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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-04-11 - TB TOWN OF ULYSSES REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING APRIL 11 , 2006 Present : Supervisor Douglas Austic ; Town Council Roxanne Marino, Don Ellis, Rod Ferrentino and Lucia Tyler; Town Clerk Marsha L . Georgia; Deputy Supervisor Richard Coogan ; Town Highway Superintendent James Meeker; and Town Attorney Bruce Wilson. Others Present : Tammy Morse, TC Board Representative James Dennis , Joanne Molino , Barry Hayes, Bob Lodder, John Wertis and Debra Watkins . 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 : RTB 3/14/2006 Ms . Tyler presented minor changes and corrections to the Regular Town Board Meeting of March 14, 2006 . Mr. Ferrentino moved, seconded by Mr. Ellis the following: BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses approve the minutes of the Regular Town Board meeting of March 14, 2006 with the minor changes and corrections given to the Town Clerk by Ms . Tyler. Mr. Austic aye Mr. Ferrentino aye Ms . Tyler aye Mr. Ellis aye Ms . Marino aye Adopted. APPROVAL OF CLAIMS Mr. Ellis moved, seconded by Ms . Marino the following : BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses approve the previous examined voucher # ' s 131 through 179 in the amount of $28 , 338 . 33 . The Board reviewed voucher # ' s 139 and 144 . Mr. Austic aye Mr. Ferrentino aye Ms . Tyler aye Mr. Ellis aye Ms . Marino aye Adopted. REPORTS OF REPRESENTATIVES JIM DENNIS, Tompkins County Board of Representative reported that the County recently commissioned an assessment of the housing in Tompkins County for affordability. This assessment showed that the area is desperately short of affordable housing or workforce housing in Tompkins County. The scope of the project was they wanted to try and quantify the affordable housing, try and identify opportunities, measure size and composition of the Counties housing challenges and identify the most promising options that could be addressed in the long term, and then propose some realistic initiatives that would move towards solving the problems . Mr. Dennis said that what was discovered is that at present time there are 1 , 900 acres and 600 parcels in 16 different municipalities in the County that are set up and ready to go with the correct infrastructure Regular Town Board Meeting 2 04/ 11 /2006 and zoning for affordable housing, not to say that anything is going to happen on any of those 1 ,900 acres . What was also discovered in the study was that the situation about affordable housing is actually getting worse in Tompkins County for a number of reasons . One in the Town of Ulysses the median price for homes has increased 20% over the last two years so if that continues at a 10% click then virtually no one is going to be able to afford a house in Ulysses but hopefully that will not happen . Mr. Dennis said that what is being talked about through the study is estimating the Counties housing needs for the next ten years and a ballpark estimate they are talking about is 2 , 500 new units, and 1 , 300 of those being affordable housing or workforce housing which basically has a median income of $28 , 000 and using the formula 1 /3 of it has to go to the housing costs that you have . Mr. Dennis said that some of the conclusions that the study came about U , what the weakness are in Tompkins County and that we have land use conflicts that are not resolved, the high cost of existing housing, and new construction based on the cost of materials because of things where building materials are going other places because of natural disasters . Also student renter ' s drive up costs in the whole county and builders see affordable housing to be not realistic and not profitable . Mr. Dennis said that another interesting bit of information that was found out is that 14, 000 people come in to the community everyday from outside of Tompkins County and the reason for that is they can not afford to buy houses in Tompkins County. Mr. Dennis said that the comprehensive plans talk the talk and support affordable housing, they have positive language but when you look at the zoning ordinances they don ' t have the support and echo the plan and actually inhibit workforce or affordable housing. One of the big jobs the County has to do is offer their Planning Department and one of the new things the County is talking about is offer Planning Department help to the outside municipalities for free and rather than all paying for it like it is now . If the County is really serious about this they should send the planners out to the municipalities for free and look at this housing. Mr. Dennis said that a couple of things the County is talking about doing to encourage developers is to encourage use of pilot agreements, which is payment in lieu of taxes much as what is happening in downtown Ithaca, that there are tax breaks if a developer { ' will come and do something. Mr. Dennis thinks that it would have to be a mix of housing and not just affordable housing for a developer to be interested. Mr. Dennis knows that there are people opposed to pilot programs , knows that there are people that say it is a give away to developers but Mr. Dennis does not view it that way and he feels that the County will not view it that way but as an investment in the County. The other thing that the County has talked about is something called a land trust. The land would be held and the property on top of the land would change hands over time . TRUMANSBURG FIRE DEPARTMENT — no one in attendance . PLANNING BOARD REPORT Mr. Wertis, Planning Board member gave an overview of what the Planning Board was doing. Mr. Wertis reported that the Board has finished Site Plan Review for the Washington Street Partners (Kinney Drug Store) with conditions, approved with conditions a sub-division that bordered on Rt . 