HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-04-05 Town Board MinutesRoll Call:
The Town of Danby, New York
1830 Danby Road, ltbaca, NY 14850
https://danby.ny.gov
Town Board Regular Meeting
Tuesday 5 April 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
Guest Speakers
Alexis Dengel Danby Youth Commission Applicant
Nina Arnold Danby Youth Commission Applicant
Jim Holahan Clean Energy Presentation
1. Meeting Called to Order at 19:oi by Supervisor Gagnon
2. Additions/Deletions to Agenda
2.1. Review of Beardsley Ln. DRAFT Storm Water District Map Plan and Report
2.2. Cayuga Lake Watershed Inter -municipal Organization MOA Approval
3. Privilege of the Floor
3.1. Ted Crane, Danby Resident. (1) A clerical point that the town website refers to
joining the meeting as a "zoom room" which the Zoom company would disagree
with because "zoom room" is the name of a particular configuration of hardware
and software that is an added expense; this is merely a zoom meeting. (2) One of
the resumes linked to the agenda is unreadable. (3) Crane acknowledged being not
terribly sure of but suggested the Town take this into consideration at this meeting
and in future meetings: The Open Meetings Law says that regardless of how a
meeting is carried out, in person or remote, the public should be able to listen and
observe what is going on. There are two different interpretations, but the
interpretation within the open meetings law is that your video should be on if you
are Town Board member and audio should also be on at all times. Because
otherwise, if you have someone else in the room, they could be whispering
Town of Danby Board Meeting
Tuesday 5 April 2022 at 7:00PM
instructions in your ear. These are the words of the Committee for Open
Government. (4) The proposed noise law is a very simple resolution that
establishes a set of procedures, which are a whole lot better than what we have
right now, which is nothing. Crane observed that it is extremely subjective;
dependent on the point of view of the law enforcement operating officer who
shows up, or the town -appointed person. (5) Crane did not very carefully read the
Danby amendment to the hazard mitigation plan, but noted that on the very first
page, Section 9.4.1 states that the alternate point of contact should be a
councilperson who left office several months ago and who is currently not the
deputy supervisor, so that should be updated.
3.2. Ronda Roaring, Danby Resident. In regard to the hazard mitigation plan
resolution, Roaring recommended holding hearings before the Town Board
considers the resolution. She had asked to be part of the discussion about the
hazard mitigation with a serious interest in the topic. Yet she was not contacted in
any way about any kind of meetings about the hazard mitigation. She didn't
remember the county having any kind of public meetings and is therefore asking
the Town to have hearings in the Town with the residents of the Town concerning
the Town of Danby portion of the hazard mitigation.
3.3. Pat Woodworth acknowledged that Gould Colman died, a resident who was very
active in the Town in many different ways, including serving on the Town Board.
Gagnon noted that next meeting we should pass a resolution of appreciation.
4. Correspondence
4.1. Town of Ithaca Development Proposal
Booster Station Application
4.1.1. Planner David West explained that Article 239 requires notification
when a project is near a municipal border. The Town of Ithaca is adding
some equipment to the water tank that is within 500 ft of the
Danby/Town of Ithaca border. This correspondence is the Town of
Ithaca's required notification prior to initiating their project. Danby
could challenge their desire to be the lead agency (not necessary in this
case), or Danby could request to be included in the SEAR process if so
desired.
4.1.2. West noted that on his review of the project proposal, there seems to
be a very small impact and did not see why the Danby would want to be
a part of this, however, it remains in the town's purview to request to be
included if desired.
4.1.3. Town Board consensus was no action needed.
5. Announcements - none.
6. Interviews of Prospective Youth Commission Members
6.1. Alexis Dengel
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Town of Danby Board Meeting
6.2. Nina Arnold
Tuesday 5 April 2022 at 7:00PM
y. Reports & Presentations
7.1. Clean Energy Communities Possibilities —Jim Holahan
7.1.1. Holahan met with Regina Cassidy last week regarding options for our
status as a Clean Energy Community.
7.1.2. Our first step was to submit our $S000 grant; confirmation needed that
this was successfully submitted.
7.1.3.
Next steps: we currently have 1,700 points. The next level to reach is
3,000 points which affords a $10,00o grant.
7.1.4•
4000 points leads to a $20,000 grant; 5000 points leads to a $70,000
grant. So how do we get to 3,000 points?
