HomeMy WebLinkAbout4-11- 2012 Regular Meeting.pdf
Town of Enfield
Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes
Enfield Community Building
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
6:30 p.m.
Present: Town Councilperson Chris Hern, Town Councilperson Vera Howe-Strait, Town
Councilperson Ann Rider, Town Councilperson Debbie Teeter, Town Highway Superintendent Barry
Rollins, Town Clerk Alice Linton. Absent: Town Supervisor Roy Barriere
Town Councilperson Teeter opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. by leading the assemblage in the Pledge
of Allegiance to the Flag.
Councilperson Teeter asked for a moment of silence in memory of Cpl. Christopher Bordoni, a local
Marine who was critically injured in January in Afghanistan and died April 3 in San Antonio, Texas.
Privilege of the Floor: Mary Jo Lovelace of 2504 Mecklenburg Road stated she hoped the board
would act on the proposed moratorium on gas drilling at this meeting.
Martha Fischer of 772 Bostwick Road formally announced the event “Tighten Up Enfield” sponsored
by Enfield Neighbors for Safe Air & Water and the Enfield Community Council; presented by
Cooperative Extension. It will be a community potluck dinner starting at 6 p.m. May 1 at the Enfield
Grange, followed by a program at 7 p.m. that will include an introduction by Cooperative Extension,
followed by several contractors who do energy audits and then a panel of residents who have
experienced tightening up their homes.
Nancy Spero of 68 North Van Dorn Road stated she hopes the moratorium moves forward. She also
announced a benefit square dance for the Enfield After School Program to be held May 4 at 7:30 p.m.
at the old Baptist Church on Enfield Main Road.
Approval of Minutes: Councilperson Howe-Strait moved, with a second by Councilperson Rider to
approve the minutes of the March 14, 2012 regular board meeting and the March 28 public hearing.
Vote: Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson Rider aye,
Councilperson Teeter aye. Supervisor Barriere absent. Carried
Correspondence: Notification from the Office of the Governor stating as of April 1, 2012 we’ll no
longer have to pay the 4% state portion of sales tax on clothing and footwear purchases up to $110
per item.
Notice that the Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council will be holding a planning
committee meeting April 17 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Transit Center, 737 Willow Avenue.
Notice that the Tompkins County Council of Governments presents “Developing Road Preservation
Local Law and Road Use Agreements: A Half-Day Forum on May 8, 2012 at the New York State
Grange in Cortland.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, April 11, 2012 2
Budget Amendment #2012-6
WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Board approved at the February 8, 2012 Regular Town Board meeting
the purchase of the Williamson Law Book Company Municipal Accounting Software and Payroll
Software for $5,900.00 along with a one year support contract, installation and training, and
WHEREAS, the Bookkeeper has received training from the outgoing Town Bookkeeper and a local
municipal Bookkeeper very experienced with the Williamson Municipal Accounting Software, NOW
THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED, that General Fund Account A1990.4 titled “Contingency Account” be reduced
by $5,900.00 for the purchase of the Williamson Law Book Company Municipal Accounting
Software and Payroll Software and a one year service contract and to further reduce General Fund
Account A1990.4 titled “Contingency Account” by $281.25 for training of the Bookkeeper, and
increase General Fund Account A1220.42 titled, “Contractual Bookkeeper” by $6,181.25.
Councilperson Teeter moved, with a second by Councilperson Rider to approve Budget Amendment
#2012-6.
Vote: Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson Rider aye,
Councilperson Teeter aye. Supervisor Barriere absent. Carried
Audit Claims: Councilperson Teeter brought to everyone’s attention a voucher for $123.75 to pay
Pat Podufalski, former town bookkeeper, for her services in February, 2012 which is above and
beyond what the board had expected.
Councilperson Howe-Strait moved, with a second by Councilperson Hern to authorize the supervisor
to pay General Fund vouchers #100 to #123 dated April 11, 2012 in the amount of $15,101.52 and
Highway Fund vouchers #57 to #76 dated April 11, 2012 in the amount of $22,716.01.
Vote: Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson Rider aye,
Councilperson Teeter aye. Supervisor Barriere absent. Carried
Highway Superintendent’s Report: Highway Superintendent Buddy Rollins reported the crew has
started ditching, shoulder cutting and trying to sweep the roads after it rains to keep the dust down.
Chris Willis will be starting as a new employee April 12.
Councilperson Rider asked why salt was purchased recently. Superintendent Rollins explained with
the state bid if at least 75% of the salt expected to be purchased isn’t purchased, Cargill will charge to
store the salt.
