HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-14-2018 Town Board Meeting Minutes ApprovedVirgil Town Board Meeting June 14th, 2018
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TOWN OF VIRGIL REGULAR MEETING
June 14th, 2018
PRESENT: Supervisor John Kaminski, Deputy Supervisor Jereme Stiles, Board Members Eric Snow, Matt Denniston, Gary Pelton,
Attorney for the Town Pat Snyder, Town Clerk/Collector Alane Van Donsel, Ken Scherrible and David Coish Camden Group, Doug &
Jenae Withey W2Operators, Highway Superintendent Britt Morse, Sandy Price County Legislator, Teri Pelton Virgil Youth Commission,
Wes Kryger Greek Peak, David Forehand Reigning Miracle Ministries, Lori Megivern, Kristy Buchalla, Sue Connelly, Bob and Chris
Applegate, Scott and Lisa Snyder, Anne Doyle, Linda Marsh, Gene P. King Sr., James LeFever, James and Sharon Sanford, Corena Morse,
Abby Albright, David Gower, Niels and Mary Schultz, Eric and Ellen Fitchette, Matt Sherman
6:15 Public Hearing: Local Law #3: Town Clerk Van Donsel read the legal notice that was posted at the Virgil town hall and was
published in the Cortland Standard. Supervisor Kaminski said that there was a public hearing held last month, however there is one
change to the local law, putting an expiration on it. So, the board decided to hold another public hearing. Supervisor Kaminski asked
three times if there were any comments and there were none. Deputy Supervisor Stiles motioned to close the hearing. Member
Denniston second the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays-None
Supervisor Kaminski said that the regular meeting will commence at 6:30PM. Town Clerk Van Donsel suggested that he announces
that comments on the school is on the agenda, but does not start at 6:00 PM, the Cortland Standard was incorrect. Kaminski said the
Board will take care of some business and then move to the discussion on the school.
6:30 PM –THE REGULAR MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER
Supervisor Kaminski called the meeting to order, followed by the salute to the flag.
DISCUSSION ON THE CLOSING OF VIRGIL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: The discussion on the closing of Virgil School commenced. Supervisor
Kaminski said that the Board of Education voted to close the Virgil Elementary School. He said that the school will operate for one
more year than it is slated to close. He said that the building will then be empty. Kaminski said that he wants input from the community
on what they would like to do. Does the community want to take the building over? He said that there are heating, maintenance and
insurance costs on the building. He is looking for ideas on what the building can be used for. He said that if you have any ideas, submit
them to the Town Clerk. He said that this is going to affect the tax base. He feels bad about the situation. He said that both Virgil and
Parker are slated to close. He said that the rumor mill is running rampant. He was told that there were agreements made between
Virgil and Cortland during the merger. He said that the Board has requested the documents from the school by using the Freedom of
Information Law. They are looking for the minutes from Virgil school board and the original merger document. They are looking to see
what deal was cut years ago. Gary Pelton, said that he is in deep trepidation with money involved with the Town taking over the
school. Pelton wants to see a concrete plan on how we will be moving forward. Pelton wants to hear from the community as well.
Chris Applegate said that Truxton purchased the building for $55,000 and they had a benefactor that bought the building and pays for
the utilities and the maintenance. They are using some of the building for businesses and they are renting out the classrooms and they
do fundraising. She said that it’s a lot to take on. Linda Marsh says she does not want to see the town of Virgil take over the building.
