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Minutes of the Organizational Meeting
April 2, 2001
Village of Cayuga Heights
Board of Trustees
Present: Mayor Anderson, Trustees Fleming, Lynn and Kusse. Police Chief Lansing,
Fire Chief Evans, Supt. of PW Cross, Attorney Tyler, Treasurer Silber, Clerk Manning.
Absent: Trustees Dunning and Collyer.
Others: Fred Antil, Phil Wright
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Mayor Anderson opened the Annual Organizational Meeting at 7:40 PM and opened the
meeting to the Privilege of the Floor. Phil Wright asked permission from the Board to
donate a pure bred Dalmatian dog to the Fire Department. He distributed pictures for the
Board to see of the 3-month-old puppy. The Board thanked Mr. Wright for his offer.
The Board will discuss his offer and get back to him.
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Motion by Trustee Lynn, Seconded by Trustee Fleming
VOTED to approve the minutes of March 19, 2001 with a correction of the typo on pg. 1.
Trustees, Fleming, Lynn, Kusse and Antil voted YES.
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Attorney Tyler explained why there was no public meeting on the budget. The notice for
the newspaper didn’t get in in time, so it was necessary to reschedule it.
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Mayor Anderson then gave his report on the following:
- Jeff Cox would like to visit the April meeting of the Environmental Management
Council. His appointment will be held until he makes his final decision to fill the
one-year term.
- The request for sewer services outside the Town of Dryden is still on the table.
- Bolton Point is holding a special meeting on Wednesday, April 4, to discuss the
union contract proposal and Bolton Point’s counter proposal. The regular meeting
of Bolton Point will be on Thursday, April 5.
- The Fire Company has received a letter requesting the use of the Fire Station by
the Boy Scouts. This will be discussed later.
- The Fire Department Annual Banquet is scheduled for April 21 from 5-10 PM at
the Fire Station. Invitations will be forthcoming.
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- FEMA has $100 million to assist paid and volunteer fire departments across the
nation. Applications will be accepted from April 2 to May 2. The money can be
used to hire, train personnel, purchase protective gear, etc.
- A letter was received from Gwen Curtis regarding interviews that she would like
to conduct with the Board of Trustees. The interviews will be kept completely
confidential. The Board will be hearing from Ms. Curtis soon.
- The Mayor received a letter from Tompkins County Board of Reps regarding the
U. S. census results. The Village has heard nothing directly from the Census
Bureau about the change in population.
- A meeting is scheduled for April 10 at 10:00 with Mr. Augst of the Teamsters to
begin negotiations.
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Police Chief Lansing presented his report, which is on file.
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Fire Chief Evans presented his report, which is on file, and commented on the following:
- Regarding fire truck issues – Ladder 231 is down for repairs. It will be
unavailable for approximately one month. The repair cost will be significant.
The truck is almost 10 years old and is due for a refurbishing. All trucks have to
be refurbished every 10 years to comply with OSHA and NFPA standards. It was
determined that this would be a good time to make refurbish the truck, concurrent
with the repair work.
- Engine 202 went down for repair as a result of the “freeze up” when the truck was
housed at Collins’. It is back in service now.
- Chief Evans expressed his concern about not hearing from Pierce regarding the
new truck purchase. His concern is based on the past poor relationship that he has
had with Pierce. Chief Evans expressed this concern at the meeting when we
agreed on the purchase. Treasurer Silber will look into the situation.
- On a personal note, Fire Department elections are being held on Tuesday, April 3.
Chief Evans will be out of town for the elections. He wanted to express his
thanks to the Board for their support over the past year.
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Supt. of PW Cross reported on the following:
- Larry Marshall, former DPW employee, passed away last week. He retired from
the position of Sr. MEO 5 years ago.
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- Supt. Cross reported that he has been attending building code training. There
will be more training in the future. The reason for this training is to learn about
the adoption of a new building code mandated by the state beginning January
2002. Supt. Cross is obligated to take 24 hours of specific training each year but
this is transitional training from the old system to the new system and is over and
above the regular training.
