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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember-10-2021-Town-Board-Meeting-Minutes 1 Town of Enfield Regular Town Board Meeting Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. Virtually via Zoom Meeting Portal Present: Town Supervisor Stephanie Redmond, Councilperson James Ricks, Councilperson Robert Lynch, Councilperson Virginia Bryant, Councilperson Jude Lemke, Code Officer Alan Teeter, Highway Superintendent Buddy Rollins, Town Clerk Mary Cornell Call to order: Supervisor Redmond called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm Privilege of the Floor: Edward and Helen Hetherington led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance. Ellen Woods, the revised Standard Workdays did not include herself or the previous Deputy Clerk. Cayuga Nation resolution took a land claim that they believe that they are entitled to all the way through the Supreme Court. Seneca County is trying to collect taxes on this land and is trying to align itself with the “supposed leaders”. She stated the Town Board should consider what Seneca Counties’ motives are, as she believes they are looking for tax revenue. James Ricks asked what Robert Lynch has against Stephanie Redmond, he was upset by the words that he heard were used after the election and had his neighbors ask him what was going on. Additions and Changes to the Agenda: Supervisor Redmond asked that the Cayuga Nation resolution be moved to after the Deck the Halls event on the agenda, board members were in agreement. Councilperson Lynch wants to move a resolution on open governments and Supervisor Redmond put it after the vaccination policy on the agenda. Correspondence: Clerk Cornell read a letter from the Enfield Valley Grange. The Clerk’s office also received information from the AOT for newly elected official’s training in January as well as the business meeting in February 2022. . Monthly Reports: County Legislator – Anne Koreman congratulated those that won the election in the Town of Enfield. Anne stated that she thinks whatever platform is used by an elected official should be considered public information. She mentioned that a current board member stated that the County dropped the ball regarding recent events that happened. She strongly encouraged everyone to sign up for Swift911. COVID update, currently the County has ~130 active cases with 4 hospitalized and one death in the last month. The county health department is very active in making vaccinations available to 5-11 yr olds and 1,200 were vaccinated last week. This Friday/Saturday they are hopeful to have 1,600 more children vaccinated. They are hopeful to have all that want to be vaccinated done by Thanksgiving. If your child has special needs or medical needs, there are several pediatricians in town who have vaccinations available as well as some local pharmacies. The county will have the final vote on its budget by 11/16/2021. They are in talks to have shared services for municipal code officials to participate in if they need additional assistance. Town Supervisor: Supervisor Redmond attended bi-weekly meetings with other Town Supervisors, attended the Planning board meeting, was in contact TG Miller Surveyors and they will be contacting Buddy. Met with the health consortium, met with the Town Bookkeeper. Supervisor Redmond, Councilperson Lemke, and Clerk Cornell met with Palo Alto. The NYMIR rep will attend the December Meeting. The deputy supervisor has been in contact with a company to get a quote to install heat pumps at the Town Court House, and is working on applying for a brick grant for a generator for the highway facility. She is looking for funding for sidewalks in the center of town on Enfield Main Rd. Town Clerk: Clerk Cornell - The clerk’s office issued new and renewed dog licenses, accepted funds for culvert and building permits, as well as performed the many tasks of the Town Clerk’s office. NYS Retirement had contacted the Clerks office with concerns of needed changes, to the Standard Work Days Resolution. The Clerk worked with them to make the necessary changes. Former Clerk Woods and Former Deputy Clerk Speno were removed as was requested, it does not mean they will not receive service credit for the time that they put in this year. 2 Code Enforcement Report: Alan Teeter, issued three building permits in October. He received complaints about land flooding which appears to be a civil issue. Alarmtech installed a wireless system in the Town Courthouse which should be a better system. He attended an 8 hr training today which is worth 200 points. Next year’s training will be in person and the town had previously paid for it, so it is all set. Volunteer Fire Company: Alan Teeter reported a total of 35 calls, 2 fire, 22 rescue, 2 hazardous conditions, 2 false alarms, upcoming trainings - landing zone set up training, and extraction training will be the following week. Planning Board Report: The Board reviewed two subdivisions. They spent time reviewing the site plan law and site plan regulations and will be drafting some updates. Tompkins County Council of Govts: Councilperson Lynch stated they met on October 28th. The only action item is an item that is on our agenda. Katy Hallace of TC planning department provided an update on food resources. The Tompkins county appropriated $75,000 to complete a survey. A county department would be established. Town participation is optional and not required. Consent Agenda: Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lemke seconded. Discussion: Councilperson Lynch asked about NYSEG address variations, Supervisor Redmond offered to go over his concerns with him. General Fund vouchers #232 to 256 dated November 10. 