HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-8-14 Regular Meeting.pdf
Town of Enfield
Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes
Enfield Community Building
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
6:30 p.m.
Present: Town Supervisor Ann Rider, Town Councilperson Mike Carpenter, Town Councilperson
Beth McGee, Town Highway Superintendent Barry Rollins, Town Clerk Alice Linton. Excused:
Town Councilperson Virginia Bryant, Town Councilperson Vera Howe-Strait.
Supervisor Rider opened the regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. by leading the assemblage in the Pledge
of Allegiance to the Flag.
Privilege of the Floor: Marsha Sundman of 215 Connecticut Hill Road asked the board to keep the
budget under the 2% tax cap, not to spend tax dollars on the new Enfield Community Council
building being proposed, and request the Enfield Volunteer Fire Department to keep to a 1.9%
increase.
Approval of Minutes: Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson McGee to accept
the minutes of the September 10, 2014 public hearing and regular meeting.
Discussion: Supervisor Rider asked, on page 6, 2nd paragraph, to delete "use agreement". She also
asked, on page 6, 9th paragraph, to replace "can be used as" with "would be considered". Town
Clerk Linton agreed to make the changes to the final version of the minutes.
Highway Superintendent Rollins mentioned he believes if the old highway gas pumps are sold, the
funds should be considered highway revenue. Items purchased with highway funds belong to the
highway department.
Vote: Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson McGee aye, Supervisor Rider aye,
Councilperson Bryant and Councilperson Howe-Strait excused. Carried.
Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson McGee to accept the minutes of the
September 23, 2014 special meeting.
Discussion: Supervisor Rider asked, on page 2, 2nd paragraph, to replace "a year" with "until the
next general election". She also asked, on page 3, 12th paragraph, to clarify where funds for a new
pick-up truck would come from. Town Clerk Linton agreed to make changes to the final version of
the minutes.
Vote: Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson McGee aye, Supervisor Rider aye,
Councilperson Bryant and Councilperson Howe-Strait excused. Carried.
Budget Amendments:
Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson McGee to approve Budget Amendment
#2014-29.
BA#2014-29 Town Clerk Equipment
WHEREAS, the town clerk wants to buy a computer and did not put money in line A1410.2 titled
Town Clerk "Equipment", now therefore, be it
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, October 8, 2014 2
RESOLVED, that line A1410.4 titled Town Clerk "Contractual" be reduced by $550 and line
A1410.2 be increased by $550.
Discussion: Supervisor Rider stated she recommended this amendment as good budgeting practice.
Vote: Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson McGee aye, Supervisor Rider aye,
Councilperson Bryant and Councilperson Howe-Strait excused. Carried.
Audit Claims:
Councilperson Carpenter moved, with a second by Councilperson McGee to authorize the
supervisor to pay General Fund vouchers #261 to #284 dated October 8, 2014 in the amount of
$12,937.47 and Highway Fund vouchers #164 to #179 dated October 8, 2014 in the amount of
$65,078.04.
Discussion: Supervisor Rider asked Highway Superintendent Rollins what the old highway
department computer would be used for. Superintendent Rollins stated it would be put in the break
room for highway employees to use.
Vote: Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson McGee aye, Supervisor Rider aye,
Councilperson Bryant and Councilperson Howe-Strait excused. Carried.
Correspondence: None
Announcements: None
County Legislator's Report: No report.
Highway Superintendent's Report: Highway Superintendent Rollins reported summer work is
completed. The crew is now working on digging ditches, cutting shoulders and routine
maintenance.
As reported previously, the loader needs an estimated $5,000 to $20,000 in repairs. Superintendent
Rollins plans to have the highway crew tear apart the loader to determine if the crankshaft is
damaged. If the loader is sent out for repairs, it could cost $5,000 to tear it apart, but if the highway
crew tears it apart it would be more likely to cost around $2,000. If the loader can be functional
again, the transmission will be tested to see if it needs work. The transmission was about to be
checked when the engine went bad. New tires were purchased for the loader several months ago at a
cost of about $8,000. A new loader would cost between $142,000 and $200,000. If the loader can
be repaired for a reasonable amount, Superintendent Rollins would like to trade it in for a new
loader.
Superintendent Rollins further stated that the excavator has now broken and will likely cost at least
$3,000 to repair. He feels about $8,000 will be needed from his repair line to prepare equipment for
winter.
Councilperson Carpenter mentioned it is often a hard decision whether to fix equipment that is
broken, and hope that it will last long enough to make the repair worthwhile, or to replace the
equipment. He would like the board to look into the future and make a replacement plan for
highway equipment. He hopes this can be accomplished by the spring of 2015.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, October 8, 2014 3
Councilperson McGee doesn't want to sink money into old equipment if new equipment is needed.
