HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-01-13 - TB TOWN OF ULYSSES
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING
JANUARY 13 , 2004
PRESENT : Supervisor Douglas Austic ; Councilpeople Lee Scott, Roxanne Marino,
Don Ellis and Robert Weatherby; Highway Superintendent James Meeker; Code
Enforcement Officer Alex Rachun; Marsha Georgia, Town Clerk.
Others Present: County Representative Peter Penniman, Richard Coogan, Chairman
Planning Board, Carl Potter, Village of Trumansburg Trustee, Kurt Dunham, Bruce
Austic and Michele Reaves, Ithaca Journal Reporter.
Supervisor Austic called the meeting to order at 7 : 30 PM and led those assembled in the
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Scott moved, seconded by Mr. Weatherby the following :
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses approves the minutes
of the Regular Town Board Meeting of December 9 , 2003 .
Mr. Austic aye
Mr. Scott aye
Mr. Weatherby aye
Adopted.
The minutes of the Public Hearing for Flo-Tech have not been completed.
APPROVAL OF CLAIMS
Mr. Weatherby moved, seconded by Mr. Scott the following resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses approves the
previously examined vouchers #584 through 625 in the amount of $ 54,099 .46 for 2003 .
Mr. Austic aye
Mr. Scott aye
Mr. Weatherby aye
Ms . Marino aye
Mr. Ellis aye
Adopted
Mr. Weatherby moved, seconded by Mr. Scott the following resolution :
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses approves the
previously examined vouchers # 1 through 22 in the amount of $43 , 332 . 90 for 2004.
Voucher # 19 in the amount of $900 for the dues for Cayuga Lake Water Network was
withdrawn for further consideration until they discuss this with Mr. George Kennedy our
representative.
Mr. Scott moved the amended resolution, seconded by Mr. Ellis as follows :
BE IT RESOLVED to approve vouchers # 1 through 18 (excluded # 19) and #20 through
22 in the amount of $42,432 . 90.
Mr. Austic aye
Regular Town Board Meeting
1 / 13/2004
Mr. Scott aye
Mr. Weatherby aye
Ms . Marino aye
Mr. Ellis aye
Adopted
REPORTS OF REPRESENTATIVES
Tompkins County Representative Peter Penniman stated that he sees that the PWC
Law is on the Towns agenda tonight and wants to state that this has been discussed at the
County and they feel that it would be better for the Towns to take action and he would
personally urge the Town to do so .
Mr. Austic stated that he has discussed this with Supervisor Valentino of the Town of
Ithaca and they agree that the Town of Lansing ' s law could be passed and than if there
are any changes that the other municipalities would like to see Lansing would go along
with those .
Mr. Penniman also referred to the TCIDA Uniform Tax Exemption Policy and stated that
he is on the Industrial Development Agency Board and the reason this is coming up is
that Counties around the State have been developing Empire Zones and this tax incentive
would make Tompkins County competitive and attract business . It also is putting more
of a tax benefit up front, which he feels is needed. The County is looking at this and
would encourage the Towns to follow.
Mr. Austic stated that there might be an empty building and/or buildings coming up in the
near future with the closing of Babcock ' s . Mr. Penniman stated that he would inform
IDA about this .
Mr. Penniman stated a quick update on the bridge repairs and the detours — he is asking 1
for coordination of the two projects — he did not get a positive ;response — they are talking `
about taking over three years to complete . Mr. Penniman has spoken with Mr. Mesmer
of Tompkins County Highway and he suggested getting together and talking about
different highway issues .
Mr. Austic feels that would be a good idea. He did attend a meeting to review and look
into different items in the County Budget.
Trumansburg Fire Department — no representative .
Planning Board Report, Chairman Richard Coogan reported that Mr. Oachs has
resigned from the Planning Board but he has agreed to continue to serve until Site Plan
Review has been finished with Flo-Tech. Mr. Kennedy is heading south next week and
will not be back until April so the Planning Board will be shore: a member. Mr. Coogan
has talked to Gary Wood, Engineer for Flo-Tech and has discussed alternatives of siding
on the exterior of the old barn.
There will be no Planning Board Meeting in January and they are waiting for the final
drawings from Flo-Tech.
