HomeMy WebLinkAboutB - 03 Town Board Mintues 10/18/2023
OCTOBER 18, 2023 5:01 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: Town Attorney, John DelVecchio; Deputy Town Clerk, Abigail Albro;
Highway Superintendent, Larry Drach; Assistant to the Supervisor, Amanda Rainbow; Recreation
Director, John McNerney; Machell Phelps; Town Residents: Pamela Jenkins; Bob Martin; News
Reporters: Jack Eves from X101; Jack Lukowsky from Cortland Standard. Others present via
Zoom video/telephone conference: 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 September 20, 2023. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
RESOLUTION #298 AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN PURCHASE ORDER
#0222 TO GLOBAL INDUSTRIAL TO PURCHASE AN ELKAY
EZH20 ENHANCED WALL MOUNTED WATER BOTTLE
FILTERED REFILLING STATION FOR THE RAYMOND G.
THORPE MUNICIPAL BUILDING FOR THE TOTAL COST OF
$1,349.99
Motion by Councilman Guido
Seconded by Councilman Cobb
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Guido NAY – Donlick, Leach
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby authorize and direct the Supervisor to sign
Purchase Order #0222 to be paid to Global Industrial to purchase an Elkay EZH20 Enhanced Wall
Mounted Water Bottle Filtered Refilling Station for the Raymond G. Thorpe Municipal Building,
for the total cost of $1,349.99.
RESOLUTION #299 AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN PURCHASE ORDER
#1491 TO CNY FARM SUPPLY FOR A 2023 FERRIS ZERO
TURN MOWER FOR THE TOWN HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
FOR THE TOTAL COST OF $12,271.17
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 and direct the Supervisor to sign
Purchase Order #1491 to be paid to CNY Farm Supply, as requested by Highway Superintendent
Drach, for the purchase of a 2023 Ferris Zero Turn Mower (Ferris ISX3300) for the Town Highway
Department to replace the 2021 Ferris Zero Turn Mower (Ferris ISX3300) that caught fire to which
the Town received insurance funds to replace, for the cost of $15,271.17 minus a $3,000.00 trade
in credit, for the total cost of $12,271.17.
Supervisor Williams requested the Board convene to an executive session to discuss
pending litigation, explaining that Attorney DelVecchio had another engagement this evening and
would need to leave early.
OCTOBER 18, 2023 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 2
Councilman Cobb made a motion, seconded by Councilman Donlick, to adjourn the
Regular Meeting to an Executive Session to discuss pending litigation, followed by an attorney-
client meeting. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
The meeting was recessed at 5:08 p.m.
Councilman Leach made a motion, seconded by Councilman Cobb, to adjourn the
Executive Session and reconvene the Regular Meeting. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
The meeting resumed at 6:26 p.m.
RESOLUTION #300 AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF VOUCHERS – OCTOBER
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 #1393-1481
HG, SF, SS, SW General Fund A $ 99,086.47
General Fund B $ 1,854.83
Highway Fund DA $ 0.00
Highway Fund DB $ 210,222.44
Gutchess Lumber SC Project HG $ 0.00
C’Ville Fire District SF $ 0.00
Sewer Fund SS $ 3,414.38
Water Fund SW $ 11,044.47
Funds CD1, CD3, CD4 Voucher #37-37
BMills Rehab CD1 $ 0.00
Town Wide Rehab CD3 $ 0.00
Business Devl CD4 $ 97,974.00
Funds TA, TE Voucher #30-31
Trust & Agency TA $ 54,604.27
Expendable Trust TE $ 0.00
Supervisor Williams noted there were no requests for privilege of the floor.
RESOLUTION #301 ACCEPT THE CORRECTED 2022 ANNUAL FINANCIAL
REPORT (AUD) OF THE TOWN SUPERVISOR
Motion by Councilman Leach
Seconded by Councilman Donlick
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido, Leach NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Annual Financial Report (AUD) of the Town Supervisor for the year 2022,
as corrected, is hereby accepted and shall be received and filed.
