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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-02-21 Town Board Minutes FEBRUARY 21, 2024 4:59 P.M. TOWN BOARD MEETING The Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Cortlandville was held at the Raymond G. Thorpe Municipal Building, 3577 Terrace Road, Cortland, New York with Supervisor Williams presiding. Members present: Supervisor, Thomas A. Williams Councilman, David J. Donlick Councilman, Jeffrey D. Guido Councilman, Gregory K. Leach Councilman, Glenn D. Reisweber Town Clerk, Kristin E. Rocco-Petrella Others present were: Deputy Town Clerk, Abigail Albro; Highway Superintendent, Larry Drach; Town Justice, Mary Beth Mathey; Chief Court Clerk, Margaret Capps; Town Residents: Pamela Jenkins; Bob Martin; Beth Kanalley; Thomas Kanalley; Sunday Earle; Michael Stokoe; Andrea Niggli; Chad Niggli; Andrea Rankin; Paul Pitkin; Bernice Potter-Masler; Karen Snyder; Marcia Hicks; Pat Leach; Josh Leach; Paul Alteri; News Reporter: Jack Lukowsky from Cortland Standard. Others present via Zoom video/telephone conference: Deputy Town Clerk, Chavonne LaPlant; Deputy Town Clerk, Kathleen Timmerman; Town Financial Advisor, Richard Tupper. Supervisor Williams called the Regular Meeting to order and introduced Teacher/Director Cara McLaughlin and the students from the Homer High School cast of Beauty and the Beast. The student actors were in attendance to perform several skits from the upcoming musical. After their presentation, the Board thanked the students for their time and for sharing their talent. They encouraged the public to see the upcoming show. The Board proceeded with the meeting and the agenda items at 5:12 p.m.. Councilman Leach made a motion, seconded by Councilman Donlick, to receive and file the Cortlandville Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of December 20, 2023. All voting aye, the motion was carried. Councilman Leach made a motion, seconded by Councilman Donlick, to approve the Draft Town Board Minutes of January 3, 2024 and the Draft Town Board Minutes of January 17, 2024. All voting aye, the motion was carried. RESOLUTION #79 AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF VOUCHERS – FEBRUARY Motion by Councilman Leach Seconded by Councilman Guido VOTES: AYE – Williams, Donlick, Guido, Leach, Reisweber NAY – 0 ADOPTED BE IT RESOLVED, the vouchers submitted have been audited and shall be paid as follows: Funds A, B, DA, DB, Voucher #148-224 HG, SF, SS, SW General Fund A $ 91,227.83 General Fund B $ 3,466.00 Highway Fund DA $ 0.00 Highway Fund DB $ 8,944.02 Gutchess Lumber SC Project HG $ 14,970.97 C’Ville Fire District SF $ 0.00 Sewer Fund SS $ 194,201.81 Water Fund SW $ 31,324.39 Funds CD1, CD3, CD4 Voucher #(None) BMills Rehab CD1 $ 0.00 Town Wide Rehab CD3 $ 0.00 Business Devl CD4 $ 0.00 Funds TA, TE Voucher #(None) Trust & Agency TA $ 0.00 Expendable Trust TE $ 0.00 FEBRUARY 21, 2024 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 2 Prior to offering privilege of the floor to those in attendance, Supervisor Williams spoke about the possible creation of a new position for a “Town Manager”. He informed the public that nothing was “set in stone” and that the position was an idea, a “what if”. The Board decided to give the public a forum to discuss the possibility and to get public input. The Town did not have a written job description or a set salary. Supervisor Williams anticipated that one of the questions that would be raised by the public would be, “how will we pay for this?” He explained that the Town’s Financial Administrator and Financial Advisor reviewed the current budget and determined that $100,000 could be allocated towards the salary by taking the budget officer’s salary, financial advisor’s salary, and by reducing the board members’ salaries, with the understanding that a Town Manager would take many responsibilities off their plates. Supervisor Williams explained the necessity of adhering to state laws, and proposed forming a committee to define the job, set the salary, and conduct a national search if the decision is made to proceed with the creation of the position. Supervisor Williams opened the floor for comments and questions with a 5-minute limit per person, encouraging efficiency in discussions. Supervisor Williams offered privilege of the floor to Marcia Hicks. Retired Town Bookkeeper Marcia Hicks, who served the Town of Cortlandville for 33 years, shared insights on the proposed Town Manager position. Mrs. Hicks emphasized the challenges of managing various responsibilities beyond financial duties during her tenure and suggested hiring additional help, which she said was mentioned