Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrganizational and Town Board Meeting Jan 10 ,2023 TOWN OF GROTON – MINUTES OF TOWN BOARD MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2023 AT 7:30 PM THE TOWN HALL, 101 CONGER BOULEVARD Town Officers Present: Town Officers Absent: Also Present: Donald F. Scheffler, Supervisor W. Rick Fritz, Code Official Eric Deforrest, Chief GFD Richard Gamel, Councilperson Paul Lang, Town Justice Jennifer Jones Brian Klumpp, Councilperson Randy Jackson, Town Justice Becky Koenig Crystal Young, Councilperson Sheldon C. Clark, Councilperson Ellard Keister, Highway Supt. Mack Rankin, Deputy Highway Supt. Julie Graham Bookkeeper Robin Cargian, Town Clerk Francis Casullo, Attorney 2023 ORGANIZATIONAL ITEMS/APPOINTMENTS RESOLUTION #23‐001 ‐ TOWN OFFICIALS AND WAGES MOVED by Councilperson Gamel, seconded by Councilperson Klumpp RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves the following appointments and wages: Item 1 - Depository – First National Bank of Groton Item 2 - Official Newspaper– Cortland Standard Item 3 - Law Firm – Francis J. Casullo of Pomeroy, Armstrong & Casullo, LLP, 16 Tompkins St., Cortland, N.Y. 13045 Item 4 - Zoning Officer – W. Rick Fritz Item 5 – Court Officer(s) – Contract with Village of Groton Item 6 - Deputy Supervisor – Sheldon Clark Item 7 - Deputy Highway Superintendent – Mackenzi Rankin Item 8 - Deputy Town Clerk – Denise Smith Item 9 - Bookkeeper – Julie Graham Item 10 - Court Clerk – Kathy Barron Item 11 - Part Time McLean Crossing Guard – Margaret Albern; Kathy Carr (substitute) Item 12 - Town Historian – Rosemarie Tucker Item 13 ‐ Health Insurance ‐ Greater Tompkins Co. Municipal Health Insurance Consortium Item 14 - Town Board Regular Meetings ‐ Second Tuesday of each month With Two additional meetings on the 4th Tuesday in September & October. @ 7:30 PM (7:00 PM to audit Invoices) Item 15 – Annual Salaries of Town Officers –salaries paid at the time respectfully specified; a) Donald F. Scheffler, Supervisor Total Annual salary of $13,528.00 Paid Biweekly b) Richard Gamel, Councilperson Total Annual salary of $4,104.00 Paid Monthly c) Crystal Young, Councilperson Total Annual salary of $4,104.00 Paid Monthly d) Brian Klumpp, Councilperson Total Annual salary of $4,104.00 Paid Monthly e) Sheldon Clark, Councilperson Total Annual salary of $4,104.00 Paid Monthly f) Robin Cargian, Town Clerk Total Annual salary of $56,844.00 Paid Biweekly g) Ellard Keister, Highway Supt. Total Annual salary of $ 76,024.00 Paid Biweekly Town Board Minutes Page 2 January 10, 2023 h) Paul Lang, 1st Town Justice Total Annual salary of $17,680.00 Paid Biweekly Item 15 (Continued) – Annual Salaries of Town Officers –salaries paid at the time specified. i) Randy Jackson, 2nd Town Justice Total Annual salary of $17,680.00 Paid Biweekly j) W. Rick Fritz, Code Enforcement Officer Total Annual salary of $39,936.00 Paid Biweekly k) Julie Graham, Bookkeeper Total Annual salary of $26,000.00 Paid Biweekly l) Rosemarie Tucker, Town Historian Total Annual salary of $1,820.00 Paid Quarterly m) Planning Board Chair $ 50.00 per Meeting n) Planning Board Member $ 40.00 per Meeting o) Zoning Board Chair $ 50.00 per Meeting p) Zoning Board Member $ 40.00 per Meeting q) Court Officers- Per contract Item 16 - Set Hourly Rates ‐ Deputy Town Clerk $ 19.25 per hour Court Clerk $ 20.48 per hour Custodian $ 17.42 per hour Crossing Guard $ 16.41 per hour Ayes -Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Motion Passed Nays - RESOLUTION #23‐002 ‐ COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS MOVED by Councilperson Young, seconded by Councilperson Gamel RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby makes the following appointments: Appointment of Representatives to Town and County Programs: Environmental Management Council – Peg Ficken Tompkins County Transportation Council - Sheldon Clark Groton Youth Commission – Brian Klumpp, Peggy Ficken, Glenn Morey Tompkins County Youth Services Board – Jennifer Dean Tompkins County Recreation Partnership – Crystal Young Tompkins County Fire, Disaster and EMS Advisory Board –Kathy Barron Supervisors Appointment to Committee Members: Finance – Don Scheffler- Richard Gamel Machinery – Sheldon Clark- Don Scheffler Building –Richard Gamel-Brian Klumpp Fire Department – Richard Gamel Personnel – Don Scheffler-Richard Gamel Zoning, Building and Fire Code – Brian Klumpp HUD/CDBG loans-Don Scheffler-Richard Gamel-R. Charlton Wright Light Districts – Crystal Young-Brian Klumpp Fixed Assets – Richard Gamel-Don Scheffler Senior Citizens – Sheldon Clark Recreation Committee – Crystal Young Highway – Sheldon Clark Tompkins County Council of Governments (TCCOG) – Don Scheffler Tompkins Co. Municipal Health Insurance Consortium ‐ Don Scheffler (Rick Gamel, Alternate) Planning Board – Rotating Attendance-see attached Town Board Minutes Page 3 January 10, 2023 Appeals Board – Rotating Attendance-see attached Joint Committee on Plan Structure and Design- Don Scheffler CDBG Section 3 Coordinator- Brian Klumpp Contact people for Drug and Alcohol Testing Program – Ellard Keister and Don Scheffler With no one wishing to attend the Annual Association of Towns Meeting via Zoom, no delegate was appointed. Appoint Town Planning Board Members, Zoning Board of Appeals Members, Ethics Committee and Agricultural Advisory Committee: Planning Board Member 7-Year Term Term Expires December 31 Originally Appointed Reappointed Sam Rose 2028 4/6/2019 2022 Lisa Maloney Hahn 2029 12/11/2012 2021 Edward Neuhauser 2023 9/12/2005 Mark Baxendell 2024 10/10/2000 Leon Brockway, Jr 2025 1/12/2016 Monica Carey 2026 3/12/1985 2020 Dan Cerretani 2027 8/11/2020 2021 AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Daniel Carey, Chair, Dale Rankin, Robert Fouts TOWN OWNED CEMETERIES COMMITTEE Rosemarie Tucker, Ellard Keister, Robin Cargian Ayes – Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Resolution Passed Nays Zoning Board of Appeals 5-Year Term Term Expires December 31 Initially Appointed Reappointed Patricia Gaines 2025 5/8/2001 2021 Ted Schiele 2026 9/11/2012 2022 Vacant Paul Fouts 2023 12/11/2007 Carolann Darling 2024 12/12/2006 2020 Ethics Board Term (Exp. Dec. 31) Initially Appointed Reappointed Don Scheffler R. Charlton Wright 2024 John MacLean 2024 Daniel Carey 2026 John Miller 2026 Town Board Minutes Page 4 January 10, 2023 RESOLUTION #23‐003 ‐ SET FEES MOVED by Councilperson Klumpp, seconded by Councilperson Gamel RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby sets the following fee schedules: Town of Groton Zoning Fees All building projects started prior to a permit being issued will be charged twice the regular fee. Residential New Construction ‐ $.45 per Sq Ft Alterations/Renovations ‐ $40 plus 2.00 per $1000 of cost Commercial New Construction ‐ $.60 per Sq Ft Alterations/Renovations: $60 plus 3.00 per $1000 of cost Buildings within the Flood Hazard Area New Construction ‐ $.60 per Sq Ft Alterations/Renovations ‐ $60 plus 3.00 per $1000 of cost PLUS Applicant is responsible for all Town Engineering consultation charges (see Additional Fees on last page) Agricultural Buildings $25 Building Permit Renewal ½ Original Fee & approval of CEO Non‐Structural Roof Replacement No Charge Accessory Structures: Pools, Decks, Sheds, Detached Garages, $40 plus 2.00 per $1000 of cost Demolition Permit $25 Town of Groton Clerk Fees Photocopies Letter size: $.25 Ledger Size: .50 Legal Size: .25 Transcript of Marriage $10.00 Marriage License & Certificate $40.00 Town, Village, County Maps $.50 Dog Licenses Unaltered: $27.00 Altered: $15.00 Returned Check Fee $20.00 Fax Copies Transmit: $1.00 per page Receive: $.25 per page Town Directory $5.00 Land Use & Development Code $25.00 paper copy $15.00 CD Comprehensive Plan $25.00 paper copy $15.00 CD Certified Copies $5.00 Town Board Minutes Page 5 January 10, 2023 Disability Ramp No Charge Fixed Appliance $25 Fence 6ft or higher/ Replace pool fence $25 Garage attached to residence 1‐car = $30 2‐car = $60 3‐car = $90 + $30 for each car bay added Green Energy Production ‐ Small Scale $40 plus 2.00 per $1000 of cost Green Energy Production‐ Large Scale $25,000 per megawatt according to the nameplate output rating. Fee for renewal of permit: Same as original Junk Yard Permit Renewal $25 Life Safety Inspection No Charge Operating Permit $25 Operating Permit ‐ Public Assembly >100 People No Charge Cellular Tower $200 plus $2.50 per $1,000 of Construction Cost Sign Permit $10 Outdoor Fireworks/Indoor Pyrotechnics Permit $25 Manufacturers’ Pyrotechnics Testing Permit $25 Annually Subdivision ‐ Exempt $50 Subdivision ‐ Minor $30 + $20 per lot Subdivision ‐ Major Level One $50 + $20 per lot Subdivision ‐ Major Level Two Preliminary Review ‐ $100 + $20 per lot Final Review ‐ $100 + $20 per lot Administrative Lot Line Adjustment $25 Cluster Development Preliminary Review ‐ $100 + $20 per lot Final Review ‐ $100 + $20 per lot Planned Unit Development Town Board Review ‐ $200 Site Plan Review by Planning Board ‐ $200 Site Plan Review (Land Use Permit) 2000 sq. ft. & under ‐ $100 2001 sq. ft. & over ‐ $200 Site Plan Review for Echo Housing No Charge Special Permit ‐ Cemetery $200 Special Permit ‐ Junk Yard $4,500 Special Permit ‐ High Density Housing $5,000 Special Permit ‐ Mining $5,000 Special Permit‐ Large Scale Green Energy $4,500 Special Permit ‐ Manufactured Home Park $5,000 Special Permit ‐ Sexually Oriented Businesses $7,500 Town Board Minutes Page 6 January 10, 2023 Mass Gathering Permit $750 Application for Variance or Interpretation $175 Additional Fees: 1. Fees listed do not include postage, which may be an additional charge at current postal rates. 2. If a public hearing is required, the applicant shall pay the cost of advertising fees. 3. Costs incurred by the Town of Groton for engineering, planning, legal 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 applicant. 4. The applicant 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. 5. When Fees Are To Be Paid: All fees costs and/or expenses required by this fee schedule shall be paid to the Town of Groton before any certificate/permit is issued. Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Resolution Passed Nays - RESOLUTION #23‐004 CONTRACT FOR AUDIT OF 2022 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MOVED by Councilperson Gamel, seconded by Councilperson Klumpp RESOLVED, that the Town Board will seek a contract with Insero & Co. CPAs, LLP for the financial audit of the fiscal year 2022 describing fees as well as the expected time for the completed report. Ayes – Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Resolution Passed Nays - RESOLUTION #23‐005 – APPROVE 2023 DOG CONTRACT WITH COUNTRY ACRES PET SERVICES MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Klumpp RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves the year 2023 contract with Country Acres Pet Services for the purpose of animal control in the Town of Groton. The contract fee will be $21,600.00 Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Resolution Passed Nays - RESOLUTION #23‐006 – AUTHORIZATION TO PARTICIPATE IN COOPERATIVE PURCHASING OF HIGHWAY SERVICES WITH COUNTIES IN N.Y.S. MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Young RESOLVED, that the Town of Groton is hereby authorized to participate with Counties Located within New York State in the cooperative purchasing of various highway services. Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Resolution Passed Nays - RESOLUTION #23‐007– AUTHORIZE HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT TO PURCHASE ON NEW YORK STATE CONTRACT BID MOVED by Councilperson Gamel, seconded by Councilperson Klumpp 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. Town Board Minutes Page 7 January 10, 2023 Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Resolution Passed Nays - RESOLUTION #23‐008 ‐ AUTHORIZE HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT TO GIVE RAISES MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Gamel RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the Highway Superintendent to give pay raises effective January 1, 2023. Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Resolution Passed Nays - RESOLUTION #23‐009 – APPROVE FIRE AND AMBULANCE PROTECTION CONTRACTS MOVED by Councilperson Klumpp, seconded by Councilperson Young RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the Town Supervisor to sign the Fire and Ambulance Contracts with the Village of Groton Fire Department and Fire Protection with the McLean Fire Department contingent upon consistent information from last year and is for the budgeted amount. Ayes - Clark, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Resolution Passed Nays - RESOLUTION #23‐010 – APPROVE 2023 MUNICIPAL DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING MOVED by Councilperson Gamel, seconded by Councilperson Klumpp RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves Energetix as Third Party Administrator for 2023 Municipal Agreement Renewal and for the Drug and Alcohol Testing. Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Resolution Passed Nays - RESOLUTION #23‐011 – APPROVE MILAGE RATE FOR TOWN OFFICIALS MOVED by Councilperson Klumpp, seconded by Councilperson Gamel RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves a mileage rage of $.50 (fifty cents) per mile for town official’s use of personal vehicles for Town Business. Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Resolution Passed Nays - REGULAR MEETING ITEMS MOVED by Councilperson Young, seconded by Councilperson Klumpp, to approve the minutes of the December 13, 2022 meeting as presented. Ayes – Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Resolution Passed Nays- Town Board Minutes Page 8 January 10, 2023 RESOLUTION #23‐012 ‐ APPROVE PAYMENT OF 2022 INVOICES MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Gamel WHEREAS, vouchers for Abstract #13 for the Year 2022, numbered 575-592 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: A GENERAL FUND 7,123.55 B GENERAL FUND PART TOWN 26,263.75 DA HIGHWAY FUND 65,378.39 DB HIGHWAY FUND PART TOWN 108.80 Total 98,874.49 Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Resolution Passed Nays – RESOLUTION #23‐013 ‐ APPROVE PAYMENT OF 2023 INVOICES MOVED by Councilperson Gamel, seconded by Councilperson Klumpp WHEREAS, vouchers for Abstract #1 for the Year 2023, numbered 1 ‐ 14 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: A GENERAL FUND 19,314.81 B GENERAL FUND PART TOWN 6,624.00 DA HIGHWAY FUND 29,068.67 DB HIGHWAY FUND PART TOWN 24,603.00 SL2- PERUVILLE LIGHTING DISTRICT 81.90 SLl- MCLEAN LIGHTING DISTRICT 168.66 Total 79,861.04 Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Resolution Passed Nays - Monthly Reports: Julie Graham, Bookkeeper – There are a few budget adjustments on the report for 2022. I am currently working with Chuck on the year end closing and have worked with Ellard and Robin to create a disposition of asset system that Don will be talking about. RESOLUTION #23‐014 ‐ 2022 BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS MOVED by Councilperson Gamel, seconded by Councilperson Klumpp RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves the following 2022 Budget Adjustments: General Account: From: Justices- Personal Services, A1110.11 in the amount of $415.00 To: Personnel- Per Services- A1430. …….$5,300.00 Town Board Minutes Page 9 January 10, 2023 To: A1110.12 Personal Services ……… …$1.00 To: A1110.13 Clerk, Personal services… $212.00 To A1110.4 Contractual……………...…$202.00 From Contingency A1990.4 in the amount of $ 1,085.00 To: A1430.1 Personal Services ……...$117.00 To: A3310.42 Clothing Allowance…..$265.00 To: A3510.42 Control of Dogs …….. $152.00 To: A1620.4 Buildings……………...$473.00 To: A5680.4 CDL Alcohol Testing …. $78.00 Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Resolution Passed Nays- RESOLUTION #23‐015 ‐ 2022 BUDGET ADJUSTMENT MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Young RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves the following 2022 Budget Adjustment: Highway, Townwide: From: DA5142.1 Snow Removal- Per Srvs, in the amount of $1,100.00 To: DA5142.11 Snow Removal Vacations ……………… $1,100.00 Ayes - Young Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Resolution Passed Nays - W. Rick Fritz, Code/Fire Enforcement Officer – A report was submitted. Ellard Keister, Highway Superintendent ‐ Our new hire Zack has taken great initiative already acquiring his CDL permit. As things start settling down we will get him driving. The position of cleaner is still available if anyone has someone in mind send them our way. The Salt Shed is currently going up and we anticipate completion next month, hopefully. Truck turmoil: The truck with an axel problem discussed at the last meeting also has a bad rear differential. Thanks to the crew, and approximately $9000.00 in parts, it is up and running. The sister truck to that had a major engine problem and requires a rebuild kit. As I looked into it, salesmen of the rebuild kits stated most highway departments do not attempt them. Despite being hired as an operator and not a mechanic, Dale has taken a lead role on that project and I can’t thank him enough for what he is doing for this Town. Thank goodness it is not snowing because of the way the trucks have gone down. We need to publicly thank him for the money this is saving us. If we had to send this project out, we would be well over $20,000 and a couple of months without the truck. We will end up spending a little over $6,000.00 and should be up by Friday after waiting for the parts to be ordered in the new year. Loader quotes: The diagnosis from Anderson’s explained the main bearing broke taking out the final drive. Quote and Option 1) To Fix Bearing and Final Drive $18,680.57- The anticipated back order on Parts: Bearing is out until mid-April, final drive in March. Quote and Option 2) Install a re-maned transmission at $34,612.86 and it will be back up and running in a week or two. As we are not scrapping this, we have to make it valuable for trade-in. I am trying to get a price on trade in at this time, but because it has not been repaired no one is willing to give me even a ballpark. Quote and Option 3) Trade in on a 2001 loader, bare machine (not fixed)…… Town Board Minutes Page 10 January 10, 2023 Councilperson Young, Wasn’t there an option to lease you spoke about Don? Supervisor Scheffler, Yes, a three year lease to own. Superintendent Keister – Yes, I’m getting to that, Quote and Option 4) Lease a loader at $45,000 per year for five years. A “lease to own” term is essentially a payment plan at 3%. Councilperson Gamel - Is it a five-year lease, I thought it was three? Superintendent Keister -They no longer let you pay ex-amount of dollars and bring you another one after three years. We did talk about it before, but this is no longer available. It could be due to the demand for the machinery. Councilperson Gamel -What is the cost of a brand-new machine? Superintendent Keister - $194,000 Councilperson Gamel, $45,000 times fives is a lot more than $194,000 Superintendent Keister, Highway - $45,000 is a good ballpark number as it really drops to $43,000 after the second year. Councilperson Young and Supervisor Scheffler – The $8,000 mentioned in an email, is not available anymore? You spoke of a one year roll over? Superintendent Keister - Yes, the one we talked about a couple of months age, I don’t know if it is a supply and demand issue but it is no longer available. They were doing that where they were rotating them over but that is not an option now. Councilperson Gamel - I am just trying to think of the most…. Superintendent Keister - I think I know where you are going, another option (Quote and Option 5) you could do a two-year payment, or we could buy it outright. Financially, this was not budgeted to be able to do that so that is not really an option. Councilperson Young – Do they have them available? Councilperson Gamel - What about renting from Beck Equipment for six months? I am thinking the difference between the re-manned transmission at $34,000 and not going to get $20,000 out of it if we are just going to get rid of it…. Superintendent Keister – I agree with you, we have been pondering this whole thing. I have tried with these other dealerships to get something rented out but they are all sitting waiting to push parking lots for snow. Councilperson Gamel - Do you think it will bring more than $20,000 once