HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-07-12-TB-PH-FINAL-minutesTOWN BOARD MEETING & PUBLIC HEARING ON VIDEO CONFERENCING LOCAL LAW
Town of Ulysses
July 12, 2022
Video recordings of meetings are available on Youtube at
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWVIs--g9CpHIxdk9YxZyPw.
The meeting was held in person at the Ulysses Town Hall, 10 Elm St., Trumansburg NY 14886.
Notice of Town Board meetings are posted on the Town’s website and Clerk’s board.
CALL TO ORDER:
Ms. Olson called the meeting to order at 7pm.
ATTENDANCE:
TOWN OFFICIALS
In person:
Supervisor- Katelin Olson
Board members- Michael Boggs, Roxanne Marino, Rich Goldman, Mary Bouchard, Rich
Goldman
Town Clerk- Carissa Parlato
Second Deputy Supervisor/Budget Officer- Michelle E. Wright
OTHERS:
In person:
Gerry Reynolds, Bill Conroy, Cait Darfler, Katie Bagnall-Newman, Curt Dunnam
Via Zoom:
Paula Maguire, Shyia Magan, Anne Koreman (Tompkins County Legislator), Dori Almann
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Motion:
Mr. Goldman moved that the agenda for July 12, 2022 be approved with the inclusion of the public
hearing on videoconferencing. This was seconded by Mr. Boggs and passed unanimously.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: (3 minute limit)
Mr. Reynolds spoke against the law. He believes it to be prejudiced since dogs and horses can travel
and they are trained the same as exotic animals. Also the law is against the fair policies and will
prohibit them from presenting educational and entertaining acts. They currently have no exotic
animals planned for next year but may want to in future as it provides opportunities for the
community.
Mr. Goldman asked why dogs and horses are allowed. Ms. Olson offered the distinction that NYS Ag
& Markets defines dogs and horses differently than exotics.
Ms. Almann said that the NYS Humane Society says that animals don’t have good lives in circuses.
Horses and dogs have millenia of domestication and are more suited for display purposes. Wild
animals are wild and the psychological and mental toll on them is highly detrimental in many
different ways.
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Ms. Darfler said that the Ag & Markets animal list was used based on board preference and not
because they agree with it. She encouraged the board to move to a public hearing as there has been
plenty of time and comment on the subject.
Ms. Maguire said that she respects and loves the Trumansburg Fair and understands their comments.
However, she toured a circus animal retirement facility that was not a nice environment for the
animals. She thinks we should work harder to find other fair acts that don’t involve animals.
Mr. Reynolds said that animals have rights too and should have the right to display their beauty to
the public.
LIAISON & CHAIR REPORTS:
Ms. Koreman shared the following updates from Tompkins County:
• FEMA reimbursement for COVID testing is going to 90% rather than 100% but the county will
cover the 10% temporarily
• Community grant roll-out is moving slow
• ARPA funding is less restrictive now
• American Airlines is suspending flights to Philadelphia starting in Sept.
• Broadband help- $30 monthly assistance available
• New Deputy County Administrator was hired but other positions yet to be filled
• Unarmed sheriff’s response pilot program is running
OLD BUSINESS:
SCHEDULING A PUBLIC HEARING ON DRAFT “LOCAL LAW TO PROHIBIT THE DISPLAY OF WILD
AND/OR EXOTIC ANIMALS IN A TRAVELING ANIMAL ACT”
RESOLUTION # 109 OF 2022: SCHEDULING A PUBLIC HEARING ON DRAFT “LOCAL LAW TO
PROHIBIT THE DISPLAY OF WILD AND/OR EXOTIC ANIMALS IN A TRAVELING ANIMAL ACT”
WHEREAS, a local law entitled “A LOCAL LAW TO PROHIBIT THE DISPLAY OF WILD AND/OR
EXOTIC ANIMALS IN A TRAVELING ANIMAL ACT” was introduced at this meeting (see
Appendix); and
WHEREAS, the Town Board desires to hold a public hearing with respect to the adoption of
said Local Law.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that a public hearing will be held by the Town Board of
the Town of Ulysses with respect to the adoption of the aforesaid Local Law on July 26th at
7pm; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to cause public notice of
said hearing to be given as provided by law.
Moved: Mr. Goldman Seconded: Ms. Bouchard
Olson aye
Boggs aye
Bouchard aye
Goldman aye
Marino aye
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Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 7/12/22
MEETING PROCEDURES
Mr. Van Why noted the current rules for videoconferencing for boards. The state now authorizes
remote attendance under extraordinary circumstances without having to publish the remote meeting
location of board members. Board members discussed the current policy and desired changes for the
new policy.
PUBLIC HEARING ON AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF ULYSSES AND ITS COMMITTEES AND
SUBCOMMITTEES TO USE VIDEOCONFERENCING TECHNOLOGY
Mr. Goldman made a motion to open public hearing at 7:38pm. This was seconded by Mr. Boggs and
passed unanimously.
