HomeMy WebLinkAbout10_05_2020 Transcript Special Meeting10052020SpecialMeeting.mp3
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:00:05] Are you able to unmute?
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:00:08] All right. There we go. I'm going to
make you co-host Mimi. So if my Internet goes out, it won't cut off the whole meeting. If
people come on and their video is not shut down or their audio, you can go up into the
corner of their picture. You see, there's those blue buttons there. One is for unmute. If you
click on the three buttons, it'll have you an option of starting video or stopping video. Also
tonight, you go over the list over on the right hand side of your screen. You'll have the little
icons for the microphone and that the video, the little recorder. So if you go over more,
you'll have a mute button. And you also have an option for more and more as this stop
video or start video.
Councilperson Mimi Mehaffey [00:00:59] Yes.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:01:01] OK. That's good. Are we ready?
Councilperson Mimi Mehaffey [00:01:03] What about Mute All?
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:01:04] Mute All is down at the bottom of the
participants list. You have two buttons that say mute all and one that says unmute all on
the right hand side of your screen. If you pull up the participants list. Do you see that at the
bottom?
Councilperson Mimi Mehaffey [00:01:21] I don't have that. Let me see
Councilperson Mimi Mehaffey [00:01:28] I go to the participants and I go all the way to
the bottom of them?
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:01:32] Yeah, it should be just at the bottom
of your screen of the participants, you don't even need to scroll down through there.
Councilperon Mimi Mehaffey [00:01:37] Oh, I see. Participants 34. Okay. Yeah.
Councilperon Mimi Mehaffey [00:01:41] Yeah, I got that. Got it.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:01:47] Here we go. All right, I'm going to call
this meeting to order. This is a Special Town Board meeting for the town of Enfield on
Monday, October 5th at six p.m. Via zoom.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:01:58] Just as a reminder, the meeting is
being recorded. First, we're going to have privilege of the floor. If you would like to speak
for privilege of the floor. Please use the raise your hand button if you're calling in on a cell
phone. You can do this by pressing *9. I will unmute everybody at the end to be sure
everybody has the opportunity to do privilege on the floor. Please be sure to address your
comments to the board as a whole. You will have three minutes to spea k. So please wrap
up your comments within three minutes.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:02:28] So if anybody would like to speak for
privilege on the floor, go ahead and raise your hand and I will unmute you.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:02:37] Nobody is raising their hand.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:02:38] Actually, you know what, I'd like to go
first to the floor, if that's OK, just because I think it might help clarify any future comments.
And I just want to let people know that I will not be voting for myself tonight.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:02:49] So there was some question as to
whether or not that is allowed. Apparently, there is no law exactly prohibiting self-voting,
but it gives the appearance of impropriety.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:03:03] And I while in my heart I know I'd be
doing this for myself, it would be for the best interest of the Town, it would not be a
personal vested interest. However, I do not feel like it's proper. And it may be considered
unethical. So when it comes to discussion about my appointment of supervisor, I will be
turning off my video and muting myself so that it is not seen as though I'm influencing that
discussion at all.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:03:28] All right, it looks like Joanna Green is
the first person. Here we go. I'm going to. Oh, you already. unmuted yourself. I'll ask you to
start your video if you'd like.
Joanna Green [00:03:40] Hi, everybody. Hi, neighbors. I just wanted to apologize first
because I just have not been paying attention to Town stuff, so I feel very ignorant about
the process. And this caught me by surprise. So I wondered if others feel the same,
whether we could have a, um, before you guys go into your deliberations. Is there
somebody who could spend just a couple of minutes and outline for us what happened?
What are the legal like? Is what's being proposed just perfectly legal and the ordinary thing
to do? Or is this a, uhuh? I mean, I just feel like I need a little more information. I do
apologize for being ignorant of the process and everything. You know, I'm more interested
in understanding what's contentious, if anything, whether there's decisions to be made or
whether it's simply, this is something that is so straightforward, we just need to go through
the process.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:04:40] OK. I mean, I don't mind answering
that, if that's OK with folks.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:04:46] Basically, Beth's wanted to resign
back in April. She had a great opportunity for her career advancement in a field that she
feels very passionate about. And right at that moment when she was given that
opportunity, we headed into a pandemic and we had no idea if we were going to be facing
mass casualties or what the budget was going to be looking like.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:05:06] And so I know that myself, I did not
feel comfortable with her stepping down at that point. She did not feel comfortable as well
leaving us in that sort of situation. So she continued on through that. And then it came right
up to budget season. And again, two of us are new on the board this year. It did not feel
comfortable to step down at that point going into the budget season. So now here we are
at the end of budget season. But it's the time has passed for a special election. And so we
are at the point where I become the acting supervisor, as the deputy supervisor.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:05:40] And unless it is decided that I should
be appointed, we need three votes to appoint me because it's a five person board. Even
though Beth has stepped down, it is still considered a five person board. So it wou ld need
three yes votes to do that. So that's where at this point there were some question as to
whether or not I could vote for myself.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:06:01] AOT Association of Towns is very
clear that that's not a good thing to do. And Guy Krogh sent some, you know, legal
background saying that basically, even though it's not against, you know, any particular
law, it's really considered improper and unethical.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:06:17] So I agree with that. I don't want to
put myself in a situation where it seems as though I'm, you know, vying for self -interest.
