HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-12-16 Town Board Minutes
DECEMBER 16, 2020 5:03 P.M.
TOWN BOARD MEETING
The Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Cortlandville was held via
Zoom video and telephone conferencing with Supervisor Williams presiding as permitted by the
Executive Order of the Governor of the State of New York due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Members present: Supervisor, Thomas A. Williams
Councilman, Jay E. Cobb
Councilman, Jeffrey D. Guido
Councilman, Theodore V. Testa
Councilman, Douglas E. Withey
Town Clerk, Kristin E. Rocco-Petrella
Others present were: Town Attorney, John A. DelVecchio; Highway Sup’t., Larry Drach;
Water & Sewer Sup’t., Peter Alteri Jr.; Deputy Town Clerk, Abigail Albro; Reception
Clerk/Computer Technology Educator, Nick Alteri; Planning Board Chairman, Chris Newell;
Planning Board Member, Nasrin Parvizi; Town Residents: Peter Morse-Ackley; and News
Reporter, Colin Spencer from the Cortland Standard.
Supervisor Williams called the meeting to order and asked for a roll call of all Board
members in attendance.
Councilman Withey made a motion, seconded by Councilman Testa, to approve the Draft
Town Board Minutes of November 18, 2020 and the Draft Special Town Board Minutes of
December 10, 2020. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
RESOLUTION #323 AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN PURCHASE ORDER
#0171 TO THE COMPUTING CENTER FOR THE PURCHASE
OF A HP DESIGNJET SD PRO SCANNER FOR RECORDS
MANAGEMENT PURPOSES
Motion by Councilman Cobb
Seconded by Councilman Withey
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Guido, Testa, Withey NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby authorize and direct the Supervisor to sign
Purchase Order #0171 submitted by the Town Clerk/Records Management Officer to be paid to
The Computing Center for the purchase of one HP DesignJet SD Pro Scanner #G6H50B#B1K,
including a 3-year warranty, for records management purposes, for the total cost of $8,380.00.
RESOLUTION #324 AUTHORIZE TOWN SUPERVISOR TO BE THE SOLE
SIGNATORY ON VOUCHERS IN ORDER TO PAY BILLS AS
NEEDED UNTIL THE BOARD RESUMES IN-PERSON TOWN
BOARD MEETINGS
Motion by Councilman Guido
Seconded by Councilman Cobb
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Guido, Testa, Withey NAY – 0
ADOPTED
WHEREAS, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in the number of coronavirus cases
in Cortland County, the Town Board of the Town of Cortlandville has increased its safety
precautions and protocols to include conducting their meetings virtually rather than in person,
therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby authorize and direct the Town Supervisor to
be the sole signatory on vouchers in order to pay bills as needed until Board meetings resume in
person.
DECEMBER 16, 2020 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 2
RESOLUTION #325 AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF VOUCHERS – DECEMBER
Motion by Councilman Withey
Seconded by Councilman Testa
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Guido, Testa, Withey NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the vouchers submitted have been audited and shall be paid as follows:
Funds A, B, DA, DB, Voucher #1632-1737
HG, SF, SS, SW General Fund A $ 69,839.45
General Fund B $ 12,831.98
Highway Fund DA $ 0.00
Highway Fund DB $ 169,938.26
Gutchess Lumber SC Project HG $ 0.00
C’Ville Fire District SF $ 0.00
Sewer Fund SS $ 16,710.63
Water Fund SW $ 378,171.74
Funds CD1, CD3, CD4 Voucher # (None)
BMills Rehab CD1 $ 0.00
Town Wide Rehab CD3 $ 0.00
Business Devl CD4 $ 0.00
Funds TA, TE Voucher #40-40
Trust & Agency TA $ 178.00
Expendable Trust TE $ 0.00
Supervisor Williams offered privilege of the floor to Peter Morse-Ackley.
Town Resident Peter Morse-Ackley: Thank you. Thanks for the Zoom meeting and keeping
the Town's work going while we have this COVID problem. I like the changes that have been
made to the Solar Law. Looks like somebody really did some homework and some research. So,
you know, I like those two changes that were made. I was glad to see the draft of the
Comprehensive Plan and I started to read it, but I'm wondering if there's like a shorter version or
consolidated, because at 321 pages it's going to scare people from reading and understanding it. I
appreciate the work, obviously people did a lot of stuff, but it's length is kind of stunning. The
main reason I'm here tonight is I'm concerned about all the Solar projects being built. I'm retired.
I’ve read the last two years of the minutes from the Town Board, the Planning Committee, the
ZBA, as well as the Cortland County Planning. There are an awful lot of Solar projects going on.
These projects cover acres and acres, and who knows what's going to be done over the next few
years. It just seems like we're getting in a bit over our head. I don't understand why some of these
projects are being allowed in residential zoning and on prime farmland when we have lots of
places these things could go and yet we seem to be coming back to residential and prime
farmland. I don't understand how McLean Solar I continues to be allowed. It's been two years of
rejections and revisions. The company seems to be kind of vague about some of their statements
in their paperwork. I'm just really concerned as to why this project continues to go on. You
know, the new Comprehensive Plan recommends taking care of our gateways. It’s right on page
seven, in the beginning. McLean I is right on, you know, the gateway, it’s on McLean Road. You
know, it's right next to Lime Hollow, and… you know, cause Lime Hollow is the next property
over from where this thing's going in. Down the road there’s Tunison. I believe our gateways,
Lime Hollow, and Tunison are more important than 12 more acres of glass and steel. Lastly I'm
concerned with how hard Attorney DelVecchio is working on getting McLean I passed. Is Mr.
DelVecchio meant to be a neutral legal resource for the Town Boards and the people of the
Town? Or as an advocate for the companies of Gutchess and Farm East. Over two years there's
been incredible work, time, and discussion given to just this one project and after the Town has
allowed this company five other projects Mr. DelVecchio continues to push. To get around our
Zoning Laws and allow for Solar I. Over the past two years the minutes show that the Planning
Board, the ZBA, and several residents have expressed concern about this project. Yet Mr.
DelVecchio continues to coordinate and advocate for changes of venue, new applications, and
new strategies to get around our Zoning Laws. As far back as 7/19. In 2019 the Planning Board
identified there are ample alternative sites for this project. Why haven't we acted on it? I believe
that Mr. DelVecchio's advocacy for this project goes beyond his role as the Town Attorney.
Something does not seem right here. Please respect the residents, the committee's, the Zoning
DECEMBER 16, 2020 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 3
Laws, the Comprehensive Plan, and let this thing die. Or at least be moved to a legal site that is
not on our gateway or on R1 zoned land. Thank you.
Councilman Withey: Thank you.
Councilman Testa: Thank you.
Supervisor Williams: Alright.
Planning Board Chair Chris Newell: I just want to interject something. We have an
abbreviated Comprehensive Plan available. It's... I know we have the 300 and some pages, but I
do think we have one that's shorter with charts and maps probably in the neighborhood of more
like 100 pages.
Town Resident Peter Morse-Ackley: Okay. Great!
Supervisor Williams: Maybe you two can contact each other off camera and take care of that
electronically. I suppose we have that electronically. Right Chris?
Planning Board Chair Chris Newell: I believe so, yea.
Councilman Withey: Yeah Tom. Maybe Kristin can send a copy to each one of the Board
members, the abbreviate one. I'd appreciate that as well. It’s a lengthy read the way it is.
Supervisor Williams: Alright, thank you Chris. Alright. Let's move on. Someone have a
comment? No, okay thank you. Let’s move down through the static stuff that we have here and
then we’ll come back to Mr. Alteri who has a presentation for us. Let’s get through the Reports
and Communications. We have seven pretty standard and receive and file Monthly Reports.
