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HomeMy WebLinkAboutUnadopted_2026 01 05 Town Board Meeting Minutes1 | P a g e Town of Danby Town Board Meeting Minutes Held Monday, January 5, 2026 Board Members Present: Joel Gagnon, Town Supervisor Leslie Connors Mariah Dillon Zachary Larkins Mark Pruce Town Staff: Blake Savoy, Town Clerk Greg Hutnik, Town Planner Keith Shipman, Highway Superintendent Gary Huddle, Town Justice Theresa Klinger, Town Justice Ben Coakley, Chair of the West Danby Water District Advisory Committee Other Attendees: Pacific Austin Ted Crane Heather Coffey D. O'Shea Ronda Roaring Sarah Pruce Captain Charles Tilton Pat Woodworth Katharine Hunter Shane Spencer Julie Spencer Neff Walker Tod Sukontarak Sarah McNaull Prior to the Meeting, the Supervisor and new Town Board Members were sworn in. Meeting Called to Order 6:03 Additions/Deletions to the Agenda There were no additions or deletions to the agenda. Board Member Dillon ask ed if there were any updates from the Audit Response Committee. Board Member Connors responded that the Committee will be meeting this week. Privilege of the Floor Ronda Roaring expressed concerns regarding the Town's agenda policy not being followed . She requested a public budget meeting be held regarding redistibution of funds towards Mary Ann Barr's document preservation work. She asked that the Town provide documentation from Thaler and Thaler that would prove an agreement to represent the Town in legal matters. She also requested the matter of appointing the Deputy Town Clerk be removed from the agenda. Justice Gary Huddle asked whether the property next to Town Hall had been purchased by the Town. Supervisor Gagnon responded that an offer had been made but not responded to. Justice Huddle expressed concerns about setting a precedent for use of taxpayer money for buying property and then tearing down derelict structures. Supervisor Gagnon responded that if the Town were trying to acquire the property, it may set a precedent. Huddle further expressed concerns about the Town not utilizing the property if it was acquired. Gagnon stated that he would take note of his concern. Ted Crane requested the Town Board meetings to begin at the scheduled time, not prior. He noted that the organizational resolutions included a resolution to change the meeting dates for the Town Board and Planning Board and expressed his desire that the reasoning for this proposal be discussed prior to the proposal itself. He also corrected Roaring's reque st regarding the "appointment" of the Deputy Town Clerk, stating that the resolution was to acknowledge the Town Clerk's appointment of 2 | P a g e the Deputy Town Clerk. Lastly, he asked why the clothing allowance for the Highway Department came out of the General Fund instead of the Highway Fund. Supervisor Gagnon responded that, per the state, it is not directly related to work on the roads and thus comes out of the General Fund. Correspondence No correspondence was submitted. Interviews Supervisor Gagnon announced that Matthew Weiss withdrew his application for the CAC. Pacific Austin was interviewed for a position on the CAC. She described her recent engagement in local government and enthusiasm to get involved. She stated she has been working in the affordable housing sector for 6 years. She further explained her background in architecture, resiliency in rural towns, and net zero energy and water projects and how those skill sets would help the CAC. Announcements Planner Hutnik announced that the town was awarded a $700,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). He noted that this may be the last year of this grant program. He explained that the grant would help approximately 14 low-to-middle income homeowners in Danby. To date, there have been 26 homeowners helped by this program in 2022 and 2024. He noted that on the agenda was a request to authorize the issuance of a request for proposals (RFP) and find a consultant to manage that process. The cost of program delivery and grant administration totals a little over $100,000 which comes out of the $700,000 awarde d. Board Member Pruce asked about program outreach in the town to encourage homeowners to apply. Hutnik responded that over the years, there has been a rolling waitlist of applicants. Supervisor Gagnon noted that it is occasionally advertised in the newsletter as well as on the Town's website. Board Member Connors asked how many people were on the waitlist. Hutnik responded that roughly a dozen applicants were on the waitlist. Further discussion reiterated that he is the contact person for interested parties. Meeting Minutes Resolution 1 of 2026 To Approve the December 15, 2025, Town Board Meeting Minutes Moved by Connors Seconded by Gagnon Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Abstain Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 1 of 2026 passed on January 5, 2026 Board Member Dillon noted her abstention was