HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 8, 2025 - Town of Enfield Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes1
Town of Enfield Regular Town Board Meeting
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
6:30 PM
In-Person at the Enfield Town Courthouse & Via the Zoom Meeting Platform
Present: Town Supervisor Stephanie Redmond; Town Councilpersons, Robert Lynch, Melissa Millspaugh, Jude
Lemke, and Cassandra Hinkle; Highway Superintendent Buddy Rollins; Code Officer Alan Teeter; Town
Bookkeeper Blixy Taetzsch; Town Clerk Mary Cornell
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. Another thing that I'd
like to say is I'd like this board to think about this, when we invite people here, like we did the people from the
apartments, I would like to see them be dealt with at the beginning of the meeting, not at the end and when
they have to leave. And I was upset that Becky Sims got her stuff pushed up. And got to say what she wanted
to, but the people that live across the street that are Enfield resid ents didn't. I just want you to know that.
Supervisor Redmond replied I would like people to always say, if they're here for a specific issue, and, you
know, just let us know, hey, I gotta go, is there any way I can talk about this sooner? Rosie concluded with “You
know, then we can work it out. This is all new to all of them, so… Yeah. But we invited them, you invited them
here, and then you put them at the end of the agenda. I didn't think that that was fair, I guess is what I want to
say.”
Additions and Changes to the Agenda: N/A
Correspondence: Supervisor Redmond, we are all set with FEMA. She received an adorable letter from a 4th-
grade student at Trumansburg Elementary School who requested information about the Town for a project
that he was doing. She sent him a packet of information and brochures. Councilperson Lynch read part of the
correspondence that he received from Elin Dowd the executive director of the Consortium, sent to, all the
directors and the municipalities participating in the, what's now known as the, Municipal Health Insurance
Consortium. They've, truncated the name a little bit. You may know it as the Greater Tompkins County
Municipal Health Insurance Consortium. I won't read all of what she wrote, because a lot isn't relevant to
Enfield, but I'll read the relevant part. This was dated September 30th.
Monthly Reports:
County Legislature – Randy Brown. N/A
Town Supervisor’s Report – Stephanie Redmond. She and the Clerk interviewed applicants from Einhorn and we
selected Rachel. She met with other Town Supervisors. The Solar is up and running at the Town Hall. She
coordinated town photos with Robyn Wishna. The geo-report for Bostwick Rd is complete and she read part of
the report to those present. Supervisor Redmond asked with the size specifications would this then be a bridge?
Superintendent Rollins replied you would need to petition to have it become a bridge and they can deny the
request. Supervisor Redmond stated that she is willing to petition for it. Councilperson Lemke’s son is willing to
assist with Town IT needs; she has asked him to contact the Town Clerk directly. Councilperson Hinkle shared
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that ARE is interested in assisting with Placards at the Town Park. Stephanie asked Cassandra if she will take the
lead in this. Stephanie would like it to be a living storyboard. She is waiting to hear back from Kodiak on the
cemetery tree and limb removal. Cassandra shared that the quote from Limbwalker Tree Care is $4,320.00. Rosie
Carpenter asked if they had reached out to Donnie Hair and he did not respond. Clerk Cornell asked the Board
if they could make a determination to clean up the garden and leve l it out to make it safer. Stephanie asked if
this is something that the Highway be willing to do. Buddy said he would do so. Stephanie will ask the Skate
Group to come in two weeks and get it cleaned up and make it easily mowable.
Highway Superintendent Report – Buddy Rollins. They are doing maintenance and pipe replacement on
VanOstrand Rd. The road is narrow; the neighbors have been happy with what is being done. Back to tree
trimming, he would like residents to look over the roads and see all of the leaves and walnuts on the roads,
which make the roads slick. There are tons of walnuts this year and they cause potholes due to their chemical
compositions. Buddy shared a list of items that he would like Town Board approval to sell. Supervisor Redmond
asked Buddy where he will be selling the equipment, he replied through Auction International. Stephanie
asked if we should advertise these items, Buddy replied there is no reason they can’t look/bid on auction
international.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lemke seconded to sell the equipment.
Vote: Aye; Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, Millspaugh, and Redmond
Nay; 0 Carried.