Ms. Marino asked if he had any idea when the drawings would be available . Mr. Coogan
stated that Mr. Wood just got back from vacation and he will ask them to get them to the
Town Board before the next meeting about Flo-Tech.
Mr. Austic stated the drawings that are on file now are not inaccurate just that they
include an apartment that will be removed.
Other
No other reports .
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TOWN REPORTS
Highway Superintendent James Meeker reported that they have worked on equipment
to get it ready for NYS Inspections and plowed and salted as needed (busy month) . He
also had to have a major repair on the ' 89 Mack truck .
Mr. Meeker stated that the Towns ' Highway Superintendents and the County
Superintendents are lobbing the State Legislators in Albany for possibly increasing the
Chips funding. Hopefully it will do some good.
Mr. Meeker is in receipt of a petition for a request to reduce the speed limit on Searsburg
Road between Route 227 and Curry Road. He has reviewed and will ask the Board to
pass a resolution allowing him to submit a request to NY State to do a study.
Mr. Austic reviewed the procedure for this .
Mr. Ellis moved, seconded by Mr. Scott the following :
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses authorize
Superintendent Meeker to send a request to New York State to review the petition to
reduce the speed limit on Searsburg Road between the intersections of Route 227 and
Curry.
Mr. Austic aye
Mr. Scott aye
Mr. Weatherby aye
Ms . Marino aye
Mr. Ellis aye
Adopted
Mr. Meeker will get the formal application from Mrs . Georgia and she will certify this
resolution to enclose with that application.
Mr. Austic asked Mr. Meeker to attend an audit on January 15 , 2004 for Workman' s
Compensation so there can be a better understanding of the Highway Budget. This could
make a big difference on the ratings of compensation .
Code Enforcement Officer Alex Rachun reported that a total of four (4) permits were
issued for the month, two are for single- family homes and two are for additions. Mr.
Rachun previously submitted his annual report to the Supervisor and Board — Mr. Austic
reviewed that.
Town Clerk Marsha Georgia reported that a total of $ 1523 . 50 was collected for the
month of December, $ 1041 . 00 was turned over to NYS DECALS and $426 . 00 was
turned over to the Supervisor along with her monthly report. Mr. Georgia completed for
2003 annual report and was forwarded to the Supervisor and copied to the Town Board.
Mrs . Georgia stated that she had received a call a couple of days ago from Cayuga Nature
Center requesting to register their snake that is over 10 feet in length. Cayuga Nature
Center advised her that NYSDEC had stated that it was a law for them to do this . Mrs .
Georgia was not aware of this requirement and called DEC in Albany to inquire .
Apparently there is a ruling and she has requested NYS DEC to forward her a copy of the
law so that she can look further into this .
The total taxes collected to date are $455 ,074 . and the first payment was made to the
Supervisor for the General Fund total in the 2004 budget of $254, 000.
Board Member and Committees - no reports heard .
Supervisor Doug Austic reported that he would not be giving a Supervisor' s Report
tonight because it is the year end and will not have the December books done until the
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1 / 13/2004
books are closed. He did although distribute a list of budget modifications proposals that
could be passed to make the budget balance and requested the Board to review.
OLD BUSINESS
Water District #3 Progress Report
A report from Barton & Loguidice was distributed . The Line is complete and they were
going to get the pump going but they ran into problems . The Town of Ithaca and Bolton
Point will not let them start the pump until they re-chlorinate the 150 ' of lines prior to the
pump and they won ' t do that until the temperature is at least 40° . When it warms up the
forman of R. Myers will return from Rochester and do that.
PWC Regulation Discussion (Public Hearing on Lansing Type Law)
Supervisor Austic has previously distributed copies of the Town of Lansing ' s Law that
they passed with Ulysses ' inserted. The Town of Ithaca is happy with the Law with
possibly a few modifications they may have . Mr. Austic stated. on January 20th there is a
meeting with the Tompkins County Municipal Officers meeting and the law can be
discussed at that time . Sometime after that a Public Hearing needs to be scheduled.
Questions were asked about enforcement — this would not be easy to enforce as the
Sheriff has previously stated.
