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Home My WebLink About1977-06-06• MINUTES OF THE TOIJN BOARD MEETING HELD MONDAY, JUNE 6, 1977 AT 7:30 P.M. Those present were: Hicks B. Dow Supervisor Merl Rankin,-Jr., Councilman Ellard L. Sovocool, Councilman, Robert Walpole, Town Justice Arland Heffron, Town Justice Benjamin Bucko, Town Attorney Leland. Cornelius, Highway Superintendent Also present were: Claude Holden, Kenneth Wood, Diary Evelyn Dempsey, Don Cummings - WTKO Mr. Walpole moved, to accept minutes of the Torn Board meeting held May 2, 1977, as mailed, Seconded by Mr. Heffron, Ayes - Walpole, Sovocool, Rankin, Heffron, Dow, Claims #130 - 162 of the Highway Fund and #117 - 148 of the General Fund were presented for audit. Mr. Walpole moved that the bills be paid and the clerk instructed to draw the warrant for them. Seconded by Mr. Sovocool. Ayes - Walpole, Sovocool, Rankin, Heffron, Dow Moved by Mr. Rankin, Tax Assessment Review seconded by Mr. Board on June Walpole 8 from 3 to appoint Hicks Dow to serve on - 7 PM with Claude Holden and. Tom Payne. Ayes - Walpole,---Sovocool,. Rankin,.Heffron, Dow." Discussed sample of proposed local law-for dog control. Moved by Mr. Walpole, seconded by Mr. Heffron to place sample local law on table for seven days to allow Board to consider it for next meeting:then make resolution for public hearing. Ayes - Walpole, Sovocool, Rankin, Heffron, Dow Latest facts on LVRR reported by Mr. Dow: .$110/acre value of RR property - make $5000 purchase offer which excludes rails & ties. Cable TV Commission held its organizational meeting on June 2 at the Ithaca Town Hall. Review committee will meet to-establish model franchise, etc., with hopes of getting the two or three remaining villages to approve the transfer from Cherrache to "ATC, Discussed Amerman case - Must get letter from Dana that he sent Mr. Amerman. Bob Brown must file complaint with Justices and contact Town Attorney. Mr. Walpole moved to appoint Bob Brown as Enforcement Officer effective June 6 through.December.31 at the current salary rate of $18OO/year and 120/mile. Seconded by Mr. Sovocool. Ayes - Walpole, Sovocool, Rankin, Heffron, Dow Mr. Walpole moved thattthe following election inspectors be appointed: REPUBLICAN DEMOCRAT District #1' Charlotte Rankin Mildred Christofferson District #2 Ruth Huhtanen (Clerk) Norma Shurtleff Elma Hurst District #3 Ruth Bell (Clerk) Joyce Stewart Karlene Stamm District #4 Betty.Bro° ?m Maxie Kirk. Custodians Gurdon Lockwood Recheckers Robert Brown POLLING PLACES District #1 District #2 District #3 District #4 Patricia Senecal Mary Adams Francis.0'Shea (Clerk) Ann Smith, Mary Walpole Teresa Robinson (Clerk) Margaret._ O'Hara Janet Phelps Helen Graham .. Mary, Parker West Groton Church West Side ':Town Clerk's Office East Side Torn Clerk's Office McLean Community Church Hall Leonard Proper Ross Rockwell Seconded by Mr. Sovocool. Ayes - Walpole, Sovocool, Rankin, Heffron, Dow ii 12 Motion made by Mr. Walpole for Highway Superintendent to work with Mr. Rankin to establish polling place in District #1 that meets requirements. Seconded. by Mr. Sovocool. Ayes - Walpole, Sovocool, Rankin, Heffron, Dow Moved by Mr. Heffron, seconded by Mr. Walpole to schedule inspection of Pat Galbraith's property on June 13 at 7:30 P.M., then meet with Mr. Galbraith on June 27 at 7:30 P.M. to resolve. (Hicks will -write letter.) Mr. Walpole moved that a 60 day temporary permit be granted Mr. Richard Case to use his personal residence of a trailer until his home is completed on August 1. A letter from Mr. Case should 'be signed to that affect. Seconded by Mr. Rankin. Ayes - Walpole, Sovocool, Rankin, Heffron, Dow Motion made by Mr. Walpole, seconded by Mr. Heffron to pass Local Law Ido. 1 providing for written notification of defects and obstructions on town highways and sidewalks in the Town of Groton, County of Tompkins and State of New York. Ayes - Walpole, Sovocool, Rankin, Heffron, Dow (All Local. Laws must be kept in three -ring notebook.) (1 copy to County Clerk; 2 copies to Audit and Control; 3 copies to Secretary of State. To be taken care of by Town Attorney.) Motion made by Mr. Sovocool., seconded by Mr. Rankin to table action on SEQR until further clarification is available. Ayes - Walpole, Sovocool, Rankin, Heffron, Dow Moved by Mr. Walpole, seconded, by Mr. Sovocool that Teresa Robinson be authorized to attend the double entry bookkeeping school in Binghamton on June 7, 8, 