She wants it sold. Fitchette asked If the town doesn’t take action, how much say will we have in what happens to the building? Kaminski
said none. Do you want section 8 housing in the middle of Virgil? Besides it’s going to be an astronomical cost to convert that building
into apartments. It’s going to cost millions of dollars. He wonders if a business would want to be in the Town of Virgil? Looking for
ideas. Bob Applegate asked if the town can acquire it? Kaminski said that he doesn’t think that anyone is going to want it. He thinks
that the school will be stuck with it. Lori McGivern said that taxes are going to go up, because once the community school is gone
people aren’t going to move here. She said that some have already put their houses up for sale. She guarantees that we’re going to
see a brand-new building project that will put all the kids in one building and have a puppy mill type of education. Kaminski said that
this is a trend, they close schools and then 2-3 years later they build a new building or they have to build on. McGivern said that after
Pomeroy closed they built on to all four of the remaining buildings. Bob Applegate asked if there was an analysis done on that. Kaminski
said no. He said he doesn’t know how Virgil will weather it. He said that young families aren’t going to come to Virgil with families of
young children. Sandy Price said that her son has a friend that bought land on Clute road, now he is selling the property. He was going
to build a house there. She said we are just seeing the beginning of what’s going to happen. Price wants to see the decision revered,
she believes in community schools and she supports Virgil 100%. However, if this decision can’t be changed, then she is hoping the
town can acquire the playground as a park. It is valuable to the community. Abby Albright said that the district is looking to sell Parker
to the Cortland Christian Academy. Has Virgil reached out to them to be proactive? Kaminski has discussed some things with Mr.
Hoose, but he needs input from the community. Albright wanted to know if they are going to communicate with the town. Kaminski
said that Hoose wants to meet with the town. Deputy Supervisor Stiles said at this point anything can happen. We all voiced our
opinion. Chris Applegate said that there is a rumor going around that there will be a jail put in Virgil. Sandy Price said absolutely not.
Supervisor Kaminski said that there is an agreement that was made between the Virgil Central School and he has been told from some
of the older folks in the community that there were some expectations that were guaranteed. Lori McGivern said that she thought
that because it was a different board, this board wouldn’t be held to that. Kaminski said that there are things done in meetings and
there are things done in a contract. Kaminski said that the Town is going to FOIL the merger agreement to find out. He thinks there
may be a signed agreement. He said that he is going to have it here at the Town Hall. Bob Applegate asked who owns the building?
Lori McGivern said that the school district owned the old bus garage and wood shop. She was wondering how they were deeded to
the fire department? It was stated that the Green building was deeded back in the seventies. Stiles said that he is hoping that the FOIL
request gets some things cleared up. Resident Mary Schultz said she is devastated by the closing of the school. She said that when
anybody looks for a house, they always look for a good school. She was wondering if there was a way to start a charter STEM school.
She felt this would attract people to move in to the community. Kaminski asked if they thought that the school wants competition.
Applegate asked why we should consider what they want. Town resident Christy Buccalla was concerned with the notion of the town
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taking over the building and she wouldn’t be in favor of a charter school. Member Pelton said that the building is the center of the
town he is concerned that the town may not have a choice on who buys it. Kaminski said that the school district has five days to comply
to the FOIL request. Applegate is wondering if the building actually belongs to the Town of Virgil. Kaminski feels that these building
won’t sell and he feels that the district cares about the communities. He said that the school board meetings should have been packed
with residents against the closings. He said that they had 10-12 people there. He said that the last time they tried to close Virgil there
were 400 people there. Applegate said that it’s going to be a 45-minute bus ride to get kids. Kaminski said that nothing is finalized on
the grade configurations. It was stated that with 3 elementary aged children they could end up at three different schools. Kaminski
said that the School Board will be voting on the grade configurations on Tuesday June 19th. Stiles said that he went to the meeting the
night they closed the schools. He said that there was only a handful of people at the meeting. He said that the board was waiting two
additional weeks for more input but, he doesn’t think they want input from the community. He feels it has been a dog and pony show
from the beginning. Ann Doyle feels that they have no plan and that they haven’t even started. She said that they mentioned
Gloversville and three other districts that did this, however she doesn’t feel they did the research. She said that it isn’t like they haven’t
fibbed before. She said that surrounding schools have had closed door meetings about redrawing their lines, she said that someone is
going to want our tax dollars. Kaminski said that we are a big generator of taxes. Sandy Price said that both Superintendents from both
schools would have to agree. She said it may be desirable for one district, but hard to believe another would be giving up the tax
dollars. It was stated that due to low enrollment, they have redistricted Virgil lines to balance classrooms in other schools and they
have taken our children to balance their classrooms. Kaminski said that they have been made aware of that. Kaminski said that they
pulled Virgil kids and put them in Barry. It was stated that they should be brought back to our community school. Chris Applegate said
that the Town has strict zoning laws and that anyone looking to purchase the building will have to come to the town for approval.
