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Home My WebLink About2024-01-02 Town Board MinutesD R A F T Present:Joel Gagnon, Town Supervisor Leslie Connors Paul Hansen Katharine Hunter Patricia Woodworth Town Staff:Laura Shawley,Town Bookkeeper (video conference) Mariah Dillon, Town Clerk Other Attendees:Ted Crane (video conference) Rhonda Roaring (video conference) Kevin Feeney 1. Call to Order at 6:11 PM 2.Privilege of the Floor Ted Crane expressed some concerns about the December 5 Town Board Meeting Minutes. He believes he and others were misquoted. He felt that Russ (Nitchman) was looking to mend fences and that was not covered. He also felt that the word accusation was not appropriate in the synopsis of Mr. Nitchmans statement. He also spoke about a false report being filed to law enforcement during the recent election, and that the person making the report may be appointed to one or two town board positions and Ted does not think that person should be representing the town in any way. Kevin Feeney Spoke also spoke about the report(s) being filed to law enforcement during the recent election. He felt the person who made the report about someone with a gun at the election had really poor judgment and having this person close to kids would reflect poorly on the board. Leslie Connors responded to Kevin Feeney stating that she understood why people are upset about some of the things that happened during the election. It’s hard to say that a person made a false report that they thought was true. Somebody told the person that there was someone there with a gun, there was a picture. She wishes she had gone a little slower and checked things out, and I’m sure that will happen in the future. The other phone call had to do with intimidation, and a number of us heard that people felt intimidated, regarding someone handing things to voters as they walked up the sidewalk. I would like to say that there was no false report. It was unfounded. 3. Reports & Presentations 3.1. Town Clerk December 2023 3.2. Documents Management Report Mary Ann Barr 2021 T he Town of Danby 1830 Danby Road Ithaca, NY 14850 danby.ny.gov Town Board Organizational Meeting Tuesday January 2, 2024 at 6:11 PM D R A F T It was noted that Mary Ann’s report says we have a need for more storage space and there might be space in the code enforcement officers office. This has been an ongoing issue although not as pressing now, since some items have been cleaned out and others have gone more electronic. The board will revisit this question in 2024. 4. Warrant Abstract No 26 of 2023 4.1. Resolution No. 1 of 2024 to accept Warrant Abstract No 26 of 2023 General Fund Vouchers 410-416 for $4,139.48 Moved By Connors Seconded by Woodworth Roll Call:Connors Yes Hansen Yes Hunter Yes Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 1 of 2024 passed on January 2, 2024 4.2. Resolution No. 2 of 2024 to accept Warrant Abstract No 26 of 2023 Highway Fund Vouchers 249-251 for $3,772.73 Moved By Connors Seconded by Woodworth Roll Call:Connors Yes Hansen Yes Hunter Yes Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 2 of 2024 passed on January 2, 2024 5. Warrant Abstract No. 1 of 2024 5.1. Resolution 3 of 2024 to accept Warrant Abstract No 1 of 2024 General Fund Vouchers 1-14 for $16,398.75 Moved By Connors Seconded by Woodworth Roll Call:Connors Yes Hansen Yes Hunter Yes Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 3 of 2024 passed on January 2, 2024 5.2. Resolution No. 4 of 2024 to accept Warrant Abstract No 1 of 2024 Highway Fund D R A F T Vouchers 1-2 for $231,662.51 Moved By Connors Seconded by Woodworth Roll Call:Connors Yes Hansen Yes Hunter Yes Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 4 of 2024 passed on January 2, 2024 5.3. Resolution No. 5 of 2024 to accept Warrant Abstract No 1 of 2024 Water Fund Voucher 1 for $1,116.04 Moved By Connors Seconded by Woodworth Roll Call:Connors Yes Hansen Yes Hunter Yes Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 5 of 2024 passed on Januar y 2, 2024 6. Business Organizational Resolutions Supervisor Gagnon made a statement before moving for ward with the resolutions: ● The rules of order adopted by the Town Board as resolution 61 of 2020 and subsequently amended by resolution 46 of 2021, resolution 134 of 2022, and resolution 187 of 2022 will be followed at all Town Board Meetings. ● The orderly conduct of all meetings is imperative. Accordingly, there can be only one speaker at a time and whoever