HomeMy WebLinkAbout9-11-19 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing minutesTown of Enfield
Regular Town Board Meeting and Public Hearing
Enfield Community Building
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
6:30 p.m.
Present: Town Supervisor Beth McGee, Town Councilperson Virginia Bryant, Town Councilperson Mike
Carpenter, Town Councilperson Mimi Mehaffey, Town Councilperson Becky Sims, Town Clerk Alice
Linton.
Supervisor McGee asked for a Moment of Silence in memory of our losses on 911.
Public Hearing on Tax Cap Override Law: Supervisor McGee called the public hearing to order at 6:33
p.m. Councilperson Sims read the legal ad that was published in the Ithaca Journal. Supervisor McGee read
the proposed Local Law as follows:
TOWN OF ENFIELD LOCAL LAW #3 of 2020
A LOCAL LAW TO OVERRIDE THE TAX LEVY LIMIT ESTABLISHED IN GENERAL MUNICIPAL
LAW §3-C
Be it enacted by the Town Board of The Town of Enfield as follows:
Section 1. Legislative Intent: It is the intent of this local law to override the limit on the amount of real property taxes
that may be levied by the Town of Enfield pursuant to General Municipal Law §3-C, and to allow the Town of Enfield
to adopt a budget for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2020 and ending December 31st, 2020 that requires a real
property tax levy in excess of the “tax levy limit” as defined by General Municipal Law §3-C.
Section 2. Authority: This local law is adopted pursuant to subdivision 5 of General Municipal Law §3-C, which
expressly authorizes the Town Board to override the tax levy limit by the adoption of a local law approved by a vote of
at least 60% of the Town Board.
Section 3. Tax Levy Limit Override: The Town Board of the Town of Enfield, County of Tompkins, is hereby
authorized to adopt a budget for the fiscal year 2020 that requires a real property tax levy in excess of the amount
otherwise prescribed in General Municipal Law §3-C.
Section 4. Severability: If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, or part of this Local Law or the application
thereof to any person, firm or corporation, or circumstance shall be adjusted by any court of competent jurisdiction to
be invalid or unconstitutional, such order or judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder thereof, but
shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, or part of this Local Law or in its
application to the person, individual, firm or corporation or circumstance, directly involved in the controversy in which
such judgment or order shall be rendered.
Section 4. Effective Date: This Local Law shall take effect immediately.
Supervisor McGee gave information clarifying that the levy limit is completely calculated by the NYS
Comptroller’s Office. Last year’s levy, last year’s PILOT amounts and this coming year’s PILOT amounts
are used to figure the levy limit. This year the town’s budget can increase by $74,864 without going over the
limit. Because of the risk of error in computations, she would be more comfortable having this Local Law in
place.
Marcus Gingerich of Enfield stated he does care if the taxes are raised, and understands the reason for the
tax cap override, but he hopes the override is considered with the gravity of thinking of the extra burden that
can be placed on the residents of the Town of Enfield.
Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting and Public Hearing, September 11, 2019
Councilperson Mehaffey feels the risk of not passing the law is great, because one mistake can trigger
expenses and headaches to the town. There is no harm in passing the law, and it would be irresponsible not
to pass this. She does hope the budget doesn’t go over the levy limit, but doesn’t think it will.
Cortney Bailey of Enfield asked for clarification to be sure it is “just in case”, not that anything is planned or
expected at this time for going over the tax cap. Supervisor McGee confirmed that is correct.
No one else wished to speak.
Supervisor McGee closed the public hearing at 6:43 p.m.
Regular Meeting: Supervisor McGee called the regular meeting to order at 6:43 p.m. Town Clerk Linton
lead the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Changes to the agenda: Supervisor McGee asked to have approval of borrowing for the Enfield Volunteer
Fire Company moved to the beginning of the agenda, before monthly reports.
