HomeMy WebLinkAboutB - 01 Town Board Minutes 08/02/2023
AUGUST 2, 2023 5:02 P.M.
PUBLIC HEARING NO. 1
AQUIFER PROTECTION PERMIT
CORTLANDVILLE PV, LLC, APPLICANT
RIC NEW YORK, LLC, OWNER
3023 ROUTE 215
TAX MAP #106.00-03-13.000
A Public Hearing was held by the Town Board of the Town of Cortlandville at the
Raymond G. Thorpe Municipal Building, 3577 Terrace Road, Cortland, New York with
Supervisor Williams presiding, concerning an application for an Aquifer Protection Permit
submitted by Cortlandville PV, LLC to permit the development of a five megawatt ground
mounted large scale solar energy system, accessory access driveway, and security fencing
encompassing approximately 33.0+/- acres, for property owned by RIC New York, LLC, described
as 3023 Route 215, just southwest of the intersection of Gallagher Road, Route 215, and Ely Road,
tax map #106.00-03-13.000.
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: Town Attorney, John DelVecchio; Deputy Town Clerk, Abigail
Albro; Highway Superintendent, Larry Drach; Town Residents: Danielle Jerome; Theodore
Jerome; Gloria Sumner; Cindy Johnson; Ann Martinovich; A. Boyd; News Reporter: Jacob Mack
from the Cortland Standard; Others joining via Zoom video/telephone conference: Assistant to the
Supervisor, Amanda Rainbow; News Reporter: Eddie Velasquez from Cortland Voice.
Supervisor Williams called the Public Hearing to order.
Town Clerk, Kristin Rocco-Petrella read aloud the published, posted and filed legal notice.
Supervisor Williams offered privilege of the floor to Ann Martinovich.
Town resident, Ann Martinovich apprised the Board that her property located at 3053
Route 215 is surrounded by the proposed solar farm. She indicated that she was not in support of
the project and voiced concerns regarding the solar farm including drainage; concerns for her well
and property owners/residents in the valley; disturbing the peace; liability for drainage and
cleanup; restoration of the property and removal of the solar panels after the lifespan of the project.
She mentioned that she was not familiar with the solar company and that it was a relatively new
LLC. Ms. Martinovich added that she didn’t feel she had enough time to review the project and
asked if the public could have more time to wrap their heads around it. She stated, “we need to
keep Ag land agricultural” … “ignorance is bliss until it is not”.
Supervisor Williams thanked Ms. Martinovich for her comments.
Supervisor Williams offered privilege of the floor to Theodore Jerome.
Town resident, Theodore Jerome of 1280 Gallageher Road, informed the Board that he was
not in favor of the project and voiced concerns regarding water, the aquifer and drainage. He asked
if any Cortlandville money is going towards the solar project or any solar project, to which
Attorney DelVecchio stated no. Mr. Jerome voiced concerns regarding potential noise during the
construction of the project, and asked if there was a plan in place for the future cleanup of the
project when the solar panels would no longer be in use. He asked about water runoff from the
site and how it would affect surrounding properties. He also mentioned that he has a radon
mitigation system in his home. Lastly, Mr. Jerome asked how the solar project would affect his
property value.
Supervisor Williams thanked Mr. Jerome for his comments.
Supervisor Williams offered privilege of the floor to Cindy Johnson.
Town resident, Cindy Johnson of 3071 Route 215, apprised the Board that she has/owns a
medicinal herb farm on her property and had many concerns about the proposed project. She asked
how the solar farm would affect the soil and water and asked about the cleanup of the site in 30-
years and whether or not she would be looking at “solar farm graveyards”. Ms. Johnson stated
AUGUST 2, 2023 PUBLIC HEARING NO. 2 PAGE 2
that she has crops in her tree line that but up to the property line and asked whether the tree line
would be removed for the project. Water and water runoff was of big concern as she was “down
current” from the property. Ms. Johnson asked the Board “how much education do we have”
regarding solar, and asked about the effects on animals and the additional dust and trucks during
construction and maintenance. Ms. Johnson mentioned that there are three other solar farms in the
area and asked about the possibility of community solar and a reduction in electric bills.
Supervisor Williams thanked Ms. Johnson for her comments, and asked Attorney
DelVecchio to provide those in attendance with information about the proposed project.