Ms. Olson noted that the law would apply to Town Board, Planning Board, and Board of Zoning
Appeals. A quorum in person would still be required. The board will pass the local law now, and then
develop the policy and procedures in the next few meetings.
She invited public comments. Hearing none, Ms. Bouchard made a motion to close the hearing. This
was seconded by Mr. Boggs and passed unanimously at 7:41pm.
MEETING PROCEDURES DISCUSSION (Cont’d.)
Ms. Olson reiterated topics from the prior discussion regarding eliminating the 5 day advance notice
to participate without extraordinary circumstances, defining “extraordinary circumstances”, and
location sharing.
The group decided to take this up at the next meeting.
LOCAL LAW AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF ULYSSES AND ITS COMMITTEES AND SUBCOMMITTEES
TO USE VIDEOCONFERENCING TECHNOLOGY
(See Appendix for full text of law)
RESOLUTION #110 OF 2022: LOCAL LAW AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF ULYSSES AND ITS
COMMITTEES AND SUBCOMMITTEES TO USE VIDEOCONFERENCING TECHNOLOGY
WHEREAS, the Town has the authority to adopt the local law referred to above (hereafter “the
Local Law”) pursuant to §10(1)(ii)(a)(1) and §10(1)(ii)(d)(3) of the New York State Municipal
Home Rule Law; and
WHEREAS, the Town is committed to ensuring continuity of government and public access to
our meetings; and
WHEREAS, providing videoconferencing attendance options for the Town of Ulysses has
increased participation by members of boards, committees and subcommittees since
implemented in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, a public notification for the public hearing was duly published in the Ithaca Journal
on July 1, 2022; and
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WHERAS, a Public Hearing was held on July 10, 2022 at 7:30 p.m., and all parties in attendance
were permitted an opportunity to speak in favor of or in opposition to the Local Law, or any
party thereby, and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED THAT the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses hereby approves the Local Law
authorizing the Town of Ulysses and Its Committees and Subcommittees to Use
Videoconferencing Technology.
No action taken at this moment- see below.
CAMP BARTON UPDATE
Ms. Olson said that she has been working with NYS, boy scouts and the other municipalities on
getting appraisals, lead remediation at shooting range, and development of the LDC (local
development corporation). The LDC will be a 501C3. Two members of each municipality will be
appointed to it and will be able to apply for funding.
Fred Bonn (NYS Parks Regional Director for the Finger Lakes) shared an LDC template from
Cattaraugus county that the attorneys will use as a starting point.
The board discussed the operating agreement, liability insurance, and fundraising options.
(CONT’D.) LOCAL LAW AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF ULYSSES AND ITS COMMITTEES AND
SUBCOMMITTEES TO USE VIDEOCONFERENCING TECHNOLOGY
VOTE:
Moved: Ms. Marino Seconded: Ms. Bouchard
Olson aye
Boggs aye
Bouchard aye
Goldman aye
Marino aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 7/12/22
APPLICATION FOR NYS CLIMATE SMART COMMUNITIES GRANT
Ms. Marino updated the board on this grant application for the comprehensive plan and noted that it
is due on July 29.
RESOLUTION #111 OF 2022: APPLICATION TO 2022 NEW YORK STATE CLIMATE SMART
COMMUNITIES GRANT PROGRAM
Whereas, the Town of Ulysses, a bronze-certified Climate Smart Community, seeks to update
its 2009 Comprehensive Plan and incorporate sustainability elements into a revised plan, to
help guide the community with mitigation of, and adaptation to climate change; and,
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Whereas, the preparation of a Comprehensive Plan with Sustainability Elements is an eligible
project type, in the Certification category (PE6 Action), under the 2022 New York State
Climate Smart Communities Grant Program; and,
Whereas, The Town of Ulysses hereby requests financial assistance from the New York State
Climate Smart Communities Grant Program pursuant to Environmental Conservation Law
Article 54, Title 15; and,
Whereas, The Town of Ulysses certifies that it has identified $50,000 of matching funds from a
combination of volunteer and in-kind staff time working directly on the project, and a cash
match from the Part-Town B Fund pursuant to the requirements of Environmental
Conservation Law Article 54 Title 15; and,
Now, Therefore, Be It
Resolved, that The Town of Ulysses hereby authorizes Michelle E. Wright, Second Deputy
Supervisor and Budget officer, an employee, to act on its behalf in submittal of an application
through the Consolidated Funding Application for $100,000, to be used for the Town of
Ulysses Climate Smart Comprehensive Plan Update Project.
