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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-01-18TOWN OF LANSING REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING Date: January 18, 2006 Time: 6:00 p.m. Place: Lansing Town Hall Boardroom AGENDA 1. Call Meeting to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Pledge of Allegiance 4. Privilege of the Floor: a) Charles Bower — Request for Water Extension b) Anyone wishing to address the Board 5. Water Rates for the Year 2006 6. Engineer's Report 7. Highway Superintendent's Report 8, Code Enforcement Officer's Report 9. Parks and Recreation Report 10, Approve Audit 11. Approve Minutes of January 05, 2006 12. Board Member Reports 13. Executive Session if Needed 14, Adjourn Meeting 27 m January 18, 2006 The Lansing Town Board met in Regular Session at the Town Hall Board Room at 6:00 p.m. with Supervisor Farkas presiding. Call. The Supervisor called the meeting to order and had the clerk take the Roll Stephen Farkas Matt Besemer Marty Christopher Bud Shattuck Connie Wilcox Bonny Boles Guy Krogh ROLL CALL Supervisor Present Councilperson Present Councilperson Present Councilperson Present Councilperson Present Town Clerk Present Town Attorney Present VISITORS: Jack French, Dave Herrick, Dave Heck, Dick Platt, Steve Colt, Chuck Bower, Barb Bennett, Elmer Fethers, Mary Boles, Jennie Daley, Claes Nyberg, Gregory Lawrence and a couple other residents. The Supervisor lead all present in the Pledge of Alegiance. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR. 1. CHARLES BOWER — WATER EXTENSION ON SWEAZEY ROAD: Mr. Bower discussed the proposed extension with the Board and Mr. Herrick. It was decided that Mr. Bower will run the water line between two parcels that border Ridge Road. Mr. Bower owns both parcels, which border the parcel his house is on. Mr. Bower and Mr. Krogh will get together to work out the easement issues. 2. CLAUSE NYBERG — SEWER: Mr. Nyberg asked what the outcome of the meeting with the Department of Transportation was. Mr. Farkas stated that the meeting was adjourned for at least two weeks but that all possibilities are being looked into. 3. BARB BENNETT — CWD - EXTENSION 1: Ms. Bennett asked what the status of the district was and if there is a vote, who would be eligible. Mr. Farkas stated that some petitions had been received and that the deadline for any more would be Monday, January 23, 2006. 4. DAVE HECK — PROPORTY TAX PAYMENTS: Mr. Heck asked the Board to look into extending the last day of payment of Town and County taxes by one or two days. He stated that it was hard for older people who get their Social Security checks the last day of the month to pay on time. He suggested this happen to benefit senior citizens in the Town. Mr. Farkas stated that we would be glad to look into it. 5. MARY BOLES — ELIGIBILITY TO VOTE: Ms. Boles asked what the requirements would be to vote if the proposed CWD — Extension goes to a vote. Mr. Krogh stated that the requirements would be: a. Must be eligible to vote, but they would not have to be registered to vote. b. Must be listed on the last issued official assessment roll. C. Must be an owner of property in the proposed district. ESTABLISH 2006 WATER RATES: RESOLUTION 06 -34 Resolution Establishing 2006 Water Rates for the Town of Lansing At a Special Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Lansing held in and for the Town of Lansing at the Lansing Town Hall on the 18th day of January, 2006, the following members being present: Stephen Farkas, Supervisor; Francis Shattuck, Councilperson; Connie Wilcox, Councilperson; Martin Christopher, Councilperson; and Matthew Besemer, Councilperson; and the following members being absent: none; and the following motion for a Resolution was duly made by motion of Connie Wilcox, and was duly seconded by Martin Christopher; and the vote was as follows: Stephen Farkas — aye, Francis Shattuck — aye, Connie Wilcox — aye; Martin Christopher — aye; and Matthew Besemer — aye; and the following Resolution therefore passed 5 -0, and was duly adopted: WHEREAS, the Town must set its water rates for 2006 so as to allow Bolton Point to begin first quarter billing; and WHEREAS, upon due deliberation upon the same, it is hereby RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Lansing does hereby establish the following water rates for the Town of Lansing residents for the year 2006: Water Rate $2.21 per thousand gallons Operation and Maintenance Fee $ .45 per thousand gallons TOTAL RATE DAVE HERRICK — TOWN ENGINEER. Sewer Committee: $2.66 per thousand gallons The Committee will meet on January 25th Highway Barn Roof. An invoice for payment to