Approval of Borrowing for Enfield Volunteer Fire Company (EVFC):
Supervisor McGee stated Denny Hubbell, President of the EVFC was authorized last month to be the
hearing officer for the loan for a new truck. The Town Board cannot authorize purchases of a new truck.
What we are allowing is for them to use our municipal status to obtain tax free interest, which gives a lower
interest rate and saves money for taxpayers. The EVFC is a private entity. The Town Board is not approving
the purchase of a fire truck.
A public hearing was held, and Denny Hubbell provided a Report of Hearing Officer.
Supervisor McGee moved to adopt resolution #2019-45, with a second by Councilperson Sims.
Resolution #2019-45 Approval of Borrowing for EVFC
RESOLVED, that the undersigned members of the Town Board of the Town of Enfield, Tompkins
County, New York upon reading the Appointment of Hearing Officer executed by Beth McGee, Supervisor
dated August 14, 2019; the Notice of Public Hearing published on August 20, 2019 in the Ithaca Journal;
and the Report of Hearing Officer dated September 5, 2019 for the Public Hearing held on September 5,
2019 at 7:00 p.m.; hereby approve the "Approval of Borrowing" attached hereto and further direct that the
Enfield Town Supervisor execute such "Approval of Borrowing " on behalf of the Town Board.
APPROVAL OF BORROWING BY
ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE OF POLITICAL
SUBDIVISION CONTRACTING FOR FIREFIGHTING SERVICES
I, Beth McGee, Supervisor of the Town of Enfield in accordance with the requirements of section
147 and related sections of, and regulations under, of the Internal Revenue Code, and in reliance upon
certain recommendations and other information submitted to me, and subsequent to a duly conducted public
hearing concerning the matter, do hereby approve borrowing and the issuance of an obligation evidencing
such indebtedness by the Enfield Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. from the Bank of Greene County for the
financing of the purchase by the volunteer fire department of a certain piece of firefighting apparatus.
The proposed purchase is from Toyne, Inc. The obligation is in the maximum principal amount of
$375,000.00. The piece of firefighting apparatus is to be used for the provision of fire protection service to
the Town of Enfield pursuant to a contract dated as of January 1, 2018 between the Enfield Volunteer Fire
Company, Inc. and the Town of Enfield. The piece of firefighting apparatus is to be garaged at 172 Enfield
Main Road, Ithaca, New York.
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Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting and Public Hearing, September 11, 2019
Execution of this document in no way creates liability on the part of the Town of Enfield and the
Town of Enfield is not responsible for the repayment of any bonds issued pursuant thereto.
DATED: September 11, 2019 ________________________________
Beth McGee, Supervisor
Town of Enfield
Vote: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Mehaffey aye,
Councilperson Sims aye, Supervisor McGee aye. Carried.
Privilege of the Floor – No one wished to speak.
Monthly Reports:
County Legislator – Dave McKenna reported the county budget proposal has a 2.76% increase. The county’s
cap is 5.41%. There would be a 2% increase on solid waste fees – now $60. Budget presentations are
ongoing starting this week.
Highway Superintendent – No report. Supervisor McGee stated the Town Board needs to approve the
$46,000 purchase if Highway Superintendent Rollins is to buy a new truck. He currently has a 2016 pickup
that he feels can be sold for $20,000. He would need $15,000 out of reserves in order to make that purchase.
Councilperson Carpenter questioned if it made sense to buy a new pickup truck every two or three years. He
personally prefers to keep vehicles for longer. Councilperson Bryant asked for the mileage on the current
pickup. Supervisor McGee did not know what the mileage was.
Supervisor McGee stated at the highway school it was discussed that larger municipalities feel that if they
trade in every 2 years, they capture more value from the older truck. Highway Superintendent Rollins had
suggested previously that it might be a possibility to roll over the highway superintendent’s truck to a code
vehicle.
Councilperson Mehaffey understands that the highway truck would be 3 years old. She was told the code
vehicle doesn’t need to be as large a truck that the highway needs, as the code vehicle doesn’t need a plow.
After 3 years, a pickup still has pretty good value, but by going much longer you start to lose more value.