because she wrote those minutes. Reports and Presentations • Supervisor’s Report • Town Clerk Report • Documents Manager's Annual Report • Code Officer’s Report 3 | P a g e • Annual Code Officer’s Report Resolution 2 of 2026 To Approve to Transfer Budgeted Funds Between Accounts Resolved, the Town Board approves the following budget transfers between accounts: FROM TO AMOUNT A1345.420 Misc. Office Equip. A1650.400 Central Communication $1,378.00 A9030.800 Social Sec/Medicare A9060.800 Health Insurance $2,139.00 A9040.800 Workers Compensation A9060.800 Health Insurance $2,685 .00 A1620.400 Building Contractual A9060.800 Health Insurance $2,528.00 Da5142.400 Snow Removal Contr. DA5130.200 Machinery Contr. $18,000.00 Discussion Board Member Connors noted that the health insurance was more than was budgeted for. Supervisor Gagnon stated that the $18,000 transfer was for the purchase of a gravel screening machine from the Town of Ithaca. He further explained that the machine had been put up for auction and Highway Superintendent Shipman had been authorized last year to put in a bid of up to $23,000, but that the machine had not been sold at that point. Superintendent Shipman stated that he would provide 3 depositions as proof that this is a "good deal" for the town. He noted that new machines go for $140,000 to $150,000 and that it is a niche, but high-demand machine. Moved by Connors Seconded by Gagnon Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Abstain Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 2 of 2026 passed on January 5, 2026 Warrant Abstract 01 of 2026 Resolution 3 of 2026 To Accept the General Fund Vouchers #1 - #10 for $3,937.50 Moved by Connors Seconded by Pruce Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Abstain Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 3 of 2026 passed on January 5, 2026 Warrant Abstract 25 of 2025 Resolution 4 of 2026 To Accept the General Fund Vouchers #511 - #520 for $23,656.56 Moved by Connors Seconded by Larkins Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Abstain Larkins Yes Pruce Yes 4 | P a g e Gagnon Yes Resolution 4 of 2026 passed on January 6, 2026 Resolution 5 of 2026 To Accept the Highway Fund Vouchers #251 - #266 for $44,543.18 Moved by Connors Seconded by Pruce Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Abstain Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 5 of 2026 passed on January 5, 2026 Resolution 6 of 2026 To Accept the Water Fund Vouchers #95 for $1,791.00 Moved by Connors Seconded by Larkins Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Abstain Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 6 of 2026 passed on January 5, 2026 Supervisor Gagnon asked why Board Member Dillon was abstaining from voting on the vouchers and abstracts. Board Member Dillon responded that she did not want to vote yes or no because the vouchers and abstracts were completed during her time as Town Clerk. Business Organizational Resolutions Resolution 7 of 2026 to Suspend the Usual Rule of Voting on Resolutions Individually and Instead Allow Resolutions to be Bundled Discussion Supervisor Gagnon noted that this is "customary" and enables expediency when it comes to the Organizational Resolutions. Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Connors Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 7 of 2026 passed on January 5, 2026 Supervisor’s Statement to the Board: ● 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 5 | P a g e 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. The following four resolutions (Resolutions 8-11) were voted on as a bundle. Resolution No. 8 of 2026: 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. 9 of 2026: Approval to Invest Idle Funds Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes the Supervisor to invest idle funds. Resolution No. 10 of 2026: Reaffirming NYCLASS as a Repository for Idle Funds Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes the Supervisor to participate in the NYCLASS Program under terms of the NYCLASS Municipal Cooperation Agreement Amended and Restated as of August 1, 2023. Resolution No. 11 of 2026: Reaffirming Comp Alliance as Workers Compensation Insurance Supplier for the Town of Danby Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes the Supervisor to execute the Plan’s charter on behalf of the Town of Danby. Discussion Board Member Dillion asked if NYCLASS was the only repository for idle funds. Supervisor Gagnon responded that there are limited options for the investment of idle funds. Dillon clarified that her question was towards blanket approval for the supervisor to invest idle funds without subsequent board approval. Gagnon affirmed this, and reiterated that the options are limited by state statute. Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Dillon Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolutions 8-11 of 2026 passed on January 5, 2026 Resolution No. 12 of 2026: Approval of Year 2026 Salaries and Hourly Wages Town Board (x4)……............................................................................................