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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.20.2024 Minutes1 VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHT November 20, 2024 Zoom ID # 4118425407 BOARD OF TRUSTEES 7:00 p.m. MONTHLY MEETING Present: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Conway, Hubbell, Rennekamp, Robinson, and Salton; Fire Superintendent Tamborelle, Treasurer Dolch, Police Chief Wright, Superintendent of Public Works Cross; Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Cowder; Village Attorney R. Marcus; Village Clerk Walker. 1. Call to Order: Mayor Woodard calls the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. 2a. Approval of the October 16, 2024 Meeting Minutes (Exhibit 2025-067) Resolution: 9709 BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees approves the October 16, 2024 Board Meeting Minutes as presented. Motion: Trustee Biloski Second: Trustee Conway Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Conway, Hubbell, Rennekamp, Robinson and Salton Nays: none Abstentions: none Motion Carried 2b. Approval of the October 30, 2024 Special Meeting Minutes (Exhibit 2025-068) Resolution: 9710 BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees approves the October 30, 2024 Special Board Meeting Minutes as presented. Motion: Trustee Biloski Second: Trustee Robinson Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Conway, Rennekamp, and Robinson Nays: none Abstentions: Trustee Hubbell, and Salton Motion Carried 3. Report of Fire Superintendent Tamborelle: Submitted Report (Exhibit 2025-069) •Fire Superintendent Tamborelle states that the department was unsuccessful in the air pack grant from N.Y.S. and therefore we have ordered them with budgeted funds. 2 •Fire Superintendent Tamborelle states the new engine truck has been delayed and now is expecting delivery in 2026. •Fire Superintendent Tamborelle states that the Field Training Officer is working out very well. •Fire Superintendent Tamborelle states that a PhD student has presented an idea of a resident recruit class. Currently, the department primarily has college-age volunteers. So sometime in the spring, we are going to create a residential training class of volunteers. •Fire Superintendent Tamborelle states that the flash fire that took place on East Shore Drive was contained very quickly and did not spread close to any houses. Once the dry leaves and sticks burned it died out. All the departments in the County came together and did a wonderful job. •Trustee Salton inquires about Bolton Point continuing to service the fire hydrants in the Village. •Fire Superintendent Tamborelle states that the hydrant maintenance project has not been discussed in a long time, but he will reach out to them next week. •Mayor Woodard states that she received an OSHA phone call to testify in a public meeting. •Fire Superintendent Tamborelle states that OSHA is trying to change the standards for volunteer fire departments. The public meetings are ongoing with no end date. The new standards would put departments out of business. The new standards would require massive upgrades of equipment, and training. •Fire Superintendent Tamborelle states that the county and county fire chiefs are doing the pushback on our behalf. •Trustee Robinson asks for an example of the type of training or new standards that they are looking for. • Fire Superintendent Tamborelle states that all departments must meet the National Fire Officer Standard Level 2. Training for those classes is not even offered in the county let alone the basic fire safety classes. 4. Privilege of the Floor: No members of the public wished to speak. 5. Report of Treasurer Dolch: Submitted Report (Exhibit 2025-070) •Treasurer Dolch states that the October bank-to-book reconciliations are complete. •Treasurer Dolch states that INSERO CPA Firm has completed the annual audit. •Treasurer Dolch states that we have secured our one-million-dollar loan for the WWTP rail system and placed that money in NYCLASS until we need to pay for it. 3 •Treasurer Dolch states that we had two choices of repayment over thirty years. One was the 50% rule, and one was the level debt rule. We consulted with our bond council and the finance team decided that the 50% rule was better for us, because we will save about $300,000 over the life of the loan. •Treasurer Dolch states that at a special meeting on October 30, 2024, the Board authorized the emergency purchase of a new dump truck. This was not budgeted but we should recoup the costs when we sell the old truck plus hopper. There is not enough in Refuse Equipment (A8160.200) to cover this purchase and this account is already over budget. •Treasurer Dolch states that the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees approved and authorized the purchase of a 2007 Sterling Single Axle Dump Truck in the amount not to exceed $30,000 but needs another resolution stating the funding source. . Resolution: 9711 BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approves moving $27,115.62 from Contingency (A1990.400) to Refuse – Equipment (A8160.200) to cover unexpected expenses in this account. Motion: Trustee Robinson Second: Trustee Biloski Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Conway, Hubbell, Rennekamp, Robinson, and Salton Nays: none Abstentions: none •Trustee Salton asked how comfortable we feel with only $43,353.38 left in contingency. •Trustee Robinson states that we will have revenue coming