HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 9 2022 Town Board Meeting1
Town of Enfield
Regular Town Board Meeting
Wednesday, March 9, 2022, 6:30 p.m.
Virtual meeting via Zoom Meeting Portal
Present: Supervisor Stephanie Redmond; Town Councilpersons; Jude Lemke, James Ricks, Robert Lynch, Cassandra
Hinkle; Town Clerk Mary Cornell
Supervisor Redmond called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Privilege of the Floor:
Additions and Changes to the agenda: Supervisor Redmond moved Old Business to the end of the meeting. Add a
discussion on an Overview of the latest developments on independent redistricting, as well as a brief discussion on
returning to the Town Courthouse for meetings.
Correspondence: Roy and Carol Barriere submitted a Permit Application for a Flag Display request Supervisor Redmond
will put the request on April’s agenda. Supervisor Redmond will invite Green companies to present their company
information on Electric Car charging ports to be presented at the April 13th, 2022 Town Board Meeting.
Quarterly Reports:
Water Protection Committee: Nancy Spero reported they met on February 16th, they are focusing on recapping what
has been done and the next steps for the committee. Steve Winkle will continue to work with the committee on drinking
water protection. There will not be a March meeting, the next meeting is Wednesday, April 20th, at 7 pm.
Enfield Community Council: Robert Lynch reported they held a cabin fever event on February 26, 2022 which was
sponsored by the Ithaca Rotary Club. Our Annual meeting was held on February 24th and they adopted their annual
budget. A Youth Service survey is being worked on.
Tompkins County Youth Board: Lisa Monroe reported
Food Pantry: Diane Aramini reported. Councilpersons Lynch and Ricks thanked all the volunteers of the food pantry
Cayuga Lake Watershed IO: Stephanie Redmond reported the organization has received a grant from the Park
Foundation to fund a director. Camp Barton is being preserved by many of the surrounding municipalities.
Tompkins Health Consortium: Stephanie Redmond reported they have a new Facebook page and March is National
Nutrition Month. They are offering advanced care classes and they helped procure at-home Covid tests.
Cemetery Committee: Cassandra Hinkle reported she has been looking into grants for cemetery
improvements/maintenance. There will be a cemetery clean-up this spring. Councilperson Lynch is concerned about
cemetery stones sinking at the Rolfe cemetery. Councilperson Ricks asked if we know the dynamics of who is buried
there.
Environmental Management Council: Stephanie Redmond reported they had a presentation kiss the ground
documentary. There are many benefits of reconstructed soil. Vermont Alliance on half Earth, they do events in schools
involved in carbon Town- down (University connections). They have a newsletter. She joined the Climate adaptation
committee. Hazard mitigation plan. Focusing on disease outbreaks, etc. Brainstormed Earth Day events for 2022.
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Renewable Energy Report: Jude Lemke reported they discussed opting In/out of section 48 and they are closer to having
a recommendation to the Town Board. Host Community agreement, they hope to have a recommendation for the
board. They might need to extend the moratorium., the next meeting will be held March 29th.
Monthly Reports:
County Legislator: Councilperson Lynch has attended the recent meetings and they are supporting the Ukraine and will
be flying a flag once received.
Town Supervisors report: Stephanie Redmond reported that she worked on the heat pump firm for the Town
Courthouse. An asbestos/abatement program is being looked into to remove the asbestos ($20,000). If the bid exceeds
$20,000 it will need to get sent out to bid. An air monitoring company will need to participate as well, which will cost
~$2,000. Met with the NYSERDA rep and we have earned $5,000 in incentives through the clean air project/grants.
NYSERDA intern applicants are needed. A remote audit is currently underway. Attended training at the Dept of
Emergency response which was informative.
Town Clerk Report: Mary Cornell reported that the Clerks office issued new and renewal dog licenses, worked with the
SPCA on unlicensed dogs. Processed tax payments.
Highway Superintendent Report: Buddy Rollins asked if the board is considering Clean up this year, they are
recommending May 19th, 1-5 pm, May 20th, 1-5 pm, May 21, 7 am -12 pm. Buddy will reach out to Teets to see if they are
still interested in providing dumpsters as they have in the past. They got the new Mower tractor delivered today, and
they are going to stop taking wood, etc. at the highway. It has been misused they have received a lot of wood with nails
in it and weeds with leaves. They do not have the time and manpower to continue this service.