96 and Colegrove Road, and a training session was offered that all the members attended . The next meeting is scheduled for next week but Mr. Wertis is not aware of what is on the agenda. Ms . Marino had received an email from Margot Chiuten covering what Mr . Wertis had reported except that she had attended a SEQR training session . Ms . Marino said also that she had discussed with Ms . Chiuten about pulling together the zoning issues and having the Planning Board discuss these . OTHER — no other comments . Regular Town Board Meeting 3 04/ 11 /2006 TOWN REPORTS Highway Superintendent James Meeker reported that the highway crew have finished filling in washouts from the heavy rains on March 13th , and salted and plowed as needed . Mr. Meeker said that he and his crew attended a Drug and Alcohol Training Session given by the Town ' s consortium members . The crew has also been working on putting the sides of the roads back from the damage . done from plowing operations, hauling gravel to mix up stabilized gravel , working patching pot holes and getting ready to pull salt boxes and cleaning up trucks and plows . Mr. Meeker said the Towns old mowing tractor has been kept around after the purchase of the new one to make sure that they did not have any further use for it. Mr. Meeker would like the Town Board to declare the old mowing tractor surplus equipment and he will take it to an auction that is coming up in Palmyra on May 21st Mr. Austic moved, seconded by Mr. Ferrentino the following : BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses declare the 1980 #540 Ford Tractor as surplus equipment and allow Mr. Meeker to take it to auction in Palmyra. Mr. Austic aye Mr. Ferrentino aye Ms . Tyler aye Mr. Ellis aye Ms . Marino aye Adopted. Mr. Meeker announced that he will be attending the Association of Towns Highway School that will be held at Ithaca College . Ms . Marino asked if the money for the sale of the old tractor go back into equipment . Mr. Austic said not necessarily but it could, it goes into the fund balance . Mr. Meeker said that he is in need of a new flail mower. Mr. Meeker invited the new Board members to come down some morning to meet with the highway crew and go through the Town Barn and some of the equipment to give them an idea of what they have. April 18th , 2006 at 8 AM was set for the tour. Code Enforcement Officer Alex Rachun reported that he had two starts for single- family residences and five permits for alterations . Mr. Rachun said that BZA heard an area variance for a property on Terrell Road where a house had burned down. The BZA discussed it for a lengthy time debating on whether to allow another house to go up on that property because the property was considerably substandard because it is located in the Agricultural District and they felt because a house had already been there it would have been a hardship not to grant that . The Board of Zoning Appeals is looking for direction for possible future zoning changes . The BZA is asking if there may be anything down the line to give relief to existing houses because they are having a hard time issuing area variances . These are properties that would have been conforming under the old zoning that are no longer conforming because some of the properties are 50% to 75 % smaller then they are suppose to be . Mr. Rachun said that the Deputy Zoning officer has been busy and has issued several notices for junk cars and he also has done Fire Inspections at Cayuga Nature Center and Paradise Café . Fire safety issues have been written up for both of those places and he will go back to see if they have been taken care of. Mr. Rachun said that Tompkins County Solid Waste has not given the Town a break on the Ledger problem and have got no relief for the tonnage . They are not allowing the Regular Town Board Meeting 4 04/ 11 /2006 Town any kind of pass on that because the Town is not a member of Solid Waste . Mr. Ledger has made some progress but that progress has tended to stop and Mr. Rachun has issued another notice of violation and if there is no further effort he will be issued another appearance ticket. Mr. Ellis asked Mr. Dennis if he could try and get some help from the County on this . Mr. Dennis says he hears the question but the Town is dealing with Solid Waste and that ' s the County and he will see what he can do . Mr. Coogan said that round 8 of Water Quality they are putting in for $ 7000 that will help clean up along streams, but that funding will not become available until next year. Mr. Ferrentino said he is against singling out one property for a cleanup Mr. Rachun also invited any Board members to go around on an inspection or two . Town Clerk Marsha Georgia reported that a total of $ 1325 . 50 was collected for the month of March and $ 995 . 56 was turned over to the Supervisor along with her monthly report. Mrs . Georgia stated that the 2006 Tax Warrant has been turned over to Tompkins County Budget and Finance . The tax warrant balanced and there were only 78 parcels in the Town of Ulysses that had not paid their taxes . BOARD MEMBER AND COMMITTEES Town Board. Member Mr. Ellis reported that he attended the Village of Trumansburg ' s Board meeting last night. Mr. Ellis said that some items of interest that were discussed at the meeting were that they received a petition from some residents who live close to the 1 fire whistle and the Trustees of the Village are going to be looking into the issue . The Village is going to be doing a tree survey and they have an arborist coming in that is ; going to survey street edge trees and propose approaches to dealing with them that will hopefully reduce hazard and power failures . Mr. Ellis said that the EMS group reported that they are in need of protective clothing for when they are around vehicles that have sharp edges and broken glass and there was talk about how to fund for that . Each outfit cost around $432 and ideally they need 13 but may be able to get along with 8 . Mr. Ellis said that the Fire Department had a request for a surveyor to locate corner stakes for the Departments property on Main Street. The Board told them that it had been recently surveyed and they should be able to find them without a surveyor. Mr. Ellis announced that the Village of Trumansburg ' s budget meeting is this Thursday night. Mr. Ellis said that he had tried to talk to the Village about delaying their comprehensive planning survey distribution. Mr. Ellis serves on the committee for the Village ' s Comprehensive Plan and he feels it would be nice to find some economy in the survey distribution by including the Town and save residents from getting two surveys . The Village feels pressured to moving their survey to May and getting it done . 