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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-01-20 Town Board MinutesTown of Danby Town Board Regular Second Monthly Board Meeting via Zoom Video Conferencing Wednesday 20 January at 7:00 PM AGENDA 1. Call to Order at 19:02 by Town Supervisor Joel Gagnon............................................................2 2. Privilege of the Floor.............................................................................................................2 3. Correspondence................................................................................................................... 2 3.1. Citizen's Proposal: A Call to Action for Improving Danby's Highways and Roads...................2 3.2. Email Correspondence Re Ordinances Needed..................................................................3 4. Presentation: Community Choice Aggregation —Terry Carroll..................................................4 S. Planning Board Applicant Interviews......................................................................................5 6. Announcements...................................................................................................................6 7. Reports................................................................................................................................7 8. Consent Agenda................................................................................................................... 8 8.1. Approval of Minutes.......................................................................................................8 8.2. Warrants....................................................................................................................... 9 9. Old Business.........................................................................................................................9 9.1. Correspondence Policy....................................................................................................9 9.2. Updates: ........................................................................................................................ 9 9.2.1. Hemp Farm...........................................................................................................9 9.2.2. Cideries..............................................................................................................11 9.2.3. Storm Water District............................................................................................11 9.3. Grants: ....................................................................................................................... 11 9.3.1. Bridge NY............................................................................................................11 9.3.2. NYSERDA.............................................................................................................11 9.3.3. Planning Grant.....................................................................................................11 9.3.4. Brown Road Stream Stabilization.......................................................................... 12 9.3.5. Article 78 Proceeding...........................................................................................12 9.4. Amending Rules of Order: Agenda Creation and Distribution............................................12 9.5. Coordinating Review of CAC Management Plans for Town -Owned, Undeveloped, ForestedProperties....................................................................................................12 9.6 Rescinding Resolution #3 of 2021; Replacing it with New Resolution Setting Salaries and HourlyWages............................................................................................................12 10. New Business - All tabled due to the late hour.......................................................................12 10.1. Make Electronic Documents as the Official Record........................................................12 10.2. Discussion on Local Law to expand the pool of those eligible to serve as Deputy Highway Superintendent...............................................................................................................12 10.3. Possible Planning Board Appointment..........................................................................12 1 Town of Danby, New York Town Board Meeting 20 January 2021 10.4. Designate Rep to TCCOG Broadband Committee...........................................................12 11. Discussion of Next Meeting Date & Agenda..........................................................................12 12. Adjourn at 21:12 by Town Supervisor Joel Gagnon................................................................ 