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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-11-03 71 TOWN OF ENFIELD TOWN BOARD MINUTES • NOVEMBER 3, 1993 The regular meeting of the Enfield Town Board was called to order at 7 : 30 p.m. at the Enfield Community Building , 182 Enfield Main Road, Ithaca, New York 14850 , with the following members present : PRESENT: Jean Owens , Supervisor Robert Linton, Councilman Pat Dougherty, Councilman Donald Lovelace, Councilman Linda VanNederynen, Councilman OTHERS PRESENT: Betty F. Poole, Interim Town Clerk Ronald Updike, Highway Superintendent M. Clyde Hubbell , Town Historian John Smith, Cemetery Committee PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Town Supervisor led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 6, 1993 TOWN BOARD MEETING The Supervisor asked for any additions or corrections to the October 6 , 1993 Town Board Minutes . Councilman Dougherty noted several items which were pending from that last meeting. She asked about the status of the appointment of the Records Management Advisory Board, the In Lieu of Taxes , and the appointment of the Planning Board Member . Supervisor Owens responded by saying that the Records Management Advisory Board will have to be appointed when the new Town Clerk takes office as she will play an active role on that board. Also she had not received any communication from the Planning Board •regarding the appointment and therefore the Town Board could not act on it this evening. She asked Bill Mather what the status of the search for a Planning Board member was . Mr . Mather stated that the Planning Board would make a diligent search for a candidate and he would report back to the board. The Interim Town Clerk reported that she had checked with the County Budget and Finance Office regarding the In Lieu of Taxes and stated that the ISA Babcock commitment ended in 1992 and that there are no PILOT Taxes on the books at this time for the Town of Enfield. 72 ENFIELD T.B. MINUTES 2 NOVEMBER 3 , 1993 Councilman Linton pointed out that on the last page, the very • last sentence in the first paragraph is incomplete. The Town Clerk stated that the word "of" should be inserted between the word aware and that . RESOLUTION: Motion by: Councilman Lovelace Seconded by: Councilman Dougherty RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Enfield hereby approves the minutes of the October 6 , 1993 Regular Town Board Meeting as amended. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY ADJOURNMENT OF REGULAR MEETING FOR PUBLIC HEARING RESOLUTION: Motion by: Councilman VanNederynen Seconded by: Councilman Lovelace RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Enfield hereby adjourns the regular meeting of the Town Board it order that a public hearing be held to consider the Adoption of the 1994 Town of Enfield Final Budget . CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY PUBLIC HEARING - 7 :45 P.M. - TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE 1994 TOWN OF ENFIELD PRELIMINARY BUDGET AS THE TOWN OF ENFIELD FINAL BUDGET. Proof of posting and publication having been presented by the Town Clerk, the Supervisor opened the public hearing . Supervisor Owens made several statements regarding the changes which were proposed to the budget at the last Town Board Meeting. She found a revenue which was not listed on the tentative budget . On page 16 , line item A3820 , Youth Programs , there is an $8 ,054 revenue that can be added that the Town would realize to the • Youth Programming. This money is reimbursed from the County after the proper documentation is submitted by the Community Council showing that it has been paid. The revenue would increase from $2 , 160 to $10 , 214. Further discussion followed regarding the youth funding and the Community Council . The Supervisor further stated that two of the expenditures which 75 ENFIELD T.B. MINUTES 3 NOVEMBER 3, 1993 • the Town did not appropriate for was for disability . The Town had added disability insurance for the highway employees which would be listed under Highway Fund, DA9055 . 8 for $100 . This figure is an estimate in order to cover for 1994 . Money was not appropriated in previous years as the Board only recently adopted the disability benefits for the employees this year . She further stated that for the Dog Enumerator, under Control of Dogs , $1 , 000 total should be added, item A3510 . 1 - Personal Services , $800 should be added and under A3510 . 4, Contractual Expense, $200 should be added. The $800 represents salary for the enumerator and the $200 would represent mileage . The Supervisor remarked that the bottom line comes down to being at or slightly below the tax rate of last year. Councilman Linton, stated that with the budget as presented, the tax rate would be at $6 . 