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HomeMy WebLinkAboutReg Mtg. Minutes 2/23/2000Minutes of the Regular Meeting February 23, 2000 Village of Cayuga Heights Board of Trustees Present: Mayor Anderson, Trustees Kira, Dunning, and Kusse, Treasurer Silber, Attorney Tyler, Supt. of PW Cross, Police Chief Lansing, Fire Chief DiVenti, Clerk Kord Absent: Trustees Meinhardt, Fleming and Bisogni Others: Judge Galbreath, Fernando de Arag6n, Kay Newman Mayor Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:45 and opened the meeting to the Privilege of the Floor. Fernando De Arag6n, Staff Director of the Ithaca - Tompkins County Transportation Council (ITCTC), asked to speak in reference to the North East Subarea Transportation Study (NESTS), Transportation Plan, Executive Summary previously furnished to the Trustees, which is on file in the Village Office. He gave a brief summary of the goals set by the NESTS Working Group and explained that his purpose in attending the Village meeting was to garner information from the local governments involved. He asked that Mayor Anderson write an informal statement of interest to express the Villages desire to have the NESTS to further research the subject of identifying and reserving right of way corridor(s) for possible north -south connector/bypass that would divert traffic around the Northeast. Mayor Anderson agreed to do so. Justice Glenn Galbreath presented the Annual Report of the Village of Cayuga Heights Court. He noted that the number of tickets issued were similar to the 1998 figures, but the fine dollars collected were down due to the fact that there was an increase in the number of tickets for expired inspection stickers and failure to wear seat belts, infractions that are seldom fined. Justice Galbreath pointed out that the Village receives very little of the money that is collected for traffic violations. He noted that most of the money goes to the State since the arresting officers cite a violation of the State Law rather that the Village Ordinance which is on the books and, if employed, will gamer more of the speeding fines monies for the Village. Police Chief Lansing agreed to study the situation. Justice Galbreath also announced that the court has received a $325.00 grant from the State in order to purchase a filing cabinet. There was one correction to the Minutes of January 17, 2000. One page 4, the total cost for the two computer systems should read $3,600.00. Motion by Trustee Kira, seconded by Trustee Dunning, VOTED to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of January 17, 2000, previously provided to the Trustees in photocopy form, as corrected. Mayor Anderson and Trustees, Kira, Kusse and Dunning voted YES. Mayor Anderson reported on the following: Supt. of Public Works Cross will serve as the Village representative on the North campus Gateway Committee (NCGC). The NCGC has written a "process statement" that identifies all of the involved municipalities /entities as part of an oversight process to guide this project. 1 There was a meeting 2/7/00 with Town of Ithaca engineering staff about the proposed Wyckoff Rd. water main extension pressure reducing station. The Town would like the Village to approve the plans and agree to repair the road after the work is complete as well as to maintain the piping within the Village's jurisdiction in the future. This would include a new water main from Cayuga Heights Road to Renwick Drive. Resolution 5162 - Joint Venture Water Main, Wyckoff Rd. Motion by Trustee Kira, seconded by Trustee Dunning, WHEREAS, The Tompkins County Department of Public Works has plans to replace the Renwick Drive bridge over Pleasant Grove Brook, which includes the replacement of the water main across the bridge that supplies water to it's residents in the Renwick Heights neighborhood located in the Town of Ithaca, WHEREAS, because the construction of this project will take about 4 -6 months to complete, the Town of Ithaca (Town) will need to provide water to it's residents in the Renwick Heights area during this same period, WHEREAS, the Town desires to extend a new water main, including a new pressure reducing valve (PRV) building, from Cayuga Heights Road, down Wyckoff Road to the intersection of Renwick Drive to replace the water currently supplied across the bridge, WHEREAS, part of the proposed water main extension is located in the Wyckoff Road Right of Way, which is owned and maintained by the Village of Cayuga Heights (Village),.and WHEREAS, the Town and the Village wish to work together on this project and the following is intended to become a joint resolution by the two municipalities. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: the Town agrees to design, contract and pay for the installation of proposed water main extension, including any /all legal, engineering, and similar professional work associated with the construction of the PRV building which may require an easement from an adjacent property owner. the Village agrees to restore the Wyckoff Road pavement within the Village limits upon completion of the water main installation. the Village and Town agree to recognize this as a joint municipal project, which is entirely within municipal Rights of Way, and not subject to local Zoning/Building Codes or Permits other than those that may be required by the Dept. of Health. both municipalities agree to accept ownership and maintenance responsibility for the portion of the water main that is located within each municipality's respective 1 jurisdictions. All future maintenance costs associated directly with the PRV building incurred by Bolton Point Water system would become 100% billable to the Town. the Village hereby approves the plans for this project subject to review by the Village Engineer. the Village agrees to allow the Town (and/or its Contractors) to temporarily close the roadway (subject to notification of the Village Police and Fire Departments) as necessary to install the water main. the Town (and/or its Contractors) agrees to provide all associated maintenance and protection of traffic including such items as detour signage, work zone signage, flagmen, etc., during the construction period. Mayor Anderson, Trustee Kira, Trustee Kusse, and Trustee Dunning voted YES. 3 Mayor Anderson continued his report: - There will be a Justice Court Workshop, via Interactive Satellite, March 27. - The meeting of the Regional Planning Group with the DEC and Stearns and Wheler, Feb. 24 was postponed. The next regular meeting will be March 6. - There has been a request from the NYS Office of Real Property Services re: special franchise assessments. There was a brief discussion of what projects may be included and it will be studied further and brought to the Board at the next meeting. The bidding process will be delayed for the fire station project due to the later than anticipated availability of the plans. A revised Bid Invitation will be distributed and advertised. The Northeast Senior Citizens requested a donation from the Village of Cayuga Heights. The Village will donate $1,000, in return for the services the organization provides to Village residents. - Mary Agnes Hamilton of 107 Cayuga Park Circle, is interested in representing the Village on the Tompkins County Youth Bureau. Motion by Trustee Kira, seconded by Trustee Dunning, VOTED to appoint Mary Agnes Hamilton as the Village of Cayuga Heights representative on the Tompkins County Youth Bureau. Mayor Anderson, and Trustees, Kira, Kusse and Dunning voted YES. - PBA Contract negotiators will include Laurie Johnston, Ken Lansing, and Jeff Silber representing the Village and Paul Mayo, Officer Boyce and Officer Day for the PBA. Trustee Dunning and Frank Collyer will act as advisors to the Village. - Bolton Point will have a meeting Feb. 4, to discuss the Integrated Water System. - There was a general meeting of the EMC 2/9/00. The major topic was the Jacksonville water problem, and Mayor Anderson noted that the new Village Representative to the EMC, Peter Newell did an excellent job. 3 Fingerlakes Independent Center has asked for a contribution, Mayor Anderson will donate from the Mayor's Contractual Expense Fund. The Time -Warner Cable Contract for temporary operating authority is due for renewal March 1, 2000. It is necessary that the Village extend its participation by May 30, 2000, while franchise negotiations are underway. Police Chief Lansing presented his report, which is on file, and reported on the following: - The Annual Report is consistent with previous reports. He noted an almost total reduction in juvenile crime. Kendal at Ithaca has instituted an educational program in order to control recent incidents of theft at the facility. The County is moving to an 800 - megahertz system for emergency police and fire communication which may make the computers in the patrol cars obsolete. At this time Chief Lansing, who is on the Committee, is opposing such a change because he feels it is not necessary and will be a large expense for the Village. Part-time Police Officer Dan Drew has submitted his resignation. Chief Lansing asked for permission to hire a replacement officer. Motion by Trustee Kira, seconded by Trustee Kusse, VOTED to authorize Chief Lansing to interview and to hire a part-time police officer to replace Officer Dan Drew. Mayor Anderson and Trustees Kira, Kusse, and Dunning voted YES. Fire Chief DiVenti presented his report, which is on file, and reported on the following: 1 He is working on his annual report and should have it completed in the near future. There were only 2 serious fires in the Village in 1999. He has been unable to find affordable temporary apartments for the firehouse bunkers, storage space for the fire- fighting apparatus, or a member congregation room to be used during the upcoming construction, but will continue to explore possibilities. Paul Sarokwash has been extremely helpful as Clerk -of -the- Works. Some of the work on the firehouse planning that was to be done by Brent Cross has been shifted back to the Architect and will result in some added expense from Mitchell -Ross. Engine 203 is 26 years old and is in need of a great deal of refurbishing. The fire council has discussed the situation and feels that it is not fiscally prudent to