prior to her retirement in 2020. Mrs. Hicks raised questions, seeking clarity on the potential duties of the role—whether it would involve day-to-day employee management or focus on financial aspects, recognizing the complexity of government financing. She also asked whether the position would be part-time or full-time, and the associated budget allocation. Mrs. Hicks recommended the Town work with the NYS Association of Towns and the Cortland County Civil Service Personnel Department. She stated that each elected official should know what their duties are. The Town is growing and as such she recommended the Town assess what is working well and identify areas that need improvement. Mrs. Hicks offered her assistance with the process and invited the Board to contact her with any further questions. Her full written comments were submitted to the Town Clerk for the record. Supervisor Williams responded that the Town has “a good handle” on how to pay for the position. He also mentioned that the Town has an experienced per diem Human Resource consultant who is able to take care of the details with civil service. Supervisor Williams offered privilege of the floor to Bob Martin. Town resident, Bob Martin expressed concerns about the proposed Town Manager position. He recapped comments/discussion heard at the February 7, 2024 Town Board meeting regarding the suggested need for a full-time position. Mr. Martin argued against adding another administrative layer, stating that Cortlandville has 46+ full-time employees along with competent managers and staff. He highlighted and agreed with Councilman Reisweber's comment from the previous meeting, that the new position would be a major structural shift. He noted the need for public referenda for certain shifts in power per Town Law. Mr. Martin questioned the origin of the idea for a Town Manager and whether consultations occurred with other board members or staff. He raised concerns about potential cost savings, especially regarding Supervisor Williams' dual roles, and questioned the adequacy of a $50,000 base salary. Drawing comparisons, he mentioned that the Town of Dryden was offering a $75,000 salary for a manager to implement broadband. According to salary.com the salaries for a Town Manager in New York State average from $90,287 to $114,744; local salaries range from $70,000 (Manlius) to $92,000 (Seneca Falls). Mr. Martin sought clarity on the job description, responsibilities, and qualifications for the proposed role. He referenced NYS Town Law, highlighting the Supervisor’s role as an administrator. He also mentioned Section 10 of the Municipal Home Rule Law which authorizes local governments to enact local laws relating to the powers and duties of officers and employees, which require a local law and public referenda in order to be accomplished. Lastly, he presented Cortlandville's current form of government under Town Law. Mr. Martin provided his full written comments to the Town Clerk after the meeting for the record. Supervisor Williams offered privilege of the floor to Pamela Jenkins. Town resident, Pamela Jenkins expressed concerns about the proposed Town Manager position, citing Town Law regarding the Supervisor's role as the chief executive officer responsible for town administration. She referenced the NYS Comptroller's publication, “Information for Town Officials January 2024”, emphasizing the Supervisor's duties as fiscal officer, including budget responsibilities. She voiced concerns regarding the following: the demands of the position, the amount of time Supervisor Williams spends at the Town Hall and his availability; Supervisor FEBRUARY 21, 2024 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 3 Williams’ salary as budget officer in addition to paying Mr. Tupper to assist with the budget and finances; and the total annual salary for the Supervisor. Ms. Jenkins raised concerns about the sudden proposal for a Town Manager without having detailed information. She referred the Board to the surrounding towns and to the wealthier towns of Skaneateles, Lansing and Dewitt that have supervisors but no town managers. She stated, the fact that Cortland County has a County Executive is irrelevant as the County’s budget is more than 1000% of what the Town’s budget is. Ms. Jenkins also pointed out that an appointed Town Manager would not be accountable to voters but would be beholden to the person who made the appointment and could be removed at any time. Ms. Jenkins concluded by suggesting Supervisor Williams resign. She asked for effective and accountable leadership without the need for additional taxpayer-funded assistance. Supervisor Williams