- Supt. Cross reported that the Unified Sewer Group met on 3/16/01 to discuss
various ways to modify to scope of work to be performed by Chazen on the
SEEQRA Report. At this meeting, Supt. Cross distributed copies of a report that
explains one version of how Cayuga Heights could participate in the proposed
partnership.
- On 3/22/01, the Unified Sewer Group met to further discuss the SEQRA services
of Chazen. Additional items were identified to be deleted from the report, and
Chazen will submit a revised quotation.
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Attorney Tyler reported on the following:
- He began by explaining the minimum publication notice requirement by law.
There is a 5-day notice needed for the newspaper for the adoption of a new
budget. There is a 7-day notice needed for the newspaper for the adoption of a
local law.
- Regarding the Town of Dryden sewer contract, the current amendment could push
the contract’s expiration to 2004. The actual expiration date is not known,
depends on variables of the Town’s Bonding. He will examine the contract
further.
- Regarding the Boy Scout request, Attorney Tyler said that we need a policy to
guide us on the use of the new Fire Station. We should also consult with the
Town of Ithaca on the plans of usage of the station meeting facilities. Specifically,
we should wait for general policy to be put together before we address the Boy
Scout issue. The Fire Company should prepare a draft of such a policy, or at least
an outline of one, to submit to the Village Board.
- Attorney Tyler agrees with the Board that we pass on the Dalmatian being
donated to the Fire Station, from humane, as well as potential legal liability
perspectives.
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Treasurer Silber reported on the following:
- The Abstract of Warrants was presented.
Motion by Trustee Fleming, seconded by Trustee Lynn
VOTED to approve the Abstract of Warrants
Trustees Fleming, Kusse, Lynn and Antil voted YES.
- Treasurer Silber stated that at the Public Hearing scheduled for April 12, the
Local Law to adjust sewer rates would be presented and explained.
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- An item that Treasurer Silber needed to report: Each year a vehicle policy list has
to be submitted. The following individuals have Village vehicles for commuting
purposes – Chief Lansing, Mike Zona and Ed Quick.
- Treasurer Silber also wanted to disclose that he works for Cornell University,
which, at times, presents a conflict of interest.
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Clerk Manning had no report.
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Mayor Anderson Appointed D. Wayne Fleming Deputy Mayor for the 2001 Official
Year. Trustee Fleming accepted the appointment.
Resolution 5210 - Appointments
Motion by Trustee Lynn, seconded by Trustee Fleming,
VOTED to approve the following appointments:
Norma R. Manning, Clerk for two official years.
True, Walsh and Miller, Law Firm for one official year.
Brent Cross, Building Commissioner for one official year.
Brent Cross, Engineer for one official year.
Brent Cross, Zoning Officer for one official year.
Walter Lynn, Acting Treasurer for one official year.
David Pimentel, Village Forester for one official year.
Clarence Larkin, Acting Village Justice for one official year.
Kenneth Robinson, ZBA Member for a five-year term to expire in April 2006.
.
Trustees Fleming, Kusse, Lynn and Antil voted YES.
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Resolution 5211 - Official Depositories
Motion by Trustee Fleming, seconded by Trustee Kusse,
VOTED that the Tompkins County Trust Company of Ithaca, NY is designated as the
official depository for the Village funds for the 2002 Fiscal Year. Trustees Fleming,
Kusse, Lynn and Antil voted YES.
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Resolution 5212 - Official Check Signatures
Motion by Trustee Lynn, seconded by Trustee Fleming,
VOTED to authorize the clerk to notify the Tompkins County Trust Company of Ithaca,
NY of the following names to be honored on checks for the 2002 official year, with two
signatures required:
Ronald E. Anderson, Mayor or D. Wayne Fleming, Acting Mayor
Jeffrey Silber, Treasurer or Walter Lynn, Acting Treasurer
Norma R. Manning, Clerk
Trustees Fleming, Kusse, Lynn and Antil voted YES.
.
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Resolution 5213 - Official Newspaper
Motion by Trustee Fleming, seconded by Trustee Kusse
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VOTED to designate the Ithaca Journal the official Newspaper for the 2002 official year.
Trustees Fleming, Kusse, Lynn and Antil voted YES.
