Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-12-18 Regular Meeting Town of Enfield Regular Town Board Meeting and Public Hearing Enfield Community Building Wednesday, September 12, 2018 6:30 p.m. Present: Town Supervisor Beth McGee, Town Councilperson Virginia Bryant (arrived at 6:50), Town Councilperson Mike Carpenter, Town Councilperson Mimi Mehaffey, Town Councilperson Becky Sims, Highway Superintendent Buddy Rollins, Town Clerk Alice Linton Supervisor McGee lead the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag at 6:35 p.m. Additions and Removals from the Agenda: Supervisor McGee asked if anyone would like an item added to or removed from the agenda. No one had any requests Privilege of the Floor: Maureen Bolton of Enfield stated she and Supervisor McGee put together a grant application for Community Building renovations with The Home Depot where she is employed. The grant was awarded for installation of an ADA bathroom and paint for the entire area downstairs in the Community Building. Volunteers are needed to help paint on October 6. Ann Rider of Enfield asked for volunteers for the Community Council’s Harvest Festival to be held September 22 from 11:00 to 3:30 at the Enfield Elementary School. Correspondence: Supervisor McGee received a letter from HeatSmart Tompkins notifying residents of the 2018 campaign. This is a local volunteer-led community program providing education, guidance, and vetted installers to empower people to take action in the arena of heat pumps and building insulation improvements. The information will be posted on the Town’s website and given to residents when they apply for a building permit. Request from Tompkins County Area Development (TCAD) for a donation from the Town. Monthly Reports: Highway Superintendent's Report: Highway Superintendent Rollins provided an Inventory of Highway Machinery, Tools and Equipment. New York State will be sending CHIPS funds on December 17 by check, or, if the Town registers, an on-line electronic payment will be deposited on that date. Summer jobs are completed. The Town of Ithaca helped Enfield with South VanDorn Road shoulders as they have a special machine. Superintendent Rollins suggested privacy fence panels would be good to install at the Community Building. Holes would need to be dug and 8’ wide panels could be placed 1’ to 2’ in the ground. Supervisor McGee moved, with a second by Councilperson Bryant to authorize the Highway Superintendent to put up privacy panels in front and back on the side of the Community Building and spend up to $150 for the job. Vote: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Mehaffey aye, Councilperson Sims aye, Supervisor McGee aye. Carried Code Enforcement Officer's Report: Alan Teeter, Code Officer, reported he issued 5 building permits in August. There are 2 or 3 new houses being planned for building this fall. The owner of 1893 Mecklenburg Road plans to demo the house on that property soon. A smoke house on Podunk Road has been approved by the Tompkins County Health Department. The Department of Environmental Conservation prohibits demolishing a house and burying it on the owner’s land. Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, September 12, 2018 2 Councilperson McGee moved, with a second by Councilperson Bryant to authorize Building Code Officer Alan Teeter to waive the increased amount of a building permit for a resident who came to his office prior to September 1, 2018 and was quoted a price before the increased fees went into effect. Vote: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Mehaffey aye, Councilperson Sims aye, Supervisor McGee aye. Carried Enfield Volunteer Fire Company: Alan Teeter, 2nd Assistant Chief, reported there were 36 calls in August. There were 21 EMS calls, 3 MVA’s, 8 service calls and 4 fire calls. Mutual aid was given 3 times to Trumansburg. The next officer’s meeting will be held October 2, 2018 and a blood drive will be held September 18. The fire department received a grant of $1,500 for new fire boots. Supervisor McGee reported she and Councilperson Mehaffey will be meeting on September 25th with the fire department regarding worker’s compensation issues, safety concerns, hazard mitigation and, in connection with the new contract, turning over control of new fire volunteers to the Town Board. She welcomed Caleb Hamilton who plans to become a new member when he turns 18. Town Clerk's Report: Alice Linton, Town Clerk, reported on DECALS (Department of Environmental Conservation Automated Licensing System). This is the time of year when many hunting licenses are sold, with gross sales of $596.00 to date. A small