HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust-11-2021-Town-Board-Meeting-Minutes.docx1
Town of Enfield
Regular Town Board Meeting
Wednesday, August 11, 2021, 6:30 pm
In-Person at Enfield Courthouse and Virtual Meeting via Zoom Meeting Portal
Present: Supervisor Redmond, Councilperson Lemke, Councilperson Lynch, Councilperson Ricks, and Town Clerk Mary
Cornell
Excused: Councilperson Bryant.
Presentation by Sachem George of Cayuga Nation – Prayer of gratitude. He spoke a welcome message to the
community welcoming them into the Cayuga Nation Territory. Most of the ancestry has been distributed throughout
other reservations and areas. In the beginning when foreigners entered the land and they created a treaty that allowed
two rows of different colors and on both sides it presents the river of life. We have our vessel they have canoes. We do
not direct how others live and they do not direct our lives. We can ask each other for assistance. He asks us to
decolonize ourselves and that we should watch any conflict. Our ancestors did not understand the impact their choices
would have. Sachem George mentioned genocide – save the man sacrifice the Indian. This mentality needs to change. A
community member asked if the Cayuga nation wants their land back. Sachem George said they just want a piece of land
to live on. We need to save Mother Earth and take care of her. He mentioned more of them will come back to the area.
Supervisor Redmond asked what can local governments do to help. Sachem George said a student went up the lake and
found that trash was dumped into a river and then it would enter larger water ways. Pick up areas and help your
neighbors with their areas. Each of us makes our own choices and will answer for the consequences. Local Universities
have committed to maintain their lands. Look at the map under Cayuga Lake and see how far it carries out from that
area. Think about how you can help those that will be here after you. Those present thanked Sachem George for coming
and speaking.
Call to order: Town Supervisor 7:06 pm
Privilege of the Floor:
Ed Hetherington led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance. He asked if anyone speaks if they could identify
themselves, as those on Zoom cannot see the audience.
Ellen Woods spoke on our new governor. She read the bio of Kathy Horchel. She stated that she was told Clerks can’t
govern and now we have a clerk governor.
Additions and Changes to the Agenda: Supervisor Redmond -Budget amendments will be put under the consent
agenda. Setting a public hearing date to override the tax cap local law.
Correspondence: Williamson will have an increase in rates this year, please adjust your budgets as needed. Workers
Compensation insurance rates will be increasing.
Consent Agenda: Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lynch seconded. Discussion: Councilperson Lynch had
recommended changes to the minutes. They will be updated as requested.
Budget Amendment #10 -2021 Move funds for JCAP Grant Equipment RESOLVED, the Enfield Town Board authorizes the
Town Supervisor to transfer $222.55 from JCAP Grant Savings A232 to line A1110.22 Justices – JCAP Grant Equipment.
Budget Amendment #11 -2021 Move funds for Supervisor Contractual RESOLVED, the Enfield Town Board authorizes
the Town Supervisor to transfer $400.00 from Contingent Account A1990.4 to line A1220.41 Supervisor Contractual.
Budget Amendment #12-2021 Move funds for Payroll Processing Fees RESOLVED, the Enfield Town Board authorizes the
Town Supervisor to transfer $92.24 from Contingent Account A1990.4 to line A1316.44 Payroll Processing Fees.
Budget Amendment #13-2021 Move funds for Attorney RESOLVED, the Enfield Town Board authorizes the Town
Supervisor to transfer $9,500.00 from Contingent Account A1990.4 to line A1420.4 Attorney – Contractual.
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Budget Amendment #14 -2021 Move funds for Web Hosting RESOLVED, the Enfield Town Board authorizes the Town
Supervisor to transfer $2,000.00 from Contingent Account A1990.4 to line A1620.43 Buildings – Web Hosting.
Budget Amendment #15 -2021 Move funds for Clean Up Days RESOLVED, the Enfield Town Board authorizes the Town
Supervisor to transfer $1,348.93 from Contingent Account A1990.4 to line A8160.1 Refuse and Garbage – Personnel
Services.
Budget Amendment #16 -2021 Move funds for Workers Comp. RESOLVED, the Enfield Town Board authorizes the Town
Supervisor to transfer $435.59 from Contingent Account A1990.4 to line A9040.8 Workers Comp.
Audit Claims: General Fund Vouchers 174-196 dated August 11, 2021 in the amount of $16,404.90.
Highway Fund Vouchers 115-129 dated August 11, 2021 in the amount of $57,967.11.