Superintendent Rollins will check with Tompkins County to see if they have a loader he can borrow
so necessary work can continue. If not, he will look into renting a loader. He would like
confirmation from the board that if needed repairs go over his budget, he could have another $5,000
added to his repair line.
All board members were in favor of the highway department doing as much work as possible on the
loader. If the repairs will be too costly, the machine can be put back together and used as a trade-in.
If the repairs can be made, the board was favorable to another $5,000 being put in the repair line.
Supervisor Rider passed on thanks from Mr. Hopkins of the Cayuga Trails Club for the good job
the highway department did on the parking lot at the Bock Preserve on Rockwell Road.
Superintendent Rollins stated he will not be sending a bill for any materials.
Superintendent Rollins handed out a 2014 Equipment Replacement Chart.
Code Enforcement Report: Code Enforcement Officer Alan Teeter was not present, but submitted
his report showing in September there were 9 building permits issued or renewed, with 2 being for
new homes, bringing the year to date total to 50. There was 1 certificate of occupancy issued, 1
certificate of completion issued, 11 inspections completed, 26 progress checks completed, and 2
valid complaints received with 1 being resolved. There were also 2 house numbers issued.
Town Supervisor's Report: Supervisor Rider stated she worked on the 2015 budget, attended the
September TCCOG meeting, met with John Rancich to further discuss purchase of town land, met
with Walt and June Smithers and Rose Pelligrino regarding town interest in selling the old gravel
bank, contracted with T.G. Miller to do survey of 2 town parcels, attended emergency management
certification training with Councilperson Howe-Strait and Highway Superintendent Rollins,
attended the TCAD board meeting, attended the health consortium basic training, attended a health
insurance consortium meeting on re-certification, hosted a meeting on the Tompkins County
Comprehensive Plan.
Committee Reports:
Planning Board: Chair Dan Walker reported they are reviewing the updated Sub-Division
Regulations. They discussed whether a sub-division needing approval would be 3 or more lots or 2
or more lots. All planning board members will take another look at the regulations and report back
at the November planning board meeting.
Cemetery Committee: Supervisor Rider stated the new lawnmower is not in stock, and may not be
received until spring. Highway Superintendent Rollins asked if the state contract had been checked
for lawn mowers. Supervisor Rider said no, but she would check those prices.
Comprehensive Plan Writing Committee: Councilperson McGee reported the introduction to the
Land Use Section has been created. They will meet next Thursday and the last Thursday of the
month to work on the format of the Land Use Section, objectives and goals.
Enfield Community Council: No report.
Recreation Partnership: No report.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, October 8, 2014 4
County Youth Board: No report.
Enfield Volunteer Fire Company: No report.
Tompkins County Health Insurance Consortium: Supervisor Rider stated a re-certification will be
done of all members who have family plans. No employee in Enfield has a family plan, so we will
not be involved.
Facilities Manager: Councilperson Carpenter stated he will have some information for later in the
agenda.
Aquifer Study Fundraising Group: Nancy Spero reported there was a table at the Enfield Harvest
Festival where a small amount was raised. The group will continue working toward their goal of
$10,000. She questioned the amount in the aquifer study line item of the 2015 preliminary budget as
it is listed the same as in the 2014 budget.
Facilities Development Committee: Councilperson Carpenter stated he will have information to
report under old business.
Tompkins County Council of Governments: Supervisor Rider reported there will be another
training on meeting facilitation. This will be open to town board members and planning board
members. The group continues to work on shared services - committees have been formed and
figures will be obtained to see where possible savings might be.
Old Business:
Policy Regarding Firewood Logs on Town Property: Highway Superintendent Rollins stated he has
about 10 forms from people within a 10 mile radius of the highway department who would like logs
delivered to their properties. The State of New York has agreed to loan the town a loader and
operator for several days so town trucks can be loaded with logs and stumps. Many of the wood
pieces to be delivered came from New York State when they cleaned out the creeks after the
flooding in August, 2013. After this wood is delivered, the board will discuss what to do with the
remaining wood.
Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson Carpenter to approve Resolution #2014-
42.
RESOLUTION #2014-42: Justice Court Assistance Program Grant Application for 2014
WHEREAS, in 2014 the State Legislature once again appropriated funds establishing the NYS
Justice Court Assistance Program, hereafter referred to JCAP, to assist town and villages in the
operation of their Justice Courts, and
WHEREAS, the Chief Administrative Judge of the State's Unified Court System is again
entertaining grant applications for the year 2014, maintaining the maximum amount able to be
awarded to $30,000, and
WHEREAS, the deadline for the application is October 15, 2014, now therefore be it;
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, October 8, 2014 5
RESOLVED, that this governing Board authorizes and directs the Town Supervisor and the
Town Justice to complete and file the 2014 JCAP application with the State of New York, Unified
Court System.