it’s done? Town Board Minutes Page 11 January 10, 2023 Superintendent Keister - Yes I do, at least $50,000 at auction. We can get our trade in numbers, and I can get it listed on Auctions International. Councilperson Gamel – I just didn’t want to put $20,000 into it to only get $8,000. Supervisor Scheffler – We could rent one for under the $14,000 difference and still be money ahead. Superintendent Keister – We can look into that and if you approve it we can go ahead as it makes it pretty rough operating with just one loader. I have tired Komatsu, Isuzu, seeing if there was a demo….. Councilperson Gamel – Remember in the end that $14,000 is going to be doubled. You aren’t paying the $14,000 upfront on the parts, and if you get $50,000 out of it when you are done, if you pay $20,000 to get the machine going in a few months as opposed to $34,000 you are saving $14,000 there and you get approximately $50,000 for it you are getting an extra $14,000 on the resale value. Superintendent Keister - I agree, that is why we are here discussing this. The problem is we need to get a loader in here. Supply and demand is rough to deal with. We can investigate a two-month rent program, get some harder trade in numbers and hopefully extra quotes on loaders for the next meeting. It is something we need to talk about for the upcoming future. I know it throws our equipment plan off a little bit. For the moment we have to deal with it on the fly. RESOLUTION #23‐016 ‐ AUTHORIZE HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT TO RENT LOADER MOVED by Councilperson Gamel, seconded by Councilperson Klumpp to authorize the Highway Superintended to investigate and make the best short-term rental on a loader as quickly as possible. Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Resolution Passed Nays - Superintendent Keister- In our current asset policy Julie mentioned, we need board approval to sell equipment. In the past we have sold things and just finalized the sale until board approval. I have the old welding machine that was replaced, pending board approval I will list this on Auctions international and get it out of here. RESOLUTION #23‐017 ‐ DISPOSITION WELDER -AUTHORIZE HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT TO LIST IT ON AUCTIONS INTERNATIONAL MOVED by Councilperson Gamel, seconded by Councilperson Klumpp to authorize the Highway Superintended to list the welder on Auctions International. Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Resolution Passed Nays RESOLUTION #23‐018 ‐ NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNDERTAKING AGREEMENT MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Klumpp to approve the agreement with NY State Department of Transportation and authorize the Highway Superintended to sign the undertaking document whereby the Town assumes certain conditions while working within the State of New York right-of-way. Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Resolution Passed Town Board Minutes Page 12 January 10, 2023 Nays Robin Cargian, RMC, Town Clerk/Tax Collector – Moving along through January collecting taxes. The raise in dog license fees will help us to get closer to covering the annual contract for dog control services. Francis Casullo, Attorney for the Town ‐ Did not have anything to report. Town Justices - Not present. Councilperson Crystal Young, Groton Youth Program – I will turn it over to Jennifer Jones our outgoing director to introduce Becky Koenig as our incoming director. Jennifer Jones, Outgoing Youth Director- It was March, 11 years ago I was hired. Hello, and Goodbye. Thank you so much for your support over the years. I have thoroughly enjoyed working for this Town and Village. You have made a great selection in Becky Koenig. Thank you so much for your dedication to youth programs to create a full-time position, I think Becky is learning just how much full-time this is. She is coming to you with a master’s degree in recreation. She has worked at Cornell Fitness center, has been a volunteer coach for us for a lot of years, volunteers with the fire department and is very invested in the community. I hope she will do a phenomenal job for you, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. Councilperson Young – I just want to say thank you, Jennifer. I can’t believe it has been 11 years and what an amazing job over the 11 years to grow this program to what it is today, to know as you have gotten ready to turn it over to Becky, to realize the enormous amount of time you have put into it and the youth and the entire community. We just want to thank you for all that you have done. Supervisor Scheffler – I was there when you were hired, 11 years ago. I just want to say I think it was Chuck Rankin who coined a phrase, and it was used a lot, “That Girl was a Find.” When they found you, things smoothed out. Thank you very much. Becky Koenig, Incoming Youth Director- I am excited and Jennifer has been great about agreeing to stay on to help in the transition through each season. Thankfully she will be a resource for me as I continue to learn and expand the other programs that we offer. Jennifer Jones, Outgoing Director – I really do not know how we would have done it differently, thinking of all of the little pieces that I do not remember until we are in the depths of it. So, thank you for keeping me on a bit longer to keep the transition smooth. Councilperson, Young – So Jennifer is going to stay on a bit longer and will be paid under the recreation assistant budget line to help Becky get established. Jennifer Jones, Outgoing Director – Becky has already submitted her first grant and will be taking her lifeguard certification and lifeguard management certification this spring to be set to take over the pool this summer. Becky Koenig, Incoming Youth Director – I have gotten approved by the school to host an adult co- ed volleyball team starting in the next couple of weeks. Any and all ideas are welcome so if you have thoughts please do share them. Town Board Minutes Page 13 January 10, 2023 Jennifer Jones, Outgoing Director – We have been trying to grow our track and field/cross country programs not ever really seeing huge gains. This summer, Simon Volt and Josh Klugman, both experienced runners and great with kids, took over our cross-country program this fall and we saw the largest numbers we have ever had. This has grown into a partnership with the school under the 21st Century Grant. We now have over 60 runners from ages 4 to 67 that meet at Lusk Field House for the winter. They will be going to their first indoor track meet next week. The most interesting thing is, it is for all ages. We are seeing parents and kids running together including some older women who come and just walk. Scott Weeks bought matching jerseys designed by a local art student for everyone out of his own funds. Councilperson, Young- I will add, the First Day Hike on January 1st was the largest attended hike of 42 people and 2 dogs who enjoyed hot cocoa and a bon fire set up by the Boy Scouts. Next year they are looking at adding a chili cook-off and advertising that there are several levels of hikes available, short to the longest of 3 miles. Winter Fest/Cabin Fever will be March 4th. Becky Koenig, Incoming Youth Director – I have confirmed with several vendors for that. Crossroads the Clown, a Magician, DJ Kelly, Photo Booth, and the ever-popular Roller Skating. I am also looking at an additional separate date for Roller Skating. I will also be focusing on a grant for beautification to give attention to the Welcome to the Village of Groton Signs and the Vietnam Veterans Highway signs to wash, repaint as well as the flowers underneath. Groton Fire Department Report, Eric Deforrest‐ To recap 2022, we finished off with 1009 total calls. 