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TOWN OF ENFIELD
REGULAR TOWN BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2007
7:00 P.M.
The regular monthly meeting of the Town of Enfield Town Board was held Wednesday, May 9,
2007 at the Enfield Community Building, 182 Enfield Main Road, Ithaca, New York at 7:00 p.m.
with Deputy Supervisor David Bock presiding.
Present: Deputy Supervisor David Bock, Councilperson Jennifer Fisher, Councilperson Peggy
Hubbell, Councilperson Sandra Small, Councilperson Robert Harvey and Town Clerk Alice Laue.
Supervisor Owens absent.
Others Present: Pat Dougherty, David Dimmick, Diane Aramini, Larry Lanning, Judy
Hetherington, Larry Stilwell, Linda Stilwell, Debbie Teeter, Alan Teeter, Ron Clark, Ann Owens,
Ed Hetherington, John Rancich.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag: Deputy Supervisor Bock led the assemblage in the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag.
Privilege of the Floor:
John Rancich spoke with respect to the establishment of his wind farm in Enfield and thanked the
Town Board for attending the special meeting last week. He urged board members and anyone else
interested in wind energy to visit a wind farm and offered to make all the arrangements for such a
trip.
Approval of March 28, 2007 Special Town Board Meeting Minutes:
Motion made by Councilperson Fisher, seconded by Councilperson Small that the Town Board
approve the March 28, 2007 Special Town Board Meeting Minutes.
Discussion:
Vote: Councilperson Fisher aye, Councilperson Hubbell aye, Councilperson Small aye,
Councilperson Harvey aye, Supervisor Owens absent. Motion carried.
Committees/Board Reports:
Tompkins County Legislature: No one present to give a report.
Beautification Committee: Debbie Teeter reported that there will be monies available for future
beautification projects and presented the Final 2006-07 Beautification Grant Allocations Project and
Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes – May 9, 2007 2
Estimates for a total remaining of $1,143.63 out of the original $5,000.00 awarded. Ms. Teeter
stated that the second “Welcome to Enfield” sign is soon to be completed and asked if payment to
Mr. DeGroat could be handled the same as the April payment.
Motion made by Councilperson Small, seconded by Councilperson Hubbell that upon submission of
documentation of completion with a signed voucher, the Town Board authorizes the Supervisor to
issue a check in the amount of $1,000.00 for completion of the second “Welcome to Enfield” sign.
Discussion:
Vote: Councilperson Fisher aye, Councilperson Hubbell aye, Councilperson Small aye,
Councilperson Harvey aye. Supervisor Owens was absent. Motion carried.
Cemetery Committee: Councilperson Hubbell reported that the Veteran flags will soon be out.
Code Enforcement: Code Enforcement Officer Ron Clark distributed a monthly written report to
the Town Board prior to the meeting and gave a brief overview of the month’s activities. Mr. Clark
informed the Town Board that the Musefest is coming up soon. Councilperson Harvey said he
would like to have public input on the matter.
Community Building: Councilperson Harvey reported that the electrical work is about half
finished and the fire alarm will need to be revamped. Floor is finished.
Enfield Community Council: President Carolyn Tschanz reported that the next ECC meeting will
be May 14th at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Building. The Harvest Festival will be Saturday,
September 15, 2007. The “Enfield Currents” is out and contains Summer Day Camp applications.
Summer Day Camp will be held July 2 through August 10, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Enfield Volunteer Fire Company: Fire Chief Ron Switzer delivered to the Town Clerk for
distribution to the Town Board prior to the meeting the Company’s April and May training
schedule, its Incident Type Report and a summary that he read with respect to the new Tompkins
County paging system:
“In June of 2007 Tompkins County will be putting the new paging system online.
This system is a UHF based frequency, the old system is low band and the current
pagers and monitors we posses are incompatible with this updated system. Tompkins
County has said that they will leave the old system online as long as it still continues
to operate. However, if that system fails they will not fix it. The recent history is that
the paging system fails on a regular basis. My concern is if the old system fails we
will not have any means of being alerted and we would have to make phone calls,
which would not allow for a speedy response. After some research, I have found that
we are one of two Fire Companies that has not purchased any pagers as of this time.