responded to Ms. Jenkins’ comments regarding his office hours and explained that his time is spent at Town Hall, at meetings at night and out of Town. He objected to the characterization of his work. Supervisor Williams offered privilege of the floor to Beth Kanalley. Town resident, Beth Kanalley explained that most of the information she had regarding the creation of a new position for Town Manager came from what she read in the local newspaper. She asked, what is the evidence for the need for the position, and why is it too hard for the people who are elected to do the job they were elected to do? She suggested the change would be a “huge reorganization” and that details would need to be laid out. She hoped information would be shared with the public and the reasons why decisions are made. Ms. Kanalley said that she read about the Town Supervisor and Town Board positions and understood there is a lot responsibility, but asked for more reasoning for the position. Supervisor Williams reiterated there is no job description or set salary, but there is a general idea of what the Town Manager would do such as handle the budget and administrative needs. If the Board moves forward, the next step would be to write a job description and put it out to the public. He agreed it would be a big change as to how the Town of Cortlandville conducts business, comparing the Town to a corporation or a school district, run by five part-time people. Supervisor Williams said they have to abide by Town Law but beyond that they have some flexibility. If the Town were to move forward with the idea, a local law would need to be drafted and presented to the Board and the public. Ms. Kanally looked forward to being provided with more information. Supervisor Williams offered privilege of the floor to Andrea Rankin. Town resident, Andrea Rankin asked for clarification of previous comments made regarding the Town having 46 employees with a $10 million budget and five part-time elected officials managing the budget. Supervisor Williams explained that the Town has a Financial Advisor and a full-time Financial Administrator/Bookkeeper. Ms. Rankin wanted it to be clear that the Town Board/Supervisor has staff working for them. She also asked if the change would be financially neutral, to which Supervisor Williams said yes. No further comments were made at this time. Councilman Guido made a motion, seconded by Councilman Donlick, to receive and file the following monthly reports: 1. Parks & Recreation Director, John McNerney – December 2023-January 2024; 2. Parks & Recreation, Jacob Rivers – December 2023-January 2024; 3. Town Justice Mathey and Town Justice DeMarco – January 2024; 4. Cortland Community SPCA – January 2024; and 5. Code Enforcement Officer, Desiree Campbell – January 2024. All voting aye, the motion was carried. Under new business, Town Clerk Rocco-Petrella mentioned that she just returned from the 2024 Association of Towns annual meeting and training school. She thanked the Board for allowing her to attend the conference, stressing the importance of continuing education and in- person training. FEBRUARY 21, 2024 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 4 Attorney DelVecchio reported: Town Manager: Attorney DelVecchio commented on the creation of a new position for a Town Manager, which is a prescribed position under Town Law. He explained that the Board has the authority to create the position; if created the Town Manager would serve as a chief administrative officer. The duties would be created by the Town Board, in a job description delineated in the local law. With regard to the question posed about whether or not a mandatory referendum, or public vote, would occur, he explained that the only way that would happen is if the duties and obligations of the Town Manager somehow overreached in the other elected officials’ duties. Attorney DelVecchio explained that the ideas that have been thrown around are more administrative in nature. He stated that from his observations, there are many people that make decisions and take on issues that are outside of their “strike zone” and that the idea for a Town Manager would be for one person to take on those issues and help everyone deal with those issues. The Board was looking for input and general ideas at this time. Town Board Member reports: Councilman Leach recalled his request for a reduction in speed limit on East River Road in the Town of Cortlandville and thanked the Town Clerk for submitting the Board’s resolution to the County Highway Superintendent and County Legislature. Councilman Leach also thanked the Board for inviting the McGraw High School Drama Club and