Approval of Minutes.
Councilperson Lemke AYE, Councilperson Lynch AYE, Councilperson Ricks AYE, Supervisor Redmond AYE, Carried.
Monthly Reports:
County Legislator – Dave McKenna -his committee authorized 2.8 million to the legislature to purchase a building that is
adjacent to the current campus. This will increase the area for vehicle fleet, etc. All of the offices will be in one set area.
It will save the county thousands of dollars paid in rent. Vaccination policy, masks required if you are not vaccinated
then surveillance testing will be required. Feedback from Councilperson Lynch. Legislators pull their masks down while
they speak and put back up when they have finished speaking. The recording is in-audible. Supervisor Redmond asked
how the county is paying for the testing, Dave McKenna will get back to her on the cost of the testing. She worries that
the expense of weekly testing will be a burden on our employees.
Town Supervisor’s Report – Supervisor Redmond attended Zoom meetings, Planning Board Meetings, worked on the
IDA Pilot agreement and host community agreement, updated documents on the salt barn. Emergency management
plan they will retry to meet at another time due to low attendance.
Town Clerk: The Clerk’s office Issued Dog licenses, accepted funds for building permits, as well as performing the many
tasks of the Town Clerks Office. – Councilperson Lynch asked about multiple printer/copiers in the Clerk’s office and the
economic impact to the town. The copier that former Clerk Woods had acquired for the Clerk’s office is not currently
costing the Town any funds at this time and is functional.
Highway Superintendent: Black Oak Road was paved today. Griffith Road is in the planning stages. Due to not having it
rain recently we have been able to get a lot of outside work done. The town should consider obtaining surveys of Town
Property’s - Presbyterian cemetery had a large rotten tree and the ownership is uncertain. The adjoining property owner
is worried that it will fall and whoever owns it and would be responsible for any damages incurred. The tree leans
towards Vera Howe-Strait’s property. Superintendent Rollins asked the town to Survey the cemetery. Councilperson
Lynch suggests the Highway Superintendent Rollins should include cemetery chair Cassandra Hinkle in discussions.
Second properties - the old dump on Waterburg Road should be surveyed, posted and staked up, so that we have an
understanding of the boundary lines. Supervisor Redmond will contact the water survey people and see if they have
completed a survey. Superintendent Rollins stated the town owns two adjoining parcels he is not sure if they are
connected or not. Discussion: Councilperson Lynch stated that we should get started on this. Beth McGee mentioned
the DEC had called her this week and stated there were issues with the water quality. The Town may not want to use
this location for a dirt dump site anymore. Supervisor Redmond will check into this matter further. Councilperson Lynch
looked over the vouchers and wanted to understand what funds are needed for the new budget. Superintendent Rollins
took monies from his materials, his budget is down by two employees. His temporary employee does not have the skills
to fix the pieces of equipment. Councilperson Lynch stated that Superintendent Rollins could better utilize his mechanic.
Councilperson Lynch asked about a price adjustment on the Vestal Asphalt invoice it was due to fuel price increases.
Cassandra Hinkle asked the Clerk to look into property lines and any surveys.
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Councilperson Lynch asked if we would continue to pay for Cemetery mowing’s twice a month and if we needed to do a
budget adjustment to cover these. Cemetery mowing’s will decrease to one mowing a month starting this month.
Code Enforcement monthly report – Alan Teeter suggested that the Town Historian be contacted in regards to the
cemetery. He issued 5 building permits this month and issued the permit for the Family Life tower. He received two
complaints he is working on. He is working on house numbers. A resident is looking for a variance to put a self-locking
cover on an inground pool.
Volunteer Fire Company – Alan Teeter 20 calls for the month of July. There will be ladder training coming up as well as
EMS training at the end of the month. Councilperson Lynch asked while there was a black spot on Colegrove Rd, it was
due to a camper fire. Ellen Woods invited the public to attend fire department meetings to gain insight on what is going
on with the fire dept.
Dan Walker – Dealing with Covid regulations and some members are uncomfortable attending in person, and they need
to be in person to vote. There was quorum at the last meeting and they were able to reaffirm the votes from the special
meeting and ratified both subdivisions. Norbut Solar Farms submitted their stampted plan. The last step is the
decommissioning agreement, he worked with Councilperson Lemke on it. He won’t issue the solar permit until after that
is finalized. Had a discussion about the proposed site plan review law water modifications and they have invited Steve
Winkle to attend the September meeting.
