HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 27 2022 - Town of Enfield Special Town Board Meeting Minutes
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Town of Enfield Special Town Board Meeting
Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at 6:30 PM
In-Person and via the Zoom Meeting Platform
Present: Supervisor Stephanie Redmond, Councilpersons; James Ricks, Cassandra Hinkle, Robert Lynch; Highway
Superintendent Buddy Rollins; Town Clerk Mary Cornell
Virtual Attendance: Councilperson Lemke.
Call to Order: Supervisor Redmond called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM
Privilege of the Floor: Ed and Helen Hetherington led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilperson Lynch
shared what happened at the December 20, 2022 meeting of the Tompkins Co. Legislature. The legislature met and
authorized a resolution to allocate the 6+ million dollars of County ARPA funds. Enfield did not receive any funds.
Councilperson Lynch quoted the remarks of Newfield-Enfield County legislator Randy Brown, who criticized the
Legislature’s actions and voted against the funding resolution: Enfield and Newfield were completely ignored by the
County, they are some of the poorest towns in the County and they receive limited/zero funding. Brown said that he
feels that the committee didn’t even understand the processes that both Enfield and Newfield are feeling.
Councilperson Lynch then expressed his hope that if there is funding left over or additional funding is available next
year, Enfield may be able to apply for funding.
Additions and Changes to the Agenda: N/A
Correspondence: N/A
New Business:
Enfield Fire Company New Member Approval:
Resolution #94-2022 Approval of New Member – Anthony Walrad– Enfield Volunteer Fire Co.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Not-for-Profit Corporation Law §1402, and Town Law §176, only active members of a Volunteer
Fire Company are covered by the Volunteer Firefighter Benefit Law if injured or killed while performing services for the
Fire Company, and;
WHEREAS, members may only be considered active members if given final approval of the Enfield Town Board, and;
WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Board wishes to honor and approve new volunteer firefighters to serve with the Enfield
Volunteer Fire Company and to satisfy legal and insurance requirements for the benefit of our volunteers, and;
WHEREAS, Anthony Walrad, of the Town of Enfield, has completed all requirements for Membership, and has been
approved by vote of the Enfield Volunteer Fire Company membership for a position as an active member;
WHEREAS, Anthony Walrad is a resident of the Town of Enfield and a Volunteer, therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Enfield Town Board hereby approves membership of Anthony Walrad into the Enfield Volunteer Fire
Company, effective immediately.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lynch seconded.
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Vote: Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Ricks, Aye; Councilperson Lynch,
Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried.
Resolution #95-2022 Approval of New Member – Barb Masser– Enfield Volunteer Fire Co.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Not-for-Profit Corporation Law §1402, and Town Law §176, only active members of a Volunteer
Fire Company are covered by the Volunteer Firefighter Benefit Law if injured or killed while performing services for the
Fire Company, and;
WHEREAS, members may only be considered active members if given final approval of the Enfield Town Board, and;
WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Board wishes to honor and approve new volunteer firefighters to serve with the Enfield
Volunteer Fire Company and to satisfy legal and insurance requirements for the benefit of our volunteers, and;
WHEREAS, Barb Masser, of the Town of Enfield, has completed all requirements for Membership, and has been
approved by vote of the Enfield Volunteer Fire Company membership for a position as an active member;
WHEREAS, Barb Masser is a resident of the Town of Enfield and a Volunteer, therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Enfield Town Board hereby approves membership of Barb Masser into the Enfield Volunteer Fire
Company, effective immediately.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded.
Vote: Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Ricks, Aye; Councilperson Lynch,
Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried.
Resolution #96-2022 Approval of New Member – Ann Rider – Enfield Volunteer Fire Co.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Not-for-Profit Corporation Law §1402, and Town Law §176, only active members of a Volunteer
Fire Company are covered by the Volunteer Firefighter Benefit Law if injured or killed while performing services for the
Fire Company, and;
WHEREAS, members may only be considered active members if given final approval of the Enfield Town Board, and;
WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Board wishes to honor and approve new volunteer firefighters to serve with the Enfield
Volunteer Fire Company and to satisfy legal and insurance requirements for the benefit of our volunteers, and;
WHEREAS, Ann Rider, of the Town of Enfield, has completed all requirements for Membership, and has been approved
by vote of the Enfield Volunteer Fire Company membership for a position as an active member;
WHEREAS, Ann Rider is a resident of the Town of Enfield and a Volunteer, therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Enfield Town Board hereby approves membership of Ann Rider into the Enfield Volunteer Fire Company,
effective immediately.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded.
Vote: Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Ricks, Aye; Councilperson Lynch,
Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried.
