HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober_13,_2010_Regular_Meeting[1].pdf
Town of Enfield
Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes
Enfield Community Building
October 13, 2010
6:45 p.m.
Present: Town Supervisor Roy Barriere, Town Councilperson Stephanie Gaynor, Town
Councilperson Chris Hern, Town Councilperson Jean Owens, Town Councilperson Debbie
Teeter, Town Highway Superintendent Barry Rollins, Town Clerk Alice Linton
Town Supervisor Barriere opened the meeting at 6:45 p.m. by leading the assemblage in the
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Privilege of the Floor: Ann Rider of Halseyville Road spoke about the proposed cut in the
county budget for youth services. She urged the town board to continue to be supportive of
youth services in Enfield.
Approval of Minutes: Councilperson Teeter moved to approve the minutes from September
8, September 22 and September 29, 2010. Motion seconded by Councilperson Owens.
Vote: Councilperson Gaynor abstain, Councilperson Hern abstain, Councilperson Owens aye,
Councilperson Teeter aye, Supervisor Barriere aye. Carried.
Correspondence: Notice of Tompkins County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting to be held
October 22, 2010 at the Clarion Hotel.
Notice of Nancy Zahler’s retirement parties on October 28, 2010 at the Moakley House, and
on October 29 at the Human Services Building Bev Livesay Conference Room.
Notice of Tompkins County Veterans Day Parade on November 7, 2010 and the Veterans Day
Ceremony in Dewitt Park on November 11, 2010.
Notice that the Town of Ithaca has received an application for a hard fill project site located in
the Southwest corner of the Town of Ithaca on VanOstrand Road, adjacent to the Towns of
Enfield and Newfield and Robert H. Treman State Park with opportunity for Town of Enfield
to make comments.
Annual Report from Sheen Housing.
Notice of one day seminar on personnel management and labor relations to be held November
10, 2010 in Newburgh or November 17, 2010 in Clay, New York.
Notice from Tompkins County Public Works Administration of changes to the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration Drug and Alcohol Testing Program.
Notice from Tompkins County Public Works Administration to verify that the Town of
Enfield will be remaining in the Drug and Alcohol Testing Consortium through 2011.
Councilperson Owens moved to authorize the supervisor to sign the Statement of Acceptance
with a second by Councilperson Hern.
Vote: Councilperson Gaynor aye, Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Owens aye,
Councilperson Teeter aye, Supervisor Barriere aye. Carried.
Budget Amendments:
Budget Amendment #22-2010
Enfield Town Board Meeting, October 13, 2010 - 2 -
WHEREAS, the balance of the Wind Farm Escrow Account has gone below $2,000.00, and
WHEREAS, a check in the amount of $10,000.00 was received from the Wind Farm
Developer, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the General Fund Account, line item A4989, titled “Other Home and
Community Services”, be increased by $10,000.00 and General Fund Account, line item
A8020.4, titled “Home Community Services, Planning Contractual – Escrow Account”, be
increased by $10,000.00.
Supervisor Barriere moved, with a second by Councilperson Owens, to approve Budget
Amendment #22-2010.
Vote: Councilperson Gaynor aye, Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Owens aye,
Councilperson Teeter aye, Supervisor Barriere aye. Carried.
Budget Amendment #23-2010
WHEREAS, the expenses exceeded the amount budgeted for the General Fund line item
A1220.2 titled “Supervisor Equipment”, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the General Fund Account line item A1220.41 titled “Supervisor
Contractual” be decreased by $9.47 and line item A1220.2 titled “Supervisor Equipment” be
increased by $9.47.
Supervisor Barriere moved, with a second by Councilperson Gaynor, to approve Budget
Amendment #23-2010.
Vote: Councilperson Gaynor aye, Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Owens aye,
Councilperson Teeter aye, Supervisor Barriere aye. Carried.
Budget Amendment #24-2010
WHEREAS, the CHIPS fund allowance has increased from the original budgeted amount for
2010, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Highway Fund Account line item DA5112.2 titled “Improvements –
CHIPS”, be increased by $16,221.29, and Highway Fund Account line item DA3501 titled
“Highway Revenues” – CHIPS”, be increased by $16,221.29.
Supervisor Barriere moved, with a second by Councilperson Gaynor, to approve Budget
Amendment #23-2010.
Vote: Councilperson Gaynor aye, Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Owens aye,
Councilperson Teeter aye, Supervisor Barriere aye. Carried.
Audit Claims: Councilperson Gaynor moved that the Town Board authorize the supervisor
to pay General Fund vouchers #244-272 dated October 13, 2010 in the amount of $26,588.91
and Highway Fund vouchers #152-172 dated October 13, 2010 in the amount of $86,296.82.
