Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout4-12-2006 Regular Meeting TB.pdfA P P R O V E D May 10, 2006 Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting April 12, 2006 at 7:00 PM Enfield Community Building -- 182 Enfield Main Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 Meeting called to order by Supervisor Jean Owens at 7:00 PM. Present: Supervisor Jean Owens Councilperson Peggy Hubbell Councilperson Sandra Small Councilperson Jennifer Fisher Councilperson Rob Harvey Town Clerk Alice Laue Others present: Legislator James Dennis, Deputy Town Clerk Pat Dougherty, Frank and Pat Podufalski, Code Enforcement Officer Ron Clark, Calvin Rothermich, Doug and Margaret Willis, Ithaca Journal reporter Darise Jean Baptise, Charles Hubbell, Bertha Hubbell, Alan and Debbie Teeter, Annemieh Hanalson, Jim Rohan, Roy Barrier, Louis Loiselle, Laura, Ann and Dave Owens, Rose Pellegrino, Denise Hubbell, Mark Roach, David and Rachel Jacobsen, Mary Linton, Linda and Larry Stilwell, Art and Sue Howser, Karen Stevenson, Deena and Siegfried Rambaum Pledge of Allegiance: Supervisor Owens led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance. Privilege of the Floor: Louis Loiselle questioned why the Town buildings were not in compliance with [American with Disabilities Act] ADA. Supervisor Owens said we were long over due and that the Facilities Committee was meeting on Monday to work on it. She said the Code Enforcement Officer has been asked to be present so that all issues are addressed. Councilperson Small asked Councilperson Harvey, member of the Facilities Committee, if he were aware of an upcoming meeting. He was not. Owens said she just got confirmation from two people today, that they could attend. April 12, 2006 - Enfield Town Board Meeting 2 Loiselle then asked if the Chairman of the Board [Owens] had the right to authorize the Attorney for the Town to perform services that will incur fees without consulting with the Board. Supervisor Owens said that, by Town [State] Law, Board authorization was not necessary and any member of the Board could consult with the attorney. Loiselle then asked for this information in writing, which Supervisor Owens said she would obtain. Rachel Jacobsen asked where the Town of Enfield public notices of meetings were posted and if it were possible to get an agenda prior to those meetings. Supervisor Owens said the postings are done ahead of time via the Ithaca Journal. Because of her busy schedule she was unable to get the agenda done ahead of time this month. Owens said the agenda was normally done two days in advance. Councilperson Small disagreed. Jacobsen also felt, and noted later, that Hetherington’s position was covered under Civil Service and that possibly appropriate procedures were not followed, which should be checked into. Art Howser and Roy Barriere read from a prepared statement, asking those people taking the oath of office to work together for the good of their constituency. Both felt that not reappointing Code Enforcement Officer Hetherington was a mistake and felt he was a valuable asset to the community. Copies of their statements are on file at the Town Hall. Dave Jacobsen. Felt that the Town lost a very knowledgeable individual in Ed Hetherington, because of the amount of schooling invested and the time already spent doing the job. He questioned whether there actually was less work needing to be done. Jacobsen stated that there was still a large amount of clean up needing to be done and Enfield is not in compliance in many areas. Supervisor Owens stated that at this point there are no replacement plans for a code officer. Bertha Hubbell. The drinking water in the Community Building is undrinkable. Supervisor Owens said she has been talking to the Health Department to address that. Hubbell also asked about maintenance. Owens said it was on tonight’s agenda. Deena Rambaum. Referred to Councilperson Harvey and votes that are taken. She noted that he was a dedicated Town Board member who constantly checks on the rules and laws of Town business. She said that just because a vote is not to everyone’s liking, that doesn’t make it wrong. She also stated that a vote, no matter how it turns out, is the democratic way. Approval of Minutes: A motion was made to approve the February 8, 2006 Town Board Meeting minutes with the correction of “assessable” on page 7. April 12, 2006 - Enfield Town Board Meeting 3 Motioned: Councilperson Hubbell Seconded: Councilperson Fisher Discussion: Vote: Supervisor Owens…aye. Councilperson Fisher…aye. Councilperson Harvey…aye. Councilperson Hubbell…aye. Councilperson Small…aye. Motion carried. A motion was made to approve the February 15, 2006 Special Town Board Meeting minutes. Motioned: Councilperson Small