HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-03-10D a n b y T o w n B o a r d
M i n u t e s o f R e g u l a r M e e t i n g
M a r c h 1 0 , 2 0 1 4
Present:
Supervisor: Ric Dietrich
Councilpersons: Rebecca Brenner, Leslie Connors, Jim Holahan, Jack Miller
Others Present:
Town Clerk Pamela Goddard
Code Officer Sue Beeners
Public Ted Crane, Ronda Roaring, Deanne DeMark, Erick Palmer, Dan Klein, Garry
Huddle, Kathy Halton, Nancy Medsker.
The Danby Town Board Meeting was opened at 7:00pm
Privilege of the Floor
Kathy Halton spoke as a library volunteer, expressing concern about impacts on the library during
programs and events through youth services and the Danby Community Council. Patrons who use the
library during times when there is no library volunteer available do not always properly check out
materials. At times, the condition of the library is negatively impacted by programs. She asked the
Board for any feedback on ways to improve these situations. The Clerk informed the Board that both
the Youth Program coordinator and Community Council are well aware of the need to supervise and
be mindful of the use of this space. A suggestion was made that the signage be made larger. The main-
tenance of the building is also being improved.
Ronda Roaring spoke in opposition of a proposed resolution regarding a “quit claim” on property
in Deputron Hollow. She asserted that there is clear title to the Town of Danby, and no proof of title
for the person currently paying taxes on the 14 acre parcel in question.
Susan Beeners suggested that the Town, Community Library, and Community Council collabo-
rate on a grant for Town Hall improvements to the meeting room through the Tompkins Community
Foundation. Funds could be used for storage units, a fixed stair to the balcony, and other related im-
provements. A funding request would be strengthened by multi-agency participation.
State Tax Formula Information
Dietrich informed the Board about an initiative (through the Tompkins County Council of Gov-
ernments) to lobby for an alternate proposal, considered more sustainable, for tax abatement and the
NYS budget. Draft letters will be distributed to the board.
West Danby Water District Grant Vouchers
Clerk Goddard presented three vouchers related to the West Danby Water District grant project.
One from SCT Computing for computer setup. A second was a time sheet from Tod Sukontarak for
hours related to installing new water meters. The third was a set of vouchers for engineering services
through TG Miller.
Town Board_Minutes_20140310 • Saturday, March 22, 2014 Page 1 of 7
RESOLUTION NO. 38 OF 2014 - AUTHORIZATION TO PAY - WATER DISTRICT GRANT
Resolved, that the Town Board of Town of Danby approves special payment of three invoices related to the
OCR WDWD Improvement Grant: 33.5 hours of work from Tod Sukontarak at $25 per hour for $837.50, one
voucher from SCT Computers for $65.00 computer setup, and vouchers for engineering services from TG Miller
in the amount of $1,525.62, to be paid out of a dedicated checking account for this purpose.
Moved by Connors, Second by Brenner. The motion passed.
In Favor: Brenner, Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
Approve Minutes
RESOLUTION NO. 39 OF 2014 - APPROVE MINUTES
Resolved, that the Town Board of Town of Danby approves the minutes of January 13 and 20, and February 3
and 10, 2014.
Moved by Connors, Second by Holahan. The motion passed.
In Favor: Brenner, Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
Consider Appointments to Conservation Advisory Council
There was a short discussion regarding appointments to the Conservation Advisory Council. Kate
O’Neil and Matt Ulinski attended two CAC meetings and submitted all of the proper application pa-
perwork.
RESOLUTION NO. 40 OF 2014 - APPOINTMENT OF CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE
Resolved, That the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Matt Ulinski to a two year term on the
Conservation Advisory Council, effective January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2015.
Moved by Connors, Second by Brenner. The motion passed.
In Favor: Brenner, Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
RESOLUTION NO. 41 OF 2014 - APPOINTMENT OF CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE
Resolved, That the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Kate O’Neal to a two year term on the
Conservation Advisory Council, effective January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2015.
