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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-07-12 1085 1 Town Board Minutes July 12 , 1999 TOWN OF DANBY TOWN BOARD MINUTES July 12 , 1999 Regular Meeting PRESENT : Supervisor R. Kenneth Horst Councilpersons : Joel Gagnon, Edward Inman, Howard Steiner, Naomi Strichartz Others Present: Carol W . Sczepanski - Town Clerk Susan Beeners - Code Enforcement Officer Frank Proto - County Representative Members of the Public : Judy VanDermark, John Henderson, Faith Chase, Bob & Elizabeth Roe, Eileen Wright, Pat Woodworth, Gladys Varona-Lacey, Kevin Lacey, Esther Dotson, Ames Brown, Linda Dorn, Mary & Roy Casterline, Willard & Dorothy Daetsch, Rick Dobson, Charles Tilton Supervisor Kenneth Horst called the meeting to order at 7 : 00 p . m . and led all present to the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA : 1 ) Sale of Obsolete Equipment Resolutions- New Business 2) Recreation Partnership Report 3 ) Proposals from Susan Beeners - Town Hall Painting and Repairs 4) Proposed Senate Bill 5) Fund Raising at the Town Hall 6) Proposal for Environmental Services PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR Town Clerk Carol Sczepanski reported that the Tompkins County Division of Assessment is in the process of reassessing all properties in Tompkins County. County employees will be in our area from July 1 through December 1999 . Most assessors will be driving County vehicles with a County emblem and all will have identification . If residents have questions they may call the Town Clerk or the Tompkins County Division of Assessment . Faith Chase - 106 Comfort Road - has requested forms from NYS DoT be sent to the Town to send to the County requesting a speed test on Comfort Road . Elizabeth Owens-Roe - 1820 Danby Road - concerned with a publication of a rumor in the Danby Area News . Judy VanDermark - 1432 Danby Road - addressed the Board with a letter that she wrote for the owners to endorse in response to a publication in the Danby Area News of Danby Market regarding a misunderstanding published in the Danby Area News . Ames Brown - 1840 Danby Road - would like to know the results of the audit, heating system, street lighting and scrap collection. Margaret Shepard - 441 Comfort Road - apologized for an error in publication of the Community Council Minutes . Community Celebration Grant Supervisor Horst reported that he applied to Tompkins County for a Community Celebration Grant for the Town Hall . The request was approved by the County and the Town was awarded $ 1 , 000 . 1088 2 Town Board Minutes July 12, 1999 NYSEG Solutions Proposal for Providing Natural Gas Supervisor Horst reported that he has received a communication from Tompkins County Board of Representatives Chair Stuart Stein. Tompkins County recently selected NSI as the "preferred natural gas supplier" for Alliance members . There is a need to act quickly to obtain the best price and we should respond no later than July 20 to lock in the lowest price that has been offered to the Alliance . REPORTS : Environmental Management Council (EMC) Robert Roe reported on three issues addressed by the EMC . 1 ) Part of the structured plans for how the EMC handles business has been restructured . One of the suggestions is that the municipalities have a chance to report to the EMC about their concerns through their municipal representatives at least three (3 ) times per year . 2) The EMC has requested that the County bring in a consultant to look over the proposal by Motorola for emergency communications in Tompkins County . Bob is concerned that Motorola has proposed two (2) sites for telecommunication towers in Danby. 3 ) There will be an official Unique Natural Area (UNA) inventory for the County available by September 15 , 1999 . Tompkins County Representative Report Representative Frank Proto reported the following : 1 ) The Unique Natural Areas Study has no official status . It is simply an inventory of areas that the County designates as potentially sensitive areas . 2) The County is looking at restructuring the EMC as many municipalities have not appointed individuals from their Towns to the Council . 3 ) NYSEG Solutions is offering Tompkins County residents and municipalities the opportunity to enter into a contract as the supplier of natural gas . 4) Everyone is paying a monthly fee to a long distance carrier on their phone bill to allow free interne service to libraries and schools . 5 ) The Library Steering Committee held a meeting in Danby and Danby got a gold star as the Town Board has made a financial commitment and has been very supportive of the Danby Reading Room . 6) The County Board has passed the Highway Municipal Sharing Agreement and a copy has been sent to the Town. There was some concern with the agreement and has been revised . 