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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-10-12 1 Town Board Minutes October 12 , 1998 TOWN OF DANBY TOWN BOARD MINUTES OCTOBER 12 , 1998 7: 00 p.m. REGULAR MEETING PRESENT : Supervisor Kenneth Horst Councilpersons : Joel Gagnon, Edward Inman, Howard Steiner, Naomi Strichartz Others Present : Carol W. Sczepanski - Town Clerk Susan Beeners - Code Enforcement Officer Members of the Public : Judy VanDermark, Dawn Parks, Mary Oltz, Esther Dotson, Marjorie Catlin, Jerry Catlin, Edw. M . Roberts, Linda Howe, Pat Woodworth, Margaret Shepard, Ted Jones, Roger Hile, Robert Roe , Bill Farrell, Mary Lou Hardesty, Willard and Dorothy Daetsch Supervisor Horst called meeting was called to order at 7 : 03 p . m. and led all present to the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA : 1 ) Clearing up of property next to the Town Hall Building PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: Councilperson Inman reported that he was concerned about a publication in the Ithaca Journal related to the Town Tentative Budget. The tentative budget was presented to the Town Board to prepare for the Preliminary Budget. He felt that the article was out of line . Supervisor Horst reported that he submitted a Tentative Budget based on department and committee requests . When the budget was presented he explained to the Board that this budget contained department and committee requests for 1999 and he felt that the Board should see what the requests for funding were for the Town. The process includes workshop meetings with each department for the entire Board to work through and revise to an acceptable document . Councilperson Steiner reported read into the record -- "The October 10 issue of the Ithaca Journal reporter Lauren Bishop quotes Councilperson Naomi Strichartz explaining the 1999 budget as "very tight this year-spending was down 4 . 4% in 1998 from 1997-and next years may include small cost of living increases ' . This statement is completely inaccurate and misleading . Danby budget spending in 1998 was increased in 1997 by 1 . 07% in the GENERAL, HIGHWAY and WEST DANBY WATER DISTRICT as an average . This in my opinion is not a tight budget but a realistic budget based on the Consumer Price Index which was very near the 1 . 7% number. FIRE DISTRICT spending, which is totally controlled by the Fire Commissioners and the Town merely levies the tax for the District, was down and the result was a Town wide Tax increase in 1998 over 1997 of less than one percent". The State Law requires that the Supervisor ' s submit to the Town Board the Tentative Budget for the next year. His expectation was that the Supervisor review the requests, and submit what he felt was a realistic budget for the Town for 1999 . Councilperson Gagnon said that he would like to make it clear that he did not go to the press , the press called and asked some questions and he was more than happy to respond. It is not unexpected when the Journal has reported what the supervisor' s all over the County are proposing for their Town budgets . Councilperson Strichartz said that she thinks that this is a preferable way of doing the budget. It is going to allow more input from the public and we will get a good idea of what is important and what is not. We have is a listing of what everyone has asked for and not just the notions of the Supervisor 2 Town Board Minutes October 12 , 1998 but all together as a Committee of the Whole to determine the budget along with the public . Carol Sczepanski reported that this is the first time in her nine years as Town Clerk that the Ithaca Journal has requested a copy of the Tentative Budget. Copies of the Preliminary Budget have been requested after legal advertisement has been made and that it has been filed in her office . Councilperson Steiner said that the residents of Danby recognize that this Board is proposing to increase taxes by 12% . If we do not make changes in that proposed budget and act on it, by November 20 , 1998 it becomes the Final Budget . Supervisor Horst said that workshops will be scheduled and there are many steps in the budget process . Nothing in the Supervisor' s Tentative Budget is final at this time . County Representative ' s Report Town Clerk Carol Sczepanski reported that Representative Proto is unable to attend the meeting but requested that she report on the following : 1 ) STAR Applications -- reminder to residents to return their STAR Applications to Tompkins County Division of Assessment as soon as possible and not to wait until the last minute . Second notices will be mailed soon . If you do not file your application you will not be automatically included in the program . Returns of the applications are slow at this time . 2) County Budget -- there was a split vote at the last budget meeting regarding approximately $56,000 for wage increases to fill the wage gap for some agency employees . Representative Proto would like to know from the taxpayers how they feel about tax dollars paying for increased wages . Members of the Public : Esther Dotson - 246 Updike Road -- responded to articles in the Ithaca Journal regarding the Town of Danby Budget and proposed increase in taxes . She stated she is concerned with correcting the misinformation about the document that was given to the Town Board members last week and asked for a motion of censure . A copy of her statement was filed as a Town Board communication. Mary Oltz - 1873 Danby Road - has received an estimate from Chris Gartlien for removal of the damaged trees on the south side of the Town Hall . The estimate is $ 875 . 