HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 13, 2025 - Public Hearing and Regular Town Board Meetings1
Town of Enfield Public Hearings & Regular Town Board Meeting
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
6:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 7 PM
In-Person at the Enfield Town Courthouse and Via the Zoom Meeting Platform
Present: Town Supervisor Stephanie Redmond; Town Councilpersons, Jude Lemke, Melissa Millspaugh,
Cassandra Hinkle, and Robert Lynch; Code Officer Alan Teeter; Highway Superintendent Buddy Rollins; Town
Clerk Mary Cornell
Public Hearing - A Local Law to override the Tax Levy Limit
Supervisor Redmond opened the public hearing at 6:30 PM. She explained why the Town is bringing this before
the community. She is hopeful that we can remain within the Tax Cap , but is not sure that we can due to
project budget increases for next year. Rosie Carpenter shared that Jean Owens had said years ago that people
in this town had deep pockets. She does not agree with this as people are currently struggling to pay their bills.
She thinks that the Board should look for ways to cut back and stop spending money. Supervisor Redmond
replied that there are not ways to cut back on electric, medical insurance, and fuel costs. She asked Rosie what
she suggests as ways to cut back. Rosie reiterated that she does not agree with the tax cap override. Supervisor
Redmond asked Councilperson Lynch if he had heard anything more on the medical insurance cost increases,
he replied that he had not as of yet. Supervisor Redmond shared that this is a local law that the board passes
every year, and if we do not and there is a miscalculation then the Town could be fined. Rosie Carpenter asked
how many buildings the Town pays expenses for. Supervisor Redmond responded with three. Ros ie Carpenter
asked in reference to Health Care Costs, had other providers been looked at for competitive costs? Supervisor
Redmond shared that we participate in the Consortium which offers the Town lower rates. Councilperson
Lynch summarized the benefits of the Consortium and why we participate in it.
Supervisor moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded to close the public hearing at 6:45 PM
Vote: Aye: Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, Millspaugh, and Redmond
Nay, 0 Carried.
Public Hearing – Subdivision Regulations
Supervisor Redmond opened the Public Hearing at 6:45 PM
Supervisor Redmond shared that we have had these regulations from the Planning Board for a couple of years.
Councilperson Lynch, the principal change was to allow the Town Board a little more input in the preliminary
plat review of larger subdivisions, as this gives the Board advisory authorization. Councilperson Lynch asked
Dan Walker to give a summary of the changes that the Planning Board made. Dan shared that not much was
changed. They did add a section on Environmental Review Process, which was recomme nded by the
Environmental Review Consultant. They went through all of the definitions, and we may have more than are
needed. If the Town does have Zoning at any point these regulations will work within those per imeters. Enfield
has one zone and we do not really restrict anything within the Zone. We do have a Site Plan Review process,
that they have been reviewing, which has more restrictions. We do not have any restrictions on what can
happen within the Zone. Rosie Carpenter had a question for Dan on the preliminary review. He responded that
we have three levels of subdivision, The planning board at the first level has given approval authorization to
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the Code Officer. The Minor Subdivisions are up to Planning Board approval. A Major Subdivision is up to 5 lots.
Councilperson Lynch, the one change is to make it easier for a person to subdivide one lot off of their property.
If someone has a farm and they want to subdivide a 1–2-acre lot, this would allow for that without the need
for a public hearing. Dan Walker if a 2-lot division is not simple because of issues, then the code enforcement
officer refers it to the Planning Board. Minor can be up to four lots, which requires at least one public hearing.
A major is up to five lots, but could include less as the process could be larger/more complicated and would
need more review. Councilperson Lynch the town board debated in recent months if they should increase the
lot size from one to two acres, and they ultimately decided to keep it as it. Dan Walker a cluster subdivision
where you want to save open space and if you have the water supply and the sewage supply system is
designed appropriately, you would need to comply with all requirements (Health Dept.). John Rancich asked if
there are any setback requirements. Dan replied with the Site Plan Review there are, but not in the subdivision
regulations. Alan Teeter shared you are only dividing land. Dan – We do not want to have any more landlocked
parcels in the Town. John Rancich asked if the subdivision allow for flag lots, Dan replied that it does, and lots
are required to have 15’ of road frontage.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded to close the Public Hearing at 7 PM
Vote: Aye: Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, Millspaugh, and Redmond
Nay, 0 Carried.
