HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 Enfield-Town-Government-Newsletter-Spring-2009.pdf1
Town of Enfield
168 Enfield Main Road http://townofenfield.org
Spring 2009 Newsletter
Enfield Town Boards
Meetings are held in the
Community Building, 1st floor
Town Board: 2nd Wednesday, 7pm
Town Supervisor
Frank Podufalski 277-0838
Deputy Supervisor
Jean Owens 273-5682
Town Council Members
Roy Barriere 277-3843
Stephanie Gaynor 272-8384
Robert Harvey 277-7656
Herb Masser, Jr. 387-8213
Planning Board:1st Wednesday, 7pm
Virginia Bryant, co-chair 387-9376
Jim McConkey, co-chair 387-9830
Ann Chaffee 387-8405
Rich Neno, Sr. 273-9464
Calvin Rothermich 272-5930
Debbie Teeter 277-4547
Vacant: contact Town Supervisor if
interested in this board
Town Offices
Town Clerk 273-8256
Alice Laue, Town Clerk
Pat Dougherty, Deputy Town Clerk
Town Office/Clerk Hours:
Tuesday: 8-11 am, 3-8 pm
Wednesday: 4-7 pm
Thursday: 2-5 pm
Highway Department 272-6490
Barry Rollins, Highway Superintendent
Town Highway Office Hours:
Monday-Friday: 6 am - 2:30 pm
Town Court 273-0363
Justice Poole: Monday, 5:00 pm
Justice Varricchio: Thursday, 5:00 pm
Code Enforcement Office
Community Building, 2nd floor
Code Enforcement 277-0266
Alan Teeter, Code Enforcement Officer
Carl Staley, Code Enforcement Officer
Code Enforcement Office Hours:
Monday, Thursday & Saturday 8:30-11 am
Wednesday 8:30-12 pm & 5-8 pm
Town Historian
Sue Thompson 272-6412
Enfield Volunteer Fire Company
Ron Switzer, Chief 272-8757
Art Howser, Deputy Chief
Roger Lauper, 1st Assistant Chief
Ben Giles, 2nd Assistant Chief
Kirk VanDee, Captain
County Legislators
Report from the Supervisor
Enfield is a wonderful rural community with extensive resources and a
vibrant population. In spite of this we often find ourselves ridiculed by the
county population in general due to the appearance of an inability to get along
and behave towards each other in a civil manner. In truth, while most of us do
treat each other respectfully, even when we disagree, there is a small number
of people who express disagreement and frustration inappropriately. This
does not make Enfield unique, or even unusual; it does, however, make it
difficult to govern effectively.
Recently, in my own frustration with a few residents that have
interrupted meetings with out of order comments, questions and accusations
since I took office, I suspended the Privilege of the Floor period at Town Board
meetings. As anyone reading the subsequent coverage of this meeting in the
Ithaca Journal knows, this was not well received by some of the town’s
residents. For the record, I have spoken with a greater number of residents
that applauded my action than spoke out against it that evening.
It is not my intention or desire to stifle dissent. I don’t expect that we
will all agree, all the time. I ran for this office with very clear, very public
intentions and believe residents voted for me because they supported my
positions. I think this is an appropriate time to review the issues I cited as
important when I ran for office, and where we currently stand on these issues:
• Efforts to form a fire district have been side tracked (see page 2). During
the process of trying to form a fire district, we were able to maintain fire
protection for the town by acting in good faith with the Fire Company. When
it became clear the fire district effort would fail, we negotiated a contract with
the Fire Company. The fact that the Town Board and the Fire Company
were able to work together to ensure continuing fire protection during this
period has been used against as proof that fire protection would NOT have
ended during the contentious fire contract dispute in 2007. Residents should
understand the very real difference between these situations.
• The board continues to move forward with new town facilities, again with
opposition from a small group. We will break ground on a long-overdue
highway facility shortly.
• Since I took office, the Town board has held only a couple special or
emergency meetings, as compared with 11 in 2007 alone held by the
previous board.
• With all but one town board member and me being new to town government
in 2008, we’ve had a lot to learn. We’ve made mistakes, which we’ve
admitted publicly and worked to rectify. We have not tried to hide our
“warts”, which has again been used against us, with a repeated suggestion
of incompetence. While we may not have made the progress we’d hoped for
in some areas, we can be confident that what we have accomplished has
been done the right way.
• We’ve held the line on town taxes; Enfield continues to have the lowest
property tax rate in the county: 1.107 per $1000 of assessed value. Our Fire
Protection costs continue to be in line with other nearby communities—let’s
hope our fire company continues to get the volunteers they need to remain
[continued, next page]
Greg Stevenson
Enfield/Newfield
273-2439
gwstevenson@htva.net
Jim Dennis
Enfield/Ulysses
387-4058
jpd821@yahoo.com
2
Enfield Volunteer Fire Company Inc.
