Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout5-11-2005 Regular Meeting TB.pdfApproved June 8, 2005 1st…Small, 2nd, Hubbell, with changes Owens abstained. Carried Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting May 11, 2005 at 7:00 PM Enfield Community Building -- 182 Enfield Main Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 Meeting called to order by Supervisor, Gary Fisher, at 7:00 PM. Present: Supervisor Gary Fisher Councilperson Peggy Hubbell Councilperson Sandra Small Councilperson Greg Stevenson Absent: Councilperson Jean Owens Others present: Town Clerk Alice Laue Code Enforcement Officers Ron Clark and Ed Hetherington Deputy Town Clerk Pat Dougherty Carol Givin, Carolyn Tschanz, Ann Rider (ECC) Gail Kaiser -- Enfield/Newfield Legislature Candidate Pledge of Allegiance: Supervisor Fisher led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance. Privilege of the Floor: Pat Dougherty showed the Board the notebook in which she was keeping the monthly minutes along with any back-up material relevant to those minutes. She also gave each board member a list/menu of resolutions and budget amendments that she compiled since the beginning of the year and which are to be kept in the front of the minute’s notebook. Gail Kaiser, of Newfield, introduced herself and said she is running for the Legislature seat being vacated by Dan Winch. As our possible representative, she was interested in participating in a Town Board meeting. County Legislator’s Report: There was no representation. Approval of Minutes: The March 9, 2005 regular Town Board minutes were motioned for approval, as amended. 2 MOTIONED: Councilperson Hubbell SECONDED: Councilperson Small Discussion. Vote: Supervisor Fisher…aye. Councilperson Hubbell…aye. Councilperson Owens…absent. Councilperson Small…aye. Councilperson Stevenson…aye. Motion carried. The minutes for the April 13, 2005 Regular Town Board meeting, the April 19, 2005 Special Town Board meeting and the April 27, 2005 Special Town Board meeting were tabled by Supervisor Fisher and Councilperson Stevenson. They will be presented at the June 8, 2005 meeting. Communications: * SPCA report for April 2005. * Enfield Community Council, Inc., January – March 2005 quarterly report. * May 23, 2005 Teleconference at Cornell Cooperative Ext. “Local Government Cooperation.” Call John Hill at 272-2292. * Municipal Workers Compensation Alliance Quarterly loss report. No new cases reported. * NYMIR subscriber accounting statement for fiscal year 2004. The Town now has a total paid up until the end of 2004 of $10,460 and an operating reserve of $23,086. * NYS Office of Real Properties’ Services report for 7/1/2003 – 9/30/2004. Residential assessment ratio was 88.99%, based on 878 sales in Tompkins County. Committee Reports: Code Enforcement. Ron Clark and Ed Hetherington submitted a written report. Lots of property maintenance complaints. “Order to Remedy” compliance reduced from 30 to 15 days. Time is an issue at this point. Other townships are also doing this. Received some clarification from NYS regarding motor-vehicle repair shops. Several residents are showing a “good faith clean up” by putting cars that will be used for parts behind fences. Roadworthy cars for sale can be outside a fence. There were several complaints about people not using burn barrels, and burning plastic. A lot of new construction is underway. 3 Councilperson Stevenson asked if anyone on the Board had anything they wanted put on the agenda relative to codes for an upcoming code meeting between him and the code people. Highway Superintendent. Supervisor Fisher reported that the new mower tractor had been ordered. No delivery date at this point. David Miller gave Supervisor Fisher a written report, as follows: “Last month we hauled stone and gravel from Seneca Stone, patched potholes, swept intersections, and did some ditching. We have started grading the gravel roads to apply dust control. We’re enjoying our Spring clean up and it’s a pleasure to work with Jack Hubbell and Bill Eisenhardt.” Personnel. No report. See Handbook and Procedures resolutions under New Business – Health Insurance. Technology Committee. Supervisor Fisher reported that he spoke with the person who works with Joe Ioella (SP), at Northern Publishing, and everything is on track. Supervisor Fisher is anxious to start working with the Digital Towpath software before budget time. Cemetery Committee. Councilperson Hubbell said that she has the flags for the graves. A sign stating “For Cemetery Use Only” has been ordered for the Budd cemetery. Economic Committee. Councilperson Owens was absent and Supervisor Fisher had nothing to report. Facilities Committee. Supervisor Fisher is trying to get committee members together for a meeting next week. Will begin to look at existing