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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB 2025-03-13 attTB 3-13-25 Page 1 of 9 TOWN OF DRYDEN TOWN BOARD MEETING March 13, 2025 Zoom Hybrid Present: Supervisor Jason Leifer, Cl Daniel Lamb, Cl Christina Dravis, Cl Spring Buck Absent: Cl Leonardo Vargas-Mendez Elected Officials: Bambi L. Avery, Town Clerk Rick Young, Highway/DPW Superintendent Other Town Staff: Amanda Anderson, Bookkeeper Ray Burger, Planning Director *Cassie Byrnes, Secretary to the Supervisor *Indicates attendance via Zoom Supv Leifer called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. FINANCIALS & HUMAN RESOURCES RESOLUTION #60 (2025) – APPROVE ABSTRACT #3 Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby approves Abstract #3, as audited, general vouchers #179 through #283 ($567,156.91), CDBG voucher #5 (10,640.00), and TA vouchers #65 through #68 ($7,713.92), totaling $585,510.83. 2nd Cl Lamb Roll Call Vote Cl Buck Yes Cl Dravis Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH NYS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE OVER ROUTE 13 Supv Leifer opened the public hearing at 6:08 p.m. and explained this public hearing is necessary because the estimated cost of the pedestrian bridge over Route 13 for the rail trail has increased by $647,597.00. He asked for public comment on the matter. Diane Tessaglia-Hymes said she supports this action. She lives in Etna and works in Ithaca and has been trying to commute on her bicycle. Crossing Route 13 is scary and she is looking forward to having the rail trail complete, which would make it easier and safer. She feels that spending this money is worth it because the point of tax dollars is to support the community and help people live a better life. TB 3-13-25 Page 2 of 9 Chris Tessaglia-Hymes echoes the previous speaker. He is looking forward to the completion of the bridge and supports the motion to accept the increased cost due to the time it has taken to get going. He has cycled across Route 13 at Lower Creek Road numerous times and it is scary. Sometimes with heavy traffic he sits there exposed for several minutes waiting to cross safely. He is looking forward to being able to commute over the bridge and hopes it will be done soon. Todd Bittner, resident and member of the Rail Trail Task Force, said he supports the resolution. He shared that this is something the Task Force has been working on since the day it was created. It is exciting that ten years later we are moving ahead on the project. The Task Force is also working on the next steps beyond it that includes the section between Pinckney Road and Route 366. They have funds and students from Cornell University are working on design and working with Rick Young, the Highway Dep artment and NYSEG. There will soon be a feasibility study to decide how to connect all the way to Freeville. Progress is being made in many areas. He appreciates the long-time support of the town board and staff. Cl Lamb is grateful to the Task Force that has worked ten years on the project and overcome so many hurdles. The trail is not complete yet, but the feedback from the public is overwhelmingly positive. Developers looking at the community want to put their projects along the rail trail. This is an investment in the town that needs to be made and why the town embarked on the project. If the current numbers are correct, the t own would backstop about 25% of the project and a lot of people would support this. There were a lot of easements and clarifications of things we had to go through with the state. It has taken a long time, and during the process prices have gone up and future costs are in question, and there has been an adjustment in the estimate. He is hoping for lower competitive bids to bring down the cost. The Task Force is looking for other sources of money and will continue to do so. He urged the board to support the resolution. S Buck shared that you see people of all ages using the trail in a variety of ways. People with mobility challenges are using the Game Farm Road section. She appreciates the trail and the community that supports it. She thanked those working on it for the past ten years. Supv Leifer said we need to finish the project and if the highway department can help in any way and have time, it would help further lower the cost. The hearing was left open at 6:20 p.m. HIGHWAY/DPW DEPARTMENT Cheryl Lane & Kirby Drive (private roads) are interested in having the town take over ownership and responsibility for maintaining the roads. A petition has been mentioned, but not received. R Young explained that the roads are in a development started by Kirby Werninck decades ago, but are not town roads and in poorer condition than other town roads. The two roads were intended to join at the end and make a circle. These are small roads and need work, estimated by Highway Superintendent Rick Young at about $50,000. They were blacktopped, but not maintained. The distance of the roads and the connection is about 1500 feet. Residents would like a sense of whether the town would be willing to move forward. R Young will talk with the resident who approached him, who will communicate with the rest of the community. Suggested items to be considered are the width of the road and fire truck access, a survey and that it be deeded to the town. R Young asked the board for resolutions to sell a loader and trade and purchase a brush chipper. RESOLUTION #61 (2025) – AUTHORIZE SALE OF LOADER TB 3-13-25 Page 3 of 9 Cl Buck offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby authorizes the sale via Auctions International of a 2005 Caterpillar G Loader with mower attachment, with funds from the sale going to DA- 5130.4. 