HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-10-21D a n b y T o w n B o a r d
M i n u t e s o f B u d g e t a n d R e g u l a r M e e t i n g
O c t o b e r 2 1 , 2 0 1 3
Present:
Supervisor: Ric Dietrich
Councilpersons: Leslie Connors, Kathy Halton, Dan Klein, Dylan Race
Others Present:
Town Clerk Pamela Goddard
Bookkeeper Laura Shawley
Public Russell Klinger, David Hall, Rebecca M Brenner, Jim Holahan,
Ronda Roaring, Jack Miller, Joe Freedman
The Danby Town Board budget meeting was opened at 6:13pm
Budget Review
Bookkeeper Shawley presented the revised preliminary 2014 Town of Danby budget, taking ac-
count of a $91,200 change in the Town assessment value. This budget also shows the revised request
from the Court. The revised budget now shows a decrease of $0.20 per $100,000 in the general tax
bill and a decrease of $2.30 per $100,000 assessment for properties in the Fire District. The tax rate
will decrease for all properties except those in the West Danby Water District.
Shawley made a suggestion regarding long range budgeting for cemetery restoration and mainte-
nance projects. Rather than creating a dedicated reserve account, Shawley suggested created a ceme-
tery fund (much like the community development fund). This would allow more flexibility in the way
funds are used while still maintaining proper accounting procedures. This fund could be created this
year. This fund could be used to engage residents through fundraising and other programs.
There was a brief discussion regarding the various reserve accounts currently held by the Town.
There was a discussion regarding the possible addition of late fees to more-than-two-months-
overdue dog licenses. Clerk Goddard presented this idea as a way to raise revenue toward dog licens-
ing and animal control, without penalizing responsible dog owners. This could be done by resolution
through the municipal dog licensing and control law. The Town Board was agreeable to this idea.
More consideration will be made as to the details of this idea. This could be a cumulative fee, increas-
ing per month. Other Towns are looking at doubling the fee for unaltered animals. Danby has roughly
700 licensed dogs.
The Town Board was satisfied with the budget as it now stands. They agreed that the Preliminary
Budget is ready for public review and a hearing on November 7 at 6:30pm. The October 29 budget
meeting is not needed and is cancelled.
The Danby Town Board budget meeting was closed at 6:45pm
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The Danby Town Board meeting was opened at 6:55pm
Youth Services
Janice Johnson made a presentation to the board about various Youth Services. The details from
her presentation will be forwarded to the Town Clerk for distribution to interested parties.
Board of Zoning Appeals Vacancy Interviews
David Hall and Russell Klinger were interviewed to fill a vacancy on the Board of Zoning Ap-
peals. The Board will make this appointment during either its November 7 or November 11 meetings.
Board of Zoning Appeals Chair
Connors reported that she has heard from two of the four seated BZA members. Still needs to
hear from two more. This appointment will be made during either the November 7 or November 11
meeting. Connors informed the board that Joe Schwartz has expressed an interest to serve another
term after his current term expires at the end of 2013.
Town Hall Building Maintenance/Window Treatments
Halton reported on information gathered regarding flame-retardant fabric for the Town Hall meet-
ing room drapes. It would be prohibitively expensive to make the old drapes flame retardant, and it
might not even work on this type of cloth. She has information about a new type of cloth that is inher-
ently flame retardant. Quotes for cost per drape will be gathered.
There was a discussion regarding whether the current drapes should be reinstalled or not. Rein-
stalling the non-compliant drapes would be a fire hazard and an insurance liability. At this time, the
windows will remain without drapery.
Highway Department Update
Shawley presented information on spending related to road work. Several roads were completed
at the end of the road work season. The following roads were over budget due to additional mainte-
nance requirements: East Miller Road (received a third coat of oil and stone) had an end cost of
$90,850, over by $32,000, Fisher Settlement Road (increased amount of gravel, pipe and road fabric
for drainage and related labor) went over by approximately $20,000. The costs for these two roads are
being submitted for CHIPS money.
Shawley reported that improvements on Brown Road were under budget by approximately
$29,000. Yaple Road went over by approximately $2,000. As a result, road improvements the im-
provements paid for with Town monies are within budget.
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Code Office Report
A written Code Enforcement Report was distributed to the board. Code Officer Beeners reported
on a report of road segment crash rates. The highest crash rates were recorded along Route 34/96
from the Tioga County line to Station Road and from the Newfield Town line to Station Road. High
crash rates were also recorded on Route 96B from Nelson Road to East Miller Road and from South
Danby Road to Steam Mill Road.
There was a general discussion about how these statistics may assist with an effort to reduce the
speed limit in these areas. A residents’ petition is being considered regarding this issue. A preliminary
study from the NYS DOT has resulted in a negative determination of a change in speed limit. Legisla-
tive pressure may be needed at this time.Water Resources Council Report
Halton reported on recent activities of the Tompkins County Water Resources Council. Arsenic
fact sheets for each Town are being released. Some of this data has already been shared with Danby.
The person assisting the Town of Caroline with its Aquifer Protection plans will be contacted to re-
view Danby’s draft ordinance. Danby is invited to attend a November meeting in Caroline regarding
water issues. Information about this meeting will be distributed to the Clerk and Board.
She also reported that the completed Aquifer Study has gone to peer review. The Draft study
should be released to the Town soon so that it can be incorporated into the Aquifer Protection Ordi-
nance.
Adjournment
The Meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm.
____________________________________
Pamela Goddard, Town Clerk
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