HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 12, 2025 - Town of Enfield Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes1
Town of Enfield Regular Town Board Meeting
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
6:30 PM
In-person and via the Zoom Meeting Platform
Present: Town Supervisor Stephanie Redmond; Town Councilpersons, Jude Lemke, Cassandra Hinkle, and
Robert Lynch; Code Officer Alan Teeter; Planning Board Chair Dan Walker; Town Clerk Mary Cornell
Excused: Town Councilperson Melissa Millspaugh
Call to Order: Supervisor Redmond called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM
Privilege of the Floor: Rosie Carpenter led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilperson Lynch
was going to speak from a prepared statement, but instead he is going to speak from the heart. Something
very important happened in Enfield since our last meeting, something we should be very proud of, we had an
election. A good election. A telling election, a meaningful one. And I want to stop right now and congratulate
Cassandra Hinkle and Jude Lemke, who were the apparent winners of that election, a hard -fought election for
town councilperson. It was a close election. And I also noticed that the two candidates who were challenging
the incumbents are also in the meeting room tonight, Rosie Carpenter and Robert Tusky, and I thank them for
putting a valiant effort forth. They did so with limited resources. They largely did it themselves. With a little bit
of help from a couple of people. And they didn't have a party organization behind them; they didn't have a lot
of money. But they succeeded in almost winning those town councilperson seats. I added up the numbers, and
as it was as of election night. It totaled that it, if you put all of the votes for Mr. Tuskey and for Ms. Carpenter
together, and all of them for Cassandra Hinkle and Jude Lemke together, because they kind of ran as teams. It
was the, the Hinkle-Lemke team got 53% of the vote and Carpenter and Tuskey got about 47%, and that's
pretty admirable, and it was pretty close. In fact, right now, as they still have absentee ballots to count, as of
last look. That, Carpenter trailed Hinkle by just 15 votes. So it was close. I marched door-to-door, did a lot of
campaigning, in the final days of that campaign, and I found out something. I found out that, in my opinion,
from the people I talk to, Enfield is a town divided. Divided ideologically as well as politically. And I think what
the people are saying, at least I determined, is they want our town board to do more. And by that, I don't
mean spend more money, I don't mean impose more regulation or legislation, but to be a little more
transparent with them, to be a… to bring them along as partners, and not make them think that we are their
adversary. And that's just my observation, and… other people may think differently. But that was my
perception, and it was a good election, it was a telling election, it was a necessary one, and I want to thank all
four candidates for putting up a good run. Thank you. Councilperson Hinkle - I'll just echo that, that, you know,
it was a. It was a good run, and there was a lot of work put in by all. Respectfully, I'd like to say there's been a
really great example to counter that, that we had our bake-a-thon recently. We baked over 650 muffins, and
there were quite a few people, that came, and a large age group. We delivered all those directly to the food
pantry. Currently, the fundraiser is still going online and has raised nearly $20,000. It was really great to see
everyone from around the town rolling up their sleeves and coming in and putting together some ingredients,
and… In some cases, some very creative ones, so I just want to say I'm grateful for everyone that came and,
showed up for the town together.
Additions and Changes to the Agenda: Supervisor Redmond. Community development grant information has
been added to your packet and she would like to add it to the agenda. She would also like to add Deck the
Halls and Cornell Connect to the agenda. Councilperson Hinkle would like to add a resolution for a volunteer of
the year award and approval to use cemetery funds. Supervisor Redmond would like to move up the NYSEG
Flair project topic on the agenda.
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Correspondence: Supervisor Redmond - Carol Baker submitted a grange report, which she would to be willing
to read when we get to the grange resolution.
Monthly Reports
County Legislator – Anne Koreman. The county is working on finalizing their budget. They voted to fund TCAT
for an additional $500,000 due to an unforeseen fiscal shortage this year. Cornell has only agreed to an
additional $31,000 this year and they are working with them to try to bring this up to the requested amount.
They hired another dispatcher and two correction officers for the county jail (NYS, said they did not have
enough staff). Their budget/tax levy is going up 3.37 percent and that would be an average tax rate of 4.88 per
assessed value. The median home is averaged at $300,000. $1,466 will be the average tax bill next year. They
are moving along with the center of government building. It will take a while for deconstruction of buildings as
they have found extensive asbestos in one of the buildings. They have opened the code blue shelter when it
gets cold, they opened up a location on cherry street and they are hopeful to start on the homeless shelter
next year. They have increased security at the Legislature meetings over the past couple of months as they
have been receiving more threats. They need to make sure they and the staff are safe. The last two things she
wants to talk about is food security. The largest pantry in the county is in Enfield. Trumansburg has 100 ppl
with an increase of 10 ppl. In Enfield the first week they had +20% and this weekend +40 %, +30%, and +30%
increase on each of the distribution dates. They usually have 600 families and they had over 200 extra ppl. The
County has allocated an additional $10,000 to the Food Bank of the Southern Tier and they authorized an
additional $50,000, which is slowly trickling in. Next month will be her last month as a legisl ator and she has
enjoyed participating in our Town Board Meetings. She congratulated those for being involved in their
communities.
