HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 9 2025 - Town of Enfield Public Hearing Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes1
Town of Enfield Public Hearing & Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes
6:30 PM
In-Person at the Town of Enfield Courthouse and Via the Zoom Meeting Platform
Present: Supervisor Stephanie Redmond; Town Councilpersons, Jude Lemke, Cassandra Hinkle, Melissa
Millspaugh, and Robert Lynch; Code Officer Alan Teeter; Town Clerk Mary Cornell
Call to order Public Hearing: Supervisor Redmond opened the hearing at 6:30 PM.
Councilperson Lemke - under the law you can either opt-out – Normal property tax rules apply. Or, Opt-in and
we are permitted in the case of certain projects. As such with Solar and Wind we are able to negotiate a pilot
agreement. We had thought by opting out we would have more leverage; however, we were frustrated with
the payment in lieu of taxes with the IDA. If we opt out the developer can go around us and go straight to the
IDA. If we opt-out we have no room to negotiate at all. We are going to opt-in to the 487, which would allow us
to negotiate. Councilperson Lynch we as a Board discussed this in 2023, however, we passed it by resolution
and we needed to have adopted it by Local Law. Supervisor Redmond we will keep this hearing open for a few
more minutes. Rodger Linton, who negotiated the last Solar deal? Supervisor Redmond responded that we had
opted out therefore, we did not have a seat at the table. Rodger, so this lost the town some revenue ?
Supervisor Redmond responded not necessarily, as the IDA may not have agreed with us. Rosy Carpenter,
when opting in, we will then have a seat at the table? Councilperson Lemke, our lawyer has suggested that we
may have some leverage in future projects by doing so. Councilperson Lynch we are only able to work around
state legislation and laws. Rodger Linton the Town would always want the final say. Councilperson Lynch we
have not power presently on our own to negotiate. He believes that the Town of Newfield tried to negotiate on
their own and Supervisor Redmond shared that Newfield did not get it either. Councilperson Lynch this Town
Board and the Tompkins County legislature were in agreement that municipalities should have a seat at the
table. Rodger Linton in the future when they come to drill for the gas, then this will give us the power to
negotiate on that level? Supervisor Redmond responded that this is only for solar and not gas. Councilperson
Lynch history has shown that this community is against gas drilling/fracking.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lemke seconded to close the Public Hearing at 6:45 pm
Vote: Aye: Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, Millspaugh, and Redmond.
Nay: 0 Carried.
Call to order: Supervisor Redmond called the Regular Town Board meeting to order at 6:45 PM
Privilege of the Floor: Rosy Carpenter led the assemblage ih the Pledge of Allegiance. She spoke on what she
viewed as a personal verbal attack on a member of the Town Board who was called out individually at the last
Town Board meeting. When she addressed a single member of the Town Board at the previous Town Board
meeting, the Town Clerk (In the absence of the Town Supervisor) interrupted to state that the Board needed to
be addressed as a whole. Rodger Linton, someone was accused of being a Nazi do you think that someone
should be notified. The safety of the community should be the Town Boards concern. He thinks an
investigation should be completed as he would like to know who this person was speaking of ? He would like
the answers to his questions. Councilperson Lynch – he thinks that the rules should be followed.
Martha Fischer, she is here to speak on the three sister’s garden. “ARE” (Anti-Racist Enfield) asked the
community council if they could use the garden space by the pavilion for a three sister’s garden. Sachem
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George advised her that she/they could assist with planting the garden. They had some ancestral seeds that
were sent to them. They have planted the corn and squash, Wanda who sent the seeds, shared how the
garden should be planted. Wanda is interested in educating our children and would like to bring some native
children to interact with local children. The seeds are corn, beans, and squash. The harvest is meant to be
eaten over the winter, as they are not meant as summer harvests. Some of the seeds will be kept for a future
garden. She thinks the project is going well.
Greg Hutnik – A big thanks to Buddy and his crew for all of the work they did with the Skate Park.
Additions and Changes to the Agenda: Supervisor Redmond would like to add a discussion on positive pay at
the bookkeeper ’s request.
Correspondence: NYSDOT received the TE9A requests for Halseyville Rd and Tucker Rd and will send findings at
the conclusion of their investigation. Councilperson Lynch. Elin Dowd – Consortium. The full letter is on file
with the Town Clerks Office. The Ithaca Board of Education approved a new Principle Principal for Enfield
School – Stephen Anderson. He read the letter from Principal Anderson that he emailed to Enfield parents
introducing himself.
Monthly Reports
County Legislator - Randy Brown. The full report is on file with the town clerk’s office.
