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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-04-11 TOWN OF GROTON - MINUTES OF TOWN BOARD MEETING TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 2006 AT 7:30 PM THE TOWN HALL, 101 CONGER BOULEVARD Those present: Glenn E. Morey, Supervisor Ellard L. Sovocool, Councilman Donald F. Scheffler, Councilman Richard B. Gamel, Councilman Sheldon C. Clark, Councilman Victoria Monty, Attorney for the Town Also present: Colleen Gloster-Gray, Rosemarie Tucker, Chris Muka, Gary Coats, Elizabeth Brennan, Richard C. Case, Jr., April Scheffler. MOVED by Councilman Sovocool, seconded by Councilman Scheffler, to approve the minutes of the March 14, 2006 meeting as presented. Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Gamel, Clark, Morey. Claim Numbers 89-120 of the General Fund in the amount of $15,053.85 were presented for audit. MOVED by Councilman Gamel, seconded by Councilman Scheffler, to approve the General Bills for payment. Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Gamel, Clark, Morey. Claim Numbers 41-62 of the Highway Fund in the amount of $21,286.68 were presented for audit. MOVED by Councilman Clark, seconded by Councilman Sovocool, to approve the Highway Bills for payment. Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Gamel, Clark, Morey. Claim Numbers 8-12 of the Special Grant (HUD) Fund in the amount of $3,104.41 were presented for audit. MOVED by Councilman Sovocool, seconded by Councilman Scheffler, to approve the HUD bills for payment. Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Gamel, Clark, Morey. Privilege of the Floor: Town Board Minutes Page 2 April 11, 2006 Colleen Gloster-Gray—I live at 913 Lick Street and I'm here tonight to offer my support to the Town Board because I realize that they are having an issue with the property that is directly across from mine and also because I wanted to have on record and state before the Board the latest incident that with the burning where the Fire Department was called. Today I took both of my children, my middle son and my daughter, to Guthrie, in Ithaca, where my youngest daughter underwent pulmonary testing and x-rays. Unfortunately, I was assisting my mother that evening and was unaware how bad the smoke was getting before the Fire Department was called and the children were out playing in the front yard. My daughter has severe tracheal irritation and into the bronchial. Prior to this they both had colds so when it first started I thought that perhaps it was just a continuation of this but neither of them had the coughing that would have caused the irritation. So, it was apparently from smoke inhalation, what Dr. Galyanova's, at Guthrie, belief was today. I have contacted the Health Department to express my concerns as to what types of things were being burned and saw that they sent out a representative today to that property. So, I'm hoping something will come of that. I'm also writing a letter as a neighbor to that property to Judge Mulvey expressing my opinion on what I feel should happen with the property. That was basically what I wanted to stop down and say tonight. It's been an on-going headache and eyesore for neighbors around there. I thought Moreys were going to come tonight too, but something must have come up,but they have some concerns as well. Thank you. Chris Muka — I own the house at 924 Lick Street and I want to apologize for any smoke damage.....it was not my intention to cause any harm. But when I lit the fire at 11am in the morning the wind was blowing in a direction that cleared all houses and at the time that I left, which was 8pm, the wind had died down and it was going right over that one trailer at that point. I'm really sorry that that happened. By 8 o'clock I had contained the fire and raked it into the smallest possible area. I really apologize for any discomfort. On the other note, despite all the information that we all know from previous meetings that I've been at and talking with individuals on the Town Board, I'm here still on my own behalf to try to continue to save the house at 924 Lick Street. Supervisor Morey—Mr. Muka, I'm going to have to stop you because it's under litigation right now. We have an appointment with Mr. Mulvey and with your lawyer and as well as yourself, I hope. Mr. Muka—I'm not aware of any other meeting other than with Mr. Mulvey. Supervisor Morey—That's what I mean. Mr. Muka—I'm sorry to take your time then. Monthly Reports: Elizabeth Brennan, Bookkeeper/Highway Clerk — Submitted monthly report for the Board's review and asked for transfers. RESOLUTION#06-036—2006 BUDGET TRANSFERS Town Board Minutes Page 3 April 11, 2006 MOVED by Supervisor Morey, seconded by Councilman Clark Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Gamel, Clark, Morey RESOLVED,that the Town Board approves the following 2006 Budget Transfer General Fund Town Wide: From: Contingency A1990.4 $1,102.80 To: Unallocated Insurance A1910.4 .500.80 Buildings, Equipment A1620.2 ..602.00 Gary Coats, Code/Fire Enforcement Officer — Presented monthly report for the Board's review. Mr. Coats had spent several hours on the phone trying to find out about the cell tower and finally reached someone who told him that it was not on the agenda yet but possibly in the fall. He talked to the owner of the property that burned in McLean and it is being gutted and they will be making a plan for reconstruction. The plans for the bath house at Turtle Dreams is progressing, they will be getting a building permit and they are moving forward with a permit for their septic