Moved: Ms. Olson Seconded: Mr. Goldman
Olson aye
Boggs aye
Bouchard aye
Goldman aye
Marino aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 7/12/22
NEW BUSINESS:
TEMPORARY NO-PARKING FOR RABBIT RUN, CEMETERY ROAD, AND FALLS ROAD
RESOLUTION #112 OF 2022: TEMPORARY NO-PARKING FOR RABBIT RUN, CEMETERY ROAD,
AND FALLS ROAD
WHEREAS, it is in the public’s interest that the increased parking needs related to the
Grassroots Festival and related activities are regulated on narrow Town roads during the
month of July;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board approves the temporary
elimination of parking along Rabbit Run, the town-owned portion of Cemetery Road between
Route 96 and Falls Road, and Falls Road between Cemetery and Cayuga View Roads through
the end of July 2022; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board directs the Highway Superintendent to post these
no-parking areas.
Moved as amended: Ms. Olson Seconded: Mr. Goldman
Olson aye
Boggs aye
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Bouchard aye
Goldman aye
Marino aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 7/12/22
END PROBATION PERIOD FOR EXISTING EMPLOYEE
Mr. Stewart noted that Mr. Coyle was hired for the highway department in Dec. He came with lots of
experience and is very proficient at his job.
RESOLUTION # 113 OF 2022: END PROBATION PERIOD FOR EXISTING EMPLOYEE
WHEREAS, the 2021 contract between the Teamsters and the Town of Ulysses allows the
Highway Superintendent to request that the Town Board reduces the standard twelve-month
probationary period for a Highway employee six months; and
WHEREAS, the Highway Superintendent requested that Tyler Coyle’s probation period be
reduced from twelve months to six months on June 6, 2022;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board approves the reduction in
probation from twelve months to six months for Tyler Coyle.
Moved: Mr. Goldman Seconded: Mr. Boggs
Olson aye
Boggs aye
Bouchard aye
Goldman aye
Marino aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 7/12/22
APPRECIATION OF CHRIS STEVENSON FOR SERVICE TO THE TOWN
RESOLUTION #114 OF 2022: APPRECIATION OF CHRIS STEVENSON FOR SERVICE TO THE
TOWN
WHEREAS, Mr. Stevenson has resigned effective July 29, 2022 from the Town of Ulysses,
having provided valuable water and highway service to the Town of Ulysses for 16 years; and
WHEREAS, the Town is grateful for Mr. Stevenson’s professionalism, good humor, unflagging
service to the public, and knowledgeable expertise;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, the Town of Ulysses is grateful to Mr. Chris Stevenson, recognizes his significant
public service to Ulysses and the households of Water District 3, and wishes him good health
and happiness in the next phase of this life.
Moved: Ms. Olson Seconded: Mr. Goldman
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Olson aye
Boggs aye
Bouchard aye
Goldman aye
Marino aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 7/12/22
WATER/HIGHWAY STAFFING DISCUSSION
Ms. Olson noted that staff have been working on the transition as Mr. Stevenson leaves and Mr.
Stewart takes over water duties. With several administrative tasks associated with the water district
being done by various people, she suggested a civil service position that includes these tasks as well
as additional duties (like requests for outside users & new districts) for 20 hrs/wk.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Mr. Goldman moved to go into Executive Session at 8:47pm for the purpose of discussing personnel
matters as well as advice of counsel. This was seconded by Mr. Boggs and passed unanimously.
Ms. Bouchard moved to end Executive Session at 8:58pm. This was seconded by Mr. Boggs and
passed unanimously.
OFFICIAL/STAFF REPORTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. Goldman announced that he has a meeting with the planner applicant tomorrow.
Ms. Marino shared the following:
• CSAC met and agreed to be the task force for the CSC grant for comp planning
• She attended a Community Choice Aggregation presentation
• Talked with code officer about special permit law update
UPCOMING EVENTS:
• July 26 – Regular Board Meeting
• August 2 – Town Board Budget Retreat
• August 9 – Regular Town Board Meeting
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
RESOLUTION #___ of 2022: APPROVAL OF MINUTES
RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board approve the meeting minutes from June 28, 2022
with Ms. Marino’s suggestions.
No action taken.
PAYMENT OF CLAIMS:
RESOLUTION # 115 of 2022: PAYMENT OF CLAIMS
RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board has reviewed and approves payment of claims for all
funds, vouchers 293 through 343 in the amount of $54,887.62.
Moved: Mr. Goldman Seconded: Ms. Bouchard
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Olson aye
Boggs aye
Bouchard aye
Goldman aye
Marino aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 7/12/22
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR (3 min limit per person):
(none)
ADJOURN
Mr. Goldman made a motion to adjourn at 9:17pm. This was seconded by Ms. Bouchard and passed
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by Carissa Parlato, Town Clerk
7/26/22
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APPENDIX:
Chat file from Zoom:
00:18:00 Dori Almann: Animal Defenders says NYS has restrictions on specific species, or types
of performance, or certain uses of animals or animal management practices in Greenburgh, NYC,
Plattsburg, Southampton, Westchester County. Statewide bans in New Jersey, Hawaii, California, and
Colorado.
