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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-03-10TOWN OF GROTON — MINUTES OF TOWN BOARD MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2020 AT 7:30 PM THE TOWN HALL, 101 CONGER BOULEVARD Town Officers Present.- Donald resent.Donald F. Scheffler, Supervisor Richard Gamel, Councilperson Crystal Young, Councilperson Brian Klumpp, Councilperson Michael Perkins, Highway Supt. April L. Scheffler, Town Clerk Rosemarie Tucker, Town Historian Mike Whitaker, Attorney Charles Rankin, Bookkeeper Town Officers Absent. Also Present.- Sheldon resent.Sheldon C. Clark, Councilperson Ben Nelson A. D. Dawson, Town Justice Ellard Keister John Norman, Town Justice Glenn Morey W. Rick Fritz, Code Official Phil Brigandi Eric Satterly Gary Wood MOVED by Councilperson Klumpp, seconded by Councilperson Gamel, to approve the minutes of the February 11, 2020 Town Board Meeting as presented. Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Gamel, to approve the minutes of the January 17, 2020 Special Town Board Meeting as presented. Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler RESOLUTION 420-034 - APPROVE PAYMENT OF INVOICES WHEREAS, vouchers for Abstract #3, numbered 71 - 125 were reviewed and audited by the Town Board, be it RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves said vouchers for the accounts and in the total amounts as follows: Code Fund Totals A GENERAL FUND 81,605.18 B GENERAL FUND PART TOWN 5,390.42 DA HIGHWAY FUND 57,498.53 DB HIGHWAY FUND PART TOWN 182.60 SL2- PERUVILLE LIGHTING DISTRICT 152.51 SLI- MCLEAN LIGHTING DISTRICT 263.66 Total: 145,092.90 Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Nays - Resolution Passed Town Board Allnutes Page 3 Alareh 10, 3030 Monthly Reports: Charles Rankin, Bookkeeper - Submitted monthly reports for the Board's review. He has approximately 9500 of the annual report done and will be submitting it to the State sometime nest week. W. Rick Fritz, Code/Fire Enforcement Officer - Was not present but had submitted monthly reports for the Board's review. nlichael Perkins, Highway Superintendent - They have been busy plowing and sanding: cold patching: trimming trees: and fixing "wing -digs ." There are three overhead doors in need of replacement and Mr. Perkins will have a presentation for next Board meeting on that. Training coming up: Dig Safe Training and PERNIA Training. April L. Scheffler, RMC, Town Clerk/Tax Collector - Submitted monthly reports for the Board's review and had nothing else to report. Mike Whitaker, Attorney for the Town - Had nothing to report. John J. Norman and A. D. Dawson, Town Justices - Were not present. Councilperson Crestal Young as Representative to Joint Youth Program — Had nothing to report. Glenn Morey, County Legislator - We have a new Chair. Leslyn McBean-Clairbone and Vice Chair, Shawna Black. This year I was asked to sit on the Health and Human Services Committee, the Public Safety Committee, and the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee. Thev will vote next Tuesday on whether to support the Conference Center in Ithaca. The issue here is that they will raise the hotel tax to help us stay alive. They've had a consultant do two studies and both studies show that the conference center is going to lose money and will always lose money. There will be a 30 -year lease and then negotiate another 30 -year lease. I'm going to vote no for it. I can't see any reason why it's a good thing for the Town and Village of Groton. Some people in the Ulysses area say that they have store owners down in the Commons and they're for it and they have people who work there that will get more money by working for the conference center. But I don't see where we have any business owners down there on the Commons who would benefit from this. The other big issue is the Coronavirus. I've been updating the Village Clerk and April and Don to distribute the most recent news on the Coronavirus. In quarantine and being monitored are 42 people in Tompkins County. Coufinnned cases are zero. But I have to caution you. In a couple weeks is spring break and after the kids get back, it's a 14 -day period where they can spread disease. For individuals, stay home from work or school if you're sick: cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow: wash bands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds: use alcohol based baud sanitizer if soap and water is not available: avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth: avoid close contact with people who are sick: regularly clean and disinfect surfaces: and talk to your employer about planning to work at home. The symptoms are cough, fever, trouble breathing and pneumonia. Tompkins County is going to have an agricultural summit with questions and opportunities for Tompkins County fanners, on Friday. March 20. 