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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-14-2019 Town Board Meeting Minutes ApprovedVirgil Town Board Meeting March 14th, 2019 1 | P a g e TOWN OF VIRGIL REGULAR MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARING March 14th, 2019 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, David Coish Camden Group, Highway Superintendent Britt Morse, Corena Morse Virgil Youth Commission, Wes Kryger Greek Peak, Sandy Price Cortland County Legislator, Jenae Withy W2Operators, Teri Pelton, Lori Megivern, Cathy McCulskey, Sara Sirois, Matt Hollenbeck, Rick Stressler, John Cincotta, Trisha Jesset, Chris Applegate, Jennifer Stiles, Peggy Ivie 6:00 PM PUBLIC HEARING ON THE VIRGIL SCHOOL BUILDING: Supervisor Kaminski asked Town Clerk Alane Van Donsel to read the legal notice that was posted in the Cortland Standard. The Public Hearing was opened and Discussion commenced. Sarah Sirois asked if the Town knew for a fact if the school district was actually going to sell the town the property for a S1.00. Kaminski said that they said a dollar, if the district sells the building to a government entity for one dollar, they only loose one dollar in state aid and they wash their hands of the building. However, he is going to get that confirmed. He is assuming it will be low, because schools are a money pit. Kaminski asked for a letter stating that the playground, basketball court and walking path is to be signed over to the town, regardless if the town takes over the building. The town hasn’t gotten that yet. The committee was tasked to reach out to their contacts to see if there was any interest in some businesses going in there, however the committee hasn’t given the board that information. Another option is to take the building over and then turn around and sell it. Kaminski said that whatever goes in that building is controlled by town government. They want to see it maintained. It will cost $54,000 a year to maintain the building and grounds, that equates to .34 cents a 1000 on town of Virgil the tax bills. Kaminski was hoping the committee would come up with some ideas to offset the maintenance costs of the property. Sarah Sirois, who is a member of the committee, said that it’s been difficult, because they feel they haven’t gotten all the information they need from the School District. She also said that because taking over the building is going to go to a referendum, no one wants to commit to going into the building. They are concerned that if the residents vote no, then they will be turned away. Cathy McCulskey asked if the building has been considered for senior citizen housing? Deputy Supervisor Stiles said that one gentleman has looked at that, however he felt it would cost too much to renovate. He felt it would be less expensive to tear it down and build a new building. McCulskey asked if they approached government agencies, such as the Office of the Aging to see if they might have any grants available. Stiles said that they would apply for the grant. He is not interested in having the town managing it. The Office of the Aging would fall under State government. County Legislator Sandy Price, who is also a member of the committee said that there were 31 ideas that the committee came up with and she named them: Family Health Network, a boys and girls club, a community private school, sports academy, a charter school, Nursing home, Day care, move the town hall, negotiate to keep the Virgil school, Charter satellite school for Truxton, Cortland County, CAPCO, library, Nursing home, senior housing, Use gym for exercise and a sports practice facility, before and after school program, storage facility, apartments, move the court and add secure rooms for victims and lawyers, rent out rooms to hand crafters & artists, rent out the kitchen, a senior center, an emergency shelter with a generator, Historical room with displays, a health club, town park, music and voice lessons, tutoring, backup 911 center, satellite sheriff or state police office. Sell the present town hall and move all services there, have a town park with the walking path and expand community activities. Possibly rent out rooms for offices, hand crafters and many of the things listed above to enhance the quality of life in our town. She said that she has heard that some folks are strongly against low income housing, however she knows many folks who have low incomes and who are good neighbors. Everyone on the committee wanted to go to referendum. Peggy Ivie suggested That the committee contacts local universities to have grad students do a project on Urban planning. It was mentioned that Al Kryger was going to look into that. Ivie said that the students can do a project on urban planning, the professors help with it and its free. She said that the town should contact Cornell or Syracuse Universities. Kaminski said the school district said it doesn’t have to sit empty for a year, as first thought. The district did say that the town wouldn’t have to take it over immediately, the district is willing to sit on it a bit. It was stated that some investors weren’t interested because of the time lag. Matt Hollenbeck asked when the board plans to hold the public referendum. It was stated that they plan on doing this the third Tuesday in June, during the last week of school. Kaminski said that a letter will go out from the board before and the cost per thousand will be explained. Kaminski is hoping that residents will not be voting form the heart, but that they will be looking at it as a business decision. Hollenbeck wanted to know if the district will be giving back the green space regardless. He said that there are two separate plots with two tax map numbers. Highway Superintendent Britt Morse voiced his concerns regarding raising taxes. He said that money has been taken away by the state and prices are going up for highway work. He is concerned because Costs