The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutTB 2025-08-14TB 8-14-25 Page 1 of 9 TOWN OF DRYDEN TOWN BOARD MEETING August 14, 2025 Zoom Hybrid Present: Supervisor Jason Leifer, Cl Daniel Lamb, Cl Leonardo Vargas- Mendez, Cl Christina Dravis, Cl Spring Buck Elected Officials: Bambi L. Avery, Town Clerk Other Town Staff: Amanda Anderson, Bookkeeper Gina Cassidy, Planner *Cassie Byrnes, Secretary to the Supervisor *Indicates attendance via Zoom Supv Leifer opened the meeting at 6:05 p.m. He explained that citizens privilege takes place at the end of the second monthly meeting. FINANCIALS & HUMAN RESOURCES RESOLUTION #123 (2025) – APPROVE ABSTRACT #8 Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby approves Abstract #8, as audited, general vouchers #721 through #855 ($1,754,873.56) and TA vouchers #85 through #88 ($8,655.78.), totaling $1,763,529.34. 2nd Cl Lamb Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Buck Yes Cl Dravis Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes Budget modification requests were reviewed by the board. RESOLUTION #124 (2025) – APPROVE BUDGET MODIFICATIONS Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby approves the following budget modifications: 2025 Budget Year Budget Modification for Fund A Fund From To Reason (2,059.1 2) A2082 JCAP grant 2,059.12 A1110.4 15 Justices - JCAP Contractual Recognize JCAP grant funds awarded (2,000.0 0) A1220. 455 Supervisor - Training 2,000.00 A1220.4 51 Supervisor - Office Supplies Higher than budgeted - new equipment TB 8-14-25 Page 2 of 9 (7,500.0 0) A3310. 4 Traffic Control - Contractual 7,500.00 A1320.4 Independent Audit Higher than budgeted audit expenses (5,000.0 0) A1490. 403 Cleaning 5,000.00 A1420.4 02 Legal Higher than budgeted legal expenses (5,000.0 0) A2401 Interest 5,000.00 A1620.4 01 DPW Purchases for Town Hall Higher than budgeted due to HVAC repairs (5,000.0 0) A1680. 2 IT Service Contracts 5,000.00 A1910.4 Unallocated Insurance Higher than budgeted insurance costs (2,500.0 0) A1490. 4 Public Works - Contractual 2,500.00 A3510.4 05 Dog Control Vet and Supplies Increased expenses for kennel (13,420. 00) A4089 Federal Aid - Virgil Dam grant 13,420.0 0 A8745.5 Crispell Dam Recognize federal grant funds awarded B Fund From To Reason (500.00) B8020. 412 Legal & Engineering 500.00 B8020.4 11 Planning Board Training Move funds to training for additional training opportunities DA Fund From To Reason (1,156.7 5) DA512 0.1 Bridges - Personnel Services 1,156.75 DA1430. 1 General Time Vacation payout for former employee (10,000. 00) DA514 0.1 Misc - Personnel Services 10,000.0 0 DA5142. 110 Snow Removal - Overtime Higher than budgeted snow removal overtime DB Fund From To Reason (1,156.7 5) DB511 0.1 Street Maintenance - Pers Serv 1,156.75 DB1430. 1 General Time Vacation payout for former employee SF1 Fund From To Reason (74,949. 00) SF1- 599 Fund Balance 74,949.0 0 SF1- 3410.40 5 WB Strong Change in contract amount Resolution #184 (2024) SL1 Fund From To Reason (1.82) SL1- 5182.4 Street Lighting - Contractual 1.82 SL1- 1910.4 Unallocated Insurance Correcting budgeted insurance SS3 Fund From To Reason (9.34) SS3- 8120.4 Sanitary Sewer - Contractual 9.34 SS3- 1910.4 Unallocated Insurance Correcting budgeted insurance SS8 Fund From To Reason TB 8-14-25 Page 3 of 9 (145.04) SS8- 8120.4 Sanitary Sewer - Contractual 145.04 SS8- 1910.4 Unallocated Insurance Correcting budgeted insurance SW7 Fund From To Reason (90.76) SW7- 8320.4 Source of Supply - Contractual 90.76 SW7- 1910.4 Unallocated Insurance Correcting budgeted insurance SW8 Fund From To Reason (465.85) SW8- 8320.4 Source of Supply - Contractual 465.85 SW8- 1910.4 Unallocated Insurance Correcting budgeted insurance 2nd Cl Lamb Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Buck Yes Cl Dravis Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS Increase Sick Leave Limit for Non-Union Employees – This proposed resolution (recommended by the personnel committee) will provide town hall employees with the same limit as the town’s union employees. RESOLUTION #125 - (2025) Increase Sick Leave Limit for Non-Union Employees Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: Whereas, the current policy for sick leave accumulation limits non-union employees from earning more than 960 hours of sick leave; and Whereas, the Town Board would like to ensure non-union staff have more adequate income protection in the event of a major health event; and Whereas the Town Board wants to value long -term staff by adjusting limit for value of sick time to apply to purchase of health insurance at time of retirement, Be It RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby approves increasing the sick leave limit to 1,320 hours for all non-union employees effective immediately. 