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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-02-17TB 2-17-22 Page 1 of 9 TOWN OF DRYDEN TOWN BOARD MEETING February 17, 2022 Zoom Hybrid Present: Supervisor Jason Leifer, Cl Daniel Lamb, Cl James Skaley, Cl Loren Sparling, Cl Leonardo Vargas-Mendez Elected Officials: Bambi L. Avery, Town Clerk Rick Young, Highway/DPW Superintendent Other Town Staff: Ray Burger, Planning Director Cassie Byrnes, Secretary to Supervisor Amanda Anderson, Bookkeeper Supv Leifer opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m. and board members and guests recited the pledge of allegiance. RESOLUTION #49 (2022) – APPROVE MINUTES Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby approves the meeting minutes of January 6, January 13, and January 20, 2022. 2nd Cl Sparling Roll Call Vote Cl Sparling Yes Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Skaley Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes HIGHWAY/DPW DEPARTMENT R Young said he is hoping to see one of the trucks they have ordered shortly. The plow outfit is looking for the parts to put on it. They have been struggling to get parts for trucks they have and keep them on the road. They have been cleaning known problem spots in anticipation of ice and water flow problems with the warm weather. Highway Department staff took one of the plow trucks to a daycare for a visit. R Young has applied for his trainer’s license to train people for their CDL test. NYS has changed the rules and is requiring a training prior to taking the CDL test. Salt usage this year is about average, and they have a full barn right now. TB 2-17-22 Page 2 of 9 PLANNING DEPARTMENT The department update is on the web. The comp plan update and Route 13 bridge will be discussed later tonight. COUNTY BRIEFING No report. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS NEPA Review for CDBG Grant Funds – The board reviewed statutory check list and determined the project is categorically exempt. RESOLUTION #50 (2022) – APPROVE NEPA ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW FORMS REGARDING TOWN OF DRYDEN CDBG GRANT AWARD TO REPLACE/ RECONDITION SEWER MANS IN THE HAMLET OF VARNA Cl Skaley offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: Whereas, the Town of Dryden has recently been awarded $1,250,000 in Federal HUD dollars through the Office of Community Renewal to replace/recondition sewer mains in the Hamlet of Varna, and Whereas, any Federal grant dollars require a NEPA environmental review, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Town of Dryden has determined that upon conducting this NEPA environmental review that this sewer project will have no demonstrable impact to the environment, and that further RESOLVED, that the Town of Dryden finds this project is cat egorically excluded from any further consideration of an environmental impact pursuant to 24 CFR 58.35(a)(1). 2nd Cl Vargas Mendez Roll Call Vote Cl Sparling Yes Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Skaley Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes Section 3 Plan – This has to do with labor criteria for the project. The bid package needs to be part of any subcontract package. If there are people of modest or lower income in the area that can be hired, they have priority in hiring. The Town Supervisor will sign as the certifying officer. TG Miller will be the labor officer to ensure compliance. RESOLUTION #51 (2022) - ADOPT THE SECTION 3 PLAN TO COMPLY WITH 24 CFR, PART 135 OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT SECTION 3 Cl Skaley offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: TB 2-17-22 Page 3 of 9 WHEREAS, the United States Congress passed Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u) (Section 3) to further the goal of ensuring that federal funds benefit the residents of projects funded wholly or in part by those funds, and WHEREAS, Part 135 of Section 3 is to establish the standards and procedures to be followed to ensure that the objectives of Section 3 are met; and WHEREAS, the Town of Dryden with our engineering firm, T. G. Miller P.C. Engineers and Surveyors (T.G. Miller) has developed a revised Section 3 Plan in adherence to 24 CFR, Part 135 that more comprehensively addresses the standards and procedures prescribed in the Act; and WHEREAS, the Section 3 Plan has been reviewed by TG Miller and their comments incorporated into the Plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Town of Dryden authorizes T .G. Miller to adopt and implement the revised Section 3 Plan to ensure compliance with Federal Law. 2nd Cl Vargas-Mendez Roll Call Vote Cl Sparling Yes Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Skaley Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes Contract with Energy America – John Kiefer, Planning Board Chair, who spoke to the board regarding this a few months ago, said the proposed resolution explains the story. The electric market in New York is incredibly complicated. This proposal is the best we can do to meet the Climate Smart Communities requirement that they want to do and receive an associated grant. It is important to keep in mind this is a one-year term, and will need to be revisited. It may be that we find out that next year we can do better. Cl Sparling said in October of 2021 members of the Climate Smart Communities Task