1 Supervisor Doug Austic asked if anyone had any questions about his Supervisor' s Report. The Board had not received copies and Mr. Austic will make sure he gets them distributed and apologized if he had not previously done this . Mr. Austic reported that the bacterial tests are being done in Water District #3 and 4 . Deputy Supervisor Richard Coogan previously submitted a copy of his report which is as follows : Regular Town Board Meeting 5 04/ 11 /2006 Deputy Supervisor/Planning Management Report Storm Water Storm Water Coalition The Stormwater Coalition of Tompkins County is in the process of becoming a more structured group that seeks funds from MS4 municipalities to manage training seminars, educational outreach programs, and open discussions with State and County agencies involved in stormwater legislation, enforcement, and regulations. As such, each MS4 municipality that wishes to be a participant in this group must formally adopt a Memorandum of Agreement and formally appoint a representative to this organization . Fees for 2006 are set at $1500 . 00. The Ulysses Town Board has a line item in the budget for this amount. I provided a draft of a MoA to the TB last month. I have been the rep to the Storm Water Coalition since April 2004 , Ulysses Storm Water Group I have spoken to each member of this group and we are basically in agreement as to our recommendation to the Town Board. We need to have one more meeting to formalize our recommendations . Trying to find a date has been an issue but should have the recommendation to the Town Board by the end of the month. Fly Over Septic Check Project Funding is in place and it is time to start scheduling the team. Planning and Zoning Boards Orientation Workshop PB The Planning Board received a basic orientation to the legal processes involving Planning Boards. Mr. Wilson gave a detailed overview of time frames and responsibilities that the Board needs to be aware when conducting Site Plan Reviews. I asked the PB members to give their comments regarding training to me. Five members sent me comments by e-mail and I forwarded these comments to Ms. Marino as the PB liaison . Mr. Porter gave me his remarks verbally and I did not hear from Mr. Means . The majority of comments from the PB were very favorable to the material covered. Unfortunately, the PB calendar filled up and the orientation created a very long night. PB has requested that a public notice be placed in the official newspaper of the Town notifying that there will be a standing meeting twice a month instead on once a month . BZA Hearings The BZA has asked that they be included in future seminars for planning and zoning issues. Seminars being considered SEQRA, the County is considering hosting the NYS SEQRA workshop this year. The last time it was presented was in October of 2004 . This is a two day event with the first day devoted to presentations and the second day to practical workshop . Local Government, the County is also considering having NYS DoS present the local government workshop in the County . This is also a two day affair that covers local government authority, review boards, and other aspects of local governments . I have attended twice, once in the County and once at the Association of Towns. In the County seminar was better because the workshop was tailored more to rural areas . Rural gets lost in downstate discussions. Handling Conflict and Dispute at Public Meetings, this is a very worthwhile skill that Boards should have. Darien Simon is trained in dispute resolution training and may be willing to work with the PB and BZA on how to skillfully handle conflict at meetings. TCMOA PC The Tompkins County Municipal Officers Association Planning Coalition is being revamped as an interface between County Planning and Towns so that Towns become more aware of County initiatives and how to incorporate or use Regular Town Board Meeting 6 04/ 11 /2006 the material being developed by the County . Examples : Scenic Inventory, Affordable Housing, Natural Features Focus Areas, etc. It appears that I am the only candidate for Chair of this group, so I get to set the direction for the group. TC PAB I am the non-urban representative on the Tompkins County Planning Advisory Board. This board is made up of a very diverse group of people that represent municipalities, Cornell, Ithaca College, Historic Ithaca, local businesses, Sustainable Tompkins, Better Housing, etc. This group sets the work plan for +, TCPD and oversees the selection of consultants and scope of works for moving forward with the County Comprehensive Plan . This group discusses the larger implications of changes within the County . It is a very resource in understanding the pressures affecting the County from in commuters, transportation corridors, housing needs, and planned nodal development. Comprehensive Plan I met with Ms . Marino to discuss possible ways to structure the Comp Plan Committee. This initiative needs to have someone take ownership in order to get it moving . CCETC works with community groups (this can be defined as one) and has an excellent record of working with volunteers and keeping volunteers engaged. CCETC played a key role as a neutral party in organizing the residents in Water District 3 . Darien Simon is a bit frustrated that no one from the Town Board has contacted her about the role of Planner for this committee. Cayuga Lake Waterfront Plan TCPD is requesting that the Ulysses TB formally adopt the Cayuga Lake Waterfront Plan . Last month I put a copy of the Lansing resolution in your mail boxes as a sample for adopting this plan . Joan Jerkowitz is willing to come to the May meeting to explain the plan if the Board feels it needs more information. The over riding reason to adopt the Plan is that Ulysses would then be eligible for funds from the NYS waterways initiative. What is interesting to me is that the area defined under this plan closely matches the area that the Stormwater group has been discussing as an overlay