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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-05-21C (D 3 REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING DATE: MAY 219 2003 TIME: 7:00 P.M. PLACE: TOWN HALL BOARD ROOM AGENDA 1. Call Meeting to order 2. Roll Call 3. Pledge of Allegiance 4. Anyone wishing to address the Board 50 John Bailey - Insurance renewal 6. LCLC Report - Cal Warren 7. Engineer's Report 80 Highway Superintendent's Report 90 Code Officer's Report 10. Resolution approving addition to Bolton Point Office 11. Provisional appointment of Dawn Bogdan as Principal Account Clerk/Typist 12. Award Contract - Computer Services 13. Approve Minutes of April 16, 2003 14. Approve Audit 15. Board Member Reports 16. Executive Session if needed 17. Adjournment ate May 21, 2003 The Lansing Town Board met in Regular Session at the Lansing Town Hall Board Room at 7:00 p.m. with Supervisor Farkas presiding. The Supervisor called the meeting to order and had the clerk take the Roll Call. Stephen Farkas Katrina Greenly Doug McEver Meg Overstrom Francis Shattuck Bonita Boles Guy Krough ROLL CALL Supervisor Councilperson Councilperson Councilperson Councilperson Town Clerk Town Attorney Present Present (7:15) Present Present Present Present Present VISITORS: Jack French, Mr. and Mrs. Howland, Ron Shaw, Dave Herrick, Cal Warren, John Bailey, Pat Conlon, Dick Platt, Charlie Nedrow, Connie Wilcox, Herb Beckwith, Rod Kearl, Irene Tyrrell, Steve Colt, Bert Fortner, A. Feldzmen and Nick LiVigne. The Supervisor lead all present in the Pledge of Allegiance. JOHN BAILEY - RENEWAL OF THE TOWN'S INSURANCE: Mr. Bailey passed out an overview of the proposed renewal and went over it with the Board. He recommended staying with PERMA for Workman's Comp. Insurance. He stated that he will contact NYMIR and have them come out and evaluate the Town's assets. After a question and answer period, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION, offered by Mrs. Overstrom and seconded by Mr. McEver: WHEREAS, the George B. Bailey Agency, Inc. Is the Town's broker of record for several municipal insurers; and WHEREAS, John Bailey presented several competitive bids for insurance to the Board upon the several different types of coverage needed by the Town; and WHEREAS, John Bailey had analyzed the prices and coverages provided by separate bidders and made recommendations regarding the same; and WHEREAS, the necessary insurance is required to be in place by June 1, 2003 for the policy period for June 1, 2003 to May 31, 2004; and WHEREAS, after review and discussion of such proposal, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, that the bid for Workers' Compensation insurance submitted by PERMA (the Public Employers Risk Management Association), be and hereby is accepted and renewed for an additional calendar year; and it is further RESOLVED, that the bids for various coverages and types of insurance policies and endorsements submitted by NYMIR (the New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal), including general liability, automobile, inland marine, umbrella (excess liability coverage), boiler & machine, Owners' & Contractors' Protective Liability (OCP), Public Officials, Law Enforcement coverages, and other and related coverage provided in such bids and policies, be and hereby are accepted and renewed for an additional calendar year; and it is further RESOLVED, that the bid for a Public Employees' Blanket Bond, submitted by Selective, be and hereby is approved and renewed for an additional calendar year. P) Continued, May 21, 2003 Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Katrina Greenly, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Doug McEver, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Meg Overstrom, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Francis Shattuck, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Stephen Farkas, Supervisor CAL WARREN - LANSING LIBRARY COMMITTEE: Mr. Warren and Mr. Fortner gave a presentation to the Board regarding proposed changes in the present library. The main issue was that the existing back of the building would eventually become the front entrance. The estimated cost of the project is $ 116,000.00. The committee has raised over $ 30,000.00 and hopefully, will receive a grant in the amount of $50,000.00. PARKLAND RECREATION COMMITTEE: Mr. Herb Beckwith and Mr. Rod Kearl gave a presentation to the Board regarding the usage of the Town owned land across from the current ball fields on Auburn Road. The report read as follows: Summary The Parkland Recreation Committee has held meetings since February on a bi- weekly basis to examine development options for the land purchased by the Town from New York State. Among other issues, the Committee has been gathering information on golf course design, construction and operation as a principal focus of the project. The Committee met with representatives of a golf course design and construction company, reviewed publications from the National Golf Foundation, examined surveys and maps of the land, and has gathered information. The Committee wishes to solicit public input on the potential development of the land in order to provide the Town Board with a sense of the community. In particular, the Committee wishes to learn what the residents positions are regarding a golf course. While the Committee anticipates and