HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 14 2022 Town of Enfield Public Hearing and Regular Town Board Meeting
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Town of Enfield Public Hearing for
“A Local Law to authorize the public bodies of the Town to use video conferencing technology to participate in public
meetings.” 6:00 pm
Regular Town Board Meeting
Wednesday, September 14, 2022
6:30 pm
In-person and Via the Zoom Meeting Platform
Present: Supervisor Stephanie Redmond, Town Councilperson’s; James Ricks, Jude Lemke, Robert Lynch, Cassandra
Hinkle (6:03 pm); Town Clerk Mary Cornell; Code Office Alan Teeter.
Supervisor Redmond opened the Public Hearing at 6 pm
Public Comments: Councilperson Lemke explained the purpose of the law. Councilperson Lynch shared that this law is a
little different then the first law the Town passed. This law states that we have to have an in-person quorum and that
when extraordinary circumstances happen then it will allow for Town Board Members to attend meetings virtually. This
helped the Planning Board last week when a member of the Town Planning Board was absent due to having Covid. If this
law is passed then it will expire on July 1, 2024, as will the Law that was passed at the State Level. Councilperson Lynch
read the law which was passed at the State Level. Councilperson Ricks asked who determines if it is an extenuating
circumstances and Councilperson Lemke shared it would be the Town Supervisor. Cortney Bailey asked if this policy
would affect the publics attendance or only Town Board Members. Councilperson Lynch shared that if the Town Board
Members have this option then the public should have an option to attend virtually. Nancy Spero is happy that The
Town Board is offering Hybrid meetings and that she has the option to attend in-person or virtually.
Supervisor Redmond closed the Public Hearing at 6:30
Supervisor Redmond called the Regular Town Board Meeting to Order at 6:30 pm
Privilege of the Floor: James Ricks shared a letter that he wrote and sent to the Ithaca Voice. Councilperson Lynch led
the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance, and shared that we are a thinking, caring and opinionated board. We ponder
and we mix it up at times. The two most important and frequent things are one - don’t fight and two - get back to
meeting in person. We had a possible contentious topic to handle this summer and it was passed on to our Town
Planning Board for review. He gave an update on the ongoing issues within the Cayuga Nation.
Additions and Changes to the Agenda: N/A
Correspondence: NYSDOT Approval of speed reduction for Rte. 79. Senator O’Mara’s office thanked the Town Board for
the Town’s Resolution No.2022-72 Supporting Bills S.9131/A.10155-A.
Water Protection Committee – Nancy Spero. They last met on August 24th. They talked briefly on Flood Insurance.
Steven Winkley is continuing to work on mapping in Enfield. They discussed regulated Environmental facilities in Enfield.
Their next meeting will be held on September 21st @ 7pm via Zoom. Councilperson Lynch shared that if any members of
the Water protection committee are interested in joining the Counties Committee they are invited to do so.
Enfield Community Council – Cortney Bailey. They completed the Summer Camp Program which was a success. They
are ramping up for the Harvest Festival (September 24th). If anyone would like to volunteer, please contact Cortney, Vera
or Colleen. The festival will start at the Fire Department and expand to the Enfield Community Center. Youth Programing
is just starting up again. Supervisor Redmond asked if anyone from the ECC has attended any of the seminars and/or are
planning on applying for any of the ARPA grant funding. Cortney shared she has spoken with Aileen Grainger the acting
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Principal at Enfield Elementary School and Aileen shared that the school will be submitting emergency sheltering and
will then share with the Town Board and the ECC. The ECC will wait to submit their plans until they have seen the
school’s plans. Cortney shared that she will work on this more after the Harvest Festival concludes.
Food Pantry – Diane Aramini. The full report is on file with the Town Clerk’s Office. Councilperson Lynch thanked the
volunteers of the Food Pantry for their hard work and the extensive hours that the volunteers give. Supervisor Redmond
asked if the paving in front of the Courthouse has helped. Both Diane and Councilperson Lynch shared it has been a huge
improvement.
Cayuga Lake Watershed IO – Stephanie Redmond. They met in person for the first time in three years, it was nice to put
names with faces. They discussed protecting steep slopes and runoffs, and taking actions to protect both surface and
ground waters. They are assisting municipalities in finding needed funding for storm water events and protecting
waterways.
Tompkins Health Consortium – Stephanie Redmond. They are in the process of an independent audit. There will be a
6.5% increase in fees the next budget year, and they have had many new members. A fully insured Medicaid plan for
municipality members. They had a walk to end Alzheimer’s on September 10th.
