HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-11-2019 Town Board Meeting Minutes ApprovedVirgil Town Board Meeting April 11th, 2019
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TOWN OF VIRGIL REGULAR MEETING
AND PUBLIC HEARING
April 11th, 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, Ken Scherrible & David Coish Camden Group, Highway Superintendent Britt
Morse, Corena Morse Virgil Youth Commission, Wes Kryger Greek Peak, Sandy Price Cortland County Legislator, Carole Rehkugler,
Steve Terwilliger, Peggy Ivie, Pam Cincotta, Rick Stressler, Matt Hollenbeck, Dara Sirois, Al & Gayle Kryger, Eric & Ellen Fitchette, Shanna
Anderson, Teri Pelton, James & Sharon Sanford, Linda Marsh, Arielle Brown, Trisha Jesset, Chris Applegate, Lori Megivern, Jack Bates
6:00 PM PUBLIC HEARING ON THE VIRGIL SCHOOL BUILDING:
WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENT SUBMITTED:
CARL F. GUY: Dear Mr. Kaminski, I am writing to express preliminary interest in acquiring the Virgil Elementary School. It would be
contingent on doing a feasibility and market analysis, as well as the cost and terms of acquisition. Our purposed use of the building
would be affordable senior housing through NYSHCR. The program would be operated by an experienced not for profit and would
present an affordable housing option for Virgil seniors. If you and the Town Board are interested in this type of use for the school, I
can elaborate further on how the program and award process through HCR works. I look forward to hearing from you. Carl F. Guy,
President of FAHS Construction Group
CATHY O’NEILL & JOHN SPALLONE: Dear Town Board, we have a great concern regarding the soon to be vacant elementary school in
Virgil. We do not feel the town should take this building over, the cost is far too great for such a small community. Just to maintain
this building would be outrageous as it is so old that our school system could no longer justify keeping it. How could such a small
community even consider this? It would be a losing money pit. We feel this building should be made available to a buyer or investor
so that it can contribute to the tax base of our community. It would make great condo's or apartments and could be lovely. Every
effort should be made to entice creative business owners and developers. Our apologies if our suggestions are obvious and repetitive
to what you have already considered. Respectfully submitted, Cathy O'Neill & John Spallone
FRED CARDEN: I couldn’t attend the first meeting but might be able to make it on 4/11. Just in case, here are a few ideas that come
to mind: Senior Housing, Senior Center, Some type of sheltered workshop for the disabled, Day care/Activity center for kids. Thanks,
Fred
JOHN M. BERNARDO: It was a pleasure speaking with you this afternoon concerning the Virgil Elementary School building.
Unfortunately, due to prior commitments, we are unable to attend tomorrow’ s public hearing on this matter, but we are certainly
interested in discussing the prospects for redevelopment of this building into a senior housing community.
For background purposes, please note that the SEPP Group (“SEPP”), is a private, not-for-profit housing agency funded by contributions
from individuals, corporations, foundations and the NYS Division of Housing. Since 1968, SEPP has provided quality, affordable housing
throughout the Southern Tier and northern PA. SEPP is designated as a Rural Preservation Company (“RPC”), as defined by the NYS
Division of Housing and is committed to serving senior citizens and people with disabilities by providing safe / affordable housing to
meet the ever-growing need. As I indicated in our conversation, a portion of our portfolio includes three repurposed schools in Broome
County and one in Watkins Glen and each of these former schools was converted to first class senior housing space serving as
landmarks in their respective communities. For more detailed information on our operation, please view our website at
https://www.seppinc.com/ Please feel free to contact me with any further questions. We look forward to hearing from you. Thank
You. Best Regards, John M. Bernardo, Executive Director, The S.E.P.P. Group
JOHN CAROL: My compliments to Sandy Price on her Virgil school report and Legislators report. There were so many good ideas for
the future of the school. I personally like the idea of a portion of the school dedicated to a Sheriff’s substation. I have been against
the future jail being out of route 13. It was an insane idea and remains so. If they go that direction a substation in Virgil will be beneficial
simply because getting from route 13 is a lengthy trip; getting to Virgil, Greek Peak etc. Virgil, I believe will be a growth area and hence
a substation is a plus for the community. Sandy's report stated that the vast majority of Legislators believe having a new jail out of 13
is not viewed positively. That’s good news. Sandy thanks for your valued support on this position. The newsletter had many good
ideas. My only advice is to avoid opening a retail store which one might choose to stay open 6 days a week. I just don’t think there is
enough traffic to warrant a store operating 6 days a week. The Farmers market operates one day a week and that is just fine. If
someone wishes to sell crafts or local products of some kind their best bet is to sell on the same day as the Farmers market. Traffic
will be essential for the long-term operation. Kind regards John Carroll
NIELS & MARY SCHULZ: We are unable, because of continuing medical appointments, to attend the next meeting of the committee,
but we wish to lend our support for the Town’s purchase of the Virgil Elementary School Building. We believe the Towns Management,
while perhaps involving costs in the short term, will over time prove to be the most beneficial plan for the Virgil Community as a whole,
and will offer the most flexibility for options that will enhance educational, recreational, and life style experiences for our residents.