portion of each sale remains with the Town and the remainder is sent to New York State. There was discussion on how to make residents aware that the Town sells licenses. Once the new signboard is in place, that will be a good place to advertise for this. Supervisor's Report: Supervisor McGee reported she prepped and facilitated two town board meetings, two finance meetings and two comp plan meetings; met with Home Depot staff to coordinate the Community Building renovation work and ordering materials and prepped the area for painting; cleaned the Community Building two times; prepared information for changing health insurance for Medicare eligible employees; researched and communicated about speed limits and road signage; painted the town sign and helped Joe Dawson and her husband, Darren McGee install roof on the sign; met with the Comp Alliance rep regarding Worker’s Comp insurance and Sprague Insurance regarding insurance on property and equipment; coordinated a burial in Rolfe Cemetery; developed spreadsheets for town inventories; began preparation of 2019 tentative budget; met with Enfield Fire Department personnel; met with Buddy Rollins regarding highway budget, equipment needs and past flooding events. Planning Board: Dan Walker, chair, reported have been concerns raised regarding property on Iradell Road. There are currently four flag lots and one lot behind another house. Before the property is sub-divided, he wants to make sure there is good access. The Board continues to work on site plan revisions. Councilperson Mehaffey asked if there were concerns about the water supply for so many homes on the Iradell Road property. Councilperson Sims commented the Tompkins County Health Department doesn’t have regulations for this type of situation. Committee Reports: Environmental Management Council: Maureen Bolton reported the Council has been discussing a plastic bag ban in Tompkins County. It is apparent particles from plastic bags are in ground water and food. They are writing a proposal and then training and outreach will be needed. Other communities that have a ban are indicating the ban is not a big problem. Recycling rules in Tompkins County have changed. Now only plastic numbers 1, 2, and 5 are being accepted for roadside pickup. Other numbers are accepted at the recycling area of Tompkins County Solid Waste. Comprehensive Plan Writing Committee: Supervisor McGee reported the committee met two times in the last month. They are finishing review of the Plan, updating numbers and improving the visual display. Two more meetings are scheduled. Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, September 12, 2018 3 Finance Committee: Supervisor McGee reported the committee developed a list of questions to ask part- time appointed employees, which included efficiency of work space and how the Town can better support them. The committee will meet with part-time employees over the next several months. Cemetery Committee: Supervisor McGee reported a new burial coordinator was found. Matt Lincoln is from Trumansburg and is very community minded. Enfield Community Council (ECC): Vera Howe-Strait reported Eric Carter continues to work with youth. He posts programs on the ECC website. Between April and June, 108 youth, 5th grade and up, participated in programs. Eric worked at the summer camp with 17 Counselors in Training, which was a positive experience for everyone. There were 107 youth enrolled in the summer camp which was held at Robert H. Treman State Park again this summer. On October 13 a family trip to the Burnet Park Zoo in Syracuse is planned with funds received from a Tompkins County Youth Services grant. Regarding the new building, the Council is working on tightening the lease before going to the Ithaca City School District. The annual Harvest Festival is scheduled for September 22. Recreation Partnership: Councilperson Mehaffey reported there has been no recent meeting. Their budget has been finalized. The Town’s portion has gone up from $5,780 in 2018 to $6,274 in 2019. She will look into how well programs are advertised in schools. County Youth Services Board: Barbara Sadovnic reported new by-laws have been approved. Another Achieving Results Pitch Program is planned. On September 20 a role-playing poverty simulation will be held. Tompkins Health Consortium: Ann Rider reported 4 new municipalities have joined the Consortium this quarter, which brings the membership to 35. An increase in premiums of 4.5 to 5% is expected. A flu clinic will be held. Ms. Rider recommended that Enfield employees pay a percentage of their monthly health insurance premium and that the Town select