Attorney DelVecchio stated that he appreciated the comments made tonight. He provided
those in attendance with some background information regarding solar in the Town of
Cortlandville. He explained that years ago the Town adopted a moratorium on solar projects until
it adopted a solar ordinance. After several projects were approved the Town adopted a second
moratorium on solar and formed a solar committee to review and revise the Town’s ordinance.
While the Town did not consult environmental engineers or hydrologists, he explained that they
spoke to NYSERDA, and that the committee spent a lot of time working on the revisions. He
stated that the Town adopted a detailed, robust solar ordinance - one of the best in the State, and
that the public’s concerns have been addressed. Attorney DelVecchio informed the public that the
application by Cortlandville PV, LLC was the first solar project proposed in the Town since the
new solar law was adopted.
Attorney DelVecchio explained that the Town Planning Board already reviewed and
approved the project, with a recommendation to the Town Board that they issue an Aquifer
Protection Permit, which is what the Board was to review tonight. The Planning Board deliberated
very carefully and reviewed the detailed application. He stated it would be irrational for any citizen
in Cortlandville to say to government officials that they haven’t taken a hard look at regulating
solar, because the Town has more than any other in the county.
With regard to the residents’ concerns regarding water runoff etcetera, Attorney
DelVecchio summarized the history of the project and mentioned that the Planning Board looked
very closely at water drainage and runoff issues and that a SEQR analysis was done. The
application was approved based on the submission from the company. He also mentioned that the
Town’s ordinance addresses viewshed and that the Planning Board was provided with information
about viewshed perspectives.
Attorney DelVecchio addressed the residents’ questions regarding the cleanup of the
project after the life of the project. He explained there is a specific section of the Solar Ordinance
that requires the applicant to provide a surety bond so that if the project fails or the company goes
bankrupt there is money for the cleanup. Before a building permit is granted, Attorney DelVecchio
would make sure that the surety bond is in place. Supervisor Williams mentioned that the company
would also be responsible for any damage to the roads. He explained the construction process and
the decommissioning process to those in attendance.
Ms. Martinovich asked the Board if the proposed project was a 30-year project. She
mentioned that she researched the company and that they have a similar solar project in Knox, NY.
Attorney DelVecchio stated that he asked the solar company what their experience in NYS was
and that most of their work was completed in Massachusetts.
Mr. Jerome asked the Board if the project would increase the value of the property from an
assessment standpoint and if it would “put more money into the Town”. Supervisor Williams
suggested Mr. Jerome speak with the Town Assessor regarding his question. However, he
explained that if solar goes on agricultural law the acreage changes to a light industry classification
which increases the assessed value.
Ms. Martinovich asked the Board to look into the impact on property values in the future
and how they are affected by surrounding solar farms. Supervisor Williams suggested that Ms.
Martinovich contact Assessor Briggs regarding her question and the impact on her property.
Lastly, Ms. Martinovich asked the Board if they could request that the solar company
provide the surrounding neighbors with electricity. Attorney DelVecchio explained that the Town
cannot tell the solar company where the power can go.
Supervisor Williams asked if asked if anyone else wished to speak for or against the project.
No further comments or discussion were heard.
The Public Hearing was closed at 5:34 p.m.
AUGUST 2, 2023 5:34 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: Town Attorney, John DelVecchio; 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; News Reporter: Eddie Velasquez from Cortland Voice.
Supervisor Williams called the Regular Meeting to order.
Councilman Cobb made a motion, seconded by Councilman Donlick, to receive and file
the Cortlandville Planning Board Minutes of November 29, 2022, December 27, 2022, and June
27, 2023. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
Councilman Cobb made a motion, seconded by Councilman Donlick, to receive and file
the Cortlandville Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes of December 20, 2022. All voting aye, the
motion was carried.
Councilman Cobb made a motion, seconded by Councilman Donlick, to approve the Draft
Town Board Minutes of July 19, 2023. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
Councilman Cobb made a motion, seconded by Councilman Donlick, to receive and file
the Cortlandville Board of Assessment Review Minutes dated May 24, 2023. All voting aye, the
motion was carried.