194 Fire, 851 dispatched ambulance calls, 815 confirmed calls. This was an intense year for us. That was 33 more calls than the previous years. The high residency ambulance calls are down significantly due to the Groton Nursing Home doing a great job staffing and keeping us out of there. Mutual aid is up significantly. I spoke last month about the difficulties staffing in the surrounding agencies. Last year we ran 34 mutual aid calls, this year we ran 83. I anticipate the way it hit in the fourth quarter, that will be a much larger number in 2023. I am still waiting on a meeting with Broome County to find out what can be done to combat the issue. We had two major fire incidents last year with a total loss of $45,000. I think this is a huge win for us and speaks to our time spent on community education. Other agencies report much higher losses. Our average out-the-door time was 4 minutes and 47 seconds between the time of the first dispatch, to the time the first apparatus is rolling out the door. We have some new members getting voted in next month and we have one member who will be taking the Cortlandville Interior Firefighter course. A couple more are taking the same program through Tompkins County Fire in the spring. Our food pantry collection with Santa was a pretty big win with a truckload of food going to them. We plan to move that date around or work with the post office to have folks put food out to collect at that time as well. The Christmas family adoption had a wonderful impact, and the entire department wants to be behind that next year. Chiefs this year will be myself, Rob Gallinger, Mike Lockwood and Josh Barron. New York State Comptroller Report Supervisor Scheffler- I have written up a response to the New York State Comptroller’s Audit Report which I am required to respond, and the board is required to approve. Basically, we are not spending enough on the highway department according to their calculations by about $265,000 a year. They would like us to be rotating trucks and all equipment faster than we are. They also recommended tightening up assets and accountability reporting which I will present tonight and we can make a decision if it is acceptable to the board. Town Board Minutes Page 14 January 10, 2023 Long-Term Capital Planning Proposed Resolution. WHEREAS, the New York State Comptroller’s Office has concluded an Audit of the Town of Groton’s books, records and operations and, WHEREAS, the Comptroller’s Office has found that the Town is lacking in Long Term Capital and Financial Planning and, WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Groton agrees with and wishes to comply with the findings of said audit and, WHEREAS, by this resolution, the Town adopts a Long-Term Planning Policy and Financial Plan hereby be it, RESOLVED, that to the extent practicable, the Town Board will increase the 2023 budget amounts for Machinery DA5130.2 in the 2024 budget by $25,000.00 each year for 3 years, and thereafter make annual increases by the estimated amount of inflation of anticipated purchases from said account. BE IT ALSO RESOLVED, to the extent practicable, that the Town Board will increase the 2023 budget amount for Capital Equipment Reserve DA0962.4 in the 2024 budget by $25,000.00 each year for (3) three years and thereafter make annual increases by the estimated rate of inflation of anticipated purchases from said account, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board, to the extent practicable, will budget a minimum of $10,000.00 to be added to the Building Repair Reserve Account each year for the next 3 years. This policy is to be reviewed annually by the Supervisor and the Superintendent, before the budget process, for the purpose of allowing flexibility between account appropriations as conditions and needs change. Supervisor Scheffler- This will put us up in 3 years to where they say we should be now, I have added the rate of inflation. Also, and correct me if I am wrong Ellard, but on some equipment just because it is old they think it needs to be replaced. This should get us up to where we should be. Superintendent Keister – I have extended the life span on things like the grader. I have a 12 year replacement plan and they have a year. Councilperson Gamel – My question is where is this money going to come from? It this raising taxes? Supervisor Scheffler – Sales tax is up this year but we can not rely on that all the time. They know we can’t do this all at once but want to see that we are trying. It is not written in stone. Councilperson Klumpp – Are we in danger of next year or in the next two years? New York State has the largest budget in the country due to policies like this. Supervisor Scheffler – I don’t foresee a problem next year. The same state that is telling me to not raise taxes, is telling me to raise taxes. They are also telling us to buy newer trucks faster but with all the money in the world no one can get a new truck right now. They have a formula that figures out we are spending way too much on repairs. Councilperson Young – I think the formula is fine as long as the money is there. Supervisor Scheffler – They want to see that we are trying. Instead of adding 265,000 in one year, I came up with this. Town Board Minutes Page 15 January 10, 2023 Councilperson Young – So what this says, is that we are not agreeing to add this particular amount of money to the budget if it’s not feasible at that time. Councilperson Klumpp – We are following orders from a government that has a terrible fiscal policy. Supervisor Scheffler – We have 90 days to think about this if you would rather wait. Councilperson Klumpp – I am ok with it because of the wording. Councilperson Gamel – I am too. Councilperson Young – If it is just showing a good faith effort to increase funds to put towards trucks then that is one thing. Councilperson Klumpp – I understand that Ellard has to deal with it but I am a taxpayer and I don’t like how much I give to any level of government in our State. I think that should be our number one priority. RESOLUTION #23‐019 ‐ NEW YORK STATE COMPTROLLER AUDIT RESPONSE REGARDING LONG-TERM CAPITAL AND FINANCIAL PLANNING. MOVED by Councilperson Gamel, seconded by Councilperson Klumpp that for the purposes of Long- Term Capital Planning, the Town Board approves the resolution proposed by the Supervisor to make the best effort to comply with the budgetary recommendations of the Comptroller’s State Audit report to the extent practicable. Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Resolution Passed Nays Assets and accountability proposal WHEREAS, the New York State Comptroller’s Office has concluded an Audit of the Town of Groton’s books, records, and operations and, WHEREAS, the Comptroller’s Office has found deficiencies in the Town’s control over assets and, WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Groton agrees with and wishes to comply with the findings of said audit, be it hereby RESOLVED, that all Departments shall review and update the assets list, and in addition, will add to the list, hand-held tools such as but not restricted to chainsaws, tamps, grade lasers and specialty shop tools. Surplus items will be auctioned or sold with prior board approval with funds received paid to the Town Supervisor. The Town Bookkeeper shall record asset acquisitions and disposal. An annual physical inventory of equipment and tools shall be performed by the Department Heads, along with a list of anticipated repair and/or replacement costs, with the Department Heads’ recommendations. Assets are to be tagged with a number, and /or identified by serial numbers and descriptions. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby updates the Capital Assets Policy to include all assets over $1500.00 with lower limits for walkable items at the discretion of the department heads. The Highway Superintendent shall update the Town Board on an annual basis in September on the condition and necessary repair or replacement costs of equipment. Councilperson Gamel- It is a horrible idea to have to account for every stapler, pencil, screw and bolt. Town Board Minutes Page 16 January 10, 2023 Councilperson Young – Is that what we have now? Supervisor Scheffler- Well what we have on the current Capital Assets Policy, you all should have a copy of it, states we have to keep a record of anything having a life span of over 2 years or $2000.00. They found walkable items, chainsaws or push lawn mowers are not accounted for. So, this will lower the limit to $1500.00. They also had a question about the line that talks about computers, which they could not understand, no one could, so I would like to cross that out. We believe it to be there when computers were first used they were more expensive than they are today. They also recommended Not including the small items. Councilperson Young – So it would not be every screw, bolt… RESOLUTION #23‐020 ‐ NEW YORK STATE COMPTROLLER AUDIT RESPONSE REGARDING ASSET CONTROL MOVED by Councilperson Gamel, seconded by Councilperson Klumpp that for the purposes of asset and control, the Town Board approves the 2nd resolution proposed by the Supervisor, will review and update the Capital Assets Policy, and advise him to respond to the report as approved. Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Resolution Passed Nays Capital Assets Policy RESOLUTION #23‐021 ‐ UPDATES TO TOWN OF GROTON CAPITAL ASSETS POLICY Purpose The purpose of this policy is to establish general principles for the management of Town- owned capital assets. The policy establishes procedures to be followed in the recording and disposition of these assets. Procedures to be followed when purchasing capital assets can be found in the Purchasing Policy. Types of Capital Assets Capital assets are items that have a useful life of at least two (2) years and a value of: $5,000.00 $1500.00 or more for equipment, except computers and printers, $20,000.00 for land, building, and $75,000.00 building improvements, and $75,000.00 for infrastructure assets. They are permanent in nature, tangible, and held for purposes other than investment or resale. Capital assets addressed in this policy are equipment, buildings, building improvements, land, computer software, and infrastructure assets. • Equipment is either moveable or fixed. Moveable equipment is not permanently affixed to or part of a building. Some moveable equipment consists of more than one component, such as a computer, monitor, keyboard. The entire unit should be recorded as a single asset. Fixed equipment is permanently affixed to a building but is separate from the building itself. Examples are wall-to-wall carpeting, built-in cabinets, and water fountains. • Buildings and building improvements can include equipment items that are installed as an essential part of the structure, such as plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems, elevators, and boilers. Building improvements add function or significantly extend the useful Town Board Minutes Page 17 January 10, 2023 life of the structure. Costs that do not meet this requirement should be expensed as repairs and maintenance. • Computer software is either acquired or developed by the Town for internal use. The costs of purchased goods and services relating to the installation of the software, payroll, and payroll- related costs directly related to the project should be capitalized. • Infrastructure assets include roads, sidewalks, parking lots, and water and sewer systems. Sidewalk and parking lots that are ancillary to a building will be considered part of the building. Improvements that add function or significantly extend the useful life of the structure should be capitalized. Costs that do not meet this requirement should be expensed as repairs and maintenance. • Assets that are accounted for under a grant or contract must comply with all contractual obligations set forth in the agreement. Capital Asset Valuation The value of the asset should include the purchase price, transportation costs, installation costs, value received from a trade-in, and any other direct expenses incurred by the Town in obtaining the asset. Assets that are donated to the Town should be valued at the fair market value of the asset on the date of donation. Assets purchased under a capital lease must be valued at the current market value and should not include any interest. Items acquired with an operating system are not considered capital assets. The expense is considered rent. A lease is a capital lease if any of the following conditions exist: 1. Ownership transfers to the Town at the end of the lease. 2. The lease contains a bargain purchase option. 