The cost of an updated UHF band pager is about $425 each. The EVFC has around 40
active members, which would equal around $17,000 total. The Board of Directors is
currently discussing this matter and we are unsure of how we will fund this project.
As per our Procurement Policy we will put this project out to bid. We will assess the
bids and try to find the best price we can get.”
Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes – May 9, 2007 3
He further added that the County is to pay for new truck radios and the Fire Company is responsible
for new pagers. The Fire Company will obtain the best possible price for the pagers. Looking to
have the new system up and running by the end of June. The old system will work and if there are
minor problems, they will fix it.
Deputy Fire Chief Art Howser reported that the Fire Company participated in the Enfield
Elementary School Book Fair on May 5, 2007. Three vehicles and ten Fire Company members were
there. Last night the Fire Company updated their defibulator to new State requirements.
Ethics Committee: Committee Chair, David Dimmick reported that the Committee hopes to have
something available at the June meeting.
Highway Department: No report.
Personnel Committee: Councilperson Small reported that the Committee met on April 30, 2007 to
review the various options and/or plans for the Town’s full-time employees as well as its retirees
and will introduce two plans in a resolution to be discussed later in the agenda. She estimates a cost
savings to the Town of approximately $25,000.
Planning Board: Councilperson Peggy Hubbell reported that the Planning Board and the Town
Board met to discuss wind mills and felt not much was accomplished.
Old Business:
Budget Amendment - Enfield Town Justices/Court Clerks Salary Adjustment
Councilperson Small had prepared a resolution for consideration reflecting the wishes of the
Justices to giving their Court Clerks a 6% raise while the Justices remain at the 2006 rate for 2007,
but because certain budgetary information was not filled in, the item was not presented and was
tabled to the Town Board’s June meeting.
New Business:
Youth Services Contract
The Town of Enfield’s 2007 Youth Services Agreement was tabled until the Town Board’s June
meeting due to lack of clarification.
Medical Insurance Coverage Change Resolution
RESOLUTION NO. 2007-16 – MEDICAL INSURANCE
COVERAGE OPTION/PLAN CHANGE FOR TOWN OF ENFIELD
EMPLOYEES AND RETIREES
WHEREAS, due to the rising costs of health insurance premiums, the Personnel Committee of the
Town of Enfield was given the task of looking into other alternatives. Two informational meetings
Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes – May 9, 2007 4
were held and attended by town employees, retirees, board members and others - one on February 8,
2007 for full-time employees and retirees 55 years of age to 65 years of age and another for retirees
65 years of age and older on March 19, 2007; and
WHEREAS, at the February 8, 2007 information meeting for full-time employees, three Excellus
BC/BS options were presented and discussed showing costs savings for each option compared with
the Town’s Traditional Blue Cross/Blue Shield/Master Medical Plan for essentially the same
services plus the offering of an eye exam and an eyewear allowance and comparable dental benefits;
and
WHEREAS, at the March 19, 2007 informational meeting for retirees 65 years of age and older,
three Excellus BC/BS plans were presented and discussed showing costs savings on each plan
compared to the Town’s Supplemental Medicare Policy for essentially the same services; and
WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Board’s Personnel Committee met on Monday, April 30, 2007 to
discuss and recommend new options/plans for the Town’s medical insurance coverage.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it
RESOLVED, that the Personnel Committee recommends to the Enfield Town Board Excellus
BC/BS Blue EPO Balance Option 11 with a Dental Blue benefit of Class I 100%, Class II 80%,
Class IIA 50%, Class III 50% and Class IV 0% for the Town’s full-time employees and retirees up
to 65 years of age and recommends Excellus BC/BS Medicare Blue PPO - Plan Three for retirees
65 years of age and older; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the above options/plans become effective June 1, 2007 provided that paperwork
can be completed by May 15, 2007; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Personnel Committee of the Enfield Town Board revisit the Town’s health
insurance for its employees, elected officials and retirees on an annual basis; and it is further
RESOLVED, that in the future, the Town Board consider putting a dollar cap or a percentage on the
amount the Town, employee or elected official pays toward the constantly increasing health
insurance premiums and that any contribution change an eligible employee, elected official or
retiree is required to pay is subject to change by resolution of the Town Board. The Town Board
will provide a two-month written notice of such change; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Board may, at its discretion, change the medical insurance plan at any
time, including, but not limited to, type of coverage, retiree contribution, and type of carrier.
