HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-01-121988
MINUTES OF TOWN BOARD MEETING HMLD TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1988 AT 7:3D P.m,
'chose present: Teresa M. Robinson, Supervisor
r Ellaxd L. Sovocool, Councilman
Donald 2, Cummings, Councilman
Gordon C. VanBenschoten, Councilman
Carl E. Haynes, Councilman
Jack Fitzgerald, Attorney
Also present: Leland Co2nelivs, Gary Wood
Oath of office was administered to all officials Present.
Moved by Mr. VanBenschoten, seconded by Mr. Sovacool, to approve minutes
of December 8 and 29 as maileaA. Ayes Sovocool, VanBenschoten, Haynes,
Cummings, Robinson.
Claim Nos. 1 to 13 of the Highway Fmd in the mount of $20,917,21 and
Claim Nos. i to 23 of the Gene2'al Fund in the amount of $10,532,79 were �
presented for audit. Moved by MT. VanBenschoten, 'seconded by Kc. Cumilings,
that the bills Lea roved for a }
PP payment. t. Ayes - Sovocool, VanEenschotei,
Hay e s , Cum ngs , Robi
ti nson ,
Monthly reports of the Town Clerk and 'own Justice Heffron were reviekred..
Supervisor Robinson stated Judge Walpole Mill has Brian Lee's car stored
in Town garage. Car has been there in excess of 120 days. Board asked
that. Attorney advise as to what Town can do with cafe azid to recover
storage fees for same. Attorney Fitzgexald advised Board that according
to Section 511 -b (2b) of the Vehicle and Traffic Law that the 'Town can
reccve2' a reasonable cost for inside storage. Town Clerk was advised to
check with local businesses that store vehicles in order to arrive at a
n:eas4nable inside storage fee. Furthex, she is to contact Judge Walpole
to find out status and call Motor Vehicle Department to obtain Yeinholder
and owner of record, information.
Reviewed correspondence: 1) Notice of census from 1980 -1986 indicates
approximately -50D more people in Township; ) Card From David .I)emrning who
did our water survey; 3) Gary Woods letters to zoning violators; 4) Copy
of letter to Maxy Call from Raymond VanHout, President of Tompkins County
T`:ust Company urging County to exercise leadership in coordinating leader -
ohip with other municipalities regarding Route 96 and 13; ) Tompkins
County Planning Board minutes; ) Notice of local x'evsew meeting for US
Census to be held Jan. 27 at noon in SADD Conference Room; 7) Invitation
to attexid Tompkins County Environmental Management meeting on .haul, 19 at
: 0 regarding p7 otection of Broome County water resourses; 8) Invitation
to Humeri Sexwices Coalition luncheon on .Iasi, 22 at Joe's RestaL rant; )
Notice of Groton Business Association election of officers (Town Board
concurs with slate); 10) Notice of Determination from Depax'tmant of Labor,
Counsels' Office -lnv. Section, xegarding claimant Donna, Tiliglish working
while drawing tinemployment insuraxtce.
Supervisor read letter fxori Office of the State Coaptroller in answer to
Town's request fox a complete audit of all Thwn recoicds -in order to
resolve internal problems of missing funds and ather -'xelated ma:bt,ers. They
informed the 'fawn that their office does not review matters that have been
referred to law .enforcement agencies for possible legal-action. The Tbwn
must have an independent audit performed. Supervisor Robinson updated
Carl Haynes stating the 'Board has backed Collen and she did not take
money. Nothing .is legally done yet. We don't feel she is responsible
for it. Neither is Carney ox myself. 'Ihe one that waIs indicted was
here at that -time,"
Supei�vis.or attended meeting last Priday afternoon at Village Office with
Village Trustees, Mayor, Clerk and Frank SatteTly regarding what to do
with old school on fain Street. They have a proposal that this entrepxeneur
will come in and make senior citizen apartments. He is a businessman
and is in it to rake money and will not tackle it unless he can be successful,
he has converted a school in Norwich plus 12 or 15 others. He's putting a
purchase offer in but wants feeling of coxmunity. he wants a tax relief
from municipalities, More will be discussed in the near future. He would
like to have project completed by the and of the year.
80
Gary Wood, Code Enfarceen t officer, presented hi
a m s 1987 Annual Report,
His being able to use services of Deputy Clerk in addition to Colleen's
assistance has been of immense help, He has hired George Tatman as
additional staff to assist in organizing and scheduling. We have both
made investments and it Liill be very helpful.. A lot mare time i$ spent
With people planning than we see on the surface. Gary is working with
Planning Board on revisions to the Land Use Law, possibly he can solicit
Carol's time to index changes on his ward processor and update every five
years. He would like to -see zoning fee schedule increased row to graduated
scale to help offset expenses,
RESOLUTION NG, 1 1988 ORGANIZATIONAL ITENS
Moved by Mar. Sovocool, seconded by Mr, vainBonschoten
Ayes - Sovocool, VanBenschoten, Cummings, Haynes, Robinson
RESOLVED, that the First National Bank of Groton be designated as
the depof3ltory for all monies coming in the hands of the Supervisor
and Town Clerk of the Town of Groton.
