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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-02 Town Board Meeting Minutes1 | P a g e Town of Danby Town Board Meeting Minutes Draf Held Monday, June 2, 2025 Board Members Present: Joel Gagnon, Town Supervisor Leslie Connors (Zoom - Unable to Atzend in Person ) Katharine Hunter Tyler Stein Patricia Woodworth Town Staff: Cindy Katt, Deputy Town Clerk Laura Shawley, Bookkeeper (zoom) Greg Hutnik, Town Planner Other Atzendees: Ted Crane (zoom) Jim Holahan (Zoom) Zachary Larkins Captain Charles Tilton Mark Pruce Paciffc Austin Bob Leiberman Call to Order 6:00 PM Additions/Deletions to the Agenda The speed limit item was added and will be discussed at the end of the meeting. Privilege of the Floor Bob Leiberman, 475 Nelson Road: Long-time Danby resident is concerned about the lack of junk law enforcement in the town. He cited lack of action by town code enforcement and frustration that there is no follow-up to any letzers that are sent. If the town is not enforcing its laws, why should residents bother to follow them? He stated that he will sue the town if this is not taken care of. Ted Crane – Crane gave a reminder about the candidate forum on Wednesday at 7pm at the local church . He’s glad to see the proposal for speed changes. He spoke about the town sewer project, how he observes that the town is scrambling to sort through it all, and his belief that it will not benefft the current residents of the town . Crane does not want this project to proceed. Zachary Larkins: Larkins is excited to see movement on conceptualizing sewer system. He thinks that most people do not understand it as litzle information has been given. He thinks it will improve the quality of life for many people in our town and help them have improved access to important services. Jim Holahan: Holahan gave a reminder that there is still an RFP out for heat pump installation in the Town Hall. Correspondence – Department of Transportation notice Board members and Bookkeeper Shawley speculated on the letzer received from the Department of Transportation . Supervisor Gagnon commented that it seems to indicate the signs on the 2 | P a g e roads are going to be replaced. Shawley noted that highway was un aware of this and this must be the state’s way of giving notiffcation . They anticipated road closures will occur, and that the town would get litzle additional information from the state . They also noted that the same is probably also occurring in other towns as well. Announcements Supervisor Gagnon announced that the town has ffnally received the go-ahead from the public service commission to allow the sale of the easement for extension of the South Hill Recreation Trail. It has been a long time coming, we’re expecting a bill in the next month, and the commitzee of participating municipalities is working on advancing many of the moving pieces of this project. Reports and Presentations Supervisor Gagnon noted tha t the supervisor's report and the balances were prepared, although the balances did not get linked to the agenda. He also noted that the clerk and code reports were received, and that he had a question for the code olficer about something on his report. Meeting Minutes Supervisor Gagnon did not read the May 19 TB Meeting minutes. They will vote on them at the next meeting. Warrant Abstract 1 1 of 2025 Connors stated she is unable to get into her email, and Bookkeeper Shawley pointed out that another $42 needed to be added to the total, bringing it up to #13,281.46. Resolution 149 of 2025 To Approve the General Fund Vouchers 223 – 231 for $13,281.46 Moved by Woodworth Seconded by Stein Vote:  Connors N ot Eligible to Vote Hunter Yes  Stein Yes Woodworth Yes  Gagnon Yes Resolution 149 of 2025 passed on June 2, 2025 Resolution 150 of 2025 To A pprove the Highway Fund Vouchers 96 - 108 for $21,534.08 Moved by Woodworth Seconded by Stein Vote: Connors Not Eligible to Vote Hunter Yes  Stein Yes Woodworth Yes  Gagnon Yes Resolution 150 of 2025 passed on June 2, 2025 3 | P a g e Business 9.1 How to Respond to Hunt Engineers’ Proposal for Service Supervisor Gagnon gave a quick overview of the grant received for the sewer project, and what the order of operations would need to be in order to explore its feasibility. A big piece of this is establishing the boundaries of the potential district and developing the engineering details on the system itself. The town therefore put out an RFP for such, and Hunt Engineering was the only proposal received. Planner Hutnik explained that establishing the districts would take up to a year and requires a number of public hearings. He added that having an engineer present is turning out to be very necessary, as many of the public’s questions and information requests are beyond the capacity of just the town planner and the supervisor. These questions need to be addressed in order to properly assess whether or not this project should move forward. Gagnon added that part of the goal in giving the town the grant is to improve water quality, so an engineer is needed to help assess which potential system is appropriate. They discussed applying for a county grant that would help cover the cost (up to $1 0,000) that Hunt would charge for their services. That application would be due the next day , and that money could be available by mid July. They discussed the timing of these various steps and processes, and the value of moving forward and spending the money for the report . Should they wait to see if they get the grant from the county before telling Hunt yes, or should they tell Hunt to get started, knowing that they may have to cover the whole cost if the town does not receive the county grant? Stein expressed his interest in getzing more concrete information on this project while Hunter expressed a desire to move things forward in general, and to protect the region’s water systems. Shawley explained the town’s ffnancial situation, concluding that the town is in a good position to spend some extra money if they choose to. Resolution 15 1 of 2025 To Enter into Contract with HUNT Engineers to Prepare a