She would like to know if the plow is usually kept for the new truck or if it’s sold with the truck and a new
one is purchased with a new truck. She might defer to Cornell Roads what the best option would be.
Supervisor McGee will discuss this further with Superintendent Rollins.
Planning Board – No report by Dan Walker. Supervisor McGee reported at the last meeting the agenda was
to finish Rich Teeter’s 5-unit housing project approval. The next Planning Board meeting, October 2, at
7:00 p.m. will be the Sexual Harassment Training. The alternate training will be October 4 at 7 a.m. Both
trainings will be held at the Community Building.
Code Enforcement Officer – Code Officer Alan Teeter reported in August there were 6 building permits
issued which brings the total to 49 for the year. This includes 1 new home – a doublewide on Van Dorn
Road and 3 small scale solar installations. He worked with Norm Smith on getting the door replaced and a
new lock set for the Community Building. He did a final inspection on the Podunk Road solar array. The
county has started scanning house plans that were in his office. They will be stored on Laserfiche and will be
shredded when done. The mobile home park on North Applegate Road has been sold. He has been in contact
with the owners of 198 Enfield Main Road. He had to send a new letter to the Department of Labor saying
the house was unsafe as is, and the owner may be coming in soon to get a demolition permit.
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Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting and Public Hearing, September 11, 2019
Councilperson Sims asked about follow-up on the complaint of the property on Halseyville Road. Code
Officer Teeter stated he has not been there in a while, but he did some research to find that the person living
there is responsible, and if anyone receives a ticket it would be him. Councilperson Sims feels there is still a
lot of junk there, the issue has not been resolved, and it has been well over a year since the original
complaint was received. Code Officer Teeter will report next month on how much improvement has been
made.
Enfield Volunteer Fire Department: Alan Teeter, 2nd Assistant Chief, reported for August there were 35
calls of which 21 were EMS, 5 MVA, 2 service calls and 7 fires (1 Enfield, 1 mutual aid to Newfield, 4
mutual aid to Trumansburg and 1 Dispatcher Error/Dryden). The next officer’s meeting will be October
1 and a blood drive is scheduled for September 17. It was suggested that when space was available, the
sign in front of town hall could have a message urging residents “to come volunteer”.
Town Clerk: Town Clerk Alice Linton reported marriage licenses have been very popular recently. There
were 70 dog licenses issued and/or renewed in August and Tompkins County Fall Rabies Clinics will be
starting soon.
Supervisor Report:
Prepared and facilitated a Public Hearing for the Solar Addendum, Regular Meeting, and Special
Meeting
Installed cabinets with Darren McGee in the Community Building
Attended TCCOG
Met with Amelia Weatherby regarding a proposed Farmer’s Market
Researched grants for capital purchases
Worked on the 2020 Budget
Met with the Bookkeeper regarding budget needs and 2019 Budget
Sought estimates on materials for the new town signs
Worked with the designer for the Comprehensive Plan on layout
Continued work with County Planning to have maps made for Comp Plan and Town display
Worked on 2020 Budget, Capital Plan and Fund Balance Policy proposals.
Researched BOND and BAN options for salt barn
Met with the Tompkins County Sheriff regarding community concerns
Attended the Enfield Volunteer Fire Co. procession for Sgt. James Johnston
Attended a “train the trainer” program for town Sexual Harassment training needs
Tended to Highway heating equipment repair estimates, Community Building door install and other
building concerns.
Facilities: Supervisor McGee reported she and Darren McGee put up cabinets in the Community Building
and she worked with Norm Smith to install the door on the back of the Community Building.
Comprehensive Plan: Supervisor McGee stated she is currently working with the designer hired to format
the Plan to get all the materials to her, and they have agreed upon a plan that is not super bold, but is a little
understated and looks great.
Tompkins County Council of Governments (TCCOG): Supervisor McGee stated Tee Ann Hunter, the Town
of Ithaca, the Intermunicipal Watershed Organization and Liz Thomas of the Town of Ulysses have
proposed a position for a coordinator for the 23 organizations that work on water preservation management.