Many of the suggestions for VES are positive and creative. What is even more important is that folks are engaged with ona another in
this process. We hope that Virgil residents will join together as they contemplate their decisions and take pride in the potentiality of
Virgil. We hope that the town managers will ensure that zoning regulations take into account such long term planning and ensure
compliance. This is a moment when Virgil can be proactive in planning for a productive future, instead of merely reacting to the loss
of VES. We believe that Virgil is generally undervalued and underappreciated in Cortland, despite its rich history and resources. It has
lovely vistas and productive farmland; it lies at crossroads between Syracuse, Ithaca and Binghamton. We are close to Universities,
hiking and skiing trails, and shopping and recreational facilities. The choices that are made in our future public referendum, will have
significant consequences. We may become another decaying NYS town, or, we can innovate together and plan for a vibrant future.
Respectfully submitted, Niels and Mary Schulz
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
LINDA MARSH- Linda Marsh was wondering when the public vote will be held. Supervisor Kaminski said that he was thinking June 18th,
but that date is not finalized. Marsh said that she does not want the town to take over the building, she does not feel that would not
keep our taxes low. She mentioned that Cortland County is one of the poorest counties.
TERI PELTON- Teri Pelton was wondering why the rush to vote on this? She was wondering if the town can wait a year of two. Kaminski
said the school would like to get out from under the building. Pelton felt it would be a good idea to let people get used to the building
not being a school, as opposed to voting right away. Kaminski has proposed a date to vote allowing the community to make the
decision.
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SANDY PRICE- Sandy Price said that If you don’t delay the vote, she feels that the town will be able to make the decision as to what
happens to the building. She reached out to Senator Seward to see if the state had any funds to help with the costs for three years.
He needed a letter from the board expressing an interest in the funds. The board has not made a decision on writing the letter. Price
said the committee came up with 33 ideas that the building could be used for. She said that one developer was very interested. Price
said that the developers couldn’t give us a firm commitment because the committee couldn’t give us a firm answer as to if the town
will take over the building. She said again that the Committee came up with 33 ideas. A couple are a business center or the town hall.
She said the building does have a generator, which would be good in case of an emergency. She said right now the town hall has
security issues. She said the judge or board is not safe where they are.
STEVE TERWILLIGER- Terwilliger wanted to know if there was going to be a Town Board vote or if it was going to a public referendum.
Kaminski said that the public will vote on it and an information will be sent out. Kaminski said it will cost approximately $54,000 to
maintain the building. Terwilliger said that even if they get money from the state ultimately, it’s all tax payers money. Terwilliger said
that the tax payers will pay. Kaminski said that the town has control over whatever goes in the building through the towns zoning law.
Kaminski said that if they don’t take the building, they would still like to get the grounds
GAYLE KRYGER- Gayle Kryger said that the school added value to town. She said she loved the school; her children and grandchildren
went to the school and they got a good start there. She said that if someone else takes over the building our tax assessments won’t
go up. Kaminski said that the assessor estimated the property to be worth between $500,000-$750,000, that is how much would go
back on the tax roll. Kryger said that this is happening all over the state. A developer that lives at Greek Peak is interested in turning
the building into senior citizen housing and this is not their first venture. They want to do something nice with the property. She said
that they would be willing to allow the community to use the building on some nights.
JOHN CINCOTTA- John Cincotta was very worried about the costs to the town. He said that the building would need a bigger sewer?
And he was wondering if they were going to take care of that or would the town have to do that. Kaminski said that the building has
been maintaining 150 students on a daily basis, he said they are not going to flood the place. Cincotta said that when groups come in
they like to get PILOT agreements and their taxes are deferred for ten years.
SANDY PRICE: Price said that the SEPP Group that manages Creamery Hills in Harford only did a PILOT with the town board. They
wouldn’t be doing a County PILOT.