Motion seconded by Councilperson Owens.
Enfield Town Board Meeting, October 13, 2010 - 3 -
Vote: Councilperson Gaynor aye, Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Owens aye,
Councilperson Teeter aye, Supervisor Barriere aye. Carried.
Highway Superintendent’s Report: Buddy Rollins reported all road projects are complete.
The crews have been working on ditching and shoulders with the help of Ulysses and
Newfield. The last mile of Fish Road has been muddy due to recent rains, so crusher run has
been applied. This is in preparation for applying oil and stone next year. The men will be
doing tree work and continue cutting road shoulders. The old loader brought $4,250 at the
auction less 10% for action fees, and the GMC brought $2,100 less 10% for auction fees. The
town has purchased a 2001 Chevy six wheel, single axle for $14,000 with 31,000 miles. Also
a broom tractor was purchased for $27,500, 2001 with 1,500 hours. The new equipment has
been working out well and Buddy plans to send the old tractor to auction in the spring.
Councilperson Hern thanked Buddy and his men for tearing out the closet downstairs in the
Community Building.
Ray Poole retired the end of September. Gabe Newhart has been working out satisfactorily.
Committee Reports:
Planning Board: Councilperson Teeter reported they are working on the site plan law and
applications.
Health Insurance Consortium: Councilperson Gaynor reported that Herb Masser is willing to
serve on the joint committee. Everything is ready for a January 1 start date.
Enfield Community Council: Ann Rider reported the Harvest Festival was held September 25.
She thanked all those that volunteered. She also stated that the employee hired for the Enfield
Beautification has worked out well and there are still a few things left to be done this fall. The
area around the bus stop will be cleaned up and a bicycle rack will be installed.
Enfield Volunteer Fire Company: No report.
Facilities manager: Councilperson Hern has scheduled service for the furnaces in the
Community Building. Chris asked the highway department if they would be willing to put up
the Town of Enfield sign on the south end of town that is now downstairs in the Community
Building. A solar powered flood light could be purchased to light the sign.
Supervisor Barriere moved with a second by Councilperson Teeter to put the sign back up.
Vote: Councilperson Gaynor aye, Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Owens aye,
Councilperson Teeter aye, Supervisor Barriere aye. Carried.
Communications Access Committee: Councilperson Hern sent an e-mail to Chuck Bartosch
asking about news on the grant, but has heard nothing back.
Facilities Development: Councilperson Owens reported there was discussion at the last board
workshop that resulted in final plans that included some changes which amounted to a
$150,000 to $200,000 reduction in the cost of the highway facility. That will put the town in a
much better position for repayment of the bond.
Enfield Town Board Meeting, October 13, 2010 - 4 -
Personnel Committee: No report.
Tompkins Council of Governments: Supervisor Barriere reported the main topic was the
county budget. Also the dog control formula was discussed. Once that formula is finalized, we
will know what our contractual fee will be. It should be close to the $12,000 figure in the
tentative budget, although it is possible the increase could be larger. Regarding the health
insurance consortium, the only change is new cards will be handed out the middle of
November. A person was selected for the task force planner position.
Code Enforcement: Alan Teeter reported in September there were 9 building permits issued,
including 2 for new homes, which brings the year to date total to 57 of which 11 were new
homes; 5 certificates of occupancy/completion were issued; 21 building inspections were
completed along with 17 progress checks, 3 meetings with owners/builders, 3 complaints
valid and both resolved, 1 new house number issued, and 5 house numbers installed. Carl
Staley and Alan will be attending training in November at Binghamton on new 2010 Codes
which take effect January 1, 2011.
Old Business:
Deferred Compensation Update: Councilperson Teeter reported this is a plan of New York
State. It is a state sponsored voluntary savings plan offered to state employees and local
government jurisdictions adopted the plan. Their mission is to help state and local public
employees choose a retirement savings. The plan is overseen by the New York State Deferred
Compensation Board and managed by professional staff. There is no fee for the program.
Debbie has a contact person and has left a message saying the town is interested in more
information.
2011 Tentative Budget: Supervisor Barriere received some news this week regarding the
Worker’s Compensation Policy that will be increased 20% across the board for the town. He
also received a notice from the New York State Retirement that there will be an increase of
approximately $6,600 more than proposed in the budget. These changes involve general fund
budget lines A9040.8 and A9010.8; highway fund lines DA9040.8 and DA9010.8 and fire
protection fund line SF9040.8.
The fire protection worker’s compensation fund is higher because there is $3,594 that we need
to transfer from the fire protection fund line item to the contingency insurance fund because
that had to be moved to pay for the worker’s compensation insurance at the beginning of
2010.
