HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-12-14 Regular Meeting.pdf
Town of Enfield
Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes
Enfield Community Building
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
6:30 p.m.
Present: Town Supervisor Ann Rider, Town Councilperson Virginia Bryant, Town Councilperson
Mike Carpenter, Town Councilperson Vera Howe-Strait, Town Councilperson Beth McGee, Town
Highway Superintendent Barry Rollins, Town Clerk Alice Linton.
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:
Brandon McGee, of 336 Enfield Main Road, stated he has been employed by the Town of Enfield
Highway Department for 6 years. He went to work for the town because the benefits were good. He
believed that free health insurance would be part of his benefits package as long as he was employed
by the town. He is concerned that the town is asking him to pay 5% of his health insurance next
year, and that in following years he may be asked to pay 10% and then 15%.
Gabe Newhart, of 183 Griffen Road, stated he is employed by the Town of Enfield Highway
Department and disagrees with employees paying 5% of their health insurance. If the town wants to
charge employees, they should start with new hires.
Jon Hubbell, of 59 Harvey Hill Road, is retired from the Town of Enfield Highway Department. He
knows it is important to save money, but feels there are ways to save other than charging retirees for
part of their health insurance.
Betty Poole of 239 North VanDorn Road spoke on behalf of retired employees of the Enfield
Highway Department. Her husband is a retiree of the Town of Enfield Highway Department.
Information that the town was considering having retirees pay 5% of their health insurance was
brought to their attention one week ago. The town doesn't offer any other benefits to employees. She
would like the town board to reconsider their decision, and suggested that if they wish to change the
town policy, they keep things the way they are for retired and current employees, and state
employees hired on or after the date of the change would be responsible to pay a percentage of their
health care coverage.
Approval of Minutes: Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson McGee to accept
the minutes of the October 8, 2014 regular meeting.
Vote: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait
aye, Councilperson McGee aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Carried
Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson McGee to accept the minutes of the
October 22, 2014 public hearing and special meeting.
Vote: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait
aye, Councilperson McGee aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Carried
Budget Amendments:
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, November 12, 2014 2
Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson Bryant to approve Budget Amendment
#2014-30.
BA#2014-30 Highway Repairs
WHEREAS, the Highway Superintendent has had unexpected repair costs to the excavator, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, that Highway Fund line item DA9950.9, titled “Equipment Reserve” be reduced by
$11,700.00 and Highway Fund line item DA5130.4, titled “Machinery Contractual” be increased by
$11,700.
Vote: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait
aye, Councilperson McGee aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Carried
Audit Claims:
Councilperson Carpenter moved, with a second by Councilperson Howe-Strait to authorize the
supervisor to pay General Fund vouchers #285 to #330 dated November 12, 2014 in the amount of
$27,366.73 and Highway Fund vouchers #180 to #198 dated November 12, 2014 in the amount of
$29,393.40.
Vote: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait
aye, Councilperson McGee aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Carried
Volunteers of the Month: Lauren Saltzman, the Enfield Youth Program manager, nominated
several youth who helped out at the Enfield Harvest Festival held on October 4, 2014. These youth
helped from Tuesday through Friday prior to the Festival preparing pumpkins, baking and frosting
cakes, washing potatoes and cooking. During the Festival on Saturday, they ran games for younger
children.
Supervisor Rider stated she would be adding an item to the agenda at this time, the Black Oak
Wind Farm Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS).
Kathy Spencer of LaBella, the town engineering firm for the Black Oak Wind Farm, gave an update
on the project. She stated there are four purposes of the FEIS. The first is to discuss any changes to
the project since the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was written. The second is to
talk about additional studies or additional information that has come to light since the DEIS was
written. The third is to list and identify any corrections to the DEIS. The fourth is to respond to
comments that were made during the public hearing, or in letters.
In accepting this FEIS tonight, if the board decides to do so, it will complete the environmental
impact statement. It will be one step away from completing the State Environmental Quality Review
(SEQR) regulated process. The DEIS was authored by the project applicant, Black Oak Wind Farm,
LLC. The FEIS is authored by the Enfield Town Board. It was written by LaBella on behalf of the
town and should reflect the board's objective analysis of the potential impacts. LaBella believes the
FEIS is complete, factually accurate, and a good objective representation of potential impacts.