Moved by Holahan, Second by Connors. The motion passed.
In Favor: Brenner, Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
Aquifer Test Well in Danby Community Park
Dietrich and Beeners presented a draft resolution to approve funds for the purpose of permanently
closing the test well drilled in the Danby Community Park as part of the Danby Aquifer study. At the
time of the study, approximately eight years ago, this well tested positive for high levels of arsenic.
Brenner asked if there was any other use for this well. Dietrich and Beeners asserted that the high
level of arsenic found in this water made it unsafe for any use.
Brenner suggested that the well be tested prior to being capped, to learn if there had been any
change in the level of contamination. Beeners and other Board members supported this suggestion.
There was an extensive discussion regarding whether to have a broad spectrum test or a test focused
solely on arsenic. The Code Officer shall report the results of any and all testing to the Town Board.
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RESOLUTION NO. 42 OF 2014 - AUTHORIZE FUNDS TO TEST THE AQUIFER TEST WELL IN THE DANBY COMMU-
NITY PARK FOR ARSENIC
Whereas, A test well was drilled in the Danby Community Park as part of the now completed Danby Aquifer
Study, and
Whereas, this well was found to contain dangerously high levels of arsenic at the time of testing,
Therefore, be it now,
Resolved, That the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes the Code Officer to proceed with the
expenditure of not more than $250 for a water test, limited to arsenic, of the Aquifer Study Test Well in the Danby
Community Park. No further action will be taken until results of this test are reported back to the Town Board.
Moved by Connors, Second by Miller. The motion failed.
In Favor: Connors, Miller
Opposed: Brenner, Holahan, Dietrich
RESOLUTION NO. 43 OF 2014 - AUTHORIZE FUNDS TO TEST THE AQUIFER TEST WELL IN THE DANBY COMMU-
NITY PARK FOR A BROAD SPECTRUM TEST
Whereas, A test well was drilled in the Danby Community Park as part of the now completed Danby Aquifer
Study, and
Whereas, this well was found to contain dangerously high levels of arsenic at the time of testing,
Therefore, be it now,
Resolved, That the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes the expenditure of not more than $500 for a
broad spectrum water test, consistent with previous water testing of the Aquifer Study Test Well in the Danby
Community Park. No further action will be taken until results of this test are reported back to the Town Board.
Moved by Brenner, Second by Holahan. The motion passed.
In Favor: Brenner, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
Opposed: Connors
Budget Adjustments
Shawley explained required budget modifications for the end of the 2013 budget year. This is ac-
cording to procedure recommended from the Office of the New York State Comptroller. These budget
line transfers are within dedicated Funds. The details of these budget adjustments are found in Ap-
pendix A of these minutes.
RESOLUTION NO. 44 OF 2014 - BUDGET MODIFICATIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2013
Resolved, That the Town Board of the Town of Danby approves the following budget transfers for the year
ending December 31,2013, (as shown in appendix A).
Moved by Connors, Second by Brenner. The motion passed.
In Favor: Brenner, Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
NYS Retirement System: Standard Work Day Resolutions
Shawley explained a requirement from the Office of the New York State Comptroller and the Lo-
cal Retirement System. Elected and appointed officials who are part of the NYS retirement system are
required to keep a time sheet for three months. A “Standard Work Day” needs to be established for
each of these positions. The Board approved two resolutions, as provided by the Comptroller ’s office.
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RESOLUTION NO. 45 OF 2014 - STANDARD WORK DAY FOR EMPLOYEES RESOLUTION
Resolved, That the Town Board of the Town of Danby, location code 30745, hereby establishes the following as
standard work days for its employees and will report days worked to the New York State and Local Employees’
Retirement System based on the time keeping standard or the record of activities maintained and submitted by
these members to the clerk of this body: Town Clerk 6 hrs/day, Board Member 6 hrs/day, Supervisor 6 hrs/day,
Highway Superintendent 8 hrs/day, Code Enforcement Officer 7 hrs/day, Code Enforcement Officer - Part Time 6
hrs/day.