back to the Village from the sale of the truck that we will be selling. Motion Carried Approval of Abstract 6: Resolution: 9712 BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approves Abstract #6 for FYE2025 consisting of TA vouchers 38-47 in the amount of $17,286.20 and Consolidated Fund vouchers 373-466 in the amount of $1,072,956.17 and the Treasurer is instructed to make payments thereon. Motion: Trustee Salton Second: Trustee Rennekamp Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Conway, Hubbell, Rennekamp, and Robinson Nays: none Abstentions: none 4 Motion Carried 6. Report of Mayor Woodard a. WWTP Meeting with the Town & Village of Lansing. •Mayor Woodard states that there was a meeting to discuss their need for more sewer units over the next several years. The Village of Lansing would like over six hundred units, the Town of Lansing 425, and the Town of Ithaca a little over three hundred. •Mayor Woodard states that if we had control of the I&I then our plant could take all this new flow but currently that cannot happen. She states that they discussed four options that we should discuss. One, complete the Remington Road Bypass for $2,000,000. Two, purchase the land next to the plant and expand to increase capacity for around $10,000,000. Three, develop a Town of Ithaca bypass to eliminate us taking any sewage from the Town. This idea is still in its conceptual state. Four, complete the Village-wide I&I study with Duke Inc. for $250,000. •Trustee Salton states that a Town of Ithaca bypass is impossible, the legal process involved would be endless. •Mayor Woodard states that this is the least attractive idea. •B. Cross states that he has seen that the Town of Ithaca has pulled back from the discussion of the development of this bypass. •Mayor Woodard states that the goal of this meeting was to have the Lansing's contribute to the cost of us expanding the plant to take more of their sewage. •Trustee Robinson states that the cheapest one for us would be the Remington Road bypass. •Trustee Hubbell states that the most cost-effective choice would be for the Town of Ithaca to develop a bypass. That would not cost us anything. •Trustee Robinson states that the expansion with the purchase of land would be divided among the three different municipalities. This could be done in two phases, land purchase and then expansion. •Mayor Woodard states that the Town of Ithaca's biggest project is up in the Sapsucker Road area and there is no pipe capacity there now to support that. The result is that the Town might have to pipe to the Village of Lansing. •B. Cross states that for the Town of Ithaca to move forward with this project some type of pipe project is going to happen. •Mayor Woodard states in closing that the "Gang of Six" and "Plant to Plant" agreements are up in the next two years. •Assistant Superintendent of Public Works A. Cowder asks what capacity we have before there is a need to expand. •Mayor Woodard states that our plant is five million gallons a day, and eight million gallons is max. 5 •Assistant Superintendent of Public Works A. Cowder states that we could get Lansing’s to pay for the land and as time goes on and permits are needed, we could build out then. •Clerk Walker states that the fourth idea would be the I&I study. •Mayor Woodard states that yes, this is an area that we have been doing ourselves, but the Duke study would cost $250,000 and would place a meter in every manhole for three months. This approach would definitely provide us with the data showing us where the infiltration is. •Trustee Conway states that the way it was described made it seem like the I&I approach would not get us more capacity, or at least not enough increased capacity to take on what the Lansing’s need. •Trustee Robinson states that we know we have breaks, and this is an ongoing maintenance project. •Mayor Woodard states that it has been discussed that I&I is too hard to find and too expensive to fix and her contentions are that is not true. NYSDEC has been telling us for years that they will not permit the Village to increase capacity unless we have proven we have done all we can to eliminate I&I. •Trustee Salton states that I& I is a good thing to go after but does not believe it will solve all of our problems. Are we going to camera miles of piping to find the leaks? •B. Cross states that most of the manholes average 300 feet apart, some even closer but some are farther. •Trustee Robinson states that this proposal will at least narrow down the unknown I&I issues. b. Gas Powered Lawn Equipment Survey Results: •Mayor Woodard states that she took a look at the 265 survey responses •Mayor Woodard states that we will present the analysis to the Board tomorrow. The results were that Village residents were not in favor of banning gas-powered lawn equipment. •Trustee Robinson states that he observed that the gas-powered blowers make more noise for a shorter period and the electric blowers less noise but run a lot longer because they are less powerful. •Mayor Woodard states that we will table this idea for now and see what happens in the next few years. c. Request from B. Szekely’s to use Marcham Hall: •Mayor Woodard states Village Historian B. Szekely has published her book University Suburb, Founding the Village of Cayuga Heights in Ithaca, New York. •B. Szekely states that she has incorporated the Carl Crandall Compass Rose (who produced the Village maps that hang on the walls in Marcham Hall) on the cover