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Home My WebLink About2022-07-14TB 7-14-22 Page 1 of 8 TOWN OF DRYDEN TOWN BOARD MEETING July 14, 2022 Zoom Hybrid Present: Supervisor Jason Leifer, Cl Daniel Lamb, Cl Loren Sparling, Cl Leonardo Vargas-Mendez Absent: Cl James Skaley 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. RESOLUTION #111 (2022) – APPROVE ABSTRACT #7 Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby approves Abstract #7, as audited, general vouchers #512 through #625 ($905,639.14) and TA vouchers #30 through #33 ($5,654.11), totaling $911,293.25. 2nd Cl Lamb Roll Call Vote Cl Sparling Yes Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes PUBLIC HEARING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT APPLICATION BROADBAND PROJECT Supv Leifer opened the public hearing at 6:04 p.m. and displayed the slides provided by the town’s consultant (attached). The town is applying for funding to help build the Varna section of the Dryden Fiber Project. The first step is to hold a public hearing to allow the town to apply. The town is applying for $300,000 toward the broadband improvements in the hamlet of Varna. The consultant utilized the results of the income survey used for the water and sewer projects in Varna. This is yet another grant for the town to draw from and the town has to match what is received, so we would receive $300,000 in funding and have to match that. The grant received from the Appalachian Regional Commission money will go toward the backbone, so this funding would go toward the fiber off the backbone to serve Varna. The application is due July 29. A successful application will help serve Varna sooner. A second public hearing is required later in the process. There were no comments from public. The hearing was left open. COUNTY UPDATE TB 7-14-22 Page 2 of 8 Mike Lane announced the county has filled two positions under the County Administrator. Bridget Nugent will be one of the deputy county administrators. Norma Jayne will be the budget director. . The Etna bridge is under construction. It will be a new two-lane bridge across Fall Creek in the hamlet of Etna. The county is beginning budget work. Over the summer, the County Administrator brings together her proposed budget for consideration by the legislature. She starts by meeting with department heads and looking at their proposed budgets and wish lists. The legislature is very interested in things like green initiatives and sustainability, electric vehicles and those kinds of things. The facilities committee has been discussing the properties the county owns in the 400 block of Tioga Street in Ithaca. There was a vote in committee to deconstruct the old dental building. The cost of converting that to serviceable office space because of the change of use would have cost over two million dollars. The cost to deconstruct is about $150,000.00 The other property (red house at 405 N Tioga) is a historic house and it would be very expensive to convert that to offices. The committee will discuss f urther. The airport is still functioning as best it can. They are about to lose flights from American. The Human Services Building on State Street has been a cause of concern because of the number of violent incidents (mostly outside the building) that have alarmed the employees and the clients visiting the buildings. The County Administrator is recommending installing a magnetometer to make sure no one entering has a weapon and hiring deputies to provide security in the building. There have been shootings and knifings on State Street and they are a large concern. The recovery act community grant program was delayed by a change in the regulations at the federal level and legal opinions about how the funding could be used. The county found out that they are more restricted by the way they chose to use the funding, so they have reversed their decision to use those federal funds as an income reduction, freeing up money in capital reserves to use for the program. The revised regulations at federal level are less onerous than what they thought they would be, so they will now use the federal money for the grant program. They expect the program to launch in the near future. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS Etna Cemetery Association - The board has received a request for assistance from Etna Cemetery (attached). Cynthia Marquis, President of Etna Cemetery Association, said the cemetery was established in 1853. They have been working closely with the Division of Cemeteries to identify monuments that are leaning and need repair. They have met with people who do monument restorations and have the necessary criteria for them to submit a proposal for repair. The State will fund and oversee the repairs. Mowing is difficult due to sunken graves and uneven terrain. They would like topsoil to fill areas as necessary, seed, and fertilizer. They have six people on the board and a couple of volunteers to help with mowing and weeding. They would like to continue to keep the cemetery in good working order, but it is more than they can manage with little funds and no grave sites to be sold. They met with a local landscaper to rough out those costs. TB 7-14-22 Page 3 of 8 C Marquis met with Supervisor Leifer and