Ms . Marino asked about penalties? Mr. Austic stated that penalties would have to be
designed. Ms . Marino pointed out that if penalties were high it could be a deterrent, even
though there may not be a lot of patrol . May be worth considering.
Ms . Marino asked if the Board should discuss what changes thoy would like to see made
and what the residents have suggested . Mr. Austic suggested she attend the meeting on
January 20th . Ms . Marino stated regardless of that, maybe discuss prior to that meeting to
have some consensus of what the Town Board may think. Mr. Austic suggested going
forward with the meeting and coming back to this . He also stated that the Board has not
seen the whole file — he has over one thousand signatures on a petition in reference to
this . Ms . Marino asked if there will be another meeting before the 20th — Mr. Austic
stated that there might be .
Other - none heard.
NEW BUSINESS
R. Myers Construction Payment Request
Supervisor Austic received the payment request and also the recommendation from the
engineer' s for the fifth payment. Mr. Scott moved, seconded by Mr. Weatherby the
following :
Whereas, the Town of Ulysses has received the certified Fifth Submission for work
completed through December 26 , 2003 Contract No . lA — General Construction DWSRF
Project No . 16097 and
Whereas, the total amount of work done to date is $2 , 174,748 . 56 . No monies are being
requested for stored materials under this payment and,
Whereas, a retainage of five percent (5 %) of the value of wort : done to date and
materials stored on-site, totaling $ 108 ,737 .43 , has been withheld from the payment per
the Contract Specifications and
Whereas, the total amount due the contractor for the fifth payment is $ 123 ,458 . 20 and,
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Whereas, Barton & Loguidice, after review, authorize the Town Board of the Town of
Ulysses to make the fifth payment to R. Myers Construction, Inc . in the amount of
$ 123 ,458 .20 for work completed for the period ending December 26, 2003 ,
Now Therefore BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses
authorizes Supervisor Austic to issue a check to R. Myers Construction, Inc . in the
amount of $ 123 ,458 . 20 for the fifth payment for Town of Ulysses Water District No . # 3
Water System Improvements .
Mr. Austic aye
Mr. Scott aye
Mr. Weatherby aye
Ms . Marino aye
Mr. Ellis aye
Adopted.
Organizational Agenda 2004
Supervisor Austic introduced the following resolutions :
BE IT RESOLVED, the 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.
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 37 . 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.
BE IT RESOLVED 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 RESOLVED 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 RESOLVED the following bond undertakings for Town Officials is hereby
approved as follows :
A. Town Clerk/Tax Collector $250, 000
B . Justices (2) $4, 000 each
C . Court Clerical $4,000
D . Code Enforcement Officier $ 1 , 000
E . Highway Superintendent $ 1 ,000
F . Town Supervisor $ 500, 000
G. Deputy Supervisor $ 15 ,000
H. Deputy Town Clerk $ 15 , 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 RESOLVED the Ithaca Journal and/or The Trumansburg Free Press shall be and
are hereby designated as the official Town publications .
Regular Town Board Meeting
1 / 13/2004
BE IT RESOLVED 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 .
After clarifications of Resolution (7) on publications in the Ithaca Journal and
Trumansburg Free Press and Resolution (8) on filing annual report, Mr. Ellis moved,
seconded by Ms . Marino the foregoing resolutions :
Mr. Austic aye
Mr. Scott aye
Mr. Weatherby aye
Ms. Marino aye
Mr. Ellis aye
Adopted .
