HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-05-12-RTB-minutesREGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING
Town of Ulysses
May 12, 2015
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
2nd Deputy Supervisor- Michelle Wright
Board members- John Hertzler, Rich Goldman
Clerk- Carissa Parlato
Highway Superintendent- Jim Meeker
Planner/Zoning Officer- Darby Kiley
Attorney for the Town- Mariette Geldenhuys
ABSENT:
1St Deputy Supervisor- Nancy Zahler
Board member- Dave Kerness
OTHERS PRESENT: Diane Hillman, Phillip Antweiler, Jacksonville Community Association (JCA),
Glynis Hart
Notice of Town Board meetings are posted on the town's website and clerk's board.
CALL TO ORDER:
Ms. Thomas called the meeting to order at 7p.m.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
Ms. Thomas made the following changes to the agenda:
Removal of public hearing resolution
Add a discussion of elected/appointed officials
Move up approval of claims
Add NYSERDA grant info
RESOLUTION 2015-82:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approve the agenda for May 12, 2015 with
those changes.
Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Goldman
Ms. Thomas
aye
Ms. Zahler
absent
Mr. Hertzler
aye
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May 12, 2015
Mr. Kerness absent
Mr. Goldman aye
Vote: 3-0
Date Adopted: 5/12/15
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:
(none)
REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES:
(none)
TOWN REPORTS: (see appendix)
OLD BUSINESS:
APPROVAL OF CLAIMS
RESOLUTION 2015-83:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approve payment of claims, 139-170, in the
amount of $98,850.46.
Moved: Ms. Thomas
Ms. Thomas
aye
Ms. Zahler
absent
Mr. Hertzler
aye
Mr. Kerness
absent
Mr. Goldman
aye
Vote: 3-0
Date Adopted:
5/12/15
NEW BUSINESS:
Seconded: Mr. Goldman
RECOMMENDED ZONING CHANGES FOR GENERAL CODE PROJECT
RESOLUTION 2015-84:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board recommends that the amendments to the
Town of Ulysses Zoning Law pertaining to zoning enforcement, penalties and building permits;
and changes to the definition of "agriculture" and "farm," as provided to the Town Board, be
added to the final draft of the General Code manuscript.
Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Goldman
OA
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Ms. Thomas
aye
Ms. Zahler
absent
Mr. Hertzler
aye
Mr. Kemess
absent
Mr. Goldman
aye
Vote: 3-0
Date Adopted: 5/12/15
DEVELOPING CODE ENFORCEMENT PRIORITIES
Mr. Hertzler described the list of properties that he and Mr. Kerness have identified.
Ms. Thomas relayed that Mr. Wertis (Town Historian) wanted to be sure that historical buildings be
considered in the process.
Ms. Geldenhuys discussed the new Code Enforcement local law passed last year and the procedures in
enforcing.
The board discussed the options moving forward and considered starting by addressing the properties
that have received complaints.
REVIEW OF FEES
Ms. Thomas distributed a list of town fees for various purposes. Once they are verified and updated,
the fees will be set by the board when the General Code codification project is passed.
ENGAGE SERVICES OF SOLAR TOMPKINS FOR HEATSMART PROGRAM
RESOLUTION 2015-85:
WHEREAS the Town of Ulysses recognizes climate change as a pressing issue to which we
must respond by reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions; and
WHEREAS according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, residential space and hot
water heating in New York accounts for 66% - 75% of energy consumption in single-family
homes; approximately one- third for domestic hot water and two-thirds for space heating; and
WHEREAS energy efficiency improvements such as air -sealing, improved insulation and
sustainable technologies such as air -source and ground -source heat pumps can reduce energy
consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 25% - 85% while making the home more
comfortable and saving the owner money over the long term; and
WHEREAS NY State General Municipal Law § 119-ee states that, "the legislature finds and
declares that it is the policy of the state to achieve statewide energy efficiency and renewable
energy goals, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effect of global climate
change, and advance a clean energy economy; and that to achieve such policy and goals the
state must promote the deployment of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency
measures throughout the state; and that municipalities would fulfill an important public purpose
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May 12, 2015
by providing loans to property owners for the installation of renewable energy systems and
energy efficiency measures;" and
WHEREAS Solar Tompkins has developed a new program called HeatSmart Tompkins, which
will use the Solar Tompkins model to educate the public about energy efficiencies that can be
achieved with air -sealing, insulation and heat pumps for space and water heating; will identify
qualified local installers who use best management practices; and will help homeowners
identify incentives and financing options such as those described by GML § 119-ee; and will
help homeowners achieve cost reductions through volume pricing; and
WHEREAS the Town of Ulysses wishes to encourage homeowners to make these sort of
energy efficiency improvements, and to take advantage of on -bill financing and other State
incentives; and
WHEREAS Solar Tompkins has proven to be an effective program model for educating the
community about energy conservation options, incentives, and financing methods and has been
very successful in stimulating the Solar market in Tompkins County — including the installation
of $12 million in solar energy infrastructure on 400 homes and creation of over 50 full-time
living wage jobs; and
WHEREAS Solar Tompkins is a non-profit organization that has served and will continue to
serve the public interest by increasing the quality and value of the housing stock; educating the
community and achieving energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reductions; and strengthening
the local economy and creating local jobs; and
WHEREAS Solar Tompkins will provide specific services to the Town of Ulysses as detailed
in their Proposal of Services;
Now, therefore be it
RESOLVED that the Town of Ulysses will contract with Solar Tompkins for HeatSmart
programming in the Town of Ulysses in the summer and fall of 2015.