$3,271.50 each Town Supervisor………..........................................................................................$33,276.00 Deputy Town Supervisor............................................................................................$3,272.00 6 | P a g e Assistant to Supervisor..................................................................................... $10,915.00 Bookkeeper………………. .................................................................................... $28,692.00 Supervisor PT Accounting Assistant………………………….......................…$24.82 per hour Town Justice (x2) ………..................................................................................$18,417.00 each Court Clerk……………………………………………………….....................….$26.28 per hour Highway Superintendent .................................................................................. $71,957.00 Deputy Highway Superintendent ....................................................................... $65,074.00 Highway Secretary………….. ............................................................................... $36,398.00 Motor Equipment Operator ...................................................................... $24.82 per hour* Heavy Equipment Mechanic ..................................................................... $24.82 per hour* Laborer Highway...................................................................................................$24.82 per hour* *Pay rate may be increased according to union negotiated longevity adjustments Town Clerk……………… ..................................................................................... $48,100.00 Deputy Town Clerk………. ........................................................................... $24.82 per hour Town Clerk Records Management Assistant…………………...……………..…..$24.82 per hour Town Clerk Project Assistant…………………………………………..…….$24.82 per hour Code Officer……………..................................................................................$65,681.00 Planner…………………..................................................................................$80,662.00 Typists for Planning Board, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Conservation Advisory Council..............$26.28 per hour Historian…………………… ..................................................................................... $1000.00 Laborer, Town Hall (Snow Removal) ............................................................ $24.82 per hour Swimming Area Director…. .................................................................................. $1000.00 Recreation Assistant. .......................................................................................... $1000.00 Lifeguards…………… ................................................................................... $24.82 per hour Water Plant Operator (West Danby) ................................................................... $16,000.00 Water Plant Operator, Assistant (West Danby)...................................................... $4,426.00 Water Clerk (West Danby) .................................................................................. $5,735.00 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. Discussion Board Member Pruce expressed some initial confusion over the distribution of salary lines, particularly to Laura Shawley's multiple titles as assistant to the Supervisor, Bookkeeper, and 7 | P a g e Highway Secretary. He further added that part of his duty is to oversee these roles and that having descriptions would aid that. Supervisor Gagnon explained the history of the roles of Bookkeeper and assistant to the Supervisor in Danby, as well as why those roles have different salary lines. Board Member Connors stated that she would find the descriptions for the various roles and add them to a file. Supervisor Gagnon and Board Member Pruce agreed that any potential changes would need to be made during the budget season for the next year. Vote Moved by Connors Seconded by Pruce Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 12 of 2026 passed on January 5, 2026 The following three resolutions (Resolutions 13-15) were voted on as a bundle. Resolution No. 13 of 2026: 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. 8 | P a g e Resolution No. 14 of 2026: 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 seventy -two and a half cents ($0.725) per mile. Resolution No. 15 of 2026: 2025 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. Discussion Board Member Dillon noted that the clerk's office had not recieved a copy of the 2023 or 2024 reports. Supervisor Gagnon encouraged Clerk Savoy to inquire about copies of the 2023, 2024, and 2025 financial reports. Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Pruce Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolutions 13-15 of 2026 passed on January 5, 2026 The following three resolutions (Resolutions 16-18) were voted on as a bundle. Resolution No. 16 of 2026: Agreement to Spend Town Highway Funds - 2026 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 $340,323 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. Resolution No. 17 of 2026: 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 9 | P a g e Resolution No. 18 of 2026: Appointing Receivers of Credit Card Payments Resolved, that the Town Clerk, Deputy Town Clerk, and Court Clerk are authorized to accept credit card payments in 2026. Vote Moved by Connors Seconded by Larkins Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolutions 16-18 of 2026 passed on January 5, 2026 The following three resolutions (Resolutions 19 -21) were voted on as a bundle. Resolution No. 19 of 2026: Designating Authorized Holders of Town Credit Cards Resolved, that the following individuals are authorized to have and use town credit cards in 2026: ● Joel Gagnon ● Blake Savoy ● Greg Hutnik ● Steve Cortright ● Theresa Klinger ● Ben Coakley ● Keith Shipman ● Jack Shawley ● Laura Shawley ● James Seeley Resolution No. 20 of 2026: 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 Working Funds. Resolution No. 21 of 2026: 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. Discussion The Board discussed the difficulties of transitioning the names on credit cards. Further discussion revised the resolution to omit the clause "and be it further [r]esolved that the limit to the number of cards issued as stated in The Credit Card Policy is hereby eliminated", citing the intention to revise the policy shortly based on recommendations from the Claims and Processing Audit follow-up report. Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Pruce Vote: 10 | P a g e Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolutions 19-21 of 2026 passed on January 6, 2026 Resolution No. 22 of 2026: Reaffirmation of Certain Town of Danby Policies and Procedures Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby reaffirms: 1. Procurement Policies and Procedures (Resolution No. 262 of 2024); 2. Flag Policy (Resolution No. 99 of 2020, revised Feb 2022); 3. Email Policy and Procedures (Resolution No. 234 of 2024) 4. Appointment Procedures (Resolution No. 70 of 2020) 5. Town Board Rules of Procedure (Resolution No. 187 of 2022, as amended) 6. Code of Ethics (Resolution No. 51 of 2022) 7. Employer Health Emergency Response Plan (Resolution No. 54 of 2022) 8. Sexual Harassment Policy (Resolution No. 208 of Nov 1, 2022) 9. Correspondence Policy (Resolution No. 124 of 2023) 10. Workplace Violence Prevention Program (Nov 2, 2021) 11. Town Hall Meeting Room Use Policy (Resolution 56 of 2022) 12. Section 504 Policy (Resolutions 42 and 43 of 2018) 13. Disposition of Surplus Equipment (10-7-24 R. 231) 14. Fees for use of Credit Cards, Debit Cards and E-Check transactions (4-6-20 Res 46 ) 15. Newsletter policy and Guidelines (8/18/25 R. 206) 16. Records Retention (LGS-1) (9/14/20 R. 103) 17. Section 3 Covered Contracts- Participation Plan and Policy (1/3/23 R. 43) 18. Videoconferencing Policy (6/7/22 R. 135) 19. Workplace Violence Policy & Threat Assessment Team (12/7/21 R. 176) Discussion Supervisor Gagnon noted that the credit card policy was not being reaffirmed because it is in the process of being rewritten. Vote Moved by Connors Seconded by Pruce Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 22 of 2026 passed on January 5, 2026 After the vote, further discussion regarding town policies ensued, including the potential for a data breach policy. Board Member Pruce stated he would look into a template for such a policy. The following eight resolutions (Resolutions 23-30) were voted on as a bundle. Resolution No. 23 of 2026: Health Consortium Appointment 11 | P a g e Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Laura Shawley as its representative to the Health Insurance Consortium. Resolution No. 24 of 2026: 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 for 2026. Resolution No. 25 of 2026: 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 for 2026. Resolution No. 26 of 2026 Appointment of Court Clerk Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Diane Gair as Danby Court Clerk for 2026. Resolution No. 27 of 2026: Acknowledgment of Supervisor Appointments Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby acknowledges the 2026 appointments by the Town Supervisor of: 1. Leslie Connors as Deputy Town Supervisor 2. Laura Shawley as Bookkeeper, Budget Officer, and Assistant to the Supervisor 3. Mary Ann Barr as Town Historian Resolution No. 28 of 2026: Additional Appointments in the Town Clerk Office Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints for 2026 the Town Clerk and Deputy Clerk as ● Agents to issue handicapped parking permits, ● Receivers of property taxes, and ● Licensors of Games of