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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 10 - 2022-Regular-Town-Board-Meeting 1 Town of Enfield Regular Town Board Meeting 6:30 pm Wednesday, August 10, 2022 Via the Zoom Meeting Platform Present: Supervisor Stephanie Redmond; Town Councilpersons; Jude Lemke, Cassandra Hinkle, Robert Lynch, James Ricks; and Town Clerk Mary Cornell. Supervisor Redmond called the Regular Town Board Meeting to order at 6: 30 pm Privilege of the Floor: James Ricks spoke on issues with Cayuga Nations and Clint Halftown. Robert Lynch led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance, and he spoke on the issues with Cayuga Nations and Clint Halftown. Diane Aramini spoke on issues with hearing Councilperson Ricks. Additions and Changes to the Agenda: Councilperson Lynch would like to add a resolution urging Governor Hochul to sign firefighter and EMS exemption. Correspondence: Monthly Reports County Legislator: Anne Koreman – Tompkins County continues to be a low spreader for COVID. Cornell/IC/TC3 will be testing all students for COVID before arriving on campus. The County has seen an increase in Rabies calls, they are urging caution in wildlife areas. There are a couple of cases of Monkey Pox in Tompkins County. Individuals can call 988 for crisis assistance. Anne has free tickets for Friday, August 26th LGBTQ event at the NYS Fair, she can be reached at 607- 592-2886. Grants are open for County ARPA funds – reach out to Anne if you are interested in seeing if you may qualify. Supervisor Redmond asked Anne if the Enfield Grange would qualify for funding as they are not a 501C-3. Anne was not sure as they do not fit into the normal qualifications. Councilperson Lynch thanked Legislator Koreman for asking questions related to possible grant funding for food pantries at a recent meeting. He checked with Food Pantry Director Jean Owens about some of the potential issues and it does not appear it is as complicated as originally thought. Supervisor Redmond asked what the current plans are for back to school in regards to masking, Covid, Monkey Pox’s, etc. Anne suggested she contact Frank Kruppa or attend the next County Legislature meeting for answers to these questions. Councilperson Lynch shared that the redistricting public hearing will be held at the next legislature meeting if town residents would like to attend. Anne shared that some of the legislature will meet with Sachem George next week. Town Supervisor’s Report – Stephanie Redmond. She attended a Zoom meeting with other Town Supervisors. She communicated with Alan Teeter and Superintendent Rollins regarding the concerns for Parklane construction (Issues with the newly constructed salt barn). She is working with Alan Teeter on a grant for funding for abandoned home demolition in the Town. She met with Norm Smith to discuss upgrades to the Town Hall. She met with. CCA 3.0 – attending a conference with Robert Lynch/Councilperson Lemke and is hopeful a presentation can be made at a future Town Board meeting. Town Clerk’s Report – Mary Cornell. In addition to performing the normal tasks of the Town Clerks’ office, the Clerk is working with Xerox to bring in the new copier/printer. The clerk urged the Town Board to do an enumeration as the Clerk’s office has received many complaints from residents about unlicensed dogs and why they have to pay when others aren’t. The last enumeration was done in mid-2010. Clerk Cornell will provide the Town Board will information on the enumeration at the September town board meeting. 2 Highway Superintendent Report – Buddy Rollins. They have been doing summer maintenance. He purchased a used pickup truck to replace one of ours that is in rough shape. Parklane Construction came last week and fixed almost all of the issues that were raised. He is looking at a used 10-wheeler dump truck that is a reasonable price. He may need to expend some monies out of his equipment reserve to purchase the truck. Supervisor Redmond asked if he could Oil and Stone in front of the courthouse when he is doing his other oil and stone project. Buddy explained the Town would need to provide funds to do so. Councilperson Lynch suggested that Jean Owens be brought into this conversation and that one of the main issues is the slope. Diane Aramini asked how long the oil and stone would need to cure/sit for. Buddy shared it would depend on the weather and how much heat we have. Superintendent Rollins shared that he is planning on putting stabilizer stone in front of the Town Courthouse. Code Enforcement Report – Alan Teeter. He issued 4 building permits last month. He finalized the local law and it has been sent to Town attorney Guy Krough. He met with Buddy at the Salt Barn. He is planning on