Regular Town Board Meeting
Call to Order: Supervisor Redmond called the meeting to order at 7 PM
Privilege of the Floor: John Rancich. He knows this board wants to talk to him about the Skate Park, however,
that is not how he will use his privilege of the floor time . He has heard talk about public water, and he had
made a proposition to the Town ~25 years ago for public water, and he was told that they didn’t need it and
didn’t want it. He advised them that they did need it. He is not going to use his time to talk about the skate
park, but feels like it was a silly plan. Anyone on the Town Board that works against the Town of Enfield should
not be on the Town Board. He had proposed a wind farm many years ago and it was single handedly shut down
by a single town board member. The wind farm would have amounted to millions of dollars in town coffers’
and was single handedly selfishly shutdown. Supervisor Redmond asked John if he could stay around to talk
about the skate garden. It will be added to the agenda after privilege of the floor.
Councilperson Lynch led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance. He then shared that back in September of
2017 the Town Board passed a civility policy. He read the policy that was passed. In May of 2021 the Town
Board hired a consultant to help mitigate a situation and the consultant then gave recommendations. Many of
these issues back then have since been resolved. However, he emphasized to have the conversations be about
the issue and not the person, which sets the tone for successful interactions among members of the board.
SkateGarden – Supervisor Redmond shared that Dan Woodring had initially floated several ideas, and in the
end the project did not go as expected. Woodring did not meet the goals/expectations as requested by the
Town Board. Supervisor Redmond shared that the Highway Department did an amazing job landscaping the
area and around the ramp. Supervisor Redmond shared that she would like to ask the E nfield Community
Council and the Public if they had suggestions or ideas of what could take place at this property moving
forward, as it is currently barely skateable. For example, would the community like to have a play structure?
Rosie Carpenter suggested dozing it over, as the ramp is currently an eyesore. John Rancich, it is an eyesore for
his 14 tenants and their visitors. He found out about the development of the skate park when Dan Woodring
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came to him, and said “hey can you come and help us with the skatepark.” He said we should go over and take
a look at it. John responded to him with, it can’t go there, as this is my land, and where is your survey? John
had a surveyor come out and showed that Woodring was wrong and he was trying to place it on his land and
not the Towns. John shared that you had a really good idea, but you chose the wrong spot. He would have
appreciated it if the Town Board had come to him and said “Hey John, what do you think about this?” But you
didn’t, and now my tenants are bothered by it. He stated the Town Board should seriously consider Rosie’s
suggestion of dozing it over. He had offered to buy the property, but the Town Board at the time said it was too
valuable to them to sell. He is interested in working with the Town for a solution to your problem, but he will
not go overboard with it and will listen to the Board's suggestions. He really thinks you have a good idea, but
you picked the wrong spot. Supervisor Redmond the reason why it was placed there is because it was close to
the ECC and the students had asked for a skate ramp, that is why they decided to build there. John worked
with the ECC on the purchase of the building. They had asked him if they could have the children go down to
the stream/creek by crossing his property, which he had initially allowed. However, he asked for them to
provide him with a certificate of insurance. However, they had an issue with their insurance and they asked if
they could still take the children to the creek and he had to tell them no. Not until they had insurance in place
again. Supervisor Redmond is asking for residents, the Town Board, and the ECC to suggest what they would
like to have there. John R, you do not have enough land to do anything there. He is not unhappy with it being
there. He is going to put a fence up. What is he supposed to do with the complaints from his tenants, and his
secretary. Supervisor Redmond we are not going to doze it over. Rancich has told his secretary to tell the
tenants to go to a Town Board meeting and they can let the Board know they are unhappy and suggest what
should happen with the property. Councilperson Lynch this is a classic case where it started small and kept
changing and building up. Woodring had originally proposed that he had a small wooden ramp that he would
like to put there, and that is what he had assumed was going to be built. Then a $5,000 Parks and Trail grant
was applied for and received, and then the plans kept changing. Supervisor Redmond shared that we are no
longer working with Woodring and his nonprofit. Councilperson Lynch, do we have any ongoing contractual
relations with the nonprofit? Supervisor Redmond responded that we do not and never did have a contract
with them. Rancich, you can make it as beautiful as you want, but no one is going to use it.