Arielle Brown said that just yesterday the PTO was told by the Principal of Virgil that they are going to take away the playground
equipment. It was stated that the PTO donated some of it. The school doesn’t want the playground itself, they plan on tearing it down
piece by piece. Brown said that if they are going to close the school, please let us keep our playground and the walking trail. She said
that no other playground in the district has a walking trail. She said knowing that you can see our children playing on the playground
while walking is invaluable. Highway Superintendent Britt Morse asked who was going to maintain it. He said that the highway
department doesn’t have the time to do it, they would have to hire another man. Brown asked the PTO to put some of the money
aside for upkeep of the playground. Pelton felt it is a priority to keep the playground and the walking trial. Longtime resident Jim
Lefever said he’s lived in Virgil since 1943. He said that the school and fire district are the backbone of the community. He said there
are many things that draw people to Virgil, but the Fire district and the school are the main ones. He said that Virgil Fire District has
lost area to Cortland. He said that they have taken 90% of our taxes to Cortlandville. He said that he’s always been proud of the Virgil
school.
Neils Schultz said that if the building is no longer a school will it generate taxes if a private entity buys it. Kaminski said that If a private
party buys it, it goes on the tax roll. Eric Fitchette asked if was legal for a private entity to purchase the property. Kaminski said that is
why we need to get the paperwork and the minutes from the original merger and see if there was something said or agreed upon. It
was stated that there is a petition being sent around. Lori McGivern said that Don Chew drafted it has been taken to two retired
teacher groups. They need 2000 signatures to get it to the governor’s office. They are concerned with the overcrowding of the schools
and there could be a change in their funding. McGivern is pretty sure what will happen is the school can then ask a brand-new school.
This will result in a puppy mill type of education losing the community pride, losing teachers knowing every student and every parent.
She feels it will be more like a manufactured education. Kaminski said that the board will be discussing this at a few more board
meetings. Linda Marsh asked if residents will have a vote in what happens or is Kaminski assuming that the Town board has the
authority. Attorney Snyder said that the decision may be subject to a permissive referendum. Kaminski said that the Town has to talk
about the building, he knows people are very bitter. He says that the town needs to look forward. Stiles said that they are not looking
to take it over the building and make it a burden on the tax payers. Ariel Brown asked if they have to sell it to the highest bidder.
Kaminski said that municipalities can meet and discuss this or it can go out to bid. He said that the school can sell it to the town for a
dollar, however If they choose to go out to bid, they need to take the highest bidder. There was some discussion on making the
meetings more known. Lori McGivern asked if it can be put on the sign at the four corners. One resident said that it is really important
that only facts are shared. She felt that we all need to be really cautious about the information that is being shared. She said that she
was unsure about the information about the playground equipment being fact. Corena Morse said that the Principals at both Parker
and Virgil were sharing the information about the playground equipment. They told their PTO’s that the equipment will go to the other
buildings. Sandy Price said that there is a sign that the Youth Commission can use to notify people. There is the E-News Letter and E-
mail notification. Town Clerk Van Donsel said she sent out an E-mail. Stiles said that the Town Board meetings are the same time every
month, the second Thursday at 6:30 PM. Matt Sherman asked if the town board has gauged interest with Marathon or Dryden. He
asked if there was something that might emancipate us from Cortland, he wants to see the building remain a school and he wouldn’t
mind it remaining open with another district.