2nd Cl Lamb Roll Call Vote Cl Buck Yes Cl Dravis Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes RESOLUTION #62 (2025) – AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF BRUSH CHIPPER WITH TRADE Cl Lamb offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: RESOLVED, that this board hereby authorizes the purchase of a new 2025 BVR Brush Chipper at a cost of $120,786.53 per the SourceWell bid, and the trade of a 2022 Brush Chipper toward that purchase valued at $39,000.00, resulting in a cost to the town not to exceed $87,000.00. 2nd Supv Leifer Roll Call Vote Cl Buck Yes Cl Dravis Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes R Young reported that he attended Advocacy Day at the Capitol a few weeks ago. Tompkins County Highway Superintendents were well represented there. They met with Leah Webb who said she supports their efforts for increased funding. Early indications are that there will be increased funding for CHIPS, Extreme Winter Recovery, State Touring Routes, and Local PAVE-NY. The group was unable to meet with Anna Kelles, but left information at her office. The bank stabilization grant was extended, so the town will not lose that. R Young said he had spoken with another Highway Superintendent who said he had received a letter from NYMIR that they were considering not insuring e quipment over 10 years old. He will get more information. He suggested a discussion about the probable Freese Road Bridge cost increase and whether the county will increase their portion. Cl Lamb said the county had passed a resolution previously regarding their portion of the expense. He expects to hear the project can go out to bid soon. PUBLIC HEARING (continued) Rose Borzik expressed her support for the bond and the town’s continuing support for the trail. She lives in Freeville and encounters a lot of people on the trail that are wondering when the trail will be connected. There is a lot of interest and public support out there. There were no further comments. Supv Leifer closed the public hearing at 6:40 p.m. He displayed the resolution to approve the amendment to the NYSDOT agreement to reflect an increase in cost for construction of the pedestrian bridge over Route 13. TB 3-13-25 Page 4 of 9 RESOLUTION #63 (2025) - AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE TOWN’S AGREEMENT WITH NYSDOT TO INCREASE THE FUNDS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE OVER ROUTE 13 Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: WHEREAS, a Project for the Dryden Rail Trail Phase 2 P.I.N. 395071, concerning the construction of a pedestrian bridge over Route 13 (the “Project”) is eligible for funding under Title 23 U.S. Code, as amended, that calls for apportioning the costs of such program be at the ratio of 80% Federal funds and 20% non-federal funds; and WHEREAS, in March 2020, the Town Board authorized $2,190,675 (80% Federal and 20% Local share) of a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant that was made available by the New York State Department of Transportation for the project to cover the costs of de sign, right-of-way and construction work; and WHEREAS, the Town Board on February 17, 2022 issued a negative declaration under Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law and Regulations adopted pursuant thereto by the Department of Environmental Conservation of the State (collectively, “SEQR”) with respect to work on the Project; and WHEREAS, in mid-2023 a construction estimate identified that the Project’s costs would be higher than anticipated; and WHEREAS, the Town of Dryden is responsible for all costs of the Project that exceed the TAP and earmark funds awarded to the Town of Dryden; WHEREAS, in July 2023 the Town Board authorized $3,057,082 (80% Federal and 20% Local share) to pay in the first instance 100% of the Federal and non-federal share of the design, right-of-way and construction work for the Project; and WHEREAS, in late-2024 the construction estimate was updated and it has again been identified that the Project’s costs will be higher than anticipated in 2023, and the Town Board desires to hold a public hearing to consider an amendment to the Town’s agreement wit h the New York State Department of Transportation to increase the Town of Dryden’s authorized commitment of funds for the Project’s costs; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board hereby approves an increase in the amount of $647,597, for a total project authorization of $3,704,679; and be it further RESOLVED, that funds needed for said Project and the amendment shall come from bond proceeds pursuant to a bond resolution subject to permissive referendum authorized on March 13, 2025, and be it further RESOLVED, that in the event the full Federal and non-Federal share of the project exceeds the amount appropriated above, the Town of Dryden shall convene as soon as possible to appropriate said excess amount immediately upon receipt of notification by the Town from the New York State Department of Transportation thereof, and it is further RESOLVED, that the Supervisor of the Town of Dryden is hereby authorized to execute all necessary agreements, certifications or reimbursement requests for Federal Aid and/or State aid on behalf of the Town of Dryden with the New York State Department of Transporta tion in connection with the advancement or approval of the project and providing for the administration TB 3-13-25 Page 5 of 9 of the project and the municipality’s first instance funding of project costs and permanent funding of the local share of Federal aid and State aid eligible project costs and all project costs within appropriations therefore that are not so eligible, and it is further RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution be filed with the New York State Commissioner of Transportation by attaching it to any necessary agreement in connection with the Project, and it is further RESOLVED, that this resolution shall take effect immediately. 