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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-03-11 1 Town Board Meeting *? March 11 , 1991 TOWN OF DANBY TOWN BOARD MEETING Regular Meeting 8 : 00 P . M . March 11 , 1991 PRESENT : S upervisor Dietrich Councilpersons : Eckstrom , Marisa , Oltz , Schwartz O thers P lanning Board Chair - N . Weitzel H ighway Superintendent - K . Coddington County Representative - F . Proto Town Clerk - C . Sczepanski Members_of the _ Public : Edw . M . Roberts , Paul Viscuso , Roger Nile , Arthur Prentice , Patty Van de Bogart , Pat Woodworth , Herb Engman , Joel Gagnon , Deborah Fitzpatrick , Ray Axtel PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE : _ Supervisor Dietrich led all present to the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag . Approval , of March 6 1991 Town Board Agenda Meeting Minutes A motion was made by Councilperson Eckstrom and seconded by Councilperson Marisa to approve the March 6 , 1991 Town Board Agenda Meeting Minutes . A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows : E ckstrom Aye Marisa Aye O ltz Aye S chwartz Aye D ietrich Aye Carried Unanimously Approval of_. February_11_,, _1991 Town Board Meeting Minutes A motion was made by, Councilperson Eckstrom and Seconded by Councilperson Oltz to postpone the approval of the February 11 , 1991 Town Board Meeting Minutes until April 1991 Town Board Meeting . A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows : E ckstrom Aye Marisa Aye O ltz Aye S chwartz Aye D ietrich Aye ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA__ Carried Unanimously , 1 ) Supervisor Dietrich requested an addition to the Agenda under New Business - ADP Payroll Systems - Resolution . 2 ) Supervisor Dietrich requested an addition to the Agenda under New Business - Letter to Senator Seward and Assemblyman Luster in regard to Division for Youth Service Monies - Resolution . No Board member objected . tnbd3 - 11 . 91 • 1/11) 2 Town Board Meeting March 11 , 1991 PRIVILEGE OF . __ THE __. FLOOR_:_ SeniorCiti, zen..... Housing Councilperson Oitz would like the Town Board to schedule a meeting to meet with Becky Bilderbeck , Frank Proto and a member of the Senior Citizen Council from Danby in regard to senior citizen housing for Danby . Supervisor ' s Report Councilperson Marisa expressed his appreciation to the Town Supervisor and the accounting / bookkeeping staff for the much improved presentation of the Supervisor ' s Report and accompanying budget information for the Board . Correction__ to__ _ Town_._ Tax._._Roll Town Clerk , Carol Sczepanski reported a correction to the 1991 Town of Danby Tax Roll . The Tax Roll has been reduced by $ 392 . 70 . Tompkins Repre_sen_tat. ive Report Representative Proto reported on the following : 1 ) Part 75A - NYS Sewage Regulations - - The sub - committee of the B oard of Health has reviewed most of the NYS regulations for sewage systems . 2 ) Tompkins County Airport Expansion - A proposal for the airport expansion will be presented to Tompkins County Board of Representatives in April 1991 . 3 ) NYS Budget Cuts - Tompkins County is looking at $ 900 , 000 in N YS budget cuts . . 4 ) Jobs Legislation - A new proposal for jobs legislation in Tompkins County is possible that stipulates for jobs costing $ 10 , 000 and over , fifty ( 50 ) per cent of all labor is to come from the County . 5 ) NYS Real Property Tax Law - Representative Proto wrote to Senator Seward and Assemblyman Luster suggesting that this would be the appropriate time to meet with the Municipal O fficers of Tompkins County to describe the impacts of the proposed NYS Real Property Tax Law . 6 ) Solid Waste - Ric Dietrich , Julia Hughes , and Steve Uzman were appointed as the Town of Danby representatives on the H illview Road Citizen ' s Advisory Committee and Frank Proto as a County Representative . Joel Gagnon has been appointed to the Tompkins County Solid Waste Advisory Committee . 7 ) Reading Center - The Town of Danby Reading Center funds may be cut $ 2 , 500 . Arrangements for book pick - up and delivery has been arranged through the Finger Lakes Library System beginning on April 5 , 1991 . 8 ) Solid Waste Committee - A resolution was drafted urging Tompkins County to consider exploration of alternate sites for solid waste disposal on a temporary basis in the event that it is necessary to trade trash . 9 ) Bus Service - The County Bus Service ( Tom Tram ) to Danby will start soon . 10 ) Old County Jail - The County is looking at uses for the building . 11 ) Septic Charges for Haulers - The City of Ithaca has increased septage fees to haulers to $ 58 . 00 per thousand pounds and will tnbd3 - 11 . 