Moved: Ms. Thomas
Ms. Thomas
aye
Ms. Zahler
absent
Mr. Hertzler
aye
Mr. Kerness
absent
Mr. Goldman
aye
Vote: 3-0
Date Adopted: 5/12/15
Seconded: Mr. Hertzler
Mr. Meeker was excused at this time (8:20pm).
APPOINTED VS. ELECTED POSITIONS
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May 12, 2015
Mr. Goldman distributed information to the board on the topic of whether the Town Clerk and
Highway Superintendent positions should be switched from elected to appointed.
The board discussed the issue.
MONTHLY BUSINESS:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 4/28
RESOLUTION 2015-86:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approve the minutes of 4/28.
Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Goldman
Ms. Thomas
aye
Ms. Zahler
absent
Mr. Hertzler
aye
Mr. Kerness
absent
Mr. Goldman
aye
Vote: 3-0
Date Adopted: 5/12/15
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:
Mr. Antweiler thanked the board for making code enforcement a priority.
ADJOURN:
Mr. Goldman moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:45pm; seconded by Mr. Hertzler and passed
unanimously.
APPENDIX:
TOWN REPORTS:
TOWN ENGINEER: (no report)
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT- Jim Meeker
Mr. Meeker reported the following:
Sod work done
Cleaned ditch on Albrectsen Road
Performed shoulder work on Garrett Road
The 2003 pick-up and 550 truck were sold at the Palmyra auction for a total of about
$8K
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Purchased a used Volvo plow truck
Cleaned up cemetery
Had water tank reading problems from lightning storm and trees to clean up also from
storm
Ms. Thomas added that she drove around with Mr. Meeker in response to complaints about
certain roads and saw no issues.
Mr. Meeker also reported that he must submit his winter salt request by end of month.
PLANNING BOARD / ZONING OFFICER- Darby Kiley
Planning Board
At the April 21st meeting, the Planning Board revised their meeting schedule and will be
reviewing applications at the first meeting of the month and working on planning and zoning
proposals at the meeting on the third Tuesday of the month. The Planning Board discussed the
procedure for reviewing signs. In the B I -Business District, site plan approval is required for
new signs. There was a proposal to remove that requirement but that did not move forward. Part
3 of the SEQR Environmental Assessment Form was also discussed.
At the April 21st and May 5th meeting, the PB discussed an open development area proposal for
five properties along the lakeshore that do not have access to an official road. The PB voiced
concerns about the access road condition. Additional information is needed.
BZA
The applicant did not show up for the April BZA meeting, so the appeal was postponed until
May.
Enforcement actions
Zoning violation: 1942 Trumansburg Rd — Keith Dodge appealed the zoning violation,
which is now under review by the County Court.
Grants
Residential Energy Score Project Grant —The project consultant is preparing a report
summarizing the research conducted on existing home energy laws and programs. A Technical
Advisory Group is meeting on Friday, May 8.
Zoning Amendments Grant — NYSERDA is reviewing the contract documents.
Other Meetings/Issues
Water Resources Council (WRC) — The WRC heard a presentation on micro -beads and an
update on hydrilla.
Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization (IO) — The IO and the Cayuga Lake
Watershed Networks discussed the update to the Cayuga Lake Restoration and Protection Plan.
The IO discussed options for a new website.
Tompkins County Trails Network — the members provided updates on the Gateway Trail,
Dryden Trail, South Hill Train, Black Diamond Trail, and Pine Tree Rd project.
