HomeMy WebLinkAboutReg Mtg. Minutes 5/17/199997
Minutes of Regular Meeting
May 17, 1999
VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Minutes of a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cayuga Heights, held
May 17, 1999, at 7:30 PM in the Village Hall.
Present: Mayor Anderson, Trustees Kira, Dunning, Kusse and Meinhardt, Attorney Tyler,
Treasurer Silber, Clerk Kord, Supt. of Public Works Cross, Assistant Fire Chief DiVenti.
Absent: Trustees Fleming and Bisogni.
Others: Kay Newman, Dr. Ruth Crepet, and Mr. William Crepet.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Anderson at 7:40 PM and was opened to the Privilege
of the Floor.
Dr. Ruth Crepet asked to address the Board with reference to a letter that she had written to the
Board, which is on file, about a dispute that the Crepets are having with Bolton Point about a
large water bill. There was a discussion with both Crepets of the history of the situation, the legal
aspects, and the remedies that have been or will be accomplished. It was determined that
additional information about the time line of events would be helpful and that mediation would
continue and that there would be no penalties or late charges until the matter is settled.
Attorney Tyler asked that the second item in the Attorney's report on page four of the Minutes of
April 5, 1999, be changed to read: An application has been submitted to remove the water utility
exclusion (now in dispute on our insurance coverage). Treasurer Silber also asked that the Budget
be itemized in Resolution 5002 on page 5, as follows:
Real Property Tax $ 5.51 per thousand
Waste Water Disposal & Maintenance VCH $ 70.00 per unit
BTP $ 70.00 per unit
Outside $ 105.00 per unit
Special Assessment Water District $ 15.00 per unit
Water System Surcharge 40%
Special Assessment Remington Road $ 2.50 per foot
Motion by Trustee Kira seconded by Trustee Meinhardt,
VOTED to approve the Minutes of the Organizational Meeting of April 5, 1999, previously
famished to Trustees in copy form, as amended. Trustees Kira, Dunning, Kusse and Meinhardt
voted YES.
The Mayor reported on the following:
The Tompkins County Cable Commission requested approval of their proposed Request
For Proposal (RFP). The RFP would allow the Cable Commission to approach Time
Warner for a proposal.
RESOLUTION 5007 —Approve the RFP
Motion by Trustee Meinhardt seconded by Trustee Kira,
VOTED to approve the Tompkins County Cable Commission's Request for Proposals. Trustees
Kira, Dunning, Kusse, Meinhardt voted YES.
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t - The Village standing committees are:
Public Works: Fleming, Chair; Meinhardt, Kusse
Public Safety: Bisogni, Chair; Kira, Dunning
There was a North -East Subarea Transportation Study, (NESTS) meeting on May 14,
1999. They will continue to study the bypass road, travel corridor, bus service and park
and ride facilities.
There was a meeting of the Integrated Water System. It was felt that the City of Ithaca is
becoming more amenable to the project.
There has been a letter from Mr. Strassberg of Warwick Place requesting that a stop light
be installed at the corner of Winthrop Dr. and N. Triphammer Rd. in order to slow traffic
on N. Triphammer Rd.
The Mayor met with Mrs. Wanderstock to discuss her problem with neighborhood cats.
He has spoken with the neighbors who are trying to keep their cats confined.
There has been a lot of information coming from the State about "Youth Issues" and
"Smart Growth ".
The Superintendent of Public Works made his report, which is on file, and reported on the
following:
The Summer Technician will survey the Village roads this summer in order to update the
repair priority list.
The county has asked that the Village sign a Maintenance Agreement between the Town
of Ithaca, the City of Ithaca, and the Village of Cayuga Heights in the matter of the
Renwick Bridge. This agreement commits the Village to contribute % of 1% for the cost
of construction of the new bridge.
RESOLUTION 5008 — Sign Renwick Bridge Agreement
Motion by Trustee Meinhardt seconded by Trustee Kira,
VOTED to authorize the Mayor to sign the Municipal Agreement regarding the
construction of the Renwick Dr. Bridge crossing Pleasant Grove Brook which had been
reviewed by Attorney Tyler. Trustees Kira, Dunning, Kusse and Meinhardt voted YES.
Two residents have approached Supt. Cross about putting in a water main on E.
Remington Road. At present their water access comes from Highland Rd. or Highgate
Rd. through their neighbors back yards, causing difficulty in making repairs. It is
believed that NYSEG will be putting in new gas lines in the ROW soon and it may be a
saving if the work could be coordinated. Supt. Cross will check with NYSEG and get
back to the Board.
The access road that was built along the sewer easement on the Cornell Property known
as Palmer's Woods, will be cleaned up and set up as a nature trail.
Supt. Cross has written to Mrs. Park on Devon Road to request that the Village be given
greater access to the sewer easement on her property.