80 or slightly less per thousand of assessed value . Questions followed regarding state aid, chips monies and the cellular tower being on the tax rolls . Shirley Hubbell asked a question regarding the large increase in the Town Supervisor' s salary. Councilman Linton responded by saying that he was the one who recommended the increase. He explained that it was based on a couple of things . One is that the salary for the Supervisor has not been changed in quite a few years and it got behind and out of line in comparison to the other town officer's salaries . The other point was that Supervisor Owens, after serving two years , has demonstrated that she has saved the taxpayers of Enfield the amount of the proposed increase and more by pursuing grant monies , reducing substantially the Town Attorney' s fees , making phone calls to Albany, using the Town' s membership in the Association of Towns and putting in the time it takes to get these services for the Town . The Board agreed with his recommendation at the last meeting. The questions arose regarding the comparison of salaries with • other towns . Councilman Linton remarked that it would be impossible to make a comparison with other towns as each town does things differently with different duties ft,r each town officer. Councilman Linton stated that if the salaries are not raised then no one would be interested in the jobs . The salaries must remain competitive in order to gain interest in public office. Jack Hubbell stated that he thought that the Town Clerk was 76 ENFIELD T.B. MINUTES 4 NOVEMBER 3, 1993 grossly underpaid. He explained that with the hours that the • public demands her to be available, the increase in the book work which the state has mandated as well as with the upcoming SARA mandates , he feels that she is grossly underpaid as well . Supervisor Owens responded by saying that the grant which will be applied for will incorporate the request for monies which would compensate the clerk for her additional duties . John Smith asked about the code enforcement officer, his duties, job description and. salary . There seems to be some concern as to whether the salary for the officer is too high for the amount of time that is put in it . Also there are some concerns as to his enforcement of the building code. Several people stated that they are aware of persons living in apartments which have not met code and they would like to know what the responsibility of the Code Enforcement Officer is regarding these situations . Councilman Linton stated that if the problem is sanitary in nature, then it is the County Health Department's responsibility to enforce it . If it is a problem with the building code itself , then_ the CEO is responsible. He suggested that if anyone was aware of any violations , they should bring it to the attention of the CEO so that he could follow up on it . Councilman Dougherty suggested that the CEO should attend the Town Board meetings at least every two or three months to report to the board his activities and the status of the projects in the town. Supervisor Owens has asked him to come to the meetings however it does conflict with a regular Wednesday night activity of his . Councilman Dougherty suggested that if he is unable to attend then would it be possible to send a written report to the board for their review and comment . Supervisor Owens said that she would request him to send in a report . Gary Achilles responded to the accusations of people living in places without a Certificate of Occupancy. Extensive discussion followed regarding the procedures of issuing certificates of occupancy and how people are allowed to occupy a dwelling without the necessary and mandatory procedures being followed. It was • suggested by various persons in attendance that the board should look in to a follow up procedure to ensure that this does not happen. Bertha Hubbell questioned the police and constable line item. The Board clarified for her that the monies from this line item would be used to enforce the proposed junk car law. 77 ENFIELD T.B. MINUTES 5 NOVEMBER 3 , 1993 • Mr . Peter Moore raised the question of the salary of the Building Inspector as compared to the salary of the Town Clerk . He seemed to think that the duties and responsibilities of the Town Clerk were much more demanding than those of the Town Building Inspector . He did not seem to think it was fair that the Building Inspector made the same or close to the same salary as the Town Clerk. Bertha Hubbell mentioned that the Town Hall is a disgrace to the Town of Enfield . The floor is in disrepair as well as the facilities are dirty . Something needs to be done to clean it up and make it presentable to the public . There is also a leak in the bathroom which needs to be repaired. Councilman Linton strongly suggested that the Town budget for the maintenance and repair of the Town Hall . Bonnie Griffin asked about the Programs for the Aging line item, A3772 , which went from $900 to $50 . She asked what does this say for our aging population. Supervisor Owens stated that this is a revenue from the State and that the Town has not decreased its expenditure for the aging . As no one further wished to speak, the Supervisor closed the public hearing . RESOLUTION: Motion by: Councilman VanNederynen Seconded by: Councilman Linton RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Enfield hereby authorizes the Town Supervisor to close the public hearing at 8 : 55 P .M. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Supervisor Owens declared the Regular Town Board meeting reopened at 8 : 56 p.m. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR • Bertha Hubbell stated something should be done regarding the election custodians . There was a problem getting the machines and the polls opened on time for the election on 11/2/93 . Peggy Hubbell stated that in previous years , the inspectors had been unable to get in to the buildings at 5 : 30 in the morning and that they were never opened on time. She did say however that this year the Town Clerk was there at 5 : 30 to open both places so there was not a problem with that this year. She further stated 78 ENFIELD T.B. MINUTES NOVEMBER 3, 1993 that there have been times in the past where they have called one • of the custodians because a machine was down and they were unable to make contact . She feels that the custodians are paid for a service to the Town, to be on call election days , and they are not available when they are needed. Bertha Hubbell said that she had talked to Jim Bailey, one of the custodians and that he would probably not be doing it another year as he no longer lives in Enfield. Roger Laue was suggested as a possible replacement . The Town Clerk stated that the Town Board alone cannot make the decision to replace a custodian. The County pays for their workers compensation and therefore are employees of the County even though the Town pays their salary. The Board of Elections must be consulted. Marvin Arnold made a statement regarding alcohol in the fire hall . He went by one day and there was a beer truck sitting up there . Carl Newhart responded that beer is available when there are work details at the fire hall . When people are up there donating their time and energy, some do like to have a beer occasionally . Mr. Arnold also asked why the firemen can have a gathering with their wives and children and none of the residents can use it . He was told that it was because of insurance . Why aren' t they insured so the public can have access to it . Mr. Newhart stated that there has been a change in the insurance and we would see some different things happening there . Councilman Linton responded by saying the building' s ingress and egress and the construction of it was not built for any kind of public gathering. Mr. Arnold further stated that individuals cannot use the hall and asked who was paying for the fire hall? He felt that if the Town is supporting the fire hall then why can't the taxpayers have access to it . He thinks that the fire company is taking this Board and the Town of Enfield to the cleaners . • Carl Newhart responded to the comment regarding the construction of the fire hall . He stated that the building is not handicapped accessible at this time. It was asked why not . It is a new building. He explained that when the fire company came to the Town with the plans , the Town made some slight changes . Councilman Linton stated that he was, not talking about handicapped accessibility. He was talking about ingress and 79 ENFIELD T.B. MINUTES 7 NOVEMBER 3 , 1993 • egress in order to accommodate a large number of people. Discussion ensued regarding the fire company . Councilman Dougherty read a list of items that she would like to see instituted in 1994 . The Town Clerk requested a copy of the list for her records and to be used as a follow up. CEMETERY COMMITTEE John Smith stated that he had put $1 , 000 in the cemetery account . The Budd Cemetery arch will hopefully be put up soon after the foundations are finished. He has an offer to pay for the arch for Christian Cemetery as a memorial . The arches are almost completely paid for by donations without much more needed. He stated that the arches are 12 feet high and 12 feet wide . Supervisor Owens requested a 10 minute recess at 9 : 29 p .m. Supervisor Owens reconvened the Board meeting at 9 : 50 p .m. COMMUNICATIONS Supervisor Owens reported that she has been in communication with the New York State Reciprocal Insurance, which is a self insured insurance company for municipalities which has been developed through the Association of Towns . They will be in attendance at the November 17 , 1993 Special Town Board meeting at which time they will make their presentation to the board. Sprague and Lama Insurance Companies will also be present to make their proposals . She further stated that she had received a letter from the T .C. Division of Assessment regarding some concerns about the Building Code Official not sending in copies of issued building permits in a timely fashion. She has spoken with Roger Rumsey regarding this and he has assured her that they will submitted on a monthly basis . Apparently the last permits that were sent in were not received by assessment and therefore has resubmitted them. She also stated that the Acting Town Clerk is also sending in copies • of, the permits to assessment and therefore Supervisor Owens feels that the problem is resolved at this time. She further reported that she had received a mailing which she has referred to Councilman VanNederynen to be addressed by the Public Safety Committee . It pertains to the Town developing a Management Disaster Plan by December 31 , 1993 . This is basically a plan to address emergency situations caused by natural disasters . The plan must be enacted by the December 31 , 1993 80 ENFIELD T.B. MINUTES 8 NOVEMBER 3, 1993 deadline in order to be eligible for state reimbursement for • damages caused by natural disasters . Councilman VanNederynen stated that it is in draft form , it was suggested by Jack Miller, T .C. Fire and Disaster Coordinator, that since we fall under the auspices of the County, all the Town would need to do is to give them a resolution stating that we would be utilizing the County's plan. He further informed Councilman VanNederynen that he did not feel that the County would be ready for the final draft until the end of November. Supervisor Owens suggested that the Town should wait until the December meeting to offer a resolution in order that the board have a chance to read over the draft form and address any concerns they might have regarding the content of the draft plan. Councilman Dougherty asked if the board could