supports several other possible complimentary uses of the land, such as athletic fields and hiking trails, there are several reasons why a golf course requires special attention. The construction of a golf course would use up a significant portion of the land and, as a result, impact any other potential uses. Further, in order to construct an appropriate golf course, it may be necessary to obtain additional land. The decision to construct a golf course also raises all of the questions of how best to own and operate what would be in effect a significant Town Business. Most importantly, a golf course is a major undertaking that will require a long -term financial commitment by the Town. The consensus of the Committee is that a golf course should be financially viable without impacting the tax rate. The Committee would like to find out if this is the consensus of the residents as well. However, the Committee has decided that it needs to have reliable information on the financial projections for the construction and operation of a golf course before it can make a presentation and solicit input from the public. A feasibility study appears to be the best way to generate the necessary information for a public presentation. Therefore, the Committee believes that a feasibility study is a necessary step in responsibly proceeding with making the decisions regarding the development of this Town land. As a result, the recommendation of the Committee is to request that the Town Board authorize the expenditure of Town funds in an amount not to exceed $ 25,000.00 for the purpose of conducting a feasibility study for the development of the Town land. Based upon the information reviewed by the Committee, there are several further recommendations that the Committee wishes to make regarding the scope of the feasibility study, particular topics that should be addressed as a part of the analysis and other actions that the Committee believes are necessary to properly develop this land for recreational use. 265 266 Continued May 21, 2003 Golf Course The Committee recommends that a feasibility study focus primarily on the economic viability of a golf course within certain parameters of design and construction. Based upon the information gathered so far, it appears that in order to be economically viable, the golf course would need to be what can be called a "destination" course. A destination course is one where it will attract not only local players, but also people from other communities who will travel to play. This type of course needs to be irrigated, have eighteen holes, and the course layout must be sufficiently designed to challenge superior golfers while providing playing opportunities for beginners, youth and seniors. A destination course is more expensive to design and construct than a nine -hole or local course. The advantage of making the greater investment is that the Town would create a larger pool of potential golfers to ensure steady use of the course. While it is possible to design and construct a cheaper course, it then becomes a more difficult to predict long -term use and economic viability. Similarly, while a golf course could be constructed in phases, it appears to make sense to examine building it all at once to obtain economics of scale and a full income stream from the outset. However, the Committee believes that the feasibility study should consider phasing the construction of the amenities ancillary to the course itself, such as a club house, paved parking and restrooms on the course. Other users of the land could also be addressed by phasing, such as ballfields and walking trails. Economic Impacts on Local Business The Committee recommends that the feasibility study include some analysis of the economic impacts that the addition of a golf course will have on Lansing businesses. This analysis should examine impacts related to attracting golfers to Lansing as well as impacts that may occur to the existing businesses in the Town. Additional Land Based upon information received by the Committee from several different sources, including an interview with a golf course design and construction company, useful development of the property requires access to more land than is presently owned by the Town in order to maximize recreational opportunities. It is the recommendation of the Committee that the Town Board should seek options on various adjacent parcels. The purpose of pursuing options would be to secure access to the adjacent parcels for planning purposes. Using options would provide at least cost method of securing the right to a future purchase if the Town chose to proceed with a development plan that involved the adjacent land. If the Town is able to secure options for the purchase of adjacent parcels at fixed costs now, then the future cost of any development can be ascertained and planned upon. Waiting until after a plan is developed to attempt to obtain additional land will almost certainly make the planning process more difficult and the price paid substantially higher. It is anticipated that if options could be obtained for a two to three year period, the Town would be in a position to know whether it would exercise them within that time frame. Members of the Town Parkland Recreation Committee The Board members had concerns regarding this request which included: The placement of ballfields on both sides of the road. Mrs. Overstrom