HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-01-12 1 Town Board Minutes
January 12 , 2004
TOWN OF DANBY
TOWN BOARD MINUTES
JANUARY 12 , 2004
PRESENT :
Supervisor Fredric Dietrich
Councilpersons : Joel Gagnon, Norbert Nolte , Naomi Strichartz, Gladys Varona-Lacey
Others Present :
Carol Sczepanski - Town Clerk
Code Enforcement Officer - Susan Beeners
County Representative - Frank Proto
Highway Secretary - Susan Howe
Bookkeeper - Ted Jones
Members of the Public :
Robert Roe , Tom & Janet Gray, Bill Farrell , Ames Brown, Devon . Becut
Supervisor Dietrich called the meeting to order at 7 : 07 p . m . and led all present in the Pledge of
Allegiance to the American flag.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA :
1 ) Under old Business - Appointment of the Planning Board Chair
2) Under New Business - Safety Policy - Possible Resolution
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:
Town Clerk Carol Sczepanski reported that she has a proposal from a resident who will develop a
Web Site for the Town . There will be a Danby Quilting Group meeting on January 23 , 2004 here
at the Town Hall.
Sue Howe asked if the resolution to purchase the hydraulic excavator is subject to posting as a
possible permissive referendum information has been received from the Town Attorney and if the
check for purchase was sent.
Supervisor Dietrich reported that he had not obtained information from the Town Attorney but the
check for the hydraulic excavator was delivered to the Town of Lansing .
Bill Farrrell said he was a member of the Planning Board and would like to recommend Robert Roe
as Chairman of the Planning Board .
Tom and Janet Gray addressed the Board with a proposal for the re-zoning of their property for a
Dog Kennel proposed to be located at 158 West Miller Road. Drawings were submitted for the
Board to review and Janet Gray explained the proposal to the Board as an expansion of an existing
kennel . They have been operating a small kennel for four (4) years on their property. They currently
provide a dog rescue facility . Two letters of support from neighbors were submitted to the Board.
Susan Beeners reported that she is not speaking for the Danby Community Park Association but that
she has met with Douglas Gilogily and was asked to pass to the Board a map showing the old and
new boundaries of the park. There will be a new site plan soon .
Al Becker said that he thinks that the Danby Community Park may have to set one parking area back
a few feet . Sinage for the park is also an item to keep in mind .
REPORTS :
County Representative Report :
Frank Proto reported that the County had their first meeting and Tim Joseph was elected as the Chair
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January 12 , 2004
for 2004 . Committee assignments have not been finalized at this time . Tentatively the assignments
he may have are the Public Safety Committee, Planning Committee, Health Committee, Consumer
Affairs Committee, and will continue to Chair the Space and Location Committee. He will continue
as the representative to the Water Resources Council and also the Ag and Farmland Protection Board
and will continue on the T-Cat Board of Directors . Water Resources Council - the planning
commissioner would like to create a Water Resources Council that splits responsibilities,
individuals for a technical committee and individuals who will be policy makers . Mortgage Tax -
there is a proposal to close the circle on the last quarter at one per cent ( 1 %) and if passed it would
generate more income . Senior/Disabled Income Limits for Property Tax Exemptions - Proposal
to lower the income limits for Senior/Disabled Income limits failed.
EMC (Environmental Management Council)
Robert Roe reported that the EMC will hold their organizational meeting for 2004 will be held this
Wednesday . The Chairperson of the EMC for 2004 will be Steve Nicholson. Issues that will receive
priority attention will be decided at the first meeting of the year. Issues that may receive priority
attention are open burning and aquifers .
Supervisor Dietrich asked Robert Roe if he would be willing to chair the Danby Planning Board this
year.
RESOLUTION NO. 22 OF 2004
APPOINTMENT OF PLANNING BOARD CHAIRPERSON
By Councilperson Strichartz : Seconded by Supervisor Dietrich
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Robert Roe as Planning Board
Chairperson for 2004 .