Seconded: Councilperson Hubbell Discussion: Vote: Supervisor Owens…aye. Councilperson Fisher…aye. Councilperson Harvey…aye. Councilperson Hubbell…aye. Councilperson Small…aye. Motion carried. A motion was made to approve the March 8, 2006 Town Board Meeting minutes amending the account title and code # from A1910.4 “Contingency” to A1990.4 “Contingent” account on page 4, changing council to counsel of page 5, and adding “F” to Fire on page 5. Motioned: Councilperson Hubbell Seconded: Councilperson Fisher Discussion: Vote: Supervisor Owens…aye. Councilperson Fisher…aye. Councilperson Harvey…aye. Councilperson Hubbell…aye. Councilperson Small…aye. Motion carried. A motion was made to approve the March 29, 2006 Public Hearing for Better Housing for Ithaca minutes. Motioned: Councilperson Hubbell Seconded: Councilperson Small April 12, 2006 - Enfield Town Board Meeting 4 Discussion: Vote: Supervisor Owens…aye. Councilperson Fisher…aye. Councilperson Harvey…aye. Councilperson Hubbell…aye. Councilperson Small…aye. Motion carried. A motion was made to approve the April 7, 2006 Special Town Board Meeting minutes. Motioned: Councilperson Small Seconded: Councilperson Hubbell Discussion: Vote: Supervisor Owens…aye. Councilperson Fisher…aye. Councilperson Harvey…aye. Councilperson Hubbell…aye. Councilperson Small…aye. Motion carried. Correspondence: Supervisor Owens received a letter from the Division of Human Rights regarding a complaint filed against the Town. Town Attorney, Mary Russell, needs to follow up with their attorney. No mention was made of what the complaint was. Councilperson Small asked if a response to the complaint had been sent, and, if so could she have a copy. Owens said Mary Russell, Attorney for the Town, spoke with their attorney directly. Small then asked if a copy of the letter went to NYMIR. Owens said she would answer Small later. Committee Reports: Tompkins County Board of Representatives. Jim Dennis (Ulysses/Enfield) stated that over the next ten years, 25,000 “affordable” houses will be needed. The comprehensive plans are not yet in place. Deena Rambaum asked how many zoned municipalities there were in Tompkins County. 16. Councilperson Hubbell commented on high taxes and increased dumping/garbage fees, the latter causing people to dump “anywhere.” Town Clerk Laue asked about “burning.” Dennis said the new county regulations “Open Burning and Air Pollution Regulations in Tompkins County” were on the web…you can burn some stuff. Highway Department. Supervisor Owens read a written report by Supervisor David Miller. Business Directory. April 12, 2006 - Enfield Town Board Meeting 5 Councilperson Small reported on the two meetings that have been held, the number of businesses (approximately 160) that have been contacted, and the fact that a local business person might “make up” the brochure at no cost to the Town. Cemetery Committee. Councilperson Hubbell had no report. Clean-up Week. Councilperson Small presented to the Board copies of letters of agreement she wrote to Weitsman and Son and Superior Disposal Service, Inc., notifying them of the dates for the Spring Clean Up. Weitsman has agreed to pay the Town $40/ton for steel collected which is up $25/ton over last year. Small added that she still needed to contact the Baptist Church and the Town’s insurance provider Enfield Community Council. Karen Stevenson had no actual report except to say everything is looking good and is in the works. Planning Board. Councilperson Hubbell said the Subdivision Law draft has been given to all Board members and the Planning Board will meet again as soon as they have feedback from the Board. Supervisor Owens asked the Board to review the plan and get back to the Planning Board with any questions/suggestions they may have. The Planning Board will come to a Town Board meeting to answer questions. Facilities. Supervisor Owens has been talking with Mary Russell, Attorney for the Town, the Association for the Towns, and other Towns about ADA compliance. Everything is not pulled together yet. There will be a meeting April 17 to discuss the ADA requirement for the Community Building. Ron Clark will be in attendance and all are welcomed. Wayne A. (Tucker) Snyder is interested in becoming a cleaner to clean the Town Hall and Community Building. He is already on the Town’s payroll as a cemetery mower. Supervisor Owens asked for the Board’s opinion. The Board thought it was a good idea. Owens said she would report back to the Board at its May meeting. April 12, 2006 - Enfield Town Board Meeting 6 Councilperson Small recalled a December 29, 2005 motion approving the installation of gutters by JD Ferro Roofing Company. Supervisor Owens said they had already started and were about half way through. Personnel. Councilperson