system. The March conference that Mr. Coats had planed to attend was cancelled and he would like to attend a different one in May. RESOLUTION #06-037—CODE/FIRE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER TO ATTEND CONFERENCE MOVED by Supervisor Morey, seconded by Councilman Gamel Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Gamel, Clark, Morey RESOLVED, that the Town Board approves the payment of expenses for the Code/Fire Enforcement Officer, Gary Coats, to attend the New York State Building Officials Conference, May 8-10, 2006 in Liverpool,New York. Richard C. Case, Jr., Highway Superintendent — At the present time, the Highway Department is geared up to make the changeover from snow and ice removal to summer road maintenance. Two new heaters have been mounted in the truck bay by the Highway Crew. At this time we are waiting to hook up the gas and electric. The Depaitinent of Labor did an inspection of the Town's boiler on March 10, 2006 and found what appear to be minor problems. As soon as weather allows, Climate Control, who has been doing our heating and air conditioning service,will address the problems. Last month the Highway Department Employees attended a safely meeting sponsored by PERMA, our workmen's compensation insurance company. This meeting was held at the Groton Fire Station and covered the employees' "right to know" program, work zone safety and bucket truck safety. May thanks goes to Norm Wiley for putting on this annual presentation. Since the heavy rainfall last month, Highway Crews have been dedicated to repair of washouts. Shoulders have and are being restored. Ditches and sluice pipes are being cleaned and opened. The most hazardous and high traffic areas are being addressed first. This water damage is putting our winter cleanup, which entails brooming and plow digs, somewhat behind. I am in Town Board Minutes Page 4 April 11, 2006 hopes that in the next week or two part of the Highway Crew can be diverted to this cleanup process. I have filed our intentions to participate in the New York State OGS Salt Contract for 2006- 2007. The pickup truck approved at the February meeting has been ordered and I am waiting confirmation from NYSOGS. The time period for permissive referendum has been fulfilled in regards to the tandem snowplow truck approved in February. The truck has been ordered and I have received confirmation of that order. Just for general information, it has been reported to the New York State Association of Towns Highway Superintendents that there will be a 6.2 million dollar increase in the NYS CHIPS Program. How much of that increase is our portion has not been determined. Mr. Case then made requests that resulted in the following resolutions. RESOLUTION #06-038—HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT TO ATTEND SCHOOL MOVED by Supervisor Morey, seconded by Councilman Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Gamel, Clark, Morey RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves payment of expenses for the Highway Superintendent, Richard C. Case, Jr., to attend the New York State Association of Towns Highway Superintendents School held June 5-7, 2006 at Ithaca College. RESOLUTION#06-039—REPLACE DAMAGED OVERHEAD DOOR MOVED by Supervisor Morey, seconded by Councilman Clark Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Gamel, Clark, Morey RESOLVED,that the Town Board hereby approves that the damaged overhead door in the truck bay be replaced for a cost of$3,230.00. RESOLUTION #06-040— SCHEDULE SPRING CLEANUP DAY MOVED by Supervisor Morey, seconded by Councilman Sovocool Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Gamel, Clark, Morey RESOLVED, that the Town Board sets Saturday, May 13, 2006 as the Town and Village trash and cleanup day. April L. Scheffler, Town Clerk/Tax Collector— Submitted monthly Town Clerk and final Tax Collector reports for the Board's review. Taxes have been taken back to the County and Town Board Minutes Page 5 April 11, 2006 accounts have been settled. A letter had been received from the Elm Tree Inn indicating their intentions to renew their liquor license. Consensus of the Board was that they had not problem with the renewal of the liquor license for the Elm Tree Inn. John Norman and A. D. Dawson, Town Justices— Submitted monthly report for the Board's review. Councilman Donald Scheffler, as Recreation Coordinator — I am pleased to report that the joint recreation committee has hired Viola Fitzgerald as Recreation Director. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge and comes to us well recommended. She began work March 27th and in her first week has scheduled a magic workshop for kids, a health and wellness program for adults and health and wellness day events for July 15th. She is also working on the summer youth programs and a possible adult computer class and an adult art class. Also in the works is a week long skate park workshop, and an outdoor science program. Viola also coordinated a free admission and busing program from Center Village Court for senior citizens to attend the school performance of the Wizard of Oz. Our thanks to Lugene Duso, school employees, and administration for their help and enthusiasm in making this possible. Deb Finton Crouch has been assigned other committee work for the Village and Mayor Toolan has appointed Mayor Toolan to the Joint Recreation Committee. I thank Deb for her years of hard work and dedication and look forward to working with Dennis. I would also like to publicly thank the rest of the Joint Recreation Committee for their dedication to the Town and