91 A7/ 3 Town Board Meeting March 11 , 1991 ✓ esult in higher pumping fees . 12 ) Amended Consent Order - Tompkins County has passed a ✓ esolution giving James Mason authority to sign the Amended Consent Order that states Landstrom Landfill will close on December 31 , 1991 and permission to negotiate any other terms n ecessary . Discussion followed on the Amended Consent Order . 13 ) Senior Citizens Housing - Representative Proto presented materials to the Board for a Housing and Community Development Program for Rehabilitation and Improving existing housing . Members of the Public : Roger of 72 Traver Road reported that a resident on Traver Road has not attempted to clean up trash that is unsightly . West _ Danby Methodist Cemetery Mr ...._ J . Arthur_Prentice ,___ Investigator for NYS Division of Cemeteries addressed the Board with a resolution from the West Danby Methodist Cemetery Association requesting the Town of Danby to assume the maintenance and administrative duties of the cemetery due to lack of funds . Mr . Prentice explained the procedure necessary to convey the cemetery to the Town . Joel _ Ga_gnon _., of West Danby Road reported that as a result of his , appointment to the Tompkins County Solid Waste Advisory Committee he can no longer serve as the Town Representative on the Tompkins County Planning Board . Joel plans to submit his resignation to the Planning Board March 20 , 1991 . COMMUNICATIONS Dog_ Control 1 ) 1990 SPCA Activities Report for the Town of Danby . 2 ) Letter to Supervisor Dietrich from the SPCA in regard to the services provided to Tompkins County and our Dog Control Officer . 3 ) Letter from Town Court in regard to how violations and penalties are addressed in the Town of Danby . 4 ) Letter to Town Board from Community Council in regard to grant application sent to New York State Division for Youth monies for renovation of the Old Town Barns on Bald Hill Road . Other _Report_s EMC Herb Engman from Tompkins County Environmental Management Council reported on the following : 1 ) The Tompkins County Environmental Management Council will celebrate their 20th Anniversary of existence this year and they are looking for ways to celebrate this occasion . 2 ) The EMC is planning to write a " State of the Environment Report " for Tompkins County this year . 3 ) The second draft of the study of the Plant and Animal Life of the DR - 7 Landfill Site is nearing completion . Community Council __Report : Supervisor Dietrich reported that Community Council has asked the Town Board to accept the grant proposal for renovation of the Old Town Barns on Bald Hill Road for a youth recreation center . , tnbd3 - 11 . 91 417c 4 Town Board Meeting March 11 , 1991 Community Council has asked the Town Board for a resolution in support of the grant proposal . Supervisor Dietrich read a letter to the Town Board from Community Council dated February 15 , 1991 in regard to the Grant Proposal Application , programs that are run by Community Council , program costs and anticipated revenues for the year 1991 . D iscussion followed : P atty Van de Bogart addressed the Board and reported that Community Council is asking the Town of Danby Town Board for their e ndorsement of the Division for Youth Grant Proposal for renovation o f the Town Highway Barns on Bald Hill . Councilperson Eckstrom stated that he believes Community Council h as the endorsement from the Town Board . S upervisor Dietrich referred to Town Board Minutes of February 11 , 1991 and the motion to table further discussion on the request from Community Council to formally accept the Division for Youth Grant Proposal to renovate the old Town Highway Barns on Bald Hill Road . Supervisor Dietrich stated that it is his understanding that there are two ( 2 ) issues : 1 ) Community Council is asking for Town Board support for the grant proposal ; 2 ) can the Town Board and Community Council meet to discuss long term relationship in terms of where we are going . Councilperson Schwartz said that he endorses the grant proposal but at this point he has a lot of questions and needs more information on long term liabilities . Councilperson Marisa said if Community Council were owner / operator of the building the insurance liability could make the financial aspects of program inviable . It is possible that the building may have to be a Town building ( Town property ) under the Town insurance umbrella to be affordable . Who will own and operate the building if it is renovated has not been decided . Debbie Fitzpatrick reported that there has been no communication o r interaction between the Town Board and Community Council . Councilperson Eckstrom stated that he has spent a lot of time and