00:23:07 Dori Almann: The FAQ states there were previous animal acts & traveling zoos in
"recent years". I'm new to town; when did these events take place?
00:39:25 Annie Koreman: I have an emergency to deal with and will turn my video on
when I can do my report at your convenience a little bit later in the meeting.
00:54:38 Paula Maguire: This is the rescue in California for exotic animals where often
abused and neglected circus animals end up: https://wildlifewaystation.org/
01:05:04 Paula Maguire: Thank you all. I will note that the sanctuary I visited 25 years ago
(above link) is now closed, it housed circus animals and many I observed were maimed slightly on
purpose to have limited movement so they would not escape or attack quickly when performing.
Local Law on Videoconferencing:
LOCAL LAW NO. 2 FOR THE YEAR 2022
A LOCAL LAW AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF ULYSSES AND ITS COMMITTEES AND SUBCOMMITTEES
TO USE VIDEOCONFERENCING TECHNOLOGY TO PARTICIPATE IN PUBLIC MEETINGS
Be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses as follows:
Section 1. Legislative Intent
It is the intent of this local law to give the Town of Ulysses, and all committees or subcommittees of
the Town of Ulysses, the authority to participate in meetings via videoconference in a manner
consistent with the Town’s videoconferencing policy and the authority granted in Public Officers Law
§ 103-a.
Section 2. Authority
This local law is adopted pursuant to Public Officers Law § 103-a which expressly authorizes the Town
Board to adopt a local law giving the Town and all committees or subcommittees of the Town of
Ulysses the authority to participate in meetings via videoconference from locations not accessible to
the public so long as a quorum of the applicable body participates from locations where the public
may be physically present and other conditions are met.
Section 3. Videoconferencing for Public Meetings
The Town Board authorizes members of the Town Board, Board of Zoning Appeals, Planning Board,
and all committees or subcommittees of the Town of Ulysses to participate in meetings using
videoconferencing technology in a manner consistent with Public Officers Law § 103-a and the
Town’s videoconferencing policy adopted by the Town Board.
Section 4. Remainder
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Except as hereinabove amended, the remainder of the Code of the Town of Ulysses shall remain in
full force and effect.
Section 5. Severability
The provisions of this Local Law are severable and if any provision, clause, sentence, subsection, word
or part thereof is held illegal, invalid, unconstitutional, or inapplicable to any person or circumstance,
such illegality, invalidity or unconstitutionality, or inapplicability shall not affect or impair any of the
remaining provisions, clauses, sentences, subsections, words, or parts of this local law or their
application to other persons or circumstances. It is hereby declared to be the legislative intent that
this local law would have been adopted if such illegal, invalid, or unconstitutional provision, clause,
sentence, subsection, word or part had not been included therein, and as if such person or
circumstance, to which the local law or part thereof is held inapplicable, had been specifically exempt
therefrom.
Section 6. Effective Date
This Local Law shall take effect immediately upon filing with the New York State Secretary of State in
accordance with Section 27 of the Municipal Home Rule Law.
Staff Reports:
(attached)
June 8, 2022
Town of Ulysses Recreation Department Brief
Created by: Will Glennon, Recreation Director
Summer Programs
●All six sessions have increased enrollment.
○The camps currently have 410 total registrations up from 301 registrations in
2021.
○128 individual campers will be attending camp this summer, up from 99 campers
in 2021.
○Ten families and 18 individual campers are receiving financial assistance to
attend camp this summer.
●The basketball summer sports camp has 32 total registrations for the week of July
5th-8th, this is the same as 2021. The camp is run by Paul Pennock, varsity boys
basketball coach and assisted by Lisa James, junior varsity girls coach.
●The volleyball summer sports camp currently has 30 total registrations for the week of
July 5th-8th up from 25 registrations in 2021. The program is run by Angela McLennan,
girls varsity volleyball coach.
●Summer Camp Staffing/Planning
○The summer camp pre-inspection occured on June 28th with the TCHD.
○The summer camp received the TCHD permit to operate on July 1st.
○The camp currently staffs one director, two assistant directors, and 13
counselors.
○All staff have received hats in addition to shirts to differentiate themselves while
supervising campers in the water during swimming hours.
○The campers are separated into six different groups with two counselors each.
Groups are 10-14 campers depending upon age.
○The camp received swimming permits from Taughannock Falls State Park and
Watkin Glen State Park.
○The annual Seabreeze Park field trip has been scheduled for August 10th, with a
rain date of August 11th.
○The camp will be visiting the library for programming on Tuesday mornings at
11:00 am beginning July 12th.
