HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-05-13 { I r � I ;
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Town Board Minutes
1 May 13 , 2002
TOWN OF DANBY
TOWN BOARD MINUTES
MAY 13 , 2002
Regular Meeting
PRESENT :
Supervisor : Fredric Dietrich
Councilpersons : Joel Gagnon, Norbert Nolte , Naomi Strichartz
Absent:
Councilperson Varona-Lacey (excused)
Supervisor Dietrich called the meeting to order at 7 : 05 p . m . and led all present to the Pledge of
Allegiance to the American flag .
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA :
Councilperson Strichartz asked that the Pond Report be added to the agenda.
Sue Howe requested that a resolution for the salt shed be added under Highway Reports .
No Board member objected .
REPORTS ;
EMC Report
Robert Roe reported on the following : 1 ) The EMC general body (not unanimously) approved the
pesticide notification law. 2) The aquifer study group has approached the USGS to do a feasibility
study and the cost would be $7 , 500 and 30% of the study will be paid for by USGS . Bob asked the
Board to consider sending a resolution in support of the aquifer feasibility study to the County
Board. 3 ) Bob distributed to the Board a list of questions that the EMC and would like their
response returned. 4) County Telecommunications Project has been subdivided into two projects and
one project is the pager system. 5 ) Vital Communities Initiative Report - a sample resolution of
support was sent to the Town. Bob reported that planning is important and that he strongly urged
the Town Board to view this with circumspection because he feels that planning should remain in the
townships . 6) Lakesource Cooling - Some data has been released regarding the project to the general
public .
Highway Report - April 2002 received .
The Highway Superintendent has requested that the Board consider authorization to re- submit the
grant proposal for the salt shed . The deadline for submission of the grant is June 14, 2002 . The
CSEA has confirmed that the Town can process the disability claim of an employee as is with a
disclaimer (which is a one time only) until we have a permanent policy in place with our next contract.
Supervisor Dietrich said that the Town of Danby follows New York State Disability rules .
RESOLUTION NO. 37 OF 2002
APPROVAL OF GRANT APPLICATION FOR SALT SHED
By Councilperson Strichartz : Seconded by Councilperson Gagnon
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes the re-submission of the salt
shed grant application.
A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Dietrich Aye
(Councilperson Varona-Lacey absent) Carried
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Town Board Minutes
2 May 13 , 2002
Proposed Clean-up Day
Supervisor Dietrich reported that the Town would like to do a clean-up day on a weekend . He said
that they could obtain dumpsters that could be placed at the highway department. He would like to
talk to the Highway Supervisor about making arrangements and type of materials that can be brought
to the site. The Board needs to find out an estimated cost for dumpsters, use of highway equipment
and employee time. Details of how a clean-up day could be set up needs to be discussed.
Councilperson Gagnon said that he was thinking of a clean-up where residents may take their items
to the site . No metal , batteries, refrigerators , air conditioners, household trash or paint . Items that
could be brought to the site would be bulky items such is old chairs, mattresses and items that are
difficult to dispose of
County Representative Report :
Representative Frank Proto reported on recent activities of the County Board of Representatives :
County Budget Review - There will be public meetings . The last report showed that it is possible
to reduce the proposed increase in our County Tax to 10% .
Water Quality Strategy Report - A copy of the report has been sent to all municipalities .
Comments from municipalities is due back by June 14 , 2002 . A complete copy should be on file in
all libraries and reading rooms .
County Board of Representatives Vacancies - Vacancies are filled by the districts in which they
represent, the Town Board select a replacement to serve until the next General Election . A proposal
is to change the process and have a special election to fill the slot. He thinks that the Towns should
retain the authority to appoint the individual to fill out the unexpired term that is vacant. Frank Proto
said that a letter to the Board suggesting that the system for filling vacancies be retained would be
appreciated.
County Grant for TC3 - The County has received a grant for $ 367 , 000 for T-CaT . They will be
expanding the bus service for transportation for noontime hours, evening hours and Saturdays . New
schedules will soon be available . It would be nice if in the rest areas space could be made available
for park and ride users .