Councilman Leach made a motion, seconded by Councilman Donlick, to receive and file
the following monthly reports:
1. Town Justice Mathey and Town Justice DeMarco – September 2023;
2. Cortland Community SPCA – September, 2023;
3. Cortland County Treasurer – October 2023; and
4. Code Enforcement Officer, Desiree Campbell – September 2023.
All voting aye, the motion was carried.
OCTOBER 18, 2023 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 3
RESOLUTION #302 TABLE ACTION REGARDING THE PROPOSED LOCAL
LAW OF 2023 TO OVERRIDE THE TAX LEVY LIMIT
Motion by Councilman Leach
Seconded by Councilman Donlick
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido, Leach NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board hereby tables action regarding the proposed Local Law of
2023 to Override the Tax Levy Limit established in General Municipal Law Section 3-c until the
November 8, 2023 Town Board Meeting.
RESOLUTION #303 TABLE ACTION REGARDING THE REQUEST FOR A
REFUND OF SEWER CHARGES DUE TO A WATER LEAK
Motion by Councilman Leach
Seconded by Councilman Guido
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido, Leach NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board hereby tables action regarding the letter of request from
Doreen Park, dated August 21, 2023, requesting relief of sewer charges in the amount of $93.16
due to a water leak at her home located at 1177 Hillside Drive, until the November 8, 2023 Town
Board Meeting, to allow time for Water/Sewer Superintendent Congdon to provide the Board with
more information.
RESOLUTION #304 TABLE DISCUSSION REGARDING THE CONTRACT WITH
GREENSPOT JC, LLC AND THE ELECTRIC CHARGING
STATIONS PROJECT FOR THE TOWN OF CORTLANDVILLE
Motion by Councilman Cobb
Seconded by Councilman Leach
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido, Leach NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board hereby tables discussion regarding the contract with
Greenspot JC, LLC and the electric charging stations project for the Raymond G. Thorpe
Municipal Building, Testa Park, and Gutchess Lumber Sports Complex, to allow the Town
Attorney to be present to discuss the matter.
RESOLUTION #305 APPROVE THE ROAD USE AGREEMENT FOR HOMER
SOLAR ENERGY CENTER, LLC SUBJECT TO TOWN
ATTORNEY REVIEW
Motion by Councilman Leach
Seconded by Councilman Guido
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido, Leach NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board hereby approves the Road Use Agreement for Homer Solar
Energy Center, LLC and authorizes the Supervisor to sign the agreement, subject to review and
approval by the Town Attorney.
Under new business, Town Clerk Rocco-Petrella informed the Board she received the
Adopted 2024 Budget for the Cortlandville Fire District, as well as the External Vulnerability
Assessment from Zelvin Security and asked that they both be received and filed. She had no
further business to report.
Councilman Leach made a motion, seconded by Councilman Guido, to receive and file the
2024 Adopted Budget for the Cortlandville Fire District. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
OCTOBER 18, 2023 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 4
Councilman Leach made a motion, seconded by Councilman Guido, to receive and file the
report dated October 10, 2023 from Zelvin Security, Ethical Hacking Service: External
Vulnerability Assessment as prepared for the Town of Cortlandville. All voting aye, the motion
was carried.
Town Board Member Reports:
Councilman Guido reported that he attended the recent meeting with the Cortland County
IDA/BDC regarding solar and PILOT negotiations with EDF Renewables. He would report back
with more information at a later date.
Councilman Leach asked if any members of the Board would be attending the next CCTVS
meeting to be held October 25, 2023 at the Cortland County Office Building. Councilman Guido
reported that he would be attending the meeting which would discuss opportunities for shared
services.
Supervisor Williams reported:
Human Resources Consultant:
Supervisor Williams reported on the progress being made by HR Consultant, Sylvia Hall
and Financial Administrator, Megan Johnson regarding employee hiring and the paperwork
involved. He requested Board authorization to hire Ms. Hall at the same hourly rate as previously
approved to create a town-wide job classification system and salary schedule for all employees. A
set number of hours was not determined for the work to be completed.
