HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-02-16 Town Board MinutesRoll Call:
The Town of Danby, New York
1830 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
https://danby.ny.gov
Town Board Regular Meeting
Wednesday 16 February 2022
+1-607-277-4788 1 townboard(a danby.ny.gov
Meeting Minutes
Town Board Joel Gagnon, Supervisor
Leslie Connors
Katharine Hunter
Sarah Schnabel
Patricia Woodworth
Town Planner David West
Town Code Enforcement Officer Steve Cortright
Town Bookkeeper Laura Shawley
Recording Secretary Janice Adelman, Town Clerk
1. Meeting Called to Order at 19:02 by Supervisor Gagnon
2. Additions/Deletions to Agenda
2.1. Appointment to Recreation Partnership Board — Marnie Kirchgessner
2.2. Danby Youth Commission
2.2.1. Proposed Operating Guidelines
2.3. Highway Dept Loader Auction Authorization
2.4. Highway Loader Purchase Contract
2.5. Agreement to Spend Highway Funds — Culvert Pipe
2.6. AOT Resolutions Revisit
3. Privilege of the Floor
3.1. Marnie Kirchgessner noted she was attending the meeting to answer any questions
regarding the Recreation Partnership Board.
3.2. Pamela Goddard also indicated her willingness to answer questions or speak to other
concerns regarding the DCC.; she respectfully asked for approval to speak during the
DCC discussion. Supervisor Gagnon agreed.
3.3. Ronda Roaring asked what the Food Pantry Law was that is on the agenda. Gagnon
responded that this will be addressed at that point in the agenda.
4. Correspondence (none)
5. Announcements
5.1. A meeting will be held online on 22 Feb at 4:30 regarding redistricting in Eastern &
Southern Tompkins County (Current Legislative Districts 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14) [Danby
Town of Danby Board Meeting
Tuesday 7 February 2022 at 7:00PM
is in District 7]. Register online at: https: Z Ztompkinscountynv_
gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN-GYwiA9IxQXSPziSV4tvxFA. Or, view the
meeting live or archived at: http�youtu.be/Y45Y4Hv1 rF0
6. Reports & Presentations
6.1. Danby Town Historian Report for 2021, By Mary Ann Barr
The first part of 2021 saw relaxed Pandemic protocols and everyone was optimistic
thinking life would soon return to normal. I gave attention to the Historian's display
area in Town Hall with the idea the place would be open and used normally. Then
Covid variants came along and routines were once again based on covid-time. So
throughout 2021 historian activities were minimal. I did put up some newspaper
articles about bygone days in Danby and was pleased that a few people commented
about them.
Meetings. I attended the Municipal Historians of Tompkins County (MHTC) meetings
on the 2nd Saturday of every month by Zoom and took the minutes. As usual the
meetings, led by County Historian, Carol Kammen, were interesting.
My time spent in the Historian's office at Town Hall has been limited to one afternoon
a week.
Requests. Throughout the year I received a few requests via e-mail and phone and in -
person visits to the Historian's office. These requests ranged from genealogy issues to
house/property questions to cemetery questions.
Writing/outreach. I submitted articles to the Danby Area News. Also contributed an
essay to the County Historian's project "Best of Years, Worst of Years" which iterated
experiences during 2020 lockdowns and an essay to Historic Ithaca's booklet
"Permanent Residents," the permanent resident being someone from a town's past
buried in a town cemetery. I wrote about Jerusha Lord.
Accomplishments. Progress has continued on my series of drawings of old Danby
barns, though for half the year I did not have access to my drawing tools etc. due to a
home improvement project. However, I completed a few more drawings and, to date, I
estimate I have done about half the old barns in town.
Going forward. My aim continues to be to curate and display Danby historic artifacts
in an established space for the purpose. I also still hope to have an assistant or deputy
historian, which will help in accomplishing historian activities.
Time. The time I have spent on Historian work is like 2020; hit or miss, since all
schedules were altered due to the pandemic.