3. The lease period is at least 75% of its useful life. 4. The present value of the lease payments is at least 90% of fair market value. Transferring Equipment to Another Town Department When capital equipment is transferred from one department to another department within the Town, the asset must be added to the Capital Asset list of that Department. Conducting Physical Inventories A physical inventory of all moveable equipment should be conducted every five (5) years . The purpose of a physical inventory is to verify the existence and condition of equipment and ensure the accuracy of the Town's accounting records. The basis for the inventory reports is the capital assets system maintained by the Town. All dispositions and transfers between departments should be communicated to the Town Board throughout the year to maintain accuracy of these records. The physical inventory process will reveal discrepancies between recorded data and physical assets and provide an opportunity to make corrections. Town Board Minutes Page 18 January 10, 2023 The Town Bookkeeper will supply current equipment inventory listings to the departments. During the inspection of equipment, note items found and not on the list, items appearing on the inventory list that have since been disposed of, (include disposition date and method of disposal), any corrections regarding location, description, status, condition, and any other pertinent information. The inventory listing must be signed by the department head and returned with the list to the Town Bookkeeper. Dispositions When a department no longer has a need for an item of equipment, departments may, if they choose, give equipment items to other departments. Before disposing of a capital asset, the Town Board either will approve the request or make the Department aware of any disposal limitations. Departments are not authorized to give Town equipment items to private individuals or organizations. Assets acquired with government or corporate funds are subject to terms and conditions stated in the various agreements. Title to equipment may vest with the government or corporate agency or with the Town. It is likely that permission from the agency will be needed before disposing of government or corporate-funded assets. Contact the Town Bookkeeper for the required procedures for any such disposal. Assets donated by individuals that are valued at $5,000 $1500.00 or more, which are disposed of within two years of the date of the gift, are subject to reporting to the Internal Revenue Service. Contact the Town Bookkeeper for the required procedures for any such disposal. Surplus equipment that is not transferred to another department will be offered for sale to the general public. To comply with federal, state, or other regulations items recommended for sale must be offered to the Town Departments. In general, items will be sold to the highest bidder. However, there may be occasions when a bid may be given preference, even if it is lower than another bid. Items will remain on the surplus list for one month. Preferences for equal bids should be given in the following order: 1. Town Departments 2. Local school districts or charitable organizations 3. Employees, for personal use 4. General public If no bids are received after four weeks, the items may be discarded. When disposing of capital assets, follow these steps: 1. Before disposal, remove all tags and official Town seals or logos. Report to the Bookkeeper for the Capital records update. Note: Before disposing of computer equipment, to preserve confidentiality, and protect Town interests, Departments must remove all data and Town-licensed software through disk formatting, degaussing, or other permanent means. Town Board Minutes Page 19 January 10, 2023 2. Physically remove from the property items approved for disposal. When necessary, Departments may move them to a temporary storage location within the Departments buildings. 3. Include only items that have been formally approved for disposal. 4. In all circumstances, Departments must notify the Bookkeeper of the disposition of the asset and the amount of any proceeds collected from the sale. Assets must be discarded in an environmentally responsible fashion. Even common items, such as computers and refrigerators, may be considered regulated waste and/or require special handling. Surplus computer equipment no longer needed for Town purposes may be donated to public schools, public libraries, other public and private institutions for secular educational use or not-for-profit institutions for use by individuals with disabilities, pursuant to general Municipal Law and the Town Board approval. Prior to disposing of computer equipment, all information or software specific to, or the property of the Town should be removed from the equipment. MOVED by Councilperson Young, seconded by Councilperson Klumpp to approve the changes and remove the line regarding computers as noted. Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Resolution Passed Nays Records Storage Agreements RESOLUTION #23‐022 ‐ APPROVE RECORD STORAGE AGREEMENTS WITH THE GROTON RURAL CEMETERY AND GROTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL MOVED by Councilperson Klumpp, seconded by Councilperson Youngs to approve the record storage agreements with the Groton Rural Cemetery and the Groton Community Council extending the renewal dates to 2025 if the associations are willing otherwise staying with one year. Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Resolution Passed Nays Court Security Agreement The Groton Town Court provided a letter of positive support to the Town Board that included how the officer was being utilized other than the security detail. The court respectfully requests the continuation of the contract. RESOLUTION #23‐023 ‐ APPROVE COURT SECURITY AGREEMENT WITH THE VILLAGE OF GROTON MOVED by Councilperson Gamel, seconded by Councilperson Klumpp that based upon the recommendations of the Town Court, the board approves the continuation of the Court Security Agreement with the Village of Groton. Councilperson Young – Refresh my memory, did we budget for that this year? Town Board Minutes Page 20 January 10, 2023 Councilperson Gamel – Yes, we had it in last year, it is in the budget for this year. Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Resolution Passed Nays Tax Exemption Real Property Law -466-a. Volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers. Supervisor Scheffler – The State Legislation has passed Law 466-a which authorizes each municipality to establish and exemption on real property taxes, up to 10% for Volunteer Firefighters, Ambulance workers and their spouses. The must meet certain conditions. The fire department must come up with parameters to give to the municipality that if they meet, would then qualify for this deduction. I think it is worthwhile. They are volunteers who spend a lot of their personal time for the community, so it makes sense to give something back to them. This exemption overall made up by the taxpayer, is a very minimal. Groton Fire Chief, Eric Deforrest– I think as well, it is a great incentive to give to people, to get people back interested in volunteering. We live in a world today where we have seen an alarming decline in volunteer participation over the past 5 to 6 years. Our active crew right now has an average age of 35 years. We do not have that younger generation interested that would do the grunt work and allow the older guys to guide them. Councilperson Klumpp - I am in favor of it. Councilperson Young – I think it’s a good start. Supervisor Scheffler – This is a local law so we will need to set up a public hearing for next months meeting to see what the public thinks and then we can act on it. Attorney Fran Casullo – What you would do is pass a resolution that you propose local law number 1 of 2023 that would give, under certain terms and conditions that a volunteer fire fighter would then qualify for a 10% property tax exemption on their residential property. Councilperson Gamel- Just so I have it clear, are there rules in place so no one is allowed to volunteer on January 1st, get the exemption and then quit? Fire Chief, Eric Deforrest,– We have been working with Jay to establish those guidelines to assure the volunteer is in good standing with the department. I am going to be strict with these guidelines. Town Clerk, Cargian – Section d) states members have a minimum service of 2- 5 years. RESOLUTION #23‐025‐ PROPOSE LOCAL LAW #1 of 2023 AUTHORIZING A REAL PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR QUALIFYING VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS AND VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE MEMBERS PERSUANT TO CERTAIN TERMS AND CONDITIONS ESTABLISHED BY THE VOLUNTEER FIRE/AMBULANCE DEPARTMENTS AND THE TOWN OF GROTON AND SET A PUBLIC HEARING FOR FEBRYARY 14, 2023 WHEREAS, the Town of Groton wishes to encourage its residents to volunteer for service with the Groton Fire/Ambulance Departments as well as the McLean Fire District, as firefighters or Emergency Medical Personnel, and Town Board Minutes Page 21 January 10, 2023 WHEREAS, the New York State Legislature adopted and the Governor signed in 2022, legislation to enable municipalities to permit up to a 10 per cent exemption on the volunteer’s residential property assessment for qualifying volunteer members, and WHEREAS, the Groton Town Board not only actively encouraged adoption of this law, but now chooses to implement it in the Town, and WHEREAS, the newly amended Section 466-a of the New York State Real Property Tax Law requires adoption of a Local Law to permit municipalities to offer this exemption, and that adoption of such local law, in turn, requires a Public Hearing, therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Groton Town Board hereby authorizes a Public Hearing on Local Law #1 2023, a Local Law authorizing Section 466-a of the New York State Real Property Tax Law. A Property Tax Exemption to Volunteer Firefighters and Volunteer Ambulance Workers with said public hearing to be held on February 14, 2023 at 8:00 pm at the Groton Town Hall. FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Groton Town Clerk is hereby authorized to place proper notice of such public hearing in the official newspaper of the Town. MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Gamel to approve resolution #23-025 proposing Local Law #1 of 2023 and schedules the Public Hearing. Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Resolution Passed Nays Available position as the Zoning and Planning Board Secretary Supervisor Scheffler – Joan Fitch has retired after many years as the recording secretary for the Planning and Zoning Boards. Joan was a private individual who would send in a voucher for her hours to be paid. How would the board like to handle filling this position? The deputy clerk has considered trying it but it would not be part of her deputy clerk duty. Councilperson Gamel- Would this be any kind of conflict of interest? Clerk Cargian, No but it would become another subsection of the Town Clerk’s office where her duty would be stretched to include this and that is not part of her job description as my deputy. Councilperson Gamel- So it would be other work, outside of the Town Clerk’s office. Not getting paid to do this while also doing her work as a deputy. It’s got to be a different job outside the clerk’s office. Supervisor Scheffler – I was thinking she would still be on the books, not as a contractor but as an employee doing it at her wage, at a two-hour minimum or we could pay a couple hours overtime. We looked at some historical rates from Joan and it would come out to about the same. Councilperson Gamel – Here’s the problem with that. If she decided to do it for a couple of months and doesn’t want to do it. You are talking about mixing it in with the deputy clerk job? Town Board Minutes Page 22 January 10, 2023 Attorney Casullo – I think you need to keep it as an independent contractor. Joan was an independent contractor and Denise will have to this work outside her work. Is there anyone out there who was taking over all of the Town’s Joan covered? I can see how it could potentially create a conflict with the clerk’s office. Councilperson Gamel – I am open to offering it to Denise as an independent contractor. I think it should be two separate positions. Councilperson Klumpp – What is the potential conflict with doing both? Attorney Casullo – As her employment as the Deputy Town Clerk, her duties do not include being the Zoning/Planning Board Secretary. I don’t know if you want to go down that road to include those duties, if she doesn’t like it, that job is separate and can be filled by someone else. MOVED by Councilperson Gamel, Seconded by Supervisor Scheffler to accept the resignation of Joan Fitch as the secretary to the Planning and Zoning Boards, we are sorry to see her go and wish her all the best. Ayes - Young, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Resolution Passed Nays Community Advisory Committee Solar Regulations Councilperson Klumpp – The Community Advisory Committee to review the Town’s solar regulations, met on Saturday January 7th. We have formed a framework of goals and a game plan. We will meet again on January 21st. Privilege of the Floor: No one wished to speak. If any board member would like to go to the Association of Town’s meeting, you will need to get signed up shortly. Announcements:  Planning Board Meeting, January 19 at 7:30 pm  Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting, January 18 at 7:00 pm  Public Hearing February 14 at 8:00 pm There being no further business, Councilperson Gamel moved to adjourn, seconded by Supervisor Scheffler at 8:55pm. Unanimous. Robin Cargian, RMC Town Clerk