Councilperson Lynch had a couple of questions. Last week the legislature agreed to spend up to 2.6 million
dollars to deconstruct the three buildings. There were some comments afterwards that some of the legisl ators
are having mixed feelings about the proposed Center of Government building. He asked Anne her opinion on
the new Center of Government. Legislator Koreman. 100 years ago they said not to build the courthouse and
looking back over the past 20 years the costs of building has been going up. The best time to build would have
been 10-20 years ago. She is looking for a functional modest building. Councilperson Lynch, May I interject
something? Our other county legislator, Randy Brown, sent me an email regarding the Center of Government
project. It's only a few paragraphs long, and I think he might want me to read that into the agenda, since it is a
current item. And this is from Randy Brown, for, to, me and to the Town of Enfield, I presume by inference. And
this concerns the center of government. “The county has taken many steps over the years to construct a
building downtown that would house up to 15 departments. This building would be over 50,000 square feet,
and the project would include renovations to two buildings owned by the county located on Court Street.
Earlier this year, the county approved $50 million for the entire project, and we're now hearing the cost will
exceed this number. I am not in favor of spending this amount of money when other less expensive options are
available. One option would be a smaller building based on actual need. I also believe the county has building
spaces that are underutilized that would provide better access to constituents. Final paragraph. I will be
working with county administration to consider other options seriously and completely. The county has many
future costs we must consider, before spending taxpayer funds on this project and the impact to the tax levy,
must be recognized.” That from Legislator Randy Brown.
Town Supervisor’s Report – Stephanie Redmond. We had two Special Town Board meetings last month. She,
Jude and Greg have been working on the Community Block Grant. The grant funding she had been looking at
for the Rumsey Hill bridge may no longer be available. She and Greg have been working on cleaning the Town
Park. She shared that she received approval for the Cornell Connect grant. She will be meeting with county
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departments for the Bostwick Rd project. She has submitted all of the PRC documents. Councilperson Lynch
asked who decides when the Rumsey Hill Bridge is no longer a safe bridge and should be closed? Buddy met
with the County two years ago and the county had put it on its replacement list. Councilperson Lemke has seen
large trucks travel that road and over the bridge. NYSDOT requires inspections and they would probably put
the red flag on it. The Local Highway Superintendent is responsible for all of the Town Roads and he can close it
if he sees fit.
Highway Superintendent Report – Buddy Rollins. N/A
Code Enforcement Report – Alan Teeter. First, he would say it would be unfortunate to close the Rumsey Hill
Rd Bridge as it would extend response time for the fire company. He issued 4 building permits last month. The
total for the year is 69 permits. He attended a training today and learned new information. The new codes are
out and he has been studying them. The energy code hasn’t really changed a lot of the requirements. He gave
the board a handout of fees he suggests changed and asked the board to let h im know if they have any
questions. Councilperson Lynch had a couple of questions regarding complaints and would like to speak to him
offline about them.
Planning Board Report – Dan Walker. They added a discussion on the Flair project and he won’t talk about that
now. There were no other actions, as it has been quiet. Supervisor Redmond asked him if he a chance to view
the light ordinance materials that she had sent around. She would like to review the Teeter Rd project to see if
any of these would have had an impact on that project. Dan Walker. They discussed the Planning Board
Vacancy and Two alternate vacancies for 2026. A post will be made on the Town Website for those interested
to submit a letter of interest to the Planning Board by December 2. Councilperson Lynch stated that he would
like the Town Board to make the appointment at the December Town Board Meeting. Dan Walker. They also
discussed Dirt Bike tracks. Currently if more than one acre of land is disturbed then it triggers a review. There is
a track that butts up against one of the planning board members property. While, it would not take more
attention because of that, it is something we may need to look at addressing at some point. We do not have
any regulations against it.
TCCOG – Robert Lynch. There is no TCOG report, because TCOG has not met since our last meeting. I did want
to talk at some point in this meeting about a summary of a meeting on the 28th of October regarding EMS
services and the presentation of a report to a committee of the county legislature. Supervisor Redmond
responded that she will add it as a topic item at the end of the meeting.
Consent Agenda:
Audit Claims General Fund Vouchers #225-251, dated November 12, 2025 in the amount of
$73,532.51.
Highway Fund Vouchers #170-189, dated November 12, 2025 in the amount of
$151,158.65
Approval of Minutes: October 8th, October 22nd, and October 30th, 2025 Minutes.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lemke seconded.
Vote: Ayes; Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, and Redmond.
Nay; O; Carried.
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Business:
Discussion: Presentation by Crow’s Nest Artists regarding Community Sculpture.
