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Home My WebLink About2017-01-10TOWN OF GROTON - MINUTES OF TOWN BOARD MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2017 AT 7:30 PM THE TOWN HALL, 101 CONGER BOULEVARD Those present: Donald F. Scheffler, Supervisor Richard Gamel, Councilperson Randy N. Jackson, Councilperson Sheldon C. Clark, Councilperson Victoria Monty, Attorney for the Town Absent: Kelly Smith, Councilperson Also present: Rosemarie Tucker, Lance Coit, Ed Neuhauser, Glenn Morey, W. Rick Fritz, Chuck Rankin, April Scheffler. RESOLUTION #2017-003 - 2017 ORGANIZATIONAL ITEMS/APPOINTMENTS MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Jackson Item 1 - Depository - First National Bank of Groton Item 2 - Official Newspaper- Groton Independent Item 3 - Law Firm - Victoria Monty/Francis J. Castillo of Pomeroy, Armstrong, Castillo & Monty, LLP, 16 Tompkins St., Cortland, N.Y. 13045 Item 4 - Zoning Officer - W. Rick Fritz Item 5 - Constable - Vacant Item 6 - Deputy Supervisor - Sheldon Clark Item 7 - Deputy Highway Superintendent - Peter Carr Item 8 - Deputy Town Clerk - Robin Cargian Item 9 - Bookkeeper - Charles Rankin Item 10- Court Clerk - Kathy Barron Item 11 - Part Time McLean Crossing Guard - Margaret Albern Item 12 - Town Historian - Rosemarie Tucker Item 13 - Town Health Insurance -The Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium Item 14 - Town Board Regular Meetings - Second Tuesday of each month 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM audit Invoices - 7:30 PM Board Meeting. Item 15 - Annual Salaries of Town Officers - such salaries shall be paid at the time respectfully specified; a) Donald F. Scheffler, Supervisor $12,500.00 Annually Paid Biweekly b) Richard Gamel, Councilperson $ 3,750.00 Annually Paid Quarterly c) Kelly Smith, Councilperson $ 3,750.00 Annually Paid Quarterly d) Randy Jackson, Councilperson $ 3,750.00 Annually Paid Quarterly e) Sheldon Clark, Councilperson $ 3,750.00 Annually Paid Quarterly f) April Scheffler, Town Clerk $ 49,528.00 Annually Paid Biweekly g) Richard C. Case Jr. Highway Supt $ 71,000.00 Annually Paid Biweekly h) John Norman, 1 St Town Justice $ 16,3 64.00 Annually Paid Biweekly Town Board Minutes Page 2 January 10, 2017 i) A.D. Dewey Dawson, 2nd Town Justice $ 16,364.00 Annually Paid Biweekly j) W. Rick Fritz, Code Enforcement Officer $ 31,518.00 Annually Paid Biweekly k) Charles Rankin, Bookkeeper $ 28,188.00 Annually Paid Biweekly k) Rosemarie Tucker, Town Historian $ 1,200.00 Annually Paid Quarterly Item 16 - Set Hourly Rates Deputy Town Clerk $ 16.94 per hour Court Clerk $ 16.90 per hour Custodian $ 14.32 per hour Crossing Guard $ 13.61 per hour Item 17 - Appointment of Representatives to Town and County Programs Environmental Management Council - Peg Ficken Tompkins County Transportation Council -Sheldon Clark Tompkins County Human Services - XXXXXXXXX Groton Youth Commission -Glenn Morey, Peggy Ficken Tompkins County Youth Advisory Board - XXXX Tompkins County Recreation Partnership - Kelly Smith Tompkins County Fire, Disaster and EMS Advisory Board -John "Jack" Miller Item 18 -Supervisor's Appointment to Committee Members Finance -Don Scheffler- Sheldon Clark Machinery -Sheldon Clark- Don Scheffler Building -Don Scheffler &Kelly Smith Fire Department -Richard Gamel Personnel -Don Scheffler &Sheldon Clark Zoning, Building and Fire Code- Randy Jackson HUD/CDBG loans -Don Scheffler &Richard Gamel-R. Charlton Wright Light Districts -Kelly Smith Fixed Assets -Richard Gamel Senior Citizens -Sheldon Clark Recreation Committee -Kelly Smith Highway -Randy Jackson Tompkins County Council of Governments (TCCOG) -Kelly Smith The Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium -Don Scheffler & Randy Jackson Planning Board -Rotating Attendance -see attached Appeals Board -Rotating Attendance -see attached Joint Committee on Plan Structure and Design - Ellard Kiester &Don Scheffler CDBG Section 3 Coordinator- Randy Jackson Item 19 - Resolved that fees for the Town Services be set as follows: 1. Photocopies - 8 1/2 X 11 2. Photocopies - 8 1/2 X 14 3. Photocopies - 11 X 17 4. Transcript of Marriage 5. Marriage License/Certificate 6. Town, Village, County Maps 7. Mileage - Town Officials 8. Dog Licenses 9. Returned Check Fee $0.25 $0.50 $0.50 $10.00 $40.00 $0.50 $0.50 $20.00 + $3.00 NYS Animal Population Control Fee Unaltered $10.00 + $1.00 NYS Animal Population Control Fee Altered $ 20.00 10. Fax Copies - Transmit $1.00 per page - Receive $0.25 per page 11. Duplicate Tax Receipt $0.00 Town Board Minutes Page 3 January 10, 2017 12. Town Directory 13. Land Use & Dev. Code 14. Certified Copies 15. Paper Copy of Comprehensive Plan 16. Town of Groton Zoning Fee Schedule * All pricing does not include postage. $5.00 $25.00, CD @ $15.00 $5.00 $25.00, CD @ $15.00 (See discussion to follow and Resolution #4) Item 20 - Miscellaneous Appointments Fees, Etc. 1. Appoint Pomeroy, Armstrong, Casullo & Monty, LLP Legal Services rendered. 