LaBella went through the document with the town's attorney for wind farm matters, Frank Pavia,
Esq., of Harris Beach. He reviewed the document, made a few comments, changes were made, and
he has now accepted and approved the document before the board.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, November 12, 2014 3
If the Enfield Town Board approves the FEIS, the last step in the SEQR process is to prepare a
Findings Statement. Frank Pavia, Esq. of Harris Beach will prepare this document. The Statement of
Findings will be the rationale behind the town's decision to approve or not approve the Black Oak
Wind Farm Project.
Councilperson McGee stated she felt comments have been thoughtfully addressed.
Dan Walker, chair of the Planning Board, feels this is a complete analysis, but final details of the
actual construction will be in the Findings Statement which will include storm water management
plans and a Road Use Agreement.
County Legislator's Report: Dave McKenna, one of our county legislators, reported the
preliminary county budget has been prepared with a 2.5% increase, and will be going to public
hearing. A 1% reduction across the board resulted in the county being able to stay under the tax cap
without eliminating any jobs.
Highway Superintendent's Report: Highway Superintendent Rollins reported the excavator has
been repaired and is working after 3 weeks of being down. The crew is changing over for winter and
doing routine maintenance on trucks. Delivery of logs and stumps from the flooding in 2013, that
were at the highway facility, was completed on Monday with help from New York State. Wood was
delivered to 11 locations. New York State will have their loader and an employee available for one
more day so the remaining pile can be sorted and cleaned up.
Code Enforcement Report: Code Enforcement Officer Alan Teeter reported in October there were
8 building permits issued, with 3 being for solar units and 1 being for a new home, bringing the year
to date total to 67 (13 new homes). There was 1 certificate of occupancy issued, 2 certificates of
completion issued, 15 inspections completed, 28 progress checks completed, 1 fire and safety
inspection completed for a public assembly and 2 valid complaints received with 1 being resolved.
There were also 2 house numbers issued. Unity House is converting a home into semi-permanent
housing with 3 bedrooms for residents.
Town Supervisor's Report: No report.
Committee Reports:
Planning Board: Chair Dan Walker reported they had no plans to review this month and continue to
work on the Sub-Division Law.
Cemetery Committee: Supervisor Rider reported a bill has been received from Agway for the new
lawn mower.
Comprehensive Plan Writing Committee: Councilperson McGee reported the committee continues
to work on the Land Use Section and plans to have it complete by the end of December.
Enfield Community Council: No report.
Recreation Partnership: Carolyn Tschanz reported the IPlayBook for winter is out. Registration and
payments can now be submitted on-line. The Partnership has prepared their budget with a 3%
increase. This was accomplished by cutting several programs that had low attendance. The
contributions from Enfield will remain about the same at approximately $5,000.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, November 12, 2014 4
County Youth Board: No report.
Enfield Volunteer Fire Company: No report.
Tompkins County Health Insurance Consortium: Supervisor Rider reported the consortium is
moving along with their new executive director and presentations.
Facilities Manager: No report.
Aquifer Study Fundraising Group: Councilperson Howe-Strait reported the group met to discuss
fundraising. They hope to raise another $1,100 to bring their total to $10,000.
Facilities Development Committee: No report.
Tompkins County Council of Governments: Supervisor Rider reported discussions of shared
services continue. Recently a meeting was held on Information Technology sharing.
Old Business:
Disposing of Excess Town Properties: Supervisor Rider has not heard back from T.G. Miller on
surveying two town parcels. She will check with them to see what the status is. There has been
preliminary talk with TCAT about a Park and Ride, but the survey needs to be completed before
they proceed. There has been an offer on the old gas pumps at the Ithaca Antique Center.
Securing the Old Highway Facility: Councilperson Carpenter has a list of items to be completed to
make the facility secure for winter, functional and looking good. He would like to see the
procurement policy changed before moving ahead.
Procuring a New Loader for the Highway Department: Town Highway Superintendent Rollins has
provided 3 estimates, that included trade-in value of the old loader, for a new loader for the highway
department. The old loader was repaired at a cost of $300 and is now running, although the
transmission is slipping. If the budget passes, a new loader will be purchased next year. He will
consider whether to trade-in the old loader or send it to auction in the spring.