Force gave a presentation to this board recommending that the town’s electric needs be supplied fully by renewable sources. In so doing, we would continue our legacy as leaders in promoting sustainability and greenhouse gas reduction. At its most recent meeting Climat e Smart had a virtual visitor from Beacon, New York, who told them that there were many eyes keeping a steadfast watch on our actions and accomplishments. We would make town hall net zero in carbon emissions. There would be advantages in terms of grant f unding from the state, qualifying for the level of the $10,000 grant. In so doing, we would be ranked number one in the Southern Tier for clean energy actions. Just as important as the why, the October presentation focused on the how. How much of the town’s electric needs was already covered by our solar installations? How much still needed to be purchased annually. How much would this cost? How much would be budgeted? The resolution presented tonight is the culmination of months of committed research, detailed discussions over phone and email, and both head scratching the occasional sigh of frustration. It as ks for the approval of a contract with Energy Cooperative America for 300 RECs at $15 per REC to provide electric supply at variable rate to supply the town’s electricity needs that are not met by its solar installations along with renewable energy certificates for 100% of the supply. He asked the board to adopt the resolution. After some discussion and explanation, the board passed the following resolution. RESOLUTION #52 (2022) - APPROVE A CONTRACT WITH ENERGY COOPERATIVE OF TB 2-17-22 Page 4 of 9 AMERICA (ECA) TO PROVIDE ELECTRIC SUPPLY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY CERTIFICATES (RECs) TO SUPPLY ELECTRICITY NEEDS FOR TOWN OF DRYDEN MUNICIPAL FACILITIES THAT EXCEED WHAT IS PROVIDED BY THE TOWN’S SOLAR PV INSTALLATIONS Cl Sparling offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: WHEREAS, the Town of Dryden has a long history of leadership in promoting sustainability and greenhouse gas reduction; and WHEREAS, purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) for municipal operations reduces the Town’s dependency on fossil fuels that contribute to GHG emissions and climate change; and WHEREAS, the Town’s solar installations do not supply the full amount of electric needs for Town Hall, DPW office, Highway Barn, and other facilities, leaving approximately 300 megawatt hours (MWh) to be purchased annually; and WHEREAS, the New York State Energy Development and Research Authority (NYSERDA) has provided local municipalities with incentives to purchase RECs in order to meet GHG emission reduction targets in the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA); and WHEREAS, Dryden’s Climate Smart/Clean Energy Community Task Force has done extensive research to identify options to supply the electricity needs of Dryden’s municipal facilities from renewable sources and to purchase RECs; and WHEREAS, purchase of RECs for 100% of the Town Hall electricity purchases would make the building Net Zero in carbon emissions; and WHEREAS, the Town issued a request for proposals to state energy service providers for provision of New York State-sourced RECs; and WHEREAS, the Energy Cooperative of America (ECA) proposal includes electric supply based on the standard mix of electric generation, similar in cost and content to the town’s current supplier (Constellation Energy); and WHEREAS, ECA has offered both a fixed and variable rate for providing electric supply; and WHEREAS, ECA can also provide RECs that meet NYSERDA requirements at a cost of $15 each and that serve as the currency for supporting renewable energy; and WHEREAS, the Climate Smart/Clean Energy Community Task Force voted unanimously on Feb. 1, 2022 to recommend that the Town Board accept the ECA variable rate proposal for electric supply and fixed rate proposal for RECs; and WHEREAS, the Town board budgeted for the increased costs of purchasing RECs, estimated at $4500 per year, in the 2022 budget; and WHEREAS, the action to purchase RECs for 100% of municipal facility electric purchases brings 500 points in the NYS Clean Energy Community Leadership Program, qualifies the Town for a $10,000 grant for more Clean Energy Actions, and puts Dryden at the numbe r one position in CEC actions in the Southern Tier region; now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Dryden Town Board approves the contract with TB 2-17-22 Page 5 of 9 Energy Cooperative of America (ECA) to provide electric supply at the variable rate, to supply the town’s electricity needs that are not met by its solar installations, along with Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) for 100% of the supply. SEQR for Rail Trial Pedestrian Bridge – In 2016 the town did a SEQR for the rail trail project anticipating the resurfacing, trail head work, lots and work normally associated with this type of project. No SEQR was done large projects such as the Route 13 crossing because details and design were unknown. We are now ready to do the SEQR. NYSDOT has declined lead agency status, but did make some comments and those are reflected in the documents being reviewed tonight. The board reviewed parts 1, 2 and 3. Water sewer will be reconfigured to accommodate the project. Acquisition of private land done by DOT is .16 acres of residential property. The completed SEQR form and related documents are posted on the website. 