Cemetery Committee – Cassandra Hinkle. The lawns were taken care of and are nicely manicured. She walked the
cemeteries and has not seen any groundhog issues.
Environmental Management Council – Stephanie Redmond. A letter of support was received from New York State
Climate Leadership. Many members of the council attended an event at Cayuga Lake Summit. They met again to discuss
issues involving Cayuga Lake. They will be having an informational flooding event at the TC Public Library with various
local speakers. Enfield resident Maureen Molton will be sharing her experience with Flooding in her home.
Monthly Reports
County Legislator – Randy Brown. American Rescue Grants application process creation has been completed. The full
report is on file with the Town Clerk’s Office.
Town Supervisor’s Report – Supervisor Redmond. In addition to the normal duties of the Office of Town Supervisor. She
met with the Fire Department for their quarterly meeting, met with the Town insurance rep, and attended calls with
other Town Supervisors.
Town Clerk Report – Mary Cornell. In addition to performing the normal duties of the Clerk’s office the clerk is working
with Xerox to obtain a loaner machine until the ordered machine is in. The Clerk worked to find a dog enumerator and
updated/provided the board with the documentation related to the enumeration.
Highway Superintendent Report – Buddy Rollins. Summer projects have been completed. The lights have been installed
in the Salt Barn and the paving for the floor has been scheduled. They are starting on Fall Projects. They have another
culvert pipe to install when the weather permits. He had a request regarding a 10-wheeler plow truck. The last truck
went for more than he wanted to pay and another truck has come up. He asked for approval to look at the new truck
and possibly purchase it (~$40,000).
Supervisor Redmond motioned and Councilperson Lemke seconded for Highway Superintendent Rollins to purchase a
2013 International dump truck with plow.
Vote: Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Lynch, Aye; Councilperson Ricks,
Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried.
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Code Enforcement Report – Alan Teeter. He issued 8 building permits this past month (3 new homes). One was for
Cooter’s Custom. He worked on the Local Code Enforcement Law with Guy Krough and it has been finalized. He worked
on two complaints, one has been taken care of and the other one is ongoing. He signed a survey map for the Fingerlakes
Land Trust. They will hold the land and the Stone-house for a few years and it may then be passed on to the NYS Parks.
Volunteer Fire Company – Alan Teeter/Ellen Woods. Alan shared there were 36 calls this past month. Trainings this
month will include truck checks, Solid Fuel/Chimney Fire training, an extrication training and, the last training will be
EMS/Truck Training. Ellen is speaking as the EMS Director. The Fire Company is now a red cross training center. They are
looking forward to offering trainings to the Town/Highway Department. They have three new members in training, and
it is a blended training which offers needed flexibility. The Fire Department Board of Directors asked her to present a
resolution to the Town Board that she is hopeful has been seen by all Town Board Members. They have an email going
out to remind members that they will facilitate flu shots and Covid Booster vaccination clinics. Councilperson Lynch
shared that a full 50% of the calls are for EMS services and they have a real shortage of EMS volunteers with in the Fire
Department community and that out of the new members 2 have EMS experience/backgrounds.
Planning Board Report – Dan Walker. The Planning Board met last meet in-person and via Zoom. They discussed Site
Plan and subdivision regulation’s; the review process will be ongoing. Councilperson Lynch shared that the Planning
Board is doing a great job.
Tompkins County Council of Government – Robert Lynch. The next meeting will be held on October 27th. The full report
is on file with the Town Clerk’s Office.
Consent Agenda
Audit Claims – General Fund Vouchers #202-225 dated September 14, 2022, in the amount of $23,483.96;
Highway Fund Vouchers #149-167 dated September 14, 2022, in the amount of $138,180.41; SF Fund Voucher #211
dated September 14, 2022, in the amount of $6,032.50.
Approval of August 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.
Discussion: National Flood insurance Program – Alan Springett. Postponed.
Discussion: CCA 3.0 – Paul Fenn. Paul is the President of Local Power LLC based in Western Massachusetts. Which is a
Community choice aggregation (CCA). They are operating on a 30-year-old policy with 50 million Americans receiving
services today and 30 million of customers are located in California. It is quite a demonstrated Energy Business Model as
CCA’s built a lot of renewable energy systems. Expanding on providing renewable energy is only part of the solution. You
have all the energy usage in concentrated areas, and to try to improve the 2.0 model, they are adding point of use.