Map, Plan, and Report for Each Proposed Sewer District in the Central and West Danby Hamlets and Authorize the Application to the Tompkins County Housing Affordability and Supportive Infrastructure Grant Program to Reduce the Cost of HUNT’s Professional Services . WHEREAS the Town of Danby has understood the need for a municipal sewer system to service the hamlets of Central and West Danby to address limited housing and commercial development opportunities due to small lots and poor soil conditions requiring expensive septic systems of limited effectiveness; and WHEREAS Hunt Engineers, Architects, Land Surveyors, & Landscape Architect, DPC (HUNT) completed a Preliminary Engineering Report to investigate providing municipal sanitary sewer service to these hamlets and identiffed a range of collection and treatment options designed to serve as small as a single parcel to serving entire hamlets; and 4 | P a g e WHEREAS the Preliminary Engineering Report was utilized to secure $4.58M in grant funds from the NYSDEC Water Quality Improvement Program; however, additional funds are required to make the recommended project a reality; and WHEREAS subsequent funding applications (e.g. Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIA)) require the development of a Map, Plan & Report (MPR) and development of a suitable administrative structure prior to application; and WHEREAS the Town has expressed the desire to have an administrative structure that would allow for ifexibility in connectivity and operation of municipal sewer in its hamlets; and WHEREAS HUNT Engineers has provided a proposal to develop a Map, Plan, and Report for each proposed sewer district in the Central and West Danby hamlets for a fee of $16,600; and WHEREAS HUNT Engineers has also offered to apply for WIIA funding at no cost to the Town to further bring the cost to construct the sewer systems down; NOW THEREFORE be it RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes the Town Supervisor, with assistance from the atzorney for the Town, to sign a contract for professional services with HUNT that will produce a legally compliant Map, Plan, and Report for each proposed sewer district; and RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes the Town Planner to apply to the Tompkins County Housing Affordability and Supportive Infrastructure Grant Program for $10,000 to reduce the cost to the Town of HUNT’s professional services. Moved by Woodward Seconded by Hunter Discussion: Connors noted that some people are looking to plug into town sewers instead of getzing a new septic system themselves. Vote:  Connors Not Eligible to Vote Hunter Yes  Stein Yes Woodworth Yes  Gagnon Yes Resolution 15 1 of 2025 passed on June 2, 2025 5 | P a g e 9.2 Non ADA Compliant Entryway at Town Hall Supervisor Gagnon introduced the topic : Town H all’s entryway is not ADA compliant, and there is possible funding to mitigate that through a Public Facilities Grant of the Community Block Development Grant program. . He explained that this grant is available if there is a need, which there is here, but that a “needs assessment” has to first occur documenting the need. Such would take time and require hiring an engineer. It would all ultimately be covered by the grant, but it may end up costing more and taking longer than if the town just went ahead and did it and incurred those costs itself. Planner Hutnik also noted that the CDBG Program is on the “chopping block” from the federal government for next year . Hunter wondered if a needs assessment could be used for other public facilities/community space, specifically for rehabilitating formerly private space for community use. Planner Hutnik brought up another “pot” of money called Imminent Threat that may be more relevant to that idea. This grant, however, is mostly for physically getting into a public building. Planner Hutnik reviewed the options: either do it themselves faster with the town spending its own money, or have it take longer and be a potentially more expensive project, but paid for through grant money. Woodworth suggested that it might be useful to hear what shakes out from the needs assessment. Maybe we would learn something we needed that we didn’t even know. They discussed the process and potential cost of applying, likely using Thoma. They disc ussed if an agreed-upon design was already established when the board last discussed this topic, and how far those plans got. They reiterated the potential for the actual CBD G grant money for construction to be cut, but that getting the needs assessment report made without cost to the town still had value and use. Gagnon expressed his belief that we already have enough of the information that any needs assessment would give. He thinks what we have could be used to hire an engineer to create a plan. They then discussed the human cost of not having a n ADA compliant ramp at Town Hall for potentially three to five more years. Stein stated that it seems weird to consider it acceptable to wait five years to put in a ramp. Gagnon observed how it often seems like going about things the “federal route,” where you are applying for grants and “jumping through all the hoops” often feels inefficient and costs three times as much as if we did it ourselves. Hunter stated that the town reputation is going down by our inactivity to move on things , and she is inclined to get things done sooner than later. They wondered if the CBDG facilities grant can be used towards the crosswalks landing pads and briefly discussed that project . Stein expressed his hesitancy about the long wait. They continued to discuss gathering quotes and estimates, taking a related question from Pacific Austin in the audience. They discussed a possible timeline for the town doing the work themselves. Supervisor Gagnon thought it could be done this year. Shawley asked if anyone could estimate a ballpark cost for this project and Gagnon estimated maybe 30k. She thought that if the town wanted to move ahead, this was something the town could afford. Gagnon made a motion to identify an engineer to come up with a design based what was previously agreed on in the committee. Woodworth wondered if they needed an RFP and Supervisor Gagnon did not think so according to procurement polic y. They discussed who 6 | P a g e might be available for such a job, and Hunter reiterated her desire to get things done. They discussed the pros and cons of putting out a Request for Proposal (“RFP”) for the design, which would later be followed by request for bids for the actual work. Resolution 152 of 2025 To Put Out an RFP for an Engineering Design for an ADA Compliant Entryway to Town Hall. Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Hunter Discussion: Crane asked about the availability of an aforementioned list made by committee, and the board replied that they believed it was shared over a year ago. The Board continued to discuss the value of putting out an RFP. Planner Hutnik said it will take more time but looks more professional and thought it might have to go out for a competitive bid. They decided to modify the original resolution from identifying an engineer to instead releasing an RFP for an engineering design. Vote:  Connors Not Eligible to Vote Hunter Yes  Stein Yes Woodworth Yes  Gagnon Yes Resolution 15 2 of 2025 passed on June 2, 2025 9.3 Should the Town Purs ue Another CBDG Housing Grant? The Board discussed the value and cost of re-applying for another grant from the program. The Town already has two grants open from this program, but because funding to this program may be cut next yearand there is still unmet need, the town has been advised to try to get one potentially last disbursal. Overall, Thoma has been great to work with, almost thirty people have applied for just fourteen grants, and there are many more people in town qualified. Woodworth commented on her desire to continue to assist the people in the town while also helping the town’s appearance. Gagnon added it often addresses critical needs of residents. They discussed how a local grant can help cover the application fee , and if they should also authorize an application for that grant. They discussed the cost of having Thoma apply, and how it might be fairly straightforward since they have done it before for us. Resolution 15 3 of 2025 To Apply for Another Community Development Block Grant an d Apply to the County for the Funds to Put in the Application. Moved by Woodworth Seconded by Stein Vote:  Connors Not Eligible to Vote Hunter Yes Stein Yes Woodworth Yes  Gagnon Yes Resolution 15 3 of 2025 passed on June 2, 2025 7 | P a g e 9.4 Add Identity Threat Protection & Response as Recommended by TCNS? Stein was expecting to meet with the Chief Information Security Officer at Tompkins but the meeting was delayed. He’s looking to hear his opinion on if this is needed and if so, how and who could best provide it. Stein will report back after the meeting takes place. Hunter would like Stein to also have a direct conversation with TCNS. 9.5 CDBG Protest Letter Stein does not want to send a letter to the White House. He prefers to send it to New York State. He explained that since the federal government seems to continue on its tra jectory of defunding social programs, then we should let NYS know that we expect it to fill in gaps. They discussed the potential effectiveness of sending a letter to the federal government and discussed sending a separate one to NYS. Hunter emphasized her desire to make it clear that the town cares about the interests of its residents. Resolution 154 of 2025 To Send CDBG Termination Protest Letter to Scott Turner, K irsten Gillibrand, Charles Schumer & Josh Riley Moved by Woodworth Seconded by Gagnon Discussion: They discussed to whom to send the letter and whether or not Stein was willing to sign it. Stein stated he does not support contact with the Republican a dministration in the Federal Government and is skeptical of New York’s D emocratic federal representatives. Gagnon, Connors, Hunter and Woodworth expressed their desire to send the letter as a small action they could do that could potentially have an effect. Stein wondered if his not signing would negatively impact the action . The other board members agreed it would not and stated that in that case they would like to also send the letter to Scott Turner, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Connors framed the work of the Town Board as doing what is best for the most people in town regardless of political parties, and therefore they have a responsibility to send out the letter . Vote: Connors Not Eligible to Vote Hunter Yes Stein N o Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 15 4 of 2025 passed on June 2, 2025 Resolution 15 5 of 2025 To Extend the Length of the Meeting by Five Minutes . Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Hunter Vote:  Connors Not Eligible to Vote Hunter Yes Stein Yes Woodworth Yes  Gagnon Yes Resolution 15 5 of 2025 passed on June 2, 2025 8 | P a g e 9.6 [Meeting Addition] Speed Limit Discussion Supervisor Gagnon confirmed with Connors that the list was generated with the input of Kieth Shipman and Jack Shawley [of the Highway Department] and that it shows high priority areas for speed limit reduction. They discussed whether to recommend specific new speed limit numbers or relying on the state will just do it as they deem fit. Resolution 156 of 2025 that the Town Ask the State for Speed Limit Reduction for the following: • 34/96 through the hamlet-from Slater's Lane to Walding Lane • Gunderman Road from Comfort Road to 96B • South Danby Road from Peters to 96B • Residential section starting at 96B of Michigan Hollow and Hornbrook Moved by Woodworth Seconded by Gagnon Vote:  Connors Not Eligible to Vote Hunter Yes Stein Yes Woodworth Yes  Gagnon Yes Resolution 15 6 of 2025 passed on June 2, 2025 Next Meeting Agenda Items • West Danby Water District Advisory Committee Interviews • Town Hall Use – Gagnon and Dillon may have something for that • Identity Threat and Detection Response • Meeting Minutes from May 19 , 2025 • Committee Audit of Town Supervisor ? • Bill for the South Hill Recreation Trail Extension? Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m. Cindy Katz ---- Deputy Clerk -