HomeMy WebLinkAbout7-9-14 Regular Meeting.pdf
Town of Enfield
Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes
Enfield Community Building
Wednesday, July 9, 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 meeting at 6:32 p.m. by leading the assemblage in the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag.
Supervisor Rider added three items to the agenda under new business: Youth Development
Program State Aid Funding, Change of Banks, Recreation Partnership.
Privilege of the Floor: Marguerite Wells, Project Manager of the Black Oak Wind Farm gave an
update on the project. The final Environmental Impact Plan will soon be ready for formal
submission. The public investment round will begin in the next three weeks. Historical consultants
have recommended a public good work to mitigate the loss of views. Black Oak Wind Farm is
planning to donate $15,000 to the town for that purpose. The State Historic Preservation Office will
have input into what project will be funded. Tompkins County Area Development has received a
formal application for Payment in Lieu of Taxes. A public hearing will be held on this in the near
future.
Approval of Minutes: Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson Carpenter to
accept the minutes of the June 11, 2014 meeting.
Vote: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye,
Councilperson McGee aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Carried.
Correspondence: Request for a donation from Mercy Flight Central which provides emergency
helicopter transport. They are located in Canandaigua, New York.
Budget Amendments:
Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson Carpenter to approve Budget
Amendment #2014-20.
BA#2014-20 AMENDED CHIPS FUNDS IN 2014 BUDGET
WHEREAS, the Governor and the New York State Legislature have reached an agreement on an
increased Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) and
WHEREAS, this will mean an increased amount of money to the Town of Enfield, now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, that the following amendments be done to the 2014 budget:
Under Highway Revenues, line DA3501 be increased to $104,102.80 from $80,901.00,
AND FURTHER RESOLVED, under Appropriations Highway, line DA5112.2 is increased to
$104,102.80 from $80,901.00, an approximate $23,200 increase.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, July 9, 2014 2
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 Bryant, to approve Budget Amendment
#2014-21.
BA#2014-21 CHIPS ONE TIME EXTREME WINTER RECOVERY PAYMENT
WHEREAS, the Governor and the New York State Legislature have reached an agreement on a
special one-time allocation for extreme winter recovery to help local governments make necessary
repairs to highways and bridges following the year’s exceptionally harsh winter and
WHEREAS, this will mean an increased amount of money to the Town of Enfield, now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED that the following amendments be done to the 2014 budget:
Under Highway Revenues, line DA3501.2 entitled “One time extreme winter recovery payment” be
created and $12,392.24 added to this line,
AND FURTHER RESOLVED that the 2014 Appropriations Highway Budget be amended to add
line DA 5112.3 entitled “One time extreme winter recovery work”,
AND FURTHER RESOLVED that line item DA5112.3 entitled “One time extreme winter
recovery work” be increased by $12,392.24.
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 Howe-Strait to approve Budget
Amendment #2014-22
BA#2014-22 HIGHWAY REPAIRS
WHEREAS, the highway department has experienced an extreme increase in the amount of
repairs, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Highway Fund line DA5110.4 entitled “General Repairs Contractual” be
decreased by $10,000, and that line DA9950.9 entitled “Equipment Reserve” be decreased by
$15,000,
AND FURTHER RESOLVED, that Highway Fund line DA5130.4 entitled “Machinery
Contractual” be increased by $25,000.
Discussion: Highway Superintendent Rollins explained the cost of repairs, which included new
loader tires, has been more than budgeted for. He feels this fund transfer should be good through
the end of the year. He also mentioned that for the last four years approximately $10,000 - $15,000
has been transferred each year to cover repairs.
Vote: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye,
Councilperson McGee aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Carried.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, July 9, 2014 3
Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson Howe-Strait to approve Budget
Amendment #2014-23.
BA#2014-23 BUDGET SCHOOL
WHEREAS, expenses have exceeded the budget line A1220.41 entitled “Supervisor-Contractual”,
now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the General Fund Account, line item A1990.4, entitled “Contingent
Fund”, be decreased by $1,000 and General Fund Account, line item A1220.41 be increased by
$1,000.
Discussion: Supervisor Rider stated these funds were partially needed for her to attend budget
school.