Respectfully submitted, Mary Ann Barr
Page 2 of 75
Town of Danby Board Meeting
Tuesday 1 February 2022 at 7:00PM
6.2. Danby Community Library 2021 Report
Library 2021 Circulation Numbers
Material
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Total
Adult Fiction
37
40
40
26
22
36
49
61
50
43
27
30
461
Adult Biography
0
0
6
1
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
1
18
Adult Large -Type
5
17
13
9
6
4
4
7
3
8
7
2
85
Adult Non -Fiction
3
4
1
2
0
2
2
2
4
0
2
0
22
Total Adult Circulation 45 61 60 38 29 43 56 74 58 52 37 33 586
Young Adult Fiction
1
4
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
3
1
10
Juvenile Fiction
6
3
5
4
0
4
7
4
1
4
15
3
56
Juvenile Non -Fiction
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
2
1
2
1
0
8
Juvenile Biography
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Easy Readers
3
8
6
2
0
0
2
2
5
2
1
4
35
Picture Books
4
12
31
19
7
14
22
37
31
30
60
29
296
Board Books
0
10
1
0
1
1
10
2
2
2
9
4
42
Total Juvenile Circulation
15
38
43
25
8
19
41
48
40
40
89
41
447
Books on CD
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
1
0
1
0
6
DVDs
0
2
2
0
0
4
15
12
1
4
15
20
75
Total Nonbook Circulation
1
2
2
0
0
4
15
15
2
4
16
20
81
Total Circulation
61
101
105
63
37
66
112
137
100
96
142
94
1114
Total Patrons: 22 27 33 20 16 22 40 52 32 36 40 29 369
Library 2021 Volunteer Hours
Volunteer
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Total
Dawn
6.85
0
7.8
0
5.75
11.5
19.85
13.45
10.95
18.4
16.45
9.75
120.75
Alex
0
7.05
0.5
0.5
0.5
4.5
9
0
1.25
2.1
7
11.25
43.65
Cindy
1
1
0.85
2
7.2
5.25
3
3.25
3.75
5
3
4
39.3
Kathy
2.5
0
2.4
1.7
1
0.5
0
5
4.75
3.45
5
4.85
31.15
Page 3 of 75
Town of Danby Board Meeting Tuesday 7 February 2022 at 7:OOPM
Lynn 4.05 3.5 7 8.2 5.3 10.3 9.3 13.4 11.35 9 5.8 87.2
David 6 9.7 3.5 1 5.95 2.7 4.5 1.5 0.75 3.1 2.1 1.5 42.3
Total Hours 16.35 21.8 18.55 12.2 28.6 29.75 46.65 32.5 34.85 43.4 42.55 37.15 364.35
6.3. Noise Committee Report, Presented by Betsy Wohl, Chair
6.3.1. There is a distinction between everyday normal noise versus
unreasonable/extraordinary noise.
6.3.2. There are no state or federal remedies currently for unreasonable noise.
6.3.3. The committee worked on an ordinance that was presented with a request
for feedback.
6.3.4. Proposed next steps are to talk with Town Attorney Guy Krogh and
supervisors of other towns with a focus on best practices in rural areas.
6.3.5. Supervisor Gagnon recommended having the committee draft a law that the
Town could take to Krogh.
Resolution 54 of 2022 To Task the Noise Committee with Drafting Local Law for Town
Board to Consider
Moved By: Gagnon Seconded By: Schnabel
6.3.4. Councilperson Hunter asked if Justice Huddle had any comments to
offer regarding this proposal. Huddle noted that with an ordinance that
incurs fines, there's no recourse to get people with violations into court.
Based on what happens with dog license and driver license violations,
Huddle believes such an ordinance will be hard to enforce.
Vote
Councilperson Aye Nay Abstain
Connors X
Hunter X
Schnabel X
Woodworth X
Gagnon X
Resolution 54 approved
Page 4 of 75
Town of Danby Board Meeting
Tuesday 7 February 2022 at 7:00PM
7. Consent Agenda
7.1. Warrants
7.1.1. Resolution 56 of 2022 To Approve General Fund No 4 Vouchers 42-64 for
$ 607,912.73
Moved By: Schnabel Seconded By: Woodworth
Vote:
Councilperson Aye Nay Absent
Connors X
Hunter X
Schnabel X
Woodworth X
Gagnon X
Resolution 56 approved
7.1.2. Highway Fund No 4 Vouchers 28-38 for $51,444.42
Resolution 57 of 2022 To Hold Special Meeting Tomorrow at 4pm To Review and
ApproveHighway Fund Abstract and Vouchers
Moved By: Schnabel
Seconded By: Woodworth
Vote:
Councilperson
Aye
Connors
X
Hunter
X
Schnabel
X
Woodworth
X
Gagnon
X
Resolution 57 approved
Nay Absent
7.1.3. Resolution 55 of 2022 To Approve Water Fund No 4 Vouchers 47-49 for
$ 450.00
Page 5 of 75
Town of Danby Board Meeting Tuesday 7 February 2022 at 7:00PM
Moved By: Connors Seconded By: Woodworth
Vote:
Councilperson Aye Nay Absent
Connors X
Hunter X
Schnabel X
Woodworth X
Gagnon X
Resolution SS approved
8. Business
8.1. Proetirefflent Poliey Tabled
8.2. Resolution 58 of 2022 To Appointment Mamie Kirchgessner to Recreation
Partnership Board
Moved By: Gagnon
Seconded By: Connors
Vote:
Councilperson
Aye
Connors
X
Hunter
X
Schnabel
X
Woodworth
X
Gagnon
X
Resolution 58 approved
Nay Absent
8.3. Resolution 59 of 2022 To Create the Danby Youth Commission
Moved By: Woodworth Seconded By: Connors
OVERVIEW
Page 6 of 75
Town of Danby Board Meeting
Tuesday 1 February 2022 at 7:OOPM
The purpose of Danby Youth Commission is to recommend policies, plans, and
procedures to
the sponsoring municipality to enable the development, implementation and
coordination of
effective programs that meet the recreational and developmental needs of youth.
