HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-19 Town Board MinutesTown of Danby Town Board
Regular Second Monthly Board Meeting
Wednesday 19 May 2021 at 7:00 PM
via Zoom Video Conferencing
https:Hzoom.us/j/97107232988?pwd=bH BJY3p5M2toYI FSZWpwbmtLaStkQT09
Roll Call:
Meeting Minutes
Town Board
County Legislator
Town Justices
Town Planner
Town Code Enforcement Officer
Town Bookkeeper
Recording Secretary
1. Call to Order at 19:05
Joel Gagnon, Supervisor
Leslie Connors
Jim Holahan
Sarah Schnabel
Matt Ulinski
Dan Klein
Garry Huddle
David West
Steve Cortright
Laura Shawley
Janice R. Adelman, Town Clerk
1.1. Additions/Deletions to Agenda
1.1.1. Outside user agreement W Danby Water District (https:Honlyo.co/3fjSuhv)
1.1.2. Beardsley Lane Stormwater District update
1.1.3. Hamlet Grant Update
2. Privilege of the Floor
2.1. Katharine Hunter noted that she heard someone had posted to Facebook about
hearing a lot of logging noises.
2.1.1. Ted Crane had previously reported to Code Enforcement Office Steve Cortright
about hearing logging noises; Cortright immediately went to check it out and found it
was Crane's neighbor with a forest service cleaning up trees.
2.1.2. It was noted that the Facebook poster lives on the other side of Crane's
neighbor.
2.2. Ronda Roaring made comments for the record in reference to the Renters Resolution:
"1. This resolution purports to affirm the rights of renters. However, it does not state
those rights, nor do I believe the author of the resolution has a clue what those
rights are.
"2. The original statement that resulted in the creation of the resolution had to do
with the fact that renters play little part in the Town of Danby, whether it be
attending meetings, serving on committees, attending events, etc. The
resolution does nothing to resolve this matter.
"Therefore, I suggest that the author of the resolution do something concrete or
constructive to help renters become more involved in the town. This might include,
Town of Danby Town Board Meeting 19 May 2021
but not be limited to, starting a renter's association, going door-to-door to talk to
renters —as we know where they all live now from the census —about issues of
concern to them and attempting to get them to register to vote in Tompkins County.
As we know, many of them are not registered to vote in Tompkins County.
"Thank you."
2.3. Pat Woodworth posed a question about the one -lane bridge on Gunderman Road and
whether it will remain a one -lane road or become a zero -lane bridge soon, or go back
to a two-lane bridge.
2.3.1. Supervisor Gagnon noted that the plan is to make it a two-lane bridge.
2.4. Ted Crane provided comments relevant to the Renters Resolution:
"I think it's a great idea to protect the place in our society for every class of people,
whether it is renters or anyone else. You might want to add hunters —whatever, I
think it's fine if you want to go there. But I do have a question because there's an 800
pound gorilla in the room that this town has a deliberate policy of discriminating
against certain individuals —I'm not talking about someone happened to say
something in an email who was not a town board member. What I'm talking about
Town Board members officially doing, and, lest you get your hackles up, I'll read to you
from the minutes of the Town Board meeting of January 8, 2018—something
happened that had the supervisor so exercised that he felt it necessary to read a
statement into the record. The statement goes like this:
'Discrimination and prejudice should be confronted, otherwise we are complicit in the
act. I voted not to go into executive session as I wanted a frank and open discussion of
qualifications and experience of candidates. I was confronted, in my opinion, by
immediate discrimination and extreme prejudice toward half of the candidates. Since
this was the basis of their reason to reject candidates outright, I could not in good
conscious participate.'
"Now, this has been going on —I can speak to it —for about 10 years. I think Joel has
mentioned to me that it happened before that as well. And so, I don't want to use
strong words like hypocritical or sanctimonious, but when you're making statements
like this over what amounted to a small [hoo-hoo?] statement by one person, I think
you should think very hard about the policies that the town board has been pursuing
under the table for some time, and you know I don't want to go on for any much
more, but if you want some more details about recent occurrences where this has
extended beyond the town board decision making, I'd be happy to do that. But I think
you'd be better off having an executive session to cover that personnel issue.
"Thanks."