Moved by Councilperson Small, seconded by Councilperson Hubbell.
Discussion:
Vote: Councilperson Fisher aye, Councilperson Hubbell aye, Councilperson Small aye,
Councilperson Harvey aye, Supervisor Owens absent. Motion carried.
Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes – May 9, 2007 5
Cooperative Purchasing of Highway Services with County
RESOLUTION NO. 2007-17 – COOPERATIVE PURCHASING
OF HIGHWAY SERVICES WITH COUNTY
WHEREAS, the Office of the State Comptroller has ruled that counties may no longer extend their
bids for public work (services) to political subdivisions; and
WHEREAS, General Municipal Law, Article 5-G, Section 119-0 states that “any agreement entered
into there under shall be approved by each participating municipal corporation or district by a
majority vote of its governing body.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it
RESOLVED, that the Town of Enfield hereby authorized to participate with Tompkins County in
the cooperative purchasing of highway services; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town of Enfield reserves the right to reject any or all bids.
Moved by Councilperson Small, seconded by Councilperson Hubbell.
Discussion:
Vote: Councilperson Fisher aye, Councilperson Hubbell aye, Councilperson Small aye,
Councilperson Harvey aye, Supervisor Owens absent. Motion carried.
Highway Shared Services Authorization
RESOLUTION NO. 2007-18 – HIGHWAY SHARED SERVICES AUTHORIZATION
WHEREAS, Highway Law #142.D allows co-operative agreements for highway services and
sharing of labor, equipment and supplies; and
WHEREAS, General Municipal Law Article 5-G allows and encourages municipal co-operations,
by joint or contract basis, performance of powers and duties among themselves; and
WHEREAS, it is deemed beneficial to the Town of Enfield to allow for shared highway agreements
of equipment and services with other municipal highwa y departments.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it
RESOLVED, that Enfield Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor pursuant to Highway Law
#283 to enter into agreements for shared services and equipment with other municipalities and
authorize, within existing budget constraints, the Town Highway Superintendent pursuant to
Highway Law #284 to take such action to implement said agreements consistent with Town
highway needs and availability, and maintain sufficient liability coverage to protect the Town in
each joint efforts.
Moved by Councilperson Small, seconded by Councilperson Hubbell.
Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes – May 9, 2007 6
Discussion:
Vote: Councilperson Fisher aye, Councilperson Hubbell aye, Councilperson Small aye,
Councilperson Harvey aye, Supervisor Owens absent. Motion carried.
Creation of Fire Contract Policy 700.1 to the Town of Enfield Policies and Procedures Manual
RESOLUTION #2007- 19 - CREATION OF POLICY 700.1 - FIRE CONTRACT
TO THE TOWN OF ENFIELD POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Enfield realizes that a new policy section is needed to
the Town of Enfield’s Policies and Procedures Manual as it relates to contract policy procedures
involving a fire contract; and
NOW, THEREFORE, be it
RESOLVED, that a new Policy 700.1, titled “Fire Contract” be added to the Town of Enfield’s
Policies and Procedures Manual and that the following provisions be included under Policy 700.1:
A. The Fire Company will assume the decisions of the active and non-active
membership status of its personnel and will allow the Fire Company to determine
and take on the responsibility of who is and who is not a member and to file a
document with the Town Clerk for distribution to the Town Board enumerating any
changes in membership within ten (10) days of any change in membership.
B. The Fire Company will assume the responsibility of establishing and maintaining a
minimum training standard of all of its members and the Town will leave such
decisions up to the discretion of the Fire Company’s Board of Directors or their Fire
Chief.
C. The Fire Company will ensure that new members pass a pre-membership physical
and that existing members will have periodic physicals at the discretion of the Fire
Company’s Board of Directors or their Fire Chief, or as may be required by law.
D. When providing services for the Town, no one is to be under the influence of illegal
drugs and/or alcohol. Furthermore, taxpayer funds shall not be used to fund any
function where alcohol is provided.
