HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-13-18 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing
Town of Enfield
Regular Town Board Meeting and Public Hearing
Enfield Community Building
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
6:30 p.m.
Present: Town Supervisor Beth McGee, Town Councilperson Virginia Bryant, Town Councilperson Mike
Carpenter, Town Councilperson Mimi Mehaffey, Town Councilperson Becky Sims, Town Clerk Alice
Linton.
Supervisor McGee lead the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag at 6:30 p.m.
Public Hearing – Extension of Local Law #1 of 2017, Moratorium on Commercial Wind and Solar
Development:
Councilperson Sims read the Notice of Public Hearing that was published in the Ithaca Journal. Supervisor
McGee asked if anyone would like to speak at the public hearing.
Marcus Gingerich of Enfield encouraged the Board to put the extension in place. A lot of work has already
been done on drafting wind and solar laws, but there is still more work to be done before the laws are put in
place.
Supervisor McGee asked if anyone else would like to speak. Hearing no one, the public hearing was closed
at 6:35 p.m.
Additions and Removals from the Agenda: Councilperson Sims asked to have discussion of the Enfield
Food Pantry moved up on the agenda, as many residents were in attendance for that item. Discussion was
moved until after the consent agenda. Supervisor McGee asked to remove the budget amendment for
newsletter funds, add a resolution regarding support of Tompkins County’s Proclamation of LGBTQ+ Pride
Month, and a budget amendment for cemetery equipment.
Privilege of the Floor:
Natasha Thompson of Newfield, president of the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, stated the Enfield Food
Pantry was a partner agency in good standing for many years. They recently faced challenges that lead to
suspension of food distribution. She hopes the Town Board will work with the food pantry to remedy the
situation. Control of rodents and adding shelving units are the most urgent matters to be resolved so the food
pantry can open its doors again.
Jean Owens of Enfield thanked the Town Board for working with the food pantry to address issues. The
food pantry has contracted with a pest control company to deal with the pest issue. She has reviewed the
proposed Agreement between the Town of Enfield and Enfield Food Pantry and sees no concerns with it.
Krys Cail of Ulysses works with various kinds of food enterprises and understands the Enfield Food Pantry
is working in an old building with a limited budget. She urged the Town Board to look for a location to be
used on a temporary basis and then plan for both short-term and long-term emergencies.
Amanda Kirchgessner of Ulysses urged the Town Board to find a solution that will work quickly to help the
food pantry as many rely on this service. She feels this is about volunteers and hopes a solution can be found
for everybody.
Joanna Green of Enfield stated she recently became involved with the food pantry. She realized some
residents can’t get to the pantry, so she has helped find some drivers willing to provide transportation. The
need for the food pantry is huge and she would like to see everything possible done to support the
organization. She would like to help plan for long-term use of municipal buildings.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting and Public Hearing, June 13, 2018 2
Serena Forjone of Enfield stated the Enfield Food Pantry helps them and others a lot. They rely on the
weekly food distribution.
Santos Oliver of Enfield stated that he has a garden, but with only one income in their household, his family
relies on the food pantry. He has time that he could volunteer to help.
Amelia Morais of Enfield stated she attends Enfield Elementary School. Her family has been coming every
week to the food pantry. For their family, it is hard to afford food along with everything else they need to
pay for. She also would like to see a cleaner space at the food pantry.
Correspondence: Letter from Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium regarding
the importance of designated Directors attending Consortium Board meetings.
Notice that New York Employers are required to adopt a Sexual Harassment Policy and training program by
October 9, 2018.
Letter from New York State Department of Transportation announcing the availability of $100 million in
funding through the Transportation Alternatives Program and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality
Improvement Program. The goal of the programs is to support innovative, transformative transportation
improvements for communities, including bicycle, pedestrian, multi-use paths, and/or projects that will help
meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act by reducing congestion and vehicle emissions.
County Legislator Report: County Legislator Dave McKenna reported the county accepted a grant from
New York State for the Tompkins County Airport. They also authorized purchase of a vehicle on tracks to
plow snow at the airport. They authorized a building by the airport for the New York State Department of
Transportation. The county is working to support affordable housing with county money. Anne Koreman
and Dave McKenna relayed the support of the County Legislature to assist with the Enfield Food Pantry as
needed.