The Danby
Youth Commission would like to continue to work with the Tompkins County
Municipal Youth
Services System - which is committed to providing opportunities for
underrepresented and
underserved youth to deal successfully with the challenges of adolescence. By
building
partnerships, communities can offer diverse, cost-effective programs that strengthen
and
support young people.
GOALS
1. Create Danby Youth Commission consisting of 7 members, as outlined by the
proposed Operating Guidelines.
2. Meet monthly on the (options are 1st Thursday evening, 2nd Wednesday or
Thursday evening, 3rd Tuesday or Wednesday evening, 4th Tuesday evening, or
can take the previous 11am 2nd Thursday time of DCC youth programming
committee) to review current program offerings, updates from county and
municipal entities, to obtain a sustainable budget (fundraising/advocating).
3. To assess the needs of youth and families by conducting a Needs Assessment, as
needed and/or required.
4. To follow best practices regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion.
5. To complete Tompkins County Youth Services Department's Vitality Check List to
evaluate Youth Commission needs and strengths.
SPECIFICATIONS
The Danby Youth Commission is dedicated to fulfilling the need for quality youth
development programming. The diagram below details the hierarchy of
interventions for you. The higher the area on the diagram, the less youth are served,
and the cost is significantly increased per -youth. To reach the underserved and
underrepresented youth most effectively, the Danby Commission will focus on
positive youth development programming.
TIMELINE
The Danby Youth Commission will be effectively in place on February 16, 2022. The
Town Board will appoint their liaison on February 16, 2022.
Page 7 of 75
Town of Danby Board Meeting
Tuesday 1 February 2022 at 7:00PM
The Town Liaison and the Coordinator of Community Youth Services (Meghan Guerra
Lyons) of Tompkins County Youth Services Department will create an application and
will share through various stakeholders to recruit commission members by February
21, 2022.
The Danby Youth Commission will have a full commission appointed by the Town of
Danby on March 16th, 2022.
The Danby Youth Commission will hold a March meeting to ensure that current
youth development programming is not interrupted.
All contracts will be updated and signed by the end of March 2022.
Respectfully submitted by H. Katharine Hunter
Vote:
Councilperson Aye Nay Absent
Connors X
Hunter X
Schnabel X
Woodworth X
Gagnon X
Resolution SP approved
8.3.1. Resolution 60 of 2022 To Approve the Danby Youth Commission Operating
Guidelines
Moved By: Woodworth Seconded By: Schnabel
Discussion centered around the composition of the voting membership. Specifically, the
school -employed member, the age restriction of the youth member, the requirement
of being a Danby resident.
Vote:
Councilperson Aye Nay Absent
Connors X
Hunter X
Page 8 of 75
Town of Danby Board Meeting
Schnabel X
Woodworth X
Gagnon X
Resolution 60 approved
Tuesday 7 February 2022 at 7:00PM
Resolution 61 of 2022 To Appoint Katharine Hunter as Liaison to the Danby Youth
Commission
Moved By: Woodworth Seconded By: Schnabel
Vote:
Councilperson Aye Nay
Connors X
Hunter X
Schnabel X
Woodworth X
Gagnon X
Resolution 67 approved
Absent
8.4. Resolution 63 of 2022 To Allow the Highway Superintendent to Send the 2021
Volvo Loader to Auction
Moved By: Connors Seconded By: Woodworth
WHEREAS, the Highway Department has an offer from Alta Equipment to trade in the
2021 loader for $156,000.
