HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes of Organ. Meeting - April 3, 2000.pdf 1
Minutes of the Organizational Meeting
April 3, 2000
Village of Cayuga Heights
Board of Trustees
Present: Mayor Anderson, Trustees Fleming, Kira, and Kusse. Lynn, Police Chief
Lansing, Fire Chief DiVenti, Supt. of PW Cross, Attorney Tyler, Treasurer Silber, Clerk
Kord.
Absent: Trustees Dunning and Meinhardt.
Others: David Donner, Paul Sarokwash, Will Thompson, Matt Rogers, Barbara Thuesen,
Willie Evans and Jeff Randall.
Mayor Anderson called the meeting to order and then opened the Public Hearing,
duly published and posted, at 7:05 PM to consider the Proposed Budget for the
2000/2001 Fiscal Year and asked Treasurer Silber to present the tentative budget to the
Board. Treasurer Silber gave a brief summary of the budget and noted that this budget is
only modestly different from the previous budget. There will be a 2% tax increase, from
$5.51/M to $5.62/M - which results in a total levy if $1,332,080. Other levies remain the
same (Water district Charge $15/Unit; Sewer Rent$70/Unit; Remington Road Special
District Assessment $2.50/foot frontage). The most notable item in the budget is that the
Capital Fund contains an appropriation for the construction of a new Fire Station. This
project, approved by the Village Board in November, has an estimated cost of $2 million.
Currently it is expected that $1.5M of the $2M total cost (of which $200,000 will occur in
the current 2000 fiscal year) will be provided through the issuance of serial bonds
(approved in November), but this expectation may change upon review of the bids just
received. Drawing down the Village's surplus will fund the balance of the project, which
is estimated to total $1 million by the end of the current fiscal year. Other major capital
items contained within the various funds include a new fire truck ($205,000) a truck for
the DPW, and a new patrol car. Most salaries are budgeted to be increased 3%. The
tentative budgets for each fund are as follows: General Fund: $2,566,000; Water Fund:
$350,000; Sewer Fund: $660,000; Capitol fund: $2,096,900.
There was a brief discussion of the proposed budget. Trustee Lynn asked if there
was a formal replacement schedule for vehicles and was told that the there is generally a
change in fire equipment every 5 years, The DPW replaces one of its seven vehicles
approximately every year and the police replace one of their cars each year.
Mayor Anderson pointed out that the county is considering waiving their portion
of sales tax on clothing under $200. Some of the adjacent counties have done this and
Mayor Anderson noted that it would represent a loss of approximately $19,000 to the
Village.
Barbara Thuesen asked if the draws on the surplus would wipe out the reserve.
Treasurer Silber noted that the surplus would be drawn down to approximately $400,000
which is where he feels it should be. It had been built up to accommodate anticipated
expenses for the Fire House Project and a hedge on potential assessment changes. Ms.
Thuesen also asked if the census will have an effect on the Village and was told that the
2
numbers in the Village should be increasing because of the addition since the previous
census of Kendal and a more thorough counting of students.
Mayor Anderson closed the Public Hearing on the proposed budget at 7:35 PM.
and opened the Public Hearing to consider proposed Local Law #1 of 2000 - Establish
Sewer Unit Rates for 2000/2001 Fiscal Year at 7:36 PM.
Treasurer Silber recommended that the sewer rates remain the same as the
previous year at $70/Unit for the Inside Rate and $105/Unit for the Outside Rate. There
was no discussion and the hearing was closed at 7:40 PM.
Motion by Trustee Kira, seconded by Trustee Fleming,
VOTED to close the Public Hearings at 7:40 PM. Trustees Fleming, Kira, Kusse
and Lynn voted YES.
************************************************************************
Mayor Anderson opened the Annual Organizational Meeting at 7:41 PM and
opened the meeting to the Privilege of the Floor. No one asked to speak.
Mayor Anderson then gave his report on the following:
- Cornell has asked for approval from the Board to establish temporary parking
during Student Move-in Day each fall on the grassy areas west of A-Lot on
Pleasant Grove Road. Maps were provided of the proposed parking areas.
Resolution 5173 - Approve Cornell Temporary Parking
Motion by Trustee Kira, seconded by Trustee Fleming,
VOTED to allow Cornell to establish temporary parking in designated areas west of A-
Lot on Pleasant Grove Road for one day only each year for two years during Student
Move-in Day. Trustees Fleming, Kira, Kusse and Lynn voted YES.