Additions and Changes to the agenda: SCT Contract, Councilperson Lynch would like to have a discussion on
equipment purchases practices and policy. He would like to request to move a brief executive session ,
Supervisor Redmond responded that it does not need to be held in executive session as the issue was made
public by the business owner. Supervisor Redmond then shared the post that was made public regarding the
theft of a trailer of solar panels from Town property, which were to be used for the NYSERDA solar project on
the Town Hall Building.
Correspondence: NYSDOT has decided nothing needs to change at the intersection of Rte. 79, Waterburg Rd,
and Black Oak Rd. Councilperson Lynch read the letter from NYSDOT to those present. The full letter is on file
with the Town Clerk’s Office. Rosie Carpenter if a limited visibility sign can be added to the intersection, that
might be helpful. Watkins Glen has a similar sign, and it did help. Councilperson Lynch shared that we had a
similar issue on Hayts Rd., where a disabled person was killed. They also did not agree to reduce the speed on
that road after their review.
Monthly Report
County Legislature Report – Anne Koreman. Over the last month, they updated their DEI policy and that was a
bit contentious. Some employees had wanted to change some of the definitions. They authorized funding to
investigate County Minimum wage. It is an issue as they are looking at the affordability of this area. They have
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a new commissioner Brittany Earl for the Tompkins County Department of Social Services. They approved to
lease the old burger king on route 13 for the new Code Blue shelter, and they are working with the City of
Ithaca on the project. The Code Blue shelter is activated when the temperature falls below 32 degrees within a
24hour period. They do make sure they keep families away from single folks. Families will not be housed at the
old burger king. They are looking to build a new shelter on Cherry Street. They passed a resolution to work on
a contract with an organization that can oversee this project. They had a public hearing on the TC3 budget,
along with Cortland County they contribute to TC3’s budget. Tompkins County contributes 35% of the total
budget. TC3’s current budget comes in at slightly over 3 million. She received a notice on free community
college from the Governor ’s office. Certain careers that are in high need in NYS will be free. Councilperson
Lynch on July 23, 2025 the Legislature held a budget retreat. No tax levies were decided, but the next day Dan
Klein said that everyone had a different idea of a target they liked. He asked if there was a target amount that
Anne had expressed in that meeting? She stated they are trying something a little different this year. They are
asking departments to reduce to the bare bones: what do you really need? She likes this approach as it may be
a better way to do it. They gave Korsah Akumfi what number they would like to see, they are not sure what it
will be. Costs have gone up and they have had to take funds from fund balances. Councilperson Lynch Lisa
Holmes, had previously given a 5 % maintenance of effort budget that the Legislature turned down. He thinks
it may concern some people as a maintenance of efforts without costs could have a ~20% tax levy increase. He
thinks people may not like the rules being perceived as different this year. Anne stated it is what the State
recommends.