Supervisor Barriere explained his goal is to keep this budget very close to a 2% tax rate
increase. The fire protection fund tax rate will increase by 3.63%. With the retirement
increase, the tax rate would increase to a 3.23% for the town. Another option would be to
reduce the contingency fund to reduce the tax rate. This year the contingency fund will take a
big hit because of the NYS retirement that did not have enough budgeted for this year.
Councilperson Gaynor asked why the attorney line was increased from $10,000 to $12,000.
Supervisor Barriere explained that due to the Wind Farm, the Marcellus Shale issue and the
Highway/Road Preservation Law more may be needed.
Enfield Town Board Meeting, October 13, 2010 - 5 -
Councilperson Gaynor asked about the Youth Services line items. Supevisor Barriere
responded that the hope is for the county to continue funding at least for this year. Next year
might be different.
Councilperson Teeter asked about the Culture Recreation Joint Youth Project. Supervisor
Barriere explained we pay twice a year for the use of Cass Park so that fees can be reduced for
Enfield youth. Councilperson Owens added that large numbers of youth participate in these
programs.
Councilperson Teeter asked why Central Printing and Mailing was increased by $2,100, line
items A1670.2 and A1670.4. Supervisor Barriere explained this was for a new copier.
Councilperson Teeter also asked why Public Safety Administration, line item A3010.2
equipment was higher than last year. Code Enforcement Officer Alan Teeter replied it is for
new software for new state codes.
Councilperson Teeter has researched compensation of town employees as compared with
other municipalities. She found that generally Enfield was comparable to others in most
positions. There were 3 that were not comparable. These were the town supervisor, town clerk
and deputy town clerk. She focused mostly on Caroline and Danby as they are most like
Enfield in terms of population. Both Caroline and Danby clerks earn around $28,000 per year.
There are no unique differences between Enfield, Caroline or Danby town clerk duties. While
Danby has a water district, they also have additional staff to oversee it. Both clerks in those
towns are new. Councilperson Teeter explained that her research showed that both the clerk
and deputy clerk in Enfield are under compensated. She realizes this cannot all be fixed in one
year, but would like to make substantial progress this year.
Councilperson Owens attested that the supervisor works at least 40 hours per week. Thirteen
years ago the supervisor’s salary was cut from $8,200 to $5,200 to balance the budget. As a
result of that, the supervisor’s salary has not been built back up since 3% of $5,200 is a lot
less than 3% of $8,200. As a result, the supervisor’s salary is below what it should be.
Councilperson Owens put out a proposal to address the town clerk’s salary as well as the town
supervisor’s salary which is the lowest in the county, and certainly does not attract candidates
to run for the office. It’s a full time position. She suggested raising the supervisor’s salary to
$15,000 which is between Caroline and Danby; the town clerk’s salary to $15,000 and bring
the deputy’s salary from $4,500 to $6,000 so that rate can be more competitive. She suggests
the budget increase remain as it is as a percent increase by reducing A1620.4 by $10,184.88
which has included in it the monies that it costs to maintain the building, pay for heat and
utilities; but built into A1620.4 is money that would offset the bond payment on the new
highway facility so that there would not be an increase to the taxpayers. This $10,184.88
would compensate for the increase in the town supervisor’s salary, the town clerk’s salary and
the deputy clerk’s salary.
Councilperson Hern asked why line A1620.4 was decreased from $271,477 to $205,465.
Councilperson Owens replied that costs for the architect have been coming out of that line.
Costs for the building project will be coming out of that line, but the total amount may not be
expended. If the building project goes ahead, the money can be set aside and allocated to
reduce increases. It is the amount of money that is available to be spent if needed, but it does
not all need to be spent.
Enfield Town Board Meeting, October 13, 2010 - 6 -
Councilperson Teeter expressed her desire to pat everyone on the back – she feels we have a
group that is working phenomenally well together. The highway superintendent, the town
clerk and her new deputy and the old deputy worked really hard to put things in order. If a
position is underpaid it is hard to have someone work as hard as if they are paid a fair wage.
She doesn’t want the board to say thank you for doing a good job and we want you to do it for
next to nothing, but rather thank you and here’s the compensation for you to do it. She is
making a commitment to looking at all positions in the same light, but these three positions
were the glaring shortfalls. Councilperson Owens reiterated that the teamwork in the town has
made the job a lot easier for everyone.
Councilperson Hern suggested the councilperson position line item could be reduced.
Councilperson Owens responded if that were to happen, the councilperson compensation
could easily get behind others in the county.
Councilperson Owens moved, with a second by Councilperson Teeter to amend the tentative
2011 budget to amend line item A1220.11 to $15,000.00, amend line item A1410.11 to
$15,000.00, amend line item A1410.12 to $6,000.00 and amend line item A1620.4 to
$203,965.12.
