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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-07 Town Board Meeting MinutesTown of Danby Town Board Meeting Minutes Held Monday, July 07, 2025 T.- DANBY N-Y.4 Board Members Present: Joel Gagnon, Town Supervisor Leslie Connors (attending on Zoom) Katharine Hunter Patricia Woodworth Absent: Tyler Stein Town Staff: Mariah Dillon, Town Clerk Greg Hutnik, Town Planner Laura Shawley, Bookkeeper Other Attendees: Call to Order 6:03 Susan Perri Joe Larkins Hunter Grigg Mark Pruce Raphael Akrofi Ted Crane Public Hearing - CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Dondi Harner, T.G. Miller, PC Zach Larkins Nadia Grigg Captain Tilton, USNR Toby Dean Ronda Roaring Supervisor Gagnon stated that this is the first of two public hearings for the Community Development Block Grant program and gave a quick overview of the program. Opened at 6:05 No one spoke for, or against, CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program. Closed at 6:05 Additions/Deletions to the Agenda Additional Housing Rehab Approval - 224 Jersey Hill Road - Moved to Housing Rehab Participant Approvals Larkins proposal seeking to hire someone to help design a fix for the shed that is at the proposed skate park on Bald Hill Rd. - Moved to Business Privilege of the Floor Mark Pruce asked for additional details on the TG Miller Proposal. Specifically proposed hours of work or minimal range of hours, that would give the Town an estimated cost. He also asked about specific items on the proposal and proposed not doing them all at once - specifically, the moving of the electric vehicle charging station. Pruce also asked about the demolition of 1840 Danby Road — how much, and who covers the cost? 1 1 P a g e Ronda Roaring liked Steve Cortright's' reports on 1840 Danby Road. "I really liked this system, because it made it very clear what kind of issues there were with the house, and what he was proposing to do with it. And I think we're onto something good. And so I'm really happy that this has taken place, and I hope that there will be many more of these, and if he wants help with things on South Danby Road, I'll be happy to help him." Ted Crane said that Steve's report on 1840 was quite eye-opening. He "heard what amounts to a pre - request for some money to help find out what's wrong with the old highway barn which might be converted into a skate park. So, the question I have that I'd love to hear about has Steve done a Code. Official's report on that building? Why are we paying someone to do something that Steve is perfectly capable of doing? " Nadia Grigg read a statement: My name is Nadia Grigg, and I live at 552 West King Road, with my husband, Hunter. Our property directly borders South Hill Cidery on 2 sides, with Hunter living here since 2015, and I joined him in 2021. I'm here today to express deep concern about the ongoing noise pollution from South Hill cider and their outdoor amplified music events. What was initially proposed and approved to be a small agricultural tasting room has now evolved into a full-scale music venue with weekly outdoor amplified concerts. During the warm months, multiple times per week, these events blast sound across our rural neighborhood and it's affecting our ability to enjoy our home and land. Friday night's concert with Fall Creek Brass Band is just one recent example. We had family visiting for the holiday weekend, and we couldn't sit outside on our back deck without being drowned out by sound reverberating across the open field from the Cidery stage. Even upon going inside, the music was still clearly audible. It's hard to describe how demoralizing it is to feel pushed out of your own space, especially when all you want is to grill dinner and listen to the songbirds. I understand the desire for some ag businesses to showcase live music as a way to help generate revenue. And we're not here to shut down reasonably volumed or unplugged music like jazz nights. But hosting grassroots headliner bands with a multiple -speaker setup that is directed at the residential neighborhood is unacceptable. Events of this scale and volume should require a special permit and formal approval from the board and surrounding community members. It's also worth noting that the open field between the Cidery and our homes functions like a natural amphitheater, distorting and amplifying sound in ways that make it echo, clap, and carry far beyond what's reasonable in a rural area. Hunter has tried to address this directly with the owner, Steve Sellin, who encouraged him to email him. Hunter did email him promptly but never received a response. Instead, we were casually told that there is nothing more that can be done to mitigate sound while the events continue on without restriction, which is why we are here tonight seeking intervention from the town board. We love living in Danby, and we're expecting our 1st child soon. We want to raise our family here, but we're increasingly questioning whether this is a place where residential life is respected, where families have the right to peace and quiet in their own backyards. This situation isn't just frustrating. It's unfair. South Hill cider is operating well beyond the scope of a farm cidery and residents like us are paying the price. I urge the Board to step in and take real enforceable action to restore balance in our rural neighborhood without compromising the cidery business nor neighbors. Peace and sanity. 2 1 P a g e Susan Perri read a statement: Good evening. My name is Susan Perry. I own the properties at 520 and 522 West King Road. My house is now unlivable more than half the nights in a given week, April through October, because South Hill Cider operates as a live music venue, exceeding by far the permissible scope of the New York Ag & Markets law. I have a few facts I would like to read for the record: 1. Although its original plan was for a small tasting room. South Hill Cider now has live music at least 5 nights per week. This week alone there are 5 concerts scheduled. 