RESOLVED, that the Community Newspapex be designat8d as the
of loial newspaper of the Town of Groton,
RESOLVED, that the law firm of Fitzgeraid, 't.yloar, Pomeroy and
Armstrong be retained as Attorneys for the To'ein of Groton.
RESOLVED, that Gary E. Wood be appointed Code Enforoement Offioer
for the Thr n of G2�oton.
RESOLVED, that Gordon C. VanBenschoten be appointed Deputy Supervisor
for the Town of Groton.
RESOLVED, that Carol G. Maxks be appointed Deputy Town Clerk for
the Town of Groton.
RESOLVED, that Leonard Propex and Gurdon Lockwood be appointed as
Election Custodians fax the Town of Groton,
RESOLVED, that Edwin Dow be appointed as Constable for the
Tbwn of groton.
RESOLVED, that Kenneth Darks be appointed as Deputy Highway
Superintendent for the Town of Groton.
RESOLVED, that small tool expenditures of tip to $300.00 by the
Highway Superintendent be authorized.
RESOLVED, that Blue Gross -Blue Shield. Health Insurance for Supervisor
and Town Clerk be paid by the Thwn of Groton.
Moved by Mr. Cummings, seconded by Mr. Sovocool
Ayes - Sovocool, VanBerwschaten, Cummings, Haynes, Robinson
RESOLVED, that the 'Town Board does hereby fix the annual salaries of
the f 0110 wing Town Officexs and employees at the amounts respectfully
stated and that such salaries shall be paid at the time respectTully
specified
a Teresa M. Robinson, Supervisor
b Colleen D. Pierson, 7bwn Clark
c Leland E. Cornelius, Hwy. Supt,
d) Arland L. Heffron, To,?jn Justice
E Robext F. Walpole, Town Justice
f Ellard L, Sovocool, Gounoilman
g Gordon C. Vanlenschoten,. Councilman
h Donald E. G`ummings, Councilman
1 Carl E. ffa.ynes, Councilman
j Gary L. `Mood, Code Ehf'orcement Officer
k Attoxney for Town
$11,02�.Oo
1,538.00
$26,628.00
4,100.00
),900.00
$ 1,OO.00
1,2UO400
l,zoo.00
1,200,00
$12,000.00
6,oao,00
Semimonthly
Se,nifrionthly
Semimonthly-
Semimonthly
Semimon thly
Quarte7:Iy
Quarterly
quarterly
quarterly
Quaartsrly
Quart8rly
Moved by Kr. VanBenschoten, seconded by DIr. Cummings
Aye; - Sovocool., VanBenschoten, Cummings, Naynes, Robinson
RESOLVED, to appoint the following as representatives to Thwn and
County programs
County Youth Recreation Programs - John Gaines
Environrnental Management Council. � Lyle Raymond
Tompkz,rls County CATV Cojmission - Oolleen D. Pierson
Tompkins County Planning Board - George Tatman
Local Youth Cammission - Teresa Donlick, Teresa Robinson,
John Gaines
E
a
Moved by Mr. Sovocool, seconded by Mr. VanBenschoten, to approve
appointments of Supervisor Robinson's committee members as
follows: (Unanimous)
Finance - Carl Haynes
Machinery - Gordon VanBenschoten
Building - Don Cummings and Teresa Robinson
Fire Department - Lewis Sovocool
Personnel - Carl Haynes
Zoning, Bldg. & Fire Code - Ellard Sovocool
Light Districts - Teresa Robinson
Fixed Assets - Teresa Robinson
Senior Citizens - Ellard Sovocool
Planning Board - Donald Cummings
Appeals Board - Donald Cummings
• Highway - Gordon VanBenschoten
Moved by Mr. Cummings, seconded by Mr. Sovocool
Ayes - Sovocool, VanBenschoten, Cummings, Haynes, Robinson
RESOLVED, that fees for Town services be set as follows:
1 Master List for Excavating Purposes
2 Fee for Certification of Taxes
3 Photocopies
4 Verified Transcripts of Marriage
5 Marriage Certificates
6 Marriage License
7 Town and Village Flaps
8 County Maps
9 Mileage for Town Officials
10 Dog Licenses
$' 2.00
$ 3.00 1st yr,
$ •25
$ 5.00
$ 5.00
$ 5.00
$ •25
$ .50
$ . 20/mi .
$1.00 ea. addn . yr.
$ 5.00 - neutered & spayed
$10.00 - unneutered & unspayed
Moved by Mr. Sovocool, seconded by Mr. VanBenschoten, to set Town Board
Meeting night for the second Monday of each month at 7:30 P.M. to be held
at the Tbwn Hall. Ayes - Sovocool, VanBenschoten, Cummings, Haynes, Robinson.
Moved by Mr. VanBenschoten, seconded by Mr. Cummings, to set hourly rate of
Custodian at $5,00 per hour and Deputy Town Clerk at $5,50 per hour.
Ayes - Sovocool, VanBenschoten, Cummings, Haynes, Robinson.