7.1.5.
Advanced benchmarking in the utility bills to compare with other
towns. This makes us eligible for another 200-300 points. Cassidy
recommended revisiting the NY Stretch Code. Because there had been
some reluctance last year around this, Regina Cassidy and Lou Vogel
are scheduled to present to the Board at its next meeting around this
topic. Adopting this initiative will allot the town 1200 points; if adopted
by June 30, it also includes a bonus $S,000. After that, we would
continue working toward the next level while also considering how the
Town Board would want to appropriate the new funding.
7.1.6.
Improvements at Town Hall EV charging stations by the bus station and
park. Electric vehicles for the Code Enforcer, Planner, and possibly
Highway Superintendent to use.
7.1.7.
Community -wide project. See the following for further specific details:
NYSERDA Clean Energy Communities 1200 Points
NYStretch Energy Code 202o EAQ
NYStretch Energy Code
7.2. 202o Recreation Partnership Contract Proposal — Marnie Kirchgessner
7.2.1.
Spread the word that the County has negotiated free bus transportation
for youth up to age 18
7.2.2.
The Recreation Partnership agreement comes up every S years; offers
opportunities for all youth residing in Tompkins County through the
Ithaca Youth Bureau.
7.2.3. The current proposed agreement mirrors the existing agreement;
Kirchgessner is asking for the Board's support of this new agreement.
7.3. Noted that Danby has the highest number of participants of the smaller
municipalities.Will review and discuss at the next meeting; Kirchgessner needs to
know of any concerns or objections by 22 April.Town Planner Report
7.3.1. Planning Board's last meeting had four projects on the agenda
7.3.2• 136o Coddington Road: added a second dwelling; this was the last
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Town of Danby Board Meeting
Tuesday 5 April 2022 at 7:00PM
project that was under review under previous zoning.The other three
projects will be back before the Planning Board at this month's ig April
meeting 19 April Planning Board Reviews
7.3.3• lob Marsh Road: subdivision and conservation easementi58 Peter
Road: SFH construction in Rural 1 zonel2i Durfee Hill: SFH
construction in Rural 1 zoneNew project at 256 Bruce Hill Rd:
conservation easement with variance to go before the PB and possibly
the BZA
7.3.4• Attended Southern Tier Central conference last week.
7.3.5• Solar Farm project continues regarding the wetland delineations
7.3.6. West has also had many meetings with interested parties in hamlet
development
7.4. Town Clerk March 2022 Report
Pursuant to Section 27, Subd 1 of the Town Law, I hereby make the following statement of all fees
and moneys received by me in connection with my office during the month stated above, excepting
only such fees and moneys the application and payment of which are otherwise provided for by Law:
Remit to
Dept
Budget
Line
Description
Qty
Total Monies
Collected
External
Agency
Remit to
Agency
Danby
Gen Fund
Clerk
A1255
DECALS
1
$25.00
NYS DEC
$23.62
$1.38
Marriage Licenses
0
$0.00
NYS DoH
$0.00
$0.00
Marriage
0
$0.00
—
0.00
$0.00
Transcripts
A1550
Impoundment Fees
1
$50.00
SPCA
0.00
$50.00
A2544
Dog Licenses
8
$144.00
NYS A&M
$16.00
$128.00
Code
A2555
Building Permits
3
$100.00
—
0
$100.00
Planner
A2110
Zoning Appeals
0
$0.00
—
0
$0.00
A2115
Planning Fees
1
$220.00
—
0
$220.00
A2655
Subdivisions
0
$0.00
—
0
$0.00
Grand Totals
$539.00
$39.62
$499.38
STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF TOMPKINS, TOWN OF DANBY
I, Janice Adelman, being duly sworn, say that I am the Clerk of the Town of Danby and that the
foregoing is a full and true statement of all Fees and moneys received by me during the month above
stated, excepting only such Fees the application and payment of which are otherwise provided for by
law.
Subscribed and sworn this 5th day of April 2022.
