HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-05-08 1203
1 Town Board Minutes
May 8 , 2000
TOWN OF DANBY
TOWN BOARD MINUTES
MAY 8 , 2000
Regular Meeting
PRESENT :
Supervisor Edward Inman
Councilpersons : Joel Gagnon, Norbert Nolte, Naomi Strichartz, Gladys Varona-Lacey
• Others Present :
Carol Sczepanski - Town Clerk
Susan Beeners - Code Enforcement Officer
Frank Proto - County Representative
Members of the Public :
Bob Roe , Esther Dotson, Jennifer Griffin, Brandon Snow, Ames Brown, Eileen Wright
Supervisor Edward Inman called the meeting to order at 7 : 02 p . m . and led all present to the Pledge
of Allegiance to the American flag.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR :
Supervisor Inman reported that the Trust Company is no longer interested in carrying the remainder
of the Trust for the West Danby Methodist Cemetery in the amount of $ 1 ,416 . 25 . The Town has
been receiving interest from this account but they would like to close this account.
Councilperson Nolte said he would encourage everybody here to keep their messages and comments
brief and concise as we move through the summer out of respect for each other.
Members of the Public :
Ames Brown - 1840 Danby Road - assessments were a big topic at the last board meeting and how
agriculture lands are assessed and that there are rumors that the Board holds additional Board
meetings .
Supervisor Inman reported that there have been many letters and communications from other Towns
including the Town of Caroline and the Town of Danby to the County Assessor regarding how
vacant lands (open farm lands) were assessed under the revaluation of the County properties .
Councilperson Strichartz said that in answer to the rumor the Board voted at a previous meeting to
discuss board business at the agenda meetings as there is not sufficient time to complete all the items
during regular meetings .
Supervisor Inman reported that at the last agenda meeting the Board held a Special Meeting and that
meeting was advertised to set the public hearing dates for two (2) proposed local laws .
• Pat Curran - 10 Slaters Lane - reported on a problem with the construction of an addition to her
home and litigation against the Town that was settled not in her favor. She was concerned about a
construction accident in the Town on West Miller Road .
Eileen Wright - 1342 Danby Road - is concerned about the length of meetings and suggested that
it may be possible to have two (2) meetings per month .
County Representative Report :
County Representative Frank Proto reported on the following items :
1 ) Answers to the questions raised on the proposed County communication system and towers
are being prepared for an information meeting .
2 ) Celebrations Funds and Revitalization Grants are in the review process and Danby has not
applied .
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May 8 , 2000
3 ) Danby and Caroline will receive special recongition at the Regents Commission on Library
Services on behalf of the County .
5 ) Census 2000 - the eneumerators are out and the process is expected to continue through July .
6) Assessment Board of Review will be held here in Danby on Thursday, May 11 from 2 : 00 to 6 : 00
p . m .
7) The County withdrew their membership from the Southerntier Regional Planning Board .
8) He did not approve of the joint jail study and voted against the proposal for combined services .
The proposal passed .
9) The County would like to get bus transporation for persons on low income and support services
to help them get back into the job market.
10) He voted against the solar panels for the County Library
COMMUNICATIONS :
Resignation - Gladys Varona-Lacey as Grant Search/Writer - received 5 /8/00
REPORTS :
EMC Report
Robert Roe reported that at the EMC meeting the following : 1 ) Janet Fox has was appointed for the
position of Cayuga Lake Watershed Network Steward for a five (5 ) year term . 2) The County Board
of Representatives has passed a resolution to authorize negotiations for the purchase for leasing of
the potential 800 MHZ tower cells. 3) The EMC passed a draft resolution to the Tompkins County
Board of Representatives and Cornell University concerning the Radiation Disposal Site . They urged
the County to reconsider a more permanent long term option .
Highway Department Report - April 2000 Report received
The Highway Department will be closed from July 4 through July 10 for a total plant shut down for
vacations .
Planning Board Report :
Robert Roe reported that the Planning Board met on April 19 , 2000 and reviewed a proposal for a
bed and breakfast on West King Road . A public hearing was scheduled for May 17 . There is a
problem with Tompkins County Planning and the Planning Board would like to resume negotiations
for services from the County regarding their services for the comprehensive plan .
Water Resources Council
Due to the restructuring of the Water Resources Council , Carl Crispell will need to re-apply and
submit a new application for the position . A motion for reappointment has been added to the
Agenda.
Recreation Partnership Report
Councilperson Gagnon reported that the group is meeting more frequently to prepare a proposal by
June . They are working on the structure for the membership and the number of representatives from
each municipality .