Code Enforcement Report – Alan Teeter. For the month of September he issued 7 new building permits. The
new code books have arrived; they should take effect in January. He received a couple of complaints from
neighbors on neighbors, not necessarily a code issue. He had looked at the fee schedule and will bring
recommendations next month to the Town Board. Supervisor Redmond asked Alan if the Strech codes have
been adopted and Alan replied that some may have been adopted. He will need to review them before he can
answer that question. Councilperson Lemke asked Alan if he could provide a fee schedule and the amount of
fees that have been collected over the past several years for the Town Board to review.
Planning Board Report – Dan Walker. The Planning Board went over the fee schedule and he will go over it
more in a bit. He and Mike Carpenter attended a housing presentation and they discussed it as a board.
Nothing that Enfield does restricts affordable housing in Enfield. We are doing as much as we can to make
housing affordable. We are on track as a municipality to make housing ss affordable as can be. However, they
look at medium income at $110,000 and it shows that people should be able to spend $35,00 0 a year on
housing, which is not affordable for most people in Enfield.
Tompkins County Council of Govts – Robert Lynch. The full report is on file with the Town Clerk’s office.
Discussion: TCCOG has met since our last meeting. I sent a, written three-page summary of what TCCOG did to
board members, and it will be on the town's website. I want to focus on one thing because it relates to
something that we discussed and acted on in August that Councilperson Hinkle brought to our attention, and it
did come up for a discussion and a vote at TCOG on the 26th of September when they met. By unanimous
vote, TCCOG adopted a resolution urging Governor Hochul to sign a bill passed earlier this year by the New
York State Senate and Assembly. A bill that would require each county to work with local governments and
emergency medical response councils to develop a county-wide EMS plan within 6 months of signing. The
TCCOG resolution is similar to the one that Councilperson Hinkle presented, and we voted on and adopted on
August 13th. The TCOG resolution, however, differed from Enfield's in that it lacked Councilperson Hinkle's
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stipulation to relieve towns and villages of financial burdens. At TCCOG , I offered a paraphrased version. I
didn't have what we adopted, so I scripted it on the fly, and it stated as following. resolved further that any
expanded local EMS operations mandated as a result of this coordinated countywide planning effort be
supported by funding from state and county sources, and not burden local municipalities. That was what I
proposed be amended and added to the resolution at TCCOG. After debate, the proposed amendment failed,
10 votes to 1. I was the only one who voted in favor of it. Several TCCOG members spoke against the
amendment. One said, my town’s already got skin in the game, and we're not talking about stepping back.
That's from Dan Lamb, whose town Dryden already heavily subsidizes its local ambulance service. He said,
quote, we're willing to put in some money to make sure that our residents are protected. I don't think we have
a proposal on the table to say, whatever you do, we're not going to pay for anything. I don't know if that's the
right attitude. That's from Dan Lamb of Dryden. Another person commenting was Dryden Village Mayor Mike
Murphy. He said, I'd love if the state contributed money, but I don't think it'll happen. Rorden Hart, Mayor of
Trumansburg also, with a municipal ambulance service, said, this bill is silent with respect to funding. I don't
think us adding any language with respect to how it should be funded is relevant to the question. That's from
Rorden Hart. So… The resolution itself, urging Governor Hochul's signature, passed unanimously. I voted for it,
but the amendment did fail, and apparently other people don't look at it quite the way we as the Enfield Town
Board did. Other topics discussed at TCOG briefly. Toxic sewage sludge. In another resolution acted upon that
day, the TCCOG unanimously adopted a resolution urging Tompkins County to place a 5 -year moratorium on
land application of all forms of sewage sludge. The resolution also requests the New York State Legislature
adopt what's called a comprehensive sewage sludge bill. Now. It's been said that there is no sewage sludge
right now being spread on land in Tompkins County, but In perhaps some other counties, it is being spread, and
there was some concern at TCOG that perhaps in the future, somebody from outside Tompkins County might
move in and try to have the sludge spread here. As I understand it, the health department is unlikely to grant
any permits for it. Here, but again, you don't know what the future's going to bring. And this… legislation that's
proposed in Albany would put a statewide moratorium on it, and that seems to be what the people who are
environmentally conscious seem to propose. It's strange as to why there's any downside to it, why the bill
stalled in the State Assembly Rules Committee this year. I was told it might be because some sewer plant
operators in other communities see a financial benefit to having the sludge spread on the land, rather than
send to a landfill, as Tompkins County's sewage processors do. There was also some discussion about
broadband. There's been a change. The state has awarded $803,700 to extend broadband to 523 Tompkins
County locations that are currently unserved. The problem is, it's not going to be hardwired. It's not going to
be, lines on poles going down the road. The state I guess bowing to federal changes in regulation, and with a
mind to economy, is going to use a firm out of Geneva, that is called Community Broadband Networks, and
they would provide a fixed wireless internet service. It affects some other rural towns more than it does
Enfield, but as I recall, there are a handful of Enfield residences that would be affected by this broadband
extension. Apparently, they're not going to be getting the cable, hardwired service, they would have to settle
for a wireless solution, which is unfortunate, but It was said by Nick Helmholt of the Tompkins County Planning
Department, there's really no chance we're going to get anything else, and he's resolved that thi s is as good as
it gets. And that's my report.