E. The Town realizes the Fire Company is subject to and must comply with the
provisions of the Open Meetings Law (Public Officers Law Article 7) and the
Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law Article 6).
F. The Town realizes that since the Fire Company is receiving public funds, the Fire
Company needs to comply with state and federal code requirements and the Town
suggests that the Fire Company bring their fire hall in compliance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act.
Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes – May 9, 2007 7
G. The Fire Company will allow and encourage the use of the fire hall for charitable
fundraising, community events, etc. for the promotion of community involvement.
H. The Fire Company will adopt a procurement policy which will comply with
requirements under General Municipal Law for municipal entities and forward the
same to the Town Clerk for filing and for Town Board distribution.
I. The Fire Company will need to submit their fiscal audit report to the state to comply
with the new state audit requirements effective August 2007, the Town asks that Fire
Company provide the same audit report to the Town Clerk for filing and for Town
Board distribution.
J. With respect to the renewal of the fire contract, the Town Board suggests that at least
five (5) months prior to the expiration of any contract and no later than August 1st,
the parties are to commence contract negotiations. If the Fire Company Board of
Directors and Enfield Town Board are unable to reach an agreement by November
1st of the current contract year, then the Town Board agrees to carry the current
contract over with the same annual dollar amount and terms with the exception that
the contract will be on a month-to-month basis (with the dollar amount prorated
accordingly) until a contract is acceptable by both parties; and it is further
RESOLVED, that in order to initiate these policies and procedures, the Enfield Town Board will
submit a letter to the President and Fire Chief of the Enfield Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. outlining
these same provisions as mentioned above; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor is authorized to sign such letter; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk is responsible for photocopying and mailing this letter as
indicated; and it is further
RESOLVED, that a copy of this letter is to be kept on file at the Town Hall.
Moved by Councilperson Harvey, seconded by Councilperson Small.
Discussion: Councilperson Fisher asked if there was an extra copy of the resolution for her review.
Deputy Supervisor Bock was under the impression that when a Town enters into a contract with an
independent service provider that those people are not employees. Councilperson Harvey said that
the Town is actually the Fire Company’s employer and these items should be addressed to alleviate
the liability on the part of the Town and that he had attended a class given by the Fire Company’s
attorney highlighting same.
Vote: Councilperson Fisher no, Councilperson Hubbell aye, Councilperson Small aye,
Councilperson Harvey aye, Supervisor Owens absent. Motion carried.
Audit Claims:
Monthly bills and vouchers were presented for payment. Motion made by Councilperson Fisher,
seconded by Councilperson Harvey that the Town Board of the Town of Enfield authorizes the
Supervisor to pay:
Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes – May 9, 2007 8
- General Fund Vouchers #93-116 dated May 9, 2007 in the amount of $11,439.85
- Highway Fund Vouchers #27-33 dated May 9, 2007 in the amount of $7,953.99
- Enfield Volunteer Fire Company SF-1 Voucher #4 dated May 9, 2007 in the amount
of $91,250.00.
Discussion:
Vote: Councilperson Fisher aye, Councilperson Hubbell aye, Councilperson Small aye,
Councilperson Harvey aye, Supervisor Owens absent. Motion carried.
Announcements:
- Local Advisory Board of Assessment Review - May 10th at the Community Building
from 3-6:00 p.m.
- Rabies Clinic - May 10th at the Town Highway Garage from 7-9:00 p.m.
- Spring Clean-up to end May 10th.
- Indexing of Town Board Minutes for 2005 and 2006 completed.
- Recreational Partnership Meeting – Monday, May 7, 2007 from 4-6 p.m., Tuesday,
May 15, 2007 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. at the Ithaca Youth Bureau, Tuesday May 22,
2007 from 4:15 – 6:00 p.m. in the conference room at the Human Services Building
and Tuesday May 29, 2007 4-6:00 p.m. at the Human Services Building.
Privilege of the Floor: No one wished to speak.
Adjournment:
Motion made by Councilperson Hubbell, seconded by Councilperson Harvey that the May 9, 2007
Regular Town Board meeting adjourn.
Discussion:
Vote: Councilperson Fisher aye, Councilperson Hubbell aye, Councilperson Small aye,
Councilperson Harvey aye, Supervisor Owens absent. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Alice Laue
Town Clerk