Councilperson Lynch would like a brief announcement on the Town Website with the cessation of the wood chipping at
the Highway Barns.
Code Enforcement Report: Alan Teeter reported he issued three permits, he will meet with Norbut Solar Farms on their
permit in the next few days. County-wide assessments have gone up and they will be going out in the next few weeks.
Followed up on violations.
Councilperson Lynch commented on the TC Assessment they will stagger the letters, however, if you go to the TC
Assessment website you will see what the preliminary assessment will be for your property.
Volunteer Fire Company Report: Alan Teeter reported they had a total of 20 calls, there new software is working well.
Tomorrow night is a rescue training (non-EMS personnel) to become familiar with how they work. 17th Carbon Monoxide
training, 24th ropes, and knots, and 31st a rescue training. A chicken BBQ is this Sunday.
Planning Board Report: Dan Walker reported the main discussion revolved around a landlocked parcel on Bostwick
Road. They are moving ahead with the process of open development which will need to be presented to the Town
Board. Councilperson Lynch looks forward to the
Tompkins Cunty Council of Govts: Robert Lynch reported he is going to work with the Town Clerk so that he can post
the whole TCCOG report. They met Feb 24th. They heard three diverse presentations. Reimaging Deanna Keriteras brief
summary to implement elements on the policing. A recent creation of a center. Ben Carver Deputy financial and
stamping issues within TC (Dealing) Analysis that emergency services are interconnected and a strain was put on Ithaca
with Slaterville’s closing. NYSEG smart meters. Gavin Mosely plans to change out all-electric meters soon and will report
usage in real time. Enfield’s changeover to happen as soon as this July.
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Councilperson Ricks commented on what a “Leaner Operation meant”. It is assumed that it will possibly reduce
personnel and your electric bill. Rates will not adjust based on consumption. It should auto-report when you lose your
power.
Town Resident Drew Braman commented that he has a Smart Meter in Steuben County and it is what Robert Lynch
stated and will be directly maintained from an office and will cut meter readers, etc. IT will connect to an app, so you
can see when it is being worked on at your house.
Consent Agenda:
Audit Claims:
General Fund vouchers # 42-71 in the amount of $125,913.73
Highway Fund vouchers # 26-45 in the amount of $186,580.37
Fire Department Fund numbered # 55 in the amount of $6,530.00
Approval of February 9th, and March 3rd, 2022 Minutes
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lynch seconded.
Vote: Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Lynch, Aye; Councilperson Ricks,
Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye, Carried.
New Business:
Resolution #40-2022 Authorization for the Supervisor to Sign a Contract with Williamson Law
WHEREAS, Williamson Law provides accounting software for the Town of Enfield, therefore be it;
RESOLVED, the Enfield Town Board authorizes Supervisor Redmond to sign a contract with Williamson Law.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lynch seconded.
Vote: Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Lynch, Aye; Councilperson Ricks,
Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye, Carried.
Resolution #41-2022 Authorization for the Supervisor to Sign a Contract with Tompkins County Youth Services
WHEREAS, Tompkins County Youth Services provides financial support for the youth summer camps run by the Enfield
Community Council, therefore be it;
RESOLVED, the Enfield Town Board authorizes Supervisor Redmond to sign a contract with Tompkins County Youth
Services.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lemke seconded.
Vote: Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Lynch, Aye; Councilperson Ricks,
Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye, Carried.
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Resolution #42-2022 Appointment to the Town of Enfield Assessment Review Board
WHEREAS, there will be an opportunity for residents to contest increases to their property tax assessments on May 19th
from 3-6 pm; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Enfield is forming an Assessment Review Board to hear resident’s concerns;
WHEREAS, Drew Braman and Pat Dougherty have interest in serving on the Town of Enfield Assessments Review Board,
now therefore be it;
RESOLVED Drew Braman and Pat Dougherty are appointed to the Town of Enfield Assessment Review Board.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lynch seconded.
Vote: Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Lynch, Aye; Councilperson Ricks,
Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye, Carried.
