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Home My WebLink About2023-07-19 Town Board Minutes Meeting Minutes Roll Call: Town Board Joel Gagnon, Super visor Leslie Connors Katharine Hunter Patricia Woodworth Vacant seat Town Planner David West Code Enforcement Off icer Steve Cortright (videoconference) Town Bookkeeper Laura Shawley (videoconference) Recording Secretary Janice Adelman, Town Clerk (videoconference) Transcript and audio recording are available online. 1.Public Hearing: CDBG Multi-family Rehab Grant Application 1.1.Opened at 18:04 Planner David West introduced the program and what the hearing is about. All those who submitted written comments or spoke at the hearing: In favor Against Comments/Questions Judy Bargher Ted Crane 1.2. Hearing closed at 18:22 2.Public Hearing: Local Law to Implement Tax Abatement for Conservation Easement Properties 2.1.Opened at 18:22 All those who submitted written comments or spoke at the hearing: In favor Against Comments/Questions Ted Crane Greg Nelson Jim Rundle 2.2. Hearing closed at 18:37 3.Public Hearing: Local Law to Convert From Elected to Appointed Town Clerk (Subject to Mandatory Referendum) Mary Ann Barr 2021 T he Town of Danby 1830 Danby Road Ithaca, NY 14850 danby.ny.gov Town Board Regular Meeting Wednesday 19 July 2023 at 6:00PM Town of Danby, New York 19 July 2023 Town Board Meeting Minutes 3.1.Opened at 18:37 All those who submitted written comments or spoke at the hearing: In favor Against Questions/Comments Jim Rundle Kevin Feeney Mauricio Medina Shannon Sessler Ivan Ross Greg Nelson Deborah Montgomery Judy Bargher Ted Crane Anonymous Correspondence Janice Adelman Judy Bargher 3.2. Hearing closed at 19:01 4.Town Board Meeting Called to Order a by Supervisor Gagnon t 19:01 5.Additions/Deletions to Agenda 5.1.Agreement to Spend Funds -- Highway Capital Improvements 5.2.Resolution approving CDBG Homeowner Rehab Home Documentation 5.3.Resolution approving CDBG Multifamily Application 6.Privilege of the Floor 6.1.Ted Crane, resident. 6.1.1.Second incarnation of the Danby Summer Market is starting under cover of the Danby Pavilion 6.1.2.Requested moving the executive session to the end 6.1.3.Mentioned that considering the next planner should be interested in small town development. 6.1.4.Noted concern for the impact on its neighbors of the next solar farm being proposed. 6.2.Mauricio Medina, resident 6.2.1.Commented on the latest solar farm proposal which is tr ying to come in and not consider what the community needs are. 6.3. Kevin Feeney, resident. 6.3.1.Commented that the solar farm proposal presentation was not professional and felt that they were not interested in being partners in Page 2 of 12 Town of Danby, New York 19 July 2023 Town Board Meeting Minutes the community. 6.4.Leslie Connors, Town Board 6.4.1.Read prepared comments 6.5.Pat Woodworth, Town Board 6.5.1.Offered a correction that the proposed search committee would consist mostly of town board members when the committee that was proposed would have zero town board members. 7.Correspondence 7.1.Warren Cross 8.Announcements 8.1.David West provided background on the proposed solar farm at 2288 Danby Road, noting that in this stage, it was presented as a sketch plan review. For clarification, the Town Board does not approve projects like this. 8.2.Katharine Hunter gave feedback on reaching out to Spectrum regarding internet connectivity in the town. She will call Haefele and any other ISPs. 9.Reports & Presentations 9.1.County Legislature Representative Dan Klein 9.2.Highway Superintendent Keith Shipman 9.3. Town Board Appointee Interviews 9.3.1. F. Kevin Feeney (interview started at 19:34; finished at 19:54) 9.3.2. Paul Hansen (interview started at 19:54; finished at 20:20) 10.Meeting Minutes 10.1.21 December 2022 10.2.3 Januar y 2023 10.3.18 January 2023 10.4.7 February 2023 10.5.22 March 2023 10.6.4 April 2023 10.7.19 April 2023 10.8.2 May 2023 10.9.17 May 2023 10.10.22 May 2023 Special Meeting 10.11.6 June 2023 10.12.21 June 2023 10.13.26 June 2023 Special Meeting Page 3 of 12 Town of Danby, New York 19 July 2023 Town Board Meeting Minutes 10.14. 5 July 2023 Resolution 177 of 2023 To Åccept Minutes from Jan 3, Jan 18, Feb 7, Mar 22, Apr 4, May 22, Jun 26 Moved By: Gagnon Seconded By: Connors Vote: Councilperson Aye Nay Connors X Hunter X Woodworth X Gagnon X Resolution 177 of 2023 passed on 19 July 2023 11.Warrants Abstract 15 of 2023 11.1.Resolution 163 of 2023 To Approve the General Fund Vouchers 223–243 for $24,954.79 Withdrawn during discussion Moved By: Connors Seconded By: Woodworth Discussion: - The Danby Seniors submitted a voucher that exceeds their allocated budget by $285.91. The Seniors had previously requested increasing their budget, but the Board is still waiting on what the exact amount is. - Various options; Woodworth suggested paying up to their budgeted amount. - Connors has withdrawn the motion as stated. - Shawley noted that a budget transfer could be approved from the pond line, for example. 