meeting with Norm Smith on the updates for the Town Hall and perhaps Stephanie and Mary can join as well. Councilperson Lynch noticed the metal tin on the Old Baptist Church roof has several loose panels on the Grange side. He is worried that if the wind gets under them they may tear off. Alan noticed this as well and will contact the homeowner. Councilperson Lynch asked about the property next to the Town Courthouse if it is still being renovated as it appears to still have some issues. Alan shared that there may be some upgrades planned for the interior of the building. Alan will contact the homeowners as there appear to be some trash issues. Volunteer Fire Company – Alan Teeter.. they had 39 calls – Upcoming training; August 11th car fire/electric car training, August 18th there will be training at Upper Robert Treman State Park, and on the 25th EMS/Truck training. Planning Board Report – Dan Walker. He shared the Planning Boards’ response to the request from the Town Board on Zoning. Most items can be handled without the need for Zoning. Tompkins County Council of Govts – Robert Lynch. The full report is on file with the Town Clerks’ office. Consent Agenda: Audit Claims – General Fund Vouchers #175-201 dated August 10, 2022, in the amount of $31,631.62. Highway Fund Vouchers numbered 130-148 dated August 10, 2022, in the amount of $105,189.90 Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded. VOTE: Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Lynch, Aye; Councilperson Ricks, Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried. Minutes: July 13, 2022, and July 26, 2022 Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded. Minutes. Discussion: Councilperson Lynch sent a punch list to Clerk Cornell with minor suggested changes. Vote: Councilperson Hinkle Aye; Councilperson Lemke, Abstain; Councilperson Lynch, Aye; Councilperson Councilperson Ricks, Abstain; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried. New Business: Discussion: Park – Deputy Supervisor Isabel Castillo and Xiqian Zhang worked together on a presentation for the creation of a Park in the Town of Enfield. The purpose is to create and promote a safe and enjoyable recreation area for our residents. The timeline is fluid, we would need to designate a property as a park by local law. The presentation is on 3 file with the Town Clerk’s office. Supervisor Redmond shared that the Town owns ~52 acres near the Town Highway Department. Councilperson Lemke asked if any available grants allow for the purchase of land. Isabel shared the Park foundation does allow for the purchase of land. Martha Fischer asked if this can be combined with the food pantry’s new site. Supervisor Redmond shared the committee information and asked if any of the board members would be interested in joining the park committee. Supervisor Redmond would like a post on the website asking community members if they are interested in joining the committee. Supervisor Redmond motioned and Councilperson Lemke seconded. No further discussion. VOTE: Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Lynch, Aye; Councilperson Ricks, Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried. Discussion: Land Use Regulations Guidance for Planning Board. Supervisor Redmond shared that a list of questions was created after the last Town Board meeting and sent to the Planning Board. The Planning Board has reviewed the concerns and responded to the Town Board. Supervisor Redmond shared that the Town Board was concerned about a possible landfill request for the town and how many solar farms the town would like to allow. What housing developments are we willing to consider and what regulations do we need to have in place? Councilperson Lemke shared that she was authorized to speak to a law firm and they may be the best way to proceed as they have a lot of knowledge. Councilperson Lynch shared that we should focus on the issues/areas that we would like to regulate and implement regulations on those specific needs. Councilperson Lemke and Supervisor Redmond agreed. Supervisor Redmond asked the Board what direction do we want to point the planning board in? Do we want to ask other towns what their experiences have been (Trumansburg large housing)? Councilperson Lynch shared that the Town does not have the infrastructure to allow large-scale projects. Councilperson Lemke asked Planning Board Chair Dan Walker how many solar farms can the town handle. Dan Walker shared there are limitations to the amount of solar that could be in the town due to infrastructure issues. Solar Farm developments are limited as they need to rely on grant monies and tax breaks to make them viable. Dan shared if those areas are included in the comprehensive plan it can help alleviate issues that