put more money into this truck and recommends the purchase of a new fire engine. This purchase will be included in the 2000 budget. A new truck can be purchased for approximately $200,000. There is already $92,000 set aside for refurbishing this vehicle which has not been used. Attorney Tyler notified the Board that an easement has been prepared for the area behind the firehouse owned by Joseph Ciaschi, that is necessary for the fire house renovation. Supt. of PW Cross noted that Joe Ciaschi has been very cooperative and supportive of this project. Motion by Trustee Kira, seconded by Trustee Kusse, fl VOTED that Mayor Anderson be authorized to sign the agreement between the Village of Cayuga Heights and Corners Community Center for a property easement necessary for the firehouse renovation project. Mayor Anderson, Trustees Kira, Kusse, and Dunning voted YES. Chief DiVenti also expressed his opposition to the proposed 800- megahertz system for emergency police and fire communications, since it would probably require new radios for the fire vehicles. ***************************************** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** Supt. of Public Works Cross presented his report, which is on file. ***************************************** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** Attorney Tyler reported on the following: He again requested that the group that was studying the fire access to private property, which included Chief Lansing, Supt. of PW Cross, and Fire Chief DiVenti, complete their work. It was agreed that the work would continue and that there would be an attempt to get voluntary compliance. Attorney Tyler has reviewed the front end of the Architect's contract for the Firehouse Project. He is concerned about two points. 1) The provision for a penalty for late completion or work and how this will impact on the quality of the completed work. How to come up with a dollar figure for the penalty and not give up the ability to sue for real cost recovery. 2) How to handle disputes during construction. He asked the Board to give their preference between arbitration, with no appeal, and litigation which is slower, but allows for appeal. The Board expressed a preference for litigation. - He noted that the Contract is bound by Wick's Law which specifies that the bid be divided into 5 areas, General Construction, Plumbing, Heating, Electric, and Sprinkler. Treasurer Silber presented his report, which is on file, and reported on the following: - He has been working on the 2000 budget and will have a temporary budget by the next regular meeting. He will set up a Saturday working session and invited the Board to attend. - The new Accounting System is working and should be in full use by June 1. - The two new computers are to arrive shortly. - Treasurer Silber and Jean Eaton will meet with the Computing Center soon to get the computer support system operational. - He noted that there would need to be a Special Meeting of the Board around March 1 and again 1 -week later before the Organizational Meeting April 3. - State auditors have been to the Office to look at how cash is handled. They found some minor management issues with the court. - He is investigating how to handle the sale of bonds for the firehouse project. - The Town of Ithaca fire contract renewal has been discussed and the Village has offered a ten -year contract allowing quarterly payments, instead of the yearly up- front payment as at present. - Treasurer Silber has asked Paul Sarokwash for a full project budget for approval at the next meeting. 5 There were 2 subtractions and 4 additions to the Abstract of Warrants: Page 1 the second entry for ACC Telecom should be $24.56; 3 Additional entries to the General Fund - Cornell Theory Center, A1440.41, Computer, $71.00; J. Silber, A1440.42, Computer, $71.00; J. Silber, A1325.41, Computer $5.40; NE Senior, A8010.4, Donation, $1,000.00; The entry for True Walsh & Miller for $2,258.38 should be deleted, as the bill was paid as agreed by Cornell. Motion by Trustee Dunning, seconded by Trustee Kira, VOTED to approve the Abstract of Warrants in the following amounts: General Fund, $51,804.13; Sewer Fund, $33,491.42; Water Fund, $1,046.31, Capitol Fund, $42,473.01. Mayor Anderson, Trustees Kira, Kusse and Dunning voted YES. There was no report of the Clerk. Attorney Tyler asked to enter Executive session for a discussion of collective bargaining, one matter of personnel policy as regards one individual. Resolution 5165 - Enter Executive Session Motion by Trustee Kusse, seconded by Trustee Kira, VOTED to move into Executive Session at 10:34 PM to discuss collective bargaining related to upcoming bargaining, one personnel policy issue regarding 1 individual. Mayor Anderson, Trustees Kira, Kusse, and Dunning voted YES. Motion by Trustee Kusse, seconded by Trustee Dunning, VOTED to move out of Executive Session at 10:57 PM. Mayor Anderson, Trustees Kira, Kusse and Dunning voted YES. Motion by Trustee Dunning, seconded by Trustee Kira, Voted to adjourn at 11:00 PM. Mayor Anderson, Trustees Kira, Kusse, and Dunning voted YES. Elizabeth Kord Village Clerk 1