Highway Superintendent Rick Young and discussed what the town could do to help. They would like help getting the graves level so they can continue the mowing, repair the driveway, and trim up the trees, so that when the repairs are being made to the monuments they can readily access the stones. Those are immediate needs. The fence surrounding the cemetery needs repair. Some trees have fallen on the fence and portions are missing. She will meet with R Young on Tuesday to look the site over. They would like help so they can continue to care for the cemetery until they run out of volunteers. It would then be in better shape if and when the town needs to take it over. There are five lots that have been purchased and not filled (to the best of their knowledge). There are some records, but they are incomplete. There are 124 monuments there with about a dozen that have fallen over. They did raise enough money to pay for materials for a new sign and someone donated their time to create it. R Young said the town could help them keep going until they no longer function. The board agrees it would be a good thing for the town to help. Dryden Fiber purchases - Supv Leifer said the town has an opportunity to purchase a used equipment cabinet/shelter for the broadband project for a total cost, with shipping and installation, of $29,995.00. Netegrity has located a refurbished router for $8,500.00. RESOLUTION #112 (2022) – APPROVE PURCHASE OF CABINET FOR DRYDEN FIBER Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: Whereas, Dryden Fiber needs to purchase a fibrebond concrete shelter, and Whereas, our consultant with Hunt Engineers was able to find a used shelter at a lower cost and available at this time from Tower Direct, Therefore, be it resolved that this Town Board hereby approves the purchase of a fibrebond concrete shelter for $29,995.00 which includes shipping and use of a crane for installation. 2nd Cl Vargas-Mendez Roll Call Vote Cl Sparling Yes Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes RESOLUTION #113 (2022) – APPROVE PURCHASE OF CISCO ROUTER FOR DRYDEN FIBER Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: Whereas, Dryden Fiber needs to purchase a refurbished Cisco Router and installation for the router, Therefore, be it resolved, that this Town Board hereby approves the purchase of refurbished Cisco Router with installation for $8,500.00. 2nd Cl Lamb TB 7-14-22 Page 4 of 8 Roll Call Vote Cl Sparling Yes Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes Hunt Phase 2 Agreement - The agreement with Hunt Engineers previously approved contained incorrect dates. Those have been corrected in the new document. The previous resolution will be rescinded and a new one adopted. Resolution #114 (2022) Rescinding Resolution #98 of 2022, adopted on May 19, 2022 Authorizing Agreement with Hunt Engineers Whereas, at a regular meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Dryden, held on May 19, 2022, the Town Board adopted the following resolution: Resolution #98 of 2022 which approved an agreement dated May 18, 2022 with Hunt Engineers for consulting and design service for Phase 2 of the Town’s Fiber to the Home deployment and authorized the Town Supervisor to execute, and Whereas, after this resolution was approved, it was discovered that the dates (January 2022 to January 2023) on the approved agreement were incorrect. The work covered by this agreement has already been completed, now, therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the town of Dryden hereby rescinds resolution #98 of 2022, effective immediately. 2nd Cl Lamb Roll Call Vote Cl Sparling Yes Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes Resolution #115 (2022) Authorizing Agreement with Hunt Engineers Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: Whereas, the Town Board has rescinded a prior agreement with Hunt Engineers due to incorrect information, and Whereas, the updated and current agreement dated June 22, 2022 reflects the correct term of May 1, 2021 to June 1, 2022, now, therefore be it RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby approves an agreement dated June 22, 2022 with Hunt Engineers for consulting and design services for phase 2 of the Town’s Fiber to the Home deployment, and authorizes the Town Supervisor to execute the same. 2nd Cl Lamb Roll Call Vote Cl Sparling Yes Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes Schedule Public Hearings for Unsafe Structures – There are properties at 28 Leisure Lane and 1892 Slaterville Road that are dilapidated, and the Planning Department has deemed TB 7-14-22 Page 5 of 8 them unsafe. The owners have been issued notices of violation. Board members have received memorandums on each property. The action tonight is to set a public hearing on the matters. RESOLUTION #116 (2022) – SCHEDULE PUBLIC HEARING – 28 LEISURE LANE Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: WHEREAS, on July 13, 2021, the Town Code Enforcement Officer posted the structure located at 28 Leisure Lane against occupancy as an unsafe structure ; and WHEREAS, pursuant to a Memorandum dated June 3, 2022, the Town of Dryden Code Enforcement Office reported its findings and recommendations for repair or demolition of the structure to the Town Board; and WHEREAS, the