ERIC FITCHETTE: Fitchette questioned the $54,000 cost to maintain the building. He wondered if that was anticipated maintenance
costs for 3-5 years? Kaminski said that they got the costs from the school and it’s for a year. The list of costs includes electricity,
maintenance, fuel and insurance and he padded it $9,000. Kaminski said that the building is in good shape with brand new windows
and a brand-new boiler. Fitchette wanted to know if the town was going to pursue the playground and the walking trail. He said that
he knows that the building is an emotionally charged topic. He would like to see more information gathered from the community
before it goes to a vote. Kaminski said they can push off the mission statement. Matthew Denniston said that he is not sure the school
is not inclined to separate the land.
ARIELLE BROWN- Brown wanted to make sure that the board asked for the playground and walking path. Kaminski said that they
asked for it, but playground would have to be moved. He would like to sell the parking lots with the building, along with the side road.
He said that he would like to keep the playground and the walking trail for the town. Kaminski said that a lot of people use it. Brown
wanted to know how much it would cost the town if they only took care of the playground and walking trail, Kaminski said about
$8800. a year. Brown asked if the goal of the town is to keep the land and sell the building and if so, would the town keep the
playground. Will the vote be just for the building? She wants to make sure that is cut and dry. Kaminski said that if they keep the land
the playground will have to be moved, because it’s on the buildings septic tank. John Cincotta asked why the town should keep the
land? Brown said that our children should have a place to go a place to play. They are losing their school they should still have a place
to go and play. Terwilliger said that New York State Law dictates that if a playground is eliminated, it needs to be replaced and the
municipality needs to replace it. Highway Superintendent Morse said that is only if the playground was owned by the municipality in
the first place. He wasn’t sure if the school owned it.
PEGGY IVIE- Ivie wanted to know if anyone had contacted Cornell or Syracuse University to do a study. Al Kryger said that they are
willing to look at it next fall, but they are all booked up right now. They will do it as part of their curriculum, but before they can
commit, they need to know who owns the school. They are waiting to see what the board will do. They were originally told that it
would be 2-3 years before anything would happen. Kaminski said that they were originally told that the building had to sit for one
year, but now the school says that’s not true. Kaminski said that Cornell is doing a study in Binghamton.
TRISHA JESSET- Jesset wanted to know if there was any disadvantage to pushing off the vote? She felt the only advantage to moving
quickly was for the school. Kaminski said that it benefits the district to sell the property to the town for a dollar. By doing so they will
lose one dollar in state aid, it benefits them for us to take it. Jesset wanted to know if there are any advantages having the school
auction off the property or could the town take the property and auction it? She wanted to know if there were any negatives to the
town taking the property and auctioning it off. She wondered if the town could get stuck with it.
STEVE TERWILLIGER- What will the school do if the town doesn’t take it over? Stiles said they will sell it to the highest bidder, but
anyone who buys it will have to follow the guidelines of the zoning. Zoned residential. Terwilliger wanted feedback from the board.
JOHN KAMINSKI: Kaminski said that it has to be looked at as a business decision. He said that we have to look at the taxpayers’ dollars.
Do we take it and sell? Do we use it for storage? Do we need it? He said we built on an addition at the town hall, now this happens.
JEREME STILES: Stiles said that they all have their own views. He likes the Virgil School; he wishes it was still there. He feels like the
school is pushing it on to the town. He wonders who is going to take it on? Who’s going to take care of it? Are the tax payers going to
exceed the tax cap? He said he is looking at the whole picture. He said that another issue is that town law forbids towns from taking
over a building without a clear purpose.
MATT DENNISTON- Denniston said that the committee, came up with a lot of ideas. He said that the board doesn’t want to be
landlords. He is concerned that that town won’t be able to take care of the building and not exceed the tax cap.
ERIC SNOW- Snow said that there were a lot of good ideas generated, however people need to follow through with ideas. He doesn’t
feel the need to rush into the vote. I think we have enough time to think it through. He doesn’t want to push the referendum that
soon.
GARY PELTON- Pelton said the town needs a clear plan and a consolidation of ideas. He said he took a tour of the building and he can
see why people have an attachment to the school. He said that is going to get lost when the children go to Cortland. Pelton said that
when he looks at the building, he sees a school. He said whatever happens its going to take commitment from the residents. Pelton
said the decision is going to have to come from the community.