TCCOG – Councilperson Robert Lynch -No report as TCCOG has not yet met this month.
New Business:
Resolution #77-2021 Standard Work Days Amended Resolution
Title: Standard Work Day: Name: Current Term: Record of
Activities:
Town Clerk 8 Ellen Woods 01/01/21-3/11/21 20
Highway
Superintendent
8 Buddy Rollins 01/01/21-12/31/21 20
Deputy Town
Clerk
6 Patricia Speno 01/01/21-03/31/21 12.5
Justice Clerk 6 Tiffany Poole 01/01/21-12/31/21 8.89
Code Enforcement
Officer
6 Alan Teeter 01/01/21-12/31/21 19.23
Bookkeeper 6 Brian McIlroy 01/01/21-12/31/21 3.71
Town Clerk 6 Mary Cornell 03/14/21-12/31/21 20
Deputy Town
Clerk
6 Laura Norman 04/06/21-12/31/21 12.5
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lemke seconded. Discussion: Councilperson Lynch stated that the Town
Clerks hours per day went down. Councilperson Lemke asked what the columns represented.
Councilperson Lemke AYE, Councilperson Lynch AYE, Councilperson Ricks AYE, Supervisor Redmond AYE, Carried.
Resolution Tabled-2021 Vaccination Policy against COVID-19 for Public Officers and employees of the Town of Enfield.
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Councilperson Lynch moved for discussion purposes and Supervisor Redmond seconded for discussion purposes.
Discussion followed by Councilpersons, Town Supervisor and Town residents. Pro’s and Con’s were discussed. Resolution
tabled until September meeting.
Resolution #2021-78 Resolution to Request Traffic Study, Hubbell Drive, Town of Enfield
WHEREAS, the Town of Enfield in December 2019 adopted a Speed Limit Policy (the “Policy”) whereby Town residents
may request speed limit reductions on various roads within the Town, and the Town Board will subsequently consider
endorsing such requests and recommending speed limit reductions to the New York State Department of Transportation
for adoption; and
WHEREAS, this Policy recognizes that to conform with State Law, any such request for a speed limit reduction must be
preceded by a traffic study to be performed by the Tompkins County Highway Department; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the Policy, residents of Hubbell Drive in the Town of Enfield have presented the Enfield
Town Board, through a written submission to the Town’s Highway Superintendent, a request to consider a speed limit
reduction on Hubbell Drive; and
WHEREAS, said residents have presented sound and convincing reasons for the speed limit’s reduction;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Board hereby requests that the Tompkins County Highway Department undertake a
traffic study to encompass the entire length of Hubbell Drive in the Town of Enfield, the study to focus on a potential
speed limit reduction for Hubbell Drive; and
RESOLVED, further, that the Town Clerk shall communicate said request for traffic study to Jeffrey Smith, Highway
Director, Tompkins County Highway Department.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lemke seconded.
Discussion: Highway Superintendent Rollins wanted to make sure that we had received a written request. He stated that
a lot of man hours goes into this and it will take at least one year to hear back from the state. Councilperson Lynch asked
Superintendent Rollins opinion, Superintendent Rollins if you can’t enforce what you have not why put something up
further.
Councilperson Lemke AYE, Councilperson Lynch AYE, Councilperson Ricks AYE, Supervisor Redmond AYE, Carried.
Resolution #2021-79 Authorization for the Supervisor to Sign License Agreement with Tompkins County Sheriff for
Satellite Office in Town Hall Garage
WHEREAS, the Town Board has authorized use of one garage bay, the back office and adjoining bathroom for the
purpose of a satellite office for the Tompkins County Sheriff, and;
WHEREAS, Supervisor Redmond has negotiated a license agreement with Sheriff Derek Osborne is acceptable to all
parties, therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Enfield Town Board authorizes Supervisor Redmond to sign the license agreement authorizing use of the
space under the terms agreed upon effective immediately.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lynch seconded.
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Discussion: County Administers office may need to have a change as to who name is placed in the signature line. It was
sent to Derrick Osborne per Supervisor Redmond Change from one year to three years. Councilperson Lynch stated that
county administration may have changed. Supervisor Redmond will follow up.
Councilperson Lemke AYE, Councilperson Lynch AYE, Councilperson Ricks AYE, Supervisor Redmond AYE, Carried.
Set Public Hearing for the Tax Cap override.
Councilperson Lynch moved and Councilperson Lemke seconded. Discussion: Date and time is set for September at 6 pm
to allow the public time to comment before the start of the meeting.