County Legislator’s Report: Dave McKenna reported a special meeting was held to choose the
floor plan for the new county legislator chambers in the old courthouse. Redistricting maps are now
available for the public. There will be a meeting on broadband on May 9 in Newfield.
Code Enforcement Officer’s Report: Code Enforcement Officer Alan Teeter reported in March
there were 6 building permits issued which brings the year to date total to 14. There were 2
Certificates of Occupancy issued, 2 Certificates of Completion issued, 29 building inspections and
progress checks, 1 complaint received, 2 complaints investigated, 3 fire and safety inspections, 1
house number issued, and 3 house numbers installed. He also reported he received 24 hours of in-
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, April 11, 2012 3
service training in Syracuse and will be taking 1 other training course at the end of the month, which
is free.
Councilperson Rider asked how many of the building permits issued were for new homes. Officer
Teeter responded just one.
Committee Reports:
Planning Board: Councilperson Howe-Strait reported the Planning Board has started to update and
revise the Comprehensive Plan. Individual sections of the plan were looked at and while going
through the goals and objectives, they found some goals were already met. The board will be working
with George Frantz’s students as they are doing a project on Comprehensive Plans, and Enfield is
their project.
Health Insurance Consortium: No report.
Enfield Community Council: Ann Rider reported the newsletter was delivered earlier this week.
Summer camp applications will be out next week. The United Way grant application is in. There will
be a town meeting organized by the Tompkins Foundation, a local foundation interested in learning
more about rural parts of the county, hopefully with the idea of granting more money to those areas.
The meeting will be held at the Community Building at 6:30 p.m. on April 16 and is open to the
public. The regular meeting of the Community Council will be Tuesday, April 17 at 6:30 p.m.
The Youth Board is meeting in each other’s home town locations. The meeting in Enfield will be
Tuesday, April 17.
Facilities Manager: Chris Hern reported the new furnace has been installed and is operational in the
downstairs of the Community Building.
Communication Access Committee: No report.
Facilities Development: No report.
Personnel Committee: No report.
Tompkins County Council of Governments: No report.
Old Business:
Update on Road Preservation Plan: No update
Moratorium on Gas Drilling Discussion: Councilperson Teeter read a note from Supervisor Barriere
stating that if the board is in agreement on the language presented at the public hearing, the proposed
law can be forwarded to Tompkins County Department of Planning. This is required because it falls
under the heading of planning and the county has to have the opportunity to review and comment.
Whatever comments the Planning Department has, the town board will review. The Planning
Department’s recommendations can be adopted or can be overridden by a super majority vote of the
town board, or 4 aye votes.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, April 11, 2012 4
Councilperson Rider asked what the next step would be. Councilperson Teeter stated if there were no
changes, we could go forward. If there were changes made, town attorney Guy Krogh may have to
look at the law once again.
Review/discuss Site Plan Review Local Law: Councilperson Teeter stated there was one issue
remaining from two months ago regarding stormwater discharges. MS4 is a stormwater designation
that refers to ditches and drainage ways and there is a relationship to population. At this time Enfield
doesn’t have MS4s, but the rest of the paragraph is correct. This means there is a chart that will
evaluate any soil disturbance over one acre, to determine if a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan is
required.
Councilperson Hern mentioned there was no definition shown for Flood Plain. He also suggested a
change, under Review and Decision with Public Hearing, on the time frame for the applicant to mail
written notice to landowners, which probably should be extended to 15 days. That way the land
owner will have 5 days to comply.
Councilperson Teeter will contact Tompkins County Soil and Water and ask them for a definition of
Flood Plain. She suggested after a definition is obtained and minor changes made, the law could go to
public hearing.
Councilperson Teeter moved, with a second by Councilperson Rider to approve the proposed Site
Plan Review Law with changes suggested, in order to set a public hearing.
Vote: Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson Rider aye,
Councilperson Teeter aye. Supervisor Barriere absent. Carried
Councilperson Teeter moved, with a second by Councilperson Hern to set a public hearing on the
proposed Site Plan Review Law for May 9 at 6:30 p.m. and authorize the town clerk to publicize the
public hearing.
Vote: Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson Rider aye,
Councilperson Teeter aye. Supervisor Barriere absent. Carried
Park-and-Ride Update: Highway Superintendent Rollins asked for guidance from the town board on
how to proceed. He has sent information to Nancy Oltz of TCAT on how much crusher run gravel
would be needed at the new facility to prepare parking spaces. Nancy responded with a question of
what the cost would be to purchase the crusher run on state bid. At the last meeting there was
discussion that maybe a better location for the Park-and-Ride would be at the old highway facility.
