HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-24-12 Public Hearing.pdf
Town of Enfield
Public Hearing Minutes
Enfield Community Building
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
6:30 p.m.
Present: Town Supervisor Roy Barriere, Town Councilperson Chris Hern, Town Councilperson Vera
Howe-Strait, Town Councilperson Ann Rider, Town Highway Superintendent Barry Rollins, Town
Clerk Alice Linton. Absent: Town Councilperson Debbie Teeter
Supervisor Barriere opened the public hearing at 6:30 p.m. by leading the assemblage in the Pledge
of Allegiance to the Flag followed by reading of the legal ad published in the Ithaca Journal notifying
the public of this hearing on the preliminary 2013 Town of Enfield budget.
Supervisor Barriere stated the preliminary budget includes a 2% salary increase for all paid positions.
The justices asked for their 2% increases to be given to the justice clerk, which was done. There is a
new line item, A1620.41 which has $5,000 proposed for an aquifer study. There is also $5,000
proposed for capital reserves which is decreased from $10,000 last year to compensate for the aquifer
study line item. Estimates are shown in employee benefits: retirement, 27% increase; health
insurance, 9% increase; worker's compensation, 21% increase.
Supervisor Barriere also stated that if the proposed tax cap law is not approved by the town board, a
reduction of $28,000 in the preliminary budget will be necessary. The preliminary budget, as
proposed, exceeds the tax cap by $28,000.
At this time Supervisor Barriere opened the hearing for public comment.
Julie Schroeder spoke in favor of funding for the aquifer study. She also would like to see adequate
funds in the legal fee budget line for writing of a ban on hydrofracking.
Town Highway Superintendent Buddy Rollins passed out an Equipment Replacement Chart for 2012.
He stated for the past 3 years he has requested an increase in the highway budget in order to purchase
new equipment, and to continue maintaining and improving roads, as costs continue to rise. He also
stated the excavator is in need of about $18,000 in repairs.
Councilperson Howe-Strait asked if there was other equipment that needed immediate repair.
Superintendent Rollins responded the older 10 wheeler has a frame that is rusting and spreading
apart.
Supervisor Barriere asked if it would be cost efficient to hire large haulers for long distance hauling
jobs. Superintendent Rollins responded the cost would be about the same as having town employees
doing the work. The town doesn't pay tax on fuel or road tax that private haulers have to pay.
Councilperson Rider asked if there was a chart showing how much each vehicle was used in 2012.
Superintendent Rollins said it would be possible to put that together, but it was not currently
available. He stated anything over 5,000 to 6,000 hours on a piece of equipment would be considered
high and repair work would be expected.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, October 10, 2012 2
Councilperson Howe-Strait asked which equipment was most important to be replaced.
Superintendent Rollins responded the trucks, which should ideally be switched out every 10 years.
Also the excavator and loader, which are the most critical pieces of equipment.
Superintendent Rollins also mentioned many culvert pipes are coming to the end of their 20-30 year
life and some of the roads with black top are coming to the end of their 10-15 year life. He prefers oil
and stone for town roads as it is cheaper, flexible, and easier to repair. Dirt roads need more
maintenance.
Laurie Roe stated she would encourage the town board to have ample legal funds available to draft a
town law banning hydrofracking. She thanked the town board for all the work they have done.
Supervisor Barriere asked if anyone else would like to speak at the public hearing. As no one
responded, Supervisor Barriere moved, with a second by Councilperson Hern to close the public
hearing at 6:52 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Alice Linton
Enfield Town Clerk