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Town of Danby Board Meeting
7.5. Code Enforcement March 2022 Report
Tuesday 5 April 2022 at 7.-OOPM
—Janice Adelman
BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED
VaIUE
Fee
New Residential Construction
Renovations/Other
649 East Miller Rd — wood stove
4,618
$25.00
90 Lieb Rd — new roof
23,677
$50.00
23 Nelson Rd — new bathroom- renewed permit
$25.00
MONTH TOTALS
28,295
$100.00
TD TOTALS
441,186
$1491.50
PREVIOUS YTD TOTALS
412,891
$1391.50
CERTIFICATES OF COMPLIANCE
25 Maple Ave — wood stove
209 buttermilk Ln — deck
85 Bald Hill Rd — new roof
1859 Danby Rd — new roof
649 East Miller Rd — wood stove
CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY
None
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
11 Construction inspections
Completed and submitted NYS 1203 Code Enforcement Report for 2021 to NYS DOS
Completed and submitted U.S. Census Bureau report for building permits for 2021 C-404
Town of Caroline hours 41
26 hours of in-service training
An introduction to performance Compliance Method
Doors: A few questions
2018 Fire and Life safety Principles
Framing for Energy Code
Means of Egress
Fire Alarm Inspections 25 Steps to Failure
Division of Building Standards and Codes Update
DBSC Records and Public Service
After the Storm - Recovery
Exterior Requirements of the PMCNYS
Battery Storage Systems
Inspection, Testing and Maintenance — fire extinguishment systems
Fire Safety During Construction
7.5.1. Connors checked in with Cortright to make sure he was doing OK
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Town of Danby Board Meeting
Tuesday 5 April 2022 at 7:00PM
handling the additional Caroline hours
7.5.2. Cortright noted that he has encouraged the Caroline Supervisor to
more actively recruit a new Code Enforcement Officer; interviews are
scheduled for next week.
8. Consent Agenda
8.1. Meeting Minutes
8.1.1. i9 January 2022
8.1.2. 16 March 2022
8.2. Warrants
8.2A. General Fund Abstract 7 Vouchers too —ill for $4286.7.7
8.2.2. Removed the Sentry Invoice Voucher log for $27oNow We have
Vouchers too-110 for $3984.72Highway Fund Abstract 7 Vouchers 62-68
for $25,165-43-
8.2.3. Abstract 6 amendment to Link Authorized Expenditures to Their
Associated Budget Lines
8.2.4. Board would like the Finance Committee to meet and understand what
the Board's role is to go through these warrants, vouchers, and
abstracts. Bookkeeper will chair the group and convene the first
meeting.
Resolution 91 of 2022 To Approve the Consent Agenda Covering Meeting Minutes (19 Jan 2022
and 16 Mar 2022) and Warrant Abstracts 7
Vote:
Moved By: Woodworth Seconded By: Schnabel
Councilperson Aye Nay Absent
Connors X
Hunter X
Schnabel X
Woodworth X
Gagnon X
Resolution 91 approved
9. Business of Town of Danby Policies and Procedures
9.1. CAC subcommittee and Solar Panels and Wetlands options
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Town of Danby Board Meeting
Tuesday 5 April 2022 at 7:00PM
Resolution 92 of 2022 That the Planning Board Use This Committee Report as Guidelines for
Consideration When Conducting Site Plan Review for Solar Arrays
Moved By: Schnabel Seconded By: Connors
Vote:
Councilperson
Aye Nay Absent
Connors
X
Hunter
X
Schnabel
X
Woodworth
X
Gagnon
X
Resolution 92 approved
9.2. Procurement Policy and Procedures
Resolution 93 of 2022 To Approve The Revised Procurement Policy and Procedures
Moved By: Gagnon Seconded By: Connors
Vote:
Councilperson
Aye Nay Absent
Connors
X
Hunter
X
Schnabel
X
Woodworth
X
Gagnon
X
Resolution 93 approved
9.3. Revisit Level of Operation
9.3.1• Gagnon wondered if we should make masks optional
9.3.2• Connors felt that we should not lift restrictions; Schnabel suggested to
leave masks in place and revisit at next meeting.
9.3.3• Board consensus was to maintain the current level at Level 2.
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Town of Danby Board Meeting
Tuesday 5 April 2022 at 7:00PM
9.4. Proposed Reimbursement to DCC for January and February Danby News
9.4.1. Pat noted that we took the money out in the January meeting.
9.4.2• Proposed reimbursing actual expenses incurred for putting out the
January issue in an amount not to exceed 1/12th
Resolution XX of 2022 To Approve A Reimbursement of Actual Expenses Incurred to the DCC
for Publishing the January Issue in an Amount Not To Exceed 1/12 the Estimated Publishing
Budget Costs
Moved By: Gagnon Seconded By: Schnabel
Vote:
Councilperson Aye Nay Abstain
Connors X
Hunter X
Schnabel X
Woodworth X
Gagnon X
Motion failed
9.5. Noise Law -- Review and Possible Scheduling of Public Hearing
9•S•1. Would like to schedule public hearing with the option to gather more
feedback at additional public hearings.