A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona-Lacey Aye
Dietrich Aye Carried Unanimously
Highway Report
Sue Howe asked the Board to authorize the Town Supervisor to sign the County Drug and Alcohol
Testing Agreement. Fringe benefits for highway employees need to be updated quarterly to send to
Tompkins County and she is waiting for the figures for December to submit her report.
Motion to Authorize the Town Supervisor to Sign 2004 County Drug and Alcohol Testing
Agreement
A motion was made by Councilperson Strichartz and seconded by Councilperson Varona-Lacey that
the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes the Town Supervisor to sign the 2004 Tompkins
County Drug and Alcohol Testing Agreement .
A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona-Lacey Aye
Dietrich Aye Carried Unanimously
Zoning :
The Code Enforcement Officer, Susan Beeners reported that her monthly report for December was
submitted to the Board. She said that she has been in contract with the next of kin of the burned out
trailer on NYS Rte . 96B in an effort to get the site secured and cleaned up .
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January 12 , 2004
Planning Board Report
Susan Beeners reported that the Town has received an application for a four (4) lot subdivision and
an application for a twenty-four (24) lot subdivision . The applications will come before the Planning
Board at their January meeting.
Community Council Report :
Councilperson Strichartz reported that Election of Officers for Community Council be held at their
meeting on Monday, January 26, 2004 at 7 : 00 p. m.
Senior Citizens : - no report
Dog Control - SPCA December report received and on file with the Clerk .
Councilperson Strichartz reported that a neighbor called the SPCA regarding dogs running loose in
the neighborhood and they did not come out.
COMMUNICATIONS :
1 ) The West Danby Water District Commissioners 2003 Annual Report .
2 ) Copy of letter to the Town Board and Highway Department from Hayya Mintz
OLD BUSINESS :
RESOLUTION NO. 23 OF 2004
AUTHORIZING TOWN OF DANBY HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT TO PERFORM
ADDITIONAL WORK
By Councilperson Strichartz : Seconded by Councilperson Nolte
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby by request of the Town of Danby Highway
Superintendent and by such authority as extended by applicable sections of the Town Law of the State
of New York, do hereby permit, authorize and direct the Town of Danby Highway Superintendent
after consulting with the Town Supervisor, to fulfill such additional responsibilities from time to time
as circumstances necessitate, although such activities may not relate directly to the specific
responsibility of his department as specified by the Highway Law. The following may or may not be
implemented on a case-by-case basis as may be determined by the Town of Danby Highway
Superintendent to be necessary and in the best interest of the general populace of the Town of Danby.
1 . The removal of snow as required from the municipal owned properties .
2 . The offering of Emergency Assistance as may be requested by the Chief or other
responsible Officer of the local Fire Departments in support of FIRE RELATED
EMERGENCIES .
3 . Any unforseen need and/or effort of the Town of Danby Highway Department
resources as may be determined by the Town of Danby Highway Superintendent to
be necessary and in the best interest of the general populace of the Town of Danby.
A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona-Lacey Aye
Dietrich Aye Carried Unanimously
RESOLUTION NO. 24 OF 2004
AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION NO. 24 OF 1993 PROCUREMENT POLICIES AND
PROCEDURES :
By Councilperson Gagnon : Seconded by Councilperson Nolte
WHEREAS, Section 104b of the General Municipal Law requires the governing body of every
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January 12 , 2004
municipality to adopt a procurement policy for all goods and services which are not required by Law
to be publicly bid, and
WHEREAS, comments have been solicited from all officers of the Town involved in the
procurement process , now therefore be it
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RESOLVED, that the Town of Danby does hereby adopt the following Procurement Policies and
Procedures :
1 ) Every purchase to be made must be initially reviewed to determine whether it is a purchase
contract or a public works contract. Every town officer, board member, department head or
other personnel with th requisite purchasing authority shall estimate the cumulative cost of
the supplies or equipment needed in a given fiscal year. This estimate shall include canvass
of other town, departments, and take into account past history to determine the likely yearly
value of commodities to be acquired . The information gathered and the conclusions reached
shall be documented and kept with the file or other documentation supporting the purchase
activity.
2) All purchases of a) supplies or equipment which will exceed $ 10, 000 in the fiscal year or b)
Public Works contracts over $20,000 shall be formally bid pursuant to General Municipal
Law Section 103 .
