HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 03, 2020 Town Board MinutesTown Board_Minutes_20200203 •Monday, February 3, 2020 Page 1 of 6
Danby Town Board
Minutes of Regular Meeting
February 3 , 2020, 7pm, Danby Town Hall
Present:
Councilpersons: Leslie Connors, Joel Gagnon (Supervisor), Jim Holahan, Matt Ulinski
Councilpersons not present: Sarah Schnabel
Others Present:
Town Clerk Alexandra Pfeifer
Justices Garry Huddle and Theresa Klinger
Bookkeeper Laura Shawley
Planner Jason Haremza
Code Officer Steve Cortright
Public Rich Bennett (Bureau of Census), George Blanchard, Bruce Richards, Ted Crane,
Pat Woodworth, Jonathan Zisk, George Wagner (Six Mile Creek Rod and Gun
Club), Margaret Corbit, WW Blawvec, Ronda Roaring, Nancy Lazarus, Rick
Lazarus, Susan Franklin, Marnie Kirchgessner, Katharine Hunter, Carrie
Lamontagne
Meeting Opened at 7:03pm
Additions or deletions to the Agenda
Gagnon introduced two items: one for a Court Audit, and the other for an agreement with the
Health Insurance Consortium Ethics Policy.
Census Presentation and Q & A Session by Rich Bennett: Census Partnership Specialist
Rich Bennett gave a thorough presentation about the upcoming 2020 Census. He noted that the
Census makes an impact on communities and the quality of life. As of March 12th, the goal is to have
identified everyone by household (the number of people living there). He reiterated that the census bureau
understands the protection of personal information.
The 2020 Census will be asking nine questions: name, sex, age and date of birth, if you are of
Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin, race, whether a person lives or stays somewhere else, relationship (to
those who you live with), whether you rent or own, and your phone number. He emphasized that new this
year is the ability to go online to fill out the census information, and that it can also be done on the phone
and on paper.
Since language is often an issue in filling out the questionnaires, Bennett remarked that the form
is available in English and 12 other languages, and that there are translation guides for 59 other
languages. He also noted that, in the Ithaca area, Collegetown and Ithaca College are the most
undercounted population, along with those ages 5 and under.
Before taking questions, Bennett asked the audience to spread the word so that the bureau could
get the most complete count possible on April 1st, because the results of the Census impact the quality of
life in your community.
George Blanchard asked how accurate the count was, and was told that it was anyone’s guess.
Ted Crane asked about the mapping methodology. Bennett told him that people would be
knocking on doors from August-September, and that there is the ROAM mapping system on
census.gov/roam.
Marnie Kichgessner was concerned about those residents who didn’t have reliable internet access.
Bennett told her about the TCPL’s efforts to provide instruction and computers to those who didn’t have
internet access. She remarked how difficult it was getting to the library with the parking situation.
Besides the library, there would also be mobile units in those areas where access to the internet is weak.
Katharine Hunter mentioned that she only knows about the Census because she pays attention.
She asked if there could be road signs about the Census by the town hall. Bennett encouraged the use of
signs and partnering with other towns to get the word out.
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Privilege of the Floor
George Wagner reiterated his opposition to further trail development in the area between Banks
and Middaugh Rd.
Ted Crane remarked on the minutes of January 6, 2020 and January 13, 2020. He also mentioned
that the DCC concert would be held on Saturday February 22, 2020 from 3-5 rather than on a Sunday.
Margaret Corbit gave an extensive summary of what has been happening with the Howland Rd.
Hemp operation from December 11, 2019 until the present, and said that the Hemp operation should
never have been authorized in the first place.
Justices’ Report
Huddle and Klinger reported that the Town of Danby Court was one of the 278 courts to receive a
grant. The $6,200 grant will be used to get new chairs for the court room and for new office furniture.
Huddle also added two new surveillance cameras-one on the side of the building with the gazebo, and the
other behind the building (where the shed is located). Court fees paid to the Town: Klinger $1024.00 and
Huddle $2,525.00
Code Officer’s Report
Cortright hoped that this month’s report is closer to what the TB wanted. He processed six building
permits, 13 certificates of compliance which he closed out in the midst of the office organization. He also
had two fire calls as the code officer and went on 30 construction inspections. The construction total was
$149k. Ulinski asked for a copy of the building permit compliance report.