Wheeler Construction is in the audit for tonight which will close -out the contract. JACK FRENCH — HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT. Highway Funds: Mr. French had all Board Members sign off so he can expend Highway funds. Usage of salt: The amount of salt used in November and December was above average but it was below average so far for the month of January. DICK PLATT — CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER: Monthly Report: W 20 They are down by 6 permits from last year and also down in project costs by $ 1,955,444.00. New Truck: A new truck for the department has been ordered per the 2006 Budget. Computer: Mr. Platt has a new computer which is up and running. He also has new software which was paid for out of the 2005 and 2006 budget. Land Use Ordinance: The Planning Board has agreed to have Mr. Krogh go over the Town's Land Use Ordinance and bring it up to date in the near future. AHL Parliamentary Services: Mr. Platt has contacted Ann Homer and asked her to consider holding a workshop that Town employees, mostly Planning Board Members and ZBA Members could attend. This could count as the required training that Planning Board and ZBA members must take each year. The fee for said workshop would be $200.00 plus her expenses. STEVE COLT — RECREATION DIRECTOR: Monthly Report As Follows: RECREATION • We have had a computer problem in our office. Pat's computer (hard drive) crashed and. could not be repaired. The good news is that we were able to talk Dell into replacing the hard drive at no charge even though we were 2 days past the warranty date. Today the drive was sent off to a recovery company to hopefully retrieve the files. We HOI)E that this will be done successfully. if this can not be dons. we will be in for an enormous amount of work. It is a shame that our original computer service people did not do their job, because had they, all files would have been here on the town hall's server. • Many programs are currently underway or are about to start including Youth Wrestling 1, Youth Wrestling 11, Gymnastics (z; 141G.4 session 2, Skaffiig Program, Arlt►!t SR Operr Sivirn, ,Ski Program, Yr ►na winter sessio►r, Karate. The Karate program already has 28 participants registered and will start on the 23rd. Our Rock Climbing Camp will take place at Cornell over the February Presidents' holiday. • Spring program planning has started and our LBP & LSP baseball and softball registration forms will be available on March 3`d. • Credit card sales have been available in our department now for about I ;rear, and in our first year we have done over 540,000 in sales. PARKS • Pavilion reservations started to come in on January 3`1. We have already taken many reservations. The pricing has changed for this season. Small pavilions are now $40 and large pavilions are now $60. Both reflect a $5 increase. • Boat slip renewal forms are coming in now and are due by January 31". After that date, we will start to fill openings from our waiting list. • Dry Dock renewal forms will be sent out in early February and all Dry Dock slips will be filled on a first come first served basis. e The marina repairs scheduled for this winter/spring are mostly completed already. The remaining work to be completed is the "launch dock ". We were interested in using a floating dock and have found that this style of dock will NOT work for us. So; this portion of the job is being redesigned and will be installed at a later date but prior to April. 3 • A new kayak / canoe storage rack is currently being considered as an Eagle Scout project by Trevor Miller. f have had many requests by local residents for such a storage rack. The location would be in our" "A" parking lot near the mouth of Salmon Creek. We will be discussing several design ideas in the coming weeks. • Our Concert Series in Myers Park will be moving back to Thursday nights after a one season try on Sundays this past season. I have fi dates currently identified starling on July 6th. I already have 5 bands booked and am currently looking at others to take one or two more dates to round out this year's series. • A long time memorial tree for (Jeff Brill) was blown down and removed from L.udlowville Park several weeks ago. I have already been contacted by a family member to find out what had happened. We plan to replace the tree and the accompanying plaque in the spring. • I am currently looking at possibilities for a LifeTrail with wellness stations that could be located around the main loop in Myers Park. These stations acid a new dimension to community fitness. The trail would be a great match for the "walkers" that use the park. AUDIT APPROVAL: 06 — 35 RESOLUTION, offered by Mr. Shattuck and seconded by Mr. Christopher: RESOLVED, that the bookkeeper is hereby authorized and directed to pay the following bills: Date: December 31, 2005 AUDITED VOUCHERS 1501-1548 PREPAY VOUCHERS 1501 FUND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS General Fund Highway Fund Lansing Lighting Lansing Water Districts Date: January 18, 2006 AUDITED VOUCHERS PREPAY VOUCHERS General Fund Highway Fund Lansing Water Districts Cherry Road Sewer Vote of Town Board . Vote of Town Board Vote of Town Board . Vote of Town Board . Vote of Town Board . 