Chance. Resolution No. 29 of 2026: Appointment of Contact for the Statewide Financial System Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints the Town Bookkeeper as the contact person for the Statewide Financial System in 2026. Resolution No. 30 of 2026: 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 in 2026. Discussion Planner Hutnik stated that the program formerly known as "NY State Grants Gateway" was now known as "Statewide Financial System". Discussion ensued regarding who should be appointed as the contact. The revised motion included these changes. Vote Moved by Connors Seconded by Dillon Vote: 12 | P a g e Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolutions 23 through 30 of 2026 passed on January 5, 2026 The following six resolutions (Resolutions 31-36) were voted on as a bundle. Resolution No. 31 of 2026: Appointment of Conservation Advisory Council Members Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints ● Joel Gagnon ● Anne Klingensmith ● Don Schaufler to the Conservation Advisory Council for terms expiring in December of 2027 and • Pacific Austin to the Conservation Advisory Council for a term expiring in December of 2026. Resolution No. 32 of 2026: 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 2026. Resolution No. 33 of 2026: Appointment of Danby Youth Commission Members Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Connie Sczepanski and Madeline Ulinski to the Danby Youth Commission for a term expiring in December of 2027. Resolution No. 34 of 2026: Appointment of Town Water Advisory Committee Member Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Leonard Dodge to the Town Water Advisory Committee for a term expiring in December of 2030. Resolution No. 35 of 2026: Appointment of Board of Zoning Appeals Member Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Elizabeth Lamb as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals for a term expiring in December of 2030. Resolution No. 36 of 2026: Appointment of Planning Board Member Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Colleen Cowan to the Planning Board for a term expiring in December of 2032. Discussion Board Member Pruce asked if he should be on the Danby Youth Commission as he will be the new board liason. Katharine Hunter, formerly on the Town Board and currently on the Youth Commission, responded that he does not need to be on the Commission but would be welcomed if he wished to join. 13 | P a g e Supervisor Gagnon added that the Board could appoint him at a later date. 14 | P a g e Vote Moved by Connors Seconded by Larkins Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolutions 31 through 36 of 2026 passed on January 5, 2026 The following eleven resolutions (Resolutions 37-47) were voted on as a bundle. Resolution No. 37 of 2026: 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 in 2026: 1. Town Board Member (1; not the Supervisor) Leslie Connors 2. Town Hall Staff Member: Steve Cortright 3. Town Clerk: Blake Savoy 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 Resolution No. 38 of 2026: 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 for 2026. Resolution No. 39 of 2026: Appointment of Pond Supervisor/Recreation Supervisor 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 2026. Resolution No. 40 of 2026: 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 2026. Resolution No. 41 of 2026: Appointment of Fair Housing Officer Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints the Planner to be the Fair Housing Officer for 2026. Resolution No. 42 of 2026: Appointment of Section 3 Coordinator Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints the Planner to be the Section 3 Coordinator for 2026. Resolution No. 43 of 2026: 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 for 2026. 15 | P a g e Resolution No. 44 of 2026: 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) for 2026. Resolution No. 45 of 2026: 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 for 2026. Resolution No. 46 of 2026: 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 2026. Resolution No. 47 of 2026: Appointment of Energy Advisor/ Climate Smart Communities Coordinator Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Jim Holahan as the town’s Energy Advisor/Climate Smart Communities Coordinator for 2026. Discussion Discussion ensued regarding the last meeting date of the Threat Assessment Team. It was determined that the team had not met in at least the past two years. Further discussion regarding who would chair the meeting ensued. The final determination was while no chair would be appointed at this time, Laura Shawley would convene the next meeting of the Thre at Assessment Team. At that meeting, a chair will be recommended and then proposed to the Board for appointment. The resolution was updated to include this change. Supervisor Gagnon noted that it is the town clerk's responsibility to notify the county of the appointed representatives to the Tompkins County Council of Governments. 