Adopting the 2015 Final Town Budget: Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson
Howe-Strait to adopt Resolution #2014-43.
RESOLUTION #2014-43 CHANGES MADE FROM THE 2015 PRLIMINARY
BUDGET TO THE FINAL BUDGET
WHEREAS, new information has been gathered during the budgeting process, the following
changes should be made to the 2015 final budget:
A1110.22 should be increased from $00.00 to $7,151.44
A1480.4 should be decreased from $400.00 to $00.00
A7550.4 to be increased by $2,000.00 to $2,000.00
A7555.1 to be increased by $1,200.00 to $1,200.00
A7555.4 to be increased by $1,500.00 to $ $1,500.00
A9060.81 to be increased by $3,000.00 to $20,050.00
DA5110.1 to be decreased by $1,000.00 to $190,014.00
Create line DA5110.14 called “Overtime” and increase by $1,000.00
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, November 12, 2014 5
Create line DA5142.14 called “Overtime” and increase by $3,000.00
Increase DA5112.2 by $23,201.80 to $104,102.80
Decrease line DA5142.1 by $3,000.00 to $28,840.00
Create line DA5130.45 called “Diesel & Gas Fuel” and increase by $9,000.00
Decrease line DA5110.4 by $9,000.00 to $188,156.00
Decrease line DA 9040.8 by $25,130.00 to $28,600.00
Increase line DA3501 by $23,201.80 to $104,102.80
Increase line SF9040.8 by $1,520.00 to $25,269.00
Increase line DA9060.8 by $6,350.00 to $66,000.00
The amount of taxes that need to be raised will be $1,041,722.54. This is $ 205,022.00 more than
in the Preliminary Budget.
WHEREAS, the Town of Enfield Board wants to present a full and realistic 2015 budget to
the residents of Enfield, now
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the above changes be incorporated into the 2015
Final Budget and the Final Budget be approved.
Vote: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait
aye, Councilperson McGee aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Carried
New Business:
Updating Procurement Policy: Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson McGee
to approve Resolution #2014-44.
RESOLUTION #2014-44 Procurement Policy
WHEREAS, the procurement policies of local municipalities are controlled by New York
State GML § 103 and can be more restrictive but not less restrictive than this statute and,
WHEREAS, in 2012, the State increased the dollar limits on public works from $20,000 to
$35,000 and
WHEREAS, in 2012 the State increased the individual purchase limits from $10,000 to
$20,000 and
WHEREAS, the Town of Enfield has never amended its local Procurement Policy, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town of Enfield will adopt the current New York State GML §103
limits on public works projects and individual purchase limits.
Discussion: Councilperson Carpenter stated the town's attorney, Guy Krogh, recommended this
change.
Vote: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait
aye, Councilperson McGee aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Carried
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, November 12, 2014 6
Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson Bryant, to approve Resolution #2014-
45.
RESOLUTION #2014-45 Procurement Policy
WHEREAS, Guideline 3 of our Town Procurement policy is outdated, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the current policy will be replaced with the following:
A. All estimated purchases of:
- less than $20,000 but greater than $5,000 requires a written request for a proposal
(RFP) and written/fax quotes from three vendors,
- less than $5,000 but greater than $1,000 requires the approval of the Board
- less than $1,000 is left to the discretion of the purchaser.
B. All estimated public works contracts for:
- less than $35,000 but greater than $20,000 requires a written RFP and quotes/fax from
three vendors,
- less than $20,000 but greater than $5,000 requires a written RFP and quotes/fax from
two vendors, and
- less than $5,000 are left to the discretion of the purchaser.
Any written RFP shall describe the desired goods or services, quality, quantity, timetables, and any
particulars of delivery. The purchaser shall compile a list of all vendors from whom quotes are
offered and/or solicited.
All information gathered in complying with the procedures of this guideline shall be preserved and
the documentation supporting the subsequent purchase of goods or services or a public works
contract will be filed with the Town Clerk.
Discussion: Supervisor Rider stated this policy ups the amounts that were in the policy previously,
plus changes the A - less than $5,000 but greater than $1,000 requires the approval of the Board. It
also clarifies where supporting documentation will be filed and can be changed by resolution.