9•5.2. Justice Garry Huddle noted a number of questions that arose with him
regarding the the need for such an ordinance, the justices' ability to
enforce this law, the need for permits, etc.
9•S•3• Planner David West noted the topic of permitting is something worth
talking about given his conversation with Noise Committee Chair Betsy
Wohl. West suggested the permitting option be added due to concerns
that with the way the ordinance was written, there wasn't any obvious
way to know whether a person would be safe from prosecution because
there is no standard measure to indicate whether "noise" being
produced is an acceptable amount. If the definition of what's
unreasonable is too vague, then having a permit process would ensure
that a person would have reason to believe they would be safe from
prosecution in relation to this ordinance.
9•5.4• The Board noted its intent to make sure this proposed law and the
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Town of Danby Board Meeting
Tuesday 5 April 2022 at 7:00PM
public hearing is well -publicized in both the Town newsletter and
online.
Resolution 94 of 2022 To Schedule Public Hearing on 18 May
Moved By: Gagnon
Vote:
Councilperson
Seconded By: Schnabel
Aye Nay Absent
Connors X
Hunter X
Schnabel X
Woodworth X
Gagnon X
Resolution 94 approved
9.6. Use of American Rescue Plan Act Funds -- Process for Identifying and Prioritizing
Use of Funds
9.6.1. Gagnon noted that David West suggested this is a significant
opportunity here to make capital investments in the future; thus we
ought to be considering these funds in the context of the
comprehensive plan, including reviewing the capital projects wish list
created during the budget process last year, as well as the workplace
violence initiative and recommendations.
9.6.2. Gagnon proposed a committee to start a list of items for the Board to
review. The committee could consist of him, David someone from
highway, another board member.
9.6.3. This was not to be decided on tonight, but rather something to think
about and come back to next time.
9.3. Contract Review and Approval of Community Science Institute, Danby Community_
Park Association
9.7.1. There was discussion around the numbers presented in the proposed
DCPA budget as some numbers were not lining up.
Resolution 95 of 2022 To Approve DCPA Contract with slight modification of what money
would be used for with $20o added for fuel and $too to trail maintenance
Moved By: Woodworth Seconded By: Connors
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Town of Danby Board Meeting
Vote:
Councilperson Aye
Connors X
Hunter X
Schnabel X
Woodworth X
Gagnon X
Resolution 95 approved
Tuesday 5 April 2022 at 7:00PM
Nay Absent
Resolution 96 of 2022 To Approve Community Science Institute Support Contingent That It
the Agreement Reflects the 2022 Town of Danby Budgeted Amount.
Moved By: Schnabel Seconded By: Connors
Vote:
Councilperson Aye Nay Absent
Connors X
Hunter X
Schnabel X
Woodworth X
Gagnon X
Resolution 96 approved
9.8. County Hazard Mitigation Plan -- Approval as Amended
9.8.1. Danby Edited Addendum
9.8.2. County Plan Main Body and Appendices
Resolution 97 of 2022 To Adopt the Tompkins County Hazard Mitigation Plan: 2021 Update
With the Town of Danby Edits
Moved By: Gagnon Seconded By: Connors
WHEREAS, all jurisdictions within Tompkins County have exposure to natural hazards that
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Town of Danby Board Meeting
Tuesday 5 April 2022 at 7:00PM
increase the risk to life, property, environment, and the economy; and
WHEREAS, pro -active mitigation of known hazards before a disaster event can reduce or
eliminate long-term risk to life and property; and
WHEREAS, The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-390) established new
requirements for pre- and post -disaster hazard mitigation programs; and
WHEREAS, a Planning Partnership of all Tompkins County municipalities has been formed to
pool resources and create consistent mitigation strategies within Tompkins County; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Partnership has completed a planning process that engaged the
public, assessed the risk and vulnerability to the impacts of hazards, developed a mitigation
strategy consistent with a set of uniform goals and objectives, and created a plan for
implementing, evaluating and revising this strategy; and
WHEREAS, TOWN OF DANBY will consider this Plan during the implementation and
updating of local plans, and will incorporate the hazard assessment data, hazard
vulnerabilities, and mitigation actions in these plans, where applicable, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That TOWN OF DANBY, as a participating jurisdiction in the Plan's development,
adopts the Tompkins County Hazard Mitigation Plan: 2021 Update (the "Plan") as the
County's Hazard Mitigation Plan,
RESOLVED, further, that TOWN OF DANBY will:
1. Use the adopted Plan to guide pre- and post -disaster mitigation of the hazards
identified;
2. Coordinate the strategies identified in the Plan with other planning programs and
mechanisms under its jurisdictional authority;