Councilperson Lemke AYE, Councilperson Lynch AYE, Councilperson Ricks AYE, Supervisor Redmond AYE, Carried.
American Rescue Plan Act Discussion: What are the towns thoughts on this. Funds need to be allocated by 2024 she will
check on the exact time frame. It needs to be used on water/sewer, or broadband. Superintendent Rollins - Can it be
used for bonus pay for essential personnel who worked through the pandemic? Councilperson Lemke stated we should
look into this. Councilperson Lynch thinks we are out of our league and asked if AOT will provide any information and
that over time more guidance may be out. Supervisor Redmond sent resources to Town Councilpersons and asked them
to look into it. Councilperson Lynch stated we will not have more information on the broadband study until the end of
the year and is hopeful that we will get more guidance then. Why can’t the county help the local towns figure this out.
This will be added to the end of all monthly agendas while planning takes place.
Norbut Solar Farms Update: They are inquiring about a compost facility. Supervisor Redmond has many concerns, they
have a similar facility in Geneva and have invited the Town Board to visit the site. Councilperson Lynch - The Public
Hearing for the IDA was yesterday, he acknowledged that the Town does not want a pilot agreement without a host
community agreement. Councilperson Lemke put together a letter that was read at the Tompkins County IDA meeting
today in its entirety. The meeting proceeded with David Norbut and he presented his view which was similar to the IDA
board which voted 5-1 for the pilot agreement without a host community agreement. It was suggested that the Town
negotiate with Norbut Solar Farms directly for a host community agreement. The one member who voted against it did
so in support of the Town of Enfield. Councilperson Lynch reiterated that he believes we are in a sour spot and the
monies will start to roll in and Norbut Solar Farm will capitalize on it. Councilperson Lynch wants to see those creating
solar farms in our community compensate the towns. Supervisor Redmond stated that the IDA members do not lean
towards towns. Supervisor Redmond was discouraged by the vote yesterday. Councilperson Lemke suggested talking to
a legal.
Councilperson Lynch moved and Supervisor Redmond seconded that Town Supervisor write a letter to Norbut Solar
Farms and suggesting a meeting at the agreement of the parties to discuss the Town of Enfield’s expectation that a host
community agreement be generated between the Town of Enfield and Norbut Solar Farms on Applegate Road.
Councilperson Lemke will update Supervisor Redmond on the feasibility of asking for an agreement again.
Councilperson Lemke AYE, Councilperson Lynch AYE, Councilperson Ricks AYE, Supervisor Redmond AYE, Carried.
Update on Decommissioning agreement from Councilperson Lemke. Gary Abraham will get back to Councilperson
Lemke by the end of this week. In talking to him he suggested that we reach out to others that have more experience
working with the banks and letters of credit. Councilperson Lemke would like to know what the language is in the letter
of credit between the bank and Norbut Solar Farms. She reached out to Barclay Damon in Syracuse and she spoke with
an attorney there and she seemed knowledgeable in the area as she has done this before. She thinks that Gary should
look at the agreement and that Barclay Damon should look at the agreement.
Councilperson Lemke moved and Supervisor Redmond seconded to have Councilperson Lemke proceed.
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Councilperson Lemke AYE, Councilperson Lynch AYE, Councilperson Ricks AYE, Supervisor Redmond AYE, Carried.
Councilperson Lynch – Delta variant of COVID-19. The meetings at the county legislator have a strict mask rule even
when they are speaking the legislature is masked. It shows us that we are moving back into a restricted environment.
We may want to draft a resolution that New York State reimpose the waiver to the open meetings law that takes us back
to the virtual meetings. He stated it was hard for him to attend the meetings with a mask on.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lemke seconded for Councilperson Lynch to draft a letter and send it to
New York State.
The town of Enfield urges the state of NY to reimpose the waivers to the open meetings law that would allow municipal
boards to again meet virtually.
Councilperson Lemke AYE, Councilperson Lynch AYE, Councilperson Ricks AYE, Supervisor Redmond AYE, Carried.
Privilege of the Floor:
Ellen Woods in regards to the standard days reporting. There are serious implications to underreporting your time in
NYS. The bookkeeper being at ~$44 an hour. That the time being spent is being underreported. If we go back into a
situation that the town clerk exposes herself to covid that the Town Clerk and her deputies are compensated for extra
time and extra risk.
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn Councilperson Ricks and Supervisor Redmond seconded. 8:59 pm
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Cornell, Enfield Town Clerk