HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-11-14 TOWN OF DANBY
TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
November 14 , 1977
The regular meeting of the Danby Town Board was called to order at
the Danby Town Hall , 1830 Danby Road , Town of Danby , County of
Tompkins and State of New York on November 14 , 1977 at 8 : 00 P . M .
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1 Board members present : Supervisor A . Francis Wright
Councilman Ralph Wilbur
Councilman Paul Smith
Justice Floyd Dorn
Justice Milton Todd
Others present : Ed Slights , Ernest Cole , Joan Barber , Bill Shippos
• and Mrs . Shippos , Dan Hoffman , Mr . & Mrs . Liberman , E . J . Miller ,
Frances and Ralph Sager , James Murinchack , Gordon Roberts , Roy
Hornbrook , George Clarkson , Rhoda Larson , Dorothy Roberts , Fred
Thayer , Miss Chock , Charles Collins , Judson Leonard , Ithaca Journal
reporter .
It was noted that the name of the speaker from the Ithaca Speech
Clinic heard at the October meeting of the board was spelled
incorrectly in the minutes of that meeting . His name correctly
spelled is James Dormandy . Justice Milton Todd made the motion to
accept the minutes of the October 10th meeting with the correction
of spelling and the motion was seconded by Justice Floyd Dorn and
carried by a vote of five ayes and no noes .
COMMUNICATIONS :
1 . A letter from the Danby Board of Zoning Appeals concerning
appointments to the board .
2 . A letter from Robert I . Williamson concerning the adoption
of a resolution by the county challenging the constitutionality
of the Federal Unemployment Insurance Law insofar as it
applies to municipalities and school districts .
3 . A letter from the Association of Towns of the State of New
York concerning Governor Carey ' s elimination of certain
state mandates .
4 . A letter from Dan Hoffman expressing his interest in serving
on the County Enviromental Management Council as represent -
ative from Danby .
5 . A letter from the State of New York Division of Equalization
and Assessment concerning real property tax law rules and
regulations .
6 . Agenda of the Tompkins County Board of Representatives
meeting of November 14 , 1977 .
7 . A letter from Tom Valentine of the Ithaca City School
District Transportation Department concerning roads
school buses must travel .
8 . Agenda of the Tompkins County Board of Representatives Monday
October 10 , 1977 meeting .
9 . Minutes of the November 2 , 1977 meeting of the West Danby
Water District Commissioners .
Town Board Meeting Minutes - November 14 , 1977 Page 2
Communications continued :
10 . Minutes of the meeting of the Town of Danby Planning
Board meeting of October 19 , 1977 .
11 . Minutes of the meeting of the Town of Danby Board of
Zoning Appeals held October 5 , 1977 .
12 . Minutes of the meeting of the Town of Danby Board of
Zoning Appeals held October 12 , 1977 . •
13 . A letter from the Danby Senior Citizens to the Danby
Town Board concerning Revenue Sharing funds that possiblyy
may be available for a trip .
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR :
Councilman Paul Smith stated that he has been asked the question of
why there is speed limit sign in front of the school on
Gunderman Road . He feels that such a sign should be there . The
matter was discussed by the board .
The proposed creation ofd position of clerk typist for the Town Clerk ' s
o ffice was discussed . The money has been appropriated in the
1978 budget and now the position must have a title under the
civil service rules of New York State . Justice Milton Todd made
the motion to table the matter for further study . The motion
w as seconded by by Councilman Ralph Wilbur and carried by a
✓ ote of five ayes and no noes . Justice Milton Todd and Councilman
Paul Smith will look into this matter .
After discussing headings for the stationary it was decided not
to change it from its present form .
The clerk stated that two voting machine custodians are needed , one
from each of the major parties . Kim Davis and Jean Pepper are no
longer able to do this for the town . Kim will help Whoever takes
the job by showing them what needs to be done . Also a republican
e lection inspector , a democratic election inspector and a democratic
alternate election inspector are needed . Sandra Roberts name has
been submitted to fill the position of democratic election inspector .
No other names have been submitted . The board decided to take no
action until names have been submitted to fill all the positions .
Gordon Roberts stated that over insulation is causing fires in
some homes and felt the public should be aware of this . He said
that meet your candidates night was a success .