Consent Agenda:
General Fund Vouchers #204-224, dated October 8, 2025 in the amount of $18,084.08
Highway Fund Vouchers #150-169, dated October 8, 2025 in the amount of $169,150.11
Town Board Meeting Minutes September 10, 2025 and Special Town Board Meeting Minutes September 17,
2025.
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Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Millspaugh seconded.
Vote: Aye; Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, Millspaugh, and Redmond
Nay; 0 Carried.
Business:
Discussion: 2026 Budget Work Session. Supervisor Redmond asked Councilperson Lynch if he had looked into
the dump tanks and he said he had not and thought it best if Superintendent Rollins looked into it as he is
more familiar with the needs. Blixy offered to go over the key changes from the last meeting with the board.
She shared the fund balance projections, as this is more reflective of what the Town Board is appropriating for
the 2026 budget year. Councilperson Lynch asked what are we going to do next year with the high use of the
fund balance this year our fund balance will be very small compared to this year. He mentioned that he will
bring up the town considering reclaiming its local share of county sales tax revenues again in the spring.
Councilperson Lynch moved to add to DA962 Equipment Reserve Highway, $125,000. You would raise it from
$0 to $125,000. But I would take that money from DA5130.2 Equipment (Highway). Which would change that
number from $275,000 to $150,000, which is still $10,000 more than was budgeted for 2025. There was no
second. Discussion: Included in the equipment line is the purchase of a mower tractor and an additional piece
of equipment. Highway Superintendent Rollins. All you are doing is moving more money around.
Councilperson Lynch stated that you may have to purchase used instead of new. Buddy shared that he has
been purchasing used. Councilperson Lynch shared that Buddy has done good job of purchasing good used
equipment. If there is any unused $$ it will go into the equipment reserve at the end of the year.
Councilperson Lynch moved the following amendments A1110.11 Justice personnel services. $17,000
A1110.13 Justice Personnel services Court Clerk to $17,000 and Councilperson Hinkle seconded for discussion
purposes. Discussion: Councilperson Lynch this would be a $530 increase for each of the two budget lines.
Supervisor Redmond feels that we should keep them at 3% as that is where elected officials and staff besides
the Highway employees are at.
Vote: Aye; Lynch.
Nay; Hinkle, Lemke, Millspaugh, and Redmond; Failed.
Councilperson Lynch moved to amend the budget as follows; A2115, Planning Board Fees, increase to $2,000.
Discussion: Dan Walker, so far this year we have had one proposed subdivision and no site plan reviews . He is
not seeing the potential for a lot of development currently with the current economy. There was no second.
Supervisor Redmond moved that the Town Board adopts the amended Tentative Budget as the Preliminary
Budget for the Town of Enfield for the year 2026.
Vote: Aye; Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, Millspaugh, and Redmond
Nay; 0 Carried.
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Discussion: Set Public Hearing for 2026 Budget on October 22, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Millspaugh seconded.
Vote: Aye; Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, Millspaugh, and Redmond
Nay; 0 Carried.
Discussion: Subdivision & Site Plan Review Application Fees as recommended by the Planning Board .
