HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-04-28-TB-FINAL-minutesTOWN BOARD MEETING
Town of Ulysses
April 28, 2020
Audio of the minutes are available on the website at ulysses.ny.us.
The meeting was held via videoconference on the Zoom platform.
Notice of Town Board meetings are posted on the Town’s website and Clerk’s board.
ATTENDANCE:
TOWN OFFICIALS PRESENT:
Supervisor- Nancy Zahler
Board members- Richard Goldman, Michael Boggs, Katelin Olson, Marc Devokaitis
Town Clerk- Carissa Parlato
Second Deputy Supervisor- Michelle Wright
Highway Superintendent- Scott Stewart
Attorney for the Town- Khandikile Mvunga Sokoni
Environmental Planner- John Zepko
OTHERS PRESENT:
Roxanne Marino, Linda Liddle
ATTENDANCE:
The Town Clerk called the roll.
Town Board members:
Ms. Zahler present
Ms. Olson present
Mr. Boggs present
Mr. Goldman present
Mr. Devokaitis present
Town staff:
Ms. Wright present
Mr. Stewart present
Mr. Zepko present
CALL TO ORDER:
Ms. Zahler called meeting to order at 7pm.
APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA:
RESOLUTION 2020-99: APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approve the agenda for April 28, 2020.
Moved: Mr. Goldman Seconded: Mr. Devokaitis
Ms. Zahler aye
2
Ms. Olson aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Mr. Devokaitis aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 4/28/2020
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:
(none)
TOWN REPORTS- Brief Announcements
Ms. Olson reported that she, Mayor Hart, Steve Daly (Trumansburg Area Chamber of Commerce), Bet
the Farm (winery) have developed an Economic Recovery Task Force. They have put together an
anonymous survey for businesses. Results so far indicate significant cash flow challenges for local
businesses.
Ms. Wright noted that the AUD was submitted today.
Ms. Zahler shared the following:
• There is an issue with the South St. Ext. slope.
• Outside user request to join Water District 3
• Updates on Coronavirus Efforts:
o Meetings each week to keep in touch with:
Village/School/Town
Community leaders
Tompkins County Health Director and Tompkins County Administrator
Town Supervisors in county
o Changes to town policies- compensatory time guidelines extended
o Sought guidance from Empire State Development on when to resume town hall HVAC
project
o Got clarification on benefits during the pandemic
Ms. Olson shared information on Mutual Aid of Tompkins County’s Food Pods. She inquired as to
whether this would be an appropriate town project.
BUDGET UPDATES:
Overview of possible revenue shortfalls
Ms. Zahler, Ms. Wright, and Mr. Boggs created models for various shortfall scenarios and shared
information.
OLD BUSINESS:
Review of Planning Board Recommendations RE: Zoning Amendment
3
Ms. Liddle said that the Planning Board has recommended that the maximum sq. footage be changed
from 2000 to 3500sf. in both the lakeshore and conservation districts. Additionally, the board
recommends environmental protections (or performance criteria) for stormwater, erosion, and
sediment control and management.
RESOLUTION 2020-100: RESPONDING TO PROPOSED ZONING AMENDMENT
WHEREAS, the Zoning Law adopted on December 10, 2019 in Resolution 2019-211 included
provisions that several members of the Town Board wanted to re-visit in 2020 based on
feedback from the Public Hearing held November 12, 2019 and
WHEREAS, the Town Board wished to consider alternative strategies that balance property
rights with our environmental stewardship when protecting steep slopes and Unique Natural
Areas in the Lakeshore and Conservation zone rather than a zone-wide limit of 2000sq ft
footprint and
WHEREAS, on February 11, 2020 the Ulysses Town Board charged the Ulysses Planning Board
with:
• reviewing the current number of undeveloped parcels and acreage in the two zones
and
• recommending a proposal to amend the Zoning Law Sections Section 212-47. N and
Section 212-54 in ways that address the options identified by the Town Board and/or
• recommending other strategies to achieve the Town Board’s policy goal and
WHEREAS, the Ulysses Town Planning Board has reviewed the zoning and the guidance from
the Town Board and has transmitted their recommendations and rationale to the Town Board,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board acknowledges receipt of the recommendations and
extends its appreciation to the members of the Planning Board and further
RESOLVED, that before voting on a local law to amend the Zoning Law, the Town Board will
take the following steps:
1. Review and discuss the proposal and agree on language for a draft local law;
2. Schedule a public information meeting to be held by videoconference and advertised
to the land owners in the affected zones as well as to all Town residents for the
purpose of informing those affected and the wider public of the proposal under
consideration and to invite questions and comments about the intent and wording of
the proposed amendment;
3. Review and discuss the specific comments shared at the Public Information meeting
and any comments submitted in writing and then adopt final language for the
proposed amendment;
4. Introduce the draft local law to Amend the Zoning Ordinance
4
5. Conduct a State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) review on the proposed
action;
6. Schedule a Public Hearing with sufficient time to request and receive comments from
Tompkins County Planning (239 Review), other regulatory bodies to be identified;