Town Board has considered such report, and has decided to proceed under Chapter 118-15(F) of the Town Code concerning the repair or demolition of unsafe structures within the Town; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that in accordance with Chapter 118 of the Town Code, the Town Board will hold a Public Hearing on August 18, 2022, at 6:05 p.m. to solicit public input on the issue concerning whether the structure at 28 Leisure Lane can safely be repaired, and whether it should order the property owner to repair or demolish and remove the structure; and be it further RESOLVED that notice of this public hearing shall be served personally on the record owner of 28 Leisure Lane and its legal counsel, if known, at least 10 days before the date of the hearing; and be it further RESOLVED that the Town Clerk is authorized to take such additional and further action as is necessary to notice the Public Hearing as noted herein; and be it further RESOLVED that this resolution will take effect immediately. 2nd Cl Lamb Roll Call Vote Cl Sparling Yes Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes RESOLUTION #117 – SCHEDULE PUBLIC HEARING – 1892 SLATERVILLE ROAD Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: WHEREAS, on April 11, 2021, the Town Code Enforcement Officer posted the structure located at 1892 Slaterville Road against occupancy as an unsafe structure; and WHEREAS, pursuant to a Memorandum dated June 16, 2022, the Town of Dryden Code Enforcement Office reported its findings and recommendations for repair or demolition of the structure to the Town Board; and WHEREAS, the Town Board has considered such report, and has decided to proceed under Chapter 118-15(F) of the Town Code concerning the repair or demolition of unsafe structures within the Town; TB 7-14-22 Page 6 of 8 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that in accordance with Chapter 118 of the Town Code, the Town Board will hold a Public Hearing on August 18, 2022, at 6:10 p.m. to solicit public input on the issue concerning whether the structure at 1892 Slaterville Road can safely be repaired, and whether it should order the property owner to repair or demolish and remove the structure; and be it further RESOLVED that notice of this public hearing shall be served personally on the record owner of 1892 Slaterville Road and its legal counsel, if known, at least 10 days before the date of the hearing; and be it further RESOLVED that the Town Clerk is authorized to take such additional and further action as is necessary to notice the Public Hearing as noted herein; and be it further RESOLVED that this resolution will take effect immediately. 2nd Cl Lamb Roll Call Vote Cl Sparling Yes Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes Planning Board Recommended Changes to Sign Law – The Planning Board has passed a resolution recommending that the Town Board modify the town’s sign ordinance to allow existing, non-conforming billboard signs to be replaced with electronic signs. John Kiefer explained there are a couple of billboards owned by Park Outdoor in the area of the proposed rail trail bridge on Route 13. Park Outdoor representative, Paul Simonet, gave the Planning Board a presentation on electronic signs. Electronic signs are regulated by NYS Department of Transportation and they talked about what they could be used for. Park Outdoor is very interested in replacing their conventional billboard signs with electronic signs. The Planning Board had a lengthy discussion and passed the resolution referred to by a 4 -3 vote. The people who voted against contributed good ideas, but felt that electronic signs were inappropriate for Dryden. The resolution is very narrow in scope and allows owners of exis ting non-conforming billboards to replace them with electronic signage. The owner would have to remove four signs in order to ask permission to install one electronic sign and they would only be allowed in commercial/industrial zones. Comments: • A reduction in the number of billboards is a good thing. • Billboards in general are intrusive, so a reduction is good. • An LED billboard is more noticeable than less bright, conventional billboards. • Park Outdoor has been provided with the Planning Board’s resoluti on. • This amendment would not allow these LED billboards by right. They would need special use permit approval. • NYS DOT limits the frequency of the changing messages, among other things. The town could be more specific. • The town could, in the application process, secure time for town-sponsored content. R Burger will draft something and ask the town attorney to look into it. There were no further comments on the CDBG public hearing and Supv Leifer closed the hearing at 7:09 p.m. The board authorized preparation of an application by the following resolution: TB 7-14-22 Page 7 of 8 RESOLUTION #118 (2022) – WITH REFERENCE TO THE PROPOSED TOWN OF DRYDEN, TOMPKINS COUNTY, NEW YORK, HAMLET OF VARNA BROADBAND IMPROVEMENTS Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: WHEREAS, a public information meeting was held on July 14, 2022, for the purpose of identification of community development needs and announcement of the opportunity to apply for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds: and WHEREAS, the Town of Dryden engaged qualified engineering to complete an engineering report for the development of Broadband in the Hamlet of Varna. The report identifies the proposed infrastructure improvements and the projected costs for residents of the district: and WHEREAS, affordability for Town residents and property owners is a significant concern in advancement of the proposed project: and WHEREAS, the Town is eligible for CDBG funding based on the results o f an income survey and must submitted a competitive application to obtain CDBG funding. NOW, THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED as follows: 1. The Town Board authorizes Municipal Solutions to prepare an application for Community Development Block Grant funds from the NYS Office for Community Renewal. 