2. Authorize Highway Superintendent to give pay raises effective January 1, 2017. 3. Authorize Donald Scheffler to attend Annual Association of Towns Training School in February 19th -22nd in New York City 4. Appoint Donald Scheffler as Delegate for Annual Association of Town Meeting in New York City. 5. Appoint contact people for Drug and Alcohol Testing Program - Richard Case and Don Scheffler 6. Town Planning Board members - Mark Baxendell, Leon Brockway, Monica Carey, Barbara Senecal Clark, Bret Wyllie, Lisa Maloney -Hahn, Edward Neuhauser. Edward Neuhauser is reappointed to a seven year term beginning January 1, 2017 and ending December 31, 2023 7. ZBA members - Daniel Cerretani, Paul Fouts, Carolann Darling, Patricia Gaines, Ted Schiele. Ted Schiele is reappointed to a five year term beginning January 1, 2017 and ending December 31, 2012 8. Appoint Agriculture Advisory Committee - Daniel Carey, Marlin Houston, Robert Fouts 9. Ethics Committee - Donald Scheffler, Daniel Carey, John Miller, John Watkins, John MacLean Discussion took place concerning proposed changes to the Zoning Fee Schedule that would change the building permit fees so that they are based on square footage rather than cost of the project. It was decided that the Board would like to review these changes again and act on them at the February meeting. NO ACTION was taken on RESOLUTION #2017-003 and was amended as follows: RESOLUTION #2017-004 - 2017 ORGANIZATIONAL ITEMS/APPOINTMENTS MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Gamel RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves the 2017 Organizational Items and Appointments with the exception of Part 16 of Item 19, Town of Groton Zoning Fee Schedule. The 2016 Zoning Fee Schedule shall remain in effect until the propose new fees are reviewed further. Ayes - Gamel, Jackson, Clark, Scheffler Nays - Resolution Passed RESOLUTION #2017-005 CONTRACT FOR AUDIT OF 2016 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Jackson RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves the contract for audit of FY 2016 financial statements with Insero & Co. CPAs, LLP Ayes - Gamel, Jackson, Clark, Scheffler Nays - Resolution Passed Town Board Minutes Page 4 January 10, 2017 RESOLUTION #2017-006 APPROVE 2017 DOG CONTRACT WITH COUNTRY ACRES PET SERVICES MOVED by Councilperson Clark, seconded by Councilperson Gamel RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves the year 2017 contract with Country Acres Pet Services for the purpose of animal control in the Town of Groton. Ayes - Gamel, Jackson, Clark, Scheffler Nays - Resolution Passed RESOLUTION #2017-007 - AUTHORIZATION TO PARTICIPATE IN COOPERATIVE PURCHASING OF HIGHWAY SERVICES WITH COUNTIES IN N.Y.S. MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Jackson RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes to participate with Counties Located within New York State in the cooperative purchasing of various highway services. Ayes - Gamel, Jackson, Clark, Scheffler Nays - Resolution Passed RESOLUTION #2017-008 - AUTHORIZE HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT TO PURCHASE ON NEW YORK STATE CONTRACT BID MOVED by Councilperson Gamel, seconded by Councilperson Jackson RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the Highway Superintendent to purchase oil and related Highway products from New York State Contract Bids as appropriate. Ayes - Gamel, Jackson, Clark, Scheffler Nays - Resolution Passed RESOLUTION #2017-009 - APPROVE FIRE AND AMBULANCE PROTECTION CONTRACTS MOVED by Councilperson Clark, seconded by Councilperson Jackson RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves the 2017 Fire and Ambulance Contracts with the Village of Groton Fire Department and Fire Protection with the McLean Fire Department. Ayes - Gamel, Jackson, Clark, Scheffler Nays - Resolution Passed RESOLUTION 