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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-02-12 - PH ae) 0100 TOWN OF ULYSSES PUBLIC HEARING 2/12/2002 PRESENT : Supervisor Doug Austic, Councilpeople Carolyn Duddleston, Lee Scott and Robert Weatherby, Town Clerk Marsha Georgia, Code Enforcement Officer Alex Rachun, Highway Superintendent Jim Meeker. ALSO PRESENT: Richard Coogan, Jacksonville Community Association, Michelle Vonderweidt, Joint Youth Commission, Jean Taylor, League of Women Voters, George Kennedy, Ulysses Planning Board . Supervisor Austic called the public hearing to order at 7 :20 pm, and read the legal advertisement for this hearing of comments on the proposed 2002 Fire/EMS Protection Agreement contract between the Town of Ulysses and the Village of Trumansburg as follows: NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 12th, 2002 at 7 : 20 pm ( prior to the regular monthly Town Board meeting) . This hearing is to hear public comments on the "2002 FIRE/EMS PROTECTION AGREEMENT" contract with the Village of Trumansburg IN THE AMOUNT OF $ 149,654. 96 (which is a 13 % increase over 2001 ) . The contract is available for public inspection in the Town Clerk's Office during regular office hours. By Order of the Town Board Marsha L. Georgia Ulysses Town Clerk At this time, Supervisor Austic opened the floor for public comments. Michelle Vonderweidt asked if this is the most cost effective way to provide fire and EMS protection. Supervisor Austic responded by reporting that a committee has been formed, consisting of representatives of the various Townships that contract with the Village of Trumansburg for these services, to review these services and their funding. Hearing no further comments, Mr. Scott moved, seconded by Mrs. Duddleston to adjourn the public hearing. Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Mr. Scott aye Mr. Weatherby aye The public hearing was adjourned at 7 : 30 pm. Respectfully submitted, Marsha L. Georgia Ulysses Town Clerk Tee ¢2 T • Tee/ MLG:kl "� TOWN OF ULYSSES REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING 2/12/2002 PRESENT : Supervisor Doug Austic, Councilpeople Carolyn Duddleston, Lee Scott, and Robert Weatherby, Town Clerk Marsha Georgia, Highway Superintendent Jim Meeker, Code Enforcement Officer Alex Rachun ALSO PRESENT : Richard Coogan, Jacksonville Community Association, Grace Wolf, Trumansburg Free Press, Michelle Vonderweidt, Joint Youth Commission, Jean Taylor, League of Women Voters, and George Kennedy, Ulysses Planning Board. APPROVAL OF MINUTES : Regular Board Meeting 1/8/2002, Special Board Meeting 1/30/2002 Noting minor corrections, Mr. Scott moved, seconded by Mrs. Duddleston to approve the minutes of the Regular Town Board Meeting ofJanuary 8th, 2002 and the minutes of the Special Town Board Meeting ofJanuary 30th, 2002 as presented. Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Mr. Scott aye Mr. Weatherby aye Adopted. APPROVAL OF MONTHLY CLAIMS Mr. Weatherby moved, seconded by Mr. Scott to approve monthly vouchers numbers 20- 70, totaling $27,714.61 . Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Mr. Scott aye Mr. Weatherby aye Adopted. REPORTS OF REPRESENTATIVES Richard Coogan-Jacksonville Community Association Mr. Coogan reported that the J. C .A. is working on a " Get to Know Local Government" Program. They are seeking a few guest speakers, and the goal of the program is to bring community members and local government together to discuss community expectations for the community, with the goal of fostering a spirit of cooperation between government and the community. Mr. Austic asked if Mr. Coogan would like the Town Board members to be present. Mr. Coogan stated that they would like at least one Town Board member to attend. Although the date for this forum has not been officially scheduled, the J. C.A. is tentatively looking at March 20th. Mr. Coogan also reported on the current situation at the Exxon gas station in Jacksonville. After fmding tracer elements, indicating a leak somewhere in the system, the owner of the gas station has decided, to be safe, to replace all pipelines. Mr. Coogan and Mr. Austic both noted that this is primarily a cautionary measure, and that other than the tracer elements, there is no other evidence to indicate further leaking. Town of Ulysses 2 Regular Board Meeting 2/ 12/2002 Michelle Vonderweidt-Tompkins County Youth Board Mr. Vonderweidt presented the Town Board with the latest