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 Howe-Strait to approve Budget
Amendment #2014-24.
BA#2014-24 BOOKKEEPER EXPENSES
WHEREAS, expenses have exceeded the budget line A1220.42 entitled “Supervisor-Contractual
(Bookkeeper)”, now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the General Fund Account, line item A1990.4, entitled “Contingent
Fund”, be decreased by $2,725.00 and General Fund Account, line item A1220.42 be increased by
$2,725.00.
Discussion: Supervisor Rider stated these funds were partially needed for the Williamson Law
Payroll Program and for postage.
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 Howe-Strait to approve Budget
Amendment #2014-25.
BA#2014-25 WITHDRAWN
WHEREAS, expenses have exceeded the budget line A5132.4 entitled “Garage-Contractual”, now
therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the General Fund Account, line item A1990.4, entitled “Contingent
Fund”, be decreased by $1,600 and General Fund Account, line item A1990.4 be increased by
$1,600.
Discussion: It was brought to Supervisor Rider's attention that line item A5132.4 was the line item
to be increased.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, July 9, 2014 4
Supervisor Rider amended her motion, with a second by Councilperson Carpenter to the
following:
WHEREAS, expenses have exceeded the budget line A5132.4 entitled “Garage-Contractual”, now
therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the General Fund Account, line item A1990.4, entitled “Contingent
Fund”, be decreased by $1,600 and General Fund Account, line item A5132.4 be increased by
$1,600.
Discussion: Highway Superintendent Rollins stated this fund was for rags and coveralls and it
should not be overdrawn at this point in the year.
Supervisor Rider withdrew her motion to further investigate why the budget line was overdrawn.
Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson McGee, to approve Budget Amendment
#2014-25
BA#2014-25 PLANNING BOARD TRAINING
WHEREAS, expenses have exceeded the budget line A8020.12 entitled “Planning-Personnel
Services”, now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the General Fund Account, line item A1990.4, entitled “Contingent
Fund”, be decreased by $500.00 and General Fund Account, line item A8020.12 be increased by
$500.00.
Discussion: Supervisor Rider stated these funds were used for Planning Board member training.
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 Bryant to authorize the
supervisor to pay General Fund vouchers #186 to #207 dated July 9, 2014 in the amount of
$13,883.14 and Highway Fund vouchers #114 to #141 dated July 9, 2014 in the amount of
$51,980.78.
Vote: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye,
Councilperson McGee aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Carried.
County Legislator's Report: No report.
Highway Superintendent's Report: Highway Superintendent Rollins stated he prepared a revised
Agreement for the Expenditure of Highway Moneys. This Agreement was then signed by all
members of the board and will be on file at the town clerk's office. Work on VanDorn Road will be
cut from one mile to one-half mile. He reported two air conditioners were purchased from Home
Depot and installed Monday in his office and the break room. Storm damage from July 8 was
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, July 9, 2014 5
minimal, but is requiring some clean-up. Colegrove Road will be paved this week and will be
closed to through traffic.
Superintendent Rollins asked the board to consider changing his phone system from Haefele to
Verizon. When there is no electricity, there is no phone. This in turn triggers a call to AlarmTech.
He also requested a generator to be used when there is no power. If this was a trailer type, it could
be used at some job sites also.
Councilperson Carpenter would like to schedule several items to be upgraded at the new highway
facility, but this will cost some money. He feels a long-term plan is needed for both the building
and equipment.
Code Enforcement Report: Code Enforcement Officer Alan Teeter was not present, but his
written report stated in June there were 9 building permits issued, with 2 being for new homes,
bringing the year to date total to 31. There were 15 inspections completed, 21 progress checks
completed, 2 complaints received and resolved.
Town Supervisor's Report: Supervisor Rider stated she participated in a NYSEG conference call
regarding power outages from the recent storm, submitted the financial report to Standard and Poor
for the bond rating, met and communicated with TCAT regarding the Park and Ride issues,
researched taking firewood from town property, attended a Tompkins County Council of
Governments meeting, attended a Shared Services meeting in response to the governor's request,
read the NYS Supreme Court of Appeals decision on the Town of Dryden hydrofracking issue and
upholding home rule.