2017-010 - APPROVE 2017 MUNICIPAL DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING MOVED by Councilperson Gamel, seconded by Councilperson Clark RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves Energetix as Third Party Administrator for 2017 Municipal Agreement Renewal and for the Drug and Alcohol Testing. Ayes - Gamel, Jackson, Clark, Scheffler Nays - Resolution Passed Town Board Minutes Page S January 10, 2017 THIS CONCLUDED THE 2017 ORGANIZATIONAL ITEMS MOVED by Councilperson Jackson, seconded by Councilperson Clark, to approve the minutes of the December 13, 2016 meeting as presented. Ayes - Jackson, Clark, Scheffler. Abstain - Gamel Vouchers for Abstract #13 of 2016, numbered 612 - 653, in the total amount of $73,659.00 were presented to the Board for their review. 2016 Vouchers for the General Fund in the amount of $20,827.37 were presented for audit. MOVED by Councilperson Jackson, seconded by Councilperson Clark, to approve the General Bills for payment. Ayes - Jackson, Clark, Scheffler. Abstain - Gamel 2016 Vouchers for the Highway Fund in the amount of $52,831.63 were presented for audit. MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Clark, to approve the Highway Bills for payment. Ayes - Jackson, Clark, Scheffler. Abstain - Gamel Vouchers for Abstract #I of 2017, numbered 1 - 11, in the total amount of $111,941.42 were presented to the Board for their review. 2017 Vouchers for the General Fund in the amount of $46,941.42 were presented for audit. MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Gamel, to approve the General Bills for payment. Ayes - Gamel, Jackson, Clark, Scheffler. 2017 Vouchers for the Highway Fund in the amount of $65,000.00 were presented for audit. MOVED by Councilperson Gamel, seconded by Councilperson Clark, to approve the Highway Bills for payment. Ayes - Gamel, Jackson, Clark, Scheffler. Monthly Reports: Charles Rankin, Bookkeeper - Submitted monthly reports for the Board's review and requested a budget transfer. RESOLUTION #2017-011 - 2016 BUDGET TRANSFER MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Jackson RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves the following 2016 Budget Transfer: General Fund - Town Wide: From: Contingency, A1990.4 ...................... $2X5.00 To: Personnel, Personal Services A1430.1 ........ 325.00 Attorney Contractual, A1420.4 ..............2,500.00 Ayes - Gamel, Jackson, Clark, Scheffler Nays - Resolution Passed Town Board Minutes Page 6 January 10, 2017 Discussion took place concerning a transfer of 2016 Highway funds into the 2017 Budget that was requested by the Highway Superintendent. It was decided to wait until the February meeting so that Mr. Case could explain what he wants. W. Rick Fritz, Code/Fire Enforcement Officer - Submitted monthly reports for the Board's review. There were 41 Life Safety Inspections done in 2016 with 37 completed and 4 that still need to come into compliance. This month was busy closing out 34 building permits from before he took the position. Also, the warehouse on Odgen Road was approved by the Planning Board, so now all they need is a Life Safety Inspection. We have sent a certified letter concerning the Life Safety Inspection for 1 School Street in McLean but have not heard anything back yet. Katy from County IT will be coming next Wednesday to get the new building permit program up and running. Richard C. Case, Jr., Highway Superintendent - Was not present. April L. Scheffler, RMC, Town Clerk/Tax Collector - Submitted monthly and annual reports for the Board's review. She submitted a report on money that has been taken in from the sale of the Bicentennial tote bags and pins as well as a donation from Gary & Kathy Watrous to be used towards the Bicentennial events. She had purchased a new Town seal with the new logo. A $500.00 grant had been received from the Community Arts Partnership for the Verne Morton Memorial Photography Show and Contest. Other than that, the office is busy collecting taxes. Victoria Monty, Attorney for the Town - Had nothing to report. John J. Norman and A. D. Dawson, Town Justices - Were not present. Councilperson Kelly Smith as Representative to Joint Youth Program - Was absent. Glenn Morey, County Legislator - We haven't been told what committees we'll be on yet this year. Last year I was on Facilities & Infrastructure; Budget; and Transportation. Most likely I'll get them again this