There has been further negotiation with Stadium International on the garbage truck
situation. It will be possible to lower the truck by 2" by replacing the tires. Since it cannot
be lowered any further, it is proposed that a cart tipper (or Barrel flipper) be attached with
a custom bin. This could be accomplished for $2,50045,000. The cost of the truck,
packer and barrel tipper with custom bin will be $77,212. Since the Board has previously
approved the expenditure of $85,000 for the garbage truck, this will represent a saving of
$7,788.
RESOLUTION 5009 — Accept Packer Bid,
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Motion by Trustee Meinhardt seconded by Trustee Kira,
Voted to accept the bid by Robert's Equipment for the Garbage Packer at a cost of
$21,722.00 for the packer and approximately $5,000 for the tipper. Trustees Kira,
Dunning, Kusse and Meinhardt voted YES.
Borg -Warner has been unable to correct their wastewater pretreatment violations. The
Village is reluctant to pursue legal action and it was suggested that the Village treat the
influent on a trial basis, charging Borg -Warner for the service. Supt. Cross will report on
the situation at the next meeting.
It was noted that former employee Mike Coyle has passed away. "Mike was a dedicated
employee and close friend of all of us who had the opportunity to work with him."
Y2K Report — New fuel station software is being added that is Y2K compliant. The sewer
plant is looking into purchasing a back -up generator and will stock up on supplies.
Assistant Fire Chief DiVenti gave the Fire Department Report, which is on file, and reported on
the following:
- There were 23 calls this month, 18 medical and 15 fire related.
- Engine 202 sustained some minor damage while being backed into the firehouse.
- Y2K Report —The fire PC's are compliant as well as the defibulator's and trucks. Bolton
Point has back -up power and is buying backup generators.
- The Fire Council decided at their last meeting that they would like to use the $5,000 that
they received in a special donation on computer equipment.
RESOLUTION 5010 — Approval to buy Computer Equipment
Motion by Trustee Kira seconded by Trustee Dunning,
VOTED to approve the purchase of two computers, a color printer, scanner, digital camera, and
back up drive at a cost of approximately $5,000. Trustees Kira, Dunning, Kusse, and Meinhardt
voted YES.
Mayor Anderson noted that the Village has received a notice of a lawsuit in the Potts fire
on Deerfield Dr.
Attorney Tyler gave his report:
Because of the appeal verses Cornell and the Town of Ithaca on the Lake Source Cooling
Project, the Village has not yet received the parcel of land on East Shore Dr. from Cornell
because of a'stay' while the appeal is pending. Oral argument on the appeal is scheduled
for June 3rd in Albany and there should be a decision by the first week of July.
There will be a preliminary hearing on the Putnam lawsuit on June 14, 1999.
There was a discussion of the need for written policy for Conflict of Interest. Attorney
Tyler will look into this, but the Board agreed that it has been their policy, and will
continue to be the policy, that if there is any possibility of a conflict of interest, it will
always be disclosed, and the person involved will recuse themselves from the matter.
It has come to the attention of the Board that the Village firearm ordinance is antiquated
and should be reexamined. Attorney Tyler will consult with Chief Lansing on the matter.
Treasurer Silber gave his report, which is on file, and reported on the following:
The new Blue Cross Blue Shield Community Rated Health Plan for all full -time Village
employees is in place for a June 1, 1999 activation. The 125 Plan is being set up but
Treasurer Silber has been waiting for the PBA to respond to an inquiry. He will continue
to make arrangements for the program.
The equipment inventory records have been brought up to date and given to Ithaca
Agency and Industrial Appraisal.
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Y2K Report - A Compliance Policy was sent to the department heads. Treasurer Silber
- has purchased compliant software for his accounting records, which should be in place in
July.
The entire Town of Ithaca fire bill has not yet been paid and he will follow up.
The sales tax revenue is up a couple of % over projection.
Another meeting before the end of the month was requested in order to pay bills. It was
set on May 27, 1999, at 4 PM.
The insurance companies have requested copies of the Village policies on Conflict of
Interest, Termination, and Human Resources. The Board discussed bringing in a human
Resources consultant on a contractual/as needed basis.