9, 15, 16 & July 17, and. for Leland Cornelius to attend classes for Highway Superintendent at Cornell on June 6, 7 & 8. Both will be reimbursed for registration, lunch and mileage. Ayes - Walpole, Sovocool, Rankin, Heffron, Dow Discussed three Planning Board proposals as submitted: #1) Eliminate Junkyards in the Town of Groton - No, unconstitutional; #2) Consider allowing Auto Repair Shops in Agricultural Zone - Seriously considering but needs more study - tabled.; #3) Change Minor Sub - division to three instead of two - Good idea - -would eliminate Minor and Major Sub-divisions, Discussed public hearing held. on May 23, 1977 regarding application for a Junk Yard License by James W. Lockwood and. after due deliberations the following resolution was made: RESOLUTION NO. 12 - REJECTION OF JAMES W. LOCXWCOD'S JUNK YARD APPLICATION Moved by Mr. Walpole, seconded by Mr. Sovocool. Ayes - ldalpole, Sovocool, Rankin, Heffron, Dow BE IT RESOLVED, that James W. Lockwood's ap;�lication for a junk yard license be rejected for the following reasons: 1) In violation at the present time of a sub-division regulation, 2) Lack of willingness to cooperate, 3} Public sentiment from viewpoint of property depreciation, %) Petition against junk yard from 70f residents, 5) No way to hide junk yard., 6) Creek passing through property classified as "C" stream, and 7} Application defective. Discussed appointing interim Supervisor - No action taken at this time. Check on date of temporary permit issued to Mrs. Brenda Kryszczuk, 593 West Groton Road. Consensus was that trailer has been moved and house is nearly torn down. Moved by Mr. Walpole, seconded by Mr. Sovocool, to purchase desk and chair for Town Clerk. Anti- Recession Title II Funds are to be used to pay for above. Ayes - Walpole, Sovocool, Rankin, Heffron, Dow Moved by Mr. Walpole, seconded by Mr. Sovocool, to pay Highway Bill from Paul T. Seeley for Moving and Demolishing Bridge from Anti- Recession Title II Funds in the amount of $660. Ayes - IJalpole, Sovocool, Rankin, Heffron, Dow There being no further business, Mr. Heffron moved to adjourn meeting, seconded by Mr. Sovocool, at 10:05 P.M. U • 1_ 3 JUNE 16, 1977 - TOWN BOARD MEMBERS MET @ 7:30 P.M. Those present were: Verl Rankin, Jr., Deputy Supervisor Ellard L. Sovocool, Councilman Robert F. Walpole, Town Justice Arland Heffron, Town Justice Subject: To discuss possible candidates..for the supervisor's vacancy. The following names were mentioned: Bert Houston, Glenn Munson, Bob Brown, Don McMasters, George Hajney, Wilson Berry, Ralph Cummings, Frank Scheffler, Jim Carey, Howard Tyler, Gordon VanBenschoten, Sheldon Clark and John Lewis. Set July 5, 1977 as regular Town Board Meeting, due to Monday being a Holiday. Discussed salary for new supervisor - can we pay less - $275/mo. Will have to look at law. Discussed Deputy Supervisor's salary being at the current supervisors' rate. Discussed advantages and. disad.91rantages of having a Fiscal Officer or a Budget Offices.. L 1 . t as CIO L Lo JUNE 27, 1977 - TOI4N BOARD MEMBERS MET @ 7:30 P . M . Those present were: Verl Rankin, Jr., Deputy Supervisor Arland. Heffron, Town Justice Ellard L:6 Sovocool, oCouncilman Also present were: Daria Snell, Enforcement Officer Consultant Robert Brown, Enforcement Officer Mr. & Mrs. Floyd Galbraith' • • Purpose of M6etirig: To'discuss site inspection at the Galbraith property on Walpole "Road that took place June 13, 1977, in order to ascertain if the Galbraiths are or are not in violation of Junk Yard Ordinance. Deputy Supervisor asked the board members if they had. any comments. They felt it was up t6' the enforcement officexs and asked for their comments.' Zoning Officers report (Dana Snell): "He is satisfied at present unless something shows up when the grass disappears." Robert Brown "I haven't followed it that closely, but it looks okay to me." Deputy * Supervisor asked Mr. Galbraith if he had any comments. Mr. Galbraith replied., "You have already heard my views and I have no further comment." Moved by Mr. Heffron,'seconded. by Mr. Sovocool; that the Galbraiths are in compliance with the Zoning Ordinance. Ayes - Rankin, Heffron, Sovocool, IoIr. Galbraith asked what would be done with the summons that was served against his .rife. The Board said it would be disregarded. Clerk will contact Attorney Buck'a regarding summons. Mr. Galbraith requested that the Town Attorney write him a letter indicating disposition of summons: Mr. Galbraith' ri: uested: the Clerk• tb send a copy of the minutes o£ this meeting to him. Motion made by Mr. Rankin, seconded by Mr. Sovocool, 'to adjourn meeting!