10:00 - 3:00. $20.00 per person at the Clarion Inn. Ben Nelson, Groton Fire Chief - We are at 29 fire calls and 170 EDIS calls. Two were structure fires out of our district yesterday. There was a fatal fire yesterday afternoon in Genoa. Town Board Allnutes Page 3 Alareh 10, 2020 and what was supposed to be a trailer fire on Bone Plain Road, but really wasn't. We are brush fire ready. Our truck is frill of water, not coolant like we usually have un the winter. A reminder that the buns ban starts March 16 and goes until May 14. The one facility that I reported about a couple of months ago has greatly reduced the calls due some significant changes that they have made. Supervisor Scheffler - We had an emergence meeting and the entire Board could not make it. The attorney said it would be a good idea if we just reeonfinned our resolution. RESOLUTION 420-035 - RECONFIRM THE DESIGNATION OF THE TOWN OF GROTON OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Gamel WHEREAS, the Town of Groton is required by law to post notice of certain town meetings, public hearings, public notices, etc. in the Town's designated newspaper of record, and WHEREAS, these notices are required to be posted within specific timeframes to properly notify the public of such events and to legally conduct the business of the Town, now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby rescinds item 42 of Resolution 420-001 of the January 14, 2020 Organizational Meeting: "Official Newspaper - Groton Independent", and be it further RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby reeonfinns Resolution 420-033 made on February 17. 2020 for the designation of the Groton Independent as the primary official newspaper for the Town of Groton and the Cortland Standard as an alternative official newspaper for the remainder of the Year 2020. Ayes - Young, Klumpp........ (The Board did not finish voting.) Clerk Scheffler - So, you're leaving the Groton Independent as the first? Supervisor Scheffler - Groton Independent is our first. Do you want to discuss it? Councilperson Young - I think we should discuss it. Clerk Scheffler - I've discussed it. Robin has discussed it with you. I've discussed it with you. We are disgusted. Councilperson Klumpp - But if we have the Cortland Standard as the second, can't we just go with the Cortland Standard? Clerk Scheffler - No. Supervisor Scheffler - We still have to go with them first, you believe? Clerk Scheffler - Yes, I believe that's the way the law is. Supervisor Scheffler - And it's still not working? Clerk Scheffler - No. Supervisor Scheffler - I was under the impression that we would have the option to use the Cortland Standard if it wasn't working. Councilperson Klumpp - I misunderstood that. I thought that we could just.... Town Board Allnutes Page 4 Alareh 10, 2020 Clerk Scheffler - It's not either, or. If you have two designated newspapers, technically you are supposed to do both of them, according to the law. But by saying that there is a secondary, you are kind of skirting around that. Councilperson Klumpp - I think they had their chance. I think we should do what April and Robin want to do at this point. Councilperson Gamel - I do too. He came in and apologized and said everything was going to be taken care of and the first thing they do is fail to print the first one. Councilperson Klumpp - What's your recommendation. April? Clerk Scheffler - Mine is the Cortland Standard. They're right on top of it. You get a proof within 20 minutes and a price right away so you can bill the applicant. It might cost five or ten dollars more, but applicant pays for that ad. There's a heck of a lot of work and stress when those ads don't get published and we have to cancel public hearings. Councilperson Klumpp - I think we should listen to what April and Robin want to do because they're the ones that have to deal with it. We gave the Groton Independent a chance. Supervisor Scheffler - We gave them more than a chance. Since the Board did not actually_ finalize their vote on Resolution 420-035, they made the following resolution: RESOLUTION 420-036 - RESCIND RESOLUTION 420-033 MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Gamel RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby rescinds Resolution 420-033 made on February 17. 2020 to designate the Town of Groton official newspaper. Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Nays - Resolution Passed RESOLUTION 420-037 - DESIGNATE CORTLAND STANDARD AS OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER MOVED by Councilperson Gamel, second by Councilperson Klumpp RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby designates the Cortland Standard as the Town of Groton Official Newspaper. Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Nays - Resolution Passed Phil Brigandi, from Stadium International - Was there to talk to the about different options that are currently available for purchasing trucks. Many towns today are financing. Prices have gone up considerably. The product is better than it ever was, but there are electronics, emissions, and other issues that make trucks not last as long as the old-time mechanical vehicles. With that said, financing and warranties are things to consider. There are 5 or 7 -year programs that you Town Board Allnutes Page S Alareh 10, 2020 make yearly payments on. The interest rate is locked in at a fixed rate for the teen. You have the option to pay it off at any time, put money down, mane different options. Turnover on trucks right now is about every 7 to 12 years where it used to be 20 years. Prices are higher than ever. About 14 years ago you could buy a truck for $100.000 complete and now it is about $220.000. Orders at this point are so far out that delivery is from 7 to 12 months after the order is made. He discussed other things having to do with truck purchases, warrantees, cost of repairs, etc., and thanked the Board for their many years of doing business with Stadium International. RESOLUTION 420-038 - APPOINT KXTHV CARR AS SUBSTITUTE CROSSING GUARD FOR MCLEAN MOVED by Councilperson Gamel, seconded by Councilperson Young RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby appoints Kathy Carr as substitute crossing guard for Mclean, pending a background check. Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Nays - Resolution Passed Discussion took place on the draft Town of Groton Cemetery Policy. Clerk Scheffler explained that the general riles for all cemeteries was taken from research on sample and actual cemetery policies. Some are slightly different because of the age of the Town cemeteries and the fact that some are not easily accessible. Definitions were taken from Jonathan _yppell, gravestone, monument, and masonry preservation specialist. The section on volunteers was taken from policies of several different organizations and altered to work for the cemetery volunteers and have more communication. Attorney Whitaker made a few suggestions and an edit to Section VII. Volunteers. Part j. It was also noted that Section VL Periville Cemetery Interments, would be completed at a later date. RESOLUTION 420-039 - ADOPT TOWN OF GROTON CEMETERY POLICY MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Klumpp RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby adopts the following Town of Groton Cemetery Policy with the edits that were suggested and with the understanding that Section VL Periville Cemetery Interments, will be completed at a later date. Town of Groton Cemetery Police I. Purpose and Intent Pursuant to New Fork State Town Law Section 291, the Town of Groton has responsibility for certain cemeteries within the Town of Groton. The purpose of this policy is to establish procedures that the Town will use to maintain these cemeteries. It is the Town's intent to uphold the dignity and respect for those buried in these hallowed grounds and institute conservation practices that will prevent further decay and loss of gravestones, monuments, and markers. It is the Town's further intent to preserve the historic integrity and authenticity of its cemeteries, giving careful consideration to the property's original design, style, and time period. Additionally, sound conservation practices will provide safer environments for genealogists, history buffs, and the general public. Town Board Allnutes Page 6 Alareh 10, 3030 IL DeFinitions The following definitions are quoted from Jonathan Appell, a professional gravestone, monument and masonry preservation specialist. "Preservation: To preserve, to keep safe from harm or injury. _y great general-purpose word to overview the whole field of historic preservation. Restoration: To Restore, to bring back to an original or a former, more desirable condition. The layman's teen for fixing anything up, and try to make it look new again. It also implies, doing more than just preserving, regarding a memorial or stone statue. Conservation: To Conserve, to prevent injury, decay, waste, or loss of. This has become the proper teen, with its meaning in the historic preservation field becoming very specific. Performing procedures to help protect and stabilize an artifact. In this case a sculpture, gravestone, or monument." Examples of Restoration vs. Conservation: "The re -lettering of historic inscriptions on a gravestone or tomb would be a good example of a restoration effort. This type of aggressive tactics is not considered beneficial, as they will compromise the historic integrity of the object. Re -lettering may also increase the rate of deterioration by exposing new areas of weakened stone to the weather. _y better alternative would be to save what is left of the monument in question, and then place a plaque beside it with the inscription which has been lost. Monument cleaning could be overly aggressive and employ sand blasting or high pressure washing. These would both be considered restoration techniques and neither would be beneficial to the monument. In fact, they can destroy historic stones." For additional information on Mr. _yppell and approved conservation practices, visit his website at lnttps://gravestoneconsen,ation.com. III. Responsibility and Implementation The responsibility for interpretation and update of this Policy and overall governance of Town cemeteries ultimately_ resides with the Groton Town Board. The Groton Town Board reserves the right to amend, alter, or repeal any part or all of this Policy by resolution and majority vote of the Board. Implementation of this Policy shall be the responsibility of the Cemetery Committee, consisting of the Town of Groton Highway Superintendent, the Groton Town Clerk, and the Town of Groton Historian. The Town Clerk is responsible for maintaining all records. The Town of Groton Highway Superintendent and Highway Department are responsible for the physical maintenance of the cemeteries. IV. Cemeteries Owned by the Town of Groton The Town of Groton is the owner of three cemeteries: a. The Perurille Cemetery, located off Old Periville Road in the hamlet of Peruville, is a 1.27 -acre lot. There is a right-of-way, but no access driveway. This cemetery was deemed abandoned September 23. 