From
RESOLUTION 5011- Approve Transfers
Motion by Trustee Kira seconded by Trustee Meinhardt,
To
Amount
A1110.1
Justice Pers Sery
A1110.41
Justice Contr Ex
$ 500
A1990.4
Contingency
A1320.41
Audit Other
110
A1990.4
Contingency
A1410.41
Clerk Other
1,200
A8160.1
Refuse Col Pers Sery
A1620.1
Village Hall Pers Sery
-310-0-0-
A1990.4
Contingency
A1620.45
Village Hall Contr Exp
1 000
A8160.1
Refuse Col Pers Sery
A1640.11
Veh Maint Pers Sery
6,000
A1640.2
Cent Gar Eqpt
A1640.42
Cent Gar Supply
3,000
A1990.4
Contingency
A1640.44
Central Gar Utilities
1000
A1640.2
Cent Gar Eqpt
A1640.45
Cent Gar Contr Exp
500
A1950A
Taxes/Assessments
A1920AI
Assoc Dues
30
A1910.41
Other Insurance
A1990.4
Contingency
2,840
A8160.1
Refuse Col Pers Ser
A5110.1
Streets Pers Sery
10,000
A5110.47
Streets Eqpt Rental
A5110.49
Street Eqpt Maint
1.000
A5112.42
Ca pt Im r supply
A1990.4
Contingency
10,000
A1990.4
Contingency
A5142.42
Snow Removal Supply
150
A1990.4
Contingency
A5142.49
Snow Remvl Eqpt Maint
20
A1990A
Contingency
A9030.8
Social Securi
6,000
A9015.8
Police & Fire Retirement
A1990.4
Contingency
12,880
G8120.2
Sewer Lines Eqpt
G8130.2
Sewer Plant Eqpt
15.000
G1990.4
Sewer Fund Contingency
G8120.42
Sewer Line Supply
200
G1990.4
Sewer Fund Contingency
G8120.49
Sewer Line Eqpt Maint
1.0 0
G1990.4
Sewer Fund Contingency
G8130.42
Sewer Plant Supply
3 000
G8130.49
Sewer Plant Eqpt Maint
G8130.45
Sewer Plant Contr Exp
10,000
G8120.2
Sewer Lines E ui ment
G8130.47
Sewer Plant Tipping Fee
5.000
VOTED to approve transfers as listed in Treasurer's Report. Trustees Kira, Dunning, Kusse and
Meinhardt voted YES.
One entry was duplicated in the Abstract of Warrants. The second entry for Danica
Computing should be omitted.
Motion by Trustee Meinhardt seconded by Trustee Kira,
Voted to approve the Abstract of Warrants dated May 17, 1999 as amended, in the following
amounts; General Fund, $53,111.20; Sewer Fund, $77,433.68, Water Fund, $507.06. Trustees
Kira, Dunning, Kusse, and Meinhardt voted Yes.
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Supt. of Public Works Cross announced to the Board that he would like to hire Chung You on a
full -time Laborer. And he would like to promote Albert Cooper and David Snyder from Laborer
to Motor Equipment Operator, effective June 1, 1999.
RESOLUTION 5012 — Hiring and promotions
Motion by Trustee Kira seconded by Trustee Meinhardt,
VOTED to hire Chung You as a full -time Laborer with full benefits at an annual salary of
$17,400. And to promote Albert Cooper from Laborer to Motor Equipment Operator at a salary
of $23,640 and David Snyder from Laborer to Motor Equipment Operator at $22,180. All to be
effective June 1, 1999. Trustees Kira, Dunning, Kusse and Meinhardt voted YES.
There was a brief discussion of time reporting/record keeping for employees exempt from
overtime. This discussion included consideration of compensatory time for these employees.
Treasurer Silber will draft a new record keeping system and policy on compensatory time.
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The report of the Police, which is on file, was briefly discussed.
Trustee Meinhardt said that she has had several complaints about excessive noise coming from
the outdoors sound system at the high school/middle school. Mayor Anderson will investigate.
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The Clerk reported on the following:
The new Village Pamphlets and June Newsletter are ready to be sent with the June tax
bills.
Clerk Kord attended a workshop on Record Management in May and requested that the
Board adopt the Records Retention and Disposition Schedule MU -1 that contains the
legal and minimum retention periods for municipal governmental records.
RESOLUTION 5013 — Records Retention Schedule
Motion by Trustee Dunning seconded by Trustee Kira,
VOTED to adopt the Records Retention and Disposition Schedule MU -1 that contains the legal
minimum retention periods for municipal government records, for use by municipal officers in
disposing of municipal government records. Trustees Kira, Dunning, Kusse, Meinhardt voted
YES.
RESOLUTION 5014 — Executive Session
Motion by Trustee Kira seconded by Trustee Meinhardt,
VOTED to move into Executive Session to discuss a matter of potential litigation and a personnel
issue of a specific individual at 10:50 PM. Trustees Kira, Dunning, Kusse and Meinhardt voted
YES.
Motion by Trustee Meinhardt seconded by Trustee Kusse,
VOTED to move out of Executive Session at 11:15 PM. Trustees Kira, Dunning, Kusse and
Meinhardt voted YES.
Motion by Trustee Meinhardt seconded by Trustee Kusse,
VOTED to adjourn the meeting at 11:15 PM to be continued to May 27ib at 4:00 PM. To review
and approve final fiscal year end payments and other matters needing to be addresses in the
ordinary course of business. Trustees, Kim, Dunning, Kusse and Meinhardt voted YES.
Elizabeth Kord
Clerk