HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-10-11-TB-FINAL-minutes1
TOWN BOARD MEETING
Town of Ulysses
October 11, 2022
The meeting was held in person at the Town Hall at 10 Elm St., Trumansburg NY as well as via Zoom
videoconference. Notice of Town Board meetings are posted on the Town’s website and Clerk’s board.
Video recordings of meetings are available on Youtube at
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWVIs--g9CpHIxdk9YxZyPw.
CALL TO ORDER:
Ms. Olson called the meeting to order at 7:03pm
ATTENDANCE:
TOWN OFFICIALS
In person:
Board members- Katelin Olson, Roxanne Marino, Mary Bouchard, Rich Goldman, Michael Boggs
(arrived at 7:09pm via Zoom)
Second Deputy Clerk Michelle Wright (left at 9:30pm), Town Bookkeeper Blixy Taetzsch, Town
Planner, Niels Tygesen (left at 9:45pm), Highway Superintendent Scott Stewart (via Zoom, left
at 8:40pm)
Deputy Town Clerk- Casey Beck
OTHERS:
Via Zoom: Liz Weatherby, Linda Little
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Motion:
RESOLUTION #147 OF 2022: Approval of Agenda
RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board agenda for October 11, 2022 is approved as
presented/amended.
Moved: Ms. Olson Seconded: Ms. Marino
Olson aye
Bouchard aye
Goldman aye
Marino aye
Boggs absent
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 10/11/22
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Introduction to Niels Tygesen
RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board Meeting agenda for October 11, 2022 is amended to officially
introduce our new town planner, Niels Tygesen.
Moved: Ms. Olson Seconded: Ms. Marino
Olson aye
Bouchard aye
Goldman aye
Marino aye
Boggs absent
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 10/11/22
LIAISON/CHAIR REPORTS
Ms. Marino presented the efforts put forth to turn the town of Ulysses into a Bee Friendly
Community between she and Ms. Bouchard. Ms. Marino has continued to work on the clean energy
community.
Ms. Bouchard worked with CSAC to designate our town to become a bee-friendly community. It is
through the Xerces society, a non-profit organization that promotes pollinator health in communities.
- Establish a Bee friendly Community Committee (create lists of native plants, plant suppliers,
plan an annual event regarding planting, education opportunities on pollinators). The
committee would also establish task management documentation for people to refer to,
which would be included on our website. Annual report with work being done. Place a sign in
somewhere in town that we are a Bee Friendly Community. Add information to our town
website.
- $100 annual fee
Ms. Olson raised the point that this is the 4th committee that has been created this year out of
caution to ensure there is enough involvement/engagement to make this happen. Mary Bouchard
volunteered to chair this committee. Perhaps a subcommittee of CSAC? Incorporate new committee
into future website updates.
Will need a resolution to proceed further. Ms. Bouchard and Ms. Marino suggested adding new
committee/initiative to the next newsletter (10/28/22) upon Town Clerk’s return.
OLD BUSINESS:
2023 Tentative Budget Discussion
Highlights of A Fund (Michelle Wright)
Budget Context Report
Sect C:
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IT, Cyber security upgrade
Transitioning to new software (subscribing to Microsoft products annually). Will resolve cyber
security and licensing issues presented in OSC audit. Microsoft SUITE shift will affect our current
calendars and will need to transition to Microsoft Teams.
RFP Out -5 different IT consultants intending to provide a quote/plan.
Town hall facility maintenance:
- Hiring a project manager (ideally with facilities experience)
- Ms. Wright encouraged the creation and use of a Standard Operating Procedure for the Town
Hall (covering all systems within the building)
- Painting and repairing the outside of the building to maintain integrity of structure.
- ADA Compliant rear door
- Insulation work (second floor/attic space in 2023 and eventually in the clerk’s office)
Increase support for the supervisor’s office (A FUND)
Increase capacity for grant funding opportunities
Continued support for community groups
Maintenance of Records in the Clerk’s office
Annual audit
Recreation Program -currently being expanded to include adult programs in addition to youth
Sect. D
Approx $3.4 million in currently unknown infrastructure investments in the next 5-10 years
Sect. F
Projected reserve balances (created by Ms. Taetzsch)
CONTINGENCY IN A-FUND:
Ms. Olson explained that the General contingency constitutes approx. $40,000. The remaining
contingency is related to the new administrative position to hire for and the benefit package.
Completely offset by Appropriated Fund balance. Constitutes 3% of A-FUND (excluding reserves) and
does not affect the tax levy. Things that will be covered under (2021 the town had an unexpected
legal expense which was paid for out of Contingency of A-Fund), general liability insurance for 2023
(exact amount will not be known until after budget finalized, anticipating a 8% increase), and
inflation.