Without objection we’ll take those as an item. All in favor… we’ll let’s have a motion to accept
all those.
Councilman Withey made a motion, seconded by Councilman Testa, to receive and file
the following monthly reports:
1) Code Enforcement Officer McMahon – November 2020;
2) Water & Sewer Department – November 2020;
3) Town Clerk – November 2020;
4) Cortland Community SPCA – November 2020;
5) Town Supervisor – November 2020;
6) Town Justice LeFevre and Town Justice Mathey – November 2020; and
7) Code Enforcement Officer/Fire & Safety Inspector Campbell – November 2020.
All voting aye, the motion was carried.
Councilman Withey made a motion, seconded by Councilman Cobb, to receive and file
correspondence from Charter Communications, dated December 4, 2020, regarding
programming services. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
RESOLUTION #326 AUTHORIZE TRANSFER OF FUNDS TO BALANCE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE 2020 BUDGET
Motion by Councilman Guido
Seconded by Councilman Testa
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Guido, Testa, Withey NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Budget Officer is hereby authorized and directed to transfer funds to
adjust the accounts of the 2020 Budget for the Town of Cortlandville as follows:
1) GENERAL FUND B - PART TOWN: Transfer $5,835.20
FROM TO AMOUNT
B1460.4 B1460.2 $ 5,835.20
TOTAL: $ 5,835.20
DECEMBER 16, 2020 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 4
2) HIGHWAY FUND – PART TOWN DB: $75,773.21
FROM TO AMOUNT
DB5110.4 DB5130.2 $ 12,600.00
DB5110.1 DB5130.1 $ 63,173.21
TOTAL: $ 75,773.21
3) SS – SEWER FUND: Transfer $91,000.00
FROM TO AMOUNT
SS599 SS8120.41 $ 91,000.00
TOTAL: $ 91,000.00
4) SW – WATER FUND: Transfer $369,105.00
FROM TO AMOUNT
SW599 SW8340.41 $246,065.00
SW599 SW8340.42 $123,040.00
TOTAL: $369,105.00
RESOLUTION #327 SCHEDULE PUBLIC HEARING FOR JANUARY 20, 2021
REGARDING THE TOWN’S APPLICATION FOR A 2021 NYS
CDBG ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/SMALL BUSINESS
GRANT
Motion by Councilman Testa
Seconded by Councilman Guido
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Guido, Testa, Withey NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, a Public Hearing shall be scheduled for January 20, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.
regarding the Town of Cortlandville’s application for a 2021 NYS Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) Economic Development/Small Business Grant to facilitate the
establishment of Seven Valley Specialty Cables, LLC.
Attorney DelVecchio reported:
Estate of Daniel McAllister:
Attorney DelVecchio reported that he was in receipt of an Order signed by Judge
Campbell, Surrogate’s Court of the State of New York, Cortland County regarding the Estate of
Daniel McAllister. The Order relinquished the Cortland County Treasurer from its duties as
Trustee for the Estate of Daniel McAllister and ordered that all funds maintained within the
Estate be remitted to a family member for the purpose of maintaining the McAllister Burial Lot
within the South Cortland Cemetery in the Town of Cortlandville. Attorney DelVecchio asked
the Board to formally acknowledge the receipt of the Order.
RESOLUTION #328 ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF THE ORDER IN THE
MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DANIEL MCALLISTER BY
THE SURROGATE’S COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW
YORK, CORTLAND COUNTY
Motion by Councilman Withey
Seconded by Councilman Cobb
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Guido, Testa, Withey NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby acknowledge receipt of the “Order” in the
matter of the Estate of Daniel McAllister signed by Hon. Julie A. Campbell, Surrogate’s Court of
the State of New York, Cortland County, dated December 14, 2021 that relinquished the
Cortland County Treasurer from its duties as Trustee for the Estate of Daniel McAllister and
ordered that all funds maintained within the Estate be remitted to a family member for the
purpose of maintaining the McAllister Burial Lot within the South Cortland Cemetery in the
Town of Cortlandville.
DECEMBER 16, 2020 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 5
Bond Anticipation Note – Gutchess Lumber Sports Complex:
Attorney DelVecchio advised the Board that a decision must be made either tonight or by
the next board meeting as to whether the Board would renew the Bond Anticipation Note (BAN)
for the Gutchess Lumber Sports Complex as another short-term BAN for one year or move to a
long-term bond. There were 12 years left on the original amount of funds borrowed.
He reminded the Board that the concern last year, and the reason the Board moved
forward with a short-term BAN, was that there was interest by PBR to have an equitable interest
in the park or managing it. The concern was that if the Town moves to a long-term bond, if the
interest is tax exempt as it is right now, the tax-exempt status would not allow the Town to enter
into a relationship with PBR. If the bond is not tax-exempt then the Town could enter into such
relationship.
Attorney DelVecchio explained that like the renewal of the BAN in January 2020,
moving forward with a 1-year BAN would mean a fee to fiscal advisors and to bond council in
NYC. An interest payment and principal payment must also be made (as budgeted for).
Councilman Withey voiced concerns with the fees and not moving forward with a long-
term bond. He stated he was concerned that PBR has not moved forward. He asked, if it were
not for the COVID-19 pandemic, would the Town be negotiating with them?
Supervisor Williams indicated that he would be meeting with representatives from PBR
to discuss building two new fields on January 5, 2021.
Councilman Withey asked for more information regarding the renewal of the BAN.
Discussion was moved to the Special Town Board Meeting scheduled for December 28, 2020.
Response to Mr. Morse-Ackely and Proposed Amendments to the Town Solar Law:
Attorney DelVecchio: Yes, yes. My third issue has to do with Solar stuff. I just want to address
the comments made by Mr. Morse-Ackley. Mr. Morse-Ackley actually made about 10 inaccurate
or misinformed statements that I counted. Basically I'll comment on the McLean Solar project.
This is a very legally complicated matter, I'm not going to…. I could sit here and talk to you for
about two hours about what has happened, but basically we have a situation where this company
is attempting to get approved to put a solar project on a residential property. And, it's not zoned
properly for what they want to do. What they have done, over a number of months, is exercise
every... almost every legal option that they have in order to attempt to make that happen. First,
they attempted to file a Change of Zone application. That process played out. Ultimately, the
Town Board at the time denied that request. They then did a, I forgot the name, but it was a...
it's…
Town Resident Peter Morse-Ackley: Zoning Overlay?
Planning Board Chair Chris Newell: Overlay Zone?
Attorney DelVecchio: Overlay Zone excuse me. Yes, an Overlay Zone request. That process
played itself out. And was denied by the Town Board. Their basically last option here is to file a
Use Variance application in front of the Zoning Board of Appeals. And that has been done. The
Zoning Board of Appeals has requested or consented that the Planning Board be lead agency
with respect to SEQR. A SEQR determination has to be done prior to the Zoning Board of
Appeals taking up that Use Variance application. Zoning... excuse me the Planning Board has
acted on that. A positive declaration with respect to SEQR was, the finding by the Planning
Board. And now the applicant has decided to address that positive declaration by attempting to
jump through the Hula-Hoops of going through the scoping and the preparation of an
environmental impact statement to possibly convince the Planning Board to overturn its own
decision to make that positive declaration finding. I will tell you one hundred percent that I have
not acted in any sort of biased fashion in favor of the applicant. If you know me well, never do I
express any bias, especially in... in any sort of Zoning and Planning situation with the Town. I
was on the Planning Board for, I think five or six years. Made several important decisions that
affected the Town, and now that I'm Town Attorney I get to see these things from a different
perspective, and again I've no bias. I have assisted the respective Boards through the legal
process. And the applicant has gone through, and exercised its options. Not the Town. The Town
is not doing anything other than following the law. I take my tasks in my job very seriously, and
again I think the time has done a very good job in going through that process. That's all I have to
say about that. As far as the potential changes to the Zoning Law. You have them in front of you.