Planner’s Report
Haremza noted that the Planning Board changed their meetings from the 3rd Thursday of the month to
the 3rd Tuesday of the month.
Ulinski asked Haremza about the Hemp operation. Haremza recounted his visit to the Hemp operation
that he conducted with Bruce Richards. He noted that those who ran the operation were responsive to his
questions about the operation. Margaret Corbit asked if cultivating hemp came up, and Haremza said that
he didn’t ask that question. She remarked that the operation was processing CBD oil. Haremza said that if
so, then it would be crossing the line from agricultural to industrial.
Rick Lazarus asked Bruce Richards about Dutchess Lumber in Cortland. Richards remarked that they
did their best to mitigate the noise from the lumber mill by creating baffles and sound suppression with
the lumber.
Carrie Lamontagne remarked how they were no longer getting brownouts caused by the Hemp
operation, now that NYSEG came and fixed the transformer. She also mentioned that at one point the
power was out for 12 hours.
Ronda Roaring wondered why the filing from the Dept. of State wasn’t found.
Marnie Kirchgessner remarked that the Town of Enfield also dealt with similar noise issues with an
organic flour mill.
Designating a Representative from the Town of Danby to the Cayuga Lake Watershed
Intermunicipal Organization (IO)
Gagnon explained the intent behind the resolution below. It was agreed that the Planner will be the
designate on behalf of the Town.
RESOLUTION NO. 38 OF 2020– TO DESIGNATE A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE TOWN OF DANBY TO THE CAYUGA
LAKE WATERSHED INTERMUNICIPAL ORGANIZATION (IO)
Revised 2-3-2020
1. Whereas the Intermunicipal Organization (IO) consists of appointed representatives from municipalities within
the Cayuga Lake watershed; and
2. Whereas the IO has completed multiple projects in the watershed such as stream and habitat restoration,
stormwater retention, and roadbank stabilization, since the Watershed Restoration and Protection Plan (RPP)
was completed in 2001 and updated in 2017; and
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3. Whereas the IO meets six to eight times per calendar year and the Town of Danby can gain useful information
about projects, grant opportunities, and contribute to the environmental protection of Cayuga Lake by
participating in the IO meetings and activities; and
4. Whereas the Town has invested in professional staff resources and amongst that staff the Town Planner is the
best suited to represent the Town at IO meetings. The Town Planner will share information with the Code
Officer, Deputy Highway Superintendent, and other Town staff and officials.
Now Therefore, be it Resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Danby designates the Town Planner, ex officio,
as the Town’s representative to the Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization (IO); and
Be it Further Resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Danby designates the Town Supervisor, ex officio, as
the Town’s alternate representative to the Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization (IO).
Moved by Connors, Second by Holahan. The motion passed.
In Favor: Connors, Holahan, Ulinski, Gagnon
Designating a Representative from the Town of Danby to the Tompkins County Stormwater
Coalition
Gagnon explained the intent behind the resolution below. It was agreed that the Planner will be the
designate on behalf of the Town.
RESOLUTION NO. 39 OF 2020– TO DESIGNATE A REPRESENTATIVE TO THE TOMPKINS COUNTY STORMWATER
COALITON
1. Whereas the Stormwater Coalition of Tompkins County (SCTC) was formed in 2003 following the
implementation of the Phase II Stormwater Program by the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (NYSDEC). The Coalition consists of 11 municipalities within Tompkins County and Cornell
University; and
2. Whereas the purpose of the Stormwater Coalition of Tompkins County (Coalition) is to:
• Exchange information and foster cooperation among municipal separate storm sewer systems (MSSSS or
MS4s) to assist MS4s in complying with the EPA Phase II Stormwater regulations;
• Facilitate the use of resources to assist MS4s in meeting the requirements of the U.S. EPA Phase II
Stormwater regulations and the permit conditions of current New York SPDES General Permit for
Stormwater Discharges from Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems;
• Identify funding mechanisms to meet the financial needs of complying with the Phase II Stormwater
regulations and current New York SPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Municipal
Separate Storm Sewer Systems;
• Protect and/or improve local water quality in accordance with Federal, State, County, and local water quality
regulations, planning documents and policies; and,
• Facilitate consistency of stormwater management and regulations across municipal boundaries; and
3. Whereas the SCTC meets six times per calendar year and the Town of Danby can gain useful information about
stormwater, erosion and sediment control, and related training and grant opportunities from participating in the
SCTC meetings and activities; and
4. Whereas the Town has invested in professional staff resources and amongst that staff the Town Planner is the
best suited to represent the Town at SCTC meetings. The Town Planner will share information with the Code
Officer, Deputy Highway Superintendent, and other Town staff and officials.