Vote: Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson McGee aye, Supervisor Rider aye,
Councilperson Bryant and Councilperson Howe-Strait excused. Carried.
Disposing of Excess Town Properties: Supervisor Rider has contacted T.G. Miller to survey the two
properties being considered for sale. She wants the surveys completed before going forward. TCAT
has not been responsive to her calls. She will step up her efforts, as a lease is needed for the Park
and Ride to continue on town property. She will contact Trevor McDonald to see if he is interested
in purchasing the property across from town hall. John Rancich does not want to move ahead with a
purchase of the property across from town hall until the survey is complete and he has a chance to
talk to TCAT to see if a Park and Ride is viable and if he would derive a benefit from the purchase.
Councilperson Carpenter stated he met with George VanValen at the old gravel pit site. George
gave a verbal assessment to make the lot access driveway drivable and the lot buildable, of about
$15,000. If an electric pole needed to be moved, it would increase the cost. He felt the lot would be
worth $30-$35,000 after it was made buildable. Since the approximate assessed value is $12,000,
Councilperson Carpenter feels $10,000 would be a fair figure to ask for the property.
Councilperson McGee feels having the numerous cars stored next to the property would decrease
the property value. The assessed value has already been decreased 25% based on the cars. The first
step would be to remove all cars that are on town property, once the survey is complete. She would
like to see the Town of Enfield Junk Car Law rescinded. As long as the town law is on the books,
the NY State Law can't be used, which is more strict.
Councilperson Carpenter stated there is a possibility some cars may be grandfathered in, even if the
Town of Enfield Junk Car Law is rescinded.
Councilperson Carpenter suggested offering the sale price as $10,000 to neighbors. They could then
submit a counter-offer. If that was not acceptable, the town would go ahead and start the process to
find a buyer.
Securing the Old Highway Facility: Supervisor Rider stated she met with Councilperson Carpenter,
Norm Smith and Earl Rose, a plumbing and heating specialist, at the old highway facility to see
what needed to be done to secure the building.
Councilperson Carpenter stated he has concerns about the Procurement Policy in the Town Policy
Manual, Appendix A. He would like to see that policy rewritten. If the current policy is followed,
the process to secure the facility may be more complicated and expensive.
Supervisor Rider stated she will get guidance from other town supervisors on repair of buildings.
Councilperson Carpenter agreed to send an e-mail to board members listing the pages in the Town
Procurement Policy that he would like to see revised, and why the policy should be discussed and
revised. He feels if the town could buy some items, and then hire someone to install them, it could
save the town money. Since winter is coming, it is important to get work done on the old highway
facility as soon as possible.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, October 8, 2014 6
Supervisor Rider stated she has obtained paperwork to apply for a credit card for the Town of
Enfield. She also questioned if the new security system should be installed prior to repairs, or if the
installation could go ahead at any time.
Town Clerk Linton asked if the furnace could be used for heating the clerk's office at this time.
Town Councilperson Carpenter stated the furnace had been checked and it was safe to use.
Review of Town Culvert and Driveway/Entrance Paving Permit and Town Policy: Highway
Superintendent Rollins stated the highway department presented a proposed permit to the town
board and they approved the permit. He feels the permit process is good and if a resident has a
complaint, they should discuss it with him.
Councilperson McGee felt the fee was appropriate and wondered why there were feelings of
inconsistency.
Supervisor Rider feels there are questions of whether the form has been applied consistently, and
will contact the town's attorney about bringing the matter up in executive session.
2015 Town Budget: Supervisor Rider asked the board to go over the tentative budget she
previously filed with the town clerk, that was then presented to the town board. She has gone back
over the budget and more closely figured employee benefits.
Central Printing and Mailing includes the cost of copies made at town hall and mailing of the
quarterly newsletter. Supervisor Rider will call the postmaster to see if the town's portion of the
quarterly newsletter can be made a part of the Enfield Community Council newsletter and use their
bulk mail permit. Councilperson McGee suggested that if the post office doesn't allow this, the ECC
newsletter could just include information about the town.
The Highway Superintendent's personnel services line inaccurately did not include a 2% increase,
so the amount will be changed from $52,715.40 to $43,769.84.
Supervisor Rider obtained an estimate for painting the town hall building of about $5,000.
Therefore an extra $5,000 was included in the building contractual line A1620.4. Traffic control
was changed from $4,000 to $6,000 in case the road preservation law is passed and roads need to be
posted. Highway Superintendent Rollins stated $2,500 is what he uses each year for regular signs.
