HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-06-11-RTB Town of Ulysses
Regular Town Board
June 11 , 2013
Audio available at http ://www.ulysses .ny . us/council/tbmeetings/
Present : Supervisor Elizabeth Thomas ; Councilpersons Lucia Tyler, Nancy Zahler, David
Kerness (via Skype) ; Environmental Planner Darby Kiley; Highway Superintendent James
Meeker; Town Clerk Marsha Georgia
Absent: Kevin Romer
Others Present : Jacksonville Association President Diane Hillman, Free Press Reporter Louis
DiPietro , Charles and Kathy Schlough, and Eloise and Daniel Barrett.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Ms . Zahler moved, seconded by Ms . Thomas to approve the agenda as presented. Unanimously
approved.
APPROVAL OF CLAIMS
Ms . Thomas moved, seconded by Ms . Tyler the following :
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses approve the
previously examined vouchers #208 through 257 in the amount of $37, 815 . 51 .
Ms . Thomas aye
Ms . Tyler aye
Ms . Zahler aye
Mr. Kerness aye
Adopted
APPROVED MINUTES
Ms . Thomas moved, seconded by Ms . Zahler the following :
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses approve the minutes
of the Working Town Board meeting of May28 , 2013 as edited.
Ms . Thomas aye
Ms . Tyler aye
Ms . Zahler aye
Mr. Kerness aye
Adopted
REPORTS OF REPRESENTATIVES no representatives in attendance
PRIVILEGE OF FLOOR
Jacksonville Association President Diane Hillman reports that they had a very successful picnic
with over 145 residents attending . Ms . Hillman said that she hopes that the Town is still moving
forward on the old church.
Ms . Thomas said that Ms . VanDerHeide has done a lot of research on this and she will have her
share that with Ms . Hillman
Ms . Hillman also hopes that the zoning requests are moving forward .
TOWN REPORTS
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June 11, 2013
PLANNING BOARD / ZONING BOARD - Environmental Planner Darby Kiley submitted the
following report:
Planning Board;
• reviewed language changes to the Zoning Law, Article III Administration, focusing in on
Site Plan Review.
• approved a two-lot subdivision on the west side of Taughannock Blvd .
• Discussed Open Space: Requesting Town Board ' s approval to start working on
developing an Open Space Plan for the Town. The Planning Board agreed that they
could discuss a holistic approach to analyzing the reasons for open space protection, the
locations to protect, and the protection mechanisms, especially funding.
Ms . Kiley introduced a resolution to the Town Board that the Planning Board would like them to
consider as follows :
Whereas, the 2009 Comprehensive Plan Action Item #1 . 1 A states that the Town should
"Develop and implement an Open Space Plan to identify and protect open space in the
Town; " and
Whereas, the New York State Local Open Space Planning Guide provides the rationale,
the process, the types of resources, and the tools for open space planning; and
Whereas, the Planning Board has discussed the need to identify areas and mechanisms
for protection and is willing do the work as the meeting schedule allows;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses assigns
to the Planning Board the task of developing an Open Space Plan using a holistic
approach to analyzing the reasons for open space protection, the locations to
protect, and the protection mechanisms. The plan is to be completed as the Planning
Board meeting schedule allows, and the Planning Board will provide monthly
progress reports.
The Board discussed this concept of allowing the Planning Board to look into "Open Space" but
they felt that they needed more information and that possibly other areas need priority . Ms .
Kiley will work out more detail with the Planning Board .
BZA
The BZA granted an area variance for the width at the front lot line for the two-lot subdivision
on the west side of Taughannock Blvd that the Planning Board subsequently approved .
Ad Hoc Zoning Committee
• The committee met three times and discussed accessory buildings, water rights,
driveways and parking, moorings, lot coverage, and boat hoists
• At the May 30th meeting with all members present, recommendations were voted on:
docks, boat hoists, accessory buildings, water rights, driveways and parking, and lot size.
• at the upcoming June 13 meeting, the Committee will be finalizing recommendations,
which will come back to the Town Board for your review.
Development District # 11
Development district # 11 , the mini-golf course, is for sale. A future buyer might not want to
operate the uses as listed in the development district description. The Town Board might want to
consider a zoning change . Part of the parcel (the rear) is in the Al -Agricultural District, which
is also the zoning across Route 96. The parcel is bordered by B1 -Business to the north
(Stover' s) . The Town Board should review the uses listed in the Al and B1 to determine which
district designation is more reasonable for the location. The 2009 Comp Plan does not provide
much guidance - this area is part of the expansive " Agricultural Priority Area, " which is perhaps
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June 11, 2013
a good argument for Al designation. Ms . Kiley provided language from Town Law regarding
Zoning change .
The Board discussed the different districts and what would be allowed .
MINI-GOLF - Request from Potential Purchaser (full request can be heard at
http ://www.ulysses . ny. us/council/tbmeetings/ )
Pastor Daniel Barrett and his wife Eloise from the Greater Bethlehem Tabernacle church located
in Ithaca, NY and are currently co-sharing the Quaker Meeting House in Ithaca. Pastor Barrett
gave some history of their Church. They are currently seeking property to establish themselves
with the community. The Church is more than a place for worship . Mr. Barrett listed some
other uses they would like to see on the property :
• Community Programming
• After school programming
• Meetings and conferencing
• Banquet space
• Community kitchen
• Wedding Services
• Plan to build on and adding other structures
• Day Care / summer camp
The Board asked Mr. Barrett some questions . The Board said that there are many questions and
they will have to talk more with the Zoning Officer and the Attorney.
Ms . Thomas thanked the Barrett ' s for coming in and sharing their vision for the property.
Mr. and Mrs . Schlough just wanted to hear what the Board thoughts were on this property .
The Board discussed changing it to R1 /A1 with Site Plan review. Ms . Kiley recommends
moving forward with changing zoning
TOWN REPORTS
Highway Superintendent James Meeker reported the activities that the Highway Department
completed. Mr. Meeker is in receipt of a petition from residents on Searsburg Road requesting a
reduction in the speed limit. Mr. Meeker said that the process is that if the Board passes a
resolution in support of the petition he would then send a form to the County Highway
Department and from there it would be forwarded to NYS DOT who makes the final decision.
Ms . Zahler moved, seconded by Mr. Kerness the following :
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses supports the request
of the Searsburg residents to lower the speed limit from Curry Road to the County Line
/Mount Road.
Ms . Thomas aye
Ms . Tyler aye
Ms. Zahler aye
Mr. Kerness aye
Adopted
Mr. Meeker said that the Seneca Road Bridge is progressing nicely and that he did speak with
Jerry Stevenson on getting a price for the sidewalk.
Town Clerk Marsha Georgia reported the following :
• Attended Tompkins County Consortium Joint Committee on Plan
Structure & Design
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June 11, 2013
• Announced Town Clerk Office new hours ; staying open until 5 PM on
Tuesday and Fridays
• Working on Indexing Older Minutes — have indexed 2003 to current
• Working on Indexing Local Laws
Total fees collected for May $ 1821 . 50 Breakdown : Total to Supervisor : $ 716 . 21 which are
$68 . 71 local fees for Conservation and $647 . 50 local fees forpogs : $55 to NYS Ag & Markets,
$ 105 . 20 to NYS Conservation and $45 to NYS Health Department.
Code Enforcement Officer Alex Rachun was not in attendance . Left copy of his report
with the Board.
Budget Modifications
Ms . Thomas moved, seconded by Ms . Tyler the following 2013 Budget modifications :
A1010 .4 Town Board CE increase $4 , 500 . 00
A1990 .4 Contingency decrease $4, 500 . 00
To cover HR Consultants fees, for revision of employee handbook.
A1110 .4 Town Justice CE increase $8, 000 . 00
A917 Unassigned Fund Balance decrease $ 8, 000 . 00
To reflect spending from Court Grant funds not budgeted for the current year.
A5132 . 2 Highway Barn EQ increase $8, 315 . 65
A878 Capital Reserve decrease $8, 315 . 65
To move money from the reserve account to cover the expense of new radios, unbudgeted for
the current year.
B 9040 . 8 Worker's increase $ 1 ,468 . 00
B 1990 .4 Contingency decrease $ 1 ,468 . 00
To cover additional Workers Compensation costs .
SW3 -8310 .4 Water District 3 increase $ 1 ,000 . 00
SW3 -915 Assigned Unappropriated decrease $ 1 ,000 . 00
To cover cost of new software unbudgeted in the current year.
Ms . Thomas aye
Ms . Tyler aye
Ms . Zahler aye
Mr. Kerness aye
Adopted
Supervisor Thomas reported :
• Signed contract with Village after changes were made for Police Court coverage
• Talked with Chief Ferretti and Trustee Hart about allowing the Village Police to have full
law enforcement authority in the Town under an agreement
• Interviewed for Historian — both candidates were excellent.
Ms . Thomas moved, seconded by Ms . Zahler the following :
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses appoint John Wertis as
the Historian for the Town of Ulysses at a yearly salary of $ 1000
FURHER RESOLVE to appoint Michele Mitrani as Deputy Historian at a yearly salary
of $ 500 .
Ms . Thomas aye
Ms . Tyler aye
. i. f
7I
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June 11, 2013
Ms. Zahler aye
Mr. Kerness aye
Adopted
• Amicus Brief - letters being prepared to all the coalition municipalities that were
involved before to pass new resolutions
• Received request from three residents on Swamp College Road where water main stops
to hook up to Water District #3
• Community Foundation awarded a $ 1500 grant to the Youth Department for "Garden to
Market" pilot program
Town Board Members and Committees
Ms. Zahler attended the Village of Trumansburg meeting and said that it appears that the
Village has decided a route for their secondary water source which is come up Taughannock
Park Road to Rt. 96 turn right and go up Rt. 96 to hook to the Village system . The Village is not
planning to hook up any residents along the way but if the Town wanted residents along that to
have water the Town would have to form a water district .
