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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 8 2023 Public Hearing and Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes 1 Town of Enfield Public Hearing “Local Law to authorize Section 466-a of the New York State Real Property Tax Law – A Property Tax Exemption to Volunteer Firefighters and Volunteer Ambulance Workers.”. Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 6:30 pm Regular Town Board Meeting Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 6:45 pm In-Person at the Enfield Town Courthouse and Virtual via the Zoom Meeting Portal Present: Supervisor Stephanie Redmond; Town Councilpersons, Cassandra Hinkle, Robert Lynch, James Ricks; Town Clerk Mary Cornell, Enfield Code Officer Alan Teeter. Virtual Attendance: Councilperson Jude Lemke Supervisor Redmond called the Public Hearing to order at 6:30 pm Public Hearing Comments: Councilperson Lynch explained that this proposed law had been under development for the past last year. The law will allow Volunteer Firefighters & EMS workers a 10% reduction in property assessment values. It applies to those who qualify with a minimum of 2-years of active service. We do not have to have the state home rule law, because NYS law allowed for this to happen state wide. The law was signed by Governor Hochul in ~December 2022. This is a local law that the town board needs to enact if we want to allow this tax exemption for those that are members of the Town of Enfield Fire Company. To qualify they must be residents of the Town of Enfield and qualified members of the Enfield Volunteer Fire Company. Those who qualify would need to apply by March 1, 2023 for the 2024 Town and County assessments. This is an incentive to join and stay in a Fire Company. Tompkins County voted last night to approve a 10 % reduction in Town and County Taxes. Supervisor Redmond voiced her support of this law. Denny Hubble the President of the Fire Company voiced his concern that it may not be beneficial, as those who qualify must choose to either take the $200 Income Tax Credit from NYS or apply for this assessment reduction. Councilperson Ricks asked if they receive this reduction who pays the difference. Supervisor Redmond replied that it would be others in the Town & County. Supervisor Redmond closed the public Hearing at 6:45 pm Call to Order: Supervisor Redmond called the Meeting to order at 6:45 pm Privilege of the Floor: James Ricks informed the board the February is Black History month. He shared that he has experienced different emotions being a member of the Town Board. He went to the Food pantry and a volunteer asked him to write down what his experiences have been in Enfield. He said he has seen a lot of confederate flags and he received some dirty looks from hunters while shopping in Enfield. He doesn’t want his grandsons to grow up with those experiences. He doesn’t want to keep going back to the Pledge of Allegiance, he wants to hear something positive from those who do recite the pledge. He has lived his life and he has dealt with racism and oppression his entire life. When he goes into a store and someone follows him around like he is going to steal something, that’s not okay. Supervisor Redmond received a response from the Ethics committee and they are letting her keep both positions. When it comes to grants directed towards the state it would be best if she had someone else take the lead on the grants, she is able to some of the groundwork on them. Tom Joyce – was at an equity meeting at Enfield School this afternoon. One teacher spoke that a student had asked if this is something that just happened in the past and there are issues related to the History that have continued. He was impressed with how the teachers at the school are handling this issue with the students. Randy Brown responded to some of James concerns. His first friend when returning to Ithaca was a young Black Woman and his First Boss was a Black Man who held three jobs and set a good example. He shared a story with him that when he was in the military and on the boat all the black men were in the bottom of the boat and the last ones out of the boat. He taught Randy discipline and he learned a lot from him. He agrees that discussions should happen and they are 2 not talking about it at the legislature. He shared a story when he was running for legislature and knocked on a door and a black man answered and shared that he was scared to answer the door. He wants James to understand that he hears him. Robert Lynch shared about what is happening to a neighbor of ours, the Town of Newfield. Second wind cottages has asked to modify their original proposal with the county for Community funding that they were originally awarded. They have announced that they are working on a compromise. They had initially requested building 25 new campsites and The Town of Newfield was not happy with this as they were worried about providing emergency services, etc. They are proposing to add 12 additional little houses instead of campsites. The Town of Newfield will have a public hearing tomorrow night to vote on a 1-year moratorium on new campsites. Robert gave a shout out to Enfield Resident Michael Carpenter who was a past Town Board member and is a current Planning Board