00 to cut the marked trees and clear the property. She is willing to contact Mr. Gartlien with the Board ' s decision if his estimate is acceptable . Willard Daetsch - 1344 Danby Road - is a member of the Office of the Aging in Tompkins County and reminded the public that on Monday, October 19 , 1998 there will be an open hearing on their budget for the coming year at 10 : 00 a. m . in the Human Services Building on West State Street Linda Howe - 231 Jersey Hill Road - responded to the Tentative Budget 1999 and reported on the process of preparing the budget and how the unexpended balance is calculated and applied to balance the proposed budget . Judy VanDermark - 1432 Danby Road - reported that parents of children attending the child care program that there needs to be better communication of information on programs in the Town. Pat Woodworth -- 305 Gunderman Road - thinks that the increase in the proposed budget for 1999 is far less that the proposed County budget . Margaret Shepard -- 441 Comfort Road - - said that the budget process still has a long way to go . Roger Hile - Traver Road -- reported that Traver Road needs a lot of work and it is full of pot holes and he cannot see where the Highway Department has done work on any roads this summer. He asked if the van was something new. Edward M. Roberts - 47 Bald Hill Road - was not very happy when he read the proposed tax 3 Town Board Minutes • October 12 , 1998 increase was 12% but does agree with the process of developing a budget. Senior Citizens are on fixed incomes and cannot afford that kind of an increase . Dawn Parks - 142 West Miller Road - said she is better informed because she attends meetings and is disappointed of what happens when people have had a chance to speak. It seems that it is bashing each other and would like to see people work together. Ames Brown - 1840 Danby Road - addressed the Board on many issues . He would like to see something happen at Jennings Pond and Wilbur' s Saw Mill . He is concerned about the condition and the placement of the American Flag on the Town Hall Building and would like to see it replaced . Edward M . Roberts reported that the flag is placed high on the building to avoid theft . Susan Beeners - Code Enforcement Officer reported that residents have asked why the lights have not been installed in the back parking lot at the Town Hall . Councilperson Inman reported that installation of the lights has been approved and is scheduled to be completed before November 3 , 1998 . Councilperson Steiner responded to Esther Dotson ' s communication to the Board and it is his understanding that she is concerned about how the Journal publications were handled. He said that the Tentative Budget is the document with which the Board must work with. His "Letter to the Editor", was intended to bring the Tentative Budget to the attention of the residents . It is a matter of public record . COMMUNICATIONS : Mr . Ames Brown of 1840 Danby Road requested materials from the New York State Parks Commission and that they were mailed to a Town Board Member . A fee was requested along with the materials. It was necessary to return the material as payment was not approved by the Town. Mr. Brown presented a Money Order to cover the cost for copies of materials he requests to be mailed to the town for the Town of Danby and it was left on the Board table . He submitted a letter addressed to the Town Board regarding fees for "Freedom of Information", and costs dated October 10 , 1998 and it was read by Councilperson Steiner. Councilperson Steiner stated that he would hold in his possession the Money Order for $ 50 . 00 for payment of copies from the New York State Parks Department requested by Mr. Ames Brown to be sent to the Town of Danby. REPORTS : EMC - Robert Roe reported that at the last meeting the council reviewed items that were addressed last year and the setting up of committees for the coming year . The two (2) major issues to be addressed will be the Cornell Radiation Dump site and the SEQR for the Southwest Park Proposal . Bob said that he would like to continue to serve on the Land Use Committee if approved by the Board . The Board asked Robert Roe to continue on the Land Use Committee as the representative from Danby . Highway Department - September 1998 report received . Senior Citizens - Edw. M. Roberts reported that 30-40 seniors attended the October meeting . The Danby Seniors will celebrate their 30 year anniversary in November with a special luncheon dinner. Ed Roberts will continue as president of the Danby Senior Citizens for 1999 . Code Enforcement Office - September 1998 report received . Susan Beeners reported that when her office routinely issues house numbers for new housing units and occasionally must re-number houses so �hr they number many houses on Nelson 911 and there are other emergency purposes . It will be necessary oe tl 955 4 Town Board Minutes October 12, 1998 many out of sequence . Susan reported that the Revitalization Task Force has completed the Draft Danby Hamlet Revitalization Plan and it will be forwarded to the Town Board for review. Planning Board Robert