Town Clerk Rocco-Petrella thanked and recognized Deputy Town Clerk, Abigail Albro for
her work to help complete the November 2022 through February 2023 Cortlandville Planning
Board and Zoning Board of Appeals meeting minutes. Due to unforeseen circumstances and the
retirement of former Board Secretary Joan Fitch, there was a delay in the submission of the
minutes.
RESOLUTION #230 AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF VOUCHERS – AUGUST
Motion by Councilman Donlick
Seconded by Councilman Cobb
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 #1026-1094
HG, SF, SS, SW General Fund A $ 165,642.90
General Fund B $ 49.150.40
Highway Fund DA $ 0.00
Highway Fund DB $ 8,116.08
Gutchess Lumber SC Project HG $ 0.00
C’Ville Fire District SF $ 0.00
Sewer Fund SS $ 2,667.31
Water Fund SW $ 1,270.94
Funds CD1, CD3, CD4 Voucher #(None)
BMills Rehab CD1 $ 0.00
Town Wide Rehab CD3 $ 0.00
Business Devl CD4 $ 0.00
Funds TA, TE Voucher #23-23
Trust & Agency TA $ 1,104.88
Expendable Trust TE $ 0.00
AUGUST 2, 2023 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 2
Councilman Cobb made a motion, seconded by Councilman Donlick, to receive and file
correspondence from Duane and Christine Pierce, received August 2, 2023, regarding the Aquifer
Protection Permit application of Cortlandville PV, LLC. All Voting aye, the motion was carried.
RESOLUTION #231 ACCEPT CORTLAND COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ANNUAL
REPORT FOR 2022
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 accept the Cortland County Sheriff’s Office
Annual Report for 2022 as submitted by Sheriff Mark E. Helms.
Councilman Guido made a motion, seconded by Councilman Donlick, to receive and file
the following monthly reports:
1. Cortland County Treasurer – August 2023;
2. Code Enforcement Officer, Kevin McMahon – July 2023; and
3. Water & Sewer Department – July 2023.
All voting aye, the motion was carried.
There was discussion regarding the Aquifer Protection Permit of Cortlandville PV, LLC to
permit the development of a five-megawatt ground mounted large scale solar energy system,
accessory access driveway, and security fencing encompassing approximately 33.0+/- acres, for
property owned by RIC New York, LLC, located as 3023 Route 215, just southwest of the
intersection of Gallagher Road, Route 215, and Ely Road, tax map #106.00-03-13.000. Attorney
DelVecchio explained that the Town and County Planning Boards reviewed the application; the
Town Planning Board conducted SEQR and approved the conditional permit with a
recommendation to the Town Board to approve the Aquifer Protection Permit.
Councilman Donlick pointed out that the parcel involved is larger than the 33 acres of land
that the project would cover.
Councilman Leach voiced concerns for the neighboring property owners who he said had
legitimate concerns. He empathized with the residents, stating they should have a say in what goes
on in their neighborhood. The Board discussed Councilman Leach’s concerns, with Supervisor
Williams mentioning the noticing requirements in the Town Code for property owners.
Councilman Guido stated that he has concerns regarding solar and had concerns prior to
the Board enacting the moratorium and adopting a revised solar ordinance. He stated, the Town
has gone above and beyond in many respects and that the Town has a strong solar ordinance.
Councilman Guido stated he has “very mixed emotions about this … you want to see progress
balanced with the neighborhood as well … so I can see your side of this very easily.”
Councilman Leach mentioned the recent fire on one of the solar panels at the East River
Road solar farm and the battery storage fire in northern New York. He stated that he would be
voting no, based on the residents’ concerns.
Attorney DelVecchio reminded the Board that their job tonight was to review the Aquifer
Protection permit and focus on whether the permit should be granted. If approved, the applicant
will speak to the code office regarding a building permit. Attorney DelVecchio would meet with
the applicants regarding PILOT. The applicant would work on the surety bond as well.
Councilman Cobb noted that most of the residents’ concerns were regarding drainage. He
asked Attorney DelVecchio if he felt the Planning Board addressed the drainage well? Attorney
DelVecchio stated that the Planning Board addressed the issues, although they are not hydrologists.
The Planning completed the SEQR analysis and made a negative declaration.
Supervisor Williams discussed the solar panels themselves, which he said do not affect the
environment. He explained the installation process including the underground wiring to get the
electricity to the grid. Rainwater will still reach the ground.