Recap of NYSAOT Annual Meeting and Training:
Supervisor Redmond attended trainings and learned of new resources available to the Town.
Councilperson Lynch attended nine classes, including the following; Navigating a hostile work environment, ARPA,
Trends and payments, broadband, purchasing and bidding, accessor, the Town Tea with AOT’s legal class. The ARPA class
was the most important. Materials from classes should be viewable for thirty days after the annual meeting.
Councilperson Lemke reported that she learned a lot and thought the ARPA class was informative.
Salt Barn Bid Discussion:
Wood buildings last longer than Canvas roofed buildings. 35 versus 15 years.The floor and the electricity are projected at
~$60,000.
Dan Walker commented wood is the best material to use for corrosion protection. He recommends the wood structure.
The fabric structure doesn’t last as long as projected and he would be concerned of corrosion of the steel under the
canvas.
The bidder will be awarded on March 22, 2022. Councilperson Lynch asked if we can legally award the bid if it is over the
RFP amount. Supervisor Redmond will look into this matter further.
Councilperson Lemke we could nail down the costs on the excluded items and determine how we are going to fund this.
Redistricting:
The TC redistricting committee meeting was held on March 8, 2022. Conversation focused on the amount of districts the
county should have. Current discussions would keep the town of Enfield whole and Enfield would not be divided up
further.
Old Business:
ARPA Survey Results -
Supervisor Redmond updated the Town Board on some of the Survey results that she had received. She explained that
the survey platform she used “Survey Monkey’ did not allow for all results to be viewed without paying a substantial fee.
Front Runners: Enfield Food Pantry, Paving in-front of the Town Courthouse.
Mental Health, Building a Park on Town Land near the Highway Department, and Services for the ECC.
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Most of the comments were in support of the food pantry, a ramp for the Enfield Valley Grange, and
disagreement of additional funds to the ECC as they already receive funds.
The Town Board will be soliciting additional suggestions.
Resolution # TABLED-2022 Appointment to the Town of Enfield Planning Board
WHEREAS, there is a vacancy on the Enfield Planning Board; and
WHEREAS___________ has interest in serving on the Enfield Planning Board, now therefore be it;
RESOLVED___________ is appointed to the Enfield Planning Board for a five-year term ending December 31, 2026.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lemke seconded.
Supervisor Redmond motioned to go into executive session regarding a matter of personnel, with a second by
Councilperson Lynch.
Vote: Supervisor Redmond, aye; Councilperson Hinkle, aye; Councilperson Lemke, aye; Councilperson Lynch,
aye; Councilperson Ricks, aye, carried.
Entered executive session at 9:30 p.m. and returned from executive session at 9:54 pm.
Councilperson Lynch moved to Table the Appointment to the Town of Enfield Planning Board and Councilperson Ricks
seconded.
Vote: Supervisor Redmond, aye; Councilperson Hinkle, aye; Councilperson Lemke, aye; Councilperson Lynch,
aye; Councilperson Ricks, aye, carried.
Privilege of the floor:
Tom Joyce spoke with Sachem George and he would like to attend the water protection committee meeting.
The Town of Ulysses will hold a table at the MLK event which will be held April 2 at the Trumansburg, conservatory. He
will have posters for this event. The Conservatory FB page lists information on this topic.
Mary Cornell suggested that a committee be formed regarding ARPA funds. A Post will be made on the webpage seeking
possible committee members.
Marcus Gingerich commented on NYSEG installing Smart Readers in Enfield and this is not something that he is
interested in having at his residence.
Councilperson Lynch commented that there was some comment made that will allow for an opt out provision, he is not
aware of the perimeters around this option.
Drew Braman has suggested visiting the county website and YouTube channel to listen to the previously recorded
meetings. He has contacts that he has asked questions regarding the bidding questions that were brought up.
Councilperson Lynch reported that he read our adopted resolution of the floor last Thursday and the people that were
there to pay their own respects to Alvin White and his leadership in the town. Those that knew him appreciated it and
he received a round of applause afterwards.
Announcements: None
Councilperson Lynch motioned to adjourn, adjourned 10:10 p.m.
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Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Cornell
Mary Cornell
Town Clerk