Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB 2023-12-21TB 2023-12-21 Approved Page 1 of 17 TOWN OF DRYDEN TOWN BOARD MEETING December 21, 2023 Zoom Hybrid Present: Supervisor Jason Leifer, Cl Daniel Lamb, Cl Leonardo Vargas-Mendez, Cl Christina Dravis, Cl Spring Buck Other Town Staff: *Cassie Byrnes, Confidential Secretary to Supervisor Chris O’Connor, Fire Coordinator Dillon Shults, Planner Loren Sparling, Deputy Town Clerk “*” denotes attendance via Zoom Supv Leifer called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m., and board members and audience recited the pledge of allegiance. TOWN CLERK RESOLUTION #197 (2023) – APPROVE MINUTES Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby approves the meeting minutes of October 5, October 12, October 19, November 9, and November 16, 2023. 2nd Cl Buck Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Y Cl Buck Y Cl Dravis Y Cl Lamb Y Supv Leifer Y PUBLIC HEARINGS AND PRESENTATIONS Restoration of $75,000 to Freeville Fire Department Budget Mike Parker, Freeville Fire Department chief, was on hand to address the Town Board about what was cut out of the Freeville Fire Department budget, and to clear up any misinformation or misunderstanding about their requested funds. He feels that, after his initial presentation requesting a duty chief’s vehicle, there may have been a misunderstanding as to how the vehicle was going to be used or what it was for. M Parker clarified that the vehicle at issue is a duty chief’s vehicle, much the same as what Dryden has as a duty chief’s vehicle right now; it is an emergency response vehicle, so that the chief can go directly to a call, instead of having to go to the station and then to the call. The truck carries equipment that mitigates the loss of life and property as quickly as possible while command is established and additional resources are called. M Parker felt that the misunderstanding stems from the perception that the duty chief’s vehicle is to be used as his vehicle. This is not the case. It will be the company’s vehicle, such that when M Parker is unavailable or out of town, the vehicle gets passed to the next chief so TB 2023-12-21 Approved Page 2 of 17 that we have someone responding directly to that call. This will be the primary use of the vehicle. If available, the vehicle will also be used to transport people to trainings (e.g., at the Academy or other stations) and, at times, to pick up/drop off people who are getting their trucks fixed in Syracuse or Candor. The duty chief’s vehicle will primarily be used (and shared) for emergency services, and, in non-emergency situations, as a transport vehicle. M Parker then called the Board’s attention to another request in the same line item as the duty chief’s vehicle - funds to build storage space so as to get their gear out of the truck bay. Their equipment is currently located along walkways directly behind the trucks, where they are constantly exposed to the lights, truck fumes, and dust. It is not a good place for the gear and it needs to be moved. M Parker received a quote for the storage space from Casey Drader, the person who did their SCBA compressor room and who is now code enforcement for the Village of Freeville; for his quote, Drader went by actual construction standards and prices. M Parker is perplexed as to why this was taken out of their budget. M Parker asked the Board to reconsider the duty chief’s vehicle. It is an important life- and property-saving tool that will be shared among the chiefs and officers when one is not available. He also asked the Board to look over the quote to build their gear storage space in order to get the stuff out of the truck bay. He asked the Board to readjust their budget, to re- vote on their budget, or to access funds in the reserve account so that these two items may be added back in. Cl Lamb thanked M Parker and related that one of the Board’s concerns from previous discussions about the duty chief’s vehicle was that other departments would soon be requesting it and that this would set precedent, notably in the standards used for sharing the vehicle, so that is why we have some questions and concerns. Cl Lamb asked about who would primarily maintain the keys to the vehicle, to which M Parker answered that the keys would be with the chief. If Parker was out of town, the keys would reside with the next chief; there would be an extra set of keys at the station for this second chief to use. M Parker continued that Freeville has a Standard Operating Guideline (SOG) ready to be incorporated into their book as to how the vehicle is to be used, who is to use it, and their responsibilities in using it. Cl Lamb further inquired if Freeville had a specific vehicle in mind for use as a duty chief’s vehicle. M Parker responded that they were looking into an SUV or a pickup truck; Dryden uses an SUV for their duty chief’s vehicle, but they also have a couple of pickup trucks for use as service or transport vehicles. Cost-wise, both types run about the same. Anything above their request of $60,000 will come from their capital reserve. Comparably, Josh Nalley from Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport bought an SUV on state contract that was just shy of $70,000. A used 2020 pickup truck with 40-50,000 miles on it was being sold for $54,000. M Parker felt that $60,000 in the budget was a fair request. He is not looking specifically for brand new vehicles but is