With no further discussion to be heard, the Board took action on the Aquifer Protection
Permit.
AUGUST 2, 2023 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 3
RESOLUTION #232 APPROVE AQUIFER PROTECTION PERMIT #6 OF 2023
SUBMITTED BY CORTLANDVILLE PV, LLC SUBJECT TO
CONDITIONS
Motion by Councilman Guido
Seconded by Councilman Donlick
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido NAY – Leach
ADOPTED
WHEREAS, the Cortland County Planning Department and the Town Planning Board have
reviewed and recommended approval of this Aquifer Protection Permit application, and
WHEREAS, a Public Hearing was duly held by this Town Board, and
WHEREAS, the Cortlandville Planning Board, as Lead Agency, duly reviewed and completed the
Full Environmental Assessment Form and declared that the proposed project of Cortlandville PV,
LLC shall have no significant environmental impact, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby approve Aquifer Protection Permit #6 of 2023,
submitted by Cortlandville PV, LLC to permit the development of a five megawatt ground
mounted large scale solar energy system, accessory access driveway, and security fencing
encompassing approximately 33.0+/- acres, for property owned by RIC New York, LLC, described
as 3023 Route 215, just southwest of the intersection of Gallagher Road, Route 215, and Ely Road,
tax map #106.00-03-13.000, subject to the following conditions from the Town and County
Planning Boards:
1. The applicant place special attention to the western section of the proposed developed
area to control any runoff to equal or less than the existing site or eliminate the western
portion of development whose runoff is not collected by the 2 proposed retention
ponds.
2. The Town consider obtaining an independent fee estimate for the Decommissioning
Plan that includes permit/application fees, disposal tipping fees, potential
environmental remediation costs, or any other permit, disposal or application costs
needed for total decommissioning, disposal, and re-establishment of the site to its
original condition.
3. That the applicant consults with and obtains written confirmation from the DEC that it
is acceptable to install solar arrays within delineated wetland areas.
4. That the Town require the applicant to include 24 hour emergency contact information
to be clearly displayed.
5. That the applicant obtain ROW work permit from NYSDOT for any work within the
state highway right of way limits.
6. That the Town of Virgil receive notification of the project as it sited directly on the
municipal boundary.
7. The applicant preparing and obtaining approval of stormwater pollution prevention
plan (SWPPP), including water quality and quantity management for this site both
during and after construction, from the Town upon review by the County Soil and
Water Conservation District, since this project would disturb more than one acre of
land.
8. The applicant filing a Notice of Intent with the NYS Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) in addition to the preparation of a stormwater pollution prevention
plan for the site per the NYS Phase II stormwater regulations and obtaining a NYSDEC
Construction Stormwater Permit GP-0-15-002 coverage since this project would
disturb more than one acre of land. The SWPPP must meet the current Stormwater
Management Design Manual and the Runoff Reduction and Green Infrastructure
requirements.
9. That the applicant contacts the NYS DEC Division of Environmental Permits to request
a jurisdiction determination and to apply for and obtain any permits required as a result
of this determination.
AUGUST 2, 2023 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 4
10. That the Town thoroughly reviews the visual impact study that was provided to
minimize any potential negative visual impacts which may occur as a result of this
project.
11. The applicant obtaining Town Planning Board approval of the use of farmland of
statewide importance for a ground-mounted large-scale solar energy system.
12. That disturbed areas are replanted with native species to enhance ecological values.
13. Compliance with SEQR requirements.
AND IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, the Supervisor is hereby authorized to sign the permit.
Under new business, Town Clerk Rocco-Petrella requested the Board authorize the
adjustment and removal of water and sewer charges billed in error to an inactive account for the
State of New York. She explained that the account does not have a meter and has been inactive
since 2007. The account is for benefit tax purposes only.