7. Post the notice of public hearing and notify neighboring municipalities as required.
8. Conduct the Public Hearing and depending on comments, vote to adopt the local law
amendment and submit the change to the NYS Department of State OR consider
changes that will require the process to be repeated.
Moved: Ms. Zahler Seconded: Mr. Devokaitis
Ms. Zahler aye
Ms. Olson aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Mr. Devokaitis aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 4/28/2020
NEW BUSINESS
UPDATING 2020 LIAISON AND COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
RESOLUTION 2020-102: UPDATING 2020 LIAISON AND COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
WHEREAS, the Ulysses Town Board appointed Town Board members as liaisons to various
boards and committees and community members as members and alternates to the Planning
Board at its January 6th Organizational Meeting as required and
WHEREAS, there have been changes in the composition of the Town Board since January 6,
2020, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board approves the liaisons and town board appointments
as updates to Resolution 2020-19 as outlined on the attached charts:
TOWN BOARD LIAISONS:
COMMITTEE OR BOARD 1/6/20 Org. Mtg. 4/28/20
1. Highway Department Town Supervisor, Deputy
Supervisor
Nancy Zahler, Katelin Olson
2. Personnel Nancy Zahler, Rich Goldman Nancy Zahler, Rich Goldman
3. Planning Board Rich Goldman, Michael Boggs
(alternate)
Rich Goldman, Marc
Devokaitis (alternate)
5
4. BZA Katelin Olson, Michael Boggs Katelin Olson, Michael Boggs
5. Fire Department Michael Boggs Michael Boggs
6. Tburg/Ulysses Youth
Commission
Nancy Zahler Katelin Olson, Nancy Zahler
(alternate)
7. Village EMS & EMS
Billing Oversight Comm
Michael Boggs, Nancy Zahler Michael Boggs, Katelin Olson
8. Town Hall Maintenance Supervisor, Michael Boggs (alt) Nancy Zahler, Michael Boggs
(alternate)
9. Sustainability
Committee
Katelin Olson Marc Devokaitis
10. Trumansburg Village Bd Nancy Zahler Marc Devokaitis, Katelin
Olson (alternate)
11. Records Advisory Board Supervisor Nancy Zahler
12. Safety Committee Michael Boggs/Nancy Zahler Alt Michael Boggs, John Zepko
(alternate)
13. Union negotiations Rich Goldman, Nancy Zahler Rich Goldman, Nancy Zahler
14. Agricultural Committee Katelin Olson, Nancy Zahler Katelin Olson, Marc
Devokaitis
TOWN APPOINTMENTS:
APPOINTMENT 1/6/20 Org. Mtg. 4/28/20
Health Consortium Board Rich Goldman, Nancy Zahler
(alt)
Rich Goldman
Planning Board Chairperson Linda Liddle Linda Liddle
Board of Zoning Appeals
Chairperson
Robert Howarth Steven Morreale
Clerk for Board of Zoning Appeals Louis DiPietro Louis DiPietro
Clerk for Planning Board Maria Barry Maria Barry
6
APPOINTMENT 1/6/20 Org. Mtg. 4/28/20
Tompkins County Environmental
Mgmt Council
Cait Darfler, Liz Thomas
(alternate)
Cait Darfler, Marc Devokaitis
(alternate)
Tompkins County Water
Resources Council (WRC)
Liz Thomas serving in an “at-
large” position.
Liz Thomas serving in an “at-
large” position.
