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HomeMy WebLinkAboutB - 01 Town Board Minutes 4/19/2023 APRIL 19, 2023 5:02 P.M. TOWN BOARD MEETING The Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Cortlandville was held at the Raymond G. Thorpe Municipal Building, 3577 Terrace Road, Cortland, New York with Supervisor Williams presiding. Members present: Supervisor, Thomas A. Williams Councilman, Jay E. Cobb Councilman, David J. Donlick Councilman, Jeffrey D. Guido Councilman, Gregory K. Leach Town Clerk, Kristin E. Rocco-Petrella Others present were: Deputy Town Clerk, Abigail Albro; Highway Superintendent, Larry Drach; News Reporter: Jacob Mack from the Cortland Standard. Others joining via Zoom video/telephone conference: Assistant to the Supervisor, Amanda Rainbow; and News Reporter: Eddie Velasquez from Cortland Voice. Supervisor Williams called the Regular Meeting to order. Councilman Leach made a motion, seconded by Councilman Cobb, to approve the Draft Town Board Minutes of April 5, 2023. All voting aye, the motion was carried. Councilman Leach made a motion, seconded by Councilman Guido, to receive and file the Cortlandville Planning Board Minutes of March 28, 2023. All voting aye, the motion was carried. Councilman Leach made a motion, seconded by Councilman Guido, to receive and file the Cortlandville Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes of February 15, 2023. All voting aye, the motion was carried. RESOLUTION #139 AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF VOUCHERS – APRIL Motion by Councilman Cobb Seconded by Councilman Leach VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido, Leach NAY – 0 ADOPTED BE IT RESOLVED, the vouchers submitted have been audited and shall be paid as follows: Funds A, B, DA, DB, Voucher #456-529 HG, SF, SS, SW General Fund A $ 48,705.90 General Fund B $ 3,115.16 Highway Fund DA $ 0.00 Highway Fund DB $ 68,847.55 Gutchess Lumber SC Project HG $ 2,087.50 C’Ville Fire District SF $ 0.00 Sewer Fund SS $ 3,233.16 Water Fund SW $ 14,048.32 Funds CD1, CD3, CD4 Voucher #17-18 BMills Rehab CD1 $ 0.00 Town Wide Rehab CD3 $ 20,900.00 Business Devl CD4 $ 0.00 Funds TA, TE Voucher #12-13 Trust & Agency TA $ 53,772.82 Expendable Trust TE $ 0.00 Supervisor Williams mentioned that there were no requests for privilege of the floor. Councilman Guido made a motion, seconded by Councilman Cobb, to receive and file the following monthly reports: 1. Town Justice Mathey and Town Justice DeMarco – March 2023; 2. Cortland Community SPCA – March 2023; and 3. Town Supervisor – March 2023. All voting aye, the motion was carried. APRIL 19, 2023 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 2 RESOLUTION #140 ACCEPT THE ANNUAL FIXED ASSET REPORT FOR 2021 Motion by Councilman Donlick Seconded by Councilman Guido VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido, Leach NAY – 0 ADOPTED BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby accept the Annual Fixed Asset Report for 2022 as submitted by Patricia O’Mara, Fixed Asset Manager and Julie Gross, Real Property Assistant. Councilman Leach made a motion, seconded by Councilman Cobb, to receive and file correspondence from Charter Communications, dated April 14, 2023, regarding programming services. All voting aye, the motion was carried. Under new business, Town Clerk Rocco-Petrella reminded the Board that the Town Clerk’s Office would be closed April 24-25, 2023 while she and her staff attend the New York State Town Clerk’s Association Conference. She also mentioned that tax collection would be coming to a close at the end of May. Second notice letters will be mailed to those who have not paid their tax bills the first week in May. Attorney DelVecchio requested an Attorney-Client meeting after the Board meeting to discuss legal matters. He had no further business to discuss at this time. Town Board Member reports: Councilman Donlick reported in an attempt to start the process with National Grid for the new electric service for the new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, the Town’s electric bill for the Town Hall was erroneously changed into Greenspot’s name. The Town was taking steps to rectify the error. In relation to the Greenspot EV chargers he mentioned that Phil Morse, Clerk of the Works for Gutchess Lumber Sports Complex, gave positive feedback after he visited one of Greenspot’s projects in Norwich (Chenango County). On another note, Councilman Donlick asked for an update regarding the new legislation pertaining to speed limits that allows towns to reduce speed limits on town roads. Attorney DelVecchio would look into the matter further and report back to the Board at a later date. Supervisor Williams reported: Sale of Topsoil to Rocks 13, LLC: Supervisor Williams recalled that the Town requested bids for the purchase of 6,000+/- yards of topsoil that was declared surplus from the construction of the GLSC. Rocks 13, LLC was the successful bidder at a price of $5.00 per yard. The topsoil was recently removed from the site and totaled 8,832 yards for a total cost of $44,160.00. Rocks 13, LLC paid the Town $15,000.00 prior to removing the topsoil from the site and would submit payment for the balance due. Supervisor Williams anticipated the that Town would be able to sell the surplus topsoil