2nd Cl Lamb Roll Call Vote Cl Buck Yes Cl Dravis Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes Supv Leifer explained that having received federal funding in the amount of $1,500,000.00, the town will pass a resolution giving the town the authority to bond for $2,200,000.00. That amount will be further reduced by any additional grants. RESOLUTION #64 (2025) - AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $2,200,000 BONDS OF THE TOWN OF DRYDEN, TOMPKINS COUNTY, NEW YORK, TO PAY A PORTION OF THE COST OF CONSTRUCTION OF A PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY ACROSS STATE ROUTE 13 AT THE DRYDEN RAIL TRAIL, FOR SAID TOWN Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: WHEREAS, the capital project hereinafter described has been determined to be an Unlisted Action pursuant to the regulations of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation promulgated pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act, the implementation of which as proposed, the Town Board has determined will not result in any significant adverse environmental impact; and WHEREAS, it is now desired to authorize the financing of such capital project, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of the total voting strength of the Town Board of the Town of Dryden, Tompkins County, New York, as follows: Section 1. The cost of construction of a pedestrian walkway across State Route 13 at the Dryden Rail Trail, including incidental improvements and expenses in connection therewith, in and for the Town of Dryden, Tompkins County, New York, is hereby authorized at a maximum estimated cost of $3,700,000. Section 2. It is hereby determined that the plan of financing of said specific object or purpose is as follows: a) by the expenditure of $1,500,000 federal grant monies which monies are hereby appropriated therefor; and b) by the issuance of $2,200,000 bonds of said Town hereby authorized to be issued therefor pursuant to the provisions of the Local Finance Law; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that to the extent any additional Federal or State grants-in-aid received for such specific object or purpose, the amount of bonds to be issued pursuant to this resolution shall be reduced dollar for dollar. Section 3. It is hereby determined that the period of probable usefulness of the aforesaid specific object or purpose is 15 years, pursuant to subdivision 19(c) of paragraph a of TB 3-13-25 Page 6 of 9 Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law. It is hereby further determined that the maximum maturity of the bonds herein authorized will exceed five years. Section 4. Subject to the provisions of the Local Finance Law, the power to authorize the issuance of and to sell bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance and sale of the bonds herein authorized, including renewals of such notes, is hereby delegated to the Supervisor, the chief fiscal officer. Such notes shall be of such terms, form and contents, and shall be sold in such manner, as may be prescribed by said Supervisor, consistent with the provisions of the Local Finance Law. Section 5. All other matters, except as provided herein relating to such bonds, including determining whether to issue such bonds having substantially level or declining annual debt service and all matters related thereto, prescribing whether manual or facsimile signatures shall appear on said bonds, prescribing the method for the recording of ownership of said bonds, appointing the fiscal agent or agents for said bonds, providing for the printing and delivery of said bonds (and if said bonds are to be executed in the name of the Town by the facsimile signature of the Supervisor, providing for the manual countersignature of a fiscal agent or of a designated official of the Town), the date, denominations, maturities and interest payment dates, place or places of payment, and also including the consolidation with other issues, shall be determined by the Supervisor. Such bonds shall contain substantially the recital of validity clause provided for in section 52.00 of the Local Finance Law and shall otherwise b e in such form and contain such recitals in addition to those required by section 52.00 of the Local Finance Law, as the Supervisor shall determine. Section 6. The faith and credit of said Town of Dryden, Tompkins County, New York, are hereby irrevocably pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest on such bonds as the same respectively become due and payable. An annual appropriation shall be made in each year sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such bonds becoming due and payable in such year. There shall annually be levied on all the taxable real property of said Town, a tax sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such bonds as the same become due and payable. Section 7. This resolution shall constitute a statement of official intent for purposes of Treasury Regulations Section 1.150 - 2. Other than as specified in this resolution, no monies are, or are reasonably expected to be, reserved, allocated on a long -term basis, or otherwise set aside with respect to the permanent funding of the object or purpose described herein. Section 8. The validity of such bonds and bond anticipation notes may be contested only if: 1) Such obligations are authorized for an object or purpose for which said Town is not authorized to expend money, or 2) The provisions of law which should be complied with at the date of publication of this resolution are not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty days after the date of such publication, or 3) Such obligations are authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution. Section 9. Upon this resolution taking effect, the same shall be published in summary form in the official newspaper of said Town for such purpose, together with a notice of the Town Clerk in substantially the form provided in Section 81.00 of the Local Finance Law. Section 10. THIS RESOLUTION IS ADOPTED SUBJECT TO PERMISSIVE REFERENDUM. 