Now Therefore, be it Resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Danby designates the Town Planner, ex officio,
as the Town’s representative to the Tompkins County Stormwater Coalition.
Moved by Ulinski, Second by Holahan. The motion passed.
In Favor: Connors, Holahan, Ulinski, Gagnon
Setting a Special Meeting of the Town Board on February 24 to hold a Public Hearing
regarding the Housing Conditions Survey
Haremza explained the need for a public hearing, it being a requirement of the grant that funded the
housing study.
RESOLUTION NO. 40 OF 2020– TO SET A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD ON FEBRUARY 24 TO HOLD A
PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE HOUSING CONDITOINS SURVEY
1. Whereas the Town of Danby was awarded a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in the amount of
$30,000 from the New York State Department of Housing and Community Renewal (HCR), Project Number
300CP129-18, and
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2. Whereas this CDBG funding has been awarded for the purpose of carrying out a Housing Conditions Survey of
the entire town; and
3. Whereas the Town issued a Request for Proposals on July 23, 2019 for consultant assistance to undertake the
Housing Conditions Survey; and
4. Whereas the Town entered into a contract for consulting services with C.T. Male Associates (the consultant);
and
5. Whereas the consultant and their subconsultant has prepared a draft report on housing conditions and the
housing market in the Town of Danby; and
6. Whereas it is important to share the results of this analysis with the public, hear public comments on the draft
report, and comply with the requirements of NYS HCR.
Now Therefore, be it Resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Danby sets a special meeting of the Town
Board at 7PM on February 24 to hold a public hearing for the consultant to present the draft report and for Town
officials, Town staff, and the consultant to hear public comment on said draft report.
Moved by Holahan, Second by Connors. The motion passed.
In Favor: Connors, Holahan, Ulinski, Gagnon
Appointment of Jonathan Zisk to the CAC (Conservation Advisory Board)
Gagnon explained that Jonathan Zisk initially applied to become a member of the CAC, but wanted to
attend a meeting before deciding to “formally” apply. Although he had an interview at the CAC meeting, it was
also agreed that he should explain his background and motivations to the TB. Zisk has a Ph.D. in Analytical
Chemistry, and has also started to work with Bruce Richards on a paper regarding the Emerald Ash Borer and
what might be done with the 59 trees in question.
RESOLUTION NO. 41 OF 2020– TO APPOINT A MEMBER OF THE CAC (CONSERVATION ADVISORY BOARD)
Resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Danby appoints Jonathan Zisk as a member of the CAC (Conservation
Advisory Board).
Moved by Gagnon, Second by Holahan. The motion passed.
In Favor: Holahan, Ulinski, Gagnon. Abstain: Connors
Appointing a Town Representative to the Recreation Partnership and the Tompkins County
Youth Services Board
Gagnon recommended that Marnie Kirchgessner be nominated as Town of Danby representative to both of
these boards. Kirchgessner addressed the TB, telling about her work with children and in public service. Ulinski,
who was a former representative to the Youth Services Board, supported Kirchgessner for both positions.
RESOLUTION NO. 42 OF 2020– TO APPOINT A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE TOWN OF DANBY TO THE RECREATION
PARTNERSHIP AND THE TOMPKINS COUNTY YOUTH SERVICES BOARD
Resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Danby nominates Margaret “Marnie” Kirchgessner to represent the
Town of Danby on the Recreation Partnership Board, and.
be it further Resolved that The Town Board of the Town of Danby nominates that Margaret “Marnie” Kirchgessner
be appointed to Tompkins County Youth Services Board to represent the Town of Danby.