is chairing a meeting should insist on controlling the order of speakers to ensure that. The following statement of policy will be added to the posted agenda for all Town Board meetings: The public has a right to attend and observe all public meetings. This right does not include the right to comment, except at public hearings. It is, however, the policy of the Town Board to allow for participation by the public at all Town Board meetings, primarily during time set aside for it, called privilege of the floor. Each speaker may be limited to 3 minutes. Comments may be allowed at other times during the meeting, but only if a person wishing to speak is recognized by the chair. ● Method of claims for payment of all bills will be by voucher. ● The Town Board will audit all bills. 6.1. Resolution No. 6 of 2024: Provision to suspend the rule that requires one resolution for each motion so that we can group them. Moved By Gagnon Seconded by Hansen Roll Call:Connors Yes D R A F T Hansen Yes Hunter Yes Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 6 of 2024 passed on January 2, 2024 6.2. Resolutions 7 and 8 Resolution No. 7 of 2024: Provision of Blanket Undertaking Resolved, that in lieu of any individual undertaking as required, the Town Board of the Town of Danby approves the procurement of a blanket undertaking from any duly authorized corporate surety to cover the officers, clerks and employees of the town. Resolution No. 8 of 2024: Approval to Invest Idle Funds Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes the Supervisor to invest idle funds. Moved By Woodworth Seconded by Gagnon Roll Call:Connors Yes Hansen Yes Hunter Yes Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolutions 7 and 8 of 2024 passed on January 2, 2024 6.3. Resolution No. 9 of 2024: Approval of Year 2024 Salaries Town Board (x4) $3,083.75 each Town Supervisor $31,366.00 Deputy Town Supervisor $3084.00 Assistant to Supervisor $10,288.00 Bookkeeper $27,045.00 Town Justice (x2)$17,359.50 each Court Clerk $24.77 per hour Highway Superintendent $67,826.00 Deputy Highway Superintendent $61,338.00 Highway Secretary $34,309.00 Town Clerk $45,339.00 Deputy Town Clerk $20.56 per hour Code Officer $61,911.00 Planner $76,220.00 D R A F T Water Plant Operator (West Danby)$15,083.00 Water Plant Operator Assistant (West Danby) $4,172.00 Water Clerk (West Danby)$5,406.00 Typists for Planning Board, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Conservation Advisory Council $24.77 per hour Bookkeeper Support $18.45 per hour Historian $1000.00 Laborer, Town Hall $18.45 per hour Information Aide $18.45 per hour Motor Equipment Operator $23.11 per hour* Heavy Equipment Mechanic $23.11 per hour* Laborer Highway $19.10 per hour* *Pay rate may be increased according to union negotiated longevity adjustments Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes the Supervisor to pay the annual salaries and hourly wage rates as indicated above. Moved By Woodworth Seconded by Gagnon Roll Call:Connors Yes Hansen Yes Hunter Yes Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 9 of 2024 passed on January 2, 2024 6.4. Resolutions 10 - 14 Resolution No. 10 of 2024: Payment of Bills Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby approves a blanket resolution to authorize the Town Supervisor to pay utility bills, freight, postage, and to execute contracts (except for bid awards and other requirements from the procurement policy, which shall be executed by the Town Board), and to conduct other normal proceedings, such as payroll in advance of audit in order to keep affairs moving on a timely basis. Resolution No. 11 of 2024: Mileage Reimbursement for Town Mileage Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes reimbursements for private automobile mileage incurred on Town Business to be paid at the rate of sixty-seven cents ($0.67) per mile. Resolution No. 12 of 2024: 2023 Financial Report Resolved, that the Town of Danby Town Supervisor, in lieu of preparing a financial report under NYS Town Law Article 3, §29.10, shall submit to the Town Clerk a copy of the report submitted to the State Comptroller required by Section 30 of Municipal Law. D R A F T Resolution No. 13 of 2024: Authorization for Purchase of Tools, Equipment, Etc. Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes the Danby Highway Superintendent to purchase tools, equipment (other than motorized equipment), small implements, tires and tubes, etc. in the amount not to exceed $4000 at any given time without prior approval of the Town Board. Resolution No. 14 of 2024: Agreement to Spend Town Highway Funds - 2024 Resolved, that pursuant to the provisions of Section 284 of the Highway Law, the Town Board of the Town of Danby agrees that money levied and collected for the repair and improvement of highways, and received from the state for repair and improvement of highways, shall be expended as follows: 1. General Repairs. The sum of $323,109 may be expended for general repairs upon 70.2 miles of town highways, including roads, culverts, and bridges. 2. Improvements. The allocation of CHIPS money to be spent on town highway improvement projects will be determined by the Highway Superintendent, with the concurrence of the Town Board, at a later date. No money set aside for such improvements shall be expended, nor shall any work be undertaken on such improvements, until the Town Board approves the specifications and estimates for such construction and signs an Agreement to Spend Funds. Moved By Connors Seconded by Woodworth Roll Call:Connors Yes Hansen Yes Hunter Yes Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolutions 10 - 14 of 2024 passed on January 2, 2024 6.5. Resolutions 15 –17 Resolution No. 15 of 2024: Change Funds in the Town Clerk’s Office Resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes two separate change funds to be used in the Town Clerk’s Office: 1. A change fund of $100 for Tax Collections 2. A change fund of $100 for Town Clerk Collections Resolution No. 16 of 2024: Appointing Receivers of Credit Card Payments Resolved, that the Town Clerk, Deputy Town Clerk, and Court Clerk are authorized to accept credit card payments. D R A F T Resolution No. 17 of 2024: Designating Authorized Holders of Town Credit Cards Resolved, that the following individuals are authorized to have and use town credit cards: ● Joel Gagnon ● Mariah Dillon ● Greg Hutnik ● Steve Cortright ● Theresa Klinger ● Ben Coakley ● Zach Larkins ● Keith Shipman ● Jack Shawley ● Laura Shawley ● Kent McNeil ● James Seeley Moved By Connors Seconded by Hansen Roll Call:Connors Yes Hansen Yes Hunter Yes Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolutions 15 -17 of 2024 passed on January 2, 2024 6.6. Resolutions 18 and 19 Resolution No. 18 of 2024: Town of Danby Official Newspaper and Bank Depository Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby names the Ithaca Journal as its official Newspaper and Key Bank and Tompkins Trust Co. as depositories for Town Funds. Resolution No. 19 of 2024: Danby Attorneys Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby names the law firm Thaler and Thaler to represent the Town of Danby in all Zoning, Planning Board, and General Town of Danby business. The Town Board reserves the right to seek other legal aid if it deems it desirable. Moved By Connors Seconded by Woodworth Roll Call:Connors Yes Hansen Yes Hunter Yes Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes D R A F T Resolutions 18 and 19 of 2024 passed on January 2, 2024 6.7. Resolution No. 20 of 2024: Health Consortium Appointment Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Laura Shawley as its representative to the Health Insurance Consortium. Moved By Woodworth Seconded by Connors Roll Call:Connors Yes Hansen Yes Hunter Yes Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 20 of 2024 passed on January 2, 2024 6.8. Resolutions 21 - 23 Resolution No. 21 of 2024: Acknowledgment of Deputy Town Clerk Appointment Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby acknowledges the Town Clerk’s appointment of Cynthia Katz as Deputy Town Clerk. Resolution No. 22 of 2024: Acknowledgment of Deputy Highway Superintendent Appointment Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby acknowledges the Highway Superintendent’s appointment of Jack Shawley Jr. as Deputy Highway Superintendent. Resolution No. 23 of 2024 Appointment of Court Clerk Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Diane Gair as Danby Court Clerk. Moved By Connors Seconded by Woodworth Roll Call:Connors Yes Hansen Yes Hunter Yes Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolutions 21 -23 of 2024 passed on January 2, 2024 6.9. Resolution 24 –26 Resolution No. 24 of 2024: Acknowledgment of Supervisor Appointments Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby acknowledges the appointment by the Town Supervisor of: 1. Leslie Connors as Deputy Town Supervisor 2. Laura Shawley as Bookkeeper, Budget Officer, and