HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-11-1995 & Hwy NegotiationsMINUTES OF TOWN BOARD MEETING
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1995 AT 7:30PM
Those present: Teresa M. Robinson, Supervisor
Ellard L. Sovocool, Councilman
Gordon C. VanBenschoten, Councilman
Donald E. Cummings, Councilman
Carl E. Haynes, Councilman
Fran Casullo, Attorney
Also present: Leland Cornelius, George Senter, Donald Palmer
Moved by Mr. VanBenschoten, seconded by Mr. Sovocool, that the minutes of
August 14, 1995, be approved as mailed. Ayes - Sovocool, VanBenschoten,
Cummings, Haynes, Robinson.
Claim Nos. 128 to 145 of the Highway Fund in the amount of $14,726.03 and
Claim Nos. 202 to 225 of the General Fund in the amount of $6,079.10 were
presented for audit. Moved by Mr. Sovocool, seconded by Mr. Cummings, that
the bills be approved for payment. Ayes - Sovocool, VanBenschoten, Cummings,
Haynes, Robinson.
Claim Nos. 9 to 15 of the HUD Special Grant Fund #2 in the amount of
$42,052.57 were presented for audit. Moved by Mr. Haynes, seconded by Mr.
Cummings that the bills be approved for payment. Ayes - Sovocool,
VanBenschoten, Cummings, Haynes, Robinson.
Councilman Haynes wanted to make sure that someone here was keeping track of
the HUD bills to make sure that we did not exceed amounts allowed for
administration of this project. This would be a charge of the Supervisor and
Bookkeeper.
LIZ BRENNAN, BOOKKEEPER - Absent - Supervisor Robinson handed out Monthly
Report for month ending August 31, 1995.
GEORGE SENTER - CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER - Year -to -date building permits
issued:
1994 60 5 homes 6 mobile homes 49 other misc.
1995 68 9 homes 9 mobile homes 45 other misc.
Life safety inspections are current through August.
LELAND CORNELIUS - HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT - Would like permission to purchase
Village's stripped air compressor that will be sold at auction in Lansing.
Village bought new compressor. I would go $1500 if I had to without the
parts. The Village spent $9000 for a 1993 compressor. New they go for
$12,000 or more. We are also waiting to see what DEC has to say on test at
the gravel mine. They took two loads to Marvin Smith's. The contractor put
concrete on top. We would have graded it off. They want to take concrete out
but they can't until DEC says okay. There is no asbestos. They say blacktop
is not considered a problem.
RESOLUTION NO. 45 - AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE COMPRESSOR
Moved by Mr. VanBenschoten, seconded by Mr. Cummings
Ayes - Sovocool, VanBenschoten, Cummings, Haynes, Robinson
RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize the Highway
Superintendent to spend up to $1500 for the used air compressor to be
sold at auction in Lansing.
Moved by Mr. Haynes, seconded by Mr. Sovocool, to authorize Leland Cornelius,
Highway Superintendent, to attend the annual Highway Superintendents
Conference at Kutsher's Country Club in Monticello, NY on September 19 -22,
1995. Ayes - Sovocool, VanBenschoten, Cummings, Haynes, Robinson.
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PAM STONEBRAKER- DIRECTOR, SPCA & KAREN SMITH, PRESIDENT - Presented proposed
1996 Dog Contract. Contract contains same services to be provided as in the
past. They are asking for a 2.5% increase ($227.00) or $9,340.00 for the 1996
Dog Contract. The SPCA will be providing an enumeration service at an
additional cost of $2400. By doing an enumeration now, it will add
approximately 400 extra dogs thus more revenue. Discussed shared cat control
expenses. Cost for cat control annually are $36,000. County Contract is
$18,000. SPCA proposal is to allocate this remaining $18,000 expense across
municipalities proportional to historical use of the service. Municipalities
which contribute to cat control will be provided with the service of stray cat
pick -up and assistance with trapping of feral cats. The Town of Groton had a
total of 77 stray cats from 1/1/94 to 8/30/95. The Town had 45 and the
Village 32. The cost to the Town for 1996 is $1,451. If the Town does not
participate, no cats will be picked up after January 1st if your Town does not
participate.
COLLEEN D. PIERSON, TOWN CLERK - Item 1: Correspondence from NYSDOT regarding
request to lower speed limit on Old Stage Road. "We have completed a study of
the subject road. Our review indicated that the existing roadside development
and highway characteristics justify retaining the existing speed limit. Based
on these findings, we have determined that a reduced speed limit is not
appropriate at this time." Item 2: NYS Dept. of Ag & Markets - Notification
that on Aug 2, 1995 a bill became law providing for the subsidized spaying and
neutering of dogs and cats adopted from animal shelters in NYS. The new law
takes effect Jan. 29, 1996. Funds for this program will come from an
additional $3.00 added to the license fee for unneutered or unspayed dogs.