2021 in the amount of $36, 620.42. Highway Fund vouchers #171 to 191 dated November 10, 2021, in the amount of $129,996.34. Fire Department Voucher #248 dated November 10, 2021, in the amount of $35,000. Approval of Minutes. All-Aye, carried. New Business: Solar Moratorium – Supervisor Redmond motioned to schedule a public hearing on December 8, 2021, at 6:30 pm. Councilperson Lynch seconded. All-Aye, carried. Deck the Halls Event: Supervisor Redmond would like to have a community event and provide refreshments to those in attendance. She will purchase or ask for donations for the items needed. She asked that it be put on the Town Webpage, December 4 th at 10 am, with a rain date of December 11th at 10 am. Councilperson Ricks asked if it will be a problem if all of the board members attend, Supervisor Redmond clarified that it is not a political event and will be fine. Resolution #2021-90 Resolution calling for the Town Board of Enfield Councilperson Ricks stated that Art Godin will read the resolution/letter which may be our board’s opinion. Tom Joyce also worked on the resolution, he has the letter which he can read. Art Godin thanked Councilperson Lemke for her assistance and these documents came from the Enfield Anti-Racist group. A Sovereign government nation rules itself and he is upset that as a government we are going to dictate how they rule. Councilperson Ricks Moved and Councilperson Lemke seconded. Councilperson Lemke would like to apologize to Sachem George that she was able to read the letter that was sent to him. She apologizes for disagreeing with him. Councilperson Lynch wanted to explain the agony he has gone over in the last month, one side stated he had to do something by the actions taken by Clint Halftown. He then stated that he also heard individuals state that it is a legal issue. He did not like the last resolution as it showed 3 the town board flaunting its “White Privilege” if it lies outside our borders then we really can’t do that then we would need to focus on Enfield’s issue. When we deal with outside parties we should present a united front. He would like to move a second resolution that he has drafted that he would like to submit if this has been approved. Councilperson Lemke thanks the Anti-Racist group for drafting this letter. All-Aye, carried. 4 RESOLUTION calling for the Town Board of Enfield, Tompkins County, New York to request the New York State Attorney General’s Office to investigate in the interests of justice and public safety certain actions taken against persons and property by authorities representing the indigenous Cayuga Nation - TABLED Councilperson Lynch moved and Supervisor Redmond seconded for discussion purposes. Councilpersons Lynch stated Seneca County Law enforcements may have been grossly negligent. Criminal Mischief in the second degree. There was probable cause and the Attorney General should be involved. Supervisor Redmond stated that it was enforced by non-native law enforcement and he has the authority to appoint a police department. Sachem George stated. He has been trying to explain is all that he is doing is asking for help from those that live on Cayuga Nation lands that live from NY all the way down to Virginia. Supervisor Redmond would like to table this resolution. Resolution tabled. RESOLUTION calling for the Town Board of Enfield, Tompkins County, New York to request the New York State Attorney General’s Office to investigate in the interests of justice and public safety certain actions taken against persons and property by authorities representing the indigenous Cayuga Nation RESOLUTION #2021___________ WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Board recognizes its legal and moral obligation to ensure that the laws of this State and Nation are fairly, fully and faithfully enforced, and that those laws are applied equally within society without taint of bias, and that this Board’s moral obligation may at times extend to jurisdictions beyond its own borders; and WHEREAS, the Town of Enfield takes official notice of an incident on February 22, 2020 in which persons allegedly operating at the behest of Clint Halftown, self-proclaimed leader of the indigenous Cayuga Nation, without authority or provocation, destroyed during the dead of night Cayuga Nation properties in the town of Seneca Falls, Seneca County, New York, leveling as many as twelve buildings including a schoolhouse, day care center, general store, gas station, cannery and cabin dwellings, all used by Cayuga Nation residents; and WHEREAS, on February 29, 2020, seven days later, during a violent altercation that followed a press conference on Cayuga Nation property, a non-Indigenous resident, Charles Bowman, was injured by officers of the Cayuga Nation Police Department, police officers purportedly under Clint Halftown’s direction; and WHEREAS, with neither the February 22, 2020 incident nor with a subsequent physical altercation between Clint Halftown’s Cayuga Nation Police Department and Charles Bowman, has