HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-25-TB-minutesTOWN BOARD MEETING
Town of Ulysses
May 25, 2021
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.
CALL TO ORDER:
Ms. Zahler called the meeting to order at 7pm.
ATTENDANCE:
The Town Clerk called the roll:
TOWN OFFICIALS PRESENT:
Supervisor- Nancy Zahler
Deputy Supervisor- Katelin Olson
Board members- Michael Boggs, Mary Bouchard, Rich Goldman
Town Clerk- Carissa Parlato
Second Deputy Supervisor- Michelle E. Wright
Recreation Director- Will Glennon
Highway Superintendent- Scott Stewart
Planning Board chair & Tompkins County Broadband Committee Representative- Linda Liddle
(at 7:28pm)
Attorney for the Town- Peter Walsh
OTHERS PRESENT:
Matt McKenna (MRB engineering), Ben Werner (Barton & Loguidice engineering)
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
RESOLUTION 2021-99: APPROVAL OF AGENDA
BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approve the agenda as amended for May 25,
2021 as amended.
Moved: Mr. Goldman Seconded: Ms. Olson
Ms. Zahler aye
Ms. Olson aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Ms. Bouchard aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 5/25/21
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:
(none)
PRESENTATION: RECREATION PROGRAM
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Mr. Glennon drew attention to the brief that he submitted to the board prior to the meeting showing
current programs and financial updates, and highlighted the following:
Summer camp:
• Expect all to meet current COVID capacities with a wait list
• NYS COVID regs were recently updated to include that 36 campers can mix together with
proof of vaccination
• Programs will take place at the fairgrounds with COVID protocols
• Has agreement with TCAT to transport campers from fairgrounds to Taughannock Park, along
with one school bus
• Working on hiring staff
Spring program has been successful with programs in tennis, track, softball, baseball and t-ball.
Mr. Glennon was excused at this time (7:32pm).
BRIEF REPORTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Staffing Updates
Ms. Zahler announced that Blixy Taetzsch will join the town as a bookkeeper, and Town Planner, John
Zepko will be moving on to a new position in the Town of Lansing in mid-June.
COVID Safety Protocols
Town staff are fully vaccinated but still wearing masks at this time.
OVERVIEW OF AERATOR PROJECT:
Mr. McKenna gave an overview of the Water District 3 aerator project. In addition to installing an
aerator, the town updated/upgraded its water communication technology (SCADA). The project has
been successful so far in achieving its goal of reducing THM levels.
Mr. Boggs encouraged waiting for a few more months to see how well it is working since the water
takes a while to move through the system.
OLD BUSINESS:
CONTINGENT ACCEPTANCE OF BID FOR CEMETERY BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
2021-100 CONTINGENT ACCEPTANCE OF BID FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF CEMETERY ROAD
BRIDGE OVER TRUMANSBURG CREEK (BIN 3210360)
WHEREAS, the Town of Ulysses received a $932,758 BRIDGE-NY grant to design and replace
the Cemetery Road Bridge, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Ulysses conducted a competitive bidding process in collaboration with
the Design Engineers Barton and Loguidice, and
WHEREAS, Barton and Loguidice have recommended accepting the bid based on the
methodology outlined in the bid specifications document, and
WHEREAS, NYS Department of Transportation will provide approval to accept the bid upon
review of the contract award package, and
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WHEREAS, Tompkins County has been made aware that the bid is over and above the original
budget created by the County in the grant application and has confirmed that the local share
of this project will be 100% covered by the County, and
WHEREAS, the Memorandum of Understanding with Tompkins County and the Town of
Ulysses will be updated as soon as possible to reflect the updated amounts,
BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board accepts the bid received on May 14th, 2021 for
$833,831 submitted by Economy Paving contingent on NYS Department of Transportation’s
approval of the bid, and be it further
RESOLVED that the Town Board authorizes the Supervisor to sign the contract with Economy
Paving in the form to be approved by the Town Attorney.
Moved: Mr. Goldman Seconded: Mr. Boggs
DISCUSSION:
Ms. Olson expressed concern about rising materials costs. Mr. Werner noted that the NYSDOT
will cover the costs in this case. There is also contingency money that can be used for this or
anything else that may come up unexpectedly.
The group further discussed cash flow and timeline.
Ms. Zahler aye
Ms. Olson aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Ms. Bouchard aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 5/25/21
Mr. Werner was excused at this time (8:03pm).