Item 3: Notice from the Village of Groton that they are amending various
provisions of their zoning ordinance, in particular Sections 200 -49 and 200 -52
in relation to special permits. The hearing will be held on Monday, September
18, 1995 at 7:30PM. Item 4: Two Proof of Claims from the US Bankruptcy Court
on Smith Corona property. They have paid their 1995 taxes. Item 5: We need
a resolution amending the Investment Policy and also an a resolution amending
the Zoning Fee Schedule.
Attorney Casullo prepared a resolution amending the Town's Investment Policy.
The First National Bank of Groton reviewed policy and had no problems with
it.
RESOLUTION NO. 46 - AMENDING THE INVESTMENT POLICY FOR THE
TOWN OF GROTON
Moved by Mr. Haynes, seconded by Mr. VanBenschoten
Ayes - Sovocool, VanBenschoten, Cummings, Haynes, Robinson
RESOLVED, that the Town does hereby adopt the following Investment
Policy:
RESOLUTION AMENDING
THE
INVESTMENT POLICY
FOR THE
TOWN OF GROTON
RESOLVED, that the Town does hereby adopt the following Investment
Policy:
I. OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the Investment Policy are to minimize risk; to insure
that investments mature when cash is required to finance
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operations; and to insure a competitive rate of return while conforming with
all applicable federal, state and other legal requirements.
II. PERMITTED INVESTMENTS
In accordance with this Investment Policy, the Town Supervisor is
hereby authorized to invest all funds including proceeds of obligations and
reserve funds in:
A.Certificates of Deposits issued by a bank or trust company authorized
to do business in New York State;
B.Time Deposit Accounts in a bank or trust company authorized to do
business in New York State;
C.Obligations of the State of New York; and
D.Obligations of the United States of America.
All funds except reserve funds may be investment in:
A.Obligations of agencies of the federal government if principal and
interest are guaranteed by the United States of America; and
B.With the approval of the Comptroller of the State of New York, in
Revenue Anticipation Notes or Tax Anticipation Notes of other
local governments.
Only reserve funds may be invested in:
A.Obligations of the Town of Groton
Repurchase Agreements involving the purchase and sale of direct obligations of
the United States of America may only be invested by the Town Supervisor with
the prior approval of the Town Board.
III. SECURITY OF INVESTMENTS
All investments made pursuant to the Investment Policy shall comply with
the following conditions:
A.Collateral:
1.Certificates of deposit shall be fully secured by:
a.insurance of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporations; or
b.obligations of the United States of America; or
c.obligations of the federal agencies of which the principal and
interest are guaranteed by the United States of
America; or
d.obligations of the State of New York; or
c.obligations of New York State local governments.
Collateral shall be delivered to the Town of Groton or Custodial
Bank names in the Investment Policy with which the Town of Groton has entered
into a Custodial Agreement.
The market value of collateral shall at all times equal or exceed
the principal amount of the certificate of deposit.
deposits.
The above stated collateral requirements also apply to time
2. Collateral shall not be required with respect to the direct
purchase of obligations of the State of New York,
obligations of the United States of America, or obligations
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of federal agencies of which the principal and interest are
guaranteed by the United States of America.
B. Delivery of Securities
Payment shall be made by or on behalf of the Town of Groton for
obligations of the State of New York, obligations for the United States of
America, obligations of which the principal and interest are guaranteed by the
United States of America, certificates of deposit and other purchased
securities, upon the delivery thereof to the Custodial Bank names in this
Investment Policy, or in the case of a book -entry transaction, when the
purchased securities are credited to the Custodial Bank's Federal Reserve
System account. All transactions shall be confirmed in writing.
Investments in time deposits and certificates of deposit are to be
made with banks or trust companies. The financial institution's annual
reports shall be reviewed by the Town Supervisor to determine satisfactory
financial strength.
When eligible securities are purchased the seller shall be
required to deliver the securities to the Town's Custodial Bank named in this
Investment Policy.