Presentation Crowsnest. Tony and Gwen from the Sculpture project and Megan Barber. They were hired by the
group to create the sculpture. He will talk a little of where the design currently is. Initially, they came up with a
large idea with a sheltering piece. They met with Stephanie and Buddy at the proposed highway site and they
had shared concerns, so they went back to the drawing board. They had a meeting at the ECC, which was
productive. They also went to the Enfield Summer Day Camp, and the kids did a mock-up structure. This
summer has been about meeting with the people of Enfield and getting ideas of what they would like. The
sculpture would be seen from the road. They will be working mainly with stainless steel and mild steel. They
are hoping that the community will be involved with making the sculpture. It will be 15’ tall. The main focus
will be the three sisters garden as well as other fruits and vegetable cornucopia. It will have a turtle shaped
base and the head of the turtle will be a glacier like boulder. Supervisor Redmond asked if they were going to
make part of the design a bench. She would like some functionality to it. Councilperson Lynch had a question ,
“Why can’t this be placed where the SkateGarden is?” It could be moved there. Discussion continued.
Town Supervisors Report – Stephanie Redmond. She has been trying to get new ideas for the Skatepark. She
worked with Cornell to finalize the Einhorn grant. She facilitated a special Town Board Meeting. She has been
meeting with Blixy to work on budgeting. She had received several inquiries from Enfield Residents on the NFIP
insurance program. There was a resolution that we had passed, and the application that was not submitted to
the NYSDEC. It has since been submitted and she is hopeful that it will be updated and set shortly. She is
working with Angel Hinikle; they are still waiting on the geotechnical report. She is hopeful we will hear more
by the next Town Board Meeting.
Highway Superintendent Report – Buddy Rollins. They are doing their summer work. Paving has been behind
because of weather. As of noon today, they have it set to pave Colegrove tomorrow. The oil and stone needs to
set for a couple of weeks. They are working on equipment and they have been mowing. Things have been
going smoothly. Councilperson Lemke asked what happened with the auction. The seller had rejected the
highest bid at the end of the auction, as they wanted $90,000 for it and he did not want to go that high.
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Code Enforcement Report – Alan Teeter. Last month he issued 8 permits, which brings us to 50 for the year. He
had a couple of complaints that he acted upon. He went to change a permit number, which wasn’t correct and
the antivirus program then wiped the software from his computer and he had to work with Williamson Law
Book to get the software reinstalled. Everything was backed up so he didn’t lose any data.
Planning Board Report – Dan Walker. They had David West who is the Tompkins County Director for affordable
housing present. They spent most of the evening discussing options and programs that are available. He does
not recommend that the Town start up an enterprise to provide affordable housing. Councilperson Lynch, it
was a very leisurely laidback meeting where any questions that needed to be asked could be asked.
TCCOG – Robert Lynch. The full report is on file with the Town Clerk's Office.
Consent Agenda:
Audit Claims: General Fund vouchers #157 to 184, dated August 13, 2025
Highway Fund vouchers #111 to 129, dated August 13, 2025
Approval of Minutes: July 9, 2025 Public Hearing & Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes
July 18, 2025 Special Town Board Meeting Minutes
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded.
Vote: Aye: Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, Millspaugh, and Redmond
Nay, 0 Carried.
Business
RESOLUTION # 2025-60 LOCAL LAW TO OVERRIDE THE 2026 TAX CAP LIMIT
WHEREAS, according to New York State’s Property Tax Cap legislation, if a town government decides to adopt a
budget with a property tax levy that exceeds the level set by the State, the town government must pass a local
law to override that cap, and;
WHEREAS, adopting said local law is not predictive of the final tax levy but will provide the Enfield Town Board
flexibility to exceed the Property Tax Cap if it is deemed necessary, and to ensure that any State recalculation
of the applicable limit will not make the Town inadvertently out of compliance, and;
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held before the Enfield Town Board on August 13, 2025, to hear all persons
interested in proposed Local Law No.4 of 2025, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Local Law No. 4 of 2025 Local Law Overriding Tax Levy Limit for 2026 is hereby adopted
pursuant to subdivision 5 of General Municipal Law Section 3-c, which expressly authorizes the Enfield Town
Board to override the tax levy limit by the adoption of a local law approved by vote of sixty percent (60%) of
the Enfield Town Board,
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RESOLVED, further, that the Enfield Town Clerk shall publish in the official newspaper of the Town a notice of
adoption containing a synopsis of said local law and shall within twenty days file one certified copy in the
Office of the County Clerk, and one copy with the Secretary of State.