2. The Town Board authorizes Supervisor Jason Leifer to execute the application for Community Development Block Grant funds from the NYS Office for Community Renewal. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately. 2nd Cl Lamb Roll Call Vote Cl Sparling Yes Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes Cl Lamb Yes Supv Leifer Yes Next week the board will continue the public hearings on videoconferencing for public bodies and the comprehensive plan amendment that were left open tonight. Town meetings will continue in the hybrid format. R Burger will have items related to the boiler replacement at the Ithaca Area Waste Water Treatment Facility for next week. The Design Connect group is active again at Cornell University. R Burger said the town could expect a couple of proposals to move forward with. The fiscal piece is that each funded project is required to provide a $500 stipend (requires board action). The board will need to decide on proposals next week and we can put in a couple of applications. Cl Lamb suggested a proposal for a design of a trail from TC3 to the village. Cl Lamb and Cl Sparling have edits to the comp plan. CL Lamb rewrote the broadband page and there were some errors on the budget page. TB 7-14-22 Page 8 of 8 Cl Lamb reported that the town has been notified that the Game Farm Road speed limit was reduced to 45 mph. This may help the county approve the proposed crossing plan. Freese Road Bridge – CL Lamb said Federal Highway wants to know our preference on what to do with the old bridge. When the board last met, everyone agreed that the best thing to do with it is to have the outfit in Indiana take possession of it, restore it and have it placed somewhere else. It is the least costly alternative. Federal Highway may not agree to that. But the town’s first priority is to have it removed and we would put in a new single-lane steel girder, truss style bridge. That would honor our commitment to the Varna community and to the NYS DOT that we agreed to the lighted signal traffic stops. The next option would be if Federal Highway does not agree to allow the bridge to leave the area, then we could try to place both spans at the first washout on the rail trail (the NYSEG washout). We would have to pay to restore the elements of the bridge that go to the trail and seek additional money (estimated at $200,000 to repair it appropriately and be sure it is sturdy enough for vehicles to cross). That would be kind of nice and make people happy to see it there. BridgeNY funding likely cannot be used for that. The board agrees on these two priorities. Jim Skaley supports this, as well as David Weinstein. If we can find the money to restore it and have it on the rail trail, that would be great. It may need to be stored until money to restore it is secured. Barton & Loguidice will pass the town’s position on to Federal Highway. Design Connect – The Planning Board has suggested an application for the Design Connect team to look at the North Street corridor north of the Village and come up with a plan to rehab and revitalize the area. Craig Anderson said the affordable housing committee is already looking at the 40 acres off Mott Road. NYS DOT owns the site next to Dryden Mutual and that will be going up for auction and could be another potential site for housing. The comp plan directs growth to the village and the updated plan extends all the w ay up North Road for more housing and commercial development. Design Connect could look at the area and its possible use for housing and growth. This would help the village and the service businesses in it. John Kiefer said he thinks this is a good fit for Design Connect. They could talk with the village about extension of municipal systems, could look at pedestrian and vehicular circulation. They could look at the zoning and comment on whether it is adequate or whether it is limiting for the goals in the comprehensive plan. The comp plan specifically recommends making it easier for developers to work in the existing population centers. Design Connect can choose more than one project from the town and the town would pay $500 per project chosen. Feeder trails have been talked about and C Anderson said a lot of those will happen by businesses wanting them. For example, Hopshire has already negotiated with a property owner across the street for a trail coming through the school property. The Town Board agreed to pay the associated fee for up to three successful applications and can vote on it next week. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Bambi L. Avery Town Clerk ________ __, 2022 Town of Dryden Community Development Block Grant Public Hearing Purpose of Tonight’s Meeting Community Development Block Grant Program Announce application opportunity Discuss potential projects Enable Public Participation and Input Meet application process requirements Listen and Acknowledge Public Input 2022 Community Development Block Grants Federal $$$$ Budgeted Through US Housing And Urban Development Administered In NYS Through the Office of Community Renewal (OCR) under direction of the Housing Trust Fund Corporation (HTFC) HUD CDBG Program Objective The program’s primary objective is: “the development of viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment; by expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income (LMI).” Eligibility Criteria NYS must ensure that no less than 70% of its CDBG funds are used for activities that benefit low-and moderate-income persons Low -& moderate-income persons are defined as a member of a household whose income is less than 80% of the area median income for the household size. To demonstrate compliance at least 51% of the project beneficiaries must qualify as low &/or moderate income. Median Income –Tompkins County Tompkins County Median Income is $100,300 Low -& Moderate-Income (LMI) Persons (80% or less of County Median Income) = $80,150 To demonstrate compliance, at least 51% of the project beneficiaries must qualify as low &/or moderate income. An Income Survey or Census Data may be used to demonstrate eligibility. The Town completed an income survey in 2021 that qualifies the Town to seek CDBG funding for this district. Grant Amounts Available Under CDBG Annual Competitive Round Counties, Towns, Cities or Villages Maximum Public Facilities $ 300,000 Public Infrastructure (water/sewer only & no co-funding) $1,000,000 Public Infrastructure with co-funding in place $1,250,000 Planning $ 50,000 Joint Applications Public Infrastructure (water/sewer only & no co-funding) $1,500,000 Public Infrastructure with Co-funding in place $1,750,000 CDBG Funding –2022 Round $20 Million Available Competitive Rounds Through CFA Portal Funding Opportunities: Public Infrastructure - Drinking Water, Clean Water/Storm Water, Public Works Repair/Replace existing systems, construct new water or sewers systems Expand existing water or sewer systems into previously unserved areas Stand alone public works components (streets, parking, open space, publicly owned utilities) Note: Funding for stand alone residential water/sewer lateral connections is not available as part of the CFA –would be funded under the Housing Funding Category. CDBG Funding –2022 Round Public Facilities Construction or renovation of public facilities Structures to Service/House Special-Needs Populations Structures to Service/House Senior Services or Child Care Removal of Architectural Barriers to Improve Handicap Access (existing building only) Cannot fund buildings used primarily for the general conduct of government business CDBG Funding –2022 Round Public Infrastructure Public or Private Water Source Development Water Storage & Distribution Sanitary Sewer Treatment & Collection Flood Control & Storm Water Drainage Municipal Utilities CDBG Funding –2022 Round Community Planning Community Needs Assessments May focus on one or more of the following: o Public Infrastructure o Public Facilities o Housing &/or Economic Development Preliminary Engineering Report Development Goal is to help initiate a planning process that will result in follow-up implementation plans to address the critical infrastructure needs outlined in the report. Community Development Funding – Non-CFA Open Round Funding Applications on-going Economic Development Assistance to businesses for activities to attract, expand or retain business and jobs for low- moderate income individuals 51% of all jobs created mut be held by or made available to low-and moderate-income persons Award Up to $15,000 per job, maximum CDBG award $750,000 Small Business Assistance Same purpose as above but for businesses with 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees Minimum CDBG Assistance $25,000, Maximum CDBG Assistance $100,000 Up to 40% of the total project cost. Microenterprise Same purpose as above but for businesses with 5 or fewer full-time equivalent employees 10% Cash Match required Awards $5,000 to $35,000 per business. Open Rounds funding applications may be submitted on continual basis. Pre-submission form is required & if accepted will have 60 days to apply through the CFA portal. Awards are on a rolling basis. CDBG General Funding Criteria Fundamentals -readiness & ability to complete project Is the project feasible but for (CDGB) investment? Are all necessary components identified and committed? Does the applicant have the necessary experience and team members to successfully complete the investment? Has NEPA & SEQR been completed? Can the project be completed within the 2-year CDBG contract timeframe? Leverage (other funding or local share) Does the investment leverage significant outside resources such as third-party funds, local funds and support? Firm commitment required for projects requesting awards