the Seneca County District Attorney’s Office, District Attorney Mark Sinkiewicz, or any local law enforcement agency taken effective, responsible, or meaningful actions to hold Clint Halftown, his associates, or the Cayuga Nation Police Department responsible for their alleged crimes; and WHEREAS, Seneca County law enforcement’s only response to date has been for a Seneca County Grand Jury to indict Charles Bowman on criminal misdemeanor charges for the February 29, 2020 incident; and WHEREAS, on November 8, 2021, Seneca County District Attorney Mark Sinkiewicz, in response to an Enfield Town Councilperson’s question, confirmed that, “There was not a Grand Jury action taken for the February destruction of the buildings;” and WHEREAS, on October 12, 2021, the Seneca County Board of Supervisors requested the New York State Attorney General’s Office to undertake an investigation into “the situation and circumstances of Mr. Bowman and the Cayuga Nation Police and other matters pertinent thereto;” and 5 WHEREAS, the Cayuga Nation and Seneca County, a county adjacent to its own, stand in close proximity to the Town of Enfield so as to deem this Town Board’s action appropriate; and WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Board has concluded that, based on the totality of the circumstances, Seneca County law enforcement officials; including its District Attorney, Mark Sinkiewicz, stand unduly compromised, conflicted, disinterested, or unwilling to perform their sworn official responsibilities in upholding the law to protect property rights and public safety affecting either Indigenous or non-Indigenous residents in this matter; therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Board joins the Seneca County Board of Supervisors in requesting that the New York State Attorney General and her staff intervene in this matter through appointment of a special prosecutor and undertake a thorough investigation into the actions by Clint Halftown, the Cayuga Nation, and its Police Department, not only with regards to the February 29, 2020 altercation between the Cayuga Nation Police Department and Charles Bowman, but also regarding the February 22, 2020 destruction of Cayuga Nation properties, and all incidents related thereto; and be it further RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution shall be sent to the following officials: The Hon. Letitia James, New York State Attorney General Mark Sinkiewicz, District Attorney, Seneca County, NY The Hon. Robert Hayssen, Chairman, Seneca County Board of Supervisors The Hon. Leslyn McBean-Clairborne, Chair, Tompkins County Legislature Public Discussion Regarding Local Law: Opt-out of allowing adult-use cannabis retail dispensaries or on-site consumption licenses: Open to the public: Supervisor Redmond shared the Marijuana regulation and taxation act presentation. Town residents Ellen Woods and Cassandra Henkel both stated there is a stigma with using the term “Marijuana” and Cannabis should be the terminology used. Per Supervisor Redmond the state is using Marijuana in their terminology. Councilperson Lynch has prepared a draft law from the Town of Covert for demonstration purposes tonight and a draft resolution for our December meeting. Ellen Woods – she has a few comments. She is basically agnostic on this. She is the regional director of the State level PTA, she knows that the dispensaries have an age limit of 21, and that the products are going to be in the area. Currently we are not seeing the concentrates sold as flowers, she spoke in reference to industrial-related products. Dispensaries in other states, use security measures. Edibles are a big concern (gummy bears). In states where it is legal, there are real risks for younger people. There is a valid argument for putting it on the ballot. James Ricks would like to speak on the last statement by Ellen Woods. With Marijuana, they mix things together, but opting out will not stop this happening. They go where they can to purchase it and bring it back to the area. You can’t stop people innovating. He believes it is going to happen and there is a financial benefit for the town. Councilperson Lynch, had the benefit to attend the Newfield Town Board meeting and they will revisit this topic in the next couple of weeks. Newfield Supervisor Michael Allinger is possibly in favor of opting out. Newfield Councilperson McCarty is not in favor of opting out and would prefer that marijuana be sold in a controlled environment. Councilperson Lynch is concerned that people from Ithaca will come up to Enfield and use a marijuana bar and then be on the roads. Cassandra Hinkel – She is supportive of individuals who use medical marijuana. These individuals have to travel for their medication and the town would be missing a big chunk of revenue. Tt would be a little naive and a little silly to opt-out and miss out on this opportunity. Councilperson Lemke Stated that we should consider opting out and then we could decide to opt-in when we have more information. She has family members that are on medical marijuana and it has been miraculous for them to be able to live a normal life. Nancy Spero does not know what makes sense legally. Cannabis as a plant does have a medicinal value and we are just learning about it as it has been illegal for so long. Ellen Woods- Stated when there were more bars in Enfield there were more accidents. Spoke on the setbacks from the school which is only a 1,000’ and she applauds Councilperson Lemke for her consistency. 