The question has been asked as to where fire protection stands in the
Town of Enfield. I must say that with all that has occurred over the last few
months I sometimes wonder myself. First I want to make it perfectly clear that
there is no intent by either the Enfield Volunteer Fire Company Inc (EVFC) or
the Enfield Town Board to disrupt fire and emergency medical services in the
town. Both parties have worked extremely hard the last few months to
establish a fire district, a step that would have eliminated any possibility that
fire and medical services would ever be disrupted, as was the case in 2007. It
was the belief by both parties based on input from concerned residents and
members of the previous town board that a fire district was more suited for the
Town of Enfield. The Fire District would allow registered voters in the town to
vote for Fire Commissioners to oversee the Fire Company. Voters would also
have the opportunity to vote on major purchases such as fire apparatus and
all fire district meetings are open to the public. Currently the EVFC Board of
Directors oversees the fire company and their purchases and those meetings
are closed to the public. The Board of Directors are elected by the
membership of the EVFC.
The Town Board held a public hearing on the formation of a fire
district in December 2008 and a resolution for formation was passed.
However, in February some of the same group of residents who wanted the
fire district filed a petition signed by 176 residents of Enfield to force the fire
district formation to a public referendum. One can only assume that those who
signed the petition were against a fire district only because this petition
basically stops the formation process. There is also some speculation that
residents were misinformed on the purpose of the petition and were
repeatedly hounded until they signed. Either way the process to continue with
fire district formation has been put on hold. There simply was not enough time
to work through all the legal interpretations and schedule a referendum and
keep the EVFC financially afloat. The EVFC had been working on a per diem
basis that was anticipated to only last a few days into February at most.
This is somewhat disappointing knowing that a tremendous amount of
time and taxpayer monies have been spent on this process. The EVFC has
spent in excess of $30,000.00 in attorney fees between the contract problems
in 2007 and the fire district formation filings; this does not include what the
Town has spent, but I’m sure we’ve breached the $50,000.00 mark. The
EVFC and Town Board have reverted back to doing business as we have in
the past and by the time of this print we will have a fire contract in place for
2009.
It’s important to note there is a big difference between now and 2007.
The EVFC and Town Board have been in communication with each other on a
weekly basis, something we could not do without attorneys present in 2007.
Both parties agreed to work diligently to keep fire and medical services in
effect, and based on that simple fact these services remained intact and the
school was able to remain open. Please Note: It’s only when there is no
signed contract or agreement in sight and the two parties are at odds with
each other that create a situation that tends to make school officials nervous
and closures an option.
The EVFC has been serving the residents of Enfield for 60 years and
plan to continue for years to come. However, volunteers are a crucial part of
our operation and we welcome any interested residents to stop by any
Thursday evening and check out what it takes to be member.
Remember to keep up to date on the EVFC activities by visiting our
new web site www.enfieldfirecompany.com
Submitted by
Dennis G. Hubbell, President
Enfield Volunteer Fire Company
[continued from previous page]
at our service.
My approach to town
government has been to treat
everyone respectfully and answer
questions as they are posed as
honestly as I can. I understand there
are times when my answers are not
what those asking the question want
to hear. Sometimes questions are
asked that I cannot answer, such as
“Why did my taxes go up so much?",
which is a question that must
addressed to the County Assessment
Department; the value of your home
changes over time, impacting your tax
bill. Other times I am asked questions
pertaining to confidential employee
records, which also cannot be
answered.
In closing, let me say I am
hopeful we can get our Town Board
meetings under control and continue
to move forward on issues important
to the community. I look forward to
respectful treatment of each other and
thoughtful, informed comment from
residents during the Privilege of the
Floor period.
Respectfully,
Frank Podufalski
Town Supervisor
County Level Activity
of Interest
to Enfield Residents
• The Tompkins County Council of
Governments (TCCOG) is working
on a shared approach to employee
health insurance for county
municipalities. This could provide
similar or improved coverage at a
reduced price for both towns and
employees.
• Town Council person Herb Masser
has been working with Verizon and
Tompkins County on providing
county-wide broadband service at
an affordable price.
• Town Supervisor Podufalski has
approached TCCOG with a request
to consider forming a county-wide
Ethics Board to hear concerns from
residents. Some Enfield residents
are dissatisfied with the Town’s
current Code of Ethics and the
limitations of the County Code of
Ethics.
3
Code Enforcement Updates
With the warm weather here and
the building season upon us, we'd like
to once again remind people to check
with us to see if a permit is required
for that summer project that you may
be considering. Some projects that
people often don't realize require a
permit are new decks, sheds over 144
square feet, and all new pools
capable of holding 2 feet or more of
water (yes, this also means the blue
plastic ones sold at discount stores).
All pools require a 48" fence with a
locking gate and new pools require a
pool alarm. There is an exception: a 4'
metal walled pool does not need a
separate fence as the pool itself
serves as a fence. It's important to
have all pools, old or new, secure
from unauthorized entry from small
children for there own safety.
We also want to remind people
that house numbers need to be visible
from the road. This is especially
important for emergency services;
valuable time can be lost searching
for a house number in the dark. The
town is still providing signs and
installation at no charge. If you would
like one just give us a call.
Finally, a reminder that our office
hours are Monday, Thursday and
Saturday 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. and
Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 12: 00 p.m.
and 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. As always, feel
free to give us a call with any
questions or leave us a message and
we will get back to you as soon as we
can.
