HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-08-31-STB TOWN OF ULYSSES
SPECIAL TOWN BOARD MEETING
AUGUST 31, 2010
Present: Supervisor Roxanne Marino; Councilpersons Kevin Romer, Elizabeth Thomas and
Lucia Tyler, Town Clerk Marsha L. Georgia, Deputy Supervisor Sue Poelvoorde.
Absent: Councilperson David Kemess
Ms. Marino opened the meeting at 6:40 p.m.
Ms. Marino moved and read the following resolution into the record:
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING INTERMUNICIPAL CELL TOWER INITIATIVE
WHEREAS, various municipalities in Tompkins County have received applications for
permission to construct cellular communication towers within their borders (and, in some
cases, on municipal property), and some of these applications have elicited substantial
public concern or opposition, and
WHEREAS, at the same time, some municipalities have areas where cell coverage is
desired but it is substandard or absent, and
WHEREAS, to date, each municipality has acted on its own, each with their own local
ordinances regarding cell towers, and sometimes seeking expert consultation to evaluate
an applicant's need or other assertions, and
WHEREAS, recognizing their shared interests and concerns, several municipalities
have decided, through the Tompkins County Council of Governments (TCCOG), to explore
the possible benefits of a more coordinated approach to the issues surrounding cellular
communications . The participating municipalities want to learn what the current status
is of local jurisdiction in this area, and to determine whether some type of
coordinated, Intermunicipal approach could enhance their ability to focus cell tower
siting at the most appropriate and least disruptive locations . In addition, some
participating municipalities may want outside advice on whether their individual
ordinances should be revised and updated, and
WHEREAS , the participating municipalities (nine interested TCCOG members) issued
an RFP for legal services to advise them on these issues in December 2009, and received
four qualified responses, and
WHEREAS , on consideration of these proposals and phone interviews with two of the
applicants , the firm of Silverberg Zalantis, Tarrytown, NY, was selected as the
preferred vendor for this contract for a total of $ 10,250, as follows :
Presentation - $ 750 (flat fee)
Collaboration feasibility - $ 1 , 500 (flat fee)
Ordinance template - $ 3 ,000 (estimate)
Contingency - $ 5 ,000
Total to be divided among municipalities - $ 10,250
and
WHEREAS , in addition, individual municipalities can decide whether to seek an
optional review of their specific ordinance for an estimated $300-$ 500 per municipality, to
be arranged directly with Silverberg Zalantis, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Town of Ulysses recognizes that issues of cellular communications
affect all our residents and visitors, and that the coordinated action of multiple
municipalities is more efficient and effective than separate and disconnected efforts, and
be it further
Special Town Board 2
08/31 /2010
RESOLVED, that the Town of Ulysses desires to participate in this intermunicipal project
to support enhanced cell service with the fewest possible new cell towers at the most
appropriate locations, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Town of Ulysses will contribute up to $ 1 , 500 as a share of this
contract, that share depending in the end upon the number of municipalities that agree to
share the cost, and be it further
RESOLVED , that Tompkins County will serve as fiscal agent to collect municipal
contributions and handle the contract administration, subject to the approval of the
participating municipalities .
Ms . Marino aye
Ms . Thomas aye
Mr. Romer aye
Ms . Tyler (had not arrived)
Adopted
Delta Engineering - Road Use Agreement
The Board previously spoke with Delta Engineering about their proposal to provide
background road engineering studies so that the Town has baseline data and also a road
use agreement .
Ms . Marino discussed with the Board about participating jointly with the Town of
Caroline on doing a RFP to firms to do the engineering study. Ms . Marino provided the
template that Caroline plans to use.
Ms . Marino moved, seconded by Ms . Tyler the following : '
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses pursue doing a joint
RFP with the Town of Caroline for roadway assessment study covering gas drilling
impact.
Ms . Marino aye
Ms . Thomas aye
Mr. Romer aye
Ms. Tyler aye
Adopted
Dog Enumeration and Licensing
Ms . Marino provided updates and information from other Towns about procedures for the
dog enumeration. The Board discussed this and it was decided that Ms . Thomas and Ms .
Georgia will get together and come up with some information to bring back to the Board.
Health Insurance Consortium
Ms . Tyler briefly reported that there may be a delay in the start up with the Health
Insurance Consortium taking over the health insurance .
Procurement Policy
The Town ' s policy is dated 1994 and is in need of updating. Ms. Marino has information
on current limits for competitive bidding and other information. Ms . Marino will make
changes that she is aware of and forward this on to the Board for their review and
changes.
Town Board Retreat
, .
.z
Special Town Board 3
08/31 /2010
The Board has set a date for September 10, 2010, for the retreat to be held at Ms .
Thomas ' s cottage from 10 a. m . to 2 p . m. A facilitator will work with the group for a
portion of the retreat.
Update on Ceiling Issues and Repair
Work needs to be done in the court office, courtroom, copier room and kitchen to update
the suspension system for the ceiling tiles and lights . Mr. Rachun can get a quote for this
work.
Budget 2011
Ms. Marino reviewed the timeline of the budget process . The first budget workshop is
tentatively scheduled for October 5 , 2010.
Ms . Marino reminded the Board that if they wanted to see any changes or additions to
please get the information to her prior to September 20, 2010, . .
Meetings
The Board reviewed the meetings scheduled :
September 10, 2010 Retreat
September 14, 2010 Regular Town Board
September 21 , 2010 Presentation of Conservation Zone
September 28 , 2010 Cancel 2°a Board meeting
October 5 , 2010 Tentative Budget Meeting
October 12 , 2010 Regular Town Board
Voucher #322
The Board discussed not paying this voucher for a computer that was purchased by Mr.
Rector for his home. The Board directed that the Town not pay for the computer and
notify Mr. Rector that he will need to be re-billed if he wants to keep the computer.
Other Discussions
Ms . Marino , Ms . Poelvoorde and Ms . Tyler asked the Ms . Georgia to supply them with a
notebook that includes the Town's polices
The Board discussed briefly the necessity of updating the personnel policy and possibly
forming a committee to work on it and creating a policy on computers .
Ms. Poelvoorde asked the Board to forward to her a short bio on each of them for the
Web page.
Hearing no further business Ms . Thomas moved, seconded by Mr. Romer for
adjournment. Unanimously approved and meeting adjourned at 10 : 05 p .m .
Respectfully submitted,
Marsha L. Georgia
Ulysses Town Clerk
MLG : mlg