RESOLUTION #233 AUTHORIZE TOWN CLERK TO REMOVE THE
ERRONEUOUS WATER AND SEWER CHARGES IN THE
TOTAL AMOUNT OF $187.99 FOR INACTIVE ACCOUNT
#1442 FOR PROPERTY OWNED BY THE STATE OF
NEW YORK
Motion by Councilman Guido
Seconded by Councilman Cobb
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido NAY – Leach
ADOPTED
WHEREAS, it came to the attention of the Town Clerk that inactive water and sewer account
#1442 for the State of New York, for property located at 3974 Route 281, tax map #86.13-01-
31.000, was erroneously charged a 2nd Quarter 2023 water/sewer bill, however there is no meter
and the account has been inactive since 2007, and
WHEREAS, the purpose of account #1442 is for benefit tax purposes only, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby authorize and direct the Town Clerk to adjust
and remove the erroneous charges on the account in the amount of $81.59 water and $106.40
sewer, for the total amount of $187.99.
Town Board Member Reports:
Councilman Guido commented on ceremony held at the South Cortland Cemetery to unveil
the historic marker honoring veterans of the Revolutionary War who are buried at the cemetery.
He thanked Wayne Thurston and the Sons of the American Revolution, as well as the William G.
Pomeroy Foundation for the grant for the marker. Councilman Guido attended the ceremony on
July 30, 2023. He Groton American Legion color guard opened the ceremony which was well
attended. The two known American Revolution veterans were from Rhode Island as were many
of the veterans who settled in this area. Councilman Guido explained that at the time, the veterans
received land instead of payment, and mentioned the 60-acre section of land in Cortland County
named the military tract.
Councilman Donlick informed the Board that he received a complaint from a resident
regarding yard signs promoting an out-of-town roofing company that have been erected along
Route 281. He would pass the information on to the Code Enforcement office to look into.
AUGUST 2, 2023 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 5
Supervisor Williams reported:
Electric Wheelchair – Lime Hollow Nature Center:
Supervisor Williams informed the Board that he and his Assistant attended an event at the
Lime Hollow Nature Center last week to unveil the electric, remote-controlled wheelchair donated
by the J.M. Murray Center to be used on the trails. He discussed the impact the new wheelchair
would have and noted that the J.M. Murray Center may donate to other organizations in the future
that would benefit from having such a device.
Grant Funding:
Supervisor Williams reported that he met with representatives from the United States
Senate regarding funding opportunities for the Town. The Town’s grant writer was working on
the grant submissions.
Hiring of Sylvia Hall, Human Resources Consultant:
Supervisor Williams requested Board authorization to hire Sylvia Hall as a Human
Resources Consultant for the Town to complete an evaluation of the Town’s needs for HR. The
first phase of the process was estimated to take 50 hours of work to complete at $75.00/hour. The
next step of the process would be to develop changes, if needed.
RESOLUTION #234 AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO HIRE SYLVIA HALL AS A
HUMAN RESOURCES CONSULTANT FOR THE TOWN OF
CORTLANDVILLE
Motion by Councilman Leach
Seconded by Councilman Cobb
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido NAY – Leach
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby authorize and direct the Town Supervisor to
hire Sylvia Hall as a Human Resources Consultant for the Town of Cortlandville to complete an
evaluation of the Town’s need for Human Resource services at a rate of $75.00 per hour for
approximately 50 hours.
Evaluation of Town HVAC System:
Supervisor Williams informed the Board that he would like to get a quote from the Town’s
engineers, CHA, to complete an evaluation of the Town’s HVAC system. He would present a
proposal at a later date.
Equipment for Town Highway Department:
There was discussion regarding the need for equipment for the Town Highway Department.
Highway Superintendent Drach explained that one of the Town’s Ferris mowers caught fire. He
was waiting for the Town’s insurance company to provide information about the loss. The cost of
the repair would be approximately $8,168.00 while the trade-in value was approximately
$9,000.00.
Highway Superintendent Drach informed the Board he planned to trade-in the Town’s
loader with the purchase of the new loader, which was approved in April 2023. However, the
trade-in value was only $23,000.00 which he felt was low considering the fact that the tires alone
cost $15,000.00. He suggested the loader be kept and that it be used as another mower for the
Town. He presented the Board with a quote for a Diamond LBM-C-DD 23’ Loader Boom Mower
with 50” Rotary head for the cost of $106,888.00 (Sourcewell Contract). He explained that the
Boom Mower would attach to the loader and could be used as a second roadside mower for the
Town. The Town would not have to buy a tractor, which costs approximately $200,000; the
visibility would be good as the driver would be sitting higher. He explained that it would take
approximately 40 weeks between the order date and the delivery date, so the funds would come
from the 2024 budget.