Road reported that the Planning Board has proposed a joint meeting of the Planning Board and the Town Board to hear the preliminary report of the Danby Survey for Monday, October 26 , 1998 at 5 : 30 P .M. OLD BUSINESS : SPCA Contract - Councilperson Steiner reported that he has contacted John Spence, Director of the SPCA and discussed the timeliness of response to complaints from Danby residents . A response from the SPCA will be sent to the Town Clerk in writing that will include some recommendations and procedures that we can follow to help with referrals and communications with the residents . NEW BUSINESS : Budget Workshop Dates Set Supervisor Horst reported that must be set for Budget Workshops of the Town Board : A motion was made by Councilperson Inman and seconded by Councilperson Strichartz to set the following dates for Budget Workshops of the Town Board for the Fiscal Year 1999 Town of Danby Budget : • October 14 , 1998 - 7 : 00 P .M . -- review of the Highway Budget October 19, 1998 - 5 : 00 P .M . -- review of Community Council and Town Court Budgets October 21 , 1998 - 7 : 00 P .M. -- review of Code Enforcement, West Danby Water District and Town Clerk October 28 , 1998 - 7 : 00 P . M . - review of the total General Fund Budget A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows : Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Horst Aye Carried Unanimously The Town Board requested that the Town Clerk notify the Ithaca Journal of the budget workshop meetings . Motion to Set Public Hearing Date for Preliminary Budget : A motion was made by Councilperson Gagnon and seconded by Councilperson Inman to hold a public hearing date to hear the public on the Town of Danby Preliminary Budget for Fiscal Year 1999 for Wednesday, November 4 , 1998 at 7 : 00 P . M . A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows : Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Horst Aye Carried Unanimously Motion to Hold a Special Meeting of the Town Board A motion was made by Councilperson Gagnon and seconded by Councilperson Inman to hold a Special Town Board Meeting following a meeting of the Planning Board and Town Board on Monday, October 26, 1998 at 5 : 00 P . M . regarding the Revitalization Task Force Proposed Danby Hamlet Strategic Plan . g 5 6 5 Town Board Minutes October 12 , 1998 A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows : Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Horst Aye Carried Unanimously RESOLUTION NO 55 OF 1998 TRANSFER OF HIGHWAY FUNDS By Councilperson Gagnon: Seconded by Councilperson Steiner WHEREAS, the Highway Superintendent has requested that the Town Board transfer $ 32 ,000 of the existing FEMA funds to cover expenditures incurred for flood damage repair and $ 18 , 000 expended for equipment repair, now be it RESOLVED, that the Town of Danby Town Board transfer $27 ,000 from FEMA Account DA885 to Highway Account DA5110 . 4 and $ 18 ,000 from Highway Account DA5130 .2 to DA5130 . 4 . A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows : Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Horst Aye Carried Unanimously RESOLUTION NO . 56 of 1998 CHANGING NAME OF NORTH-SOUTH ROAD PRESENTLY KNOWN AS JOHN HILL HOWLAND ROAD TO BRENDA LEE LANE By Councilperson Gagnon: Seconded by Inman WHEREAS , John Jones, owner of Town of Danby Tax parcel No . 28 . - 1 -6 . 5 , has asked that the north-south road on which he resides , which road is known as John Hill or John Hill Howland Road, be changed for safety and mail delivery reasons to Brenda Lee Lane, and WHEREAS, the acceptability of said road name change has been confirmed by the Code Enforcement office, the Highway Superintendent, and the Tompkins County Emergency Services Coordinator; now, therefore, it is RESOLVED, that the Town of Danby Town Board hereby changes the name of the north-south road presently known as John Hill or John Hill Howland road to Brenda Lee Lane , beginning at its intersection with Peter Road and running southerly to its intersection with John Hill Howland Road, and it is FURTHER RESOLVED, that John Hill Howland Road is the name of the east-west road running easterly to a point 606 feet east of Brenda Lee Lane . A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows : Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Horst Aye Carried Unanimously Public Hearing Date - Proposed Local Law - Adult Entertainment Facilities Businesses 1 a 957 6 Town Board Minutes October 12 , 1998 A motion was made by Councilperson Gagnon and seconded by Councilperson Strichartz to schedule a public hearing for Monday, November 9, 1998 at 7 : 00 p . m . for the proposed local law for Adult Entertainment Facilities Businesses . A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows : Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Horst Aye Carried Unanimously Jennings Pond Options Naomi Strichartz reported that there was a committee meeting of the Jennings Pond Committee and fourteen persons attended. Many options for improvements and maintenance were discussed by the committee. It is not known at this time how the program will be directed and if matching funds will be available . It would be helpful to the committee if records can be obtained on numbers of persons who made use of the pond . Community Council President Judy VanDermark reported to the committee that Community Council voted to