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Resolution 5214 - Set Time for Regular Meetings
Motion by Trustee Kusse, seconded by Trustee Fleming,
VOTED that regular meetings of the Board of Trustees for the 2002 official year will be
held on the third Mondays in each month, except the annual Organizational Meeting
which is held on the first Monday in April of each year.
Trustees Fleming, Kusse, Lynn and Antil voted YES
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Resolution 5215 - Set Time for Next Regular Meeting
Motion by Trustee Kusse, seconded by Trustee Lynn,
VOTED to hold the next regular meeting on May 21, 2001.
Trustees Fleming, Kusse, Lynn and Antil voted YES.
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Resolution 5216 - Set Public Hearings for consideration of 2001-2002 Budget and for
consideration of Local Law #1 of 2001 to establish sewer rents.
Motion by Trustee Fleming, seconded by Trustee Kusse,
VOTED to set Public Hearing at 7:00 and Meeting to follow the conclusion of the Public
Hearings.
Trustees Fleming, Kusse, Lynn and Antil voted YES.
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Resolution 5217 - Set special meeting for consideration of 2001-2002 Budget and for
any other business that might come before the Board.
Motion by Trustee Fleming, seconded by Trustee Kusse,
VOTED to set Public Hearing
Trustees Fleming, Kusse, Lynn and Antil voted YES.
This meeting was recessed at 9:20 PM and will be continued at 7:00 PM, Thursday, April
12, 2001 in the Village Hall.
Norma R. Manning
Clerk
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April 12, 2001
Minutes of the Continuation of the
Organizational Meeting which commenced April 2, 2001.
Board of Trustees
Village of Cayuga Heights
Present: Mayor Anderson, Trustees Fleming, Kusse, Lynn, Collyer and Antil, Chief
Lansing, Attorney Tyler, Treasurer Silber, and Clerk Manning.
Absent: Trustee Dunning, Fire Chief Evans, Superintendent of PW Cross.
Mayor Anderson called the meeting to order and then opened the Public Hearing, duly
published and posted, at 7:00 PM to consider the Proposed Budget for the 2001/2002
Fiscal Year and asked Treasurer Silber to present the tentative budget to the board.
Treasurer Silber gave a brief summary of the budget and noted that this budget. There
will be a 2% tax increase, from $5.62/M to $5.74/M, which results in a total levy of
$1,385,703. The sewer rent will be increased to $85/unit for inside rate, and $127.50 for
the outside rate, and the water district charge will be eliminated. The Remington Road
special district assessment will remain at $2.50/foot frontage. Salaries are budgeted to be
increased 3.75% with the exception of the DPW employees who are currently under
contract negotiations. The tentative budgets for each fund areas follows: General Fund:
$2,557,000 - Water Fund: $293,000 - Sewer Fund: $837,000 - Capital Fund $116,200.
There was a brief discussion of the proposed Budget. Trustee Lynn asked if some effort
will be made to inform the public about the increases. Treasurer Silber said that in the
past the Village has been contacted by the Ithaca Journal but we weren’t called this time.
Trustee Lynn requested that the Clerk report on these changes in the upc oming Village
Newsletter. The hearing was closed at 7:30.
Motion by Trustee Fleming, seconded by Trustee Lynn
VOTED to close the Public Hearing at 7:30 PM.
Trustees Fleming, Lynn, Kusse, Collyer and Antil voted YES.
Mayor Anderson opened the continuation of the Organizational Meeting at 7:35 PM and
opened the meeting to the Privilege of the Floor. No one asked to speak.
The Certificate of Nominations for the Fire Department was presented via a statement
presented to the Clerk. There was discussion regarding Bob Day’s appointment as Fire
Chief and the potential for conflict of interest that may arise between this appointment
and his position on the Cayuga Heights Police Department. Attorney Tyler said that
though it may not be the best situation, it is wise for the two departments (Police and
Fire) to be sensitive and alert on this issue, and Police Chief Lansing should encourage
Bob Day to be in one position or another at a time, not both. Trustee Lynn wanted
someone to express to Bob Day the Trustees’ appreciation for taking on this
responsibility of continuing to bring order and stability to the fire department. Also, there
should be an expression of thanks to Willie Evans for all the work he has done over the
past year as Fire Chief. Acting Mayor Fleming will express these sentiments which will
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be written up by the Mayor at the Fire Banquet on April 21. Mayor Anderson will be
unable to attend the Banquet due to a previous commitment.