I formally have gone through the Code and created some language based on the
recommendations that were made by the Planning Board. Before you fo rmally consider going
through that process and adopting those changes, I want to let everybody know that I did talk
DECEMBER 16, 2020 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 6
to… I brought this up before, I did talk to a gentleman who is employed by NYSER DA. His
name is Ian Latimer, and he is willing to do a Zoom meeting with the Town Board, and by the
way, any members of the Planning Board, or any member of the public in the Town of
Cortlandville to discuss Cortlandville’s Solar Law. Discuss any of these proposed modifications
to the Solar Code. And discuss battery or energy storage. As you know, we don't have a… well,
the next facet of Zoning, in my opinion, is battery storage. The solar companies are going to put
in machinery and all sorts of things to not only produce the energy, but then they're going to
store it. And I believe that the Town, at some point, should adopt a special code to govern
situations involving that. And Mr. Latimer has a wealth of knowledge in that arena and a wealth
of knowledge in the Solar arena all together. And, he and I have discussed basically the hot-
button issues that have come up in the Solar arena in the Town of Cortlandville. So he is... he's
willing to do it. We have a Special Meeting schedule for December 2….
Supervisor Williams: 28th.
Attorney DelVecchio: 28th. I’m sorry. And he is willing to come and do that Zoom meeting at
4:00 P.M. on that day. If you are all willing and want him to come. Obviously we could have
him come, do a presentation, he's even willing to do sort of a question and answer thing.
Obviously, you know, it'll be for an hour or however long you want it. He's willing to even go as
long as you want, and once that’s over with we can go on with our business for what that, you
know, what that Special Meeting is intended for... for other reasons. I think it's probably a good
idea based on my discussion with him, and his… I mean the guy is a guru on the stuff. It might
be a good idea for you to hold off on considering these changes to our Solar Law, until you hear
from him. He will speak squarely on some of those changes, and I think it's beneficial for you to
hear him.
Councilman Withey: Couple things John. I would love to do this meeting. These proposed
changes to the Solar law can we accept, and file, and review these?
Attorney DelVecchio: Certainly.
Councilman Withey: I think that would be appropriate. And so, everyone can read it. Chris or
whoever can talk ahead of Mr. Latimer and so we were kind of all on the same page with that.
Regressing just a little bit, if Solar I doesn’t fit with our Comprehensive Plan and they want to
put it onto residential property, R1 property, why is it still moving ahead? Is this something... is
this a process that we have to do? Why can't we say it doesn't fit with the Comprehensive Plan,
end of story?
Attorney DelVecchio: If we did that, Doug, we would get sued in five minutes.
Councilman Withey: Okay. Well we don’t want that. I have to pose that question. If I am going
to a scoping session for the SEQR process...
Attorney DelVecchio: I’m not… it cut out… I’m sorry.
Councilman Withey: No, it’s probably on my end. So, we have to do a scoping session now, as
it relates to the SEQR process, the positive dec.
Attorney DelVecchio: Correct. So what the applicant has done is provided a Draft Scope to the
Planning Board. And all that is basically a table of contents for what is to come later, the
Environmental Impact statement. And the prerogative for all that stuff is for the applicants to
present any information or plans that they have to address any of the environmental concerns that
were deemed to be significant by the Planning Board. Ultimately, after that presentation is made,
the applicant will be asking the Planning Board to take a vote to potentially decide whether or
not the significant environmental concerns have been addressed enough to then, you know,
warrant a negative declaration on SEQR. If the Planning Board upholds the positive declaration
at that point in time the project will die.
Councilman Withey: Okay, okay. Thanks for enlightening me and the others on that. Okay.
Supervisor Williams: So later in the agenda we have a receipt of the proposed law and you're
suggesting that we schedule this if everybody wants, to schedule this training session, I guess
let’s call it or a question and answer session with the NYSERDA guy on the 28th at 4:00 P.M. Is
that correct John?
DECEMBER 16, 2020 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 7
Attorney DelVecchio: That's my suggestion, yes.
Supervisor Williams: I don't know that we need to have a formal resolution on this. Are we in
favor of that?
Councilman Withey: Doug is.
Councilman Cobb: I am.
Supervisor Williams: Jeff?
Councilman Guido: Yea, I’m in favor.
Supervisor Williams: Teddy?
Councilman Testa: No problem.
Supervisor Williams: Okay, let’s set that up for 4:00 P.M. on the 28th. Kristin you’ve made
note of that? And John, you’ll reach out to, I can’t think of his name, you’ll reach out to your
guy?
Attorney DelVecchio: Yeah Kristin, I'm going to give you his email address so that you can
send him that Zoom link. He does Zoom all day long so he's very… it's easy for him to just sign
on.
Town Clerk Rocco-Petrella: Now do you expect the… my only comment is, your meeting is at
5:00 P.M. for the Special Town Board meeting. Do you want to just amend your time to start at
4:00 P.M. for the Special Meeting in case you run over an hour with Mr...
Supervisor Williams: That’s a good point. Let’s make it one meeting and we’ll just amend that
on the website and whatnot. We’ll start at 4:00 P.M. and we’ll end up where we end up.
Councilman Withey: I have a question Tom.
Supervisor Williams: Yea.
Councilman Withey: Could we… I think John said that Mr. Latimer is willing to come to us, is
that correct?
Attorney DelVecchio: He is.
Councilman Withey: Could we have the Board meet with Mr. Latimer in person. With
separation and all that. And also have the Zoom going with that. Cause it's just, for me, it's a
lot… a lot more comfortable than Zoom. So I just question if we could segment that so that Mr.
Latimer and the Board only meet, and then have Zoom there as well. Is that possible?
Supervisor Williams: Anything is possible. The problem is we're working very hard at getting
and maintaining a separation in the building. As I mentioned…
Councilman Withey: Right, I understand that.
Supervisor Williams: ...at the last meeting, we have Clerks here and Clerks there and we’ve got
Court people here, Court people there. We're trying to get people either working from home or
separated as best they can to try to prevent some kind of infection. Luckily we have not had... we
have not had one infection in the building and we're very happy with that. But, we just... I think
we need, at least for the next month or two, to really buckle down and be good about it. S o, I
would hesitate to do that. Plus, John has suggested that perhaps the Planning Board, in total,
would like to meet with us at 4:00 P.M., or be part of this with the expert.
Attorney DelVecchio: You have the chairman of the Planning Board here.
Supervisor Williams: I see that. Chris, do you want to reach out to your folks and see if that's a
possibility on the 28th.
DECEMBER 16, 2020 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 8
Planning Board Chair Chris Newell: Absolutely, I'll send out an invitation to those and then
Kristin can set up the Zoom to those Planning Board members that want to attend.
Supervisor Williams: Okay, if those who do just let her know and then she… when she sets her
meeting up she can do the invitation directly to them and then it’ll all be in one package.
Planning Board Member Nasrin Parvizi: Chris it’s fine with me.
Supervisor Williams: Thanks Nasrin. You're the one we want there.
Planning Board Chair Chris Newell: Absolutely, but...
Attorney DelVecchio: Oh, there she is.
Planning Board Member Nasrin Parvizi: Yea, I was here all along.