Senior Citizens Report
Carol Sczepanski reported that the Senior Citizens met on Thursday , May 4 , 2000 at 6 : 00 p . m . for
their monthly meeting. The entertainment was provided by a musical group "The Spoonies" . The
next meeting will be held on June 1 , 2000 at 6 : 00 p . m .
Dog Control Report - March report from the S . P . C . A . - received .
South Lawn of Town Hall Property Report
Supervisor Inman reported that he has contacted five contractors for estimates to put in the lawn on
the south side of the Town Hall Facility . He has received quotes from three contractors and the
prices are withing the $ 1 , 500 . 00 range approved by the Board .
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OLD BUSINESS
Proposed Noise Ordinance - Discussion
Ted Jones reported to the Board that the Noise Ordinance Committee drafted a proposed Noise
Ordinance for the Town of Danby . The proposed ordinance is based on the concerns of citizens and
their problems relating to unreasonable noise . Ordinances from other municipalities have been
reviewed and the committee has attempted to include in their draft most of the concerns of the
Danby residents .
Proposed Zoning Changes
• Susan Beeners reported that suggested zoning changes were transmitted to the Board by an e- mail
communication from Councilperson Gagnon and was sent to the Town Attorney to review . There
has not been a response from the Attorney at this time .
Water Resources Council Recommendation for Appointment
Motion to Reappointment of Carl Crispell to the Water Resources Council
A motion was made by Councilperson Gagnon and seconded by Councilperson Varona-Lacey that
the Town of Danby Town Board recommends the reappoint Carl Crispell of 1152 Coddington Road ,
Ithaca, New York to the New Water Resources Council as a representative from Danby .
A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona-Lacey Aye
Inman Aye Carried Unanimously
RESOLUTION No . 44 OF 2000
TRANSFER OF HIGHWAY ACCOUNT FUNDS
By Councilperson Gagnon : Seconded by Strichartz
WHEREAS , the Town of Danby Highway Department received a rebate in the amount of $ 12 . 01
for the purchase of polaroid film from the manufacturer that was deposited in a revenue account
A2770 , and
WHEREAS , the rebate in the purchase of polaroid film in the amount of $ 12 . 01 was charged to
Account A5010 . 400 , not be it
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes the transfer of $ 12 . 01 from
Revenue Account No . A2770 to Account A5010 . 400 .
A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona-Lacey Aye
Inman Aye Carried Unanimously
RESOLUTION NO . 45 OF 2000
TRANSFER OF HIGHWAY ACCOUNT FUNDS
By Councilperson Gagnon : Seconded by Councilperson Strichartz
WHEREAS , the Town of Danby Highway Department switched telephone services to a Bell
Atlantic Plan B and received a refund of $45 .74 that was deposited in Revenue Account A2770 , and
WHEREAS, the payment to Bell Atlantic Plan B in the amount of $45 . 74 was charged to Highway
Account A5132 . 400 , no be it
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RESOLVED, that the Town of Danby Town Board authorizes the transfer of $ 45 . 74 from Revenue
Account A2770 to Account A5132 . 400 .
A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona-Lacey Aye
Inman Aye Carried Unanimously
RESOLUTION NO . 46 OF 2000
AMENDMENT TO THE YEAR 2000 TOWN OF DANBY BUDGET
By Councilperson Gagnon : Seconded by Councilperson Strichartz
WHEREAS , The West Danby Methodist Cemetery Association conveyed the West Danby
Cemetery and remaining funds in their account to the Town of Danby , and
WHEREAS , the West Danby Methodist Cemetery Association funds were deposited in trust for
Town of Danby Account No . 21 - 309 -700795 , now be it
RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Danby close account No . 21 - 309 -700795 in the
amount of $ 3 , 036 . 42 and amend the Town of Danby Budget of the year 2000 and debit account
A200 in the amount of $ 3 ,036 . 42 and credit Account No . A909 Prior Period Adjustment with
$ 3036 . 42 , and be it further
RESOLVED , that this budget amount of $3 ,036 .42 will increase Account No . A8810 . 400 to be used
for the maintenance of the Town of Danby Cemeteries .
A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona- Lacey Aye
Inman Aye Carried Unanimously
Motion to Authorize Supervisor to Sign Release of Cemetery Funds (File 029312)
A motion was made by Councilperson Strichartz and seconded by Councilperson Gagnon that the
Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes the Supervisor to sign a release from Tompkins
County Trust Company to close Account File 029312 in the amount of $ 1 ,416 . 25 with the funds to
be deposited in the Cemetery Account A8810 . 400 .