James Murinchack said that the Community Council would like some
definite rules set up for the use of the town hall by outsiders
and would like to know what fees to charge . A dance has been
held at the town hall and there seemed to be a good turnout . He
asked if the Revenue Sharing Funds allocated for the West Danby
recreation area could be put into a separate account to earn some
interest . The supervisor will check with Audit and Control . A
Cornell student has offered to draw up plans for the West Danby
recreation area . Mr . Murinchack questioned the political
advertising in the Danby Area News .
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Town Board Meeting Minutes - November 14 , 1977 Page 3
Privilege of the Floor continued :
Roy Hornbrook thanked the people who voted for him and stated that
he would try to do a good job as Highway Superintendent .
Fred Thayer stated that he represent, d the senior citizens in their
appeal to have federal revenue sharing'vallocated for their use .
Ralph Sager , Frances Sager and Rhoda Larson all came to back up
Fred Thayer in his request .
• Dorothy Roberts thanked the people who supported her in the election .
Joan Barber said that she is preparing a directory for the Town of
Danby . She also stated that there is a lack of communication in
the Town of Danby .
Mr . Shippos asked about the T . V . Cable for West Danby .
Mr . Liberman would like a vote by the board on his road problem .
He originally brought this matter to the board in July and feels
enough time has been spent .
Mr . Hoffman stated that the dance at the town hall was a success .
George Clarkson stated that action should be taken to change the
Danby Zoning Ordinance . There is a problem of cars parking on the
roads overnight . Something should be written into the ordinance
to prevent this .
Judson Leonard stated that fire stickers are ayailable at °.zthe fire
stations .
E . J . Miller stated that Joan Barber does a real good job . He feels
we should support our senior citizens . The county budget hearing will
be held Thursday for those interested in attending . There will be
a reduction of county tax for the Town of Danby . He discussed the
subjects on the agenda that were brought up at the meeting of the
County Board of Representatives . He said that the hospital is
coming along well . A study is being made of a possible county wide
transportation system .
Charles Collins from the New York State Electric and Gas Corporation
said that the Gas & Electric Co . is disturbed by adverse publicity
and discussed problems the company has in providing service . A
question and answer period followed .
Councilman Paul Smith read a letter from the current manager of
• Ceracche Television Corporation . The sale of the Cable T . V . Corp .
in the area was finalized November 14 , 1977 . It hopefully should
take no longer than two months to finalize the agreement with the
Town of Danby and the new owners of the Cable T . V . Corp . There
should be no basic rate changes .
The problem with the road in the area where Mr . Liberman lives was
discussed . Mr . Liberman stated that the simple solution would be
for the town to take over the small section in question and main -
tain it . He stated he would pay 2 of the cost . He asked the board
to vote on this . No cost figures are available at the present time
and the board was unwilling to vote not knowing the cost . Mr .
Liberman then stated that he would be satisfied with minimal work
and would pay the whole cost . The recommendation was made that Mr .
Liberman , the County Engineer , the highway Superintendent , and the
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Town Board Meeting Minutes - November 14 , 1977 Page 4
Privilege of1the Floor continued :
the Highway Committee over the plan for minimal work to get
the section of road that is causing the problem in shape and what
the cost would be and that after the work is done the town will
furnish the maintenanceefor this section . The cost of getting the
road in shape to be paid by Mr . Liberman . Councilmanvmfle
motion that this recommendation be accepted . The motion was
seconded by Justice Floyd Dorn and carried by a vote of five ayes
and no noes . '
COMMITTEE REPORTS :
Highway report - Councilman Ralph Wilbur reported that the cinder
spreader is on the way . He then commented on the problem of
telephone cables buried in the town road right - of - ways . The minutes
will be reasearched to find some information on a similar situation
about a yeariago . Ice on roads is a problem . Mr . Wilbur then
recommended that the newly elected Highway Superintendent he hired
as foreman of the highway department . The problem on Miller Road
and the one on Jersey Hill Road have been resolved .
Wrist Danby Water District - The West Danby Water District Commissioners
recommended that Paul Riihinen be reapointed for another five year
term as water commissioner . Councilman Ralph Wilbur made the motion
to appoint Paul Riihinen as recommendated . The motion was seconded
by Councilman Paul Smith and carried by a vote of five ayes and no
noes . There= was a question of Mr . Marshall having to pay fees to
be connected to the West Danby Water District water system . After
consulting Richard Thaler it was decided that fees will be collected
as they always havevs"ince the water district was established .