Attorney DelVecchio: Oh, I didn’t know.
Planning Board Chair Chris Newell: Don’t we need feet in that one Solar Amendment? I
think we talked about 100 feet from a lot line and 500 from a resident?
Attorney DelVecchio: Yea, it's... that if you look at the agenda that one's in there.
Planning Board Chair Chris Newell: Without numbers...
Attorney DelVecchio: I formalized those recommended changes and referenced all the
applicable provisions. The only one that I did not put in there is the, sort of, mitigation one with
the percentages and I spoke with Mr. Latimer about that one as well, and he's going to be
prepared to comment about it.
Planning Board Chair Chris Newell: Great, okay, thank you.
Supervisor Williams: I am thinking if we are together, whether it’s on a computer or in-person
we might be able to get this thing pretty much ironed out, and and move it to Public Hearing and
get this on down the road.
Councilman Withey: When I look at the distances, …. Got a little feedback there. Is that the
consensus? Chris? Or Nasrin? Or John?
Attorney DelVecchio: So we’re just talking... I'll just comment. Sorry Chris and Nasrin, but
Doug is talking about the setback issue with respect to Solar being used as a primary use on any
property. And, what we have now, correct me if I'm wrong Nasrin or Chris, I think it's 50 feet
from any property line.
Planning Board Member Nasrin Parvizi: It is... it is based on the zone of that property. If it is
Ag it would be follow Ag. If it is Industrial it would follow that.
Attorney DelVecchio: Understood. And so what's been discussed by the Planning Board, as a
recommendation, is 100 feet from any property line or 500 feet from any domiciliary residents.
Mr. Latimer's comment, you'll hear this from him, is 500 feet is a lot. But, he also made mention
of setbacks being used from any residences on other properties as well. Not the property in
question. He said that that has been a very handy-dandy thing that he's seen and talked about to
several municipalities. And you’re going to hear that as well. So that's perhaps something else
that we can think about.
Planning Board Chair Chris Newell: That would be good to hear him on the 28th.
Supervisor Williams: Alright. So let’s set Solar on the table until the 28th. You all have the
proposed changes to the law printed, or on your computer at least. While I'm mentioning
computers. Have all of you that have Chromebooks gotten your cover, your case?
Councilman Withey: Yes, Doug. Yes.
Councilman Cobb: No.
DECEMBER 16, 2020 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 9
Supervisor Williams: Well there's one in the Clerk's Office for you next time you get there.
Councilman Cobb: Yup. Okay. Mhmmm
Supervisor Williams: It makes it easier to carry around, protects them.
Town Clerk Rocco-Petrella: Tom?
Supervisor Williams: Yes.
Town Clerk Rocco-Petrella: I’m sorry to interrupt. We... you formally approved, adopted a
Resolution to schedule that Special Meeting for 4:00 P.M., I’m sorry. So would you mind just
amending that for me by Resolution so I…
Supervisor Williams: Okay. Let’s have a Resolution to set a Special Meeting for 4:00 P.M. not
5:00 P.M. but for 4:00 P.M. on the 28th of December, to discuss, I think three things now. The
Solar Law, perhaps. The other thing we're going to be discussing is the money to the Fire
Department. And, of course we have to close out all of the leftover… the year end bills that
haven’t been paid. Those are the three things we have to specify in the announcements for the
Special Meeting. What we are meeting for. And those would be the three things. Is that enough
Kristin?
Town Clerk Rocco-Petrella: Yes.
Councilman Cobb: I’ll make that motion.
Supervisor Williams: Thank you. Do we have a second?
Councilman Testa: I’ll second it.
Supervisor Williams: Thank you Teddy. All those in favor? Tom aye.
Councilman Withey: Doug aye.
Councilman Testa: Ted aye.
Councilman Cobb: Jay aye.
Councilman Guido: Jeff aye.
Supervisor Williams: Thank you. John, anything else?
Attorney DelVecchio: Tom, I’m done. Thank you very much.
RESOLUTION #329 AMEND TOWN BOARD RESOLUTION #320 OF 2020
ADOPTED DECEMBER 2, 2020 TO SCHEDULE SPECIAL
TOWN BOARD MEETING FOR DECEMBER 28, 2020 AT
4:00 PM
Motion by Councilman Cobb
Seconded by Councilman Testa
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Guido, Testa, Withey NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby amend Town Board Resolution #320 of 2020
adopted December 2, 2020 to schedule a Special Town Board Meeting for Monday, December 28,
2020 at 4:00 pm to be held electronically via Zoom conference call/video conference for the
purpose of conducting year-end business, such as paying the year-end bills; to take action on the
expenditure of $300,000 as an emergency payment to the Town of Cortlandville Fire District from
the Town’s Water Improvement Capital Reserve Fund; and to conduct a workshop regarding the
Town’s Solar Law and Battery Energy Storage Systems, and it is further
RESOLVED, the link to register for the virtual meeting will be posted to the Town’s website and
published in the Cortland Standard.
DECEMBER 16, 2020 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 10
Town Board reports:
Councilman Withey asked for an update regarding the following: the status of the Town’s
project with Siemens Smart Infrastructure for LED streetlights; update regarding the status of the
sign for Park Outdoor Advertising on property owned by the Town; Recreation Committee; and
the Bennie Road stop signs.
Supervisor Williams responded that the Town’s LED streetlight project was before the
public service commission at this time; there was nothing further to report regarding the Bennie
Road stop signs; and the Park Outdoor Advertising proposal would be before the Zoning Board
of Appeals.
Supervisor Williams reported:
Homecoming for Cortlandville Resident, Ivan Roskos:
Supervisor Williams commented on the homecoming of 7-year-old Town resident, Ivan
Roskos. For the last several months Ivan has been away from his family seeking treatment for a
serious medical condition. Today, Ivan had an incredible, joyous homecoming. He was met at
the Route 281 and Interstate 81 exit by the Homer Fire Department and Police Department, who
escorted him and his family to the Homer Elementary School where all the Elementary kids were
out to greet him. From there he was joined by the Sheriff’s Department, Cortlandville Fire
Department, Highway Department, Water/Sewer Department to escort him home, where he had
a crowd of family and friends to welcome him home. Town Clerk Rocco-Petrella, Councilman
Testa and many others were in attendance. It was reported to be a very emotional and
heartwarming occasion. The Cortland Standard, News Channel 9 and the Cortland Voice were
on site to report Ivan’s homecoming. One of the Fire Commissioners, Kevin Whitney, invited
Ivan into the Cortlandville Fire Truck to sound the siren and run the lights. Supervisor Williams
stated that would have been a thrill to a young boy. He thanked the many people who attended
the welcome home ceremony and thanked the Town officials and residents for honoring Ivan.
Supervisor Williams asked for a motion to adopt a resolution that the Town Board of the
Town of Cortlandville welcomes Ivan Roskos back to our community after receiving medical
treatment out of state and wishes him well for this season and for a speedy and continued
recovery.
RESOLUTION #330 RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND WELCOME IVAN ROSKOS
HOME TO THE TOWN OF CORTLANDVILLE
Motion by Councilman Testa
Seconded by Councilman Cobb
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Guido, Testa, Withey NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Cortlandville hereby honors and welcomes
Ivan Roskos home to the Town of Cortlandville and Cortland County community after receiving
medical treatment for several months outside of New York State and away from his family, and
it is further
RESOLVED, the Town Board extends their heartfelt well wishes to Ivan and his family for this
holiday season and for a speedy and continued recovery.