2015 by the New York State Department of State. Division of Cemeteries, and automatically became the responsibility of the Town of Groton under New York State Town Law 291. There are no lots for sale, however it is possible that a few gravesites still await interment. See Section VI for additional Periville Cemetery policy regarding interments. Town Board Atiimtes Page - Atareh 10, 3030 b. The East Hill Cemetery, located on Cortland Road (State Route 222) is a 2 -acre lot with no access driveway. There are no lots for sale and no additional burials are allowed. There is no record as to when it reverted to the Town. c. The Stearns Cemetery, located on Cobb Street, is a 1 -acre lot isolated in the middle of a privately owned field with no access driveway. This cemetery has not been restored and is covered with poison ivy. Because of this, it is not advisable for the public to visit this cemetery. There are no lots for sale and no additional burials are allowed. There is no record as to when it reverted to the Town. V. General Rules a. East Hill and Steams Cemeteries do not have driveways. Therefore, visitors to these cemeteries must park on the side of the road and enter the cemetery from there. No person shall drive any vehicle onto East Hill or Steams Cemetery without prior authorization from the Cemetery Committee or Town Board. b. Peniville Cemetery has a grass right-of-way from Old Peniville Road and may be used for access except in the winter mouths and during wet conditions. Once in the cemetery, vehicles must be kept in driveways. c. No recreational vehicles are permitted in any cemetery at any time. d. Visitation to all cemeteries shall be only during daylight hours. e. Respect shall be given to neighboring properties and should not be trespassed upon without the owner's pennission. f Children must be under adult supervision at all times. Neither children nor adults are allowed to sit on, play on, or climb on gravestones. They are very old and could easily be damaged or tipped over causing severe injuries. g. No trees, bushes, shrubs, vines, spreading plants, invasive plants or perennials shall be planted anywhere in any Town cemetery without prior approval from the Cemetery Committee. Annual flowers may be planted. The placing of bouquets or potted flowers/plants in unbreakable containers is allowed. The Town of Groton reserves the right to remove any plants, flowers or pots at any time. b. It is prohibited to remove any gravestone or broken section of a gravestone from any cemetery. Relocating, realigning, resetting, repair, or cleaning of gravestones may be done only with prior authorization from the Cemetery Committee unless it is being done by the owner of the cemetery lot. Proof of ownership may be required. i. It is prohibited to dig or excavate for any reason within a cemetery without prior authorization from the Cemetery Committee. It is prohibited to build any kind of structure on cemetery land without prior authorization from the Cemetery Committee. k. Pets are prohibited on cemetery grounds with the exception of service animals. 1. No trash shall be left in any cemetery. VL Peruville Cemetery Interments - STILL TO BE COMPLETED VII. Volunteers Volunteers are a vital part of this Policy. Cemeteries require a lot of work! The Town of Groton's ability to maintain its cemeteries is greatly enhanced by the caring people who volunteer their time, bard work, and talents to help preserve the Town's cemeteries. The Town Board Allnutes Page 8 Alareh 10, 3030 Town is grateful to the volunteers who lessen the burden on the taxpayers and free up the Highway Department's limited manpower and time. The intent of this section is to establish procedures that will foster this continued partnership with the community while at the same time ensure that the work being done has been approved by the Town of Groton. a. Volunteers can be a community organization, group, or a single individual that wishes to help maintain and preserve the Town's cemeteries. They may have a particular project in mind or they may inquire about what is needed at a particular time or location. Where the teen "Volunteer Organizations" is used in the following sections, it is meant to include any volunteer organization, group, or single individual. b. All volunteers must adhere to the intent of the Town to conserve and preserve the Town of Groton cemeteries so that they do not disappear from the landscape. They must treat the cemeteries with the respect of an historic artifact and the last resting places of our ancestors. In this regard, it is not the intent of the Town to turn these places into park -like areas or tourist attractions. c. Those who wish to volunteer must first complete an application, which will be reviewed by the Cemetery Committee. Applications are available at Town Clerk's Office: by calling 607-898-5035: emailing townclerk-wgrotontown.com, or on the Town website at www.townofgrotoniiNI.org. d. Applications will require a specific contact person for the organization and a complete description of the entire scope of the project. All conservation and preservation projects shall include processes, tools, chemicals, mortars etc. that will be used and any other information that the Cemetery Committee may request. Any changes to a project after approval must be communicated to the Cemetery Committee and may require additional review and approval. At the discretion of the Cemetery Committee, applications may be forwarded to the Town Board of additional review. e. All project approvals shall expire on December 31st of the year in which the application was approved. The purpose of this is to ensure that all contact information is up to date