3 ) The following method of purchase will be used in order to achieve the most savings :
Estimated Amount of
Purchase Contracts : Method
$0 - $ 1 ,500 Left to discretion of purchaser
$ 1 , 500 - $2 , 999 Oral request for goods and written/fax quotes
from two(2) vendors .
$ 3 ,000 - $ 9 , 999 Request for purchase and written/fax quotes
from three(3 ) vendors
All Estimated Public Works
Contracts : Method:
$ 0 - $ 3 , 000 Left to the discretion of Purchaser
$3 ,000 - $ 9 , 999 Oral request for goods and written/fax quotes
two(2 ) vendors
$ 10,000 - $ 19 , 999 Oral request for goods and three(3 ) written/fax
quotes from vendors
Any written Requests for Purchase shall describe the de_ sired goods, quantities and the
particulars of delivery . The purchaser shall compile a list of all vendors from whom
written/fax oral quotes have been requested and offered. All information gathered in
complying with the procedures of this guideline shall be preserved and filed with the
documentation supporting the subsequent purchase or Public Works Contract .
4) The lowest responsible proposal or quote shall be awarded the purchase or Public Works
contract unless the purchaser prepares a written justification providing reasons why it is in the
best interest of the Town and its taxpayers to make an award to other than the low bidder If
a bidder is not deemed responsible, facts supporting that judgement shall also be documented
and filed with the record supporting the procurement .
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5 ) A good faith effort shall be made to obtain the required number of proposals or quotations .
If the purchaser is unable to obtain the number of proposals or quotes , the purchaser shall
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January 12 , 2004
document the attempt made to obtain the proposals . In no event shall the ability to obtain the
proposals or quotes be a bar to the procurement .
6) Except when directed by the Town board, no solicitation of proposals or quotations shall be
required under the following circumstances :
a) items to be purchased under an existing State or County Contract;
b) requisition of professional services ;
c) emergencies ;
d) sole source situations ;
e) goods purchased from agencies for the blind or severely handicapped
f) goods purchased from correctional facilities ;
g) goods purchased from another government agency;
h) goods purchased at auction ;
I) goods purchased for less than $ 1 , 500 ;
j ) public Works Contracts for less than $ 3 ,000
7) This policy shall be reviewed annually bo the Town Board at its organizational meeting or as
soon thereafter as reasonably practicable .
A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona-Lacey Aye
Dietrich Aye Carried Unanimously
Multi-jurisdictional All Hazard Mitigation Plan Schedule
Susan Beeners asked the Town Board to schedule a time to hear public comment (if any) at 6 : 45 on
February 9, 2004 on the initial draft of the Multi jurisdictional All Hazard Mitigation Plan. She said
that she would prepare notification to put into the Danby Area News . The County will place an article
in the Ithaca Journal .
Motion to Schedule Public Comment Time for the Draft of the Multi-jurisdictional All Hazard
Mitigation Plan
A motion was made by Councilperson Gagnon and seconded by Councilperson Strichartz that the
Town Board schedule a time to hear public comment on the Draft Multi -jurisdictional All Hazard
Mitigation Plan for 6 : 45 p . m. on February 9 , 2004 .
A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona- Lacey Aye
Dietrich Aye Carried Unanimously
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January 12 , 2004
NEW BUSINESS :
RESOLUTION NO . 25 OF 2004
ADOPTING A TOWN OF DANBY SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT
By Councilperson Gagnon : Seconded by Supervisor Dietrich
WHEREAS, the Town Board wishes to clearly state a commitment to safe working conditions for
all Town employees, the following statement of management safety policy is hereby adopted by
resolution .
Town of Danby Workplace Safety Policy Statement
The personal safety and welfare of Town employees, as well as of the general public, is a primary and
continuing concern of the Town of Danby .
It is our goal to provide every employee a place of employment free from recognized hazards that are
a potential cause of serious physical harm or health impairment .