Councilperson Carpenter added this shows a clear representation of the law and upgrades the town
policy.
Vote: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait
aye, Councilperson McGee aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Carried
Securing the Old Highway Facility: Councilperson Carpenter explained that the new procurement
policies just passed will enable the town to move ahead with securing the old highway facility. He
has a list of jobs that need to be done - some this fall and some can wait until spring. Some bids
may need to be obtained for various parts of the work. He would like to go ahead and get approval
for some of the repair work, and estimated purchases in the less than $5,000 and greater than
$1,000 category and go ahead and make a list for the different people that he would hope to have do
different parts of the job, at least this fall before we have to winterize things. As we get into the
spring, have things that are more pressing to do for long-term work be done. Also, the town now
has a credit card through the Tompkins Trust Company. Town attorney Guy Krogh has advised the
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, November 12, 2014 7
board should have a policy in place of who is authorized to use the credit card and that person(s)
should be bonded.
Councilperson Carpenter moved, with a second by Councilperson Bryant to authorize the town
supervisor and deputy town supervisor to use the town credit card for town purchases that are in
keeping with current policies.
Vote: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait
aye, Councilperson McGee aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Carried
Councilperson McGee would like to have several bids for work that needs to be done.
Supervisor Rider asked if Councilperson Carpenter would now be able to go ahead with getting
some work accomplished, in particular the water heater. Councilperson Carpenter stated he would.
Employees Paying 5% of Insurance Premium: Supervisor Rider confirmed that employees will not
be asked to pay 5% of their health insurance premium this year. She spoke with county personnel
who suggested a policy be developed where new employees would pay a portion of their health
insurance premium, but current and retired employees should be grandfathered in and not pay a
portion of their premium.
Betty Poole stated she would be happy to serve on a committee to revise the employee manual.
Acceptance of Final Environmental Impact Statement of the Black Oak Wind Farm
Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson Bryant to accept Resolution #2014-46.
Resolution #2014-46 SEQRA FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
WHEREAS, a predecessor-in-interest of Black Oak Wind Farm, LLC (the “Project Sponsor”)
filed a site plan application with the Town Board of the Town of Enfield (the “Town Board”)
pursuant to the Town of Enfield’s Wind Energy Facilities Local Law #1 of 2009 for the
development of a wind-powered generating facility to be located on leased private lands located
within the Town of Enfield (the “Project”); and
WHEREAS, on June 9, 2010, the Town Board passed a resolution accepting its role as Lead
Agency pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act, and its implementing
regulations at 6 N.Y.C.R.R. Part 617 (collectively referred to as "SEQRA"), in order to complete an
environmental impact assessment of the Project; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to its June 9, 2010 resolution, the Town Board issued a positive
declaration pursuant to SEQRA requiring the preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact
Statement (“DEIS”) for the Project; and
WHEREAS, on June 12, 2013, a DEIS was accepted by the Town Board as complete; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board conducted the requisite public comment period pursuant to the
SEQRA regulations in order to receive public input on the DEIS and the Project; and
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, November 12, 2014 8
WHEREAS, upon completing the public comment period for the DEIS, the Town Board
authorized the preparation of a Final Environmental Impact Statement (“FEIS”) for the Project; and
WHEREAS, a FEIS has been prepared for the Project which has been reviewed and
deliberated upon by the Town Board.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE TOWN BOARD
OF THE TOWN OF ENFIELD AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Pursuant to 6 N.Y.C.R.R. § 617.9 of the SEQRA regulations, the Town Board
accepts the FEIS as complete and directs that copies of the FEIS be provided to all involved and
interested agencies, as well as to any individual requesting a copy. The Town Board further directs
that copies of the FEIS be posted on the website located at www.blackoakwindny.com and
maintained at the Town Hall offices for public review.
Section 2. The Town Board shall prepare, file, and publish a notice of completion of the
FEIS in accordance with 6 N.Y.C.R.R. §§ 617.9(a)(6) and 617.12 of the SEQRA regulations.