structures and see where to go from there. Planning Board. Councilperson Hubbell, who has been attending the Planning Board meetings, told the Town Board that it will take some work to bring the 1992 version of the subdivision regulations into compliance with what is needed today. Supervisor Fisher thanked Councilperson Hubbell for sitting in on the Planning Board meetings. Old Business House Numbers. Supervisor Fisher gave Bill Eisenhardt the recently received house numbers. Bill will be putting them up. Supervisor Fisher thanked the code officers for their efforts in putting up house numbers and said that Bill’s work will help free up more time for code enforcement priorities. Community Building. Supervisor Fisher received two proposals on a fire alarm panel. Pleasant Valley bid $1,229. Alarmtech bid $786. He will recommend Alarmtech. He received bids on the furnaces and wants the Facilities Committee to look at those. Two furnaces are being looked at for replacement. 4 Supervisor Fisher said that one of the water storage tanks sprung a leak. Ed Thompson was called in to fix it. One tank was shot. Thompson gave an estimate of $430 to replace it if it was not covered under warranty. If it was covered, he would charge $80 plus materials. Either way, it needs to be replaced before summer camp. Website – Digital Towpath. See Technology Committee. Town Clean-up/Recycling . The “clean up” was in process as the Board was meeting. Rabies Clinic. The “clinic” was in process as the Board was meeting. Farm Land Lease. Supervisor Fisher said that liability issues were discussed with the Town’s insurance agent, John Keuhn of Sprague Insurance, who recommended that the Town be named as an additional insured in the amount of $1,000,000. The potential lessee, Thor Oechsner, will be requested to have the Town of Enfield named as an additional insured in the amount of $1,000,000 for liability coverage. Dog Control Law. Supervisor Fisher spoke with the Association of Towns about licensing fees and whether they must be established by Local Law. He has been unable to find, either in Town files or through the SPCA, when and how the Town of Enfield originally established impoundment fees. Councilperson Small shared the Town’s situation with Justice Poole and she’s comparing it with other municipalities. Fisher asked Town Clerk Laue to check with the Secretary of State to see if we can get a list of Enfield’s Local Laws. At this point, Fisher is uncertain whether we should proceed via a resolution or a local law. Councilperson Stevenson suggested that we not spend too much unnecessary time on research. It would be quicker to move forward from where we are at this point. New Business Enfield Community Council (ECC). Carolyn Tschanz, Carol Givin and Ann Rider were present on behalf of the ECC. Carolyn Tschanz, ECC President, requested additional funding to help with the liability insurance coverage. Givin stated that she had a previous contract saying the Town would cover all insurance. Supervisor Fisher remembered differently noting liability has never been covered by the Town. As Supervisor Fisher recalled it, the previous contract specified that the Town would cover ECC for Workman’s Compensation, which was specifically directed at summer camp employees. All other insurance was to be covered by ECC. ECC recently contracted with The Carey McKinney Group for an annual premium of $3,049. They need to pay 25% down very shortly. Supervisor Fisher asked the ECC to present the Board with a revised budget including the added expense for the Board to peruse. The Board would not make any budgetary decision at this meeting. 5 Councilperson Stevenson said he very much wanted to see the good works of the Council and their programs continued. Health Insurance. Councilperson Small presented four resolutions for action. Resolution Number 2005-27 Authorizing Minor Clarification Changes to the Town of Enfield’s Policies and Procedures Manual. Policy 200.1 – Sick Leave Policy Policy 200.2 – Health Insurance Policy WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Board’s Personnel Committee met on Monday, March 28, 2005 and Wednesday, April 27, 2005. WHEREAS, as a result of those meetings, the Personnel Committee recommends that the Town Board approve the following minor clarification changes to the Town of Enfield’s Policies and Procedures Manual. NOW, THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED, that Policy 200.1 – Sick Leave Policy on page 11, second sentence, the word “maximum” needs to be changed to “minimum” and the words “,up to a maximum of 240 hours.” should be deleted. Thus, the paragraph highlighting the changes reads as follows: “. . . .Upon retirement with a minimum maximum of twenty years of service to the Town of Enfield, an employee shall receive one hour of pay