Committee Reports:
Planning Board: No report.
Comprehensive Plan Writing Committee: Councilperson McGee reported the committee has
decided to start working on the land use section of the Comprehensive Plan first, as they continue to
figure out the process to be used.
Enfield Community Council: No report.
Recreation Partnership: Carolyn Tschanz reported it is budget time, and she needs to have a general
sense if the town board is in agreement with the proposed increases. The program provides services
through the Ithaca Youth Bureau and serves over 100 Enfield youth each year. The three percent
increase proposed would include some cuts to the program. The town board felt that at a little under
$50 per child, the program should continue to be supported.
County Youth Board: No report.
Enfield Volunteer Fire Company: Chief Roger Lauper was not present, but submitted his report
showing there were 14 calls in June which included 8 rescue calls, 1 motor vehicle accident, 1
outside rubbish fire, 1 mutual aid call, 1 hazardous condition, and 2 false alarms. Trainings for June
included outside work details and motor vehicle extrication. First Due Services Company tested all
of the fire house. There was 300' of 5" hose that failed the testing. Thanks to Jean Owens' diligent
work over the past 6 months, EVFC was awarded a grant from Fire House Subs Public Safety
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, July 9, 2014 6
Foundation for 1,600' of LDH Hi-flow 400 with locking storz 5" hose and 400' of Attack-Force
2.5" hose.
Tompkins County Health Insurance Consortium: No report.
Facilities Manager: Councilperson Carpenter reported a new door has not yet been installed at the
town clerk's office, as he is waiting to see if the Enfield Volunteer Fire Company will be leasing the
building and making improvements. Supervisor Rider stated she will call the EVFC to check on the
progress of a proposed lease.
Councilperson Howe-Strait and Councilperson McGee both stated they would like to see a metal
door, as opposed to a wood door, installed at the town hall. There was discussion at the Violence in
the Workplace training about this issue. Councilperson Carpenter will call Sprague Insurance to see
what type of door they recommend.
Aquifer Study Fundraising Group: No report.
Facilities Development Committee: No report.
Tompkins County Council of Governments: Supervisor Rider stated shared services and franchise
agreements with Time Warner / Comcast were discussed at the last meeting.
Old Business:
Audit of Town of Enfield Financial Records: Supervisor Rider stated she received one quote of
between $5,000 and $6,000 to do an audit of the 2013 records by an independent auditor. She also
investigated using the technical assistance of the State Comptroller's Office. They have a regional
office located in Binghamton. Supervisor Rider will call and check to see if the State Comptroller's
Office can help before obtaining further quotes for an audit.
Park and Ride: Supervisor Rider reported the Park and Ride located at the corner of Route 79 and
Route 327, used by riders of Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) has been closed. She
told TCAT they could temporarily use the north side of town hall for a Park and Ride. She has
asked for a written contract for the Park and Ride to continue. There is no bus stop planned at the
new highway facility at this time.
Highway Superintendent Rollins stated there have been previous discussions about having a turn-
around at the new facility, but TCAT dropped the subject. He is concerned about plowing the town
hall parking lot in the winter and where a bus shelter will be located. The stone across the road from
the town hall will be cleared out this summer and that area might work best for a Park and Ride if
owners of the adjoining properties were in favor.
Bev Rollins, resident, stated she feels the safety of the town clerk and others visiting town hall
needs to be considered. With more cars and people coming and going, there are more safety issues
to be considered, and she hopes the town board will address these issues.
Supervisor Rider stated this is a stop gap measure only and she will pursue getting a written
agreement.
Councilperson McGee suggested using the other corner of Routes 79 and 327 as a Park and Ride.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, July 9, 2014 7
Support of Brown Property Transfer: Councilperson Howe-Strait moved, with a second by
Councilperson Bryant, to approve Resolution #2014-34.
Resolution #2014-34 SUPPORT FOR TRANSFER OF BROWN PROPERTY TO NYS
PARKS AND RECREATION
WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Board is supportive of open public space and
WHEREAS, the Brown family is in negotiations with NYS Parks and Recreation regarding
transfer of their land to the Parks system, now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Enfield hereby supports this transfer of land.