1-62 1 59,245.48 19,382.92 1,241.00 11545.20 65,814.71 22,848.36 38.75 1,946.15 (Aye) Matt Besemer, Councilperson (Aye) Marty Christopher, Councilperson (Aye) Bud Shattuck, Councilperson (Aye) Connie Wilcox, Councilperson (Aye) Stephen Farkas, Supervisor MINUTES OF JANUARY 5, 2006: A copy of the minutes of January 5, 2006, having been furnished to the Board Members beforehand, the Supervisor asked for a motion to make corrections or to accept the same as submitted. 06 =36 RESOLUTION, offered by Mrs. Wilcox and seconded by Mr. Christopher: RESOLVED, that the minutes of January 5, 2006 are hereby approved as submitted. Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Matt Besemer, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Marty Christopher, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Bud Shattuck, Councilperson AV 21 22 Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Connie Wilcox, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Stephen Farkas, Supervisor BOARD MEMBER REPORTS: Matt Besemer: Vacancies: Mr. Besemer stated that there are still two vacancies. One is an alternate on the Planning Board and the other as a member of the ZBA Board. Greg Lawrence, who was in the audience stated that he may be interested in one of the positions and will meet with Mr. Platt to discuss it. Marty Christopher: Technology Committee; The Committee feels they are going in the right direction with Steve Loncto. Mr. Loncto will mainly be looking into 5 or 6 items that need attention. AMETEK: Mr. Christopher, Mr. Shattuck and Mrs. Bowman will be meeting with AMETEK representatives on Friday morning to discuss updating the personnel policy. Connie Wilcox: Fire District: The annual report showed they responded to 888 calls and had only 18 "no responses" which is very low. Lansing Housing Authority: Will meet next Monday. Bolton Point: They are working on the final punch list for the new building. Bud Shattuck: Fitness Memberships: Mr. Shattuck stated that studies show that people who are more fit, use less sick time, therefore it would be a cost savings to the Town. The following resolution was then adopted: RESOLUTION 06 =37 Resolution Establishing Fitness Reimbursement Employee benefit Program At a Special Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Lansing held in and for the Town of Lansing at the Lansing Town Hall on the 18th day of January, 2006, the following members being present: Stephen Farkas, Supervisor; Francis Shattuck, Councilperson; Connie Wilcox, Councilperson; Martin Christopher, Councilperson; and Matthew Besemer, Councilperson; and the following members being absent: none; and the following motion for a Resolution was duly made by motion of Francis Shattuck, and was duly seconded by Connie Wilcox; and the vote was as follows: Stephen Farkas — aye, Francis Shattuck — aye, 5 23 Connie Wilcox — aye; Martin Christopher — aye; and Matthew Besemer — aye; and the following Resolution therefore passed 5 -0, and was duly adopted: WHEREAS, the Town has previously discussed and examined the beneficial effects of exercise and related health regimens upon fiscal issues and employee productivity, including the reduction of absenteeism due to injury or illness; and WHEREAS, the Board had asked the Deputy Town Supervisor to review or develop available cost - benefit analyses of such programs, and to verify the legality of such programs with the Town Attorney; and WHEREAS, a report was made to the Board, and based upon due deliberation upon the same, it is hereby RESOLVED, that, retroactive to January 1, 2006, the following non - permanent program be placed into effect for all full time and intermediateTown employees, and all elected officials: "Any full time Town employee, intermediate Town Employee, and any elected official who spends any money to join a health club or participate in any exercise or fitness class or training shall be entitled to be reimbursed for up to $100.00 of such spending upon submitting proof of payment and proof that such program or club is a fitness or exercise club or program." and it is further