Assistant to the Super visor D R A F T 3. Mary Ann Barr as Town Historian Resolution No. 25 of 2024: Additional Appointments in the Town Clerk Office Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints the Town Clerk and Deputy Clerk as: ● Agents to issue handicapped parking permits ● Receivers of property taxes ● Licensors of Games of Chance Resolution No. 26 of 2024: Appointment of Contact for NY State Grants Gateway Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints the Town Planner as the contact person for the NY State Grants Gateway. Moved By Gagnon Seconded by Woodworth Roll Call:Connors Yes Hansen Yes Hunter Yes Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolutions 24 -26 of 2024 passed on January 2, 2024 6.10. Resolutions 27 - 31 Resolution No. 27 of 2024: Appointment of Delegate to Association of Towns Annual Meeting Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Leslie Connors as the town’s delegate to the Association of Towns Annual Meeting. Resolution No. 28 of 2024: Appointment of Dog Control Officer Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby, pursuant to contract, appoints the SPCA of Tompkins County as its Dog Control officer. Resolution No. 29 of 2024: Appointment of Conservation Advisory Council Members Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints ● Joel Gagnon ● Anne Klingensmith ● Brittany Lagaly to the Conser vation Advisory Council for terms expiring in December of 2025 Resolution No. 30 of 2024: Appointment to County Youth Recreation Partnership Board Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Marnie Kirchgessner to the County Youth Recreation Partnership Board for a term ending in December of 2024. D R A F T Resolution No. 31 of 2024: Appointment of Danby Youth Commission Members Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Madeleine Ulinski to the Danby Youth Commission for a term expiring in December of 2025. Moved By Connors Seconded by Gagnon Roll Call:Connors Yes Hansen Yes Hunter Yes Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolutions 27 -31 of 2024 passed on January 2, 2024 6.11. Resolutions 32 - 34 Resolution No. 32 of 2024: Appointment of Town Water Advisory Committee Member Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Peter McDonald to the Town Water Advisory Committee for a term expiring in December of 2028. Resolution No. 33 of 2024: Appointment of Board of Zoning Appeals Member Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Tobias Dean as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals for a term expiring in December of 2028. Resolution No. 34 of 2024: Appointment of Planning Board Member Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Scott Davis to the Planning Board for a term expiring in December of 2030. Moved By Connors Seconded by Gagnon Roll Call:Connors Yes Hansen Yes Hunter Yes Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolutions 32 -34 of 2024 passed on January 2, 2024 6.12. Resolution No. 35 of 2024: Appointment of Threat Assessment Team Members Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints the following persons to the Threat Assessment Team: 1. Town Board Member (1; not the Supervisor): Katharine Hunter 2. Town Hall Staff Member: Steve Cortright D R A F T 3. Town Clerk: Mariah Dillon 4. Highway Staff Member (not the Superintendent): Laura Shawley 5. A Member from one of the Town Boards (e.g., Planning, BZA, CAC, Water, or anyone of the Board’s choosing): Tyler Jordan Moved By Gagnon Seconded by Woodworth Roll Call:Connors Yes Hansen Yes Hunter Yes Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 35 of 2024 passed on January 2, 2024 6.13. Resolutions 36 -40 Resolution No. 36 of 2024: Appointment of Section 504 Coordinator Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints the Town Supervisor as the town's Section 504 Coordinator. Resolution No. 37 of 2024: Appointment of Pond Super visor/Recreation Super visor Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Mary Ann Kozak as the town’s Pond Supervisor/Recreation Supervisor for a term ending in December of 2024. Resolution No. 38 of 2024: Appointment of Assistant Recreation Supervisor Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Jeremiah Kozak as Assistant Recreation Supervisor for a term ending in December of 2024. Resolution No. 39 of 2024: Appointment of Fair Housing Officer Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints the Planner to be the Fair Housing Officer. Resolution No. 