Discussed status of Munson sludge project. Supervisor Robinson spoke with
Jeannine Kirby, Lansing Supervisor. They will be contacting Attorney's
and Geologists or Empire Soils to study sludge project. They have set a
level which they will not go beyond - $12,000.00. County is going 60% and
40% for Lansing and Groton. Supervisor suggested Groton's share be 15%
and Lansing 25% since Lansing has more land involved. She wasn't enthusiastic
about it. A hearing is coming up on why we don't want it in Tbmpkins County.
Money is being spent to present a technical argument why sludge from
Onondaga County shouldn't be dumped here. Supervisor Robinson stated that
the Town of Groton is committed to a percentage of legal fees. Supervisor
is to find out if sludge can be dumped on rented or leased land before
discussing percentage of fee with Lansing. Also, is the percentage based
on the $12,000 County ceiling?
Discussed purchasing computer hardware and software
Proposed computer would have capacity to handle any
but not limited to accounting software, dog license
taxes, Town directory, etc. Twenty -five to 30 hour
included. Town Clerk will ask Mr. Kimberly to come
to discuss and demonstrate proposed equipment.
for Town Offices.
Town projects including
program, word processing,
s of free training is
to next board meeting
Discussed providing health insurance benefits to Thwn employees. Blue Cross -
Blue Shield rates for February 1988 are going up to $66.13 for single and
$163.64 for family. We also have received a quotation from Bert Stark of
Prudential Insurance. All municipalities have health insurance on employees.
Board requested Supervisor to contact other municipalities to see what
percentage of insurance they pay.
Leaking roof in Town Office is a serious problem. Supervisor Robinson
wants Board to consider new peaked roof to tie in with new addition. No
action taken.
8-1
FOOE
Discussed revising Zoning fee schedule to more nearly reflect the concept
of a "user fee ". This would bean amendment to a local law and must sit
on the table 10 days. It was suggested that surrounding town fee schedules
be checked out.
Moved by Mr. Sovocool, seconded by Mr. VanBenschoten; to appoint Teresa M.
Robinson as Delegate to the Annual Association of Towns Meeting held
February 14 - 17, 1988, and to appoint Ellard L. Sovocool as an alternate.
Ayes - Sovocool, VanBenschoten, Cummings, Haynes, Robinson.
Leland Cornelius, Highway Superintendent, would like to purchase a new
pickup truck. His truck is a 1984 Ford with 85,000 miles. He would
trade it in on a new 1988.
Moved by Mr. VanBenschoten, seconded by Mr. Sovocool, to authorize Highway
Superintendent to let bids on a new 1988 pickup truck with the 1984 Ford
being traded in. Bids will be received by the Town Board until 8:00 PM.
on Monday, February 8, 1988. Ayes - Sovocool, VanBenschoten, Cummings,
Haynes, Robinson.
There being no further business, Mr. Sovocool moved to adjourn meeting,
seconded by Mr. Cummings, at 10:30 P.M. Unanimous,
Colleen D. Pierson
Town Clerk
MINUTES OF TOWN BOARD MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, FFI3RUARY 8, x,988 AT 7 :30 P.M.
Those present: Teresa P7. Robinson, Supervisor
Ellard L. Sovocool, Councilman
Gordon C. VanBenschoten, Councilman
Donald E. Cummings, Councilman
Carl E. Haynes, Councilman
Jack Fitzgerald, Attorney
Also present: Leland Cornelius, William Casolara, Randy Greene,
Carl Kimberly, Lyle Raymond, Robert Dempsey, Gary Cotterill
Moved by Mr. Haynes, seconded by Mr. VanBenschoten, to approve minutes of
January 12th meeting as mailed. Ayes - Sovocool, VanBenschoten, Cummings,
Haynes, Robinson.
Claim Nos. 16 to 43 of the Highway Fund in the amount of $17,409.92; Claim
Nos. 31 to 55 of the General Fund in the amount of $2,318.83; and Unemploy-
ment Claim for 4th Quarter of 1987 for Donna English in the airiount of
$1,272.00 were presented for audit. Moved by fir. VanBenschoten, seconded
by Mr. Sovocool, that the bills be approved for payment. Ayes - Sovocool,
VanBenschoten, Cummings, Haynes, Robinson.
Monthly reports from Tom Clerk and Zoning Officer plus Town Justice Heffron
were reviewed. Also, Town Clerk's annual report for 1987 was reviewed.
Code Enforcement Officer issued one building permit for Village Water Tower,
inspected and issued Motor Vehicle Repair Shop renewals including Neil
Morris'. Supervisor Robinson expressed her concern that Neil Morris' MVRS
permit should not have been issued since he had not renewed for the past
two years. She made reference to minutes of Town Board meeting held in
December 1984 where the Town Board requested. that the old regulations for
MVRS be followed since regulations were not included in the new Land Use
and Development Code. This would assure that everyone would be treated
equally. All applicants should be treated the same regardless of ordinance
or law and no exceptions made. The Board did ask that the old procedures
for Motor Vehicle Repair Shops be followed. We have several changes to be
made. We don't want someone slipping through the cracks.
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