RESOLUTION #306 AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO EXTEND THE CONTRACT
WITH SYLVIA HALL, HUMAN RESOURCE CONSULTANT
FOR THE TOWN OF CORTLANDVILLE FOR ADDITIONAL
WORK TO COMPLETE A TOWN-WIDE SALARY SCHEDULE
FOR THE TOWN OF CORTLANDVILLE
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 authorize and direct the Town Supervisor to
extend the contract with Sylvia Hall, Human Resource Consultant for the Town of Cortlandville,
to complete a town-wide salary schedule for the Town of Cortlandville, at a rate of $75.00 per
hour.
Town Budget:
Supervisor Williams requested the Board conduct another special meeting for the purpose
of discussing the Tentative Budget, to make any changes, and to move it to the Preliminary Budget.
He scheduled the date of Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at the Raymond G. Thorpe
Municipal Building. Town Clerk Rocco-Petrella noted that due to the short notice, a legal notice
would not be published in the Cortland Standard. However, the media would be notified as
required and a legal notice would be posted to the Town’s website and official signboard.
At this time in the meeting, the Board proceeded with new business items.
RESOLUTION #307 SCHEDULE PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE TOWN’S
2021 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANT FOR SEVEN VALLEY
SPECIALTY CABLES (CDBG #287ED967-21)
Motion by Councilman Leach
Seconded by Councilman Guido
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido, Leach NAY – 0
ADOPTED
OCTOBER 18, 2023 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 5
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board hereby schedules a public hearing for November 8, 2023 at
5:00 p.m. or soon thereafter as the parties may be heard, at the Raymond G. Thorpe Municipal
Building, concerning the Town’s 2021 Community Development Block Grant Economic
Development Grant for Seven Valley Specialty Cables (CDBG #287ED967-21) for the purpose of
providing details with respect to the program and program progress, solicit comments with respect
to funded activities and program administration, and answer questions with respect to the CDBG
Program or grant activities.
RESOLUTION #308 AUTHORIZE APPROVAL OF PAYMENTS (DRAW #19)
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 #19) for
the following regarding the Town’s 2021 Community Development Block Grant Town-Wide
Housing Rehabilitation Program (CDBG #287HR317-21):
1st Choice Roofers, LLC – Payment to Contractor (Weaver) - $18,050.00
Joseph Rivers Painting – Payment to Contractor (Weaver) - $11,995.00
RESOLUTION #309 AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE DISCHARGE OF
MORTGAGE BETWEEN THE TOWN AND EARL D. FOX,
DONNA M. FOX, AND LAURA FOX, REGARDING THE 2016
TOWNWIDE HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM
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 authorize and direct the Supervisor to execute
the discharge of mortgage between the Town and Earl D. Fox, Donna M. Fox, and Laura Fox,
3133 Gracie Road, Cortland, New York, regarding the 2016 NYS Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) Townwide Housing Rehabilitation Program (#287HR326-16), in the amount of
$27,160.00.
RESOLUTION #310 AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN THE AFFIDAVIT
REGARDING THE TOWN’S 2021 COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT TOWN-WIDE HOUSING
REHABILITATION PROGRAM (CDBG #287HR317-21)
BETWEEN THE TOWN AND ELIZABETH (LISA) WEAVER
Motion by Councilman Cobb
Seconded by Councilman Donlick
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido, Leach NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby authorize the Supervisor to sign the Affidavit
regarding the Town’s 2021 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG #287HR317-21) Town-
Wide Housing Rehabilitation Program, between the Town of Cortlandville and Elizabeth (Lisa)
Weaver, 4009 Crestwood Court, Cortland, New York regarding the extension of loan funds from the
Town’s CDBG Program, for the total amount of $36,064.00.