considering new or (low mileage) used; with lights and radios, you’re over $60,000. Supv Leifer summarized that Freeville initially requested $309,500, and the Town budgeted $234,500. The difference is $75,000, the line item for the duty chief’s vehicle ($60,000) and the starting costs for the turnout gear storage space ($15,000). Cl Dravis thought that at a previous meeting (not with M Parker), the Board was told that the storage building was already built, and that is why funds were not allocated. M Parker confirmed that the building has not been built. RESOLUTION #198 (2023) – RESTORATION OF $75,000 TO FREEVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET TB 2023-12-21 Approved Page 3 of 17 Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: RESOLVED, that, upon the presentation of the W.B. Strong Fire Company, the Town Board of the Town of Dryden approves the restoration of the $75,000 request to purchase a Duty Chief’s vehicle and turnout gear storage for the 2024 budget with funds to come from the SF1 fund balance. 2nd Cl Lamb Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Y Cl Buck Y Cl Dravis Y Cl Lamb Y Supv Leifer Y Public Hearing - 1622 Dryden Road Special Use Permit Contractor Yard Supv Leifer opened the public hearing at 6:20 p.m. D Shults explained that this is a special use permit application for a contractor yard at 1622 Dryden Road, next to Elemental Pet Vets. It is in a rural residential zoning district and requires a special use permit review and approval. The application went before the Planning Board last month for comments on the sketch plan. Those comments have largely been addressed by the initial application materials provided by the applicant and the proposed conditions prepared by the Planning Department. Nick Bellisario was present to answer any questions the Board may have about the application. He stated that the site will largely be used to divert a lot of fill for use and reuse. There is some storage of block containers (in piles) that will be screened at a later date. Mostly it is all spring-, summer-, and fall-related, no winter. N Bellisario explained that his original intention was to have a berm with trees on it, but the Planning Board did not like that, so there will be no berm. The trees that he selected are fast-growing willows that grow up to 6 feet a year and are very dense, making them a good screen and a good snow fence during the winter. D Shults remarked that one of the conditions that the Planning Department added was to have a native evergreen planted every 20 feet to provide some cover during the wintertime. N Bellisario could not find any suitable pines to accommodate this, given that Norway spruces were invasive to Dryden, further saying that there was nothing other than a Norway spruce that he would spend the money on that wouldn’t die. Blue spruces are very hard to keep alive. White pines are a possibility, but salt spray from the road will be a big issue with them. Norway spruce is all that is left, yet he feels that the Austree hybrid willows will still be a pretty good screen in the winter if staggered and with a 3-4 feet planting distance. For pines, it will be many years before you get any kind of full screen. That is why he deviated and went with the willows. Supv Leifer remarked that if the willows did not work as a suitable winter screen, another option would have to be undertaken. Cl Lamb asked how Bellisario’s use of the area will change, as he is currently using it as a contractor yard. N Bellisario responded that he is currently using the site as a fill yard. The piles of stuff presently visible are material that he did not just want to throw over the bank as waste; they can be diverted or sold, hence his application. Once screened, millings can be used TB 2023-12-21 Approved Page 4 of 17 for driveways or parking lots. Topsoil with rocks and debris is often thrown over banks but can be screened and sold. D Shults stated that, despite all neighbors being notified, there have been no public comments received with regard to this application. N Bellisario added that he put in the combined driveway at no cost to the neighboring properties. No lights are being added; the site will be used strictly during the daytime. D Shults raised a Planning Board recommendation that was not really addressed in the submitted materials or conditions, namely terracing the site as fill is brought in to better blend the site and to prevent any part of it from abruptly sticking out of the ground. N Bellisario responded that rather than sticking out of the ground, it is actually sloping to the back, no higher than the road. There is a 10-foot difference between the front and the back of the original site. Although no crushing is being done, concrete is being diverted through this site. Once we catch up to last year’s concrete, you will no longer see concrete onsite because it will be diverted elsewhere. We also divert wood. The hearing was left open at 6:33 p.m. PLANNING DEPARTMENT D Shults reported that Ray Burger, Planning Director, had put out an update. Cl Lamb inquired about the number of applications received in response to the RFP for the Town’s zoning update. D Shults did not exactly know but could recall one company that reached out a few days after the RFP was released. TOWN FIRE COORDINATOR No report. COUNTY BRIEFING No report, as no county representative was present. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS Bolton Point Agreement with UAW for New Collective Bargaining Agreement for 2024- 2026 Supv Leifer introduced Judy Drake, Human Resources official for Bolton Point and Human Resources Manager for the Town of Ithaca, who explained that all Bolton Point collective bargaining agreements must be approved by both the Bolton Point Water Commission as well as its five member municipalities. The tentative agreement before the Board has already been approved by the Commission and is now being circulated among the member municipalities, one of which is the Town of Dryden, for their approval. Supv Leifer added that Bolton Point’s cycle is a year behind Dryden’s in regard to the Teamsters. The Town of Ithaca has taken on the administrative role for this in the same way that the City of Ithaca does for the sewer plant. TB 2023-12-21 Approved Page 5 of 17 RESOLUTION #199 (2023) – APPROVAL OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED AUTO WORKERS FOR SOUTHERN CAYUGA LAKE INTERMUNICIPAL WATER COMMISSION’S EMPLOYEES FOR 2024-2026 Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: WHEREAS, the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission, in good faith, entered into contract negotiations with the United Auto Workers union for a renewed collective bargaining agreement for the contract that expired on December 31, 2023: and WHEREAS, on December 4, 2023, the Commission’s negotiating team reached tentative agreement with the union’s negotiating team; and WHEREAS, the Commission reviewed and approved the tentative contract at the December 7, 2023, Commission meeting; and WHEREAS, on December 11, 2023, the employees in the union bargaining unit ratified the tentative contract; and WHEREAS, the Town of Dryden Town Board has reviewed the tentative agreement and determined it to be acceptable as required by the contract and the Public Employees Relation Board; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, the Town of Dryden Town Board does hereby approve the tentative collective bargaining agreement between the Commission and UAW unit; and, be it further RESOLVED, the Town of Dryden Town Board authorizes the Commission’s negotiating team to sign said contract as presented. 2nd Cl Dravis Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Y Cl Buck Y Cl Dravis Y Cl Lamb Y Supv Leifer Y PUBLIC HEARINGS AND PRESENTATIONS (CONT.) Public Hearing - 1622 Dryden Road Special Use Permit Contractor Yard Supv Leifer closed the public hearing on the contractor yard at 6:39 p.m. and the Board reviewed the short environmental assessment form, Parts 2 and 3 of which were completed by Planning Department staff. Board members did not have any questions. RESOLUTION #200 (2023) – NEG SEQR DEC – APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT AND SITE PLAN APPROVAL FOR CONTRACTOR YARD LOCATED AT TB 2023-12-21 Approved Page 6 of 17 1622 DRYDEN ROAD, TAX PARCEL 44.-1-13.416 Supv Leifer offered the following resolution: WHEREAS, A. The proposed action involves consideration of the application of Nick Belisario for Special Use Permit and Site Plan Approval for contractor yard located at 1622 Dryden Road , tax parcel 44.-1-13.416; and B. The proposed action is an Unlisted Action for which the Town Board of the Town of Dryden is the lead agency for the purposes of uncoordinated environmental review in connection with approval by the Town; and C. The Town Board of the Town of Dryden, in performing the lead agency function for its independent and uncoordinated environmental review in accordance with Article 8 of SEQRA, (i) thoroughly reviewed the Short Environmental Assessment Form (“EAF”), Part I and any and all other documents prepared and submitted with respect to this proposed action and its environmental review, (ii) thoroughly analyzed the potential relevant areas of environmental concern to determine if the proposed action may have a significant adverse impact on the environment, including the criteria identified in 6 NYCRR §617.7(c), and (iii) completed the EAF, Part 2. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS: 1. The Town Board of the Town of Dryden, based upon (i) its thorough review of the EAF, Part I and any and all other documents prepared and submitted with respect to this proposed action and its environmental review, (ii) its thorough review of the potential relevant areas of environmental concern to determine if the proposed action may have a significant adverse impact on the environment, including the criteria identified in 6 NYCRR §617.7(c), and (iii) its completion of the EAF, Part 2, including the reasons noted thereon (which reasons are incorporated herein as if set forth at length), hereby makes a negative determination of environmental significance (“Negative Declaration”) in accordance with SEQR for the above referenced proposed action, and determines that an Environmental Impact Statement will not be required; and 2. The Responsible Officer of the Town Board of the Town of Dryden is hereby authorized and directed to complete and sign as required the determination of significance, confirming the foregoing Negative Declaration, which fully completed and signed EAF and determination of significance shall be incorporated by reference in this Resolution. 