16 | P a g e Vote Moved by Connors Seconded by Pruce Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolutions 37 through 47 of 2026 passed on January 5, 2026 The following three resolutions (Resolutions 48 -50) were voted on as a bundle. Resolution No. 48 of 2026: Planning Board Chair Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Kelly Maher to Chair the Planning Board in 2026. Resolution No. 49 of 2026: Appointment of Board of Zoning Appeals Chair Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Earl Hicks to Chair the Board of Zoning Appeals in 2026. Resolution No. 50 of 2026: Appointment of Conservation Advisory Council Chair Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Anne Klingensmith and Jonathan Zisk to co-Chair the Conservation Advisory Council in 2026. Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Pruce Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolutions 37 through 47 of 2026 passed on January 5, 2026 The following two resolutions (Resolutions 51-52) were voted on as a bundle. Resolution No. 51 of 2026: Setting Meeting Dates for the Town Board in 2026 Resolved, that the regular Town Board meetings in 2026 will be on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, commencing with the February meetings. The second January meeting will be held on January 15. All regular meetings begin at 6 P.M. unless changed by action o f the Town Board. Resolution No. 52 of 2026: Setting Meeting Dates for the Planning Board in 2026 Resolved, that the regular meetings of the Planning Board will be on the third Wednesday of the month, commencing with the January meeting. Discussion Supervisor Gagnon stated that the change was to hopefully lessen the number of meetings needing to be rescheduled throughout the year due to holidays. He suggested adding notices in the newsletter and on the website. Clerk Savoy stated that there will be an additional legal notice published in the Ithaca Journal. 17 | P a g e Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Larkins Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolutions 51 and 52 of 2026 passed on January 5, 2026 Resolution 53 of 2026 to Designate Leslie Connors as the Town's Delegate for the NY Association of Town's Annual Meeting and Mariah Dillon as the Alternate Delegate Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Pruce Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 53 of 2026 passed on January 5, 2026 Resolution 54 of 2026 to Authorize the Supervisor to Sign the Annual Contract with the Cornell Cooperative Extension for Youth Services Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Connors Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 54 of 2026 passed on January 5, 2026 18 | P a g e Review of the Zoning Amendments Local Law Planner Hutnik presented amendments to the current town zoning law, particularly in the hamlet zone. Discussion ensued regarding the proposed zoning amendments to the Hamlet Center and Hamlet Neighborhood Zoning Districts, which primarily include eliminating the maximum front setback of 20 feet, allowing additional commercial uses on properties that front onto Danby Road, relocating all the Form requirements for new buildings to the Design Guidelines, and exempting the re-use of existing buildings from meeting vehicle parking standards. Resolution 55 of 2026 to Reschedule the Public Hearing for the Zoning Amendments Law to February 3rd Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Pruce Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 55 of 2026 passed on January 5, 2026 Resolution 56 of 2026 to Extend the Meeting by 30 Minutes Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Connors Vote: Connors Yes Dillon No Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 56 of 2026 passed on January 5, 2026 Resolution 57 of 2026 to Create a Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Working Group Whereas compact growth reduces development costs, conserves land and resources, increases the efficiency of service provision, improves walkability and neighborhood interaction, and Whereas the area requirements for absorption of septic effluent are so large that compact development is precluded unless alternatives such as shared systems are used, and Whereas while shared systems are relatively easy to permit and construct if under single ownership, they are not if serving multiple properties under disparate ownership, and Whereas the Danby Comprehensive Plan envisions focused growth in the traditional population centers, and Whereas facilitated development of shared infrastructure for both water and wastewater is supportive of compact and focused growth, now therefore be it Resolved that a Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Working Group is established to explore how shared infrastructure could be feasibly pursued for the Town of Danby, to include both options for