Supervisor Austic made the following appointments :
A. Town Historian Esther Northrup
B . Deputy Supervisor Lee Scott
C . Liaison to Highway Dept. Bob Weatherby
D . Building Maintenance Doug Austic
E . Liaison Planning/Zoning Roxanne Marino
F . Liaison to Village Bd. Doug Austic
G. Liaison to Justice Ct. Don Ellis
Town Board appointments :
A. Code Enforcement Officier Alex Rachun
B . Deputy Zoning Officer vacant
C . Deputy Code Enforcement Village Contracts
D . Planning Board Chair Richard Coogan
E . Planning Board Member Rodney Porter
F . Bookkeeper Doug Austic
G . Zoning Chair George Tselekis
H . Rep . Human Services Coal Vacant
I . Board of Assessment Review (2) C . Stover / C . Duddleston
I. Election Custodians (2) R. Bennett / K. Northrup
J . Cleaning Contract Laurie MacCheyne
K. County Youth Bureau Rep . Bean Curtis
L. Joint Youth Comm. Liaison Roxanne Marino
M . Cayuga Lake Watershed Rep . George Kennedy
N . Town Attorney Bruce D . Wilson
O . Environ. Mngt. Council (EMC) Vacant
P . Econ. Opportunity (EMC) Vacant
Q . TCMOA Planning Rep . R. Coogan / D . Austic
R. Fire Department Liaison - Don Ellis
S . Reps . To Joint Youth Comm. Deb Austic/M .Vonderweidt
T . T . Ithaca/Tompkins County Transportation
Council Planning Committee Sue Poelvoorde
U. U . Ithaca/Tompkins County Transportation
Council Policy Committee Richard Coogan
V . V . TC Emergency / Disaster Comm. Fire Dept (Jack Fulton)
W . TCAD Representative Peter Penniman / D . Ellis
X. Fair Board Liaison Bob Weatherby
Y . Storm Water Mngt. Rep . Doug Austic
Z. Disaster Mitigation Rep Doug Austic
Aa. T . Co . Leg. Budget Rep . Doug Austic
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1 / 13/2004
Bb . Water Resources Council Vacant
Cc . BZA member Joel Warren
Mr. Austic moved, seconded by Mr. Scott the foregoing appointments .
The Deputy Zoning officer position will be discussed with the Town Board and Alex .
The following are a list of the vacant positions that Ms . Marino would like to help put
together an article for the papers .
Planning Board Member
Representative Human Services Coalition
Environmental Management Council (EMC)
Economic Opportunity (EMC)
Water Resources Council
Committee for Storm Water Management / Disaster Mitigation
Mr. Austic aye
Mr. Scott aye
Mr. Weatherby aye
Ms . Marino aye
Mr. Ellis aye
Adopted .
WAGES AND SALARIES FOR 2004
Mr. Austic read the following salaries into record as set by the 2004 Budget :
ELECTED OFFICIALS :
Town Supervisor $ 10, 300/yr.
Town Council (4) $3 ,316/ yr Ea.
Town Clerk/Collector $39,089/ yr
Highway Superintendent $46 , 138/ yr
Town Justice (2) $ 12, 722/yr Ea.
Before continuing Mr. Ellis asked what the rational was to have the salary for Town
Supervisor at $ 10,300 . Mr. Scott stated that it was doubled last year. Mr. Ellis feels that
this salary needs to be raised — he feels that it is just bad policy in any organization to
under pay a critical person and/or a critical position. He was looking at what may be paid
to an assistant to the Supervisor, which looks like could be around $22 ,500 a year, a
$ 10,300 to Supervisor and $ 16, 354 to Bookkeeper . That is a decent salary when put
together, a $48 ,000 position, which is the value of the position. Mr. Ellis feels it is a very
good thing for the Town to have a position as important as the Supervisor be properly
salaried. Mr. Ellis stated that he couldn ' t vote in favor of a $ 10,300 salary for the
Supervisor because he feels that is very bad policy and makes no sense at all .
Supervisor Austic feels since it is budgeted as $ 10 , 300 he would like to let it go . What he
would rather do is his suggestion as establishing a Deputy Supervisor. It is now here as
$ 12 . 85/hr, increase that to $ 15/hr.
Ms . Marino asked if there was a set amount in the 2004 budget for a Deputy Supervisor.
Mr. Austic stated that no there is not — one would have to be established, but there are
monies available.
APPOINTED OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES
Deputy Town Clerk $ 12 . 85/hr
Deputy Supervisor $ 15 . 00/hr an needed
Bookkeeper $ 16 , 354/yr
Building Inspector $ 15 ,411 /yr
Zoning Officer $ 14,626/yr
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1 / 13 /2004
Deputy Zoning Officer $ 12 . 58/hr vacant
Justice Clerical $25 ,959/yr
Planning/Zoning Clerk $ 12 . 85/ hr
Deputy Highway Superintendent $ 16 . 90/ hr
Highway Employees $ 16 .40/ hr
BE IT RESOLVED 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 advice 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 Januaryl7th, 2004 at 8 : 30 AM.