e ffort in the preparation of budgets for Community Council for a number of years . Supervisor Dietrich responded to Community Council members that the ✓ elationship between the Town and Community Council has a lot of holes in it but does have strengths . The Town has supported Community Council for a number of years and the Town must have the Community Council budget in line in such a way that it meets our auditors approval . Councilperson Schwartz stated that what he is hearing / understanding is a history of misunderstanding and miscommunication between Community Council and the Town Board . It is obvious to him that we need to formalize a relationship between Community Council and . the Town Board . Councilperson Eckstrom stated that he feels the Town Board does support the project but realize there are numerous issues involved . He also feels that Community Council must take steps to become incorporated . Debbie Fitzpatrick stated that some of these issues and questions should have been addressed before now . tnbd3 - 11 . 91 , 5 Town Board Meeting 17.3 March 11 , 1991 Councilperson Marisa suggested that it may be possible for the Town with proper legal structure to retain the insurance and lease the building to Community Council at favorable rates . This would be considered if Community Council is Incorporated with a Board of Directors and through a legal contract . Councilperson Eckstrom said that an alterative is that we form a Danby Youth Board under formal direction of the Town Board with all income and expenditures through our bookkeeping system . Councilperson Marisa referred to a petition being circulated by Community Council in support of the proposed project . He said that if the Town receives the grant we will move forward but we need to find the proper management structure . Herb Engman said he would be astounded if the State of New York gave money to an inappropriate body as they do not give money to individuals , they give money to entities and corporations . Unless Community Council is incorporated the Town would be the only legal recipient of those funds . When you are the legal recipient have all legal responsibilities under that you them off to any other grant and connot push Y group in the community . Herb said he is not concerned about the money to put up the building but with the maintenance and operational costs . How much money has been set aside for these expenses ? Supervisor Dietrich responded that this was a unique opportunity for the Town . Councilperson Eckstrom read the transmittal letter sent to New York State attached to the grant proposal . Councilperson Schwartz said that he feels Community Council must formalize itself and , we as a Town Board , set up a meeting with them to discuss issues of concern . Discussion followed in regard to the condition of the old highway barns building and property . The Town Board will meet with Community Council on April 10 , 1991 . Highway Report ; Highway Superintendent Coddington reported on the following : 1 ) Road Grader _ - has been ordered and should arrive by the end of March or the first of April ; 2 ) Bridge on LaRue Road - The bridge on LaRue Road to the Speech Clinic was posted today ( March 11 , 1991 ) with a three ( 3 ) ton weight limit as recommended by New York State . The Spencer and Danby Fire Departments will be notified . An engineering study will be done on the bridge . Discussion followed . April___ 8._,_ _ 1991 _ _Town__Board__Meeting_ The April 8 , 1991 Town Board Meeting will be held at the New Town Highway Barns , 93 Hornbrook Road , Ithaca , New York at 8 : 00 P . M . Senior Citizen Report : Ed Roberts reported that the Senior Citizens would like to know the status of housing in the Town for senior citizens . tnbd3 - 11 . 91 i zi 6 Town Board Meeting March 11 , 1991 Code EnforcementFebruary __1991_Report The Town of Danby Building Department issued three ( 3 ) Certificates of Occupancy for the month of February 1991 . No building permits were issued . Dog _Control Officer Report :_ No Report Planning_ Board Report Chairperson Weitzel reported that on February 20 , 1991 the Planning Board held a Public Information Meeting on the new proposed Town Zoning Map . OLD BUSINESS : Dog _..Control _:_ Councilperson Eckstrom reported that the Town of Danby is satisfied with how dog control is handled by our dog control officer . Supervisor Deitrich explained that the Town receives many of the services provided through Tompkins County SPCA in addition to services of our own dog control officer . Councilperson Eckstrom said that the Town Board received a communication from Town Court that explained how violations are handled . NEW BUSINESS : RESOLUTION. # 23_._OF _ 1991. . AWARD OF _FIRE _AND ALARM SYSTEM CONTRACT - NEW HIGHWAY BARNS By Councilperson Eckstrom : Seconded by Councilperson Schwartz WHEREAS , the Town of Danby has requested and received quotes for the purchase and installation of fire and alarm systems y for the Town Highway Barns , and WHEREAS , the Town Board of the Town of Danby has reviewed the proposals for the purchase and installation of a fire and alarm system , now therefore be it RESOLVED , That the Town of Danby Town Board awards the contract for installation of a fire and alarm system to OMEGA Systems for their low bid in the amount of $ 3 , 525 . 