HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-06-24-WTBI
TOWN BOARD MEETING
Town of Ulysses
June 24, 2014
Audio of the minutes are available on the website at ulysses.ny.us.
The meeting was held at the Ulysses Town Hall at 10 Elm Street, Trumansburg.
PRESENT:
Supervisor- Liz Thomas
Board members- Rich Goldman, John Hertzler, Nancy Zahler, David Kerness
Clerk- Carissa Parlato
2nd Deputy Supervisor- Michelle Wright
OTHERS PRESENT:
Jean McPheeters (Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce), Paul Mazzarella (Ithaca Neighborhood
Housing (INHS)), Ben Carver (Village of Trumansburg liaison) at 7:43pm, Darby Kiley via phone at
9:45-9:50pm
Notice of Town Board meetings are posted on the website and clerk's board.
Ms. Thomas called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
RESOLUTION 2014-127:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approve the agenda for the June 24, 2014 meeting
with the following changes: add an executive session under new business, and a recognition of Rod
Hawkes.
Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Kerness
Ms. Thomas
aye
Ms. Zahler
aye
Mr. Kerness
aye
Mr. Goldman
aye
Mr. Hertzler
aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 6/25/14
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: June 10, 2014
RESOLUTION 2014-128:
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BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approve the minutes for the June 10, 2014
meeting as edited by Ms. Zahler and Ms. Thomas, and the minutes of June 10, 2014 Public
Hearing on the proposed zoning map change.
Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Ms. Zahler
Ms. Thomas
aye
Ms. Zahler
aye
Mr. Kerness
aye
Mr. Goldman
aye
Mr. Hertzler
aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 6/25/14
PRESENTATION — NYS Health Care Exchange — Jean McPheeters
Ms. McPheeters, president of the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce, is trained as a
Health Access Navigator for the Affordable Care Act. She gave a brief overview of the
Affordable Care Act as it pertains to small businesses and municipalities.
Ms. McPheeters shared that the town could opt to stop offering health insurance to employees
and increase salaries instead. This would mean that the town would not participate in the
county health insurance consortium any longer. Possible outcomes of this action would be:
• Increased payroll taxes for the town
• Greater social security and retirement benefits for employees
An ACA tax credit for employees
It was noted that the future of the ACA is unpredictable; it is dependent on the administration
Other information shared by Ms. McPheeters:
• The ACA offers "metal" level plans: bronze, silver, gold, platinum. The silver plan is
the most popular as the system seems geared to encourage people in this direction.
• By law, people cannot pay insurance costs that exceed 9.5% of their income. Businesses
can be fined if their employees' contribution exceeds this.
• The open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act is Nov. 15- Feb. 15.
• A "cafeteria plan" an allowance given to employees to spend on "a la carte" benefits as
they see fit.
PRESENTATION — Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS)- Paul Mazzarella
Ms. Zahler introduced Mr. Mazzarella and noted the board's support for additional low income
housing opportunities for its residents.
INHS offers low-interest loans and subsidies to assist with first-time home buying, energy
upgrades and other home improvements, and homebuyer education. They also buy and
refurbish affordable homes.
Mr. Mazzarella shared talked about INHS:
0 The agency has expanded.
• For the past 5-6 years, the agency has served not only the City of Ithaca, but the entire
county. They may expand into Cortland County.
• They have worked with Ulysses residents in the past.
• Better Housing of Tompkins County and INHS may merge.
• They are funded through state and federal grants, but have also built up their own pot of
money through lending programs.
• INHS also builds and manages rental properties.
• They prefer to revitalize home that are accessible to services.
Ms. Thomas discussed Jacksonville revitalization and the need for affordable housing.
Ms. Zahler shared a resident's idea of turning the old church in Jacksonville into affordable
housing.
Mr. Mazzarella encouraged the town to apply for a federal Community Block Grant, or HOME
grant, in partnership with INNS. These grants are available annually.
Mr. Kerness inquired as to whether INHS has ever worked with municipalities who have
acquired homes and then conveyed them to INHS to fix up and sell. Mr. Mazzarella responded
in the affirmative and also noted that the timeline for such a project is about a year.
UPDATE FROM Mr. Carver:
• New sidewalks- volunteers will put in some smaller section on Whig Street geared to benefit
kids walking to school.
• The deer management program will likely take place for a small amount of time, be very
targeted, and include bow and arrow hunting.
• There was a miscommunication between the village fire department and the Town of Hector
resulting in the village owing more money than they had originally planned.
OLD BUSINESS:
PERSONNEL POLICY UPDATE — comparisons of health insurance options (30 min)
Ms. Thomas shared that the firm (PSHR) that we are working with on the personnel policy has
not followed up.
Ms. Zahler and Ms. Wright compiled and discussed some health insurance information:
• The various plans offered by consortium
• A comparison of 2 consortium plans along with a private option.
• Suggested next steps
• Proposed guiding principles for policy decisions
Mr. Goldman expressed interest in the town's ability to offer a subscriber and spouse plan.
Ms. Thomas noted that the board also needs to consider the costs to employee for copays, etc.