2nd Cl Dravis Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Buck Yes Cl Dravis Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes TB 8-14-25 Page 4 of 9 Close Town Hall December 26, 2025 – This resolution would close the town hall the day after Christmas when not a lot of traffic is expected at town hall. There was discussion about also closing on January 2, but no decision was made. RESOLUTION #126 (2025) - Town Hall Closure for December 26, 2025 Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: Whereas, when reviewing the holiday schedule for 2025, it was noted that the Town Hall is scheduled to be closed Thursday, December 25 for the holiday and then open Friday, December 26. Whereas, due to the holiday on Thursday, it is expected that there will be very little Town business transacted on Friday, December 26. RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby approves closing Town Hall on December 26, 2025; and treating this date as a 2025 holiday, thus compensating staff the number of holiday hours that are typical for each town hall employee. 2nd Cl Dravis Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Buck Yes Cl Dravis Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes Dryden Fiber and Danella Power Services, Inc. – Dryden Fiber requested quotes for make ready work for the fiber project and Danella came in with the lower quote. Danella has proposed a contract for service with Dryden and will request authorization for each pole permit. Resolution #127 (2025) - Approve Master Service Agreement with Danella for Dryden Fiber Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: Whereas, make-ready electrical work for Dryden Fiber pole permits must be completed by contractors qualified to move electrical and telecommunications lines. The work these contractors are doing is making space on the poles for Dryden Fiber to put fiber o n the same poles. Whereas, the work is put out to bid to the contractors who meet the qualifications, Whereas, Danella Power Services, Inc, who is one of the approved contractors, requires a Master Service Agreement (MSA) with the Town before starting work, Therefore, be it resolved that the Board authorizes the Town Supervisor to sign the MSA with Danella Power Services, Inc. 2nd Cl Vargas-Mendez Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Buck Yes Cl Dravis Yes Cl Lamb Yes TB 8-14-25 Page 5 of 9 Supv Leifer Yes Resolution #128 (2025) - Approve Danella Task Authorization for Dryden Fiber Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: Whereas, Danella Power Services Inc had the lowest bid for billable work for three Dryden Fiber pole permits: DRY013_CAOMIP DRY018_CAOMIP CAR005_CAOMIP Therefore, be it resolved that the Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor to sign the task authorizations related to these permits. 2nd Cl Lamb Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Buck Yes Cl Dravis Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes Insero Proposal for MIP Grant Submission Work – Under this proposal Insero will review the invoices being submitted for reimbursement under the MIP grant. Insero prepares the town’s annual audit and is familiar with our process. The board reviewed the proposal and agreed upon procedures. RESOLUTION #129 (2025) – ACCEPT INSERO PROPOSAL Cl Buck offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby accepts the proposal from Insero & Co CPAs, LLP, to provide audit services in connection with submissions for reimbursement under the MIP grant. 2nd Cl Lamb Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Buck Yes Cl Dravis Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes Route 13 Pedestrian Bridge – DOT has advised the town to reject the previous bid s. The scope of the project will be reduced and then put out to bid. They expect some of the same bidders to rebid. RESOLUTION #130 (2025) – ROUTE 13 PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE PROJECT FOR DRYDEN RAIL TRAIL – REJECTION OF BIDS Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: Whereas: TB 8-14-25 Page 6 of 9 The Town of Dryden solicited bids for Dryden Rail Trail Phase 2 -PIN 395071, the construction of a pedestrian bridge to carry the Dryden Rail Trail over State Route 13 and connect Hall Woods Road to Monkey Run Road, and The deadline for bidding was May 8 and four bids were opened on that date, and The apparent low bidder’s proposal was evaluated by New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) and found to be unresponsive due to insufficient good faith efforts to meet the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program goal, and While the low bid was below the project budget, the other bids received were all in amounts higher than the budget available for this project. Therefore be it resolved that: The Town of Dryden rejects all bids received and will solicit bids on a redesigned bridge construction project with reduced scope in order to find a project that can be afforded within the funds available. 