based on co-funding. Outcomes Does the investment produce a transformative or priority outcome? Are there Measures to demonstrate project accomplishments? CDBG Application Process Funding Announced & Applications Due on July 29, 2022 by 4:00 p.m. Technical assistance is available in development of grant proposals up until application deadline or submission of application, which ever is first. Applicants must hold Two public meetings One completed prior to application submission to announce/discuss CDBG availability and solicit input on various application alternatives Second at approximately 75% completion to review the project progress. More Information At: http://hcr.ny.gov/community-development-block-grant Discussion of Potential Project(s) Questions? Etna Cemetery Association, Est. 1853 ℅ Cindy Marquis, President PO Box 243 Etna, NY 13062 (607) 351-1105 Background: The Etna Cemetery is located on Route 366 in the hamlet of Etna, NY. It is slightly over 1 acre in size with a potter’s ﬁeld to the rear and a lower gated entrance on the southwest end, facing the road and next to the entrance to the Finger Lakes Land Trust trail. There are approximately 125 burial lots, most of which have large monuments on them. Current situation: The Etna Cemetery is currently being cared for by a Board of Directors consisting of 4 officers and 4 additional community members. The officers are President: Cindy Marquis; Vice- President Dan Taylor; Treasurer Jim Graney; and Secretary Casey Washburn. Other involved community members include Deb McGraw, Jen Sage, Julia Dawson and Mary Dart Blinn to name a few. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult for us to maintain given the condition of the property. We are currently working with Brendon Stanton at the Division of Cemeteries and have identiﬁed dangerous monuments in need of repair. On June 9, 2022, I (Cindy) met with Dean Clamcey of Clamcey’s Monument Restoration to record and measure the base of the monuments that were approved by the Division of Cemeteries for repair. Another monument repair company, Hills Monuments have also been given the information for their bid. We should be receiving both bids shortly and the repairs should be completed either by late Fall 2022 or early Spring 2023. These repairs will be paid for by New York State. Because our cemetery is so old; we have many graves that have collapsed and eroded soil making it difficult to maintain the grounds. The front tree line, behind the stone wall, consisting of six pin oaks, are in need of trimming and clearing out most of the dead branches. There are other large trees in the cemetery that also need trimming to make room for the overhead clearance that is needed for the monument repairs and to allow for safe mowing and burials. The main entrance needs additional base materials added to make entering the cemetery easier as well. Due to the lack of manpower and ﬁnances available to do the repairs and maintenance of the Etna Cemetery, we, the board, are requesting assistance from the Town of Dryden to help assist with the care and preservation of our cemetery. -2- Our current needs: 1)Top Soil Top soil is needed to ﬁll in the collapsed graves. There are 5 rows of graves in the front portion of the cemetery. By ﬁguring each area needing soil in the ﬁrst 2 rows and estimating an average depth of 6 inches of top soil being needed, we estimate needing 34 yards of topsoil for this project. Additionally, we would need grass seed and straw to cover the area. Additional topsoil will be needed in the future to ﬁll 3 more rows of sunken graves. 2) Tree Trimming In addition to the Pin Oaks described above, there are other trees in the cemetery with low hanging branches that should have those low branches removed for safety. There are also several tall trees in the back and to the south side of the cemetery that are leaning badly and could injure a person or destroy multiple graves should they fall. These should be removed. 3) Entrance repairs Currently there is stone in the driveway though using highway millings could be a low cost solution for improving the entrance area of the cemetery. Our Request: We have not placed a dollar amount on these repairs because we are requesting materials and labor be provided by the Town of Dryden. This will allow the Etna Cemetery Board to continue working with the Division of Cemeteries to maintain the monuments, provide for their repairs, and also mow and trim the cemetery as needed. Etna Cemetery Association, Est. 1853 ℅ Cindy Marquis, President PO Box 243 Etna, NY 13062 (607) 351-1105 Estimated cost for maintenance items: Based on ﬁgures from a local landscape business located in the Town of Dryden: •Mowing and string trimming is $37.45 per 1/4 acre with NO obstacles. We have over 100 obstacles. Estimated cost per time $150. •Top Soil is $42 per yard so we estimate the value needed at $1428.00 • Grass Seed is $100 for a 50# bag. • Straw is $7 per bail • Fertilizer is about $20 per 5000 square feet at Lowe’s • Tree Trimming is $800 for each pin oak. Trimming low branches on other trees and an estimate to remove roughly 3 hanging tall leaning trees in the back is signiﬁcantly more. • The entrance lane would be no charge other than labor if millings are used instead of stone.