TOWN OF ENFIELD LOCAL LAW #4 of 2025 A LOCAL LAW TO OVERRIDE THE TAX LEVY LIMIT ESTABLISHED IN
GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW §3-C
Be it enacted by the Town Board of The Town of Enfield as follows:
Section 1. Legislative Intent: It is the intent of this local law to override the limit on the amount of real property
taxes that may be levied by the Town of Enfield pursuant to General Municipal Law §3 - C, and to allow the
Town of Enfield to adopt a budget for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2026 and ending December 31st,
2026 that requires a real property tax levy in excess of the “tax levy limit” as defined by General Municipal Law
§3-C.
Section 2. Authority: This local law is adopted pursuant to subdivision 5 of General Municipal Law §3 -C, which
expressly authorizes the Town Board to override the tax levy limit by the adoption of a local law approved by a
vote of at least 60% of the Town Board.
Section 3. Tax Levy Limit Override: The Town Board of the Town of Enfield, County of Tompkins, is hereby
authorized to adopt a budget for the fiscal year 2026 that requires a real property tax levy in excess of the
amount otherwise prescribed in General Municipal Law §3-C.
Section 4. Severability: If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, or part of this Local Law or the
application thereof to any person, firm or corporation, or circumstance shall be adjusted by any court of
competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unconstitutional, such order or judgment shall not affect, impair, or
invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph,
subdivision, or part of this Local Law or in its application to the person, individual, firm or corporation or
circumstance, directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment or order shall be rendered.
Section 5. Effective Date: This Local Law shall take effect upon adoption
Vote: Aye: Hinkle, Lemke, Millspaugh, and Redmond
Nay, Lynch Carried.
RESOLUTION # 2025-61 DETERMINATION OF NON-SIGNIFICANCE PURSUANT TO THE STATE ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY REVIEW ACT (SEQR) FOR LOCAL LAW TO ADOPT THE PROPOSED AMENDED SUBDIVISION
REGULATIONS
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Enfield is considering adopting a local law to adopt the proposed
amended subdivision regulations; 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 I action, which does not require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS); and
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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 a local law to adopt the proposed
amended subdivision regulations is classified as a Type I action under SEQR, as it involves the adoption of
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 Lynch seconded.
Vote: Aye: Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, Millspaugh, and Redmond
Nay, 0 Carried.
RESOLUTION # 2025-62 A LOCAL LAW TO ADOPT THE PROPOSED AMENDED SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
WHEREAS, upon proper notice a Public Hearing was held on the 13th day of August, 2025, where all persons
wishing to speak regarding proposed Local Law #5 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 adopt Local Law #5 of 2025- A Local Law To Adopt The
Proposed Amended Subdivision Regulations; so now therefore it be
RESOLVED: that the Town Board of the Town of Enfield hereby enacts, adopts and approves Local Law #5 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 Millspaugh seconded.
Vote: Aye: Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, Millspaugh, and Redmond
Nay, 0 Carried.
284 Agreement amendment. Superintendent Rollins most of it is monetary changes. Colegrove Rd, they were
able to cut it out instead of milling it. They were going to have to put 4”, but they only need 3”. south Van
Dorns will cost more as it is in worse shape than they had thought. Millings they sometimes use, other times
they sell them. Supervisor Redmond had heard that some towns are using recycled tires in roads, is that
something the NYS allows? Buddy responded with they are using them out west, but NYS does not currently
allow for it. Down south they use glass and seashells. Dan Walker, the NYSDOT regulates what can be used, as
they have to set up the regulations for it. Councilperson Lynch supports the Highway Superintendents
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recommendations. He appreciates how Colegrove road has been built up over the past 50+ years, as well as
Gray Rd.
Supervisor Redmond moved, and Councilperson Lynch seconded to amend the agreement as proposed.