2nd Cl Lamb Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Buck Yes Cl Dravis Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes Hanshaw Village MHP Project – The town is trying to help Hanshaw Village get a connection to the wastewater treatment plant. They are currently operating order from the Health Department because their sewer system is causing problems for their water system. An application has been submitted for a community development block grant. The town will act as lead agency for purposes of the grant. There is no financial commitment for the town. The grant will pay for the sewer connection infrastructure, and the park owner will pay for infrastructure inside the park. Other properties along the route may be able to connect to sewer service. The board reviewed the short environmental quality review form. RESOLUTION #131 (2025) – CENTRAL NEW YORK MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITY (CNYMHC) PROPOSED WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS RESOLUTION TO DECLARE INTENT FOR LEAD AGENCY AND CLASSIFY PROJECT AS AN UNLISTED ACTION Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: WHEREAS, Central New York Manufactured Home Community (CNYMHC) (aka: Hanshaw Village Mobile Home Park), is considering improvements to the wastewater system to address deficiencies identified via NYSDEC Order on Consent letter dated July 14, 2022; and WHEREAS, CNYMHC has previously authorized the preparation of an engineering report to outline the areas of service and associated costs; and WHEREAS, pursuant to 6 NYCRR 617.6 the Town Board seeks to be established as Lead Agency as part of undertaking a coordinated review of this action with any Involved and Interested Agencies; and WHEREAS. the Town Board considers the proposed Project to be an Unlisted Action, pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) 6 NYCRR Part, and TB 8-14-25 Page 7 of 9 WHEREAS, the Town Board has prepared the Short Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF) in accordance with SEQRA, and seeks to circulate a Notice of Intent to be Lead Agency (Notice), by mail and email, to all Involved and Interested Agencies, who shall be given 30 days to deliver any comments in response to this Notice that such other Involved or Interested entity may have regarding the Town Board taking on the Lead Agency role; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Dryden classifies the project as an Unlisted Action pursuant to standards in the SEQRA; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that it is the intention of the Town Board of the Town of Dryden to declare itself as Lead Agency for SEQRA Coordinated Review of this Action; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Board of the of the Town of Dryden hereby directs the coordination of intent for Lead Agency designation with all Involved Agencies for the Project through the service of a notice of intent, indicating that the Town Board of the of the Town of Dryden seeks to be designated as Lead Agency for this Action. 2nd Cl Vargas-Mendez Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Buck Yes Cl Dravis Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes COUNTY UPDATE Mike Lane reported the legislature has been working hard on issues regarding the homeless population, the new center of govt building, and the 2026 budget. They are beginning budget discussions about eleven million dollars in the hole. Five million is attributed to maintenance of effort, and six million in declining revenues for items such as TCAT . The county administrator is working to hone it down, but they may have to exceed the tax levy cap. He believes they have only exceeded that once since it was instituted. Meetings continue about the center of government building and they are talking about moving some offices. They have leased a building on Dutch Mill Road in Lansing for temporary swing space for department in the buildings that will be demolished. They will not be moving Board of Elections out of the city. The County Administrator is still working with departments and will present a recommended budget to the legislature in September. Then the expanded budget committee will hold meetings and hear from departments regarding things like over target request. He has sent letters to candidates running for office this year to attend these meetings and become familiar with the budget. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS (continued) Introduction of local law to override the tax levy cap – Supv Leifer introduced the following local law, and a public hearing was set for 6:05 p.m. on August 21, 2025. Section 1. Legislative Intent: It is the intent of this local law to override the limit on the amount of real property taxes that may be levied by the Town of Dryden, County of Tompkins pursuant to General Municipal Law §3-c, and to allow the Town of Dryden, County of Tompkins to adopt a town budget for (a) town purposes, (b) fire protection districts, and (c) any other special TB 8-14-25 Page 8 of 9 or improvement district, and Town improvements provided pursuant to Town Law Article 12-C, governed by the Town Board for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2026 and ending December 31, 2026 that requires a real property tax levy in excess of the “tax levy limit” as defined by General Municipal Law §3-c. Section 2. Authority: This local law is adopted pursuant to subdivision 5 of General Municipal Law §3-c, which expressly authorizes the Town Board to override the tax levy limit by the adoption of a local law approved by vote of at least sixty percent (60%) of the Town Board. Section 3. Tax Levy Limit Override: The Town Board of the Town of Dryden, County of Tompkins is hereby authorized to adopt a budget for the fiscal year 2026 that requires a real property tax levy in excess of the limit specified in General Municipal Law §3-c. Section 4. Severability: If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, or part of this Local Law or the application thereof to any person, firm or corporation, or circumstance, shall be adjusted by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unconstitutional, such order or judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, or part of this Local Law or in its application to the person, individual, firm or corporation or circumstance, directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment or order shall be rendered. Section 5. Effective date: This local law shall take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State. Broadband Appointment – Will Olson, who works in IT at Cornell University, is interested in filling the vacancy on the Broadband Committee. Supv Leifer will get an application from him for the September board meeting. Cable Franchise Fee Audit – Supv Leifer said he has leaned that if this company finds an underpayment from a company, they will charge the arrears to current customers. Supv Leifer said he believes the agreement only covers basic service. He does not believe this would be a good thing for our current residents. The board agrees. Future Topics The applicant for the service garage at 2150 Dryden Road is still trying to get an adequate driveway engineered for the site. Regarding the issue on Deerhaven Road and animals, the Ag Advisory Committee has found a law from the town of Colonie which may address the issue. Supv Leifer has asked the town attorney to prepare a draft that will be presented to the Ag Committee and then come to the Town Board for approval. That may be ready for a public hearing in October. Pat Brenna noted that she has also been working with Ray Burger on where it is appropriate for livestock and noted that the town of Ithaca has reasonable rules about chickens and roosters. There need to be clear definitions. Budget Meetings – Time can be devoted to budget during the first meeting of the board in September and October. The public hearing on the budget can be held October 30 or November 6. There can also be budget discussion at the end of the September 18 meeting. Supv Leifer asked the board to choose dates next week. TB 8-14-25 Page 9 of 9 Comments about Dryden Lake are expected to come up during citizens privilege next week. Anna Kelles’ office is aware of situation. Scott Pringle in the Cortland DEC office may be willing to attend an informational meeting this fall. A statement in the town’s newsletter was also suggested. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:16 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Bambi L. Avery Town Clerk