WHEREAS, the Highway Department would like to put the loader up on Auctions
International to see if the town can get an offer for more.
RESOLVED, the Town Board gives permission to the Highway Superintendent to enter
the 2021 Volvo loader into auction with a minimum acceptance amount of $158,000.
Appraisals will be obtained and the lowest price accepted will be based on those
records.
Vote:
Page 9 of 7S
Town of Danby Board Meeting Tuesday 7 February 2022 at 7: 00PM
Councilperson Aye Nay Absent
Connors X
Hunter X
Schnabel X
Woodworth X
Gagnon X
Resolution 63 approved
8.5. Resolution 62 of 2022 To Allow the Highway Superintendent to Enter into an
Agreement with Alta Equipment for the Contract of a New Loader
Moved By: Gagnon Seconded By: Woodworth
WHEREAS, the Highway Department has entered into agreements over the last
seven years for the annual replacement of the loader.
WHEREAS, the loader is a priority piece of equipment that must be in reliable
condition from year to year to service winter emergencies.
WHEREAS, an analysis has been done to be certain that the price of replacing the
loader each year is cost effective for the town and it has been determined that the
replacement in 2022 will be comparable to a long-standing ownership and actually
save the town money by the elimination of maintenance costs.
RESOLVED, the Town Board gives permission to the Highway Superintendent to enter
into the sales contract with Alta Equipment for the replacement of the loader. The
amount of the transaction will be $15,664.00 which will be paid for with $9,000 out
of the Equipment Reserve in the Highway Fund, and $6,664.00 from the DA5130.400
Machinery Contractual line.
Vote:
Councilperson Aye Nay Absent
Connors X
Hunter X
Schnabel X
Woodworth X
Gagnon X
Page 70 of 75
Town of Danby Board Meeting Tuesday 7 February 2022 at 7: 00PM
Resolution 62 approved
8.6. Resolution 64 of 2022 To Approve the Agreement to Spend Town Highway Funds to
Purchase a Culvert Pipe for Gunderman Road Bridge
Moved By: Schnabel Seconded By: Gagnon
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 284 of the Highway Law, we agree moneys
levied and collected for the repair and improvements of highways, and received from
the state for repair and improvement of highways shall be expended as follows:
General Repairs
1. A sum not to exceed $30,000 shall be spent on the purchase of a culvert pipe to
repair the bridge on Gunderman Road. This amount will be paid from the CHIPS
funds that have been allotted to the Town of Danby from New York State.
EXECUTED THIS 16th DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2022
Supervisor Highway Superintendent
Council Person Council Person
Council Person Council Person
Vote:
Councilperson Aye Nay Absent
Connors X
Hunter X
Schnabel X
Woodworth X
Gagnon X
Resolution 64 approved
8.7. AOT Resolutions Revisit
Page 7 7 of 75
Town of Danby Board Meeting
Tuesday 1 February 2022 at 7:00PM
8.7.1. At the previous board meeting, the Highway department was asked to weigh
in on some of the resolutions. Highway Superintendent, Deputy Highway
Superintendent, and Highway Secretary provided feedback with thoughts
pertaining to:
8.7.1.1. The ability to have the town authority set its own speed limits brings
up liability issues for the town.
8.7.1.2. Waiving the prevailing wage for building contracts under $50,000
might bring about less reasonable pay to laborers.
8.7.2. Supervisor Gagnon asked if this feedback led to any reconsideration of the
support we previously gave to the resolutions.
8.7.2.1. Although there was some discussion around these issues, and what it
would mean for the town, the consensus was to leave the support as is.
8.8. Revisit Level of Operation and Applicability
8.8.1. NY State has extended virtual meetings through April.
8.8.2. Supervisor Gagnon asked if the Town's mask mandate extended to Town
meetings not held in Town Hall, e.g., the Water District meetings in the Fire
Hall. The Town recommends following the County mandate which maintains
masks should be worn during inside gatherings.
8.8.3. Town Board noted that the Town policy needed to clarify that the policy
applies to all official town representatives and their meetings, regardless of
meeting locale (i.e., Water District, Planning Board, BZA, CAC, etc.)
Resolution 65 of 2022 To Amend Existing COVID Policy to State that the Policy
Applies to All Town Boards and Committees Irrespective of Place of Gathering or Meeting.