for each eight hours of unused sick leave., up to a maximum of 240 hours.” And be it further RESOLVED, that Policy 200.2 – Health Insurance Policy on page 12, the word “by” in item B should be changed to “to” so that the sentence as highlighted reads as follows: “B. Health insurance for employees hired on or after 1 January 1993 shall be provided to by the employee only, at the Town’s expense. . . .” MOTIONED: Councilperson Small SECONDED: Councilperson Stevenson 6 Discussion: Vote: Supervisor Fisher…aye. Councilperson Hubbell…aye. Councilperson Owens…absent. Councilperson Small…aye. Councilperson Stevenson…aye. Resolution carried. ************* Resolution Number 2005-28 Authorizing Minor Clarification Changes to the Town of Enfield’s Employee Handbook Section 803 – Sick Leave. WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Board’s Personnel Committee met on Monday, March 28, 2005 and Wednesday, April 27, 2005. WHEREAS, as a result of those meetings, the Personnel Committee recommends that the Town Board approve the following minor clarification changes to the Town of Enfield’s Employee Handbook. NOW, THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED, that for Section 803 – Sick leave on page 800-3, last paragraph titled “Separation of Employment”, the word “twenty-five” should be changed to “twenty” as it was intended to read according to the minutes of the 12/11/02 Town Board meeting, and be it further RESOLVED, that in the same paragraph as mentioned above, delete the words “day, up to a maximum 240 hours”. Thus, the paragraph, highlighting the changes reads as follows: “Separation of Employment - Upon retirement with a minimum of twenty- five years of service, an employee will receive one hour of pay for each eight hours of unused accumulated sick leave. day, up to a maximum 240 hours.” MOTIONED: Councilperson Small SECONDED: Councilperson Stevenson Discussion: Vote: Supervisor Fisher…aye. Councilperson Hubbell…aye. Councilperson Owens…absent. Councilperson Small…aye. Councilperson Stevenson…aye. Resolution carried. ************* 7 Resolution Number 2005-29 Authorizing a Dollar Figure Payment of a Percentage Payment for Health Insurance Premiums Cost for Individual Coverage to the Town of Enfield’s Policies and Procedures Manual. WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Board’s Personnel Committee met on Monday, March 28, 2005 and Wednesday, April 27, 2005. WHEREAS, as a result of those meeting, and due to the rising cost of health insurance premiums, the Personnel Committee recommends that the Town Board approve the following change to the Town of Enfield’s Policies and Procedures Manual. NOW, THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED, that Policy 200.3 – Money in Lieu of Health Insurance on page 12 of the Policies and Procedures Manual, be changed deleting the words “to payment at the rate of 50% of the cost of single health insurance coverage” and the words “a monthly payment of $250” be inserted in place of. Thus, the paragraph highlighting the changes reads as follows: “Policy 200.3 - Money in Lieu of Health Insurance Any full-time employee eligible for health insurance coverage paid for by the Town, shall have the option of receiving money in lieu of health insurance. The employee shall be entitled to a monthly payment of $250. to payment at the rate of 50% of the cost of single health insurance coverage. Any employee having chosen to opt out of the Town health insurance plan also shall have the right to be reinstated in the plan.” And be it further RESOLVED, that the change from a percentage of the premium cost of individual coverage to a dollar figure of $250 be effective starting January 1, 2006 and that those Town employees presently participating in this money in lieu of health insurance policy be automatically switched over at that time. MOTIONED: Councilperson Small SECONDED: Councilperson Stevenson Discussion: 8 Vote: Supervisor Fisher…aye. Councilperson Hubbell…aye. Councilperson Owens…absent. Councilperson Small…aye. Councilperson Stevenson…aye. Resolution carried. ************* Resolution Number 2005-30 Authorizing a Dollar Figure Payment Instead of a Percentage Payment for Health Insurance Premium Cost for Individual Coverage to the Town of Enfield’s Employee Handbook WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Board’s Personnel Committee met on Monday, March 28, 2005 and Wednesday, April 28, 2005. WHEREAS, as a result of those meetings, and due to the rising cost of health insurance premiums, the Personnel Committee recommends that the Town Board approve the following changes to the Town of Enfield’s Employee Handbook. NOW, THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED, that Section 806 – Medical Insurance Buy-out on page 800-6 of the Employee Handbook, paragraph titled “Amount of Buy-out” be changed by inserting the words “a monthly payment of $250” in place of and deleting the words “50% of the premium cost for individual coverage”. Thus, the paragraph highlighting the change reads as follows: “806 - Medical Insurance Buy-out Amount of Buy-out - An employee or Elected Official who is eligible for the medical insurance buy-out will receive a monthly payment of $250. 