RESOLVED, that such program shall be deemed and characterized as an expense reimbursement program, and not as an employment benefit program. Longevity Bonus Program: Mr. Shattuck discussed this with the Board and the following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION 06 -38 Resolution Establishing Longevity Bonus Program for Full Time Town Employees At a Special Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Lansing held in and for the Town of Lansing at the Lansing Town Hall on the 18th day of January, 2006, the following members being present: Stephen Farkas, Supervisor; Francis Shattuck, Councilperson; Connie Wilcox, Councilperson; Martin Christopher, Councilperson; and Matthew Besemer, Councilperson; and the following members being absent: none; though Connie Wilcox having recused herself from discussion, consideration, and voting upon this Resolution; and the following motion for a Resolution was duly made by motion of Francis Shattuck, and was duly seconded by Matthew Besemer; and the vote was as follows: Stephen Farkas — aye, Francis Shattuck — aye, Connie Wilcox — recused; Martin Christopher — aye; and Matthew Besemer — aye; and the following Resolution therefore passed 4 -0, and was duly adopted: WHEREAS, the Town has previously discussed and examined the legality and desirability of a longevity pay program for its employees; and WHEREAS, it is deemed in the best interests of the Town to recognize and reward long term employees for their loyalty, experience, and years of service; and WHEREAS, the Board asked the Deputy Town Supervisor to review and recommend whether to adopt such a program, and to verify the legality of such programs with the Town Attorney; and C E WHEREAS, a report was made to the Board, and based upon due deliberation upon the same, it is hereby RESOLVED, that, retroactive to January 1, 2006, the following non - permanent program be placed into effect for all full time Town employees: "All full time Town employees (except elected officials) shall be eligible for a longevity bonus payable annually upon the anniversary of their hiring date, which bonus is first payable in their 10th year of service, and which bonus is payable upon such 10th anniversary and thereafter in accord with the following schedule: Years 10 -14 - $200.00 per year Years 15 -19 - $350.00 per year Years 20+ - $500.00 per year and it is further RESOLVED, that such program shall be deemed and characterized as a bonus compensation program, and not as an employment benefit program. Resolution Amending Budget: RESOLUTION 06 -39 Resolution Amending Budget Line Items for Longevity Bonus Program Accounting At a Special Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Lansing held in and for the Town of Lansing at the Lansing Town Hall on the 18th day of January, 2006, the following members being present: Stephen Farkas, Supervisor; Francis Shattuck, Councilperson; Connie Wilcox, Councilperson; Martin Christopher, Councilperson; and Matthew Besemer, Councilperson; and the following members being absent: none; and the following motion for a Resolution was duly made by motion of Francis Shattuck, and was duly seconded by Connie Wilcox; and the vote was as follows: Stephen Farkas — aye, Francis Shattuck — aye, Connie Wilcox — aye; Martin Christopher — aye; and Matthew Besemer — aye; and the following Resolution therefore passed 5 -0, and was duly adopted: WHEREAS, the Town has previously discussed and examined the legality and desirability of a longevity pay program for its employees and by Resolution 06 -38 (dated January 18, 2006), the Town adopted a longevity bonus structure; and WHEREAS, funding for such payments is available in the Town's 2006 Budget, but such amount necessary for 2006 bonuses is not a delineated line item, thus requiring a budget modification; and WHEREAS, no new money is being added to or sought for the said approved budget, such that a public hearing is not required for such administrative budget modification; and WHEREAS, upon due deliberation upon the same, it is hereby RESOLVED, that the Town's 2006 Budget be and hereby is amended by adding a new line 100 to Personnel expenses entitled "Longevity Service Bonus", and transferring $4,800.00 from the Contingency Fund to the Longevity Service Bonus line. Warren Road Plans: 7 Mr. Shattuck felt that the changes and disruptions will be minimal throughout the Warren Road project. Energy Efficiency Outreach: Mr. Shattuck and Mrs. Wilcox will be a part of a committee that will look at how they can go out into the community and identify homes that can use energy conservation. They will go door to door and meet with many groups throughout the