HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-01-28-TB-FINAL-minutesTOWN BOARD MEETING
Town of Ulysses
January 28, 2020
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:
Deputy Supervisor- Nancy Zahler
Board members- Richard Goldman, Michael Boggs, Katelin Olson
Town Clerk- Carissa Parlato
Second Deputy Supervisor- Michelle Wright
ABSENT:
Supervisor- Liz Thomas
OTHERS PRESENT:
Rich Bennett, Partnership Specialist, US Bureau of Census; Roxanne Marino; Jack Masters; Joseph
Morpurgo
CALL TO ORDER:
Ms. Zahler called the meeting to order at 7pm.
PRESENTATION- 2020 Census Outreach
Mr. Bennett shared a brief history of the census and noted the difference between it and the ACS
(American Community Survey), stressing the privacy aspects of the census. He also stated that there
will be no citizenship question on the census and that an accurate count is necessary for fair
representation and federal funding. They are seeking applicants for census taker positions.
Surveys will be mailed on March 12 to every location (not addressed to specific people).
The Town agreed to help with communications to our residents to encourage full participation.
APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
RESOLUTION 2020-45: APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approve the agenda for January 28, 2020 with
the additions listed on the updated agenda: designation of individuals authorized to open
HVAC bids; acknowledgement of town board audits; appointments to BZA; and discussion of
an urban forestry grant.
Moved: Mr. Goldman Seconded: Ms. Olson
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Ms. Thomas absent
Ms. Zahler aye
Ms. Olson aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 1/28/2020
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:
Highschool students Jack Masters and Joseph Morpurgo noted that they were attending to fulfill a
class requirement for AP Government & Economics.
REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES & COMMITTEE CHAIRS:
Ms. Marino reported that the CSAC (Conservation & Sustainability Advisory Committee) met today
with Ms. Olson as the Town Board liaison. They are discussing applying for an Urban Forestry grant to
become a “Tree City”. More funding opportunities are available once this designation is attained.
GENERAL REPORTS:
(none)
OLD BUSINESS:
RESOLUTION 2020-46: AUTHORIZATION TO INSTALL A NO PARKING SIGN ON CEMETERY
ROAD BEFORE THE FALLS ROAD STOP SIGN
WHEREAS, per resolution 2019-164, the Town Board authorized the Highway Superintendent
to install a stop sign on the southwest corner of Cemetery Road in conjunction with a similar
action by the Village of Trumansburg on the northeast corner to create a safer, four-way stop
intersection and
WHEREAS, to assure adequate visibility of on-coming traffic and safe passage through the
intersection, a no parking from here to corner sign is needed on south side of Cemetery 30’
before the Town Stop Sign and
WHEREAS, the prohibition of parking before the stop sign will remove approximately 2 parking
spaces for those visiting Smith Woods, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board authorizes the Highway Department to purchase and place a
no parking sign on Cemetery Road and further
RESOLVED, that the Highway Department is directed to create an equal number of additional
off street parking spaces on Cemetery Road to replace those lost to the no parking sign.
Moved: Ms. Olson Seconded: Mr. Boggs
The board discussed sign locations and ownership. The Town and Village will collaborate on
placement of signs. Mr. Boggs asked that the Village be notified of our action.
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Ms. Thomas absent
Ms. Zahler aye
Ms. Olson aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 1/28/2020
RESOLUTION 2020-47: DESIGNATION OF INDIVIDUALS AUTHORIZED TO OPEN HVAC
RENOVATION BIDS ON
Whereas the bid opening date for the NYSERDA grant funded HVAC Renovation project was
set at the January 14, 2020 Town Board meeting to take place on Friday February 21st at 3pm,
now therefore be it
Resolved, that the Ulysses Town Board designates the Town Clerk to open the bids at the
February 21, 2020 public meeting.
Moved: Ms. Olson Seconded: Mr. Boggs
Ms. Thomas absent
Ms. Zahler aye
Ms. Olson aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 1/28/2020
DISCUSSION OF 2020 TOWN BOARD WORK PLAN
Ms. Zahler invited board members to add suggestions to the draft list before the board prioritizes its
work plan for 2020. Additional items were added and Ms. Wright will send a survey to board
members before the Feb. 11th meeting.
UPDATE ON RECREATION DIRECTOR SEARCH
Ms. Zahler shared that the search committee interviewed candidates and that more information
would be shared in executive session.
NEW BUSINESS:
UPDATE ON CEMETERY BRIDGE PROJECT AND SETTING A PUBLIC MEETING
Ms. Wright shared that the engineer will come to share info with TB on February 11, 2020 prior to the
public info mtg. The Town will invite Village officials to the Feb. 11th presentation.