From the Highway Department
The first day as your new Enfield Highway Superintendent started at
4:00 am Thursday, New Years Day. I met the guys when they came back from
taking care of their routes during a snow storm. It was agreed that it would be
business as usual until the next Monday, Jan. 4th. At this time there was a two
hour sit down, brain storming, meeting of the minds of what they expected,
what I expected and what was expected of us by our town. I felt it was a good
meeting and a good start to our working relationships.
My last day of work with my previous employer Tompkins Highway
Dept. was Jan. 23, 2009. I was happy to complete my commitments with them
and to focus my time and energy where my heart is, Enfield.
After working with the guys a week and getting settled in, my first
order of business was to appoint a Deputy Superintendent. I selected Chuck
Sinclair and was happy that he agreed to be appointed, and I feel he is an
excellent choice.
Two trucks were ordered by the prior Deputy Highway Superintendent
and approved by our Town Board in 2008. The first a Ford 550 we have taken
delivery of, and is already in service after a few minor improvements. We
needed to apply a hitch and a speed control on the spreader. The plow is a
little too big, but there is no doubt it can move snow! The second truck a 2009
International 10 wheeler, there is yet to be a delivery date for this, I will keep
you informed.
We have done a lot of cleaning at the Highway inside and out. There
were some improvements that were needed in safety gear to be in compliance
with OSHA and PESH, and also plain and simply just to keep our Highway
guys and our town safe.
I personally have found the guys that are working at our Town
Highway to be, hard working and agreeable. The guys and I are on the same
page as far as making some improvements while keeping some things the
way they are in continuing to provide Enfield with excellent service.
I asked our Town Board for a clothing allowance for the guys, as
previously we had been paying for a Uniform Service which some of the guys
did not take part in. Also a $100.00 allowance for steel toed boots, both of
which have been approved and are for employees after they have completed
their probation period. We will be using Cinta Service for rags and coveralls
which will save the town money, not a lot but every little bit helps!
Along with maintaining the roads during the winter storms, we have
also been filling potholes and doing maintenance on our summer equipment.
Please let us know of any pot holes we may have missed!
In February, while myself and another employee were returning from
Auburn after taking the Ford 550 for the needed adjustments, a wind storm
came up. While our Highway crew was out clearing the roads of trees, the
employee taking calls unfortunately missed a call from 911. Our Fire Dept.
was called out to West Enfield Center Rd. to clear this tree from the road as
our Highway crews, and then eventually myself, continued clearing other
roads. I felt it was a good job done by all.
Cutting of shoulders and digging of ditches is coming up as well as
brush and tree work. Anyone that is interested in fill/dirt or wood chips need
only to contact us at the Highway Barns.
I have already enjoyed serving you the last few months as your new
Highway Superintendent and look forward to continuing to do so. As always if
you have any concerns, ideas, (or praises!) for myself or the guys, please feel
free to contact us at the Highway and also at my home phone number.
Respectfully Submitted,
Barry (Buddy) Rollins Sr.
Highway-272-6490
Home--273-5679
Seasonal Reminder: Open Burning
is Illegal in Tompkins County
As you begin spring clean up in
and around your home, please
remember to dispose or trash a
rubbish appropriately. The only things
that can be burned outside at home
are food on your barbeque grill or
camp fire (smile), farm waste (if you’re
a farmer), garden and lawn cleanup
material such as vines, leaves,
needles, small trees and branches.
Waste material like paper, paper
products, rags, furniture, plastics, tires
and junk is not allowed to be burned.
For more information visit the
Tompkins County Health Department
website:
http://www.co.tompkins.ny.us/health/eh/openburn.htm
4
Dates to Remember
May
6 Planning Board Meeting
Community Building, 7 pm
13 Town Board Meeting
Community Building, 7 pm
June
3 Planning Board Meeting
Community Building, 7 pm
10 Town Board Meeting
Community Building, 7 pm
July
1 Planning Board Meeting
Community Building, 7 pm
8 Town Board Meeting
Community Building, 7 pm
Town of Enfield
168 Enfield Main Road
Ithaca NY 14850
Opportunities to Serve your Community:
Town Planning Board: One current 7-year term vacancy; the Planning Board
meets at 7:00 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month. Contact either Virginia
Bryant or Jim Cockney, co-chairs, for information about the board, or
Supervisor Podufalski if interested in applying.
Town Government: The terms for Town Supervisor, two Town Board
members, the Town Clerk and a Town Justice end this year; if interested in
running, call the Tompkins County Board of elections, 274-5522, for contact
information for your political party or information about how to run for office
without a party affiliation.
Enfield Volunteer Fire Company: Members train the second through fourth
Thursdays of the month, starting at 7:30 p.m. Stop by any of these evenings to
meet other members, learn about the company, see how your skills might
benefit the community and what new skills you can learn by joining the fire
company. Volunteers are needed on an on-going basis for Scene Support,
Interior Fire Fighting, Emergency Medical Services and Fire Police.
With the ongoing concern over the H1N1 influenza (swine flu), it’s important to
remember some basic practices to keep ourselves and others healthy:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw
the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or
sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.