TOWN CLERK- Carissa Parlato
rn
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May 12, 2015
yCIAL REPORT for April:
$1425.00 Collected in fees for licenses (dog, marriage, sporting)_
$934.01 Stays in the town
LICENSES issued in April -
Sporting
pril:
S ortin licenses 12
Disabled parking permits
13
Dog licenses and renewals
68
Marriage licenses
0
Plumbing permits
0
TACKC-
Briefly attended NYS Town Clerk's Conference in Rochester. Participated in classes
on:
MS Excel, Records Mgmt & Cyber Security
Policies and Procedures; What to Expect from an Audit- both presented by the
Comptroller's Office
Freedom of Information Laws- presented by Bob Freeman
Also spent time networking with other clerks and attended a General Code dinner
event
Sent a listsery message to keep residents updated. After newsletter was sent, I received
several requests from people who wanted to be added to listserv. We now have a little
over 400 people.
Energy accounts inquiries
Met with county tax collectors regarding new bills/tax collection software options.
Working on creating personnel binders for staff members with new personnel policy
information, health care, and more.
Routine tasks:
retrieving, sorting, vouchering mail
Answering inquiries on various topics
Cross —reconciliation of town bank accounts with Michelle
Meeting minutes
MFFTTMC.q
The Health Consortium hosted a Benefit Clerk's luncheon with Beth Miller from
Excellus to discuss
o rates/premiums
o why costs have gone up
o available plans
o the claims process
o wellness options
COMMITTEES:
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Health Consortium- attended the May 7 meeting. They released the annual report and
voted on recommending a Bronze "look-alike" plan to the Board of Directors for
implementation. Labor is opposed to this.
TRAINING:
Participating in TCCOG Leadership/Supervisory Training Program which met on April
8, 24 and May 6.
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER- Alex Rachun:
Date
Tax Parcel
Owner Name
Project
Cost
permit
No.
Fee
9 -Apr -15
25.-2-1.6
J. Cone
daycare renovation
$1,000
3517
$58
15 -Apr -15
34.-2-12
J. Cope
bathroom plumbing
$800
3518
$55
22 -Apr -15
30.-3-16.12
M Newman
accessory building
$20,000
3519
$110
23 -Apr -15
28.4-2
C. Hilton
foundation repair
$9,000
3520
$91
23 -Apr -15
34.-1-21
G. Cameron
photovoltaic solar
$8,000
3521
$82
26 -Apr -15
23.-2-6
R. Loz
photovoltaic solar
$11,700
3522
$91
28 -Apr -15
22.-5-5.1
M Masters
addition/renovation
$40,000
3523
$200
29 -Apr -15
27.-1-2.1
J. Morse
photovoltaic solar
$9,000
3524
$76
29 -Apr -15
12.4-13.2
S. Soboroff
photovoltaic solar
$12,000
3525
$97
30 -Apr -15
27.-3-8.2
I. Shapiro
photovoltaic solar
$27,000
3526
$139
30 -Apr -15
21.-1-9.3
A Withiam
photovoltaic solar
$42,000
3527
$184
1 -May -15
11.4-4.2
J. Podkaminer
photovoltaic solar
$20,000
3528
$115
2 -May -15
20.-2-7.2
PAS Excavating
storage building
$112,000
3529
$845
5 -May -15
13.-7-2.11
F. Randall
accessory building
$165,000
3530
$325
6 -May -15
19.-3-26.3
M. Baehre
single family house
$400,000
3531
$425
8 -May -15
27.-3-2.11
S. Pape
photovoltaic solar
$29,000
3532
$132
SUPERVISOR- Liz Thomas:
Shared Services
Attend county -wide meeting on shared services reporting requirement for state tax cap
legislation.
Agree to be on task force looking at shared services or consolidation of courts across the
county.
Planning and Zoning
Work with Darby, Mariette and Alex on potential changes to enforcement language in zoning
law.
Trails
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May 12, 2015
Open Development Districts — work to understand the nuances of this requirement. Review
with Mariette, Darby, John and attend Planning Board meeting on topic.
Attend Village meeting to give input on the potential dissolution of their Planning Board.
Provide written follow-up. Look into joint training opportunities for our PB and the Village PB,
also county -wide training for Planning Boards. Talk to members of both Planning Boards to see
what training options would be most useful.
Begin RFP for computer programmer and web design specialist to work on trails grant.
Attend Parks and Trails Network meeting.
Speak at ground -breaking ceremony at the Taughannock Falls Overlook with state, regional,
and local representatives.
Stormwater and Flood Control
Attend half day workshop on flood prevention and stormwater control.