Tompkins County is concerned that they are not the only county that is on the lake, other counties should be
involved. An attempt is being made to reduce efforts and keep everyone communicating. TCCOG has been
asked to sign on in support of the new coordinator position.
Councilperson Sims added the position has a lot to do with harmful algae, and it would be much better
managed centrally through someone, such as the county. She signed the letter supporting the position as a
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Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting and Public Hearing, September 11, 2019
representative of the Town of Enfield. There have been a lot of volunteer efforts for monitoring, but
monitoring is only one piece of the issue.
Finance Committee: Supervisor McGee stated the next meeting is scheduled for September 23.
Quarterly Reports:
Environmental Management Council: Maureen Bolton reported their next meeting is September 12. October
23 is a Fall public outreach program at the library. She is on the committee working toward waste reduction.
Now that the plastic bag law is in place, they will start education on plastic reduction in general. When
sludge is being processed, there is methane produced and a lot is not being used. A new project by the
marina is on board to use the methane. When food is composted the methane goes into the air. However, if it
is processed with sludge this would not happen. The by-product produced is bio char, which can be added to
soil to improve conditions.
Councilperson Mehaffey asked who slurries the food scraps? Maureen stated a possibility would be a
business to pick up food from restaurants in a truck and slurry it.
Food Pantry: Jean Owens was not present, but provided a report showing the numbers of families served in
August, which was a typical month. They served an average of 101 households at each pantry day. The
pantry had their annual inspection conducted by the Food Bank of the Southern Tier on September 8, 2019.
They were found to be 100% in compliance. The person conducting the inspection informed them that was
the first time she had ever given a 100% in compliance. Jean thanked the more than 20 volunteers who help
at the pantry. The food pantry hours have changed slightly to Sundays from 12-1 and Mondays from 12-2.
Enfield Community Council (ECC): Cortney Bailey reported the summer has been slow, but busy. There
were 78 campers age 4-13 and 8 Counselors-In-Training, ages 14 and 15 involved in the ECC summer camp
this year. Campers went to Taughannock, Watkins Glen, Greenwood in Lisle and other places of interest.
They participated in many activities including weekly hiking, and daily swimming when conditions allowed.
They had many special events such as a pasta hunt and canoe trips. The Enfield camp was down in numbers
- last year there were over 100 in camp, but other area camps also had lower enrollments than in the past.
Grants were used to purchase canoes. At this year’s Tompkins County pitch program, Enfield won $1,000
which was used for a Teen Night at the Grange. If this event is held next year, the date will need to be
picked in May so kids will know before school ends. New programs will be up and running in the next few
weeks. Board Games Night was very popular, so they may do that again, and they may also do a costume
party – not a contest. September 21st is the Harvest Festival from 11 – 3:30 at Enfield School. They have 21
tables spoken for – many are information tables. The newsletter is scheduled to come out on October 1.
Tompkins County Health Consortium: Ann Rider was not present, but reported they are planning on a 5%
increase in premiums for next year.
Recreation Partnership: Councilperson Mehaffey reported they haven’t met since June. Enfield’s share of
the budget went down $64. The share is determined by assessed property values of Enfield residents in the
Ithaca City School District, and average of 3 years of participants. The by-laws were approved in June – the
change was a quorum consists of filled seats, as opposed to available seats. The next meeting is in October.
Cayuga Lake Watershed IO: Councilperson Sims reported she was unable to attend the July and August
meetings. She hopes to attend the September meeting and have more to report after that.
Consent Agenda:
Supervisor McGee moved, with a second by Councilperson Sims to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
Audit Claims: The Town Board authorizes the Supervisor to pay:
General Fund vouchers #213 to 233 dated September 11, 2019 in the amount of $10,385.57 and
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Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting and Public Hearing, September 11, 2019
Highway Fund vouchers #149 to 168 dated September 11, 2019 in the amount of $84,856.57.