year. Tompkins County is seeking applications for a new committee, the Energy Task Force. He also asked that a Board Member volunteer to sit on the Tompkins County Youth Commission. Rosemarie Tucker, Town Historian - Submitted her annual report for the Board's review. One thing that she forgot to put on the report was that this past year she was appointed president of the Association of Public Historians of New York State. As of yesterday, January 9th, she is beginning her 17th year as the Groton Town Historian and is grateful to the Board for their support. There was a discussion on possibly raising the tax exemption limits for senior citizens and people with disabilities. If it was raised by $2,000.00 to the next level it would add about 83 -cents to the average tax bill. It was thought that this would be helpful to a greater number of people on limited incomes and possible help keep them in their homes while not raising the taxes significantly to others. RESOLUTION #2017-012 - TAX EXEMPTION FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AND LOW INCOME PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Gamel WHEREAS, the Town of Groton as a local law passed in 2003 and amended in 2008, providing for a partial tax exemption for people 65 years of age or older and under a certain income, and WHEREAS, the Town of Groton also has a local law passed in 2008, providing for a partial tax exemption for people with disabilities and under a certain income, and WHEREAS, the Groton Town Board believes that it would be beneficial to increase these tax exemptions, now therefore be it Town Board Minutes Page 7 January 10, 2017 RESOLVED, that the Town Board wishes to initiate the passing of new local laws to increase said exemptions. Ayes - Gamel, Jackson, Clark, Scheffler Nays - Resolution Passed RESOLUTION #2017-013 - SET PUBLIC HEARINGS DATE FOR LOCAL LAWS TO INCREASE TAX EXEMPTION FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AND LOW INCOME PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Jackson RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby sets a Public Hearing for Proposed Local Law #1 of the Year 2017 entitled "A Local Law Providing a Partial Exemption From Taxation to Persons Sixty -Five Years of Age or Older" for Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at 8:00 pm as part of the Regular Monthly Meeting, and be it further RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby sets a Public Hearing for Proposed Local Law #2 of the Year 2017 entitled "A Local Law Providing a Partial Exemption From Taxation to Persons With Disabilities and Under a Certain Income" immediately following the preceding Public Hearing. Ayes - Gamel, Jackson, Clark, Scheffler Nays - Resolution Passed Supervisor Scheffler - Had met with some people from NYS Electric & Gas where they presented their Smart Meter Program to him. He explained the program to the Board and said that at this point it will only affect a small portion of Groton in the western part of the Town. The meters will be electronic and better monitor electric usage at all times. RESOLUTION #2017-014 - BOOKKEEPER TO ATTEND CONFERENCE MOVED by Councilperson Jackson, seconded by Councilperson Gamel RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves paying the registration fee of $200.00 for the Bookkeeper, Charles Rankin, to attend the NYS Government Finance Officers Association March 29 - 31, 2017. Balance of the conference expenses will be paid by the Village of Groton Ayes - Gamel, Jackson, Clark, Scheffler Nays - Resolution Passed Privilege of the Floor: No one wished to speak. Lance Coit, Groton Fire Chief - Presented the Groton Fire Department Annual Report which included both fire and ambulance calls throughout the year. He thanked the Board for their support and everyone was happy about the level of service that has been received. Town Board Minutes Announcements: Page 8 January 10, 2017 ➢ Planning Board Meeting, January 19th at 7:30 pm ➢ Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting, January 26th at 7:30pm ➢ Reception for Ellard Sovocool, February 11th from 5-8 pm at Stonehedges Golf Course ➢ Meeting of Groton Business Association, January 18th ➢ Next Board Meeting, February 14 at 7:30 pm There being no further business, Councilperson Jackson moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilperson Gamel, at 8:22 pm. Unanimous. April L. Scheffler, RMC Town Clerk