13 Exhibit 1. 2020 Abstracts of Unaudited Vouchers........................................................................ 14 Exhibit 2. 2021 Abstracts of Unaudited Vouchers........................................................................16 Exhibit 3. RESOLUTION NO 36 of 2021...................................................................................18 Meeting Minutes Roll Call: Town Board Joel Gagnon, Supervisor Leslie Connors Jim Holahan Sarah Schnabel Matt Ulinski Town Justices Garry Huddle Theresa Klinger Town Planner David West Town Code Officer Steve Cortright Town Bookkeeper Laura Shawley County Legislator Dan Klein Recording Secretary Janice R. Adelman, Town Clerk Public Attendees: Ted Crane, Bruce Richards, Katharine Hunter, Colleen Cowan, Kelly Maher, Terry Carroll, Toby Dean 1. Call to Order at 19:02 by Town Supervisor Joel Gagnon 1.1. Additions/Deletions to Agenda 2. Privilege of the Floor 2.1. Garry Huddle asked if there are any updates around redoing the Gunderman Road bridge. Gagnon responded that there are updates for the three bridges covered under the Bridge New York grant to be discussed later in the meeting. 3. Correspondence 3.1. Citizen's Proposal: A Call to Action for Improving Danby's Highways and Roads Patrick Pfeifer's Speech to the Danby Council Hello, I would like to speak about the conditions of Danby's roads and support a plan proposed by the Highway Manager. When you look at Danby's side roads, they look dangerous and unsafe to drive on. The lack of repaving and the lack of attention has allowed the shoulder to disintegrate into gravel and shards of blacktop which are unsafe to drive or to ride on. I can speak from experience to justify that this is dangerous. In September, when I was riding down Bald Hill road to go home, there was a car behind me. I made a simple decision thinking that would make myself safer, make room for the car. There were two problems with that decision. One : I was going pretty fast and the car did not need to pass me. Two, the shoulder, because of it's gravel, was less safe than the road to ride on. When I moved over to the shoulder I wiped out almost instantly and scraped my palms, knees, and elbows and I Meeting Proceedings Page 2 of 14 Town of Danby, New York Town Board Meeting 20 January 2021 caused an unexpected result: my father wiping out. Because I made this simple mistake, the cost was higher than expected. My father and I had to be hospitalized and my dad had to spend weeks recovering from his bruises and his shoulder getting dislocated. As I speak, my father is recovering from surgery. One of the solutions to this problem is already in circulation, the roads being fully paved. This can reduce the risk of wiping out and even decreases the chances of the driver from losing control of the car if he or she accidentally drifts over the shoulder. 3.2. Email Correspondence Re Ordinances Needed From: Ronda Roaring Subject: ordinances needed Date: 14 January 2021 at 06:31:00 EST To: Joel Gagnon <supervisor@townofdanbyny.org>, Leslie Connors <lconnors@townofdanbyny.org>, Matt Ulinski <mulinski@townofdanbyny.org>, "sschnabel@townofdanbyny.org" <sschnabel@townofdanbyny.org>, Jim Holahan <j holahan@townofdanbyny. org> Cc: REDACTED, Steve Cortright - Danby Code <scortright@townofdanbyny.org>, "planner@townofdanby.org" <planner@townofdanby.org>, Town Clerk <townclerk@townofdanbyny. org> Town Board: 1) Years ago, a couple came to the TB meeting complaining about junk cars on properties along 96B. They were told to contact the CEO. I don't think anything was ever done. One of the first things I emailed the CEO about when he took office was all the junk and unregistered cars in Danby, especially South Danby. Those cars are still there for the most part. One car has been down the road from me for roughly 15 years and has never been moved. So I began to look at what Danby has in the way of ordinances re junk and unregistered cars. It's not much and probably explains why the CEO has done nothing. If there's not a complete, clear, and authoritative ordinance, he has no power. I've looked at ordinances in other towns and ours is definitely weak and in need of revamping. Therefore, I am asking you to authorize this. 2) We have a problem in this town with what I will call "temporary" signs. These could be for sale signs, political signs, or signs that talk about fast internet. I first mentioned the fast internet on utility poles signs to Ric. "I hate them," he said. "Then why don't you just call the number on the sign and have them remove them?" "That's John's job," he said. Of course, John never did