7) The Board of Representatives approved the Loan Guidelines for economic development. Representative Proto reported that he and his family extend a. thank you to the Danby Senior Citizens for inviting them to the Annual Picnic . Community Council Report : Judy VanDermark gave the Board an update on the Community Council activities and programs . The Program Manager for Danby has resigned . A lot of residents are disappointed that there will be no Danby Fair this year. She suggested that the Town Board, Danby Fire District and Community Council join forces so that next year there could be a Danby Fair. Esther Dotson reported that the Building Committee scrap drive resulted in over 100 tons of scrap metal consisting of four large dumpsters . To date the total for the scrap metal drive has netted over $ 500 and there are a few pickups still to be done . Many residents worked on the site filling the dumpsters as well as helped with their own vehicles picking up scrap metal . 1i Highway Department Report - June 1999- Received Senior Citizen ' s Report - Carol Sczepanski reported that the Danby Senior Citizens held their Annual Picnic at the Danby Fire Station on July 1 , 1999 . Representative Frank Proto and his family were invited as guests . There will be no meeting in August. Zoning - June Report - Received Dog Control Report - S.P.C .A. - June 1999 - Received . i ! I. 111 ,. iili I lF I1 ; Ia , ti; , ( �1I, . 11 , c r yII i 1 cc .4i 1 _,h. y �d.it 1 H; INt. h,, I k “It tt , f _ 1087 3 Town Board Minutes July 12, 1999 Flood Mitigation Committee Report : Bob Roe reported that the Flood Mitigation Committee will be reviewing the submissions for funding . Pond Committee Report: Councilperson Strichartz reported that Jennings Pond is open for swimming . The Committee is trying to keep unduplicated counts of persons who use the pond . She would like to thank the many residents who helped clean the pond area to ready it for use . She thanked Bill Apgar and his crew from Community Services , Faith Chase , Ric Dietrich, Timothy Devoogd, Sara Newman, Henry Fitzgerald, Ed Inman, Darius and Zachary Lind, Toni McBride , Claudia Mietunen, Norbert Nolte , Richard Pratt, Judy VanDermark, Alec and Eileen Wright, Amy Cusimano our previous Pond Coordinator who generously answered all our questions . Reading Room Report: A request has been received from the Reading Room Coordinator for a locked box be installed on the Town Hall to allow access for the reading room volunteers to unlock the doors to the meeting room . She has requested that she have a key and a key kept in a locked box . Councilperson Inman presented the Board with a lock box that he purchased and described the combination lock and how it works . The Town Clerk strongly objected to many individuals having access to a key to the Town Hall Building for security purposes . For the past ten ( 10) years there has not been a problem with access to the Reading Room . Motion to Approve Lock Box for Key to Town Hall Building A motion was made by Councilperson Gagnon and seconded by Naomi Strichartz that the Town Board of the Town of Danby endorse the use of the lock box near the front door of the Town Hall Building by Patty Myers in order to give others access to the key to the Town Hall Building when she is unavailable and that she is responsible for the key and that the combination be changed periodically . A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows : Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Horst Aye Carried Unanimously Recreation Partnership Report : Councilperson Gagnon reported that the group has not completed their review of the budget of the Recreation Partnership Program . There does seem to be a consensus that they will continue another year at the same funding level as last year. There is a strong sense that the program should approach self support if possible . OLD BUSINESS : Highway Department Salt Storage Shed Supervisor Horst reported that he has received a letter from John Anderson of the Tompkins County Health Department relative to salt storage . Danby does not have a facility for storing salt. It is necessary for the Town to improve the Town ' s material storage area to protect the vegetation ground water, and surface water in the area. Lighting for Town Hall Code Enforcement Officer reported that Ed Austin from Fingerlakes Electric is coming to give the Town a recommendation and cost for improving the lighting around the Town Hall . 