of her book. 6 •B. Szekely states that she inquired to Mayor Woodard and Village Attorney R. Marcus if she could hold a book launch at Marcham Hall. •B. Szekely states that she will direct the market to people through email and the Village Enewsblast announcement. This event will be held sometime in February 2025. •B. Szekely reads Village Attorney R. Marcus' approval email for holding a book launch at Village Hall, and the promotion of the book on the Village website, Village Enewsblast, and Cayuga Heights History Website. •B. Szekely states that she has one more request which is to send an email to the members of the Board, auxiliary Boards, and staff through the Village email system. •Village Attorney R. Marcus states that she can use the Village email list to contact staff and elected officials. Resolution: 9713 BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees authorizes and approves B. Szekely to hold the book launch for University Suburb Founding the Village of Cayuga Heights in Ithaca, New York at Marcham Hall Motion: Trustee Salton Second: Trustee Robinson Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Conway, Hubbell, Rennekamp, Robinson, and Salton Nays: none Abstentions: none Motion Carried d. N.Y.S Aid for Local Government Resolution: •Mayor Woodard states that NYCOM has been lobbying for N.Y.S. to increase the amount of aid given to local governments. There has not been an increase in fifteen years. •Mayor Woodard states that NYCOM was also pushing for funding like this for Wastewater Plants but that did not pass in this year's budget. Resolution: 9714 Whereas, until 2024, cities, villages, and towns had not received an increase in unrestricted state aid (AIM funding) in 15 years, significantly impacting their ability to provide essential services to their residents; and Whereas, after a prolonged period without financial support, local governments finally received an increase of $50 million in unrestricted state aid; and 7 Whereas, local officials express their gratitude for the $50 million increase in unrestricted state aid, recognizing it as a positive step towards addressing long-standing funding challenges; and Whereas, the State has referred to this new aid as Temporary Municipal Assistance, suggesting that such increase may not continue, jeopardizing the sustainability of crucial municipal programs and services; and Whereas, the property tax cap further limits the ability of local governments to properly fund the programs and services their residents need; and Whereas, increased and ongoing state aid for local governments is vital for maintaining infrastructure, public safety, housing, and other municipal services; and Whereas, the challenges of inflation, the increasing costs of labor and supplies, and the end of extraordinary federal aid only accentuate the need for consistent and predictable funding to effectively plan for the future and meet the growing needs of their residents. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Village of Cayuga Heights calls upon the Governor and the State Legislature to commit to continuing the additional $50 million in unrestricted state aid in the 2025-26 State Budget and beyond, and It further resolved that the Village of Cayuga Heights urges state officials to recognize the need for a long-term plan that ensures consistent and predictable increases in financial support for local governments that keep pace with inflation. Motion: Trustee Biloski Second: Trustee Robinson Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Conway, Hubbell, Rennekamp, Robinson, and Salton Nays: none Abstentions: none •Trustee Conway inquires how NYCOM works and whether they are tracking responses from municipalities across the state. •Mayor Woodard states that NYCOM watches the N.Y.S Legislature and lobbies on behalf of cities and villages across the state for funding and other state mandates that are placed on us. •Trustee Conway states that he will always be a little more hesitant since there is a cost and effect, that if we get more money from the state, it is coming from somewhere else, like taxes. Motion Carried 6. Report of the Trustees: a. Village Public Works Committee Update: 8 •Trustee Robinson states that the Cayuga Heights Road Sidewalk is moving forward. •Trustee Robinson states that there are no recent updates on the Cayuga Heights Road Sidewalk Project. •Trustee Robinson states that there were some fines issued under the new Property Maintenance Law. •B. Cross states that we issued a dozen violation letters and two people received fines. •Trustee Robinson states that there was some discussion on the T.G Miller Infrastructure Study, and we are learning that Cornell University may be pulling back on supplying water (City of Ithaca) to the Cornell Heights neighborhood. We are not sure how this will affect us just yet. •Mayor Woodard states that currently, we pay the City of Ithaca their water rates for Village residents who get water from Bolton Point so, if this changes it will be to the benefit of our Village. •Trustee Robinson states that Lead pipe replacement will have to be next fiscal year because we never budgeted for this cost. •Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Cowder states that Bolton Point has supplied a list of qualified contractors for lead remediation if interested. b. Village Wastewater Treatment Plant Committee Update: •Trustee Robinson states that Phase 2.1 trickling filter arms have been repaired, and we