50% of the premium cost for individual coverage.” And be it further RESOLVED, that Exhibit B to the Town of Enfield Employee Handbook – Affidavit of Intent to participate in Health Insurance Buy-out Program, be changed to eliminate any reference to the percentage figure and instead insert the sum of “$250 monthly”. See attached revised form showing the highlighted changes; and be it further 9 RESOLVED, that the change from a percentage of the premium cost of individual coverage to a dollar figure of $250 be effective starting January 1, 2006 and that those Town employees presently participating in this buy-out program be automatically switched over at that time. Exhibit B AFFIDAVIT OF INTENT TO PARTICIPATE IN HEALTH INSURANCE BUY-OUT PROGRAM I, , do hereby decline my intention to cancel any current coverage provided to myself and my family through the employer provided health insurance policy effective / / . I understand that in exchange for canceling the said coverage, I will be compensated the sum of $250 monthly. fifty percent (50%) of the cost of any individual policy under the employer’s provided plan. I understand that eligibility for this compensation requires that I maintain coverage under an alternate plan, and agree to notify my employer within thirty (30) days, if I lose said coverage. For this alternative plan to qualify, it must be substantially comparable to the employer’s plan, as determined by the Town Supervisor. I have attached proof of coverage under the alternate health insurance plan. I further understand that re-enrollment in the employer’s provided plan will be possible during the “open enrollment window” (usually in November of each calendar year), at the time of a major life event or if I lose coverage through the alternate plan. I understand that compensation under this benefit is subject to continuous employment during the period covered. Compensation payments will be made according to the following: Individual policy monthly premium x 50% = Amount paid each month Payment will be included in the first paycheck of each month, i.e., first pay date in January pays for not enrolling for coverage for January. The amount paid monthly will be $ x 50% = $ Individual policy monthly premium x 50% = Amount paid each month Payment will be included in the first paycheck of each month, i.e., first pay date in January pays for not enrolling for coverage for January. 10 Employee Signature Date Town Supervisor Date MOTIONED: Councilperson Small SECONDED: Councilperson Stevenson Discussion: Vote: Supervisor Fisher…aye. Councilperson Hubbell…aye. Councilperson Owens…absent. Councilperson Small…aye. Councilperson Stevenson…aye. Resolution carried. ************* Councilperson Stevenson complimented Councilperson Small on her work in putting together the resolutions. The rest of the Board wholeheartedly agreed. Subdivision Regulations. Supervisor Fisher said that the Town Board needs to encourage the Planning Board to get the subdivision regulations in place. Councilperson Stevenson asked Supervisor Fisher if he had prototypical language from the Association of Towns. Supervisor Fisher responded he does not. Councilperson Stevenson also felt that “simple” subdivision regulations for use in the interim versus no regulations might be beneficial and protective for the Town. The following motion was made to send to the Planning Board. Motioned that the Enfield Town Board requests that the Enfield Planning Board present a draft Subdivision Regulation Law for the Enfield Town Board’s consideration on or before the November 9, 2005 Town Board meeting. MOTIONED: Councilperson Hubbell SECONDED: Councilperson Small Discussion: Supervisor Fisher will write a letter which will include the motion and send it to the eight members of the Planning Board. Vote: Supervisor Fisher…aye. Councilperson Hubbell…aye. Councilperson Owens…absent. Councilperson Small…aye. Councilperson Stevenson…aye. Motion carried. Resolutions. Additional resolutions presented at the meeting. Resolution Number 2005-31 Increases in Health Insurance Premiums Budget Amendment No. 10 11 WHEREAS, health insurance premiums increased more than the 15 percent budgeted increase in the 2005 Town of Enfield Budget, now therefore be it RESOLVED that appropriation account code A9060.822, titled “Health Insurance Retiree – Thall” is increased by $73 from $1,700. to $1,773. and General Fund appropriation