The Town Board talked about this process because there were a lot of unanswered questions as
to where the Village is in there plan. Ms . Tyler felt that the Town may want to contact Eric Pond
of Barton & Loguidice Engineer to get some advice .
Ms . Zahler said that Mayor Petrovic is planning on meeting with the Westshore Homeowners
Association to address concerns about the sewage problems .
Ms. Zahler reported that the Youth Commission wants to hold a community forum to share the
results of the youth survey. The tentative date is September 30th, 2013 . Ms . Zahler also said she
has a person lined up to be appointed to the Youth Commission.
NEW BUSINESS
Health Care Consortium — Appoint Alternate
Mr. Kerness moved, seconded by Ms . Thomas the following :
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses appoint Ms . Thomas to
be the alternate on the Board of Directors for the Tompkins County Health Care
Consortium.
Ms . Thomas aye
Ms . Tyler aye
Ms . Zahler aye
Mr. Kerness aye
Adopted
Permission for Sale of Wine at the Park Concerts
Mr. Kerness moved, seconded by Ms . Thomas the following :
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses authorizes the Town
Supervisor to sign a letter to the Division of Alcohol Controls seeking exemption to
limitations for the permit to sell alcohol at the Taughannock Falls State Park during the
summer concert series .
Ms . Thomas aye
Ms . Tyler aye
Ms . Zahler aye
Mr. Kerness aye
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June 11, 2013
Adopted
OLD BUSINESS
Septic Systems
Mr. Kerness said that at a previous meeting there was a discussion about septic system testing
and he thinks he has found someone who might take the leadership of a committee to do this and
asked the Board if they would like Mr. Kerness to pursue .
Ms . Thomas ' s inclination is to say yes . Ms . Thomas asked for more information. Mr. Kerness
does not want to ask this person unless the Board wants him to . Ms . Thomas said to get a better
outline of the whole project so the Board can talk about it.
Personnel Policy
Ms . Thomas created charts on "health care cost differences for retirees" and went over how she
arrived at the figures . There are a lot of variables to review. The Board reviewed and discussed.
Ms. Thomas said that she feels that this is a matter of ethics as much as or more then looking at
the numbers ; that we need to be responsible to our employees to make sure that they get their
health care coverage . Ms . Thomas would say that most people at the Town make a very
moderate living so there are not a lot of opportunities for them to save for their retirement. If
you are a lower income earner you have a lower retirement. Ms . Thomas feels strongly that this
is an ethical argument and in some ways after seeing the numbers she created on the charts she
provided to the l3oard she sees how little of an actual change there are to the Towns actual
overall budget. It may be easier to go with what we think is right than the numbers ; while they
change they do not change that much.
The Board discussed the charts some more and asked questions .
Ms . Thomas said that she has spent a lot of time on gathering these numbers for the Board and
that means there are a lot of other things she is not able to get to . Ms . Thomas would like some
ideas from the Board as to how to reach a decision.
Mr. Kerness said he thought the Board could review the chart on their own and get back to Ms .
Thomas with their ideas . Ms . Thomas is willing to meet with anyone one on one to discuss this .
The Board placed a deadline on the feedback for this to be before the 19th of June .
Executive Session
Ms . Thomas moved, seconded by Ms . Tyler the following :
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses moves to go into
executive session to discuss matters related to the appointment, promotion, demotion,
discipline, or removal of particular personnel .
Ms . Thomas aye
Ms. Tyler aye
Ms. Zahler aye
Mr. Kerness aye
Adopted
The meeting adjourned at 10 : 05 PM for executive session.
The Regular meeting reconvened at 10 : 10 PM.
Deputy Town Clerk Position
FP
Regular Town Board Meeting 7
June 11, 2013
The Deputy Town Clerk has requested to go back to an hourly wage instead of salary. The Town
Clerk has reviewed this and sent a request to the Board to pay an hourly rate of $ 18 . 92 per hour
based on 31 hours into the salary of $ 30 , 500 .
Ms . Thomas moved, seconded by Ms . Tyler the following
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses determined that the
hours should be based on 35 hours per week making the hourly rate for the Deputy
Town Clerk $ 16 . 76 .
Ms . Thomas aye
Ms. Tyler aye
Ms . Zahler aye
Mr. Kerness aye
Adopted
Hearing no further business Ms. Zahler moved, seconded by Mr. Kerness to adjourn the meeting .
Unanimously approved and meeting adjourned at 10 : 15 .
Respectfully submitted,
Marsha L . Georgia
Ulysses Town Clerk