Town Supervisors Report – Supervisor Redmond. She went to a hazard mitigation planning meeting. She
attended the center of government meeting. Councilperson Lynch spoke in his TCCOG meeting report on a
work study program by Cornell Einhorn program students last month and a contract is on the agenda tonight.
She and Blixy met with Tompkins Community bank on fair pay. Jude, Cassandra and she met with the sculpture
committee where lots of ideas were discussed. She has been working with Angel Hinickle on the Bostwick Road
project. They hit bedrock at 65 feet, but they went 75 feet and they will be testing the soils as this is needed in
order to select the needed materials. They will send us the report once it has been completed. They also are
looking at stream alignment and stabilization. Councilperson Lynch apologized for not being at the sculpture
meeting, he is hopeful to attend the next meeting at Stone Bend Farms. The solar project at the Town Hall is
underway. They replaced the electric boxes in the old bay. Supervisor Redmond relayed Buddy ’s request that
there is a tree that needs to be taken care of within the Chrisitan cemetery. They would also like to purchase a
leaf blower and need the Cemeteries committee’s approval to do so.
Councilperson Lynch moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded to use monies from the Cemetery reserves for
the following: To purchase a leaf blower, hire an arborist and for tree removal.
Vote: Aye: Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, Millspaugh, and Redmond.
Nay: 0 Carried.
Highway Superintendent Report – Buddy Rollins. N/A
Code Enforcement Report – Alan Teeter. Issued 10 permits in June. He issued a permit for the additional self-
service storage units on Teeter Rd. He received a couple of complaints that he referred to the correct dept or
took care of.
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Planning Board Report – Dan Walker. They met last week and discussed the comprehensive plan and how the
Town may want to proceed to encourage housing. Per the last census the Town has been losing population
which they were speculating due to the loss of younger people moving out of town as the y become adults. He
will be sending a copy of the site plan review law to the Town Board to move forward. Councilperson Lynch
thanked the Planning Board for all of the work that they have done on the subdivision regulations and site plan
review law.
Tompkins County Council of Govt’s – Robert Lynch. He will have a report at the August meeting.
Consent Agenda:
Audit Claims: General Fund vouchers #137-156, dated July 9, 2025 in the amount of $13, 947.01
Highway Fund vouchers #97-110, dated July, 9, 2025 in the amount of $33,238.26
Approval of Minutes: June 11, 2025 Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded. Discussion: Councilperson Lynch questioned
one Highway Fund voucher for the purchase of a sand and salt spreader for a 6500 Chevy Pickup Truck. He
wanted to make sure that we owned this truck. Clerk Cornell stated that she had spoken with Highway
Superintendent Rollins earlier that day and he confirmed that it was for a truck that was coming later this year.
Councilperson Lynch then felt comfortable that this was a legitimate expense.
Vote: Aye: Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, Millspaugh, and Redmond.
Nay: 0 Carried.
Business:
RESOLUTION # 2025- 54 DETERMINATION OF NON-SIGNIFICANCE PURSUANT TO THE STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
REVIEW ACT (SEQR) FOR OPTING INTO UNDER REAL PROPERTY TAX LAW SECTION 487
WHEREAS, Section 487 of the New York Real Property Tax Law provides a tax exemption for certain
renewable energy systems, and allows municipalities to opt into such exemption; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Enfield is considering adopting a local law to opt Into the tax
exemption provided under Section 487 of the New York Real Property Tax Law; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law, known as the State Environmental
Quality Review Act (SEQR), and its implementing regulations at 6 NYCRR Part 617, the proposed action is
classified as a Type II action, which does not require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS); and
WHEREAS, the Town Board has carefully reviewed and considered the proposed action, relevant
documentation, and the criteria for determining significance set forth in 6 NYCRR 617.7; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board has identified and considered the potential environmental impacts of the proposed
action;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board hereby determines that opting into the tax exemption under
Real Property Tax Law Section 487 is classified as a Type II action under SEQR, as it involves the adoption of
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regulations, policies, procedures, and/or local legislative decisions that do not have a significant adverse
impact on the environment, pursuant to 6 NYCRR 617.5(c)(20) and/or (27).
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded.
Vote: Aye: Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, Millspaugh, and Redmond.
Nay: 0 Carried.