Instead of using farm land they will decarbonize and retro fit the buildings and add solar panels to the tops of buildings
which are located in cities. That is what they are about as a company and the reason why the City of Ithaca engaged with
them as they can provide a service the meets or beats the utility rates. They are assisting low income and small business
owners. They want to engage local municipalities to manage in partnership with private businesses. Supervisor
Redmond asked what would happen if people didn’t pay their bills? Paul shared that they have designed the programs
with hi-churn (turnover of clients) and the risks that brings. Supervisor Redmond asked what meet or beats meant.
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Councilperson Lemke asked what kind of projects would they be looking for in Enfield. Paul shared that they would focus
on houses and farms. Councilperson Lynch shared that he attended the TCCOG meeting with Supervisor Redmond when
Paul gave a presentation. He asked Paul if CCA was an ESCO (No they are an administrator) to be an ESCO you must also
sell the product. Being a CCA saves you money which is why both political parties support it. He also asked Paul if the Is
the City of Ithaca accepting the lowest or is this just an agreement between the town, the supplier and Local Power LLC.
(The CCA administrators are a small class of customers. Councilperson Lynch asked why the Town cannot find bids on
their own. Supervisor Redmond thanked Paul for attending the Board meeting. Paul commented that he appreciates the
opportunity and skepticism. At this point if you don’t do anything you can always join later. This is not a marketing effort
just an educational tool.
Discussion: Senior Citizens Tax Exemption – Jay Franklin. If a seniors income is under the designated limit then their
property assessment will be cut in half. Depending on what the Town decides to allow as a deduction will determine what
is applied. The Town of Enfield currently has an M which is $24,000. The state does not allow an increase. The previous
maximum was $29,000. 105 residents would be impacted by this. The County will be meeting next week to decide on
raising their limit to $35,000. He can send an analysis to the Town Board. Councilperson Lemke asked if the limit is $50,000.
Supervisor Redmond asked the Town Board members what dollar amounts they would like to consider is $35,000 a good
figure. Councilperson Lynch asked Jay when he needs an answer, he would like to have the information by the middle
Friday of this December. Jay will send Clerk Cornell sample resolutions that they have used in the past. Supervisor
Redmond would like to see it at $35,000 and $40,000. Councilperson Lynch would also like to see it at least at $29,000
with $35,000 preferable. We should share this information with our residents as well. Ellen Woods commented that she
would like to see our Seniors get as much as a discount as possible. The Town gets tax monies first, but some of this money
is County money. She would like to see how many seniors would benefit from this. Jay shared that you can also allow
exemptions for low income/disabled land owners. Jay will include these numbers as well in the analysis. Councilperson
Lynch would like to present the three different options at our November meeting and have the public weigh in. Jay shared
that he will be presenting the possible exemptions for EMS workers and Firefighters, during the October TCCOG meeting.
He will be working with the County department of emergency response and is hopeful he can bring something consist to
the board.
Discussion: Local Law # 2022 Code Enforcement Law
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle seconded to hold a Public Hearing on October 12, 2022 at 6:30
pm.
Vote: Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Lynch, Aye; Councilperson Ricks,
Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried.
Resolution # -2022 Move to Adopt Local Law #5 of 2022 “A local law to authorize the public bodies of the Town to use
video conferencing technology to participate in public meetings”
WHEREAS, upon proper notice a Public Hearing was held on the 14th day of September 2022, where all persons wishing
to speak regarding proposed Local Law #5 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 #5 of 2022- “A local law to authorize the public bodies of the
Town to use video conferencing technology to participate in public meetings”, so now therefore it be
RESOLVED: that the Town Board of the Town of Enfield hereby enacts, adopts and approves Local Law #5 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.
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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. A Brief Discussion followed.
Vote: Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Lynch, Aye; Councilperson Ricks,
Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried.
After the initial vote Councilperson Lynch suggested amending the language of the resolution to include the related
policy.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lemke seconded to amend the resolution as follows.
WHEREAS, upon proper notice a Public Hearing was held on the 14th day of September 2022, where all persons wishing
to speak regarding proposed Local Law #5 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 #5 of 2022- “A local law to authorize the public bodies of the
Town to use video conferencing technology to participate in public meetings”, so now therefore it be
RESOLVED: that the Town Board of the Town of Enfield hereby enacts, adopts and approves Local Law #5 of 2022 in the
form as presented to this meeting and the related policy, 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.