2nd Cl Lamb Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Y Cl Buck Y Cl Dravis Y Cl Lamb Y Supv Leifer Y TB 2023-12-21 Approved Page 7 of 17 As to granting the special use permit and approving the site plan, Supv Leifer highlighted Resolved clause 1b in light of the earlier discussion, stating that it accounts for both willow trees and evergreens. D Shults responded that the Planning Department was unsure of how well the willow tree buffer alone would screen during the winter, thinking that the willows would be barren of leaves then; the Department wanted to ensure that there would be an effective buffer in place during the winter. Supv Leifer suggested that they first try just the willows, and if there is an issue, later try the evergreens. The Board agreed, and Resolved clause 1b was modified slightly. RESOLUTION #201 (2023) – GRANTING SPECIAL USE PERMIT AND APPROVING SITE PLAN FOR A CONTRACTOR YARD AT 1622 DRYDEN ROAD, TAX PARCEL 44.- 1-13.416 Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: WHEREAS, A. On November 13, 2023 Nick Belisario applied for a Special Use Permit (SUP) and site plan approval for a contractor yard to be located at 1622 Dryden Road, Tax parcel 44.-1- 13.416. Application included sketch plans, SUP worksheet, notice of ground disturbance and Short Environmental Assessment Form. Supplemental materials submitted December 19, 2023 included a more detailed sketch plan and landscaping plan, and B. The Town Planning Department considers the application complete and in conformance with the requirements of the Code of the Town of Dryden (Code) §270-11 and §270-12, and C. The Tompkins County Planning Department has reviewed the application pursuant §239 – l, -m, and –n of the New York State General Municipal Law, and D. In a letter dated November 21, 2023, the Tompkins County Planning Department determined that the proposed action will have no significant county-wide or inter-community impact, and E. Pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) and its implementing regulations at 6 NYCRR Part 617, the Town Board of the Town of Dryden has, on December 21, 2023, made a negative determination of environmental significance, after having reviewed and accepted as adequate the Short Environmental Assessment Form Parts 1, 2, and 3, and F. A public hearing was held on December 21, 2023 with public comments registered in the meeting minutes and considered by this board, and G. The Town Board has reviewed this application relative to the considerations and standards found in Code §270-11 for site plan review and §270-12 for Special Use Permit. TB 2023-12-21 Approved Page 8 of 17 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS: 1. The Town Board approves the sketch plan documents, submitted with the application dated November 13, 2023 and supplemented December 19, 2023, as site plan for 1622 Dryden Road, conditioned on the following: a. The applicant shall coordinate with the Town’s Stormwater Manager and Engineer and NYS DEC to determine compliance with the existing SWPPP, or if necessary, seek coverage under a revised SWPPP that addresses the scope of the proposed project including possible post-construction stormwater management practices. b.The proposed willow tree landscaping is to achieve a density as portrayed in pictures submitted and, if necessary, be supplemented with evergreen trees every 20 feet to provide some year-round screening. 2. The Town Board hereby finds that the considerations for approval of the requested Special Use Permit listed in Code Section 270-12 have been met, specifically that: a. The proposed use is compatible with the other permitted uses in the Rural Residential district and compatible with the purpose of this district as Contractor Yards are a permitted use in this zone and this parcel is located adjacent to the heavily travelled State Route 13 and is near other commercial businesses; b. The proposed use is compatible with adjoining properties and with the natural and manmade environment, as this proposal is for a single building, up to 40 roll-offs and material stockpiles will be screened by the proposed landscaping; c. Parking, vehicular circulation, and infrastructure for the proposed use is adequate. Trucks and emergency vehicles have access from the common driveway; d. The overall impact on the site and its surroundings considering the environmental, social and economic impacts of traffic, noise, dust, odors, release of harmful substances, solid waste disposal, glare, or any other nuisances has been considered and found to be negligible, based on the low volume of traffic associated with this business, the extensive landscaping and it not generating excessive noise, dust, odors or release of harmful substances; e. Restrictions and/or conditions on design of structures or operation of the use necessary to ensure compatibility with the surrounding uses or to protect the natural or scenic resources of the Town have been incorporated into the site plan; f. The project complies with the requirements for site plan review and conforms to the Town’s Commercial Design Guidelines to the maximum extent practicable in that: the site is screened from residential uses by the proposed landscaping. TB 2023-12-21 Approved Page 9 of 17 3. The Town Board, finding that the applicant is in compliance with all other provisions of the Code and other applicable ordinances, approves this Site Plan and Special Use Permit for the contractor yard at 1622 Dryden Road with the Town of Dryden Standard Conditions of Approval as amended August 14, 2008. 