Councilman Ralph Wilbur introduced a resolution that the unpaid
water bills in the West Danby Water District for the year ending
October 31 , 1977 in the amount of $ 2 , 063 . 40 be added to the tax
roll . Justice Milton Todd seconded the motion .
RESOLUTION '128 UNPAID WATER BILLS IN THE WEST DANBY
WATER DISTRICT IN THE AMOUNT OF
$ 2 , 063 . 40 FOR THE YEAR ENDING OCTOBER
3`1 , 1977 BE ADDED TO THE TAX ROLL .
Roll Call Vo;te - Wright - aye
Wilbur - aye
Smith - aye
Dorn - aye
Todd - aye
Carried by al vote of five ayes and no noes . .
Insurance - All up to date .
Refuse Collection and Disposal - No report .
Youth - Supervisor Wright stated that the youth report for 1977 and
the application for 1978 are due in Binghamton on November 18 , 1977 .
Reports have not been received from the Community Council .
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Town Board Meeting Minutes - November 14 , 1977 Page 5
Committee Reports continued :
Zoning and Planning .- Nothing to add to the reports already , given .
Fire - The volunteers are doing a fine job .
Cemetaries - The missing stone at the Peters Road Cemetary was looked
for but could not be found .
OLD BUSINESS :
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H ighway Superintendent ' s report - Absent no report .
Appeals Board Chairman - James Murinchack reported that three appeals
h ave been heard before the board in November .
P lanning Board Chairman - Ernest Cole reported that there is now a
full board . At the present time there are many problems that are
being worked on .
Zoning Officers report - Gordon Roberts reported that he feels the
town directory is a good idea . He then discussed the house numbering
system in the Town of Danby .
D rapes for the town hall were discussed . Money has been allocated .
Dan Hoffman would like to serve as Danby ' s representative on the
E nviromental Management Council . A time will - be set to interview
candidates .
The Danby Town Board will send a letter to the State Resident Engineer
requesting approval of a speed limit sign for the Danby Elementary
School .
The senior citizens request for $ 400 . 00 from federal revenue sharing
funds was discussed at length . A motion was made by Councilman Paul
Smith and seconded by by Justice Milton Todd that the senior citizens
resubmit their request in 1978 . The motion was carried by a vote of
three ayes and two obstaining votes .
NEW BUSINESS :
A resolution was moved by Councilman Ralph Wilbur to transfer $ 13 . 00
from the contingency account A1990 . 4 to account A1920 . 4 for the
purpose of making sufficient funds available to pay municipal
association dues . The motion was seconded by Councilman Paul Smith .
• RESOLUTION # 29 TRANSFER FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $ 13 . 00
FROM ACCOUNT A1990 . 4 TO ACCOUNT A1920 . 4
TO PAY BALANCE OF MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION
DUES .
Roll Call Vote : Wright - aye
Wilbur - aye
Dorn - aye
Smith - aye
Todd - aye
Carried by a vote of five ayes and no noes .
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Town Board Meeting Minutes - November 14 , 1977 Page 6
New Business Continued :
Councilman Paul Smith moved a resolution to transfer $ 72 . 00 from
the contingency account A1990 . 4 to account number A1910 . 4 for
unallocated insurance to make funds available to pay the voting
machine floater . Councilman Ralph Wilbur seconded the motion .
RESOLUTION #k30 TRANSFER $ 72 . 00 FROM CONTINGENCY ACCOUNT
A1990 . 4 TO UNALLOCATED INSURANCE ACCOUNT
A1910 . 4 TO PAY THE VOTING MACHINE FLOATER . 411
Roll Call Vote : Wright - aye
Wilbur - aye
Smith - aye
Dorn - aye
Todd - aye
Carried by a vote of five ayes and no noes .
Councilman Ralph Wilbur moved a resolution to transfer $ 25 . 00 from
contingency account A1990 . 4 to account A1450 . 4 to make funds available
to pay electionsinspectors contractual expense . Councilman Paul
Smith seconded the motion .
