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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-05-14-TB-FINAL-minutesTOWN BOARD MEETING Town of Ulysses May 14, 2019 Audio of the minutes are available on the website at ulysses.ny.us. The meeting was held at the Ulysses Town Hall at 10 Elm Street, Trumansburg. Notice of Town Board meetings are posted on the Town’s website and Clerk’s board. ATTENDANCE: TOWN OFFICIALS PRESENT: Supervisor- Liz Thomas Board members- Nancy Zahler, Michael Boggs, Richard Goldman, John Hertzler Town Clerk- Carissa Parlato Bookkeeper- Nina Thompson Attorney for the Town- Khandi Sokoni (arrived at 7:08pm) Deputy Highway Superintendent- Scott Stewart Project Assistant- Michelle Wright OTHERS PRESENT: Linda Liddle, Michelle Couwenhoven, Cait Darfler, Pete Angie & Cameron Neuhoff (on behalf of the Jacksonville Community Association (JCA)), Anne Koreman (Tompkins County Legislator) CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Thomas called the meeting to order at 7pm. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA RESOLUTION 2019-90: APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approve the agenda for May 14, 2019 with the addition of an executive session for matters leading to the appointment or employment of a particular person. Moved: Mr. Boggs Seconded: Ms. Zahler Ms. Thomas aye Ms. Zahler aye Mr. Hertzler aye Mr. Boggs aye Mr. Goldman aye Vote: 5-0 Date Adopted: 5/14/19 PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: (none) REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES: Ms. Koreman shared the following: • The airport terminal renovation & expansion is in stage 2 of 3. The county was awarded an additional $10 million grant to complete the project. • NY State passed a plastic bag ban. • The county is finalizing the purchase of a building on Tioga Street. This will allow them to consolidate services and have a newer, more modern, energy efficient building. • Quarterly sales tax is up overall. • The legislature held their first budget meeting. They are targeting a 2.76% increase (about $10 on a $190,000 home). • The South Street slope stabilization project should start shortly. TOWN REPORTS: (see Appendix I) OLD BUSINESS: DECLARING CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR THE ARTICLE 78 APPEAL OBJECTING TO THE DEC PERMITTING OF THE CARGILL MINE EXPANSION WITHOUT PROPER ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW RESOLUTION 2019-91: DECLARING CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR THE ARTICLE 78 APPEAL PROCEEDING OBJECTING TO THE DEC PERMITTING OF THE CARGILL MINE EXPANSION WITHOUT PROPER ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW WHEREAS the Town of Ulysses passed RESOLUTION 2017-155 thereby resolving to join with other municipalities and Cayuga Lake stakeholders in an Article 78 challenge to NY DEC’s approval of Cargill’s Shaft 4 project without a full SEQRA Environmental Impact Statement being required. WHEREAS the decision in said article 78 was rendered on April 22, 2019 for the Respondents, WHEREAS the plaintiffs believe that, the Judge erred in rendering a decision for the Respondents, WHEREAS the plaintiffs plan to file an appeal of the decision rendered April 22, 2019, RESOLVED that the Town of Ulysses remains part of the Article 78, and repeats and reaffirms the statements made in RESOLUTION 2017-155 as the case moves through the court system. Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Goldman DISCUSSION: Ms. Zahler inquired as to whether participation will cost the town anything. Ms. Darfler and Ms. Thomas responded in the negative. Mr. Boggs asked for more information on the case. Ms. Darfler stated that the judge’s written ruling contains errors so they are appealing it. Ms. Zahler suggested that the town consider whether to support mining under land instead of under the lake. Ms. Thomas aye Ms. Zahler aye Mr. Hertzler aye Mr. Boggs abstain Mr. Goldman aye Vote: 4-0 Date Adopted: 5/14/19 JACKSONVILLE PARK PLANS Mr. Angie shared that the Design Connect project has been completed and presented to the JCA. Based on public input, the JCA has decided that Phase 1 will be to put in a bathroom with a composting toilet. Mr. Neuhoff shared his design for a building that would house the bathroom and a storage area. Ms. Thomas suggested that they consider connecting to town water. Mr. Angie shared some concerns regarding the on-going costs associated with this. Ms. Zahler shared the cost estimates that she had gathered for this. The group discussed other options with regards to electricity and water and noted that the $5000 grant from Tompkins County needs to be used within 6 months. AGREEMENT WITH TOMPKINS COUNTY FOR LOCAL SHARE COST OF CEMETERY ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT RESOLUTION 2019-92: AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT WITH TOMPKINS COUNTY FOR LOCAL SHARE OF CEMETERY ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT WHEREAS the bridge over Taughannock Creek on Cemetery Road in the Village of Trumansburg and also in the Town of Ulysses has been determined by NYS to be in bad condition and in need of replacement; and WHEREAS Tompkins County owns the Cemetery Road bridge; and WHEREAS the Town of Ulysses has tentatively agreed to administer a BridgeNY grant for the County to replace the Cemetery Road Bridge at an estimated cost of $981,850, and WHEREAS the grant with project ID number 375659 and BIN number 3210360 outlines that federal funds will pay 95% of the estimated project cost with a local share of the costs being 5% paid by Tompkins County, and WHEREAS the Town of Ulysses has agreed to contribute in-kind time to administer the grant and provide support by the Ulysses Highway Department, Therefore, be it RESOLVED that the Town Board of Ulysses authorizes the Town Supervisor to sign the agreement between the Town of Ulysses and Tompkins County outlining the payment of the local share of expenses to replace the Cemetery Road bridge as long as it is consistent with the intent of the agreement which was presented at the Town Board meeting on 5/14/19 and in consultation and agreement with the Attorney for the Town. Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Boggs Ms. Thomas aye Ms. Zahler aye Mr. Hertzler abstain Mr. Boggs aye Mr. Goldman aye Vote: 4-0 Date Adopted: 5/14/19 NEW BUSINESS: CONCURRENCE WITH SALE OF LAND TO NYS PARKS RESOLUTION 2019-93: CONCURRING WITH SALE OF LAND TO NYS PARKS WHEREAS, on April 24, 2019, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation notified the Town of Ulysses of its intention to purchase parcel 32.-2.3.25 from the Finger Lakes Land Trust as part of its Open Space plan; and WHEREAS, this parcel is located in a steep slope unsuitable for development; and Whereas, this parcel is in a Tompkins County designated Unique Natural Area signifying its importance for preservation; and WHEREAS, this parcel adjoins the NYS Park’s Black Diamond Trail and provides an important buffer from development, Therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board concurs that Town of Ulysses parcel 32.-2-3.25 is worthy of careful preservation from development; and RESOLVED that the Town of Ulysses Town Board supports the sale of this parcel by the Finger Lakes Land Trust to the New York State Parks. Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Goldman Ms. Thomas aye Ms. Zahler aye Mr. Hertzler aye Mr. Boggs aye Mr. Goldman aye Vote: 5-0 Date Adopted: 5/14/19 APPROVAL OF BUILDING USE APPLICATION Ms. Parlato shared some background on this subject. RESOLUTION 2019-94: APPROVAL OF BUILDING USE APPLICATION WHEREAS the Town of Ulysses is a public building and meeting space is occasionally requested by outside groups, and WHEREAS NYMIR visited the town and made recommendations for safety and risk prevention, and WHEREAS NYMIR suggested that the town upgrade its Building Use Application Form based on their template, RESOLVED that the Town Board accepts the Building Use Application Form as amended at the Town Board meeting on May 14, 2019 provided that if upon reviewing the insurance policy, a change is required, it will require Town Board action. Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Boggs Ms. Thomas aye Ms. Zahler aye Mr. Hertzler aye Mr. Boggs aye Mr. Goldman aye Vote: 5-0 Date Adopted: 5/14/19 EXECUTIVE SESSION Ms. Thomas made a motion to move into Executive Session at 9:34pm to discuss matters leading to the appointment or employment of a particular person. This was seconded by Mr. Boggs and passed unanimously. Ms. Zahler made a motion to end executive session at 10:02pm, seconded by Mr. Boggs and passed unanimously. APPOINTING TOWN HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT RESOLUTION 2019-95: APPOINTING A HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT WHEREAS, David Reynolds submitted his resignation as Highway Superintendent as of May 6, 2019, and WHEREAS David Reynolds had appointed Scott Stewart as his Deputy Highway Superintendent, Therefore, be it RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses appoints Scott Stewart as the Highway Superintendent beginning May 19, 2019 through December 31, 2019, and further RESOLVED that the appointed Highway Superintendent is considered an elected official when considering the Ulysses policies, and further RESOLVED that the pay for the appointed Highway Superintendent is a salary of $55,000, prorated for the remainder of 2019. Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Ms. Zahler Ms. Thomas aye Ms. Zahler aye Mr. Hertzler aye Mr. Boggs aye Mr. Goldman aye Vote: 5-0 Date Adopted: 5/14/19 HONORING DURAND VAN DOREN’S SERVICE TO THE TOWN OF ULYSSES RESOLUTION 2019-96: HONORING DURAND VAN DOREN’S SERVICE TO THE TOWN OF ULYSSES WHEREAS, Durand Van Doren has contributed to the Village of Trumansburg and the Town of Ulysses for decades and WHEREAS, the Town has deeply appreciated his specific contributions to and through the Youth Commission since 1998 including, but not limited to: Honorably serving as the Youth Commissioner since 2007 while commemorating the noble role with a Scroll and a hand-forged Commissioner’s belt Reliably arranging for Rotary Chicken Barbeques to raise funds for the Big Friend/Little Friend program and for the procurement and assigned donning of the official Chicken Suit by volunteers promoting the Chicken BBQ Generously teaching young people the wonder, beauty, hard work, and artistry that forges molten metal into beautiful and useful objects Happily volunteering with young people to project community movies at the Farmers Market while attired in his distinctive colorful outfits Joyfully asking local vendors, friends, and colleagues to contribute time and money on behalf of the young people of our community Enthusiastically supporting the programs serving children and youth while gently challenging us all to do more and do better and WHEREAS, Durand is a beloved community character who is as humble as he is outrageous; and WHEREAS, Durand exemplifies service as a way to cultivate something less tangible: the practice of citizenship. We are a nation that talks a great deal about who should be a citizen. There is less emphasis on how to be a citizen. And that is often learned in the company of others who share a public goal. Bonds of common purpose become ties of civic friendship, reaching across political divides. In a time of bitterness, choosing to serve others offers a kind of healing grace. Durand lives these ideals in a manner that amplifies their influence. Cynicism melts around him, as if he were a bonfire in the snow.i NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, upon recommendation of the Ulysses Trumansburg Youth Commission, that the Ulysses Town Board expresses its deep appreciation to Durand Van Doren for twenty years of dedicated volunteer service to the children, youth, and families of the Town of Ulysses and; further RESOLVED, that May 29, 2019 be proclaimed “Durand Day” throughout the Town of Ulysses. Moved: Ms. Zahler Seconded: Mr. Goldman Ms. Thomas aye Ms. Zahler aye Mr. Hertzler aye Mr. Boggs aye Mr. Goldman aye Vote: 5-0 Date Adopted: 5/14/19 PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: (none) MONTHLY BUSINESS: APPROVAL OF MINUTES RESOLUTION 2019-97: APPROVAL OF MINUTES RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approves the minutes of the regular Town Board meeting on 4/23 and the Special Meeting on 4/29. Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Zahler Ms. Thomas aye Ms. Zahler aye Mr. Hertzler aye Mr. Boggs aye Mr. Goldman aye Vote: 5-0 Date Adopted: 5/14/19 BUDGET MODIFICATIONS RESOLUTION 2019-98: BUDGET MODIFICATIONS RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approves the budget modifications as presented at the 5/14/2019 meeting. A FUND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS A1220.14 Project Assistant PS INCREASE $18,000.00 To fund new position at 20hr/week at $25.00/hr for 2019 payrolls #10-27 A1990.4 Contingency DECREASE $12,000.00 Zero would remain in A Fund Contingency A962-237/A9901.95 Transfer to Tax Stabilization Reserve DECREASE $6,000.00 $4,000.00 would remain in the Transfer to Tax Stabilization Reserve account B FUND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS B3620.11 Deputy Enforce Officer PS INCREASE $6,000.00 To increase budget for extra hours – increase from 5 to 10 hrs/week B1990.4 Contingency DECREASE $6,000.00 $4,000.00 will remain in B Fund Contingency SW3 FUND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS SW3-8330.4 Water Purification CE INCREASE $5,000.00 To increase budget for MRB assistance with WD3 SW3-962-230/SW3-9901.91 Transfer to Repair Reserve DECREASE $5,000.00 Reduce the amount to be transferred to the repair reserve fund Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Goldman Ms. Thomas aye Ms. Zahler aye Mr. Hertzler aye Mr. Boggs aye Mr. Goldman aye Vote: 5-0 Date Adopted: 5/14/19 APPROVAL OF CLAIMS RESOLUTION 2019-99: APPROVAL OF CLAIMS RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board has reviewed claims #192-236 in the total amount of $203,704.75. Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Goldman Ms. Thomas aye Ms. Zahler aye Mr. Hertzler aye Mr. Boggs aye Mr. Goldman aye Vote: 5-0 Date Adopted: 5/14/19 ADJOURN: Mr. GOLDMAN moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:14pm. This was seconded by Mr. Boggs and passed unanimously. APPENDIX: TOWN REPORTS: PLANNER’S REPORT- Submitted by Mr. Zepko Planning Board: • Staff to Planning Board meetings:  16 April 2019 • Planning Board approved a 6 lot subdivision on Podunk Rd Board of Zoning Appeals: • Staff to BZA  17 April 2019 • A variance was issued to allow the Cayuga Nature Center to replace their sign Zoning Update: • Served as point of contact for residents regarding proposed zoning • Updated zoning map • (see Planner Activity) Planning Activity: • Responded to approximately 20 requests for information o Comments and questions regarding proposed zoning changes o Development questions or applications • 9 April 2019, staffed Town Board workshop discussing Draft Zoning changes • 18 April 2019, met with Town Supervisor and Planning Consultant to discussing zoning changes • 23 April 2019, staffed Town Board meeting • Completed Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) Annual Report • 27 March 2019 met with Town Supervisor and Planning Consultant to discussing zoning changes HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT- Submitted by Mr. Stewart ● Paved and shouldered Cemetery Road and Proskine Road. ● Worked on T-21, T10, T-1 ( T-21 Steering, T-10 U Bolt for drive shaft, T-1 Oil Change ) ● Jason Fulton checked our fire extinguishers. They are all up to date ● Ditched Willow creek road and Mayo road ● Serviced tractor and have mowed 4 roadsides when not raining ● Worked on new capital plan ● Started to clean out office and the shop Heading into May ● Working on quotes for 550, plows and new flail ● Ditching Hinging Post ● Cleaning out shop and the yard by Taking scrap to scrap yard ● Work on a plan to close off our yard. ( Only have the yard open for dropping off brush during business hours ) ● Work with quotes from paving companies to make a plan on what roads to resurface TOWN CLERK: Submitted by Ms. Parlato LICENSES/PERMITS issued: # Sporting licenses 18 Disabled parking permits 10 Dog licenses and renewals 60 Marriage licenses 2 Plumbing permits 0 Address assignments 1 Notarizations 9 FOIL requests-received 1 FOIL requests-completed 1 CLERK’s OFFICE TASKS: • Notarizations • Ordered supplies • Answered inquiries on various topics • Attended Town Board meetings and took minutes • Kept website current • Sent listserv messages to residents (~2/month) • Mailed and posted dog licenses; issued tickets as needed • Scheduling of various meetings • Assist other departments when possible • Health/dental insurance updates for staff as needed • Vouchering: collecting bills, getting approvals, sorting out billing issues, entering into system TAX COLLECTION: • Ended tax collections- collected $4.7 million • Sent 3rd letter to those who have still not cashed refund checks (refunded as per the town’s opt-in to the Gov.’s executive order to extend non-penalty payment deadline in February). SALO HABITAT COMMITTEE: • Met on 4/15 to discuss parking area, mission statement, signage verbiage, green screening for neighbors WATER DISTRICT TASKS: • Collected and posted bills. FINANCIAL REPORT: $1276.00 TOTAL Collected for fees & licenses $829.59 stays in the town $446.41 goes to the state • Set up and billed new account for new hook up. • Update water reports with test results RECORDS MANAGEMENT TASKS: • Continued to fold and file into banker boxes plans that have already been scanned into Laserfiche. • Continued old project of entering old, hand-written marriage licenses into excel spreadsheets for searchability. • Met with NYS Archives rep for guidance on old minutes books and grants SAFETY COMMITTEE/COORDINATION: • Attended day-long PERMA training for Safety Coordinators in Bath on April 5. ATTORNEY for the TOWN- Reported by Ms. Sokoni • Has been working on the Water District 1 (CARS) on the contract and the zoning (as the property straddles 2 towns) SUPERVISOR’S REPORT- Submitted by Ms. Thomas Highway/DPW • Bridge NY grant –Try to finalize agreement with County on financial liability for local portion of bridge repair. There is no consistent policy at the County level. • Review Official Map of Ulysses and send back to surveyor for corrections. • Work with Highway Dept on capital planning and other updates. • Spinoff from personnel changes Planning and Zoning update • Review zoning map with Planner • Assist with data to help Town Board make decisions on draft zoning • Assist in adding updated solar zoning to include more on glare study requirements. Water Districts WD3 • Work on grants from USDA Rural Development and NYS Environmental Facilities Corp to determine funding sources for aerator. WD2 • Gather more info needed to form district. WD1 • Organize various emails into one and create checklist of what needs to be done by who to expand water district. Water Quality • Work with TC Water Resource Council on water quality issues, primarily HABs Other • Assist Boy Scout with badge to help achieve Eagle Scout status—more work on cemeteries • Many personnel issues with changes of personnel. • Affordable housing – work with Attorney for the Town on local law to match property taxation to subsidized value. • Review work plan and enforcement criteria plan of enforcement officers • Hire project assistant. Integrate into system. • Jacksonville Park restroom project. • Report on Ulysses energy efforts to TC Climate Protection Initiative • Write press release about pool reserve fund. • Review financial report carefully. • Work on finalizing grant from state for The Habitat. • Town Hall heat pumps – stay in the loop with grant requirements. • Meet with County Legislators about more shared service possibilities. • Resolution urging NYS Legislators to add to the Constitution a right to clean air and water. Meetings and Training 4/11 – Environmental Management Council meeting – Amending NYS Constitutional Bill of Rights. 4/15 – Heat pumps for Town hall 4/15 – meet with Planners and Attorney for Town on zoning issues. 4/15 – TC Water Resources Council meeting 4/19 – PRI Advisory Board meeting 4/25 – TCCOG 4/30 – Flood prevention modeling. 5/7 – meet with County Legislators – shared services Concerns/questions/comments from residents • Lower speed limit between Tburg and Jville • Request for map of steep slopes in Ulysses • Request for audio files for 2018 from advisory committees. • In support of zoning (2) • Opposed to zoning BOOKKEEPER REPORT: Submitted by Ms. Thompson Regular Duties: • Personnel • Payroll  Processed and reconciled payrolls 8 & 9  Processed employee changes and made corrections as needed • NYSLRS  Monthly Reporting • Retirees  Quarterly invoicing for retiree benefits • Quarterly reporting to PERMA • Banking • Completed regular bank deposits – in person for cash and with remote deposit system for checks • Completed regular bank account transfers to cover payments • Payments • Produced vouchers for monthly pre-pays, insurance invoices and other miscellaneous payments • Produced and processed TA account checks • Reviewed monthly vouchers & abstracts • Printed checks for pre-pays and scheduled voucher payments once approved • Month End Close Out – March • Entered all Payroll entries (cash receipts, cash disbursements & general journal entries) • Entered all cash receipts (general receipts, WD accounting, etc.) • Entered all cash disbursements • Entered all general journal entries (bank transfers, interest, WD billings, budget modifications & other general journal entries) • Close out steps (Load abstracts, close CR & CD journals & print reports) • Worked with Clerks toward reconciliation of WD AR accounts • Reviewed month end financial reports and distributed them to Town Board & Staff Trainings: • NYSLRS Retirement Online Training Webinar- Notifications- Apr 23 Meetings: • 04/09/2019 – Town Board Meeting • 04/23/2019 – Town Board Meeting • 04/24/2019 – Safety Committee Meeting • 04/30/2019 – Highway Finances with Deputy Highway Superintendent Non-Regular Duties: • Personnel • Retiree benefits  Investigation and research regarding retiree benefits questions  Extensive communication with retirees regarding benefits and quarterly reconciliation • Responded to HR related inquires  Significant time spent on questions related to personnel classification and benfits • New Hire  Completed paperwork and orientations with new hires  Entered new hires into payroll system MR. BOGGS reported the following: • The IO is creating watershed regulations for Cayuga Lake based on Owasco Lake’s regulations • Attended the fire department meeting. There is still no EMS reporting • Attended the JCA presentation from Design Connect • Has been working on getting town hall specs for the energy upgrade MS. ZAHLER reported the following: Village: • The Village gave the fire department funds to buy a new washer • Will be getting stats from police department • Moving forward on updating the comprehensive plan • Have signed on to the LED program • Rec program is under way • They are taking advantage of Tompkins Trust CD rates for municipalities Salo Habitat committee: • Parking area done • Met with neighbors regarding property boundaries & potential screening from visitors • Proposed mission statement & sign language draft Youth Commission: • Presented a resolution to Durand along with the Town Clerk MR. GOLDMAN reported the following: The Health Consortium has a new Executive Director. MR. HERTZLER reported the following: 5 He has been working on a fundraiser for composting toilets for the Jacksonville Park. It is scheduled for July 13, from 3-6pm at the conservatory. Respectfully submitted by Carissa Parlato, 5/22/19 i Adapted from a tribute to life of Sen. Harris Wofford (PA) by Michael Gerson published in the Washington Post 1/24/19