00 . A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows : E ckstrom Aye Marisa Aye O ltz Aye Schwartz Aye D ietrich Aye Carried Unanimously RESOLUTION # 24 OF 1991 THANK -.-YOU TO _ FRED_ M . THAYER , VOTING MACHINE CUSTODIAN B y Councilperson Eckstrom : Seconded by Councilperson Oltz WHEREAS , the regular meeting of the Town of Danby Town Board was h eld on March 11 , 1991 at the Danby Town Hall , Town of Danby , County of Tompkins , New York , and WHEREAS , Fred M . Thayer has served for many years as Voting Machine Custodian for the Town of Danby and has submitted his resignation and will no longer be able to serve , now therefore be it RESOLVED , That the Town Board of the Town of Danby accepts , with regret , Fred M . Thayer ' s resignation as Voting Machine Custodian and thanks him for his dedicated service to the Town . tnbd3 - 11 . 91 7 Town Board Meeting March 11 , 1991 A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows : E ckstrom Aye Marisa Aye O ltz Aye S chwartz Aye D ietrich Aye Carried Unanimously Proposed School_ Tax--_Equaliz.ation _ Le-gislation In regard to the Proposed School Tax Equalization Rate change Councilperson Eckstrom presented the following resolution ; . RESOLUTION # 25 OF 1991 P ROPOSED - _NYS ._EQUALIZATION AND _ASSESSMENT B y Councilperson Eckstrom : Seconded by Councilperson Oltz WHEREAS , The City of Ithaca and the Tompkins County Board of Representatives have requested the NYS Legislature to alter the NYS Real Property Tax Law , changing the currently adopted method of property tax equalization used to apportion the Ithaca City School D istrict tax levy , and WHEREAS , The Tompkins County Assessor ' s Office has been conducting a countywide revaluation for the past several years which was completed in 1990 . There exists insufficient data to justify the equalization equity of the recently completed revaluation , and WHEREAS , The NYS Board of Equalization and Assessment periodically conducts Equalization reviews for all NYS school districts and is the accepted and designated authority on equalization issues in New York State , and WHEREAS , The NYS Board of Equalization and Assessment has conducted an interim equalization review in 1990 which indicated wide deviations in equalization rates . Variations in equalization on the order of 250 % were not uncommon . While this information was based on 1986 housing sales , it is indicative that the revaluation methodology may be flawed and may require periodic third party oversight and review . The NYS Board of Equalization and Assessment is scheduled to conduct a complete review later in 1991 , and WHEREAS , The Town of Danby passed a resolution opposing this change in June 1990 and no additional evidence supporting this change has been provided since the original draft legislation was proposed in February 1990 . Meanwhile there are now several indications that this revaluation may not have been conducted in a completely uniform fashion , and WHEREAS , The School Board of the Ithaca City School District decided that it was unwise to institute this change for the 1990 - 91 school year and specifically chose not to apply for certification in 1990 , and WHEREAS , It is becoming increasingly evident that the Governor and the legislature will incorporate an increased burden on local property taxes as part of a solution to their budgetary problems . If this is to be done , to do so without assuring equity and uniformity in the distribution of local tax levies would be extremely imprudent , now therefore be it RESOLVED , That the Town of Danby Town Board opposes this change in the Real Property Tax Law and urges its NYS Legislators to consider changes in real property tax law more carefully in the face of the changing fiscal environment of NYS , and be it further tnbd3 - 11 . 