And so that's where we're at at this point. If we cannot come to a decision tonight, then I
will continue on as the acting supervisor with no deputy supervisor. And we will not be able
to fulfill the board position that I currently take up.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:06:40] Does anybody want to add to that?
Town Clerk Ellen Woods [00:06:43] I just I just have a brief note that the minutes,
actually, because this was an issue of great import to our Town I double-timed the minutes
and they are currently posted on the Web site under minutes. You know, if people have
Internet access, they could access them. And that shows what happened at the last
meeting.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:07:04] Thank you, Ellen.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:07:06] So, Joanna, I'm going to. Now that
you've known this, I'm going to go ahead and let you speak again because it seemed like
you were confused as to where we were at that process.
Joanna Green [00:07:16] So if I understand correctly, you you were Deputy Supervisor all
along. And if if there's so, you would be Acting Supervisor if there's no decision or
something.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:07:31] I'm currently Acting Supervisor. Yes.
Joanna Green [00:07:33] OK. So what's being voted on is for you to become actual
Supervisor. And for how long is that term?
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:07:41] Until December 31, 2021.
Joanna Green [00:07:48] Oh. So is there no? There's no option for having an election
before the before December 2021?
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:08:05] Not exactly. He's let other towns go
with like two people on their board that are in contentious relationships. And he hasn't
stepped in. It's very rare that he would. So there's an outside chance he would step in, but
very unlikely.
Councilperson Robert Lynch [00:08:19] Stephanie, may I interject? Only because I've
got the legal opinions of Guy Krogh in front of me. Basically, let's let the lawyers speak. I'm
not the lawyer, but he is our town's lawyer. We pay him the big bucks. So I can answer
that question for Joanna by reading from his narrative that he gave us just today.
Councilperson Robert Lynch [00:08:39] The question was, if no candidate emerges that
can achieve three votes on the Town board, what happens to which guy? Crowe says.
Hard to say. As there are four eligible vote on this question, voters on this question, if the
candidate is an existing board member, then the remaining three board members must
vote unanimously for such candidate.
Councilperson Robert Lynch [00:09:03] If successful and the oath taken then there is
now created a vacancy on the Town board that needs to be filled again with four voting
members. If the candidate is not a current Town board member, then appointment occurs
only upon a three to nothing, three to one board and nothing or four to one vote. Clearly,
therefore, more flexibility arises by an outside appointment. But less knowledge of current
events and operations is also common. But not forordained result. Now. If the Town Board
remains in deadlock or no supervisor is appointed, what happens to which guy? Crowe
answers when a Town board is on able to agree on a successor for an appointed vacant
Town board position. The governor may and I underscore May in his discretion proclaim a
special election to fill the vacancy.
Councilperson Robert Lynch [00:10:07] If the governor does not make such
appointment, then the matter falls to the courts. By petition. And then Guy Krogh
continues. However, know that one. The Town board only has until December 31 to make
the appointment as upon January 1st, 2021. That would be next Janu ary 1st. The vacancy
can only be filled by a special election proclaimed by the governor or as ordained by the
court. And number two, if you do have a special Town wide election not conducted upon a
regular Election Day, the cost of that election is usually borne by the municipality.
Councilperson Robert Lynch [00:10:51] Though this varies by county and you, that is
the town of Enfield would need to call the Tompkins County Board of Elections to know
what the fees for voting machines are. I'll leave it there that that answers Joanna's
question, I believe.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:11:07] Perfect. Thank you.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:11:14] All right, Joanna, I'm unmuting, you
did you, Do you want to go ahead and say anything else?
Joanna Green [00:11:25] No, nobody else has their hand raised?
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:11:27] They do. I just didn't know if you
were finished. I didn't know if we had clarified your questions.
Joanna Green [00:11:31] Yeah, I guess so. The only lingering can fusion I have is. So
there. There is. So is it. So you you were the you were the person that is being voted on.