revision of the Intermunicipal Cooperative Recreation Partnership Agreement and By-Laws. Mr. Vonderweidt noted that the agreement will most likely be acted upon at the next meeting of the local Supervisors, which is scheduled in May. In order to accommodate reasonable and minor changes to the document at the last minute, Mr. Vonderweidt suggested that, upon authorizing Supervisor Austic to act on the document, the Town ` Board allow for minor, last minute changes in their resolution of authorization. Mr. Vonderweidt reported that the Recreation Partnership successfully kept within its budget for the fiscal year of 2001 , and that the Town's increase for 2002 will only be $ 100-$200. The Board thanked Mr. Vonderweidt for his time and report. Peter Penniman -Tompkins County Board of Representatives Mr. Penniman began by noting his opinion that, although it often takes a long time for the Recreation Partnership to pull together a contract that is agreeable to all municipalities involved, this program does ultimately benefit the Towns it serves, by making the best of the tough situation facing municipalities in their efforts to provide youth programs. Mr. Penniman reported the 2002 budget will look for an over-all even amount of spending compared to the 2001 fiscal year. While this means no room is left for increases, Tompkins County is fortunate to not be forced to cur programs. One factor that is impacting the 2002 budget outlook is the fact that Governor Pataki is asking for more funds for Medicaid ; if these funds do not come from federal resources, it could mean an added fmancial burden for the Counties and Townships of New York State. Mr. Penniman also reported on the Public Safety Communications Project. At this point in time, Tompkins County is realizing it may or may not be able to fully accomplish the project as planned. With the events of September 11 `h, 2001 and the consequent concern for homeland security taking top priority, it may be some time before the State's project reaches Tompkins County. In the meantime, the County does plan to get the program started by the end of 2002 . Mr. Scott asked if Tompkins County's proposed spending is average across the state. Mr. Penniman responded affirmatively, noting that counties that rely more heavily on Medicaid funds are worse off. TOWN REPORTS Highway Superintendent James Meeker Mr. Meeker reported another unusual winter month. The highway department plowed as needed, installed culvert pipes on Hinging Post Road and Albrectson Road, cut brush, hauled stone, and repaired a heater at the Town Barns. Mr. Meeker reported that Tompkins County is in the process o f replacing a Gradeall; he is thinking about bidding on the used one . Mr. Meeker also stated that he is still looking at tractors to replace an outdated one. Mr. Austic reminded Mr. Meeker that the Town Board has already authorized the purchase of a new tractor, and he should act on his own discretion in purchasing one. 2 , Town of Ulysses 3 Regular Board Meeting 2/ 12/2002 Code Enforcement Officer Alex Rachun Mr. Rachun reported he has issued 3 building permits during the past month for 2 new single-family homes and 1 addition. Estimated construction costs totaled $211 , 800, and $ 1 ,080 was collected in building fees for these three permits and trailer park fees. Mr. Rachun affirmed that all parks are now caught up for trailer park fees. Town Clerk Marsha Georgia Mrs. Georgia reported that $ 1 ,292 . 50 in fees was collected during the month of January. Of this figure, $ 1 ,045 was turned over to Supervisor Austic. Mrs. Georgia also reported on tax collection. First installment tax payments have been turned over to the County. Only 175 taxpayers took advantage of the installment program this year, this reflects a slight decrease from 191 last year. Mrs. Georgia reported that she has fully paid the Town and has written a check to Tompkins County in the amount of $900,000. To date, approximately $ 1 , 500, 000 has been collected. Board Members and Committees Mrs. Duddleston reported on the Chamber of Commerce meeting. The Chamber has put together a new questionnaire, and are seeking out cottage industries. Mrs. Duddleston reported that she will drop some questionnaires at the Town Clerk's Office for residents to fill in. Supervisor No questions were posed concerning the Supervisor's financial report. Mr. Austic reported that he is in the process of conducting the NYS Audit. OLD BUSINESS Update on Water Districts