Vote: Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Lynch, Aye; Councilperson Ricks,
Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Hinkle moved to accept the amended resolution.
Resolution # 73-2022 Move to Adopt Local Law #5 of 2022 “A local law to authorize the public bodies of the Town to
use video conferencing technology to participate in public meetings”
WHEREAS, upon proper notice a Public Hearing was held on the 14th day of September 2022, where all persons wishing
to speak regarding proposed Local Law #5 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 #5 of 2022- “A local law to authorize the public bodies of the
Town to use video conferencing technology to participate in public meetings”, so now therefore it be
RESOLVED: that the Town Board of the Town of Enfield hereby enacts, adopts and approves Local Law #5 of 2022 in the
form as presented to this meeting and the related policy, 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.
Vote: Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Lynch, Aye; Councilperson Ricks,
Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried.
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Resolution #74 -2022 Enumeration Agreement
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lynch seconded. Discussion. The Town Clerk went over the enumeration
process and the agreement with the Town Board. Councilperson Ricks suggested raising the per dog fee that the
enumerator would receive to $5.00 per dog, after deliberation the Board members agreed to increase the fee per dog to
$4.00. Councilperson Lynch shared that the Town Clerk had requested the Town Board approve an enumeration and we
should do so.
WHEREAS, the Town Board discussed the Enumeration Agreement; and
RESOLVED, that the Enfield Town Board authorizes Supervisor Redmond to engage the services of Pat Baker to conduct a
dog enumeration.
Vote: Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Lynch, Aye; Councilperson Ricks,
Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried.
Discussion: Illegal burning of garbage. Supervisor Redmond would like to create an educational brochure, etc., to
educate the public. Councilperson Lynch agreed. Ellen Woods spoke on responding to trash calls and strongly
encourages people to not burn trash as burning plastic can cause cancer. Supervisor Redmond shared that a Flyer will be
more expensive, but might be most effective in providing education to community members. She asked Board members
to brainstorm ideas. Councilperson Lynch shared that we are moving in the right direction.
Resolution #75-2022 Environmental Management Council Appointment
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lemke seconded.
RESOLVED, the Town Board hereby appoints Stephanie Redmond to represent the Town of Enfield on the Environmental
Management Council
Vote: Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Lynch, Aye; Councilperson Ricks,
Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried.
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Standard Workdays Resolution
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lemke seconded. Discussion: Several board members expressed
confusion on how to read this resolution. Clerk Cornell shared she worked with Town Bookkeeper Blixy T. to complete
the resolution as it can be a confusing process.
Vote: Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Lynch, Aye; Councilperson Ricks,
Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried.
Discussion: Schedule Special Town Board Meeting for September 28th at 6:30 pm to review the Tentative Budget.
Councilperson Lynch had a question regarding state retirement. The general fund $22,700 was budgeted but we have
only spent $5,000. Will more be spent. Former Clerk Woods spoke on issues with NYS Retirement and that she did not
receive full credit for 2020. Councilperson Lynch shared that is it going to be a challenging budget year.
Supervisor Redmond moved and Councilperson Lynch seconded.
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Vote: Councilperson Hinkle, Aye; Councilperson Lemke, Aye; Councilperson Lynch, Aye; Councilperson Ricks,
Aye; Supervisor Redmond, Aye; Carried.
Discussion: Town Board resolution from the Fire Department
Councilperson Lynch read the resolution. The radios are above the original request from the that was provided to the
Town Board. This request was submitted to the County for the original request from ARPA, they are submitting this
request to the county and also included a request for new radios. They have not gone through any of the process and
whatever the process is the Fire Department will follow whatever request the County lays out for organizations.
Councilperson Lynch shared it would make a cleaner resolution if we had a dollar figure of what is being proposed to the
community rescue funds. A resolution will be added to the agenda of the next Special Town Board Meeting to be voted
on.
Privilege of the floor: Tom Joyce reported on the issues with the Cayuga Nation and a Cayuga Police report. Marcus
Gingerich spoke on the large increase for the per dog collection fee for the Dog Enumerator. He has many questions
about the presentation by Paul Fenn that was given tonight. He does not think that this presentation is as clean and
accurate as it was described and needs careful consideration. Supervisor Redmond shared that the idea with the CCA is
that more people are involved and we have more leverage/ buying power.
Announcements:
Adjournment: Councilperson Lynch motioned and Councilperson Hinkle seconded; Adjourned; 10:07 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Cornell
Mary Cornell
Town Clerk