Resolution 5218 – Designate Fire Department Officers
Motion by Trustee Kusse, seconded by Trustee Lynn
VOTED to approve nominations of the Fire Department as presented on the Certificate of
Nominations given to the Clerk.
Trustees Fleming, Lynn, Kusse, Collyer and Antil voted YES.
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Discussion opened to consider a Resolution to adopt the budget. Treasurer Silber said
that there are two pending salary issues, which will be on hold until the outcome of the
DPW bargaining contract. A question was raised on what will happen to the salaries of
the DPW employees if their negotiations are not finished before the beginning of the
fiscal year. The DPW employees will continue to be paid their normal pay until a
contract is negotiated.
Treasurer Silber reviewed some adopted changes which, when passed, will be set in the
new budget.
Trustee Kusse questioned the street repair budget and whether we have enough money to
maintain the Village roads. Trustee Fleming noted that the Board already agreed that
Highland Road was going to be done this year and next year would be dedicated to
general road repair. Trustee Lynn asked that the Village create a prioritized list of roads
to repair over the years to come. The mayor replied that Supt. Cross has such a list.
Resolution 5219 – Adopt 2001/2002 Budget and Salary and Wage Schedule
Motion by Trustee Fleming, seconded by Trustee Kusse
VOTED to adopt the Budget and appended Salary and Wage Schedule for the Fiscal year
2001/2002.
Trustees Fleming, Lynn, Kusse, Collyer and Antil voted YES.
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Resolution 5220 – Levy and Extend Taxes, Special Assessments and Sewer Rents,
Establish Rates
Motion by Trustee Fleming, seconded by Trustee Kusse,
VOTED that the amount of $1,385,703 be levied upon the taxable real property of the
Village for the 2001/2002 Fiscal Year as real property taxes and to authorize the Clerk to
extend and carry out upon the assessment roll this amount to be charged against each
parcel of real property shown thereon, according to the total levy of $1,385,703.
Also VOTED that the amount of $148,179 be levied upon benefited properties connected
to VCH sewer system for the 2001/2002 Fiscal Year and to authorize the Clerk to extend
and carry our upon the sewer rent assessment roll the amount to be charged against each
benefited property according to the total levy of $148,179.
Also VOTED that the amount of $7,445 be levied upon the benefited properties on
Remington Road for the 2001/2002 fiscal Year as special assessment for road
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improvements and to authorize and direct the Clerk to extend and carry out upon the
assessment roll the amount to be charged against each benefited property on Remington
Road for special assessment for road improvements shown thereon, according to the total
levy of $7,445.
Also VOTED that the amount of $1,064 be levied upon the benefited properties on
Remington Road for the 2001/2002 Fiscal Year as special assessment for water and
sewer service laterals, and to authorize and direct the Clerk to extend and carry out upon
the assessment roll the amount to be charged against each property on Remington Road
for special assessment for water and sewer service laterals shown thereon, according to
the total levy of $1,064.
Also VOTED to establish rates for the 2001/2002 Fiscal Year as follows:
Real Property Tax $ 5.74/M
Sewer Plant Disposal & Maintenance:
1742 Units Inside Village $ 85.00/Unit
132 Units for Cornell Business &
Tech Park (Inside Rate) $ 85.00/Unit
4124 Units Outside Village $ 127.50/Unit
Special Assessment Remington Rd. Imp. $ 2.50/Ft. Front.
Special Assessment Remington Rd. Water
And Sewer Service Laterals $ varies
Trustees Fleming, Kusse, Lynn, Collyer and Antil voted YES.
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Resolution 5221 - Add Delinquent Water Bills to 2001/2002 Tax Roll
Motion by Trustee Fleming, seconded by Trustee Lynn,
VOTED to authorize the Clerk to add to the Village Tax Roll for 2001/2002, the amount
of $6636.08 due for delinquent water use bills for the calendar year, 2000.