anything about anything. But the real problem is that there is no ordinance dealing with these signs. A) No signs should be placed on town or public property. Political signs at the pull -off parking area on 96B should be illegal. B) All "legal" signs (for sale and political signs at someone's house) should be removed within five days of the event (sale of the house, election, etc.). C) The CEO should have authority to simply remove any signs that violate the ordinance. It then becomes trash. If someone puts up a political sign at Dotson Park, we have no way of knowing who did this. The CEO should just be permitted to remove it, immediately. Please authorize the creation of such an ordinance. Meeting Proceedings Page 3 of 14 Town of Danby, New York Town Board Meeting 20 January 2021 Thank you. Ronda Roaring 4. Presentation: Community Choice Aggregation —Terry Carroll 4.1. Danby is one of Tompkins County's clean energy communities. Carroll presented the latest iteration of the Community Choice Aggregation program and what it could mean for the town. 4.2. The Town Board of Danby has already indicated an interest (see Resolution 147 of 2020; Town Board Meeting 14 December 2020), with Holahan poised to join the committee to explore how best to do that and make it happen. 5. Planning Board Applicant Interviews 5.1. Ted Crane 5.2. Colleen Cowan 5.3. Kelly Maher 5.4. With appreciation to all of the applicants for their interest in participating in the government, the Board will consider the three applicants and make a decision at the next meeting. 6. Announcements 6.1. Gagnon has been thinking and is concerned about noise issues as several people have submitted complaints. He has reached out to these people as it seems there is a critical mass to create a committee around the noise issue, to ask their willingness to be part of a committee to take a look at it. Connors noted that this has come up in the past; the last time it happened most people were not interested in having a noise ordinance but rather instructions on how to deal with specific issues, for instance fireworks or a barking dog. Ulinski is interested to hear the characterization of the noises that prompted the complaints. If the noise is industrial, such as big trucks, that is not part of the rural landscape; but he would argue that guns and barking dogs are part of the rural landscape, which is what you get when you move out here. Gagnon reported that in one case the noise disturbance is a neighbor with an ATV, in another case, a neighbor needs access across the neighbor's land to get electricity to his place. He needs an easement but hasn't spoken with the neighbors about it and seems to want a condemnation to get there; in the absence of that, he's harassing the neighbors with noise. Connors would rather not make some kind of ordinance for a few specific cases. 7. Reports 7.1. County Legislator Dan Klein The County Legislature had its organizational meeting on January 19, 2021; Leslyn McBean-Clairborne was re-elected Chair with Shawna Black as Vice -Chair; Klein serves on several committees, including Facilities and Infrastructure; Planning, Energy, and Environmental Quality; and Goverment Operations; the latter committee as Vice -Chair. Klein has also served on the Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) Board of Directors for the past five years; he was named the 2021 Chair. Meeting Proceedings Page 4 of 14 Town of Danby, New York Town Board Meeting 20 January 2021 The Legislaturevoted 8-5 to increase the tax on Airbnbs operating in TC. Klein voted against it. Final sales tax figures for 2020 were down 10.4% over 2019 in sales tax revenue. This is the Largest drop in revenue of any county in NY State outside of NYC. Although it is bad news, it is about what was expected. TC has vaccinated 7000 people to date using 100% of vaccines doses received. Many other counties in NYS haven't been able to disseminate all of their vaccines. TC received notice from NYS thanking us and putting us on their list of the best. We might get a small increase in vaccine doses in the future having demonstrated that we can efficiently inoculate residents. We do not have control over how many doses we receive; previous week we had 1800 doses available, appointments for this round filled within 20 minutes, without advertising. There has been some confusion about how to go about getting an appointment. TC has set up 2-1-1 to answer questions about vaccines; those operators are receiving training to be able to provide answers to questions. Note that 2-1-1 is there to help understand HOW to get an appointment, but does not actually make any appointments. 