HomeMy WebLinkAbout3-14-12 Regular Meeting.pdf
Town of Enfield
Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes
Enfield Community Building
Wednesday, March 14, 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
Town Supervisor Barriere opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. by leading the assemblage in the Pledge
of Allegiance to the Flag.
Privilege of the Floor: Poney Carpenter of 192 Van Dorn Road South spoke on behalf of Enfield
Neighbors for Safe Air and Water and encouraged the board to move forward on a moratorium on gas
drilling as soon as possible.
John Tavares of 2192 Mecklenburg Road encouraged the board to shift gears to a ban on gas drilling
instead of a moratorium.
Martha Fischer of 772 Bostwick Road is working with Cooperative Extension on an energy
conservation project called “Tighten Up Enfield”. Presentations on this energy conservation project
have been given to both the Enfield Grange and the Enfield Community Council. Enfield’s first
Energy Team is forming, with a start date of April 1. An event for the community that includes
presentations by two Building Performance Institute certified contractors and a panel of residents
who have made upgrades to their homes is being planned.
Approval of Minutes: Councilperson Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson Howe-Strait to
approve the minutes of the February 8, 2012 regular board meeting.
Vote: Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson Rider aye, Supervisor
Barriere aye. Councilperson Teeter absent. Carried
Correspondence: Supervisor Barriere announced the audit conducted by the State Comptroller’s
Office is complete. It is on the town’s website, along with the supervisor’s response to the audit.
Notice from Haefele TV advising the town that effective April 1, 2012 the basic cable rate will
increase $1.50 per month, digital basic will increase $2.00 per month, and DVR service will increase
$1.00 per month.
Memo from Tompkins County Department of Planning with copy of their Draft Development Focus
Areas Strategy dated December 21, 2011.
Recreational Partnership spring brochure.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, March 14, 2012 2
Budget Amendment #2012-5
WHEREAS, expenses have exceeded the budget in the General Fund Account, line item A1110.40,
titled “Justice - Contractual”, and line item A1110.42, titled “Justice – Dues and Publications”, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the General Fund Account, line item A1110.22, titled “Justice – JCAP Grant
Funds”, be decreased by $270.00 and General Fund Account, line item A1110.40, titled “Justice -
Contractual”, be increased by $26.50 and line item A1110.42, titled “Justice – Dues and
Publications”, be increased by $243.50.
Supervisor Barriere moved, with a second by Councilperson Rider to accept Budget Amendment
#2012-5.
Vote: Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson Rider aye, Supervisor
Barriere aye. Councilperson Teeter absent. Carried
Audit Claims:
Councilperson Hern moved, with a second by Councilperson Howe-Strait to authorize the supervisor
to pay General Fund vouchers #72 to #99 dated March 14, 2012 in the amount of $17,075.50;
Highway Fund vouchers #40 to #56 dated March 14, 2012 in the amount of $30,895.38; and H-Fund
voucher #19 dated March 14, 2012 in the amount of $76,345.50.
Discussion: Supervisor Barriere mentioned the H-Fund voucher is for the first bond payment.
Vote: Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson Rider aye, Supervisor
Barriere aye. Councilperson Teeter absent. Carried
County Legislator’s Report: No report.
Committee Reports:
Planning Board: Mike Carpenter reported when the committee met this month they discussed what
interactions there should be between the Planning Board and the Town Board when rewriting the
Comprehensive Plan. They questioned whether they should take the prior information and update it,
or start new.
Councilperson Howe-Strait suggested the more interactions between the Planning Board and the
Town Board, the better.
Supervisor Barriere commented the work the Planning Board did on the Site Plan Review Law was
very helpful and they did a super job.
Health Insurance Consortium: No report.
Enfield Community Council: Ann Rider reported the youth basketball program had 26 participants
and has finished for this year, but Zumba continues on Monday evenings. “Catch the Breeze” is a
new program starting, with 8 students participating. A digital media student at BOCES has created a
logo for ECC. The Harvest Festival has been scheduled for September 22, 2012 at Enfield School.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, March 14, 2012 3
May 12 will be the annual garage sale day in Enfield coordinated by the ECC and EVFC Ladies
Auxiliary. Summer Camp for youth will be held July 2 through August 10 at Robert H. Treman State
Park.
The Recreation Partnership has made plans for Enfield, Danby and Caroline to interact more this
year. There will be plans made for members to attend each other’s meetings.
The Youth Board will have their annual meeting the last week of March.
Enfield Volunteer Fire Company: Supervisor Barriere reported the next blood drive is scheduled for
Tuesday, March 20 and the next chicken barbeque is scheduled for April 1.
Facilities Manager: Chris Hern reported a new furnace is scheduled to be installed in the upstairs of
the Community Building on Saturday, March 17.