protection zone. By incorporating this defined area as the conservation overlay waterfront revitalization, and stormwater overlay we would only have to work with one additional district. It makes things more manageable and opens several potential funding sources along Route 89 which is a designated scenic byway . TB Communications Workshop I have spoken to Nancy Potter of CCETC, Sharon Anderson of CLWN, and Suzanne Motheral of CDRC about Communications Skills Training as requested at the March TB meeting . Nancy is in Bosnia for a month, Sharon is willing to hold a workshop, and Suzanne submitted a proposal. I have worked with all three of these women and think all could conduct a very meaningful workshop . CCETC would be a more basic approach and better suited to a newly formed group (Comp Plan Committee comes to mind), Sharon is very good at facilitating meetings and getting people through agendas, Suzanne is a conflict Interface trainer and specializes in working with governmental organizations . Audit 1 I spoke with Mimi Thuesen of Ciaschi. . . and she said that until after tax season, forget about any action from the auditing firms. I gave my file for the last t. `Audit" to Ms. Tyler. I have not been assigned any other responsibilities in this matter and am not engaged in any additional efforts regarding an audit for this year. Water District No. 3 Ms. Tyler asked if I had any information on the public involvement for WD#3 after the meeting on April 3rd. I informed her that I have a binder of the entire process . However, given the state my house is in right now, I have not been able Regular Town Board Meeting 7 04/ 11 /2006 to find the material. As things return to normal in the next few weeks I should uncover it. At the April 3rd meeting there was several discussions concerning WD#3 regarding operation and maintenance. Mr. Austic and I have a schedule of two weeks on and two weeks off for the daily testing and inspection . I think it would be beneficial for TB members to actually experience what this involves and invite any Board Member to join me any day including weekends. I can pick you up at your door and have you home in time for breakfast. Ms . Marino asked Mr. Coogan for his opinion on the Communications Workshop and from his experience which option and which facilitator would be most worthwhile for the Board to consider. Mr. Coogan referred to option one in Ms . Motheral ' s proposal and suggested her. OLD BUSINESS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Ms . Marino presented a draft plan of a Comprehensive Plan Review as follows : Structure: A Core Committee will be established initially by the Town Board from a pool of highly motivated volunteer citizens selected to represent a broad range of interests and personal and professional experience beneficial to the planning review process . The charge of the Core Committee is to update the current Town of Ulysses Comprehensive Land Use Plan, adopted in 1999 , to reflect changes in directions and trends impacting the community now and anticipated over the next 5 - 10 years . Working with the Town Planning Board, the Core Committee shall define the goals of primary importance to the Town for consideration in revision of the Plan, using information on past and current land use in the Town, input from public meetings and workshops, and a town-wide survey to help define the land use issues of most concern to the citizens of the Town . The Core Committee shall set its own rules of operation and add members as needed. Upon recommendation of the Core Committee, the Town of Ulysses will contract with a professional planner and for administrative or clerical assistance as needed and as allowed for in the Town budget . These professionals will be supervised by the Chair or Co-Chairs of the Core Committee . Additionally, the Core Committee will have a budget for contractual and incidental expenses of ($ 500?) for 2006 . In order to involve as many citizens as possible, the Core Committee will set up working groups on focal topics of primary importance to the review . The working groups will research and gather information and recommendations on specific focal areas of land use interest as defined by the Core Committee. The working groups will draw on citizens from all aspects of the Town, through public postings and notices in the newspapers . The following topics are suggested, based on issues identified during the recent revision of the Town of Ulysses Zoning Law (passed August 2005) and a public organizational meeting on March 23 , 2006 for this Comprehensive Plan review : Transportation - Road corridors, nodes View sheds natural areas (current County initiative to tap into) Development -What are the right types of development for Ulysses? Businesses to attract and promote Housing - Affordable ; options for the aging and retirement; cluster development Agriculture - traditional, non-traditional; areas for preservation or growth Tax issues - base growth while preserving character of the town and aspects of value ; relationship to school district Infrastructure - water, other Intermunicipal cooperation - Town and Village planning goals ; balancing open space 1 • t Regular Town Board Meeting 8 04/ 11 /2006 preservation with development needs Timeline : The target date to have a revised Comprehensive Land Use Plan for the Town of Ulysses in advanced draft form is September 2007 ; with completion of the project by June 2008 . The Town of Ulysses will engage a professional planner and clerical or administrative help to work with Core Committee and Planning Board by May 15 , 2006 . ., Proposed Initial Core Committee (10 members) : Name Residence interest / expertise! experience Sue Poelvoorde T member of 1999 committee; Environmental planner; housing issues Jennifer Wapinski -Mooradian V younger families; low impact Business , school/children ' s issues Dick Coogan T Hamlet; knowledge of County Resources and ties ; water Infrastructure experience Darien Simon T professional planner; member of Town Planning Board Debbie Watkins V Tax issues ; business growth Liz Thomas T Agriculture background; storm water Committee ; has time to devote; Intermunicipal cooperation David Tyler T