Ms. Wright reminded the board of the suggestion made previously, the possibility of procuring
engineer design for the parking lot in 2023 to include storm water design elements.
Ms. Marino suggested including an energy audit be done in addition to the upcoming Salt Barn walk-
through (in trying to plan for the appropriate amount of repairs needed).
Ms. Marino suggested adding a line to the contingency for the engineering cost for the parking lot,
per Mr. Bogg’s suggestion, to the 2023 budget in case the opportunity for a grant presents before it is
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time to implement the repair so the funds would be readily available. Suggested $5,000 (would come
from the engineering budget and be offset by the appropriated funds balance) to be set aside for
anticipated cost. If storm water and drainage could be included in plan, it may increase the
opportunity for greener installation of new parking lot which would provide more opportunity for
grant funding before repairs are underway.
Ms. Olson and Mr. Stewart, Highway Superintendent, suggested that for less than $1k potholes could
be cold-patched for a short term aid by the highway department until an official plan could be put in
place.
Ms. Wright reminded the board that any changes to the tentative budget, per state law, there needs
to be a resolution to state the differences between the tentative and the preliminary budget. Ms.
Olson said there will be a resolution which outlines all of the changes.
Community Funding Partners
Ms. Olson explained that at the board retreat, the board tentatively earmarked $30k for community
funds. Ms. Olson and Ms. Marino have been on a subcommittee to review interested parties.
Gadabout $2,500 was not included as they did not have an application submitted to be able to
review/consider funding.
Lifelong
Trumansburg After School Program- they will now submit an application for funding
Winterfest (requesting that they now participate in a funding request application instead of
automatically including the celebration budget)
New Park -applied for $6K in funding for a youth music program (3-day chamber concert event).
Unclear on if it would involve local children in program.
Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts
American Legion has been receiving Town funds annually ($475) for cemetery flags to be placed every
Memorial Day. Though they did not submit an application this year, the funds were set aside in an
assigned fund within the A Fund.
Ms. Marino would like to allocate an additional $2,500 for the Trumansburg Community Rec assigned
fund.
It will be utilized from appropriated fund balance in the A fund. Ms. Olson stated it would be put into
the Reserve Fund.
ARPA Funds
Ms. Marino, referring to the 9/23/22 outline provided, would like to advocate for removing $106k
from ARPA funds and utilize the reserve funds instead, to maintain ARPA funds for community needs,
yet to be determined.
Ms. Marino would like to see a philosophical commitment to not use the ARPA funds and utilize DEC
grant funds if we get them, for the Comprehensive Planning Process.
Ms. Olson reminded the board of the importance of the reserve allocations for future capital repairs
needed and not leaving the fund with insufficient reserves.
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Ms. Olson proposed waiting to find a facilities manager and for now, removing the ADA Compliant
back door and exterior repainting and repairs from the capital repair budget and to reevaluate costs
once a facilities manager is here to oversee more specific planning and managing costs. The finance
committee can then reexamine expenses and which available funds they will be utilized.
Mr. Goldman suggested a compromise of utilizing ARPA funds for the ADA back door and using the
Maintenance Fund for the repair costs. Further offsetting comprehensive plan costs with
appropriated fund and grants. The exterior painting of Town Hall will be offset by fund balance.
- Tentative budget report will be edited per the board’s discussion and presented in next board
packet.
Mr. Goldman and Ms. Taetsch reviewed current town investments and the estimated interest
amounts for the rest of 2022.
Fire + EMS Budget
Cost for fire contract going up 1.26%
SF Fund is directly offset by tax levy
SM Fund *EMS contract going up 8.32%
Tax levy only increasing by .76%
*Board proposing increase of tax levy from .76% to 3.7%.
Ms. Wright explained that an increase in the tax levy would require an official resolution for the
public hearing.
Ms. Olson proposed that the B Fund and smaller funds (Water district 3) to be reviewed at October
25, 2022 TB Meeting.
Schedule a Special Town Board meeting from 6pm-7pm before regular Town Board Meeting on
October 25, to have more time to review funds in detail.
Schedule a Special Town Board meeting for 10/26 in the evening at 6pm to 7pm, if more time is
needed for the budget review.
Tentatively schedule the public hearing on October 27th.
NEW BUSINESS:
CONSENT AGENDA RESOLUTIONS # 148-152
RESOLUTION # 148 of 2022: Recognition of National American Indian Heritage Month
RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approves purchasing and flying the Haudenosaunee (Six
Nations) Flag in November in keeping with the Town of Ulysses Flag Policy and in honor of National
American Indian Heritage Month.
