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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-01-08 - TB TOWN OF ULYSSES REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 1 / 8 / 2002 PRESENT: Supervisor Doug Austic, Councilpeople Carolyn Duddleston , Sue Poelvoorde, Lee Scott, and Robert Weatherby, Town Highway Superintendent 6, Jim Meeker, Code Enforcement Officer Alex Rachun , Town Clerk Marsha Georgia, Town Justice Roger Rector. Also Present: Richard Coogan APPROVAL OF MINUTES : Re • ular Town Board Meetin • 12 11 2001 After noting minor . corrections, Mrs. Duddleston moved , seconded by Ms. Poelvoorde to approve the minutes of the Regular Town Board Meeting of 12/ 11/2001 as amended . Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Ms. Poelvoorde aye Mr. Scott aye Mr. Weatherby aye Adopted . APPROVAL OF MONTHLY CLAIMS Ms. Poelvoorde moved , seconded by Mrs. Duddleston to approve 2001 monthly vouchers numbers 536-577, totaling $57, 890 . 26, and 2002 monthly vouchers 1 - 18, totaling $46,424. 01 . Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Ms. Poelvoorde aye Mr. Scott aye Mr. Weatherby aye Adopted . Mr. Austic added that he received a bill from Barney, Grossman and Marcus for the Tompkins County Towers' project lawsuit . The Town's share of the billing totals $525 . 65 . Mr. Austic moved that this bill be paid . Mr. Scott seconded . Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Ms. Poelvoorde aye Mr. Scott aye Mr. Weatherby aye Adopted . REPORTS OF REPRESENTATIVES Peter Penniman, Tompkins County Board of Representatives Mr. Penniman was absent. No report was presented . Trumansburo Fire Department To of Ulysses Regular Town Board Meeting 1 /8/2002 No representative was present. No report was presented . Other: Richard Coogan, Jacksonville Community Association / Sharon Anderson: Cavuga Lake Watershed Network Mr. Coogan introduced Ms. Anderson , the watershed steward of the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network. Mr. Austic noted that the Ulysses Planning Board would be addressing the Jacksonville Commercial Center Revitalization Program at their next meeting, tomorrow night. Mr. Austic encouraged Mr. Coogan to attend the meeting , and suggested that he remind the Planning Board that the program is, at this point, just a concept, and thus should be reviewed at a glance, rather than with the thoroughness of a Site Plan Review proceeding . Mr. Coogan stated that he would attend the meeting . - TOWN REPORTS Highway Superintendent, Jim Meeker Mr. Meeker reported the Highway Department plowed and salted as needed ; with the mild weather, they also were able to haul sand for de-icing , cut brush and helped the Town of Ithaca with a tiling project. Mr. Meeker stated that the heaters at the Town Barns are in need of repairs, and thanked the Town Board for the employees' gift certificates during the holiday season . Mr. Meeker reported that there is an upcoming culvert replacement project planned on NYS Route 89 . The project is still a ways in the future, as it has not been put out for bid as yet. Code Enforcement Officier, Alex Rachun Mr. Rachun reported issuing 4 permits, with estimated construction costs totaling $430,000, and fees totaling $ 1 ,310 . Mr. Rachun noted that this reflects a typical flurry of activity in construction that takes place throughout January and February. Mr. Rachun also noted that one of the permits was for the expansion 'of the gas pump facilities at the Trumansburg Shur Save . Town Clerk, Marsha Georgia Mrs . Georgia reported that $ 543 was collected in fees during the month of December 2001 . During 2001 , fees totaled $28, 220, an increase of about 7% . Despite the increase, however, totals turned over to the Town of Ulysses increased less than . 10% . Mrs. Georgia also reported on Tax collection . To date, $299,350 has been collected ; enough to pay the general fund balance of some $282, 000 . Mrs. Georgia stated that work on the two LGRMIF grants continues, and will be completed within the time generally allotted by LGRMIF guidelines. Mrs . Georgia concluded by noting that three applications for the position of Planning Clerk were received . 2001 Planning Board Chairman George Kennedy conducted the interviews; Eileen Jacobs was selected for the position and will start tomorrow night with the Planning Board meeting . Board Members and Committees 2 Town of Ulysses Regular Town Board Meeting 1 /8/2002 No reports were made . Supervisor, Doug Austic Mr. Austic noted that the reserve account balances have not changed since his December report. The general fund balance does not yet reflect subtraction of this month's vouchers, but it does appear that there will be sufficient funds to cover these without going over budget. The only account that is a problem is the I Engineering account. Mr. Austic noted that the Board had expected the Town would have already received the $ 500, 000 promised . OLD BUSINESS Update on Water Districts Mr. Austic reported that the application for $3M in revolving loan funds has been submitted . Falls Tavern Request Mr. Austic reported that he has received an estimate