1088 4 Town Board Minutes July 12 , 1999 Noise Ordinance Councilperson Gagnon reported that he was asked to contact the Tompkins County Sheriffs Department about whether it made sense for the Town to have an ordinance to regulate noise . He reported there would be nothing gained from an ordinance other than what is already provided for in New York State Law. He suggested we talk with the Town Justices about their willingness to take action when the Sheriffs Department initiated action . Town Hall Project Update Code Enforcement Officer Susan Beeners reported that there is some progress being made with the heating system and the consultant will send a report soon. She recommended to the Board that they approve the following resolution to repair the doors . RESOLUTION NO . 52 OF 1999 RESOLUTION TO REPAIR OF DOORS AT TOWN HALL By Councilperson Steiner: Seconded by Councilperson Inman WHEREAS, the Town of Danby Supervisor and Code Enforcement Officer have made repeated requests to B . Milligan Contracting, Inc . , to repair certain deficiencies in several doors at the Town Hall ; and WHEREAS, the most recent request, dated July 9 , 1999 , provides that if no satisfactory responses is received from the contractor within 10 days, that the matter may be referred to the Town Attorney; now, therefore, it is RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby hereby authorizes the Town Supervisor to refer the matter to the Town Attorney for further action, including a claim against the contractor if necessary, if no satisfactory response is received to the most recent request . A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows : Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Horst Aye Carried Unanimously RESOLUTION NO . 53 OF 1999 RESOLUTION APPROVING OF EXPENDING FUNDS IN TOWN HALL CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNT FOR TOWN HALL PAINTING PROJECT By Councilperson Steiner : Seconded by Councilperson Gagnon RESOLVED , that the Town of Danby Town Board approves the expenditure of funds in the Town Building Capital Reserve Account HR1 1620 . 400 to pay for paint, equipment, and supplies related to the Town Hall painting project, with the understanding that the expenditure is eligible to be matched on a fifty-percent basis upon application to Tompkins County pursuant to the grant awarded for the painting project . A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows : Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Carried Unanimously Horst Aye Repairs to Town Hall Meeting Room and Property Susan Beeners reported that she has obtained an estimate not to exceed $700 from Rick Lazarus for some necessary repairs to the Town Hall interior and asked that the Board approve the repairs . She also reported to the Board that she would like to ask the Highway Department bring some fill and level it off on the south side of the Town Hall . ,r 1089 5 Town Board Minutes July 12, 1999 Old Town Barns Environmental Service A draft request for proposal for environmental services at the former highway department garage was received for the Board to review. The Board reviewed the request for proposals and discussed options of how to proceed . After discussion the Code Enforcement Officer was directed to coordinate the options and the availability of persons who might be able to give the Town for guidance of how to proceed. NEW BUSINESS HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO . 54 OF 1999 SALE OF SURPLUS/OBSOLETE EQUIPMENT By Councilperson Steiner : Seconded by Councilperson Inman WHEREAS, the Town of Danby Highway Superintendent has declared that the following items : One 1965 dodge Fire truck vehicle number 33 , and One 1962 Caterpillar Bull Dozer, and Obsolete Radios as either surplus/obsolete equipment, and requests permission for them to be sold at the Town of Lansing Municipal Equipment Auction on September 11 , 1999 , now, therefore , it is RESOLVED, that the Town of Danby Town Board authorizes the Highway Superintendent to take the above described items to the Town of Lansing Municipal Equipment Auction on September 11 , 1999 for sale . A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows : Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Horst Aye Carried Unanimously RESOLUTION NO 55 OF 1999 PROCEEDS OF SALE OF SURPLUS/OBSOLETE EQUIPMENT By Councilperson Steiner: Seconded by Councilperson Gagnon WHEREAS, a deposit from the sale will be made into Account No . DA2655 titled " Sale of Surplus/Obsolete Equipment, and WHEREAS, expenses will be incurred from the purchase of replacement radios for payment from Account No . DA5130 . 200 , and WHEREAS , the Town Highway Superintendent requested the transfer of said sales from the Revenue Account No . DA2665 to Account No . DA5130 . 200 , now, therefore , it is RESOLVED , that the Town of Danby Town Board transfers all proceeds of said sales from Revenue Account DA2665 to Account No . DA5130 . 200 within one ( 1 ) week of deposit of said proceeds A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows : Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Horst Aye Carried Unanimously 1090 6 Town Board Minutes July 12 , 1999 RESOLUTION NO 56 OF 1999 ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FROM 1988 GMC PICKUP TRUCK NO . 