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RESOLUTION 2020-48: SETTING PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING ON CEMETERY RD. BRIDGE
DESIGN
WHEREAS, the Town of Ulysses has received grant funding to replace the bridge on Cemetery
Road, project ID number 375659 and BIN number 3210360, owned by Tompkins County and
located in the Village of Trumansburg; and
WHEREAS, the project requires a Public Information Meeting to be held to inform the
community about the preliminary design of the bridge and the project timetable and to invite
questions and comments from the public on the design and project, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board sets the Public Information for the Cemetery Bridge
Project on Monday, March 2 at 6:30pm at the Town Hall and further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk shall advertise the Public Information Meeting at least 14 days
prior to the meeting.
Moved: Mr. Goldman Seconded: Mr. Boggs
Ms. Thomas absent
Ms. Zahler aye
Ms. Olson aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 1/28/2020
DESIGNATING A TOWN REPRESENTATIVE AND ALTERNATE FOR ASSOCIATION OF TOWNS ANNUAL
MEETING
RESOLUTION 2020-49: DESIGNATING A TOWN REPRESENTATIVE AND ALTERNATE FOR
ASSOCIATION OF TOWNS ANNUAL MEETING
Whereas, the Town of Ulysses will be sending Councilman Michael Boggs and Deputy
Supervisor Michelle E. Wright to the Annual Conference of the Association of Towns to be
held February 16th to 19th and
Whereas, the Town of Ulysses is entitled to just one vote on matters related to the
Association’s governance, now therefore be it
Resolved, that Michael Boggs is hereby designated by the Ulysses Town Board as the Town’s
voting representative and further
RESOLVED, that Michelle Wright is hereby designated by the Ulysses Town Board as the
Town’s alternate authorized to vote on behalf of the Town if the voting representative is not
available.
Moved: Mr. Boggs Seconded: Ms. Olson
Ms. Thomas absent
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Ms. Zahler aye
Ms. Olson aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 1/28/2020
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TOWN BOARD AUDIT OF JUSTICE COURTS
RESOLUTION 2020-50: ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TOWN BOARD AUDIT OF JUSTICE COURTS
WHEREAS, NYS requires an annual audit of the finances of the Ulysses Town Justice Courts,
either as an internal audit by Town Board members or by an auditing firm, now therefore be it
RESOLVED that the Town of Ulysses Board acknowledges an internal audit of the Ulysses
Justice Courts was completed by Town Board members on January 24, 2020, and further
RESOLVED that the Town Clerk will submit a certified copy of this resolution along with the
results of the audit to the NYS Office of Court Administration.
Moved: Mr. Goldman Seconded: Mr. Boggs
Ms. Thomas absent
Ms. Zahler aye
Ms. Olson aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 1/28/2020
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TOWN BOARD AUDITS OF TOWN CLERK, TAX COLLECTOR AND
SUPERVISOR’S OFFICE
RESOLUTION 2020-51: ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TOWN BOARD AUDITS OF TOWN CLERK,
TAX COLLECTOR AND SUPERVISOR’S OFFICE
WHEREAS, NYS requires an annual audit of the Clerk and Tax Collector as well as an annual
audit of the Supervisor’s office, either as an internal audit by Town Board members or by an
auditing firm, now therefore be it
RESOLVED that the Town of Ulysses Board acknowledges that internal audits of the Ulysses
Clerk, Tax Collector and Supervisor’s office were completed by Town Board members on
January 24, 2020.
Moved: Ms. Olson Seconded: Mr. Boggs
Ms. Thomas absent
Ms. Zahler aye
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Ms. Olson aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 1/28/2020
APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR OF BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
RESOLUTION 2020-52: APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR OF BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
WHEREAS, Robert Howarth, the current Chair of the Board of Zoning Appeals has new
responsibilities as a member of the New York State Assembly’s Climate Action Council and can
no longer fulfill the duties of chair of the Board of Zoning Appeals and
WHEREAS, the Town of Ulysses Board of Zoning Appeals needs a chair for 2020 and
WHEREAS, Stephen Morreale has been a long-time member of the BZA and is willing to serve
as chair for 2020, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board appoint Stephen Morreale to the one-year position
of BZA chair effective January 28, 2020 and further
RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board appoint Robert Howarth fill the resulting BZA vacancy
effective January 28, 2020 and further
RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board thanks Dr. Howarth for his dedicated service in the
role of Chair of BZA and congratulates him on his appointment to the Climate Action Council.
Moved: Ms. Olson Seconded: Mr. Boggs
Ms. Thomas absent
Ms. Zahler aye
Ms. Olson aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 1/28/2020
PLAN FOR EXTERNAL CPA AUDIT AND UPDATE OF INVENTORY OF TOWN PROPERTY
The board discussed the need for an independent audit due to the federal grant awards. A new asset
tracking program is being built and populated to get more complete inventory to meet accounting
standards.
Ms. Zahler reminded everyone that the board that as a follow up to our internal audits, we would like
staff to get quotes for safes for the bookkeeper and clerk’s offices.
CONSIDERATION OF A NEW PHONE AND INTERNET SERVICE PLAN
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Ms. Parlato shared information gathered on switching phone/internet service plans. The board
appreciated her efforts and asked her to get more details on pricing and service and report back at
the next meeting.