Tony and Gwen presented from Crow’s Nest. They are housed in Hammondsport, NY. The sculpture site will be
in the Town Park across from the Town Hall. They have an updated sculpture to present for approval. The
theme is food security and community choice. They will collaborate with a couple of other artists. They will do
some of the building throughout the winter and they will work on building the pieces over the winter. They are
talking with the school to possibly collaborate with students making some of the pieces. It would be installed
potentially next June. The base plate will be installed first. It will be ma de with steel and cement and ceramic
pieces. Supervisor Redmond asked Alan if they will need a permit. He will issue a permit so that we are
covered. The maximum height will be 12-15’ and this could change. Supervisor Redmond asked if they would
be willing to work with the Design Connect students as they will be working on designing this space.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded to approve the design .
Vote: Ayes; Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, and Redmond.
Nay; O; Carried.
Discussion: Presentation by Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization
Roxy Johnson and Issac Walker. They are making the rounds of all of the municipalities. They had to make a
change to their funding goal. They work with all 57 municipalities in the water district. Most folks do not have
planners. Initiating a watershed can be challenging. They can provide resources to start and work through the
development. Issac is well versed in funding opportunities. They can work across watersheds and
organizations. Discussion continued. Change in the membership dues/goals. When they started membership
fees were at $900 a year. The goal was to have one paid staff position with an original funding goal of $90,000.
They have had to make arrangements for unplanned expenses. They have reviewed the formula and have
determined a need to now raise their annual goal to $130,000. This would allow them to do more with
municipalities. The increase for Enfield over the next three years will be the following; 2026 - $1,105, 2027 -
$1,406, 2028 - $1,562. She thanked the Town for their participation and support over the past several years. If
you have any questions reach out to Issac. Supervisor Redmond we as a Town Board have a responsibility to do
what we can to protect our waterways. Supervisor Redmond had some questions for Issac and he offered
some suggestions and a willingness to ride around with the Highway Superintendent for assessment purposes.
Discussion: NYSEG FLAIR project. Chris Brewster (project outreach for NYSEG) and Emma Timerman (project
manager). Kevin is their Engineer and he is planning on going the meeting around 8 PM.
The project will run from Montour Falls to the Coddington Rd substation. One of the main reasons for the
upgrade is the age of the current asset are ~91 years old and are classified as a level 4. The units have
deteriorated and they are going to replace them with steel monopoles. They should not clash with the
surrounding areas. They went over the project details and included pictures of the current asset conditions.
The goal is to increase the capacity as they need to meet NYS Energy requirements. Rosie Carpenter asked
when it would be completed. Chris responded that it is set to start in early 2027 with a completion date of
early 2029. What would it mean for the Town of Enfield to become a party of interest. You are registering as a
party which will allow you to have access to what is going on and what documents are being circulated as well
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as participating in conversations. They will make sure that they follow-up with the Town. Councilperson Lynch
read a letter from Brendan Mooney dated October 10th which was emailed to the Town Board.
Nancy Spero, those maps went by fast and she couldn’t tell what areas were going to be affected.
Councilperson Lemke, it is Rich Teeter and Betsy Allen’s properties. Black Oak Road going towards Connecticut
Hill Rd. If you were going to be affected you would have been directly contacted. Emma stated that they are
not looking for new right-of-way’s, they are using existing locations where assets are located. Supervisor
Redmond asked Councilperson Lynch if he would be interested in being the Town Liaison on this?
Councilperson Lynch would be willing. Rosie Carpenter asked about the vegetation management schedule.
Councilperson Lynch asked if it is NYSEG’s plan to increase the capacity by 250%, if so, is there any possibility of
increasing the voltage on the line. Because these or more compact structures is there a possibility to add
additional lines in the future. Emma, as of today, no other line will be sharing that corridor. Could NYSEG put
up additional poles to what is being proposed now to increase the carrying capacity of the right-of-way, she
would say maybe. Councilperson Lynch the NYSEG PSC proposal redacted the total costs of the project and
there was some adjustments to the privacy as there was some redundancy. Emma replied this is general
information that is redacted. Councilperson Lynch believes that the Town should be involved as either a
settlement or participant portion. Councilperson Lynch is concerned about the electromagnetics of the lines.
Councilperson Lynch is going to read the resolution that he had written to present to the board.