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RESOLUTION # 149 of 2022: Ixom Watercare Service Contract
WHEREAS, the warranty on the Water District 3 aerator expires in November 2022 and the Town of
Ulysses wants to ensure that there is no interruption in service should any repairs be needed; and
WHEREAS, this service contract will commence at the expiration of our warranty, but billed starting in
January 2023;
WHEREAS, this is a sole source procurement item and does not require additional bids per the Town
of Ulysses’ Procurement Policy;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approves the Town Supervisor
entering a 3-year contract with IXOM Watercare, Inc, for a fixed rate of $7,280 per year for three
years.
RESOLUTION #150 of 2022: Memorandum of Agreement with Teamsters’ Union in Highway
Department for Altering Health Insurance in Current Contract
WHEREAS, the Ulysses Town Board and the Teamsters’ Union entered into a 3-year contract in 2021
that stipulated the Gold Plan was the health care plan provided through the Town of Ulysses; and
WHEREAS, the Ulysses Town Board desires to improve the health care plan for all employees and
switch to the Platinum Plan beginning in 2023; and
WHEREAS, the Teamsters’ Union representative informed the Town Supervisor that the union was
amenable to the change in health plan coverage;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approves the Memorandum of
Agreement altering the contract to reflect the change of health care coverage to the Platinum Plan.
RESOLUTION # 151 of 2022: Gatekeeper Resolution for Tompkins County Community Recovery
Funds
WHEREAS, Tompkins County is providing funding for organizations, local governments, and
individuals to address challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly to assist
disadvantaged communities; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Ulysses provides essential services to families in the summer through our
Summer Camp Program and subsidizes 100% of low-income households that participate; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Ulysses desires to create a pilot program to address and respond to learning
and wellness deficiencies among students that were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and
increase enrollment to support more families in need of affordable summertime childcare options;
and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approves the submission of a grant
request for up to $50,000 for Community Recovery Funds through Tompkins County to support these
actives through the Ulysses Recreation Department for 2023 and 2024.
RESOLUTION # 152 of 2022: Appreciation of Church of the Epiphany
WHEREAS, the closure of the Trumansburg Central School District facilities in March 2020 due to the
COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the inability of the Rural Youth Services Program, part of the Town of
Ulysses youth services, to continue to provide programming in school facilities; and
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WHEREAS, the continuation of the pandemic resulted in restricted school facility access through the
end of June 2022; and
WHEREAS, the Church of the Epiphany graciously allowed Ethan Crampton, the Town of Ulysses Rural
Youth Services coordinator, to run programs for youth in church facilities, free of charge, for 18+
months in 2021 and 2022;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board extends its deep appreciation to the
Church of the Epiphany for their generosity and support to the youth of our community in very
difficult times.
Moved: Ms. Olson Seconded: Ms. Bouchard
Olson aye
Bouchard aye
Goldman aye
Marino aye
Boggs absent
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 10/11/22
OFFICIAL/STAFF REPORTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS (written reports provided)
a. Staff Reports
b. Highway Superintendent
c. Town Clerk
d. Supervisor
e. Town Board Members
UPCOMING EVENTS
October 11 – Regular meeting
October 23 – Regular meeting
November 8 – Regular meeting
November 11 – Town buildings closed for Veterans Day
Approval of Minutes
RESOLUTION #153 of 2022: Approval of Minutes
RESOLVED, that the Ulysses Town Board approve the meeting minutes from September 27, 2022
(regular meeting) as presented or amended.
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Moved: Ms. Marino Seconded: Ms. Bouchard
Olson aye
Bouchard aye
Goldman aye
Marino aye
Boggs absent
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 10/11/22
PAYMENT OF AUDITED CLAIMS
PAYMENT OF CLAIMS
RESOLUTION # 154 of 2022: Payment of Claims
RESOLVED that the Town of Ulysses Town Board has reviewed and approves payment claims for
vouchers numbered 433 through 475 in the amount of $163, 531.28.
Moved: Ms. Bouchard Seconded: Mr. Goldman
Olson aye
Boggs aye
Bouchard aye
Goldman aye
Marino aye
Boggs absent
Vote: 4-0
Date Adopted: 10/11/22
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR (3 min limit per person)
none
ADJOURN
Mr. Goldman made a motion to adjourn at 9:51pm. This was seconded by Ms. Bouchard and passed
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by Casey Beck, Deputy Town Clerk
11/08/2022