HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-12-2018 Town Board Meeting Minutes ApprovedVirgil Town Board Meeting April 12th, 2018
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TOWN OF VIRGIL REGULAR MEETING
April 12th, 2018
PRESENT: Supervisor John Kaminski, Board Members Jereme Stiles, Eric Snow, Matt Denniston, Gary Pelton, Attorney for the Town
Pat Snyder, Town Clerk/Collector Alane Van Donsel, Ken Scherrieble and David Coish Camden Group, Jenae Withey W2Operators,
Sandy Price County Legislator, Highway Superintendent Britt Morse, Teri Pelton, Stacy Bradly, Corena Morse, Sue Connelly Virgil Youth
Commission, Wes Kryger Greek Peak, Carol Rehkugler, Eric and Ellen Fitchette regarding the Virgil Youth Commission, Al Kryger and
Dan Haynes.
6:30 PM –THE REGULAR MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER
Supervisor Kaminski called the meeting to order, followed by the salute to the flag.
RESOLUTION #18-049 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Draft of the Regular Board Meeting Minutes dated March 8th, 2018: Member Stiles moved to approve the minutes for March 08th,
2018. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston and Kaminski. Nays-None
RESOLUTION# 18-050 AUTHORIZATION TO PAY BILLS
GENERAL FUND FOR March 2018 NUMBER 04: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the General Fund’s audited
vouchers numbered 85-125 in the amended amount of $27884.15. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton,
Snow, Denniston and Kaminski. Nays- None. $22.18 in tax wasn’t paid so the original amt. of $27, 906.33 was correct.
HIGHWAY FUND FOR MARCH 2018 NUMBER 04: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the Highway Fund audited
vouchers numbered 1074-1091 in the amount of $31,547.67. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton,
Snow, Denniston and Kaminski. Nays- None
SEWER DISTRICT #1 FUND FOR MARCH 2018 NUMBER 04: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the Sewer District #1
audited voucher’s numbered 2028- 2039, Voucher # 2029- paid $71.44 in tax, when we are tax exempt. The board approved the
amended amount of $8, 065.39 . Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston and Kaminski.
Nays- None
WATER DISTRICT #1 FUND FOR MARCH 2018 NUMBER 04: Member MD moved to approve payment of the Water District #1 audited
vouchers 3014-3021, voucher # 30.14 paid tax in the amount of $14.04, the board approved the amended amount of $4480.60.
Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston and Kaminski. Nays -None
MONTHLY REPORTS
SUPERVISOR’S MONTHLY REPORT FOR MARCH 2018: Member Stiles moved to accept the Supervisor’s Monthly Report in Short form
for March 2018. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays –None
TOWN CLERK’S MONTHLY REPORT FOR MARCH 2018: Member Stiles moved to accept the Town Clerks Monthly Report for MARCH
2018. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None
TAX COLLECTORS REPORT AS OF APRIL 04th, 2018: Member Stiles moved to accept the Tax Collector’s Monthly Report as of April 04th,
2018. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None 92%
outstanding
SEWER DISTRICT OPERATIONS REPORT: Representatives Ken Scherrieble and Dave Coish were present from the Camden Group.
Member Snow asked about the number one tank. He asked representatives of the Camden group if they e ver thought of replacing it.
Ken Scherrieble thought that was a good idea and was going to investigate it. Supervisor Kaminski said that it would have to be bid
out. Camden said that they can write the specs. Member Stiles moved to accept the Sewer Districts Report. Member Snow seconded
the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None
WATER DISTRICT OPERATIONS REPORT: Jenae Withey reported that received a quote for a water guard. Withey said that the health
department would like to see it fixed or replaced, however they are taking residual samples daily with their own meter. They have
two bids for exact unit and the third bid is for the same unit, but there is a different brand name. Member Stiles was wondering if they
would be able to fix the part. Withey said that they can’t find any replacement parts for the unit. Member Stiles moved to accept the
Water Districts Report. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays-
None
RESOLUTION #18-051 APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE OF A NEW CHLORINE ANALYZER: Member Stiles made a motion to approve the
purchase of a new a WG-602FR Amperometric 0-20 PPM Free Chlorine Analyzer for the lowest estimated price of $4670.00. Member
Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays -None
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER’S REPORT: Member Stiles moved to accept the Animal Control Officer’s Report. Member Snow seconded
the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays-None
CODE ENFORCEMENT AND ZONING OFFICERS REPORT: A written report was submitted by the Code and Zoning Officer, Kevin
McMahon. Member Stiles motioned to accept the Code and Zoning Officers report. The motion was seconded Member Snow. Vote:
Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None
Virgil Town Board Meeting April 12th, 2018
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COUNTY LEGISLATOR’S REPORT: County Legislator Sandy Price submitted a written report. Price reported that she forgot to mention
in her report that the highlight of her month was reading to the second and third graders at Virgil School. She said there is a confirmed
date for walking path celebration of May 4th. She said that both Senator Seward and Assembly women Lifton are planning on attending,
as they helped secure the grant for the walking trail. They plan to have lunch with the seniors at the Virgil Town Hall at 11:20. Jim
Murphy plans to be the mater of ceremonies for the event. She is hoping that all can attend. At 1:30 pm they plan to visit the children
at the school and with hopes of good weather, they are hoping to be able to walk around the path. Price said that she plans to send
out the agenda next week. Price said that town council member Matt Denniston has been faithfully attending the workers
compensation committee meetings. She said to please let him know if he needs to do more. Member Denniston said that they are up
against the deadline to make any changes for next year. So, he feels it’s not going to happen. He feels it’s going to be pushed off for a
year. He said that they are looking at changes in 2019. It was stated that a Barber from McNeil will have the numbers next week. There
are a lot of documents and it’s an ongoing process. Supervisor Kaminski said that he had some concerns about the cost of oil to oil and
stone the roads. He feels that the county has been giving a local business preferential treatment. It was called to his attention that
this company is charging more money to Cortland county than other counties. Price said that they had gone out to bid and the contract
was almost up, she said it will not be done the same way next time. Kaminski said that Vestal Oil is charging 20-30 cents less a gallon.