But was there any opportunity for any other candidates to be identified from the outside?
And would that be a good thing or a bad thing? I mean, what's the time? What's the
required timeframe on this? I guess those are two two questions, but is it so I guess the
thing that that's maybe strange and uncomfortable is just that there's only one there 's like it
sounds like a done deal pretty much if nobody else is in the wings. But maybe we don't
have the ability to to open it up that way.
Town Clerk Ellen Woods [00:12:19] I just wanted to know that Councilperson Lynch
when here was what he was saying was very complicated. He essentially said that in
January on January 1st after the New Year. Then that would be the deadline to do
anything with the office. It seems like. Did I understand that correctly?
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:12:38] That's correct.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:12:39] All right.
Joanna Green [00:12:42] Well, I guess I guess the corollary question is, do we have more
time? If it becomes complicated, do we have more time to resolve this? I mean, tonight.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:12:53] Other than tonight?
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:12:53] Yes, we have until December 31 to
resolve this and then it becomes, you know, a gubernatoria l decision or a court decision.
Joanna Green [00:13:02] OK, great. I'm going to. Good, I'm done. That's that makes me
more comfortable that we don't have to ram something through. Thanks.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:13:10] OK, great. Thank you. All right.
Brianna, I am going to unmutue you. There we go. I've asked you to start your video if you
would like to do that.
Briana Binkerd-Dale [00:13:35] I'll leave it off for now. So I guess Joanna already
covered. A lot of what's on my mind, I guess one thing that she didn't touch on. So I'm
curious about that. I'm not sure your answer is. This just seems like a really unfortuante
situation for all parties involved. You know going going back to. Former Supervisor McGee
wanting to resign and not being able to. And, you know, the whole whole thing as you laid
it out. And I guess my question is: is that what's written into law where there is no other
alternative? No. Was there no way that. That some kind of election could have been held.
At some point wall. While Allowing the Town to kind of remain under the guidance of
former Supervisor McGee. Because this seems like it just like a really poorly thought out
process, if so, that a lot of room for things to not go ideally for a Township.
Councilperson Robert Lynch [00:15:15] I think I can try to answer that fairly
straightforwardly and without infusing any opinion, Briana Supervisor McGee was duly
elected. She was duly elected to a two year term which wouldn't expire until the end of
2021. She announced that back in early March. I believe that she intended to resign.
However, until you file the paperwork actually with the Town Clerk, it's not official. It's just
basically speculation. It's a promise that you want to do that.
Councilperson Robert Lynch [00:15:46] And for whatever reason, Supervisor McGee
claimed it was because of the pandemic, she did not affect her actual resignation until last
Wednesday, September 30th. So the clock really didn't start ticking until that time,
unfortunately. After about I'm going to use an approximate date the 3rd of August. Then
the Ballot is set with the board of Elections. And you cannot then call a Special Election, at
least at the general election time, November 3rd.
Councilperson Robert Lynch [00:16:21] That by if you waited and filed that paper, which
the Supervisor did not file until last Wednesday, then there can be no Special Election
called unless it were called at some later time outside of the election cycle. So I hope that
answers your question, Briana.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:16:40] Yes, there can be no election,
special election until the Supervisor has actually resigned until the Supervisor has actually
resigned and there's a vacancy in her spot. So that's the point that we're at right now
where we're deciding what to do and how to go forward, because now there is. But it's time
to the time is passed for a Special Election until November of next year.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:17:05] All right. Are there any others who
feel like, oh, sorry. Go ahead.
Briana Binkerd-Dale [00:17:12] Thank you, So essentially it sounds like only option would
have been for former Supervisor McGee. Other than the situation. Now, what has been for
a Supervisor McGee to resign? You would have become the acting deputy could have
relied on this type of whoever perhaps former Supervisor McGee, perhaps others, you
could have relied on their advice, navigate as Acting Deputy and then we still would have
had time for a Special Election.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:18:04] That's true. I have to say that I
personally did not feel ready at that point, I'd only been in office for four months and I had
never gone through a pandemic for sure, or a b udget season. And so I know that I
personally didn't feel very comfortable taking over at that point, but I think we should move
on and leave the discussion for later.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:18:26] Let's see. Ellen, you have your hand
up. I'm going to unmute you. Are you unmuted?
Town Clerk Ellen Woods [00:18:37] Yeah, I was just. I don't really need to comment now.
I was just going to share with the Town that I printed out all the Relevant sections of Town
law, and I can put them on the website also but I just wanted to just tell the board during
I'm during. I just want a little addition to the agenda where I can talk about the filing
requirements and how that has been carried out. So that's just something I'd like to add
during the agenda.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:19:06] OK, we'll get to that. We'll get to
additions afterwards.
