HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-10-24-TB-FINAL-minutes TOWN BOARD MEETING
Town of Ulysses
October 24, 2017
Audio of the minutes are available on the website at ulysses.ny.us.
The meeting was held at the Ulysses Town Hall at 10 Elm Street, Trumansburg.
Notice of Town Board meetings are posted on the town’s website and clerk’s board.
ATTENDANCE:
TOWN OFFICIALS PRESENT:
Supervisor- Liz Thomas
1st Deputy Supervisor/Board member- Nancy Zahler
Board members- Rich Goldman, John Hertzler, Michael Boggs
Town Clerk - Carissa Parlato
Bookkeeper- Nina Thompson
Highway Superintendent - Dave Reynolds
OTHERS PRESENT:
CJ Randall and David West (consultants for the zoning update)
CALL TO ORDER:
Ms. Thomas called the meeting to order 7pm and moved into a public hearing for the 2018 Preliminary
Budget. (See separate minutes)
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Ms. Zahler shared that the church has been listed and already had a showing. An o pen house is planned
for Saturday and the community is welcome to attend.
Mr. Hertzler announced that his term on the EMC (Environmental Management Committee) is ending.
Ms. Zahler suggested asking the CSAC (Conservation and Sustainability Advisory Committee) for
help in identifying a replacement for the EMC.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
RESOLUTION 2017-190: APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approve the agenda for Octo ber 24, 2017
with the additions of a budget modification, appoint ment of a BZA alt ernate, approval of
criteria for selecting a buyer for the church, and an executive session requested by Ms. Zahler
and Mr. Goldman if time permits.
Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Boggs
Ms. Thomas aye
Ms. Zahler aye
Mr. Hertzler aye
Mr. Boggs aye
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Mr. Goldman aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 10/24/17
OLD BUSINESS:
PRESENTATION OF AGRICULTURE/RURAL/ZONING DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION
Ms. Thomas noted that the approval process will be a public information meeting on Nov. 30. The
Zoning Update Steering Committee will then consider revisions before formally presenting their final
recommendations to the Town Board. The town board will then review the draft, make changes, and
hold a public hearing before adopting the new zoning.
Ms. Thomas reminded the Town board that a package of options was used to encourage land
preservation and no single option stands alone.
Mr. West gave an introduction to the proposal and stated that the goals of the zoning update are to:
1. Preserve Agricultural Land and Open Space
2. Encourage reasonably Sustainable Development
3. Balance private property rights and needs of local farming community
4. Encourage nodal development
He went on to describe the many tools that can be used to get to the desired outcome s.
Mr. West further explained that t he guiding documents for the update are the town’s Comprehensive
Plan (2009) and Ag and Farmland Protection Plan (2013).
He shared the data on the town’s housing trends over the last century and suggested that housing be
encouraged in strategic areas (and near existing infrastructure) in order to preserve agricultural lands
and open space.
Ms. Randall shared ideas for preservation with regard to zoning & subdivisions. The new proposals
aim to limit housing on agricultural lots.
Town board members shared their thoughts and disagreements.
Mr. West presented the feedback received from other town committees.
The Town Board discussed further, but made no formal recommendations.
RECORDS MANAGEMENT POLICY
The board discussed the policy, which had originally been presented in June. Clarifying questions were
asked and the board agreed to vote on the policy later in the meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
SETTING PUBLIC HEARING FOR FIRE CONTRACT
RESOLUTION 2017-191: SETTING A JOINT PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE FIRE
CONTRACT
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RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board hold a Public Hearing on the 2018 Fire Contract at
6:45p.m. on 11/14/2017 at the Ulysses Town Hall. The towns of Hector and Covert are invited.
Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Ms. Zahler
Ms. Thomas aye
Ms. Zahler aye
Mr. Hertzler aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 10/24/17
RESCINDING THE RESOLUTION TO SET THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR FIRE
CONTRACT
After further discussion and closer reading of the fire contract, the board decided to postpone the
public hearing t o ask the Village for some minor corrections to the contracts.