OCTOBER 18, 2023 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 6
RESOLUTION #311 AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO ARRANGE FOR THE
FINGERLAKES GROUP, LLC TO MAKE A PRESENTATION TO
THE TOWN BOARD REGARDING AN EMPLOYEE WELLNESS
PROGRAM/BENEFIT KNOWN AS WIMPER TO CONSIDER
ENROLLING THE TOWN IN
Motion by Councilman Leach
Seconded by Councilman Donlick
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido, Leach NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board hereby authorizes the Supervisor to arrange a presentation by
William Chamberlain of The Fingerlakes Group, LLC (Town’s employee benefits provider) to the
Town Board to discuss the Safe Harbor Health Total Wellness Program (supplemental benefits)
known as WIMPER that could be made available to the Town upon enrollment.
Councilman Donlick made a motion, seconded by Councilman Guido, to receive and file
correspondence from the Cortland County Health Department, dated October 11, 2023, regarding
the availability of secure gun storage and suicide prevention resources available. All voting aye,
the motion was carried.
RESOLUTION #312 AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN THE PROPOSAL FROM
CHARLES R. FEISZLI, P.E., OF RESOURCE ASSOCIATES FOR
ENGINEERING SERVICES RELATED TO THE GUTCHESS
LUMBER SPORTS COMPLEX – PHASE 2, FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF A CONCESSION BUILDING
Motion by Councilman Leach
Seconded by Councilman Guido
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido, Leach NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board hereby authorizes and directs the Supervisor to sign the proposal
from Charles R. Feiszli, P.E. of Resource Associates, dated October 10, 2023, to provide engineering
services as indicated in the scope of work/fee proposal (Shell RFP – Preliminary Design & Interior
Design Development) related to the Gutchess Lumber Sports Complex – Phase 2, Construction of
Concession Building, in a total amount not to exceed $12,000.00.
Councilman Leach noted that the Board previously approved the expenditure of no more than
$10,000 for Mr. Feiszli’s services. Supervisor Williams agreed; however, the new resolution would
supersede the previous action.
RESOLUTION #313 TABLE ACTION REGARDING THE NOTICE OF INTENT TO
CONSTRUCT A SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM/SOLAR PROJECT
DEVELOPMENT FROM NEXTERA ENERGY RESOURCES,
LLC FOR PROPERTY LOCATED ON RILEY ROAD, TAX MAP
#87.00-03-03.100
Motion by Councilman Leach
Seconded by Councilman Donlick
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido, Leach NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board hereby tables action regarding the Notice of Intent from
NextEra Energy, LLC, dated October 10, 2023, to construct a solar energy system/solar project
development on Riley Road, tax map #87.00-03-03.100, in order to allow the Town Attorney to
be present to discuss the matter.
OCTOBER 18, 2023 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 7
Councilman Leach made a motion, seconded by Councilman Cobb, to receive and file
correspondence from Cortlandville Town Clerk, Kristin Rocco-Petrella, dated October 12, 2023,
regarding the 2024 Benefit Tax calculations for the Town of Cortlandville as completed by her
office. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
Agenda item J-11, “Resolution to authorize Supervisor to let out to bid/request proposals
to update an economic impact and feasibility study for Gutchess Lumber Sports Complex”, was
moved to the end of the agenda for discussion.
RESOLUTION #314 AUTHORIZE INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,500.00 FOR
BUDGET LINE A8090.4 ENVIRONMENTAL/SOUTH HILL
DUMP AS PRESENTED IN THE 2024 TENTATIVE BUDGET
Motion by Councilman Leach
Seconded by Councilman Cobb
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido, Leach NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board hereby authorizes an increase in the amount of $4,500.00,
from $14,000.00 to $18,500.00, for budget line A8090.4 Environmental/South Hill Dump as
presented in the 2024 Tentative Budget, to provide for the additional sampling required during the
South Hill Dump 2024 bi-annual groundwater monitoring event to be conducted by CHA,
approved by the Board per Resolution #291 of 2023, adopted October 4, 2023.