Communication Access Committee: No report.
Facilities Development: Supervisor Barriere reported there was a blow out on the water heater at the
new highway facility. A plastic plug had not been replaced with a pressure release valve. The
plumber is planning to take care of the damages.
Personnel Committee: At their recent meeting, the committee discussed salaries for laborers and
motor equipment operators and suggested a resolution for changes.
Supervisor Barriere moved, with a second by Councilperson Rider to accept Resolution #2012-22.
Resolution #2012-22 Highway Department Stepped Salary Structure
BE IT RESOLVED the Item titled “Highway Department Stepped Salary Structure” under Category
701 Wage and Salary under Section 700 Compensation of the Town of Enfield Employee Handbook
be changed from:
Highway Department Stepped Salary Structure
1. New Hires start as laborers, for a minimum of one month to a maximum of six months, prior to
promotion to MEO (Motor Equipment Operator).
2. MEO starting salary is $15 per hour. There will be a $1 per hour increase per year for three years,
on the anniversary date of promotion to MEO, until reaching a minimum of $18 per hour.
3. Any calendar year merit salary increases will also be applied, independent of the anniversary date
increases.
To:
Highway Department Salary Structure
1. New Highway Department Employees start as either laborers or MEO’s (Motor Equipment
Operator).
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, March 14, 2012 4
a. Laborers are hired at starting salary within a rate range specified in the Organizational
Resolutions of the Town Board set in January of each year.
b. MEO’s start at a Hire Rate and after 90 days receive an increase to a Working Rate, both as
specified in the Organizational Resolutions. There will be an annual increase per year for
three years until reaching a minimum rate specified in the Organizational Resolutions.
2. Any calendar year merit salary increases will also be applied, independent of the anniversary date
increases.
Discussion: Supervisor Barriere stated that at the next meeting the Organizational Resolutions will
need to be amended to reflect these changes.
Vote: Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson Rider aye, Supervisor
Barriere aye. Councilperson Teeter absent. Carried
Supervisor Barriere moved, with a second by Councilperson Hern, to accept Resolution #2012-23.
Resolution #2012-23 When Medical Insurance Coverage Begins
BE IT RESOLVED the Item titled “When Coverage Begins” under Category 805 Medical Insurance
under Section 800 Employee Benefits of the Town of Enfield Employee Handbook be changed from:
When Coverage Begins Coverage will begin upon completion of the probationary period for
employees. For the Highway Superintendent, coverage will begin on the first day of office. All
eligibility requirements of the insurance plan must be met.
To:
When Coverage Begins Coverage will begin upon completion and processing of any necessary
enrollment application materials for employees. For the Highway Superintendent, coverage will
begin on the first day of office. All eligibility requirements of the insurance plan must be met.
Vote: Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson Rider aye, Supervisor
Barriere aye. Councilperson Teeter absent. Carried
Tompkins County Council of Governments: Supervisor Barriere reported members of the
Intermunicipal Recreation Partnership were present to talk about their program. The Partnership is
hoping the existing contract will be extended for another five years. There are plans for a meeting
with Bob Freeman, Executive Director of the Committee on Open Government, to discuss and ask
questions about recent changes to the Public Notification Law. There is a presentation scheduled for
March 22 on how taxation deals with unconventional gas drilling.
Highway Superintendent’s Report: Highway Superintendent Buddy Rollins reported he is having
a new bucket built for the excavator and asked that the cost be pre-paid and show on next month’s
warrant. The crew is working on equipment, putting things away at the new facility, and patching pot
holes. The Motor Equipment Operator position has been posted and Buddy has already received
several applications.
Supervisor Barriere moved, with a second by Councilperson Rider to pay Joe’s Welding Service for
work on the excavator bucket in the amount of $845, with the payment showing on the April warrant.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, March 14, 2012 5
Vote: Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson Rider aye, Supervisor
Barriere aye. Councilperson Teeter absent. Carried
Code Enforcement Officer’s Report: Code Enforcement Officer Alan Teeter reported in February
there were 4 building permits issued which brings the year to date total to 8. There were 2 Certificates
of Occupancy issued, 2 Certificates of Completion issued, 7 inspections, 10 progress checks, 2 house
numbers issued, along with 3 valid complaints received.
Old Business:
Update on Road Preservation Plan: Supervisor Barriere and Highway Superintendent Rollins met
with the town attorney last month and received some information. They also met with Dan Walker of
the Planning Board who will work with Superintendent Rollins to put together road inventory
information and a better list of what Enfield has for roads and culverts. They will also work with
Ulysses, Caroline and possibly the Town of Ithaca to look at laws and engineering plans. This will
take several months, but updates will be reported monthly.