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Resolution #97-2022 Approval of New Member – Corey Ike– Enfield Volunteer Fire Co.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Not-for-Profit Corporation Law §1402, and Town Law §176, only active members of a Volunteer
Fire Company are covered by the Volunteer Firefighter Benefit Law if injured or killed while performing services for the
Fire Company, and;
WHEREAS, members may only be considered active members if given final approval of the Enfield Town Board, and;
WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Board wishes to honor and approve new volunteer firefighters to serve with the Enfield
Volunteer Fire Company and to satisfy legal and insurance requirements for the benefit of our volunteers, and;
WHEREAS, Corey Ike, of the Town of Enfield, has completed all requirements for Membership, and has been approved
by vote of the Enfield Volunteer Fire Company membership for a position as an active member;
WHEREAS, Corey Ike is a resident of the Town of Enfield and a Volunteer, therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Enfield Town Board hereby approves membership of Corey Ike into the Enfield Volunteer Fire Company,
effective immediately.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded.
Vote: Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Ricks, Aye; Councilperson Lynch,
Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried.
Resolution #98-2022 Approval of New Member – Helen Hetherington – Enfield Volunteer Fire Co.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Not-for-Profit Corporation Law §1402, and Town Law §176, only active members of a Volunteer
Fire Company are covered by the Volunteer Firefighter Benefit Law if injured or killed while performing services for the
Fire Company, and;
WHEREAS, members may only be considered active members if given final approval of the Enfield Town Board, and;
WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Board wishes to honor and approve new volunteer firefighters to serve with the Enfield
Volunteer Fire Company and to satisfy legal and insurance requirements for the benefit of our volunteers, and;
WHEREAS, Helen Hetherington, of the Town of Enfield, has completed all requirements for Membership, and has been
approved by vote of the Enfield Volunteer Fire Company membership for a position as an active member;
WHEREAS, Helen Hetherington is a resident of the Town of Enfield and a Volunteer, therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Enfield Town Board hereby approves membership of Helen Hetherington into the Enfield Volunteer Fire
Company, effective immediately.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded.
Vote: Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Ricks, Aye; Councilperson Lynch,
Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried.
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Resolution #99-2022 Approval of New Member – Carol Barriere – Enfield Volunteer Fire Co.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Not-for-Profit Corporation Law §1402, and Town Law §176, only active members of a Volunteer
Fire Company are covered by the Volunteer Firefighter Benefit Law if injured or killed while performing services for the
Fire Company, and;
WHEREAS, members may only be considered active members if given final approval of the Enfield Town Board, and;
WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Board wishes to honor and approve new volunteer firefighters to serve with the Enfield
Volunteer Fire Company and to satisfy legal and insurance requirements for the benefit of our volunteers, and;
WHEREAS, Carol Barriere, of the Town of Enfield, has completed all requirements for Membership, and has been
approved by vote of the Enfield Volunteer Fire Company membership for a position as an active member;
WHEREAS, Carol Barriere is a resident of the Town of Enfield and a Volunteer, therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Enfield Town Board hereby approves membership of Carol Barriere into the Enfield Volunteer Fire
Company, effective immediately.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded.
Vote: Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Ricks, Aye; Councilperson Lynch,
Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried.
Resolution #100-2022 Approval of New Member – Crystal Matice – Enfield Volunteer Fire Co.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Not-for-Profit Corporation Law §1402, and Town Law §176, only active members of a Volunteer
Fire Company are covered by the Volunteer Firefighter Benefit Law if injured or killed while performing services for the
Fire Company, and;
WHEREAS, members may only be considered active members if given final approval of the Enfield Town Board, and;
WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Board wishes to honor and approve new volunteer firefighters to serve with the Enfield
Volunteer Fire Company and to satisfy legal and insurance requirements for the benefit of our volunteers, and;
WHEREAS, Crystal Matice, of the Town of Enfield, has completed all requirements for Membership, and has been
approved by vote of the Enfield Volunteer Fire Company membership for a position as an active member;
WHEREAS, Crystal Matice is a resident of the Town of Enfield and a Volunteer, therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Enfield Town Board hereby approves membership of Crystal Matice into the Enfield Volunteer Fire
Company, effective immediately.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lynch seconded.
Vote: Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Ricks, Aye; Councilperson Lynch,
Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried.
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Resolution #101-2022 Approval of New Member – Samuael Beckley– Enfield Volunteer Fire Co.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Not-for-Profit Corporation Law §1402, and Town Law §176, only active members of a Volunteer
Fire Company are covered by the Volunteer Firefighter Benefit Law if injured or killed while performing services for the
Fire Company, and;
WHEREAS, members may only be considered active members if given final approval of the Enfield Town Board, and;
WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Board wishes to honor and approve new volunteer firefighters to serve with the Enfield
Volunteer Fire Company and to satisfy legal and insurance requirements for the benefit of our volunteers, and;
WHEREAS, Samuael Beckley, of the Town of Enfield, has completed all requirements for Membership, and has been
approved by vote of the Enfield Volunteer Fire Company membership for a position as an active member;
WHEREAS, Samuael Beckley is a resident of the Town of Enfield and a Volunteer, therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Enfield Town Board hereby approves membership of Samuael Beckley into the Enfield Volunteer Fire
Company, effective immediately.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lynch seconded.