Member. Michael led a conversation on what Enfield wants in the way of land use restrictions at the March 1 planning board meeting. Michael shared that people are building in Enfield for one reason as it is cheaper to build in Enfield and we have a sensible building code officer “Alan Teeter”. He commends both Alan Teeter and Mike Carpenter for the work they are both doing. He knows there is some conversation at the county level regarding consolidation of the Code services among municipalities and he thinks it should stay as is, with Alan Teeter as our Code Enforcement Officer. Additions and Changes to the agenda: Correspondence: Supervisor Redmond shared she has received many comments/concerns regarding the Manure slurry mix that has been spread on area farm land. Monthly Reports County Legislature – Randy Brown. He spoke on the ARPA Fund disbursement issues in regards to Second Wind Cottages and shared that there are not currently enough services for those that live in the current cottages. He shared that there is a lot going on and that Second Wind is submitting a new application and this is not fair as it is like they are going for an additional round and others were not funded in the initial round. He shared that there may be some grants that were awarded that may not be able to move forward and these monies may then be made available to those previously unfunded. The County can loan municipalities monies, but they are unable to fund a municipality. Supervisor Redmond mentioned that the satellite sheriff’s office has been a positive experience for the town and we would like to offer space for a satellite ambulance station. Councilperson Lynch thanked Randy Brown for being on the 2023 ARPA fund committee and he commends Shawna Black for putting him on the committee. Supervisor Redmond asked when it would be a good time for the Town to put forth a resolution in support of the County providing ambulances to the county to help improve the service for County residents. He suggests that the town consider doing so soon. Town Supervisor’s Report – Stephanie Redmond. She had attended zoom meetings with other Town Supervisors, she attended the Planning Board Meeting. EMC meetings and the CLWI meetings and Water Protection Committee meetings. She submitted the Restore NY grants. She is still working with the Town Court on their transition and she has worked on issues with the Town Credit card. Town Clerk’s Report – Mary Cornell. In addition to the normal duties of the Town Clerks office. The Town Clerk’s office has been busy this tax season. The dog enumerator will resume going door to door in Early to mid-March, Clerk Cornell will provide the Town Board will an update when the enumeration has resumed. Highway Superintendent Report – Buddy Rollins. No Report this month. Code Enforcement Report – Alan Teeter. He issued three building permits this past month, January is usually a slow month. He issued a new house number on Bostwick Rd. He has started online trainings for the clean energy pro-points, there will be two Eight-hour trainings that he can complete in the next two months. 3 Enfield Fire Company – Alan Teeter. NYSEG rep will provide a training on electrical hazards, they will have a rescue training on Autism awareness. The Fire Company was denied both FEMA grants. They were given a small window to resubmit the applications and they are hoping that they come through this time. The new truck that was delayed for 2 ½ months will be in Syracuse next month around the first of the month. The payment on the truck went up due to interest and will be ~$102,000 a year. He mentioned that Enfield Fire Companies EMS Director Ellen Woods has been put on the hiring committee for the new EMS Coordinator. There is a Chicken B-B-Q this coming Sunday at 11 am. Planning Board Report – Dan Walker. They had a good discussion on subdivision modifications and they discussed in- depth road specifications. We have high standards for our roads, so that we are not hit with high costs. Norbut’s contractor will be submitting a solar permit renewal application shortly. They will be reviewing the site plan for the Breezy Meadows subdivision affecting several roads surrounding the property. He should have the requested documents from them in the next week, if he does not receive them then they will not be on the March meeting agenda. Councilperson Lynch thanked Dan and the Planning Boards members on the productive conversations they had at the last planning board meeting. Dan asked for Clarification regarding Planning Board Alternate Greg Hutnik being Deputy Town Supervisor and if this would cause any conflicts. Supervisor Redmond responded that there will not be any conflicts. Tompkins County Council of Govts – Robert Lynch. They last met on January 26th and took no formal action on that date. They had a comprehensive discussion with Jay Franklin on possible exemptions available that are not necessarily brought to the attention of municipalities. The full report is on file with the Town Clerks office. February 23 is the next TCCOG meeting. Consent Agenda: Audit Claims: General Fund Vouchers #17-43, dated February 8, 2023 in the amount of $17,073.22 Highway Fund Vouchers #18-25, dated February 8, 2023 in the amount of $26,261.77. Fire Company vouchers #30 &34 in the