Councilman Leach voiced his support for the purchase of the mower attachment.
Supervisor Williams agreed but commented that he did not want to see the equipment become
another municipality’s primary machine. Highway Superintendent Drach explained that when the
AUGUST 2, 2023 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 6
Town works with other municipalities he sends an operator with the equipment; he did not plan to
loan the equipment.
Supervisor Williams mentioned that the 2024 budget process would begin soon. He
mentioned that the Highway Equipment Reserve Fund was at its maximum and suggested that
reserve funds could be used. He suggested the equipment line in the budget be used for “everyday
equipment” such as pickup trucks etcetera, but that the reserve fund could be used for something
such as the mower attachment. Highway Superintendent Drach commented that the department
was in desperate need of a new roller since the Town’s roller was from 1984 and in need of about
$3,500 in repairs. The cost of a new roller was approximately $135,000-$150,000, which he
planned to purchase using reserve funds. He explained that the Town Highway Department saves
money by renting a paver and using its own roller and manpower rather than contracting with Suit-
Kote. He would return to the Board with more information when he completed his research for a
new roller.
RESOLUTION #235 AUTHORIZE HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT TO PROCEED
WITH THE PROCUREMENT OF A DIAMOND LBM-C-DD 23’
LOADER BOOM MOWER WITH 50” ROTARY HEAD FOR
THE COST OF $106,888.00 (SOURCEWELL CONTRACT)
Motion by Councilman Leach
Seconded by Councilman Guido
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Donlick, Guido, Leach NAY – 0
ABSTAIN – Cobb
ADOPTED
WHEREAS, the Town Board received a request from Highway Superintendent Drach to purchase
one (1) Diamond LBM-C-DD 23’ Loader Boom Mower with 50” Rotary head from the Sourcewell
Contract #070821-DMM to attach to one of the Town’s loaders to be used as an additional roadside
mower, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby authorize and direct the Highway
Superintendent to proceed in accordance with the Town’s procurement policy to purchase one (1)
Diamond LBM-C-DD 23’ Loader Boom Mower with 50” Rotary head, for the total cost of
$106,888.00 from Stephenson Equipment, Inc. (Sourcewell Contract #070821-DMM), to be paid
for from the 2024 Budget.
Vacant Property Law – Fee Schedule:
Supervisor Williams recalled that the Town Board adopted a Vacant Property Law that
involved fees for the registration of vacant residential and commercial property. After adopting
the law with annual fees of $500.00 and $1,000.00 respectively, it was suggested that the fees be
reduced in order to get the property owner to comply. Attorney DelVecchio indicated that the
purpose of the local law was to get property owners to register the property as vacant and to provide
a plan for the future; once the owner finds out they have to pay a fee to register the property it
deters them from cooperating. After further discussion, Attorney DelVecchio suggested that he
research fees for neighboring municipalities and suggest reasonable fees to the Board at a later
date.
At this time in the meeting the Board proceeded with new business items.
RESOLUTION #236 AUTHORIZE APPROVAL OF PAYMENTS (DRAW #17)
REGARDING THE TOWN’S 2021 COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT TOWN-WIDE HOUSING
REHABILITATION PROGRAM (CDBG #287HR317-21)
Motion by Councilman Leach
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 #17) for
the following regarding the Town’s 2021 Community Development Block Grant Town-Wide
Housing Rehabilitation Program (CDBG #287HR317-21):
AUGUST 2, 2023 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 7
Frank Shultz Construction – Payment to contractor (Mowry) - $1,200.00
Town of Cortlandville – Payment to Supplier (Mowry) – $50.00
Thoma Development Consultants – Payment to contractor (Mowry) – $850.80
RESOLUTION #237 ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIVING NOTICE OF PETITION FOR
REVIEW OF ASSESSMENT FROM BENDERSON-
CORTLAND ASSOCIATES
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 acknowledge, by receiving and filing, the Notice
of Petition from Benderson-Cortland Associates, for property located off Route 281 in the Town
of Cortlandville, tax map #86.17-01-08.110, regarding their current assessed valuation of real
property.