Agree to be on Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization with Ken Zeserson as
alternate. Review expectations and clarify role.
Newsletter
Continue to make edits and proof newsletter, again and again and again. Give mailing ok.
Send out electronic version to Ulysses listserv. Post on web.
Water District 3
Other
Work with Hunt and MRB Group engineers plus Fred Dean and Jim Meeker to decide the best
options to evaluate and how to proceed. Check what work still needs to be done as far as data
gathering.
Coordinate meeting with TTHM Working Group, present, provide background information to
group, edit minutes, send out Department of Health letter from December,
Write draft progress report for Dept of Health and draft letter to WD3 users. Have reviewed by
engineer.
Calculate annual quarterly average levels of HAA and TTHM
Meet with Fred and Carissa to discuss all reporting requirements and designate lead person.
Get word from Environmental Finance Center that they may have funding for WD3
remediation.
Organize all water district folders. Create table of reporting requirements, timelines for reports,
and designated lead person for all reports.
Highway: respond to several complaints about roads. Tour roads with Highway
Superintendent. Respond to complaints.
Bookkeeping and accounting — review AUD calculations, discuss new accounting software
that will offer a more transparent system which is geared toward municipal rather than business
accounting. Review fund
Admin: Comp time — how is it calculated and can we streamline the process. Create new time
sheet template.
0J
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Hydrofracking: Provide 2 hour interview for a documentary on the NYS ban on hydrofracking
and the town of Ulysses role.
Town hall: landscape maintenance — interview landscape company putting in bid for work on
Town Hall plantings.
Budget: Review budget for youth recreation programming.
Historic preservation: double check historic inventory of buildings. Work with Carissa to
complete.
Transportation: respond to request from business owners in Trumansburg to investigate
extended bus service into the evening to encourage more restaurant patrons.
Ergonomics — use new ergonomic keyboard and encourage other staff members to try.
Encourage group order of additional keyboards for those who desire one.
Respond to constant flow of questions from residents, volunteers and staff.
Weekly review of topics with attorney for the town.
Daily check-in with Town Hall staff.
Periodic discussions with Zoning Officer over a variety of topics.
Prepare agendas, resolutions, background documents, review topics with TB members, conduct
meetings, and review minutes.
Review claims and budget, make suggested budget modifications to be approved by TB, review
payroll, sign checks,
Periodic check in with Town Clerk and Deputy Supervisor re work load and coordination.
DEPUTY SUPERVISOR- Michelle Wright:
Updates from Village meeting:
HC meeting on June 12 for benefit plans
They are updating housing part of comp plan
Open container LL passed
Police report- looking into getting body cams
Was a broken part at treatment plant
Old well rehab was a success
Newsletter
o Communications with printer and processing company
o Distribution around the Village
Emergency prep plan:
o Continued work on an internal quick sheet
o Signed up for free training on May 14th
o Obtained example copy for contact made at April conference
Attended Environmental Finance Center conference (report submitted for last board meeting)
Agriculture advisory board support
TAP Sidewalk project
o Continued work on the development of draft MOU between village and town
o Review of engineer applications
Miscellaneous items (not time consuming but worth note)
o Review of Comp Plan content that refers directly to areas where we are seeking
funding/grants
o Set up email for
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■ water a,ulysses.ny.us
■ ulvssescourtggmail.com
BOOKKEEPER- Michelle Wright:
Research of accounting software that is a more appropriate fit with our accounting needs
o Attended web -based demos for several software options
o Systematic review of possible software in collaboration with the Clerk's office
o Meeting with Leslie Spurgin from CPA firm regarding transition to new software
Communications with OSC re: posting odd revenues and expenses
AUD submission: see additional report
o Subsequent fund balance research/work/communications
Youth program work
o Assistance with youth employees for county required paperwork
Regular duties
o Payroll
■ Several changes in in federal withholdings and direct deposit
■ FICA calculations and other accounting
■ Paid time off accrual calculations
o NYSLRS (retirement system) monthly reporting
■ Error report submission
o Payments: regular appropriations & vouchers
■ Vouchered expenses
■ Health Insurance
Recalculation for retroactive charges and credits
■ SPCA
■ Town Hall Cleaner
■ Disability Insurance (quarterly)
TOWN BOARD MEMBERS AND COMMITTEES -
Mr. Hertzler reported -
He and Mr. Kerness completed the assessment of properties in town that may be in code
violation.
Microbeads are sometimes used in fracking and called "sand".
ATTORNEY FOR THE TOWN- (no report beyond what is already on the agenda items)
Respectfully submitted by Carissa Parlato on 5/21/15.
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