2. Despite multiple requests from neighbors, the town has not acted, and the owners have refused any sound or visual mitigation. After being asked again just last month to adjust the stage position or provide any form of sound buffering. The owners booked a brass band for the 4th of July. This is the audio of that event. From my back deck. (Susan played a recording.) That's what I'm hearing from across 2 fields. 3. Disruptions like July 4th are far too common and restrict residents, ability to celebrate special days at home with family and friends. My son's Cornell graduation party was ruined by live music from the Cidery next year. I cannot plan to have my youngest high school graduation party at home because of the Cidery. 4. Jeff Kehoe at Ag & Markets in markets confirmed there are no other entities in the State using this law to operate as a live music venue, and that municipalities can exercise Home Rule authority to enact common sense regulation of these businesses. 5. Finally, other towns have successfully challenged misalignment with Ag & Markets via Home Rule, including Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard in Riverhead in 2010; Twisted Rail Brewing in Canandaigua and Owera Vineyards in Cazenovia in 2023; and Bed-Vyne Brewery in Brooklyn this year. If the town can expend significant effort contemplating regulations after one private party in West [South)] Danby. It must act on this issue. The right to farm should not come at the expense of non -farming residents' right to enjoy their properties and equal protection under the law. It is the town's responsibility and right to act now to identify implement and enforce all available lawful remedies. Katharine Hunter mentioned that she too had a recording from the 4th at her home located quite a distance from the Cidery. Correspondence - None Announcements - None Reports and Presentations • Supervisor's Report • Town Clerk Report • Code Officers Report • Donald (Dondi) Harner of TG Miller on Use of Their Professional Services to Develop Plans and Specifications for Town Hall Accessibility Improvements Harrier discussed the TG Miller proposal for the crosswalk on 96b, Town Hall accessibility and a possible corridor connecting the two. He was looking to refine the scope of the projects to better define a cost estimate. He brought up the option of having a flashing beacon when someone is using the crosswalk. He specified what professional services they offer and how those services could be structured. He agreed to put together a cost proposal that would separate the major 3 1 P a g e components (crosswalk, town hall accessibility, connecting the crosswalk to town hall and relocation the EV chargers). • Discussion ensued on timelines, developing cost estimates, possible grants for funding, details of current utility placements and meeting with the Building and Grounds committee to nail down the scope. CAC 2024 Annual Report Meeting Minutes Resolution 173 of 2025 To Approve the June 16th, 2025, Town Board Meeting Minutes Connors asked for clarification of the roads to be submitted to DOT for speed limit reductions. Dillon read off the list of roads: • 34/96 through the West Danby hamlet -from Slater's Lane to Walding Lane • Gunderman Road from Comfort Road to 96B • South Danby Road from Peter to 96B • Residential section starting at 96B of Michigan Hollow and Hornbrook Gagnon noted that he had not had a chance to review the minutes. Moved by Woodworth Vote: Connors Hunter Seconded by Hunter Yes Yes Stein Absent Woodworth Yes Gagnon Abstain Resolution 173 of 2025 passed on July 07, 2025 Resolution 174 of 2025 To Approve the June 23rd Special Town Board Meeting Minutes Moved by Woodworth Seconded by Connors Vote: Connors Yes Hunter Yes Stein Absent Woodworth Yes Gagnon Abstain Resolution 174 of 2025 passed on July 07, 2025 Warrant Abstract 13 of 2025 Resolution 175 of 2025 To Approve the General Fund Vouchers 257 - 277 for $29,176.30 Moved by Woodworth Vote: Connors Hunter Stein Woodworth Seconded by Gagnon Yes Yes Yes Absent Gagnon Yes Resolution 175 of 2025 passed on July 07, 2025 4 1 P a g e Resolution 176 of 2025 To Approve the Highway Fund Vouchers 121 - 129 for $12,108.77 Moved by Gagnon Vote: Connors Hunter Stein Woodworth Seconded by Woodworth Yes Yes Yes Absent Gagnon Yes Resolution 176 of 2025 passed on July 07, 2025 Resolution 177 of 2025 To Approve the Water Fund Vouchers 69 - 71 for $497.00 Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Woodworth Vote: Connors Yes Hunter Yes Stein Absent Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 177 of 2025 passed on July 07, 2025 Business Board Action in Response to Code Report on 1840 Danby Road 1840 Danby Road Inspection Report Resolution 178 of 2025, Ordering the Demolition and Removal of a Derelict Building WHEREAS the Danby Code Enforcement Officer has presented to the Town Board a report and associated recommendation on a derelict building located at 1840 Danby Road (tax map number 10.4-25), and WHEREAS said report finds the building unsafe and beyond repair and recommends that it be ordered demolished, now therefore be it Resolved that the Danby Town Board concurs and finds that the building is unsafe and beyond repair and hereby orders its demolition and removal and directs that an order be served upon the owner of the property in the manner prescribed in local law #4 of 2000. Moved by Gagnon Vote: Connors Hunter Stein Seconded by Hunter Yes Yes Absent Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 178 of 2025 passed on July 07, 2025 5 1 P a g e Consideration of TG Miller Provosal and the Structure of Our Interaction Supervisor Gagnon suggested that the Building and Grounds Committee meet with Harner of TG Miller to define the scope of the project(s). Resolution 179 of 2025 Adding Katharine Hunter and Mark Pruce to the Building and Grounds Committee of Zack Larkins, Joel Gagnon and Mariah Dillon. Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Connors Vote: Connors Yes Hunter Yes Stein Absent Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 179 of 2025 passed on July 07, 2025 Proposed Temporary Help for Planner During Paternity Leave Resolution 180 of 2025 To Authorize up to 160 hours of John Czamanske assistance, with the additional costs to the town to come out of the Planner contractual line. Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Woodworth Vote: Connors Yes Hunter Yes Stein Absent Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 180 of 2025 passed on July 07, 2025 Policy Update for Insurance Coverage of Employees Not Covered by Town -Supplied Insurance Resolution 181 of 2025 To amend a 2010 resolution that sets a limit on the supervisor's health insurance reimbursement and extends that policy to other employees WHEREAS, in 2010 the Board passed a resolution to pay for the Health Insurance costs for the Town Supervisor with a cap of $600.00, and WHEREAS, at the time the resolution was passed the Supervisor's insurance costs were well under that amount each month, and WHEREAS, at the time the resolution was approved it was the intent by the Board to cover the cost of the health insurance for the Town Supervisor, and WHEREAS, as the years passed and health insurance premiums increased in the market the health insurance reimbursements to the Town Supervisor began to exceed the $600.00 cap. The resolution was not amended at that time. Now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Town Board amends the wording of the 2010 resolution to read that, "The Town of Danby will reimburse the Town Supervisor for their out-of-pocket expenses for health 6 1 P a g e insurance premiums for an amount that does not exceed the town's portion of the premium paid for other employees of the town in any given year'. And, be it further RESOLVED, that this policy be extended to other employees eligible for Town of Danby provided health insurance who choose instead to retain coverage by a domestic partner's insurance or are Medicare eligible and paying for supplemental insurance. The reimbursement is subject to the same limitations described in the first resolved above. Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Woodworth Discussion ensued about what types of plans may be available, prompted by wondering if there were a way to provide health insurance to part-time employees. L Shawley will look into it and get back to the board. Vote: Connors Yes Hunter Yes Stein Absent Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 181 of 2025 passed on July 07, 2025 Housing Rehab Participant Approvals: 69 Station Rd, 804 W King Rd and 224 Jersey Hill Rd Resolution 182 of 2025 To Authorize Housing Rehab Participant Approvals: 69 Station Rd, 804 W King Rd and 224 Jersey Hill Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Hunter Vote: Connors Yes Hunter Yes Stein Absent Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 182 of 2025 passed on July 07, 2025 Action to Generate Priority Lists for Property Maintenance and Derelict Building Repair or Removal Discussion ensued regarding how to get a list of candidate derelict properties. Code Enforcement Officer seems to be the most likely source. Asking residents for information as well as the Town Board reconnaissance were also discussed. TB to invite the CEO and or Julia Hughes to the next meeting with the beginnings of a list. Accept CAC Annual Report and Send it on to DEC Resolution 183 of 2025 To Accept the CAC Annual Report and Send it on to the DEC Moved by Ganon Vote: Connors Hunter Stein Seconded by Connors Yes Yes Absent 7 1 P a g e Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 183 of 2025 passed on July 07, 2025 Move First September Board Meeting to September 8 and Second Meeting to the 22na Resolution 184 of 2025 To Move the first Town Board meeting of September 2025 to Monday September 8, and to move the second Town Board meeting of September to September 22. Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Woodworth Vote: Connors Yes Hunter Yes Stein Absent Woodworth Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 184 of 2025 passed on July 07, 2025 Larkins Proposal seeking to hire someone to help design a fix for the shed that is at the proposed skate park on Bald Hill Rd. Larkins spoke to Javier Rosa at Taitem Engineering, and he said he could provide sketches with a stamp to engineer the structure that reinforces the barn for somewhere between $1600-$1800. Larkins is also doing a test dig to check the depth of the water table after Thursday this week. He spoke to U-dig today and will be able to do the digging between the 10th and the 24th. He also spoke with Scott Freyburger who is a wastewater system engineer with the Tompkins Health Department about a public sewer system. Discussion ensued as to the possibilities and opportunities of the town property on Bald Hill Rd. Planner Hutnik along with Larkins will write a notice to the neighbors of the property on Bald Hill Rd to seek support for the project. Connors asked about ensuring safety for residents at the bend in the road at the entrance to the property. Discussion of Next Meeting Agenda Letters from Tompkins insurance regarding new flood plain designations. South Hill Cider — Hutnik to prepare a letter. Asking the CAC for input on development/proposals. Going over the guidelines for CAC involvement. Adjourn 7:42 Mariah Dillon, Town Clerk 8 1 P a g e