HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-11-03TB 11-3-22
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TOWN OF DRYDEN
TOWN BOARD MEETING
AND BUDGET HEARING
November 3, 2022
Zoom Hybrid
Present: Supervisor Jason Leifer, Cl Daniel Lamb, Cl James Skaley (via
Zoom), Cl Leonardo Vargas-Mendez
Absent: Cl Loren Sparling
Elected Officials: Bambi L. Avery, Town Clerk
Jules Ravo, Town Justice
Christopher Clauson, Town Justice
Other Town Staff: Cassie Byrnes, Secretary to Supervisor
Amanda Anderson, Bookkeeper
Deborah Gallagher, Senior Court Clerk
Nicole Knapp, Court Clerk
Supv Leifer opened the meeting at 6:10 p.m.
A resolution has been presented for consideration in support of operation green light for
veterans.
RESOLUTION #167 (2022) - Support for Operation Green Light for Active Military Service
Members in Transition to Civilian Life (Veteran Status)
Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
Whereas, the residents of the Town of Dryden have great respect, admiration, and the utmost
gratitude for all of the men and women who have selflessly served their country and this
community in the Armed Forces; and
Whereas, the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women that served in the Armed
Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and
Whereas, the Town seeks to honor these individuals who have paid the high price for freedom
by placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all; and
Whereas, New York States Veteran Population has decreased by 44% over the last 20 years;
and
Whereas, Veterans continue to serve their community in the American Legion, Veterans of
Foreign Wars, church groups, civil service; and
Whereas, approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian communities annually;
and
Whereas, an estimated 20% increase of service members will transition to civilian life in the
near future; and
Whereas, studies indicate that 44% to 72% of service members experience high levels of stress
during transition from military to civilian life; and
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Whereas, Active Military Service Members transitioning from military service are at a high risk
for suicide during their first year after military service; and
Whereas, the Town appreciates the sacrifices our United State Military Personnel made while
defending freedom and believes specific recognition should be accorded them in appreciation of
their service and to demonstrate the honor and support they have earned; now, therefore be it
Resolved, with designation as a Green Light for Military Service Town, the Town of Dryden
hereby declares from November 6th through Veterans Day, November 11th 2022, a time to
salute and honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform transitioning from
Active Service; and be it further
Resolved, that in observance of Operation Green Light, the Town encourages its citizens in
patriotic tradition to recognize the importance of honoring all those who the immeasurable
sacrifices helped to preserve freedom by displaying a green light in a window of their place of
business or residence.
2nd Cl Vargas-Mendez
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes
Cl Skaley Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
Supv Leifer Yes
PUBLIC HEARINGS
PRELIMINARY BUDGET
SPECIAL DISTRICTS BUDGET
FIRE PROTECTION CONTRACTS
AMBULANCE CONTRACTS
Supv Leifer opened the hearings simultaneously at 6:15 p.m.
Jules Ravo, Dryden Town Justice, asked the board to consider raising the salaries for
clerks in their department to a point where we can retain experienced clerks for a period of
time and recruit new hires at a reasonable salary. He explained his position saying, among
other things, that Dryden is the busiest court in Tompkins County and the clerk salaries here
lag behind that of other similar courts. The cost of living has risen significantly. He suggested
that the contractual line in their budget could be cut by $5,000.
Ron Senecal, former Deputy Highway Superintendent, said his wife had taken the
position of court clerk for the town and found it to be a very difficult job. She was overwhelmed
and did not stay in the position because it was too stressful.
He understands that the Teamsters contract was finalized, and Highway Department
employees will be a $5-6 per hour increase. While he is happy for the employees, he is
concerned with the effect on taxes. The town could do a lot of things to save money in certain
ways. For instance, $200,000 has been spent on the HVAC in the last two years on a building
that was supposed to be super-efficient. That’s a lot of taxpayer money and it still isn’t right
from what he understands.
It took him ten years as the deputy to increase his salary by a total of $9,500. A new
guy coming in with zero highway experience and without a CDL is getting his former salary and
appears to be getting another 10% increase. R Senecal had to have a CDL before he was hired
and was required to maintain it. Something isn’t right.
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Some of the things that go on here need to be investigated a bit more. He is concerned
with what taxes will be like for residents in January, but good for the highway guys.
A Anderson said last year’s tax rate was 5.1906 per thousand. The budget as presented
will result in a rate of 5.398. That will result in a tax increase of about $40 on a median
assessed home. Cl Lamb said that is not a massive spike in the tax rate.
Jules Ravo said he lives on West Dryden Road and since the town took over the snow
removal on West Dryden Road, the improvement is absolutely amazing.
Cl Vargas-Mendez said the Affordable Housing Committee would like $10,000 budgeted
in contractual to hire someone to do research on funding opportunities and recommend
optimal ones for the town to work on. Martha Robertson said that would be seed money to
bring a lot more money in. The recent county program won’t open again until April. There is a
lot of federal and state grant money coming in. CDBG funds are available and for a few
thousand you can get $400,000. The county budget includes funding for two years for a
consultant to do a broad range of work on grant possibilities. There is a need for the
committee to move quickly on available opportunities.
There will be no vote on the budget tonight, any changes made will be done by
resolution when the vote is taken.
There being no further business, on motion made, seconded, and unanimously carried,
the meeting was adjourned 7:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bambi L. Avery
Town Clerk