Moratorium on Gas Drilling Discussion: The board discussed the proposed law presented by Town
Attorney Guy Krogh.
Councilperson Howe-Strait asked about the amounts of penalties and fines in Section 5. Supervisor
Barriere will ask attorney Krogh to change those based on his recommendation.
Councilperson Hern had a question under Section 8B1, Reasonable Rate of Return. Supervisor
Barriere will ask attorney Krogh about that and forward his response to board members.
Councilperson Rider asked how many courts the current cases can go through. Supervisor Barriere
responded the Appellate Division would be next, followed by the NYS Court of Appeals.
Supervisor Barriere moved, with a second by Councilperson Howe-Strait to schedule a public hearing
on March 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Enfield School regarding the proposed law “To Effect a Moratorium
and Prohibition of Gas and Petroleum Exploration and Extraction Activities, Underground Storage of
Natural Gas, and Disposal of Natural Gas or Petroleum Extraction, Exploration, and Production
Wastes.”
Vote: Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson Rider aye, Supervisor
Barriere aye. Councilperson Teeter absent. Carried
Review/discuss Site Plan Review Local Law: Supervisor Barriere suggested the board wait until
Councilperson Teeter was present before reviewing the Site Plan Review Law in detail. Discussion
was postponed until the April meeting.
Park-and-Ride Update: Highway Superintendent Rollins reported on discussion of an additional Park
and Ride area, possibly at the new highway facility. There may be a bike rake and shelter available
from Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit. Councilperson Hern asked if the old highway facility
might be a better location for this. Superintendent Rollins will further discuss the options with Nancy
Oltz of TCAT.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, March 14, 2012 6
New Business:
Plan Spring Clean-Up: Supervisor Barriere moved, with a second by Councilperson Rider to hold the
annual spring clean-up at the new highway facility Tuesday, May 8 to Friday, May 11 from noon to 6
p.m. and Saturday, May 12 from 7 a.m. to noon.
Discussion: Superintendent Rollins will contact Casella to make arrangements for dumpsters and
make arrangements with Teets for scrap metal. No household garbage or vegetation allowed and tires
on rims only.
Vote: Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson Rider aye, Supervisor
Barriere aye. Councilperson Teeter absent. Carried
Resolution for NYS Retirement System: Supervisor Barriere stated the New York State Retirement
System requires reporting of standard work days for elected and appointed members of the retirement
system. Information needs to be updated for 2010 and 2011.
Supervisor Barriere moved to accept Resolution #2012-24, with a second by Councilperson Rider.
Resolution #2012-24 Standard Work Day and Reporting Resolution for 2010:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Enfield hereby establishes the following as standard work days
for elected and appointed officials and will report the following days worked to the New York State
and Local Employees’ Retirement System based on the record of activities maintained and submitted
by these officials to the clerk of this body:
Roy Barriere, Supervisor, term 1/1/10-12/31/11, 7 hrs/day, 20 days/month
Alice Linton, Town Clerk, term 1/1/10-12/31/11, 6 hrs/day, 16 days/month
Stephanie Gaynor, Councilperson, term 1/1/08-12/31/11, 6 hrs/day, 7 days/month
Debbie Teeter, Councilperson, term 1/1/10-12/31/13, 6 hrs/day, 7 days/month
Barry Rollins, Highway Superintendent, term 1/1/10-12/31/11, 8 hrs/day, 20 days/month
Betty Poole, Justice, term 1/1/10-12/31/13, 6 hrs/day, 13 days/month
Jean Owens, Councilperson, term 1/31/10-12/31-10, 6 hrs/day, 7 days/month
Jean Owens, Deputy Supervisor, term 1/6/10-12/31/10, 6 hrs/day, 7 days/month
Tiffany Poole, Justice Clerk, term 1/6/10-12/31/10, 6 hrs/day, 13 days/month
Alan Teeter, Code Enforcement, term 1/6/10-12/31/10, 6 hrs/day, 13 days/month
Wayne C. Snyder, Grounds Keeper, term 6/1/10-9/30/10, 6 hrs/day, 5 days/month
Charles Sinclair, MEO, full time employee, 8 hrs/day, 20 days/month
David Owens, MEO, full time employee, 8 hrs/day, 20 days/month
Brandon McGee, MEO, full time employee, 8 hrs/day, 20 days/month
Scott George, MEO, full time employee, 8 hrs/day, 20 days/month
Discussion: Supervisor Barriere explained the only difference between this information and the
Resolution previously passed is the addition of all highway employees and the groundskeeper Wayne