account code A1990.4, titled “Contingency,” is decreased by $73. MOTIONED: Supervisor Fisher SECONDED: Councilperson Small Discussion: Vote: Supervisor Fisher…aye. Councilperson Hubbell…aye. Councilperson Owens…absent. Councilperson Small…aye. Councilperson Stevenson…aye. Resolution carried. ************* Resolution Number 2005-32 House Numbers Budget Amendment No. 11 WHEREAS, the Town Board of Enfield authorized the purchase of additional house numbers up to a maximum of $250.00 at its March 9, 2005 regular town board meeting, now therefore be it RESOLVED that appropriation account code A4189.4, titled “Emergency House Numbering” is added to the 2005 Town of Enfield General Fund Budget and further be it resolved that the appropriation for A4189.4 is increased by $250.00 from $0.00 to $250.00, and further be it RESOLVED that appropriation account code A1990.4, titled “Contingency” is decreased by $250.00. MOTIONED: Supervisor Fisher SECONDED: Councilperson Hubbell Discussion: Vote: Supervisor Fisher…aye. Councilperson Hubbell…aye. Councilperson Owens…absent. Councilperson Small…aye. Councilperson Stevenson…aye. Resolution carried. ************* Resolution Number 2005-33 Approval of Alarmtech Fire Alarm Panel 12 Replacement Contract WHEREAS, the Alarmtech LLC quote for replacement of the community building fire alarm panel was the lowest of the two written quotes received, now therefore be it RESOLVED that the Town Board approves Alarmtech to replace the alarm panel and authorizes the Town Supervisor to sign the contract with Alarmtech to replace the fire alarm panel. MOTIONED: Supervisor Fisher SECONDED: Councilperson Hubbell Discussion: Vote: Supervisor Fisher…aye. Councilperson Hubbell…aye. Councilperson Owens…absent. Councilperson Small…aye. Councilperson Stevenson…aye. Resolution carried. ************* Beautification Committee. The Beautification Committee of Enfield requested $120.00, plus $11.95 shipping fees, for patriotic pleated banners for the six (6) light poles in the Town. Councilperson Stevenson motioned to approve the request to expend an amount not to exceed $132.00 for patriotic light-pole decorations. It was further motioned that they be put up shortly before Memorial Day and taken down shortly after Labor Day. MOTIONED: Councilperson Stevenson SECONDED: Councilperson Small Discussion: Supervisor Fisher asked what budget line it should come under, as it is not budgeted. Councilperson Stevenson suggested either Celebrations or Street Lighting. Vote: Supervisor Fisher…aye. Councilperson Hubbell…aye. Councilperson Owens…absent. Councilperson Small…aye. Councilperson Stevenson…aye. Motion carried. Enfield Community Council Celebrations Grant Resolution. Resolution Number 2005-34 Acceptance of Enfield Community Celebrations Grant 13 WHEREAS, the Enfield Community Council Grant that was applied for through the Town of Enfield has been approved in the amount of $1,500 by Tompkins County, now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Town of Enfield Town Board accepts the Grant and authorizes the Supervisor to sign the contract with Tompkins County for the Celebrations Grant funds. MOTIONED: Supervisor Fisher SECONDED: Councilperson Hubbell Discussion: Grant monies come to the Town. ECC submits vouchers to the Town for payment and the Town pays them. Vote: Supervisor Fisher…aye. Councilperson Hubbell…aye. Councilperson Owens…absent. Councilperson Small…aye. Councilperson Stevenson…aye. Resolution carried. Audit Claims: It was motioned that Supervisor Fisher, on behalf of the Town Board of the Town of Enfield, be authorized to pay the following: - General Fund Vouchers #81-#98 dated May 11, 2005 in the amount of $9,672.60. -Highway Fund voucher #28-#36 dated May 11, 2005 in the amount of $9,592.73. -Community Development Grant voucher #5 dated May 11, 2005 in the amount of $3,307.91. - Enfield Volunteer Fire Company, SF4 dated May 11, 2005 in the amount of $96,508.00. MOVED: Councilperson Stevenson SECONDED: Councilperson Small Discussion: Vote: Supervisor Fisher…aye. Town Councilperson Hubbell…aye. Town Councilperson Owens…absent. Town Councilperson Small…aye. Town Councilperson Stevenson…aye. Motion carried. Announcements. Councilperson Small mentioned the Tompkins County Municipal Officers Association dinner meeting at Ichobod on May 17, 2005 at 6:00 P.M. Cost is $17. 14 Privilege of the Floor: Pat Dougherty polled the Board for ideas or suggestions to facilitate the minutes in a more effective and efficient manner. Adjournment: At 10.00 PM. MOVED: Councilperson Small SECONDED: Councilperson Hubbell Discussion: Vote: Supervisor Fisher…aye. Councilperson Hubbell…aye. Councilperson Owens…absent. Councilperson Small…aye. Councilperson Stevenson…aye. Motion carried. ************* Minutes transcribed by Deputy Town Clerk N. Pat Dougherty .