Supervisor Dietrich said that more people would ride if there were bike carriers on the busses .
Zoning Report
The Code Enforcement Officer reported that they have been to a three (3 ) day session on the new
building codes which will take effect July 3 , 2002 . . They will be able to use either building code until
January 1 , 2003 .
Planning Board Report
The Planning Board meeting on May 15 , 2002 agenda includes progress reports by Roger Casterline
regarding Short Road, Danby Community Park Association on their project, and a request for special
permit for the single wide mobile home on Hornbrook Road .
Recreation Partnership Report
Councilperson Strichartz reported that at the last Recreation Partnership Committee Meeting there
was discussion on how the 20% cut in funding would be divided. Members of the Tompkins County
Board of Representatives who attended the meeting said it is possible that there will be a 20% cut
in funding next year. She asked the Board to approve the new bylaws .
COMMUNICATIONS :
1 ) The Town Clerk transmitted to the Board a proposed local law entitled, "A Local Law to
Amend Local Law No . 4 of 2000 to Establish a Procedure for Recovery of Costs for the Repair or
Removal of Unsafe Buildings and Collapsed Structures" . The Board asked the Code Enforcement
Officer to contact the Town Attorney and ask for an opinion regarding Ad Valorem Levy and the
process for recovering funds .
2) Resignation of Linda Dorn from the Water Resources Council .
3 ) NYS 2002 Schedule of Satellite Teleconferences for Town Officials .
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Town Board Minutes
3 May 13 , 2002
OLD BUSINESS
Motion to Approve the Recreation Partnership Bylaws
A motion was made by Councilperson Gagnon and seconded by Councilperson Nolte that the Town
Board of the Town of Danby approve the Recreation Partnership Bylaws .
A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Strichartz Aye
Dietrich Aye Carried
(Councilpersons Varona-Lacey and Nolte absent)
NEW BUSINESS :
Danby Pond Request for Funds
Councilperson Strichartz reported that the Pond Coordinator has requested an additional $ 1 , 000 . 00
to provide funds for a recreation director. A recreation director will be hired to provide nature
programs for pre-teens, teens . There will also be programs that include parents .
RESOLUTION NO. 38 OF 2002
TRANSFER OF FUNDS TO POND PROGRAM
By Councilperson Strichartz : Seconded by Councilperson Nolte
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes the transfer of $ 1 ,000 . 00 from
Account No . A1989 .400 to Account No . A7150 . 100 to provide funds to pay a recreation director
at Danby Pond.
A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Dietrich Aye
(Councilperson Varona-Lacey absent) Carried
Councilperson Nolte left the meeting at 9 : 00 p . m .
Report on Danby State Forest
Councilperson Gagnon reported that the Board requested Rhonda Roaring to draft a letter regarding
a snowmobile trail and logging a logging operation in Danby State Forest. The letter was to be sent
to the Department of Conservation requesting a meeting for the Town Board, Planning Board and
interested persons the week of May 20 , 2002 to obtain information related to SEQR, local impacts
and how these projects relate to the State plans .
Trees and Road Maintenance by Highway Department
Councilperson Gagnon reported that a meeting was held at the Town of Ithaca for Highway
Superintendents and Town Officials regarding Maintenance of roads and the cutting of trees along
the roadways . The speaker was Darryl Harp and a copy of the tape will be available at the Office
of the Town Clerk and the broadcast can be viewed on May 15 , 16 , and 17, 2002 on the local cable
channel 15 .
Councilperson Gagnon and Councilperson Strichartz reported that a summary of the meeting with
Darryl Harp and the Highway Superintendents will be published in the Danby Area News. The article
will be sent to the Board and the Highway Superintendent before publication for review and
comment. There will be a follow up meeting to talk about what the Town may want to do about local
ordinances regulating planting and removal of trees along the roads .
Councilperson Strichartz said that the meeting focused on the responsibilities and liabilities regarding
the highway departments .