RESOLUTION #315 DECLARE A 2013 CHEVY ONE TON DUMP 4x4 TRUCK AS
SURPLUS EQUIPMENT AND AUTHORIZE HIGHWAY
SUPERINTENDENT TO SELL THE VEHICLE USING
AUCTIONS INTERNATIONAL
Motion by Councilman Guido
Seconded by Councilman Cobb
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido, Leach NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby declare a one ton 4x4 2013 Chevy dump truck
(Vin# 1GB3KZC84DF239782) as surplus equipment due to cost of repairs exceeding the value of
the truck, and it is further
RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby authorize and direct Highway Superintendent Drach
to sell the vehicle using Auctions International.
Councilman Leach made a motion, seconded by Councilman Guido, to receive and file
correspondence from Cortland Repertory Theatre, dated October 12, 2023, thanking the Town of
Cortlandville employees for the donation in memory of John B. Folmer. All voting aye, the motion
was carried.
Councilman Cobb made a motion, seconded by Councilman Guido, to receive and file the
2023 Gutchess Lumber Sports Complex Participation Data as submitted by Parks & Recreation
Director, John McNerney on October 17, 2023. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
Councilman Leach made a motion, seconded by Councilman Guido, to receive and file
correspondence from Savannah Hempstead, Public Information Officer for Cortland County, dated
October 16, 2023, cancelling the previously scheduled Cortland County Medicare Advantage Plan
informational meetings. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
Agenda item J-17, “Resolution to accept the 2024 Tentative Budget with modifications as
the 2024 Preliminary Budget” was removed from consideration as another special meeting would
be held to discuss the 2024 Tentative Budget.
OCTOBER 18, 2023 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 8
RESOLUTION #316 SCHEDULE PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE
2024 PRELIMINARY BUDGET
Motion by Councilman Cobb
Seconded by Councilman Leach
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido, Leach NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, a Public Hearing is hereby scheduled to be held on November 8, 2023 at 5:00
p.m., at the Raymond G. Thorpe Municipal Building located at 3577 Terrace Road, Cortland, New
York, regarding the 2024 Preliminary Budget, and it is further
RESOLVED, that copies shall be made available for distribution to the public on November 1,
2023.
RESOLUTION #317 SCHEDULE DATE TO ADOPT THE 2024 PRELIMINARY
BUDGET AS THE 2024 ADOPTED BUDGET
Motion by Councilman Cobb
Seconded by Councilman Leach
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido, Leach NAY – 0
ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board shall adopt the 2024 Preliminary Budget as the 2024 Adopted
Budget at the Regular Town Board Meeting on Wednesday, November 15, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. to
be held at the McGraw Community Center, 15 Clinton Street, McGraw, New York.
RESOLUTION #318 AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO LET OUT TO BID/REQUEST
PROPOSALS TO UPDATE AN ECONOMIC IMPACT AND
FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE TOWN OF
CORTLANDVILLE’S GUTCHESS LUMBER SPORTS
COMPLEX
Motion by Councilman Cobb
Seconded by Councilman Donlick
VOTES: AYE – Williams, Cobb, Donlick, Guido, Leach NAY – 0
ADOPTED
WHEREAS, the Town of Cortlandville and Cortland Regional Sports Council propose to engage
the services of a consulting firm to update an economic impact and feasibility study for the
Gutchess Lumber Sports Complex that was originally done in 2016, to provide the Town with
further development data and information to identify community needs, the economic impact
expansion would have for Cortland, NY, anticipated project costs, job creation, updated market
analysis and a sports need assessment, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby authorize and direct the Supervisor to let out to
bid/request proposals to update an economic impact and feasibility study for a multi-sport complex
in the Town of Cortlandville, known as Gutchess Lumber Sports Complex, and it is further
RESOLVED, proposals must be received by email submission to jmcnerney@cortlandville.org
and machellphelps@gmail.com or by mail to the attention of John McNerney, Town of
Cortlandville, Parks & Recreation, 3577 Terrace Road, Cortland, NY 13045, no later than 4:00
p.m. on Wednesday, November 15, 2023.