Vote: Councilperson Gaynor aye, Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Owens aye,
Councilperson Teeter aye, Supervisor Barriere nay. Carried.
Supervisor Barriere moved, with a second by Councilperson Owens to increase the tentative
budget line item A9040.8 to $8,000.00, line item A9010.8 to $31,050.00, line item DA9010.8
to $17,000.00, DA9040.8 to $12,000.00, SF9040.8 to $30,750.00, and decrease line item
A1990.4 to $17,500.00.
Vote: Councilperson Gaynor aye, Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Owens aye,
Councilperson Teeter aye, Supervisor Barriere aye. Carried.
Councilperson Owens moved to adopt the tentative budget as the preliminary budget as
amended and to schedule a public hearing on October 27 at 6:45 p.m. Councilperson Gaynor
seconded the motion.
Highway superintendent Buddy Rollins expressed concern that the overall highway budget
has only been increased $9,000.00. Supervisor Barriere reminded the board that although
salaries were increased by 3%, there is an overall decrease to the salary line items. There is an
increase in the equipment line items. Superintendent Rollins stated his concern that materials,
equipment, and repair line items have not been increased since 2008. He feels that if the fire
department is given an increase to cover fuel and repairs, the highway department should also
be given an increase for fuel and repairs. The highway department uses more fuel and has
more repairs than the fire department, but the board has not increased the budget for those
items in 2 years. Materials went up $1.00/ton last year and nothing is getting cheaper.
Supervisor Barriere responded he tried to do as much as he could with Buddy’s requests, but a
lot is eaten up with benefits. Buddy feels equipment is still behind and culvert pipes have run
their 30 year life and some need replacement now at $1,000 - $2,000 each. Also with all the
cutting of shoulders and digging of ditches, Buddy thinks the fuel budget will be close to
double.
Enfield Town Board Meeting, October 13, 2010 - 7 -
Councilperson Gaynor asked how much taxes would go up for additional amounts put into the
budget. Supervisor Barriere said it would be approximately $4,000 for each ½% increase.
Councilperson Teeter wants the board to make a commitment to bring things up to where they
need to be over the next few years.
Supervisor Barriere moved, with a second by Councilperson Teeter to table the previous
motion.
Vote: Councilperson Gaynor aye, Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Owens aye,
Councilperson Teeter aye, Supervisor Barriere aye. Carried.
Councilperson Hern moved, with a second by Supervisor Barriere, to amend the 2011
preliminary budget with an increase to line item DA5110.4 of $8,000.00.
Vote: Councilperson Gaynor aye, Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Owens aye,
Councilperson Teeter aye, Supervisor Barriere aye. Carried.
Councilperson Owens moved, with a second by Councilperson Teeter to untable the original
motion made by Councilperson Owens to adopt the tentative budget as the preliminary budget
as amended and schedule a public hearing for October 27 at 6:45 p.m.
Vote: Councilperson Gaynor aye, Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Owens aye,
Councilperson Teeter aye, Supervisor Barriere aye. Carried.
The vote on the original motion to adopt the tentative budget as the preliminary budget as
amended and schedule a public hearing for October 27 at 6:45 was then taken.
Vote: Councilperson Gaynor aye, Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Owens aye,
Councilperson Teeter aye, Supervisor Barriere aye. Carried.
Councilperson Gaynor left the meeting at this time.
County Legislature Report: Dave McKenna has been attending budget meetings and
presentations. He is looking for input from the town board members on what cuts they feel are
acceptable and ideas they may have regarding the county budget.
New Business:
The resolution to set new dog licensing fees for 2011 is being postponed until the November
meeting. There will also be a proposed new dog law brought before the board in November.
Announcements:
Supervisor Barriere announced Sue Thompson, webmaster, received an award from Digital
Towpath for overall excellence for the Town of Enfield web site.
The Tompkins County Youth Services Department recognized the Town of Enfield and the
Enfield Community Council for working in partnership with the county and local volunteers
to offer diverse, cost effective programs that develop youth who are confident, competent, and
caring so that they can become healthy, engaged, and contributing community members.
Enfield Town Board Meeting, October 13, 2010 - 8 -
Ann Rider was nominated as the Enfield Volunteer of the Month by Debbie Teeter. Ann has
been a volunteer in Enfield for over 20 years in such programs as the Enfield Community
Council, the Enfield School Site Based Council and Cooking With Ann. She has worked with
teachers and youth and has helped obtain many grants. A certificate will be presented to Ann
and a copy placed in the town hall and on the town web site.
Adjournment:
Councilperson Owens moved, with a second by Councilperson Hern to adjourn at 8:55 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Alice Linton
Enfield Town Clerk