○The recreation department was awarded $3,000.00 by the United Way to be paid
out over the next two summers to support the town summer programming.
pg 1 Building & Codes Monthly Report
Building & Code Updates
Mark Washburn, NYS CEO, Certification No 1020-0364
Reporting Period June 1 –June 30, 2022
Plan Reviews
8 discussions about upcoming projects
12 permit review, 3 conversation with contractor regarding issues
Site Visits
Ongoing monitoring of Erosion Plan, visited 4 times no issues
3 Meeting with contractor about new house build
4 site visits regarding Zoning issue
3 visits regarding erosion issues
5 visits to answer possible renovations and zoning allowability
CEO Activity
• 5 Foundation/Footer inspections/ 0 reinspection’s needed issues fixed
• 6 Framing inspections/ 1 reinspection’s Issue resolved
• 3 Plumbing inspections/ 1 reinspection’s
• 5 Final inspection/2 Reinspection
• Code research for 15 different issues approximately 12 hours
• 2 Field work Meeting with homeowners and engineer regarding Zoning issue
• 8 property investigations for Letters of violation, 2 letters issued code and zoning violations
(ongoing)
• Meeting at property in regards to zoning questions
• Answered 12 zoning questions that I was able to answer and passed along 3 to the Zoning
Department for further help
• 3 subdivision Projects posted for public hearings.1 Site plan review by planning board
• Meeting at residence on Taughannock Blvd. Regarding zoning questions (2hr)
• Averaged 12 hours per week for the month of June dealing with zoning questions
• Review of Health department communications regarding Grassroot Festival, Reviewed ERP for
Grassroots
• Resident out reach regarding Shady Grove camp ground Special Event Permit Waiting on
Campground permit for Shady Grove
• Denied permit due to due to lack of stamped plans. Waiting for the stamped plan set to review
pg 2 Building & Codes Monthly Report
Building & Code Updates
Mark Washburn, NYS CEO, Certification No 1020-0364
Reporting Period June 1 – June 30, 2022
SBL Violation Code Action Status
4x Site visit
No issues
Ongoing
Burned out house Safety
Violation/ [NY] 108.1.1 Unsafe structure
Clean up
happening
around house
Awaiting response
33.-5-3.1
Boat storage not in
compliance Submitted application for Site
plan review Monitoring
Site plan approved
for more storage
12.-4-9
Rubbish, Vehicles,
Fire road violation
Protective covering
violations
Property maintenance code
301.2, 302.3, 302.8, 304.2
Fire Code
503.4
Clean up and
remove vehicles
from side of
roadway and
property
2 Letters sent
Waiting on reply
Letter to attorney
for
review(Appearance
ticket)
20.-3-9.22 Cars, Rubbish Multiple Property Maintenance
code, Fire Code violations
Letter to Attorney
for review
26.-2-14.1 Work started without
permit, Multiple Cars Property Maintenance Code
Letter sent
Town of Ulysses Clerk’s Office
MONTHLY REPORT for JUNE 2022
Submitted by Carissa Parlato
LICENSES/PERMITS issued: #
Sporting licenses 8
Disabled parking permits 12
Dog licenses and renewals 65
Marriage licenses 2
Plumbing permits 0
Address assignments 0
Notarizations 5
FOIL requests-received 1
FOIL requests-completed 1
CLERK’s OFFICE TASKS:
• Routine tasks:
o retrieved, sorted, vouchered mail, answered inquiries on various topics, attended town board
meetings and took minutes, kept website current, provided notary services, issued marriage &
dog licenses and disabled parking permits, collected building & zoning fees, assigned new
addresses as requested, participated in weekly Supervisor/Clerks office meetings, sent weekly
e-newsletter messages to residents, contract management, coordinated building
use/equipment sign out, administered oaths of office, fulfilled FOIL requests, ordered supplies,
posted board meeting (Planning, Town & BZA) videos to Youtube
• Facilities maintenance:
o Continued work on cleaning RFP – applicants backed out due to insurance requirements
o 2 maintenance calls for Clerk’s office HVAC unit dripping issues
• Fielded Planning & Zoning inquiries
• Recruit another Deputy Clerk
IT COMMITTEE:
• Continue meetings for IT update- consultant RFP, town policies, domain name and other issues
TAX COLLECTION:
• Complete reconciliation with TC Finance
WATER DISTRICT TASKS:
• Tracked water usage/testing/consumption/billing for annual spreadsheet
• Collected and posted payments
• Meet with Supervisor’s office as needed for related items
HABITAT NATURE PRESERVE COMMITTEE:
• Nature walk held for Compass residents (no attendees) but connected with Compass management
SAFETY & EMERGENCY COMMITTEE:
• No meeting in June
OTHER COMMITTEES/ASSOCIATIONS:
• Health consortium- next meeting Aug. 4
FINANCIAL REPORT:
3517.50 TOTAL Clerk fees & licenses collected
2715.22 stays in the town
802.28 goes to the state
1822.00 Building & Zoning fees collected (included
in total amount above)
Town of Ulysses
July 2022 Bookkeeper Board Report
July 12, 2022 Town Board Meeting
Prepared by Blixy Taetzsch, 7/6/2022
1
Balance Sheet
As detailed in the Supervisor’s Report, total cash balances as of 6/30/2022 were $3,412,650.71 an increase of
$8,060.97 from last month. A few notable items this month:
Sales tax payments – we received April and May payments.