get the costs from Lama Insurance Co. from 1992 and the Sprague costs for 1993 to date available for the special town board meeting. Supervisor Owens responded by saying that she would try to have the figures available . COMMITTEES A. County Board of Representatives - No one present . B. Dog Warden - Supervisor Owens explained that she had meet with the Supervisors of the towns that Lorraine Bare, contracts with for services . She stated that Ms . Bard has had a New York State Inspection and has been cited on a number of issues . Supervisor Owens will hopefully meet with the inspector at her home where the facility is located to see what exactly the problems are. She feels that most of it dealt with the fact that Ms . Bard does not like to put animals down so therefore there are more dogs than runs and that type of thing . The inspectors responded to a complaint by an animal rights group. Supervisor Owens hopes to report back at the November 17th Special Meeting in hopes that some sort of compromise can be made with the inspector . C. Junk Car Committee - Supervisor Owens reported that the • committee will meet on November 8 , 1993 at 7 : 00 p.m. at the Enfield Community Building. The Town Attorney will be present for that meeting as well . D. Enfield Community Council - Deb Trautstein reported that the council made a profit of about $2 ,000 at the Harvest Festival . She further reported that the City Youth Bureau is willing to provide, free of charge to the Town of Enfield, up to a certain limit , a youth recreation activity . They have asked 81 " ENFIELD T.B . MINUTES 9 NOVEMBER 3, 1993 • her to speak to the Board and any interested parties to find out what kind of activity the Town would like them to provide. They will provide the people, coaches , equipment and the like . This is an effort to try and involve more municipalities in the program. Councilman VanNederynen suggested that she solicit possible recommendations from the Enfield Community Council as to age groups , type of activity, etc. At that point the Board would look for a recommendation from the community council as to the need the Board certainly would consider that recommendation. Councilman VanNederynen further commented on the maintenance of the building . She stated that there are guidelines posted in the building regarding the way the building should be left and that maybe the teen group or an appropriate age group could put in some hours to clean or help on the upkeep of the building . She also stated that not only the children but the leaders and adults as well should be made aware of what the policies are regarding the use of the building. Peter Moore, commented on the maintenance of the building as well . He said that this issue has been addressed for the past two years and nothing has been done about it . He would like to know what the cost is for the maintenance of the building. He stated that it seems that no one wants to take responsibility for following up on the complaints . Deb Trautstein said that she would try to get the information for the board for the next meeting. Further discussion followed on the floor regarding the other duties of the custodian of the community council as well as the custodian' s duties at the Town Hall and the conditions of the buildings . Enfield Fire Company - Councilman Dougherty reported on the October 12 , 1993 Fire Company Meeting . After the report , Councilman Linton commended Councilman Dougherty in that she defended the Board's position regarding the budget very well . • Highway Superintendent - Highway Superintendent Ron Updike reported on various projects the highway department has been working on . They worked on Black Oak Road, equipment repair , grading for fall maintenance, and patching various town roads . He further seated that there is still some confusion as to lights near the school and the Supervisor will report back to the Board. Hopefully, the state, school and the Town Supervisor will be able to meet in the near future. He further reported that they recently had an OSHA Inspection and 82 ENFIELD T.B. MINUTES 10 NOVEMBER 3, 1993 felt that it went very well . There were several violations O noted, many of which were corrected while he was there. Supervisor Owens will be receiving a written report from OSHA in the near future. Town Historian - Jack Hubbell reported at that at the Harvest Festival he had several people visit however he was disappointed that more town officials were not in attendance. The Town Supervisor was there and she enjoyed it very much. She further stated that Jack puts alot of time into the display and that she appreciates it very much. Town Planning Board - Bill Mathers reported that he would appreciate any help from the board regarding the scheduling of activities which occur at the Community Center at the same time meetings are held. He further stated that it is virtually impossible to hold meetings in the building when "line dancing" is taking place in the basement of the community center . The amount of noise created deems it virtually impossible to hold any kind of. meeting when this is taking place . The Town. Supervisor stated that she would look in to the situation and report back to the board. He further reported that the Town Planning Board is working on the Town Subdivision Regulations for the Town of Enfield. They are trying to make it as user friendly and "Enfieldish" and possible . This will take some time and to do what they feel needs to be done, it makes it a very long