3. Correspondence - none
4. Announcements - none
5. Consent Agenda
5.1. Minutes
5.1.1. 10 May 2021 (https://onlyo.co/2QPbFpZ)
5.2. Warrants
5.1.1. [Removed to discuss] Genera' Fund n v....,.6 eFS 135 160 fee 561,330.89
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Town of Danby Town Board Meeting 19 May 2021
5.1.2. Highway Fund No 9 Vouchers 94-119 for $88,071.91 (https://onlyo.co/33OpJ5P)
5.1.3. Water District Fund No 9 Vouchers 17-18 for $258.50 (https://onlyo.co/3eS2BJX)
Resolution 87 of 2021 To Approve Consent Agenda Minus the General Fund Warrant
Moved By: Connors Seconded By: Schnabel
Vote:
Councilperson Aye No Absent
Connors X
Holahan X
Schnabel X
Ulinski X
Gagnon X
Resolution 87 approved.
5.1.4. Councilperson Schnabel inquired about the number of septic systems serving
town buildings
5.1.4.1. There are two septic systems, but only the one at Highway gets pumped
every month.
5.1.4.2. Schnabel sought to clarify the septic pumping charges that appeared in
July 2020 and tonight.
5.1.4.3. Councilperson Holahan indicated that they pump about four times a
year; the septic system from the building is tied into the truck bay so that
when the trucks are washed it goes into the same holding tank as the sewer
from the building. There used to be a septic system which has been
approved for reuse at the health department. Currently, the town is trying
to separate the two systems so that less gets pumped and trucked out.
Money to separate them is part of the CDC grant.
Resolution 88 of 2021 To Approve General Fund No 9 Vouchers 135-160 for $61,330.80
(https://onlyo.co/33M4kdJ)
Moved By: Schnabel Seconded By: Holahan
Vote:
Councilperson Aye No Absent
Connors X
Holahan X
Schnabel X
Ulinski X
Gagnon X
Resolution 88 approved.
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Town of Danby Town Board Meeting 19 May 2021
6. Old Business
6.1. Library (https://onlyo.co/2RnbXEH)/Town Hall Policy
6.1.1. Cindy Parlett reviewed the library's proposal suggesting re -opening the library
for in -person browsing sessions on Thursdays and Saturdays, coinciding with a
library volunteer being onsite while preparing online/curbside pickup orders.
6.1.1.1. Browsing sessions will be limited to 30 minutes.
6.1.1.2. Suggested entrance via the east side doors.
6.1.1.3. Patron information will be recorded in the Contact Tracing notebook on the
library desk and the library will adhere to whatever safety measures the Town
Hall has in place.
6.1.1.10. Proposed start date is June 5, 2021.
6.1.2. Councilperson Ulinski noted that the rules haven't changed for municipalities,
therefore, until the government indicates that municipalities are free to do what
they want, we need to continue being careful. The library proposal is spot on, may
be a little conservative, and it may be that by June 1, the rules have changed
completely where the governor allows us to do what we want.
6.1.3. Ulinksi stated that we should "do our due diligence to the end and not be the
leader in taking risks" and asked to know how the staff would feel about having the
library open.
6.1.3.1. West opined that the CDC and the State set the floor for what should be
done, giving others the very minimum procedures to put in place; it is up to the
people involved to do what they think is safe beyond that.
6.1.3.2. Adelman noted that the level of comfort is related to the amount of
increased traffic Town Hall expects to see after re -opening, coupled with
having family members who may not be able to be vaccinated. Therefore,
having masks remain a requirement to enter the building regardless of
vaccination status feels appropriate.
6.1.3.3. Code Enforcement Officer Cortright added that he did not have a problem
with the library re -opening and whatever is decided for the good of the staff.
Cortright noted that he sees more people in carrying out the duties of his job in
the field, so will continue to support the decisions made.
6.1.4. Ulinski was agreeable to the library's proposal while also acknowledging the
need for Supervisor Gagnon to start discussing re -opening plans with the staff,
particularly given the rapid changes that we have seen in national and state
guidance over the last few weeks.
6.1.4.1. Ulinski asked that the Board review the Town Hall policy next month.
Resolution 90 of 2021 To Approve Library Re -Opening Proposal Allowing In -Person
Browsing Beginning Saturday June 5, 2021
Moved By: Ulinski Seconded By: Gagnon
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Town of Danby Town Board Meeting 19 May 2021
Vote:
Councilperson Aye No Absent
Connors X
Holahan X
Schnabel X
Ulinski X
Gagnon X
Resolution 90 approved.
6.2. Resolution 91 of 2021 To Appoint Jim Holahan as the Point -Person for the
HeatSmart Program
Moved By: Gagnon Seconded By: Connors
Vote:
Councilperson Aye No Absent
Connors X
Holahan X
Schnabel X
Ulinski X
Gagnon X
Resolution 91 approved.