THE REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING COMMENCED AT: 7:15 PM
RESOLUTION #18-062 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Draft of the Regular Board Meeting Minutes dated May 10th, 2018: Member Stiles moved to approve the minutes for May 10th,
2018. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston and Kaminski. Nays-None Abstain: Stiles
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Draft of the Special Board Meeting Minutes dated May 21st, 2018: Member Stiles moved to approve the minutes for May 21st, 2018
with one correction. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow and Kaminski. Nays-None Abstain:
Denniston
RESOLUTION# 18-063 AUTHORIZATION TO PAY BILLS
GENERAL FUND FOR MAY 2018 NUMBER 06: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the General Fund’s audited vouchers
numbered 157-191 in the amount of $31,245.77. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow,
Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None.
HIGHWAY FUND FOR MAY 2018 NUMBER 06: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the Highway Fund audited vouchers
numbered 1110-1135 in the amount of $79,796.66. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow,
Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None Pelton had a question on bill #1115 for Carson Rentals, as the bill wasn’t attached. Britt
Morse said that the work was completed and he wasn’t sure why the bill wasn’t attached
SEWER DISTRICT #1 FUND FOR MAY 2018 NUMBER 06: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the Sewer District #1
audited voucher’s numbered 2046-2060, in the amount of $11,021.83. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members
Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None
WATER DISTRICT #1 FUND FOR MAY 2018 NUMBER 06: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the Water District #1
audited vouchers 3028-3033 in the amount of $8,655.07. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow,
Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays-None
MONTHLY REPORTS
SUPERVISOR’S MONTHLY REPORT FOR MAY 2018 SHORT FORM: Member Stiles moved to accept the Supervisor’s Monthly Report in
long form for May 2018. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski.
Nays –None
SUPERVISOR’S MONTHLY REPORT FOR APRIL 2018 LONG FORM: Member Stiles moved to accept the Supervisor’s Monthly Report in
long form for April 2018. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski.
Nays –None
SUPERVISOR’S MONTHLY REPORT FOR MARCH 2018 SHORT FORM: 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 MAY 2018: Member Stiles moved to accept the Town Clerks Monthly Report for APRIL 2018.
Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None
TAX COLLECTORS CLOSING REPORT FOR 2018: Member Stiles moved to accept the Tax Collector’s closing Report of 2018. Member
Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None 96.15 taxes paid. 134,
484.41.
SEWER DISTRICT OPERATIONS REPORT: Representatives Ken Scherrieble and Dave Coish were present from the Camden Group.
Scherrieble said that everything was all good. He said that he did want to discuss the sludge tank. He said that it needs to be replaced
and it is expensive around $80,000.00 for a new tank. He would recommend and relocating it as well, as the current location is horrible.
He said that the tank is the original tank from the 80’s and the town is on borrowed time. One board member said that the town only
has $44,000 in the reserve fund. Member Pelton said he would like to take a look at it. 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: Doug Withey reported that they are purchasing a surge relief valve. He said that 150 tsi of
pressure is coming back to the building at the pump house. He is concerned that if there is a power outage that the water rushing back
will have something like 155 lbs of pressure and something has to give. He said that it’s going to cost around $4200.00 for a new valve.
Withey said that he sent the quote a couple months ago. Kaminski told Withey to write a bid spec as they are going to have to go out
to bid. 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
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 Code and Zoning Officer Kevin McMahon.