member of 1999 committee; long Term experience on Town Planning Board ; attorney with municipal Experience Robert Brown V experience on Village Planning R ' Board ; development issues ; long term Resident of the Village ; Intermunicipal Bob Weatherby T Town Board member during 1999 Plan; traditional Agriculture; Large landowner Heather Filiberto V professional planner; housing; Development ; Intermunicipal Cooperation Proposed liaisons to the Core Committee: BZA - Andy Glasner (suggested, not contacted) ; Town zoning and planning -Alex Rachun (member of 1999 committee) ; Town Board - Roxanne Marino ; Village Planning Board / Comprehensive Planning Committee - TBD List of Interested Citizens (potential focus group participants) : Attended the March 23 , 2006 meeting or have contacted the Town Board (RM as contact listed) with intere st in participating (not including those listed above) Doug Austic (Town Board) !t Don Ellis (Town Board, Village comprehensive plan) Ik . Lysle Gordon ' I { Barry Hayes Virginia & Bill Luce Joanne Molino Heather Ness Charles Schlough Rebecca Schneider (Town PB) Lee Scott Scott Sherwood Regular Town Board Meeting 9 04/ 11 /2006 Fred VanDerzee Han VanLeer John Wertis (Town PB) John Wertis Jr. Mr. Austic asked if Ms . Marino had called all the people listed in her proposal . Ms . Marino stated that she had not but several of the people have contacted her or came to the meeting and she has talked to some of them and not all of them . Mr. Austic said that he thinks that there may be another group included which would be a focus group from the Trumansburg Central School . The Board discussed the past survey and doing a new survey. Mr. Austic asked Mr. Ellis if he had talked with any consultants . Mr. Ellis said that he had talked with Tom Niederkorn and he said that he would definitely be interested and also talked with Darien Simon . Ms . Marino said that Heather Filiberto had emailed her and said that the County Planning could provide a list. Mr. Ellis will contact Ms . Filiberto . Mr. Austic asked where the Board wanted to go with this . Ms . Marino suggested to follow the structure that she provided in her proposal and establish the committee and have them start to meet and send out a request for a professional . The Board discussed the timeline included in Ms . Marino ' s proposal . Ms . Marino moved to adopt the structure that she proposed and the list for lack of something else so that the Board can move forward and get a professional planner. Mr. Austic suggested removing the Timeline from Ms . Marino ' s proposal . Ms . Marino had no problem withdrawing this from her proposal . Ms . Tyler seconded the motion as follows : BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses adopt the following proposed Structure : A Core Committee will be established initially by the Town Board from a pool of highly motivated volunteer citizens selected to represent a broad range of interests and personal and professional experience beneficial to the planning review process. The charge of the Core Committee is to update the current Town of Ulysses Comprehensive Land Use Plan, adopted in 1999, to reflect changes in directions and trends impacting the community now and anticipated over the next 5 - 10 years . Working with the Town Planning Board, the Core Committee shall define the goals of primary importance to the Town for consideration in revision of the Plan, using information on past and current land use in the Town , input from public meetings and workshops, and a town-wide survey to help define the land use issues of most concern to the citizens of the Town. The Core Committee shall set its own rules of operation and add members as needed. Upon recommendation of the Core Committee, the Town of Ulysses will contract with a professional planner and for administrative or clerical assistance as needed and as allowed for in the Town budget . These professionals will be supervised by the Chair or Co-Chairs of the Core Committee. Additionally, the Core Committee will have a budget for contractual and incidental expenses of ($ 500?) for 2006 . Regular Town Board Meeting 10 04/ 11 /2006 In order to involve as many citizens as possible, the Core Committee will set up working groups on focal topics of primary importance to the review . The working groups will research and gather information and recommendations on specific focal areas of land use interest as defined by the Core Committee. The working groups will draw on citizens from all aspects of the Town, through public postings and notices in the newspapers . The following topics are suggested, based on issues identified during the recent revision of the Town of Ulysses Zoning Law (passed August 2005) and a public organizational meeting on March 23 , 2006 for this Comprehensiye Plan review : -I II Transportation - Road corridors , nodes f View sheds natural areas (current County initiative to tap into) 1 ; Development -What are the right types of development for Ulysses ? Businesses to attract and promote Housing - Affordable ; options for the aging and retirement ; cluster development Agriculture •- traditional , non-traditional ; areas for preservation or growth Tax issues - base growth while preserving character of the town and aspects of value; relationship to school district Infrastructure - water, other Intermunicipal cooperation - Town and Village planning goals ; balancing open space preservation with development needs Proposed Initial Core Committee (10 members) : Name Residence interest / expertise/ experience Sue Poelvoorde T member of 1999 committee ; Environmental planner; housing issues Jennifer Wapinski -Mooradian V younger families; low impact Business , school/children ' s issues Dick Coogan T Hamlet; knowledge of County Resources and ties ; water Infrastructure experience 1 I ! Darien Simon T professional planner; member of Town Planning Board Debbie Watkins V Tax issues ; business growth Liz Thomas T Agriculture background; storm water Committee ; has time to devote ; Intermunicipal cooperation David Tyler T member of 1999 committee ; long Term experience on Town Planning Board ; attorney with municipal Experience Robert Brown V experience on Village