Supervisor Rider has determined the allocation of benefits between the general fund and highway
fund. Previously health insurance and retirement were correctly split, but now further splits have
been figured: FICA 40% general fund, 60% highway fund; worker's comp 3% general fund, 97%
highway fund; unemployment insurance hasn't been figured yet; Medicare 43% general fund, 57%
highway fund; medical insurance, dental insurance and prescription plan - 2 premiums from the
general fund and 7 from the highway fund; Medicare wrap-around 1 general fund, 1 highway fund;
retirement 55% general fund, 45% highway fund; disability insurance 84% general fund, 16%
highway fund. She believes the splits in the 2014 budget between the general fund and the highway
fund were incorrect.
Councilperson McGee mentioned there was a budget amendment in 2014 for Medicare. The 2014
budget amount was for $2,500 and the 2015 amount continues at $2,500. She questioned if there
should be an increase.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, October 8, 2014 7
Refuse and Garbage includes the regular garbage pick-up, plus clean-up days, which Supervisor
Rider budgeted for again in 2015.
Councilperson McGee asked why the bookkeeper's salary jumped from $6,156.96 to $8,060.00 and
how many hours the job was advertised for. Supervisor Rider responded she needs to be brought up
to a professional level and that she works about 12 hours per week. Councilperson McGee also
asked why the court clerk received more than a 2% raise. Supervisor Rider responded Justice Poole
requested her salary increase be given to the court clerk.
Councilperson McGee contacted some surrounding towns and found employees pay some portion
of their health insurance. The Town of Ulysses has made an agreement that they will gradually
increase salaries to be more commensurate with the increase in health insurance premiums.
Supervisor Rider stated she thinks the time when employees do not have to pay any part of their
insurance is over. She feels there needs to be a policy for employees to start to pay part of their
insurance.
Highway Superintendent Rollins feels the town should show gratitude to the employees for the
money they save by working out of their job description instead of having other positions in the
department such as welders, mechanics, etc. He thinks this more than makes up for the small
savings the town will see by having employees pay 5% of their health insurance.
Highway Superintendent Rollins stated he had asked for $6,000 for summer help under line item
DA5140.4. Supervisor Rider stated she will change that. She also changed the Inter-fund Transfer
line item DA9950.9 to $200,000.
Supervisor Rider stated she increased the unexpended fund balance under total estimated
appropriations for the fire protection fund, as there is over $5,000 in the savings account for fire
protection. She will call the insurance agent to see why the fire department worker's compensation
went down.
Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson Carpenter to make the following
amendments to the 2015 Town of Enfield Tentative Budget:
Delete A1220.12
Decrease A1480.4 from $900.00 to $400.00
Increase A1620.41from $10,000.00 to $15,000.00
Increase A1670.4 from $2,300.00 to $2,800.00
Increase A3310.4 from $4,000.00 to $6,000.00
Increase A5010.1 from $52,715.40 to $53,769.84
Increase A9030.8 from $11,000.00 to $11,500.00
Increase A9040.8 from $700.00 to $1,700.00
Decrease A9060.81 from $19,000.00 to $17,050.00
Increase DA5140.1 from 600.00 to $6,000.00
Increase DA5140.4 from 0 to $600.00
Increase DA9040.8 from $28,317.50 to $53,730.00
Decrease DA9060.8 from $60,325.00 to $59,650.00
Increase DA9950.9 from $150,000.00 to $200,000.00
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, October 8, 2014 8
Discussion: Supervisor Rider stated the new tax rate would be 1.90 for the general fund and 4.62
for the highway fund with a total of 6.52.
Vote: Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson McGee aye, Supervisor Rider aye,
Councilperson Bryant and Councilperson Howe-Strait excused. Carried.
Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson McGee, to move the tentative budget , as
amended, to the preliminary budget.
Vote: Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson McGee aye, Supervisor Rider aye,
Councilperson Bryant and Councilperson Howe-Strait excused. Carried.
Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson McGee to hold a public hearing on the
Town of Enfield 2015 Preliminary Budget on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at 6:00 p.m.
Discussion: Councilperson McGee felt there was a need to put together information on the budget
to make it clear to the public why the amounts in different line items were recommended.
Supervisor Rider will also add discussion on stabilizing the old highway facility and the
procurement policy to the agenda for October 22.
Vote: Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson McGee aye, Supervisor Rider a ye,
Councilperson Bryant and Councilperson Howe-Strait excused. Carried.
Adjournment: Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson Carpenter to adjourn at
10:45 p.m. Carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Alice Linton, Enfield Town Clerk