Highway Superintendent's Report: Highway Superintendent Rollins submitted his report as follows:
During clean-up week four 30-yard dumpsters were filled and approximately 20 tires and wheels were
received. Next year they may not be able to take tires and wheels. One dumpster of steel was sent to Teets
and a check will be sent to the Town of Enfield for that. They are working on the summer road projects and
roadside mowing. A tentative date for closing the Enfield Creek Bridge on Route 327 is June 25. However,
that date has changed now two times.
Code Enforcement Officer's Report: Alan Teeter, Code Officer, reported 11 building permits were issued
in May. One was for a new home, and one for a solar installation. He has been sending notifications to
homeowners of property maintenance complaints and feels the brush on the side of the Community Building
should be cleaned up. He will contact Highway Superintendent Rollins to see if the highway crew can clean
out this brush.
Enfield Volunteer Fire Company: Alan Teeter, 2nd Assistant Chief, reported there were 37 calls in April.
Of these there were 28 EMS calls, 2 service calls, 2 brush/trash fires and 5 fire calls. Mutual aid was given to
Trumansburg 1 time. The next officer’s meeting will be July 3. It is expected the bridge on Route 327 will
be closed until November, 2018. Repairs and service has been done on trucks and the Kubota.
Town Clerk's Report: Alice Linton, Town Clerk, reported 248 dog licenses have been issued this year. She
also mentioned one of the duties of the clerk’s office is to answer questions from the public. Questions range
from court times and dates to where residents can get wood chips. The public is referred to other municipal
offices, the county and others. The clerk also spends time talking with residents when they come into the
office to help them find answers for their questions, such as helping to determine who owns a parcel of land.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting and Public Hearing, June 13, 2018 3
Supervisor's Report: Supervisor McGee reported she attended a Green Building Workshop at EcoVillage
with Councilperson Mike Carpenter and Dan Walker, Planning Chair; planned/facilitated Special and
Regular Meetings for May 31st and June 13th; communicated with Delaware River Solar regarding permit
renewal, host community agreement and decommissioning plan; met with Beautification Committee to
discuss welcome and information signs and planters for Town Hall; signed DOT Contract for trailer at
Enfield Highway; researched assistant bookkeeper position with Tompkins County Human Resources and
attorney; worked with bookkeeper to create a procedure manual; held two Comprehensive Plan meetings;
updated Cemetery Policy documents at Cemetery Committee request; attended Assessment Review; took
three calls and two emails regarding property maintenance, filed one complaint on behalf of resident; held a
Finance Committee meeting; created a media release for Clean Energy Community distinction and
developed a request letter for solar installers for grant proposal; worked with the bookkeeper to learn how to
do payroll; attended three-day Accounting School in Big Flats; created job description and post for Burial
Coordinator; consolidated energy use information for all seven electric services for Town of Enfield;
communicated with Alan Teeter to coordinate water pump replacement for Community Building; attended
three-day Cornell Local Roads Highway School with Highway Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent;
met with Jean Owens regarding mobile food distribution truck for food pantry and other issues; met with
Norm Smith regarding window glass replacement, final lighting updates, and door casing for the Community
Building; cleaned the Community Building meeting space- ending at end of June; developed license
agreement for Food Pantry use of Community Building; developed new newsletter procedures with Town
Clerk, Alice Linton and Sue Thompson, Deputy Clerk, and prepared newsletter items regarding changes for
Community Currents; purchased and installed two toilets for Community Building.
Committee Reports:
Planning Board: No report. The July meeting has been cancelled.
Environmental Management Council: Maureen Bolton attended a NYSDEC (New York State Department
of Environmental Conservation) Update meeting in Albany. She learned residents can sign up for NYS alert
and be notified by e-mail or phone whenever severe weather threatens, there are major road closures, or
hazmat spills. NYS fish and wildlife wetland mapping is outdated, although Tompkins County is ahead of
the rest of the state with Unique Natural Area mapping. At the website dec.ny.gov residents can find
invasive plant species information. Biologists are puzzled about harmful algae blooms as clean lakes have
serious problems. Cayuga Lake has been chosen as one of twelve bodies of water to be studied this summer.
The DEC also has interactive maps to help locate campgrounds, hunting areas, and environmental quality
information. The Council is looking hard at a county wide single use plastic bag ban. There is a lot of
discussion to be done on that subject yet.