are waiting for the parts to complete the work on the rail system. •Trustee Robinson states that the WWTP open house will take place after the paving is done next spring. •Trustee Robinson states that the Village was contacted by the pump manufacturer (from Germany) hoping, that they could do a promotional visit since this was their first pump installation. •Trustee Hubbell states that there will be a program at the Museum of the Earth on December 11, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. about water quality in Central New York. c. Village Administrative and HR Committees Update: •Trustee Biloski states that annual reviews will be wrapped up by Thanksgiving. s. Village Public Safety Committee Update: •Trustee Biloski states that the Village Public Safety Committee met, the department has their new Tasers, and training took place yesterday. •Trustee Biloski states that the new portable radios have arrived and are in use. 8. Report of Superintendent of Public Works Cross: 9 •Village Engineer B. Cross states that A. Cowder, the new Assistant Superintendent of Public Works, started two weeks ago and has been busy starting N.Y.S. Code Training, and we have found that he will be able to assist in the annual fire inspections. •B. Cross states that the Trickling Filter Seal replacement project was completed last week. •B. Cross states that the sludge collection drive project is in the planning and design stage with a goal of completion in early 2025. •B. Cross states that the Walking Safe Cayuga Heights Project is almost closed. We continue to get a lot of positive feedback about that project. 9. Report of Police Chief Wright: Submitted Report (Exhibit 2025-072) •Chief Wright states that all officers have low and no light training at the range on October 21st and 22nd. •Chief Wright states that all the training for the AXON Tasers was completed by the full-time officers. •Chief Wright states that the new patrol car is actually in a bay getting outfitted already. •Chief Wright states that we still have over $20,000 from the D.C.J.S Grant left to spend on equipment. 11. Report of Clerk Walker: Submitted Report (Exhibit 2025-073) •Clerk Walker states that there are two action items for the Board tonight; One is the Re-Levy Resolution for us to send the remainer. 10 RESOLUTION: 9715 WHEREAS, Diligent efforts to collect unpaid taxes by the Village of Cayuga Heights of the Town of Ithaca in the County of Tompkins have been made; and WHEREAS, The Collector of Taxes has certified a list consisting of the taxes remaining unpaid upon the Village Tax Roll; and WHEREAS Pursuant to the Real Property Tax Law of the State of New York Section 1442, an alternative method for collection of delinquent village taxes exists. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Board of Trustees requests the collection of delinquent Village of Cayuga Heights real property tax in the amount of $12,455.80 for five properties with $996.46 in penalties, totaling $13,452.26 to be submitted to Tompkins County. Motion: Trustee Salton Second: Trustee Biloski Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Conway, Hubbell, Rennekamp, Robinson, and Salton Nays: none Abstentions: none Motion Carried •Clerk Walker states that a Village resident has requested relief of the penalties from his water and sewer bill. He states in attachment 2025-074 that he was not receiving his quarterly bills in 2023 and contacted Bolton Point to resolve this issue. Again in 2024, the resident was unaware of bills and now had three quarters of bills with late fees. •Clerk Walker states that he explained to the Village residents that water/sewer bills are the individual's responsibility, and the Village has several notifications in place to remind residents of when they are due. •Mayor Woodard states that she had a discussion with Bolton Point about E-billing since she did not receive her email notification this quarter. It turns out that for some reason Cornell University email accounts are going to spam. •Trustee Hubbell states that this individual has lived in the Village for 11 years. •Trustee Robinson states that we have seen situations like this in the past, we feel bad but cannot justify relief and therefore take no action on this request. 12. Report of Attorney R. Marcus: No report at this time. 13. Executive Session: Resolution: 9716 WHEREAS: The NYS Open Meeting Law §105 prescribes matters for which a public body may conduct an 11 executive session; and, WHEREAS: Upon a majority vote of its total membership, taken in an open meeting under a motion identifying the general area or areas of the subject or subjects to be considered; and, WHEREAS: The conduct an executive session for these enumerated purposes only, provided, however, that no action by formal vote shall be taken to appropriate public money: THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT An Executive Session of the Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees is conducted for subsection and (F) the medical, financial, credit, or employment history of a particular person or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, prometon, demotion, disciple, suspension, dismissal or removal of a particular person or corporation. Motion: Trustee Conway Second: Trustee Robinson Ayes: Mayor Woodard; Trustees: Biloski, Conway, Hubbell, Rennekamp, Robinson, and Salton Nays: none Abstentions: none Motion Carried 14. Adjournment: Mayor Woodard adjourns the meeting at 9:10 p.m.