-at 7:4o Psms. JULY 62 1977 101UTES OF THE TOWN BOARD MEEMIC HELD AT 7 :30 P.M: Those present were: Verl Rankin, Jr., Deputy Supervisor El.lasd L. Sovocool, Councilman Robert F. Walpole, Town Justice A'rlarid Heffron; Town Justice Benjamin Bucko, Town Attorney Leland Cornelius, Highway Superintendent Also present were: Claude Holden, Robert Brown, Teresa Robinson, Charles Matejka Mr. Walpole moved to accept minutes of Town Board Meetings held on June 6, June 16 as mailed, and. June 27 after correction as mailed.. Seconded. by Mr. Sovocool. Ayes - Walpole, Sovocool, Heffron, Rankin 14 Claims #165 - #190 of the Highway Department and t#149 - #174 of the General Fund were presented for audit. Also Federal. Revenue Vouchers #8 - #14 were presented for audit, Mr. Heffron moved that the bills be paid and the clerk instructed to draw the warrant for them. Seconded by Mr. Walpole. Ayes - Walpole, Sovocool, Heffron, Rankin. Discussed how Title II money could. be spent. Moved by Mr. Walpole that $900.00 of Title II money be designated for Bridge Work Supervisor Basso on Old Stage Road for Bridge Construction to be transfered to Highway Item II Account. Seconded by Mr. Sovocool. Ayes-- Walpole, Sovocool, Heffron, Rankin: Clerk read public notice to 'bidders for a 1978 4 -wheel drive dump truck -snow plow combination. Charles J. Blackwell, Inc., of Horseheads, N.Y., was the only bidder with a bid. of $72,744.00 less-trade allowance of $20,300.00 for a total bid of $52,444.00 Totim Attorney and. Highway Superintendent *rent over proposal making sure it was in compliance with entire contract. Moved by Mr: Walpole to accept bid as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Sovocool. Ayes - Walpole, Sovocool, Heffron, Rankin. Discussed vacancy of supervisor and possible candidates as follows: George Hajney Has just been appointed. Fire Chief in-McLean and, also travels from December through March; Howard Tyler - would. like more time to consider, Don McItlasters - interested; Glenn Munson - not interested.; John Lewis - doesn't have time in s=pring, just winter months; Jim Carey - not able to devote enough time to do job properly. Lou and Arlands impression of seeking a candidate was for Interim Supervisor- - not one to run in primaries. Matter was tabled. Discussed compensation for Deputy Supervisor. Mr. Walpole moved that Deputy be paid his Councilman's salary of $83.33 /mo...plus compensation of $261.67 totaling $345.00/mo. Seconded by Mr. Sovocool. Ayes - Walpole, Sovocool, Heffron, t . . Tabled discussing Interim Supervisor's pay. Lee Cornelius reported that the school was interested in the I Beams taken out of bridge on Old Stage Road to use to build bridge across a creek so they could. get to topsoil. We cannot give them beams- -must set a reasonable value on them.- Mr. Cornelius will look into and report at next meeting. Claude Holden reported on County Youth Program that was passed 10 - 4 by. the Board of Reps. Can stay local at the same amount of money. If we go County .ride, part will have to go to County Youth Services if we want more matching funds. Flatter was tabled. until we have more information. (Need info prior to budgeting in September.) Resolution made.by,Mr. Walpole, seconded by Mr. Heffron,.to hold a ,public hearing on Local Law Regulating and Controlling the Activities of Dogs in the Town of Groton, to be known as the "Dog Control Law ", on August 1, 1977 at 8:00 P.M. Ayes - Walpole, Sovocool, Heffron; Rankin (Ben.wills draw up notice.) Discussed phased schedule of SEU. Ben Bucko will send copies of resolution that the boaxd previously tabled for possible action at our next meeting. (8/1/77) Bob Brown, Enforcement Officer, will carry on without Dana as a consultant. He requested and received the Boards support on any actions..required to enforce ordinances. Ben indicated it was best to have a resolution on record directing him to take proper actions. Lockwood was discussed -- Letter was }written on June 20 giving him 30 days to comply with ordinance which as of this date he has not yet started. Yocum was also discussed - -in violation of trailer ordinance. Resolution moved by Mr. Walpole, seconded by Mr. Sovocool, authorizing Enforce- ment Officer to take proper actions against Yocum. Ayes - Sovocool., Heffron, Walpole, Rankin. RESOLU11ION