Vote: Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Ricks, Aye; Councilperson Lynch,
Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried.
Resolution #102-2022 Approval of New Member – Monique Morse – Enfield Volunteer Fire Co.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Not-for-Profit Corporation Law §1402, and Town Law §176, only active members of a Volunteer
Fire Company are covered by the Volunteer Firefighter Benefit Law if injured or killed while performing services for the
Fire Company, and;
WHEREAS, members may only be considered active members if given final approval of the Enfield Town Board, and;
WHEREAS, the Enfield Town Board wishes to honor and approve new volunteer firefighters to serve with the Enfield
Volunteer Fire Company and to satisfy legal and insurance requirements for the benefit of our volunteers, and;
WHEREAS, Monique Morse, of the Town of Enfield, has completed all requirements for Membership, and has been
approved by vote of the Enfield Volunteer Fire Company membership for a position as an active member;
WHEREAS, Monique Morse is a resident of the Town of Enfield and a Volunteer, therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Enfield Town Board hereby approves membership of Monique Morse into the Enfield Volunteer Fire
Company, effective immediately.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded.
Vote: Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Ricks, Aye; Councilperson Lynch,
Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried.
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Resolution #103 -2022 Move to Adopt LOCAL LAW # 8-2022 Town of Enfield Addendum to the Site Plan Review Law
(Solar Energy Law Addendum)
WHEREAS, upon proper notice a Public Hearing was held on the 14th day of December 2022, where all
persons wishing to speak regarding proposed Local Law #8 of 2022 were heard by the Enfield Town
Board, and
WHEREAS, after consideration of all information presented and available, it is the determination of the
Enfield Town Board that the Town will be best served adopt Local Law #8 of 2022- “Town of Enfield
Addendum to the Site Plan Review Law (Solar Energy Law Addendum)”, so now therefore it be
RESOLVED: that the Town Board of the Town of Enfield hereby enacts, adopts and approves Local Law
#8 of 2022 in the form as presented to this meeting, being the same as was presented at the Public
Hearing; and further be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk file this Local Law with the New York Department of State.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that said Local Law shall take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lemke seconded.
Councilperson Lynch moved to amend the proposed law and Supervisor Redmond seconded.
[Note to Clerk: I have revised the following to make its font and layout consistent with that of our usual minutes format.]
Proposed Amendments to December 13, 2022 Draft :
Proposed Amended Town of Enfield Solar Law
December 27, 2022
A. Add new Paragraphs 18 and 19 to Section 6. Approval Standards for Large-Scale Solar Systems for a
Solar Permit; Subsection C. Solar Permit Standards.
18) Residual Acreage. That portion of the commercial Large-Scale Solar Energy System operator’s
total acreage set aside as residual acreage, as herein defined, shall be maintained by the commercial solar
operator in a manner either consistent with that residual acreage’s use prior to the Large-Scale Solar Energy
System’s construction or in such manner as the Planning Board may otherwise specify in granting its Solar
Permit. Permissible uses of Residual Acreage shall include, but are necessarily limited to: (a) agricultural
production of crops and/or livestock; (b) forestland; (c) orchards and/or vineyards; (d) recreational areas,
open space and/or meadows, such open areas subject to the annual maintenance requirement as specified
hereafter; and (e) any other activity consistent with the Town’s land use objectives, said activity specified
by the Planning Board when granting the Solar Permit.
19) Residual Acreage; Maintenance Requirement: For that portion of the Large-Scale Solar Energy
System designated as residual space, the Solar Energy System’s operator shall be required to provide and
document such annual maintenance as will provide prima facie proof that its residual acreage has not been
neglected or abandoned by the system operator. Any residual acreage designated as forestland is
exempted from this maintenance requirement. Annual maintenance in unfarmed areas of this residual
acreage shall include such activities as mowing and/or comparable weed and brush removal or
containment. The use of residual acreage for the production of agricultural crops and/or livestock or for
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orchards and/or vineyards shall provide per se compliance with this maintenance requirement, with no
other type of annual maintenance required.
(a) Annual reporting requirements: In addition to any reporting requirements specified elsewhere in this
law, a Large-Scale Solar Energy System owner shall provide an annual report to the Town to document
said operator’s compliance with the Maintenance Requirement for residual acreage, said requirement
specified in this law’s subsection.