Moved by Brenner, Second by Connors. The motion passed.
In Favor: Brenner, Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
RESOLUTION NO. 46 OF 2014 - STANDARD WORK DAY AND REPORTING RESOLUTION
Resolved, That the Town Board of the Town of Danby, location code 30745, hereby establishes the following as
standard work days for elected and appointed officials and will report the following days worked to the New York
State and Local Employees’ Retirement System, as show in Standard Work Day and Reporting Resolution form
RS 2417-A, based on the time keeping system records or the record of activities maintained and submitted by
these officials to the clerk of this body.
Moved by Brenner, Second by Holahan. The motion passed.
In Favor: Brenner, Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
West Danby Water District - Operators
The Board received communication from the Water District Operators requesting an exchange in
operator positions between Carl Seamon and Tod Sukontarak. Both Seamon and Sukontarak agree to
this change and a quorum of the Water Commissioners have accepted the proposal.
RESOLUTION NO. 47 OF 2014 - APPOINT WATER DISTRICT OPERATOR/SUPERINTENDENT
Resolved, That the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Tod Sukontarak as Water Plant Operator/
Superintendent, effective April 1, 2014.
Moved by Connors, Second by Brenner. The motion passed.
In Favor: Brenner, Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
Consider Other Appointments
There was a discussion regarding appointments to County Boards and Committees. There was a
brief discussion regarding reappointment of the Jennings Pond Operators. Brenner is attempting to
contact Amy Cusimano and Mary Ann Kozak. There was a brief discussion regarding reappointment
of the Town Historian. Connors will invite Joan Grant to attend the next TB meeting.
There was continued discussion regarding Town representatives to the Environmental Manage-
ment Council, Recreation Partnership, and Youth Services board at the County level. No appoint-
ments were made.
Marsh Road Extension Request
Supervisor Dietrich acknowledged the receipt of additional information late that afternoon. A
cost/benefit information will be provided by the Highway Department as soon as possible. Dietrich
recommended that the question continue to be tabled, that the Board review this material, talk to resi-
dents, and consider the matter further at the March 17 TB meeting.
A resident on Marsh Road asked a question, requesting clarity on whether the addition of one
more house on that road would trip the “50 car trips per day” threshold for an automatic reclassifica-
tion of the road. Beeners responded that this was currently unknown but unlikely.
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Town Land Ownership - Deputron Hollow
There was a lengthy discussion of unclear title to a portion of land on Deputron Hollow Road.
Beeners presented maps showing the location of the property in question and reported on a title
search. A title search was done as part of a potential survey of this land, as part of the Conservation
Advisory Council management plan for Town-owned properties. There is clear title to “Parcel A” of
10 acres on the north side of Deputron Hollow Road.
There is a “Quit Claim Deed” from New York State, dated 1925, that appears to transfer title
“Parcel B” of 14 acres on the south side of Deputron Hollow to the Town of Danby. This is also
shown as part of a larger piece of property to R. Palmer, and this person has been paying taxes on the
property for more than 30 years.
The Town Attorney has been engaged to try clear up the question of whether the Town has clear
title to the 14 acre “Parcel B.” After some research, the attorney advised that it would not be fiscally
responsible to spend potentially thousands of dollars in research and litigation in further pursuit of
title to the disputed land. The property is not suitable for development and serves no municipal pur-
pose. He advised that the Town clear up title of the land in order to prevent future litigation.
Beeners presented a draft resolution to “Authorize Town Attorney to Prepare Resolution(s) Pre-
requisite to Property on Deputron Hollow Road” to “quit claim the property or any potential interest
in or adverse claim the Town may have (on a 14-acre portion of tax parcel 12.-1-14) to the current
owners of record.” Finalization of a quit claim on the land would need to go to referendum.
There was Q&A between TB and Code Officer. The property is not believed to be part of the
Deputron Hollow Unique Natural Area, although it is recognized as being a special area. Beeners
suggested that the Town pursue a Conservation Easement on this parcel. There was an extensive dis-
cussion of how this situation came to be. Beeners suggested that the Board consult with the Town At-
torney for more details. This will be arranged for the March 17 TB meeting.