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Town Board Minutes
4 May 13 , 2002
RESOLUTION NO 39. OF 2002
PROPOSED AMENDMENT OF UNSAFE BUILDINGS LOCAL LAW - LOCAL LAW NO.
4 OF 2000
By Councilperson Gagnon : Seconded by Councilperson Strichartz
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Danby is considering amendment by local law of Local
Law No . 4 of 2000 to establish a procedure for recovery of costs for the repair of removal of unsafe
buildings and collapsed structures ; now, therefore, it is
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby hereby determines that the Town Board
is Lead Agency in environmental review of this action; and that the action is an Unlisted action; and
it is
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board determines that Tompkins County Department of
Planning is an interested agency for purposes of General Municipal Law 239-1 and -m review.
A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Strichartz Aye
Dietrich Aye Carried
(Councilpersons Varona-Lacey and Nolte absent)
Proposed Local Law No. 1 of 2002 Public Hearing Date Set:
A motion was made by Councilperson Gagnon and seconded by Councilperson Strichartz that the
Town Board of the Town of Danby sets the date of June 10, 2002 at 7 : 00 p .m. for the proposed local
law entitled : "A Local Law to Amend Local Law No . 4 of 2000 to Establish a Procedure for
Recovery of Costs for the Repair or Removal of Unsafe Buildings and Collapsed Structures" .
A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Strichartz Aye
Dietrich Aye Carried
(Councilpersons Varona-Lacey and Nolte absent)
RESOLUTION NO. 40 OF 2002
AUTHORIZATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TOMPKINS COUNTY
COMMUNICATIONS PROJECT- for Town Court
By Councilperson Gagnon : Seconded by Supervisor Dietrich
WHEREAS, the County of Tompkins and the Town of Danby entered into an agreement that the
police will share a New York State-developed program known as Spectrum Justice System (SJS ) and
the courts will share the Court Information Networking System (CNS ) and
WHEREAS, The COUNTY shall act as the lead agency to manage each phase of the Data
Communication project, and
WHEREAS, The COUNTY accepts responsibility as lead agency to enter into certain contracts to
effectively complete this project and present a feasibility report be it
RESOLVED that the Town of Danby hereby authorized the local Court and Police Agency to
participate in the Tompkins County Communications Project and be it further
RESOLVED , that a copy of this resolution shall be sent to the Tompkins County Administration
office .
A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows :
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Town Board Minutes
5 May 13 , 2002
Gagnon Aye
Strichartz Aye
Dietrich Aye Carried
(Councilpersons Varona-Lacey and Nolte absent)
RESOLUTION NO. 41 OF 2002
SUPPORT FOR ADOPTION OF VITAL COMMUNITIES DEVELOPMENT AND
PRESERVATION PRINCIPLES AS INTERIM COUNTY POLICY
By : Supervisor Dietrich : Seconded by Councilperson Gagnon
WHEREAS, the Vital Communities Initiative was undertaken to create a county wide vision of the
future growth and development in Tompkins County, and
WHEREAS, the County has, through its Department of Planning engaged in an extensive outreach
effort to solicit public input as the basis for drafting and refining the Development and Preservation
Principles , and
WHEREAS, the Board of Representatives proposes to adopt these principles as an interim measure
to :
* continue a community dialogue on the future growth of the County,
* evaluate the land use impacts of County programs and decisions, and
* guide the preparation of a County Comprehensive Plan, and
WHEREAS, the County recognizes that in New York State land use regulation authority is
delegated to towns, villages , and cities , but the counties have a role in studying and fostering
intermunicipal coordination on issues that have county wide impact, and need to consider land use
implications in their decision-making, and
WHEREAS, these Principles are intended to be used as a framework for continued dialogue with
local municipalities regarding intermunicipal communication and cooperation on planning and
development issues throughout the County, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby supports the adoption of the proposed
Vital Communities Development and Preservation Principles by the county Board of Representatives
as County policy, and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town looks forward to working constructively with the County on a mutual
shared vision for the future of the County and its communities,
* that the Town supports the development by the County Planning Department of an
"implementation toolbox" , of model regulations and guidelines available to
municipalities to help implement their Development and Preservation Principles ;
* that the Town would encourage assistance from the County in pilot projects
implementing the Principles in the Danby and West Danby Hamlets .