6.3. Workplace Violence Initiative Update - none
6.4. OnlyOffice Proposal (https://onlyo.co/3ynWpBi) to purchase a renewable subscription
6.4.1. Clerk Adelman provided a brief overview presentation on OnlyOffice
functionality (https://onlyo.co/2QGAVP9)
6.4.2. Estimated number of users across the Town of Danby is 46-47, covering all
elected officials, employed staff, and appointed volunteers on the Planning Board,
Board of Zoning Appeals, Conservation Advisory Council, West Danby Water District
Committee, and any other individuals representing Danby in an official capacity.
6.4.2. Following the overview, Adelman compared the functionality that OnlyOffice
has provided in the last 6 months simply in terms of streamlining Board Meeting
Agenda prep, materials, and subsequent minutes dissemination, with that of a
software solution like CivicClerk.
— CivicClerk is an agenda and meeting management software that puts
meeting materials in one place for Board members to review or make
requests for items to be added to the agenda.
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Town of Danby Town Board Meeting 19 May 2021
— CivicClerk's price tag is initially $5,360 with subsequent yearly renewals at
$3,675.
— OnlyOffice's price quote for a suite of functions and capabilities is $2,760 for
a one-year renewable subscription.
6.4.3. The remaining discussion of OnlyOffice included discussion of additional Town
Software Options as described in 6.5 below.
6.5. Software Options Update (SmartGov [https://onlyo.co/3fyHF9V] v GovPilot
[https:Honlyo.co/3fxsaix] v CivicClerk [https://onlyo.co/3wl3Zecl + CivicOptimize
[https:Honlyo.co/2SV34Ta])
6.5.1. Supervisor Gagnon asked what the functionality of OnlyOffice is compared with
SmartGov and GovPilot.
- Adelman replied that these are different pieces to the puzzle. While OnlyOffice is
geared toward collaboration and sharing of information internally and externally,
the gov softwares focus on the processes behind municipal government, from
licensing and permitting to billing and accounting.
6.5.2. Adelman discussed other options with SmartGov, including adding property tax
collection, or water utility reading and billing.
— Property tax collection is not currently available.
— Water utilities might be possible in the Assets Management platform, however
this appears to be too robust for the Water District's use alone. It might make
sense if the Highway Department had a need for it, as well.
6.5.3. Additional questions on the OnlyOffice platform included
— Penalties incurred if canceling before the end of the subscription period:
There are no refunds.
— The number of users determining the pricing and whether guest users count in
the total user tally:
Guest users are external users with view -only permissions, therefore do not
count in the user tally pricing.
— Using OnlyOffice instead of, or in conjunction with material stored in Laserfiche.
6.5.4. Final discussion included the ability to use email in the OnlyOffice platform
necessitating a new email policy and initial set-up in OnlyOffice for new users.
Resolution 92 of 2021 To Subscribe to the OnlyOffice Platform with a one-year
subscription in a full trial run before committing to a three-year plan.
Moved By: Schnabel Seconded By: Gagnon
Vote:
Councilperson Aye No Absent
Connors X
Holahan X
Schnabel X
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Town of Danby Town Board Meeting 19 May 2021
Ulinski X
Gagnon X
Resolution 92 approved.
6.6. Outside user agreement W Danby Water District (https:Honlyo.co/3fjSuhv)
6.6.1. Planner West noted that the access easement has not yet been executed; all
parties have agreed to it but it stills need to be notarized and executed before it
is final. West is bringing the proposal to the Board for approval now, contingent
upon the easement being signed and the application fee paid.
Resolution 89 of 2021 To Approve the Outside User Agreement Application Contingent
Upon the Finalization of the Easement and Payment of the Application Fee.
Moved By: Gagnon Seconded By: Holahan
Vote:
Councilperson Aye No Absent
Connors X
Holahan X
Schnabel X
Ulinski X
Gagnon X
Resolution 89 approved.
6.7. Hamlet Grant Update
6.7.1. Planner West noted that the town was granted an additional $30,000 to go
towards studying the potential for shared septic, setting up septic districts, and
doing other things that can make it possible to do development in the hamlet.
6.7.2. The application was facilitated by a relationship with consultant Jennifer
Yvonne, that came about from the County's grant for initiating this work.
6.7.3. There is a list of things that will need approval from the Town Board, starting
with a resolution to accept the award and giving Gagnon the authority to sign
the contract.
6.7.4. Worth noting is a needed local match of $6,000 which can be met with in -kind
services.
6.7.5. West is not asking for anything from the board tonight but would like to have it
be on the agenda as he hopes it will move fast in the second half of the year.
7. New Business
7.1. Resolution on Renters in Danby drafted by Councilperson Ulinski
7.1.1. Ulinski stated being unapologetic about pushing this forward as a result of an
email chain with multiple town representatives on it in which some things were
said that felt inappropriate.