6 Supervisor Redmond stated that we need to have regulations and they should be equal. If we allow bars who serve alcohol then we should allow for Marijuana bars (use on site). She feels that she can’t support opting out because the prohibition of marijuana in our country has caused a lot of hardships. She thinks that it is only fair to allow this to go forward in our community. Councilperson Lynch proposes that we have a public hearing on December 8th and include his proposed optout resolution he submitted earlier. Councilperson Ricks, if we opt in or if we opt out then we have to opt out and disregard those who wanted us to opt-in. Councilperson Lynch motioned and Supervisor Redmond seconded scheduling a Public Hearing for December 8 th at 6:30 pm. All-Aye, carried. Food Pantry Land Lease Discussion: Supervisor Redmond stated that Jean Owens reached out to her about possible leasing a parcel that the Town owns, Councilperson Lemke is open to further discussion on this. She would like to hear feedback from Buddy. Councilperson Lynch would be willing to hear more. Councilpersons Bryant and Ricks would to hear more as well.. Celebrations and Library Funds: Supervisor Redmond stated that we did not give funds to the ECC for the 200 th year celebration and the ECC had received limited expenses. There is a law that allows funds to be donated for library funds. They initially started at the food pantry and Stephanie reached out to the ECC and they would like to purchase bookcases and the food pantry would like to purchase bags. Supervisor Redmond will reach out to both organizations regarding the use of these funds. General Fund Balance Discussion: Financial Planning/Salt Barn/Building Reserves. Supervisor Redmond asked Blixy for her assistance in financial planning. Supervisor Redmond suggested improvements to the Town Hall and to install a new HVAC system at the Town Courthouse as the current one is very old. Adding a wall just inside the town clerk’s office with a separate door that you can access the rest of the office. The roof at the back entrance to the town hall is a safety hazard. The roof of the whole facility needs maintenance. The paint/siding on the town courthouse is peeling and needs to be redone (some of the ARPA funds may be used more freely). Blixy shared the town budget model. She shared available funds that we have that can be utilized. Councilperson Lemke asked about covering the salt barn with any of these funds. In the current budget, we did not include the Norbut Building permit. Supervisor Redmond is not in favor of building a new building near the highway department as was put in the Comprehensive plan. Councilperson Lynch stated that we should not use any of the monies in the Town Hall reserves. Councilperson Lynch asked why we not keep it where it is, Supervisor Redmond OSC would frown upon us having excess funds in our savings account. Supervisor Redmond stated that we should bond the salt barn and move the funds into the Town Hall reserves and utilize the funds to start maintenance on the Town Hall and the Town Courthouse. Councilperson Bryant agrees with Supervisor Redmond. Councilperson Lemke would like to see some numbers and quotes to see what should be done with the buildings and that it is important to see what we are going to do with ARPA funds. Councilperson Lemke would not like to put more funds in the Town Hall reserve until we understand how much we would like to use in the next year. Councilperson Lemke and Councilperson Lynch stated we can decide on where to place the money when we have more information. The priorities should be the roof and the interior of the Town Hall will be her focus (noted by NYMIR). immediate priority to the entrance at the Town Hall. The Town Hall is a priority for the board, would be the area that we would like to move these funds to. Supervisor Redmond would like to get some quotes to revamp the town hall space and moving some of the offices from the courthouses and revamp the town hall offices as they are. Councilperson Bryant agrees with the NYMIR reps’ findings. Councilperson Lynch would like something that gives the clerk more security in her office. Resolution #2021-91 Approval of November 2021 Budget Modifications Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Bryant seconded. No further discussion. 7 8 All-Aye, carried. Supervisor Redmond motioned to Adopt the 2022 preliminary Budget as the Town’s Final 2022 Adopted Budget, Councilperson Lynch seconded. No discussion. All-Aye, Carried. Resolution #2021-92 EMS Task Force Supervisor Redmond motioned and Councilperson Bryant seconded. Discussion – Councilperson Lynch stated his confusions as to why the governor had not signed yet. WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Board recognizes the critical role that ambulance services provide in rural communities, WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Board understands that rural ambulance companies are under unprecedented financial stress which is causing many rural companies to shut down and others to take on larger service areas, which increases response times, WHEREAS, the decreasing availability of ambulance service creates issues equity that impacts poorer disadvantaged