document , approximately 70 to 80 pages . It is hoped that the procedure will be minimal for residents if they wish to sell portions of their property . He also asked the Board of there was an official map of the Town of Enfield. No one was aware of this and he requested that the Town adopt an official map for future use . Suggestions were made that they approach the Town of Ithaca Planning Board and sere if they possibly would have some suggestions as to who to contact . Town Councilman Linton suggested they consult within the Town Planning Board and find out what it is they actually want as an official map and adopt it and then present it to the Town Board for their approval . He further stated that the meetings were changed to thursday evenings in order to accommodate members ' schedules . It is hoped that this will . enable the board to have a quorum at their meetings . Councilman Dougherty suggested at this time that the Town should consider a schedule for road repairs . She stated that the Town should have a schedule whereby one year do certain roads and the following year do others and at the end of a certain period, the Town could go back to the first road and the schedule could start over again. That way the Town would not be spending a lot of money on patching etc . . . She feels that planning ahead would 83 ENFIELD T.B. MINUTES 11 NOVEMBER 3, 1993 • save money for the Town. Further discussion followed on the repair schedule of the roads in the Town. Approval of Monthly Bills Discussion followed regarding the monthly bills as presented. The Town Clerk requested that her, list which includes the Election Inspectors and Custodians be incorporated in the total amount to be paid. The Town Supervisor suggested an amendment deleting the amount for the Town Clerk' s Association in the amount of $ 40 .00 as this .was previously paid. RESOLUTION: Motion by: Councilman VanNederynen Seconded by: Councilman Lovelace RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Enfield hereby approves for payment Warrants 11-93 , as amended, for the following amounts : GENERAL FUND -------------------- $ 5, 608 . 68 HIGHWAY FUND--------------------- $37,509. 11 CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY CONSIDER ADOPTION OF 1994 TOWN OF ENFIELD FINAL BUDGET RESOLUTION: Motion by: Councilman Linton Seconded by: Councilman VanNederynen WHEREAS, the properly advertised Public Hearing has been held to consider the adoption of the 1994 Preliminary Town or' Enfield Town Budget as the 1994 Town of Enfield Final Budget ; and WHEREAS, the Town Board has discussed and reviewed all amendments to the 1994 Preliminary Budget as presented by the • Town Supervisor; now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Town Board of. the Town of Enfield hereby approves and adopts the 1994 Town of Enfield Preliminary Budget as amended and to maintain no tax increase as the 1994 Town of Enfield Final Budget . CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 84 ENFIELD T.B. MINUTES 12 NOVEMBER 3, 1993 Community Building Renovations Supervisor Owens. stated that this is one of the reasons for the Special Town Board Meeting on November 17 , 1993 . There has been an ad in the Ithaca Journal requesting bids for the replacement of the roof on the Enfield Community Building, with the extension of the walls so there could be a second floor for Town office space . At that point she hopes to have all figures together to indicate what is available in the budget . Discussion followed regarding the specifications for the replacement of the roof and the various uses for the Community Center. Town Historian Jack Hubbell wanted it noted in the minutes that any movement of Town records must meet the storage specifications of the State . CONSIDER APPROVAL OF COMMONWEALTH FIRE INSPECTORS TO BE ADDED TO TOWN OF ENFIELD LIST RESOLUTION: Motion by: Councilman VanNederynen Seconded by: Councilman Dougherty RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Enfield hereby authorizes Commonwealth Fire Inspectors to be added to the Town of Enfield list of authorized inspectors to conduct fire inspections in the Town of Enfield. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY NEW BUSINESS APPOINTMENTS: Environmental Management Council and Tompkins County Planning Board RESOLUTION: Motion by: Councilman Linton Seconded by: Councilman Lovelace RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of. Enfield hereby • appoints Ron Beloin as the Town of Enfield representative to the Tompkins County Environmental Management Council and Rick Chase as the Town of Enfield representative to the Tompkins County Planning Board effective immediately. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 85 ENFIELD T.B. MINUTES 13 NOVEMBER 3, 1993 APPROVAL OF TOWN OF ENFIELD SPECIAL TOWN BOARD MEETING RESOLUTION: Motion by: Councilman VanNederynen Seconded by: Councilman Dougherty RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Enfield hereby directs the Town Clerk to advertise for a Special Town Board Meeting to be held Wednesday, November 17 , 1993 at 7 : 30 p .m. for the purpose of considering an award of bid for the roof replacement on the Enfield Community Building and consideration of Town of Enfield Insurance Coverage for 1994. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY ADJOURNMENT RESOLUTION: Motion by: Councilman VanNederynen Seconded by: Councilman Linton The meeting was adjourned at 11 : 20 p .m. Respectfully s mitted, J. Betty F . Poole Interim Town Clerk