IV. STANDARDS FOR WRITTEN AGREEMENTS /DIVERSIFICATION OF INVESTMENTS
All purchased obligations, unless registered or inscribed in the name of
the local government, shall be purchased through, delivered to and held in the
custody of a bank or trust company. Such obligations shall be purchased, sold
or presented for redemption or payment by such bank or trust company only in
accordance with prior written authorization from the officer authorized to
make the investment. All such transactions shall be confirmed in writing to
the Town of Groton by the bank or trust company. Any obligation held in the
custody of a bank or trust company shall be held pursuant to a written
custodial agreement as described in General Municipal Law, Section 10.
The custodial agreement shall provide that securities held by the bank
or trust company, as agent or custodian for the local government, will be kept
separate and apart from the general assets of the custodial bank or trust
company and will not, in any circumstances, be committed with or become part
of the banking for any other deposit or other liabilities. The agreement
shall describe how the custodian shall confirm the receipt and release of the
securities. Such agreement shall include all provisions necessary to provide
the local government a perfected interest in the securities.
V. OPERATIONS, AUDIT AND REPORTING
The Town Supervisor is responsible for establishing and maintaining an
internal control structure to provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance
that deposits and investments are safeguarded against loss from unauthorized
use or disposition, that transactions are executed in accordance with
management's authorization and recorded properly, and are managed in
compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
The Town Supervisor shall authorize the purchase and sale of all
securities and certificate of deposit on behalf of the Town of Groton with the
approval of the Town Board. The Town of Groton shall pay for purchased
securities upon the delivery or book -entry thereof.
At all time independent auditors conduct the annual audit of the
accounts and financial affairs of the Town of Groton, the independent auditors
shall audit the investments of the Town of Groton for compliance with the
provisions of these investment guidelines.
Within sixty (60) days of the end of each of the first three quarters of
the fiscal year, the Town Supervisor shall prepare and submit to the Town
Board a quarterly investment report which indicates new investments, the
inventory of existing investments and such other matters as the Town
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Supervisor deems appropriate.
Within one hundred twenty (120) days of the end of the fiscal year, the Town
Supervisor shall prepare and submit to the Town Board an annual investment
report; recommendations for change in this Investment Policy; the results of
the annual independent audit, if so completed by this date; the investment
income record; and a list of total fees, commissions, or other charges, if
any, paid to the Custodial Bank of such other matters as to the Town
Supervisor deems appropriate.
The Town Board of the Town of Groton shall review and approve the annual
investment report, if practical, at its November meeting.
VI. STANDARDS FOR SECURITY AGREEMENTS /CUSTODIAL AGREEMENTS
Eligible securities used for collateralizing deposits shall be held by
the depository and /or a third party bank or trust company subject to security
and custodial agreements.
The security agreement shall provide that eligible securities are being
pledged to secure local government deposits together with agreed upon
interest, if any, and any costs or expenses arising out of the collection of
such deposits upon default. Also, the security agreement shall provide the
conditions under which the securities may be sold, presented for payment,
substituted or released and the events which will enable the local government
to exercise its rights against the pledged securities. In the event that the
securities are not registered or inscribed in the name of the local
government, such securities shall be delivered in blank to the Town of Groton
or its custodial bank.
The custodial agreement shall provide that securities held by the bank
or trust company, or agent of and custodian for, the local government, will be
kept separate and apart from the general assets of the custodial bank or trust
company and will not, in any circumstances, be commingled with or become part
of the backing for any other deposit or other liabilities. The agreement
shall also describe that the custodian shall confirm the receipt, substitution
or release of the securities. The agreement shall provide for the frequency
of revaluation of eligible securities and for the substitution of securities
when a change in the rating of a security may cause ineligibility. Such
agreement shall include all provisions necessary to provide the local
government a perfected interest in the securities.
VII. OUALIFICATION OF INVESTMENT AGENTS
All financial institution with which the local government conducts
business must be credit worthy. Financial statements of each institution
shall be reviewed at least annually by the Town Supervisor to determine
satisfactory strength of the institution. Concentration of investments in
financial institutions should be avoided.
VIII. DESIGNATION OF CUSTODIAL BANK
Chemical Bank, charted by the State of New York, is hereby designated to
act as Custodial Bank of the investments of the Town of Groton.
IX. DESIGNATION OF OFFICIAL DEPOSITORY
The First National Bank of Groton is hereby designated to be
the official depository for the Town of Groton
X. EFFECTIVE DATE OF RESOLUTION
This resolution shall be effective immediately upon its adoption.
Further, the purpose of this resolution is to supersede the resolution adopted
by the Town Board of the Town of Groton on May 11, 1992 which initially
instituted an investment policy for the Town of Groton.