Julie Schroeder [00:19:12] All right. Let's see. Julie's iPad. I think I know who Julie is.
Let's do this.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:19:22] I asked to unmute
Julie Schroeder [00:19:25] I'm unmuted. Can you hear me?
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:19:27] There you go.
Julie Schroeder [00:19:27] OK. My comment is that I would help wholeheartedly support
the appointment by the Board of Councilperson slash deputies slash acting supervisor
Stephanie Redmond to finish the remainder of Town Supervisors' term. She's been
serving on the Board with great attention to the innumerable details of the governing of our
Town. The challenge has been enormous since March, when the harsh reality of this
pandemic turned Enfield and the world upside down. Her experience on the board as a
citizen and as a taxpayer in the Town will serve her and all of us well.
Julie Schroeder [00:20:09] Additionally, I address a topic that can't have escaped anyone
who has been present at any Town meeting in the last several months. Disruption,
instability, and disrespect have become regular occurrences, angry outbursts, lengthy
paternalistic lectures and stony silences when a response to a question is required.
Happen regularly. I have seen zero productive results to these antics except to the venting
of personal grievances and the deepening of lines that set up the us versus them
mentality. This is destructive to the sense of community that we need now more than ever.
Please be better than this. Lastly, I give my greatest appreciation to Beth McGee, who has
demonstrated uncommon dedication to the direction, both as an elected official and as an
Enfield citizen. Her accomplishments have been numerous and most impressive. Thank
you, Beth.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:21:13] Thank you. Julie.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:21:17] All right, Nancy, I'm gonna unmute
you.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:21:26] Let's See, I and I muted and I asked
you to start your video if you'd like. All right.
Nancy Spero [00:21:35] OK. I guess there's many things I could say, but one one thing is
that people should just remember. I'm sure everybody knows this. But in times of crisis
when things are dysfunctional.Or people have trouble communicating with each other
before a crisis like a pandemic. They often become worse during a pandemic. Or during a
crisis of any kind.
Nancy Spero [00:22:07] So I think that that's part of what's been going on here. And I
think people need to take a deep breath. And I am I'm grateful that Beth chose to stay on
because I felt like there was somebody who was paying attention to the business of the
Town in terms of payroll and things that I know nothing about, who had been doing it for
years. So I'm grateful for that.
Nancy Spero [00:22:32] I also want to say it's not abnormal to have a Supervisor or a
Town Board Bember resign before the end of their term. In fact, Roy Barriere resigned
before the end of his term, and that's how Ann Rider became the Acting Supervisor until
the next election. And it's common for those things to happen. So this is not a crazy
scenario. And there's rules about when you can have an election. And also, I feel like
because of every bean thing being so tense, it would be great to have another person who
has not been part of everything. Come on the Board. And the only way to fill the vache of a
vacant position would be if Stephanie or somebody on the Board became the acting,
became the Supervisor until the Election.
Nancy Spero [00:23:27] So and I think that Stephanie is the most qualified for that
because she has been acting supervisor, working very hard with Beth to learn what is
involved in being a Town Supervisor. As she said now, she had some more experience on
the day to day functioning of the Town and what needs to happen. So I feel that Stephanie
and I feel very comfortable with Stephanie being the Town supervisor for the rest of the
rest of the term of Beth's term. So I have confidence that Stephanie could do a good job
and bring her own style and to the job.
Nancy Spero [00:24:09] So otherwise there's a smaller board and there's lots of work to
be done in the Town. And no matter what, there'll be a primary coming up next year. And
every it's open for everybody to run. So if they would like to have it open to a new person,
that will be happening during the next year no matter who is in the position. So I think tha t
that's all I have to say.
Nancy Spero [00:24:37] There's a lot of business to do, including things like equity for
salaries when you compare them to other Towns and things like that the Beth's was
working on. But, you know, a new Board would be able to think about the issues in a new
way and start from where we are. So that's what I'm hoping would happen. And I support
Stephanie being in that position.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:25:01] Thank you. Thank you Nancy.
Former Supervisor Beth McGee [00:25:09] All right. Beth McGee
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:25:14] Are you there?
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:25:15] Yes, we're here.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:25:16] I'm gonna open your video.
Former Supervisor Beth McGee [00:25:19] I don't need my video opened.
Former Supervisor Beth McGee [00:25:24] I can't even begin to put words to what I'm
seeing happening right now. As a resident, I'm really appalled. And as a taxpayer and as a
elected person. I'm just appalled.