A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Strichartz Aye
Dietrich Aye Carried
(Councilpersons Varona-Lacey and Nolte absent)
RESOLUTION NO . 42 OF 2002
AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION NO . 35 OF 2002
By Supervisor Gagnon : Seconded by Councilperson Strichartz
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Danby by Resolution No . 35 of 2002 transferred funds
in the amount of $3 , 507 . 00 from Revenue Account DA2680 to Highway Fund Account DA5130 .400
to cover an estimated expense for repairs to truck #43 , and
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Town Board Minutes
6 May 13 , 2002
WHEREAS , the actual amount of reimbursement for the repairs was $2 ,497 . 93 , now be it
RESOLVED, that Resolution No . 35 of 2002 be amended to transfer funds in the amount of
$2 ,497 . 93 from DA2680 to Highway Fund Account DA5130 . 400 to cover the actual amount of
reimbursement for repairs to truck #43 .
A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Strichartz Aye
Dietrich Aye Carried
(Councilpersons Varona-Lacey and Nolte absent)
Authorization for Town Clerk to Appoint Two (2) Residents to Assessment Board of Review
A motion was made by Councilperson Gagnon and seconded by Councilperson Strichartz that the
Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes the Town Clerk to Appoint two (2) residents to serve
on the Assessment Board of Review on Wednesday, May 15 , 2002 from 3 : 00 - 6 : 00 p .m .
A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Strichartz Aye
Dietrich Aye Carried
(Councilpersons Varona-Lacey and Nolte absent)
Authorization for Town Clerk to Obtain Community Service for Town Hall Properties
Maintenance
A motion was made by Councilperson Strichartz and Seconded by Councilperson Gagnon that the
Town Board of the Town of Danby authorize the Town Clerk to obtain services from Tompkins
County Community Service Programs to do light maintenance and, small repairs and painting at the
Town Hall Properties .
A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Strichartz Aye
Dietrich Aye Carried
(Councilpersons Varona-Lacey and Nolte absent)
RESOLUTION NO. 43 OF 2002
AUTHORIZING RETENTION OF PLANNING ASSISTANT THROUGH CORNELL
TRADITION PROGRAM FOR ASSISTANCE ON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
By Supervisor Dietrich: Seconded by Councilperson Gagnon
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes the Town Supervisor to sign
a letter of agreement with Meghan L. Morris approving her employment as Planning Assistant under
the Cornell Tradition Program for assistance to the Planning Board and Town Board in the
completion and review of the draft Comprehensive Plan, for 13 weeks at 35 hours per week; and it
is
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby allocates $970 in the
Comprehensive Plan Account A8020 .401 as the Town' s share of payment to Ms . Morris and subject
to approval by the Town Board at the June, July, and August, 2002 regular Town Board meetings
based on vouchers indicating work progress satisfactory to the Town of Danby Planning Board
Chairperson.
