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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB 2025-12-11 attTB 12-11-25 Page 1 of 7 TOWN OF DRYDEN TOWN BOARD MEETING December 11, 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 Rick Young, Highway/DPW Superintendent Other Town Staff: *Cassie Byrnes, Secretary to the Supervisor *Indicates attendance via Zoom. Supv Leifer opened the meeting at 6:05 p.m. RESOLUTION #198 (2025) – APPROVE ABSTRACT #12 Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby approves Abstract 12, as audited, general vouchers #1204 through #1322 ($2,402,707.78) and TA vouchers #105 through #110 ($9,816.41), totaling ($2,412,524.19). 2nd Cl Dravis Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Buck Yes Cl Dravis Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes Highway/DPW Department – Highway Superintendent Rick Young asked the board to approve the sale of a truck with a sander and plow package. He had thought another local municipality was going to purchase it but will instead send it to Auctions International. RESOLUTION #199 (2025) – AUTHORIZE SALE OF TRUCK Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby authorizes the sale of a 2010 Western Star, VIN 5KJJALCK4APAN9809, with sander and plow package through Auctions International; funds from the sale to be put back into equipment budget DA5130.2. 2nd Cl Buck Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Buck Yes Cl Dravis Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes TB 12-11-25 Page 2 of 7 Discussion/Action Items Set Water & Sewer Rates - Resolution #200 (2025) - Amend Town 2026 Water Rate – SW8 Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: WHEREAS, the water districts served by Bolton Point (SCLIWC) are part of a single water district; and WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Dryden enacted the 2026 Budget on November 6, 2025; and WHEREAS, no revenues will be generated from property taxes or assessments for the consolidated water district for the 2026 budget cycle; therefore RESOLVED, that effective January 1, 2026, this Town Board hereby establishes the Town of Dryden water rate at $8.91 per 1,000 gallons with a 5,000 -gallon minimum per unit for 2026 for water districts served by Bolton Point (SCLIWC). 2nd Cl Lamb Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Buck Yes Cl Dravis Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes Resolution #201 (2025) Amend Town 2026 Yellow Barn Water Rate – SW7 Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Dryden enacted the 2026 Budget on November 6, 2025; and WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Dryden budgeted $106,882 in anticipated revenue from user rent, property tax, and interest; and WHEREAS, the water rate was last adjusted for the 2025 budget year; therefore RESOLVED, that effective January 1, 2026, this Town Board hereby establishes the Town of Dryden water rate at $17.34 per 1,000 gallons with a 5,000 -gallon minimum per unit charge for the units served by the Yellow Barn Water District. 2nd Cl Lamb Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Buck Yes Cl Dravis Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes TB 12-11-25 Page 3 of 7 Resolution #202 (2025) - Amend Town 2026 Sewer Rate – SS8 Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: WHEREAS, the sewer districts served by Bolton Point (SCLIWC) are part of a single sewer district; and WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Dryden enacted the 2026 Budget on November 6, 2025; and WHEREAS, no revenues will be generated from property taxes or assessments for the consolidated sewer district for the 2026 budget cycle; therefore RESOLVED, that effective January 1, 2026, this Town Board hereby establishes the Town of Dryden sewer rate at $7.44 per 1,000 gallons with a 5,000-gallon minimum per unit for 2026 for sewer districts served by Bolton Point (SCLIWC). 2nd Cl Lamb Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Buck Yes Cl Dravis Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes Resolution #203 (2025) - Amend Town 2026 Sapsucker Sewer Rate – SS1 Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: WHEREAS, the sewer district is served by Village of Cayuga Heights; and WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Dryden enacted the 2026 Budget on November 6, 2025; and WHEREAS, no revenues will be generated from property taxes or assessments for the Sapsucker sewer district (SS1) for the 2026 budget cycle; therefore RESOLVED, that effective January 1, 2026, this Town Board hereby establishes the Town of Dryden sewer rate at $9.85 per 1,000 gallons with a 5,000-gallon minimum for 2026 for sewer district served by Village of Cayuga Heights. 