Former Supervisor Beth McGee [00:25:42] I was elected as the Town Supervisor with
more votes than anyone received in the last election, by the way, more confidence from
voters than anybody on the ballot. And they trusted me to do what was in the best interests
of this town and in the face of a pandemic, I avoided leaving the Town in a position in
which unprepared and ill experienced people would be trying to muddle through.
Former Supervisor Beth McGee [00:26:25] It's not really my obligation to continue to
help anybody going forward. And there's a whole lot going on in this Town. A whole lot that
still needs to be done. And I have prepared Stephanie for that as the Deputy Town
supervisor. I've really valued the fact that four out of five board members supported putting
a position into place, just like the Town Clerk enjoys, with a person who has a salary that
makes it possible to actually do the job, do it well, do it effectively. And even though it's still
full time, even with a deputy.
Former Supervisor Beth McGee [00:27:15] So my I just have to say my level of
disappointment in what's happening here is just ridiculous because I think that it is
personal grudges. I think if you push this. Yes, yes, yes, I do think it's perso nal grudges,
so. Smirks and all there in the words of your highway superintendent. I am just I just can't
even put words how appalled I am at this. And so you would forsake a well-trained, well-
positioned, well-prepared, Deputy Town Supervisor as Acting Town Supervisor to be
appointed Town Supervisor, to fulfill the term in which people would start petitioning for a
primary beginning around February or March, which is a short six months from now, and
cost the Town thousands of dollars for a potential special election or a court battle. And
that would be your choice.
Former Supervisor Beth McGee [00:28:12] Over taking my recommendation. Utilizing
the benefits of having an educated and prepared Town Supervisor in place for that amount
of time. I honestly, as a taxpaying resident, I can't even believe that that's something that
people are willing to do. I just I honestly, I cannot believe it. Anybody has any questions I
want to ask me. You can reach out to me directly. I have no more to say on this. Stephanie
is well prepared, well, well beyond prepared to take on this task for the amount of time.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:28:54] Thank you, Beth.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:29:02] OK, is there anyone else who would
like to speak for privilege of the floor, I'm assuming Ellen's is an old one from before.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:29:14] All right, I'm going to go ahead and
unu everyone. So if anyone has not had a chance to speak for privilege of the floor, you'll
be unmuted and let us know now that you would like to speak.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:29:26] Everyone is unmuted.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:29:33] All right, I'm going to assume that's it.
Is there anyone else?
Tammy Alling [00:29:37] I just put my hand up.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:29:39] Oh, OK. Sorry. Tammy, you didn't
see that. Let me go ahead.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:29:45] That's okay.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:29:46] Oh, hang on. Hang on just a second.
Let me mute everyone else. So we don't have the sound in the background. All right. Now,
you should be ready. Sorry.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:30:00] Were you able to unmute?
Councilperon Mimi Mehaffey [00:30:02] She's muted.
Tammy Alling [00:30:04] OK, there you go. Everybody hear me? Yes. OK. I kind of felt
like last week's meeting was blindsided. I was taken back at the end of it, the beginning of
it. Middle of it. Unfortunately. I did read the budget before I actually watched the meeting in
progress, which was my own fault.
Tammy Alling [00:30:28] There's just so many things. It's not a matter of someone being
well educated or the better person for the job. How it was done. Again, we went back to
March, April when CoVid first started. I believe that I called in and I said I don't think we
should be spending any money due to the fact that we don't know how far have you know,
what's going to happen to any positions. What we 're gonna get from the states, things like
that, and look at where we are now. We're taken away from the Highway Department,
which, mind you, when I leave my road in the morning, it's roughly around six o'clock. I'm
worried. I'm worried about anyone that has to drive. If we have less drivers on the road that
are fixing the roads, salting, plowing, whatever they're doing, maintaining, taking a position
and a half or two positions away, whatever it is. Especially with winter coming up, you don't
really know what's gonna happen. I'm having a difficult time, you know, agreeing with that.
Tammy Alling [00:31:23] And I do have four wheel drive. And I'll tell you what, when you
leave a six o'clock in the morning. I don't care what you're driving. It's not. It doe sn't matter.
You know, so I will be one of those people that will be complaining. Probably if the roads
aren't maintained, it's not their fault because there are less people, so. Oh, that is a difficult
position. And I understand with CoVid, everybody is taking a hit, taking a hit. Everywhere
we go, people are taking a hit. They don't know their taxes are going up. Cost of
everything is going up. People don't have jobs. People are losing their jobs. People are out
of work. It's a tough situation. And I think that we should buckle down back then. And
unfortunately, nobody did. And even now. So any money in the budget to places that.