Water District #3 Mr. Austic reported that Bruce Wilson has received a response from Ms. Paula McClure, owner of the Wolf Lane property for which the Town of Ulysses has submitted a purchase offer. Ms. McClure has made a counteroffer whereby, for the sale price and other conditions named by the Town in the original purchase offer, the Town of Ulysses would cover her legal expenses, up to a total of $ 700 . Mr. Wilson does not think this is an unreasonable figure. The other condition changed by Ms. McClure is that the parcel she will retain after the sale must be a legal lot by Town of Ithaca standards. Mr. Scott moved, seconded by Mrs. Duddleston, that the Town of Ulysses authorize Supervisor Austic to sign the counteroffer for the parcel currently owned by Ms. Paula McClure, in accordance with the conditions of the original purchase offer plus the conditions that the Town of Ulysses will pay for Ms. McClure's legal fees, up to a maximum of $700, and that the parcel which Ms. McClure will retain will be a legal lot by Town of Ithaca standards. Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Mr. Scott aye Mr. Weatherby aye Adopted. Mr. Austic reported that he has received a revised plan from Barton & Loguidice, because of the hold-up with State funds. The new plan is to get the matter out to bid and be ready to start work in the spring of 2003 . 3 Town of Ulysses 4 c/; 1"--\ Regular Board Meeting 2/12/2002 " Rabbit Run " Water District Mr. Austic reported that he will meet with the Village of Trumansburg about forming a water district consisting of all the individuals who currently have municipal water from the Village, but whose residences are located outside of the Village of Trumansburg. This District would include all parcels located within the span of the various spurs serving Town of Ulysses residences who currently have Village of Trumansburg municipal water as part of one, large water district. Doing this, instead of making several small water districts, would save both the Town and the taxpayers a good deal of time and expense. Consider Assessment Memo-Tax Deferals After brief discussion, action on the "New Homeowners Property Tax Break and Economic Development Law" , "Gold Star Parent" and " Certain Living Quarters Constructed to be Occupied by a Senior Citizen or Disabled Individual" , was tabled for the time being. Association of Towns Resolutions Supervisor Austic read the Resolution on Terrorism; no opinion was expressed on this un-numbered resolution. Supervisor Austic read the following reported NYS Association of Towns annual resolutions, and the Board expressed its subsequent views in favor or in opposition to each: Resolution No . 1 , Highway Funding: Yes Resolution No . 2, Property Tax Exemptions: Yes Resolution No . 3 , Speed Limits: No Resolution No . 4, Code Enforcement Aid : Yes j Resolution No . 5 , Support of Fire and Ambulance Volunteers : Yes Resolution No . 6, State Aid : Yes NEW BUSINESS 2001 Budget Modifications Mrs. Duddleston moved, seconded by Mr. Weatherby, to approve the following amendments to the 2001 budget, a listing of which had been reviewed by the Board members prior to the meeting: 7510. 1 - $ 10. 00 9030. 8 - $ 1678 . 37 A Fund Increase 1010 . 1 - $ .08 1010 .4 - $97 . 16 1110. 1 - $ . 62 1110 .4 - $ 129 . 58 1220 . 1 - $ .20 1410. 1 - $ 1111 . 01 1410 .4 - $513 . 49 1420.4 - $362 . 80 1460.4 - $3083 .28 1620.4 - $7092 . 20 1670.4 - $2277.45 5010 . 1 - $ . 14 5182 .4 - $ 185 . 69 7550.4 - $664 . 51 4 Town of Ulysses 5 5 Regular Board Meeting 2/ 12/2002 9040. 8 - $456 . 50 9055 . 8 - $29. 55 7510. 1 - $ 10 .00 9030. 8 - $ 1678 . 37 Decrease 1450. 4 - $ 1202. 02 1460. 1 - $5385 . 00 1620.2 - $421 . 16 1910.4 - $5028. 00 1920. 4 - $56.45 1990.4 - $5000. 00 B Fund Increase 8010. 1 - $66.26 8020. 1 - $694.28 8020.4 - $3573 . 55 9010. 8 - $91 . 34 9030. 8 - $57. 82 9040 . 8 - $70. 00 9055 . 8 - $ . 90 9060. 8 - $202.75 Decrease 8010.4 - $4878 . 32 DA Fund Increase 5130. 1 - $ 17618 . 62 5130.2 - $ 18039 . 89 5130 .4 - $ 1399.20 5148 .4 - $ .02 9010. 8 - $ 1103 . 88 9040 . 8 - $392 . 25 Decrease 5120 . 1 - $721 .00 5120.4 - $3505 . 10 5142 . 1 - $ 15937 . 76 5148 . 1 - $ 15932. 76 9030. 8 - $ 1289. 39 9060. 8 - $ 146 .49 5140. 1 - $ 1021 . 36 DB Fund Increase 5110. 1 - $ 1835 .95 9010. 8 - $ 1058 . 20 9030. 8 - $65 .29 9040. 8 - $392 .25 9060. 8 - $461 . 