Supervisor Kaminski said that Kevin had to go to a funeral and that he will be out of town for a few days. 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
COUNTY LEGISLATOR’S REPORT: County Legislator Sandy Price submitted A written report. Price reported that she has nothing further
to report other than what she reported in her written report. She said that she will stick around for worker comp and sales tax
discussion. Kaminski said that he would like to discuss the jail. Price said that the jail is a serious discussion and they are looking into
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the possibility to the alternative to incarceration on some crimes. She feels that moving forward, she doesn’t believe that they are
interested in building a new jail. Kaminski said he toured the jail and he measured the lots in the back of the jail and the cost to buy
the two houses. He would like to see them hire an engineer to see how much it would cost to build on. Price said they are looking into
that. Stiles asked because there has been a decision made not to build a new jail, will they be looking into putting the donated land
back on the tax roll? He feels that this land brings in a tremendous amount of taxes. Linda Marsh said the county was 41 million in
debt, and she was wondering the status of that. Price said that the county has not surpassed the 40-million-dollar mark. She said that
there has been no more borrowing. Price said that they have been looking into staffing, reviewing every position on many different
levels and they have been told to stay within their budget. She said that this is heavy on people’s minds. Member Stiles motioned to
accept the County Legislators report. The motion was seconded Member Snow Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles
and Kaminski. Nays- None
VIRGIL YOUTH COMMISSION REPORT: Teri Pelton of the Youth Commission submitted a written report. Pelton reported that the
before and after school program had a celebration for Linda Hall’s 35 years of dedication. She said that they appreciate all she has
done. She said that they don’t have all the finances done. She said that she doesn’t see any outstanding debt. Pelton said that with
possibility of Virgil closing they may try to merge with the Virgil PTO volunteers. She said that it might be an issue if they don’t have a
building. She said that maybe the youth commission can evolve into a family commission. She said that they need more than 4 people
to be involved. Perhaps we can put it on the website to generate some ideas. Pelton said that the new treasurers will be Sue Connolly
and Cornea Morse. Member Stiles motioned to accept the Virgil Youth Commissions report. The motion was seconded Member Snow
Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None
HOPE LAKE OPERATIONS REPORT: Wes Kryger was present. Member Pelton said that there were some concerns with folks trying to
get in touch with Hope Lake. Kryger said that they are aware of the situation and they are working on a better access for information
and park hours. He said that they set up separate phone line. He said that they had some issues with the phone line. He said that It is
fixed now and it is a separate number. He said that they bought an answering machine. Pelton was wondering if the town can purchase
more beach sand. Member Stiles wanted to know how much more sand they need. It was stated about half of the amount that was
purchased last time. It was stated that the town bought 100 tons for $9600 last time. Stiles said that they had to wait six to eight
months to get it last time and it came from New Jersey. Kryger said that the Park has been open with limited participation. He said
that the Swimming area has not been clear enough to swim. He was hoping that the coming weekend it will be open. He said that the
water has been tested and its fine, but it’s just not clear enough to swim. Pelton said that they talked about getting a grant. He is
looking for the original number from the first grant. Attorney Snyder said that they will track it down. Pelton said that he wants to get
together with Highway Superintendent Britt Morse to go over the work that needs to be done at the park. Pelton is looking for a more
permeate budget for the park. Member Stiles motioned to accept the Hope Lake Park oral report. Member Denniston seconded the
motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None
HIGHWAY DEPT. SUPERINTENDENTS REPORT: Britt Morse was present and submitted a written report. Member Denniston asked
Morse how much longer the road material will last. Morse said that they have worked on three major raods. He thinks that they will
have enough of the major crush for part of next year. He said that they worked on Clute road and Van Donsel road and it’s almost
gone. He said they are now changing to the roads that need oil and stone. Clute Road, West River Rd. and Stafford Rd. will not be done
this year. They will be scheduled next year. They are looking to concentrate on the dirt roads. Morse said that they are only able to
work on roads every five years. Member Stiles motioned to accept the Highway Supervisor report. Member Denniston seconded the
motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None.
OLD BUSINESS
RESOLUTION #18-064 APPROVAL OF GREEK PEAK SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT: Member Stiles made a motion to approve the
settlement with Greek Peak. Member Snow seconded the motion. Discussion: Attorney Snyder said that he is good with it and it was
recommended by the special council that the Town hired. Vote: Ayes-Members Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None.
Supervisor Kaminski said that a copy of the settlement will be on file with the town clerk once it is all settled.
RESOLUTION #18-065 LOCAL LAW #3 OF 2018 REIGNING MIRACLE MINISTRY, LLC: Member Stiles motioned to approve Local Law #3
of 2018. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None.
UPDATE ON WORKER COMPENSATION: Legislator Sandy Price said that communications have improved greatly. They are meeting on
a regular basis and they are keeping the lines of communications open. Member Denniston said that they meet on a quarterly basis.
