HomeMy WebLinkAboutTownBoard_Minutes_20160613Danby Town Board
Minutes of Regular Meeting
June 13, 2016
Present:
Councilpersons: Rebecca Brenner, Leslie Connors, Jim Holahan, Jack Miller
Supervisor: Ric Dietrich
Others Present:
Town Clerk Pamela Goddard
Bookkeeper Laura Shawley
Code Officer Paul Hansen
Legislator Dan Klein
Public Ted Crane, Ronda Roaring, David Hall, Pat Woodworth, Charles Tilton, Tobias
Dean, Frank Darrow.
Regular Meeting Opened at 7:02pm
Legislator’s Report
Dan Klein spoke, as a resident, regarding the gap in high speed internet coverage for the Steam Mill
Road and Durfee Hill Road area. Residents there, as a group, have contacted both Clarity Connect and
Time Warner Cable. Information from Time Warner has been inconsistent and sometimes conflicting to
individual residents. Klein reported that the Town of Caroline has taken action/passed a resolution on this
matter, by sending a written request for coverage to specific addresses. He asked that the Danby Town
Board consider similar action. Klein suggested that a specific written request be based on information
from previously gathered coverage data.
The Board had a brief discussion of coverage problems. Supervisor Dietrich reported that information
is being gathered about remaining pockets of uncovered areas in Danby. This should result in an updated
coverage map. The two major obstacles to coverage by the broadband towers are trees and geography.
Once the map is complete, Dietrich will enter into discussions with Clarity Connect to learn what their
plan is for meeting Danby’s Broadband needs. In addition, the County Broadband Committee may
reconvene to work on remaining problems with internet coverage.
Klein reported on the May Local Board of Assessment Review grievance day. No formal petitions for
grievance were submitted. Two people, “came in to chat.” In related matter, only nine properties are
pending foreclosure auction in the entirety of Tompkins County this year. One of these is in Danby.
Klein reported on countywide, and statewide problems with recruiting members for local volunteer
fire and rescue departments. This is a serious concern in some areas. The Town of Caroline lost its rescue
squad in the past year due to a lack of volunteers. There is concern that this problem is going to get worse.
It would be very expensive to replace volunteers with paid responders. Klein reported that the Tompkins
County Council of Governments is in the early stages of forming a Task Force to investigate ways to
increase recruitment or other options for covering local emergency response.
Appointment Policy
Leslie Connors distributed draft revisions to the Town of Danby Appointment Policy. Hardcopy of her
draft changes were presented to the Board and Town Clerk, for review and discussion at a future meeting.
Supervisor Dietrich asked that electronic copies of the document be transmitted to the Board and Town
Clerk via Email.
Privilege of the Floor
Ronda Roaring reminded the Board that review of the Agricultural District in Danby is pending. She
urged the Board to prepare for this review.
Ted Crane informed the Board and residents of upcoming events sponsored by the Danby Community
Council. A Civil War Living History Encampment will be held in the Danby Community Park during the
weekend of June 25/26. The program is free and open to all. The event includes firing cannons and a
breakfast at the Community Church.
Department of Justice - 2015 SWAT Incident Report
Supervisor Dietrich reported on a public presentation planned to take place in mid-July. The event
will be a presentation by the Federal Department of Justice regarding SWAT processes and procedures.
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BZA Vacancies - Interviews
Tobias Dean, applicant for a vacancies to the Danby Board of Zoning Appeals was interviewed. He
was asked the same list of questions as pervious applicants:
1.What experience do you bring to this position—such as involvement with local government Boards
(Danby or other locations) and/or other life experience?
2.Are you aware of the time commitment for training and service and are you able to meet that
commitment?
3.What is your vision for Danby?
4.How do you deal with conflict, external (from residents, etc.) or internal (within a committee)? How
would you deal with a friend or neighbor who had a variance request?
5.What hobbies or other interests do you have?
Dean responded to each of these questions.
Dietrich asked for a status report of applicants to the BZA and what BZA seats are currently open.
Clerk Goddard reported that, due to health problems, Norbert Nolte has resigned his appointment to the
remainder of a three year term and his appointment as BZA Chair. Esther Greenhouse also withdrew her
application at this time. Therefore two vacant seats remain: a three-year term and one-year term. The
Board had two current applicants who have both been interviewed; Scott Davis and Tobias Dean.