The property across the road from the old facility is owned by 3 different individuals, so there is
some concern about using that for buses to turn around. Since the sand pile has been moved, there is
room for parking and for buses to circle around behind the old highway facility and go back out. In
order to use the new highway facility for a Park-and-Ride, the main cost would be time spent by the
highway department preparing the area with machinery – TCAT would pay for the material.
Councilperson Teeter asked if TCAT would be willing to maintain both areas.
Superintendent Rollins stated TCAT has asked to use the area at the new facility. TCAT thinks this
will attract more riders from the Newfield area who might travel down Trumbull Corners Road and
the bus would be going all the way through town and they could pick up passengers on the way.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, April 11, 2012 5
Councilperson Rider has spoken to several constituents who aren’t supportive of going to the new
facility. She has looked at the site across the road from the old facility, and it is far larger than the site
at the corner. At this time, everyone who is picked up at the old facility is a walker. She isn’t clear
how many would drive to the old facility to park. The site prep is already done at the old facility.
Councilperson Hern feels if the Park-and-Ride were at the new facility, traffic would increase at that
area on Route 327.
Councilperson Howe-Strait asked how many cars would be anticipated to use the Park-and-Ride.
Superintendent Rollins stated there is an overrun at the corner where the current Park-and-Ride is and
some people would probably drive down to the new spot, depending on where they live. Some would
continue to park at the corner.
Councilperson Teeter thought the stop could be maintained at the old facility and a third stop could
be at the new facility. That way the bus could continue down Route 327 to the new facility and this
would provide more service. She stated there are many plans for the new highway facility area and
there might be better plans for a future Park-and-Ride there, not right by the road.
Councilperson Rider feels the town has plenty of space already prepared that could handle the traffic
and parking at the old facility. Councilperson Teeter, Howe-Strait and Hern agreed. This will not cut
off any options for the future at the new facility.
Highway Superintendent Rollins will pursue the option of using the old facility with TCAT for a new
Park-and-Ride. If TCAT is resistant to this idea, more board action can be taken.
Resolution Amendment for Employee Pay Schedule:
Resolution #2012-15 – amended Public Officials/Town Employees Pay Schedule
Councilperson Teeter moved, with a second by Councilperson Howe-Strait, to approve the
amendment to Resolution #2012-15.
Resolved, the following salaries and pay schedule for all Town Officials and employees, is approved
for 2012:
Town Supervisor - $15,000.00/year; paid monthly
Town Councilpersons - $2,727.84 each/year; paid quarterly
Town Clerk - $15,000.00/year; paid monthly
Town Justices - $11,031.24 each/year; paid monthly
Highway Superintendent - $50,668.56; paid monthly
Motor Equipment Operator – Hiring rate - $14.00 per hour; after 90 days, rate will be
increased to $15.00 per hour. MEOs with three years or less of time in service, will
receive an additional $1.00 per hour on his/her anniversary of date of hire. Maximum
rate for MEOs - $19.40/hour; paid biweekly
Highway Department “Part-Time” or “Seasonal” Employees - $10.00 to $12.00/hour; paid
biweekly
Councilperson Teeter explained this relates to the change in the handbook made last month. The
actual dollar amounts are included in the organizational resolutions, so the handbook doesn’t have to
be changed each year.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, April 11, 2012 6
Vote: Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson Rider aye,
Councilperson Teeter aye. Supervisor Barriere absent. Carried
New Business:
Beautification Budget and Resolution for 2012:
Councilperson Rider reported the Beautification Committee’s budget request was approved in the
amount of $1,800. The Committee can expend up to that amount and the town will be reimbursed
before December 31, 2012. Matching funds are necessary, but the highway department dumps gravel
and there are volunteer hours, so that will not be a problem.
Councilperson Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson Teeter, that the town participate in the
county beautification program within the budget approved.
Vote: Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson Rider aye,
Councilperson Teeter aye. Supervisor Barriere absent. Carried
Councilperson Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson Teeter to approve Resolution #2012-
27.
Resolution #2012-27 Resolution to Appoint Celebrations Committee Employees
WHEREAS, grant money up to the total amount of $1,800 from the Tompkins County Tourism
funds for Community Beautification was awarded to the Town of Enfield for Beautification, and
WHEREAS, these funds can be used for related labor and materials, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Mark Stilwell and Joe Hubbell are hired to work with the
Beautification Committee, during the year of 2012, at the rate of $10.00/hour, not to exceed 60 hours
total.
Vote: Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson Rider aye,
Councilperson Teeter aye. Supervisor Barriere absent. Carried
Councilperson Rider moved, with a second by Councilperson Teeter to approve Budget Amendment
#2012-7.