for both the Volunteer Organization and the Cemetery Committee, and to give the Volunteer Organization the opportunity to present and gain approval for any alterations to the original project plan. f The Town of Groton may provide the assistance of personnel, machinery, tools, and supplies to volunteers doing certain projects. The Highway Department would need to be consulted and would coordinate assistance according to the Highway Department work schedule. In some instances. Town Board approval may also be required. g. In the event that a Volunteer Organization is applying for a grant to help with an approved project, a copy of the grant application shall be filed with the Town Clerk and a letter of support from the Town of Groton, as the landowner, shall be provided for inclusion in the grant application. Some grants require a municipality to administrator the fronds, in which case, the Town of Groton is willing do that. For certain grants, the Town of Groton may have to be the applicant, and if so, will work with the Volunteer Organization in submitting such a grant. b. If a Volunteer Organization enlists the assistance of other organizations or groups, or individuals who are not members of the Volunteer Organization, the contact person shall let the Cemetery Committee know as far in advance as possible. This will give Town officials the opportunity to stop by and thank people, take some pictures, or anything else that they might want to do to show their appreciation. Town Board Allnutes Page 9 Alareh 10, 2020 Volunteer Organizations are responsible for obtaining formal parental or guardian consent for any participant who is under the age of 18. No one under the age of 16 shall be allowed to use power tools or machinery of any kind. j. The Volunteer Organization is responsible for obtaining the appropriate level of liability insurance coverage in the event of any claim or litigation arising from their activities. Under certain circumstances, this requirement may be waived at the discretion of the Cemetery Committee and/or upon referral to the Town Board for a waiver. k. _any subcontractor hired by a Volunteer Organization shall provide a certificate of insurance designating the Town of Groton as additionally insured, and shall file a copy with the Town Clerk. 1. If the Volunteer Organization decides to abandon a project, written notification shall be given to the Cemetery Committee. m. The Town of Groton may immediately suspend or terminate all projects and activities, at its sole discretion and upon written notification from the Town of Groton Supervisor. n. Nothing in this section shall prevent or restrict the Town of Groton's ability to maintain anv town eemeterv. Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Nays - Resolution Passed RESOLUTION 420-040 - 2020 GROTON RURAL CEMETERY RECORDS DEPOSITORY" AGREEMENT MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Gamel RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves the 2020 Groton Rural Cemetery Records Depository Agreement for storage of cemetery records in the Town Clerk's vault and authorizes the Town Supervisor to sign said agreement. Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Nays - Resolution Passed RESOLUTION 420-041 - FAIR HOUSING MONTH MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Young WHEREAS, in accordance with the Title VIII Fair Housing Policy of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 and the Fair Housing _amendments _-yet of 1988 and. WHEREAS, the Month of April 2020 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 2020 as Fair Housing Month in the Town of Groton. Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Nays - Resolution Passed Town Board Allnutes Page 10 Alareh 10, 2020 RESOLUTION 420-042 - BOOKKEEPER TO ATTEND CONFERENCE MOVED by Councilperson Klumpp, seconded by Councilperson Gamel RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves the payment of expenses for the Bookkeeper, Charles Rankin, to attend the PERNIA Conference, May 21 - 22, 2020. Ayes - Young, Mumpp, Gamel, Schef7ler Nays - Resolution Passed RESOLUTION 420-043 - APPOINT ALTERNATE TO TOMPKINS COUNTY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS MOVED by Councilperson Klumpp, seconded by Councilperson Young RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby appoints Richard Gamel as alternate to the Tompkins County Council of Governments. Ayes - Young, Mumpp, Gamel, Schefller Nays - Resolution Passed Privilege of the Floor: No one wished to speak. Supervisor Seheffler - Spoke to the Board about a new tax exemption that would give partial tax exemption, on a sliding scale over eight years, when people make capital improvements to their property. Tompkins County has adopted the exemption for the County portion of the taxes. The Board would need to pass a local law if they wish to adopt it. Councilperson Gamel - Gave a brief overview on research they have done on a salt shed. His committee plans on meeting again. He had spoken to Thoma and they looked into possible grants to help offset the cost. They did find one that would cover 500o of the cost with the Town paying the other 500 0. Announcements: Planning Board has been canceled for this month Zoning Board of Appeals - March 18 at 7:00 pm There being no further business, Councilperson Gamel moved to adjourn, seconded by Supervisor Seheffler, at 8:19 pm. Unanimous. April L. Sehefffer, RMC Town Clerk