from future buildouts at the park. Completion of Internship: Supervisor Williams informed the Board that he received correspondence from Town Historian, Nick Alteri regarding his intern, Luke Kilner, and the successful completion of his 120- hour internship with the Town. In his letter, Mr. Alteri stated the following: “Luke has done an upstanding job starting the digitization of the Historian files. He has spent the past three months analyzing, scanning, verifying, and filing various historic documents. … This has put us in a great position to move forward with this project.” He indicated that it was a pleasure having Mr. Kilner in the office, noting his positive attitude and drive to tackle such a large project. Supervisor Williams expressed his gratitude for the work Mr. Kilner accomplished and wished him well in his future endeavors as he prepared to graduate from SUNY Cortland. Councilman Guido made a motion, seconded by Councilman Donlick, to receive and file correspondence from Town Historian, Nick Alteri, dated April 18, 2023, regarding the successful completion of the 120-hour internship by SUNY Cortland Senior, Luke Kilner. All voting aye, the motion was carried. APRIL 19, 2023 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 3 No Mow May: Supervisor Williams mentioned that the City of Cortland recently approved a citywide program called “No Mow May” to allow residents to opt into not mowing their laws during the month of May to help early-season pollinators such as bees. Per the article published in the Cortland Standard, those who wanted to participate in the City’s program were instructed to contact the City Code Office to be added to a list. According to the Town Code, property owners are required to keep their laws shorter than 6 inches. Supervisor Williams suggested that due to the timing of the discussion there may not be enough time for the Town to take formal action this year. However, if the Board were in agreement that the Town should extend the same to its residents, he would speak to the Code Office about not ticketing for overgrown lawns during the month of May. The Board was in agreement to not site residents for overgrown lawns during the month of May. No formal action was taken by the Board. NYCLASS – Short-term Investment Fund for the Public Sector: Supervisor Williams recalled that at the last Town Board meeting he mentioned that he would look into NYCLASS – New York Cooperative Liquid Assets Securities System, to see if the Town would be interested in participating. Supervisor Williams asked former board member, Ron Rocco for his opinion as he has experience in finance and investments. After researching the program, Mr. Rocco warned against proceeding with the program at this time due to the volatility of the markets and banking industry at this time; the Town could look into the program in the future. Supervisor Williams stated that if the Board would like to proceed there could be further discussion, however no interest was shown. No action was taken on the matter at this time. Town Email: Supervisor Williams explained that he and the Town Clerk recently met with the Town’s IT service provider who suggested the Town consider changing its email service. More information and pricing will be presented to the Board at a later date. New Postage Meter Machine: Supervisor Williams informed the Board that the Town’s postage meter machine was outdated and not working well. Quotes were obtained from Pitney Bowes for replacing the machine. The options were to either purchase or lease a machine. After discussion, the Board was in favor of purchasing a new machine rather than leasing. RESOLUTION #141 APPROVE PURCHASE QUOTE/EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARD MAINTENANCE QUOTE FOR NEW PITNEY BOWES POSTAGE METER IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $6,000.00 Motion by Councilman Cobb Seconded by Councilman Guido VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido, Leach NAY – 0 ADOPTED BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby approve the Purchase Quote/Equipment and Software Maintenance Quote for a new Pitney Bowes Postage Meter in an amount not to exceed $6,000.00. At this time in the meeting the Board proceeded with new business items. RESOLUTION #142 ACKNOWLEDGE SUBMISSION OF THE 2022-2023 CDBG PROGRAM INCOME CERTIFICATION REPORT TO NYS HOMES & COMMUNITY RENEWAL Motion by Councilman Leach Seconded by Councilman Guido VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido, Leach NAY – 0 ADOPTED APRIL 19, 2023 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 4 BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby acknowledge submission of the 2022-2023 CDBG Program Income Certification Report to NYS Homes & Community Renewal as signed by Supervisor Williams on April 12, 2023, reporting $0.00 in uncommitted NYS CDBG Program Income for the fiscal year April 1, 2022 through March 31, 2023. RESOLUTION #143 AUTHORIZE APPROVAL OF PAYMENTS (DRAW #12) REGARDING THE TOWN’S 2021 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT TOWN-WIDE HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM (CDBG #287HR317-21) Motion by Councilman Guido Seconded by Councilman Donlick VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido, Leach NAY – 0 ADOPTED BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby authorize approval of payments (Draw #12) for the following regarding the Town’s 2021 Community Development Block Grant Town-Wide Housing Rehabilitation Program (CDBG #287HR317-21): TMB Construction Services – Payment to contractor (Weibly) – $1,000.00 Thoma Development Consultants – Payment to contractor (Weibly) – $1,350.80 Councilman Guido made a motion, seconded by Councilman Cobb, to receive and file correspondence from Robert Corpora, Cortland County Administrator, dated March 24, 2023, regarding ARPA Funding Quarterly Reporting, and correspondence from Supervisor Williams to Mr. Corpora, dated April 13, 2023, responding to the request for ARPA reporting. All voting aye, the motion was carried. There was discussion regarding new legislation (effective December 2022) that allows towns to adopt a local law or resolution to provide a real property tax exemption up to ten percent of the assessed value of real property for firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers. If the Board proceeded with the steps to approve the exemption it would not be effective until the 2025 tax year. The required paperwork from those who qualify would be due by March 2024. The Board briefly discussed the exemption and directed Attorney DelVecchio to proceed with drafting a proposed local law to include appropriate qualifications that must be met in order to receive an exemption. RESOLUTION #144 AUTHORIZE PAYMENT APPLICATION NO. 7 SUBMITTED BY SMITH SITE DEVELOPMENT, LLC FOR THE GUTCHESS LUMBER SPORTS COMPLEX PHASE 2 Motion by Councilman Donlick Seconded by Councilman Guido VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido, Leach NAY – 0 ADOPTED BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby authorize and direct the Supervisor to execute Payment Application No. 7 as submitted by Smith Site Development, LLC for payment in the amount of $20,837.70 for the Gutchess Lumber Sports Complex, which reflects the work completed to date ($2,892,676.59) minus the previous applications for payment ($2,727,205.06) and the five percent retainage ($144,633.83). Councilman Cobb made a motion, seconded by Councilman Guido, to receive and file correspondence from Kevin Whitney, Cortlandville Fire District Chairman, dated April 15, 2023, thanking the Cortlandville Water/Sewer and Highway Departments for their assistance with a fire on April 14, 2023, in which Town employees assisted with the tremendous amount of water needed to battle the blaze as well as assisting with a berm for the DEC to capture and remove the water due to potential contaminants. All voting aye, the motion was carried. The Town Board thanked the Cortlandville Fire Department and the Town employees for their efforts and assistance with the recent fire. APRIL 19, 2023 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 5 Councilman Leach made a motion, seconded by Councilman Cobb to receive and file correspondence from the Cortland County Health Department regarding the Town of Cortlandville entering into an agreement with the Health Department for the Town to become a closed point of distribution (POD) to allow public health assets (medical countermeasures, drugs, devices, and personal protective equipment) for eligible staff and staff’s family members at no cost to the Town. All voting aye, the motion was carried. There was a brief discussion regarding the proposed agreement. Attorney DelVecchio and the Board reviewed the language of the agreement. Members of the Board voiced concerns regarding liability, insurance, training and potential costs to the Town for participating. Attorney DelVecchio suggested the Board talk with the City of Cortland and the Town’s insurance company regarding liability and coverage. The Board decided to table the matter to allow more time to gather information. RESOLUTION #145 TABLE ACTION REGARDING THE PROPOSED MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH CORTLAND COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR THE OPERATION OF CLOSED POINTS OF DISTRIBUTION Motion by Councilman Leach Seconded by Councilman Cobb VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido, Leach NAY – 0 ADOPTED BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby table action to the Town Board Meeting of May 3, 2023 regarding the proposed Memorandum of Agreement between Cortland County Health Department and the Town of Cortlandville for the operation of closed points of distribution (POD) clinic(s), to allow time for the Town Attorney and Town Board to gather more information regarding the proposal, and it is further RESOLVED, the proposed Memorandum of Agreement from the Cortland County Health Department is hereby received and filed. No further comments or discussion were heard. Councilman Leach made a motion, seconded by Councilman Cobb, to adjourn the Regular Meeting to an Attorney-Client Privileged Meeting. All voting aye, the motion was carried. The meeting was adjourned at 5:33 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kristin E. Rocco-Petrella, RMC Town Clerk Town of Cortlandville *Note: The draft version of this meeting was submitted to the Town Board for their review on April 28, 2023. The final version of this meeting was approved as written at the Town Board meeting of .