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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-04-21 Town Board Minutes APRIL 21, 2021 5:00 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING NO. 1 AQUIFER PROTECTION PERMIT LIME HOLLOW NATURE CENTER 3277 GRACIE ROAD TAX MAP #105.05-01-12.110 A Public Hearing was held by the Town Board of the Town of Cortlandville via Zoom video and telephone conferencing as permitted by the Executive Order of the Governor of the State of New York due to the COVID-19 pandemic, concerning an application for an Aquifer Protection Permit submitted by Lime Hollow Nature Center to permit the upgrade of an existing pole barn on the property for classroom and work shop space, for property located on the west side of Gracie Road (County Rd. #124) approximately 1,700 feet south of Gracie Road/Lime Hollow Road intersection, tax map #105.05-01-12.110. 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 DelVecchio; Highway Sup’t. Larry Drach; Deputy Town Clerk, Abigail Albro; Supervisor’s Secretary, Patty O’Mara; Town Residents: Judy Testa; Robert Martin; Pamela Jenkins; and News Reporter, Colin Spencer from the Cortland Standard. Supervisor Williams called the Public Hearing to order. Town Clerk, Kristin Rocco-Petrella read aloud the published, posted and filed legal notice. Supervisor Williams offered privilege of the floor to those in attendance. No requests were made for privilege of the floor. No further comments or discussion were heard. The Public Hearing was closed at 5:03 p.m. APRIL 21, 2021 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 DelVecchio; Highway Sup’t. Larry Drach; Deputy Town Clerk, Abigail Albro; Supervisor’s Secretary, Patty O’Mara; Town Residents: Judy Testa; Robert Martin; Pamela Jenkins; and News Reporter, Colin Spencer from the Cortland Standard. Supervisor Williams called the meeting to order and asked for a roll call of the Board members in attendance. Councilman Testa made a motion, seconded by Councilman Cobb, to approve the Draft Town Board Minutes of April 7, 2021. All voting aye, the motion was carried. RESOLUTION #119 AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF VOUCHERS – APRIL Motion by Councilman Testa Seconded by Councilman Cobb 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 #430-505 HG, SF, SS, SW General Fund A $ 94,041.29 General Fund B $ 2,795.31 Highway Fund DA $ 0.00 Highway Fund DB $ 23,393.08 Gutchess Lumber SC Project HG $ 984.20 C’Ville Fire District SF $ 0.00 Sewer Fund SS $ 107,064.12 Water Fund SW $ 16,560.62 Funds CD1, CD3, CD4 Voucher #20-20 BMills Rehab CD1 $ 0.00 Town Wide Rehab CD3 $ 14,375.00 Business Devl CD4 $ 0.00 Funds TA, TE Voucher #10-12 Trust & Agency TA $ 38,803.23 Expendable Trust TE $ 0.00 Supervisor Williams offered privilege of the floor to Robert Martin. Town resident, Robert Martin asked questions and made comments regarding the following agenda items: • I-6: Lease Agreement with John Diescher: Was there a change in the number of acres to be leased? Concerns were voiced regarding the dust and dirt created by farming and impact on turf fields. • I-9: Highway Superintendent request to hire two full-time and four part-time summer employees: Are there funds in the budget to cover the cost of hiring new employees? Are the new full-time hires replacements for retiring employees? In what capacity will the new hires be used? • I-11: CHA proposal for Phase 2 of Gutchess Lumber Sports Complex: Mr. Martin made comments regarding the status of the project: stating the playground is almost complete and a service building is planned for Phase 2. APRIL 21, 2021 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 2 • I-12: Recreation contract with City of Cortland: Were the funds for the additional contract ($27,750) in the budget and what are the additional programs? Supervisor Williams thanked Mr. Martin for his comments and responded to them as follows: • I-6: Lease agreement with Mr. Diescher: The acreage to be leased would be reduced by approximately 40% from what was leased in 2020. Mr. Diescher would plant about 60% of what he planted in 2020. Mr. Martin’s concern regarding dust on the turf fields from the farming was probably a moot point since the corn would be substantially further to the south and west. • I-9: New Hires for the Highway Department: In 2020, two Highway Department employees resigned. To save money during the pandemic the positions were not filled, and the department has been operating short-staffed. The need to fill the two positions was becoming apparent. Except for the year 2020, four part-time summer employees have always been hired. The positions were included in the budget and Highway Sup’t. Drach requested permission to fill them. • I-12: Additional Contract with the City of Cortland: The additional funds to be provided to the City would support things the Town benefits directly from including: $18,000 for Wickwire Pool/Yaman Beach chemicals; $3,500 for RECDESK program, which is the computer software used for scheduling; $5,000 rehab of Beaudry Park ball fields which have fallen into disrepair; $1,250 for the Jim Partigianoni Scholarship, which is 25% of the total scholarship program for disadvantaged youth. Even with the additional funds allocated to the City, the total contract amount for recreation was less than what the Town paid in 2020 and in previous years. Under old business there was discussion regarding the Aquifer Protection Permit