RESOLUTION #238 ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIVING NOTICE OF PETITION FOR
REVIEW OF ASSESSMENT FROM WAL-MART STORES
EAST, LP #US01781
Motion by Councilman Leach
Seconded by Councilman Guido
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido, Leach NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby acknowledge, by receiving and filing, the Notice
of Petition from Wal-Mart Stores East, LP #US01781, for property located at 819 Bennie Road in
the Town of Cortlandville, tax map #105.00-02-07.000, regarding their current assessed valuation
of real property.
RESOLUTION #239 ACKNOWLEDGE NOTIFICATION FROM THE STATE FOR
FILING OF LOCAL LAW NO. 4 OF 2023
Motion by Councilman Leach
Seconded by Councilman Donlick
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido, Leach NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the New York State Department of State acknowledged receipt of Local Law
No. 4 of 2023, “A Local Law Authorizing Real Property Tax Exemption for Volunteer Firefighters
and Volunteer Ambulance Service Workers”, to be effective July 6, 2023.
Councilman Donlick made a motion, seconded by Councilman Leach, to receive and file
correspondence from the Cortland County Health Department, dated July 28, 2023, regarding the
Cortland County Youth Bureau announcing funding for Youth Development Programs and Youth
Sports and Education Opportunities. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
RESOLUTION #240 ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIVING NOTICE OF PETITION FOR
REVIEW OF ASSESSMENT FROM LOWE’S HOME CENTER,
INC.
Motion by Councilman Leach
Seconded by Councilman Cobb
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido, Leach NAY – 0
ADOPTED
AUGUST 2, 2023 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 8
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby acknowledge, by receiving and filing, the Notice
of Petition from Lowe’s Home Center, Inc., for property located at 872 Route 13 in the Town of
Cortlandville, tax map #95.20-02-02.000, regarding their current assessed valuation of real
property.
RESOLUTION #241 ACKNOWLEDGE THE HIRING OF ONE PART-TIME
SUMMER LABORER FOR THE TOWN HIGHWAY
DEPARTMENT BY HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT, LARRY
DRACH
Motion by Councilman Cobb
Seconded by Councilman Leach
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido, Leach NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby acknowledge the hiring of four part-time
summer laborers for the Town Highway Department for the year 2023 by Highway
Superintendent, Larry Drach as follows:
Preston Hodge $14.20 per hour Part-Time Summer Laborer Start date 6/28/2023
Councilman Leach made a motion, seconded by Councilman Guido, to receive and file the
proposals from General Code Publishers, dated July 24, 2023, for a recodification of the Town
Code and MapLink interactive zoning map. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
Supervisor Williams explained that the proposals would be reviewed and discussed by
himself, Planning/Zoning Officer Weber, Town Clerk Rocco-Petrella, and CEO McMahon and
CEO Campbell. After review, more information would be reported back to the Board. Supervisor
Williams noted that while the code has been updated/amended, the Town has not done a
recodification since the code was introduced. The interactive zoning map could be beneficial to
residents and developers who want to know the uses allowed on each parcel.
RESOLUTION #242 AUTHORIZE RECREATION DIRECTOR, JOHN MCNERNEY
TO HIRE A PART-TIME SEASONAL EMPLOYEE FOR THE
RECREATION DEPARTMENT FOR THE YEAR 2023
Motion by Councilman Guido
Seconded by Councilman Cobb
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido, Leach NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board hereby authorizes Recreation Director, John McNerney to
hire the following part-time seasonal employee for the Recreation Department for the year 2023:
Liam Woodard $17.00 per hour Rec. Attendant Start date 07/01/2023
With no further comments or discussion to be heard, Supervisor Williams requested the
Board recess the Regular Meeting to an Executive Session to discuss personnel. He explained that
no action would be taken, however afterwards the Board would go into an Attorney-Client
privileged meeting.
Councilman Guido made a motion, seconded by Councilman Cobb, to recess the Regular
Meeting to an Executive Session to discuss personnel. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
The meeting was recessed at 6:25 p.m.
AUGUST 2, 2023 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 9
The following information was provided by the Town Supervisor.
Councilman Cobb made a motion, seconded by Councilman Guido, to adjourn the
Executive Session and reconvene the Regular Meeting. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
No action was taken.
Supervisor Williams adjourned the Regular Meeting at 6:34 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 September 11, 2023.
The final version of this meeting was approved as written at the Town Board meeting of , 2023.