Approval of Minutes of August 14, 2019 Public Hearing and Regular Meeting; August 27, 2019 Special
Meeting
Resolution #2019-46 Highway Building Bond Payment
WHEREAS the Town of Enfield borrowed funds to build a Highway Department facility and now needs to
pay back the bond, now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, the bookkeeper is authorized, prior to October 15, 2019, to wire payment of
$13,078.13 for interest due to the Depository Trust Company, which holds the Highway Building bond.
Resolution #2019-47 Authorize the Supervisor to Dispose of Obsolete Electronics
WHEREAS the Town of Enfield has a collection of various outdated electronics, some in working order,
some not, that no longer serve a useful purpose for the Town, including old printers, keyboards, CT
monitors, etc., therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Town Board authorizes the Supervisor to take obsolete equipment to Tompkins County
Re-Use if operable and Tompkins County Solid Waste for recycling if not accepted by Re-Use.
Resolution #2019-48 Implement Fees for Public Hearing Announcement Reimbursement
WHEREAS, the Town of Enfield incurs fees for Public Hearing advertisements and affidavits of
publication for building permit applicants that require Site Plan Review, therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Town Board adopts a $75.00 fee for Public Hearing advertisements and affidavits of
publication to be paid by applicants prior to receipt of permit. Further,
RESOLVED, additional advertisements required due to applicant error or negligence will incur an
additional $75.00 fee per advertisement prior to receipt of permit.
Budget Amendment #2019-11 Move Highway Funds to Cover Repairs
WHEREAS, the Highway Superintendent has requested additional funds to cover extensive equipment
repairs, therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Town Board authorizes the Supervisor to decrease General Repair- Contractual
DA5110.4 by $20,000.00 and increase Machinery-Contractual DA5130.4 by $20,000.00.
Discussion: Councilperson Mehaffey requested that all hard drives be removed from computers. Supervisor
McGee stated she would smash them. Clerk Linton asked that in addition to the cost of the legal ad for
advertising fees that the cost of the affidavit of publication be included in the proposed $75 fee.
Supervisor McGee amended her motion to approve the consent agenda with suggested changes, with a
second by Councilperson Bryant.
Vote on Consent Agenda: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson
Mehaffey aye, Councilperson Sims aye, Supervisor McGee aye. Carried.
Old Business:
Terry Carroll of Cooperative Extension was present to answer questions regarding the grant from
NYSERDA and drafting an RFP for the solar array at the new highway facility.
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Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting and Public Hearing, September 11, 2019
Councilperson Sims stated she has provided a draft dated August 8, 2019. The Town has $8,000 from a host
community agreement and has been thinking about using those funds for back-up battery storage.
Mr. Carroll stated site visits are very useful for contractors putting together their proposals. It will be
important to state the total cost can be no more than $58,000 after incentives. NYSERDA will want to know
the estimated energy savings over 20 years. Once the RFP is put out, before the project is started, the Town
will have to submit the RFP to NYSERTA for their approval. This usually takes two to three weeks, so that
should be built into the proposal. In some instances, it can be hard to get a pay back. The Town may need to
have a year’s worth of bills available.
Councilperson Carpenter stated it’s unclear to him how batteries provide monetary benefit.
Mr. Carroll stated the system can draw some energy from the battery to decrease some of what the peak
demand is on the grid. When trying to figure out sizing for the battery, NYSERDA is willing to work one on
one with municipalities. In terms of specific grants for this process, there may be some FEMA grants, but
they are usually a long process. He also found out about a grant that’s called community facilities direct
grant program through the USDA. This grant is not specific to battery storage, but is for updating public
facilities in rural areas. He suggested trying to pin down what size the battery need is. The longer it needs to
be on, the bigger the battery needs to be.
Councilperson Sims asked about the timeline and if the project needed to be completed by June 30, 2020.