7.2. Documents Management 2020 Report Submitted by Mary Ann Barr, Documents Manager It is a given that the overriding issue of 2020 for all Town departments, was the Pandemic. Danby instituted safety protocols that resulted in Documents Management being done from my home starting in mid -March, with work done in Town Hall one afternoon a week. Before the Pandemic protocols, work began organizing the Highway Department files. I met with Laura Shawley, then started sorting files and documents according to the MU-1 and establishing a designated shelf area for storage. Schedule changes due to the Pandemic as well as the introduction of our new Town Clerk, Janice Adelman, shifted work back to Town Hall. I started work with Janice to organize the Clerk's office and clear unnecessary files/docs. (according to the MU-1). This is still ongoing, or suspended, since our new Deputy Clerk, Cindy, started working and three people in one office stretched the Pandemic protocol. New York State issued a new document retention schedule — the "LGS-1." This replaces the MU-1 and was accepted by resolution for Danby in September 2020 (Resolution No. 103 of 2020). The FLOW CHART handed out to each department at the end of 2019 gives a condensed idea of the process of Documents Management. Other work in 2020 included meeting with Leslie Connors and Sarah Schnabel regarding Sarah's work on a spread sheet to index minutes, resolutions, etc. for easy reference. Though still a work -in -progress, Sarah has put together a very good source for obtaining information. Also work continued on updating the Index/list of Local Laws filed in the Clerk's office. Since there are some new people working for the town the following (learned at a seminar for "Managing Inactive Records") bears repeating: Meeting Proceedings Page 5 of 14 Town of Danby, New York Town Board Meeting 20 January 2021 transferring records, files, documents from each department to the Documents Manager for archiving: each person should have an idea of the procedure so all files from all depts. are properly managed. See FLOW CHART for an overview of the process — the life cycle of documents. Everyone should familiarize themselves with this chart so the town will be in compliance with state law regarding our file/doc. retention. Discussion has come up about archival storage space. Currently our vault has approximately five (5) linear feet of storage space which will serve us for approximately one year (give or take). Digital storage has replaced actual storage to a great extent but there is still need for additional climate -controlled, fire proof storage with archival shelving. The vault "climate" included Temps. from 58 degrees to 78 degrees, (55 degrees - 70 being acceptable). Humidity ranged from 45 % to 72%, (55% - 70% being acceptable). 8. Consent Agenda 8.1. Approval of Minutes 8.1.1. January 4, 2021 8.1.2. December 14, 2020 8.1.3. November 18, 2020 (approved on 12/14; needed resolutions) 8.1.4. November 9, 2020 (approved on 11/18; needed resolutions) 8.1.5. October 28, 2020 Budget Workshop (approved 11/18; needed resolutions) 8.1.6. eEtebeF 2�2� 8.2. Warrants 8.2.1. 2020 Abstracts (Exhibit 1) 8.2.1.1. General Fund No 26 Vouchers 418-436 for $6,166.89 8.2.1.2. Highway Fund No 26 Vouchers 245 —251 for $7,551.81 8.2.2. 2021 Abstracts (Exhibit 2) 8.2.2.1. General Fund No 2 Vouchers 8-23 for $9,320.89 8.2.2.2. Highway Fund No 2 Vouchers 5-9 for $19,538.77 Resolution 36 of 2021 To Approve Consent Agenda Moved By: Connors Seconded By: Holahan Vote: Councilperson Aye No Abstain Connors X Holahan X Schnabel X Meeting Proceedings Page 6 of 14 Town of Danby, New York Town Board Meeting 20 January 2021 Ulinski X Gagnon X Resolution 36 approved. 9. Old Business 9.1. Correspondence Policy Tabled until next meeting. 9.2. Updates: 9.2.1. Hemp Farm West has been in touch with previous and current attorneys for the owner(s). There is still no evidence that the building is being used for anything other than getting the building ready for the next agricultural endeavor. Despite getting daily emails from concerned residents, West has no evidence of the building being used in an ongoing fashion. The current attorney conveyed West's message to [new owner] Branson Ellis suggesting a conversation to prevent further distressing the neighborhood; West offered to organize a future conversation with neighbors to get everyone to a more neutral place. Thus far, no response has been made. 9.2.2. Cideries No action has been taken as of yet. 9.2.3. Storm Water District West noted that the contact person, Dave Herrick, has been recovering from COVID for the last several weeks. Once recuperated, he will provide the report. 