communities in remote areas, WHEREAS, fewer people are pursuing the paramedic profession, primarily due to extremely low pay and a stressful work environment. Therefore, there is a growing shortage of Paramedics forcing ambulance companies to compete in recruiting and retaining qualified staff, WHEREAS, the problems facing Enfield are shared by rural municipalities throughout New York state, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the town of Enfield requests that the Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York, sign pending legislation establishing the New York State Rural Ambulance Task Force, Senate Bill S3503C. ALSO RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution, accompanied by a letter from the town, be sent to Governor Hochul, Senator Hinchey, Senator Helming, Senator Oberacker, and Assemblywoman Kelles. All-Aye, carried. Resolution #2021-93 Traffic Study on Hayts Rd Supervisor Redmond motioned and Councilperson Lynch seconded. No further discussion. 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 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 assessment and measures taken to address pedestrian safety; and WHEREAS, said residents have presented sound and convincing reasons for the need for a traffic study; therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Board hereby requests that the Tompkins County Highway Department undertake a traffic study to encompass Hayts Road in the Town of Enfield; and 9 RESOLVED, further, that the Town Clerk shall communicate said request for traffic study to Jeffrey Smith, Highway Director, Tompkins County Highway Department. All-Aye, carried. Resolution #2021-94 Intermunicipal Shared Services Agreement 2022-2026 Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Bryant seconded. No further discussion. WHEREAS, the Intermunicipal Shared Service Agreement between the town of Enfield Tompkins County an area participating municipalities expires on August 8th, 2022, and; o further discussion. WHEREAS, the Intermunicipal Shared Service Agreement grants unto its Superintendent the authority to provide and receive shared services with any signatory municipality, now therefore be it; RESOLVED, the Enfield Town Board authorizes Supervisor Redmond to sign the Intermunicipal Shared Service Agreement All-Aye, carried. Resolution #2021-95 Revised Standard Work Days Resolution Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Bryant seconded. No further discussion. Title Standard Work Day Name Current Term Record of Activities Highway Superintendent 8 Barry “ Buddy Rollins 1/1/21-12/31/21 21.34 Town Clerk 6 Mary Cornell 3/14/21-12/31/21 21.13 Code Enforcement 6 Alan Teeter 1/1/21-12/31/21 19.23 Court Clerk 6 Tiffany Poole 1/1/21-12/31/21 8.89 Bookkeeper 6 Brian McIlroy 1/1/21-12/31/21 3.71 Deputy Clerk 6 Laura Norman 4/6/21-12/31/21 8.44 All-Aye carried. Old Business: Water Protection Law – Update from Nancy Spero: The committee would like it moved to a Public Hearing. Law was reviewed by the planning board and informing the community for projects and Planning Board Chair Dan Walker stated that a one-mile radius was to large, it is clear as the law is written that it does not include agriculture. Supervisor Redmond motioned and Councilperson Lemke seconded to have a public hearing on January 12, 2022 at 6 pm. All-Aye, carried. 10 A Resolution to establish a Vaccination Policy against COVID-19 for Public Officers and employees of the Town of Enfield RESOLUTION #2021-__________ Councilperson Lynch moved, no second. Whereas, the Enfield Town Board recognizes its legal duty and its moral and ethical obligation to keep its community’s residents safe, to protect the health and well-being of its workforce, and to ensure peace of mind among those who interact with the Town’s public-facing employees; and Whereas, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) constitutes an ongoing public health threat, the pandemic having claimed nearly 650,000 lives nationwide since the pandemic began, including the lives of several persons within this Town; and Whereas, Federal, State, and local health authorities have advised that widespread vaccination of the eligible population serves as the most effective tool to combat the coronavirus, to prevent its spread, and to limit its mutating to even more lethal forms of the disease; and Whereas, Tompkins County Public Health Director Frank Kruppa, in his Guidance Document of September 1, 2021, while acknowledging that COVID-19 can still occur in people vaccinated against the disease, emphatically stated that “the data still show that if you are vaccinated you are at a lower risk of getting or transmitting COVID-19;” and Whereas, Tompkins County Medical Director Dr. William Klepack concurs with Director Kruppa’s assessment, Dr. Klepack’s stating that those vaccinated are “extremely unlikely to get infected,” and placing the infection rate for fully-vaccinated persons at well under one per cent, and Whereas, The New York Times, in its reporting dated September 7, 2021, predicted the COVID-19 infection probability for vaccinated persons is only “about one in 5000 per day,” indeed, perhaps only half that; and Whereas, Tompkins County Government has indicated its willingness to consider local municipal workforces within those populations eligible to participate in the County’s supported program for