RESOLUTION #31 TRANSFER $ 25 . 00 FROM CONTINGENCY ACCOUNT
A1990 . 4 TO ACCOUNT A1450 . 4 TO PAY BALANCE OF
SALARIES DUE ELECTION INSPECTORS .
Roll Call Vote : Wright - aye
Wilbur - aye
Smith - aye
Dorn - aye
Todd - aye
Carried by a vote of five ayes and no noes .
The 1978 annual meeting of the Association of Towns will be held
February 20 , 21 and 22 at the New York Hilton Hotel and the
Americana Hotel .
The appointment of a member to be appointed to the Danby Board
of Zoning Appeals will be taken back to committee for discussion .
The adoption of the 1978 town budget was opened for discussion .
Councilman Ralph Wilbur made the motion to adopt the preliminary
budget as the 1978 Town Budget for the Town of Danby . The motion
was seconded by Councilman Ralph Wilbur and carried by a vote of
five ayes and no noes .
Councilman Ralph Wilbur moved a resolution to transfer $ 119 . 93
from the contingency account A1990 . 4 to account A6010 . 4 . This will
make funds available to pay the amount voted by the board at the
October 10 , 1977 meeting as the Town of Danby ' s contribution to
the Human Services Coalition 1978 budget .
RESOLUTION # 32 TRANSFER $ 119 . 93 FROM THE CONTINGENCY
ACCOUNT A1990 . 4 TO ACCOUNT A6010 . 4 TO
PAY CONTRIBUTION TO HUMAN SERVICES
COALITION BUDGET FOR 1978 .
Town Board Meeting Minutes - November 14 , 1977 Page 7
New Business Continued :
Roll Call Vote : Wright - aye
Wilbur - aye
Smith - aye
Dorn - aye
Todd - aye
Carried by a vote of five ayes and no noes .
Councilman Paul Smith asked for authorization from the Town Board for
him to attend justice school in Syracuse . Justice Milton Todd made
to motion to authorize Paul to attend the school . The motion was
seconded by Justice Floyd Dorn and carried by a vote of five ayes and
no noes .
Councilman Ralph Wilbur made the motion that the Town Board write a
letter to the County Board of Representatives stating that the town
is not in favor of the proposed unemployment tax . The motion was
seconded by Justice Milton Todd and carried by a vote of five ayes
and no noes .
Councilman Ralph Wilbur made the motion to hire Roy Hornbrook , Highway
Superintendent elect , as associate highway superintendent . He will
start work December 5 , 1977 and be paid $ 461 . 54 every two weeks . from
the highway payroll account . -. The motion was seconded by Justice Milton
Todd and carried by a vote of five ayes and no noes .
At the present time the Town of Danby has a contract with the New York
State Electric and Gas Corporation for 20 lights @ $ 50 . 00 per lanp .
This contract is due to be renewed . There will be an increase in the
cost to the town of $ 1 , 000 . 00 per year . The proposed new contract
between the New York State Gas and Electric Corp and the Town of
Danby was read . Councilman Ralph Wilbur made the motion to renew
the contract . The motion was • seconde°a . by Justice Milton Todd and
carried by a vote of five ayes and no noes .
The supervisor noted that an inventory of the town equipment must be
taken .
General Fund Warrant # 11 in the amount of $ 1433 . 19 was approved to
be paid . The motion was made by Justice Milton Todd and seconded by
Councilman Paul Smith and carried by a vote of five ayes and no noes .
• Highway Fund Warrant # 11 in the amount of $ 14 , 129 . 83 was approved to
be paid . The motion was made by Councilman Ralph Wilbur and seconded
by Justice Milton Todd and carried by a vote of five ayes and no noes .
West Danby Water District Warrant # 10 in the amount of $ 499 . 39 was
approved to be paid . The motion was made by Justice Milton Todd and
seconded by Councilman Ralph Wilbur and carried by a vote of five ayes
and no noes .
Councilman Ralph Wilbur made the motion to approve the Supervisor ' s
reports as submitted . Justice Milton Todd seconded the motion which
was carried by a vote of four ayes and no noes .
Councilman Ralph Wilbur made the motion to adjourn the meeting at
midnight . The motion was seconded by Justice Milton Todd and carried
by a vote of five ayes and noinoes .
Respectfully submitted ,
Marltz , erk