He said that they are moving forward on training and looking at target areas. Price said that Denniston has been a very conscientious
and a fine member. She said that Matt represents some other towns as well. Denniston said that they have been meeting on a monthly
basis. The final bill will be going out soon. Price said that the amount shouldn’t be drastically different than last year.
DISCUSSION ON SALE TAX REVENUE: Supervisor Kaminski said the legislator and the towns have met and are throwing ideas around.
The proposal that the legislator’s committee gave will short the towns. Kaminski said that each town is looking into how much they
will be short. He said that the city is going to be $600,000 short. He wishes that the sales tax committee would be clearer. Stiles said
that he was at the meeting where the towns and villages were in agreement with what the presented, however the Legislature said
no. Price said that they did modify some items, but they still voted it down. Price said that she thinks there will be a modification. She
said that she presented something but they didn’t approve it. She is hoping that cooler heads will prevail and that they will come to
an agreement with less animosity. Kaminski said that the sales at distribution budget is $600,000 to $725, 000 surplus, they use that
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money to put back in the budget. In 2016 and 2017 there was a surplus. Stiles said that trend is going away. Now the 1st quarter is
down $90,000. In the past three years there has been a surplus, but it used it to offset costs and taxes. They have been throwing
numbers back and forth and percentages. They need to see the dollar amount. Stiles asked Price what the plan is now? Price said that
the sales tax committee approved a plan. She said that she E-mailed it to the board. She said that the plan will go to budget and finance
department on Tuesday. She doesn’t think it’s going to hold. She feels there still needs to be modifications. Stiles asked if the county
has a plan. She said that they planned to use the money for the jail, debt repayment and communications. They were going to use 1
million for the jail, $400,000 to pay back dept and $200,000 for emergency communications.
OPEN BIDS FOR STAINING THE PAVILIONS AT HOPE LAKE PARK: There was only one bid received from Apex Painters. The bid was for
$3840.00 and it met the bid specs. Pelton said that he met with the painter and he seemed to have some suggestions on improvements
on the specs. The project is for staining 9 small picnic table pavilions and the steps and railings. Pelton said that it is everything that
got left out of the last project.
RESOLUTION #18-066 APPROVE BID FROM TO STAIN HOPE LAKE PARK BUILDINGS: Member Pelton motioned to accept the bid from
Apex in the amount of $3800.00 to stain the Hope Lake Park Pavilions as presented. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-
Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION #18-67 SURPLUS OF TOWN ROLLER- HIGHWAY DEPT.: Supervisor Kaminski said that they are looking to surplus a roller
from the highway department. He said that the celluloid had to be rebuilt. He said that they had it running. They have been using one
from the Town of Harford for a couple weeks. Morse said that most of the time they can borrow one. Morse said that they only use it
8 days out of the year. Morse said it’s easier to rent or borrow one, then to maintain one. Member Stiles made a motion to approve
to surplus a roller from the Town’s Highway Department. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow,
Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None.
DISCUSSION ON CHANGING THE ZONING LAW TO ATTRACT BUSINESSES TO THE TOWN: Supervisor Kaminski said that the board has
been discussing to allow small business in our agricultural zones. It was stated that it would require a special permit according to
Attorney Snyder. Over the last few months some folks have approached the board wishing to operate a small business in an ag district.
One of the ideas was a wedding barn/ event center. Neither of those businesses would be allowed under the current zoning law.
Attorney Snyder said that if the board wishes to amend the zoning law they would have to have draft a local law. Snyder wanted to
know if the board wished to have him proceed in drafting a local law. Member Stiles made a motion to have Attorney Snyder proceed
in drafting a local law to amend the towns zoning law. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow,
Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None
RESOLUTION #18-068 SET SALARY OF DEPUTY TOWN CLERK: Supervisor Kaminski said that Town Clerk Van Donsel has hired a new
part time deputy Makenzie Morgan. Kaminski asked for a motion to set her salary at $12.00 an hour. Member Denniston wanted to
make sure that it was within the budget. Member Pelton made a motion to set Makenzie Morgan’s salary at $12.00 an hour. Member
Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None
DISCUSSION ON POSSIBLE OVER-CHARGES ON TOWN’S ELECTRIC BILL: Supervisor Kaminski said that he received a call from a
company that claimed they had information that the town was over charged. The company said that they received their information
from National Grid. Kaminski called National Grid and they said they do not give out that information, so he believes it was a scam.
