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Home My WebLink About2012-11-12 Danby Town Board Minutes of Budget Hearing and Regular Meeting November 12, 2012 Present: Supervisor: Ric Dietrich Councilpersons: Leslie Connors, Kathy Halton, Dan Klein, Dylan Race Others Present: Town Clerk Pamela Goddard Bookkeeper Laura Shawley Public Ted Crane, Dale Burgess,Joe Freedman The Regular Meeting was preceded by a Budget Hearing at 7:00. The following legal notice was read: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE,that the Town of Danby Town Board has completed the Preliminary Budget for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2013,a copy of which is available for review at the office of the Town Clerk, 1830 Danby Road, during regular office hours Monday,Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10am to 5pm and Saturday 10am to Noon.A copy of the entire budget is also posted on the Town of Danby web site-town.danby.ny.us. Pursuant to Section 107 of Town Law,the proposed maximum salaries for the following town officers are speci- fied as follows: Supervisor-$20,450, Councilpersons(4)-$9,863 ($2,465 each),Town Clerk-$29,043,Town Justices(2)-$26,954($13,477 each), Highway Superintendent-$53,893. FURTHER NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Town Board of the Town of Danby will hold following Public Hearing on November 12, 2012 at the Danby Town Hall, 1830 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY: 7:00 p.m. - PUBLIC HEARING to to hear any objections of and consider approval of the proposed 2013 Budget. All persons will be heard either in writing or in person.The Town Board will consider voting on the budget during its regular meeting held subsequent to the public hearing. Ted Crane spoke in favor of the budget. He was particularly in favor of the addition of a budget line for Information Technology and urged the Board to consider setting aside funds to support a fu- ture buildout of broadband service in Danby, should the current broadband build-out grant not be funded. The Budget Hearing was closed at 7:02 The Regular Meeting of the Danby Town Board was opened at 7:02pm. Veteran's Exemption - Presentation by Members of American Legion Deputy Clerk, Sue McLellan presented an informational flyer regarding the various Veterans'Tax Exemption proposals being considered by Danby. This flyer has been distributed at the American Le- gion Hall and at the Federated Church during its Election Day dinner. Post Commander,Dale Burgess, and Post Finance Officer, Joe Freedman, of American Legion Post 221 presented information and viewpoints. The Post represents the City of Ithaca,Town of Ith- aca,Newfield, Brooktondale, Caroline,West Danby, and Danby. Close to 70%of the Veteran mem- bers of Legion Post 221 live outside of the Town of Danby. Those vets already receive a tax exemp- tion through their municipalities. Freedman gave an overview of the purpose and activities of the Legion Post: to support Veterans and their communities. He outlined several of the charitable efforts undertaken by the Legion, includ- ing donations to the Danby Library and maintenance of the Veterans Cemetery. Freedman made a point of noting that, while the Legion supports Vets, it does not support war. He stated that it was in- Town Board_Minutes_20121112•Tuesday,November 20,2012 Page 1 of 3 tuitive that the Legion would support some level of tax exemption for as many Veterans as possible, whether or not they served in combat. In the view of the Legion, a Vet is a Vet no matter when or where they served. They characterized the tax exemption a matter of respect at a small cost to the Town. The Board held a short discussion of different levels of exemptions. The Board must decide what grade of exemptions, and what maximum dollar amounts,to approve for the Town. This discussion included a clarification of the process required for passage of an exemption, as well as the process required of Veterans to apply for the exemption. The Board agreed to have a Public Information meeting during one of its December meetings. Jay Franklin will to present information to the Board and public regarding financial implication of pass- ing a tax exemption for Veterans.A local law should be drafted following that meeting.A legal Public Hearing and a vote to take place during the first meeting of the Town Board in January 2013. Budget Vote RESOLUTION NO.99 OF 2012-APPROVE 2013 TOWN BUDGET Resolved,that the Town Board of the Town of Danby adopts the 2013 Town Budget as presented at the public hearing on November 12,2012. Moved by Halton, Second by Connors. The motion passed. In Favor: Connors, Halton, Klein, Race, Dietrich CSEA Negotiations Dietrich and Shawley gave a report of CSEA union negotiations. There was a discussion of amended language and financial terms to be approved by the Board. These are in regards percentages for salary increases over and the employee contribution for health insurance over the next three years. The figures are in the same range as previously approved,but distributed slightly differently. The Board agreed to review this information and complete consideration of this at its next meet- ing. Shawley will confirm the final figures prior to the next meeting. Warrants GENERAL FUND #435-488 for a total of$33,265.67 Moved by Race, Second by Klein. The motion passed. In Favor: Connors, Halton, Klein, Race, Dietrich HIGHWAY FUND #142-168 for a total$81,786.12 Moved by Halton, Second by Connors. The motion passed. In Favor: Connors, Halton, Klein, Race, Dietrich WATER DISTRICT FUND #058-063 for a total$1,388.87 Moved by Halton, Second by Race. The motion passed. In Favor: Connors, Halton, Klein, Race, Dietrich Association of Towns Meeting Agenda and Resolutions There are several resolutions proposed by the Association of Town for its annual meeting. The Town sends a delegate to vote on those topics. Dietrich asked Connors and Klein to review materials and report to the Board. Town Board_Minutes_20121112•Tuesday,November 20,2012 Page 2 of 3 Biomass Boiler Update Dietrich gave a report of progress and small issues which need resolution. There are remaining issues with the installation of the boiler,related to continuity of service and connections to emergency back-up power.Negotiations are underway with Taitem Engineering regarding these remaining is- sues. The boiler is otherwise running properly. Aquifer Protection Ordinance Update Dietrich gave a report of progress on behalf of Sue Beeners.There was a successful meeting be- tween the Code Officer and Attorney Cynthia Bowman. The Ordinance is on the agenda for the Gas Drilling Task Force.Additional information will be presented at the Nov. 19 meeting. Board and Committee Openings Klein and Goddard reminded the Board that notices need to be sent to those whose terms are end- ing from appointed positions.Notice of vacancies will be posted in the December Danby Area News. Halton advised the Board that Bill Halton no longer wishes to serve on the Environmental Manage- ment Council.Naomi Strichartz's term is ending on the Planning Board. Dietrich advised the Board that he would like to consider a change in Chair for the Planning Board. Short Reports and Correspondence Reports from the Town Justice Theresa Klinger was circulated. Huddle's report will be available at the next meeting. His report was complicated by the fact that fines coming to him can be paid via a web address. Huddle also reported on some marriages conducted in the Town Hall. Goddard presented the Town Clerk's report. In October,the Town Clerk's office processed 71 dog license renewals, seven building permits, several days of hunting license sales, and other misc. reve- nue. Adjournment The Meeting was adjourned at 8:03pm. Pamela S. Goddard,Town Clerk Town Board_Minutes_20121112•Tuesday,November 20,2012 Page 3 of 3