2nd Cl Buck Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Buck Yes Cl Dravis Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes Pay Rate for Recreation Assistant – The position of part time recreation assistant was omitted from the recently adopted pay rate schedule and needs to be established. RESOLUTION #204 (2025) – APPROVE 2026 PAY RATE PT REC ASSISTANT Supervisor Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: TB 12-11-25 Page 4 of 7 Whereas a 2026 pay rate schedule was adopted on November 6 , 2025; and Whereas one job title was omitted in error from that schedule; and Whereas annual payroll certification to Civil Service requires documentation of pay rates, be it therefore RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby approves 2026 pay rate for the following position: Title 2025 rate 2026 rate Part Time Rec Assistant 17.00 18.00 2nd Cl Lamb Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Buck Yes Cl Dravis Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes Establish Veterans Committee – Cl Dravis explained that this committee would work in coordination with veterans’ organizations and the county veterans’ services office to help bring resources to the town. Cl Buck suggested the resolution be amended to include families of veterans. Resolution #205 (2025) - Establishing Town of Dryden Veterans Committee Cl Dravis offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: WHEREAS, the Town of Dryden recognizes and honors the selfless service and sacrifice of our Nation’s military veterans and our fallen and missing military service members; and WHEREAS, the Town of Dryden has and will continue to express its appreciation to military veterans and will strive to promote the dignity and respect of their service to our country; and WHEREAS, our military veterans have been and seek to be active contributing members of our community and have a great deal to offer; and WHEREAS, the Dryden Veterans Memorial Home (DVMH) operates within the town as a recreational and social gathering place for all service members (Active, Past, Retired, Reserve, National Guard) of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion; and WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Department of Veterans Services (TCDVS) exists to connect local veterans with federal, state, and local resources; and WHEREAS, the Dryden Town Board desires to provide an additional venue for veterans and civilians of our community to have input into the celebrations, ceremonies, services and needs of our veterans; now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Town Board establishes the Town of Dryden Veterans Committee to promote veterans’ ceremonies, tributes, and events, but not necessarily limited to Memorial Day and Veterans Day; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Veterans Committee will work with the DVMH, TCDVS and others to bring programs and resources to Veterans and military families in the Town of Dryden; and be it further TB 12-11-25 Page 5 of 7 RESOLVED, this committee shall report to the Town Board and be comprised of seven members who have an interest in assisting and recognizing military veterans, and assigned a Town Board liaison. 2nd Supv Leifer Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Buck Yes Cl Dravis Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes Facilities Locating and Marketing Contract – Dryden Fiber Executive Director David Makar has shared, and board members have reviewed, a proposed contract with USIC Locating Services, LLC to insure safe installation of Dryden Fiber materials. This company will assume the duties that have been previously performed by town highway personnel. Exhibit A of the contract is the fee schedule that will be used. USIC contract for dig safe duties, includes fee schedule for when their services are needed. Resolution #206 (2025) - AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN AGREEMENT WITH USIC LOCATING SERVICES, LLC Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: Whereas, Dryden Fiber is a project of the Town of Dryden, Whereas, Dryden Fiber is required to monitor Dig Safe / 8-1-1 and locate and mark Dryden Fiber underground facilities, Therefore, be it resolved that the Town Board authorizes town supervisor Jason Leifer to sign an agreement with USIC Locating Services, LLC to have USIC provide the necessary labor and equipment to offer certain services relative to locating and marking Cu stomer’s Facilities listed in the operating area as specified in the agreement FACILITIES LOCATING AND MARKING SERVICE CONTRACT #: 10102358 2nd Cl Buck Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Buck Yes Cl Dravis Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes Section 3 Coordinator – This is a position that is required for the town’s Community Development Block grants. This person would help ensure income requirements were met by the recipients. Resolution #207 (2025) - Appoint Section 3 Coordinator Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: Whereas, the Town has needs to appoint a Section 3 Coordinator for community development programs in order to carry out all local town obligations relating to items that fall under Section 3, therefore be it TB 12-11-25 Page 6 of 7 Resolved, that this Town Board hereby appoints Ray Burger as the Section 3 Coordinator. 2nd Cl Vargas-Mendez Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Buck Yes Cl Dravis Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes Insert for Tax Bills – Board members reviewed a proposed insert for Dryden Fiber for the 2026 property tax bills. After discussion, and a few minor amendments, it was approved. Resolution #208 (2025) - APPROVE TAX BILL INSERT Cl Lamb offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: Whereas, Dryden Fiber is a project of the Town of Dryden, Whereas, the Town of Dryden is paying to mail all real property taxpayers at the end of the month of December 2025 their 2026 tax bill, Whereas, Dryden Fiber’s success is derived from low-cost marketing to reach Dryden residents, Therefore, be it resolved that the Town Board hereby approves the insert to be mailed with the 2026 property tax bills as amended and attached hereto. 