physical infrastructure and legal framework. Authority 19 | P a g e None. The Working Group has no authority to bind the Town of Danby in any way. Its charge is to be executed by collaboration with private businesses and via recommendations to appropriate town decision-making public bodies. Membership There shall be a core membership of appointees, as determined by the Town Board, chosen from among Town Board and Planning Board members interested in serving. There shall be a variable membership of anyone else with an interest in supporting the work of the Group. There shall be a voting membership consisting of the core members and such variable members as attended 2 of the previous 3 meetings, limited to Town of Danby residents. Officers There shall be a Chair and a Secretary, both appointed by the Town Board Terms of Office Core members shall serve until they resign or are replaced. Officers shall be subject to annual appointment/reappointment by the Town Board Meetings All meetings of the Group are to be publicly noticed and public attendance via videoconference provided for. Minutes of Group meetings shall be kept and made publicly available. Committees When interest and available human resources suggest and enable it, committees may be formed to facilitate the work of the Group. Committees need not meet publicly or keep minutes of their activity. Funding and Staff Support The Town Planner shall work with the Group to facilitate and support the work. The Group Secretary shall be overseen by the Planner and compensated for minute preparation and management at the typist hourly compensation rate. Be it Further Resolved that the initial Core membership shall be Zach Larkins, Mark Pruce, and Joel Gagnon, with Mark to serve as the Chair. The Secretary will be appointed by the Town Board. Discussion Board Member Dillon asked for clarity regarding the purpose of this group. Supervisor Gagnon responded that the original sewer group was to assess the recommendations from the sewer study. This proposed group would further assess the potentials. The group would have a “floating” membership, wherein members of the public would be able to attend meetings and, after becoming a regular attendee, become a voting member. Board Member Connors asked whether the group would specifically focus on the Hamlet/96B. Supervisor Gagnon responded that it would not, and that the goal was to look at the bigger picture of facilitating cluster developments to prevent sprawl. Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Connors Vote: Connors Yes 20 | P a g e Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 57 of 2026 passed on January 5, 2026 Resolution 58 of 2026 to Solicit Interest for a Secretary to the Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Working Group with a Deadline of January 31st and to Post the Position with the Tompkins County Civil Service Discussion Board Members and Planner Hutnik determined to also reach out to the current Planning and CAC secretaries to ask if they would be interested in the position. Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Dillon Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 58 of 2026 passed on January 5, 2026 Resolution 59 of 2026 to Authorize Planner Hutnik to Issue the RFP for the Administration and Program Delivery for the CDBG Grant 21 | P a g e Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Larkins Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 59 of 2026 passed on January 5, 2026 Credit Card Policy The Board did not vote on a new credit card policy and tabled the discussion for next meeting. Purchase of Communicator Device for Sentry Alarms Resolution 60 of 2026 to Authorize the Purchase of a Communicator per Sentry Alarms’ Request Board Member Dillon stated that the communicator was needed due to the recent vendor change in the phone system. Vote Moved by Dillon Seconded by Larkins Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 60 of 2026 passed on January 5, 2026 Authorize Negotiation of and Signing of Contract for Water District System Evaluation and Option Development Resolution 61 of 2026 to Authorize the Supervisor to Sign a Contract with Hunt Engineering for a Study on the West Danby Water District After it has been Negotiated by the West Danby Water District Advisory Committee Not to Exceed $60,000 Discussion Ben Coakley explained the need for a study to be conducted by the water district regarding the current state and future maintenance of the district’s infrastructure, citing a recent water main break and the age of the infrastructure as primary reasons. 22 | P a g e Vote Moved by Dillon Seconded by Connors Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 61 of 2026 passed on January 5, 2026 Discussion of Next Meeting Agenda • Update from the Claims and Processing Audit (2025) Committee • Credit Card Policy • Data Breach Report Policy • Update from General Code Project • Room Use Policy Adjourn 8:25 PM