URBAN FORESTRY GRANT
Ms. Olson shared information on grants up to $1000 for activities such as Arbor Day celebrations,
planting trees, forming a tree committee, etc., meant to encourage municipalities to establish
forestry programs.
Ms. Marino further added that this could be worked on in conjunction with the village. It may be a
good fit for planting native trees at Jacksonville Park or Habitat Nature Preserve.
GENERAL REPORTS:
Mr. Boggs gave an update on the IO (Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Organization). It seems to have
goals similar to the Water Resources Council. The group discussed the IO’s budget.
Ms. Marino offered to be an alternate for Ms. Thomas to represent the town on this committee.
RESOLUTION 2020-53: APPOINTING MS. MARINO AS ALTERNATE TO IO
Ms. Zahler moved to appoint Roxanne Marino to replace Mr. Boggs as alternate for the town
of Ulysses to the IO.
Moved: Ms. Zahler Seconded: Mr. Goldman
Ms. Thomas absent
Ms. Zahler aye
Ms. Olson aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 1/28/2020
DISCUSSION OF RECOGNITION & ENDORSEMENT POLICY
Ms. Zahler asked whether the board would like to consider a request from a local group to do a
proclamation on their behalf. Ms. Olson agreed to take the lead on this.
Ms. Olson shared that Falls Rd residents are still interested in exploring the formation of a water
district.
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RESOLUTION 2020-54: AUTHORIZING THE DEPUTY SUPERVISOR TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT WITH GENERAL CODE
Resolved that the Deputy Supervisor is authorized to enter into an agreement with General
Code to update the code with the new zoning law, for an amount up to $9000.
Moved: Mr. Goldman Seconded: Ms. Olson
Ms. Thomas absent
Ms. Zahler aye
Ms. Olson aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 1/28/2020
Ms. Zahler inquired whether the board would be interested in applying for another Park grant that
could benefit Jacksonville. The board indicated a willingness to review a request to submit a grant.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:
(none)
MONTHLY BUSINESS:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
RESOLUTION 2020-55: APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF 1/14/2020
RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approves the minutes from the Regular Town Board
meeting on 1/14/2020 as amended.
Moved: Mr. Goldman Seconded: Ms. Zahler
Ms. Thomas absent
Ms. Zahler aye
Ms. Olson aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 1/28/2020
APPROVAL OF BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
RESOLUTION 2020-56: APPROVAL OF 2019 BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approves the following budget modifications:
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HA FUND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
The creation and implementation of use of the HA (Capital Fund for the WD3 Aerator Project) was
simultaneous with the transition of the Bookkeeper position. These budget modifications reflect the
amount spent out of the HA fund through the vouchering system during the 2019 budget year. This is
a technical step to allow the Bookkeeper to create budget entries in the Williamson accounting
program for this fund. Starting in the 2020 budget year, as seen in the 2020 budget for this fund, a
fully adopted budget with cohesive budget lines will be implemented.
HA1420.4 Attorney CE CREATE $20.00
The creation of this line is temporary as it is a vestige of an erroneous set up and subsequent use in
Williamson. Expenses related to Attorney fees will be spent out of the HA1620.22 Legal & Bonding
CE.
HA1620.21 Engineer CE CREATE $14,608
Creation of budget line for the 2019 budget year.
HA1620.22 Legal & Bonding CE CREATE $1,446
Creation of budget line for the 2019 budget year.
Moved: Mr. Goldman Seconded: Ms. Olson
Ms. Thomas absent
Ms. Zahler aye
Ms. Olson aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 1/28/2020
RESOLUTION 2020-57: APPROVAL OF 2020 BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approves the following budget modifications:
SW3 BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
SW3-8340.4 WD3 Trans/Dist CE INCREASE $2552.72
This is in order to maintain the 2020 budgeted amount in this expense line. This line was decreased
in order to pay for the hydrant that was destroyed in a vehicle accident. The funds are coming
directly from the insurance of the individual involved in the accident.
SW3-8340.1 Water District Operator INCREASE $138.00
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This is in order to maintain the 2020 budgeted amount in this expense line. Labor associated with
the hydrant.
SW3-2680 Insurance Recoveries CREATE $2690.72
This revenue line was created to receive the insurance refund.
Moved: Mr. Goldman Seconded: Ms. Olson
Ms. Thomas absent
Ms. Zahler aye
Ms. Olson aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 1/28/2020
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Mr. Goldman moved to go into Executive Session at 8:53pm for the discussion of the appointment,
promotion, demotion, discipline, or removal of a particular person. This was seconded by Ms. Olson
and passed unanimously.
Mr. Goldman made a motion to end Executive Session at 9:42pm. This was seconded by Mr. Boggs.
ADJOURN:
Ms. Zahler moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:42pm. This was seconded by Mr. Boggs and passed
unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted by Carissa Parlato,
2/4/2020