Mr. Scott moved the foregoing, seconded by Mr. Weatherby.
Mr. Austic aye
Mr. Scott aye
Mr. Weatherby aye
Ms . Marino aye
Mr. Ellis nay
Adopted.
Committees
Ms . Marino would like to discuss setting up committees for Storm Water Management
and the Disaster Mitigation Plan. Mr. Austic suggested a committee of three to advise
the Town Board also a Town Board member as a representative. This will be advertised
along with the other vacant positions . Mr. Austic stated the School and the Village
should also have representation on this committee.
Lateral Water Line Extension Resolution
This resolution was introduced at the December meeting and Supervisor Austic feels it
needs to be passed .
There are questions open on the resolution — the resolution was tabled.
TCIDA Uniform Tax Exemption Policy
The Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency is suggesting a modification to
their Uniform Tax Exemption Policy, a tax exemption for new construction and/or
renovation of commercial building. At the present time the exemption is a 50% reduction
on the assessment for the first year on Town and County Taxes with a gradual percentage
change over iten years to full assessment. The new proposed would be a 90% reduction
the first year and back to full assessment in eight years. The Board of Directors of
TCIDA is considering this modification in order to better meek the needs of companies
seeking to expand or locate in Tompkins County.
Mr. Ellis is fearful of something like the Auble annexation attracting a McDonalds and
you would be giving them a 90% rebate and it would close other restaurants . He is not
saying he is totally opposed to it.
Mr. Scott moved, seconded by Mr. Weatherby the following :
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Regular Town Board Meeting
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BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses supports the proposed
standard property tax abatement proposed by the Board of Directors of TCIDA with a
90% Abatement the first year ending at 13 % in seven years .
Mr. Austic aye
Mr. Scott aye
Mr. Weatherby aye
Ms . Marino aye
Mr. Ellis aye
Adopted
Mr. Ellis wishes to state his dissent in a letter to the TCIDA because he feels it
encourages some kinds of development that are contrary to the interest of the community.
He is all for this type of advantage to an established business but it should be looked at
differently when new business apply, especially a new business that may be putting other
businesses out of business, like a McDonalds. He thinks there should be a public
referendum or some other way of determining who gets a tax abatement and how much.
Tompkins County Age Exemption
New York State has increased the amount of income for a 50% assessment reduction
based on age and income to $24, 000 and the 5 % up to $ 32,400 . The County has accepted
this change and is asking the Towns for their resolutions . The Town of Ulysses has
always kept this exemption for the elderly in line with what the State approves . Also in
the past the Village has followed and the School .
Mr. Ellis moved, seconded by Mr. Scott the following :
` I
\ i SENIOR CITIZENS AND THE DISABLED PERSONS
EXEMPTION REAL PROPERTY
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses has established a maximum income real
property tax exemption eligibility level , pursuant to Section 467 and Section 459 of the Real
Property Tax Law, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board extended eligibility by establishing a sliding scale of exemption
percentages for those with income between $24,000 and $ 32 ,400 pursuant to the Real Property
Tax Law,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the resolution establishing a maximum income
exemption level for persons 65 years of age or older and disabled persons adopted pursuant to
Real Property Tax Law Section 467 & Section 459, are amended to read as follows :
ANNUAL INCOME PERCENTAGE ASSESSED
VALUATION EXEMPT FROM TAXATION
SENIOR & DISABILITY
$0 ->$24,000 50%
24,001 to 24,999 45 %
25 ,000 to 25 ,999 40%
26,000 to 26,999 35 %
27, 000 to 27 , 899 30%
27,900 to 28 , 799 25 %
28 ,800 to 29 ,699 20%
29, 700 to 30, 599 15 %
30, 600 to 31 ,499 10%
31 , 500 to 32 ,399 5 %
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FURTHER RESOLVE, that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses enacts sub section RPTL
467 (6b) allowing the automatic renewal of the senior citizen real tax exemption.