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Time Warner Cable has negotiated a proposed Social Contract with the FCC that
will provide a number of benefits to their customers and which resolves all
pending FCC rate complaints concerning Time Warner. FCC announced proposed
contract August 3, 1995 and placed it on public notice. Interested parties
may submit comments to the FCC within a 30 -day period and a 15 -day reply
period. The contract provides for the assurance of fair and reasonable rates
for all cable customers; the creation of a low -cost "lifeline" basic service;
a commitment to upgrade the channel capacity and technical reliability of the
cable systems, and a reduction in the administrative resources and costs of
regulation for local governments, the FCC and Time Warner. The FCC is
requesting comments on the proposed contract and Time Warner would appreciate
it if the Town would consider writing in support of the contract. No action
was taken until Attorney Casullo has reviewed information. Supervisor
Robinson will contact Ron Weins who is the Town's representative on the
Tompkins County Cable Commission.
Supervisor discussed Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Supervisor attended
three separate interviews with these testing units down in Ithaca. We agreed
that Gregory and Howe, Inc. would manage the consortium's Drug and Alcohol
Testing Program for 1966. They are a company from Connecticut with several
years experience. Those involved would be the Tompkins County Highway
Department and all the Towns and Villages in the County. This is approximately
what it's going to cost for the test in Groton.
Formula for random testing cost: Drug Test Cost: Nine drivers x 500 = 4.5 x
$58.00 = $261.00 Total Drug Cost; and Alcohol Test Cost: Nine drivers x 250 =
2.25 x $32.00 = $72.00 Total Alcohol Cost TOTAL: $333.00 Total Random Test
Cost. Other estimated know costs: $3550.00. This divided by 15
municipalities = $236.67.
C. Haynes: We're looking at $570.00 or something. Compared to the numbers we
were looking at a couple months ago this is not bad. I just want to make sure
that I'm not missing something here. It sounds too good to be true.
T. Robinson: We need a resolution indicating that we intend to join
consortium.
Discussion was held on the amount that it will actually cost us for the year
1996. Some felt it would be more than the $570 and others felt it would be
considerably more. Board asked that Attorney Casullo check with Kellie
Henehan, Tompkins County Personnel Assistant, to verify what our cost would
be. We need figure so that monies can be budgeted accordingly.
RESOLUTION NO. 47 - JOIN TOMPKINS COUNTY CONSORTIUM
Moved by Mr. Haynes, seconded by Mr. Sovocool
Ayes - Sovocool, VanBenschoten, Cummings, Haynes, Robinson
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Groton does hereby desire
to join Tompkins County consortium contingent upon our Attorney
validating the figures ($550 - $600) in the agreement that has been
suggested to us in correspondence dated September 5, 1995.
C. Haynes: If it appears that know costs are over $550 to $600, and I'm not
worried about a couple hundred dollars, but if you come back next month and
say you've got this and that and you've got a couple thousand dollar liability
here, I just think we need to talk about that.
RESOLUTION NO. 48 - ESTABLISH FEES FOR VARIOUS
PERMITS /LICENSES REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
THE LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT CODE
Moved by Mr. Haynes, seconded by Mr. VanBenschoten
Ayes - Sovocool, VanBenschoten, Cummings, Haynes, Robinson
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RESOLVED, that Resolution No. 41 (Establishing Fees) dated August 14,
1995, is hereby amended to read as follows:
1) MASTER LIST FOR EXCAVATING-- - - - - -- -$2.00
2) CERTIFICATION OF TAXES ------------- $5.00 1ST YR.,$1.00 ADDN
3) PHOTOCOPIES ------------------------ $ .25
4) TRANSCRIPT OF MARRIAGE ------------- $10.00
5) MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE --------------- $10.00
6) MARRIAGE LICENSE ------------------- $25.00
7) TOWN & VILLAGE MAPS ---------------- $ .50
8) COUNTY MAPS ------------------------ $ .50
9) MILEAGE FOR TOWN OFFICIALS --------- $ .275
10) DOG LICENSES---------------- - - - - -- $12.50 UNNEUTERED /UNSPAYED
$ 7.50 NEUTERED /SPAYED
BUILDING PERMIT; BASED ON CONSTRUCTION VALUE:
Less than or equal to $ 2,000.-- = --------------------- $ 10.00
Over $2,000., but less than or equal to $10,000. - - - - -$ 20.00
Over $10,000, but less than or equal to $20,000. - - - - -$ 30.00
Over $20,000, but less than or equal to $30,000. - - - - -$ 40.00
Over $30,000, but less than or equal to $40,000. - - - - -$ 50.00
Over $40,000, but less than or equal to $50,000. - - - - -$ 60.00
Over $50,000, but less than or equal to $100,000. - - - -$ 125.00
Over $100,000, but less than or equal to $200,000. - - -$ 250.00
Over $200,000, but less than or equal to $500,000. - - -$ 500.00
Over $500,000, the fee will be $100.00 for each $100,000. and any remaining
fraction of $100,000. will result in the fee being rounded upward to the next
$100,000.