Recognition to Bookkeeper Johnson:
Supervisor Williams recognized Bookkeeper Megan Johnson for her hard work and
success this semester with the two online classes she took through Plattsburg College towards
her bachelor’s degree. The Board congratulated Mrs. Johnson.
Renewal of Mobile Home Park Permits:
Supervisor Williams apprised the Board he received a memorandum today from CEO
Campbell regarding compliance of the Landmark Mobile Home Park and Cortland Estates
Mobile Home Park. After her last inspection, the Landmark Mobile Home Park had no
violations, while Cortland Estates rectified ninety percent of the violations. CEO Campbell
recommended the Board approve both permits for the year 2021 with the understanding that
continuous progress will be made to the park
DECEMBER 16, 2020 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 11
RESOLUTION #331 AUTHORIZE RENEWAL OF MOBILE HOME PARK PERMIT
FOR LANDMARK MOBILE HOME PARK FOR 2021
Motion by Councilman Withey
Seconded by Councilman Testa
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Guido, Testa, Withey NAY – 0
ADOPTED
WHEREAS, Cortland MHP Associates, Inc., of Pittsford, New York, owner, submitted a
completed application and the appropriate fee of $35.00 for the renewal of the Landmark Mobile
Home Park Permit for property located at 1030-1038 Route 13 in the Town of Cortlandville, tax
map #96.09-04-09.000, and
WHEREAS, the Town Code Enforcement Officer, Desiree Campbell conducted an inspection of
the Mobile Home Park on October 21 and 29, 2020 and December 2, 2020 and submitted her
inspection reports to the Town Board for review, and
WHEREAS, CEO Campbell noted violations which have been satisfied per the final re-
inspection of the site conducted on December 14, 2020, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby approve the Mobile Home Park Permit
Renewal for Cortland MHP Associates, Inc. for the Landmark Mobile Home Park for the year
2021, and it is further
RESOLVED, the Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to issue the Mobile Home Park
Permit, which shall be valid until December 31, 2021, at which point the permit must be
renewed.
RESOLUTION #332 AUTHORIZE RENEWAL OF MOBILE HOME PARK PERMIT
FOR CORTLAND ESTATES TRAILER PARK FOR 2021
Motion by Councilman Withey
Seconded by Councilman Testa
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Guido, Testa, Withey NAY – 0
ADOPTED
WHEREAS, Cortland MHP Associates Inc. of Pittsford, New York, owner, submitted a
completed application and the appropriate fee of $945.00 for the renewal of the Cortland Estates
Mobile Home Park Permit for property located at 1054 Route 13 in the Town of Cortlandville,
tax map #96.09-04-10.000, and
WHEREAS, Town Code Enforcement Officer, Desiree Campbell conducted an inspection of the
Mobile Home Park on October 21 and 29, 2020 and December 2, 2020 and submitted her
inspection reports to the Town Board for review, and
WHEREAS, CEO Campbell noted numerous violations of which ninety percent of the violations
have been satisfied per the final re-inspection of the site conducted on December 14, 2020,
therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, at the recommendation of CEO Campbell the Town Board does hereby
approve the Mobile Home Park Permit Renewal for Cortland MHP Associates, Inc. for Cortland
Estates Mobile Home Park for the year 2021 with the understanding that continuous progress
will be made to the park, and it is further
RESOLVED, the Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to issue the Mobile Home Park
Permit, which shall be valid until December 31, 2021, at which point the permit must be
renewed.
DECEMBER 16, 2020 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 12
Highway Department Equipment:
Supervisor Williams apprised the Board that the new truck for the Highway Department
should be delivered soon. Highway Sup’t. Drach was interested in purchasing another new 10 -
wheeler in the future and was told that if the Town commits to purchasing the same truck next
year the same price would be guaranteed. Due to rising prices and uncertainties with impacts of
COVID-19 pandemic, the Board was interested in pursuing the possibility.
RESOLUTION #333 AUTHORIZE HIGHWAY SUP’T. DRACH TO PURSUE THE
PROCUREMENT OF A NEW 10-WHEELER DUMP TRUCK
FROM THE SAME VENDOR USED IN 2020 (STATE BID
LIST) TO BE PURCHASED AT A LATER DATE
Motion by Councilman Testa
Seconded by Councilman Cobb
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Guido, Testa, Withey NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby authorize the Highway Superintendent to
pursue the procurement of a new 10-wheeler dump truck from the same vendor used in 2020
(State bid list) to be purchased at a later date.
Councilman Withey asked for a list of the Highway Department vehicles and the age of
the fleet. Highway Sup’t. Drach would provide the information at a later date. Councilman
Cobb and Supervisor Williams explained that Highway Sup’t. Drach was trying to get the fleet
on a seven-year rotation.
There was a brief discussion regarding the Draft Comprehensive Plan, with Planning
Board Chairman, Chris Newell bringing the matter up for discussion. Supervisor Williams
suggested the Board schedule a workshop at a later date to discuss the Comprehensive Plan as
well as the Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan that was already accepted.
Planning Board Member Parvizi suggested that the Board focus on the fundamental parts
of the Draft Comprehensive Plan: The Executive Summary; Chapter 4, recommendations; and
Chapter 5, the action plan.
Members of the Board indicated that they were in the process of reading or had read the
Plan. Councilman Withey commented that some of the maps need additional layers, and he had
suggestions for a couple of things that he thought should be in the Table of Contents.
Supervisor Williams explained that he tasked Councilman Guido with being the Board
expert on the Comprehensive Plan, and asked Councilman Cobb to do the same with the Town’s
Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan. He again suggested that a workshop be held in
January 2021. The Board could then move the Plan to a public hearing and a vote. The Board
would then have to talk about the actual implementation of both plans.
Resignation from Reception Clerk/Computer Technology Educator:
Supervisor Williams announced that he received a resignation from Nick Alteri,
Reception Clerk/Computer Technology Educator to be effective December 31, 2020. Mr. Alteri
has another career as a college professor and would be dedicating his time to such, although he
may be available to assist the Town in the future. Supervisor Williams requested the Board
accept Mr. Alteri’s resignation.
Town Clerk Rocco-Petrella thanked Mr. Alteri and expressed her deep appreciation for
his service to the Town of Cortlandville, especially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Members of the Board concurred.
RESOLUTION #334 ACCEPT RESIGNATION FROM NICHOLAS ALTERI AS
“RECEPTION CLERK / COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY
EDUCATOR” FOR THE TOWN OF CORTLANDVILLE
EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 31, 2020
Motion by Councilman Guido
Seconded by Councilman Testa
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Guido, Testa, Withey NAY – 0
ADOPTED
DECEMBER 16, 2020 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 13
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby accept, with regret, the resignation from
Nicholas Alteri as Reception Clerk/Computer Technology Educator for the Town of
Cortlandville, to be effective December 31, 2020.
RESOLUTION #335 ESTABLISH SCHEDULE OF TOWN BOARD MEETINGS
FOR THE YEAR 2021
Motion by Councilman Testa
Seconded by Councilman Cobb
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Guido, Testa, Withey NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the regular meetings of the Town Board of the Town of Cortlandville shall be
held at the Municipal Garage, 3587 Terrace Road, Cortland, New York on the first and third
Wednesday of each month at 5:00 pm, and if such day should fall on a holiday, the meeting shall be
held the next business day, and it is further
RESOLVED, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, if a regular meeting(s) of the Town Board cannot be
conducted in person, the meeting(s) will be held electronically via Zoom conference call/video
conference and the electronic meeting registration link will be posted to the Town’s website
(cortlandville.org) and available at the Office of the Town Clerk, and it is further
RESOLVED, the Town Clerk shall have the meeting schedule posted in the newspaper in Legal
Notice form.