from Barton & Loguidice of the costs for the firm to do the engineering and form a map, plan and report for a Rabbit Run Road Area Water District. Mr. Austic stated that he has spoken to the Village of Trumansburg mayor, Rod Ferrentino about the recent surge in water district requests that have been coming to the Town of Ulysses. Mr. Austic noted that Village of Trumansburg water lines already run down Pennsylvania Avenue, South Street Extension and Waterburg Road, heading towards the Hoffmire Farm for the Alpha House water extension . It seems that it would be wise to run a pipe from the end of the water line on Pennsylvania Avenue, and up South Street, providing potential service to the whole area at once. The concerns relevant to this idea include the ability to make the idea fair and appealing to those in the areas outside of the Village that already have municipal water, and the fact that the pipelines previously mentioned are rather old, and serve the Village of Trumansburg only as backup lines. These pipes could pose a very large liability for the Town of Ulysses. NEW BUSINESS 2002 Organizational Mrs . Duddleston moved, seconded by Mr. Scott the following resolution : BE IT RESOLVED Regular Monthly Board meetings of the Ulysses Town Board will be held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 : 30 PM in the Ulysses Town Hall at 10 Elm Street, Trumansburg, NY. Board review of monthly claims will begin at 7 : 00 PM prior to each scheduled Regular Board Meeting . t BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the designated news media is advised of the foregoing schedule and those meeting notices are posted in accordance with the open meeting law, on the clerk's bulletin board . BE IT RESOLVED mileage at a rate of 34 . 5 cents per mile shall be paid to Town Officials and employees conducting official business and driving their personal vehicles and that such mileage shall be reported on the appropriate forms provided . 3 Town of Ulysses LI Regular Town Board Meeting 1 /8/2002 BE IT RES I LVED the Highway Superintendent is authorized to incur expenses not to exceed $3000 . 00 for repairs and maintenance of highway equipment without prior Board approval . BE IT RES o LVED the Building and Maintenance Chairman be authorized to incur expenses not to exceed $ 1000 . 00 for emergency repairs and maintenance following established procurement policy procedures. BE IT RES u LVED the following bond undertakings for Town Officials is hereby approved as follows : A. Town Clerk/Tax Collector $250,000 B. Justices (2) $50000 each C. Court Clerical $50000 D. Code Enforcement Officier $50000 E. Highway Superintendent $5,,000 F. Town Supervisor $500,000 G . Deputy Supervisor $50,000 H . Deputy Town Clerk $210,000 BE IT RESOLVED in lieu of the report required by Town Law Section . 29( 10), the Supervisor be and hereby is authorized to submit to the Town Clerk a copy of his annual report to the State Comptroller and that the Town Clerk shall cause a summary thereof to be published in accordance with the law. BE IT RES u LVED the Ithaca Journal and/or The Trumansburg Free Press shall be and are hereby designated as the official Town publications. BE IT RES o, LVED the Tompkins County Trust Company is designated as depository in which the Supervisor, Town Clerk, Justices, and other employees by virtue of their offices, shall deposit all monies coming into their hands and, FURTHER RESOLVED the Town investments can be made at other banks as outlined in the Towns investment policy. BE IT RESOLVED the Town Board authorizes the Supervisor to pay in advance of audit of claims for utilities, postage and contractual agreements which if delayed may result in loss of discounts or the accrual of service charges. Mr. Austic aye Ms. Poelvoorde aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Mr. Weatherby aye Mr. Scott aye Adopted . Supervisor Austic made the following appointments for 2002 : A. Town Historian Esther Northrup B. Deputy Supervisor Carolyn Duddleston it C. Liaison to Highway Dept. Bob Weatherby D . Building Maintenance Doug Austic E. Liaison to Library Lee Scott F. Liaison to Village BD . Doug Austic G . Liaison to Justice CT Sue Poelvoorde The Board discussed the Planning Board appointment. Chairman George Kennedy's term is up . Mr. Kennedy wishes to continue serving on the Planning 4 Town of Ulysses 5 Regular Town Board Meeting 1 /8/2002 Board but he does not wish to be chairman any longer. At the last Planning Board meeting no members expressed any interest in being chairman for 2002 . Ms. Poelvoorde moved, seconded by Mrs. Duddleston the following : Resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses appoints George Kennedy to the Planning Board for a term of seven years expiring December 31st, 2008 . Mr. Austic aye Ms. Poelvoorde aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Mr. Weatherby aye Mr. Scott abstained Adopted . Mr. Weatherby moved seconded by Mrs. Duddleston the following appointments for 2002 : A. Code Enforcement Officier Alex Rachun B. Deputy Zoning Officer John Fahs C. Deputy Code Enforcement Contract Village D . Planning Board