40 By Councilperson Steiner: Seconded by Councilperson Gagnon WHEREAS, the Town of Danby Highway Superintendent offered for bid the sale of a 1988 GMC pickup truck No . 40 , and WHEREAS, the Town received $ 863 . 83 from the sale of the GMC pickup truck No . 40 , now be it RESOLVED ,SOLVED that the Town of Danby Town Board authorizes the revenue from the sale of the GMC pickup truck No . 40 in the amount of $ 863 . 83 be deposited in Account No . DA5130 .200 for the purpose of purchase of truck radios . A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows : Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Horst Aye Carried Unanimously Supplier for Natural Gas for Town Hall Facility Motion to Obtain Natural Gas Supplier for Town of Danby A motion was made by Councilperson Gagnon and seconded by Councilperson Steiner to authorize Supervisor Horst to research the NYSEG Solutions proposal to provide natural gas to the Town Hall Facility and to decide this matter on behalf of the Town Board to obtain the best price available . A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows : Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Horst Abstained Carried Motion to Extend Meeting A motion was made by Councilperson Steiner and seconded by Councilperson Gagnon at 9 : 45 p .m. to extend the meeting to 10 : 00 p . m. Carried Proposed Senate Bill Code Enforcement Officer Susan Beeners transmitted information on a Proposed State Senate Bill relating to proposed standards for the review of applications of cell towers The proposed bill was reviewed by the Board . Motion to Authorize Town Supervisor A motion was made by Councilperson Gagnon and seconded by Councilperson Gagnon that the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes the Town Supervisor on behalf of the Town Board contact the Honorable Bruno , the Honorable Senator Silvers , the Honorable Senator Kuhl and the Honorable Assemblyman Luster indicating opposition to the proposed Senate Bill No . 5956 - New Libous/Skelos/?Rath "Compromise" Bill . A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows : Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Horst Aye Carried Unanimously 1091 7 Town Board Minutes July 12 , 1999 Funding Activities on Town Hall Properties Councilperson Gagnon reported that he has contacted our Town Attorney regarding fund raising activities on Town Hall property . Group activities would like to ask for donations for events held the Town Hall facility. The Board discussed a need to set guidelines for activities where there are requests for donations for admission and other items . Motion to extend meeting A motion was made by Councilperson Gagnon at 10 : 00 p . m . and a second was assumed by the Supervisor to extend the Board meeting to 10 : 20 P . M . to approve the Warrants . Carried APPROVAL OF WARRANTS AND REPORTS : Town Supervisor' s June 1999 Report - Approved A motion was made by Councilperson Inman and seconded by Councilperson Strichartz to approve the Town Supervisor ' s report as submitted . A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows : Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Carried Town Clerk' s June 1999 Report - Approved A motion was made by Councilperson Gagnon and seconded by Councilperson Inman to approve the Town Clerk ' s June 1999 Report as submitted . A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows : Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Horst Aye Carried Unanimously Highway Fund Warrant No . 7 of 1999 - Approved A motion was made by Councilperson Strichartz and seconded by Councilperson Steiner to approve the Highway Fund Warrant No . 7 of 1999 voucher numbers 201 -215 . A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows : Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Horst Aye Carried Unanimously General Fund Warrant No . 7 of 1999 - Approved A motion was made by Councilperson Steiner and seconded by Councilperson Gagnon to approve the General Fund Warrant No 7 of 1999 voucher numbers No . 277- 323 . A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows : Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Horst Aye Carried Unanimously 1092 8 Town Board Minutes July 12 , 1999 West Danby Water District Fund Warrant No . 7 of 1999 - Approved A motion was made by councilperson Inman and seconded by Councilperson Gagnon to approve the West Danby Water District Fund Warrant No . 7 of 1999 voucher numbers 19 - 23 . A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows : Gagnon Aye Inman Aye Steiner Aye Strichartz Aye Horst Aye Carried Unanimously ADJOURNMENT : On a motion the meeting adjourned at 10 : 15 p . m . ii d ! Carol W . Sczepanskl ! swn Clerk min-7 - 12 . 99 1