A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Strichartz Aye
Dietrich Aye
(Councilpersons Varona-Lacey ad Nolte absent) Carried
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Town Board Minutes
7 May 13 , 2002
RESOLUTION NO. 44 OF 2002
AUTHORIZATION FOR TOWN SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS RELATED
TO TOWN HALL IMPROVEMENTS UNDER TOMPKINS COUNTY COMMERCIAL
CENTER REVITALIZATION PROGRAM GRANT PROJECT
By Councilperson Strichartz : Seconded by Councilperson Gagnon
WHEREAS , the Town of Danby has been awarded a grant in the amount of $ 7 , 500 . 00 from the
Tompkins County Commercial Center Revitalization Program for Town Hall painting and tower
repairs, portico floor replacement, sidewalks, parking area and driveway improvements, and lighting,
with a total estimated project cost of $23 , 136 . 00 at the time of June 1 , 2001 grant application ; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Danby by Resolution No . 70 of 2001 on August 13 ,
2001 authorized the Town Supervisor to execute contracts with independent contractors for the
related work, with the Town ' s share of the project cost to be from HR1 , the Town Building Reserve
Fund; and with the total Town share not to exceed $ 15 , 636 . 00 ; and
WHEREAS , the project work was not accomplished in 2001 ; and
WHEREAS, updated cost estimates have been received for completing the work in 2002 ;
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes the Town Supervisor to
execute contracts for the project work and in the estimated amounts shown in "General Description
of Work - 5/6/02 " which is attached to and made part of this Resolution; and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes the Town
Supervisor to approve change orders if unforeseen conditions arise, with the total project cost not
to exceed $ 30, 000 . 00, and with the sources of funding to be with the source of said funding to be
Building Reserve Account A230 and Other Government Support Account A1989 .400 ; and with
$7, 500. 00 expected as reimbursement following project completion from Tompkins County under
Contract "PLAN 2001 - 12 -8027 " ; and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the $ 7 , 500 . 00 expected reimbursement from Tompkins County,
when received, shall initially be applied to refund Account A1989 . 400 for expenses paid from that
account for this project.
A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Strichartz Aye
Dietrich Aye
(Councilpersons Varona-Lacey ad Nolte absent) Carried
Councilperson Gagnon asked where the top soil was to be placed .
Susan Beeners said the top soil would be put between the walk and the curb . The curb is
approximately 8 - 10 inches under the roof over-hang. There will be gravel next to the building .
APPROVAL OF TOWN CLERK' S APRIL 2002 REPORT
A motion was made by Councilperson Strichartz and Councilperson Gagnon that the Town Board
of the Town of Danby approves the Town Clerk ' s April , 2002 Report as submitted .
A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Strichartz Aye
Dietrich Aye Carried
(Councilpersons Varona-Lacey and Nolte absent)
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Town Board Minutes
8 May 13 , 2002
APPROVAL OF WARRANTS
General Fund Warrant No. 4 of 2002
A motion was made by Councilperson Strichartz and seconded by Councilperson Gagnon that the
Town Board of the Town of Danby approves the General Fund Warrant No . 4 of 2002 voucher
numbers 193 -249 in the amount of $ 9,061 . 18 .
A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Strichartz Aye
Dietrich Aye Carried
(Councilpersons Varona-Lacey and Nolte absent)
Highway Fund Warrant No. 4 of 2002
A motion was made by Councilperson Gagnon and seconded by Councilperson Strichartz in the that
the Town Board of the Town of Danby approves the Highway Fund Warrant No . 4 of 2002 voucher
numbers 62- 85 in the amount of $ 30 , 193 . 31 .
A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Strichartz Aye
Dietrich Aye Carried
(Councilpersons Varona-Lacey and Nolte absent)
West Danby Water District Fund Warrant No . 4 of 2002
A motion was made by Councilperson Strichartz and seconded by Councilperson Gagnon that the
Town Board of the Town of Danby approves the West Danby Water District Fund Warrant No . 4
of 2002 voucher numbers 18 -23 in the amount of $ 1 , 188 . 05 .
A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Strichartz Aye
Dietrich Aye Carried
(Councilpersons Varona-Lacey and Nolte absent)
Approval of Staples Billing from Account No. CD9668.400
A motion was made by Councilperson Gagnon and seconded by Councilperson Strichartz that the
Town Board of the Town of Danby approves the payment to Staples Credit Plan for Historic Ag
Buildings Maps from Account No . CD9668 .400 in the amount of $ 15 . 26 .
A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Strichartz Aye
Dietrich Aye Carried
(Councilpersons Varona-Lacey and Nolte absent)
ADJOURNMENT :
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 10 : 15 p .m.
(Z/a/ ,46 d , ! Ate. / ._
Carol W . Sczep . 7, Town Clerk
min- 5 - 13 . 02