RESOLUTION #336 APPROVE HOLIDAY SCHEDULE 2021
Motion by Councilman Withey
Seconded by Councilman Testa
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Guido, Testa, Withey NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the following Holiday Schedule for the year 2021 is hereby approved as
follows:
New Year’s Day Friday January 01, 2021
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday January 18, 2021
President’s Day Monday February 15, 2021
Memorial Day Monday May 31, 2021
Independence Day Sunday July 04, 2021
Independence Day observed* Monday July 05, 2021
Labor Day Monday September 06, 2021
Columbus Day Monday October 11, 2021
Election Day Tuesday November 02, 2021
Veterans Day Thursday November 11, 2021
Wednesday* November 24, 2021 (close at 12:00 p.m.)
Thanksgiving Day Thursday November 25, 2021
Friday* November 26, 2021
Thursday* December 23, 2021 (close at 12:00 pm)
Christmas Eve Day Friday December 24, 2021
Christmas Day Saturday December 25, 2021
New Year’s Eve Friday December 31, 2021
*Holiday Observation
RESOLUTION #337 AUTHORIZE TOWN BOARD TO SIGN THE COMMERCIAL
CRIME COVERAGE POLICY FOR THE TOWN OF
CORTLANDVILLE FOR THE YEAR 2021
Motion by Councilman Withey
Seconded by Councilman Guido
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Guido, Testa, Withey NAY – 0
ADOPTED
DECEMBER 16, 2020 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 14
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board is hereby authorized and directed to sign the Commercial
Crime Coverage Policy for the Town of Cortlandville for the year 2021, agreeing to the coverage
for the elected, appointed officials and all other Town employees.
RESOLUTION #338 APPOINT DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE TO VOTE AT
THE ASSOCIATION OF TOWNS ANNUAL MEETING
Motion by Councilman Withey
Seconded by Councilman Guido
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Guido, Testa, Withey NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, Supervisor Thomas A. Williams is hereby appointed as Delegate, and Deputy
Supervisor Jay E. Cobb, is hereby appointed as Alternate, to represent the Town of Cortlandville at
the Annual Association of Towns Training School and Meetings to be held virtually February 14-
17, 2021.
RESOLUTION #339 ACCEPT THE TOWN OF CORTLANDVILLE - SUMMARY
PLAN DESCRIPTION AS A POLICY FOR MEDICAL,
DENTAL AND VISION INSURANCE FOR EMPLOYEES AND
ELECTED OFFICIALS, RETIRED ELECTED OFFICIALS,
RETIRED EMPLOYEES, AND UPON DEATH OF ACTIVE
EMPLOYEE/ELECTED OFFICIAL
Motion by Councilman Testa
Seconded by Councilman Cobb
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Guido, Testa, Withey NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby accept the Town of Cortlandville “Summary
Plan Description” as Policy for Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance for Employees and Elected
Officials, Retired Elected Officials, Retired Employees, and Upon Death of an Active
Employee/Elected Official (effective January 1, 2014, Revised April 5, 2017).
RESOLUTION #340 ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF A PROPOSED LOCAL LAW
TO AMEND PART II OF GENERAL LEGISLATION OF THE
CODE OF THE TOWN OF CORTLANDVILLE, PART 2,
ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 178 – SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
Motion by Councilman Withey
Seconded by Councilman Cobb
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Guido, Testa, Withey NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby acknowledge receipt of a proposed Local Law
of 2020 to amend Part II of General Legislation of the Code of the Town of Cortlandville, Part 2,
Article 1, Chapter 178 – Solar Energy Systems, as prepared by the Town Attorney.
RESOLUTION #341 ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF THE DRAFT
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (DECEMBER 2020) FOR THE
TOWN OF CORTLANDVILLE
Motion by Councilman Cobb
Seconded by Councilman Testa
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Guido, Testa, Withey NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby acknowledge receipt of the Draft
Comprehensive Plan for the Town of Cortlandville, dated December 2020, as submitted by CHA
Consulting and the Comprehensive Plan Committee, and it is further
RESOLVED, the Draft Comprehensive Plan is hereby received and filed.
DECEMBER 16, 2020 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 15
RESOLUTION #342 AUTHORIZE PAYMENT APPLICATION NO. 2 SUBMITTED
BY G. DEVINCENTIS & SON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY,
INC. FOR THE TOWN OF CORTLANDVILLE
MISCELLANEOUS WATER AND SEWER IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT
Motion by Councilman Withey
Seconded by Councilman Testa
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Guido, Testa, Withey NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby authorize and direct the Supervisor to execute
Payment Application No. 2 as recommended by CHA for the Town of Cortlandville
Miscellaneous Water and Sewer Improvements Project, for payment in the amount of
$377,577.50 to G. DeVincentis & Son Construction Company, Inc., to reflect work completed to
date ($491,330.00) minus the previous applications for payment ($89,186.00) and the five
percent retainage ($24,566.50).
The final matter to come before the Board was the presentation from Water & Sewer
Sup’t. Peter Alteri regarding the possible location of a new production well in the Town.
Discussion was had as follows:
Supervisor Williams: Ah yes. I said I was going to get to that. Peter, he’s been sitting here all
night. First of all, I want to thank him for doing this presentation. As you know we have been
studying our water situation in the Town. There’s no better person better to discuss that with than
Peter. As you will recall back earlier in the year there was a situation with the City that we could
opt in to paying for actually as it turned out 25% of a $50,000 Grant, it was a matching fund
grant from the state to study the engineering feasibility of connecting the City water with... water
system with our water system. At the time we took a look at that and voted to go ahead with that.
As I jokingly say about 20 minutes later the pandemic hit and that all sort of went by the
wayside. I’ve since had a communication from the mayor of Cortland asking where we stood
with that. And, to be quite honest the conversation, as you know, has gone from tying in with the
City to exploring the possibility of putting in our own well, a new production well. And, what's
driving this is we felt need that we should probably have a production well somewhere upstream
from the gravel operation... gravel mining operation in South Cortland. So, that’s the
background. I would like to give the mayor and answer. So that’s part of the discussion we will
have perhaps in executive session. But I asked Peter to give us sort of a quick overview of what
we're finding out from our engineering folks as to where a well location might be and sort of his
feelings about the plusses and minuses of both of those plans. Peter the floor is yours.
Water & Sewer Sup't. Peter Alteri: So I was hoping you'd forget. My car was started I was
ready to go.
Supervisor Williams: Oh, stop.
Water & Sewer Sup't. Alteri: Alright, Nick helped me put a little presentation together so I'm
just hoping I can make this happen but I'm not quite sure where would you want me to start
from.
Supervisor Williams: Peter, wherever you want. I’m thinking… maybe give us an overview of
what you think is in the best interest of the Town as far as Water Production into the future.
Water & Sewer Sup’t. Alteri: All right.
Supervisor Williams: As we’re going we realize we need more water. As time goes by and
you’re it. You know, if we were playing tag it would be you’re it now.
Water & Sewer Sup’t. Alteri: So I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to get this slide
presentation up like Nick had it, but we did look at three options with the City and… oh there's
the angel he's getting it up for me. So we looked at three options with the City of Cortland and
you had spoke with the City and they were receptive with us tying into their system. So the first
option as you can probably can see it on your screen that would come at a cost of $3,424,000.00
and what that entails is basically tying into their Water Works plant on Broadway and running
DECEMBER 16, 2020 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 16
approximately 4000 feet of main through the Water Works to tie in with a 10 inch being out on
Route 281. It’s quite a bit of money. We’d have to have a booster station in line there. Anything
we do with the City of Cortland or any other municipalities for that fact, we’d have to have a
Booster Station because their tank is a bit lower than ours so we have to boost their water into
our sources. Also tying in with the City on Broadway and that was at either Adkins Ave and the
City water and we would run the main behind early 2000 feet of the 6-inch pipe that is back
there. But we would be running a line and tying into a 12-inch main. The cost of that again as
you can see it $2,827,000.00. Quite a bit of money and we would need a Booster Station for this
as well.