STEVE TERWILLIGER- Terwilliger wanted the rough cost to demolish the building. Kaminski said they go a price of $150,000-180,000
for demolition. Terwilliger asked if that could be a part of a deal if the town asked them to demolish it. Kaminski said that was an
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option. Terwilliger said that if town residents are going to vote on this, they need an information sheet with the facts. Kaminski would
like for it to go to a vote so the community will dictate on how to proceed. Stiles said that if the decision is to go to a vote there needs
to be a clear purpose. Kaminski said that a gov’t agency offered us the building, that can be the purpose. Stiles said that’s not the
purpose.
CAROLE REKUGLAR- Rekugler wanted to know if the town takes over the property, do we need to hire a property management
company and what would be the cost of hiring a company compared to demolishing the building. Kaminski said they would have to
do a cost analysis. Rekugler wanted to know if there will be an information sheet with the costs and any negotiations clearly stated.
She said that the public can’t make an informed vote without a plan. She said that they can’t put it out as a referendum without a set
plan. Kaminski said that there is no set date or no set plan yet. He said people don’t want the taxes to go up $54,000 a year is a lot of
money. He said that they need to look at those things, but he said that once the building is gone, its gone. Rekugler asked if they need
to set up a community association that can come into the picture and collect all the data and get all the information together.
MATT HOLLENBECK- Hollenbeck said he grew up in Chittenango Forks and his Elementary School sold it at a very low price. He said
that the investor was going to turn it into a senior housing, but he found it was too costly and it was too expensive to demolish it. So,
it sits there empty and in disrepair, anyone driving on Rte. 17 would see it. It looks like something out of a ghost story. They used to
have a four way stop light, now it’s a stop sign a yield sign.
JOHN KAMINKSI: Kaminski said that he lives across the street he doesn’t want to see the building fall into disrepair. He said he’s kind
of lost a little bit on which way to go, knows the numbers and people feelings for and against taking over the property. He said Its up
to the community on what they want to do, the voters have input on this.
LORI MCGIVERN- McGivern wanted to know why the board would propose a vote without a plan? Stiles said they can’t. Why would
you even talk about voting without a plan? Who’s running for school Board? Donald Chew is running for school board. Someone could
make a difference. Any truth the deed was donated by the Baptist Church, that if the school was no longer a school the land would go
back to the Baptist Church? Kaminski said they Foiled the information. Lori asked from the Baptist Church? She said that there was a
rumor that when the Virgil School was first started, the donated land was donated by the Virgil Baptist church and the land will go
back to the Baptist Church if it was not a school anymore. It was stated that was 70-100 years ago. Kaminski said that the records were
clear, but as soon as they started talking merger, the records got fuzzy. Someone asked who the Superintendent was at the time,
Sandy Price said Mr. Lacy of all Cortland County. McGivern said that the town attorney Pat Snyder was searching for the records., but
she never heard if he found anything. Price said the attorney was George Yeager, who is now passed away, however Don Yeager still
practices law in Cortland. Price was also wondering if the Board was going to send a letter to Senator Seward. McGivern thought the
board should move the Town Offices down there. McGivern said that there are a ton of things that can be done with the building for
the community. McGivern said that the board could rent out rooms at the school, charging 500.00 a month and that would pay for
the maintenance. Stiles asked who would manage it?
SARA SIROIS- Sirois said that she can see both sides. She wondered if the residents are ready to vote. She feels that the school District
is jerking the around and that the town board isn’t getting the answers. She feels it wouldn’t be prudent to vote on it now. Stiles said
that we all have to look at the opinions he knows a lot of people have strong feelings, but they also can’t sit in limbo.
SYLVIA COOK- Cook has some quick questions. She said that the building has had lot of improvements. She wondered why we couldn’t
move the town hall and sell the townhall building. She felt that the town hall would be an excellent building for medical professionals.
Teri Pelton said that was looked into and medical professional said that Virgil was too far out. Price said that Family Health Network
was interested, but the process of getting money from the state was long and they needed a commitment. She said that the town
would have to buy the building and then they could talk about it.
Member Stiles made a motion close the Public Hearing at Close the Public Hearing at 7:35 PM. Member Denniston seconded the
motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None
7:35 PM –THE REGULAR MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER
Supervisor Kaminski called the meeting to order, followed by the salute to the flag.