amount of $292,657.00. Capital Project H fund voucher #20 in the amount of $5,100.00 Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lynch seconded. Vote: Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Lynch, Aye; Councilperson Ricks, Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried. Minutes: Supervisor Redmond moved to approve the January meeting minutes and Councilperson Hinkle seconded. Vote: Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Lynch, Aye; Councilperson Ricks, Abstain; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried. Old Business: A Resolution to provide Health Insurance Coverage Eligibility to the Office of Enfield Town Clerk Supervisor Redmond shared that she has spoken with Town Bookkeeper Blixy Taetzch and they will go over the employee manual as it needs to be updated and they would like to complete research with insurance companies. Councilperson Lynch shared that a constituent made known to him that it should not be delayed until a decision is made on to choose other health insurance options. He believes that we should allow per a matter of policy health insurance for the Town Clerk. Councilperson Lemke shared that the handbook is out of date. Clerk Cornell suggested the creation of a personnel committee to consist of the Town Clerk, Highway Superintendent, and a Councilperson. Supervisor 4 Redmond will draft a resolution to be presented at the March meeting with the committee comprising of Town Clerk Cornell, Town Supervisor Redmond, Highway Superintendent Rollins, Town Councilperson Jude Lemke and Town Bookkeeper Blixy Taetzch. This matter has been tabled until the March 2023 Regular Town Board meeting. New Business: A Resolution to Adopt Local Law No. 2 of 2023 – A Local Law Authorizing a Property Tax Exemption to Volunteer Firefighters and Volunteer Ambulance Workers - As Amended Councilperson Lynch moved and Supervisor Redmond seconded. Discussion: Councilperson moved to amend the resolution as follows RESOLUTION #2023-34 [Proposed Amended Text Underscored] Whereas, the Town of Enfield wishes to encourage its residents to volunteer with the Enfield Volunteer Fire Company (EVFC) as both firefighters and EMS personnel; and Whereas, the leadership of the EVFC has stated to this Town Board that volunteer recruitment and retention stands as a challenge to the EVFC, and that this Board needs to provide incentives for more residents to join and remain with its Volunteer Company; and Whereas, the New York State Legislature enacted and the Governor signed in 2022 an amendment to Section 466-a of the New York State Real Property Tax Law (RPTL), said amendment providing up to a ten per cent (10%) exemption in residential real property taxes to qualifying volunteers in the firefighting and volunteer ambulance services; and Whereas, this Enfield Town Board has actively encouraged adoption of this amendment to the Real Property Tax Law, and now chooses to implement it in its Town; and Whereas, in accordance with the provisions of Section 466-a of the RPTL, a public hearing was held before this Town Board on February 8, 2023, to hear all persons interested in proposed Local Law No. 2 of 2023; therefore be it Resolved, that Local Law No. 2 of 2023, a local law authorizing Section 466-a of the New York State Real Property Tax Law - A Property Tax Exemption to Volunteer Firefighters and Volunteer Ambulance Workers, is hereby adopted, and applied by the Town of Enfield to grant a 10 per cent (10%) partial reduction in residential property tax assessments to all qualifying volunteer firefighters and emergency medical workers, and do so to the fullest extent as the provisions of Section 466-a of the New York State Real Property Tax Law allow; and be it further Resolved, that this Town Board directs the Town Supervisor and officers of the Enfield Volunteer Fire Company to cooperate with the Tompkins County Department of Assessment to implement the exemption authorized by this local law, including, but not limited to, the designation of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for the EVFC, and the AHJ’s timely filing of volunteer eligibility lists by the annual March 1 tax status date, or by such other date as the Department of Assessment may designate; and be it further Resolved, that the Town Clerk shall file one copy of this local law with the Secretary of State; and be it further Resolved, that the Enfield Town Board urges each of the four school districts that serve residents in the Town of Enfield to also adopt this exemption, and that the clerk forward a copy of this Resolution to the Boards of Education for the 5 Ithaca City School District, the Trumansburg Central School District, the Newfield Central School District, and the Odessa- Montour Central School District. Vote to accept the amendments. Vote: Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Lynch, Aye; Councilperson Ricks, Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried. Vote to approve the resolution as amended. Vote: Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Lynch, Aye; Councilperson Ricks, Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried. Town of Enfield Local Law #2-2023 - A local law authorizing Section 466-a of the New York State Real Property Tax Law – A Property Tax Exemption