51 Decrease 5110.4 - $3813 .20 Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Mr. Scott aye Mr. Weatherby aye 5 Town of Ulysses 6 ;JO Regular Board Meeting 2/ 12/2002 Adopted. Recreation Partnership The agreement for the "Intermunicipal Cooperative Recreation Partnership was previously presented and reviewed by Mr. Vonderweidt. Mr. Weatherby moved, seconded by Mr. Scott the following : WHEREAS the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses has reviewed the `By- Laws" and the "Agreement for Intermunicipal Cooperative Recreation Partnership" and WHEREAS the Town Board accepts the revisions to the agreement presented February 12, 2002 by the Town' s representative Michel Vonderweidt with the understanding that there may be other minor revisions before the supervisor signs said agreement, NOW BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses adopt the `By-Laws" as presented and FURTHER RESOLVE that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses authorizes Supervisor Douglas Austic to sign the Agreement at the meeting of the Supervisors to be held later in February 2002 . Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Mr. Scott aye Mr. Weatherby aye Adopted. Contract with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkimt County Mr. Weatherby moved, seconded by Mr. Scott the following resolution: BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses approves the 2002 budget of the Trumansburg/Ulysses Youth Program, and FURTHER RESOLVE that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses authorizes Supervisor Austic to sign the contract with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County in the amount of $35 , 123 . 00. Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Mr. Scott aye Mr. Weatherby aye Adopted. Contract with Village of Trumansburg for Fire Protection Mrs. Duddleston moved, seconded by Mr. Scott the following resolution: BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Towri of Ulysses authorizes Supervisor Austic to sign the 2002 contract with the Village of Trumansburg for "Fire/EMS Protection". Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Mr. Scott aye Mr. Weatherby aye 6 Town of Ulysses 7 2-7 Regular Board Meeting 2/ 12/2002 Adopted. Authorization for Barton & Loguidice, P. C. Mrs. Duddleston moved, seconded by Mr. Scott the following : WHEREAS the Town of Ulysses has received the Grant Disbursement Agreement from the New York State Dormitory Authority in the amount of $500,000 and, WHEREAS the Town Attorney has reviewed the Grant Disbursement Agreement between the NYS Dormitory Authority and the Town of Ulysses and expressed opinion to the New York State Dormitory Authority, and WHEREAS the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses at a Special Board Meeting held January 30, 2002 authorized Supervisor Austic to sign and return said agreement to the New York State Dormitory Authority, NOW BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses authorizes Barton & Loguidice, P . C . to proceed with the services described in the "Proposal for Engineering Services" dated July 10, 2001 for a total estimated fee of $334,000. Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Mr. Scott aye Mr. Weatherby aye Adopted. Lake Street Bridge-Permissive Referendum for Payment Supervisor Austic reported that the Town has not received any objections to the transfer of funds for payment of the Town's share of the Lake Street Bridge project , and therefore, according to the rules of permissive referendum, these funds will be moved. Mr. Austic noted that the receipt of a $20,000 grant, half of which the Town will give to the Village of Trumansburg to help with its share of the bridge expenses, will greatly reduce the amount the Town has to pay from reserve funds. With the total Town share being $23 ,694 . 90, this grant will reduce the amount paid out of Town reserves to $ 13 , 694. 90 . Jacksonville Commercial Center Revitalization Program Mr. Scott moved, seconded by Mrs. Duddleston the following : WHEREAS the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses has reviewed the Jacksonville Commercial Center Revitalization Program and WHEREAS the Town Board asked the Planning Board to review and comment, NOW BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses forward the following comments of the Ulysses Planning Board to the Tompkins County Planning Department, along with the Town Boards acceptance of the program: • Challenges of odd-shaped lots divided by Route 96 should be discussed. • Descriptions of the area as "lush" and "thriving" should not be included. • Expanded discussion of the historical context of the hamlet in the Town of Ulysses should be included, as it would strengthen grant applications. • Include discussions regarding how to attract people to the area to live and/or visit. • The plan should promote and encourage entrepreneurism by local residents rather than business ownership by outside corporations. • The plan should include some discussions of creative use of land that is available, rather than what is owned by Exxon Mobil, which obviously has limitations. 