asked Mr. Colt if two of her children could be playing on both sides of the road at the same time. Mr. Colt stated that would not happen. Other options should be looked at. Mrs. Connie Wilcox stated for the record, that if the Town Board passed a resolution 267 Continued, May 21, 2003 authorizing the expenditure of $ 25,000.00, they would be doing the residents an injustice as many people in the area are losing their jobs and the economy is not good. More information regarding the operation and maintance of a golf course is needed. Mr. Beckwith stated that the course would be a Town Business and would pay for itself and possibly create jobs in the Town. He could not state that it would cover the cost of other options such as ballfields, etc. He also stated that the Town could go back to New York State and ask that the use of the land be amended. Mr. Shattuck and Mrs. Wilcox suggested that the Committee read the article in the Auburn Citizen paper that stated that golf courses are losing revenues. Mr. Pat Conlon asked the Board to put comments and questions in writing to take back to the Committee. After a long discussion, it was decided that the Committee will obtain more information and bring it back to the Board at a later date. DAVE HERRICK - TOWN ENGINEER• Water Service Extension to 17 Ladoga Park* Mr. Herrick, Mr. and Mrs. Howland and Mr. Ron Shaw asked the Board for permission to extend the water service to the Howland residence at 17 Ladoga Park. An easement would have to be obtained from Mr. Shaw as the first step. It was also stated that the Howland's would have to contribute to the debt of the district beginning January of 2004. All was agreed upon and once the right -of -way is obtained, they will come back to the Board. Water District Consolidation: The Town Supervisor, Engineer and Attorney have met with 5 of the 7 large water users to discuss the Town's plan for consolidation. Meetings with Borg - Warner and the State facilities have not yet been scheduled. He stated that he has not head from Borg- Warner, therefore Mrs. Overstrom suggested that a certified, return receipt letter be mailed to them and put in the Town's file. The balance of the large users indicated their support for the Town's proposal. AES understood that they will continue to pay the capital debt for the remainder of the bond term. Rich John suggested that a supplemental agreement may be needed to formalize this issue. Pine Grove Pump Station• Bolton Point has advised that several control valves in the pump station need replacement. The cost of the work and materials will be approximately $ 3,500.00 - $ 4,000.00. This is an O &M item, however, approval of the expenditure is being requested of the Board. The following resolution was then offered: RESOLUTION, offered by Mr. McEver and seconded by Mrs. Overstrom: WHEREAS, Bolton Point has inspected the Pine Grove Pump Station and advised that several control valves are in need of replacement; and WHEREAS, the cost of materials and labor to replace the valve is estimated to be $3,500.00 to $4,000.00; and WHEREAS, the cost of such replacement is within the Operation and Maintenance 266 Continued, May 21, 2003 budget of the affected water district(s), and WHEREAS, after review and discussion of such proposal, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, that the Town of Lansing hereby approves and authorizes the replacement of the valves at the Pine Grove Pump Station. Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Katrina Greenly, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Doug McEver, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Meg Overstrom, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Francis Shattuck, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Stephen Farkas, Supervisor Sanitary Sewer System Planning and Maintenance: Interminicipal Sewer Committee meeting will take place May 22, 200' ) at the Village of Cayuga Heights. Code Enforcement and Planning: Cox Subdivision - Cherry Road: 1. Allen Engineering has asked for input from the Town Engineer on the concept plan for the proposed 7 -lot subdivision. Before responding, there are several items to be determined by the Board. 2. The plan does not include an extension of the road (or even a future right -of -way) to the common lot line with Horizon's Subdivision (Leslie Lane). It is the Town Engineer's recommendation that Leslie Lane ultimately become a through street between Cherry Road and Horizon Drive either through the development of the subdivision or by Town forces. After some discussion regarding this issue, Mr. Herrick will look into it further and get back to the Board. 3. Permanent easements between Cherry Road and Horizon Drive for a future sanitary sewer main extension should be provided. 