Moved By: Schnabel Seconded By: Connors
Vote:
Councilperson
Aye Nay Absent
Connors
X
Hunter
X
Schnabel
X
Woodworth
X
Gagnon X
Resolution 65 approved
8.9. Town Newsletter — Form, Frequency, Funding, Agency, Logistics
Page 72 of 75
Town of Danby Board Meeting
Tuesday 7 February 2022 at 7:00PM
8.9.1. Woodworth spoke with representative from the Town of Caroline regarding
their town newsletter:
8.9.1.1. Caroline's printing costs are between $ 350 - 400
8.9.1.2. Caroline's postage costs between $ 350 - 400
8.9.1.3.With about 1600 residents, residents are able to opt -out; the town
then only pays for those that are actually mailed to residents who
want them.
8.9.1.4.Local WordPro publisher does the printing, folding, and stamping.
8.9.2. Woodworth recommends that we move forward with this to have a
newsletter mailed out to all residents for April allowing them to opt -out from
future mailings. With volunteers to help and an estimated budget of
$1000/monthly issue.
Resolution 66 of 2022 To Create a Newsletter Committee with Pat Woodworth as Chair
Putting Out the First Issue in April 2022.
Moved By: Gagnon Seconded By: Hunter
Clarification that opting -out would only be opting out of the hardcopy, not the
electronic copy.
Further clarification that this is an experimental phase.
Vote:
Councilperson
Aye Nay Absent
Connors
X
Hunter
X
Schnabel
X
Woodworth
X
Gagnon X
Resolution 66 approved
8.10. Status Update: DCC Contract
8.10.1. Feedback from the DCC was that the contract is not quite ready for approval.
8.10.1.1. Noted that some things may have unintended consequences.
Some changes were substantial enough that they would warrant further
discussion between the two parties.
8.10.2. Connors asked if Attorney Guy Krogh had reviewed the contract
Page 73 of 75
Town of Danby Board Meeting
Tuesday 1 February 2022 at 7:00PM
8.10.2.1. Schnabel would rather wait until we have a final contract in
place.
8.10.3. The consensus was to delay this discussion until further review.
8.11. Department of Assessment Local Advisory Board of Assessment Review
8.11.]. The local board includes 2 town board -appointed residents to appear at
hearings. There will be a County Assessment Department member, County
Legislator Dan Klein, and 2 Town Reps to hear local people contest their
assessment.
8.11.2. Two people have already expressed interest: Bruce Richards and Tom Seeney.
8.11.3. Schnabel and others suggested waiting and allowing people to apply if
interested.. Gagnon agreed to solicit interest in the March e-newsletter.
8.12. Consider Authorizing Taps Across America Memorial Day Event
8.12.1. Ronda Roaring recommended the Town participate in this event on Memorial
Day, May 30. Someone stands at a designated spot and plays Taps between
2:30 and 3:30. The instrument could be any instrument.
Resolution 67 of 2022 To Participate in Taps Across America with Hunter and Schnabel
leading the Coordination Efforts.
Moved By: Gagnon Seconded By: Schnabel
Vote:
Councilperson
Aye Nay Absent
Connors
X
Hunter
X
Schnabel
X
Woodworth
X
Gagnon X
Resolution 67 approved
8.13. `" ebs*`e Assessrment Tabled
8.14. Resolution 68 of 2022 To Approve the Municipal Shared Services Agreement
Moved By: Schnabel Seconded By: Connors
Resolved that for a 5-year term ending on December 1, 2026 the Town of Danby by
this resolution agrees to participate in a municipal shared services agreement with all
other municipalities who similarly agree according to the terms and conditions set
forth in the written agreement appended hereto and authorizes the Town Supervisor
Page 74 of 1S
Town of Danby Board Meeting
to sign and execute it.
Vote:
Councilperson Aye Nay
Connors X
Hunter X
Schnabel X
Woodworth X
Tuesday 7 February 2022 at 7:00PM
Absent
Gagnon X
Resolution 68 approved
8.15. - - Tabled
8.16. — Di5eti55ion Tabled
8.17. Tabled
9. Discussion of Next Meeting Agenda
9.1. Procurement Policy
9.2. DCC Contract
9.3. Website Assessment
9.4. Transfer of Development Rights — GEIS as is, or Revised?
9.5. Discuss How to Organize Planning Going Forward
9.6. Food Pantry Local Law
10. Meeting Adjourned at 21:35.
Submitted by Janice R. Adelman
Town Clerk
Page 75 of 75