Chair E . Bookkeeper Doug Austic F. Zoning Board Member & Chair George Tselekis G . Rep . Human Services Coal Vacant (to be advertised ) H . Board of Assessment Review (2 ) Stover / Duddleston I . Election Custodians ( 2 ) Bennett / Northrup J . Cleaning Contract Laurie MacCheyne IK. County Youth Bureau Rep . Ben Curtis L. Joint Youth Comm . Liaison Alex Rachun M . Rep . Cable Commission Ben Curtis N . Town Attorney Bruce D . Wilson O . Public Access Rep . Ben Curtis P. EOC Vacant (to be advertised ) Q. EMC Heather McDaniel R. Planning Federation Rep . (inactive at this time) S. Intermunicipal Recreation . Rep . M . Vonderweidt T. Reps. To Joint Youth Comm . Deb Austic/NI . Vonderweidt U . Planning Board Member George Kennedy V. Ithaca/Tompkins Transportation Council Planning & Policy Comm . Sue A. Poelvoorde W. Waterfront Deve. Planning & Policy Sue A. Poelvoorde X. TC Emergency / Disaster Comm . Fire Dept. Rep . (vacant) Y. TCAD Rep ./Town of Ulysses Peter Penniman Z. Fire/EMS Steering Committee Rep . Carolyn Duddleston AA. Trumansburg Fair Board Liaison Robert Weatherby Mr. Austic aye Ms. Poelvoorde aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Mr. Weatherby aye Mr. Scott aye Adopted . Mrs. Duddleston moved, seconded by Ms. Poelvoorde the following : BE IT RESOLVED the following is the schedule of salaries and wages for 2002 : ELECTED OFFICIALS : 5 Town of Ulysses Regular Town Board Meeting 1 /8/2002 Town Supervisor 6,E.52 yr Town Council (4) 3,095 . 70 (ea ) yr Town Clerk/Collector 36,490 yr Highway Superintendent 43,073 yr Town Justice (2) 11 ,1867 (ea ) yr APPOINTED OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES Deputy Town Clerk $ 12 . 00/hr Deputy Supervisor negotiated as needed Bookkeeper $ 15, 273 yr Zoning Officer $ 13,654 yr Deputy Zoning Officer $ 11 . 63 PH Building Inspector $ 14, 387 yr Justice Clerical $24,234 yr Planning/Zoning Clerk $ 12 . 00 hr Deputy Highway Superintendent $ 15 . 81 hr Highway Employees $ 115 . 31 hr BE IT RES o LVED all employees shall turn in a time card by the end of the last day of the pay period, salaried employees shall do the same stating time used for vacation, sick time, holiday or other time off to maintain accurate records of benefit time used . No pay will be issued without the presence of a time card . BE IT RESOLVED any individual wishing to be on the agenda, advise the Supervisor of that intent at least one week prior to the scheduled meeting . BE IT RESOLVED any individual having any special needs and wishing to attend a meeting please advise the Town Clerk of the special requirements at least one week prior to the meeting . (ADA) Be It Resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses will do the Annual Audit of the books for each department on January 12th, 2002 at 8 : 30 AM . Mr. Austic aye Ms. Poelvoorde aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Mr. Weatherby aye Mr. Scott abstained Adopted . After some discussion, the Board set a date for the annual audit for 8 : 30 am, on Saturday, January 12th, 2002 . Investments : National Bank of Geneva Mr. Scott moved , seconded by Mrs . Duddleston the following : RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses approve The National Bank of Geneva as an approved depository for the Town of Ulysses, contingent on the approval of third-party agreements, and said bank's latest operating report. Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Ms. Poelvoorde aye Mr. Scott aye Mr. Weatherby aye 6 Town of Ulysses Regular Town Board Meeting 1 /8/2002 Adopted . Supervisor Austic will report this information to the National Bank of Geneva . Appointment: Planning Clerk Ms. Poelvoorde moved , seconded by Mr. Austic to approve the appointment of Eileen Jacobs as the Town of Ulysses Planning Clerk. Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Ms. Poelvoorde aye Mr. Scott aye Mr. Weatherby aye Adopted . Land for Tank and Pumping Station Mr. Austic reported the Town of Ulysses has received a request to consider placing the water tank for Water District #3 on a parcel belonging to the West Hill Community Church . Mr. Austic met with Dan Lynch, the individual who was selected to represent the West Hill Community Church in this matter. Mr. Lynch has informed Mr. Austic that the church would prefer the tank to be located near the site where an old barn was. The church would rather not sell less than an acre, and a deed restriction does not allow the church to sell any of the parcels for anything other than not-for-profit uses . Barton & Loguidice has informed Mr. Austic that it would cost an extra $55,000 to reach a tank at this southwest corner of this property, compared to the other location that was considered . Mr. Austic stated that he could ask if the church would consider allowing the tank to be placed at the northwest corner of the parcel . The Board agreed that the church would not be a very feasible option. Mr. Austic also reported that the land-owner of the parcel on Woolfe Lane, which the Town has expressed interest in purchasing for the sitting of a pump station, has agreed to the Town of Ulysses' offer. The Board agreed that Mr. Austic should make a purchase offer to said landowner, contingent on the Town of Ulysses receiving the promised $500,000 in grant funds and contingent on Subdivision approval by the Town of Ithaca . Personnel Manual : Attendance and Education Policy Ms. Poelvoorde noted that the current attendance policy, revised in 1999, states that " members of the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board will be allowed three consecutive unexcused absences. . . if a member exceeds the number of allowed absences the Town Board may remove the member from the respective Board he/she sits on, in compliance with Section 267 . 