- Mayor Anderson received a letter of thanks from Officer Boyce for the
contribution that the Village made on behalf of his daughter to the Children's
House at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
- Time Warner Cable sent their 1999 Social Contract Report stating that they are
providing service to the community as promised and asked that they be notified if
there are any areas of the Village not serviced by the cable.
- The Regional Planning Group has been discussing the results of the potential
increase in sewer usage when the new sewer line in Lansing comes into being.
- Dooley Kiefer the Village representative on the County Board has informed
Mayor Anderson that in order for the Village to be eligible for certain grant
monies available a Master Plan is necessary. The Mayor will call County
Planning to question this.
- The County Board is considering waiving their portion of the sales tax revenue.
The loss to the Village would be approximately $19,000.
- There have been several letters urging participation in the census.
- Mayor Anderson received the annual retainer statement from Village Attorney,
David Tyler as required by law.
- The Cayuga Medical Council will hold their 20th Annual Meeting on April 27,
2000. Trustee Kira will attend as the Village Representative.
- The Time-Warner Cable Franchise renewal is due by 5/15/00; it will need to be
extended again if agreement is not reached by that time.
- Mayor Anderson responded to the letter from Bruce Ganem, President of the
Pleasant Grove Residents Association, on 3/24/00, informing him that the Village
3
DPW will do what cleaning up is possible at the Sheldon Road property as soon
as the weather permits and the DPW workers have time to attend to the matter. At
that point the Mayor and Supt. Cross will meet with the Residents Assoc.
- Mayor Anderson has provided Peter Newell, the Village Representative to the
Environmental Management Council, with a list of Village of Cayuga Height
projects.
************************************************************************
Fire Chief DiVenti reported on the following:
- He presented a Status Report on the Fire Station Project, which is on file, and
gave a brief summary of the project. Chief DiVenti informed the Board that the
bids that were opened last week came in over the amount that the Board
previously approved for the project and that the total of the low bids comes to
approximately 2.0 Million (total project including equipment and "soft" costs:
$2.3 Million). He presented to the Board several alternate resolutions to the
problem which include:
Re-bid some of the project packages, with a short bid period.
Accept low bids, as is. Discuss certain deductions with the selected
contractors after signing a contract for the full amount.
Reject all bids, consider redesign and re-bid at a later date.
There was a discussion of the alternatives. Chief DiVenti itemized a number
of things that could be eliminated from the project that would save some monies,
such as eliminating the concrete aprons at the front doors, doing the earthwork
using Village DPW, install basic windows, eliminate the divider in the training
room, replace limestone work on the exterior with brick, etc. Supt. Cross pointed
out that some of the items that were discussed would simply delay expenses rather
than eliminate them. Paul Sarokwash pointed out that re-bidding might result in
higher costs. Trustee Kusse asked if there wasn't an alternative to the brick that
would reduce the cost. Supt. Cross expressed his opinion that a metal roof as
opposed to a shingle roof was simply an aesthetic decision and would not make a
major difference in quality. Trustee Fleming asked how increasing the project cost
from 2 million to 2.3 million would impact the taxes and what the impact would
be if the length of the bond was extended. Treasurer Silber agreed to provide the
numbers on the alternate financing to the Board as soon as possible. Mayor
Anderson recommended that the Board accept the low bids and then working with
the Contractors to reduce costs, since re-bidding will probably cost more in terms
of Architectural costs, etc. Treasurer Silber also pointed out that the new facility
has accommodations for up to 16 bunkers which will cost more in the building
phase, but will save the Village monies by providing volunteer fire fighters. He
also pointed out that the Town of Ithaca has given a positive response for the
project and their part in cost sharing.
The Board agreed to discuss the project further at a continuation of the
Organizational Meeting on 4/5/00 at 5 PM.
************************************************************************
Attorney Tyler reported on the following:
4
- Joseph Ciaschi has signed the agreement for the easement on his property at the
Corners Community Center that is necessary for the Fire House Project.
- He reminded the Board that in situations where the bidders on a project are very
close, according to law it is necessary not to favor some and prejudice others.
************************************************************************
Police Chief Lansing presented his report, which is on file.
************************************************************************
Treasurer Silber presented his report, which is on file, and reported on the following:
- The accounting system is up and running and the March checks were printed with
the new system. The system will result in considerable time savings.
- There were numerous transfers for approval.