Should have been deserved it. But unfortunately, I don't think this is the time for that either
to certain allocations that were used. I have to say, Bob, I'm backing you up. So you have
people in your corner.
Tammy Alling [00:32:21] Unfortunately, it's sad when you have everybody else against
you. And it's sad when the Board isn't working together. And I think that's the saddest thing
of it all. Everybody should be working together like they should. You know, it is just the
way it is. It makes it easier for everybody. So I'm hoping that in the future, that's what
happens. And I'm hoping for the best for everyone. And I would like to keep our littleTown
out of the News and not in the limelight of everything, unfortunately. And I just don't think
that's going to happen.
Tammy Alling [00:32:51] So anyway. Good luck. It's all I can say. I hope that whatever
happens is can be a good, good outcome for everyone.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:33:03] Thank you, Tammy.
Tammy Alling [00:33:04] Yep.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:33:07] Robert, did you want to speak for
privilege of the floor?
Councilperson Robert Lynch [00:33:08] Yes, I did.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:33:10] OK.
Councilperson Robert Lyncn [00:33:11] Thank you. To our residents who have
participated tonight in this discussion. Bob Lynch Councilperson 175 Gray Road. Let's start
fresh. We begin tonight a new era with a newly constituted Town board. Let's change our
habits a bit. Last meeting, I was angry and I believe for good reason. The meeting's final
minutes went too perfectly to have been left to chance. Plans for resignation and
succession were clearly choreographed, not only behind my own back, but more
importantly, behind the backs of those we serve.
Councilperson Robert Lynch [00:33:52] Collectively, I believe we insulted our residents
with our arrogance. Supervisor replacement was not on last Wednesday's agenda, but it is
tonight. Let's keep the substantive discussion to that one topic and that one topic alone. I
will insist that we do that and let's behave differently. I'm not too proud to admit that I, too,
can make mistakes, and perhaps I made a mistake not too long ago. Back in July, at a
public hearing, our neighbor and former Councilperson Becky Simms stated, and I'm
quoting her here, 'I think ballot referendums are great because it's really putting specific
decisions to the people. And I appreciate that opportunity.'
Councilperson Robert Lynch [00:34:35] Ms. Simms continued, quote, 'I think they're a
really great way for residents to let the municipal officials be very clear about how they feel
about things', close quote. Thank you, Becky. I voted against putting those two local laws
on November's ballot. I think I voted correctly. But in light of recent developments, maybe I
did not. You see the outcome of those two referenda deciding whether our Town offices,
twoTown offices will be elected or appointive will tell us much about the state of Enfield
Democracy. Is it alive or is it dead?
Councilperson Robert Lynch [00:35:13] If the voters approve those local laws, it'll tell us
Enfield voters really don't care all that much about their vote. They're willing to toss it
away, give it to the elites who supposedly know best. But if voters reject those two laws
decisively, tell us something else: that residents cherish their franchise, the right to decide.
[00:35:36] We, the Town board, will ask ourselves tonight to bypass the electorate and
choose for ourselves our next Superviosor. A petition bearing 115 names we may toss in
the trash. We will replace the voters say so with our own. No, I will not go there.
[00:35:54] If I hold the power to stop this coronation, I will. I mean, no respect to the
person you will nominate tonight. As she has stood on principle in the past, so must I
tonight. We can work for now, even for the next 15 months as a four person board. I wil l
shoulder my share of the burden and then some. But I believe we should delay further
action, at least until our regular November meeting. By then, we should know whether
Enfield citizens view their votes, their personal democracy, as expendable or as pri celess.
Thank you.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:36:31] Thank you, Robert. All right. Is there
anyone else there privilege of the floor? I'm gonna go ahead and unmute everyone again if
anybody would like to speak. Now is your time. All right, I'm gonna go ahead and go ahead
and mute then. Let me unmute the fellow Councilpersons.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:37:15] All right. There you go. So next on
our agenda, do we have any additions and changes? The only additions that I have. Is the
resolution that I passed around earlier. I'd like to add that onto our onto our list for the end
of the night. It's a resolution that enables the Acting Town Supervisor to access and be a
signatory for all accounts with the Tompkins Trust and the removal of former Town
Supervisor Beth McGee.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:37:46] So it allows me to keep.
Councilperson Robert Lynch [00:37:48] No objection.
Councilperson Virginia Bryant [00:37:48] Second.
Councilperon Mimi Mehaffey [00:37:52] So I will add that to the end of the agenda.
Councilperon Mimi Mehaffey [00:37:56] Added to the end instead of beginning?
