Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-03 Town Board Meeting Minutes1 | P a g e Town of Danby Town Board Regular Meeting Minutes Held Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026, at the Danby Town Hall 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 Gary Huddle, Town Justice Theresa Klinger, Town Justice Other Attendees: Ronda Roaring Ted Crane Julie Spencer Jim Holahan Captain Charles Tilton Pat Woodworth Rebecca Corby Tobias Neff Walker Meeting Called to Order at 6:01pm Zoning Amendments Public Hearing As was publicized in the February edition of the Danby Town News , Ithaca Journal, and the Danby Town website, a public hearing regarding the Proposed Zoning Amendments Local Law was held. Ted Crane commented that he had given feedback earlier and wished the Board luck with the proposed law. The Public Hearing was closed at 6:03pm and the regular meeting continued. Additions/Deletions to the Agenda -Proposed Meeting Room Policy Revision was postponed. Privilege of the Floor Clerk Savoy expressed gratitude for the patience shown to him while he is still getting his bearings in order and encouraged the Board to continue communicating when issues arise. Ted Crane expressed concerns regarding prejudicial and/or innaccurate comments from a Board Member he did not want to name, specifically regarding discussions of the article published in the Ithaca Voice about Danby's website(s). He also noted that some agenda items had not been linked correctly, which made some meeting materials inaccessible. Correspondence No correspondence was submitted. Announcements Board Members Connors, Dillon, and Pruce stated that they would be absent for the next scheduled meeting. If this were the case, physical quorum could not be met, and no actio n could be taken. It was suggested that the meeting be moved. Resolution 74 of 2026 to Move the Second February Town Board Meeting to Friday, February 20th at 6pm. Discussion 2 | P a g e Vote Moved by Connors Seconded by Gagnon Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 74 of 2026 passed on February 3rd, 2026 Minutes Resolution 75 of 2026 to Approve the January 5th and January 15th Meeting Minutes Vote Moved by Connors Seconded by Gagnon Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 75 of 2026 passed on February 3rd, 2026 Reports and Presentations • Town Clerk's Monthly Report • Code Officer's Monthly Report Warrant Abstract 27 of 2025 Resolution 76 of 2026 to Accept the General Fund Vouchers #540-541 for $1,908.01 Vote Moved by Connors Seconded by Dillon Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 76 of 2026 passed on February 3rd, 2026 Resolution 77 of 2026 to Accept the Water Fund Voucher #98 for $55.34 Discussion Board Member Connors stated that the abstract was written for $60.62, but the amount due was actually $55.34. Board Member Pruce noted that he was unable to see the attached voucher. Clerk Savoy noted both of these issues to correct later. 3 | P a g e Vote Moved by Connors Seconded by Dillon Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 77 of 2026 passed on February 3rd, 2026 Warrant Abstract 3 of 2026 Resolution 78 of 2026 to Accept the General Fund Vouchers #24-42 for $30,849.03 Vote Moved by Connors Seconded by Larkins Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 78 of 2026 passed on February 3rd, 2026 At about 6:19, the meeting was interrupted by a "Zoom-bombing". The meeting was brought back to order at about 6:21 and continued as normal. Resolution 79 of 2026 to Accept the Highway Fund Vouchers #3 -9 for $31,061.71 Vote Moved by Connors Seconded by Larkins Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 79 of 2026 passed on February 3rd, 2026 Business Consideration Enacting Zoning Amendments, Local Law #1 of 2026 Board Member Larkins asked about the distance of setbacks within the drafted law. Planner Hutnik noted a juxtaposition between a desire for "Hamlet -scale" development and the proposed setback requirements. The Board discussed whether modifying the setback requirements would constitute a substantive change, requiring renotification and another public hearing. Ted Crane commented that setbacks preserve rural character and that it would be a substantial change. Discussion ensued regarding the specifics of setbacks. It was stated that even without specific zoning - required setbacks, there would still be requirements such as fire code that would need to be met. It was also stated that accessory buildings, such as sheds, have their own specified setback requirements. The discussion culminated in amending the language so that the Hamlet Neighborhood Zone would have a minimum rear setback of 25ft, a minimum side setback of 10ft, 4 | P a g e and a minimum