to Volunteer Firefighters and Volunteer Ambulance Workers. Section 1: Statutory Authority The purpose of this article is to grant a partial exemption from taxation to qualifying volunteer firefighters and EMT workers in the Town of Enfield as authorized by § 466-a of the Real Property Tax Law. Section 2: Exemption granted. A. Any enrolled member who has been certified by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for the incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department, or voluntary ambulance service as an enrolled member of such incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department, or voluntary ambulance service will be entitled to a 10% reduction in their taxable value for Town tax purposes. B. Any member who has achieved over 20 years of accumulated service shall be considered a life member and the exemption will continue for the remainder of their life if the property serves as their primary residence. C. Any un-remarried surviving spouse of a volunteer who was killed in the line of duty shall continue to receive the 10% exemption if: a. The AHJ certifies that the un-remarried spouse is eligible for the exemption. b. Volunteer had accumulated 5 (five) years of service. c. Residence continues to be the primary residence of the surviving spouse. D. Any un-remarried surviving spouse of a volunteer who passed away shall continue to receive the 10% exemption if: a. The AHJ certifies that the un-remarried spouse is eligible for the exemption. b. Volunteer had accumulated 20 (twenty) years of service. c. Residence continues to be the primary residence of the surviving spouse. Section 3: Terms and conditions. The following terms and conditions shall be applied in the implementation of this article: A. No such exemption shall be granted until a volunteer has achieved a minimum of 2 years of service. Section 4: Effective Date This law shall take effect immediately upon passage and shall be applicable for all assessment rolls filed after this date. Resolution #35-2023- Approval of New Member – Lucinda Anjali– Enfield Volunteer Fire Co. 6 WHEREAS, pursuant to Not-for-Profit Corporation Law §1402, and Town Law §176, only active members of a Volunteer Fire Company are covered by the Volunteer Firefighter Benefit Law if injured or killed while performing services for the Fire Company, and; WHEREAS, members may only be considered active members if given final approval of the Enfield Town Board, and; WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Board wishes to honor and approve new volunteer firefighters to serve with the Enfield Volunteer Fire Company and to satisfy legal and insurance requirements for the benefit of our volunteers, and; WHEREAS, Lucinda Anjali, of the Town of Enfield, has completed all requirements for Membership, and has been approved by vote of the Enfield Volunteer Fire Company membership for a position as an active member; WHEREAS, Lucinda Anjali is a resident of the Town of Enfield and a Volunteer, therefore be it RESOLVED, the Enfield Town Board hereby approves membership of Lucinda Anjali into the Enfield Volunteer Fire Company, effective immediately. Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded. No discussion. Vote: Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Lynch, Aye; Councilperson Ricks, Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried. Resolution #36-2023 A Resolution in Appreciation of Enfield Deputy Supervisor Isabel Castillo Whereas, Isabel Castillo has served the Town of Enfield as Deputy Supervisor since February 2021, and has now tendered her resignation from that position so as to pursue other professional opportunities; and Whereas, Ms. Castillo has during the past two years served this Town tirelessly, admirably and professionally in performing the various administrative tasks our Town Supervisor has assigned to her; and Whereas, Ms. Castillo has demonstrated exceptional competence and creativity in assisting the Supervisor in financial oversight, event planning and publicity, and advancing visionary goals toward the expansion of parks and recreational opportunities in our Town; and Whereas, Isabel’s cooperative attitude and team-player spirit in working with all participants of our community’s governance will be sorely missed by this Town Board and by others in Enfield who have served with her; therefore, be it Resolved, that this Town Board recognizes and commends Isabel Castillo for her two years of dedicated, professional service to Enfield and its residents, and wishes her well in all of her future endeavors Councilperson Lynch moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded. No further discussion. Vote: Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Lynch, Aye; Councilperson Ricks, Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried. Resolution #37-2023 Deputy Town Supervisor – salary at $5,000/year, paid monthly RESOLVED, the Town Board establishes the Office of Deputy Supervisor to act for and in place of the Supervisor in his/her absence 7 RESOLVED, the Town Supervisor appoints Greg Hutnik to fill this position Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded. Discussion: Councilperson Lynch shared that this is an at will position and the appointment is at the discretion of the Town