7 Town of Ulysses 8 c; ( Regular Board Meeting 2/ 12/2002 • The community park is an asset that should be explored more thoroughly, since it does not have to be acquired. Consider possible uses such as cluster housing, a pavilion or other gathering place that could be rented out. • The plan should discuss the creation of housing. • Further research concerning the benefit of creating a Farmers ' Market. • Projects should be prioritized and include cost estimates for individual projects. • Develop a business plan for the Old Church, possibly for a gallery/cafe. • The sidewalk maps are not realistic, should be redesigned for placement where pedestrians would walk. • There are too many proposed parking lots. Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Mr. Scott aye Mr. Weatherby aye Adopted. Possibility of Town Barn and/or Town Hall renovation projects The Board discussed possible renovations both at the Town Barns and the Town Hall. Supervisor Austic began by stating that the roof of the Town Garage is in need of repair. Both the rafters and the roofmg material itself need replacement. Mr. Meeker has begun to look into estimates of what these repairs would cost. Mr. Austic reported that there is a balance of about $43 ,000 in the Highway Department Building Fund and about $29,000 in the Town Hall Building Fund. The damage to the rafters most likely is the result of fire damage. The Board agreed the Mr. Meeker should look into this $20, 000 Mr. Austic stated that he would like the Board to consider finishing part of the second story of the Town Hall. Mr. Austic noted that the youth could use this space. Mrs. Duddleston asked about handicap accessibility regulations. Mr. Austic explained that the second floor does not need to be handicap accessible, as long as the Town can provide another assembly place that is. In the case of youth activities, for example, if a handicapped individual was participating in a particular program, then that program would be held somewhere that is handicapped accessible, probably the courtroom. An issue could arise if a regular Town official, who needed to be accessible to the public had his office upstairs. The Board agreed that Mr. Austic should look into getting estimates for remodeling the upstairs. Chairman of Planning Board Mr. Austic reminded the Board that there is only one Planning Board member that has said he was not completely opposed to serving as chairman foµ 2002 . Mrs. Duddleston moved, seconded by Mr. Scott, to appoint Lorren Hammond as the chairman of the Ulysses Planning Board for 2002. Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Mr. Scott aye Mr. Weatherby aye Adopted. PUBLIC COMMENTS George Kennedy reported that there was an article on the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network, and Cornell Cooperative Extension is looking to set up a training program for municipal officials in interpreting watershed concerns. Mr. Kennedy asked if the Town intended to participate . Mr. Austic answered in the affirmative. 8 Town of Ulysses 9 (4,Ck Regular Board Meeting 2/ 12/2002 Authorization for Attorney to Date Application for $500,000 Grant from the NYS Dormitory Authority Mr. Austic stated that one more motion is needed to have the contract application for the $500,000 NYS Dormitory Authority grant dated. Mr. Scott moved, seconded by Mrs . Duddleston to authorize Supervisor Austic to have the above referenced document, applying for a grant of $500,000 from the NYS Dormitory Authority, dated. Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Mr. Scott aye Mr. Weatherby aye CORRESPONDENCE No correspondence was discussed. ADJOURNMENT Hearing no further business, Mr. Weatherby moved and seconded to adjourn. Mr. Austic aye Mrs. Duddleston aye Mr. Scott aye Mr. Weatherby aye The meeting adjourned at 9 : 30 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Marsha L. Georgia Ulysses Town Clerk if, V,2T MLG :kl 9