application submitted by Lime Hollow Nature Center to permit the upgrade of an existing pole barn on the property for classroom and work shop space, for property located at 3277 Gracie Road, tax map #105.05-01-12.110. Attorney DelVecchio explained the SEQRA process to the Board. The Board commenced their review of Part 2 of the SEQR Short Environmental Assessment Form with Attorney DelVecchio reading the questions. The Board answered no impact to small impact for all the questions. RESOLUTION #120 DECLARE NEGATIVE IMPACT FOR AQUIFER PROTECTION PERMIT #1 OF 2021 SUBMITTED BY LIME HOLLOW NATURE CENTER FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3277 GRACIE ROAD AND AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN THE SEQRA APPLICATION Motion by Councilman Testa Seconded by Councilman Cobb VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Guido, Testa, Withey NAY – 0 ADOPTED WHEREAS, an Aquifer Protection Permit application was submitted by Lime Hollow Nature Center to permit the upgrade of an existing pole barn on the property for classroom and work shop space, for property located on the west side of Gracie Road (County Rd. #124) approximately 1,700 feet south of Gracie Road/Lime Hollow Road intersection, tax map #105.05-01-12.110, and WHEREAS, the Town Board as Lead Agent, duly reviewed and completed the Short Environmental Assessment Form, therefore BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board as Lead Agent does hereby declare the proposed project of Lime Hollow Nature Center, Aquifer Protection Permit #1 of 2021, shall have no significant environmental impact, and it is further RESOLVED, the Supervisor is hereby authorized and directed to sign the SEQRA application relating to Aquifer Protection Permit #1 of 2021. APRIL 21, 2021 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 3 RESOLUTION #121 APPROVE AQUIFER PROTECTION PERMIT #1 OF 2021 SUBMITTED BY LIME HOLLOW NATURE CENTER SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS Motion by Councilman Guido Seconded by Councilman Testa VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Guido, Testa, Withey NAY – 0 ADOPTED WHEREAS, the Cortland County Planning Department and the Town Planning Board have reviewed and recommended approval of this Aquifer Protection Permit application, and WHEREAS, a Public Hearing was duly held by this Town Board, therefore BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby approve Aquifer Protection Permit #1 of 2021, submitted by Lime Hollow Nature Center permitting the upgrade of an existing pole barn on the property for classroom and work shop space, for property located on the west side of Gracie Road (County Rd. #124) approximately 1,700 feet south of Gracie Road/Lime Hollow Road intersection, tax map #105.05-01-12.110, subject to the following conditions from the Town and County Planning Boards: 1. That the Town reviews the façade changes to the building for conformance with the Town’s Design and Development Guidelines. 2. Compliance with SEQR requirements. AND IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, the Supervisor is hereby authorized to sign the permit. Under new business, Town Clerk Rocco-Petrella requested the Board receive and file email correspondence from Town resident, Peter Morse-Ackley regarding PILOT payments for solar projects and the Gutchess Lumber Sports Complex. Councilman Withey made a motion, seconded by Councilman Cobb, to receive and file email correspondence from Town resident, Peter Morse-Ackley, dated April 21, 2021, regarding PILOT agreements and Gutchess Lumber Sports Complex. All voting aye, the motion was carried. Attorney DelVecchio had nothing to report to the Board. Town Board reports: Councilman Withey reported that at the request of Supervisor Williams he contact a representative from Verizon to inquire about the possibility of installing Wi-Fi at the Gutchess Lumber Sports Complex. A meeting would be scheduled as soon as possible to satisfy the Town’s request. Supervisor Williams explained the reason the Town is interested in Wi-Fi at the park was twofold: PBR baseball was very technically oriented and solid Wi-Fi would help them dramatically and it would help the parents/spectators. He also mentioned that expanding broadband services was of interest in the ARPA federal rescue stimulus plan; the cost may be covered under such funds. Supervisor Williams reported: Highway Department – Work in County and City: Supervisor Williams apprised the Board and those in attendance that every year, the Town trades services with the County and the City and other municipalities. This year the Town Highway Department will be assisting the County with paving and will also be assisting the City of Cortland with moving sand at Yaman Park. Town vehicles and equipment will be used. Instagram Account for Town of Cortlandville: Supervisor Williams reported that Town Clerk Rocco-Petrella and her staff member Nick Alteri pitched him an idea to create an Instagram social media page for the Town of Cortlandville. Mr. Alteri created the mock Instagram account and demonstrated its value to provide more APRIL 21, 2021 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 4 information to the public and perhaps encourage more participation and transparency. The account, which would be monitored by Mr. Alteri under the direction of the Town Clerk and Supervisor, would be for information purposes only and not for public comment or