Supervisor Williams: Peter can you hear us?
Water & Sewer Sup’t. Alteri: A third option... Fisher Road tank. It’s a 3-million-gallon storage
tank… a lot shorter which would reduce the cost City system and have to run 300 feet of 16 -inch
pipe and we could tie into a… 18-inch main that we have I mean that we have right there on
Saunders Road $2,328,000.00. It’s… yup, I can. Can you hear me?
Councilman Testa: We can hear you.
Water & Sewer Sup’t. Alteri: Hello?
Councilman Cobb: I can hear you now, Pete.
Councilman Testa: I can hear you.
Water & Sewer Sup’t. Alteri: Can you hear me?
Supervisor Williams: Yup.
Water & Sewer Sup’t. Alteri: So where did you lose me? Where did you lose me?
Supervisor Williams: We’ve got you sort of garbled through some of this. So we're... we're up
to options three. I think between you and the pictures I think we have an idea of where we are.
Water & Sewer Sup’t. Alteri: Okay. Can you still hear me?
Supervisor Williams: Yea. Hey Nick, are you on the line Nick?
Reception Clerk/Computer Technology Educator Nick Alteri: Yeah yes.
Supervisor Williams: Would it be beneficial for him to reach out over the phone.
Reception Clerk/CTE Alteri: It's a possibility yeah.
Supervisor Williams: I mean he could use a cell phone or landline and call in. You’re taking
care of the pictures anyway so maybe that would work.
Reception Clerk/CTE Alteri: One moment. All right, so here we are. So he’s going to talk.
Supervisor Williams: Alright. Thank you. Peter?
Water & Sewer Sup’t. Alteri: You can hear me now? Alright so I went through the other two
options?
Reception Clerk/CTE Alteri: Yes, we’re on three.
Water & Sewer Sup’t. Alteri: So I don’t need to start with the other ones?
Reception Clerk/CTE Alteri: Nope.
Water & Sewer Sup’t. Alteri: Okay. So number three option would be a shorter and less
expensive option and that's obviously $2,328,000.00 and that would entail running 300 foot of
16-inch pipe into an 18-inch main that’s Cortlandville’s right on Saunders Road. Again, with all
these we'd always... we’d have to have a Booster Station obviously because of our tank elevation
DECEMBER 16, 2020 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 17
differences. We got looking at all these options and decided that with what could potentially
happened with Rocks 13 and they're probably going to get their permit to remaining a hundred
feet into our aquifer. We might want to look up stream of that because I don't think it's a matter
of if they pollute the water supply, I think it's just a matter of when. So we looked up, Tom I
guess was in conversation with Byrne Dairy and explained the situation and ask them if they'd be
willing to assist us in some way either with some land acquisition of theirs or possibly financially
on backing some of the project and they were receptive to discussing this in some manner, so we
picked out three, possibly four locations in the Byrne Hollow sight. Nick, can you go to that next
one there. And the top three were the initial locations. That's probably about a thousand feet or
so from the gravel mine but it is up stream. And then the fourth location is down closer to 13.
That might have been a little more of a concern because if there is some kind of fuel spill being
that 13 is traveled so much, it could have potential impact on the well, but it certainly would be
another option. There is an 8-inch and a 12-inch main that runs around that Byrne Hollow so the
piping would be minimal. Probably be looking at maybe a 1300 gallon a minute pump and that
does sit right over the aquifer and in fact that portion that those top three potential sites... where
that sits in the aquifer is the highest yielding portion of the aquifer. It's a narrow band and... Nick
if you click to the next one... so here, number one is the Gutchess Lumber Sports Complex,
number two is the proposed three wells, and on the Byrne Hollows property, number three is our
Lime Hollow well, number four is our Terrace Road well, and number five is the City. And
number six there, in red, is the mining, South Cortland mining pit. So if they up needing to get
their permit and they're into or Aquifer I think the potential is really great that they're going to…
at some point in the history of that mine, they're going to pollute everything downstream of that.
So if we weren't able to put a well where number two we'd be above that and the direction of
flow in the Aquifer is those arrows. And, if you look over to the left the arrows point south
there’s Gracie Road there that's the groundwater divide. So part of the Aquifer on the southside
of Gracie Road goes South and then the rest of it goes North. So the only disadvantage with
probably having a well site at number two is that even though a pump test might show a good
indication of a lot of water the sustainability might not be as much. But I really don't see... I'm
not sure of a lot of options given that mining company might get the green light to do what
they're going to do. So I'm open for suggestions we've had Clough Harbor look at all of this and I
don't know where we could put another well to alleviate any potential contamination in the
future. And, we do need another... another site. We currently... our Terrace Road well is just
keeping up. If we were to lose say Lime Hollow for whatever reason then the Terrace Road well
would struggle keeping up, and we don't have any other means to take care of our system. We’re
in great shape now, but we need to start looking now because a new well... the process is
probably going to take about three years... three and a half years. By the time you get through the
permitting fees the, Susquehanna River Basin, it could be quite a while down the road before
anything actually gets online. We just went through a permitting... re-permitting for our wells in
the Town and it took three years to complete that and a cost of $80,000.00. So it's not a small
task and it's something that really needs to be started sooner than later. The options of tying into
the City are a good alternative. I would say if the mining wasn't doing what they're doing that
might be something to strongly consider. At the lower amount up on Saunders Road, but I'm not
comfortable at all with what's happening in South Cortland and I'm kind of really surprised that
the media hasn't picked up on this and really gone after it in the paper cause it's been discussed
for a couple of years now and the Board's written letters to DEC, and a congressman, and the
cities been apart of that, Soil & Water, the Health Department and this doesn’t seem to be
making any headway. And, I'm really surprised that... I don't know what we can do to stop them
from doing it, but we need to be ready for any potential issues in the future whatever way we go.
Supervisor Williams: One of the problems that we’ve discussed is the fact that where the
location of the mine operation is we are obviously downstream to our production well, also to
our Terrace Road well, and unfortunately downstream from all of that is the City's source. So if
there is… if a source of pollution enters in the mining operation it’ll hit us, but… and I don't
know the length of time to get from A to B, but it's pretty obvious that the City will... will be
experiencing the same problem down the road. I don’t know if it’s days, weeks, months? I don’t
know how fast that water flows. Peter might have an idea, but it… I think… you look at the map
and it’s pretty certain that water is going to flow to the City. So, by positioning a well, if we get
an adequate supply, in the grand scheme of things might be best for all of us. So that if there is a
pollution source then maybe that well could satisfy the needs for everybody. I don't know that,
but that was one of the discussion points we’ve had.
Councilman Withey: Can I add to this?
Supervisor Williams: Sure.
DECEMBER 16, 2020 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 18
Councilman Withey: Pete you said that the well that you can put it out there on Byrne Dairy,
you mentioned sustainability. What did you mean by sustainability?
Water & Sewer Sup’t. Alteri: Well based on the 2013 Water Supply Assessments they had
determined, probably from their testing that because it's on the edge of the divide, the
groundwater divide.
Councilman Withey: Yup.