A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona-Lacey Aye
Inman Aye Carried Unanimously
RESOLUTION NO . 47 OF 2000
AUTHORIZATION FOR SUPERVISOR TO SIGN OPERATING PERMIT - JENNINGS
POND
By Councilperson Strichartz : Seconded by councilperson Gagnon
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes the Town Supervisor to sign
the Operating Permit for Jennings Pond for the Year 2000 Swim Program .
y7 t l fy l h a 1pypy b n
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A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona- Lacey Aye
Inman Aye Carried Unanimously
Motion to Authorize Town Supervisor to Sign Tompkins County Agreement Contract No.
• Town of Danby 2000
A motion was made by Councilperson Gagnon and seconded by Councilperson Strichartz that the
Town Board of the Town of Danby authorize the Town Supervisor to sign the agreement between
the Town of Danby and Tompkins County Contract No . Town of Danby 2000 from January 1
through December 31 , 2000 to participate in the Tompkins County Youth Services Program .
A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona-Lacey Aye
Inman Aye Carried Unanimously
RESOLUTION NO . 48 OF 2000
RECOMMENDATION TO TOMPKINS COUNTY TO NOT ELIMINATE LOCAL SHARE
OF SALES TAX ON CLOTHING AND SHOES
By Councilperson Gagnon : Seconded by Councilperson Strichartz
RESOLVED , that after deliberation the Town Board of the Town of Danby recommends that
Tompkins County not eliminate the local share of sales tax on clothing and shoes of a value of $ 110
or less commencing March 1 , 2001 .
A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Nay
Strichartz Nay
Varona- Lacey Nay
Inman Nay Defeated
RESOLUTION NO . 49 OF 2000
RECOMMENDATION TO TOMPKINS COUNTY TO ELIMINATE LOCAL SHARE OF
SALES TAX ON CLOTHING AND SHOES
By Councilperson Strichartz : Seconded by Councilperson Nolte
RESOLVED , that after deliberation the Town Board of the Town of Danby recommends that
Tompkins County eliminate the local share of sales tax on clothing and shoes of a value of $ 110 or
• less commencing March 1 , 2001 .
A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows :
Gagnon Nay
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona- Lacey Aye
Inman Aye Carried
RESOLUTION NO . 50 OF 2000
REFERRAL OF PROPOSED LOCAL LAW NO . 3 OF 2000 TO PLANNING BOARD
By Councilperson Strichartz : Seconded by Councilperson Nolte
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RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Danby refer the proposed Local Law No . 3 of
the Year 2000 entitled : " A LOCAL LAW PROVIDING FOR THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF
UNSAFE BUILDINGS AND COLLAPSED STRUCTURES " , to the Planning Board for their
review .
A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona-Lacey Aye
Inman Aye Carried Unanimously
RESOLUTION NO . 51 OF 2000
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PROJECT COUNTY SERVICES
By Councilperson Gagnon : Seconded by Councilperson Nolte
WHEREAS , the Town Board of the Town of Danby on March 13 , 2000 authorized the Town
Supervisor to sign a Contract Agreement Addendum with Tompkins County for the Comprehensive
Plan Project, which Addendum would extend the contract with the County from January 1 , 2000
through August 31 , 2000 , and
WHEREAS , the Tompkins County Department of Planning has indicated the intent not to provide
additional Circuit Rider services to the Town, and
WHEREAS , there is a need for completion of certain map sets by the County for the
Comprehensive Plan , now therefore , it is
RESOLVED , that the Town of Danby Supervisor is authorized to renegotiate a contract with
Tompkins county for the completion of certain map sets as recommended by the Planning Board ,
and for technical assistance in transfer of the involved County Geographic Information System to
the Town .
A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona- Lacey Aye
Inman Aye Carried Unanimously
RESOLUTION NO . 52 OF 2000
APPROVAL OF CORNELL COOPERATIVE SUMMER INTERNSHIP FOR
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING PROJECT
By Councilperson Gagnon : Seconded by Councilperson Strichartz
RESOLVED , that the town Board of the Town of Danby hereby authorizes the Town Supervisor
to apply for and to execute an agreement with Cornell University for the retention of a Qualified
summer intern under the Cornell cooperative Summer Internship , to assist the Planning Board in
completion of the draft Comprehensive Plan , with the source of Town funding , in the amount of
$ 1 ,250 . 00 to be paid from Account A8020 . 401 , Comprehensive Plan Project .
A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona-Lacey Aye
Inman Aye Carried Unanimously
Supervisor Inman asked if the Planning Board had reviewed the agreement .
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May 8 , 2000
The Code Enforcement Officer reported that the Planning Board had not reviewed the agreement but
she had discussed it with the Planning Board Chair .