Enfield Community Council (ECC): Ann Rider reported there have been 5-17 participants in each of the
teen programs. On April 30 a successful teen dance was held. On May 10 teens presented at the ECC
meeting what they learned in fly fishing. The Council is working on updating their by-laws. They are
beginning the process of negotiating a lease with the Ithaca City School District for a new building. Summer
camp will be held July 2 to August 10 at Treman State Park. The newsletter will be out in early July. A grant
was received from the Ithaca Youth Bureau for 2 field trips – a trip to the Corning Museum of Glass has
been completed and, in the fall, there will be a trip to the Syracuse Zoo. The Harvest Festival will be held
September 29 and the community yard sale will be July 7.
Health Insurance Consortium: Ann Rider reported a wellness consultant has been hired to start July 1.
She will work with municipalities to become more aware of wellness and preventive health care. There are 2
sources of mail prescriptions – all members can now get certain named prescriptions by mail. The
Consortium is looking at a 5% increase in premiums for 2019. Ann Rider is recommending a resolution for
new employees to pay 20% of their health insurance premium as a way to contain costs.
Cayuga Lake Watershed: Councilperson Sims reported at the May meeting there was a discussion about
water management and the appropriateness of requiring septic systems to be pumped every 3 years. A grant
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting and Public Hearing, June 13, 2018 4
was submitted to the Park Foundation that would allow municipal officials to go on the Teal, the boat
recently purchased by the Floating Classroom. This is a 70-person boat that does a lot for the public to help
learn about Cayuga Lake.
Recreation Partnership: Councilperson Mehaffey stated there had been no meeting since she was
appointed.
Renewable Energy Committee: Councilperson Carpenter stated some comments have been received from
the Town Board on the proposed solar law. The Committee is beginning the process of looking at the wind
law. They would like to prepare a background information packet to go with the wind law that would help
explain why the law was written the way it was. The next meeting will be held June 26. The committee is
looking for a new member.
County Youth Bureau: Barbara Sadovnic submitted a report that stated the Youth Services Department
has downsized from 6 staff members to 5. A new position, Deputy Director, will be filled beginning June 18.
Janice Johnson will be the Tompkins County Youth Services Department liaison to the Town of Enfield
through the fall of 2018. One of the Youth Services Board members put together an excellent handout with
information about youth services in Tompkins County. A grant has been submitted to develop services for
runaway and homeless youth in our community. The Youth Services Board will be voting on resource
allocation at the June meeting for the proposed county budget for next year.
Comprehensive Plan Writing Committee: Supervisor McGee reported the Committee has been working
on the municipal portion of the Plan and will meet again on June 19.
Finance Committee: Supervisor McGee reported the Committee discussed the assistant bookkeeper
position and began working on the Town budget. They discussed the grant process for a sand/salt storage
building.
Cemetery Committee: Supervisor McGee reported policy updates will be ready for the July meeting and
the Burial Coordinator position has been posted on the Town website.
Beautification Committee: Supervisor McGee stated volunteers are needed for this Committee. Joe
Dawson has nearly completed the sign to go in front of Town Hall. One or two planters will be installed in
front of Town Hall and one will likely go under the new sign. The two “Welcome to Enfield” signs are in
poor condition. The wood is separating and the varnish has worn off. The plan is to clean them as much as
possible, and in the future apply for a tourism grant for new signs.
Consent Agenda:
Supervisor McGee moved, with a second by Councilperson Carpenter to approve the Consent Agenda as
follows:
Audit Claims: The Town Board authorizes the Supervisor to pay:
General Fund vouchers #125 to #154 dated June 13, 2018 in the amount of $18,950.44; and
Highway Fund vouchers #114 to #136 dated June 13, 2018 in the amount of $19,663.04.
Approval of Minutes of the May 9, 2018 regular meeting and May 31, 2018 special meeting.
Resolution #2018-34 Creation of the Position of Confidential Secretary and Authorization
for Supervisor to Appoint
WHEREAS Town Law § 29-15 provides that the Town Board may, by resolution, authorize the Supervisor
of the town to designate a bookkeeper or confidential secretary, or both, and
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting and Public Hearing, June 13, 2018 5
WHEREAS a confidential secretary is necessary for the Supervisor to provide proper oversight for
accounting and auditing responsibilities, and
WHEREAS the law provides that a person so designated by the Supervisor shall receive a reasonable
compensation for their services, to be fixed by the Town Board and such compensation shall be a town
charge, therefore be it
RESOLVED the Town Board authorizes the position of Confidential Secretary to be created and appointed
by the Supervisor under the following terms:
o Hourly rate- $16.00 per hour
o First month for training- up to 2 hours per week for 4 weeks.
o Up to 5 hours per month checking on procedures and completing tasks to stay current on process
and make recommendations to the Supervisor, Bookkeeper, and Finance Committee.
o Up to 10 hours per month during absence of Bookkeeper in order to complete regular bookkeeping
tasks.