Moved by Ulinski, Second by Connors. The motion passed.
In Favor: Connors, Holahan, Ulinski, Gagnon.
Tompkins County Soil and Water Conservation District
MOTION-AGREEMENT WITH THE TC SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Moved, That the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes the Town Supervisor to sign the agreement with the
Tompkins County Soil and Water Conservation District for engineering services, as needed.
Moved by Connors, Second by Holahan. The motion passed.
In Favor: Connors, Holahan, Ulinski, Gagnon.
Court Audit
MOTION – COURT AUDIT
Moved, That the Town Board of the Town of Danby designates Leslie Connors as the point of contact for the audit for
the Town of Danby Court.
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Moved by Gagnon, Second by Holahan. The motion passed.
In Favor: Holahan, Ulinski, Gagnon. Abstain: Connors
Health Insurance Consortium Ethics Policy
MOTION –
Moved, That the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes Laura Shawley, Town of Danby Representative on the
Board of directors of the Municipal Health insurance Consortium, to sign an agreement to abide by the Health
Insurance Consortium Ethics Policy.
Moved by Gagnon, Second by Holahan. The motion passed.
In Favor: Connors, Holahan, Ulinski, Gagnon.
Warrants
ABSTRACT #3 OF 2020:
GENERAL FUND
#38-71 for a total of $42,988.33
Moved by Connors, Second by Holahan. The motion passed.
In Favor: Connors, Holahan, Ulinski, Gagnon
HIGHWAY FUND
#20-35 for a total $22,119.54
Moved by Connors, Second by Ulinski. The motion passed.
In Favor: Connors, Holahan, Ulinski, Gagnon
WEST DANBY WATER DISTRICT FUND
#4 for $100.00
Moved by Connors, Second by Holahan. The motion passed.
In Favor: Connors, Holahan, Ulinski, Gagnon
Planner presentation on draft findings of Housing Condition Analysis
Haremza gave a brief presentation on the Housing Conditions Analysis, noting that less than 20 homes are
dilapidated and that a 1/3 are substandard (mostly among those built before the 1920’s). Also found was the
need for senior housing that would be located in the northern part of town. The findings also emphasized the
need for subsidized housing. Haremza received 14 responses from the Housing Survey, and noted that residents
can continue to submit their responses. Ted Crane remarked that in 2018 there were 1320 properties in the
Town of Danby.
South Hill Recreation Way Update
Gagnon recounted his meeting with the principals of the Recreation Way extension: Ithaca, Caroline, and
Dryden. He is reviewing the licensing agreement, because the terms are not ideal. Therefore, the group is
revisiting the issue/re-negotiating with NYSEG in the hope of getting a better deal. He noted that Dryden
already signed the licensing agreement. Gagnon also noted that an agreement has to be made first before
anything else can happen with the trail.
WVPP/Sexual Harassment Policy
Ulinski would like all the members of the TB to be present to vote on the resolution to hire a consultant for
the Workplace Violence Prevention Program and the Sexual Harassment Policy. He noted that the town is
required by the state to have a WVPP in place.
Changing residency requirement for the highway superintendent
Gagnon would like the Town Board to consider passing a local law to eliminate the residency requirement
for the highway superintendent so that the pool of those eligible to run for the position can include those living
outside the town – which includes most of those currently employed by the highway department. Ulinski noted
that it would open the pool from 3k to 15k. Ted Crane said that he knew of 4 residents who were interested in
the position. Connors noted that this wouldn’t prevent them from applying, but that there would be a bigger pool
to choose from.
Town Clerk’s Report
Total disbursements for the month: $2072.50. Pfeifer paid Supervisor $1962.50, $65 to the Animal
Control Population Program, and $45 to the NYS Dept of Health for 2 marriage licenses. Also collected
was $712 for 61 dog licenses. The remainder was made up of BZA, Planning, and Building Permit Fees.
Adjournment
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The meeting adjourned at 9:04 pm.
______________________________________
Alexandra Pfeifer, Town Clerk