Mr. Austic aye
Mr. Scott aye
Mr. Weatherby aye
Ms . Marino aye
Mr. Ellis aye
Adopted. i'
I
Association of Towns Resolutions
The following is a list of the resolutions that will be voted on at the Annual Association
Meeting. The Town Board needs to determine how they would like their delegate to vote
at this meeting.
The following is a list of those resolutions and the Town Boards vote :
1 . NYS and Local Employees ' Retirement System Payments — abstain
2 . Collateral Source Legislation — yes
3 . Property Tax Exemptions — yes
4 . Condominium Assessments — yes
5 . Cable Franchise Fees — yes
6 . Unfunded Mandates — yes
7 . WICKS Law & Prevailing Wage — yes
8 . Tort Reform — yes
A delegate has to be appointed and forwarded to NYS Association of Towns prior to the
annual meeting.
Mr. Weatherby moved, seconded by Mr. Scott the following :
BE IT RES 0 LVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses appoints Richard f
Coogan as the Delegate for the Town of Ulysses to attend the Annual Meeting of the
Associations of Town and vote as indicated above .
Mr. Austic aye
Mr. Scott aye
Mr. Weatherby aye
Ms . Marino aye
Mr. Ellis aye
Adopted
Zoning Ordinance
Supervisor Austic stated that he has spoke with our Attorney and Planner and feel the
Draft Zoning Ordinance is ready to be taken to the public . He stated that we could talk or
discuss this for years or not and get differences of opinions ; we need to get what the
public thinks about this . Generally speaking the draft-zoning ordinance is okay for public
hearing. If for some reason people do not like what they read in this draft then we should
know this . To have eight or ten people talk about it all the time is not getting any further.
The Planning Board is not extremely interested in getting back into at this point . We i
could have several public hearings . Mr. Scott and Weatherby agreed that it needs to go 1
forward and public hearings are the next step .
Mr. Ellis asked if any meetings are scheduled before the next Regular Town Board
Meeting. Mr. Austic stated that we have the audit on January 20th , Saturday morning and
we should figure out when to discuss the Flo-Tech PDD because we cannot send this to
the Planning Board for Site Plan Review before that.
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Mr. Ellis would like a couple more weeks to review the Draft Zoning Ordinance and
would rather not set a public hearing because he feels that setting one is an endorsement
to the ordinance.
Ms. Marino states that she agrees it needs to move forward. She did not get the sense
from sitting in on the meetings with the Planning Board that there is a good consensus on
the definition of the agricultural district . She would like to see another meeting with the
Planning Board to further discuss this .
Mr. Austic stated the Planning Board was directed to do the map and the Town Board
would finish the review of the document. Once that was done there would be no more
joint meetings, this was discussed at the joint October meeting, but the Planning Board
was directed that if they do have anything (as a group or individually) to add to the
document to put it into writing and submit to the Town Board . The new draft Al was
distributed to the Town Board on November 5 , 2003 and to the Planning Board at their
November 12 , 2003 meeting. At this time nothing has been received. It is a Town Board
decision; the Planning Board is an advisory position .
Ms. Marino stated that she understands that, but we (her and Mr. Ellis) have never had an
opportunity to discuss this with the people on the Planning Board.
Mr. Austic stated that when new people come in they come in — what are you suppose to
do .
Ms . Marino stated that she is saying that she is opposed to putting it out to a public
hearing without having a chance to — and because she feels that there was a fairly vocal
minority of the people on the Planning Board who did not think that was acceptable and
thought there should be more discussion. She stated at a joint meeting she attended there
was a general consensus from both boards on a set of descriptions on the agricultural
district and than that was changed subsequently by the Town Board.
Mr. Austic stated that it was said that it would be considered.
Ms . Marino stated that it was a consensus and then it was changed and so in her sense
that isn 't very much of a strong consensus yet and she feels there needs discussion.
Mr. Scott stated that the consensus of opinion that she heard at that one particular
meeting — he was there and voted for that and the one big reason was because on the map
that was being worked on that night they had a lot of different places were a farmer could
put houses — sell lots off — and so on and so fourth . So he voted to go with the seven
hundred foot road frontage — he was not in favor of it but he gave it up to get things
moving on — five minutes later there were two people at the map changing and took off
over two hundred acres of land of those parcels given to farmers/land owners . At that
time it took away his vote for the seven hundred foot frontage .