RESOLUTION # 2025- 55 A local law to opt into, pursuant to Real Property Tax Law (“RPTL”) § 487
WHEREAS, upon proper notice a Public Hearing was held on the 9th day of July, 2025, where all persons wishing to
speak regarding proposed Local Law #3 of 2025 were heard by the Enfield Town Board, and
WHEREAS, after consideration of all information presented and available, it is the determination of the Enfield
Town Board that the Town will be best served to adopt Local Law #3 of 2025- A local law to opt into, pursuant to Real
Property Tax Law (“RPTL”) § 487; so now therefore it be
RESOLVED: that the Town Board of the Town of Enfield hereby enacts, adopts and approves Local Law #3 of 2025
in the form as presented to this meeting, being the same as was presented at the Public Hearing; and further be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk file this Local Law with the New York Department of State.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that said Local Law shall take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of
State.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded.
Vote: Aye: Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, Millspaugh, and Redmond.
Nay: 0 Carried.
Resolution #2025-56 Enfield 2025 Solar Notification
Whereas, New York State Real Property Tax Law Section 487 allows for an exemption for the increase in
assessed value due to the installation of a qualifying solar/wind/etc . energy system for up to 15 years, and
Whereas, the Town of Enfield has elected to stay in this exemption providing a 15 -year exemption for
qualifying systems, and
Whereas, Part 9a allows any municipal corporation to require a PILOT during the 15 -year period where the
energy improvements are exempt, and
Whereas, the PILOT amount can be up to the amount of taxes that would be paid if the property was subject
to full taxation absent the 15-year exemption, and
Whereas, the Town of Enfield now has to respond to every notice of intent to build sent by a company, of the
county’s intent to require a PILOT, and
Whereas, Part 9b allows the Town of Enfield to put the public on notice that any energy system which could
be exempt under this exemption would instead be required to pay a PILOT, and
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Whereas, by enacting Part 9b, the Town of Enfield will no longer have to send a letter with 60 -days in
response to a company’s notice of intent to build, now therefor let it be
Resolved, that the Town of Enfield will require a PILOT payment for any solar/wind/etc. energy system greater
than 500kW in size that would be equal to the amount of taxes that would be paid if the property was subject
to full taxation absent the 15-year exemption.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-26
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded. No Further discussion
Vote: Aye: Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, Millspaugh, and Redmond.
Nay: 0 Carried.
Amendment to Resolution #17-2025
Resolution #17-2025 Deputy Highway Superintendent – $1.00 differential to current hourly wage, paid bi-
weekly
RESOLVED, the Town Board establishes the Office of Deputy Highway Superintendent to act for and in place of
the Highway Superintendent in his absence, and further
RESOLVED, the Highway Superintendent appoints Brandon McGee to fill this position.
To now read as follows:
Resolution #17-2025 Deputy Highway Superintendent – $1.00 differential stipend to current hourly wage,
paid bi-weekly
RESOLVED, the Town Board establishes the Office of Deputy Highway Superintendent to act for and in place of
the Highway Superintendent in his absence, and further
RESOLVED, the Highway Superintendent appoints Brandon McGee to fill this position.
Supervisor Redmond moved, and Councilperson Hinkle seconded. Discussion. Councilperson Lynch read the
full resolution and amendment. Supervisor Redmond gave a brief description of the need for the resolution’s
wording change to call the pay differential a “stipend,” a change requested by the Tompkins County Human
Resources Department.
Vote: Aye; Hinkle, Millspaugh, Lemke, Lynch, and Redmond
Nay; 0 Carried
Presentation Unique Natural Areas. David Weinstein. They have been working updating the survey to make
sure that they have the boundaries correct. This survey has been worked on for the last thirty years and the
purpose is to identify all unique areas in the community for the benefit of future generations. Supervisor
Redmond asked when the maps were completed. They started drafting the maps in 2014 and were completed
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in 2024. Supervisor Redmond asked if they would be updated again, he responded that there should not be a
need unless another area has been identified or there is information that needs to be corrected. There is a
committee that looks at this for approval and if they are able to get permission from the homeowners then
they will go on the property. Supervisor Redmond shared that one of the spots on the map may have been
deconstructed. Rodger Linton asked if there was a property that was previously identified as a wetland that
was protected, but was not, what can be done. David said that there is not much that can be done at this time.
David stated that is why we are doing this, and it is left to the town and the landowner to oversee. David a
Town can have the right to stop the landowner from proceeding. Councilperson Lynch we tried about a year
ago to initiate a procedure to establish an environmental conservation council. If there is anything that either
David or the Environmental Council could do to assist in this it would be much appreciated. The Board thanked
him for his presentation. Supervisor Redmond asked when we should receive the information, however, it is
not ready, but hopefully within the next six months it will be.
Resolution #57-2025 Authorization for Supervisor to Sign the Community Work-Study Program Agreement
with the Einhorn Center
WHEREAS, the Town Clerk could utilize the services of a student contracted through the Einhorn Center to
update the Town website, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor to sign the 2025-26 Community Work-Study
Program Agreement with the Einhorn Center
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Millspaugh seconded. Discussion: We are doing it for a full
academic year. We decided we want a level two job skill classification where they have some experience. It will
be ¾ paid by the Einhorn Center and ¼ by the Town. The student worker will report and work with the Town
Clerk.