another plan to serve employees who are on Medicare. Cayuga Lake Watershed: Councilperson Sims participated in the new Floating Classroom boat trip to Myers Point and back. It was a chance to chat with other municipal members. There has been discussion of possible septic pollution, but regulation would be a large undertaking. Consent Agenda: Supervisor McGee moved, with a second by Councilperson Bryant to approve the Consent Agenda as follows: Audit Claims: The Town Board authorizes the Supervisor to pay: General Fund Vouchers #200 to 221 dated September 12, 2018, 2018 in the amount of $14,580.38 and Highway Fund Vouchers #181 to 202 dated September 12, 2018 in the amount of $62,876.19. Approval of Minutes of August 8, 2018 Regular Meeting and August 22, 2018 Special Meeting Resolution #2018-39 Highway Building Bond Payment WHEREAS the Town of Enfield borrowed funds to build a Highway Department facility and now needs to pay back the bond, now therefore BE IT RESOLVED, the bookkeeper is authorized, prior to October 15, 2018, to wire $14,671.88 for interest payment to the Depository Trust Company, which holds the bond. Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, September 12, 2018 4 Resolution No. 2018-40 Approve Participation in Medicare Supplement Plan WHEREAS, Enfield Town Policy # 807 states the Town will provide insurance throughout retirement for employees who retire according to the stipulations of the policy, and WHEREAS, the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium (Consortium), which Enfield participates with for Health Insurance, has offered a Medicare Supplement Plan since September 1, 2014; and WHEREAS, the Town Board has reviewed the Medicare Supplement Plan and the different prescription drug options available through the Consortium; and WHEREAS, the Town Supervisor recommends the Town consider offering a Medicare Supplement plan with the three-tier prescription drug option MS-3 ($10/25/40) at an estimated monthly premium of $679.72; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, the Town Board approves offering the Consortium Medicare Supplement plan MS-3 ($10/25/40) at an estimated monthly premium of $679.72; effective January 1, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, Medicare eligible Retirees will be notified by October 1st, 2018, of this change to their coverage from active employee plan to Medicare Supplement plan effective January 1, 2019, in order to comply with Policy #807 notification requirements. Discussion: Supervisor McGee mentioned the Health Insurance Consortium had this plan available since 2014. If the Town had joined at the time, $12,000 could have been saved. Resolution #2018-41 Justice Court Assistance Program Grant Application WHEREAS, again in 2018 the State Legislature established the Justice Court Assistance Program Grant to assist Towns 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 applications for the 2018-2019 year, and; WHEREAS, the deadline for the application is October 11, 2018, therefore be it RESOLVED, that this Board authorizes and directs the Town Justice to complete and file the 2018-2019 Justice Court Assistance Program Grant application with the State of New York Unified Court System. Resolution #2018-42 Cemetery Policy Amendment for Clarification of Burial Coordinator Fees WHEREAS, the Cemetery Policy was recently updated to include new fees and a position for Burial Coordinator, and; WHEREAS, the Burial Coordinator fee is paid by the family of the deceased, and; WHERAS, this is not clearly defined in section “F- Fees” in the updated policy, therefore be it Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, September 12, 2018 5 RESOLVED the Town of Enfield Cemetery Policy section “F-Fees” be amended to include the following: “6. Fees are paid by the family of the deceased to the Town of Enfield in the amount of $300.00, and paid by the Town to the Burial coordinator in the amount of $300.00 for each burial.” Budget Amendment #2018-10 Move Funds for Insurance Premium Increase WHEREAS, The Highway Department added a Dodge Ram truck and a Pioneer Mower to Town insurance, that require coverage, and; WHEREAS, the additional insurance premium exceeds the amount budgeted for this year, therefore be it RESOLVED, the Town Board authorizes the Supervisor to decrease A1990.4, “Contingent Account” by $225.60, and increase A1910.4 “Insurance-Property/Auto/Liability” by $225.60. Vote on Consent Agenda: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Mehaffey aye, Councilperson Sims aye, Supervisor McGee aye. Carried Old Business: Culvert Permit Fees Update: Highway Superintendent Rollins stated