Vote: Aye: Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, Millspaugh, and Redmond
Nay, 0 Carried.
RESOLUTION # 2025-63 Resolution Authorizing Electronic Delivery Of Local Laws And Related Documents To
Board Members.
Whereas, the Enfield Town Board seeks to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of its legislative processes.
Whereas, advancements in technology allow for the secure and reliable electronic transmission of documents,
including proposed local laws, ordinances, and resolutions.
Whereas, Municipal Home Rule Law §20 permits the delivery of local laws electronically under specific
conditions Municipal Home Rule Law §20.
Whereas, to ensure compliance with Municipal Home Rule Law §20 and best practices, certain procedures and
requirements must be met for electronic delivery Municipal Home Rule Law §20.
Whereas, it is necessary to establish clear guidelines for the electronic delivery of such documents.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, by the Enfield Town Board
1. Authorization for electronic delivery: The Clerk of the Town of Enfield is hereby authorized to deliver
proposed local laws, ordinances, resolutions, and supporting materials to the members of the
[Governing Body of Local Government] electronically, in addition to or in lieu of physical delivery,
subject to the conditions herein.
2. Requirements for electronic delivery:
1. Format: All documents delivered electronically shall be in Portable Document Format (PDF) to ensure
consistency and readability.
2. Email addresses: Each member of the Enfield Town Board shall have a designated email address for the
receipt of official communications, which shall be published on the Town of Enfield’s official website and on
the clerk's signboard.
1. Acknowledgement: Members are responsible for confirming receipt of electronically delivered
documents.
3. Procedure for electronic delivery:
1. Timing: Electronic delivery shall adhere to the statutory notice requirements, including any "aging"
periods specified in Municipal Home Rule Law §20 or other applicable laws.
1. Availability: Electronically delivered documents shall be accessible to the public, consistent with the
Open Meetings Law and other relevant regulations, Committee on Open Government states that proposed
resolutions, laws, rules, regulations, policies, or amendments should be made available online at least 24 hours
before the meeting, to the extent practicable.
4. Security and integrity: The Clerk shall implement reasonable procedures and controls to ensure the
authenticity, integrity, security, and, when appropriate, the confidentiality of electronically delivered
documents.
Effective date: This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Millspaugh seconded. Discussion: Councilperson Lynch this is
more or less a housekeeping thing.
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Vote: Aye: Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, Millspaugh, and Redmond
Nay, 0 Carried.
RESOLUTION #2025-64 URGING GOVERNOR HOCHUL TO SIGN S.7501‑A / A.8086‑A TO STRENGTHEN
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES STATEWIDE
WHEREAS, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are an essential component of New York’s public safety, public
health, and healthcare systems—delivering life-saving care in critical emergencies where even short delays in
response time can result in poorer outcomes; and
WHEREAS, rural towns like Enfield are increasingly impacted by rising EMS response times, staffing shortages,
and unstable funding models that threaten the continuity and reliability of these vital services; and
WHEREAS, the New York State Legislature has passed S.7501‑A / A.8086‑A, requiring each county to
coordinate with its Regional Emergency Medical Services Council and local governments to develop a
comprehensive countywide EMS plan within six months of enactment; and
WHEREAS, this legislation rightly calls for an assessment of current EMS coverage, identification of service
gaps, proposed delivery models, and cost projections to help ensure equitable and reliable EMS access for all
residents of New York State; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Enfield supports coordinated, regional planning to improve EMS delivery but remains
concerned that without clearly defined and sustainable funding from the county or state level, the cost burden
of implementation may fall unfairly on rural municipalities with limited tax bases; and
WHEREAS, it is critical that counties—not individual municipalities—be held financially and administratively
responsible for EMS planning and service delivery under this framework.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Enfield, New York, urges Governor
Kathy Hochul to sign S.7501‑A / A.8086‑A into law without delay, and further urges the State of New York and
its counties to ensure that any mandates resulting from this legislation are fully supported with county-level
and/or state-level funding to avoid unfunded mandates on towns and villages; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be forwarded to:
Governor Kathy Hochul
The New York State Department of Health, Bureau of EMS
Senator Lea Webb
Assemblymember Anna Kelles
Tompkins County Administrator Korsah Akumfi
Tompkins County Legislature
Tompkins County EMS Coordinator
Southern Tier Regional EMS Council
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Councilperson Hinkle moved and Councilperson Millspaugh seconded.