ASSURING SAFE MAINTENANCE OF THE NEW BLOWER COMPONENT OF THE AERATOR IN WATER
DISTRICT #3 TANK
Ms. Zahler noted that there are 3 options for providing safe access to maintain the blower
component:
1. Install a rooftop guardrail and non-skid surface
2. Relocate the blower from the tank roof to the ground for easier access
3. Contract servicing out to the manufacturer
Mr. McKenna shared Gerwitz’ estimates for options 1 and 2.
Discussion of option 1:
Mr. Zahler asked Mr. Stewart whether the water crew would feel safe going up on the roof of the
tank if a guardrail were installed. He responded in the affirmative.
Discussion of option 2:
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Mr. McKenna described the estimate received from Gerwitz for this option and noted that noise may
be an issue for neighbors so a sound enclosure is suggested.
Discussion of option 3:
Ms. Olson was concerned about being dependent on a single company centered in North Dakota for
service.
Further discussion:
Mr. McKenna encouraged doing option 1 or 2 now while they have the grant money and because it’s
a good idea to have a safety area on the roof regardless.
Mr. Boggs feels that they should wait to do anything for a year or so until it is time for servicing.
The group further discussed the topic before deciding to wait on taking action.
Mr. Walsh excused at this time (9:16pm).
NEW BUSINESS:
RESOLUTION # 2021-101: APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT #2 FOR AERATOR/MIXER WIIA
GRANT PROJECT #18217
WHEREAS, the Aerator/ Mixer TTHM remediation project budget of $314,800 has had some
spending variations from the original line item projections and
WHEREAS, MRB Group has been retained as the lead engineer on the project and
WHEREAS, the Ulysses Town Board must authorize the Town Supervisor to approve any
amendments to the approved project budget, and
WHEREAS, MRB, Municipal Solutions, the Deputy Supervisor and Supervisor met to review
revisions in the grant spending as described in the proposed Amendment #2 and
WHEREAS, the Ulysses Town Board has reviewed Amendment #2, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board authorizes the Supervisor to approve Amendment #2
to WIIA Project $18,217.
Moved: Ms. Olson Seconded: Ms. Bouchard
DISCUSSION:
Mr. Boggs expressed concern on the additional costs since many were out of the town’s
control.
Ms. Zahler aye
Ms. Olson aye
Mr. Boggs nay
Mr. Goldman aye
Ms. Bouchard aye
Vote: 4-1
Date Adopted: 5/25/21
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REVISED 284 HIGHWAY PLAN FOR 2021
RESOLUTION # 2021-102: AUTHORIZATION OF REVISED HIGHWAY AGREEMENT #284 FOR
2021
WHEREAS, pursuant to section 284 of Town Highway Law, the Ulysses Highway
Superintendent must annually present a summary of how Town-allocated funds for highways
shall be spent, subject to Town Board approval and
WHEREAS, the Town Board and Highway Superintendent agreed on a 284 plan for 2021 at the
Town Board’s Organizational Meeting held January 6, 2021 and
WHEREAS, the Highway Superintendent has received notification that the combined funding
from New York State for CHIPS, PAVE NY and EWR will increase from the 2021 Town-budgeted
amount of $89,501 to $217,165.18, and
WHEREAS, the Highway Superintendent has presented an updated 284 plan showing how
increased funding will be used to provide additional highway improvements in Ulysses during
2021, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board approves the updated Highway 284 Agreement dated
May 20, 2021.
Moved: Ms. Zahler Seconded: Ms. Bouchard
Ms. Zahler aye
Ms. Olson aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Ms. Bouchard aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 5/25/21
AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE BUDGETED 550 TRUCK FOR HIGHWAY
RESOLUTION # 2021-103: AUTHORIZING THE HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT TO PURCHASE
2022 FORD F-550
WHEREAS, a total of $65,000 was budgeted for the purchase of the F-550 into the
appropriation line DA5130.2 Machinery EQ in the 2021 budget, and
WHEREAS, underspending on the purchase of the zero-turn mower has left a balance of
$67,350 in the Machinery EQ line, and
WHEREAS, the Highway Superintendent has received a quote for $67,911.82, dated
4/30/2021 with quote number 32174, for the replacement of Truck 5 (T5), F-350 flatbed,
which is a planned purchase per the Highway Capital Equipment Plan for heavy duty hauling
and snow plowing,
WHEREAS, the overage in the balance of the Equipment EQ line of $561.82 will be covered by
a budget modification from an underspent expense line at the time of payment, estimated to
be late this year, and
WHEREAS, the source for these purchases and quotes is a vendor who has been awarded a
Contract with Onondaga County (contract # 7974), per the Town’s Procurement Policy and
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General Municipal Law §103(3), purchases made using County or State contracts are
exceptions to competitive bidding requirements,
BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor and Highway
Superintendent to proceed with the purchase of the replacement vehicle from the Onondaga
County contract not to exceed $67,912, under materially the same terms and conditions as
this vendor contracted with Onondaga County.