dialogue. Supervisor Williams requested authorization to create an Instagram account for the Town. RESOLUTION #122 AUTHORIZE CREATION OF AN INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT FOR THE TOWN OF CORTLANDVILLE Motion by Councilman Withey Seconded by Councilman Guido VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Guido, Testa, Withey NAY – 0 ADOPTED BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby authorize the creation of an Instagram account for the Town of Cortlandville to be run under the direction of the Town Supervisor and the Town Clerk. Committees for Agriculture & Farmland Protection Plan: Supervisor Williams explained that the Town’s Agriculture & Farmland Protection Plan was previously adopted (2019), however a committee to help implement the Plan was not created at that time. Supervisor Williams asked Councilman Cobb for his help to find members of the public to sit on that committee. Councilman Cobb would bring a slate of names back to the Board at a later date for formal approval. Draft Comprehensive Plan: Supervisor Williams recalled that the Town received comments from the public regarding the Draft Comprehensive Plan earlier in the year. The comments would be passed on to CHA for review. He hoped to incorporate any changes in the solar law into the Comprehensive Plan. A public hearing must still be held prior to the adoption of the Plan. Moratorium on Solar Facilities and Recreation Commission: Supervisor Williams informed the public that the Board was waiting for the official filing notice from the Department of State regarding the filing of Local Law No. 1 of 2021 – Moratorium of Installations of Ground-Mounted Large Scale Energy Solar Systems. He planned to have a slate of names for the Board to formally appoint to the Solar Committee by the next meeting. He also planned to have a slate of names to appoint to the Recreation Commission at the next meeting. Town Property on Lime Hollow Road Leased to Lime Hollow Nature Center: Supervisor Williams discussed the Town’s property surrounding the Lime Hollow well that was purchased from Gutchess Lumber with the help of a state grant for the purpose of protecting the Town’s water supply. The Town leased the property to the Lime Hollow Nature Center (LHNC) for property management purposes. Gutchess Lumber retains timber rights and timbered the property earlier this year. With the help of LHNC, walking/hiking trails were being established that would tie into the trail system that already exists. In addition, LHNC was proposing that the trails be pet friendly. LHNC would like to name the new trails; a decision would be made in the future. The Board proceeded with the following new business items. Councilman Cobb made a motion, seconded by Councilman Withey, to receive and file the 2021 CDBG Program Income Certification Report sent to NYS Homes & Community Renewal on April 5, 2021. All voting aye, the motion was carried. APRIL 21, 2021 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 5 RESOLUTION #123 AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN THE AFFIDAVIT REGARDING THE TOWN’S 2019 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT TOWN-WIDE REHABILITATION PROGRAM BETWEEN THE TOWN AND KATHARINE D. GRIFFITH Motion by Councilman Testa Seconded by Councilman Guido VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Guido, Testa, Withey NAY – 0 ADOPTED BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby authorize the Supervisor to sign the Affidavit regarding the Town’s 2019 Community Development Town-Wide Housing Rehabilitation Program, between the Town of Cortlandville and Katharine D. Griffith, 1039 Route 13, Cortland, New York regarding the extension of loan funds by the Town’s CDBG Program #287HR323-19 for the total amount of $28,050.00. RESOLUTION #124 AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN THE NEW APPLICANT APPROVAL REQUEST OF JESSICA RECOR FOR THE 2019 TOWN-WIDE HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM CDBG #287HR323-19 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 new applicant approval request of Jessica Recor for property located at 1322 Fisher Avenue in the Town of Cortlandville, for a 100% deferred loan for the 2019 Community Development Block Grant Town-Wide Housing Rehabilitation Program (#287HR323-19), and it is further RESOLVED, the work to be completed will include electric, plumbing, interior, window and doors, and flooring, for a total of $17,275.00. There was a brief discussion regarding the renewal of the lease agreement between the Town and John Diescher d/b/a Diescher Farms for the lease of Town property for farming purposes (planting corn). Attorney DelVecchio explained that he was revising the previous lease agreement to reflect the new acreage to be leased, which decreased by approximately 40% from the prior year, as well as the total amount payable to the Town. He suggested the Board postpone action until the lease agreement was in final form. RESOLUTION #125 AUTHORIZE TOWN CLERK TO ADJUST THE SEWER CHARGE FOR THE 1ST QUARTER BILLING 2021 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3589 PARTI DRIVE Motion by Councilman Withey Seconded by Councilman Testa VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Guido, Testa, Withey NAY – 0 ADOPTED WHEREAS, a request was received from Geraldine Zattosky, dated April 11, 2021 to reduce the sewer charges for the 1st Quarter Billing 2021 for Account #213, for service to 