There was a brief discussion regarding appointments to the vacant seats. Connors reported that she
had spoken to several people who were considering submitting applications for appointment to the Board
of Zoning Appeals. No additional applications had been received prior to this meeting. Supervisor
Dietrich stated that he would like to move both seats at this meeting.
Warrants
ABSTRACT #6 OF 2016:
GENERAL FUND
#216-266 for a total of $28,804.61
Moved by Connors, Second by Holahan. The motion passed.
In Favor: Brenner, Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
HIGHWAY FUND
#121–148 for a total $74,701.24
Moved by Miller, Second by Connors. The motion passed.
In Favor: Brenner, Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
WEST DANBY WATER DISTRICT
#26-33 for a total of $1,167.41
Moved by Holahan, Second by Connors. The motion passed.
In Favor: Brenner, Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
Approve Town Board Minutes
MOTION - APPROVE MINUTES
Resolved, That the Town Board of the Town of Danby approves the minutes of May 9 and 16, 2016.
Moved by Brenner, Second by Holahan. The motion passed.
In Favor: Brenner, Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich
Groundwater Protection Law—Set Public Hearing
The Board discussed a date for a public hearing regarding the draft Groundwater Protection Law.
RESOLUTION NO. 55 OF 2016 - SCHEDULE PUBLIC HEARING, CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION, PROPOSED LOCAL
LAW - TOWN OF DANBY GROUNDWATER PROTECTION LAW
Whereas, the Town Board of the Town of Danby is considering adoption of a Local Law “Town of Danby Groundwater
Protection Law,” The intent of this local law is to comprehensively protect and preserve the quality and quantity of the
Town’s groundwater resources. This proposed local law has been formulated to protect groundwater resources that
serve as the sole source of drinking water for residents and businesses in Danby. The law amends the Town’s
existing Zoning Ordinance to afford adequate protection of groundwater resources,”
Now, Therefore, it is
Resolved, that the Town Board schedules a Public Hearing related to considering adoption of a Local Law “Town of
Danby Groundwater Protection Law”; for Monday, July 11, 2016, at the Town of Danby Town Hall, at 7:00 p.m.
Moved by Connors, Second by Holahan. The motion passed.
In Favor: Brenner, Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich.
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Board Position Appointments—Board of Zoning Appeals Vacancies
There was a discussion of appointments to the BZA. The Board thanked Dean for his application.
RESOLUTION NO. 56 OF 2016 - APPOINT BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS REPRESENTATIVE FOR 2016-2018
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Tobias Dean to fill the remainder of a three year term
on the Board of Zoning Appeals, beginning immediately and ending 31-Dec-2018.
Moved by Holahan, Second by Connors. The motion passed.
In Favor: Brenner, Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich.
Dietrich moved that Scott Davis be appointed to the vacant one-year BZA term. Connors expressed
concern regarding a statement from Davis’ interview, which she interpreted to mean that he had resigned
from a municipal board during a conflict. She cited this and other communication concerns as making this
not a good fit at this time. Holahan and Miller also stated concerns that Davis was not a “good fit” for the
BZA at this time. Connors stated that perhaps there was another place where his, “talents will be more
useful.”
Dietrich stated that he had not heard what Connors reported. In his view, there is a community need to
fill the BZA and that Davis was a qualified applicant. Dietrich stated that he did not share the concerns of
the other members of the Board.
RESOLUTION NO. 57 OF 2016 - APPOINT BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS REPRESENTATIVE FOR 2016-2017
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Scott Davis to fill the remainder of a one year term on
the Board of Zoning Appeals, beginning immediately and ending 31-Dec-2017.
Moved by Dietrich, Second by Brenner. The motion failed.
In Favor: Brenner, Dietrich.
Opposed: Connors, Holahan, Miller.
Danby Fun Day Parade Closing
Clerk Goddard presented an annual resolution to close Route 96B for the July Danby Fun Day
Parade. Dietrich asked Clerk Goddard to forward this resolution to the County Sheriff’s office and Danby
Fire Department.