Vote: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye,
Councilperson McGee aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Carried.
New Business:
Alarm System for Town Clerk's Office: Town Clerk Alice Linton stated that each year during
the Violence in the Workplace training it has been suggested that there be an alarm system installed
at the town hall. AlarmTech, who has systems in place at both the Enfield Community Building and
the new highway facility, has been contacted to give estimates of possible systems.
SPCA Contract: Supervisor Rider stated all towns in New York State are mandated to provide dog
control services. Enfield's contract with the SPCA ends at the end of 2014.
Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson Carpenter, to authorize the supervisor to
sign the Animal Control Services Agreement between the SPCA of Tompkins County (doing
business as Tompkins County Animal Control) and the Town of Enfield for the period January 1,
2015 through December 31, 2017 at an annual charge for dog control service of $16,737.00.
Discussion: Councilperson McGee asked if there was a way to track usage of dog control services
in Enfield compared to other towns. Supervisor Rider stated she receives a monthly report that
shows services for Enfield only. Dryden, Lansing and Groton do not contract with the SPCA of
Tompkins County.
Supervisor Rider stated the contract mandates that a dog enumeration be done every 5 years in each
town that contracts with them.
Vote: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye,
Councilperson McGee aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Carried.
Policy Regarding Cutting Firewood From Town Property: Supervisor Rider stated she
contacted the town's insurance agent and town attorney regarding this issue. There are liability
issues that need to be addressed, so a contract or permit may be required. There are many large
stumps and trees, so anyone removing the wood would need to use their own equipment.
Supervisor Rider will work at getting a contract for firewood removal and free advertising for
delivery of wood.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, July 9, 2014 8
Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson Bryant to put a notification on free
websites, list serves, and other social media stating the Town of Enfield will deliver, free of charge
within a 10 mile radius, wood from the storm of August, 2013.
Vote: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye,
Councilperson McGee aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Carried.
Youth Development Program State Aid Funding: Supervisor Rider stated last year $877 was
received from the county for youth services. In order for a payment to be received this year, for the
ECC summer camp, we need to sign a contract. The Enfield Community Council president will put
in a claim and the town will receive $877 which is used to offset the contract the town has with the
ECC.
Councilperson Howe-Strait asks if this offsets the contract the town has with ECC. Supervisor
Rider stated it does.
Councilperson Howe-Strait moved, with a second by Councilperson Carpenter, to authorize the
town supervisor to sign the contract to receive $877 for youth development state aid funding
between the County of Tompkins and the Town of Enfield.
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 Howe-Strait to approve Resolution
#2014-35.
Resolution #2014-35 Banking Institutions
WHEREAS, Chase Commercial Online banking has become cumbersome and not responsive to
some of the Town of Enfield's needs, and
WHEREAS, Supervisor Rider has researched two local banks, Chemung Canal Trust and
Tompkins Trust Company, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town of Enfield will use Tompkins Trust Company as its bank and the
supervisor is authorized to complete the necessary paperwork to affect this.
Discussion: Supervisor Rider stated Poney Carpenter researched both Chemung Canal Trust and
Tompkins Trust Company and it appeared Tompkins Trust Company had lower fees and better
service.
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 Bryant to approve Resolution #2014-36.
Resolution #2014-36 Recreational Partnership
WHEREAS, the Town of Enfield has participated in the Recreational Partnership for many years,
and
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, July 9, 2014 9
WHEREAS, this benefits the youth of our community by allowing participation in group sports
and activities at a reduced rate to the family, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town of Enfield will continue to participate in this program for the year
2015 with a fee of $5,299.
Vote: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye,
Councilperson McGee aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Carried.
Adjourn to Executive Session Regarding Communication From Attorney:
Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson Carpenter to move into executive session
with only board members present, regarding a communication from attorney, at 8:50 p.m.
Vote: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye,
Councilperson McGee aye, Supervisor Rider aye. Carried.
By motion of Supervisor Rider and second by Councilperson Carpenter, the executive session
adjourned at 9:05 p.m. Carried.
Adjournment: Supervisor Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson Howe-Strait to adjourn at
9:05 p.m. Carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Alice Linton, Enfield Town Clerk