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:38:00] I think we should wait and see how
things go through the appointment process and then that might sort of change our
resolution one way or another. So I think we should have that at the end, if that's OK. And
then, uh Ellen, you'll be able to do some procedural stuff at that point as well.
Town Clerk Ellen Woods [00:38:21] Oh, I would just it sort of feels like it should be at the
beginning just because it all has to do with creating the vacancy in the first place?
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:38:30] Oh, OK. If it's something that's going
on the Web site or. I thought that's what you said. OK. Go ahead.
Town Clerk Ellen Woods [00:38:36] OK, I just wanted to state for the record that I have
now filed the letter of resignation in the office of the Tompkins County Board of Elections,
the office of the New York State Board of Elections and the Office of the Tompkins County
Clerk. And that is required in Section 30 and Section 31 of New York State Town Law.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:39:02] Great. Thank you. And did we have
any correspondence, Ellen?
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:39:11] NYSEG, would like to talk to you all
about the street lights.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:39:15] All right, I'll do that. Thank you.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:39:20] All right, so next, we will move on to
the Supervisor appointment at this point. I am going to mute myself and take myself off of
video, but I will be able to hear what's going on. So when you move on and want me back,
just let me know.
Councilperson Mimi Mehaffey [00:39:43] I'm not sure what we're discussing here, since
Bob has already said his vote is no.
Councilperson Virginia Bryant [00:39:53] So at this point, that's it. Sorry, Mimi go ahead.
Councilperson Mimi Mehaffey [00:39:58] Bob, maybe you should go first and explain
why we should have a discussion if you've already decided on your vote. And we need a
unanimous vote.
Councilperson Robert Lynch [00:40:06] Well, I suppose Mimi that the reason would be
that we could have a vote and the vote would probably as as Guy Krogh has indicated, it
would not succeed. So it would be up to either Mimi or Virginia to make and or Second a
resolution or a motion for appointment, as you did last Wednesday. If that's not your
preference, then I guess we have no business on this. I'm certainly not going to make her
a resolution or propose anything tonight for the reasons I stated to my privilege to the floor.
Councilperson Mimi Mehaffey [00:40:44] So you think we should operate it this way for
the next year and a half?
Councilperson Robert Lynch [00:40:49] I think we should be this way at least until after
the November elections, when those two referenda will be decided. As I said, I think it will
be indicative of how much Enfield cherishes its Democracy. And I would sugg est that if we
want to take this up again at our November Regular meeting, I hope the ballots will be
counted by that time than we could. But as was said by Guy Krogh, we have until the end
of December to make that decision. We've already put our budget to bed. That was
decided last meeting. I don't think we have crucial business that will require a five person
board before the end of the year. So I think that we would be better off waiting, hearing
what the people of this community have to say.
[00:41:38] It's a little difficult these days because you can't knock on doors because of
CoVid, because of social distancing. So it's a little hard to ascertain the public will. But
maybe by November we'd get a pretty good idea, especially from those election results as
to whether the public wants us to have even a special election. Asked the governor to do
that perhaps in the new year. I don't know. I'm just not prepared to designate anybody, not
even myself, as interim supervisor right now.
Councilperson Virginia Bryant [00:42:13] If I could say something. I heard what you said
Bob, and it does seem like an exercise in futility to go through voting when you know what
you're going to vote nay. But I was prepared to put forth a motion to appoint Stephanie, the
Town Supervisor, because I think she's done a sterling job and her and, of course, part of
it is working right alongside Beth. And I think she's not only highly qualified, she's proved
that she's more than highly qualified in terms of getting things done. So I just want that in
the minutes, please.
Councilperons Mimi Mehaffey [00:42:50] Let's go ahead and make the motion. Let's do
the vote, Virginia.
Councilperson Virginia Bryant [00:42:57] Pardon me?
Councilperon Mimi Mehaffey [00:42:57] Do the vote.
Councilperson Virginia Bryant [00:42:57] Okay.
Coucilperson Virginia Bryant [00:42:59] I make a motion that the Town board appoint.
Stephanie Redmond as Town supervisor to fill out the term of Beth McGee.
Councilperon Mimi Mehaffey [00:43:19] Second. Any discussion?
Councilperon Mimi Mehaffey [00:43:26] Ellen, want to call the vote?
Town Clerk Ellen Woods [00:43:29] Councilperson Bryant?
[00:43:30] Aye
Town Clerk Ellen Woods [00:43:32] Councilperson Lynch?
[00:43:34] No
Town Clerk Ellen Woods [00:43:35] Councilperson Mehaffey?