2nd Cl Vargas-Mendez Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Y Cl Buck Y Cl Dravis Y Cl Lamb Y Supv Leifer Y DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS (CONT.) Fall Creek Streambank Stabilization Project Environmental Review (SEQR) Supv Leifer clarified that this is Rick Young’s project, but Dondi Harner (T.G. Miller) was on hand to answer any questions. D Harner explained this is actually three different projects lumped together under one Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP): Knollwood Rd streambank stabilization on a Fall Creek tributary; Lower Creek Rd bank stabilization along Fall Creek; and Upper Creek Rd bank stabilization. The SEQR was put together a few years ago and has a full Part 1 completed. Parts 2 and 3 have been put together for the Board for consideration. A little work has occurred along Lower Creek Rd, namely stockpiling materials for bank restoration, while trying to get the grant moving. For Knollwood, a draft plan for bank stabilization has been prepared, and permits have been initiated with the DEC. Once we get the SEQR completed, we can move into grant reimbursement and bidding out projects. Knollwood will be run by a third-party contractor, while the Town will be responsible for the work on Lower and Upper Creek Rds. The Board then reviewed Part 2 of the full environmental assessment form. Supv Leifer remarked that there would need to be some alteration to the land in order to prevent the creek from having too much debris get into it. D Harner added that excessively steep banks are eroding, and where water has gotten into the bank, roads are being jeopardized. So the impact on land will be minor, but it is still an impact. Cl Buck voiced that there would be more of an impact (to the creek and to roads) if nothing was done. The Board then reviewed Part 3 of the full environmental assessment form. D Harner stated that the Town’s declaration of lead agency was sent out, and no one has commented, so the Town has lead agency. RESOLUTION #202 (2023) – NEG SEQR DEC – FALL CREEK STREAMBANK STABILIZATION PROJECT Supv Leifer offered the following resolution: WHEREAS, TB 2023-12-21 Approved Page 10 of 17 A. The proposed action involves 1) Streambed and streambank restoration along the tributary to Fall Creek located along Knollwood Road, 2) Streambank restoration and guiderail replacement along Fall Creek at multiple locations adjacent to Lower and Upper Creek Road where the stream bank has eroded and the road shoulder and guardrail are starting to fail, and 3) Streambank restoration and stream re-alignment along Fall Creek near the intersection of Lower Creek Road and Pinckney Road. Streambank restoration to consist of rock armoring and/or vegetative measure; and B. The proposed action is an Unlisted Action for which the Town Board of the Town of Dryden is the lead agency for the purposes of coordinated environmental review in connection with approval by the Town and no objections were received regarding the Town serving as lead agency; and C. The Town Board of the Town of Dryden, in performing the lead agency function for its coordinated environmental review in accordance with Article 8 of SEQRA, (i) thoroughly reviewed the Environmental Assessment Form (“EAF”), Part I and any and all other documents prepared and submitted with respect to this proposed action and its environmental review, (ii) thoroughly analyzed the potential relevant areas of environmental concern to determine if the proposed action may have a significant adverse impact on the environment, including the criteria identified in 6 NYCRR §617.7(c), and (iii) completed the EAF, Part 2. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS: 1.The Town Board of the Town of Dryden, based upon (i) its thorough review of the EAF, Part I and any and all other documents prepared and submitted with respect to this proposed action and its environmental review, (ii) its thorough review of the potential relevant areas of environmental concern to determine if the proposed action may have a significant adverse impact on the environment, including the criteria identified in 6 NYCRR §617.7(c), and (iii) its completion of the EAF, Part 2, including the reasons noted thereon (which reasons are incorporated herein as if set forth at length), hereby makes a negative determination of environmental significance (“Negative Declaration”) in accordance with SEQR for the above referenced proposed action, and determines that an Environmental Impact Statement will not be required; and 2. The Responsible Officer of the Town Board of the Town of Dryden is hereby authorized and directed to complete and sign as required the determination of significance, confirming the foregoing Negative Declaration, which fully completed and signed EAF and determination of significance shall be incorporated by reference in this Resolution. 