community. Log Cabin in Auburn: Last year some Board Members looked at a Log Cabin in Auburn that was the first school house in the south end of Lansing. Auburn would like the Town of Lansing to take the Log Cabin, as they do not have the room for it. The size of the cabin is approximately 18 x 26. Mr. Farkas stated that Senator Nozzolio is aware of the situation and is just waiting for the Town to proceed with an official request of monies to move and preserve the building. Mr. Shattuck would like very much for the Town to move forward with this project. Re- Zoning the Town: At a meeting where Mr. Ed Marx, commissioner of the County Planning Board and head of the Public Works Department stated they were trying to find a way to make sewer affordable. They would like the Town to look into re- zoning some parts of the Town, mostly the southern part. Gregory Lawrence — Longevity Bonus Plan: Mr. Lawrence informed the Board that he attended a meeting on Saturday where a Lansing Businessman stated that he felt that municipal employees received too many bonuses. He stated that he supported what the Board was trying to do but asked them to reconsider and make it a true longevity by giving the bonus at substantial intervals such as 10, 15 or 20 years. This would recognize a period of service, not and annual commitment. Mr. Shattuck told Mr. Lawrence that he appreciated the constructive criticism. Executive Session: 06 -40 RESOLUTION, offered by Mrs. Wilcox and seconded by Mr. Shattuck: RESOLVED, that the Regular meeting be adjourned to go into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter at 7:26 p.m. Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Matt Besemer, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Marty Christopher, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Bud Shattuck, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Connie Wilcox, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Stephen Farkas, Supervisor 0641 RESOLUTION, offered by Mr. Shattuck and seconded by Mr. Besemer: RESOLVED, that the Executive Session be terminated at 7:34 and the Regular Meeting reconvened. Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Matt Besemer, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Marty Christopher, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Bud Shattuck, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Connie Wilcox, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Stephen`Farkas, Supervisor 25 we Authorize Execution of Highway Agreement: RESOLUTION 06 -42 Resolution Authorizing Execution of 2006 Highway Agreement At a Special Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Lansing held in and for the Town of Lansing at the Lansing Town Hall on the 18th day of January, 2006, the following members being present: Stephen Farkas, Supervisor; Francis Shattuck, Councilperson; Connie Wilcox, Councilperson; Martin Christopher, Councilperson; and Matthew Besemer, Councilperson; and the following members being absent: none; and the following motion for a Resolution was duly made by motion of Francis Shattuck, and was duly seconded by Martin Christopher; and the vote was as follows: Stephen Farkas — aye, Francis Shattuck — aye, Connie Wilcox — aye; Martin Christopher — aye; and Matthew Beseme.r — aye; and the following Resolution therefore passed 5 -0, and was duly adopted: WHEREAS, the Town and the Highway Association have come to agreement upon all of the terms of the Highway Association's 2006 contract, and the Town has consulted with its Highway Supervisor and legal counsel regarding the same; and WHEREAS, the terms of said agreement are acceptable to the Town; and WHEREAS, upon due deliberation upon the same, it is hereby RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor or Deputy Town Supervisor be and are hereby authorized to execute the 2006 Highway Department Employment Agreement by, on behalf of, and in the name of the Town of Lansing. Town Audits: Mr. Krogh informed the Board that the Audits could be done annually and at the beginning of each year. He will e-mail the Board Members with details. 0643 RESOLUTION, offered by Mr. Besemer and seconded by Mr. Shattuck: RESOLVED, that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at the call of the Supervisor at 7:46 p.m. Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Matt Besemer, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Marty Christopher, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Bud Shattuck, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Connie Wilcox, Councilperson Vote of Town Board ... (Aye) Stephen Farkas, Supervisor Minutes taken and executed by the Town Clerk. 7