ACCEPT THE DONATION OF LAND ALONG THE TIOUGHNIOGA RIVER: Supervisor Kaminski said that there is three acres along the
Tioghnioga River. He feels that the town could turn it into a park, fishing area and or a boat launch. He said that Mike Ten Kate is
looking to sign it over to the town. Member Stiles wanted to know if there were any deed restrictions. Kaminski said that the didn’t
believe there were any stipulations. Ten Kate would like to see it as a park, however it is a straight gift. Some of the board members
said that they will walk down there. Kaminski said that the town could put in a parking lot, boat launch and picnic tables. Attorney
Snyder said that the town has to do an environment assessment. He said that once the land is turned into a park the town can’t take
it out of that status.
RESOLUTION #18-069 ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF GARY WOOD FROM THE PLANNING BOARD: Gary Wood would like to resign
from the Town’s Planning board for personal reasons. Member Stiles made a motion to accept Gary Wood’s resignation. Member
Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None
RESOLUTION #18-070 APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF PLANNING BOARD ALTERNATE DALE TAYLOR AS FULLTIME MEMBER:
Planning Board Alternate Dale Taylor expressed an interest in serving as a full-time member of the Virgil Planning board. Member
Stiles made a motion to approve Dale Taylor to finish Gary Wood’s term on the Planning Board. Member Snow seconded the motion.
Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None
RESOLUTION #18-071 APPOINT NEW PLANNING BOARD ALTERNATE: TWO CANDIDATES: There were two applicants that applied as
the Planning board Alternate, David Gower and Denise Schultz. David Gower was present and he said that he had been to a couple
solar meetings. Supervisor Kaminski asked Gower if he owned a business out of his house. Kaminski asked what type of business he is
operating. He asked when the business is open. Gower said that he has a consulting firm and that he works out of his house. Gower
Virgil Town Board Meeting June 14th, 2018
6 | P a g e
did say he has an office in Binghamton. Kaminski said that they will meet with the two of them. He said that they will set up interviews.
Pelton and Stiles volunteered to do the interviewing.
RESOLUTION #18-072 APPROVAL OF SHARED SERVICES FOR CODE AND ZONING ENFORCEMENT WITH THE TOWN OF HARFORD:
Member Stiles said that the town is looking for input from Attorney Snyder on having shared services for the code and zoning officer
between Virgil and Harford. Right now, the code officer is shared with Caroline and Harford and Richford. He is looking to move closer
to home. Harford is looking to move their code officer back to Cortland County. Town of Harford asked if they could share with us and
work out of the Virgil office. Stiles said that it’s not going to cost any more. Harford’s money will be spilt up and they will pay us. They
will use our offices. Stiles said that it will count as shared services for the state. He said that the Town of Harford is ok with it. We will
bill them monthly. Member Stiles made a motion to approve shared services of the Code and Zoning Officer with Harford as presented.
Member Pelton seconded the motion. Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None
FURTHER DISCUSSION: Linda Marsh said that town resident JR Tyler restores and repairs sound systems. She said she could give the
town his phone number. Highway Superintendent Britt Morse asked the board if Dan the Snake man can perform little skits at Hope
Lake for his business. He sent copies of his business information. Member Stiles said that he has a bunch of snakes. Supervisor Kaminski
said that people can’t use town property for business purposes. Attorney Snyder said that doesn’t think the two situations are the
same. He is not advertising. He plans on using the land behind Hope Lake. Kaminksi said that the town only owns 20 feet into the
woods. He said that the State of New York owns it.
With no further business to discuss, Member Stiles moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 PM. Member Denniston seconded the
Motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None.
Respectfully Submitted by,
Alane Van Donsel, Virgil Town Clerk