2nd Supv Leifer Roll Call Vote Cl Sparling Yes Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Skaley Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes RESOLUTION #53 (2022) – Lead Agency Designation and Negative Declaration of Environmental Significance – Dryden Rail Trail Phase 2 Project -Route 13 Pedestrian Bridge Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: WHEREAS, A. The proposed action involves the construction of a pedestrian bridge to carry the Dryden Rail Trail over State Route 13 in the Town of Dryden. This involves a 110 foot steel bridge with ADA-compliant ramps and trail approaches on each side of the highway connecting to Monkey Run Road and Hallwoods Road. The project carries a Federal Project Identification Number 3950.71, and B. The proposed project, is an unlisted action pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”), 6 NYCRR Part 617, and C. A Full Environmental Assessment Form, Part 1 was submitted, along with a Design Report, and D. The Town Board, on January 20, 2022, declared itself lead agency for the project. The Town Planning Department, on behalf of the Town Board, contacted potential involved agencies on January 25, 2022, and they agreed to the Town of Dryden Town Board serving as Lead Agency on this matter, and E. The Town Board has reviewed the Full Environmental Assessment Form Part 1, revised and dated 2-17-22, and Parts 2 and 3, prepared by town’s Planning staff. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS: 1. The Town of Dryden Town Board hereby reaffirms itself as lead agency to coordinate the environmental review of the proposed actions, as described above, and TB 2-17-22 Page 6 of 9 2. The Town Board of the Town of Dryden, based upon (i) its thorough review of the EAF, Part 1 and 2, and any and all other documents prepared and submitted with respect to this proposed action and future construction activities, and its environmental review, (ii) its thorough review of the potential relevant areas of environmental concern to determine if the proposed action may have a significant adverse impact on the environment, including the criteria identified in 6 NYCRR §617.7(c), and (iii) its review of the EAF, Part 3, including the reasons noted thereon (which reasons are incorporated herein as if set forth at length), hereby makes a negative determination of environmental significance (“Negative Declaration”) in accordance with SEQR for the above referenced proposed action, and determines that an Environmental Impact Statement will not be required, and 3. The Responsible Officer of the Town Board of the Town of Dryden is hereby authorized and directed to complete and sign as required the determination of significance, confirming the foregoing Negative Declaration, which fully completed and signed EAF and determination of significance shall be incorporated by reference in this Resolution. 2nd Cl Lamb Roll Call Vote Cl Sparling Yes Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Skaley Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes ADVISORY BOARD UPDATES Planning Board – They have been continuously improving the draft comp plan and have had some great input. Edits are being integrated and the Planning Board expects to host a public hearing next month. They will process comments and make revisions, then submit the plan to the Town Board for a public hearing. County Planning will conduct a review. (They are now doing an informal review.) The Town Board will consider any comments by the county in their 239 review. The Town Board may choose to make some changes based on public comment. It has been an open process and is coming together nicely. Conservation Board – The first meeting of the year brought up a variety of topics in order to hash out what their focus should be for 2022. Among the topics advocated were stormwater enforcement, stream and buffer protection, water quality, ditching and seeding, and easement monitoring. Recreation & Youth Commission - Recreation Dept. Update Dryden School District has approved the use of its facilities for summer camp. However, this all hinges on the recommendation of the Tompkins County Health Department. Recreation is currently seeking people with knowledge of track to advise/coach the sport during the summer. Rural Youth Services Cornell Cooperative Extension gave a COLA increase of 3% to all of its employees. It also passed new budgets that resulted in more money for its departments, including Rural Youth Services. TB 2-17-22 Page 7 of 9 Tompkins Co. Youth Services The priorities of Tompkins Co. Youth Services for this year include: runaway and homeless youth; the Municipal Youth Services System; and data collection, presentation, and research. Agriculture Advisory Committee – There was only one item on the last Ag agenda, and that was discussion around whether committee members should suggest adding support for regenerative agriculture to the Comprehensive Plan. As they felt they should not endorse any specific practice or enterprise, but support all types of agriculture and approaches, the Ag Committee resolved to oppose adding such practices to the Comprehensive Plan. (The general sense is that by "oppose," they mean "not actively support" / "not weigh in collectively with an opinion, however their personal