2nd Cl Vargas-Mendez Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Y Cl Buck Y Cl Dravis Y Cl Lamb Y Supv Leifer Y TB 2023-12-21 Approved Page 11 of 17 Resolution to Rescind Resolution #160 (2023), Adopted on September 21, 2023, That Approved the Purchase of a New 10-Wheeler Dump Truck / Resolution to Approve the Purchase of a New 10-Wheeler Dump Truck Supv Leifer explained that the price of the new 10-wheeler dump truck came back higher than initially approved (in Resolution #160 [2023]). We need to rescind Resolution #160 (with a cost not-to-exceed of $320,000) and approve a new resolution (with a cost not-to-exceed of $339,000). RESOLUTION #203 (2023) – RESCINDING RESOLUTION #160 (2023), ADOPTED ON SEPTEMBER 21, 2023, APPROVING PURCHASE OF NEW 10-WHEELER DUMP TRUCK Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: Whereas, at a regular meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Dryden, held on September 21, 2023, the Town Board adopted the following resolution: Resolution #160 of 2023 which authorized the Town to purchase a new ten-wheel dump truck at a cost not to exceed $320,000, with the remainder of the insurance recovery funds after repairs to the damaged truck to be applied, from DA-5130.2. Whereas, after this resolution was approved, the final purchase price of the truck was more than $320,000. Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Dryden hereby rescinds resolution #160 of 2023, effective immediately. 2nd Cl Lamb Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Y Cl Buck Y Cl Dravis Y Cl Lamb Y Supv Leifer Y RESOLUTION #204 (2023) – APPROVE PURCHASE OF NEW 10-WHEELER DUMP TRUCK Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: Resolved, that this Town Board hereby approves the purchase of a new ten-wheel dump truck at a cost not to exceed $339,000, with the remainder of the insurance recovery funds after repairs to a damaged truck to be applied, from DA-5130.2. 2nd Cl Lamb Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Y Cl Buck Y Cl Dravis Y TB 2023-12-21 Approved Page 12 of 17 Cl Lamb Y Supv Leifer Y Drawdown #1 for Sewer Capital Project D Harner explained that this is a contract for the sanitary sewer relining project in Varna. They have cleaned part of the system and are now getting ready to line. This is the first draw against that project. They will probably start lining in early January 2024. This will be a reimbursement grant through the Office of Community Renewal, so the resolution approves the amount, but it is processed through the grant agency and awarded back to the Town. RESOLUTION #205 (2023) – DRAWDOWN #1 FOR SEWER CAPITAL PROJECT Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: WHEREAS, the Town has received invoice #1 from National Water Main Cleaning Co for $97,919.26 for work completed on the Sewer Capital Project through November 30, 2023 WHEREAS, the invoice will be paid from CDBG funds (Project #336PR9-21) awarded to the Town for the sewer capital project, Therefore, be it resolved that the Board approves the payment of $97,919.26 to National Water Main Cleaning Co to be paid in a timely manner when the funds are received. 2nd Cl Vargas-Mendez Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Y Cl Buck Y Cl Dravis Y Cl Lamb Y Supv Leifer Y Resolution to Rescind Resolution #182 (2023), Adopted on November 9, 2023, Supporting the Village of Dryden’s TAP Grant Application / Resolution Supporting the Village of Dryden’s Submission of the 2023 NYS DOT TAP Grant Application Supv Leifer explained that the Mayor of Dryden Village called him to say that the wording of Resolution #182, passed by the Town Board on November 9, 2023, in support of the Village’s TAP grant, was not quite what they needed for their application. Resolution #182 focused on pedestrians, whereas the Village needs the focus to be on children as it is a Safe Routes to School program to which they are applying. Also, if the grant were awarded, the Town would be obligated to come up with local matching funds. Supv Leifer feels that it should come out of the Townwide A fund. RESOLUTION #206 (2023) – RESCINDING RESOLUTION #182 (2023), ADOPTED ON NOVEMBER 9, 2023, SUPPORTING THE VILLAGE OF DRYDEN’S TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM (TAP) GRANT APPLICATION Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: TB 2023-12-21 Approved Page 13 of 17 RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Dryden hereby rescinds Resolution #182 (2023), effective immediately. 2nd Cl Lamb Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Y Cl Buck Y Cl Dravis Y Cl Lamb Y Supv Leifer Y RESOLUTION #207 (2023) – TOWN OF DRYDEN MUNICIPAL SUPPORTING RESOLUTION FOR THE VILLAGE OF DRYDEN NYS DOT TAP GRANT Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: WHEREAS, the Town of Dryden Town Board (hereinafter referred to as Town Board) supports the submission of the Village of Dryden’s 2023 New York State Department of Transportation (NYS DOT) Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Grant Program under the Safe Routes to School category; and WHEREAS, the NYS DOT TAP Safe Routes to School Grant program provides assistance for local governments to implement an approach to increase safety and accessibility for children who currently walk or bicycle to school and ensure safe routes to school; and WHEREAS, there is a new residential development in this area that will add to the pedestrian traffic; and WHEREAS, a portion of the project is located in the Town and the Village and Town have discussed the project and agreed to move forward with an application for funding with the Village taking the lead on the project; and WHEREAS, upon award of funding, the Town and Village will execute an inter-municipal agreement spelling out the terms of the project and the cost breakdown between the two municipalities. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby authorize and obligates local matching funds of the minimum 20% of the Town’s total of any grant funding awarded hereby appropriated from the Town of Dryden Townwide A Fund; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town of Dryden recognizes and fully supports the Village’s submission of the 2023 NYS DOT TAP grant application. 