[00:43:37] Aye
Councilperson Mimi Mehaffey [00:43:44] I just want to point out at this point that if
something happens with Stephanie theTown can't run, we can't write che cks to the
highway department employees. We can't. If she goes away, we can't do that. We can't
pay our bills. We're put in a very precarious situation. And if if that's OK with Bob, then let
him live with that. You know, because there's a lot happening in the world. People are
getting sick. If something happened and Stephanie couldn't make it make it a month, then
we don't pay the bills that month because that's the way it is right now. So that's a you
know, I think it's putting the Town and a lot of in a very vulnerable position. And I don't
understand why Bob would do that if he pretends to care about so much about this Town. I
think it's a disgrace.
Councilperson Robert Lynch [00:44:37] I'm not an attorney, but I can say, is there
somebody else? Does the law allow another person to be designated to be a check writer?
I would have no problem with either Mimi or Virginia having that authority. If the law gives
them that authority. But I'm no lawyer and I can't say.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:44:58] As I understand it, the Deputy
Supervisor is the person that we want to do that. You have a Deputy Supervisor for that
exact reason. I'm assuming since we called the vote that this is not going to go any further.
It feels pretty exploitive, but there's not much I can do I. I've done the best I can, and if
there are no safeguards in place for my position and something should happen to me. May
the odds be ever in your favor, Enfield.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:45:29] I guess if there are no
announcements, then we should go ahead and I'll make a motion to adjourn.
Councilperson Robert Lynch [00:45:38] We were planning an item?
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:45:41] Oh sorry. All right. Yes. I'm, I'm
getting distracted with a bit of distress.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:45:47] So do you want it. Does any . . Mimi
did you want to read that resolution?
Councilperson Mimi Mehaffey [00:45:52] I do.
[00:45:55] Okay go ahead.
Councilperon Mimi Mehaffey [00:45:57] It's the following resolution of the Enfield Town
board was adopted on October 5th, 2020 resolution 2020, Ellen, you have a number?
Town Clerk Ellen Woods [00:46:11] It is sixty eight.
Councilperson Mimi Mehaffey [00:46:14] Sixty eight
Councilperson Mimi Mehaffey [00:46:16] Acting Town Supervisor Access and signatory
for all accounts with Tompkins Trust Co. removal of former Town Supervisor Beth McGee,.
Councilperson Mimi Mehaffey [00:46:25] Whereas upon the reserved resignation of the
Town supervisor Beth Magee, Deputy Town supervisor Stephanie Redmen became acting
Town supervisor. And.
Councilperson Mimi Mehaffey [00:46:34] Whereas it is necessary for the acting Town
supervisor, Stephanie Redmond, to manage all Town of Enfield accounts with the
Tompkins trust. Therefore, be it.
Councilperson Mimi Mehaffey [00:46:42] Resolved that the Enfield Town board
authorizes the removal of former Town supervisor Beth McGee, the small town of Enfield
accounts and authorizes acting Town supervisor Stephanie Redmond to be a signatory on
all Town of Enfield accounts held at Tompkins Trust Co. to complete fiduciary
responsibilities of the position of acting Town supervisor.
Councilperson Robert Lynch [00:47:06] I second it.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:47:08] Is there any discussion?
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:47:12] Ellen, will you please, please, Call
the vote?
Town Clerk Ellen Woods [00:47:19] Councilperson Bryant?
Councilperson Virginia Bryant [00:47:21] Aye
Town Clerk Ellen Woods [00:47:23] Councilperson Lynch?
Councilperson Robert Lynch [00:47:24] Aye
Town Clerk Ellen Woods [00:47:26] Councilperson Mahaffey?
Councilperon Mimi Mehaffey [00:47:27] Aye
Town Clerk Ellen Woods [00:47:30] And Stephanie, I wanted to note that after the
meeting I'll prepare like a Town Clerk's Resolution so you can bring it to the bank.
Town Clerk Ellen Woods [00:47:37] So, yes, it'll be here in your mailbox whenever you
want to get it.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:47:42] Okay great and I'll vote Aye
Town Clerk Ellen Woods [00:47:42] Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:47:47] That's OK. It's been kind of stressful
meeting.
Town Clerk Ellen Woods [00:47:49] I'm so sorry.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:47:52] All right. Is there anything else before
we go ahead and adjourn?
Councilperson Robert Lynch [00:47:56] I just want to say, Stephanie, it's nothing
personal. It's on principle. So please understand. I'll leave it there.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:48:03] I actually don't agree with that at all. I
think that if I pandered to your paternal instinct, that it probably would have been fine. But
we can leave it at that. OK.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:48:14] Thank you, everyone.
Acting Supervisor Stephanie Redmond [00:48:17] Have a good night.