RESOLUTION #2025-70 A Resolution Authorizing the Town of Enfield to Request Party Status before the New
York State Public Service Commission; Finger Lakes Area Infrastructure Reliability (FLAIR) Project
Whereas, the Enfield Town Board holds a duty to protect the health and safety of its residents and also to
preserve this Town’s rural character consistent with its Comprehensive Plan; and
Whereas, on December 18, 2024, New York State Electric and Gas Corporation (NYSEG), requested from the
New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need
Pursuant to Article VII of the New York Public Service Law to construct the Finger Lakes Area Infrastructure
Reliability (FLAIR) Project, its application assigned Case number 24-T-0710 by the PSC; and
Whereas, under the FLAIR Project proposal, NYSEG would rebuild and replace “Line 982,” its existing 115kV
transmission line that runs approximately 20.7 miles to connect the Montour Falls Substation in the Town of
Montour to the Coddington Substation in the Town of Ithaca, a line and its associated Right-of-Way (ROW)
which crosses a portion of the Town of Enfield, as well as portions of the Towns of Ithaca, Danby and Newfield
in Tompkins County, and the Towns of Montour, Catherine and Hector is Schuyler County; and
Whereas, in its FLAIR application to the PSC, NYSEG would dismantle the line’s existing wooden H -frame
structures, generally 30-60 feet in height, built in 1930, and replace them in the existing ROW with steel
monopoles, each 74 to 122 feet in height, as well as replacing all conductors and insulators, and
Whereas, in its public filings with the PSC for the FLAIR project, NYSEG has in no instance promised or
otherwise represented that should the requested Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need
be granted, that the utility would restrict its Line 982 voltage capacity to the 115 kilovolts currently employed,
or that it would not place additional transmission systems within the Line 982 ROW or seek the expand that
ROW in the future; and
Whereas, this Town Board believes NYSEG in its PSC filings has failed to justify the need for this transmission
line replacement absent the utility’s unstated desire to increase voltage capacity; and
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Whereas, this Town Board holds concerns that the FLAIR project’s approval could impose serious health and
safety hazards to Enfield’s residents, including, but not limited to, the risks associated with increased exposure
to electromagnetic energy, especially should NYSEG increase line capacity as a result of this upgrade; and
Whereas, this Board believes that the higher metal structures FLAIR proposes would impose glaring visual
impediments inconsistent with the text of Section 5 of this Town’s Comprehensive Plan, which states that
“natural beauty is a key feature of what makes Enfield an appealing location to live,” and that, “Abundant clean
water, protected forests, gorges and waterfalls are cherished resources of the Town;” and
Whereas, by letter dated October 10, 2025, Brendan J. Mooney, Partner of Cullen and Dykman, LLP, NYSEG’s
attorneys of record in the FLAIR proceeding, writing on NYSEG’s behalf, provided the PSC a “Notice of
Impending Settlement Negotiations” in Case 24-T-0710, the FLAIR Application, and requested that any
additional parties choosing to participate in negotiations notify his office of their interest; and
Whereas, for the reasons afore-stated, the Town of Enfield chooses to participate in these settlement
negotiations; therefore be it
Resolved, that the Enfield Town Board hereby directs its representative, Councilperson Robert Lynch, to
contact New York State Electric and Gas Corporation’s designated legal representative, consistent with NYSEG
counsel’s letter of October 10, and express the Town of Enfield’s intent to participate as a party of interest in
settlement negotiations in Case 24-T-0710 before the New York State Public Service Commission, NYSEG’s
application for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need to co nstruct the Finger Lakes Area
Infrastructure Reliability (FLAIR) Project; and be it further
Resolved, that in entering such settlement negotiations as a party of interest, this Town Board and its
designees agree to be bound by the settlement confidentiality requirements tied to such participation; and be
it further
Resolved, that the Clerk shall forward copies of this resolution to the following: the Hon. Michelle L. Phillips,
Secretary, New York State Public Service Commission; Rod Howe, Supervisor, Town of Ithaca; Joel Gagnon,
Supervisor, Town of Danby; Michael Allinger, Supervisor, Town of Newfield; David Scott, Supervisor, Town of
Montour; Richard Lewis, Supervisor, Town of Catherine; Justin Boyette, Supervisor, Town of Hector, and
Katherine Borgella, Commissioner, Tompkins County Department of Planning and Sustainability.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lemke seconded. Councilperson Lynch moved and Supervisor
Redmond seconded to approve the resolution as amended.
Vote: Ayes; Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, and Redmond.
Nay; O Carried
Community Development Block Grant. Supervisor Redmond shared we are in the preapplication process. Greg
Hutnik, he had heard from the candidate forum that Councilperson Lemke had mentioned that the Town was
interested in the grant. Danby has been involved in this for low income families. Enfield has to do the first step
which is a community needs assessment. There is currently an opportunity for funding for a housing needs
survey, the grant is for $50,000. In 2020 the cost of one o f these studies was $30,000 with a 5 % match with
the municipality. Danby has secured 1.3 million dollars in funding since 2022, with the majority of the funds
going to homeowners. This is a preliminary step before going further. Councilperson Lynch asked for
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clarification on the 5% Town match, Greg confirmed that the Town will need to participate by providing 5%.
Danby has hired a consultant to oversee the award and complete all of the required documents for
submission, which also has to be appropriately filed. Councilperson Lynch. What we are asking for now is to set
a public hearing? Supervisor Redmond stated that Greg will find three quotes for consultants. Councilperson
Lynch the only outlay at this time would be for the town to pay for a Public Hearing noti ce? Greg at the Public
Hearing we would determine what we would like to do. Councilperson Lynch asked if we had to pay now or in
the future. Councilperson Lemke responded we would commit to pay the funds in the future.