Planning Board; development issues ; long term Resident of the Village ; Intermunicipal Bob Weatherby T Town Board member during 1999 Plan ; traditional Agriculture ; Large landowner Heather Filiberto V professional planner; housing ; Development ; Intermunicipal Cooperation Proposed liaisons to the Core Committee: BZA - Andy Glasner (suggested, not contacted) ; Town zoning and planning -Alex ' li Rachun (member of 1999 committee) ; Town Board - Roxanne Marino ; Village Planning Board / Comprehensive Planning Committee — TBD List of Interested Citizens (potential focus group participants) : Attended the March 23 , 2006 meeting or have contacted the Town Board (RM as contact listed) with interest in participating (not including those listed above) Regular Town Board Meeting 11 04/ 11 /2006 Doug Austic (Town Board) Don Ellis (Town Board, Village comprehensive plan) Lysle Gordon Barry Hayes Virginia & Bill Luce Joanne Molino Heather Ness Charles Schlough Rebecca Schneider (Town PB) Lee Scott Scott Sherwood Fred VanDerzee Han VanLeer John Wertis (Town PB) John Wertis Jr. Mr. Austic aye Mr. Ferrentino aye Ms . Tyler aye Mr. Ellis aye Ms . Marino aye Adopted. Mr. Ellis said he would continue to investigate getting names for professional planners . MEETING RULES Mr. Austic moved that the Board simply adopt the rules that were presented by Mr. Dennis . Mr. Ellis asked for a copy of the rules presented by Mr. Dennis . (While Mr. Coogan made copies Mr. Austic went on to the next item on the agenda) AUDIT DISCUSSION Mr. Austic stated that he brought this back up for discussion because he feels that the Town needs the auditors present to hear what the Board wants so next time the audit report is made we will not hear that it is not what was asked for. Mr. Ellis said that Ms . Tyler has said that the audit she requested in her previous resolution is defined by law. Ms . Tyler said that it is defined by accounting rules as to what an "opinion audit" is . Ms . Tyler introduced and moved the following : BE IT RESOLVED that the Town shall immediately solicit and then accept by May 15 , 2006 the lower of two bids for an opinion audit of the 2005 town books and accounts including capital accounts as submitted by Sciarabba Walker and Ciaschi Dietershagen et al . The chosen firm shall commence the audit no later then May 30, 2006 and provide its written report to the board no later then July 31 , 2006 . A presentation on the report shall occur at the regular August Town Board meeting. If only one of the firms submits a timely bid, that bid shall be accepted. Mr. Austic said that they can not do it that fast and thought that the dates should not be in the resolution. Mr. Ellis seconded Ms . Tyler ' s motion. Regular Town Board Meeting 12 04/ 11 /2006 The Board discussed the dates . Ms . Tyler felt the dates were important. Mr. Ferrentino said the other thing is that is very important to him is putting this out for bid to several auditors . He has been receiving many negative feedbacks on one of the firms that Ms . Tyler is mentioning in her resolution and he has a problem with that . If this is a standard CPA process it should go out for bid to at least three to five firms and it does not matter if they are in Ithaca or from anywhere ' s . If this is a standard opinion accounting CPA and is suppose to be what is expected this should be written up as an RFP and go out and then the Board should review the bids and go from there . Normal municipal government practice is done by putting it out to bid . Ms . Tyler said that those two firms (listed in her resolution) are experts in municipal accounting law . Mr. Ferrentino said that there are hundreds of firms that are experts . Ms . Tyler said that these two firms are local and would be familiar with the players in the area. Mr. Ferrentino said that there are no players in the area we are talking about numbers on the page . Ms . Tyler said it is not just numbers it is about interviewing the players that are involved. The Board continued this discussion. Mr. Ellis said that the effort to have this audit begin more then a year ago and to delay it now and Mr. Ellis said he has not heard anyone speak up and say they are ready to go out and get bids . Mr. Ellis said that he has offered to get bids for a planner. Mr. Austic spoke up and said that he would get bids for an audit, he would do a RFP if the Board so desires . i- Ms . Tyler stated that she does not see the point of doing that. Mr. Ferrentino said that he finds it hard to believe that we, the Town Board , using the tax payer ' s money and we are not going out and getting bids . He is against singling out a company and giving them the business which he has a big problem with that . Ms . Marino asked for the resolution to be re-read into the record . Ms . Tyler re-read resolution as follows : BE IT RESOLVED that the Town shall immediately solicit and then accept by May 15 , 2006 the lower of two bids for an opinion audit of the 2005 town books and accounts including capital accounts as submitted by Sciarabba Walker and Ciaschi Dietershagen et al . The chosen firm shall commence the audit no later then May 30, 2006 and provide its written report to the board no later then July 31 , 2006 . A presentation on the report shall occur at the regular August Town Board meeting. If only one of the firms submits a timely bid, that bid shall be accepted. Mr. Austic said that he does not agree to the last part where it states if only one person submits a bid that would be accepted . That is why setting a date of May 15 `" , 2006 to receive bids when it is tax season . Ms . Tyler said that the Town already has one bid . Mr. Austic said that the Town does not have a bid ; he has not seen any official bid . Ms . Tyler said the Town has something that was received . Regular Town Board Meeting 13 04/ 11 /2006 Mr. Austic said the letter that came was based on doing 2004 books and Ms . Tyler ' s motion says 2005 . Mr. Ellis asked Mr. Austic how much time he would need to get RFP ' s out to auditors . Mr. Austic said he felt it would take a day or two to get it out . The Board discussed the time frame again and putting it out for bid . Ms . Tyler amended her original motion as follows : BE IT RESOLVED that the Town shall immediately solicit and then accept by May 30, 2006 the lower of two bids for an opinion audit of the 2005 town books and accounts including capital accounts as submitted by Sciarabba Walker and Ciaschi Dietershagen et al . The chosen firm shall commence the audit as soon as possible and provide its written report to the board no later then September 30, 2006 . Ms . Marino seconded Ms . Tyler' s amended resolution . Mr. Ellis said that he has reservations with the presentation of this resolution and feels that Mr. Ferrentino ' s concerns about getting bids is very well placed and if the date is in place to accommodate that does not seem that much to ask . Mr. Austic called the motion on the amended resolution . Mr. Austic nay Mr. Ferrentino nay Ms . Tyler aye Mr. Ellis nay Ms . Marino aye Motion defeated . Mr. Austic called for a vote on Ms . Tyler' s original motion . Mr. Austic nay Mr. Ferrentino nay Ms . Tyler aye Mr. Ellis nay Ms . Marino aye Motion defeated . Mr. Ferrentino moved the following : BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses, according to Ms . Tyler ' s guidelines of the opinion audit and the capital funds put out an RFP in the normal ways it is advertised, and have the bids back to the Town Board by May 30th , 2006 and open the bids at the June 2006 Regular Town Board meeting and make the choice of which firm does the audit . Mr. Ellis seconded this motion. Mr. Austic aye Mr. Ferrentino aye Ms . Tyler aye Mr. Ellis aye Ms . Marino aye Adopted. I I I , Regular Town Board Meeting 14 04/ 11 /2006 Mr. Ferrentino again expressed his displeasure of having resolutions just dropped in the Town Board ' s laps at the board meeting without previously having them to review. Mr. Ferrentino asked when this could be discussed . MEETING RULES The Board was provided with copies of the rules that Mr. Dennis had suggested, which are as follows from an email received from Mr. Dennis : : Agenda Order : 1 . Offer privilege of the floor to public near the beginning of a meeting , 3 - 5 minute limit (you probably do this now) 2 . Privilege of floor to members : 3 - 5 minute limit ( after the public ) Motions and procedure : 1 . Resolutions - no new resolutions at a regular meeting unless copied to all members 5 business days prior to meeting or whatever timing you decide . . 2 . Resolutions presented at a meeting with no prior notice to members are referred by the chair to next scheduled regular meeting for action etc . . . ( without a vote . ) 3 . Exceptions - - action on emergencies deemed necessary by supervisor or chair Specific Procedures at a meeting to maintain proper decorum : 1 . members recognized to speak by raising hands 2 . no member TALKS when another member is talking 3 . no discussion on a resolution unless moved and seconded 4 . rules of discussion follow , no member talks unless recognized etc . . . ( random discussion makes everyone look bad I think ) 5 . chair will determine order of speaking by order of hands being raised as much as possible . 6 . Voting on all resolutions : aye - nay , yes - no , raise hands - whatever you decide . Thanks for your time this morning . If I can help in any way I ' m very willing to . I would hope that we may talk every so often . I think it is important for me to have your perspective about what is going on around town . You have been there and done that and I have respect for your knowledge and experience plus your willingness to stay in the fray because sometimes it isn ' t always appreciated as you well know . Mr. Dennis explained his reasoning for the rules he presented after being in attendance at several Town Board meetings and what he has observed. Mr. Wilson said that he reviewed Mr. Dennis ' s rules and he likes them but it is not his policy decision and he thinks that they could be an addition to Robert' s Rules . Mr. Wilson ' s concern is that Mr. Dennis ' s rules do not cover every set of loop holes that could come up and that there are shortened versions of Robert ' s Rules that could be adopted. I Mr . Ellis moved, seconded by Ms . Marino to adopt # 1 from the rules submitted by Mr. { Dennis as previously entered into the minutes which reads ; i . Offer privilege of I. the floor to public near the beginning of a meeting , 3 - 5 minute limit (you probably do this now) . Mr. Ellis said that he is not particularly in favor of the list of rules provided by Mr. Dennis . Mr. Ellis says that the Town Board has New York State Law and also feels that Robert ' s Rules work just fine . Ms . Tyler said that she would like to look at the abbreviated version of Robert ' s Rules . Regular Town Board Meeting 15 04/ 11 /2006 Mr. Austic called the vote for the motion on the floor. Mr. Austic aye Mr. Ferrentino aye Ms . Tyler aye Mr. Ellis aye Ms . Marino . aye y Adopted . The Board went back and forth discussing the rules Mr. Dennis presented and Robert ' s Rules of Order. Mr. Ellis suggested to table . Mr. Ferrentino suggested that the Board get a copy of the condensed version of the Robert ' s Rules and table this until next Board meeting and in the meantime all of the Board review both sets of rules . The Board continued with this discussion. It was discussed to have this part of the conflict resolution meeting that was previously discussed and put this together at that meeting. Ms . Marino moved ; BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses schedule a meeting with the professional facilitator, Susan Motheral, and , Further Resolved that all the Board members put their information together and have them help the Board through everyone ' s issues and come out with some kind of agreement on rules and a better way for the meetings to function. Ms . Tyler seconded this motion . Mr. Austic aye Mr. Ferrentino aye Ms . Tyler aye Mr. Ellis aye Ms . Marino aye Adopted. Mr. Austic will find out when they are available. The Board tentatively chooses May 11th or May 13th to schedule this meeting. NEW BUSINESS WORKSHOP WITH B &L Mr. Austic feels the Special Board (Workshop) that is scheduled for April 24, 2006 with Eric Pond still should take place. The Board should get all and any questions together for Mr. Pond so he can address