11.2.Resolution 163 of 2023 To Increase the Danby Seniors Budget Moved By: Woodworth Seconded By: Gagnon Resolved, the Town Board approved to increase the Danby Senior Budget by $285.91 to be transferred from the Jennings Pond contractual line. Vote: Councilperson Aye Nay Page 4 of 12 Town of Danby, New York 19 July 2023 Town Board Meeting Minutes Connors X Hunter X Woodworth X Gagnon X Resolution 163 of 2023 passed on 19 July 2023 11.3.Resolution 164 of 2023 To Approve the General Fund Vouchers 223–243 for $24,954.79 Moved By: Connors Seconded By: Gagnon Vote: Councilperson Aye Nay Connors X Hunter X Woodworth X Gagnon X Resolution 164 of 2023 passed on 19 July 2023 11.4.Resolution 165 of 2023 To Approve the Highway Fund Vouchers 140–155 for $32,255.67 Moved By: Connors Seconded By: Woodworth Vote: Councilperson Aye Nay Connors X Hunter X Woodworth X Gagnon X Resolution 165 of 2023 passed on 19 July 2023 11.5.Resolution 166 of 2023 To Approve the Water Fund Voucher 21 for $75.60 Moved By: Connors Seconded By: Woodworth Vote: Councilperson Aye Nay Page 5 of 12 Town of Danby, New York 19 July 2023 Town Board Meeting Minutes Connors X Hunter X Woodworth X Gagnon X Resolution 166 of 2023 passed on 19 July 2023 12.Business 12.1.Resolution 167 of 2023 To Adopt Local Law #4 of 2023 Implementing Tax Abatement for Conservation Easement Properties Moved By: Woodworth Seconded By: Gagnon Resolved, the Town Board hereby adopts a local law providing for a partial abatement of local real property taxes under Real Property Tax Law § 491-b for certain qualifying conservation easements. Vote: Councilperson Aye Nay Connors X Hunter X Woodworth X Gagnon X Resolution 167 of 2023 passed on 19 July 2023 12.2.Resolution 168 of 2023 To Adopt Local Law #5 of 2023 Providing for the Abolition of the Elected Position of Town Clerk and the Creation of the Appointed Position of Town Clerk of the Town of Danby, subject to voter approval in November Moved By: Gagnon Seconded By: Hunter Discussion: - Cons have already been stated. - Pros have not. Gagnon offered the pros, that positions that are not policy- making but are record-keeping or admin positions should not be elected. - Additional pro is that some people don’t have the stomach to go through an electoral process to get a job. - Gagnon allowed Clerk Adelman to speak on some of these points. - Connors and Hunter want to put the matter to the voters to hear what they Page 6 of 12 Town of Danby, New York 19 July 2023 Town Board Meeting Minutes have to say Vote: Councilperson Aye Nay Connors X Hunter X Woodworth X Gagnon X Resolution 168 of 2023 passed on 19 July 2023 12.3.Progress Updates on Noise and Short-term Rentals Tabled 12.4.Potential Appointment to Town Board (Through Dec 31, 2023) to Fill Vacancy Resulting from Resignation of Steve Weissburg - Woodworth noted that we should not decide now since the timed deadline was not set by the board. - Connors would like an additional two weeks to check references - Clerk Adelman noted that several residents have asked how they could apply after seeing the agenda since they had not been made aware of the opening. - Connors would like to make the decision at the next meeting without re- opening the process because residents had enough notice by the newsletter announcement; the board should’ve done better at publicizing. Resolution 169 to Make an Appointment to Steve Weissburg ’s vacant seat at the next Town Board meeting on Aug 2. Moved By: Connors Seconded By: Hunter Vote: Councilperson Aye Nay Connors X Hunter X Woodworth X Gagnon X Resolution 169 of 2023 passed on 19 July 2023 Resolution 170 of 2023 To Extend Meeting until 21:30 Page 7 of 12 Town of Danby, New York 19 July 2023 Town Board Meeting Minutes Moved By: Gagnon Seconded By: Connors Vote: Councilperson Aye Nay Connors X Hunter X Woodworth X Gagnon X Resolution 170 of 2023 passed on 19 July 2023 12.5.Resolution 171 of 2023 To Agree to Spend Funds -- Highway Capital Improvements Moved By: Woodworth Seconded By: Connors 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 $80,000 shall be spent on Steam Mill Road from Durfee Hill Road to 3,062 feet south. The reconstruction will consist of 4” compacted paving (cold mix pave). This project will be paid out of the Pave New York funds allocated to the town by the State of New York. 2.A sum not to exceed $47,000 shall be spent on Durfee Hill Road from Steam Mill Road to Nelson Road. The reconstruction will consist of 4” of compacted paving (cold mix pave). This project will be paid partially out of the EWR funds (Extreme Winter Recovery) and partially out of the Pave New York funds allocated to the town by the State of New York. 