Supervisor Williams acknowledged Recreation Director, John McNerney and Machell
Phelps from the Cortland Regional Sports Council who were in attendance to discuss plans for the
economic impact and feasibility study for GLSC.
Mr. McNerney explained to those in attendance that in 2015 the Town applied for a NYS
Parks Recreation Historic Preservation Grant for GLSC and was not successful in receiving
funding. In 2016, with feedback from NYS, the Town engaged the services of a Chicago based
firm, MFA Consulting Group, to conduct an economic impact and feasibility study. The study
was useful for the Town’s grant endeavors and helped with planning since the opening of GLSC
in 2019. In 2022, at the advice of former Cortland County BDC/IDA Executive Director, Garry
OCTOBER 18, 2023 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 9
VanGorder, the Town was encouraged to apply for a grant through the Empire State Development
planning grant process and the Town was awarded a grant in the amount of $32,500 to conduct a
next phase feasibility study.
Mr. McNerney explained that he and Machell Phelps put the proposal (RFP) together,
asking for the plan to be updated from 2016 to the current date. The Town would be seeking a
consulting firm to undertake the feasibility and economic study to include the following key points:
• Identifying the type and mix of recreation/athletic fields most in demand;
• Identifying similar and existing facilities or planned facilities in the area that may
impact the Town;
• Identifying Town of Cortlandville community park needs and community needs;
• Analyzing and qualifying the economic impact of the planned facility.
Mr. McNerney informed the Board that after research they identified eight different firms
that do this work. With the Board’s approval, they would put the RFP out to the firms and return
if they have reasonable proposals and cost estimates of what the feasibility study would be. The
goal of the study is to allow community leaders to make informed decisions on the future
development of GLSC as well as demonstrate the economic impact and potential of the facility.
Mr. McNerney provided the Board with the following 2023 GLSC participation data,
which was received and filed earlier in the meeting, explaining that the data was for the spring and
summer months and did not include the 8 week fall data.
• Hosted over 100 local high school baseball and softball games
• Hosted over 40 NCAA college baseball game
• Hosted over 80 college club and local travel team baseball games (SUNY Cortland, IC,
Jr. Crush team, u14, u15, u16 and u18 teams)
• Projected 600 teams played at the facility with over 25,000 players, spectators, coaches
and umpires
• Where do teams come from? Out of state travel teams that typically spent 4 days in
Cortland playing at GLSC and city parks:
1 Colorado 1 Minnesota 87 Pennsylvania 100’s New York
3 Connecticut 16 New Jersey 1 Rhode Island
1 Kentucky 15 Ontario, Canada 1 Texas
6 Maryland 3 Montreal 8 Virginia
Average Tournament Teams 36-55; NYS Games Jr. & Sr. 500 participants
Mr. McNerney stated he was working on the data from the 8 weekend fall events and
mentioned there was another even scheduled for November 4, 2023 with Upstate NY teams from
colleges such as St. John Fisher, Union College, Sienna, Syracuse University. The fields would
then be winterized and not used until March 2024.
Supervisor Williams and the Board thanked Mr. McNerney for the update.
Machell Phelps, from Cortland Regional Sports Council, added that she was working on
the economic impact report from GLSC for the year up to the beginning of October. While her
report was not yet complete, she stated there was $4.9 million in economic impact to Cortland
County; more than $2 million was directly contributed to PBR and the tournaments they brought
to the community. She would provide the Board with her final report once complete.
Supervisor Williams explained that the economic impact equates to sales tax with families
and teams coming into the community for a long weekend spending money on things such as hotel,
food, and gas. He stated that over the last two fiscal years the Town has received close to $1
million in excess sales tax each year. He explained that the Town receives about 8% of the total
sales tax that comes into the County. Supervisor Williams provided some additional information
about PBR Tournaments for those in attendance.
With no further business to be heard, Supervisor Willaims adjourned the Regular Meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 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 October 27, 2023.
The final version of this meeting was approved as written at the Town Board meeting of , 2023.