Section 3. Pursuant to 6 N.Y.C.R.R. § 617.11 of the SEQRA regulations, interested and
involved agencies, as well as the public, shall be afforded ten (10) calendar days to consider the
FEIS prior to the Town Board adopting its SEQRA findings statement for the Project.
Section 4. The Town Board further directs that notice of this resolution shall be filed and
circulated to the extent required by any applicable ordinance, statute or regulation.
Section 5. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
Vote: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait
aye, Councilperson McGee aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Carried
Host Community Agreement: Councilperson McGee reminded the board that she feels a one-time
payment of $15,000 could be negotiated. She would like a time to discuss possibilities for using
these funds at a future meeting. Supervisor Rider has some ideas for the $15,000, but would like to
hear ideas from others. She will put this on the next agenda for discussion.
Additional Employee Benefits Offered by Colonial: Supervisor Rider has been asked for
permission to have highway employees hear a presentation by Colonial, on company time, on
additional benefits they can purchase.
Highway Superintendent Rollins reminded the board during working hours he assigns the work for
highway employees. If someone would like him to pass information on to employees, he will do
that and employees can meet with representatives on their time.
Adjournment: Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson McGee to adjourn at 9:38
p.m. Carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Alice Linton, Enfield Town Clerk
Town of Enfield
Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes
Enfield Community Building
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
6:30 p.m.
Present: Town Supervisor Ann Rider, Town Councilperson Mike Carpenter, Town Councilperson
Vera Howe-Strait, Town Councilperson Beth McGee, Town Clerk Alice Linton. Town
Councilperson Virginia Bryant excused.
Supervisor Rider opened the regular meeting at 6:35 p.m. by leading the assemblage in the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag.
Privilege of the Floor:
Walter Smithers of 320 Enfield Main Road stated his background is in solid waste and because of
that he is aware of Host Community Agreements around the state. He has done some research
regarding Wind Farm Host Community Agreements. Although information was difficult to obtain
for smaller towns, the Town of Cohocton information was available. They have received a
substantial sum of money for several years, and he feels Enfield should look further into the Host
Agreement with the Black Oak Wind Farm before making a final determination.
Approval of Minutes: Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson Howe-Strait to
accept the minutes of the November 12, 2014 regular meeting.
Vote: Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson McGee
aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Councilperson Bryant excused. Carried
Correspondence: Supervisor Rider reported she received an answer from the Internal Revenue
Service regarding a fine for late filing in June, 2014. The issue has been resolved and no fine is due.
Budget Amendments:
Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson McGee to approve Budget Amendment
#2014-31.
Budget Amendment #2014-31 Aquifer Study
WHEREAS, line item A1620.41 titled “Buildings-Aquifer Study" was $149.40 more than budgeted,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that line A1910.4 titled “Unallocated Insurance” be reduced by $149.40 and line
A1620.41 be increased by $149.40.
Vote: Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson McGee
aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Councilperson Bryant excused. Carried
Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson Howe-Strait to approve Budget
Amendment #2014-32.
Budget Amendment #2014-32 Supervisor - Contractual
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, December 10, 2014 2
WHERAS, line A1220.41 titled “ Supervisor – Contractual” is overdrawn by $75.80, now therefore
be it
RESOLVED that line A 1990.4 titled “Contingent Account” be reduced by $300.00 and line
A1220.41 be increased by $300.00.
Vote: Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson McGee
aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Councilperson Bryant excused. Carried
Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson Howe-Strait to approve Budget
Amendment #2014-33.
Budget Amendment # 2014-33 Court Clerk Salary
WHEREAS, line A1110.13 titled “Justices- Personnel Service-Court Clerk” is overdrawn by
$918.82 and there is one more payroll this year, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that line item A1990.4 titled “Contingent Account” be reduced by $1,850.00 and line
A1110.13 be increased by $1,850.00.
Discussion: Supervisor Rider explained the math done in January to figure monthly payroll amounts
was incorrect.
Councilperson McGee questioned if this additional amount would equal what the actual annual salary
was supposed to be for the entire year.
Supervisor Rider stated at the end of November this line was overdrawn by $918.82 and there is one
more payroll.
Vote: Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson McGee
aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Councilperson Bryant excused. Carried
Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson Carpenter to approve Budget Amendment
#2014-34.