2nd Cl Lamb Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Y Cl Buck Y Cl Dravis Y TB 2023-12-21 Approved Page 14 of 17 Cl Lamb Y Supv Leifer Y ADVISORY BOARD UPDATES Agriculture Advisory Committee Supv Leifer reported that the Agriculture Advisory Committee did not meet this month. Broadband Committee Supv Leifer reported that there will soon be more locations that we can provide service. Last week we approved the agreement with property owners regarding rental properties, so that their renters can get service if they want. Cl Lamb added that it could be before the next Town Board meeting that the County selects the response to their RFP. We hope to be partially selected for that and will meet with Tompkins County in two weeks. Climate Smart Communities Task Force Cl Dravis sent out the following report via email to Board members: “We had a presentation from Jennifer Michelle of GreenTown Consulting about Low Cost/High Impact Pollinator Friendly Municipal Landscaping, and we were joined by several members of the Conservation Board. There are many easy options available for both the Town and residents (such as having information/native seed packets available at community events), so we will most likely discuss these in future meetings. “Funding is still available to help residents install heat pumps so we will be discussing ideas to get the word out. “The County is interested in a plan to install EV Charging Stations throughout the county and is soliciting suggestions for locations in the Town. Some initial suggestions are businesses (Clark's, Embassy Inn, Agway), facilities (municipal parking lots, fire station parking lots), schools (Dryden High, TC3). “We are still awaiting stamped drawings for the DPW Office Building. “Jerry Sheng had hoped to have a draft Climate Change and Resiliency Plan (CCARP) but needs a little more time.” Conservation Board Cl Buck reported that the Conservation Board talked quite a bit about a presentation that had been given to the EMC by Tompkins Food Future on food security in Tompkins County. They also discussed a documentary on YouTube that focused on local farms and food networks. They have also been awaiting the results of the wetland delineation, and since that meeting, the results have been shared. Planning Board Cl Lamb reported that the Planning Board discussed 1622 Dryden Road. They also had a visit from a representative of Indian Milk & Honey, who makes drinkable yogurt; it looks like TB 2023-12-21 Approved Page 15 of 17 they will be doubling the size of their warehouse. Tony Salerno will return as chair of the Planning Board, but there are two alternate seats that need to be filled. Rail Trail Task Force Cl Lamb reported that the Rail Trail Task Force received a wetlands permit to conduct work along Hallwoods Rd behind Knickerbocker. There’s money from a Tompkins County Tourism grant and the Triad Foundation to do that work, so that space between Rte 13 and Pinckney Rd can become a trail. It’s a big deal because the bridge across Rte 13 may be complete around May, and that will give people a way to get over Rte 13 and then to Pinckney Rd. To connect to Freeville and complete the trail in its entirety, we need just seven more easements from five people. Affordable and Workforce Housing Committee Cl Vargas-Mendez reported that the Affordable and Workforce Housing Committee talked with D Shults about funding for fixing manufactured housing. We will be applying for Tompkins County funding in order to get a consultant who will help us to get CDBG funding. We also continued our discussion about mobile home parks and zoning. On January 17, we hope to develop objectives to inform the Town’s zoning update. DRYC Supv Leifer reported that, in November, David Peck informed the Commission that he will step down as chair but remain a member. Another member is currently considering the chair position. Cl Lamb asked if the Board should charge the DRYC with recruiting a consultant to oversee the development of the lands behind Town Hall. Board members agreed with this idea, and suggested they charge the DRYC in January 2024 with recruiting a consultant and getting input from the various committees interested in use of the land behind Town Hall (e.g., housing, ambulance, recreation fields, solar, raised walkway from TC3). CITIZENS PRIVILEGE Anne Marie Sheridan, a resident of the Town and member of the Etna Volunteer Fire Department, excerpted (and added clarifying comments to) an email from Linda Fenner, president of the Etna Volunteer Fire Department, that was sent to Board members earlier in the day: “Good Afternoon Dryden Town Board, “Before your next meeting tonight, I would like to address some of the information provided to you by Chris O'Connor at last week's 12/14/23 Town meeting. I attended the meeting via zoom and here is the correct information regarding our fire department: “1) We did have an EMT resign because she went back to nursing school and was not able to dedicate her time right now [to volunteer fire service]. She indicated that after she finished, she may return. She did not go to Freeville as Chris indicated to you [in his report]. Plus, Chris was told she went back to nursing school. “2) As for the bunker program that the fire coordinator keeps going back to, this is a huge financial cost and a