asymptomatic surveillance testing, a service that, when likely approved, would reduce or eliminate any burden a mandatory vaccination and testing program might place upon Town finances; therefore be it Resolved, that the Enfield Town Board hereby establishes a Vaccination Policy against COVID-19, said Policy applicable to all Public Officers, elected Office Holders, and employees of the Town of Enfield, with said Policy’s purpose that of promoting public health and safety for both its employees and the general public by encouraging the vaccination of any and all Officers and Town of Enfield employees to the fullest extent permissible under Federal and New York State law and administrative directives; and be it further Resolved, that within sixty (60) days of this Policy’s adoption, every Town Officer, elected Office Holder, and employee of the Town of Enfield shall be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, with those who are unable to be vaccinated due to religious or medical exception or those unwilling to be vaccinated to undergo testing on a periodic (generally weekly) basis as recommended and overseen by the Tompkins County Health Department, and that compliance with this policy will be based on the good faith attestation of the Town Officer, elected Office Holder, or employee; and be it further Resolved, that should federal, New York State, or local authorities recommend subsequent booster vaccinations for otherwise fully- vaccinated eligible individuals, compliance with this mandate shall be met by the affected individual having been vaccinated with the booster shot within six months from when he or she first becomes eligible; and be in further Resolved, that except where superseded by this policy or otherwise deemed inapplicable, details of this vaccination and testing program shall be implemented in accordance with “Tompkins County COVID-19 Directive #6,” as promulgated by the Tompkins County Administration and dated September 2, 2021, as Tompkins County may subsequently revise; and be it further Resolved, that the Town of Enfield will seek collaboration with Tompkins County Administration and other County Departments and their associated medical partners to avail itself of testing and reimbursement opportunities which will help defray the cost of this program to the Town of Enfield and its taxpayers; and be it further 11 Resolved, that this Policy shall take full effect sixty (60) days following its adoption by this Town Board. A Resolution to Reaffirm Open Government in the Town of Enfield RESOLUTION #2021-__________ Councilperson Lynch moved, no second. WHEREAS, the Town of Enfield has long followed a policy of Open Government, respecting and complying with not only the letter, but also the spirit of the New York State Open Meetings Law, conducting not only its Town Board meetings, but also those of its advisory committees in open session so as to encourage public attendance and participation whenever State law so permits; and WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Board wishes to reaffirm that principle; therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Board hereby establishes and reaffirms as a matter of Town Policy that all meetings of its Town Board, its Planning Board, and all advisory committees it has created or may create in the future are to be considered Public Meetings and open to attendance by any and all, so long as a person’s attendance does not otherwise conflict with provisions of New York State statute, including but not limited to the Public Officers Law; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk of the Town of Enfield shall make every reasonable effort to publicize in advance with sufficient notice the time, place, and manner of said Board and Advisory Committee meetings so as to encourage public attendance and participation. Privilege of the Floor: Tom Joyce – he wanted to address the vaccine issue and has some suggestions that may address the concerns. Workplace safety training could help the board and Town employees have a better understanding. Funding is currently available through grants from OSHA for organizations to offer training on infectious diseases. The Town would need to make employees and staff available for the training. He would be willing to share his information with the board members if the would like. Ellen Woods – She would like to thank Town Clerk Cornell for clarifying the standard day’s resolution. She would like to state that for the civility of the board meeting that the board should be addressed as a whole and that a person should not be singled out. She would like to not come to the next board meeting and have a specific board member addressed. She wanted to Clarify the misconception on why a Public Hearing is held. She spoke on the Audit claims and thanked the board for submitting the invoice for the Fire Department. The Town Board is responsible for auditing the claims. Marcus Gingerich – He spoke on the vaccine mandate from President Biden, and that legal action has been taken and we should wait to see what comes of it. Announcements: Food pantry needs volunteers for the Thanksgiving distributions to the possible construction around the building. Adjournment: Councilperson Lemke Motioned and Councilperson Lynch seconded. Adjourned 10:10 pm. Respectfully submitted, Mary Cornell Town Clerk Town of Enfield