Budget Amendment #2012-7
WHEREAS, the Town of Enfield will be reimbursed by Tompkins County Tourism funds for
Community Beautification, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that:
General Fund account A1990.4 titled “Contingency” be reduced by $600 and General Fund Account
A7550.1 titled “Celebrations” Personnel be increased by $600.00.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, April 11, 2012 7
Vote: Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson Rider aye,
Councilperson Teeter aye. Supervisor Barriere absent. Carried
Resolution for Time Warner Cable negotiation:
Councilperson Teeter reported the town was asked to join with others in the county to show support
for a consortium that would negotiate with Time Warner Cable. Passing the resolution would not
obligate the town, but might give the town more options.
Councilperson Teeter moved, with a second by Councilperson Rider to accept Resolution #2012-28.
Resolution #2012-28 Resolution for Time Warner Cable Negotiation
WHEREAS, the Town of Enfield may be interested in cable service by Time Warner Cable; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Enfield recognizes the advantage of cooperation with other municipalities
with regard to cable franchise issues; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Enfield is interested in exploring, through the Tompkins County Council
of Governments, the possibility of entering into an agreement with other municipalities to form a
Consortium to negotiate, on behalf of the Town of Enfield a franchise agreement with Time Warner
Cable; and
WHEREAS, the intent would be to form a Consortium with the authority to conduct public hearings,
conduct surveys, and engage in all activity, within the limits of applicable State and Federal Law, that
is necessary and appropriate to negotiating a franchise agreement for its member municipalities; and
WHEREAS, the Consortium may be charged with analyzing the financial, technical, and legal issues
related to cable television regulation to enable the member municipalities to reach sound judgments
in exercising their regulatory authority with regard to such matters as cable television rates, franchise
fees, and nature and quality of service; and
WHEREAS, all members of the Consortium would individually reserve the right to approve,
disapprove, or amend the franchise agreement so negotiated on their behalf; and
NOW THEREFORE, it is
RESOLVED, that the Town of Enfield does hereby express interest in exploring the possibility of
forming a consortium of municipalities to negotiate on its behalf for a franchise agreement with Time
Warner Cable; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town of Enfield does hereby reserve the right to refrain from joining the
consortium should the terms and conditions of joining the consortium prove to be unacceptable to the
Board.
Discussion: Councilperson Rider stated often when she is with a group of constituents the subject of
high speed internet comes up, or the lack thereof. This is one vehicle where the town could increase
high speed capacity, but there is no obligation with this resolution – the town could pull out at any
time.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting, April 11, 2012 8
Vote: Councilperson Hern aye, Councilperson Howe-Strait aye, Councilperson Rider aye,
Councilperson Teeter aye. Supervisor Barriere absent. Carried
Enfield Volunteer Fire Committee Report: Art Howser reported in March there were 44 calls of
which 34 were EMS, 1 motor vehicle accident, 1 CO detector investigation, 1 Upper Treman Park
search, 1 illegal burning extinguish fire, 2 outside brush burning investigation, 4 mutual aid. Training
in April will include CPR, truck checks, extrication and patient treatment. The number of EMS calls
is increasing - over 40 every month. The last BBQ of 2012 was in April and over 500 chicken halves
were cooked for each of the last three months. Remaining dates for the Red Cross Blood Drives are
May 15, July 17, September 18 and November 20. The contract has been sent in to the Tompkins
County Board of Elections for use of the fire station for elections on April 24, June 26, September 11
and November 6, 2012.
Other Business: Cris McConkey asked to have the privilege of the floor extended so he could
speak regarding Time Warner Cable. The last time there was an attempt made for an inter-municipal
cable commission, it fell through over supporting public access. There was a time of great optimism
when there were thoughts about tying all the communities into a public access system, but it fell
apart. He is encouraged with the development of a renewed effort to form this consortium. The
interconnection between Time Warner and Haefele was previously discussed. If we can get involved
with other municipalities, this will provide an opportunity for dialogue regarding governmental
access for all county residents. Cris would like to be involved in this issue and would like to get the
Communication Access Committee started up again.
Announcements: Highway Superintendent Rollins stated there was a recent Public Employee Safety
and Health Bureau (PESH) inspection at the new highway facility, which went well. There were a
few issues that will need to be addressed such as installation of a stair railing. The fuel tanks need to
have the vent run different and more safety training needs to be recorded. An official report should be
received in a few weeks and it will state how many days the town has to take care of the issues. After
the issues are taken care of, PESH can decide whether or not to re-inspect.
Adjournment: Councilperson Howe-Strait moved, with a second by Councilperson Hern to adjourn
at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Alice Linton
Enfield Town Clerk