For example, a $725,000 value in improvement will have a fee of $800.00.
BUILDING PERMIT RENEWALS------ - - - - -- -One half (1/2) of originial B/P fee.
ALL AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS--------- - - - - -$ 25.00
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY------------ - - - - -- NO CHARGE
CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMANCE OR FLOOR ZONE CERTIFICATION -- $40.00
MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR SHOP --------------- $ 25.00
ANNUAL INSPECTION/RENEWAL --------------- $ 25.00
JUNK YARD LICENSE------------------ - - - - -$ 25.00
ANNUAL INSPECTION/RENEWAL --------------- $ 25.00
SITE PLAN REVIEW ---- SHORT --------------- $ 20.00
CONVENTIONAL--- - - - - -$ 40.00
SPECIAL PERMIT--------------------- - - - - -$ 40.00
FLOOD HAZARD AREA COMBINING DISTRICT ---- $ 40.00
PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT ---------------- $ 125.00
SUBDIVISIONS
MAJOR -------------------------------- $50.00 + $20.00 /LOT
MINOR -------------------------------- $30.00
RURAL -------------------------------- $20.00
BOUNDARY CHANGE ---------------------- $20.00
VARIANCE ---------------------------------- $25.00
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ADDITIONAL FEES:
a) If a public hearing is required, the applicant shall pay the cost
of advertizing fees.
b)Costs incurred by the Town of Groton for engineering, planning, legel
and other necessary expenses for the purpose of reviewing any
application with regard to an item covered by this fee schedule
shall be paid by the applicang.
c)SEQR Related Fees: -The Appliant shall be responsible for costs
incurred by the Town of Groton for the review and /or preparation
of an Environmental Impact Statement if said statement is
necessary.
When Fees Are to Be Paid
All fees, costs and expenses required by this fee schedule shall be paid
to the Town of Groton at the time the application for a
permit /certificate is made. No permit /certificate will be issued
to an applicant until all fees, costs and /or expenses are paid in
full; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the cost for permits /licenses stated in this fee
schedule shall supersede any fee schedule that currently is in effect.
Supervisor Robinson had nothing to report on the Transportation Council
Meeting since it was cancelled.
Supervisor Robinson received a telephone call on September 16 from our
Insurance Company regarding Bernhardt's claim that has been filed against the
Town. Since this possibly could end up in litigation, details are of a
confidential nature.
Highway negotiations were set for Thursday, September 20, 1995, at 4:OOPM.
Budget Work Session will be held on October 10, 1995, at 4:OOPM.
Moved by Mr. Haynes, seconded by Mr. Cummings, to reschedule regular October
Town Board Meeting to Monday, October 16, 1995, at 7:30PM. Ayes - Sovocool,
VanBenschoten, Cummings, Haynes, Robinson.
9:40PM - Councilman Haynes moved to go into executive session to discuss
highway negotiations. Seconded by Mr. VanBenschoten. Unanimous.
Board Meeting reconvened at 9:50PM.
There being no further business, Mr. Cummings moved to adjourn meeting,
seconded by Mr. Sovocool at 10:05pm. Unanimous.
Colleen D. Pierson
Town Clerk
(Town Clerk did not attend Highway Negotiations since Councilman Haynes felt
this was executive meeting information, eventhough the Clerk has been present
for the last twenty years to take the minutes.)
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1996 HIGHWAY NEGOTIATIONS
The Board met on Wednesday, September 20, 1995 at 4:OOPM to discuss 1996
Highway Negotiations.
PRESENT: Supervisor Teresa Robinson; Councilmen: Ellard Sovocool, Gordon
VanBenschoten, and Donald Cummings; Highway employees: Judson Holl, Rivchard
Neville, Joseph Graham, Gary Scutt, Marvin Smith, Robert Bogardus, Peter Carr,
and Lester Coit.
The highway men requested an increase of $.80 per hour. The Board discussed
their request, and offered them $.30 per hour increase. The men requested a
cost of living increase, and there was a discussion on sick days. The Board
discussed this request, and offered them an increase of $.35 per hour, and one
additional sick day, for a total of 12 sick days per year.
Teresa M. Robinson, Supervisor
Recording Secretary
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