Mr. Austic explained it again that it had been previously decided that the Planning Board
was to work on the map and the Town Board would work on the language. The Al was
presented to the Planning Board, comments were asked for, a general consensus was
asked for from the Planning Board and nothing was ever received, written or otherwise.
Discussion about the different maps and who did what to which map and when.
Mr. Ellis stated that situation that seemed like a good compromise was the 750, 265 , 3 -
acre lot thing? That fell out of the plan somehow .
Mr. Scott stated that it fell out of the plan because they took some 250 acres of residential
lots .
Mr. Austic stated that the Planning Board took out the residential areas out that were
already there on the map . The point is that there are a whole bunch of houses in some
places down the road and there are five, six-acre lots in those places . Why take that out
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Regular Town Board Meeting
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of the residential zone if you could put two or three more houses on those residential lots
and keep the people out of the farmland.
Ms. Marino stated that her point is that there never has been a discussion after the
Planning Board redid the map .
Mr. Austic feels that it does not make a difference because we don ' t need Planning Board
approval .
Ms . Marino feels that the Town Board rejected what potentially was a consensus of the
Planning Board. So why can' t we have one more meeting.
Mr. Austic stated fine one more time is it !
More discussion took place on the differences of opinions on the general consensus of the
Boards and the map .
Discussion followed about having another meeting.
Chairman Coogan felt the Planning Board Members did not want to meet any further.
They have voiced several times their opinions and thoughts . The Planning Board was
advised of the Town Board Meeting in November and was encouraged to attend or
submit comments, although if the general consensus is for another meeting he will
contact the Planning Members .
Ms . Marino would like to see that before we say this is a final draft document that the
public can comment on.
Mr. Ellis agrees - he asked Mr. Coogan what form of agreement from the Planning Board
was what - was there a recorded vote?
Mr. Coogan stated when the Planning Board finished with the map , it was the last anyone G
wanted to do with it, most members stated they did not want to continue on with this into
the next year - they felt they had all said their piece - gone over it - done the advisory
role to the Town Board. The Town Board than was going over the text and making
changes in the document. The Planning Board was looking at :it as an advisory stand
point and we were not coming to any more agreement so as a body of the Planning Board
we decided that there was nothing more they were contributing to the Town Board - they
had said what they had to - they had marked up the copies - there were a couple of
members who had very strong opinions and they were encouraged to meet with Town
Board Members and make sure they were heard.
Ms . Marino stated it was her sense, through all of the meetings that she sat through, the
Agricultural description was not very settled in a way that there was concern of people
that had worked on it.
It was actually decided in October - Mr. Austic said that there is only so much time you
can listen to the same thing and never get a change of opinion - the Town Board has gone
and said they do not like an opinion and here is our opinion - i,f you don ' t like it give us
something back - we never got a general thing back. We would ask what their opinion
was - that we need a general consensus of their opinion - we can not go and listen to
seven different opinions - we need a Planning Board opinion - - we never got a uniform
opinion back - at that point the Planning Board said they could not get a uniform opinion }
- and they wanted to turn it back to the Town Board.
Mr. Ellis stated that he has a suggestion about going ahead and that it seems like that
there are not a lot of real points of contention, but several points of misunderstanding.
Those lots it does not make sense to take those lots out and he really wonders whether
the folks that did it were really tuned into what they were doing and did they have the
access to information like we have now - the business about the water district. That ' s a
really important mitigating factor there. Taking those lots and putting them into the
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Regular Town Board Meeting
1 / 13/2004
agricultural district means we ' ve thrown them into paragraph a, b , c and d that we already
have been swiping at tonight.
Mr. Austic stated that it is a different agriculture district .
Mr. Ellis — in any case I don ' t think we really want to — if the Planning Board is willing
to pick this up again he would not think that was a good idea and he thinks they probably
are not willing to do that because they have worked at it forever and done a great job and
they want to pass it off to the Town Board having additional input from them if any is
probably a really good idea but thinks we need to keep it tucked in very tight in the Town
Board, find what these points are, take them one by one and resolve them because the
thing needs to go ahead. In the course of doing that, for those who have the highest level
of dissatisfaction it would be good to have some kind of policy statement regarding
review of the Comprehensive Plan which is by suggestion and some mention of how and
when review of that.