enter into partnership between the Town and Community Council for Community Council to run the program as economically as possible . Supervisor Horst said that the Board has not entered into a contract or partnership with Community Council for the running of the Jennings Pond program . He will consult with the Town Attorney regarding insurance liabilities should the Jennings Pond Program be contracted to Community Council . Councilperson Inman said that the Town should also check with other municipalities to see how they run their youth programs . Revitalization Task Force Susan Beeners reported on behalf of the Revitalization Task Force she is composing a letter to Mr. Clancy, Director of the funds, Senator J . Randy Kuhl and Assemblyman Martin Luster asking for any assistance that they could give in various physical improvements to the pond . The letter will include pending applications for improvements to the pond. Approval of Clearing of Town Hall Property A motion was made by Councilperson Inman and seconded by Councilperson Gagnon that the Town of Danby Town Board hire Chris Gartlein to cut down the marked trees and clear the brush on the Town Hall property for the sum of $ 875 . 00, authorize Mary Oltz to contact Mr. Gartlein with the Board ' s decision. The cut trees and limbs may be removed by Councilperson Gagnon within thirty (30) days after they are cut if it does not affect the cost for removal . A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows : Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Horst Aye Carried Unanimously Comi Telecommunication Agreement Proposal Supervisor Horst reported that the proposed Comi Telecommunication Agreement has been forwarded to the Town Attorney for review and a response has not been received at this time . Motion to Pay Fees for Conference Expense A motion was made by Councilperson Gagnon and seconded by Councilperson Strichartz to authorize the reimbursement for conference expense for Ted Jones and that the expense be charged 5 5 8 7 Town Board Minutes October 12, 1998 to the A1010 . 400 account. A vote on the motion resulted as follows . Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Carried Unanimously Horst Aye APPROVAL OF MINUTES Correction to Au • ust 10 1998 Town Board Minutes Page 7 - change statement to Sponsor or the Town (75 %) and a Sponsor/Town A ' s royal of Au ust 10 1998 Town Board Minutes A motion was made by Councilperson Steiner and seconded by Councilperson Inman to approve the August 10 , 1998 Town Board Minutes as corrected. A vote on the motion resulted as follows . Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Carried Unanimously Horst Aye Motion to Extend the Meetin A motion was made by Councilperson Steiner and seconded by Councilperson Inman at 9 : 00 P .M . to extend the Board Meeting to 9 : 45 P .M . A vote on the motion resulted as follows . Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Carried Unanimously Horst Aye A ' s royal of Su s ervisor' s Sc s tember 1998 Resort A motion was made by Councilperson Inman and seconded by Councilperson Strichartz to approve the supervisor ' s September 1998 Report as submitted . A vote on the motion resulted as follows . Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Carried Unanimously A 1 , royal of the Town Clerk' s Se s temb 1998 Resort p prove A motion was made by Councilperson Gagnon and seconded b y Councilperson Inman to approve the Town Clerk' s September 1998 Report as submitted . • :i; 959 8 Town Board Minutes October 12 , 1998 A vote on the motion resulted as follows . Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Carried Unanimously Horst Aye APPROVAL OF WARRANTS Approval of West Danby Water District Warrant No . 10 of 1998 A motion was made by West Danby Water District Warrant No . 10 of 1998 voucher numbers 34-38 in the amount of $ 8733 . 83 . A vote on the motion resulted as follows . Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Horst Aye Carried Unanimously Approval of General Fund Warrant No. 10 of 1998 A motion was made by Councilperson Gagnon and Seconded by Councilperson Steiner to approve the General Fund Warrant No . 10 of 1998 voucher numbers 365 -403 in the amount of $6 ,354 . 83 . A vote on the motion resulted as follows . Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Horst Aye Carried Unanimously General Fund Voucher Number 401 in the amount of $ 105 ,237 . 00 payable to Bun Truck and Trailer Sales was transferred to and approved for payment from the Highway Capital Reserve Fund . Approval of Voucher No. 401 A motion was made by Councilperson Strichartz and seconded by Councilperson Strichartz to approve payment of Voucher No . 401 in the amount of $ 105 ,237 . 00 . K A vote on the motion resulted as follows . Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Horst Aye Carried Unanimously Approval of the Highway Fund Warrant No. 10 of 1998 A motion was made by Councilperson Strichartz and seconded by Councilperson Inman to approve the Highway Fund Warrant No . 10 of 1998 voucher numbers 165 - 176 in the amount of $ 16 , 513 . 03 . 960 9 Town Board Minutes October 12 , 1998 A vote on the motion resulted as follows . Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Horst Aye Carried Unanimously ADJOURNMENT : On a motion the meeting was adjourned at 9 : 30 P . M . GU; qi min- 10- 12 . 98 Carol W . Sczepan i , own Clerk I