Budget Amendment #2014-34 Bookkeeper - Contractual
WHEREAS, line A1220.42 titled “Supervisor-Contractual (Bookkeeper)” is overdrawn by $378.78,
now therefore be it
RESOVED, that line item A1990.4 titled “Contingent Account” be reduced by $380.00 and line
A1220.42 be increased by $380.00.
Discussion: Supervisor Rider explained the bookkeeper needed to purchase more envelopes, paper
and stamps.
Vote: Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson McGee
aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Councilperson Bryant excused. Carried
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, December 10, 2014 3
Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson Carpenter, to approve Budget
Amendment #2014-35.
Budget Amendment #2014-35 Town Clerk - Contractual
WHEREAS, line A1410.4 titled “Town Clerk – Contractual” is overdrawn by $58.89, now therefore
be it
RESOLVED, that line item A1410.2 titled “Town Clerk – Equipment” be reduced by $58.89 and
line A1410.4 be increased by $58.89.
Discussion: Supervisor Rider stated there was nothing taken from the equipment line for a new
laptop. Town Clerk Linton stated the purchase of a new laptop should have come from the equipment
line. Money had been transferred from Town Clerk - Contractual to Town Clerk - Equipment to cover
the cost of the laptop.
Vote: Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson McGee
aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Councilperson Bryant excused. Carried
Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson Carpenter, to approve Budget Amendment
#2014-36.
Budget Amendment #2014-36 Superintendent of Highways - Contractual
WHEREAS, line item A5010.4 titled “Supt. of Highways-Contractual” is overdrawn by $165.00,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that line item A5132.4 titled “Garage-Contractual” be reduced by $165.00 and line
item A5010.4 be increased by $165.00.
Vote: Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson McGee
aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Councilperson Bryant excused. Carried
Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson Carpenter to approve Budget Amendment
#2014-37.
Budget Amendment #2014-37 New Lawnmower
WHEREAS, the Cemetery Committee has recommended that the Town of Enfield purchase a zero-
turn lawn mower for maintenance and that the General Fund contribute 1/3 of the cost and the
Cemetery Fund contribute 2/3 of the cost and
WHEREAS, line item A8810.2 titled “Cemeteries, Equipment” was only budgeted for $300, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, that line item A8160.4 titled “Refuse & Garbage” be reduced by $1,541.00 and line
item A8810.2 be increased by $1,541.00 and $3,980.00 from the Cemetery Fund be used to cover the
cost of this purchase.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, December 10, 2014 4
Vote: Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson McGee
aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Councilperson Bryant excused. Carried
Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson Carpenter to approve Budget Amendment
#2014-38.
Budget Amendment #2014-38 Cemeteries - Contractual
WHEREAS, line item A8810.4 titled “Cemeteries-Contractual” is overdrawn by $78.94 now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, that line item A8160.4 titled “Refuse and Garbage-Contractual” be reduced by $78.94
and line item A8810.4 be increased by $78.94.
Vote: Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson McGee
aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Councilperson Bryant excused. Carried
Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson Carpenter, to approve Budget Amendment
#2014-39.
Budget Amendment #2014-39 Machinery - Contractual
WHEREAS, line item DA5130.4 titled “Machinery - Contractual” is overdrawn by $747.88, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, that line item DA 5110.4 titled “General Repairs - Contractual” be reduced by $748.00
and line DA5130.4 be increased by $748.00.
Vote: Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson McGee
aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Councilperson Bryant excused. Carried
Audit Claims:
Councilperson Carpenter moved, with a second by Councilperson Howe-Strait to authorize the
supervisor to pay General Fund vouchers #331 to #358 dated December 10, 2014 in the amount of
$32,499.85 and Highway Fund vouchers #199 to #216 dated December 10, 2014 in the amount of
$28,799.74.
Discussion: Councilperson McGee asked when escrow funds would be received from the
Black Oak Wind Farm to cover expenses incurred. Supervisor Rider will clarify what amount is
needed from the Black Oak Wind Farm and notify them.
Vote: Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson McGee
aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Councilperson Bryant excused. Carried
Supervisor's Report: Supervisor Rider reported she attended the November TCCOG meeting, a
training on facilitating effective participation in public meetings along with Councilpersons McGee
and Bryant, a TCAD board meeting, a meeting to begin drafting a local Emergency Management
Plan, and a meeting regarding planned stream ameliorations parallel to Trumbulls Corners Road.