C. Snyder.
Vote: Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson Rider aye, Supervisor
Barriere aye. Councilperson Teeter absent. Carried
Supervisor Barriere moved to accept Resolution #2012-25, with a second by Councilperson Rider.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, March 14, 2012 7
Resolution #2012-25 Standard Work Day and Reporting Resolution for 2011
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Enfield hereby establishes the following as standard work days
for elected and appointed officials and will report the following days worked to the New York State
and Local Employees’ Retirement System based on the record of activities maintained and submitted
by these officials to the clerk of this body:
Alice Linton, Town Clerk, term 1/1/10-12/31/11, 6 hrs/day, 16 days/month
Debbie Teeter, Councilperson, term 1/1/10-12/31/13, 6 hrs/day, 7 days/month
Barry Rollins, Highway Superintendent, term 1/1/10-12/31/11, 8 hrs/day, 20 days/month
Betty Poole, Justice, term 1/1/10-12/31/13, 6 hrs/day, 13 days/month
Jean Owens, Councilperson, term 1/5/11-12/31-11, 6 hrs/day, 7 days/month
Debbie Teeter, Deputy Supervisor, term 1/5/11-12/31/11, 6 hrs/day, 7 days/month
Tiffany Poole, Justice Clerk, term 1/5/11-12/31/11, 6 hrs/day, 13 days/month
Alan Teeter, Code Enforcement, term 1/5/11-12/31/11, 6 hrs/day, 13 days/month
Wayne C. Snyder, Grounds Keeper, term 6/1/11-9/30/11, 6 hrs/day, 5 days/month
Charles Sinclair, MEO, full time employee, 8 hrs/day, 20 days/month
David Owens, MEO, full time employee, 8 hrs/day, 20 days/month
Brandon McGee, MEO, full time employee, 8 hrs/day, 20 days/month
Scott George, MEO, full time employee, 8 hrs/day, 20 days/month
Gabriel Newhart, MEO, full time employee, 8 hrs/day, 20 days/month
Vote: Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson Rider aye, Supervisor
Barriere aye. Councilperson Teeter absent. Carried
Resolution to Support the Participation in NYS DOS Grant to Study Shared Services:
Resolution #2012-26 was moved by Supervisor Barriere and seconded by Councilperson Rider.
Resolution #2012-26
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A NYS DOS LOCAL GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY GRANT
APPLICATION TO STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF SHARED SERVICES OF TOMPKINS
COUNTY AND LOCAL ROADS FOR COST SAVINGS AND EFFICIENCY MEASURES
WHEREAS, the New York State Department of State has available funds for the 2011-2012 Local
Government Efficiency Grant Program, and
WHEREAS, this grant program can assist the Town of Enfield in identifying opportunities to
cooperate with other local governments in the area to reduce the cost of providing services, and
WHEREAS, the cost to maintain local roadways and bridges represents a large share of all municipal
and county budgets and property tax levies, and
WHEREAS, at a time when the cost to maintain highway infrastructure is growing rapidly and local
budgets are tightly constrained, it is increasingly difficult to maintain basic highway infrastructure at
a cost that can be supported by local budgets, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Enfield and its Local Municipal Highway Department would benefit from
reducing the cost of adequately repairing and maintaining these roadways, and
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, March 14, 2012 8
WHEREAS, a study to evaluate the County and Local Road System and identify areas where inter -
municipal cooperation, shared services, or redistributions of responsibilities could result in a more
efficient system of providing quality highway services and lower costs for the repair and maintenance
of existing roads, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Enfield, on behalf of its citizens, supports this effort and grant application
for approximately $100,000, with a required local cash match of 10% that shall be allocated among
the participating municipalities.
RESOLVED, that the Town of Enfield supports the County and Local Road Local Government
Efficiency Grant Program application, and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town of Enfield agrees, if awarded, to participate and assist in all
phases of the County and Local Road Shared Service Local Government Efficiency Grant Study.
Discussion: Supervisor Barriere explained if this grant is received it would be to do research to see
where money could be saved.
Highway Superintendent Rollins stated the Tompkins County Highway Superintendent’s Association
does not support this resolution. A study was conducted a few years ago that found the towns are
doing a good job of working together and saving money. Towns are concerned the county is in
financial trouble and can’t keep up with the work that needs to be done, so they would be looking to
the towns for help.
Councilperson Howe-Strait asked who will be doing the research. Supervisor Barriere responded
someone will be hired to do the research and make recommendations. The total cost to towns would
be about 10% of the total and the county would pay the remainder for the study. This resolution is
only for a study to be done, there is no commitment to follow through on recommendations.
Councilperson Hern stated it is the principle of this that bothers him, that money would be spent for
something that has already been done recently.
Vote: Councilperson Hern nay, Councilperson Howe-Strait nay, Councilperson Rider aye, Supervisor
Barriere aye. Councilperson Teeter absent. Not carried
Announcements: None
Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Alice Linton
Enfield Town Clerk