NO. 13 - PROPOSED 1978 TOWN HIGHWAY IMPRO'nEMENT PROGRAM Moved by Mr. Walpole, seconded, 'by Mr. Rankin. Ayes - Walpole, Sovocool, Heffron, Rankin BE IT RESOLVED, to proceed with 1978 Town Highway Improvement Program #1 - Champlin Road from Davis Road South to.Stevens Road (0.68 miles) and #2 - Champlin Road from Elm Street North to State Route 222 (0.53 miles). Discussed new legislation of 50% Real Property Tax Law Exemption for persons 65 or old.er raised from $6500 to $7200. Need action by August 1. Ben_ Bucko will look into and advise. Tabled until next meeting. e� Reviewed distribution of Community Service Center Funds. The Town had originally advanced the Center $2000.00. In response for proposals for distributing the funds, the Town's proposal was in the interests of the taxpayer - -it would be happy to return any monies to the General Fund. This request was denied and funds were disbursed as follows: Monies on hand - $9512 minus $3848 for Gad -A Bout Bus, minus $2500 for Tennis Court - Skating Rink, minus $1000 for Gad -A =Bout Reserve (Bank), minus $1500 for Groton Housing, minus $360 for Day Care for Transportation of Children, minus $280 for Masons Youth Activities, minus $24 for Misc. Expenses. No action was taken. Motion made by Mr. Sovocool that Robert Walpole serve as liaison from the Town of Groton to the Human Services Coalition. Seconded by Mr. Heffron. Ayes - Sovocool, Heffron, Rankin, Reviewed Quarterly Budget - -will remain as is until October then transfer funds from Title II for Deputy Town Clerk. isBob Brown, Enforcement Officer, reported. that .lames Lockwood was selling gravel as a commercial business and without a special permit to mine gravel. Bob can file criminal complaint in Justice Court. Resolution made by Mr. Walpole, seconded by Mr. Sovocool to start legal action in 15 days. Ayes - Walpole, Sovocool, Heffron, Rankin. Moved by Mr. Walpole, seconded. by Mr. Sovocool, to respond to Telephone Companies request; that we favor plan to expand our local calling area to Ithaca. Moved by Mr. Heffron, seconded by Mr. Rankin, to adjourn meeting at 9:45 P.M. AUGUST 1,1977 - MINUTES OF THE TOWN BOARD MEETING HELD AT 7:30 P.M. Those present were: Verl Rankin, Jr., Deputy Supervisor Ellard L. Sovocool, Councilman Robert F. Walpole, Town Justice Arland Heffron, Town Justice Benjamin Bucko, Town Attorney Leland Cornelius, Highway Superintendent Also present were: Claude Holden, Kenneth Wood, Teresa Robinson, Bill Shaer, Mary Evelyn Dempsey & Paul LaDolce - Cortland Standard Reporters, Mrs. Betty Howland, Mrs, Linda Cox and. Mrs. Stewart Brown of the SPCA. Also about '20 residents for Dog Control Hearing. Mr. Walpole moved to accept minutes of Torn Board Meeting held on July 6, 1977, as mailed.. Seconded By Mr. Sovocool. Ayes - Walpole, Sovocool, Heffron, Rankin . Claims #193 -215A of the Highway Department and #175 -198 of the General Fund were presented for audit. Mr. Walpole moved 'that the bills be paid and the Clerk instructed to draw the warrant for them. Seconded by Mr. Sovocool. Ayes - Walpole, Sovocool, Heffron, Rankin. Public Hearing on Dog Control Law held at 8:00 P.M. with Jo Bell as recording secretary. Discussed new limits of income for partial. exemption for Taxation of Real Property owned, by persons 65 or older. Present income level is $3000 - $6500. New law provides income level from $3000 - $7200. Town must determine the effect this would have on the budget. Assessment office could give us the number of people presently getting 50% exemption. Due to the final assessment roll being out, it is too late to consider change this year. Matter will be brought up before 1979's budget. Discussed County Youth Program. County Youth Board has been created w:i.th 5 persons from the City of Ithaca and 1 person each from Towns & Villages. Bill Shaw expressed an interest in program since he has had 15 years of experience working with different youth bureaus. Mr. Walpole moved that Bill Shaw be appointed Torn Representative to the County Youth Board. Seconded by Mr. Heffron, Ayes - Walpole, Sovocool, Heffron, Rankin. Discussed. McLean rare Districts request to terminate present contract and date to discuss new contract for 1978. Problem is a clause regarding disability benefits. It is an insurance question -not a legal question -which will have to be solved between Dempsey and Bailey Insurance Companies. Board will wait for McLean to set date to discuss new contract for 19780