HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-10-10TB 10-10-19
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TOWN OF DRYDEN
TOWN BOARD MEETING
October 10, 2019
Present: Supervisor Jason Leifer, Cl Daniel Lamb, Cl Linda Lavine,
Cl Kathrin Servoss, Cl Alice Green
Elected Officials: Bambi L. Avery, Town Clerk
Rick Young, Highway Superintendent
Christopher Clauson, Town Justice
Other Town Staff: Jennifer Case, Bookkeeper
Ray Burger, Planning Director
Supv Leifer called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.
Budget
Wage increases have been changed to 3% or less resulting in a total reduction of about
$15,000 in the A and B funds. Highway employees will receive increase according to the union
contract. The board is looking to reduce the department budget requests because they don’t
want to raise the tax rate more than 5% (from $4.74 per thousand of assessed value to $4.98).
A revenue line in the Planning Department budget was reduced by $60,000. The board
reviewed each department budget with a goal of a total reduction in expenses of $270,000.
Changes made tonight in expenses and revenues resulted in a total budget reduction of
$184,500.
Ambulance – Dryden Ambulance has asked to double the amount received from the
town in order to provide better wages to recruit and retain people. On a $200,000 house it
would mean $88 on a property tax bill if they get what they ask, double what it was last year. It
was suggested that there be some public outreach by the ambulance about the dire need and
potential tax increase. The public needs to be aware of what will be lost if the ambulance is no
longer financially able to function. Supv Leifer will add their full request to the budget and
ambulance personnel will be present for the public hearing on the budget.
Budget discussion will continue next week.
Abstract Approval
RESOLUTION #137 (2019) – APPROVE ABSTRACT #10
Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby approves Abstract #10, as audited, general
vouchers #724 through #796 ($373,747.85) and TA vouchers #57 through #60 ($3,445.46),
totaling $377,193.31.
2nd Cl Servoss
Roll Call Vote Cl Lavine Yes
Cl Green Yes
Cl Servoss Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
TB 10-10-19
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Public Broadband
Board members have been provided with a second draft of the study.
Freese Road Bridge
There will be an update next week.
Sewer/Water Consolidation
Will be on the agenda next week. Once the plan is accepted there will be a public
hearing scheduled.
Trinitas
R Burger reported that TG Miller has reviewed the application and believe it is complete.
He will go over it over the weekend and conference with them and Atty Sokoni on Tuesday. He
expects there will be a resolution for the town to declare lead agency next week. Cl Lavine
would like it clear that the condition to address how the project fits with the Varna plan is not
adequate or sufficient. She would like it clear what has been left out of the response by
Trinitas. She would also like assurance from the town attorney that the town is doing
everything by the books. R Burger stated that the SEQR process will address how the project
is consistent with community character; Trinitas’ argument for that was in their two -page letter
that was submitted. The board will determine whether that response is adequate.
Climate Smart Community
Cl Green announced that the town has received bronze level certification as a Climate
Smart Community and displayed the signs that were given to the town to install. There will be
a press release by the county.
Other Business
Cl Green will present a resolution to request a speed limit reduction for Game Farm
Road next week.
Board members have been provided with copies of the policy against discrimination and
harassment recommended by our insurer. Board member s should review this prior to next
week so that it can be adopted. J Case recommended that the compliance officers be
designated by position rather than name and that the Supervisor and Human Resources
person be designated.
There will be a public hearing next week on the local law to override the tax levy cap.
There being no further business, on motion made, seconded and unanimously carried,
the meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bambi L. Avery
Town Clerk