front setback of 10ft, and that the Hamlet Center zone would have a minimum front setback of 10ft and no setback requirement for rear or side of a property. Resolution 80 of 2026 to Amend the Proposed Law to Modify the Setback Requirements for the Hamlet Neighborhood and Hamlet Center zones and that a Public Hearing be Scheduled on March 17th for the revised proposal and Appropriate Notifications be Sent Out Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Pruce Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 80 of 2026 passed on February 3rd, 2026 After the vote, the Board discussed another passage regarding "right of way"-based measurements. Consider Acknowledgement of Appointment of Second Deputy Town Clerk Resolution 81 of 2026 to Acknowledge the Limited Appointment of the Second Deputy Town Clerk WHEREAS the Town Board is responsible for assigning the duties of additional deputy town clerks, and WHEREAS Julia Hughes was appointed by the Town Clerk to serve as a Second Deputy Town Clerk for the purposes of tax collection, and WHEREAS there is a budget line allocated specifically for assistance in the Clerk's office for tax collection, now therefore be it RESOLVED that the Town Board acknowledges the appointment of Julia Hughes as Second Deputy Town Clerk, and be it FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Board recognizes the duties of Julia Hughes as Second Deputy Town Clerk as assisting with tax collection under Clerk Savoy's direction for a period ending as determined by said Clerk or March 31st, whichever is earlier. Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Connors Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 81 of 2026 passed on February 3rd, 2026 Resolution 82 of 2026 to Authorize Payment of the Cybersecurity Insurance Contract Discussion Supervisor Gagnon stated that he had exercised the blanket authorization to sign contracts that was established at the organizational meeting to prevent the current coverage from lapsing. He also noted that various fees had increased, but that the difference was about $15 0 overall. Vote 5 | P a g e Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Pruce Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 82 of 2026 passed on February 3rd, 2026 Information Sharing about the Town Board's Fiscal Oversight Responsibilities Board Member Pruce presented information from a recent training held in part by the State Comptroller's Office. He emphasized the importance of the Town Board having access to reports, and specifically noted that the use of spreadsheets is not typical for these kinds of reports. Board Member Dillon expressed similar concerns . Pruce also stated that he would like to see a Statement of Accounts. Supervisor Gagnon noted these concerns and stated he would discuss them with Bookkeeper Shawley. Proposed Credit Card Policy Revision Resolution 83 of 2026 to Adopt the Revised Credit Card Policy Discussion Supervisor Gagnon stated that the purpose of the revision was to "reflect the way we actually do things and maybe spiff it up a little bit so that it better addresses how we ought to do things ". Some of the changes named were removing the limit on the number of cardholders, designation of "card user" versus "cardholder", and requiring the credit card policy be given to and signed by all users of Town credit cards. It also specifies that the bookkeeper is responsible for the issuance and management of credit cards. Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Connors Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 83 of 2026 passed on February 3rd, 2026 Association of Towns' Resolutions- Instructions for the Delegate and Alternate Delegate Resolution 84 of 2026 to Instruct the Delegate and Alternate Delegate to Support all of the Proposed Resolutions at NYAOT Annual Meeting Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Dillon Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 84 of 2026 passed on February 3rd, 2026 Snow and Ice Contract with Tompkins County 6 | P a g e Resolution 85 of 2026 to Approve the Contract for Removal of Snow and Ice with Tompkins County and Authorize Supervisor Gagnon to Sign it Discussion Supervisor Gagnon stated that in the current contract, the County contracts the Town to plow County roads on the basis of tracking time and materials. Under the new contract, the County will contract the Town to plow roads for a flat fee. He noted that the Highway Department will continue to track time and materials to ensure that the compensation is fair. Board Member Dillon asked why the contract was dated October 1, 2025. Gagnon responded that it was overdue and that he was unable to exercise blanket executive authority because of a clause specifying that board approval was required. Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Connors Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 85 of 2026 passed on February 3rd, 2026 Community Science Institute Agreement 2026 Resolution 86 of 2026 to Approve the Community Science Institute Agreement for 2026 Discussion Board Member Connors noted that it was about $100 more than last year's agreement . Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Connors Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 86 of 2026 passed on February 3rd, 2026 Succession Planning- Bookkeeper and Assistant to the Supervisor Position Supervisor Gagnon announced Bookkeeper Shawley's intent to retire from the roles of Bookkeeper and Assistant to the Supervisor, but desire to stay as the Highway Secretary. He announced his choice for the positions of Bookkeeper and Assistant to the Supervisor as Rebecca (Beck i) Corby. Board Member Dillon asked whether she was a bookkeeper. Gagnon responded that she has some bookkeeping experience, and that the r ole is one that can be "trained into". The position is at the will of the supervisor and is exempt from civil service requirements. He stated that Bookkeeper Shawley is "more than willing" to train her, and that he is confident in her abilities. Board Members Connors and Pruce asked about the combination of roles in terms of the position being full or part time, and whether the positions would be officially combined into one. 7 | P a g e Supervisor Gagnon stated that he would like to combine the two roles and add $10,000 to the salary for the combined role. He noted that Bookkeeper Shawley is also currently overseeing personnel and HR management, payroll, and the transition to the new NYS Local Retirement System. Board Member Dillon stated that she has previously argued that the town clerk is a full-time job but is undercompensated and that adding to the salary of the new, full-time position would be unequitable given both positions are full-time. The Board further discussed the merits of a full -time, combined bookkeeper and assistant to the supervisor position, as well as the compensation for such a position. The discussion shifted to the possibility of the position being at least partially work-from-home. Clerk Savoy requested that the convenience and occasional necessity of proximity be taken into consideration. Supervisor Gagnon noted that Corby lives nearby him. Board Member Connors expressed concerns over security and productivity of a work-from-home position. Board Member Pruce noted that while the Board does not make the decision, he would like to see several applicants' resumes and skill sets to find a good fit for the position. Supervisor Gagnon stated the purpose of this discussion was to gather the Board's feedback. He noted that this may not be the only way to go through this process, but that it was making use of the staff available as best as possible. Becki Corby explained that she has bookkeeping experience, and that she had sent her resume to Bookkeeper Shawley and Supervisor G agnon for review. Supervisor Gagnon stated that he would forward her resume to the rest of the Board. The Board discussed compensation during the training period. It was determined to use the unallocated fund balance to provide $10,000 for her training. The discussion shifted to training and job responsibilities, Board Member Dillon asked Corby if she had any HR experience. Becki Corby responded that she does not but is "absolutely" willing to learn. The Board discussed the specifics of training, provision of software, and available equipment, as well as the potential for work-from-home capabilities. Ted Crane expressed concerns over cybersecurity. Julie Spencer asked whether there had been open interviews for this position. Supervisor Gagnon stated there had not been because the position is appointed solely by the supervisor. Board Member Pruce stated that he would like to see training completed to the standards of the Comptroller's office, as well as the procedures currently utilized. Resolution 87 of 2026 to Acknowledge the Appointment of Becki Corby and Allocate $10,000 Towards her Training at a Rate of $24.82/hr. Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Dillon Vote: Connors Abstain Dillon Yes 8 | P a g e Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 87 of 2026 passed on February 3rd, 2026 Discussion of Next Meeting Agenda • Meeting Room Use Policy • Credit Card Review Checklist • Special Events Law update • Threat Assessment Team update • General Code update • Data security and privacy notification protocols The allotted time expired and with no motion to extend, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM.