HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-08-1996MINUTES OF TOWN BOARD MEETING
MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 1996 @ 7:30 P.M.
Those present: Teresa M.
Gordon C.
Ellard L.
Daniel J.
Donald N.
Fran Casu
Robinson, Supervisor
VanBenschoten, Councilman
Sovocool, Councilman
Carey, Councilman
Palmer, Councilman
llo, Attorney
Others present: Leland Cornelius, George Senter, Margaret Palmer, Liz
Brennan, Carl Heck
Supervisor Robinson introduced Board Members and other Town Officials. All
Town Officials took the Oath of Office.
Moved by Mr. Sovocool, seconded by Mr. VanBenschoten, that the minutes of
November 6, November 20, and December 11, 1995, be approved as mailed. Ayes -
VanBenschoten, Sovocool, Carey, Palmer, Robinson.
1995 Claim Nos. 199 to 212 of the Highway Fund in the amount of $31,630.62 and
1996 Claim No. 1 of the Highway Fund in the amount of $56,480.00 were
presented for audit. Also, 1995 Claim Nos. 334 to 343 of the General Fund in
the amount of $1,011.09 and 1996 Claim Nos. 1 to 7 in the amount of $1503.59
were presented for audit. Moved by Mr. VanBenschoten, seconded by Mr. Palmer,
that the bills be approved for payment. Ayes - VanBenschoten, Sovocool,
Carey, Palmer, Robinson.
HUD Grant #1 Claim Nos. 27 to 30 in the amount of $10,939.49 were presented
for audit. Moved by Mr. Sovocool, seconded by Mr. VanBenschoten, that the
bills be approved for payment. Ayes - VanBenschoten, Sovocool, Carey, Palmer,
Robinson.
KARL HECK - TOMPKINS COUNTY PLANNING - Gave update of three hud small cities
grants that they are administering for the Town of Groton. 1994 - $400,000;
1995 - $315,000; 1996 - $315,000. Administrative bills and construction grant
for the first grant of $320,000 has spent $261,375.77. On the second year
small cities grant we have to activate multi -year grant. New application
forms are available with an increase in income up to 30. Not sure if a public
hearing is necessary to reactivate new grant. March 13 is the deadline for
applications. Only one grant is allowed per customer. Karl will help the
Town in setting up the revolving loan if desired.
LIZ BRENNAN - BOOKKEEPER - December monthly report and Bookkeeper's report
submitted. Need a transfer of funds in the 1995 budget from Contingency
A1990.4 $108.80 to Dong Control A3510.4. Balances as of 12/31/95 in the
Capital Highway Equipment Reserve Fund is $37,853.76 (Encumbrance of $31,200
toward Loader Bid) and Capital (Building) Fund $26,591.83 (For Underground
Tanks).
1
RESOLUTION NO. 1 - AUTHORIZE TRANSFER OF 1995 FUNDS
Moved by Mr. Palmer, seconded by Mr. VanBenschoten
Ayes - VanBenschoten, Sovocool, Carey, Palmer, Robinson
RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize the following
transfer from 1995 funds:
General Townwide Fund:
From:Contingency A1990.4 ............. $108.80
To:Dog Control A3510.4 ............. $108.80
Discussed where funds were coming from to pay for new loader. Five Star
Equipment submitted a bid of $56,480 for a John Deere Loader. A letter of
notification to accept bid will be sent to Five Star and all other bid bonds
will be returned with cover letter. The Town did not receive any petitions
for a permissive referendum that was required to remove funds from the reserve
fund.
RESOLUTION NO. 2 - AUTHORIZATION TO USE ENCUMBERED FUNDS AND
WITHDRAW RESERVE FUNDS FOR PAYMENT OF
LOADER
Moved by Mr. VanBenschoten, seconded by Mr. Carey
Ayes - VanBenschoten, Sovocool, Carey, Palmer, Robinson
RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize the use of $31,200
of encumbered funds in the 1995 Highway Budget and also authorize the
use of $25,280 in the Highway Equipment Reserve Fund.
GEORGE SENTER - CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER - Handed out to Board Members copies
of his annual report. Briefly went over report and answered questions from
the Board.
LELAND CORNELIUS - HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT - I just had the loader deal. We've
taken care of that. Nothing on Bernhardt.
Moved by Mr. VanBenschoten, seconded by Mr. Sovocool, that the Board go into
executive session to discuss litigation at 8:25PM. Ayes - Unanimous.
Board Meeting reconvened at 8:30PM.
PEG PALMER - COURT CLERK - I'm here on behalf of the Town Court to answer any
questions you may have.
COLLEEN D. PIERSON - TOWN CLERK /TAX COLLECTOR - Submitted December Monthly
Town Clerk's Report and 1995 Town Clerk's Annual Report.
2
TOWN JUSTICES - ARLAND HEFFRON AND ALTON ALEXANDER - Monthly report of both
Town Justices was submitted to the Board.
Supervisor Robinson received a quotation to perform an annual audit of the
Town Justice Court records from Ciaschi, Detershagen, Little and Mickelson.
The quotation was for not more than $500.
Moved by Mr. Sovocool, seconded by Mr. Palmer, that the Town Board does hereby
authorize an audit to be performed on the Town Justice records by Ciaschi,
Detershagen, Little and Mickelson for a fee not to exceed $500.00. Ayes -
VanBenschoten, Sovocool, Carey, Palmer, Robinson.
Supervisor Robinson said that the Dempsey Insurance Agency advised us that we
should have a broker for our Workers Compensation Insurance.
Moved by Mr. Carey, seconded by Mr. Palmer, that the Town Board does hereby
authorize the Dempsey Insurance Company to be the Town's brokerage on Workers
Compensation Insurance.
RESOLUTION NO. 3 - ORGANIZATIONAL ITEMS
Moved by Mr. VanBenschoten, seconded by Mr. Carey
Ayes - VanBenschoten, Sovocool, Carey, Palmer, Robinson
RESOLVED, that the First National Bank of Groton be designated as the
depository for all monies coming into the hands of the Supervisor and
Town Clerk of the Town of Groton.
RESOLVED, that the Republican Register be designated as the official
newspaper of the Town of Groton with notices also to be published in the
Freeville Shopper.
RESOLVED, that the law firm of Pomeroy, Armstrong, Baranello & Casullo
be retained as Attorneys for the Town of Groton.
RESOLVED, that George R. Senter, Sr. be appointed Zoning Officer and
Building and Fire Code Enforcement Officer for the Town of Groton.
RESOLVED, that Edwin Dow be appointed Constable for the Town of Groton.
RESOLVED, that Daniel Carey be appointed Deputy Supervisor for the Town
of Groton.
RESOLVED, that Judson Holl be appointed Deputy Highway Superintendent
for the Town of Groton.
RESOLVED, that Carol Marks be appointed Deputy Town Clerk for the Town
of Groton.
RESOLVED, the Elizabeth Brennan be appointed as part -time Bookkeeper for
the Town of Groton.
3
RESOLVED, that Margaret Palmer be appointed as part -time Court Clerk for
the Town of Groton.
RESOLVED, that Margaret Albern be appointed part -time McLean School
Crossing Guard for the Town of Groton.
RESOLVED, that Dorothy Ostrander be appointed as Town Historian for the
Town of Groton.
RESOLVED, that Leonard Proper and Gurdon Lockwood be appointed Election
Custodians for the Town of Groton.
RESOLVED, that small tool expenditures of up to $1000 by the Highway
Superintendent be authorized.
RESOLVED, that Blue Cross /Blue Shield Health Insurance for the
Supervisor, Town Clerk and Highway Superintendent be paid by the Town of
Groton.
RESOLVED, that the Town Board will hold their regular Town Board
Meetings on the second Monday of each month at 7:30 P.M. at the Town
Hall on Conger Boulevard, Groton, NY.
Moved by Mr. Carey, seconded by Mr. Palmer
Ayes - VanBenschoten, Sovocool, Carey, Palmer, Robinson.
RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby fix the annual salaries of the
following Town Officers and employees at the amounts respectfully stated
and that such salaries shall be paid at the time respectfully specified:
a)
Teresa
M.
Robinson, Supervisor
$
8,500
BiWeekly
b)
Colleen
D.
Pierson, Town Clerk
$24,260
BiWeekly
c)
Leland
E.
Cornelius, Hwy, Supt.
$38,448
BiWeekly
d)
Arland
L.
Heffron, Town Justice
$
5,703
BiWeekly
e)
Alton I.
Alexander, Town Justice
$
5,428 BiWeekly
f)
Ellard
L.
Sovocool, Councilman
$
1,478
Quarterly
g)
Gordon
C.
VanBenschoten, Councilman
$
1,478
Quarterly
h)
Donald
N.
Palmer, Councilman
$
1,478
Quarterly
i)
Daniel
J.
Carey, Councilman
$
1,478
Quarterly
j)
George
R.
Senter, Code Enforcement
$15,896
BiWeekly
k)
Dorothy
Ostrander,
Town Historian
$
1,000
Quarterly
Moved by Mr. Sovocool, seconded by Mr. Palmer
Ayes - VanBenschoten, Sovocool, Carey, Palmer, Robinson
RESOLVED, to appoint the following as representatives to Town and County
4
Programs:
County Youth Recreations Programs - Steven Gallow
Environmental Management Council - Elizabeth Brauner
Tompkins County Transportation - Donald Palmer
Tompkins County CATV Commission - Ronald Weins
Tompkins County Planning Board - Monica Carey
Groton Local Youth Program - Lila Pierce, Orlando Houtaling
Moved by Mr. Sovocool, seconded by Mr. Carey
Ayes - VanBenschoten, Sovocool, Carey, Palmer, Robinson
RESOLVED, that the Supervisor's appointment of committee members be
approved as follows:
Finance - Teresa Robinson & Daniel Carey
Machinery - Daniel Carey
Building - Ellard L. Sovocool
Fire Department - Donald Palmer
Personnel - Ellard L. Sovocool
Zoning, Bldg. & Fire Code - Donald Palmer
HUD Loans - Daniel Carey
Light Districts - Donald Palmer
Fixed Assets - Ellard L. Sovocool
Senior Citizens - Donald Palmer
Planning Board - Gordon VanBenschoten
Appeals Board - Ellard L. Sovocool
Highway - Gordon VanBenschoten
Moved by Mr. Carey, seconded by Mr. VanBenschoten
Ayes - VanBenschoten, Sovocool, Carey, Palmer, Robinson
RESOLVED, that fees for Town services be set as follows:
1) Master List for Excavating
2) Certification of Taxes
3) Photocopies - 8 1/2 x 11
4) Photocopies - 8 1/2 x 14
5) Photocopies - 11 x 17
6) Transcript of Marriage
7) Marriage Certificates
8) Marriage License
9) Town, Village, County Maps
10) Mileage - Town Officials
11) Dog Licenses
12) Returned Check Fee
13) Fax Copies - Transmit
k,
$ 2.00
$ 5.00 1st yr, $1.00 ea
additional year
$ .25
$ .50
$ .50
$10.00
$10.00
$25.00
$ .50
$ .28 /mile
$15.00 unaltered
$10.00 altered
$15.00
$ 1.00 per page
Receive $ .25 per page
Moved by Mr. Palmer, seconded by Mr. Carey
Ayes - VanBenschoten, Sovocool, Carey, Palmer, Robinson
RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby set the hourly rates for the
following:
Deputy Town Clerk
$
8.72
Court Clerk
$
8.96
Bookkeeper
$11.50
Custodian
$
8.27
Crossing Guard
$
6.61
Recycling Workers
$
6.00 to 6.50
Part Time Clerks
$
7.00 to 8.00
Moved by Mr. VanBenschoten, seconded by Mr. Sovocool
Ayes - VanBenschoten, Sovocool, Carey, Palmer, Robinson
RESOLVED, that the annual retainer fee for legal services rendered by
Pomeroy, Armstrong, Baranello & Casullo be set at $7,200.
Moved by Mr. Palmer, seconded by Mr. Carey
Ayes - VanBenschoten, Sovocool, Carey, Palmer, Robinson
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk be authorized to hire part -time Deputy to
assist with tax collection at an hourly rate of $8.00 per budget
appropriation.
Moved by Mr. Carey, seconded by Mr. Palmer
Ayes - VanBenschoten, Sovocool, Carey, Palmer, Robinson
RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize the Highway
Superintendent to give the following pay increases effective January 1,
1996:
Name & Title Present
Holl, J. - MEO $12.08
Smith, M. -MEO 11.41
Coit, L. - MEO 11.41
Neville, R. - MEO 11.42
+.35 5 Yr. Increase Total O.T.
.35 $12.43 $18.65
35 11.76 17.64
.35 11.76 17.64
35 .15 11.92 17.88
Scutt, G. - Labor 11.29 .35 11.64 17.46
n
Carr, P. - Labor 11.29 .35 11.64 17.46
Bogardus, R. - Mech 11.43 .35 11.78 17.67
Graham, J. - Labor 11.08 .35 11.43 17.15
Moved by Mr. Sovocool, seconded by Mr. VanBenschoten, that the Town Board does
hereby authorize the following to attend the Annual Association of Towns
Training School on February 18 - 21, 1996, in New York City: Teresa Robinson,
Arland Heffron, George Totman, Colleen Pierson, Margaret Palmer, Donald
Palmer, Cecil Twigg, Mary Decker, Monica Carey and John Pachai. Ayes -
VanBenschoten, Sovocool, Carey, Palmer, Robinson
Moved by Mr. Carey, seconded by Mr. Sovocool, to appoint Teresa Robinson as
delegate to the Annual Association of Town Meeting in New York City and to
appoint Arland Heffron as alternate. Ayes - VanBenschoten, Sovocool, Carey,
Palmer, Robinson.
Moved by Mr. Palmer, seconded by Mr. VanBenschoten, to appoint Teresa Robinson
and Leland Cornelius as contact people for Drug and Alcohol Testing Program.
Ayes - VanBenschoten, Sovocool, Carey, Palmer, Robinson.
Moved by Mr. Palmer, seconded by Mr. Carey, to re- appoint Cecil Twigg to the
Town of Groton Planning Board for a term of seven years ending December 31,
2002. Ayes - VanBenschoten, Sovocool, Carey, Palmer, Robinson.
Moved by Mr. Sovocool, seconded by Mr. Palmer, to appoint George Totman as
Chairman of the Town of Groton Planning Board for the year 1996. Ayes -
VanBenschoten, Sovocool, Carey, Palmer, Robinson.
Moved by Mr. Carey, seconded by Mr. Sovocool, to re- appoint Mary Decker to the
Town of Groton Appeals Board for a term of five years ending December 31,
2000, and to appoint Mary Adams to fill the unexpired term of Florence Knapp
ending December 31, 1996. Ayes - VanBenschoten, Sovocool, Carey, Palmer,
Robinson.
Moved by Mr. VanBenschoten, seconded by Mr. Palmer, to appoint Lyle Raymond as
Chairman of the Town of Groton Appeals Board for the year 1996. Ayes -
VanBenschoten, Sovocool, Carey, Palmer, Robinson.
Supervisor Robinson needs a committee to administer the Town's HUD Loan
Program. So far, in addition to herself, she has Gary Watrous and Dan Carey
to assist. Two additional people are needed.
Supervisor Robinson received petitions for the speed limit to be dropped from
the Tompkins County Line, Cortland - McLean Road down into the Square and up
School Street to the School. Approximately 22 people signed petition.
Another petition was received concerning the bridge in the Hamlet of McLean on
School Street. They proposed a weight limit of 15 ton. They feel that due to
the fact of the heavy trucks and over weight vehicles that the bridge
7
structure has deteriorated and the natural gas line is holding on by hangers,
that something needs to be done before something serious happens. Since this
is a State and County problem, Supervisor Robinson will pass information along
to proper authorities.
Town Clerk and Records Management Officer (RMO) , Colleen D. Pierson, has
received a Restoration Estimate from Brown's River Records Preservation
Service to continue the Town's preservation of records program that was
initiated two years ago with the Town Boards approval of providing $5,000
annually for this program. Authorization to use the funds appropriated for
this purpose in the 1996 budget is requested.
RESOLUTION NO.4 - AUTHORIZE TOWN CLERK TO PROCEED WITH
RECORDS RESTORATION
Moved by Mr. VanBenschoten, seconded by Mr. Palmer
Ayes - VanBenschoten, Sovocool, Carey, Palmer, Robinson
RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize Town Clerk, Colleen
D. Pierson, to proceed with restoration of Town records per estimate
from Brown's River Records Preservation Services not to exceed the
$5,000 appropriated for this program.
There being no further business, Mr. Sovocool moved to adjourn meeting,
seconded by Mr. VanBenschoten, at 9:45PM.
Colleen D. Pierson
Town Clerk
8