Use of Town Hall Building Discussion
A draft policy for the use of the Town Hall Facilities was presented by Councilperson Gagnon and
he asked the Board for some sort of feedback from the Board . He said that there are some issues
such as charges for use , clean up costs , deposits , and insurance certificates if other than municipal
activities are allowed that need to be addressed .
One of the changes in the draft was in response to a suggestion from Pat Woodworth that requests
for use of the building by Community Council not have to go through the Town Board .
The Town Clerk reported that she does not want to be responsible for establishing fees that have not
been set by the Board and making a decision for when a security deposit may be required .
Councilperson Varona-Lacey said that she thought the Board had agreed that the Town Hall would
only be open to Town sponsored activities .
Councilperson Nolte said that we need to do what is needed for the Clerk to implement a facilities
use policy .
Councilperson Strichartz would like to contact the Association of Towns before deciding on items
that the Town Hall Facilities Use Policy should contain .
RESOLUTION NO . 53 OF 2000
AUTHORIZATION FOR SUPERVISOR TO SIGN A CONTRACT FOR A DOG
ENUMERATION
By Councilperson Nolte : Seconded by councilperson Strichartz
WHEREAS , the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets recommends that the
Town Clerk conduct a dog enumeration every two years, now be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes the Town Supervisor to sign
contract for a dog enumeration for the Town of Danby , and be it further
RESOLVED , that the Town agrees to pay the enumerator a fee of $ 1 . 30 for each dog and mileage
in the amount of $ . 32 . 5 ( 32 . 5 cents) per mile .
A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona-Lacey Aye
Inman Aye Carried Unanimously
Grant/Search Writer
Councilperson Varona-Lacey submitted a resignation letter as Grant/Search Writer for the Town of
Danby .
Appointment of Grant/Search Writer
A motion was made by Councilperson Strichartz to appoint Willard Ticknor Daetsch and Dorothy
A . Deatsch as Grant/Search Writers for the Town of Danby and are willing to work on the following
items :
1 ) Search for possible sources of grants
2 ) Conditions of acquiring grants from these sources and cataloging
3 ) Endeavors which would need grant funding deemed desirable by Town Board Members and
listed in a prioritized way .
4) • The search should at the same time be extended to grants which would be under the aegis of
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May 8 , 2000
the Community Council .
Yard Work on the Town Hall South Lawn
Funding in the amount of $ 1 , 500 . 00 was approved by the Board on April 10 , 2000 for raking,
seeding and mulching the Town Hall south lawn . Bulldozing and grading will be necessary before
the raking , seeding and mulching can be done and was not included in the approved funds .
Motion to Approve the Bulldozing
A motion was made by Councilperson Gagnon and seconded by Councilperson Varona-Lacey that
the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorize the increase the approved funds of April 10 , 2000
in the amount of $ 1 , 500 . 00 by $ 500 . 00 for the yard work on the Town Hall south lawn for a total •
expenditure of an amount not to exceed $ 2 , 000 . 00 for the whole scope of work on the south lawn
that is to include the bulldozing , grading, removing stones and seeding, and that the amount be
charged to account No . A1620 . 400 .
A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona- Lacey Aye
Inman Aye Carried Unanimously
APPROVAL OF REPORTS :
Town Clerk' s April 2000 Report - Approved
A motion was made by Councilperson Gagnon and seconded by Councilperson Strichartz that the
Town Board of the Town of Danby approve the Town Clerk ' s 2000 report as submitted :
A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona-Lacey Aye
Inman Aye Carried Unanimously
Approval of Warrants
General Fund Warrant No . 5 of 2000
A motion was made by Councilperson Strichartz and seconded by Councilperson Gagnon to approve
the General Fund Warrant No . 5 of 2000 voucher numbers 183 -223 in the amount of $ 8 , 368 . 74 .
A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona-Lacey Aye
Inman Aye Carried Unanimously
Highway Fund Warrant No . 5 of 2000
A motion was made by Councilperson Gagnon and seconded by Councilperson Strichartz to approve
the Highway Fund Warrant voucher numbers 47 - 63 in the amount of $ 9 , 891 . 43 .
A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona-Lacey Aye
Inman Aye Carried Unanimously
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May 8 , 2000
West Danby Water District Fund Warrant No . 5 of 2000
A motion was made by Councilperson Strichartz and seconded by Councilperson Gagnon to approve
the West Danby Water District Fund Warrant No . 5 of 2000 voucher numbers 13 - 17 in the amount
of $ 1 , 191 . 28 .
A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona-Lacey Aye
Inman Aye Carried Unanimously
ADJOURNMENT :
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 9 : 55 p . m .
6/ 1 ...,
Carol W . Sc / p , nski, Town Clerk
min- 5 - 8 -2000
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