may arise. Supervisor Redmond would like the Planning Board to possibly designate areas for main street revitalization for the town. Councilperson Ricks shared these seem like planning board issues. Councilperson Lemke asked that the board limits its focus on a couple of issues to bring to the planning board so that they will be able to address them, and suggested; Landfills; Loud noxious industry; and Commercial development; the solar industry; and high-density housing development. Resolution #69-2022 - Approval of Electrical Installation WHEREAS, the salt barn is in need of light fixtures and electric outlets and WHEREAS, Shisler Electrical Contractor provided an estimate of $13,998.00 for the electrical installation, now therefore be it RESOLVED, The Enfield Town Board authorized the Highway Superintendent to engage the services of Shisler Electrical Contractor. Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded. A Brief discussion followed. Vote: Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Lynch, Aye; Councilperson Ricks, Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried. Resolution #70-2022 - Approval of Paving Salt Barn Floor WHEREAS, the Salt Barn is in need of paving and 4 WHEREAS, Seneca Stone Corporation provided an estimate of $53,942.00 for paving the floor, now therefore be it RESOLVED, The Enfield Town Board authorizes the Highway Superintendent to engage the services of Senecas Stone Corporation. Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lemke seconded. Discussion: Councilperson Lynch stated it is a state bid and the bids we have received were higher than Seneca Stone, and we are currently over the original budget. Highway Superintendent Rollins shared that the floor had to be raided ~30” in 4” increments, Superintendent Rollins will provide the total cost at the end of the project. Vote: Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Lynch, Aye; Councilperson Ricks, Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried. Resolution #71-2022 - Approval of August 2022 Budget Modifications WHEREAS, it is necessary to modify the 2022 budget based on updated estimates of revenues and expenditures in 2022, and WHEREAS, a detailed listing and description of each budget adjustment by Fund has been provided to the Town Board for review as presented below, be it therefore RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Board approves the budget modifications as outlined below. 5 GENERAL FUND - A AUGUST 2022 BUDGET MODIFICATIONS Current Increase/Modified Account #Description Budget (Decrease)Budget Expenditures A1330.4 Tax Collector - Contractual 2,780.00$ 1,220.00$ 4,000.00$ A1410.4 Town Clerk - Contractual 3,300.00$ 700.00$ 4,000.00$ A1620.12 Buidlings and Grounds - Personnel -$ 1,800.00$ 1,800.00$ A1620.42 Buildings - Maintenance and Imrovements -$ 50,000.00$ 50,000.00$ A1670.2 Central Service - Equipment -$ 3,500.00$ 3,500.00$ A1670.4 Central Services - Contractual 300.00$ 1,700.00$ 2,000.00$ A8020.4 Planning - Contractual 100.00$ 2,000.00$ 2,100.00$ A8160.1 Refuse and Garbage - Personnel -$ 780.00$ 780.00$ A1990.4 Contingent Account 15,639.00$ (11,700.00)$ 3,939.00$ Total Expenditure Adjustments 50,000.00$ Revenues A599 Appropriated Fund Balance 63,333.00$ 45,000.00$ 108,333.00$ A3089 State Aid - Other -$ 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$ Total Revenue Adjustments 50,000.00$ Description of Proposed Adjustments: These General Fund budget adjustments address spending in excess of the budget plan for several areas of contractual spending - tax collector, clerk, central services, and planning. These changes primarily reflect costs associated with postage, copying, printing and supplies. In addition, they reflect the Town's share of the Cornell Intern in the planning area. Increases in personnel spending reflect the hiring of a groundskeeper for Town facilites, and the work of the Highway Department staff for the Town clean up effort. Equipment purchases reflect computer upgrades. Lastly, there is an adjustment to reflect the cost of the building improvements for the Court House, funded by NYSERDA grant monies both in current and prior years. Please note that further budget adjustments will need to be made in the coming months to cover increased costs in building contractual expenses - as discussed at the July special board meeting on budget. HIGHWAY FUND - DA AUGUST 2022 BUDGET MODIFICATIONS Current Increase/Modified Account #Description Budget (Decrease)Budget Revenues DA2650 Sale of Equipment -$ 2,870.00$ 2,870.00$ Total Revenue Adjustments 2,870.00$ Expenditures DA5130.2 Machinery - Equipment 207,587.45$ 2,870.00$ 210,457.45$ Total Expenditure Adjustments 2,870.00$ Description of Proposed Adjustments: The Highway Fund budget adjustment reflects funds received for the sale of equipment and allocates those monies for equipment purchases. Please note that further adjustments will be necessary in the coming months to account for the increased cost of fuel and planned road improvements, as discussed at the July special board meeting on the budget. Most of those adjustments will be covered by moving savings in one area of the highway department budget to cover the excess spending in others. 