keep increasing. Lori Megivern is concerned if a limited number of folks show up to vote. Kaminski wants to make sure it is well publicized. Stiles is concerned that if Town residents vote to take the school over, but do not vote to exceed the tax cap there could be an issue. Kaminski said that he likes open government and he doesn’t want the town board to take the lead, he wants the people to decide. Sandy Price said that the committee toured the school and the director of facilities was very proud of the school and he thought it was the best building in the district. Kaminski said that all the contents of the building are of some value. They aren’t sure how much of the contents will be removed. Member Denniston said that the committee has had difficulty coming up with ideas, he doesn’t feel comfortable going to vote without a concrete vision, he doesn’t feel it is advisable. Kaminski said that he set the preliminary date for a reason, but the date can be changed. Price thought it might be a good idea to vote on the same day as the school budget vote. Corena Morse said that the chosen date is the same day as 6th grade graduation. Peggy Ivie asked if the playground equipment was bought by the PTO. It was stated that some was, but not all of it. Kaminski said that part of the septic system is on the playground and the equipment may need to be moved. Member Pelton felt that the town needs a more concrete vision, before we move to vote. Sarah Sirois asked that when sending the letter, if they could include the price the town will pay along with the assed value of the property. Price said that she will send the committee notes to town clerk Van Donsel. Sarah Sirois asked about the legality of taking a community out of one school district and into another. It was stated that both boards would need to agree and Cortland would never agree. Lori Megivern said there is nothing is the law to stop a whole community from home schooling or paying tuition. She said there is already talk about closing Randal school. There was some discussion about the cost to tear it down the building and it was stated that it would cost a couple hundred thousand. It was stated that the people that sit at the district are not impressive and two people from Virgil voted against us. They live in the community and left us hanging. Member Stiles motioned to close the public hearing. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays –None 6:30 PM –THE REGULAR MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER Virgil Town Board Meeting March 14th, 2019 2 | P a g e Supervisor Kaminski called the meeting to order, followed by the salute to the flag. RESOLUTION #19-042 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Draft of the Regular Board Meeting Minutes dated February 14th, 2019: Member Stiles moved to approve the minutes for Jan.10th, 2019 regular Town Board Meeting with corrections. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays-None Snow has a correction page five update on land donation. 2 in favor and two- tabled. RESOLUTION #19-043 AUTHORIZATION TO PAY BILLS GENERAL FUND FOR FEB. 2019 NUMBER 003: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the General Fund’s audited vouchers numbered 61-84 in the amount of $68,373.55. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None HIGHWAY FUND FOR FEB. 2019 NUMBER 003: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the Highway Fund audited vouchers numbered 1045-1066 adding voucher 1066 for $140.00, approving the amended amount total of $18,415.04 Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None SEWER DISTRICT #1 FUND FOR FEB. 2019 NUMBER 003: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the Sewer District #1 audited voucher’s numbered 2021-2029 in the amount of $6,300.03 Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None They questioned WATER DISTRICT #1 FUND FOR FEB. 2019 NUMBER 003: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the Water District #1 audited vouchers 3011-3016 in the amount of $4,299.68. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays-None MONTHLY REPORTS SUPERVISOR’S MONTHLY REPORT FOR FEB. 2019 SHORT FORM: Member Stiles moved to accept the Supervisor’s Monthly Report in short form for February 2019. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays –None TOWN CLERK’S MONTHLY REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 2019: Member Stiles moved to accept the Town Clerks Monthly Report for February 2019. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None TAX COLLECTOR’S REPORT: Member Stiles moved to accept the Tax Collector’s Monthly Report for February 2019. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None SEWER DISTRICT OPERATIONS REPORT: Dave Coish was present from the Camden Group. Member Snow asked the status of the repair on the generator. Coish said that it is all done and that it is functioning 100%. 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 was present. Kaminski said that during budget time there was discussion on replacing all the meters. He asked if W2Opweators could you get a price quote together. He said the board with like to do the job in increments starting with replacing 20% of the meters. They would like to do this over a five year period, having them all replaced in five years. Member Stiles said that he and Kaminski meet with the insurance company and they were inquiring on the value of the water tank. Withey said she would get him the numbers. Member Snow asked about the Coliform numbers. Snow said that that samples were taken from two remote sights. Withey said that they didn’t feel it was a good representation of the system. It was stated that the break room was unclean and the 2nd site was the pump house that had been vacant and it was taken during snow melt. Snow, was wondering why they wouldn’t clean up the two sites before taking the samples. Withey said that any reading above a .2 meets recommendations. 