91 *74/9 8 Town Board Meeting March 11 , 1991 RESOLVED , That the Equalization review scheduled to be conducted in 1991 in Tompkins County is seriously jeopardized by budget reductions . We urge our legislators to fund the NYS Board of Equalization fully in order to preserve fairness and Equity in the Real Property Tax system . Discussion followed in regard to the unfairness of proposed change in Real Property Tax Law to rural communities . A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows : E ckstrom Aye Marisa Aye O ltz Aye • Schwartz Aye . D ietrich Aye Carried Unanimously Representative Proto requested that a copy of the Proposed NYS Equalization and Assessment Resolution be sent to the Tompkins County Board of Representatives . Supervisor Dietrich will set up a meeting of Tompkins County Municipal Officers and invite Senator James L . Seward and Assemblyman Martin Luster as guests . Tompkins_ County___.Economip __Opportunity Corporation_Appointment__ Tompkins County Economic Opportunity Corporation has requested the Town of Danby appoint a representative of the Town to . serve on their Board of Directors . Councilperson Marisa will place as notice in the April 1991 Danby Area News of the vacancy on the EOC Board . The term of appointment is for one year beginning April 1 , 1991 thru March 1992 . RESOLUT_ION # 26 OF „_.1991. p y.LSION .__FOR_ YOUTH_. _MONEY B y Councilperson Dietrich : Seconded by Councilperson Schwartz RESOLVED , That the Town of Danby Town Board in full knowledge that N ew York State is undergoing a financial crisis , respectfully asks our State Legislators to do everything they can to keep youth serving monies in tact for our County and our Town . A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows : E ckstrom Aye Marisa Aye O ltz Aye Schwartz Aye D ietrich Aye Carried Unanimously Town of Danby_. Payroll . : . Councilperson Marisa reported that he has corresponded with the ADP ( Automatic Data Processing ) in regard to the Town payroll . ADP has requested confirmation in writing of their proposal to provide the Town with payroll services beginning in April 1991 . Discussion followed and a meeting with ADP is scheduled for March 25 , 1991 at 4 : 00 P . M . Mot_ion. _ _,tpprove___ Automatic Data Processing __for . Town Payroll. A motion was made by Councilperson Marisa and seconded by tnbd3 - 11 . 91 4`77 9 Town Board Meeting March 11 , 1991 Councilperson Eckstrom that the Town Board authorize Supervisor Dietrich to write a letter to Leslie Glynn , District Manager of Automatic Data Processing ( ADP ) to initiate payroll services for the Town of Danby to begin April 1991 . A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows : E ckstrom Aye Marisa Aye O ltz Aye Schwartz Aye Dietrich Aye Carried Unanimously Approval. Warrants : Corrections ._ of January _ 1991_ Warrants, There are corrections to the General Fund and Highway January 1991 Warrants . Corrections will be submitted next month . Approval .._. of.__General _Fund Warrant _ # 3 of.__ 1991 A motion was made by Councilperson Marisa and seconded by Councilperson Eckstrom to approve the General Fund Warrant # 3 of 1991 in the amount of $ 10 , 122 . 68 . A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows : E ckstrom Aye Marisa Aye O ltz Aye Schwartz Aye D ietrich Aye Carried Unanimously Approval ofWest Danby Water District Fund Warrant # 2 _of _ 1991 A motion was made by Councilperson Oltz and seconded by Councilperson Marisa to approve the West Danby Water District Fund Warrant # 2 of 1991 in the amount of $ 137 . 75 . A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows : E ckstrom Aye Marisa Aye O ltz Aye Schwartz Aye D ietrich Aye Carried Unanimously Approval _. o_ f_. Hi_ghway Fund Warrant__# 3 of 1991 A motion was made by Councilperson Eckstrom and seconded by Councilperson Schwartz to approve the Highway Fund Warrant # 3 of 1991 in the amount of 11 , 736 . 58 . A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows : E ckstrom Aye • Marisa Aye O ltz Aye Schwartz Aye D ietrich Aye Carried Unanimously Approval of _the __ Supervi. so_rs_. . February 1991 Report : A motion was made by Councilperson Marisa and seconded by Councilperson Schwartz to approve the February 1991 Supervisor ' s tnbd3 - 11 . 91 q70 10 Town Board Meeting March 11 , 1991 Report as submitted . A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows : E ckstrom Aye Marisa Aye O 1tz Aye S chwartz Aye D ietrich Aye Carried Unanimously Approval February. 1991 Report A motion was made by Councilperson Eckstrom and seconded by Councilperson Oltz to approve the February 1991 Town Clerk ' s Report as submitted . A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows : E ckstrom Aye Marisa Aye O ltz Aye Schwartz Aye D ietrich Aye Carried Unanimously ADJOURNMENT : On a motion the Town Board Meeting adjourned at 11 : 00 P . M . • Carol W . Sczep s 1 , Town Clerk • tnbd3 - 11 . 91 tnbd3 - 11 . 91