6 Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded. No discussion. Vote: Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Lynch, Aye; Councilperson Ricks, Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried. Resolution #72-2022 - A Resolution urging Governor Hochul to sign legislatively-adopted volunteer firefighter and EMS volunteer assessment reduction legislation Whereas, on April 13, 2022, by a unanimous vote, this Enfield Town Board adopted Resolution #49- 2022, a Resolution recommending the Tompkins County Legislature draft, endorse, and forward to the New York State Legislature appropriate New York Home Rule legislation that would permit the Town of Enfield, Tompkins County, and other local taxing authorities, to grant, through local law, up to a ten per cent (10%) residential property assessment reduction to qualifying volunteer firefighters and volunteer EMS personnel; and Whereas, by State Assembly action May 24, 2022, followed by State Senate action June 1, 2022, the New York State Legislature enacted Assembly Bill A10155-A, and Senate Bill S.9131, respectively; identical legislation that would , in effect, codify and extend to all municipalities statewide the permissive authority this Town Board had requested so as to permit such assessment reductions; and Whereas, the Enfield Town Board supports Assembly Bill A10155-A, and Senate Bill S.9131, and urges this adopted legislation be signed into law; and Whereas, this adopted legislation currently awaits the signature of New York Governor Kathy Hochul to become law; therefore be it Resolved, that the Enfield Town Board hereby respectfully urges Governor Hochul to sign Assembly Bill A10155-A, and Senate Bill S.9131 into law; and be it further Resolved, that a copy of this Resolution shall be forwarded by the Town Clerk to the following: the Hon. Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York; the Hon. Thomas O’Mara, New York State Senator; the Hon. Dr. Anna Kelles, New York State Assemblymember; and the Hon. Shawna Black, Chairwoman, Tompkins County Legislature. Councilperson Lynch moved and Councilperson Lemke seconded. Discussion: This proposed state law, if signed, would enable a qualified reduction of 10% in property assessment for Firefighters/EMS volunteers provided that a taxing jurisdiction, through local law, permitted such reduction. Vote: Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Lynch, Aye; Councilperson Ricks, Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried. Privilege of the floor: Councilperson Lynch shared correspondence from former Clerk Ellen Woods: “As you prepare to enter this budget season I would like to inform the Town Board that Living Wage for Tompkins county has been increased! This is great news. It does suggest a salary for 2023 that is just slightly higher than the salary that has been set in the preliminary documents I viewed. As I have previously demonstrated (amply) every other Town Clerk in the County of Tompkins earns a minimum of Living Wage X Full Time hours/Year. And often much, much more. So any/all 'debates' about whether this pivotal role is 'full time' are basically meaningless & maybe even a little silly. (These 'debates' also adversely affect NYS retirement: even though during the Pandemic I was mandated by Board decisions to work more than FT due to *19 Special Meetings* & an unexpected Supervisor resignation, and I amply documented this, I was only credited for the hours my predecessor documented *in 2010*, amounting to just under 1/2 a year for 14 months of hard work & I now must spend my very limited free time rectifying this with NYS) Last time I checked, every other Town Clerk except for Caroline also has Health Insurance via their Town. (And I hope that as of this writing Caroline has seen the 7 error of this and corrected the oversight.) It is important for both gender and class equity reasons that the Town Board pay strict attention to these matters surrounding Enfield Town Clerk compensation as it has been so deficient in the past. And I know those issues are very important to this Board. Thank you for your continued attention to this matter.” Adjournment: Motion to Adjourn Jude Lemke and seconded by Councilperson Lynch. Adjourned 9:11 pm Respectfully submitted, Mary Cornell Mary Cornell Town Clerk