[End of proposed formatting changes.]
Discussion: Supervisor Redmond questioned if we can require these additional requirements. Councilperson Lemke –
Putting an obligation on the operator really doesn’t work. She shared the restrictions can cause issues moving forward,
the Town does not have Zoning and we don’t have the authority to require these implementations. Councilperson Lynch
shared that if only 60% is used and the other 40% could be sold and then 100% of the coverage would be used. He
would like to know why the Planning Board can’t approve/limit what the remaining land is used for. Councilperson
Lemke shared that you cannot restrict what the landowners do with the remaining land as the Town of Enfield does not
have zoning. If someone would like to lease 60% of their land to a solar farm then they can do what they want with the
remaining 40%. Councilperson Lemke has spoken to the environmental lawyer about this and they tried to incorporate
Councilperson Lynch’s concerns. Supervisor Redmond asked Councilperson Lynch if he was concerned that the
remaining land could be turned into housing. Councilperson Lynch’s main concern is that he does not want to see a
similar solar farm experience as what has happened on Applegate Rd. He had to contact them to have the logs removed
and wood chips are still there, and the field was not mowed. Councilperson Lemke - we can adopt this law and can
amend the law again in the future with additional changes. Councilperson Lemke shared that we have plenty of time to
still take a look at these provisions and they would very likely still apply to new permit applications. Supervisor Redmond
would like to appoint Councilperson Lynch and Councilperson Lemke to form a committee to meet with the
environmental lawyer. Councilperson Lemke and Councilperson Lynch both shared that they would be willing to work on
this.
Councilperson Lynch withdrew his amendments.
Vote on the original motion:
Vote: Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Ricks, Aye; Councilperson Lynch,
Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried.
Resolution #104-2022 – Appointment of Public Hearing Officer for the Fire Company
Whereas the Enfield Volunteer Fire Company is in need of purchasing a new Fire Engine and
Whereas they will need a hearing officer in order to hold their public hearing, Therefore, be it
Resolved the Enfield Town Board gives the Enfield Town Supervisor Approval to appoint Fire Department President
Dennis Hubble as the Public Hearing Officer.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lynch seconded. Discussion: Denny Hubble - Approval is not required of
the Town Board or tax payers for the purchase. This is an requirement of IRS regulations which require this position be
established which will allow the purchase to be tax exempt. If the Fire Company does not have the public hearing and go
through this procedure an additional 1.5% would be added to the loan.
Vote: Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Ricks, Aye; Councilperson Lynch,
Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried.
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Supervisor Redmond appointed Fire Department President Dennis Hubble as the Public Hearing Officer for the Fire
Company.
Resolution #105--2022 Court Clerk – salary at $18/hr paid monthly
RESOLVED, the Town Boards appoints Heather Knutsen-King to fill this position.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Ricks seconded to appoint Heather Knutsen-King. Discussion:
Councilperson Lynch asked Ms. Heather Knutsen-King why she is interested in this position and does she understand
that this is an at will hire position. She confirmed she is aware that it is an at-will hire. She shared that she was a vet tech
for ~30 years and is looking for a career change. Her father was the magistrate in the municipality that she grew up in
and is interested in the Town Magistrate position, she asked if she was to run for the magistrates’ position, would being
a Court Clerk not allow this to happen? Board members responded that it would not be an issue.
Vote: Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Ricks, Aye; Councilperson Lynch,
Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried.
Discussion Cameras in the Town Courthouse – Supervisor Redmond shared that she had received a complaint regarding
the cameras being covered in the Food Pantry. Several volunteers would like the cameras uncovered. Councilperson
Ricks shared that he is not sure why people would not like to have cameras in place, Councilperson Hinkle shared that
she would additionally like to have the cameras in place. Diane Aramini commented that when going into a store
individuals are under surveillance. Mary Cornell shared that the Food Pantry Board would be meeting soon and will
discuss the issue and reach out to Supervisor Redmond with the FP Boards recommendation.
Supervisor Redmon motioned to purchase surveillance cameras for the Town Court House and Councilperson Hinkle
seconded. No further discussion.
Vote: Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Ricks, Aye; Councilperson Lynch,
Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried.
Highway Department Truck Purchase - Highway Superintendent Rollins gave a description of a truck that he has bid on
that Tompkins County had on Auction with Auction International and he would like approval for the purchase. It is an
International Dump Truck. The truck is $36,740 plus a 10% purchase fee.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded: No further discussion.
Vote: Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Ricks, Aye; Councilperson Lynch,
Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried.
Adjournment: Supervisor Redmond motioned to adjourn and Councilperson Hinkle seconded, Adjourned 7:43 pm
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Cornell
Mary Cornell
Town Clerk