Trustees Fleming, Kusse, Lynn, Collyer and Antil voted YES
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Resolution 5222 - Adopt Local Law #1, 2001 - Establish Sewer Rates
Motion by Trustee Fleming, seconded by Trustee Kusse,
VOTED to adopt Local Law #1 of the Year 20010 entitled, "Establish Sewer Rates for
2001/2002 Fiscal Year." Establish sewer rates for the Fiscal Year 2001/2002 fiscal Year
at $85.00 per unit for the Inside Rate and $127.50 per unit for the Outside Rate
Trustees Fleming, Kusse, Lynn, Collyer and Antil voted YES
.
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The Mayor presented his report as follows:
Mayor Anderson received a memo from Paul Tunison of Bolton Point requesting the
Village of Cayuga Heights to adopt a draft resolution that will allow Cornell University
to become a party to the Agreement of Municipal Cooperation.
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Resolution 5223
DRAFT Resolution For
Authorizing submittal of legislation to the New York State Legislature
That would allow Cornell University to become a member of the Commission
And party to the Agreement of Municipal Cooperation
April 5, 2001
WHEREAS, the Commission, on behalf of the Village of Cayuga Heights and the
other four municipal members of the Commission, desires to formulate an Integrated
Water System with the City of Ithaca and Cornell University, and
WHEREAS, the Commission, in conjunction with representatives of the City of
Ithaca and Cornell University, is developing agreements to govern the operations of the
Integrated Water System, and
WHEREAS, the Village of Cayuga Heights and Cornell University desire to have
Cornell University become a member of the Commission and party to the Agreement of
Municipal Cooperation, and
WHEREAS, the Commission was formed when the Village of Cayuga Heights
and the other four member municipalities entered in to the Agreement of Municipal
Cooperation pursuant to the authority contained in Article 5-G of the General Municipal
Law of the State of New York, and
WHEREAS, Article 5-G prohibits a municipality from entering into a joint
venture with a private entity, and
WHEREAS, Cornell University’s water system is owned and operated by its
privately endowed college, and
WHEREAS, Cornell University’s privately endowed college is a private entity,
and
WHEREAS, New York State General Municipal Law must be amended by
legislation to allow the Village of Cayuga Heights and the other four member
municipalities to partner with Cornell University, and
WHEREAS, the Village of Cayuga Heights Board has reviewed a draft of
proposed legislation to thereby amend New York State General Municipal Law, NOW
THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Village of Cayuga Heights Board authorizes the submittal
of legislation, in the spirit of the draft proposed legislation, to the New York State
Legislature to amend New York State General Municipal Law.
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MOVED: Trustee Fleming
SECONDED: Trustee Antil
VOTED to pass Draft Resolution for authorizing submittal of legislation to the New York
State Legislature that would allow Cornell University to become a member of the
Commission and party to the Agreement of Municipal Cooperation.
Mayor Anderson, Trustees Fleming, Collyer and Antil voted YES
Trustees Lynn and Kusse abstained.
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- Mayor Anderson reported that he received a voucher from the Cayuga Lake
Intermunicipal Water Commission for $900. We will pay the voucher after June
1.
- The NFPA is trying to pass a new fire department standard designed to push more
municipalities to hire paid firefighters over volunteer firefighters.
- Mayor Anderson received a phone call from Attorney Susan Brock on behalf of
the Sewer Group regarding a letter that Fernando De Aragón has requested from
the 6 municipalities. Susan said that her positive conversation with the Mayor
was all that Mr. De Aragón needed.
- The Mayor reported that he has received a request from the Pleasant Grove
Association who wants us to take over their road (again). They will have a
proposal for the Board to look at in the near future.
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The Abstract of Warrants was presented.
Motion by Trustee Fleming, seconded by Trustee Kusse
VOTED to approve the Abstract of Warrants
Trustees Fleming, Kusse, Lynn, Collyer and Antil voted YES.
Motion by Trustee Fleming, seconded by Trustee Collyer
VOTED to adjourn the meeting at 9:00.
Trustees Fleming, Kusse, Lynn, Collyer and Antil voted YES.
Norma R. Manning
Clerk