Supervisor. Greg shared that he is the new resident of ~1 year in the Town of Enfield. He is a profession planner for Cayuga County based out of Auburn, NY. He is happy to be more involved in his community. Supervisor Redmond had put many feelers out in the community while looking for a new Deputy Town Supervisor and Greg was recommended. She is very happy that he has agreed to accept the position. Councilperson Lemke shared that she is also happy that he was willing to accept the position. Vote: Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Lynch, Aye; Councilperson Ricks, Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried. Resolution #38-2023- Town Bank Account Signatories WHEREAS, there is a need to update the authorized signers on Town bank accounts due to the resignation of the Deputy Town Supervisor, be it therefore RESOLVED, the signatories on the Town accounts are as follows: Stephanie Redmond (Town Supervisor), Mary Cornell (Town Clerk), and Greg Hutnik (Newly Appointed Deputy Supervisor). Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded. Discussion: Supervisor Redmond explained the in her absence Deputy Supervisor Hutnik will be the signer and if there are extreme circumstances then Clerk Cornell would be the signer. Councilperson Lemke shared her concern that their needs to be clearity of duties if/when Clerk Cornell would be a sign checks. Vote: Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Lynch, Aye; Councilperson Ricks, Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried. Discussion: Consolidation of The Town Court. Councilperson Lemke explained that Court would still be held one night or two nights per week and she is not sure how we would actually save costs. We would still pay the justice and we can be assigned a fee to use the facility. Supervisor Redmond shared that the only savings to the Town is if we moved town facilities then we would only save on the associated cost of not using our building. Councilperson Lynch shared that Enfield is a community and we want the ECC to stay, we want the school to stay and the Fire Company to stay. All the history of the people who have served are part of our community and having the court system in our community is part of our community. We have learned that there is no free lunch and we will still need to pay our part in having a justice in our town. He shared by this Memorial Day we should have an idea if anyone is willing to serve as Town Justice for our Town. He knows one person whom has already expressed interested in running for office. He shared the Courthouse is going to be a meeting building for several years and that we should let the political process work itself out. Councilperson Ricks shared that he has been to court in the Town on a couple of occasions and it does not seem like it has high attendance. He is hearing that we want to keep Enfield as a community and bigger minds then his will figure this out. Councilperson Lemke shared that it will cost more to consolidate as we are not in need of the current space for other needs. Councilperson Hinkle shared that she is not sure that it would save us any money and it may be more restrictive on when the court meets and continued availability, she would like to keep it local. Supervisor Redmond shared that we are going to keep this building for several more years. Councilperson Lynch shared that the state may convert to district courts in the future which would be run by lawyers, etc. Ellen Woods - wanted to make a quick comment when the sheriff’s satellite station moved to Enfield there were concerns of over policing. Former Justice Poole had a strong sense of Enfield residents and Enfield was served well. 8 Discussion: Preliminary FEMA Flood maps for the Town of Enfield. This is about the National Flood Insurance and they sent us our Preliminary Flood Maps. Most of our town is not in a flood zone, the flood zone is mainly near Enfield Clerk. Supervisor Redmond shared the map with those in attendance. All are welcome to stop in to view the maps. Councilperson Lynch shared that we are talking about a major grant for creek building on Bostwick Road. Supervisor Redmond is hopeful to hear about the FEMA grant funding by spring. The next step would be to have FEMA come and explain the maps to the Town Board. Supervisor Redmond is concerned that Enfield is the only Town in Tompkins County that does not carry National Flood Insurance and this could affect possible compensation for area residents. There are also mortgage companies that will not hold a mortgage if the town does not hold flood insurance. Councilperson Ricks asked if the Highway Superintendent should be involved in these discussions as he has had experience with floods issues. Privilege of the Floor: James Ricks the last meeting he heard so many compliments on the people who have worked here and he noticed that Beth McGee was not mentioned and she started the Anti-Racist group in Enfield and he found her courageous and she had a little bit of fire. Ellen Woods wanted to say thank you to all of the members of the Town Board for considering Town Clerk Health Insurance. Adjournment: Councilperson Ricks moved to adjourn and Councilperson Hinkle seconded, Adjourned at 8:47 pm. Respectfully submitted, Mary Cornell Mary Cornell Town Clerk