3.A some not to exceed $30,000 shall be spent on Hornbrook Road from Marsh Road to 1,161 feet west. The reconstruction will consist of 4“of compacted paving (cold mix pave). This project will be paid out of the POP funds (Pave Our Potholes) allocated to the town by the State of New York. 4.A some not to exceed $60,000 shall be spent on East Miller Road from Marsh Road to 2,270 feet east. The reconstruction will consist of 4” of compacted paving (cold mix pave). This project will be paid out of the Pave New York funds allocated to the town by the State of New York. Vote: Councilperson Aye Nay Page 8 of 12 Town of Danby, New York 19 July 2023 Town Board Meeting Minutes Connors X Hunter X Woodworth X Gagnon X Resolution 171 of 2023 passed on 19 July 2023 12.6.Resolution 172 of 2023 To Approve CDBG Homeowner Rehab Home Documentation Moved By: Woodworth Seconded By: Hunter WHEREAS, the Town of Danby has a Homeowner Rehabilitation program funded by the CDBG program through NYS HCR; and WHEREAS, the Town, working with Thoma Development and in compliance with state and federal regulations developed a set of criteria for qualification and approval of home renovations under this program; and WHEREAS, the Thoma Development has received, and reviewed applications under contract with the Town for compliance with all parameters and then developed a scope of work and sought bids to complete that work; and WHEREAS, Deborah Mulks, of 11 Deputron Hollow Rd. has a scope of work including interior and exterior carpentry, cellar windows, minor electric, chimney repair and siding, Energy Audit, Asbestos testing and Lead testing fees. The total budget estimate is $28,920. Ms. Mulks is a low income, female head of household and is excited to participate. Her contractor is Continuity Construction out of Groton, NY.; and WHEREAS, the application for 11 Deputron Hollow Rd. has been deemed to meet all requirements for the program; and WHEREAS, the work associated with the application for 11 Deputron Hollow Rd. has been deemed a Type 2 action under SEQR requiring no further environmental review; therefore, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Danby approves the proposal for 11 Deputron Hollow Rd. and authorizes Superisor Joel Gagnon to sign any required approvals to request funds from NYS HCR through the CDBG program and to make Page 9 of 12 Town of Danby, New York 19 July 2023 Town Board Meeting Minutes disbursements for this project as it progresses in accordance with the scope of work and estimate. Vote: Councilperson Aye Nay Connors X Hunter X Woodworth X Gagnon X Resolution 172 of 2023 passed on 19 July 2023 12.7. Resolution 173 of 2023 To Approve CDBG Multifamily Application Moved By: Woodworth Seconded By: Connors WHEREAS, the Town of Danby intends to file a Community Development Block Grant application for funding consideration with the Office of Community Renewal to fund a Multifamily Housing Rehabilitation Program; and WHEREAS, funds for the program will be requested from the Office of Community Renewal in the form of a grant; therefore, BE IT RESOLVED, that Joel Gagnon, as Supervisor; Town of Danby, is hereby authorized and directed to file an application for funds from the New York State Office of Community Renewal in an amount not to exceed $500,000, and upon approval of said request to enter into and execute a project agreement with the State for financial assistance to the Town of Danby for the Multifamily Housing Rehabilitation Program, and, if appropriate, take actions necessar y to implement the proposed Program/Grant upon approval from the State. Vote: Councilperson Aye Nay Connors X Hunter X Woodworth X Gagnon X Resolution 173 of 2023 passed on 19 July 2023 Page 10 of 12 Town of Danby, New York 19 July 2023 Town Board Meeting Minutes 12.8.Executive Session for Board Brief ing on Planner Search, Potentially Followed by Hiring Decision Resolution 174 of 2023 To Enter Into Executive Session at 21:17 Moved By: Gagnon Seconded By: Woodworth Vote: Councilperson Aye Nay Connors X Hunter X Woodworth X Gagnon X Resolution 174 of 2023 passed on 19 July 2023 Resolution 175 of 2023 To Exit Executive Session at 21:31 Moved By: Connors Seconded By: Woodworth Vote: Councilperson Aye Nay Connors X Hunter X Woodworth X Gagnon X Resolution 175 of 2023 passed on 19 July 2023 Resolution 176 of 2023 To Hire the Next Town Planner Moved By: Ganon Seconded By: Woodworth Resolved, the Town Board chooses to hire Greg Hutnik to be the next Planner of the Town of Danby at an annual salary of $74,000. Vote: Councilperson Aye Nay Page 11 of 12 Town of Danby, New York 19 July 2023 Town Board Meeting Minutes Connors X Hunter X Woodworth X Gagnon X Resolution 176 of 2023 passed on 19 July 2023 13.Discussion of Next Meeting Agenda 14.Adjourned at 21:36 Recorded by Janice R. Adelman Town Clerk Page 12 of 12