Resolution #71-2025 – Set Public Hearing – Housing Needs Assessment, CDBG Grant
Resolved, That the Town Board of the Town of Enfield sets a public hearing to be held on Wednesday,
December 10, 2025 at 6:30 PM at the Enfield Town Courthouse. This public hearing is the hear all interested
parties and citizens for the purpose of hearing public comments on the Town of Enfield’s community
development needs, and to discuss the possible submission of one or more Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) applications for the 2025 program year.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lemke seconded. Councilperson Lynch asked for clarification of
the program year, which Greg responded would be 2025, which can be confusing.
Vote: Ayes; Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, and Redmond.
Nay; O Carried
Design Connect – Supervisor Redmond. We received notice that we were selected for the requested project.
As before we would need to pay a small project fee, which is currently set at $600. The project would be the
Youth park across the street from the Town Hall.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded. No further discussion.
Vote: Ayes; Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, and Redmond.
Nay; O Carried
Deck the Halls Event. Supervisor Redmond -We have held the event at the Town Hall for the past couple of
years on the second Saturday in December. Last year we offered a toy exchange and craft time. What would
the Board like to do this year? Discussion concluded with the plan for a toy drive and ornament decoration
event which will be held on December 13th from 11-12 noon at the Town Hall. Supervisor Redmond will
confirm if Santa will be riding to the ECC via the Highway Department. Councilperson Hinkle will make the flyer
to circulate.
RESOLUTION #72-2025 RECOGNIZING CLYDE M. “JACK” HUBBELL FOR OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER SERVICE
TO THE TOWN OF ENFIELD
WHEREAS, Clyde M. “Jack” Hubbell has long served the Town of Enfield as a dedicated volunteer, neighbor, and
public steward; and
WHEREAS, Jack has contributed immeasurably to the preservation of Enfield’s heritage through his service as
Town Historian, documenting and safeguarding our community’s history for future generations; and
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WHEREAS, Jack has generously shared the bounty of his garden each season, donating fresh produce to
neighbors and community causes, exemplifying the spirit of kindness and generosity that defines Enfield; and
WHEREAS, Jack has consistently assisted with community clean-ups, including volunteering his time at the
Highway Department and supporting town maintenance efforts through hands -on service; and
WHEREAS, Jack’s vigilance, neighborly support, and willingness to lend a hand whenever needed have made
him an invaluable and trusted member of our community; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Enfield recognizes that volunteerism such as Jack’s strengthens the very fabric of our
town, inspiring others to give of their time and talents for the common good;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Board hereby recognizes and expresses its deepest
appreciation to Clyde M. “Jack” Hubbell for his outstanding volunteer service, generosity, and enduring
commitment to the Town of Enfield and its residents; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution be presented to Jack Hubbell in formal recognition of
his contributions, and that this Resolution be entered into the official minutes of the Town of Enfield.
Stephanie Redmond, Town Supervisor Mary Cornell, Town Clerk
Cassandra Hinkle, Town Board Member Jude Lemke, Town Board Member
Robert Lynch, Town Board Member Melissa Millspaugh, Town Board Member
Councilperson Hinkle moved and Councilperson Lynch seconded. No further discussion.
Vote: Ayes; Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, and Redmond.
Nay; O Carried
Cemetery Tree work – Contract with Limbwalkers.
Councilperson Hinkle moved that the Town Board authorize the expenditure of cemetery funds to contract
with Limbwalkers Tree Care LLC for the cemetery treatment, maintenance, and removal work listed in estimate
number 6093, dated September 26th of 2025, in the amount not to exceed $4,320, with the funds to be
dispersed from cemetery funds and Councilperson Lemke seconded. Discussion. Councilperson Lynch asked
when this was added to the agenda as it was not listed. Councilperson Hinkle responded that last month, she
had emailed everything and said that we were going to make the decision at this meeting. Supervisor
Redmond responded that Councilperson Hinkle asked to have it, added beforehand, but we have been
discussing this for, what, 4 months now? Councilperson Lynch expressed concern that volunteers could do
much of the work and Supervisor Redmond asked him if he had found any volunteers yet. Councilperson Lynch
stated that he was willing to do work on the cemeteries and could have it completed by spring. Councilperson
Lynch asked to go through the quote by line item. After extensive discussion Councilperson Hinkle will ask
Limbwalkers to requote to primarily handle tree cutting and leaving the bulk of the trees/logs/brush at the
cemeteries.
Councilperson Hinkle amended her original motion to authorize the utilization of up to $3,000 of cemetery
funds to contract with Limbwalkers for tree work at Enfield Cemeteries and Supervisor Redmond seconded.
Vote: Ayes; Hinkle, Lemke, and Redmond.