feelin gs may be.") Climate Smart Communities Task Force - Almost all of the meeting was devoted to updating the committee on the RFP responses to 100% renewable energy for municipal buildings, the product of which was presented earlier tonight. Rail Trail Task Force – They have not met since the last town board meeting. They d id meet with the Game Farm Road team and that was productive in bringing together the Town of Ithaca and the county. They talked about advancing the study being done with the Town of Ithaca. It is agreed that we want to get parking off Game Farm Road and direct the parking to Stevenson Road and the little access road for the rail trail. There is a one-month time frame to complete the study. NYSDOT is not approving a speed limit change. The study will address mitigations for traffic travelling up to 55 mph and signage and safety measures necessary for an at-grade crossing. Cornell Ag and DEC are swapping two pieces of land at Stevenson Road near the crossing. This has been in the works for a long time, and is stuck somewhere in Albany with DEC. DEC and Cornell are in favor of the swap, but we can’t get approval for an off-road parking lot on Stevenson Road until the swap is completed. Todd Bitner has been communicating with Cornell University Real Estate Department and they will be helpful in getting this in place as soon as possible. We need to have a drive-in parking lot east of the compost driveway and a short path to the compost road . RTTF would like to place a kiosk at that point. This would provide safe, adequate parking for future needs and likely be the best answer for parking since there will be no parking on Game Farm Road. R Young recommended ordering anticipated flashing lights or equipment soon because of the current difficulties in companies being able to deliver in a timely fashion. Safety & Preparedness Committee – Elly Cramer chaired the February 7 meeting as chair Sarah Ericksen was absent. No reported Swift911 Borger this month and upgrades are to be done in March. On disaster preparedness information dissemination, Elly informed she started a SPC resources page, and added links sent by Geoff Dunn, Community Preparedness Coordinator of Tompkins County. She also ordered FEMA pamphlets for review. You can see the resource page at google.com/view/drydenspc/resources. TB 2-17-22 Page 8 of 9 Freeville and Mclean Fire Depts. were contacted to be added to the Shelters spreadsheet. Bethel Grove will also be contacted soon. Meeting with Tompkins County Preparedness group to learn and develop coordination with other agencies in the County: Geoff Dunn, Community preparedness Coordinator Mike Stitley, Director of Emergency Response, and Pat Mason, Public Health Preparedness Coordinator In preparation to the meeting, Elly asked Geoff about adding Swift911 link to Town of Dryden website. The request was sent to Cassy and the Clerk’s office. Also, Tompkins County shared online and handout resources and we were offered to pick up more if desired. They received a Red Cross shelter list from Geoff and Pat (Red Cross) A lengthy conversation followed on CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). Intention for some SPC members to become CERT training certified, but after developing a needs assessment tool by interviewing first responders and stakeholders to adjust the CERT training to their needs. Broadband Committee – Will meet tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. They met this week with representatives of the Village of Dryden and made headway on the easement and will be finalizing it in the next month. The system will cover the cost of DSNY and any disturbances to the rights-of-way. Tomorrow the committee will discuss moving forward and the need to inform owners of work using the existing utility easement. The website will have more content added. There was an article in Tompkins Weekly on the project and the discussion with the mayors of the villages. Information is being shared on the Freeville list serve. Cl Lamb reported he was contacted by a representative of Senator Schumer’s office about the project. They are impressed and reminded him that we may be able to apply for an earmark next year for additional funding because it is in line with what the Senator is supporting. CITIZENS PRIVILEGE None NEW BUSINESS Cl Lamb reported that he and Ray Burger got to the bottom of the Solar Farms NY crediting issue that some residents have experienced. The town specifically worked out a deal where signups would get a 10% discount. In a change of billing that occurred over the last year where NYSEG is consolidating the billing process, they were not attributing the credits accurately. The good news is that none of that money has been lost, but is being tracked and residents are getting credited as NYSEG figures it out. If residents haven’t already seen that credit, they will shortly. Residents are still eligible for the 10% when they sign up, and there is room for more customers to sign up and save money. Additionally, the $100 donation offer still stands for non-profits. All customers of NYSEG are eligible whether they rent or own. TB 2-17-22 Page 9 of 9 The board moved into executive session at 7:11 p.m. to discuss the employment history of particular individuals. No action was taken, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Bambi L. Avery Town Clerk