It is further
RESOLVED, that the Supervisor hereby appoints Deborah Parsons to fill the position of Confidential
Secretary.
Resolution #2018-35 In Support of Tompkins County’s Proclamation of LGBTQ+ Pride Month
WHEREAS the Town of Enfield Town Board believes in the civil rights and preservation of dignity for all
residents of the Town of Enfield and beyond, regardless of their race, nationality, ethnicity, income, sex,
sexual orientation, gender identity, abilities, age, political belief, language or religion; and
WHEREAS the LGBTQ+ community has endured a history of discrimination; and
WHEREAS on June 5, 2018, Tompkins County Legislative Chair, Martha Robertson proclaimed June as
LGBTQ+ Pride Month, therefore be it
RESOLVED that the Town Board of Enfield supports the proclamation of June 2018 being LGBTQ+
Pride Month made by the Tompkins County Chair Martha Robertson.
Authorization for Supervisor to sign Host Community Benefit and Decommissioning Agreements
with Delaware River Solar
Budget Amendment #2018-5 Movement of Funds for Cemetery Maintenance Equipment
WHEREAS authorization for cemetery maintenance was given to the Enfield Highway Department in May
of 2018, and
WHEREAS a trailer was purchased for transporting the mower between cemeteries, now therefore be it
RESOLVED the Town Board authorizes the Supervisor to decrease A235 “Memorial Cemetery Reserve”
by $1,000.00 and increase A8810.2 “Cemeteries-Equipment” by $1,000.00
Vote on Consent Agenda: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson
Mehaffey aye, Councilperson Sims aye, Supervisor McGee aye. Carried
New Business:
Food Pantry Concerns: Supervisor McGee stated that, since there has been some conflicting information,
she would like to be very specific about what will get the doors open. The Southern Tier Food Bank is
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting and Public Hearing, June 13, 2018 6
requiring establishment of an ongoing pest control program and installation of shelving units. No new
equipment is required in order for the food pantry to reopen. Supervisor McGee asked Jean Owens to give a
brief history of the Enfield Food Pantry. Ms. Owens stated the food pantry began distribution out of area
churches, but about 30 years ago moved into the basement of the Enfield Community Building. There was a
very simple building use agreement developed. The food pantry was to notify the town clerk, who kept a
calendar, of when the food pantry would use the building. Supervisor McGee wanted to make it clear the
food pantry is not a mission of the Town, but of the First Baptist Church of Enfield Center.
Councilperson Sims asked if the mobile food truck would be available to come more than once in June and
once in July. Natasha Thompson responded she would check the schedule to see if there might be any other
dates when the truck could come to Enfield. Supervisor McGee stated Norm Smith was contacted and he
will finish updating the lighting in the basement of the Community Building, replace broken window glass,
and improve the threshold of the door.
Councilperson Carpenter asked what the Town would be willing to do that would justify the expenditure of
money. Councilperson Mehaffey felt a landlord would take care of the outside of the building, such as
mowing and removing brush. Supervisor McGee said having a signed Agreement with the food pantry
would insure that liability is covered and taxpayers would be protected. The proposed Agreement has been
approved by the Town attorney and our insurance company.
Councilperson Sims moved, with a second by Councilperson Bryant to authorize the supervisor to sign the
proposed Agreement between the Town of Enfield and the Enfield Food Pantry.
Discussion: It was agreed that a 5-year Agreement would be appropriate.
Vote: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Mehaffey aye,
Councilperson Sims aye, Supervisor McGee aye. Carried
Supervisor McGee moved, with a second by Councilperson Bryant, to change wording in the Agreement
with the Enfield Food Pantry #6 to read: Any and all changes or repairs are subject to consent of the Enfield
Town Board, which will not be unreasonably held. Structural changes will require submitted plans by a
licensed architect or structural engineer and must be consistent with the historic nature and use of the space.