EMS - we received April and May payments.
This month saw normal cash outlays for operating expenses.
Other than cash and interfund transactions (due to/due from other funds), there are no significant assets or
liabilities in the Town’s operational financial statements, with the exception of funds due from the State and
County for capital projects. This month, I have included an interfund reconciliation report displaying amounts
due between funds. The two larger amounts are related to the aforementioned capital projects that will be repaid
after project completion and receipt of grant/outside funding. The other amount relates to cash that must be
maintained in the payroll checking account to cover insurance billings that are paid up front.
Income Statement
I have included an analysis of revenues and expenses as of the end of the second quarter, which accompanies this
report. I used the same format and categories that I presented at the end of March – including only major
revenues and expenditures by functional classification. Below are some highlights:
REVENUE
Sales tax revenue appears to be ahead of budget with 5 months received and 52.5% of the annual budget
unearned.
Mortgage tax revenue appears to be ahead of budget by about 50%, with 25.8% of the budget unearned.
Fines and forfeited bail is also tracking ahead of budget with 48.9% of the budget unearned and only 4
months’ revenue recorded.
Youth program revenues (intergovernmental charges) tend to be loaded in the fall after summer
programming is complete. Revenue is expected to be on target.
EMS revenues also appear to be ahead of budget, with 40.2% of the budget unearned and 5 months of
revenue recorded.
CHIPS revenue is expected in the fall, after road improvements are complete.
EXPENDITURES
Generally, spending it at or below target for all funds. With the exception of DA and SW3, where there
were large one-time expenditures for equipment and debt service respectively, and SF and SM with up
front annual contractual payments, spending is well below the 50% level in total by fund.
Town of Ulysses
July 2022 Bookkeeper Board Report
July 12, 2022 Town Board Meeting
Prepared by Blixy Taetzsch, 7/6/2022
2
Contractual spending is below budget overall, in particular noting professional services budgets
minimally used thus far this year. Some spending is also seasonally driven, with the majority occurring
through the summer months.
Personnel and benefit spending is on target with the exception of three vacant positions: Deputy Clerk
(part-time), Secretary to the Supervisor (part time), and Planner (full time). This is most noticeable in the
B fund, where planning and zoning activities are a significant portion of the budget.
One area of note where spending is tracking high is snow removal. Noted in the analysis, we have 40%
remaining in our personnel budget and 30% remaining in our contractual budget for snow removal in
2022 fall/winter months.
Bookkeeper Activities
Below is a brief overview of my activities for the month:
Audit: We continue to the work with the auditors to wrap up. As anticipated, they were back on site in
late June to complete some testing related to the Single Audit. Michelle and I have received a preliminary
draft audit for review.
Personnel: I have completed the hiring process for 14 recreation staff and 13 youth workers. I
participated in the training for youth workers, assisting Ethan with the Town mandatory training for
harassment and discrimination and relevant personnel policy topics. Will provided all of the mandatory
training for the recreation staff. The majority of the seasonal staff began work on July 5th.
Budget Preparation: I have worked with Michelle to support 2023 budget preparation by making
recommendations about process and preparing historical financial data to be used for analysis and
informing future budget development.
Highway Report July 2022
Road Work:
Improved Shoulders on Curry, Lyke, Colegrove and Buck Hill Roads
Cold Patched edges on Curry, Colegrove and Buck Hill Roads
Ditched portions of Colegrove Road
Mowed Roadsides on various roads
Trimmed at intersections and road signs in various areas
Repair:
T21 Steering Pump
Brakes on F350
Oil Change on T3
Tires on F150
Misc:
Helped TC Highway with Waterburg Road paving
Building & Code Enforcement Office
607-387-9778 ext. 231
Buildings & Code Enforcement Report for June 2022
SUBMITTED AT JULY 2022 TOWN BOARD MEETING
Building Permits issued 8
Plan Reviews 10
Certificate of Occupancy issued 3 Cof O
Permits Renewed 2
Complaints Received 3
Complaints Resolved Letter sent 2
Inspections (Footers, Foundations, Plumbing,
Insulation, roofing, Pools, Etc.)