9 or 279 of Town Law" . Ms. Poelvoorde made the recommendation that the Town revise this policy by removing the word "consecutive" . Ms. Poelvoorde also suggested that the Town might want to revise the definition of an " unexcused absence", which currently allows Planning Board and Zoning Board members to excuse themselves by calling the "Chair of the Board, or his/her designated representative". 7 Town of Ulysses Regular Town Board Meeting 1 /8/2002 Mr. Rachun and Mrs. Georgia noted that both the Planning Board Clerk and the Zoning Board Clerk remind the Boards by telephone, or, recently, be e-mail, of a meeting the day of or shortly before meetings. The Board agreed that the attendance policy needs to be amended and enforced , and that attendance by Board members should be recorded to make this possible . Ms. Poelvoorde moved , seconded by Mrs. Duddleston, the following resolution : Be it Resolved , that the Town of Ulysses Town Board does hereby amend its attendance policy to read , " members of the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board will be allowed three unexcused absences per year. . . if a member exceeds the number of allowed absences, the Town Board may remove the member from the respective Board he/she sits on, in compliance with Section 267 . 9 or 279 of Town Law" . Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Ms. Poelvoorde aye Mr. Scott aye Mr. Weatherby aye Adopted . PUBLIC COMMENTS No comments were heard . CORRESPONDENCE Mr. Austic reported on the receipt of a memo letter from NYS Assemblyman Marty Luster's Office, informing the Town of Ulysses of a 2001 law that grants New York municipalities the option of adopting a partial-real-property-tax exemption for first-time homebuyers. The exemption provides a maximum of a 50% exemption for eligible property owners in the first year, which drops by 10% each subsequent year. The Board agreed to consider this exemption . Mrs. Georgia will look into whether or not other Towns have acted on it. Noting one final matter, Mr. Weatherby moved , seconded by Mr. Scott, to appoint Roger Rector as the Town of Ulysses representative to the Association of Towns annual conference, that would take place in mid -February. EXECUTIVE SESSION Mrs. Duddleston moved, seconded by Ms. Poelvoorde to adjourn to executive session,, as was requested by Town Justice Roger Rector, for the purpose of discussing a personnel matter. Mr. Austic aye Mrs . Duddleston aye Ms. Poelvoorde aye Mr. Scott aye Mr. Weatherby aye The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 9 : 15 pm . 8 Town of Ulysses Regular Town Board Meeting Cti 1 /8/2002 After discussing the personnel matter, Mrs. Duddleston moved , seconded by Ms. Poelvoorde to return to the open meeting . Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Ms. Poelvoorde aye Mr. Scott aye Mr. Weatherby aye The Board re-adjourned the regular meeting at 9 : 35 pm . Back in the regular meeting, Mr. Austic moved , seconded by Mr. Weatherby to approve the expenditure of up to $2,900 for the purpose of reimbursing Roger Rector for time and funds lost as a result of the Town of Ulysses telling him at the time of hiring , in 1976, that he was not eligible to participate in the NYS Retirement Program . Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Ms. Poelvoorde aye Mr. Scott aye Mr. Weatherby aye Adopted . The Board briefly discussed the issue of "judge-shopping " by local police agencies in the issuing of tickets. As has been previously discussed , this is a difficult matter to monitor and enforce, and continues to be a problem in this Town and others. Mr. Rector noted that he is willing and able to do his fair share of half of the duties of Town justice, and it seems unfair for taxpayer's to pay not only two justices positions, but also pay additional for the many hours of public defender's legal services that Justice Christine Springer's court generates as a result of her crowded court dates . The Board agreed that this does generate an unfair and unnecessary expenditure of tax monies . Mr. Austic and Mr. Rector both noted the fact that it is practically impossible to address this issue in any sensible way . ADJOURNMENT Noting no further business, Ms. Poelvoorde moved , seconded by Mr. Weatherby, to adjourn the meeting . Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Ms. Poelvoorde aye Mr. Scott aye Mr. Weatherby aye The meeting adjourned at 9 : 55 pm . Respectfully Submitted Marsha L. Georgia Ulysses Town Clerk / f ``�- tflj . MLG : kI 9