She met with John Rancich, Walt and June Smithers and Nick Pellegrino to discuss purchase of
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, December 10, 2014 5
town land, TG Miller to discuss surveys of 2 town parcels, and insurance agent regarding 2015
property insurance and Worker's Compensation policy. She also reported she has sealed copies of
survey maps from TG Miller showing boundary lines that determine Nick Pellegrino has 6-8 cars
parked on town property.
County Legislator's Report: No report.
Highway Superintendent's Report: No report.
Code Enforcement Report: Code Enforcement Officer Alan Teeter submitted his report showing
in November there were 9 building permits issued or renewed, bringing the year to date total to 75.
There were 2 certificates of occupancy issued, 1 certificate of completion issued, 9 inspections
completed, 18 progress checks completed, 3 fire and safety inspections completed for public
assemblies, 1 fire and safety inspection for general occupancies, and 1 complaint resolved. There
was also 1 house number issued.
Committee Reports:
Planning Board: Chair Dan Walker reported planning board member Dawn George's term ends
December 31, 2014 and notified the town board she would like to be reappointed for another term.
The planning board has recommended Dawn George be reappointed.
Supervisor Rider felt the transparent way to approach this would be to accept resumes for the
position.
Dan Walker also noted they may devote a few meetings to do web-based training as a group to meet
training requirements. He reported the planning board would like to move ahead with the sub-
division regulations and has them ready to present to the town board. The only change they made
was defining sub-divisions requiring approval as 3 lots or more.
Supervisor Rider will put the sub-division discussion on the town board agenda for January.
Cemetery Committee: No report.
Comprehensive Plan Writing Committee: Councilperson McGee reported the next meeting will be
held December 11 to discuss sections and see if there are any missing. Land Use drafts are finishing
up.
Enfield Community Council: No report.
Recreation Partnership: No report.
County Youth Board: No report.
Enfield Volunteer Fire Company: Fire Chief Roger Lauper submitted his report showing there were
28 total calls for November. These included 1 fire, 11 EMS, 3 MVA, 3 hazardous conditions, 4
service calls, 1 good intent, 1 false alarm, 4 mutual aide. Trainings for December include small
engines and equipment; work detail; biological terrorism of Ebola, given by Homeland Security and
open to all county fire and EMS personnel. The Enfield Fire Department was the recipient of a grant
from the Ithaca franchise of Firehouse Subs to purchase 1,600' of 5" hose and 400' of 2.5" hose.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, December 10, 2014 6
Tompkins County Health Insurance Consortium: No report.
Facilities Manager: No report.
Aquifer Study Fundraising Group: No report.
Facilities Development Committee: No report.
Tompkins County Council of Governments: Supervisor Rider reported next Thursday Barbara
Lifton and Tom O'Mara will meet with TCCOG.
Old Business:
Disposing of Excess Town Properties: Supervisor Rider stated TG Miller has completed their
survey on both properties. She would like to entertain purchase offers for both properties and have
the option to employ a real estate agent. Councilperson Carpenter felt this was a good idea and felt
the $10,000 figure discussed at the last meeting was a fair value for the gravel bank property.
Councilperson Carpenter would like to see a purchase offer from any interested parties, and then a
price can be discussed once relevant details have been presented. Any offer would need to be subject
to a permissive referendum.
Supervisor Rider will meet with John Rancich again to discuss sale of property across from the town
hall and a possible TCAT Park and Ride. If the town feels the building on this lot is historic, it will
need to be moved before a Park and Ride can be established on that property. Councilperson Howe-
Strait feels the length of a lease with TCAT is also an issue that needs to be addressed.
Councilperson Carpenter noted that the assessed value of the property across from the town hall is
$5,000. Supervisor Rider feels it needs to be clearly stated the town board is entertaining purchase
offers on these 2 parcels.
Councilperson McGee suggested the town might want to keep the property and make arrangements
with TCAT for a Park and Ride. Supervisor Rider stated she has not yet asked Trevor McDonald,
who owns adjoining property, if he is interested in purchasing the property.