9.3. Grants: 9.3.1. Bridge NY This contract is moving forward; they have been in contact with the State representative; John Czamanske is also involved. They sent out notifications to fifteen local engineers off the long list for the county; received interest from as many as 12-14. The plan is to get started by late spring/early summer. There are three bridges (Gunderman Rd., W. Jersey Hill Rd., and Bruce Hill ; these are considered three separate projects, though we can employ only one engineer for the group project of three bridges. Will also need to put bids out for contractors. It is an ambitious goal to have it wrapped up by mid -summer, but that's what the time frame looks like. 9.3.2. NYSERDA A new grant opportunity is coming, however the town is currently receiving about $99k in grant funds for the wash basin and splitting off the septic system for the building and separating it from the wash bay area drainage . We are also in the process of developing the carbon Meeting Proceedings Page 7 of 14 Town of Danby, New York Town Board Meeting 20 January 2021 emission reduction portion to submit. Once we get that done we will receive another portion of the funding. Due to COVID, things have been delayed and the deadlines have been pushed back; our deadline for completion of work is now the end of June; marketing materials and potentially a website for the project will need to be done by September. 9.3.3. Planning Grant West contacted the town's representative at Hunt who was to provide the final scope; the rep apologized and said he'd get back with updated info the same day, but did not. West thinks we should consider re -listing to find another consultant ASAP if we don't hear back from him this week. It would be unfortunate because the scope is close and ready to contract. It's not a big project, but it must be done this year otherwise the county money will disappear. 9.3.4. Brown Road Stream Stabilization Pictures submitted from Shawley. Contractor has 50 of 62 step dams completed; will be done with remaining ones in February. Will be back in spring to finish project and then move to the banks. Then looking at CHIPS grants to determine how to finish the road. 9.3.5. Article 78 Proceeding Item tabled. 9.4. Amending Rules of Order: Agenda Creation and Distribution Item tabled. 9.5. Coordinating Review of CAC Management Plans for Town -Owned, Undeveloped, Forested Properties There is a public hearing scheduled for February 17; Item tabled for tonight. 9.6 Rescinding Resolution #3 of 2021; Replacing it with New Resolution Setting Salaries and Hourly Wages Resolution 37 of 2021 Moved By: Connors No further discussion. Vote: Seconded By: Holahan Councilperson Aye No Abstain Connors X Holahan X Schnabel X Ulinski X Gagnon X Resolution 37 approved (see Exhibit 3 for full resolution). Meeting Proceedings Page 8 of 14 Town of Danby, New York Town Board Meeting 20 January 2021 10. New Business - All tabled due to the late hour. 10.1. Make Electronic Documents as the Official Record 10.2. Discussion on Local Law to expand the pool of those eligible to serve as Deputy Highway Superintendent 10.3. Possible Planning Board Appointment 10.4. Designate Rep to TCCOG Broadband Committee 11. Discussion of Next Meeting Date & Agenda 11.1. Next meeting is Monday 8 Februray 2021. 11.2. Tabled items from tonight will carry over. 12. Adjourn at 21:12 by Town Supervisor Joel Gagnon Submitted by Janice R. Adelman Town Clerk Meeting Proceedings Page 9 of 14 Town of Danby, New York Town Board Meeting 20 January 2021 Exhibit 1. 2020 Abstracts of Unaudited Vouchers General Fund •21 NT3VU 1001 •_"-596'STRFiFT IJGHTI\G 422 SMITH BROTHERS INSURANCE ADDITIONAL INS. "110ER RENT Al. 423 VERIZON 651-753.391-0001-77.�POND r Cr%*U 424 AMT 0_%046T73"*01.M'RI P1D0�F F�iPF`SE 425 STEVEV C-ORTRIGHT M11EACL FOR DEC 2020. 132ML375 426 VERUON WIRklLss 96691S6d47.11KitiWAY fl.UT PHONES 427 SUNIvIM1`IFNT 1395OLAR POWER - NOVEMBER 2020 4211 JEFPS ON -SITE SERVICE 91953.SERVICLI CALL FOR SMIC 428 JEFF'S O%-SITE SERVICE 271294•SE►TIC PVMPI. • DEC. INVOICE 4:3 JEFF S ON -SITE SERVICE 2719i3'SE/TIC PUMPM. - SIM INVOICF 429 AIRGAS VSA. LLC 9976135221" UNDER RENTAL 4W CASELLA W&STE SYSTEMS INC 15?6103,17RAS14 REMOVAL - HWjK%*AV 431 CULLIGAN WATLR 272.XZ697 I V0& QV1PME%T RL N I Al. 412 RICHARD ROMAN M 1-Z CU.AN1SG - TOWN HALL - DEC. MO 432 RKI ARD ROMAN .020461.r'1-EANING - TOW'N HAIL - NOY. 20:0 Po4v I A7IK1�11V A 1910.400 A7154 W Al110400 ASO10 400 AS112 400 AS132.400 AS 132AW AS 1 IAW AS132-400 AS 112 400 A3112.400 A 1620.400 A 1620.4W A1620.4W Meeting Minutes Exhibit 1 Page 10 of 14 Town of Danby, New York Town Board Meeting 20 January 2021 Highway Fund NEIKn011 V CImCKV 1 YKVU%A. IJ L1V►)Imi ow ,630-14N-IN-TrR WSEL :47 NIRABITO ENERGY PRODUCTS DAS142.400 37+6503•'1A+INTER MUM. 248 11_LRODOWN SAND R GRA%lL NC DASI 10.400 1, 2USISCRUSHED BANK RUN 249 BRIAN IL%RRY DAS142.400 RFIPAR FUFI. FOR EQUIP PIC%Ut 250 OWEW AUTO PARTS DA5130 400 895161AU10 PARTS I" OWEGO AUTO PARTS DAS130.400 06t9101L SEALS 2S 1 CARGILL INC DAS 142.100 2 2903"03 MEWINU S.ALT TOt81_ 7 Pdr. I Meeting Minutes Exhibit 1 Page 11 of 14 Town of Danby, New York Town Board Meeting 20 January 2021 Exhibit 2. 