Mr. Coogan stated that a couple of things that came out of the Planning Board that made
a whole lot of sense, one is zoning ordinances should not go this long, there should be a
way to look at areas on a more frequent basis and the other thing that made this process
very difficult and very hard were people had ideas, dreams, fears and concerns, very little
based on reality of where is the building happening, how much is really happening on a
given year. People were talking about huge build ups but no body had any numbers,
nobody could point to anything and he thinks to make it meaningful he thinks they have
to get the data coming in that we can point to and say yes this is a problem or no this is
not a problem or lets watch this for a year or two and than I think you can have a
subsequence conversation. What he would suggest if the Town Board is going to meet to
talk about the zoning ordinance it would be good to invite the Planning Board, not as a
participant for a board with it, but to be there to ask questions, give concerns and
opinions but not as a joint meeting because you are not going to move it any further
along, but it would be nice to invite them and say we encourage the attendance of
Planning Board Members . If we can go point by point and have sort of a straw
agreement at the end of each point .
Ms. Marino feels the focus of the meeting should be the Al district.
Mr. Scott stated that he is ready to take it to a Public Hearing.
Mr. Weatherby stated that he also thinks that it should go to the public but if you want to
have one more meeting.
Mr. Austic stated that it cannot be a joint meeting -- there are so many conversations
going on you don ' t know what is being said.
After a long discussion it was decided that another Town Board meeting could be set up
and invite the Planning Members to voice their opinions . Ms . Marino will come up with
some dates and Mr. Coogan will contact the Planning Board Members . Ms . Marino will
try and have a date set up by Saturday January 20th meeting.
Deputy Supervisor Position
Mr. Austic stated he had originally thought about calling this proposed position on
assistance but after reviewing the different position descriptions from Tompkins County
Personal in reference to what he was thinking about doing they came up with a job
description for Deputy Supervisor. Various Towns have this, Town of Ithaca, Town of
Danby, and a couple of others . This is an already established job description that we can
use if we decide to do this . Mr. Austic stated the Supervisor has the option to appoint a
bookkeeper and a deputy at his discretion in a Class 1 Town, but to do that we have to
have established a budget and Board Resolution establishing the position. He is
suggesting increasing the Supervisor' s budget to $ 52 , 154, which would include the
Supervisor, the Bookkeeper and Deputy Supervisor and also the contractual expenses .
11
Regular Town Board Meeting
1 / 13/2004
The Board discussed the adoption of the job description of the Deputy Supervisor. The
general consensus was to create the position. The person to fill the position is the
Supervisor' s appointment and the Board would set the budget for this position. It was
discussed to go forward but maybe revisit this in six months or a year.
Mr. Scott moved, seconded by Mr. Weatherby the following :
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses establishes the position
of Deputy Supervisor, as described by the Tompkins County Personal titled "Deputy
Town Supervisor — Duties Statement" .
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses revisits the
position in one year and in six months after filling the position slaving Board discussion
of how the position is going.
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses increases the
Supervisor Budget A1220 . 1 (Personal Services) by $ 19 , 500 and A1220 .4 (Contractual)
by $ 3000.
Mr. Austic aye
Mr. Scott aye
Mr. Weatherby aye
Ms . Marino aye
Mr. Ellis aye
Adopted.
Correspondence
Two items of correspondence that Supervisor Austic received and will make available to
the Town Board - one about getting bullet proof vests and something from NYS after the
orange alert business . Neither one was considered pertinent to the Town .
Ms . Marino stated she had one other thing she would like to discuss (moratorium) but
seeing that another meeting will be scheduled and it is late she can hold off until that
meeting in reference to The zoning.
Hearing no further business Mr. Weatherby moved, seconded by Mr. Scott to adjourn the
meeting. Unanimously approved and meeting was adjoined at 10 : 55 PM .
Respectfully submitted,
Marsha L. Georgia
Ulysses Town Clerk
MLG : mlg
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