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Nay; Lynch Carried
Resolution #2025-73 Authorize Supervisor Redmond to Sign the Enfield Valley Grange Contract
WHEREAS, local residents built a Grange hall in 1925; and
WHEREAS, the Enfield Valley Grange is the only grange hall still officially functioning in Tompkins County, New
York; and
WHEREAS, the Grange protects the heritage of the Enfield agricultural community by offering educational
workshops and speakers on agricultural topics relevant to Town farmers and other residents; and
WHEREAS, the Town encourages membership to the Enfield Valley Grange; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Enfield Town Board authorizes Supervisor Redmond to sign the 2026 contract with the Enfield
Valley Grange.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lemke seconded.
Vote: Ayes; Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, and Redmond.
Nay; O Carried
Resolution #2025-74 Authorize Supervisor Redmond to Sign the Enfield Seniors Contract
WHEREAS, the Town of Enfield has previously entered into a contract with the Senior Citizens group in the
Town of Enfield, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the supervisor be authorized to sign the presented contract with the Enfield Senior Citizens
for the years 2026 to 2030.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded. Discussion: Councilperson Lemke, this
contract should be updated to reflect similar verbiage to the Grange Contract and the date typo corrected.
Councilperson Lemke will update the verbiage and send the updated contract to the Clerk to distribute to the
Enfield Seniors for review and acceptance.
Vote: Ayes; Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, and Redmond.
Nay; O Carried
Resolution #2025-75 Authorization to Include a Summary of the 2026 Budget in the 2026 Tax Bills
WHEREAS, the Real Property Tax Law section 922 (1) (d) permits municipalities to include a summary of the
2026 adopted budget with the tax bills if the Town Board approves such action by resolution and
WHEREAS, all taxpayers deserve a clear and transparent explanation of how their taxes are used and the
structure and changes in the Town of Enfield 2026 budget, now therefore be it
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RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Board authorizes the Supervisor and Clerk to prepare a brief summary of the
2026 Town Budget for inclusion with the 2026 tax bill.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lemke seconded. Discussion: There was a brief discussion on
benefits calculation in the pie chart. Supervisor Redmond will update the chart and letter and send it to the
Board and Clerk Cornell for review.
Vote: Ayes; Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, and Redmond.
Nay; O Carried
Resolution #2025-76 Approve Subdivision & Site Plan Review Application Fees as recommended by the
Planning Board
WHEREAS the Enfield Planning Board has recommended updates of the Subdivision and Site Plan Review
Application Fees, now therefore be it
RESOLVED the fee schedule is to be updated as indicated in “DEVELOPMENT FOR APPLICATION FEE SCHEDULE”
TOWN OF ENFIELD
168 Enfield Main Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 277-0266
DEVELOPMENT
REVIEW
APPLICATION
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
Date Received: / /
Project No.
Type of Application: Subdivision Lot Line Modification Site Plan Special Permit______
Stage of Review: Sketch
Preliminary Final Add’1 Meeting
Project Name (if any):
Street Address/Location of Project:
Tax Parcel No.:
Owner:
Owner’s Address: Phone No.:
Email:
Applicant or Agent (if different from Owner):
Applicant/Agent’s Address: Phone No.:
Email:
Engineer: Phone No.:
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Architect: Phone No.:
Attorney: Phone No.:
SUBDIVISION APPLICATIONS:
Total number of lots proposed (existing + new): Are new roads or public utilities proposed?
Estimated site improvement cost (exclude cost of land acquisition & prof. fees):
SITE PLAN APPLICATIONS:
Project is (circle or check one): Residential Non-Residentia1
Lot Area: Total Bldg. Floor Area: No. of Dwelling Units:
Estimated project cost (exclude cost of land acquisition & prof. fees):
ALL APPLICATIONS:
The information on this application form is submitted in addition to other information, plats, and plans required by the Town of
Enfield I attest that all information so submitted is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. Also, by filing this
application, permission is granted to members of the various Town Boards, Committees, and/or any other persons designated by t he
Town that may be involved in the review of this application, to enter the property specified above to inspect in connection w ith the
review of this application.
Owner’s Signature Date Applicant/Agent Signature (if different) Date
DEVELOPMENT
FOR
APPLICATION FEE
OFFICE USE ONLY
SCHEDULE
TYPE OF REVIEW APPLICATION FEE (non-refundable)
Fee Amount Due
Subdivision Review:
Two Lot Minor Subdivision $100.00
Sketch Plat:
3-10 new lots *
(without new roads or public utilities)
$100.00+
All Others * $100.00 plus $10 / lot
Preliminary Plat:
3-10 new lots *
(without new roads or public utilities)
$250.00 plus $50 / lot
All Others * $500.00 plus $100 / lot
Final Plat: 50% of Preliminary Plat Fee
Plats/Re-plats whose sole purpose is to dedicate land for public use - no charge
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Site Plan Review:
Sketch Plan: $125.00
Preliminary Plan:
Estimated Project Cost:
$1 - $50,000.99 $250.00
$50,001 - $100,000.99 $350.00
$100,001 - $250,000.99 $400.00
$250,001 - $500,000.99 $500.00
$500,001 - $1,000,000.99 $750.00
$1,000,001 - $2,500,000.99 $1,000.00
$2,500,001 - $5,000,000.99 $1,500.00
$5,000,001 - $10,000,000.99 $2,000.00
$10,000,001 - $20,000,000 99 $2,500.00
Over $20,000,000.99 $3,000.00
Final Plan 50% of Preliminary Site Plan Fee
Special Permit: $100.00 (if not with site plan application)
Additional Meeting Fees:
Agenda Processing $30.00
Public Hearing Processing $75.00
Please consult Local Law No.,
for a complete explanation of
application fees.