Resolution 5174 - Approve Transfers
Motion by Trustee Fleming, seconded by Trustee Kira
From To Amount
A01990.41 General Cont A01110.41 Just. Contr Exp $ 500
A01990.41 General Cont A01325.20 Treas Equip $ 1,000
A01990.41 General Cont A01325.41 Treas Cont Exp $ 2,000
A01990.41 General Cont A01410.41 Clerk cont Exp $ 1,000
A01990.41 General Cont A01620.41 Village Hall Cont Exp $ 5,000
A01990.41 General Cont A01620.44 Village Hall Utilities $ 4,000
A01990.41 General Cont A01640.41 Cent Gar Cont Exp $ 1,000
A01990.41 General Cont A01640.44 Cent Gar Utilities $ 1,000
A01990.41 General Cont A03410.10 Fire Personnel Ser $ 2,000
A08160.10 Refuse Per Services A05142.10 Snow Pers Svcs $ 2,100
A01990.41 General Cont A05142.41 Snow Cont Exp $ 2,100
A01990.41 General Cont A08020.40 Planning Cont Exp $ 5,000
A01990.41 General Cont A08160.41 Refuse Cont Exp $ 2,000
A0960.81 Emp Benefits Health A09160.82 Emp Ben Health/VCH $ 700
F01990.41 Water Conting. F08320.42 Water Purch/Ithaca $ 1,600
F01990.41 Water Conting. F08350.10 Water Sys Pers Svc $ 300
G01990.41 Sewer Conting G08120.10 Sewer Lines Pers Svc $ 3,000
G01990.41 Sewer Conting G08130.10 Sewer Plant Pers Svc $ 2,000
G01990.41 Sewer Conting G08130.48 Sewer Plant Purch Svc $ 3,000
VOTED to approve the transfers as listed. Trustees Fleming, Kira, Kusse and Lynn voted
YES.
- Treasurer presented the Abstract of Warrants.
Motion by Trustee Fleming, seconded by Trustee Kira,
VOTED to approve the Abstract of Warrants in the following amounts: General Fund,
$9,112.37; Water Fund, $2,458.34; Sewer Fund, $38,882.98; and Capital fund,
$10,648.21. Trustees Fleming, Kira, Kusse and Lynn voted YES.
************************************************************************
Supt. of PW Cross reported on the following:
- The employees at the DPW have requested a change in the longevity
compensation policy. Mr. Cross presented the options. The Board agreed to study
the situation and to discuss it at the next meeting.
5
- Trustee Kusse asked what the plans were for street repair this year since many of
the Village streets are in need of such repair. Mr. Cross informed him that a study
and priority list had been done last summer and work would begin when weather
permits.
************************************************************************
Clerk Kord had no report.
************************************************************************
Mayor Anderson Appointed D. Wayne Fleming Deputy Mayor for the 2000 Official
Year.
Resolution 5175 - Appointments
Motion by Trustee Fleming, seconded by Trustee Kira,
VOTED to approve the following appointments:
Elizabeth Kord, Clerk for two official years.
True, Walsh and Miller, Law Firm for one official year.
Brent Cross, Building Commissioner for one official year.
Brent Cross, Engineer for one official year.
Brent Cross, Zoning Officer for one official year.
Walter Lynn, Acting Treasurer for one official year.
David Pimentel, Village Forester for one official year.
Clarence Larkin, Acting Village Justice for one official year.
David Donner, ZBA Member for a five-year term to expire in April 2005.
Jeffrey Silber, treasurer for two official years.
Trustees Fleming, Kira, Kusse and Lynn voted YES.
************************************************************************
Resolution 5176 - Official Depositories
Motion by Trustee Lynn, seconded by Trustee Fleming,
VOTED that the Tompkins County Trust Company of Ithaca, NY is designated as the
official depository for the Village funds for the 2000/2001 Fiscal Year. Trustees Fleming,
Kira, Kusse and Lynn voted YES.
************************************************************************
Resolution 5177 - Official Check Signatures
Motion by Trustee Lynn, seconded by Trustee Fleming,
VOTED to authorize the clerk to notify the Tompkins County Trust Company of Ithaca,
NY of the following names to be honored on checks for the 2000/2001 official year, with
two signatures required:
Ronald E. Anderson, Mayor or D. Wayne Fleming, Acting Mayor
Jeffrey Silber, Treasurer of Walter Lynn, Acting Treasurer
Elizabeth Kord, Clerk
Trustees Fleming, Kira, Kusse and Lynn voted YES.
************************************************************************
Resolution 5178 - Official Newspaper
Motion by Trustee Fleming, seconded by Trustee Kusse
VOTED to designate the Ithaca Journal the official Newspaper for the 2000/2001 official
year. Trustees Fleming, Kira, Kusse and Lynn voted YES.
************************************************************************
6
Resolution 5179 - Adopt 2000/2001 Budget and Salary and Wage Schedule
Motion by Trustee Fleming, seconded by Trustee Kusse,
VOTED to adopt the Budget and appended Salary and Wage Schedule for the Fiscal
Year, 2000/2001. Trustees Fleming, Kira, Kusse and Lynn voted YES.