Moved: Ms. Zahler Seconded: Ms. Bouchard
Ms. Zahler aye
Ms. Olson aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Ms. Bouchard aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 5/25/21
AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE NEW FIRE HYDRANT FOR WATER DISTRICT #3
RESOLUTION # 2021-104: AUTHORIZING USE OF FUNDS TO PURCHASE A REPLACEMENT FIRE
HYDRANT
WHEREAS, a Town fire hydrant was damaged on May 19, 2021 and was replaced with the
only stock hydrant, and
WHEREAS, the Water District Operator obtained two quotes to replace the stock hydrant per
the Town of Ulysses Procurement Policy,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board authorizes the expenditure of $2,906.48 from the
SW3-8340.2 · WD3 Trans/Dist EQ equipment expense line to purchase a stock fire hydrant
from Core and Main.
Moved: Ms. Zahler Seconded: Mr. Goldman
Ms. Zahler aye
Ms. Olson aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Ms. Bouchard aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 5/25/21
APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT ASSISTANT
RESOLUTION # 2021-105: APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT ASSISTANT
WHEREAS, Second Deputy Supervisor Michelle E. Wright has notified the Town that she will
be moving outside the Town of Ulysses; and
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WHEREAS, her current position requires residency in the Town of Ulysses and
WHEREAS, the Ulysses Town Board and Town Supervisor wish to retain her as a valued
employee of the Town while the Town re-evaluates the most appropriate approach to
providing staff support for Town governance; and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County Personnel has confirmed that the position of Project Assistant is
a viable temporary solution; and
WHEREAS, upon appointment of a Town Bookkeeper, the increased the hours assigned to
Michelle E. Wright in Resolution 2021-67 to assure the Town’s bookkeeping functions are
fulfilled, are no longer required, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board appoint Michelle E. Wright as a Project Assistant
effective May 30, 2021 as a salaried employee based on a combined 32 hours a week at the
original salary approved in the in the 2021 Approved Budget.
Moved: Ms. Zahler Seconded: Ms. Olson
Ms. Zahler aye
Ms. Olson aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Ms. Bouchard aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 5/25/21
BUDGET MODIFICATION
RESOLUTION 2021-106: BUDGET MODIFICATION TO REFLECT REVISED HIGHWAY
AGREEMENT 284 & PROJECT ASSISTANT
A FUND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
A1220.14 Supervisor Project Assistant PS INCREASE $13,444.80
This is the balance (for non-Budget Officer related work) of Michelle E. Wright’s salary for the pay
period starting May 30 through the end of 2021.
A1220.12 Deputy Supervisor PS DECREASE $13,444.80
This line was the account used for half Michelle’s salary, due to change in residency, moving funds for
her salary for the rest of the year to the Project Assistant line, this position does not have a residency
requirement. The other half of her salary, coming from A1220.132 Budget Officer PS, will not need to
be modified as that position does not have a residency requirement.
DB FUND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
DB5112.2 Highway Capital Improvement INCREASE $ 127,664.18
Increase in CHIPS, PAVE NY, EWR funding per NYSDOT letter dated May 10th, 2021. This increase
will be added to the original budgeted amount in this line of $89,501 for a modified budget total of
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$217,165.18. This figure is the total amount of funding available through state aid this year per the
NYSDOT letter. This additional state aid will increase the Town’s capacity to conduct more
permanent highway improvements in the 2021 financial year, as reflected in the 284 agreement.
DB3501 NYS CHIPS (PAVE-NY, EWR) INCREASE $ 127,664.18
See above.
Moved: Ms. Zahler Seconded: Ms. Bouchard
Ms. Zahler aye
Ms. Olson aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Ms. Bouchard aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 5/25/21
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:
Mr. Bonafede asked about Grassroots summer concert/camping plans as posted on their website and
whether they have approval from the town to proceed.
Ms. Zahler noted that the town has not yet received an application for a permit from Grassroots.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
RESOLUTION 2021-107: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board approve the minutes of the regular meeting held May
25, 2021 and Special Town Board meetings held May 20, 2021 to review Fire/EMS services
and May 21, 2021 Executive Session for personnel matters.
Moved: Ms. Bouchard Seconded: Ms. Olson
Ms. Zahler aye
Ms. Olson aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Ms. Bouchard aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 5/25/21
ADJOURN:
Mr. Goldman moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:07pm. This was seconded by Ms. Olson and passed
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by Carissa Parlato, Town Clerk
6/4/2021