RESOLUTION 2017-192: MOTION TO RESCIND THE RESOLUTION TO SET A
PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE FIRE CONTRACT
Moved: Ms. Zahler Seconded: Mr. Goldman
Ms. Thomas aye
Ms. Zahler aye
Mr. Hertzler aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 10/24/17
ADOPTION OF RECORDS MANAGEMENT POLICY
RESOLUTION 2017-193: APPROVAL OF RECORDS MANAGEMENT POLICY
WHEREAS the Town of Ulysses needs to have a consistent policy to guide and govern its
records and
WHEREAS, the Town Clerk has developed and the Town Board has reviewed a proposed
Records Management Policy and Procedures, now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, the Town Board adopt the proposed the 2017 Records Management Policy and
further
RESOLVED, the Records Management Officer (RMO) shall develop guidance documents to
enable the Town Board and staff to implement the approved policy and procedures.
Moved: Ms. Zahler Seconded: Mr. Goldman
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Ms. Thomas aye
Ms. Zahler aye
Mr. Hertzler aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 10/24/17
SPEED REDUCTION REQUEST FOR NYS ROUTE 89 IN TAUHGANNOCK FALLS STATE
PARK
RESOLUTION 2017-194: SPEED REDUCTION REQUEST FOR ROUTES 89
WHEREAS traffic to Taughannock Falls State Park has increased over recent decades, and
WHEREAS Taughannock Falls State Park is bisected by NYS Route 89 creating a dangerous
pedestrian crossing, and
WHEREAS the cross walk across Route 89 within the park limits is at the bottom of a hill with
difficult sight lines for traffic coming from both north and south, and
WHEREAS Gorge Road and Taughannock Park Road both have non-perpendicular entrances
onto NYS Route 89 with difficult sight lines and frequent accidents,
THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board requests a reduction in the speed limit to 30 mph on
NYS Route 89 in the proximity of Taughannock Falls State Park where the speed limit is
currently 40 mph.
Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Ms. Zahler
Ms. Thomas aye
Ms. Zahler aye
Mr. Hertzler aye
Mr. Boggs nay
Mr. Goldman aye
Vote: 4-1
Date Adopted: 10/24/17
SPEED REDUCTION REQUEST FOR NYS ROUTE 96 SOUTH OF TRUMANSBURG
RESOLUTION 2017-195: SPEED REDUCTION REQUEST FOR ROUTE 96
WHEREAS, the Town of Ulysses and Village of Trumansburg are currently installing
sidewalks with funding from a U.S. Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) “Safe Routes
to School” grant, and
WHEREAS, one of the sidewalks runs along NYS Route 96 where there is currently a speed
limit of 45 mph, and
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WHEREAS, an additional crosswalk will be added in the 45 mph zone, making for two
crosswalks in the new sidewalk area, and
WHEREAS many residents in this 45 mph zone need to make a left hand turn to the main local
grocery store in this 45mph zone which has resulted in many rear end traffic accidents in the
past, and
WHEREAS south of the 45 mph zone on NYS Route 96, the road curves and slopes down to
Taughannock Park Road- a very dangerous intersection for left hand turns due to limited sight
distance, high traffic to the park, 55 mph speed limit, and its location at the bottom of two hills.
THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED that for the safety of both pedestrians and drivers, the Ulysses Town Board
requests a speed limit reduction to 30 mph on NYS Route 96 south from the Village of
Trumansburg line to the intersection of Rt 96 with Rabbit Run and Taughannock Park Road.
Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Hertzler
Ms. Thomas aye
Ms. Zahler aye
Mr. Hertzler aye
Mr. Boggs nay
Mr. Goldman aye
Vote: 4-1
Date Adopted: 10/24/17
SUPPORT FOR THE U.S. POST OFFICE IN JACKSONVILLE
RESOLUTION 2017-196: SUPPORT FOR THE U.S. POST OFFICE IN
JACKSONVILLE
WHEREAS the U.S. Post Office in the hamlet of Jacksonville, Town of Ulysses has been in
continuous operation from various locations in the Hamlet since 1820, and;
WHEREAS the Post Office represents a vital service for people of the hamlet and surrounding
rural areas, including some 100 box holders, some two dozen home-based businesses, other
commercial establishments, and a significant population of seniors, individuals with limited
transportation, low income individuals, and individuals who receive prescription deliveries via
the Jacksonville PO.;
WHEREAS the Hamlet of Jacksonville has been designated a Development Focus Area (Rural
Center) by Tompkins County, in part because of the presence of a certain amount of services
and infrastructure, including a U.S. Post Office;
WHEREAS the Town Board understands that the lease on the current Post Office facility
expires on December 31st, 2017, but is not aware of efforts to extend this lease, to identify an
alternate location within the hamlet, to issue any notification to the public of potential closure,
or to provide an opportunity for public comment;
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THEREFORE, be if resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Ulysses;
Strongly supports continuation of a post office within the hamlet as a corner stone public
service which contributes to ongoing efforts to revitalize the hamlet;
Urges authorized parties of the U.S. postal service and the Blue Ox/Nice and Easy Corporation
(owner of the current facility to engage in negotiations, without delay and on an urgent basis,
with the objective of extending or renewing the lease on the current post office facility;
Notes the disruptive and detrimental impact any closure of the Jacksonville post office would
have on the hamlet and the surrounding community and express particular concern about the
potential phase out/closure during winter months;
Encourages the U.S. Post Office to make a real effort to locate an alternative location within the
hamlet for its operations if it does not appear feasible to continue in the current leased location,
and to solicit public suggestions;
Calls upon Postal Service authorities to clarify the situation without delay, and, should any
changes in the status of said Post Office be contemplated, to implement, and adhere to the legal
and procedural requirements contained in the Postal Operations Manual, Section 211.6 and its
sub-sections relating to Post Office Closings, including provisions for public notification, right
to public comment, right to appeal, and required minimum times between public notification of
proposed actions and final decision(s).
Requests the assistance and support of U.S., New York, and Tompkins County elected officials
and their staff to ensure that sufficient consideration is given to the impact on the community of
any proposed Post Office closure in Jacksonville, that genuine efforts have been made to
continue operations at the current facility or at an alternate location within the hamlet of
Jacksonville, and that any consideration of closure adhere to the procedures and time lines
contained in the Postal Operations Manual and supporting legislation.
RESOLVES to remain apprised of any further developments on this subject;
Decides to transmit copies of this resolution to the Offices of U.S. Senator Charles Schumer
and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Representative Tom Reed, New York State Senator
Thomas O’Mara, the Tompkins County Legislature, the U.S. Postal Service District Manager
for Western Pennsylvania and New York, and the Post Master of Trumansburg, New York.
Moved: Ms. Zahler Seconded: Mr. Goldman
Ms. Thomas aye
Ms. Zahler aye
Mr. Hertzler aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 10/24/17
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APPOINTMENT OF BZA ALTERNATE
RESOLUTION 2017-197: APPOINTMENT OF BZA (BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS)
ALTERNATE
WHEREAS the Town of Ulysses has advertised through their listserv and on their website that
an opening for the alternate position on the BZA, and
WHEREAS candidates who submitted applications have been interviewed by a committee
consisting of the Town Board liaison to the BZA, the Town Supervisor, the chair of the BZA,
and the Zoning Officer,
THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board appoints Jonathan Ferrari as the alternate member
of the Ulysses BZA for the remainder if 2017, replacing Cheryl Thompson who took the
position of George Tselekis, whose term expires 12/31/2017.
Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Boggs
Ms. Thomas aye
Ms. Zahler aye
Mr. Hertzler aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 10/24/17
CRITERIA FOR OLD CHURCH BUYER SELECTION
RESOLUTION 2017-198: APPROVAL OF CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF BUYER
FOR THE OLD CHURCH
RESOLVED that the Town of Ulysses Town Board intends to sell the hist oric church they
own in Jacksonville using the fo llowing criteria to ensure a fair process in finding a qualified
buyer.
CRITERION 1: Planned use(s) of Church and adjacent parcel and fit with Comprehensive
Plan goals
Max Points Awarded = 12
Allowable use per zoning 1
Public or non-profit use(s) 3
Private sector use to generate taxable value 4
Use compatible with Comp Plan & historic character of the hamlet 7
CRITERION 2: Plans for complying with environmental and historic deed restrictions
Specific and feasible plan for compliance with environmental restrictions 5
Specific & feasible plans for compliance with historic deed restrictions 5
Plans include retention of interior staircases 5
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CRITERION 3: Budget and financing plan for preservation and renovation (beyond the sale
price and closing costs)
Feasible budget with reasonable plans for financing renovations 3
Very specific plans and feasible budget & financing for renovations 5
CRITERION 4: Timetable for exterior preservation
Feasible plans for completion 2
Very specific and feasible plans for completion 5
CRITERION 5: Purchase price and qualifications of buyer
Offer very low but buyer appears qualified 1
Offer is reasonable (Town recovers all of its costs) & buyer is qualified 3
Offer is more than others and buyer appears very qualified 5
Max Score 42
Moved: Ms. Zahler Seconded: Mr. Boggs
Ms. Thomas aye
Ms. Zahler aye
Mr. Hertzler aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 10/24/17
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:
(none)
MONTHLY BUSINESS:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES- 9/28, 10/5 and 10/10
RESOLUTION 2017-199: APPROVAL OF MINUTES- 9/28, 10/5 and 10/10
BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approve the minutes of 9/28, 10/5 and 10/10.
Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Goldman
Ms. Thomas aye
Ms. Zahler aye
Mr. Hertzler aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES- 10/12 and 10/18
RESOLUTION 2017-200: APPROVAL OF MINUTES- 10/12 and 10/18
BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approve the minutes of 10/12 and 10/18 as
amended by Ms. Thomas.
Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Goldman
Ms. Thomas aye
Ms. Zahler aye
Mr. Hertzler aye
Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 10/24/17
BUDGET MODIFICATIONS:
RESOLUTION 2017-201: APPROVAL OF BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
BE IT RESOLVED that the Ulysses Town Board approve the following budget modifications:
DA FUND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
DA9060.8 Health Insurance INCREASE $5,000.00
To increase budget for projected excess needed
DA9010.8 State Retirement DECREASE $3,000.00
To transfer excess budget available to the Health Insurance account
DA9010.8 Worker Compensation DECREASE $2,000.00
To transfer excess budget available to the Health Insurance account
DB FUND BUDGET MODIFCATIONS
DB9060.8 Health Insurance INCREASE $3,000.00
To increase budget for projected excess needed
DB9040.8 Worker Compensation DECREASE $3,000.00
A236 total balance will be reduced to $36,098.61 (Energy portion to $0.00)
Moved: Ms. Thomas Seconded: Mr. Goldman
Ms. Thomas aye
Ms. Zahler aye
Mr. Hertzler aye
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Mr. Boggs aye
Mr. Goldman aye
Vote: 5-0
Date Adopted: 10/24/17
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Goldman moved to go into executive session at 9:25pm for the purpose of discussing the
personnel issue of a particular employee. This was seconded by Ms. Zahler and passed unanimously.
Mr. Goldman moved to end executive session at 9:38pm. This was seconded by Ms. Zahler and passed
unanimously.
ADJOURN:
Ms. Zahler moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:38pm; seconded by Ms. Thomas.
Respectfully submitted by Carissa Parlato on 11/6/17.