Fees Paid:
Receipt #:
Check #:
NOTES: * Number of new lots is the number that would exist after subdivision.
Received by
Date
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded. Discussion: Councilperson Lynch shared the
updated table after review at the last Town Board Meeting. Clerk Cornell shared that the file shared and given
to the Board in the meeting packet was the same, with the exception of reducing the Public Hearing Processing
fee to $75.00
Vote: Ayes; Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, and Redmond.
Nay; O Carried
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Resolution #2025-77 October 2025 Budget Modifications
WHEREAS, it is necessary to modify the 2025 budget based on updated estimates of revenues and
expenditures in 2025, and
WHEREAS, a detailed listing and description of each budget adjustment by Fund has been provided to the
Town Board for review as presented below, be it therefore
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Board approves the budget modifications as outlined below.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded. No further discussion.
Vote: Ayes; Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, and Redmond.
Nay; O Carried
Resolution #2025-78 Ratify the Town of Enfield Resolution Urging Emergency Continuation of SNAP Benefits
and Emergency Funding for Food Banks
WHEREAS, The Town Board of the Town of Enfield facilitated an emergency meeting on October 30, 2025, and
WHEREAS, due to the emergency nature of the meeting, it was not possible to provide adequate notice of the
meeting, now therefore be it
GENERAL FUND - A OCTOBER 2025 BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
Current Increase/Modified
Account #Description Budget (Decrease)Budget
Expenditures
A1620.41 NYSERDA Solar Array - Contractual 50,000.00$ 14,000.00$ 64,000.00$
A1990.4 Contingent Account 26,480.00$ (14,000.00)$ 12,480.00$
A7555.4 Beautification 3,000.00$ 500.00$ 3,500.00$
A8160.4 Refuse and Garbage 2,500.00$ (500.00)$ 2,000.00$
A7310.4 Youth Program 73,453.00$ 7,000.00$ 80,453.00$
A8810.41 Burial Coordinator 500.00$ 500.00$ 1,000.00$
Total Expenditure Adjustments 7,500.00$
Revenues
A2774 Cemetery Burial Fees -$ 500.00$ 500.00$
A4089 Federal Aid - Other 18,000.00$ 7,000.00$ 25,000.00$
Total Revenue Adjustments 7,500.00$
Description of Proposed Adjustments : These General Fund budget adjustments reflect the full cost of the solar energy
project at the Town Hall, ARPA funds used for the Community Newsletter, funds received and paid to the burial
coordinator, and additional spending for beautification.
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RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Enfield ratifies the actions of the Town Board at the special meeting
of the Town Board on October 30, 2025 to pass the Resolution Urging Emergency Continuation of SNAP
Benefits and Emergency Funding for Food Banks
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lynch seconded. Discussion: Councilperson Lynch thanked the
board for ratifying the vote tonight as he was unable to support this resolution before due to his belief that not
enough notice was provided to the public before voting on this matter on October 30th.
Vote: Ayes; Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, and Redmond.
Nay; O Carried
Discussion: Local Law to authorize the use of Town Resources for a Food Pantry – Set Public Hearing*
Councilperson Lemke, I started researching to see whether the Town could donate funds to the Food Pantry as
suggested by Councilperson Lynch at our last meeting. New York State Constitution forbids towns from
donating to a 501c3, so we can't donate. But that led me to start looking at the fact that we, provide, space to
the food bank, and whether or not the way that we have set that up comports with the law. I consulted with
the Association of Towns and it is possible to authorize food pantry services for the town and then contract
with an organization to provide those services. In reviewing existing documentation, I'd say that it's
ambiguous, based on the old documentation, whether or not it's clear that the services that the food pantry
are basically providing to the town on behalf of the town's residents is compensation, if you will, for the
provision of the space to the food pantry. So to fix that, and make it very clear that we're squarely inside the
law, what we're going to do is pass a law, and the law is to sponsor a food pantry on behalf of our residents for
their health, safety, and well-being. And then, as part of that, we will contract with the First Baptist Church of
the Enfield Center to provide those services to our town residents, and we will make clear in the contract that
the provision of those services are at least reasonably equal to the value of the space and other services that
we're providing to them. The Town already has entered into a license which is fine. I would also propose that
we extend the term of the lease until 2033, but that's a separate issue. So I'm going to move that we set our
public hearing to hear this local law to authorize the use of the town resources for a food pantry on December
10th at our regular meeting.