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. 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. Member Stiles asked how could checks be signed with the Treasurer present. Price said that the treasurer or deputy treasurer could sign. Stiles wanted to know if audit the signing of checks. Price said that it has not been done properly, but it is being corrected. Price said that they are interviewing for an auditor and that process is moving right along. Stiles wondered if the auditor position was in the budget. Price was not sure, but it needs to be. Stiles said that he hopes it is budgeted. Price said that the budget process this year consisted of three men in a room, 16 other legislators were left out. She said that the budget and finance chairmen wanted it that way. Stiles asked who that person is. Price stated George Wagner. Price said that she liked the percentage raised, but she didn’t like the process. She said that somethings were over budgeted and some under. She feels it’s not going to be a good budget year. She said that everyone just looked at the Virgil Town Board Meeting March 14th, 2019 3 | P a g e bottom line and its coming back to bite them. Kaminski wondered if the legislators had the skill set to run the government. Price said that they are excellent legislators, but they were closed out of the process. Trisha Jesset, who works for the County Highway Department said that they brought their proposed budget in a room with George Wagner and John Tucker not appointed yet. She said the Highway tried to propose a flat budget and this was the only process they saw. Stiles said that he has been asking about the budget and it has not been clear. Price said that the county finances are in terrible disarray. She said that the New York State Comptroller has been there for a long time and they are giving criticism, but they are also giving them guidance. She feels it will be all be in order. Stiles said that he hopes they will hire an administrator. Price didn’t feel that will solve the problem. Highway Superintendent Morse said that the Highway should have never presented a flat budget. He is concerned that they will not be able to properly maintain the roads on a flat budget. The workers are Union contractors and the price of everything keeps going up, nothing stays flat. Jesset felt that no relevant questions were asked about the budget and it all seemed to be all about the bottom line. Stiles said that he hopes this never happens again. Kaminski said that he thought the County bought salt on a state bid. Morse said they did, but the state bid price went up and the cost increase was not made known before the budgets were completed. Stiles questioned why the Legislators are going to go from a 2 year to a 4-year term. Price said continuity. Kaminski said that there needs to be better evaluation of staffing, as staffing is a big budget item. He feels that there should be a cut in staffing. Price says there is an evaluation whenever there is a vacancy. They did an evaluation of the social services department and they were alright. She said that they work very hard in the social services department. Kaminski said that in the past the county has done nothing to lower the number of positions. Price said that is not always true, but it may be true in management. She said that every vacant position is reviewed and approved or disapproved. Jesset, said that the county is paying a lot of money on bonding interest. She said that they bonded for a lot of work at the highway department. Stiles asked about some land that was donated to the county that sits next to Highway Department. Price said that they are going to be using it for storage for the Highway. Stiles wanted to know what the cost will be on the roof at the jail and he is wondering if they got a warranty. He is concerned that with the freezing temperatures and doing the job in the middle of winter, it will not last. Price said that they got a 30-year warranty and that the lawyer looked at it. She said that the money came from the jail repair reserve fund. Stiles asked about separating glass from recycling. Jesset said that at this point it can only be voluntary. Jesset said that glass is the heaviest of all recycled materials. She said that it may become mandatory in the future. She said that right now Cassella is taking it to the county landfill. It was stated that the County is close to hiring a recycling coordinator. They may send a container to Virgil and residents can voluntarily separate the glass. Price said that many have welcomed the recycling of glass. Discussion continued. 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: Corena Morse of the Youth Commission submitted a written report. There were some questions regarding the Virgil Ski Program for next year. Morse said they won’t have any bussing from Cortland. She said that last year the school district gave the students a bus to Greek Peak. There were some questions if the school building will still be able to host a before and after school program. Morse said that they can’t go with an if, for next year. She said that the district doesn’t have enough bus drivers now. Kryger said that they are not insured to go off property with their bus. 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 HOPE LAKE OPERATIONS REPORT: Wes Kryger reported that the Nordic center is closed for the season. He wanted to check with the board to see if they heard of any concerns regarding the Spartan event. There were no complaints. Kryger said the race was good for Greek Peak. He said it was held on the best skiing days of the year and it was a very positive national event. He said that it is the only winter Spartan event in the nation. They have already talked to Greek Peak about 2020. He said the turnout was about the same as last year approximately 4000 racers. Member Stiles motioned to accept the Hope Lake Operations oral report. The motion was seconded Member Snow. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None HIGHWAY DEPT. SUPERINTENDENTS REPORT: Highway Superintendent Britt Morse was present and submitted a written report. Supervisor Kaminski said that the 2014 Silverado has diagnostic problems. He said the town has two items on Auction International. Morse said they came out and took pictures and they will let him know when they will be listed. They are selling the Plow and sander separately. Morse is concerned about funding cuts from the state. He said that he attended an advocacy day event and they said that there is no agreement on the extreme weather recovery money. There will be no increase on CHIPS money, but nothing is final yet. There is 55 million in funding, but the extreme weather money will be rolled into CHIPS. Morse feels that if they roll it in, it will help in the long run. However, it will be another 5-6 years before there is another bump. Denniston asked if the changes with personal policy are in affect. He said they need to be reflected on the pay roll. Morse said that there were no changes on the pay checks. Town Clerk Van Donsel said that Bookkeeper Morse said there were items in the Policy that weren’t able to be implemented. Kaminski, Stiles and Morse said they would come in at 1:00 PM tomorrow to meet with Nourse. 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 DISCUSSION ON UPDATED TRANSFER STATION RULES AND REGULATIONS: Member Stiles said the board talked about it two months ago. Virgil Town Board Meeting March 14th, 2019 4 | P a g e UPDATE ON 2019 WORKER’S COMPENSATION RATES: Member Denniston said that the committee met last Tuesday. He said that the legislature voted to cover the cost of the Village of Homer. The representative from Mc Neil wasn’t able to attend. However, they are supposed to come to the next meeting. He said they still need to figure how much needs to be transferred. UPDATE ON THE IT PLAN: Member Stiles said they ordered the equipment and now the town needs to coordinate with switching from frontier to Hafele. Plan First will come in and make the transfer on that day. REPORT ON SCHOOL COMMITTEE: Already discussed during the public hearing. UPDATE ON HOPE LAKE PARK FIREWORKS: Member Pelton said that the money was all in. He said that he needs to coordinate with Wes Kryger on the permitting and the staffing. Then they need to work on advertising the event. He said that they are short $1200- $1300. Pelton also said that he would like to set up a spring meeting of the Hope Lake Park committee. CREDIT CARD POLICY: Supervisor Kaminski said that they got a credit card, but they need to set a policy. Member Denniston said that the draft policy has many conflicts regarding the use. They said they are Just getting one card. Member Stiles wants to ensure security and accountability. Stiles wanted to know who will be authorized to use it. Kaminski said that two people will be authorized to use it and it will be stored in the vault. This item was tabled for further review. APPOINT A ZBA ALTERNATE: There were two residents that applied for the board and the board needs to set up interviews. Member Snow and Supervisor Kaminski will set a time on one afternoon. SEWERAGE TREATMENT TANK BID SPECS: Supervisor Kaminski said that he is getting the specs together. NEW BUSINESS RESOLUTION #19-044 2018 FINAL BUDGET AMENDMENTS-ADDITIONAL: Member Denniston voted to approve the final 2018 Budget amendments as presented the Virgil Bookkeeper, Gina Nourse. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None. DISCUSSION ON THE GREEK PEAK SETTLEMENT: Supervisor Kaminski said that he has been waiting for the bill, however the bill was sent on July 2nd to Cortland County and the County. He said that the town or Fire Department didn’t pay their share yet. He said that the towns portion is $3,983.00. Stiles said that he would like to get a formal bill. GRANT OPPORTUNITIES FLYER: This item was not discussed. RECOMMENDATIONS TO TRANSFER FUNDS TO RESERVES: Supervisor Kaminski said that there is about $90,700 in surplus in the general fund. Member Stiles made a motion to approve the recommended transfers as presented. Member Snow seconded it. Discussion continued Highway Superintendent Morse said that the surplus highway money could go towards the new pick up the two and a half ton truck. Kaminski said that the surplus money has to go it on reserve accounts. He said it can be taken out later. There was some further discussion regarding which funds to put the money in. There was $12,660 in surplus for the water district that can only be put into the water district. On further inspection of the numbers, member stiles withdrew his motion, as numbers didn’t add up. Motion was withdrawn and tabled until for clarification. DISCUSSION ON THE SOLAR PILOT: Attorney Snyder said that there are a lot of reasons why the town shouldn’t participate in that County’s Solar PILOT program. He said that he received a call from Garry Van Gorder to talk about the towns PILOT concept. Snyder said that solar projects will be taxed at full value. Member Stiles wanted to know the difference. Snyder said that there are a lot of similarities, but there are some important differences. He feels it is extremely important that towns are involved. These Solar projects increase residents’ electric bills. Stiles said he wouldn’t mind having Van Gorder speak to the board at the next meeting. Snyder said that he will reach out to him. Snyder said there will be a tax break to someone, but they need to get the assessor involved with the projects. Wes Kryger from Greek Peak said that they were approached regarding a 10-acre piece of property. Snyder would like to see the town have jurisdiction over projects. He feels it’s good to get everyone talking. With no further business to discuss, Member Stiles moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:26 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