HomeMy WebLinkAbout3-18-2022
TOWN OF GROTON – MINUTES OF TOWN BOARD SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING
FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2022 AT 7:00 PM
Town Officers Present: Town Officers Absent: Also Present:
Donald F. Scheffler, Supervisor Richard Gamel, Councilperson
Brian Klumpp, Councilperson Sheldon C. Clark, Councilperson
Crystal Young, Councilperson
Robin Cargian, Town Clerk
The meeting opened at 7:30pm
APPOINT TOWN JUSTICE TO FILL VACANCY, Supervisor Scheffler reprised those
present that the meeting was called before the regular board meeting as the Town Board has the
option to fill a vacancy left by John Norman. Having been actively looking for someone knowing
the time frame to do so was limited for a few reasons. The Unified Court System starts their
required training in early April and only offers the training twice a year. If appointed after they
would not be able to sit the bench. The person appointed is also required to run for the office in
the coming November election. Due to covid, the time frames to complete this have changed.
The required petitions would have to be filled out with the board of elections very soon. An
individual has now shown interest in the position.
RESOLUTION #22-027‐ APPOINT RANDY JACKSON AS SECOND TOWN JUSTICE
TO FILL VACANCY
MOVED by Supervisor Scheffler, seconded by Councilperson Young
WHEREAS, there exists a vacant elected position for Town Justice in the Town of Groton and,
WHEREAS, the Town Board has the authority to and desires to fill this position,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Groton hereby
appoints Randy Jackson to the position of town justice vacated by John Norman. Said appointment
will commence on March 21, 2022 and conclude on December 31, 2022 with the salary set at
$17,000 per year prorated from the appointment date and paid biweekly.
Ayes -, Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Resolution Passed
Nays -
Voucher 76 Special Franchise Tax due to Tompkins County Finance, Supervisor Scheffler-
At the last board meeting it was resolved to approve all vouchers presented before the board but
to hold off on voucher 76 from the B fund in the amount of $12,728.85 until the board had
clarification from Jay Franklin (from Tompkins County Assessment) as to why it was this
amount from Charter Communications or Time Warner.
Town Clerk, Robin Cargian- I sent the question to Jay and he replied in an email which I
forwarded, and you all received. There are special franchises that have equipment within the
Town right-of-ways, which pay fees to the Town in exchange for the Town paying the tax bill.
Other franchises such as NYSEG or Verizon are considered a public utility and pay taxes
directly to the finance department. Jay stated there was a dramatic jump of assessment to Time
Warner by 618%, more than likely due to laying new fiberoptic but the State does not share the
Town Board Minutes Page 2 March 18, 2022
formula as they are ones who sets the rate to begin with. The assessment department has no
control or input to this result. In regards to this payment and what I have to do, this one is
holding up many more. Once the payment is made by the Town, I can go ahead and mark all the
other franchises that are being paid by the finance department.
Councilperson Young – noted in the emailed explanation how the cost had been covered over
the last few years but we didn’t have to pay as much.
Supervisor Scheffler agreed this was a wake-up call for budgeting in the coming year.
MOVED by Councilperson Young, seconded by Councilperson Klumpp
RESOLVED, that the Town Board move forward with the payment to the Tompkins County
Finance Department for voucher 76 in the amount of $12,728.85 covering the amount requested
for Charter Communications.
Ayes - Klumpp, Gamel, Scheffler Motion Passed
Nays -
There being no further business, Councilperson Klumpp moved to adjourn, seconded by
Councilperson Young, at 7:45 pm. Unanimous.
Robin Cargian, RMC
Town Clerk/Tax Collector