22 Plus
2 Reinspection’s
New Site Inspections 8
Building Review Consultations (pre-plan meetings,
Future Building/Remodeling)
2
Fire Safety Inspections Fairgrounds Grass
Roots
Code Training Seminars 0 Hours Energy
Code
County Assessment, Town, DOS Reports 5
Open property in violation cases Ongoing outreach
Property violations resolved 2
Value of Permits issued: $163,903.00
Building Permit fees collected for month: $1,072.00
Respectfully Submitted,
TOWN OF ULYSSES
10 Elm Street, Trumansburg, NY 14886
ulysses.ny.us
Town Supervisor (607) 387-5767, Ext 232 supervisor@ulysses.ny.us
Town Clerk (607) 387-5767, Ext 221 clerk@ulysses.ny.us
Mark Washburn
Mark Washburn – Building & Fire Code Enforcement Officer
Page 1 of 3
Report to Town Board
Work between: 6/8 – 7/5/2022
Meeting date: 7/12/2022
Submitted by Michelle E. Wright
Work Activities
Miscellaneous
• Standing weekly meetings: Clerk’s office, Supervisor, Highway Superintendent
• Resolution drafting
Bookkeeper Supervision
• Weekly meeting on Wednesday
• June 2022 Financial Report review
Insurance Related
• No significant work during this period
• Upcoming: quotes for 2023 coverage
Financially Related
• Voucher review, adjustments, related communications
• Audit related work
• Grant application related work:
o CFA program analysis for Comp Plan update funding
Work sessions to determine which funding program is the best fit for the update funding
request
o The Nature Conservancy Grant Writing Capacity Program
Interview
Scheduling secondary interview
• Capital plan development in anticipation of the 2023 budgeting season
o Culvert (new this year) in coordination with Town Highway Superintendent
o Paving (new this year) in coordination with Town Highway Superintendent
o Facilities
o Highway equipment
o WD3
Finance Committee
• 6/22 meeting related activities
• 2023 budget development schedule and work items
Budget Related
• Continued preparation for the 2023 budget development season
• Schedule pre-budget meetings with all department heads
Asset Management
• DEC Grant Application: Nonagricultural Nonpoint Source Planning
o MRB consulting on application
o Communications related to this application
o Culvert status documentation in coordination with Highway Superintendent
• Second work session with Highway Superintendent to begin develop capital plans for culverts and paving
Procurement Related
• Cleaner RFP communications with Clerk
• SW3 emergency procurement related work
Page 2 of 3
Compliance Related
• GASB 75 reporting contract communications
• JCAP related communications
• Contract related compliance work
• YEP work site contract development in coordination with CCE, Town Attorney, Insurance Broker
• Title VI related work activities
Water District 3
• 6/14 meeting with NY Rural Water Association
o Acquisition and subsequent development of Standard Operating Procedure template
• Further development of maintenance plan and standard operating procedures document
IT Update Related/IT Committee
• Committee meeting 6/15, 6/29
• Website obsolescence problem solving: Domain transfer related work
• Continued RFP development
• Investigation into software acquisition
Safety Committee
• No specific work associated with the Safety Committee during this working period
Transportation Related Updates
Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) grants announcement, see:
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-1788-million-funding-support-transportation-
enhancements-75
• Southern Tier projects are listed here, including two in Tompkins County.
• Southern Tier - $8.0 million
$2,200,000 to the City of Ithaca to construct a multi-use trail to the Black Diamond Trail to the Gateway Trail.
$2,191,838 to the Village of Cayuga Heights to construct sidewalks along Cayuga Heights Road.
$571,263 to the Village of Montour Falls to construct street stormwater improvements to Owego Street.
$671,954 to the Village of Painted Post to construct sidewalks, a pedestrian walkway, and other pedestrian safety
improvements to the Village Walking Trail.
$2,344,703 to the Town of Vestal to construct a multi-use trail along Vestal Road.
Upcoming
• Budget season prep: capital plan development, multi-year financially related work to provide context, other
tasks associated with organization and context for the 2023 budget creation season
• Further development of capital plans in coordination with other departments and outside experts
o Culvert (new this year)
o Paving (new this year)
o Facilities
o Highway equipment
o WD3
• IT system modernization project work
• Work related to insurance coverage and contract related action items
Page 3 of 3
• Close out and finalization of Cemetery Road Bridge
o Communications with Engineers and Vendors
o Communications and close out of County MoU
• EFC/WIIA close out
• Contract related work
• Procurement related work
• Title VI related work
Active Grant Updates
• Cemetery Road Bridge over Trumansburg Creek (NYSDOT 95% funded with FHWA money, Barton & Loguidice
Engineers)
o Internal activities:
Communications re: turf establishment work
• B&L confirmed that this has been done, project closed out in terms of Economy Paving,
the construction company
NYSDOT has a time-consuming process on their end related to final payment—we are in direct
contact with our Regional Local Project Liaison (RLPL), and he is trying to push our final
reimbursement through the process.