Small reported that the payroll certifications for cemetery workers’ have been filed with County Personnel which reflected a 3% increase. She also asked for approval to have Gnomon Copy do the copying of revised pages for the employees’ handbook because of its size, estimated to cost between $60-$70. The Board was in agreement. No motion was made. Old Business: Accommodations for Town of Enfield Bookkeeper. Resolution 2006-19 Resolution No. 2006-19 Accommodations for Town of Enfield Bookkeeper Whereas, the present location of the Town offices located at 168 Enfield Main Road and 182 Enfield Main Road is not ADA compliant allowing access to the Town of Enfield’s bookkeeper, therefore Be it resolved, in consideration of reasonable accommodation, the bookkeeper may work at her home located at 1876 Mecklenburg Road. Motioned: Supervisor Owens Seconded: Councilperson Fisher Discussion: Vote: Supervisor Owens…aye. Councilperson Fisher…aye. Councilperson Harvey…aye. Councilperson Hubbell…aye. Councilperson Small…aye. Resolution carried. Agreement for Legal Services Authorization. Supervisor Owens reported that the engagement letter to provide legal services to the Town by attorney Russell was put in everyone’s mailbox. Supervisor Owens asked the Board to review it. April 12, 2006 - Enfield Town Board Meeting 7 Beautification Project. Ann Rider and Debbie Teeter were appointed as co-chairs for this project. Teeter says funds have not been officially approved yet. When the time comes, they will bring the project before the Board. Councilperson Hubbell noted that there were several items in the beautification plan that will not work for Enfield. Supervisor Owens said that we are not committed to any of it. The Town can incorporate its own ideas. A motion was made to appoint Debbie Teeter and Ann Rider as coordinators for the Enfield Beautification Project/Plan. Motioned: Supervisor Owens Seconded: Councilperson Harvey Discussion: Vote: Supervisor Owens…aye. Councilperson Fisher…aye. Councilperson Harvey…aye. Councilperson Hubbell…aye. Councilperson Small…aye. Motion carried. Dog Control Law. Supervisor Owens ran the presently proposed law past the Town Justice. The Justice has some additions for the Law which the Supervisor will then give to the Attorney for the Town for review, and bring it back to the May 10th meeting. Local Advisory Board of Assessment Review. A motion was made to appoint Doris Rothermich, Linda Heyman and Debra Spencer to the Local Advisory Board of Assessment Review which will be held at the Enfield Town Hall at 168 Enfield Main Road, Ithaca, NY on May 16 and 17, 2006 from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm. Motioned: Supervisor Owens Seconded: Councilperson Harvey Discussion: Vote: Supervisor Owens…aye. Councilperson Fisher…aye. Councilperson Harvey…aye. Councilperson Hubbell…aye. Councilperson Small…aye. Motion carried. Subdivision Regulations. [See Planning Board.] New Business: April 12, 2006 - Enfield Town Board Meeting 8 Youth Services Contract. Supervisor Owens shared copies of the 2006 Youth Services contract to the Board. It is almost identical to last year’s contract except for the date and a statement saying “we would pay a livable wage if it was possible and reasonable. The amount we would be receiving as reimbursement for Youth Services is about $400 higher than we had projected. A motion was made to authorize Supervisor Owens to accept the 2006 Youth Services contract. Motioned: Councilperson Fisher Seconded: Councilperson Harvey Discussion: Vote: Supervisor Owens…aye. Councilperson Fisher…aye. Councilperson Harvey…aye. Councilperson Hubbell…aye. Councilperson Small…aye. Motion carried. Town Clerk’s Association Conference. A motion was made to authorizing Town Clerk Alice Laue and Deputy Town Clerk Pat Dougherty to attend the 24th Annual NYS Town Clerks Association conference in Saratoga Springs, NY from April 23-26, 2006. Motioned: Councilperson Hubbell Seconded: Councilperson Harvey Discussion: Deputy Clerk, Pat Dougherty, applied for and was awarded a scholarship of $250 by the Association of Towns to offset her conference expenses. Vote: Supervisor Owens…aye. Councilperson Fisher…aye. Councilperson Harvey…aye. Councilperson Hubbell…aye. Councilperson Small…aye. Motion carried. Transfer of Appropriations. General Fund Computer Purchase Resolution 2006 –No. 20 General Fund Computer Purchase Budget Amendment #3 WHEREAS, the Town of Enfield Town Board approved the purchase of a computer for the use of the Town Clerk and Town Supervisor, therefore April 12, 2006 - Enfield Town Board Meeting 9 BE IT RESOLVED that expenditure account code A1220.41 titled, “Supervisor contractual”, be decreased by $125.10 and that expenditure account code A1220.2 