2nd Supv Leifer Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Buck Yes Cl Dravis Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes Dryden Fiber Bonding - The town’s bonding attorney has drafted legislation that would apply to municipal broadband financing and changes the bonding term from ten years to thirty years, the estimated useful life of the infrastructure. He would like board members to talk to our representatives and encourage them to support this change. RESOLUTION #209 (2025) – SUPPORT PROPOSED LEGISLATION Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: RESOLVED, that members of this Town Board will contact state representatives for the Town and encourage them to support proposed legislation changing the bonding term for municipal broadband financing from ten years to thirty years. 2nd Cl Lamb Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Buck Yes Cl Dravis Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes TB 12-11-25 Page 7 of 7 At 6:37 p.m. the board moved into executive session to consult with town counsel about a matter of litigation, Bartolini vs the town, and a potential matter of litigation involving Dryden Fiber. The board came back to regular session at 7:52 p.m. Supv Leifer said the board was updated on legal matters and no action was taken. Cl Buck and Cl Vargas-Mendez will review any proposals received for dog control and will be provided with the proposals after the opening at 4:30 p.m. on December 12. They will try to conduct interviews in time to recommend an appointment next week. The date for the organizational meeting will be chosen next week. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:56 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Bambi L. Avery Town Clerk Town of Dryden 93 E. Main Street Dryden, NY 13053 607-844-7800 DrydenFiber.com January 2026 Dear Dryden Taxpayer, Last year was transformational for Dryden Fiber. We doubled our customer count, hired a new engineering firm, redesigned the entire network, and refocused our goals on proven methods for building fiberoptic infrastructure. To the 500+ families and businesses who call Dryden Fiber their internet provider, thank you and thank you for referring your friends and neighbors! To the thousands of people who have reached out requesting service and updates on construction, we are grateful for your interest and engagement in the project. Your inquiries and service requests motivate our team and give us a chance to show why we’re different. As I wrote a year ago, our construction and installation teams are at work daily to achieve the mission of Dryden Fiber. It’s not enough to be the first municipally owned and operated internet service in the state; we want to be the best. We’re expanding to new neighborhoods and will continue through 2026 with a goal to reach 100% of the town in 2026. This aggressive schedule is nearly five years ahead of the plan we had a year ago! If you are in the Green Zone, where we currently have fiber in front of your house or on the border of your property, please sign–up and schedule your installation today. Our prices are gimmick-free and unbeatable, our speeds are the fastest in town, and our customer service is responsive 24/7/365. Installation is quick: usually completed in under a week. Silver Gold Platinum 400 Mbps (up and down) 700 Mbps (up and down) 1 Gbps (up and down) $45 / month $75 / month $90 / month If your home or business is not yet in the Green Zone, thank you for your patience. If you’ve already requested service, we will reach out to you the day service is available to your address. If you haven’t signed up yet, please submit a request for service so we can prioritize your installation. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please visit DrydenFiber.com, or email me at dave@drydenfiber.com. For support needs, please contact our 24/7/365 support team at 607-844-7800 or support@drydenfiber.com. Take care and happy 2026! David Makar Executive Director Dryden Fiber is a Municipal Internet Service Provider operated by the Town of Dryden, New York. The mission of Dryden Fiber is to provide reliable, affordable, high -speed, fiber-based internet access for residents and businesses. Dryden Fiber offers state-of-the-art technology and unmatched customer service. Launched in the spring of 2023, Dryden Fiber is now constructing the network across the towns of Dryden and Caroline and is adding new homes and businesses customers to the platform every day. Customers have no long-term contract and will find speeds to be 5x to 10x of other providers. For more information, visit www.drydenfiber.com. This internet service is supported by a grant awarded to Town of Dryden by New York State through the ConnectALL Municipal Infrastructure Program, funded by the Capital Project Fund administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The following information pertains to the federal award: Federal Award Identification Number (FAIN): CPFFN0191; Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): QU6JCVSYRNK5; Assistance Listing Number (formerly CFDA Number): 21.029.