Dan went over the fee schedule and stated changes he and Alan made. Councilperson Lemke asked if there
was a fee for the wind law. Discussion continued. Councilperson Lynch proposed the following changes:
Planning Review Action Proposed Fee
(Initial)
Proposed Fee
(Amended)
Subdivision Review:
Two-Lot Minor Subdivision:
(Sec. 204.1)
$75.00 $100.00
Sketch Plat:
Minor Subdivisions (3-4 new lots total; no new public facilities)
(Sec. 204.2)
$50.00 $100,00
Major Subdivisions
(Sec. 204.3)
$50 + $5 / lot $100 + $10/lot
Preliminary Plat:
Minor Subdivisions (3-4 new lots total; no new public facilities)
(Sec. 204.2)
$100 + $25 / lot $250 + $50 / lot
Major Subdivisions
(Sec. 204.3)
$125 + $50/lot $500 + $100 / lot
Final Plat:
Minor and Major Subdivisions:
50% of Preliminary Plat Fee
Plats/Re-Plats whose sole purpose is to dedicate land for public use – No Charge
Lot Line Modification (Administrative Review)
$75.00 n/a $75.00 n/a
Additional Meeting Fees:
Agenda Processing:
$30.00 $30.00
Public Hearing Processing: $75.00 $100.00
The Board, without a vote, agreed to consider the proposed Planning Board fees at its November 12 meeting.
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RESOLUTION NO. 67-2025 – Approval of September 2025 Budget Modifications
WHEREAS, it is necessary to modify the 2025 budget based on updated estimates of revenues and
expenditures in 2025, and
WHEREAS, a detailed listing and description of each budget adjustment by Fund has been provided to the
Town Board for review as presented below, be it therefore
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Board approves the budget modifications as outlined below.
GENERAL FUND - A SEPTEMBER 2025 BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
Current Increase/Modified
Account #Description Budget (Decrease)Budget
Expenditures
A7555.4 Beautification - Contractual 1,500.00$ 1,500.00$ 3,000.00$
A8810.2 Cemeteries - Equipment 500.00$ 400.00$ 900.00$
Total Expenditure Adjustments 1,900.00$
Revenues
A2089 Other Culture and Rec Income 500.00$ 1,000.00$ 1,500.00$
A599 Appropriated - Cemetery Funds -$ 900.00$ 900.00$
Total Revenue Adjustments 1,900.00$
HIGHWAY FUND - DA SEPTEMBER 2025 BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
Current Increase/Modified
Account #Description Budget (Decrease)Budget
Expenditures
DA5112.2 Improvements - CHIPS 153,641.00$ 15,470.00$ 169,111.00$
DA5112.5 Improvements - POP 23,682.00$ 70.00$ 23,752.00$
Total Expenditure Adjustments 15,540.00$
Revenues
DA3501 State Aid CHIPS 153,641.00$ 15,470.00$ 169,111.00$
DA3589.2 State Aid POP 23,682.00$ 70.00$ 23,752.00$
Total Revenue Adjustments 15,540.00$
Description of Proposed Adjustments : To record the full amount of the CCE beautification grant and related expenditures
and to reflect use of cemetery funds for the purchase of equipment to maintain cemeteries.
Description of Proposed Adjustments : To record additional state aid awarded for road improvements and the related
expenditures.
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Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded. No Discussion
Vote: Aye; Hinkle, Lemke, Lynch, Millspaugh, and Redmond
Nay; 0 Carried.
Discussion: Site Plan Review Law (Article 2). There is one section that talks about lighting. Supervisor Redmond
would like to make this more robust. She found other language. Section 2.3i . Supervisor Redmond had survey
and looked at ordinances from other towns. She will send this around to the Town Board and The Planning
Board for review and for suggestions on what they would like added. 2.1 Development activities that we are
going to be reviewing. She had a question on #14 & #17 as they are very similar. They both came out of the
aquifer protection recommendations. Is there a substantial difference between the two? Dan Walker replied,
solid waste management is a process that generates it and the other one is accepting it. Discussion continued.
Supervisor Redmond would like the Board to go through section 3.0 for the next month ’s meeting and stop
before section 3.1
Privilege of the Floor: N/A
Announcements: Councilperson Lynch hopes that everyone including the people in the room join us at the
grange on Tuesday, October 14th at 6 PM for the All candidate forum. Election day is November 4th.
Adjournment: Councilperson Lemke motioned to adjourn, adjourned at 8:56 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Cornell
Mary Cornell
Town Clerk