the cost of the culvert permit recovers the cost of gravel, the rest is tax payer dollars. This is for the benefit of residents. If a pipe is replaced, the same gravel is used that was for the original pipe. The resident buys the pipe unless the Town is redoing a road and a new pipe is needed, then the Town pays for the pipe. On building permits, there is a statement that where there is new construction, the owner needs to see the highway superintendent about the driveway pipe. Councilperson Carpenter stated he felt the $300 recommended by Superintendent Rollins was fair. Supervisor McGee moved with a second by Councilperson Bryant to adopt Highway Superintendent Rollins’ recommendation for new culvert permits to be $300 for the first 30’ of pipe and $50 for each additional 10’ for any permits obtained starting October 1, 2018. Vote: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Mehaffey aye, Councilperson Sims aye, Supervisor McGee aye. Carried Proposed Solar Law: Councilperson Mehaffey reported the Renewable Energy Committee met Monday. The committee went through possible places of conflict and where the law might not mesh with the Unified Solar Permit. They would like to meet with Code Officer Teeter to prepare a flow chart. They will meet one more time before bringing the proposed solar law to the Town Board. Contract with Enfield Volunteer Fire Company: Supervisor McGee reported the attorney for the fire company has been unavailable due to surgery and travel. She will continue to follow up so a contract can be negotiated before the end of the year. Home Depot Grant/Community Building Renovation: As Maureen Bolton previously reported, a grant was received from the Home Depot. The Community Building floor will be power washed before painting. A little over $4,000 was received. Norm Smith will be asked for an estimate on installing a drain line. Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, September 12, 2018 6 New Business: Tax Cap Override 2019: Supervisor McGee contacted the State Comptroller’s Office and confirmed that Enfield’s tax levy cannot exceed a 2.8% increase, or $49,760 more than last year, without a tax cap override. She feels it would be wise to set a public hearing for a local law in case the Town goes over this amount, even by only a little. A public hearing will be scheduled at the October 10 regular meeting if the Town Board determines a tax cap override law if necessary. Budget Meeting Schedule: A special Town Board meeting to work on the 2019 budget was scheduled for Wednesday, October 3 at the Town Hall at 6:30 p.m. Solar Law Meeting Date: The Board will wait for the committee to submit their draft law before setting a meeting date. Property Maintenance Concerns: Supervisor McGee reported residents have concerns regarding several issues, including rodents, quality of life and sometimes health issues. The house on the corner of Enfield Main Road could have remained a problem for three more years, the amount of time it generally takes Tompkins County to foreclose on property for non-payment of taxes, if neighbors hadn’t purchased it. Some municipalities in the area have laws to provide for repair or removal of unsafe buildings. She would like to develop a list of resources to help people manage these kinds of problems. Councilperson Mehaffey feels the Town should have some say over condemned, unsafe buildings, to look out for the health and safety of residents. Supervisor McGee will send some sample laws to Town Board members. County Legislator Report: County Legislator Anne Koreman reported $28,000 will be coming to the Enfield Food Pantry from the Human Services Coalition for ventilation and an electrical outlet for the garage door. Three people have called her with concerns about the speed limit on Hayts Road. This Saturday from 7-11 is Airport Days at the Tompkins County Airport. Budget season is underway at the county level. Their goal is to keep increases to 2.2%. Solid waste fees will be going up $3 per household. Privilege of the Floor: Highway Superintendent Rollins stated the speed limit is 55 mph in New York State if it isn’t posted differently. That is why there aren’t a lot of signs stating what the speed limit is. There are many rules for posting signs. Announcements: Supervisor McGee announced she will be attending a conference on blight strategies and tools for local governments in October. Nancy Spero announced there will be an Old Time Square Dance at the Grange on September 15 at 7 p.m. Adjournment: Supervisor McGee adjourned the meeting at 9:43 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Alice M. Linton, RMC Enfield Town Clerk