Vote: Aye: Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, Millspaugh, and Redmond
Nay, 0 Carried.
Discussion Alarmtech: Supervisor Redmond gave a brief description of why these quotes were before the Town
Board and Clerk Cornell clarified that they were to add a camera to the back of the Town Hall Building, and
replace the alarm panel in the Town Hall as it has been failing and needs to be replaced.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded to approve the addition of the camera and
the replacement of the alarm panel as quoted.
Vote: Aye: Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, Millspaugh, and Redmond
Nay, 0 Carried.
Resolution #2025-65 A Resolution urging resumed funding for the Tompkins County Parks and Trails Grant
Program
Whereas, by Resolution 2018-279, adopted on December 4, 2018, the Tompkins County Legislature created
the “Towns and Village Parks and Trails Grant Program,” a program whereby a Tompkins County municipality
could apply for up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) from a dedicated fund “for infrastructure
planning/improvements to its publicly managed or supported parks or trails;” and
Whereas, in its authorizing Resolution, the Tompkins County Legislature stated that the Parks and Trails Grant
Program advances policies within the Tompkins County Comprehensive Plan, policies to: 1) Improve public
access to outdoor recreation resources and opportunities; 2) Promote parks, community facilities, recreational
activities, and networks that support regular social interaction and physical activity; and 3) Foster the
expansion of a countywide trail network; and
Whereas, the Town of Enfield has availed itself of this grant program in prior years, including to secure funds
for the resurfacing of the Enfield Community Center basketball court, and most recently for the construction
of the Enfield SkateGarden; and
Whereas, for fiscal year 2025, the Tompkins County Legislature discontinued funding the Parks and Trails
Grant Program; and
Whereas, this Town Board believes that funding for this valuable program should be resumed so as to
advance its stated objectives within the Comprehensive Plan and to foster opportunities for community
recreation and outdoor enjoyment in Enfield and elsewhere; therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Enfield Town Board hereby recommends that the Tompkins County Legislature resume
funding for the Towns and Village Parks and Trails Grant Program within the 2026 Tompkins County Budget,
and that the Tompkins County Department of Planning and Sust ainability resume the receipt, evaluation, and
award of Parks and Trails Grants for fiscal year 2026; and be it further
Resolved, that the Clerk shall forward a copy of this Resolution to the Clerk of the Tompkins County
Legislature, with the instruction that copies be distributed to all legislators.
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Councilperson Lynch moved the resolution and Supervisor Redmond seconded .
Vote: Aye: Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, Millspaugh, and Redmond
Nay, 0 Carried.
Discussion of Equipment purchasing. Councilperson Lynch - He will keep this professional, when dealing with
controversial subjects you deal with the issue and not the person. Lynch then read a prepared statement,
summarized in part: Since our last meeting on July 18th, the Town lost out on a bargain. He came up short at
the special meeting on July 18, when the Board authorized Superintendent Rollins to purchase a 2022 Tractor.
We did not end up with the tractor. While bidder ssrebel56 (whom he assumes is Superintendent Rollins) was
the winner at $61,100, The Town of Arcadia turned down the bid. Superintendent Rollins expressed discretion
and proper use of buying power. Supervisor Redmond it is the highway Superintendent, not the Town Board
who chooses the equipment to purchase. Councilperson Lynch would like Major capital equipment over
$20,000 to require Town Board approval, and he does not blame the Highway Superintendent for not
purchasing the tractor, he blames himself and others on this Town Board. If he needs to offer an apology, it
would be to our taxpayers. We the Town Board need to provide clear guidance. We the board should always
transfer appropriate funds; we might have saved taxpayers ~$75,000. Discussion: Councilperson Lemke we
have no expertise in purchasing a mower tractor and we have no basis for telling the Highway Superintendent
how much to spend or how much not to spend. Supervisor Redmond asked Councilperson Lynch how much
experience he had operating or fixing heavy equipment. Supervisor Redmond to Lynch: your authority is
approving the Capital plan and expending reserve funds. Councilperson Lynch would have moved to allow to
expend $100,000-$110,000. Supervisor Redmond, superintendent Rollins didn’t need further funds.