any concerns they still may have with the proposed Water Distinct #5 . The Board discussed this . The general consensus of the Town Board was that the meeting of April 24th, 2006 would take place . INFORMATIONAL FOR PROPOSED DIST. RESIDENTS (MAY 5) Regular Town Board Meeting 16 04/ 11 /2006 ZONING LAW AMMENDMENTS Mr. Austic said that the Zoning Law amendments are very important to the Zoning Board and Planning Board so we need to get these done in some reasonable time before next month. Ms . Marino said that she has it almost together. The Board discussed this . it Mr. Ferrentino asked if it would not be better if Mr. Rachun collated that information and do that for Ms . Marino so it would get done . Ms . Marino said that she could give Mr. Rachun the items that Ms . Chiuten gave her and he could put it all together and then it could be emailed to the Town Board so they could add other things they may feel is important and also give it to the Planning Board for their input. Mr. Rachun will try and get everything together by the Regular Town Board meeting of May 9`h, 2006 . OTHER Local Law # 1 , 2006 This was tabled until the May Regular Town Board meeting . TC Youth Contract Mr. Austic moved, seconded by Mr. Ferrentino the following : BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses authorize I Supervisor Austic to sign the contract with Tompkins County Youth Bureau . Mr. Austic aye Mr. Ferrentino aye Ms . Tyler aye Mr. Ellis aye Ms . Marino aye Adopted . Estimate Sprinkler System Mr. Austic presented an estimate to design a sprinkler system for the Town Highway Barn. Mr. Ferrentino moved, seconded by Mr. Austic the following : BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses authorize a design for a sprinkler system for the Town Highway Barn. Mr. Austic aye is Mr. Ferrentino aye Ms . Tyler aye Mr. Ellis aye Ms . Marino aye Adopted . Regular Town Board Meeting 17 04/ 11 /2006 SPCA Contract Mr. Austic said that there is a problem with the SPCA contract in that they are not performing the services that are outlined in the contract . Mrs . Georgia explained that it reads in the contract that the SPCA will issue reminder letters and also issue the appearance tickets and the Town was informed by the SPCA that they will no longer provide this service but they would mail appearance tickets . Mrs . Georgia informed the Town Board that the Tompkins County Association of Town Clerks is meeting with the SPCA director next week and she will report back to the Town Board the results of that meeting . Other Mr. Ellis said that he was prepared to present a resolution about providing more help for the Town Board . Mr. Ellis said that the Board is leaving here tonight with assignments and some of which are unrealistic and he feels the Board needs to be effective and he was going to make a motion which he is not going to do now or get into it . Mr. Ellis said that Mr. Ferrentino wants notice before resolutions arrive . Mr. Ellis said that the Town Board needs to deal with staffing for this Board . Mr. Ellis said that what was in the past was a Town Board that wasn ' t as actively involved in the matters of the Town as this Board is and in the past there was a mechanism that worked to get things done . Mr. Ellis said that the Board has huge issues in front of them and the Board does not have the where with all to deal with them . Mr. Ellis said that he can feel the pain for the people who don ' t have decent water and come here and are concerned about it . Mr. Ellis said that the Board can not move ahead on water district without treating all the people in the Town and all the issues in the Town responsibly and looking at various alternatives . Mr. Ellis said that it might be that the Board should have someone who is helping the Board . It was suggested that this topic come up at the meeting to be scheduled with the facilitator. Ms . Tyler asked about the engineering report being submitted to the state health department on March 3rd . Mr. Austic said that it was part of the engineer ' s investigation of the availability funding. Ms . Marino said this was in violation of a previously adopted resolution stating nothing more would be submitted . The Board discussed this further. Ms . Tyler moved the following : BE IT RESOLVED effective immediately, that the Town Supervisor and his agents will only communicate orally, in writing, including but not limited to e- mail or fax , concerning the proposed Water District #5 on behalf of the Town to individuals, firms, agencies or other entities external to Ulysses Town government upon approval of a majority of the members of the Town Board in office as of January 2006, given at a regular or special meeting of that board. Ms . Marino seconded this . The Board discussed this . Mr. Austic stated the resolution is on the floor. Ms . Tyler said she was going to amend it and remove orally. Regular Town Board Meeting 18 04/ 11 /2006 Motion re-entered as follows : BE IT RESOLVED effective immediately, that the Town Supervisor and his agents will only communicate in writing, including but not limited to e-mail or fax , concerning the proposed Water District #5 on behalf of the Town to individuals , firms, agencies or other entities external to Ulysses Town government upon approval of a majority of the members of the Town Board in office as of January 2006 , given at a regular or special meeting of that board. Ms . Marino seconded the amended resolution. . Mr. Austic nay - Mr. Ferrentino nay Ms . Tyler aye Mr. Ellis aye Ms . Marino aye Adopted . Ms . Morse from the audience asked why the Board had skipped item #8 on the agenda about having an informational meeting on May Stn A tentative meeting was set up for an informational meeting for May 5th and it was to be decided at this meeting if the Board felt as if they have the appropriate information to have that meeting. The Board discussed having the meeting and the public expressed there concern and displeasure because the meeting was not going to take place. Mr . Ferrentino moved, Mr. Austic seconded to adjourn the meeting . Unanimously approved. The meeting adjourned at 10 : 30 pm . Respectfully submitted, Marsha L . Georgia Ulysses Town Clerk MLG : mlg 1 I