Kaminski said that he met with the county regarding sales tax. Kaminski had some ideas of instead of building a new jail, they build
on the site they have now, and using some of the sale tax money to offset the cost. He thinks they can build a 60 -70 bed jail on the
site, if they purchase some of the neighboring homes. He thinks they can use the excess sales tax to pay for the jail, without hurting
the towns. Price thought that the committee chair was receptive to that idea as well. Price said that very few people are still thinking
about building a new jail. Kaminski said that he talked to the board of supervisors in Chenango county and they over built their jail.
They are willing to cut a deal with Cortland County to take excess prisoners. Member Stiles asked if the administrator position will be
filled. Price said that they are working on getting financial people in there. She said that the discussion just stated on this. She said
that they are working on getting a financial person in place to take the place of the County treasurer Ralph Canfield. She said that
Ralph did an excellent job and not sure he can be replace d. Member Stiles motioned to accept the County Legislators report. The
motion was seconded Member Denniston. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None
DISCUSSION ON POWERLINES: Member Stiles was wondering what was going on with the new proposed powerlines that will run
through Virgil. No one really seems to be sure and he was wondering if Dan Dineen fro m the County Planning department might know
something. Stiles feels it’s crucial to stay on top of this. He is wondering if the power company will try to get away with not paying
anything. It was questioned where the powerlines are going. Price didn’t know for sure, everyone is only guessing where they are
going to go. The Virgil Town Clerk, forwarded the flyer from Sandy Price to the Town’s Email list. Price said that the Town of Truxton
has a lawyer on board and welcomes Virgil to join.
VIRGIL YOUTH COMMISSION REPORT: Teri Pelton of the Youth Commission submitted a written report. Pelton reported that
Commission has talked, debated, and investigated as a committee what to do. The Cortland Child Development Center can offer their
services and they will offer them whether Virgil closes in one year or not. She said that the issue is with getting the license. They need
the board’s approval to move forward with pursing the license and they need to know as soon as possible. Pelton said they are planning
on opening in September if they get the license and they can offer the summer program. They need to know if they should start the
process. Member Stiles was concerned about the cost and if they will have enough children. Pelton said that they are willing to try it.
They want to go to the Kindergarten registration night. Corena Morse said that some children are already going to the program in
Cortland. Member Denniston asked how many children they can have now, and it was stated up to 20. But because it is a drop-in
program it fluctuates. Member Stiles said that the town can’t continue to run the program and they must get out of the daycare
business. His only concern is the cost of the new program. Member Stiles motioned to accept the Virgil Youth Commissions report.
The motion was seconded Member Denniston. Vote: Ayes -Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None
RESOLUTION #18-052 APPROVAL TO ALLOW THE CORTLAND CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER PURSUE LICENSING FOR BEFORE AND
AFTER SCHOOL CARE FOR VIRGIL STUDENTS: Member Denniston made a motion to approve the recommendation to have the
Cortland Child Development Center pursue licensing to run the before and after school program held at the Virgil elementary s chool,
starting in the fall. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and K aminski. Nays-
None Further Discussion: Teri Pelton said that she will contact Ellen from the Child Development Center. Stacy Bradley asked what
the board would like to do with the money that will be left in the account. It was stated that it should be used to reduce the cost or
prorate the cost in the future. Price said that it can be used for scholarships, she also said that there was money built into the budget
to cover unemployment costs. Stacy said that they received a bill for busing that they weren’t told about. She said there was some
serious miscommunications going on and she felt that the bills were not accurate.