Mr. Carroll stated there is some flexibility, and the big thing at this time is weather. If the project isn’t
expected to go into ground until the spring of 2020, there is plenty of time; it’s just important to get on the
contractor’s schedule.
Supervisor McGee will get in touch with the Highway Superintendent about uses he’d like to have covered.
Councilperson Carpenter asked what the timeline would be for the next draft. Councilperson Sims stated she
will try to have a draft ready for the regular October meeting and will ask Terry Carroll to look it over.
Cemetery Recommendations: Supervisor McGee moved, with a second by Councilperson Bryant to adopt
Resolution #2019-49.
Resolution #2019-49 Cemetery Recommendations
WHEREAS the Town of Enfield Cemetery Committee has made recommendations regarding cemeteries
under the management of the Town,
Presbyterian Cemetery:
Presbyterian Cemetery will be closed, as there is no room for future plot sales or burials.
Budd Cemetery:
Burial will be allowed in the six plots currently sold for future use.
Four plots will be set aside in the event there is confusion from past sales when records were not
kept carefully.
Rolfe Cemetery:
One free plot will be given to Barbara Parker, next to Wilmont Parker’s plot. There is space
available on either side of the Wilmont Parker burial plot.
The Parker family may purchase additional plots at the regular price of $300 per plot. There are 7
plots available north of the Parker family plots. A letter will be sent to Parker family regarding these
plots.
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Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting and Public Hearing, September 11, 2019
A Five-plot Smith Family area was confirmed on August 9. A letter will be sent to the Smith
family confirming this plot information.
Remaining plots may be sold for cremation burials only to anyone who has other family members
buried in the cemetery. (There is row space available in front of the Smith and Parker Row –
available for cremation space only. There is space for 6 cremations only on the south side of the
entrance.)
Christian Cemetery:
Of the 62 plots unsold, 12 of those will be set aside in the event there is confusion from past sales
when records were not kept carefully.
50 plots will remain open for sale, as of this date, at $300 each, both for full burials and cremations.
Therefore, be it
RESOLVED, the Enfield Town Board adopts their recommendations, further
RESOLVED, the Cemetery Committee and Enfield Town Clerk will update cemetery documentation to
reflect these changes, and further
RESOLVED, the Town Clerk will send notification to the Parker and Smith families.
Discussion: Sue Thompson from the Cemetery Committee came to the regular meeting last month and
explained committee recommendations. Town Clerk Linton suggested that instead of listing $300, the
Resolution might say current price being charged. Councilperson Sims asked to make it clear Budd won’t
have additional plots sold.
Vote: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Mehaffey aye,
Councilperson Sims aye, Supervisor McGee aye. Carried
Resolution to Adopt Tax Cap Override Law: Supervisor McGee moved, with a second by Councilperson
Bryant to adopt Resolution # 2019-50.
RESOLUTION # 2019-50 LOCAL LAW TO OVERRIDE THE 2020 TAX CAP LIMIT
WHEREAS, according to New York State’s Property Tax Cap legislation, if a town government decides to
adopt a budget with a property tax levy that exceeds the level set by the State, the town government must
pass a local law to override that cap, and;
WHEREAS, adopting said local law is not predictive of the final tax levy but will provide the Enfield Town
Board flexibility to exceed the Property Tax Cap if it is deemed necessary, and to ensure that any State
recalculation of the applicable limit will not make the Town inadvertently out of compliance, and;
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held before the Enfield Town Board on September 11, 2019, to hear all
persons interested in proposed Local Law #3 of 2020, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Local Law #3 of 2020 Local Law Overriding Tax Levy Limit for 2020 is hereby
adopted pursuant to subdivision 5 of General Municipal Law Section 3-c, which expressly
authorizes the Enfield Town Board to override the tax levy limit by the adoption of a local law
approved by vote of sixty percent (60%) of the Enfield Town Board,
RESOLVED, further, that the Enfield Town Clerk shall file one copy with the Secretary of State.