the Homer High School cast of Beauty and the Beast to perform skits at the meetings. He was very impressed with the students and talent. Councilman Leach also asked the Board to discuss scheduling a few upcoming board meetings in the Village of McGraw, Blodgett Mills, and the Living History Center. Supervisor Williams and the Board agreed to such and would look into scheduling the dates and meeting locations. Councilman Guido mentioned that he attended a model battery storage law meeting at the County and would provide the Board with more detailed information that could be useful since more solar projects were being proposed. Councilman Reisweber provided an update regarding the Town’s Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee (CPIC) which he is now the Chair of. The current CPIC members were reviewing their previous work and planned to meet in March to map out the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan. Two additional committee members would be sought to complete the task and provide the Board with recommendations. Supervisor Williams reported: Supervisor Williams requested the Board receive and file the written comments and questions submitted by former Town Clerk/Collector, Karen Snyder, regarding the possible creation of a new position, Town Manager. Supervisor Williams also indicated that at the conclusion of the meeting he would ask for an executive session for personnel followed by an attorney-client meeting regarding pending litigation. Lastly, Supervisor Williams reported that the Town’s Human Resource consultant, Sylvia Hall, would be offering leadership training for Town staff and officials, with more information available at a later date. Councilman Leach made a motion, seconded by Councilman Guido to receive and file correspondence and questions from former Town Clerk/Collector, Karen Snyder, dated February 18, 2024, regarding the possible creation of a new position, Town Manager. All voting aye, the motion was carried. At this time in the meeting, the Board proceeded with new business items. There was a brief discussion regarding the Town’s request to receive 25% of 2019 Water Quality Improvement Grant that was awarded to the Town for the purchase of property surrounding the Town’s Lime Hollow wells to protect the wellhead. Councilman Reisweber thanked former Councilman, John Proud for his exemplary efforts with the project and securing the grant. The grant was not only a win for the Town to protect the wellhead, but was a win for FEBRUARY 21, 2024 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 5 the Lime Hollow Nature Center who the Town partnered with the manage the land. Supervisor Williams agreed, adding that it was also a great example of the Town working together with the community for the greater good, adding that volunteers from the Lime Hollow Nature Center played a huge role in cleaning up the property alongside the Town Highway Department. RESOLUTION #80 AUTHORIZE REQUEST FOR PAYMENT (PAYMENT NO. 1) IN THE AMOUNT OF $44,560.00 REGARDING THE 2019 CFA NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION (NYSDEC) WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT GRANT (#C01168GG) FOR THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTY SURROUNDING THE LIME HOLLOW WELLS Motion by Councilman Leach Seconded by Councilman Guido VOTES: AYE – Williams, Donlick, Guido, Leach, Reisweber NAY – 0 ADOPTED BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board hereby authorizes the request for payment (Payment No. 1) in the amount of $44,560.00, or 25% of the total grant award of $178,240.00, regarding the 2019 CFA New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Water Quality Improvement Project Grant (#C01168GG) for the purchase of property surrounding the Lime Hollow Wells. RESOLUTION #81 ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT AND ACCEPT GRANT AWARD FROM NEW YORK STATE ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (NYSERDA), CLEAN ENERGY COMMUNITIES (CEC) PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000.00 FOR A STUDY/EVALUATION OF THE BUILDING ENVELOPE OF THE RAYMOND G. THORPE MUNICIPAL BUILDING (TOWN HALL) AND HVAC SYSTEM Motion by Councilman Leach Seconded by Councilman Donlick VOTES: AYE – Williams, Donlick, Guido, Leach, Reisweber NAY – 0 ADOPTED BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board hereby acknowledges receipt and accepts the grant award from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) under the Clean Energy Communities (CEC) Program, in the amount of $5,000.00, to conduct a study/evaluation of the building envelope of the Raymond G. Thorpe Municipal Building (Town Hall) and the HVAC system to determine options for improving the system. RESOLUTION #82 ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT AND ACCEPT GRANT AWARD FROM THE DORMITORY AUTHORITY STATE OF NEW YORK (DASNY) STATE AND MUNICIPALITES (SAM) PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $229,605.00 FOR THE TOWN OF CORTLANDVILLE SHARED SERVICES MOBILE STAGE (PROJECT #26678) Motion by Councilman Guido Seconded by Councilman Donlick VOTES: AYE – Williams, Donlick, Guido, Leach, Reisweber NAY – 0 ADOPTED BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board hereby acknowledges receipt and accepts the grant award from the Dormitory Authority State of New York (DASNY) State and Municipalities (SAM) program in the amount of $229,605.00 for the Town of Cortlandville Shared Services Mobile Stage (Project #26678), for the purchase of a mobile stage to be utilized by the Town of Cortlandville, City of Cortland, and Cortland County. FEBRUARY 21, 2024 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 6 RESOLUTION #83 AUTHORIZE TOWN SUPERVISOR TO SIGN NECESSARY GRANT DOCUMENTS AND SUBMIT THEM TO THE DORMITORY AUTHORITY STATE OF NEW YORK (DASNY) REGARDING THE SHARED SERVICES MOBILE STAGE GRANT (PROJECT #26678) AND AUTHORIZE THOMA DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS TO ASSIST WITH THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE GRANT Motion by Councilman Donlick Seconded by Councilman Guido VOTES: AYE – Williams, Donlick, Guido, Leach, Reisweber NAY – 0 ADOPTED BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board hereby authorizes and directs the Town Supervisor to sign necessary grant documents and submit them to the Dormitory Authority State of New York (DASNY) in regard to the Shared Services Mobile Stage Grant, (Project #26678), and it is further RESOLVED, the Town Board hereby approves and authorizes Thoma Development Consultants to assist with the administration of the grant. RESOLUTION #84 AUTHORIZE RENEWAL OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWN OF CORTLANDVILLE AND CIVIC PLUS FOR ANNUAL WEBSITE HOSTING AND SUPPORT FOR THE TOWN’S WEBSITE EFFECTIVE MARCH 1, 2024 THROUGH MARCH 1, 2025 FOR THE TOTAL COST OF $3,338.67 Motion by Councilman Guido Seconded by Councilman Donlick VOTES: AYE – Williams, Donlick, Guido, Leach, Reisweber NAY – 0 ADOPTED BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board hereby authorizes the renewal of the agreement between the Town of Cortlandville and Civic Plus for annual website hosting and support for the Town of Cortlandville’s website (cortladville.org) effective March 1, 2024 through March 1, 2025, for the total cost of $3,338.67. Councilman Leach made a motion, seconded by Councilman Reisweber, to receive and file correspondence from Supervisor Williams, dated February 13, 2024, to the McGraw Drama Club thanking them for their outstanding performance at the February 7, 2024 Town Board meeting. All voting aye, the motion was carried. Councilman Leach made a motion, seconded by Councilman Guido, to receive and file correspondence from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), dated February 14, 2024 regarding the proposal to amend six (6) New York Codes Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) Part 375, Environmental Remediation Programs. All voting aye, the motion was carried. With nothing further to come before the Board, Supervisor Williams requested the Board convene to an Executive Session to discuss personnel, to be followed by an Attorney-Client privileged meeting. Councilman Guido made a motion, seconded by Councilman Donlick, to recess the Regular Meeting to an Executive Session to discuss pending litigation and personnel. All voting aye, the motion was carried. The meeting was recessed at 6:10 p.m. Councilman Guido made a motion, seconded by Councilman Donlick, to adjourn the Executive Session and reconvene the Regular Meeting. All voting aye the motion was carried. The Executive Session was adjourned at 6:32 p.m. FEBRUARY 21, 2024 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 7 Members of the public were invited to return to the meeting at this time. No action was taken. With no further comments or discussion to be heard, Supervisor Williams adjourned the Regular Meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 6:32 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kristin E. Rocco-Petrella, RMC Town Clerk Town of Cortlandville *Note: The draft version of this meeting was submitted to the Town Board for their review on March 6, 2024. The final version of this meeting was approved as written at the Town Board meeting of March 20, 2024.