All electrical work must be performed by a qualified electrician and inspected by a licensed electrical
inspector.
Vote: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Mehaffey aye,
Councilperson Sims aye, Supervisor McGee aye. Carried
Supervisor McGee suggested a task list for moving forward: cleaning, painting floors and walls, sealing
building, repairing the portico. She asked, if the highway department is unable to clear brush next to the
building, how the Board would like to proceed. Code Officer Alan Teeter volunteered to clear the brush
and/or oversee volunteers to do the job. The Food Pantry will contract with a pest management company and
will handle cardboard recycling through Teets.
Old Business:
Moratorium Extension: Supervisor McGee moved, with a second by Councilperson Bryant to adopt
Resolution #2018-36.
Resolution #2018-36
ADOPTION OF LOCAL LAW NUMBER 1 of 2018
A LOCAL LAW EXTENDING MORATORIUM UPON CERTAIN APPLICATIONS AND
PROCEEDINGS RELATED TO COMMERCIAL SOLAR AND WIND FACILITIES
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting and Public Hearing, June 13, 2018 7
WHEREAS, The Town of Enfield imposed a Moratorium on reviews and siting approvals for defined
commercial solar and wind projects in Local Law Number 1 of 2017, “MORATORIUM ON COMMERCIAL
WIND AND SOLAR ENERGY FACILITIES”, and
WHEREAS the “The moratorium imposed by this Local Law was to be in place for one year from the date
of enactment, June 14, 2017, and
WHEREAS, Local Law #1, 2017 set forth the following tasks the Town shall endeavor to complete during
the term of the Moratorium
• Adopt a comprehensive set of regulations for the siting, establishment and construction of Solar
Energy Facilities
• Update existing regulations for the siting, establishment and construction of Commercial Wind
Energy Facilities
• Update the Town Comprehensive Plan.”
•
WHEREAS, substantial progress has been made on the designated tasks, but more time is required, and
WHEREAS Local Law #1- 2017 includes a provision to extend, rescind, or remove by local law, and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of Local Law Number 1 of 2018 to extend the period of effectiveness of the
moratoria imposed by Local Law Number 1 of 2017, and to continue the prohibition against certain reviews
and siting approvals for defined commercial solar and wind projects as stated in such Local Law #1 of 2017
through December 31st, 2018.
RESOLVED this Law is enacted in compliance with Public Hearing obligations and with information
presented at the Public Hearing, held on the 13th day of June, 2018; and further be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk file this Local Law with the Attorney for the Town of Enfield
and the New York Department of State;
Vote: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Mehaffey aye,
Councilperson Sims aye, Supervisor McGee aye. Carried
Contract with Enfield Volunteer Fire Company (EVFC) Update: Supervisor McGee stated a meeting
has been scheduled for June 26, 2018 between Supervisor McGee, Councilperson Mehaffey, Town attorney
Guy Krogh, EVFC representatives and their attorney Mark Butler.
Newsletter Changes: Supervisor McGee reported articles for the newsletter that is to be available at the
beginning of July have been submitted. There will be information on how the public can sign up for news on
the Town’s website and information for those who do not have internet access. She will continue to boost
efforts to get residents to sign up for news releases on the Town’s website.
Clean Energy Community Grant: Supervisor McGee reported she sent a letter to solar companies Taitem,
Renovus and Fingerlakes Renewables asking for their interest and to answer several questions. She heard
back from Taitem saying they would provide information, but has not yet received information. Fingerlakes
Renewables has not yet responded. Renovus did respond with answers to the questions.
Councilperson Sims suggested checking with Terry Carroll of Cornell Cooperative Extension, who has been
helping the Town with the process, and see if we now have enough information to get started or if we should
follow-up with other companies. She feels the focus should now be on the grant application.
Councilperson Carpenter suggested sending a second request and giving one more week for solar companies
to respond.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting and Public Hearing, June 13, 2018 8
A Special Town Board meeting was scheduled for June 27, 2018 at 6:00 at the Community Building to
meet with Terry Carroll and start the grant writing process.
Proposed Solar Law: A Special Town Board meeting was scheduled for July 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the
Community Building to continue work on the proposed solar law.
Privilege of the Floor: No one wished to speak.
Announcements: There were no announcements.
Adjournment: Supervisor McGee adjourned the meeting at 9:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Alice M. Linton, RMC
Enfield Town Clerk