Vote: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Mehaffey aye,
Councilperson Sims aye, Supervisor McGee aye. Carried
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Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting and Public Hearing, September 11, 2019
Supervisor McGee mentioned that if the Town doesn’t actually override the levy limit, this law may have to
be rescinded. Supervisor McGee will check to see if this is actually implemented by NYS.
Town Signs: Supervisor McGee did find a person who can carve the emblems. She researched different
wood that would be 2 ½” deep, so 2 pieces wouldn’t have to be fused together. The cost for it was $600 and
for 2 it would be $1,100. Joe Dawson is waiting on a person to find out about letters.
Wind Law: Supervisor McGee stated she did receive notes from Attorney Gary Abraham and they will be
discussed at the September 24 meeting.
PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) Law: Supervisor McGee asked if anyone had comments on the two
suggested documents that were handed out. Councilperson Sims stated she is confused about the
arrangement we currently have. Delaware Solar has a PILOT in place for when they start up, and the one
behind Snug Planet on Mecklenburg Road does also. The solar farm on the other side of Route 79 has been
assessed by the Tompkins County Assessment Department. Right now, the Town is getting more tax dollars
from the farm with the PILOT.
Councilperson Bryant asked if control is turned over to Industrial Development Agency (IDA) if the Town
might have some say. Supervisor McGee stated yes, the law says the jurisdiction should have some say.
Councilperson Sims added that the Town might not get what they request.
Supervisor McGee suggested formulating a plan with the IDA so an agreement can be reached. She
proposed looking into clarifying and confirming opt in and requiring an IDA PILOT. She will clarify what
that would look like. Our opt-out status was adopted through language in our current wind law. Once the
new wind law is in place, we will need to adopt a status, either in or out, with a new Resolution.
New Business:
Audit: Supervisor McGee moved, with a second by Councilperson Bryant to adopt Budget Resolution
#2019-12.
Budget Amendment #2019-12 Move Funds for Audit
WHEREAS, the Town Board wishes to obtain an outside audit of town finances, and;
WHEREAS, savings has been realized in other areas of the budget and can be re-appropriated for this
expense, therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor to decrease General Fund-Contingent
Account, A1990.4 by $6,000.00, and decrease General Fund-Employee Benefits-Medical Insurance,
A9060.81 by $6,000.00, and increase Auditor-Contractual, A1320.4 by $12,000.00.
Discussion: Supervisor McGee stated she sent information to the Town Board on this. The contingent fund
still has a significant amount of money in it, and the medical insurance wasn’t increased, so there are funds
available in that line.
She has spoken to auditors and would like to obtain verbal estimates. It would be her hope to have an audit
done each year and budget for it. Councilperson Mehaffey suggested when getting a quote, get one for
next year so the same set of auditors will have some continuity. Supervisor McGee would like to clarify the
tasks of what the auditors would include so we get the type of audit that we need. It should identify risks,
and look at current procedures and practices. She would like the auditors to look at the 2018 and 2019 books
for this year’s audit.
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Enfield Town Board Regular Meeting and Public Hearing, September 11, 2019
Vote: Councilperson Bryant aye, Councilperson Carpenter aye, Councilperson Mehaffey aye,
Councilperson Sims aye, Supervisor McGee aye. Carried
Resolution Authorizing Funds Transfer for New Highway Pickup Truck: Supervisor McGee will ask
Highway Superintendent Rollins to come to a meeting to discuss this.
Set Dates for Sexual Harassment Trainings: Supervisor McGee set October 2 at the Planning Board
meeting, 7 p.m. and October 4 at 7 a.m. as dates for Sexual Harassment Trainings. Both trainings will be
held at the Community Building.
Privilege of the Floor: No one wished to speak.
Announcements: There will be an Old-Time Square Dance Night, Friday, September 27, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.
to benefit the Enfield Valley Grange, 178 Enfield Main Road, with live music by The Rhiners.
Adjournment: Supervisor McGee adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Alice M. Linton, RMC
Enfield Town Clerk
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