Tompkins County Stormwater
Coalition
John Zepko John Zepko
Stormwater Officer John Zepko John Zepko
Tburg Ulysses Youth Commission
Reps
Sharon Bilotta, Reanna
Levine
Sharon Bilotta, Reanna
Levine
Rec Partnership rep. Durand Van Doren, Nancy
Zahler (alt)
Durand Van Doren, (alt)/
Katelin Olson
Tompkins County Youth Services
Board
vacant vacant
Ithaca/Tompkins County
Transportation Council Planning &
Policy Committees
Michelle E. Wright Michelle E. Wright / Katelin
Olson (alternate)
Tompkins County Council of
Governments
Supervisor & Deputy
Supervisor
Nancy Zahler, Michael Boggs
(alternate)
Fair Board liaison Michelle E. Wright Michelle E. Wright
Historian John Wertis John Wertis
Tompkins County Animal Control Supervisor, Carissa Parlato
(alt)
Carissa Parlato, Nancy Zahler
(alternate)
Cayuga Lake Water Shed
Intermunicipal Org. (IO)
Supervisor, Michael Boggs
(alt)
Current: Liz T & Roxanne M
Liz Thomas/Roxanne Marino
(alternate)
Chamber of Commerce Nancy Zahler, Rich Goldman
(alt)
Katelin Olson/Rich Goldman
(alternate)
Voucher Reviews Nancy Zahler & Rich
Goldman (Jan-Jun)
Michael Boggs & Katelin
Rich Goldman & Katelin
(through June)
Michael Boggs and Marc
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APPOINTMENT 1/6/20 Org. Mtg. 4/28/20
Olson (July-Dec) Devokaitis (July-Dec)
Moved: Ms. Zahler Seconded: Ms. Olson
Ms. Zahler aye
Ms. Olson aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Mr. Devokaitis aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 4/28/2020
URGING FEDERAL FUNDING ASSISTANCE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN
NEW YORK STATE ADVERSELY IMPACTED BY COVID-19
RESOLUTION 2020-103: IN SUPPORT OF FEDERAL FUNDING ASSISTANCE FOR LOCAL
GOVERNMENTS, AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN NEW YORK STATE ADVERSELY IMPACTED BY
COVID-19
WHEREAS, the spread of COVID-19 in New York resulted in Governor Andrew Cuomo declared
a State of Emergency on March 7, 2020 and closed non-essential businesses by executive
order on March 20, 2020; and
WHEREAS, President Donald J. Trump approved a Major Disaster Declaration for New York
State on March 20, 2020; and
WHEREAS, New York State is the most adversely impacted in the United States by the COVID-
19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County is an economic hub in Upstate New York and attracts residents
and visitors from all over the world to live, work and shop; and
WHEREAS, all non-essential businesses in Tompkins are closed and sales tax revenue is
projected to be upwards of 50% below original projections for 2020; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Ulysses relies on sales tax revenue for approximately 20% of its
budget; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Ulysses and other regional municipal governments and school districts
with populations less than 500,000 continue to provide essential services during these difficult
times; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Ulysses and other regional municipal governments and school districts
have expanded their service provisions to meet the necessary responsibilities created by this
global pandemic; and
8
WHEREAS, the State of New York is projected to have a $10-15 billion budgetary shortfall for
2020 and has indicated it may withhold its normal fiscal support to municipalities and school
districts; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the Town of Ulysses requests that our federal representatives—Senator Chuck
Schumer, Senator Kristen Gillibrand, and Representative Tom Reed—strongly advocate for
municipalities and school districts in New York to receive direct monetary support from the
federal government in the Phase 4 aid package.
RESOLVED that the Town Clerk send certified copies to our federal representatives.
Moved: Ms. Olson Seconded: Mr. Boggs
Ms. Zahler aye
Ms. Olson aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Mr. Devokaitis aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 4/28/2020
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Ms. Zahler moved to go into Executive Session at 9:15pm to discuss matters leading to the
appointment of a particular person. This was seconded by Mr. Goldman and passed unanimously.
Ms. Zahler moved to come out of Executive Session at 9:47pm. This was seconded by Mr. Devokaitis
and passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS continued:
APPOINTMENT OF CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
The board decided to continue the search for a new Code Officer before appointing anyone at this
time.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
RESOLUTION 2020-104: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approves the minutes from the 3/18/20, 3/21/20,
3/23/20 and the 4/14/20.
Moved: Ms. Zahler Seconded: Ms. Olson
Ms. Zahler aye
Ms. Olson aye
Mr. Boggs aye
9
Mr. Goldman aye
Mr. Devokaitis aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 4/28/2020
ADJOURN:
Mr. Goldman moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:50pm. This was seconded by Ms. Olson and passed
unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted by Carissa Parlato,
5/11/2020