2nd Cl Lamb Roll Call Vote Cl Buck Yes TB 3-13-25 Page 7 of 9 Cl Dravis Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS Recognition of retirement of Deb Gallagher – Supv Leifer read the letter written by Judge Clauson (attached). Supv Leifer said he recalled Deb Gallagher’s presence in Dryden Court when he had cases there prior to becoming a board member. RESOLUTION #65 (2025) – RECOGNITION OF DEB GALLAGHER Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby recognizes the retirement of Deb Gallagher and her service to the town as Senior Court Clerk for over 20 years as described in the letter to her from Judge Clauson, incorporated herein by reference and attached to these minutes. 2nd Cl Dravis Roll Call Vote Cl Buck Yes Cl Dravis Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes Judge Jules Ravo explained that Nicole Knapp will now be serving as Senior Court Clerk. They will be trying to establish a new era with Nicole taking over Deb’s position and responsibilities. In a period of three years, Nicole has been able to assume the duties of the Senior Clerk, including monthly audits and training a new person. She is smart, competent and has the capabilities to do the job. He and Judge Clauson are suggesting a starting salary of $62,000 and believe it is a logical place to start. Nicole has established herself here. People in the legal community commend her, and he will attest to that. The judges are relying on her to take over for Deb Gallagher as the most essential part of the court and feel the suggested salary will fairly compensate her for the additional obligations. In November Nicole put together the application for a JCAP and they were just notified that most of the items requested were granted. She is very capable and the work she has done over the last three years has prepared her for this position. OCA and the Comptroller expect reports in a timely manner and without mistakes and the senior clerk has always prepared those reports. The board will consider the request and make a decision next week. COUNTY BRIEFING Mike Lane reported the county will try to schedule a meeting about county level EMS reform. There is uncertainty about what will happen at the state level and the Association of Counties is not in favor of the state legislation which would require counties to do this. That is the opposite of what our county is interested in. The county is concerned with increased materials cost, particularly with a bridge in the village of Groton. What is going on at the national level with tariffs is shaking the markets up for many of the materials. They have been advised to careful budgeting for the coming year. The county is proceeding with searches for the positions of Director of Finance, Commissioner of Whole Health, and Director of Social Services. TB 3-13-25 Page 8 of 9 Cl Buck asked whether the county would be creating positions to deal with the homeless crisis. M Lane explained that they have had to take on several positions and those fall under the Commissioner of Social Services. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS Oppose Cuts in Congressional Budget - This resolution came from the Affordable Housing Committee and they would like the town board to adopt it. Cl Lamb said it is confusing and he is concerned with accuracy. He supports it and will reach out to the Affordable and Workforce Housing Committee for clarity. NEXT MEETING Supv Leifer announced that all documents for the public hearing for a hemp processing facility at 478 Lower Creek Road are posted on the website. The special use application for 1274 Dryden Road may be rescheduled for April 17, and there will be an introduction for an automotive repair garage at 2150 Dryden Road. NEPTUNE HOSE Mark Bell reported they had heard that the SAFER grant is on hold and the National Fire Academy was cancelled. They are anxiously waiting to hear about other grants they have applied for as well. He reviewed their reports for January and February. January had 45 calls and in February there were 40 calls. There has been a general increase in the number of calls from about 20 per month over a year ago. When asked, he said Dryden has not absorbed any of Etna’s calls. There will be an event on March 29 (11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) at the Dryden station for organizations that need volunteers. It’s an opportunity for the community to come out, familiarize themselves with organizations, and get involved. The departments have started doing stand-by nights. Members of other departments are invited to spend some time and will rotate it around. They are hoping that eventually they will have one staffed truck in the town ready to go out the door 24/7. They have to figure out the insurance component. Onondaga County does this now. Supv Leifer said Dan Tier and Kevin Westcott have tried to push back on what Cortland was trying to do in drawing Dryden Ambulance into Cortland more. M Bell said fire fighters have been impacted and should not have to evaluate patients, but until EMS is an essential service, which is not likely to happen, it will continue. Cl Lamb remarked that Tompkins County may be the first county to be effective in that regard. Last Sunday the Dryden Boys Basketball team won their State Division Championship for the first time in history. Word spread quickly and within an hour, emergency response teams from McLean, Dryden, Harford, Dryden Police, State Polices and the Tompkins County Sheriff’s office were able to put together an escort for the buses when they crossed the county line. There were red lights and sirens and the team was unaware that it would happen. Both sides of the street in the village were lined with people to welcome them. Some of the players got off the bus and thanked the volunteers for the show of appreciation. Being more present in the community can make an impact and result in new recruits for the departments. A picture of the team and the first responders was on the school’s Facebook page. TB 3-13-25 Page 9 of 9 There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:34 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Bambi L. Avery Town Clerk