2013 Annual Financial Report/Financial Workshops
Bookkeeper Shawley made a report. The 2013 year End Financial Report was completed without
an extension. This is now filed in the Town Clerk’s Office.
There was a brief discussion of scheduling times when the Board can meet with the bookkeeper
to learn more about the municipal financial process. New Board members will need to be trained in
the process of an internal financial audit. Financial workshops will be held in the hour prior to regu-
larly scheduled TB meetings.
CDRC Training - “Effectively Facilitating Heated Meetings”
Dietrich presented a training opportunity, offered to the Board through the Community Dispute
Resolution Center. The training has been developed by the Tompkins County Council of Govern-
ments, ten Tompkins County municipal supervisors, and the CDRC. This will also be made available
to members of the Planning Board and Board of Zoning Appeals. Two dates, a Thursday and a Satur-
day, were offered. This training will most likely take place on Saturday, April 26. More details will be
forthcoming.
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Warrant
ABSTRACT #3 OF 2014: GENERAL FUND
#083-136 for a total of $485,964.20
Moved by Connors, Second by Brenner. The motion passed.
In Favor: Brenner, Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
WATER DISTRICT
#008-015 for a total of $2,307.53
Moved by Brenner, Second by Holahan. The motion passed.
In Favor: Brenner, Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
HIGHWAY FUND
#042-057 for a total $51,242.25
Moved by Brenner, Second by Connors. The motion passed.
In Favor: Brenner, Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
Town Priorities/Joint Meeting
No meeting of the Town/Planning Boards planned at this time, other than the meeting for the
Comprehensive Plan. There was a brief discussion of work overview from the Planning Department
and other offices. Beeners offered to discuss this work overview with Board members at their conven-
ience. Dietrich suggested that the Board review the list already presented and prepared thoughts and
questions for further discussion and prioritization. The board and staff may meet together in April.
There was a brief discussion of Comp Plan Scoping meeting scheduled for March 19.
Town Communications Group
Connors suggested that the new Town Board meet prior to the next TB meeting to discuss what
direction it wants to go in the way of Town communications and the Town web site. This was consid-
ered a priority and scheduled for 6pm prior to the March 17 TB meeting, in place of financial work-
shops.
Short Reports
Justices reports circulated were circulated among the Board. Huddle made a report/request re-
garding the disposal of equipment no longer needed, such as furniture, file cabinets, typewriter, etc.
There was a discussion regarding the process for disposal of fixed assets. The Town needs to review/
inventory the existing fixed assets. It was suggested that the Justice Office make a list of items to be
disposed so that the TB can pass a resolution of disposal.
Justice Huddle informed the Board that the Court grant was awarded. The grant is for approxi-
mately $15,000 to remodel the court room and offices. This work should begin in April.
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Legislator’s Report
Dan Klein made a short report on activities at the County Legislature. He reported on a possible
discontinuance of bus service, especially to West Danby. This is related to changes in vouchers for
social services from the State. This is an important service for Danby residents.
Klein reported that work is being done to preserve funding for youth programming. These pro-
grams are now on the verge of falling apart.
There was a discussion of NYS budget and the Governor’s plan for a tax refund process. There
would be a small tax refund to individual residents in Towns that have stayed below the tax cap.
County and local governments are opposed to this plan as being inefficient and non-sustainable. Al-
ternate suggestions are coming from the county Legislature and TCCOG. Rather than a tax rebate the
suggestion is to shift unfunded mandates to local governments as an immediate, permanent relief for
the tax burden. Klein encouraged the TB to write letters and/or pass a resolution about this at its next
meeting. The clerk will forward additional information to the board.
Klein reported that the Health Care Consortium is advertising for a part time staff.
Adjournment
The Meeting was adjourned at 9:15pm.
____________________________________
Pamela Goddard, Town Clerk
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