Water & Sewer Sup’t. Alteri : To get an initial yield quite a bit but to sustain it overtime
obviously how that water moves in the ground you might not be able to pull a lot of water
continuously so I mean if the City's pumping 3 million and we’re at a million or whatever and
we had to run just this well to supply us and the City that might not work. You know, to take her
both the Town and the City.
Councilman Withey: Yea I agree with you. I’m pretty sure that it wouldn’t work. Talking about
Booster Stations, have they looked at the TDH for the City's wells? Cause I know our tanks are
lower but I'm not sure what the TDH is for those wells. It may be enough TDH to take care of
your tanks as well. So has that been looked at?
Water & Sewer Sup’t. Alteri: In order, our tanks… the finished floor elevation is 1,364 and the
City’s is like 1,249 plus or minus. In order to feed our higher elevations I don't know if it could
be pushed into the system.
Councilman Withey: Well that's what I wonder. The TDH, those are big wells as you know,
and we never had to worry about the TDH because we... we... we... knew that what we had took
care of our tanks. But I'm not so sure that it wouldn't necessarily feel Cortlandville’s tanks as
well. So that would be something that we should look.
Water & Sewer Sup’t. Alteri: Yea.
Councilman Withey: That means you don’t have to have a Booster Station. I'm sorry.
Water & Sewer Sup’t. Alteri: So that would involve putting check valves or some kind of
closing valves, altitude valves, in your... in the City's tank otherwise they would overflow in
trying to push it into ours.
Councilman Withey: Correct. And they’re far cheaper than Booster Station. One other site that
I don't know if they look at or not but over on Madison Street. That street has 12-inch water main
right up to probably within 200 feet of the intersection of 281. I don’t know if anybody looked at
that so... and you just put a new 10 or 12-inch main up to 281.
Water & Sewer Sup’t. Alteri: There's a 10-inch main. Yeah we looked at tying in from the
Water Works for Akins or the Water Works itself either behind, right near Tops which is a 12-
inch main or run into the Water Works to the 10-inch main out on 281.
Councilman Withey: Right, but have you looked at Madison Street?
Water & Sewer Sup’t. Alteri: No.
Councilman Withey: Okay cause that water main goes right up there right to the City line. So
whatever it is there from the City to tie into your 10-inch main that's substantially less, your
water main, okay?
Supervisor Williams: But if the City water is potentially contaminated by misadventure out in
South Cortland, what good does having all those mains... what good is getting water from the
City if the City’s water is polluted?
Councilman Withey: Okay so let's... let's back up just a bit. Let's say it does get contaminated.
Alright. Where's the City going to get water from? Okay. So I think we need to look at more than
just a parochial provision of what our needs are and look at more of a consolidation effort. And
we're looking at potential contamination. We lived through it once here at Smith Corona. I agree
with Pete, we don't want to go through that. But if we put in a well that's not going to be
sustainable, then we haven’t solved the long-range potential problem. So, I’m with Pete for the
most part. This needs to be looked at, without a doubt. I'm not sure if we’re there ready to…
DECEMBER 16, 2020 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 19
Water & Sewer Sup’t. Alteri: We’re concerned about where our water's coming from, and like
you said, if the City gets polluted where they getting their water from?
Councilman Withey: Yea.
Water & Sewer Sup’t. Alteri: They’re not concerned about the Rocks 13. How come they’re
not coming out and helping us to stop this or prevent it. They’ve got a stake in this as much as
we do. So I agree. Where are they going to get their water from? I've been thinking about it now.
Councilman Withey: No absolutely. That's why I say so. I'm not sure what conversations have
been had, but I'd like to see what their stance is. If they're behind us, as well they should be,
cause I mean they’re… let’s see, they’re doing something around two and a half million gallons
a day at the present. At one time we were up to 5.5 million gallons a day. So the water’s there.
The water quality is there, right now. And course we always have to be considering, hey what if.
What if there's contamination. And you know, I’ve been a strong advocate for protecting the
Aquifer. That's why I fight so hard on gas stations and such. So, I’m on board with you I just…
I’d like to know number one, what the TDH is. If the TDH is adequate then all right let's... let's
look at, you know, making a tie in there and just put in some altitude valves. And, right now that
would solve problems as we know them today. Okay? So our problem for the Town is lack of
adequate water supply. You wouldn't have that with a tie in with the City. Okay so just my points
that I'd like to see raised and get some answers to.
Water & Sewer Sup’t. Alteri: Yeah, I don't think we have a lack of water supply at this time,
it's the threat of the future. And I don't want to be reactive I want to be proactive and…
Councilman Withey: Yup.
Water & Sewer Sup’t. Alteri: And, like I said, we have enough water to take care of our
constituents today it's tomorrow I'm worried about. And…
Councilman Withey: Exactly.
Water & Sewer Sup’t. Alteri: ...if we have the capabilities to provide the water, but what good
is that if it’s bad water? We want to keep the water clean and you are an advocate of the Aquifer
so...
Councilman Withey: What we’re leaning towards is you’re talking like an absolute and you
said yourself it's not if, it’s just when. You know it's going to happen and you know, you’re
being proactive about it. I commend you for that so I just think that we're not covering the
whole... the whole picture as we should be. So, if you can find out with Matt t here the TDH is on
that and they can tell that pretty easily and that solves... that solves that works for us that solves
the problem of putting in a Booster Stations or anything else.
Supervisor Williams: Alright.
Councilman Withey: Great presentation Pete. Fantastic job.
Supervisor Williams: Thank you Peter. We’ll talk. I think right now I think we need to move
along and get this thing over with. I told the mayor that I would be in touch, hopefully by the end
of the year, but if it doesn’t happen until after the first of the year it doesn’t happen. But he’d like
an answer as far as this study that they have out there. So let me talk to him. Peter we’ll talk on
down the road see where this says, and we’ll bring it back. Okay? Peter?
DECEMBER 16, 2020 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 20
No further comments or discussion were heard.
Councilman Withey made a motion, seconded by Councilman Cobb, to recess the
Regular Meeting to an Executive Session to discuss personnel. All voting aye, the motion was
carried.
The meeting was recessed at 6:50 p.m.
Councilman Withey made a motion, seconded by Councilman Testa, to adjourn the
Executive Session and reconvene the Regular Meeting. All voting aye the motion was carried.
The Executive Session was adjourned at 6:56 p.m.
Members of the public were invited to return to the meeting at this time.
RESOLUTION #343 AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO HIRE JOSEPHINE WILLIAMS
AS A TEMPORARY PART-TIME RECEPTION CLERK AT
THE RAYMOND G. THORPE MUNICIPAL BUILDING
Motion by Councilman Withey
Seconded by Councilman Testa
VOTES: AYE – Cobb, Guido, Testa, Withey NAY – 0
ABSTAIN – Williams
ADOPTED
DECEMBER 16, 2020 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 21
BE IT RESOLVED, as a direct response to the public health emergency of t he novel
coronavirus, COVID-19, and due to the resignation of Nicholas Alteri as Reception
Clerk/Computer Technology Educator, the Town Board does hereby authorize and direct the
Supervisor to hire Josephine Williams as a temporary part-time Reception Clerk at the Raymond
G. Thorpe Municipal Building, at a wage of $15.00 per hour.
No further comments or discussion were heard.
Councilman Withey made a motion, seconded by Councilman Testa, to adjourn the
Regular Meeting. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:58 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kristin E. Rocco-Petrella, RMC
Town Clerk
Town of Cortlandville
*Note:
The draft version of this meeting was submitted to the Town Board for their review on January 23, 2020.
The final version of this meeting was approved as written at the Town Board meeting of February 3, 2021.