************************************************************************
Resolution 5180 - Levy and Extend Taxes, Special Assessments and Sewer Rents,
Establish Rates
Motion by Trustee Fleming, seconded by Trustee Kusse,
VOTED that the amount of $1,332,080 be levied upon the taxable real property of the
Village for the 2000/2001 Fiscal Year as real propert y taxes and to authorize the Clerk to
extend and carry out upon the assessment roll this amount to be charged against each
parcel of real property shown thereon, according to the total levy of $1,332,080.
Also VOTED that the amount of $28,445 be levied upon the benefited properties in the
Village for the 2000/2001 Fiscal Year as special assessment on the Water District and to
authorize the Clerk to extend and to carry out upon the assessment roll this amount to be
charged against each benefited property for special assessment in the Water District
shown thereon, according to the levy of $28,445.
Also VOTED that the amount of $122,010 be levied upon benefited properties connected
to VCH sewer system for the 2000/2001 Fiscal Year and to authorize the Clerk to extend
and carry our upon the sewer rent assessment roll the amount to be charged against each
benefited property according to the total levy of $122,010.
Also VOTED that the amount of $8010 be levied upon the benefited properties on
Remington Road for the 2000/2001 fiscal Year as special assessment for road
improvements and to authorize and direct the Clerk to extend and carry out upon the
assessment roll the amount to be charged against each benefited property on Remington
Road for special assessment for road improvements shown thereon, according to the total
levy of $8010.
Also VOTED that the amount of $1191 be levied upon the benefited properties on
Remington Road for the 2000/2001 Fiscal Year as special assessment for water and
sewer service laterals, and to authorize and direct the Clerk to extend and carry out upon
the assessment roll the amount to be charged against each property on Remington Road
for special assessment for water and sewer service laterals shown thereon, according to
the total levy of $1191.
Also VOTED to establish rates for the 2000/2001 Fiscal Year as follows:
Real Property Tax $ 5.62/M
Sewer Plant Disposal & Maintenance:
1743 Units Inside Village $ 70.00/Unit
132 Units for Cornell Business &
Tech Park (Inside Rate) $ 70.00/Unit
3979 Units Outside Village $ 105.00/Unit
Special Assessment Water District $ 25.00/Unit
7
Special Assessment Remington Rd. Imp. $ 2.50/Ft. Front.
Special Assessment Remington Rd. Water
And Sewer Service Laterals $1191.00
Trustees Fleming, Kira, Kusse and Lynn voted YES.
************************************************************************
Resolution 5181 - Add Delinquent Water Bills to 2000/2001 Tax Roll
Motion by Trustee Fleming, seconded by Trustee Kira,
VOTED to authorize the Clerk to add to the Village Tax Roll for 2000/2001, the amount
of $3,762.88 due for delinquent water use bills for the calendar year, 1999. Trustees
Fleming, Kira, Kusse and Lynn voted YES.
************************************************************************
Resolution 5182 - Adopt Local Law #1, 2000 - Establish Sewer Rates
Motion by Trustee Fleming, seconded by Trustee Kusse,
VOTED to adopt Local Law #1 of the Year 2000 entitled, "Establish Sewer Rates for
2000/2001 Fiscal Year." Establish sewer rates for the Fiscal Year 2000/2001 fiscal Year
at $70.00 per unit for the Inside Rate and $105.00 per unit for the Outside Rate. Trustees
Fleming, Kira, Kusse and Lynn voted YES.
************************************************************************
Resolution 5183 - Set Time for Regular Meetings
Motion by Trustee Kusse, seconded by Trustee Fleming,
VOTED that regular meetings of the Board of Trustees for the 2000/2001 official year
will be held on the third Mondays in each month, except the annual Organizational
Meeting which is held on the first Monday in April of each year. Trustees Fleming, Kira,
Kusse and Lynn voted YES.
************************************************************************
Resolution 5184 - Set Time for Next Regular Meeting
Motion by Trustee Fleming, seconded by Trustee Lynn,
VOTED to hold the next regular meeting on May 15, 2000. Trustees Fleming, Kira,
Kusse and Lynn voted YES.
************************************************************************
The Board called a Special Meeting to authorize the Abstract of Warrants for April 17,
2000 at 5 PM in the Village Hall.
************************************************************************
This meeting was recessed at 10:14 PM and will be continued at 5 PM, Wednesday April
5, 2000 in the Village Hall.
Elizabeth Kord
Clerk