Ms. Zahler reiterated need to be aware of the impact of changes on the lower paid staff.
The group decided to continue discussion of this issue at the next meeting.
POLICE AGREEMENT -
The board discussed the draft agreement with the village to grant police powers to the village
police. They made some changes which will be forwarded to the Town Attorney, who will work
with the village attorney.
A resolution will be put forth at the next meeting.
WATER DISTRICT MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
Ms. Thomas shared updates:
The town may enter into a contract with Bolton Point to take over several management aspects.
However, there will still be tasks that the town will be responsible for (like daily testing) that
will require having a truck. The current truck needs to be replaced.
Ms. Thomas offered another option of joining the water commission. This might change the
testing requirements.
Ms. Zahler inquired about the fees associated with joining the commission.
Mr. Hertzler inquired about hooking up to the Village of Trumansburg's soon -to -be -expanded
system.
Ms. Thomas will contact Tim Steed at Hunt engineering to explore grant and loan possibilities.
Mr. Hertzler will research grant opportunities for TTHM remediation.
The discussion will be continued at the next meeting.
PARKS AND RECREATION ZONING CLARIFICATION
The board made some edits to the draft proposal of the Local Law to amend Parks and
Recreation Zone before passing the resolution for to hold the public hearing.
RESOLUTION 2014-129:
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses accepts the proposed Local Law
for amending the Town of Ulysses Parks and Recreation Zone for purposes of the public
hearing,
RESOLVED that the Town Board hold a Public Hearing on August 12, 2014 at 6:30
p.m. at the Ulysses Town Hall, 10 Elm St, Trumansburg, for the purpose of hearing
public comment on the proposed amendment to the Town of Ulysses Park and
Recreation Zone, and
RESOLVED that the proposed Local Law be sent to Tompkins County Planning
Department for the 239 review, and
RESOLVED that the Town Clerk shall arrange for publication of notice of the public hearing
in the Ithaca Journal at least ten days prior to the public hearing.
Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Kerness
Ms. Thomas
aye
Ms. Zahler
aye
Mr. Kerness
aye
Mr. Goldman
aye
Mr. Hertzler
aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 6/25/14
AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE — resolution to form a committee
RESOLUTION 2014-130:
WHEREAS, on February 26, 2013 the Town of Ulysses adopted an Agriculture and Farmland
Protection Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Ulysses Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan was subsequently
reviewed and approved by the Tompkins County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board and
has been approved by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Ulysses Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan lists as a Primary
Implementation Strategy to "Establish by resolution an Agriculture Committee to assist the Town
Board in implementation of the Plan and to generally advise the Town Board on matters impacting
agriculture in the Town of Ulysses", and designated that the Agriculture Committee will work with
Town staff, as well as with County and State agencies and organizations that support agriculture
and land conservation;
Now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses hereby establishes
the
Purpose, Structure, Operational Parameters, and Membership of the Town of Ulysses
Agriculture Committee
Section 1
The purpose of the Agriculture Committee is to advise the Town Board and other Town agencies
on matters pertaining to the preservation, promotion, and ongoing operation of agricultural activity
and enterprises in the Town of Ulysses. As described in the Agriculture and Farmland Protection
Plan Section 6, the Agriculture Committee will work with Town Staff, Cooperative Extension, and
other knowledgeable organizations and individuals to strengthen the agricultural economy, to
improve public understanding of farming, to establish appropriate tax policies that support
agriculture, and to enhance land use policies to better protect farmland.
Section 2
A. Committee; Personnel; Appointment; Organization. There is hereby established in the
Town of Ulysses a permanent committee to be known and designated as the "Town of Ulysses
Agriculture Committee" which shall consist of citizens appointed by the Town Board
representing a broad range of agricultural experience. The committee shall consist of nine (9)
individuals who are engaged in farming, agri-business, an agriculture -or agriculture support-
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related vocation, or generally knowledgeable about land use planning and / or agricultural land
conservation, or own large tracts of agricultural land in the Town. One of the committee
members may be a farmer in the Town of Ulysses who owns or rents farmland in Ulysses but
does not reside in the Town; all other members of the committee shall be Ulysses residents.
The committee make-up consists of one (1) agricultural support/marketing; five (5) farmers,
one (1) landowner with leased land, and two (2) open seats. A Town Board member will serve
as an ex -officio membership shall consist of representatives from the Town Board, Planning
Board, Town Staff, and Cornell Cooperative Extension and will only be eligible to serve on
the committee while he/she holds the Town office. The voting members of the said committee
first appointed, shall serve for terms as follows: three (3) appointees for one (1) year terms;
three (3) appointees for two (2) year terms and three (3) appointees for a three (3) year term.
Thereafter, all appointments shall be for terms of three (3) years and vacancies shall be filled
for the unexpired term only. The members of the committee shall receive no compensation for
their services.
The committee shall organize within sixty (60) days after the appointment of its total membership
for the remainder of that calendar year and thereafter annually and select from among its voting
members a chairperson and such other officers as it may deem necessary. Said committee may
establish rules of order and should meet at least twice annually. Additional Committee meetings
will be set according to its rules of order and as needed to complete tasks and meet its general
responsibilities. The Agriculture Committee shall report to the Town Board at least annually on its
activities and interface with other boards or agencies as may request its assistance.