HOPE LAKE OPERATIONS REPORT: Wes Kryger reported that he submitted the 2018 park proposal. He said there are some changes
from last year. There are some changes on the open times and some nonresident price changes. They are looking into having the
lifeguards certified in a type of training that would allow lifeguards form the water park to be rotated. They are also looking to
eliminate the deep swimming area, as the dock is in such poor shape. He provided the town with yearend financials that spanned from
opening of last year to the current date. They did a water test and it did pass from a chemical standpoint, but the clarity didn’t pass.
They would need to pass a clarity test to open the beach. Member Stiles made a motion to approve the Hope Lake Park Oral Report
and Financials. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes -Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None
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RESOLUTION #18-053 APPROVE THE 2018 HOPE LAKE PARK OPERATIONS RECOMMENDATIONS: Member Stiles motioned to approve
the 2018 Hope Lake Park Operations recommendations as presented. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes -Members
Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENTS REPORT: Highway Superintendent Britt Morse was present and submitted a written report. Morse
reported that the new broom is being used and is working great. Morse reported that everything was auctioned has been picked up
except for the mower. There was a leather chair that was picked up from the transfer station years ago that sold for $110.00. Morse
reported that due to poor weather conditions, they haven’t been able to get stuff done. They are waiting for the weather to break.
Member Stiles motioned to accept the Highway Supervisor report. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton,
Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None.
OLD BUSINESS
NYMIR TRAINING: Supervisor Kaminski said that the town needs to set up dates to hold s exual harassment and work place violence
training. He is hoping to have the classes at the Town Hall the 2nd or 4th week in May, however he has not heard back from NYMIR yet.
He is still waiting on confirmation.
DISCUSSION ON TRAILER: Supervisor Kaminski said that the trailer they wanted to bid on was sold. They are looking for another trailer
now. It was stated that Tracey’s equipment may have one available.
DISCUSSION ON DREDGING HOPE LAKE: Supervisor Kaminski said that he would like to set up a schedule to dredge that Hope Lake.
He is concerned with the water clarity and being able to open the park for swimming in the summer . He feels it the dredging is done
in the spring the lake will get all cloudy. He is hoping to start After Labor day. The plan is to drain the lake and have the town run the
job. He plans to rent an excavator, a truck, and a dozer at the cost of over $12,000. He plans on stock piling the gravel at the park. The
DEC will need to approve the work. Kaminski said that the Insurance company was on board with the project. He said that the workers
need to ware hard hats and vests. He plans to dredge out both ends of the lake to catch all the debris. He is hoping to dig deep enough
as this will be a one time shot. The most economical way to run the job is to use volunteers. He plans to work under 7 days. He said
that the town needs to take some type of action. He thinks that if they drain the lake on Labor there will be time to allow that water
to settle and to fill back up for winter. Kaminski said that he is hoping to have a more formal schedule next month. He said there is
some money from last year’s budget that can be used.
DISCUSSION ON ZONING AND PLANNING BOARD TRAINING: Supervisor Kaminski said that some of the members of the Planning and
Zoning Boards haven’t complied with the minimum 4.0 hours of training a year. Member Stiles is concerned that if a decision is
challenged there could be an issue. Stiles said that he will have a talk with them.
GREEK PEAK LAWSUIT: Supervisor Kaminski said that the case is settled, and that the Attorney is finalizing the paperwork.
NEW BUSINESS
OPEN BIDS FOR SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM: There were two bids that were submitted on the bid on the Surveillance System for the Virgil
Town Hall and the Virgil Fire Station. The Legal Notice was published in the Cortland Standard and posted at the Virgil Town Hall.
Bid #1 Beard Electric- Total of Labor and Materials for the Virgil Town Hall was $6,068.07
Total of Labor and Materials for the Highway Garage was $5,461.09
Total Bid: $11,529.16
Bid #2 Farm Work Services LLC- Town Hall, 5 Cameras Installed Complete with Cameras, Sever, monitor & Software $4,850.00
Virgil Town Barn, 3 Cameras Installed Complete with Camera Server, monitor and Software $2,950.00
Total Bid: $7,800.00
RESOLUTION #18-054 APPROVAL OF LOWEST BID FROM FARM WORK SERVICES LLC FOR A SURVEILLANCE FOR THE TOWN OF
VIRGIL: Member Denniston made a motion to accept the lowest bid from Farm Work Services LLC as the lowest bidder to install a
surveillance system at the Virgil Town Hall and the Virgil Town Barn in the total amount of $7,800.00. Member Snow seconded the
motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None.