To assist in implementing this policy, a safety committee will be established, chaired by a safety
coordinator. The committee will meet regularly to assist in the accomplishment of our goal, reporting
directly to the Town Supervisor following each meeting or sponsored activity. The Supervisor will
then work with department managers to appropriately address those committee findings .
To accomplish our goal, Management will :
* Implement progressive accident prevention programs, systems , and techniques .
* Provide a work environment where identified occupational hazards are controlled when
elimination is not feasible .
* Cooperate with government and labor to ensure employee safety and health .
Department Heads, Supervisors, and Crew Chiefs will :
* Be responsible and accountable for a superior level of employee protection and performance .
* Institute work practices which reflect safe and efficient methods for accomplishing the
required tasks .
* Educate and train employees regarding " on" and "off-the-job" hazards .
All Employees Will :
* Be expected to conduct their jobs safely .
* Be expected to conduct themselves in a way that enhances their personal safety and that of
their fellow employees .
* Be encouraged to cooperate and contribute towards the overall success of the safety program,
including participation in safety activities and committees when requested
* Report all accidents and injuries immediately to their manager.
* Cooperate in the accident reporting and safety evaluation process .
Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Danby on January 12 , 2004 .
A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona-Lacey Aye
Dietrich Aye Carried Unanimously
RESOLUTION NO . 26 OF 2004
ESTABLISHING A SAFETY COMMITTEE TO IMPLEMENT THE TOWN OF DANBY
SAFETY POLICY
By Councilperson Gagnon : Seconded by Councilperson Nolte
WHEREAS, implementation of the Town of Danby Safety Policy would be enhanced by creation
of a group specifically charged with coordinating and encouraging compliance , now therefore be it
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January 12 , 2004
RESOLVED, that a Safety Committee be established consisting of at least one( 1 ) representative from
each of the following the : the Highway Department, Code Enforcement Office, Clerk ' s Office
Supervisor ' s Office (which representative will be responsible for Buildings and Grounds and
Recreation staff safety) , Offices of the Town Justices , and the Water District . The chair of the
committee will be annually appointed by the Town Board at the organizational meeting of the Board
in January . The committee will meet at least twice a year.
A roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona-Lacey Aye
Dietrich Aye Carried Unanimously
Approval of the Town Supervisor ' s December Report
A motion was made by Councilperson Strichartz and seconded by Councilperson Varona-Lacey that
the Town Board of the Town of Danby approves the Town Supervisor ' s December report as
submitted.
A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona-Lacey Aye
Carried
Approval of Town Clerk ' s December 2003 Report
A motion was made by Councilperson Nolte and seconded by Councilperson Varona-Lacey that the
Town Board of the Town of Danby approves the Town Clerk ' s December 2003 report as submitted.
A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona-Lacey Aye
Dietrich Aye Carried Unanimously
APPROVAL OF WARRANTS :
Approval of General fund Warrant No . 1 of 2004
A motion was made by Councilperson Strichartz and seconded by Councilperson Gagnon that the
Town Board of the Town of Danby General Fund Warrant No . 1 of 2004 voucher numbers 1 - 33 in
the amount of $ 5 ,084 . 71 .
A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona-Lacey Aye
Dietrich Aye Carried Unanimously
Approval of Highway Fund Warrant No . 1 of 2004
A motion was made by Councilperson Nolte and seconded by Supervisor Dietrich that the Town
Board of the Town of Danby approves the Highway Fund Warrant No . 1 of 2004 voucher numbers
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January 12 , 2004
1 - 9 in the amount of $ 3 ,253 . 49 .
A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona-Lacey Aye
Dietrich Aye Carried Unanimously
Approval of West Danby Water District Fund Warrant No. 1 of 2004
A motion was made by Supervisor Dietrich and seconded by Councilperson Varona-Lacey that the
Town Board of the Town of Danby approves the West Danby Water District Fund Warrant No . 1 of
2004 voucher number 1 in the amount of $ 36 . 77 .
A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows :
Gagnon Aye
Nolte Aye
Strichartz Aye
Varona-Lacey Aye
Dietrich Aye Carried Unanimously
ADJOURNMENT :
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 9 : 15 p .m.
a
Carol W . : /epanski , Town Clerk
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