The purpose of this local law is to provide for the operation of a food pantry in the town of Enfield in order to
protect the health, safety, and welfare of town residents. The food pantry is intended to provide aid, care, and
support to needy town residents in the form of food and other commodities. This local law is adopted
pursuant to Municipal Home Rule Section 10, which specifically authorizes the town to adopt local law s
relating to health, safety, and well-being of persons within the town. The Town Board is hereby authorized to
take the following actions in connection with the operation of food pantry. Designate one or more spaces
within any building owned or controlled by the town to be used for the acceptance of donation, storage, and
distribution of food pantry items. Enter into an agreement with the First Baptist Church of Enfield Center or
other similar organization for the general operation and supervision of the food pantry. Any such agreement
shall include a determination by the Town Board that the value of the services received from the food pantry
organization is at least the reasonable equivalent of the value of the use of the designated space and any
related services provided in connection with the provision of that space. It takes such other actions as it deems
necessary to accomplish the purpose and intent of this law. And then it just says provisions are severable if
they're declared invalid, and says it'll be effective when it's filed with the Secretary of State. Councilperson
Lynch clarified so that residents understand this really does not do anything more in terms of town support for
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the food pantry than we have right now. It's just cleaning up the documentation to make it clear that it's all
legal. And our action tonight is only to set a public hearing.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded to hold a public hearing on December 10th at
6:30 PM
Vote: Ayes; Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, and Redmond.
Nay; O Carried
Discussion: Site Plan Review Law (Article 3.0, if time permits) – Postponed
EMS Services in Tompkins County. Councilperson Lynch. I will try to be as brief as I can. This was a presentation
that Paul Bishop, of the Rochester-based consulting firm Center for Governmental Research provided to the
Tompkins County Legislature's Public Safety Committee on the 28th of October, and it concerned emergency
medical services. And he said, EMS in Tompkins County is not a cohesive system of care. And that's probably an
accurate quote, but he was the person to say it. To an extent, the report's immediate recommendations
endorsed the Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response's proposal for short-term expansion of the
Rapid Medical Response Program, a plan that would purchase one or two ambulances and secure an all -
important certificate of need from New York State In the short range, the CGR report pointed Tompkins County
down two alternative paths. Each would expand the rapid medical response program under a countywide
certificate of need, and permit RMR staff to elevate to paramedic-level care, most likely with ambulance in
service, or at least at the ready. The more modest of the two options was called Bridging Gap Ambulance
Service, would purchase one paramedic ambulance, make it ready 24 -7, but deploy it only sparingly. There'd
be another paramedic first response vehicle in-house, and a staffing budget of $1.7 million. The other more
ambitious safety net ambulance service would purchase two ambulances. Only one would provide paramedic-
level care. There'd be added staff and a $2.5 million p rice tag. That's 3.6 times the present RMR budget.
More…long-term, visionary, 25-year vision that he had would call for, basically, a county-wide ambulance
system. It would either be governmentally run or a non-profit that would be set up. Probably Bangs would no
longer be providing ambulance care in Tompkins County. Under this, because of financial reasons that I won't
get into. Also, the volunteer ambulance corps, including Trumansburg and Dryden, would probably no longer
be providing EMS care. It would all be done under this county umbrella. Now, that's Paul Bishop's vision. That
doesn't mean it's necessarily going to happen. And tellingly, one county legislature member asked Paul Bishop,
has Bangs been consulted on this, on your vision? And he said no. So, it's very much, I know, I know. Credit
Mike Sigler with asking the question. But It was, it was an interesting meeting. If you want to know more you
can go on the Tompkins County website and go under Public Safety Committee for the 28th of October, and
you can see the whole 2-hour presentation. I tried to condense it as much as possible. And also on the… I think
it's the 11th of December, which would be one day after our next town board meeting there will be a meeting
of TCCOG, and I will be there, and that's supposedly when Mr. Bishop will make his presentation again, and will
be asked additional questions by TCCOG members concerning the future of EMS in Tompkins County. And
that's what I have to report.
Privilege of the Floor: Rosie Carpenter clarified that the Town Borad would have a public hearing at its
December meeting to review/adopt a local law for the use of Town resources for a food pantry in the Town of
Enfield. The wording should be changed as not only Enfield residents go to this pantry. If you are going to make
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it a law then you need to make the first day for the residents of the Town of Enfield only, as the Enfield
Taxpayers support this building. Clerk Cornell shared that the Food Distribution is unable to restrict attendance
to specific days and Rosie asked for information to confirm this. Clerk Cornell will look into what information
she can provide for Ms. Carpenter and will be in touch with her.
Announcements: N/A
Adjournment: Councilperson Hinkle moved to adjourn, adjourned at 9:41 P M
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Cornell
Mary Cornell
Town Clerk