESOLVED THAT: An Executive Session of the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees is ended and returned to Open Session. Motion: Trustee Salton Second: Trustee Robinson Discussion: none Ayes: Trustees Friend, Hamilton, Robinson, Salton, and Woodard Nays and Abstentions: none Motion carried 12. Adjournment: Meeting of the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees was adjourned by Mayor Supron at 10:35 p.m.