RESOLUTION NO. 58 OF 2016 - CLOSING OF NY STATE ROUTE 96B FOR PARADE ON JULY 9, 2016
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby, in compliance with Section 1604, Paragraph 2, of the Vehicle
and Traffic Law, which authorizes a Town to close a road for a parade, is officially closing New York State Route 96B
on Saturday July 9, 2016 from 10:30am to 11:55am, from the intersection of East Miller and West Miller Roads to the
intersection of Bald Hill Road; and it is
Further Resolved, that the Town Board approves the extension of this time period, from 10:15am to 12:15pm, if the
Danby Fire Department deems such extension necessary to facilitate the safe movement of the Parade participants;
and it is
Further Resolved, that there will be a detour route from the West Miller Road intersection with Route 96B to Comfort
Road, to Lieb Road, to the Bald Hill Road intersection with Route 96B.
Moved by Brenner, Second by Connors. The motion passed.
In Favor: Brenner, Connors, Holahan, Miller, Dietrich.
Groundwater Protection Law—SEQRA Review
Dietrich encouraged the Board to review their copies of the Environmental Assessment Review of the
proposed Groundwater Protection Law. Questions or concerns are to be directed to Planner Randall for
discussion at the next TB meeting.
South Hill Recreation Way—Update
Dietrich gave an update on the proposed project to extend the South Hill Recreation Way into
Caroline and Danby. He reported that the project hit an obstacle in the form of communication from
NYSEG stating conditions under which it will grant a right of way for the trail. All efforts to progress
with the project are currently on hold while certain legal and financial issues related to maintenance and
liability insurance for the trail.
Solar Installation Power Purchase Agreement
Hansen gave an update on the progress of finalizing a contract with Renovus for the Hornbrook Road
solar installation Power Purchase Agreement. Hansen stated that he would distribute the most recent of
the contract, as well as comments from the town attorney, to the Board through email. He invited
comments and input to the process. Supervisor Dietrich encouraged the Board to follow through with this
project so that the contract negotiations may progress effectively.
Community Choice Electric—Holahan Report
Holahan reported on TCOG meetings he has attended regarding efforts to aggregate electric power
purchase in Tompkins County. The intent is to pool purchasing of power for electric service, buying “in
bulk” as a way to lower electric rates for residents. This is part of the Reforming Energy Vision (REV)
program from Albany to reduce the load on the power system, bring in more renewable energy, etc.
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Danby would need to pass a local law, enabling this bulk power purchasing for the benefit to be available
to households. The program would automatically enroll residents, who would then have the option to “opt
out” if they did not want to be part of the program. Holahan shared information that electric prices have
been reduced 15-20% for households in other states where this has been done.
Additional details were provided by Hansen, Dietrich, and Holahan. There are still many details to be
addressed. Additional TCOG meetings will be held over the summer.
Annual Financial Review
Bookkeeper Shawley informed Board of a change in internal audit plans. Al Carvill, who had been
contacted regarding a preliminary municipal audit, is not able to provide this service. Shawley suggested
that the Town move forward with a self-audit for 2016, using NYS Comptroller’s Office forms and
procedures. This would be in preparation for a full external audit at the end of the fiscal year. There was
discussion, arranging for Board volunteers to assist with internal financial review. Holahan, Connors,
Miller, and Brenner all agreed to assist with this process. Shawley will audit the court financial processes.
Code Enforcement Report
Hansen made a short report on activities through the Code Office. He described this as “business as
usual.” The May monthly written report will be presented by Randall at the next TB meeting.
A demolition order has been issued for the Muka house at 1840 Danby Road. Hansen is strictly
following the procedure outlined in the Danby Code. The demolition must be complete by the end of July.
Hansen anticipated that Muka would try to delay this process. Hansen is working with the Town Attorney
on procedure, should demolition not be completed on time.
Other Short Reports
Copies of the Justices’ monthly reports were circulated among the Board. Huddle added some details
to activities in the Town Clerk.
Clerk Goddard presented a report of revenue through the Clerk’s office in the month of May. A total
of $763.25 was distributed to the Town Supervisor, including revenue from 36 dog licenses and three
building permits. $46 was disbursed to the NYS Animal Population Control Program. !!!!!
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 pm. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
______________________________________
Pamela Goddard, Town Clerk
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