Communications pertaining to federal funding categorization: moving leftover funds from
design to construction
• WD #3 WIIA Grant (EFC funded, MRB Engineers)
o Internal activities
EFC reporting requirements: communications with Municipal Solutions regarding project costs
Supervisor Report February June 9 – July 8, 2022
Staffing
• John Zepko continues as part-time temporary Planner, and now attends Planning Board meetings.
Codes is successfully serving as a conduit for the public on zoning needs on a temporary basis
• Planner position closed on 5/31/22. Organized interviews with other Town Board members, with
invitations extended to Planning and BZA members. Coordinated calls among candidate(s) with
staff.
• Coordinated with the Town of Ithaca on conflict code enforcement assistance and other property
issues.
• Maintained communication with Teamsters union representative.
• Attended numerous meetings regarding Human Resource matters.
• Continued review of staffing needs related to water services.
• Held meetings with all of Town staff members.
• Reviewed and accepted time cards.
• Reviewed and accepted monthly reports.
Town Board preparation and follow up
• Prepared and reviewed materials for the 6/14 and 6/28 regular meetings.
• Prepared and organized special meeting on 6/30.
• Collected and provided answers to Town Board members on a variety of topics, and held in-
person, phone and/or email conversations with Town Board members.
• Worked with legal counsel on conflict-of-interest issues.
• Worked with legal counsel on zoning issues.
• Worked with legal counsel on Camp Barton (organization structure, funding sources, etc.)
• Worked with legal counsel on human resource issues.
• Worked with legal counsel on ethics, meeting procedures, and videoconferencing local law.
Budget
• Worked with Michelle and Blixy to on pre-budget planning for a presentation to Town Board on
6/28.
• Reviewed the financial documents related to closing out June.
• Reviewed and approved vouchers for 7/12/2022 meeting.
Recreation/Camp Barton
• Met/spoke/emailed numerous times with representatives of Town of Covert, Village of
Trumansburg, and NYS Parks to discuss approaches of the municipalities managing the park on
behalf of NYS.
• Working with legal counsel on drafting operating agreement based on an LDC/501 c(3) model
Comptroller/Audit/IT
• Ongoing participation on standing IT/Cyber responses internally.
• Attended IT meetings.
• Authorized acquisition of .gov domain.
• Attended meeting with web designer to discuss website/hosting needs and related options, and
coordinated on domain/email transition. . .
• Continued discussion with domain provider to begin transition to new hosting.
Highway/Water
• Worked with Highway Superintendent to discuss budgetary needs.
• Reviewed Highway Superintendent request to reduce probationary period for one employee, and
submitted to Board for consideration.
• Reviewed water reports submitted by Bolton Point and Water Operator.
• Had several follow-up meetings with staff/HR to discuss water district needs.
COVID
• Open Meetings extension allowing for fully remote meetings is scheduled to end on July 14th.
Unclear if it will be extended.
• NYS Courts no longer require masking at Town Hall; masks now optional at Town Hall.
• Continue to attend monthly County COVID meetings.
Land Use
• Continued to support through the allocation of legal resources, as needed, Planning Board
meetings until a permanent planner can attend and staff the board.
MISC
• Worked with staff and legal counsel concerning newsletter criteria and reviewed submission
regulations/criteria.
• Reviewed the Tompkins County Environmental Health findings related to health violations.
• Held multiple HR-related meetings to address current and future staffing issues.
Liaison
• Attended to Town Supervisors of Tompkins County monthly meeting.
• Attended Tompkins County monthly call.
• Hosted a community partners call with other local leaders
• Attended meeting between Town, Village, and Town of Covert and NYS on status of acquisition
and further updates
• Attended IT/Cyber committee meetings.
• Attended TCCOG meeting; appointed new chair of IT/Cybersecurity Subcommittee.
• Coordinated with Youth Commission on developing upcoming 2022 budget.
Respectfully submitted,
Supervisor Katelin Olson
July 8, 2022
Ulysses Supervisor <ulyssestownsupervisor@gmail.com>
Water Report For June 2022
Chris Stevenson <crs6662@gmail.com>Wed, Jul 6, 2022 at 8:38 AM
Reply-To: water@ulysses.ny.us
To: Katelin Olson <supervisor@ulysses.ny.us>
on June 1st assisted town of Ithaca with a Hydrant that was taken out as a result from a car accident. I performed
Daily residual testing for the month. on 6-8 had taken a monthly BAC sample to Bolton point for testing, the test was
negative. also answered 3 dsny tickets for various locations within the Town.on 6-13 retreated the chlorine tank at
Vandorn crns rd , also answered 6 dsny tickets for State DOT.on 6-21 Took Hydrant meter readings for Willy's Water
and Bumpies Water and turned them in for billing.also on 6-17 we had to order a new screen for our interface panel
that's on its way out under the Emergency purchase policy act,screen is suppose to be in around mid August.
--
Chris Stevenson Water Operator
Town of Ulysses
607-342-5129