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Town of Danby Town Board Meeting 19 May 2021
Resolution 93 of 2021 Affirming the rights of renters in the Town of Danby
Moved By: Ulinski Seconded By: Schnabel
Whereas, certain language in recent discussions about land use have questioned the
value of renters in our community.
Whereas, diversity of all kinds, including types of home ownership, create vibrant and
healthy communities. Renters and land owners all provide value to our town.
Be It Resolved, this resolution affirms its support of renters in the Town of Danby .
In Addition, Be It Resolved, the Town of Danby supports and respects all residents of
the Town, whether owners or renters of property and affirms that home ownership or
renting will not be considered as negatives in the zoning or planning process.
Vote:
Councilperson Aye No Absent
Connors X
Holahan X
Schnabel X
Ulinski X
Gagnon X
Resolution 93 approved.
7.1.1. Following the vote, Ulinski urged Supervisor Gagnon to follow up with Resident
Ted Crane's comment about discrimination during Privilege of the Floor. He
stated that it would be appropriate for the supervisor to take the lead on
investigating the occurrence in question and potentially seeking outside
mediation assistance to rectify it.
— Gagnon agreed to do so.
7.2. Discussion on Creating an Agreement with the Fire District for Solar Billing
7.2.1. Laura Shawley provided the background on this topic in which Paul Hansen
originally set up a specific formula to do the calculations for the billing and sun
vestment for creating the solar energy, coupled with the NYSEG bills and
applied credits. However, there has been confusion about how it trickles down
to the fire department, and that there is fluctuation in the amount..
7.2.2. In discussion with the Fire District, the proposal was to bill them directly for
exactly what their usage is; rather than reconciling with solar credits every
month. Instead, reconciliation could be on a quarterly or semi-annual basis
where any amount of credits that apply to them would be applied back to their
usage.
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Town of Danby Town Board Meeting 19 May 2021
7.2.3. Another way to look at it is that the Town of Danby pays the bills when they
come in and applies the solar creditsin the way they need to be applied, then
provides the Fire District with a bill for their energy portion. The Fire District
would like to have the process drawn up and signed for their records.
7.2.4. There was not anything for the Board to do at tonight's meeting. This
exploration and adjustment around the solar/energy billing process will
continue; perhaps Paul Hansen can come to a future meeting to help explain.
7.2.5. Councilperson Holahan offered to take the lead on the project to coordinate
with Paul Hansen regarding the calculations and changing the billing process.
7.3. Beardsley Lane Stormwater District update
7.3.1. Planner West noted that Engineer Dave Herrick's report is almost ready; the
report will advance the process of creating a storm water district that can manage
the storm water infrastructure that came about from the creation of the
Beardsley Lane subdivision.
7.3.2. Creating a storm water district will entail notifying residents in the
neighborhood and increased costs at setup that will then lower into an ongoing
maintenance cost.
7.3.2. Supervisor Gagnon noted the proposal to meet with the residents in that
subdivision early on in the process, and asked whether that is before the
engineering study is in hand or after.
7.3.3. West indicated a few components that could be decision points, such as how
you apportion the fees that everyone in the district would be charged.
7.3.4. The remaining Board members agreed that bringing the topic to the residents,
so that they are well aware now rather than later, is a good idea.
7.3.5. West noted that the right way to do such a district is to create it before any
lots in the subdivision are sold. Since this is not possible, the town is an a
difficult situation given that the residents could protest the creation of a
stormwater district. Another complicating factor is that the town is not
required to maintain the subdivision's infrastructure.
7.3.6. The plan is to further discuss in the next Board Meeting.
7.4. Resolution to Relevy Water Bills
Resolution 94 of 2021 To Approve 2020 Unpaid Water Bill Relevy to Taxes
Moved By: Schnabel Seconded By: Holahan
RESOLVED, the Town Board approves the relevy of unpaid water bills to the tax roll for
2020 in the amount of $2,499.70.
Vote:
Councilperson Aye No Absent
Connors X
Holahan X
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Town of Danby Town Board Meeting 19 May 2021
Schnabel X
Ulinski X
Gagnon X
Resolution 94 approved.
8. Discussion of Next Meeting Agenda
8.1. Finalization of conservation easement for Wimsatt property
8.2. Town hall re -opening policy with guidelines and procedures for how to approach in -
person meetings.
8.3. HeatPump Campaign
8.4. Highway Energy Grant Update
8.5. Workplace Violence
8.6. Not to put on the the agenda, but the Board would like to see a demo for some of the
Software options we've been discussing. With enough Board members, it could be a
special meeting.
9. Adjourn at 21:15
Submitted by Janice R. Adelman
Town Clerk
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