3589 Parti Drive, tax map #96.10-01-32.000, due to a leak in her garden hose that went undetected, and WHEREAS, Water & Sewer Sup’t. Peter Alteri reviewed the request and recommends the Town adjust the sewer portion of the bill as the majority of the water did not go into the sewer, therefore BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby authorize and direct the Town Clerk to adjust the sewer charge for the 1st Quarter Billing 2021 by reducing the sewer charge in the amount of $334.71, and it is further APRIL 21, 2021 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 6 RESOLVED, the Town Clerk is further authorized to make an adjustment to the water/sewer benefit tax to be charged in 2022 if necessary, and it is further RESOLVED, correspondence from Geraldine Zattosky, dated April 11, 2021, and from Water & Sewer Sup’t. Alteri, received April 14, 2021, are hereby received and filed. Councilman Guido made a motion, seconded by Councilman Testa, to receive and file the “Payment in Lieu of Tax” Agreement from Hancock Estabrook, dated April 9, 2021, between the Cortland County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and DG New York CS, LLC - Cortlandville III Solar Project located at 4025 Carr Hill Road, tax map #87.00-01-08.100. All voting aye, the motion was carried. There was a brief discussion regarding the request from the Town Highway Superintendent to hire two full-time employees and four part-time employees. Supervisor Williams explained that two highway department employees resigned in 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the positions were not filled nor were the usual four part-time summer help employees hired. Recently the need to fill the two full-time positions became apparent as was the need for the part-time summer help. The money to cover the wages was in the 2021 Budget. RESOLUTION #126 AUTHORIZE HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT TO HIRE TWO FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES AND FOUR PART-TIME SUMMER HELP EMPLOYEES Motion by Councilman Testa Seconded by Councilman Guido VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Guido, Testa, Withey NAY – 0 ADOPTED BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby authorize the Highway Superintendent to hire two full-time employees to fill two positions vacated in 2020 and four part-time summer help employees as per the 2021 Budget. Supervisor Williams explained that agenda item I-10 regarding the proposal from CHA regarding Phase 2 of Gutchess Lumber Sports Complex (GLSC) was for information purposes only. There were several factors that could change the plans for the GLSC. RESOLUTION #127 AUTHORIZE TOWN CLERK TO SEEK “REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS” FOR PROGRAM DELIVERY AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES FOR THE NEW YORK STATE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM AWARDED TO THE TOWN ON BEHALF OF SEVEN VALLEY SPECIALTY CABLES, LLC (CDBG #287ED967-21) 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 the Town Clerk to seek “Request for Proposals” for program delivery and administrative services for the New York State Community Development Block Grant (NYS CDBG) Economic Development/Small Business Program awarded to the Town on behalf of Seven Valley Specialty Cables, LLC (CDBG #287ED967-21), and it is further RESOLVED, the proposals are due no later than 12:00 p.m. on Monday, May 24, 2021 and shall be awarded at the Regular Town Board Meeting on Wednesday, June 2, 2021. APRIL 21, 2021 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 7 RESOLUTION #128 AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN CONTRACT WITH THE CITY OF CORTLAND FOR ADDITIONAL RECREATIONAL SERVICES FOR THE TOWN OF CORTLANDVILLE FOR THE YEAR 2021 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 authorize and direct the Supervisor to sign the additional contract with the City of Cortland for the use of aid facilities, youth/counseling, recreation programs and parks for use by the residents of the Town during the 2021 calendar year in the amount of $27,750.00. For information purposes only, Supervisor Williams shared a map of Town property located off Fairview Drive for a proposed walking trail/dog friendly trail. He explained that he asked Highway Sup’t. Drach to investigate the possibility of mowing a walking path on the property, adding signage, and perhaps additional parking. Councilman Testa voiced concern for the neighboring properties and asked if there would be any problems with the walking path. Supervisor Williams did not anticipate it being a problem and explained that many residents already use the property as a walking path. A treeline borders one side of the property shielding the residential neighborhood, and the airport borders the opposite side. Supervisor Williams also explained that the County may have to retain ownership of the parcel adjacent to the Town property on Fairview Drive due to an agreement with the FAA. Highway Sup’t. Drach was still looking into the matter with the County Highway Sup’t. No further comments or discussion was heard. Councilman Withey made a motion, seconded by Councilman Cobb, to adjourn the Regular Meeting. All voting aye, the motion was carried. The meeting was adjourned at 5:55 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 April 27, 2021. The final version of this meeting was approved as written at the Town Board meeting of May 5, 2021.