3. Continue its support of the Planning Partnership as described within the plan;
4. Help to promote and support the mitigation successes of all participants in the Plan;
5. Incorporate mitigation planning as an integral component of government and partners
operations; and
6. Provide an update of the Plan no less than every five (5) years.
SEQR ACTION: Type II - 27
Vote:
Councilperson Aye Nay Absent
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Town of Danby Board Meeting
Tuesday 5 April 2022 at 7:00PM
Connors
X
Hunter
X
Schnabel
X
Woodworth
X
Gagnon
X
Resolution 97 approved
9.9. Feedback to TCCOG on Proposed County Takeover of Address Assignment
9.9.1• Gagnon received feedback that he will take back to TCCOG
9.10. Review of Beardsley Ln. DRAFT Storm Water District Map Plan and Report
9.10.1. Planner West reminded the Board that this tract of work is very old,
predating most all recent planners, back around 2004.
9.10.2. The first step would have been to pass a resolution; not sure if this
happened in 20o6, or maybe in 2019. Possibly not done because it was
previously paid for with escrow funds and not taxpayer funds. The
resolution then sets -up a 10-day referendum.... The next step is to issue
a notice that the town is adopting the final map plan and report with
additional steps thereafter, including comptrollers office, etc.
9.10.3. No formal action taken but will pass on the report
9.10.4. Sarah found resolution 25 of 20o6
9.11. Cayuga Lake Watershed Inter -municipal Organization MCA Approval
9.11.1. Request to postpone decision until next meeting so all board members
can review.
9.12. Add more members to Youth Commission
9.12.1. Hunter recommends increasing number from 7 to 15 so that we can
have a commission that will include the people
9.12.2. Recommends having a quorum equal the majority number of
individuals duly appointed. Then there wouldn't be a problem in
attaining quorum since it is not tied to the number of vacancies in the
commission.
Resolution 98 of 2022 To Authorize Changing the Youth Commission Framework to Allow For
Up To 15 Commission Members With No Real Minimum Number Where Quorum Will Consist
of the Majority of Members Duly Appointed.
Moved By: Gagnon Seconded By: Hunter
Discussion: Hunter mentioned a second point to be raised with the county regarding
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Town of Danby Board Meeting
Tuesday 5 April 2022 at 7:00PM
the age of the youth member being lowered from 16 years of age, particularly given that
16 year -olds have already aged out of the programs.
Vote:
Councilperson
Aye Nay Absent
Connors
X
Hunter
X
Schnabel
X
Woodworth
X
Gagnon
X
Resolution 98 approved
9.13. Town Newsletter -- Submission and Content Guidelines, Oversight
9.13.1. Discussion of having a special board meeting on May 9 at 6pm?
Resolution 99 of 2022 To Hold a Special Meeting on 9 May 2022 at 6pm
Moved By: Gagnon Seconded By: Woodworth
Vote:
Councilper A
Nay
son ye
Abse
nt
Connors
X
Hunter
X
Schnabel
X
Woodworth
X
Gagnon
X
Resolution 99 approved
10. Discussion of Next Meeting Agenda
10.1. Resolution for Colman
10.2. Clean Energy Stretch Code Presentation
10.3. Intermunicipal Recreation Partnership Agreement
10.4. Use ofARPA Funds Committee Designation
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Town of Danby Board Meeting
10.5. CW1O MOA
10.6. Meeting Times
10.7. Appointments to Youth Commission
10.8. Review Level of Operations
11. Meeting Adjourned at 21:59•
Tuesday 5 April 2022 at 7.-OOPM
Submitted by Janice Adelman
Town Clerk
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