2021 Abstracts of Unaudited Vouchers General Fund 1: w,44sAr" v"mp % AIDZV.4W 2021-14CMMING SU►FLIFS MR TOWN HALL. 1: RIC-HARD ROMAN AS 131400 2011.19.CU-ANING SU"LLES FOR H"IW At' 13 CIYTAS CORP / 121 A 1620, 400 S417574203,TOWN HALL MEDICAL SL'PPU�S 13 CINTAS CORD a 121 AI620.400 4072933M70WN HALL MATTS 14 GRtATER TO!►1T'KIN4 (`OlNTN' A9060.800 40d611EALTH NStr-RANCE - FLD 2021 15 )AMLS SEEL.EY A5I32.400 CLOTHING A.LLOWA.CE - 2021 16 MCNEIL-KENT A5112-400 CLOTH M, ALLOWANCE - 2021 I T BRIAN HARRY A$132 400 CIOTHLNCi ALLOWANCE - 2021 It HOWARDANDREWS A51-12400 CLOTHING ALLOWANCE - MI N T Y LFIt )ORDAN AS 131400 CLOr111'%C; ALLOWANCE - 2021 20 NICK LAG RAMADA A3132.400 CWTHIKG AU.OWANCF - M 1 21 RLTLEDGE. DARRYL A5132AW CLOTHING ALLOWANCE - 20:1 22 JACK SHAWLF.Y JR AS 111400 CLUTIUNG ALLOWAINCE - 2021 23 CARL SF-AMON A502AW CLOTHING ALLOWANCL • 2021 Total: Pay. I Meeting Minutes Exhibit 2 Page 12 of 14 Town of Danby, New York Town Board Meeting 20 January 2021 Highway Fund 1 oI1a Meeting Minutes Exhibit 2 Page 13 of 14 Town of Danby, New York Town Board Meeting 20 January 2021 Exhibit 3. RESOLUTION NO 36 of 2021 Resolution to Rescind Resolution No 3 of 2021 To Establish Salaries and Replace it With The Following Resolution to Establish Salaries and Hourly Rates for 2021 RESOLVED: that the Town of Danby Town Board rescinds the previous resolution No. 3 and authorizes the Supervisor to pay the following salaries and hourly rates for the year 2021. • Town Board (x4) - Annual.......................................................................... $ 2,935.00 • Town Supervisor - Annual.......................................................................... 28,985.00 • Deputy Town Supervisor......................................................................................0.00 • Assistant to Supervisor - Annual..................................................................9,173.00 • Bookkeeper - Annual...................................................................................24,122.00 • Town Justice (x2) - Annual...........................................................................16,043.00 • Court Clerk - Hourly............................................................................................22.89 • Highway Superintendent - Annual............................................................62,678.00 • Deputy Highway Superintendent - Annual...............................................28,342.00 • Highway Secretary - Annual.......................................................................30,600.00 • Town Clerk - Annual....................................................................................40,568.00 • Deputy Town Clerk - Hourly...............................................................................16.00 • Code Enforcement Officer - Annual......................................................... 55,883.00 • Planner - Annual..........................................................................................66,500.00 • Water Plant Operator (West Danby) - Annual..........................................13,938.00 • Water Plant Operator Assistant (West Danby) - Annual ........................... 3855.00 • Water Clerk (West Danby) - Annual..............................................................4996.00 • Typist, Planning Board - Hourly.........................................................................22.89 • Typist, Conservation Advisory Council - Hourly..............................................22.89 • Typist, Bookkeeper Support -...........................................................................15.92 • Laborer, Town Hall - Hourly...............................................................................15.68 • Information Aide - Hourly..................................................................................15.68 • Historian - Annual...........................................................................................1000.00 • Motor Equipment Operator - Hourly Hiring Rate.........................................15.96* • Mechanic - Hourly Hiring Rate........................................................................23.74* *Pay rate may increase yearly according to union negotiated percentage. Meeting Minutes Exhibit 3 Page 14 of 14