4. There does not appear to be any allocation of land for stormwater management practices (either quality or quantity). The septic system on lot # 1 may be extending on to the existing main. Mr. Herrick will look into this. JACK FRENCH - HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT: Fire System /Fire Alarm quotes: Mr. French has received one quote so far. Said quote is from the Maximum Security System in the amount of $ 5,490.00. He is waiting for more quotes at this time. New Roof at Highway Garage: One quote has come in from Tyrrell Brothers in the amount of $ 49,000.00. UC Point: Mr. French, Mr. Makela and Mr. Farkas met with the DEC regarding the Town's use of UC Point. It was clear ro them that the DEC does not want the Town to do anything more than to put up a locked fence which would need to be opened every morning and locked up every night. Another meeting will be held in which Mrs. Greenly has asked to attend. Further reports at a later date. Brush and Limb Pick -up: The cost for the brush and limb pick -up was as follows: 269 Town Village Old Highway Barns: Continued, May 21, 2003 $ 25,685.00 $ 6,845.00 The State has informed Mr. French that the Town will have to continue to monitor the old wells on the property for an undetermined time period. New Gas Tank at the Highway Garage: The Lansing Fire Department has agreed to pay for 25% of the installation costs of the new tank. RICHARD PLATT - CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER• Monthly Report: Mr. Platt read his monthly report to the Board and stated that they are down by 8 permits and also down in project costs by $ 433,245.00. McDermott Property: One of Mr. McDermott's houses has been torn down and one is left to be torn down. Mr. Platt will keep on Mr. McDermott to get this done. Junk Yard Violations: Mr. Platt is having problems with Junk Yard violators. He stated that it seems to be the same people that keep getting the violations. He suggested to the Board that an additional fee be added if the same person receives more than one letter. The Board agreed with Mr. Platt and will do something about it. Shared Driveways: Mr. Platt and Mr. French asked the Board to meet with the Planning Board to get this problem resolved. Mr. French was upset that he was not informed about what the Planning Board is telling people regarding shared driveways. After a discussion, it was decided that the Planning Board, Town Board, Mr. Platt and Mr. French will all meet soon and get this problem resolved. BOLTON POINT OFFICE ADDITION• RESOLUTION, offered by Mrs. Overstrom and seconded by Mrs. Greenly: WHEREAS, the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission ( the "Commission ") has identified the need to construct additional office space at its treatment facility; and WHEREAS, the Commission has identified the office space addition as a capital improvement project; and WHEREAS, all parties to the Agreement of Mutual Cooperation must approve and authorize capital improvements made by the Commission; and WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing is a party to the Agreement of Municipal Cooperation; and 270 Continued, May 21, 2003 WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing supports the Commissioner's need to construct additional office space at its treatment facility; and WHEREAS, after review and discussion of such proposal, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, that the Town of Lansing hereby approves and authorizes the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission's office space addition capital improvement project. Carried. Provisional Appointment of Dawn Bogdan: RESOLUTION, offered by Mrs. Greenly and seconded by Mr. McEver: WHEREAS, the Town Board had previously interviewed for a posted and advertised full time position duly created; and WHEREAS, said position, Principal Account Clerk/Typist, was sought to be filled after rounds of interviews; and WHEREAS, an acceptable and qualified candidate was located, and said candidate, Dawn Bogdan, is proposed to be provisionally hired to fulfill such job requirements; and WHEREAS, after review and discussion of such person, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, that Dawn Bogdan be and hereby is approved to be provisionally employed as a Town of Lansing Grade 4 Civil Service Employee, as a Principal Account Clerk/Typist, upon the terms and conditions, and at a rate of pay, previously approved by the Board. Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Katrina Greenly, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Doug McEver, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Meg Overstrom, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Francis Shattuck, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Stephen Farkas, Supervisor COMPUTER SERVICE CONTRACT: Mrs. Overstrom stated that she had contacted four different Computer Services and after complying all of her information recommended to the Board that they authorize the contract to Wester New York Computing Center. The Board had discussed going with Spider Tech.earlier but Mrs. Overstrom did not get good feedback from him and he has moved out of town. The Board decided not to go with Mrs. Overstrom's recommendation and made the following resolution: RESOLUTION, offered by Mr. McEver and seconded by Mr. Shattuck: WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing has a need for hardware and software maintenance and repair, and a need to integrate its separate computer systems; and WHEREAS, the Town believes that it needs to insure that different software being used by different departments are compatible for use by others and within a network environment; and Continued, May 21, 2003 WHEREAS, upon request of the full Board, Councilperson Meg Overstrom obtained and analyzed information, pricing, and proposals from several sources that provide computer, networking and maintenance services; and WHEREAS, after review and discussion of such proposals, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, that the Town of Lansing hereby approves and accepts the proposal from Spider Technology Solutions, subject to the development and execution of a contract approved by Town Counsel. Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Katrina Greenly, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Doug McEver, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Abstained) Meg Overstrom, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Francis Shattuck, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Stephen Farkas, Supervisor JUSTICE COURT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: RESOLUTION, offered by Mr. Shattuck and seconded by Mrs. Greenly: WHEREAS, the State of New York has enacted a law establishing the Justice Court Assistance Program (L.1999, C.280) that will enable communities to apply to the Chief Administrative Judge for a grant of State funds to assist in the operation of justice courts; and WHEREAS, the availability of grant funding would enhance the ability of the Town of Lansing Justice Court to provide suitable and sufficient services to the community; and WHEREAS, after review and discussion of such proposal, the Town Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby RESOLVED, that the Town of Lansing hereby authorizes the Supervisor of the Town of Lansing to file an application for a Justice Court Assistance Program grant for the New York State fiscal year ending March 31, 2004. Carried. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A copy of the minutes of April 16, 2003, having been given to the Board Members beforehand, the Supervisor asked for a motion to make corrections or to accept the same as submitted. RESOLUTION, offered by Mr. Shattuck and seconded by Mr. McEver: RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby approve the minutes of April 16, 200' ) as submitted by the clerk. Carried. AUDIT APPROVAL: RESOLUTION, offered by Mr. Shattuck and seconded by Mr. McEver: RESOLVED, that the bookkeeper is hereby authorized and directed to pay the following bills and make the following Budget Modifications: Voucher Numbers: 331 -450 ?71 272 Pre Pay Voucher Numbers Continued, May 21, 2003 331 - 338 FUND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS General Fund Highway Fund Lansing Lighting Lansing Water Districts Cherry Road Sewer Capital Projects - Ottenschott Property BUDGET MODIFICATIONS: $ 44,021.23 $ 60,221.49 $ 1,257.24 $ 5,106.59 $ 341.11 $ 63.06 FROM TO FOR AMOUNT *1990.400 A6989.400 Better Housing Admin. Fee *1990.400 A1630.405 Comm. Center - Repairs (heating) A 1110.400 Al 110.200 Justices - Computer Equipment A1420.400 A1420.401 Sewer District Study B1990.400 B8020.400 Planning Board Contractual SW1990.400 SW9060.800 Health Insurance SW1990.400 SW8340.100 Hwy. Pers. Service SW1990.400 SW8340.200 Job Pro Pressure Washer Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Katrina Greenly, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Doug McEver, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Meg Overstrom, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Francis Shattuck, Councilperson Vote of Town Board. . . (Aye) Stephen Farkas, Supervisor BOARD MEMBER REPORTS: Doug McEver: Storm Water Committee: 500.00 784.55 460.31 162.50 673.03 1,142.20 4,375.60 1,382.00 The first grant for educational purposes has been sent in (approximately $ 100,000.00 has been applied for). They have started working on the grant application for a grant that will be awarded in August. Cayuga Lake Watershed: They will be holding an informational meeting at the Lansing Town Hall Board Room next Wednesday night from 7:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m. Floating Classroom: The boat is up and running on Friday and Saturday's at the Farmers Market. They have already had two boat classrooms with Aurora College. Water Resource Committee: The last three requirements regarding the water craft's have been extended and expanded. The County wants to control the water craft zone so they can outlaw jet ski's use other -73 Continued, May 21, 2003 than 10 miles per hour within the 15' section. They want to control the type of painting used on the holes that stop the collecting of the mussel shells, etc. Four townships have sat down together and discussed the ordinances that would be acceptable out of the personal water craft and adjusted to desires of the communities. Five points are being discussed at his time. After one more meeting, they will bring it to the Board. MEG OVERSTROM: Lansing Housing Authority: Barbara Blanchard is coming to a LHA meeting and will be doing a feasibility study regarding what a Senior Citizen's needs are. KATRINA GREENLY: Nothing to Report. FRANCIS SHATTUCK. Nothing to Report. STEPHEN FARKAS Flag Dam A dedication of the new stone in front of the Town Hall will take place on June 14, 200' ) at 10:30 a.m.. At said dedication, Louis Bement will also be honored. EXECUTIVE SESSION: RESOLUTION, offered by Mr. Shattuck and seconded by Mr. McEver: RESOLVED, that the Regular Meeting be adjourned to go into Executive Session at 10:05 p.m. to discuss a litigation issue. Carried. RESOLUTION, offered by Mrs. Greenly and seconded by Mrs. Overstrom: RESOLVED, that the Executive Session be terminated and the Regular Meeting be reconvened at 10:15 p.m. Carried. On motion, meeting adjourned at the call of the Supervisor at 10:18 p.m.