B. Assistance. The Agriculture Committee may request technical assistance and/or specialized
advice from any resource it may deem appropriate, including but not limited to other local
residents; other Town of Ulysses officials; Tompkins County Planning; Tompkins County Soil
and Water Conservation; Tompkins County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board;
Finger Lakes Land Trust; American Farmland Trust; New York Agricultural Land Trust; and
NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets. The Town Board shall authorize a clerk to assist
with committee work.
C. Funds for Committee Operations. As a citizen advisory committee, the Agriculture
Committee may not authorize any expenditure of Town funds or enter into any contract
arrangements for payment of services. Funds necessary for proper committee operation or
technical assistance may be requested by the committee from the Town Board and, in
accordance with customary procedures, the Town Board may authorize such funds and
approve the expenditure thereof, and execute contracts in support of approved expenditures.
Section 3
Responsibilities of Committee. In accordance with the Town of Ulysses Agriculture and
Farmland Protection Plan, the tasks of the committee may include (not listed in order of priority):
1. Recommend methods, review proposals, and develop plans for the implementation of the
goals of the Plan and, report their findings to the Town Board.
2. Develop an annual work plan, in accordance with Section 6 of the Plan, "Maintenance of
the Plan". As deemed necessary, work with the Town Board to amend and update the Plan.
A formal review of the document should be considered every five years.
3. Monitor trends in agriculture and local farming activity and determine existing issues
facing farmers and those in related endeavors and recommend reasonable and desirable
solutions to the Town Board.
4. Monitor local development so as to identify future issues and pressures on agricultural land,
and recommend reasonable and desirable solutions to the Town Board to preserve such
lands.
5. Identify opportunities to help promote direct marketing and commodity marketing
opportunities for local farmers and to expand value-added agricultural operations in the
Town.
6. Identify methods whereby the Town Board, County or State governments can encourage
existing farmers to continue in active agricultural operation, and that can help connect
people interested in farming with available farmland in the Town of Ulysses.
7. When requested by the Town Board or other agencies engaged in and environmental review
of proposed private or public development and/or infrastructure projects, provide input
regarding the impacts on agriculture of such projects. Study and comment on proposals by
local, county, state or federal governments that may impact on local farms and farmlands,
including zoning and other land use policies.
8. Inform local farmers that the Agriculture Committee exists and can offer advice and
assistance in many cases, and invite participation in Committee activities. Facilitate the
local presentation of educational programs by Cooperative Extension and other experts.
9. Encourage and assist applications to farmland preservation programs and, when such
applications are submitted provide input into the review thereof.
10. Encourage appropriate conservation strategies, best -practice, and sustainable agricultural
activities.
11. Address any other issue referred to it by the Town Board or other local agencies having to
do with agricultural related activities.
12. Recommend to the Town Board reasonable and desirable changes to this listing of
responsibilities.
Moved: Ms. Zahler Seconded: Ms. Thomas
Ms. Thomas
aye
Ms. Zahler
aye
Mr. Kerness
aye
Mr. Goldman
aye
Mr. Hertzler
aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 6/25/14
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
RESOLUTION 2014-131:
N.
RESOLVED that the Town Board enter executive session at 10:17pm, for matters relating to
the appointment of a particular person.
Moved: Ms. Thomas
Ms. Thomas
aye
Ms. Zahler
aye
Mr. Kerness
aye
Mr. Goldman
aye
Mr. Hertzler
aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 6/25/14
Seconded: Ms. Zahler
The board retuned from executive session at10:46pm.
NEW BUSINESS
APPOINTMENT OF PLANNING BOARD CHAIR
RESOLUTION 2014-132:
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses appoints John Wertis as the Chair of the
Planning Board for the remainder of 2014; and
RESOLVED that the Town Clerk notify Mr. Wertis of the appointment.
Moved: Ms. Thomas
Ms. Thomas
aye
Ms. Zahler
aye
Mr. Kerness
aye
Mr. Goldman
aye
Mr. Hertzler
aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 6/25/14
Seconded: Mr. Kerness
APPOINTMENT OF PLANNING BOARD MEMBER
RESOLUTION 2014-133:
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses appoints David Blake as a full
member of the Planning Board to fill out the term of Rod Hawkes; and
RESOLVED the term shall expire in December 2016; and
RESOLVED the Town Clerk shall notify Mr. Blake of this resolution
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Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Goldman
Ms. Thomas
aye
Ms. Zahler
aye
Mr. Kemess
aye
Mr. Goldman
aye
Mr. Hertzler
aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 6/25/14
Ms. Thomas expressed thanks to Rod Hawkes for his long record of service, and his even-
temperedness.
Ms. Zahler will alternate with Mr. Goldman as the Planning Board liaison.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:
(no comments submitted nor spoken)
ADJOURN:
Mr. Goldman made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:51 pm, seconded by Ms. Thomas.
Respectfully submitted
by Carissa Parlato, 7/1/14