If the town kept the property and allowed a Park and Ride, Supervisor Rider would make sure there
was a lease signed between the Town of Enfield and TCAT. There were concerns expressed about
who would be responsible for plowing snow in the Park and Ride area, no matter who the owner of
the property is.
Securing the Old Highway Facility: Councilperson Carpenter stated Norm Smith plans to install a
new door and frame at the town hall next week. He plans to use the panic bar from the old door on
the new door. A heat lamp is now being used to heat a box around the hot water heater, but an old
furnace still needs to be removed. An alarm system has been installed at town hall.
Black Oak Wind Farm Community Host Agreement: Councilperson McGee stated she would like
more research before moving ahead with an agreement. Councilperson Carpenter questioned if
$15,000 was a fair value. Supervisor Rider reminded everyone that it is not mandatory for the Black
Oak Wind Farm to give the town anything. Councilperson McGee will research other communities
with wind farms in New York State and see what their Community Host Agreements and annual
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, December 10, 2014 7
Payments In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) are. After the research is done, the town board can discuss
what they would like to ask the Black Oak Wind Farm for in terms of a Community Host
Agreement.
New Business:
Findings Statement for the Black Oak Wind Farm: Supervisor Rider stated the draft Findings
Statement has not been received by the town yet. Cornell University will be the purchaser of power
from the Black Oak Wind Farm.
2015 Program of Work: Supervisor Rider asked board members to comment on what they would
like to see accomplished in 2015.
Councilperson Howe-Strait would like to see enough funds provided for the Aquifer Study so the
contract doesn't have to be extended.
Supervisor Rider would like to complete a local emergency management plan.
Councilperson McGee would like a FEMA plan completed. She would also like to see the old
highway facility painted, the town clerk's office updated, selling of town property completed, an
audit completed by the New York State Comptroller's Office or a private accounting firm, the
handbook and policies book updated, a building use policy put in place and research started for
potential grants and cost for a new municipal services building.
Councilperson Carpenter would like to look at the two old buildings (old highway facility/town hall
and community building) and get a sense of how to get the most bang for the town's buck - improve
or build new. He would also like to see the Comprehensive Plan completed by the end of 2015.
Local Junk Car Law: Councilperson McGee was advised by a local resident to contact the New
York State Code Enforcement Regional Director for information. It appears the Town of Enfield
Local Law of 1994 has been superseded by New York State Law. Our local law can only be more
strict than the state. By not doing anything, the town has accepted the state code. It appears the
Enfield Code Enforcement Officer can issue a notice of violation if a complaint is filed with him. If
violations can be observed from a public way, then the Code Officer can issue a violation and
follow state and local procedures on enforcement without a complaint being filed.
Councilperson Carpenter feels the town must be careful about selective enforcement. He would like
to see the Enfield Code Enforcement Officer instructed on how to proceed. He will check with
town attorney, Guy Krogh, to see if the town's junk car law should be rescinded, even though it is
no longer valid.
Town Newsletter: Currently the Town of Enfield newsletter is sent with the Enfield Community
Council newsletter. The post office has sent notification that the town's portion cannot be sent at the
not-for-profit rate.
Councilperson Carpenter moved, with a second by Councilperson McGee to continue sending the
Town of Enfield newsletter with the Enfield Community Council newsletter and pay the additional
postage of approximately $118 per newsletter.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, December 10, 2014 8
Vote: Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson McGee
aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Councilperson Bryant excused. Carried
Planning Board: Councilperson Carpenter asked the town board to decide how to deal with the
opening on the planning board as of January 1, 2015. Supervisor Rider stated she would like to
proceed the same as last year by asking anyone interested to submit a letter of interest by January 7,
2015.
Haefele Franchise Fee: Councilperson McGee contacted Jeff Golden at Haefele. It appears at this
time there is a 0% franchise fee in exchange for free service. There is a discrepancy of how they
describe free service. Haefele feels only free cable service is to be provided, not phone and internet.
At this time the Town of Enfield pays about $6,000 per year to Haefele for service.
Adjournment: Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson Carpenter to adjourn at
9:30 p.m. Carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Alice Linton, Enfield Town Clerk