bunker program may not work for us. In the TB 2023-12-21 Approved Page 16 of 17 future, if we were to build a new fire station, we could consider adding on a bunk area, but that is not an option for us right now. “3) … We currently have many SOP's in place. The fire coordinator can suggest certain SOP's to add. [In fact, Chris and A Sheridan talked last week about the procurement policy under the SAFER grant. A Sheridan was told that Etna was closest to the mark than any other department as to meeting that bar.] …. “4) On the insensitive program, when we met with the fire coordinator, Chris was told that I would look at doing gas cards depending on hours or calls. At our annual banquet, we do recognize our top responders every year and we purchase different items every year for those members. We do not want money to be the reason people join or volunteer for the community. “5) As far as the dash cam, again the Fire Coordinator can suggest or recommend that we do this, but not demand it to be done. Also, the Town does not insure our Trucks, Building or Equipment. Our insurance agent is also a member of our department and works directly with our insurance carrier to make sure we are insured properly and if we decide to get dash cams, it will be through our insurance carrier, but only if they require it. “6) It was mentioned to the board that we would not come into compliance with SCBA and 5 inch hose. We spent $100,000 on our new SCBA equipment 3 years ago. [After last week’s Town Board meeting, A Sheridan confirmed with the Fire Coordinator that he was aware that Etna did invest in new SCBA equipment.] Our Dragger SCBA packs are also used by McLean Fire Dept [to whom and from whom Etna receives mutual aid]. The packs are lighter and cause less back strain to firefighters when in use. Due to the significant cost, we will not be replacing this equipment anytime soon just to have the same brand as every Town department. Chris should be scheduling more Town Fire Department Trainings, so we can use each other's apparatus and equipment, instead of having monthly meetings with the Fire Chiefs. As for the 5 inch hose, nobody wants to pull that size hose on or off trucks anymore. “7) As for the Grant paperwork, Chris handed me documents at the last Town meeting I attended. He never told me what the paperwork was for or any instruction on when it needed to be returned. And honestly, we are not happy with the issues going on with the current Recruitment & Retention Grant being handled by Chris. “8) Health and safety is everyone's responsibility. With our members already being stretched thin with what we already do for the community and trying to keep up with the fire coordinator's list of demands, we feel we already look out for each other and have never in the 15+ years I've been a member of Etna Volunteer Fire Dept has this been an issue. “I just want to be sure the board is being given the correct information, so I wanted to take a few minutes to correct what was said at the meeting last Thursday. “Thank you, Linda Fenner, President Etna Volunteer Fire Dept” TB 2023-12-21 Approved Page 17 of 17 A Sheridan added that if the perception comes across that we’re somehow lacking, behind the ball, the black sheep, we want to be very clear to our communities that we care about them. I’m not sure how transparently that is being communicated. She related that Dryden Ambulance training was reported at the 12/14 Town Board meeting. Etna had had that done, and this was mentioned to C O’Connor afterwards. Etna was one of the first departments to get that out. She confirmed this on their social media account. Etna is old-fashioned and different; according to the Coordinator’s records, we are the poorest district in the Town of Dryden, but not in spirit and not in action, with things like our boot drive, our chicken biscuit and chicken barbecue dinners, our Halloween trunk-or-treat, and being there on Emergency Responders Day at the mall. As you consider fire contracts, we want you to get information that is fair and balanced. A Sheridan stated that Etna is the only department who has yet to receive a draft contract. L Fenner inquired what the hold-up was, to which Supv Leifer responded that the contracts should be sent out by Tuesday, December 26. The Board went into Executive Session at 7:44 p.m. to consult with Nathan VanWhy, Town attorney, about the draft fire contracts that need to be sent out. The Board returned at 9:19 p.m. Supv Leifer reported that they had discussed with counsel the language used in the fire contracts for Neptune, Freeville, Etna, and Varna. Brooktondale’s contract is not changing. RESOLUTION #208 (2023) – APPROVING 2024 FIRE CONTRACT AMENDMENTS Supv Leifer offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption: RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves the language of the amendments, as discussed with the Town Attorney, to the 2024 fire contracts with Dryden Fire Department (Neptune Hose Co. #1 of Dryden Inc.), Etna Fire Department, Freeville Fire Department (W. B. Strong Fire Company), and Varna Fire Department (Varna Volunteer Fire Company). 2nd Cl Lamb Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Y Cl Buck Y Cl Dravis Y Cl Lamb Y Supv Leifer Y Supv Leifer stated that these approved contracts will be distributed to the fire departments by Tuesday, December 26. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Loren Sparling Deputy Town Clerk