Village. Joan Donovan, Crystal Young, Miriam Zubal, and Chuck Rankin, our clerk, have volunteered countless hours to make the Rec Program work and they have my sincere appreciation. Our April 4th meeting was attended by Dr. Brenda Myers, Superintendent of Schools. She is very excited about working with community groups and spoke about coordinating the efforts and activities of all entities in the Town. I look forward to working with her too. Better days are here. RESOLUTION#06-041 —DESIGNATE FAIR HOUSING MONTH MOVED by Supervisor Morey, seconded by Councilman Sovocool Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Gamel, Clark, Morey WHEREAS, in accordance with the Title VIII Fair Housing Policy of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 and the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 and, WHEREAS, the Month of April 2005 has been designated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office as Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity as Fair Housing Month, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,that the Town Board of the Town of Groton hereby declares and proclaims April as Fair Housing Month in the Town of Groton. RESOLUTION#06-042—HIRE SUMMER YOUTH WORKERS MOVED by Supervisor Morey, seconded by Councilman Gamel Town Board Minutes Page 6 April 11, 2006 Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Gamel, Clark,Morey RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves the hiring of up to four summer youth workers to be paid minimum wage. RESOLUTION#06-043—SET DATE FOR BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW MOVED by Supervisor Morey, seconded by Councilman Scheffler Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Gamel, Clark,Morey RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby sets Wednesday, May 10, 2006, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, as Local Board of Assessment Review Day at the Town Hall. RESOLUTION#06-044—APPROVE YOUTH SERVICES CONTRACT MOVED by Supervisor Morey, seconded by Councilman Sovocool Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Gamel, Clark,Morey RESOLVED,that the Town Board hereby approves the 2006 Youth Services Contract. Supervisor Morey—We are going to rededicate the cannon at Groton Cemetery. I was out there a couple weeks ago. Danny Wheeler, of the Sons of Civil War, is going to concrete the base and reform it. He has a masonry teacher and apprentice coming to do the concrete work. I also noticed that the flag pole is just a piece of black iron. After discussing the flagpole, it was thought that all the elected officials of the Town would go together and donate the money for a new flagpole. RESOLUTION#06-045—TOWN HISTORIAN TO ATTEND CONFERENCE MOVED by Supervisor Morey, seconded by Councilman Clark Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Gamel, Clark,Morey RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves payment of expenses for the Town Historian, Rosemarie Tucker, to attend the Association of Public Historians of New York State, at Columbia University, in New York City, on June 1-3, 2006. RESOLUTION#06-046—PROCLAIM MUNICIPAL CLERKS WEEK MOVED by Supervisor Morey, seconded by Councilman Scheffler Town Board Minutes Page 7 April 11, 2006 Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Gamel, Clark,Morey WHEREAS, The Office of the Municipal Clerk, a time honored and vital part of local government exists throughout the world, and WHEREAS, The Office of the Municipal Clerk is the oldest among public servants, and WHEREAS, The Office of the Municipal Clerk provides the professional link between the citizens,the local governing bodies and agencies of government at other levels, and WHEREAS, Municipal Clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality,rendering equal service to all. WHEREAS, The Municipal Clerk serves as the information center on functions of local government and community. WHEREAS, Municipal Clerks continually strive to improve the administration of the affairs of the Office of the Municipal Clerk through participation in education programs, seminars, workshops and the annual meetings of their state, province, county and international professional organizations. WHEREAS, It is most appropriate that we recognize the accomplishments of the Office of the Municipal Clerk. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Morey, Supervisor of the Town of Groton, do recognize the week of April 30 through May 6, 2006, as Municipal Clerks Week, and further extend appreciation to our Municipal Clerk, April Scheffler, and our Deputy Clerk, Tena McClary, and to all Municipal Clerks for the vital services they perform and their exemplary dedication to the communities they represent. Announcements: ➢ Thank you from the Groton Bank for the loan of our chairs for their annual meeting. ➢ County Emergency Public Officials Conference, Saturday,April 22 from 8-noon. ➢ Tompkins County Municipal Officials meeting, April 18 at the Ichabod. ➢ Planning Board meeting April 20 MOVED by Supervisor Morey, seconded by Councilman Scheffler, to enter into Executive Session at 8:12pm. Ayes - Sovocool, Scheffler, Gamel, Clark, Morey MOVED by Supervisor Morey, seconded by Councilman Gamel, to return to Regular Session at 8:33pm. Supervisor Morey—Let the record show that this was just an update on litigation that the Town is involved with. Town Board Minutes Page 8 April 11, 2006 There being no further business, Councilman Sovocool moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Scheffler, at 8:34pm. Unanimous. April L. Scheffler, RMC Town Clerk