Vote: Aye; Hinkle, Millspaugh, Lemke, Lynch, and Redmond
Nay; 0 Carried
Discussion: RCAP Survey. Supervisor Redmond asked Councilperson Lynch if he wanted to share the changes
he had suggested. Councilperson Lynch read the survey that he worked with Becky Simms on finalizing. Nancy
Spero asked when this will be going out. After discussion the Town Board determined that the reply by date
should be August 30, 2025. Clerk Cornell will work with Becky and the Mailbox to get the survey out in the mail
and on the website this week.
Discussion: Positive Pay. Supervisor Redmond when checks from some businesses, etc., have been mailed out
people allegedly somehow accessed the information and have been fraudulently writing checks. Positive Pay is
a service offered by our bank at a cost of $50 per month per account, which assists in catching these types of
transactions from going through. Blixy would need to send a spreadsheet to the bank of the checks that she
writes. Blixy feels comfortable using it. It would cost ~$1,300.00 annually, plus the occasional .05 per rejected
item. Councilperson Lynch asked how failsafe is this program? Have there been any issues with it? Supervisor
Redmond shared that nothing may be failsafe. Councilperson Lynch, if I took a town check to M & T Bank and
they cash it, does it just affect M & T Bank or the Trust Company as well. The process can be complicated, Blixy
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feels it would be in the best interest for the Town to use this program, she uses it at the other municipalities
that she works with.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Millspaugh seconded. No further discussion.
Vote: Aye; Hinkle, Millspaugh, Lemke, Lynch, and Redmond
Nay; 0 Carried
Discussion: 2026 Budget Calendar. Supervisor Redmond – Blixy has asked that the Town Board check the
calendar for any date conflicts. The Board changed the dates of task 3 to 9/8/2025, and task 4 to 9/10/2025.
Councilperson Lynch a wildcard will be the rapid response system and no information has been provided by
the Legislature or Tompkins County Finance at this time.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Millspaugh seconded to make the recommended changes.
Vote: Aye; Hinkle, Millspaugh, Lemke, Lynch, and Redmond
Nay; 0 Carried
Discussion: Subdivision Regulations set public hearing date. Supervisor Redmond shared that the updated
regulations were sent to Town Counsel Guy Krogh and he had responded with changes, however, we are going
to go with what we have. Councilperson Lynch read the response from Legal Counsel Krogh.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Millspaugh seconded to hold a public hearing on August 13,
2025 at 6:45 PM.
Vote: Aye: Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, Millspaugh, and Redmond.
Nay: 0 Carried.
Discussion: SkateGarden updates from Supervisor Redmond and Deputy Supervisor Greg Hutnik. A lot of clean-
up and landscaping has taken place. Greg spoke with Dan Woodring and let him know that we do not have
funding for phase 2 or phase 3 and that is where things were left. Dan Woodring contacted Councilperson
Lynch last week with his concerns. Dan Woodring was concerned that items that were paid for with grant
monies were removed. Dan stated that a $350 grant from the rotary club was used to purchase pavers at the
site to make a small stage. Councilperson Lynch read part of the email that Dan Woodring had sent to him.
Councilperson Lynch is willing to write a resolution to urge the County Legislature to re-instate the park grant
funding. Legislator Randy Brown the budget is still in flux he has no further information at this time.