DISCUSSION ON THE EXTENSION OF THE SEWER LINE ON KYPRIOTIS DRIVE: Frank Patyi a property owner on Kypriotis Drive would
like to have the sewer line extended. Patyi is proposing that the towns engineer designs approximately 250 feet of extended sewer
line. He plans to pay for and hiring his own contractor to install the extended sewer line. The towns engineer will have to accept the
design. Supervisor Kaminski would like to hire Mike O’Reilly to draw up the specs on the extension. Patyi will contact neighbors to see
if they would like to join in and then the system will be turned over to the town once it is inspected by the engineer. There are no
intentions of cutting corners. 200-250 feet. Attorney Snyder asked if there were existing easements on all the properties that might
be affected. It was stated that there should be an easement on either side of the road, however this needs to be looked into. Mr. Patyi
was present, and Kaminski told him to contact an excavator of his choice and get a price.
DISCUSSION ON SMOKE ALARMS AT THE HIGHWAY GARAGE: Supervisor Kaminski said that there was an issue with the alarm system
at the highway garage and the Fire Station. The company keeps blaming the issues on the phoneline. Kaminski said that the dialer at
the fire station dialed over 5,500 times and they received a bill of over $534.00. He went ahead on hired another company for the fire
station and they haven’t had any problems since. He would like to hire the same company for the highway garage. The cost of the
system is under state bid.
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APPROVAL TO GO OUT TO BID ON THE ROOF AT THE HIGHWAY GARAGE: Supervisor Kaminski stated that the roof at the highway
garage needs to be replaced. They are looking to completely tear off the old roof, remove the old insulation and plywood and add
2x4’s. They plan on adding more insulation with a rubber membrane. The Town will remove all the debris. Kaminski said they would
like to go out to bid and have the work done next year. He said the town may have to go out for a bond. Jereme Stiles said he will write
up the bid specs.
RESOLUTION #18-055 APPROVAL TO GO OUT TO BID FOR A ROOF REPLACEMENT AT THE HIGHWAY GARAGE: Member Stiles made
a motion to approve that the Town goes out to bid for a roof replacement at the Virgil Highway Garage. Member Snow seconded the
motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None.
2017 TOWN BOOK CLOSING REPORT: Supervisor Kaminski said that the report closing out the 2017 books was presented to the board.
He said that there is $98,162 left over in the General fund. However, there is a deficit of $10, 540 in the Highway fund. Superintendent
Britt Morse called Kaminski to the attention that the highway department account hadn’t been reimbursed for flood damage work
they had done. They have since been reimbursed $19, 442 and it has been deposited into the highway account. Morse said that should
have been reflected on the statement. Morse said that he will get together with Bookkeeper Nourse on that. Member Stiles said he
wanted to get together with Nourse as well.
DISCUSSION ON MEETING ROOM CEILING: The ceiling in the main board meeting room is cracking and nails are popping. Kaminski
wanted to call the boards attention that it is going to need some maintenance.
DISCUSSION ON HIGH SPEED INTERNET IN VIRGIL: Member Pelton wanted to know if there was anything that the town can do to
bring Highspeed internet to residents. Kaminski said that he contacted Frontier communications and they said that Hafele TV won the
grant. Hafele was going to put in fiber optic cables, however they are having issue with the electric company not allowing them to use
their poles. Lee Haefele talked to someone, but they never got back to him. Right now, the fiber optic lines are only going to go where
Haefele has existing cables. He wants to go on the back roads as well. This project has to be completed within five years to comply
with the grant. Pelton asked if the town can cut a deal with the power company. Kaminski said that Haefele is feuding with the power
company, they are saying there is an issue with being too close to the power lines. However, Kaminski feels that there is plenty of
room on the pole. He feels that the power company is just being difficult. He said that he sent a letter to the public service commission
and Frontier Communications. He is wondering if the Town should write the governor, as this is his grant. He is wondering if he should
call Hafele to see if there is anything more what residents can do. Resident Carole Rekkugler was told that this matter needs to go to
the State Attorney General’s Office. Kaminski said that he will contact the State Attorney General’s Office.
FURTHER DISCUSSION: Greek Peak Representative Wes Kryger asked if there was any negative feedback from the Spartan Race. There
was none. He said that Greek Peak has signed up again in 2019. He said that they had the same numbers in attendance as last year.
Kryger said that the Hope Lake staff has mentioned if there is any way to get more sand for the beach. He said that most of it washed
away from the storm last year. Member Stiles said that it is a big problem because of availability. Stiles was wondering if the color of
the sand was an issue? He said it is less expensive for white sand. Kryger said that he didn’t hear anything negative. Unfortunately, he
said that the birds still like it.
With no further business to discuss, Member Stiles moved to adjourn the meeting at Denniston. Member 7:35PM seconded the
Motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None.
Respectfully Submitted by,
Alane Van Donsel, Virgil Town Clerk