Councilperson Lynch asked Superintendent Rollins his thoughts. Superintendent Rollins - you wrote an email
that stated if there was not a special meeting to approve this purchase then you were not willing to support it
and I am sick of your lack of support; it was not worth my time to fight it. He felt comfortable offering up to
$80,000, and ended up offering $75,000 for it, as he did not want to go over that amount. This tractor had
some problems, that may or may not have been fixed. If they weren’t and there were problems you could
expect to pay at least $10,000 if not more on it. With the last used truck he purchased it saved the taxpayers a
large amount of money, but it still needed to have over $10,000 put into it. To answer Supervisor Redmond’s
question, Councilperson Lynch stated that he has experience with equipment in that he is a farm boy.
Councilperson Lemke, a policy change would and does not matter as Buddy had any additional funds needed
within his equipment line. We authorized what he had asked for. Buddy doesn’t understand what more
Councilperson Lynch wants, as they had wanted more than what he wanted to spend on the tractor.
Councilperson Lemke inferred that Councilpersons Lynch’s interference in the potential purchase may have had
a negative effect as the seller may have thought that we had more money to spend. Councilperson Lemke, the
guiderails are there and Buddy is working within the guiderails. We should not interfere in his negotiations.
Supervisor Redmond thinks we should ask Guy Krogh to draft a Board Member role policy, that could limit
potential board members acting out of order. Councilperson Lynch finds it very difficult to give Town official a
blank check to purchase whatever they want. Councilperson Lemke, we don’t give a blank check. Supervisor
Redmond, you need to trust the Highway Superintendent and his experience and knowledge in his role.
Councilperson Lynch, some of us might not believe that Highway Superintendent has the knowledge needed.
Councilperson Lynch’s full statement is on file with the Town Clerk’s Office.
SCT Contract – Supervisor Redmond. The contract was not brought forth as a resolution, which is normally
how she presents it to the board. She asked Clerk Cornell if it needed to be approved tonight and Clerk Cornell
told her to do whatever the board was comfortable with. Clerk Cornell stated that the approval for the
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Supervisor to sign could be given as a motion, as it did not need to be done as a resolution. The board would
like to table it until the next Town Board Meeting.
Privilege of the floor: Councilperson Hinkle - Town Cemeteries - Cornell University has a GNBee Project and
they reached out to her. They are studying how ground bees are interacting in cemeteries. They would like to
study soils in cemeteries. How does the board view this, should we proceed? Councilperson Hinkle will
respond with the questions posed and update the board. Rosie Carpenter asked what is happening with the
cemetery trees that need to be taken down. There is a large branch in the tree and Councilperson Lynch has
been in touch with Austin Bailey to take a look at what needs to be done. Buddy asked about the tree in Budd
cemetery? Highway worked with Dale Laue to clean up some of the fallen tree branches (Dale took care of the
tree) in the Laue field next to the cemetery as it had come down on his fence.
Buddy, Helen Hetherington had reached out to him about the ECC driveway as it is in bad shape again. Does
the board want the highway to work on it? Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lynch seconded to
authorize the use of equipment and materials to fix the ECC driveway.
Vote: Aye: Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, Millspaugh, and Redmond
Nay, 0 Carried.
Announcements: N/A
Adjournment: Councilperson Hinkle motioned to adjourn, adjourned at 9:34 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Cornell
Mary Cornell
Town Clerk