RESOLUTION #2025-58 A Resolution in support of expanded siting options for a Tompkins County Center of
Government
Whereas, the Tompkins County Legislature has placed under consideration and has taken actions to advance
plans to construct a Tompkins County Center of Government that would consolidate various County
departments in an office building located at East Buffalo and North Tioga Streets in Downtown Ithaca, a
combined construction/renovation project estimated to cost $50 Million or more; and
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Whereas, to solicit public comment and project design input, Tompkins County convened a series of five (5)
Community Engagement meetings throughout Tompkins County during June 2025, including a session in
Enfield at which representatives of this Town Board attend ed and offered comment; and
Whereas, at the Enfield session and at other meetings, commenters raised concerns as to project cost and to
the suitability of a Downtown Ithaca location from the standpoint of parking, community access, and the need
to optimally utilize commercial space throughout Tompkins County; and
Whereas, subsequent to those five Community Engagement sessions, information came to light that Tompkins
County Administration in May 2025 had considered an alternate location for this project, specifically, as the
County Administrator had stated in a May 19 memorandum to the Tompkins County Legislature and to other
county officials that, “Recent developments related to properties in the Cornell Business Park located in the
Town of Lansing have prompted renewed discussion about potential alternatives to the downtow n center;”
and
Whereas, in that May 19 memorandum, the County Administrator had indicated that numerous, expansive,
ground-leased office buildings at the Cornell Business Park had been foreclosed upon by a local bank and had
been offered Tompkins County for sale; and
Whereas, despite the County Administrator’s initial stated reluctance to proceed with the Cornell Business
Park siting option, this Town Board believes the alternative, as well as other potential site locations, deserves
further consideration so as to address concerns raised by this Town Board’s members and by other community
members at the Public Engagement meetings; therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Enfield Town Board hereby encourages the Tompkins County Legislature and Tompkins
County Administration to consider seriously and thoughtfully various alternative siting locations for a Tompkins
County Center of Government, alternatives including , but not necessarily limited to, buildings made available
at the Cornell Business Park; and be it further
Resolved, that the Clerk shall forward copies of this Resolution to the Hon. Korsah Akumfi, Tompkins County
Administrator, and to the Clerk of the Tompkins County Legislature, with a request that copies of this
resolution be distributed to all Legislators.
Councilperson Lynch moved and Supervisor Redmond seconded. Discussion: Tompkins County Center of
Government, a proposed ~$50 million project. Councilperson Lynch is bringing this up as he and the Supervisor
attended a meeting at the Community Center last month. As the supervisor knows various alternatives were
discussed. The County would like to build a 4-story building by Dewitt Park. At the final community meeting on
the 24th of June legislator Mike Sigler from Lansing stated that he had briefly considere d the idea of the County
using several large office buildings that are located at the Cornell Business Park that were foreclosed on.
Tompkins Community Bank, which financed them is trying to unload the buildings to third parties. He had
found out a day after that meeting from Korsah Akumfi indicating that the Tompkins Community Bank had
discussions on the possibly of purchase, and as the County Administrator he did not suggest proceeding. There
are 18 properties on this site and one or more are vacant and they could be used as a site for the center of
government. Councilperson Lynch would like to know what the other Town Board members think on the use of
these buildings. He had drafted a resolution that the Town Board could adopt to ask the L egislature to
seriously consider the use of the buildings. Supervisor Redmond they had engineers looking at and doing
studies and from what she had gathered this would be somewhat of a domino effect, as most of these
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departments interact with each other and would need to be close together. She also understands why they
would want the buildings together. She is fine with the resolution and is fine with them looking at other
buildings to take into consideration. Councilperson Lynch a number of those who had voted for the most
recent resolution on the building of a New Government Center are going to retire as legislators this year, and
there will be a new dynamic in January. It is possible with the turnover in the legislat ure that there may be a
turnover in mindset. While the district attorney could go into the old jail, and the county clerk may be able to
use one of the buildings that is being deconstructed, there is not necessarily a need for assessment, the board
of elections and the office for aging, county administration, county finance to be adjacent to the courthouse
and could be located off site. There may be disadvantages to this. He does not want to force the board to make
a decision that may not be comfortable to them even though he supports this. Randy Brown thought the
memo was quickly written to shut it down. 8 members of the legislature have been working on this for 8 years
and they want it done. To him the concern is constituents and he is curious to see where this ends up. The
county has a lot of space that they are not using. For him he does not like building more buildings when there
are empty buildings. Employees are important, but constituents are more important. Councilperson Lynch his
pay grade is not high enough to tell the County what to do on this. Councilperson Lemke asked why are we
specifically pointing out the Cornell Business Park. Councilperson Lynch replied that they were specifically
approached on this purchase. Environmental Health is already up there and there is adequate parking at these
locations.
Vote: Aye: Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, Millspaugh, and Redmond.
Nay: 0 Carried.
Privilege of the Floor: Randy Brown, the county has put an RFP out for Living Wage Study. Alternatives Credit
Union, RIT, Ithaca College, and the County are doing their own study with a deadline of September and will
include County employees. Councilperson Lynch gave a shout out to the Enfield Highway Department in the
great job they did with clean-up from last Thursday’s Storm and to the Enfield Volunteer Fire Company who
went out on 19+ calls and they did a good job. The Fire Company also let him know that residents also assisted
with the cleanup. Councilperson Lynch shared that he owns property in Phelps, NY as a tornado went through
and it missed his property by ¼ mile. It did however, damage a landmark home, which may need to be
demolished.
Announcements: N/A
Adjournment: Councilperson Millspaugh motioned to adjourn, adjourned at 9:08 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Cornell
Mary Cornell
Town Clerk