40 of 2024: Appointment of Section 3 Coordinator Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints the Planner to be the Section 3 Coordinator. Moved By Connors Seconded by Woodworth Roll Call:Connors Yes Hansen Yes Hunter Yes Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes D R A F T Resolutions 36 -40 of 2024 passed on January 2, 2024 6.14. Resolutions 41 -44 Resolution No. 41 of 2024: Appointment of Representative to the Tompkins County Stormwater Coalition Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints the Town Planner as the town’s representative to the Tompkins County Stormwater Coalition. Resolution No. 42 of 2024: Appointment of Stormwater Management Officer Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints the Town Planner as the town’s Stormwater Management Officer. Resolution No. 43 of 2024: Appointment of Representative to the Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints the Town Planner as the town’s representative to the Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization (CWIO). Resolution No. 44 of 2024: Appointment of Representatives to the Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints the Town Supervisor to the Policy Committee of the Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council and the Town Planner to the Planning Committee thereof. Moved By Gagnon Seconded by Woodworth Roll Call:Connors Yes Hansen Yes Hunter Yes Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolutions 41 -44 of 2024 passed on January 2, 2024 6.15. Resolutions 45 and 46 Resolution No. 45 of 2024: Appointment of Representatives to the Tompkins County Council of Governments Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Joel Gagnon as the Primary Town of Danby Representative to the Tompkins County Council of Governments and Leslie Connors as the Alternate Representative for 2024. Resolution No. 46 of 2024: Appointment of Energy Advisor/ Climate Smart Communities D R A F T Coordinator Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Jim Holahan as the town’s Energy Advisor/Climate Smart Communities Coordinator. Moved By Gagnon Seconded by Woodworth Roll Call:Connors Yes Hansen Yes Hunter Yes Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolutions 45 -46 of 2024 passed on January 2, 2024 6.16. Resolutions 47 -49 Resolution No. 47 of 2024: Planning Board Chair Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Jody Scriber to Chair the Planning Board. Resolution No. 48 of 2024: Appointment of Board of Zoning Appeals Chair Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby reappoints Earl Hicks to Chair the Board of Zoning Appeals. Resolution No. 49 of 2024: Appointment of Conser vation Advisory Council Co-Chairs Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Margaret Corbit and Jonathan Zisk to Co-Chair the Conservation Advisor y Council. Moved By Gagnon Seconded by Woodworth Roll Call:Connors Yes Hansen Yes Hunter Yes Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolutions 47 -49 of 2024 passed on January 2, 2024 6.17. Resolution No. 50 Resume Williamson software for the Town Clerks Office Moved By Gagnon Seconded by Woodworth Roll Call:Connors Yes Hansen Yes Hunter Yes D R A F T Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 50 of 2024 passed on Januar y 2, 2024 6.18. Resolution No. 51 Rural Youth Services 2024 Contract with CCE Moved By Connors Seconded by Hunter Roll Call:Connors Yes Hansen Yes Hunter Yes Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 51 of 2024 passed on January 2, 2024 6.19. Resolution No. 52 Highway Dept Request for Authorization to Acquire a Sweeper (AKA a Broom Truck) not to exceed $7,500. Discussion: The highway department currently rents a sweeper for 2 weeks every year for about $2,000. An available broom truck has been found on Auctions International that looks like it might be suitable for our highway needs. The highway superintendent and a mechanic will be inspecting the vehicle in person before considering placing a bid. The money for this would come out of the machinery contractual line EA 5130.4 Jack answered a few more questions about the Sweeper /Broom Truck. Moved By Gagnon Seconded by Woodworth Roll Call:Connors Yes Hansen Yes Hunter Yes Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 52 of 2024 passed on Januar y 2, 2024 7. Discussion of Next Meeting Agenda ● Left over resolution(s) ● Gregs Zonning Report ●Prioritizing Capital Projects for ARPA money 8. Meeting Adjourned at 08:27 PM