titled “Supervisor equipment” be increased by $125.10. Motioned: Supervisor Owens Seconded: Councilperson Small Discussion: Vote: Supervisor Owens…aye. Councilperson Fisher…aye.Councilperson Harvey…aye. Councilperson Hubbell…aye. Councilperson Small…aye. Resolution carried. Audit Claims: It was motioned that Supervisor Owens, on behalf of the Town Board of the Town of Enfield, be authorized to pay the following: - General Fund vouchers #62 - # 80 dated April 12, 2006 in the amount of $10,196.78. - Highway Fund vouchers #17 - #31 dated April 12, 2006 in the amount of $12,124.04. - Enfield Volunteer Fire Company. None. MOTIONED: Councilperson Fisher SECONDED: Councilperson Small Discussion: [1] Councilperson Hubbell questioned why the Ehrhart bill which was $37 and $55 the past two months is now $111. Supervisor Owens will check in to it. [2] Councilperson Hubbell questioned a Staples bill. Supervisor Owens said there was an accounting error and the Town will receive a credit for the service charge and late fee. [3] Councilperson Hubbell noted that there was no amount listed [up in the corner] on a Justice bill for $98.01 and that all $98.01 belong to the Justice line. April 12, 2006 - Enfield Town Board Meeting 10 [4] Councilperson Small noted that she had not seen any health insurance vouchers. Supervisor Owens said that she has been paying them as fringe benefit expenditures and that they don’t require vouchers. [5] Councilperson Small asked if Supervisor Owens had corrected her monthly supervisor reports as previously mentioned. Supervisor Owens said she didn’t have the December 2005 report to get beginning figures from. Small offered Owens a copy of her December report as signed on 1/20/06. Councilperson Hubbell said she would also like to see disbursements. Owens said she and the bookkeeper will continue to work on them. [6] Councilperson Hubbell would like to see the monthly bills on some sort of spread sheet with continuing balances. She’d also like a list of expenditures to date by line item showing the approved budget amounts and line-item balances. Owens said OK. Vote: Supervisor Owens…aye. Councilperson Fisher…aye. Councilperson Harvey…aye. Councilperson Hubbell…aye…with the exception of the Staples and Ehrhart bills. Councilperson Small…aye. Motion carried. Announcements: Supervisor Owens complimented the bookkeeper, Pat Podufalski, on her hard work in the submission, and acceptance, of the 2005 Annual Report. Town Clerk Laue reminded everyone that there was a free rabies clinic coming up in Enfield on the 11th of May [Thursday] from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the Highway Garage. Councilperson Small asked if anyone had attended the Recreation Partnership meeting. Councilperson Fisher said she went but no one was there. Privilege of the Floor: Calvin Rothermich. Reminded the public that the Assessment Advisory Review Board has no power and can’t change a thing. It’s a NYS Law to have the Board. Jim Dennis. Stated that with respect to the Recreation Partnership meeting none of the elected officials had time to come and that’s why there was no meeting. Deena Rambaum. Confused about subdivision. Supervisor Owens announced that there will be a notice of a hearing as soon as it’s completed and passed. She also asked what Enfield’s yearly budget was. Supervisor Owens said a little under $1 million. April 12, 2006 - Enfield Town Board Meeting 11 Ron Clark. Spoke about the burning ordinance. If there are problems, take them to the County…not the Town of Enfield…it’s a County ordinance. At this time he gave his monthly report noting that he had 45 calls last month and 89 this month. He said that 20 hours a week isn’t going to cut it. Ithaca College is his main job. His Town priorities will be building permits. “I need help.” Just because there were fewer building permits last year doesn’t mean that there’s not a lot of carry over, among other things. Mark Roach. Asked what the rational of having only one code person was. Supervisor Owens said, “I don’t have an answer. Other Board members need to be asked.” He polled the board for an answer, asking if it were politics. Councilperson Small said there was potential litigation and it should not be discussed at this time. He then asked which Board members voted to eliminate the position. There was no response. Supervisor Owens said that information could be gotten from the minutes and she would forward him a copy. Adjournment: At 8:38 PM Motioned: Councilperson Hubbell Seconded: Councilperson Small Discussion: Vote: Supervisor Owens…aye. Councilperson Fisher…aye. Councilperson Harvey…aye. Councilperson Hubbell…aye. Councilperson Small…aye. Motion carried. ************* Minutes transcribed by Deputy Town Clerk N. Pat Dougherty .