RESOLUTION #19-045 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Draft of the Regular Board Meeting Minutes dated March 14th, 2019: Member Stiles moved to approve the minutes for March
14th, 2019 regular Town Board Meeting with corrections. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow,
Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays-None
RESOLUTION #19-046 AUTHORIZATION TO PAY BILLS
GENERAL FUND FOR MARCH 2019 NUMBER 004: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the General Fund’s audited
vouchers numbered 85-117 in the amount of $35,399.88. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow,
Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None Gary pelton asked why the town paid $97.00 in tax for Harbor Fright. Morse said that he
had to use his credit card because the town doesn’t have one yet.
HIGHWAY FUND FOR MARCH 2019 NUMBER 004: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the Highway Fund audited
vouchers numbered 1067-1084 in the amount of $10,132.52. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow,
Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None
SEWER DISTRICT #1 FUND FOR MARCH 2019 NUMBER 004: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the Sewer District #1
audited voucher’s numbered 2030-2040 in the amount of $7,892.15. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members
Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None They questioned
WATER DISTRICT #1 FUND FOR MARCH 2019 NUMBER 004: Member Denniston moved to approve payment of the Water District #1
audited vouchers 3017-3020 in the amount of $3778.30. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow,
Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays-None
MONTHLY REPORTS
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SUPERVISOR’S MONTHLY REPORT FOR MARCH 2019 SHORT FORM: Member Stiles moved to accept the Supervisor’s Monthly Report
in short form for March 2019. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski.
Nays –None
TOWN CLERK’S MONTHLY REPORT FOR MARCH 2019: Member Stiles moved to accept the Town Clerks Monthly Report for March
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 March 2019. Member Snow
seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None 91%
SEWER DISTRICT OPERATIONS REPORT: Dave Coish was present from the Camden Group. Member Pelton asked Coish about a pump
that failed. Coish said that it needed to be replaced a week and a half ago. Member Stiles asked if there was a spare. Coish said no and
that a spare would cost $500. 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
RESOLUTION #19-047 APPROVAL FOR A SPARE PUMP TO BE PURCHASED FOR THE SEWER DISTIRCT: Member Stiles voted to approve
the purchase of a spare pump for the Virgil Sewer District, not to exceed $600.00. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-
Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None
WATER DISTRICT OPERATIONS REPORT: Members of the Water District were not present. There were some questions regarding the
replacement cost of the water tower for insurance purposes. The members of W2Operators were not there to answer the questions.
There was also some discussion regarding a quote to replace 30 meters at the cost of $6000 including installation. Thirty meters would
be one fifth of the total meters needing to be replaced. They want to start swamping them out. Will talk to them. This will be discussed
at the next meeting. 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 Denniston. 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 where the county
was in the process of hiring a county administrator. Price said that the committee was working hard. Trisha Jesset, who works for the
county highway department said that there were 54 applicants. Stiles asked if all 54 met the qualifications? Price said that they are
paring down the list to three or four. She said that the legislators and the department heads will be sitting on the committee and the
process is moving along she is hoping it will be completed by the fall. Stiles was wondering how that jail was coming along? Price said
that they are still working with the state on repairing it. She said that there are 11 legislators that will not support a $58 million-dollar
jail. They will support improving the 54 Green Bush site. However, at this point nothing has moved. Stiles was wondering if there is
there a cap on how much they can spend. Price said once the county gets their finances in order, then they can set an amount. Kaminski
questioned the county debt? Price said that the auditors are just hitting the 2017 books. They are using a program called Pronexus.
And they are using this process to get the books in order. Stiles wanted to know if they will pursue the land in south Cortland and will
it go back on the tax roll. Price said that It has been brought to the legislative committee, but they have not brought that up for a vote.
She said that Cortlandville would love to own it. It was stated that people thought that there are deed restrictions on the property and
it is listed as a sole purpose property, but that was rumor. Stiles said that it is frustrating on how much land is off that tax rolls. 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. Kaminski reported that
he collected some money for the young commission. He said that he can’t find one person, but two of the other people live in town.
He will be sending them a letter. Cornea Morse asked if the Youth Commission can accept a large donation form the Virgil PTO?
Kaminski said yes, because it’s going from one nonprofit organization to another non-profit organization. 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
RESOLUTION #19-048 APPROVAL OF LETTER TO SEND TO DELINQUENT BEFROE AND AFTER SCHOOL PAYMENTS: Member Stiles
made a motion to approve the letter to be sent to the resident who were behind on paying for the before and after school program.
Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays- None
HOPE LAKE OPERATIONS REPORT: Wes Kryger reported that the Park committee was meeting on April 16th at the Virgil Town Hall. He
said that they will clean up and go over the park pricings for the upcoming season. Member Pelton said that Young Explosives called
and they wanted to know if Greek Peak will be providing staffing. Kryger said they were and they assume they will have the fireworks
display on the dam. He said that is how Young Explosive did it years ago. The town will need to get the permit. Kaminski said that they
will have to get into the lake and clean up by the bridge. Morse said he would like steel beams bolted to the bridge. Kaminski told him
to get some prices. Kaminski said they may have to drain lake again in the fall. Member Denniston motioned to accept the Hope Lake
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Operations oral report. The motion was seconded Member Stiles. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski.
Nays- None
DISCUSSION ON GATES: There was some discussion on gates that will be installed at the transfer station as well as the entrance of
Hope Lake Park. It was stated that they are rolling gates and the cost of the one at the lake is $3100.00. Pelton was wondering if that
would work at the lake. Post and post down 11 foot. Other ways they can do it. They took a look at it. Turns into a liability. Ned to get
more quotes for the next board meeting. Paid out of community development fund.
HIGHWAY DEPT. SUPERINTENDENTS REPORT: Highway Superintendent Britt Morse was present and submitted a written report.
Member Snow asked about West River road being closed? Morse said that it is open, but he kept the signs up because the road is so
rough. It was questioned if Morse thought the railroad company would let the town put something under the road. Morse said he’s
sure they would at our cost. Snow also asked about the bridge on Francis road. It was stated that Cayuga Heights is doing a cost
analysis on it. They are billing the town on an hourly basis. The engineer from Cayuga Heights has a NYS engineering license. Jesset
who works for the county Highway Department is surprised that bridge was flagged, she thinks that it’s solid. 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
UPDATE ON THE IT PLAN: Member Stiles said that the they are moving forward on the process. He said that they may need to update
and replace the server. He said that they have replaced everything that the town contracted with him. The E-mails need to be figured
out. They are talking about using Microsoft Emails. Town Clerk Van Donsel said that the internet has been changed over to Hafele and
is working much faster.
RESOUTION #19-049 CREDIT CARD POLICY: Member Denniston made a motion to accept the Credit Card policy as presented. Member
Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None.
RESOUTION #19-050 APPOINT A ZBA ALTERNATE: Supervisor Kaminski said that he and Member Snow conducted interviews. They
felt that Walt Logan was a good fit. Kaminski said both candidates were good and he would like to keep the other gentleman’s name
on file. Kaminski motioned to approve Walter Logan as a Alternate Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Member Snow seconded
the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None.
RESOLUTION #19-051 APPROVAL OF THE SEWER TREATMENT TANK BID: Supervisor Kaminski said that they received one bid from
Holbrook’s in the amount of $14,200. He said that the tank will be billed to the sewer district. He said that right now the tank is too
close to the road and needs to be moved. Highway Superintendent Morse asked when they wanted to install the tank. Kaminski said
it takes 45 days to cure. The money will be taken out of the Sewer District reserve funds. Member Stiles made a motion to approve
the 8000-gallon 2 chamber tank including delivery and setting on site according to the bid specs as presented. Member Pelton
seconded the motion Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None.
UPDATED BUDGET AMENDMENTS: Member Stiles made a motion to approve the budget amendments as presented. Member Snow
seconded the motion Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION# 19-052 APPROVAL OF HOLLENBECKS CYCLING RACE TO USE VIRGIL ROADS ON RTE 392: Member Stiles approved the
Annual Hollenbeck’s’ cycling race to use Virgil roads on RTE 392 from The Cider Mill to Parker street on May 6th 2019, provided their
DOT permit 33A is approved by New York State. Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston,
Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None.
RESOLUTION# 19-053 APPROVAL OF THE NEW YORK STATE SOLAR PERMIT APPLICATION: Member Stiles made a motion to approve
the New York State Solar Permit Application with the wording updated making it the town of Virgil’s. Member Snow seconded the
motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None.
RESOLUTION# 19-054 APPROVAL OF THE BID RESULTS FROM AUCTIONS THE 2014 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500 HD PICKUP WITH
PLOW, 8’ SMITH STAINLESS STEEL SANDER, 2014 FERRIS ZERO TURN MOWER AND VARIOUS WELDING EQUIPMENT : Member Stiles
made a motion to approve the bids from Auctions International in the amount of $16,000 for the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD
Pickup truck with a plow, $310 for the 8’ Smith Stainless Steel Sander, $4,050 for the 2014 Ferris Zero Turn mower and $180 for various
welding equipment . Member Snow seconded the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays:
None
DISSCUSSION CONTINUED: Supervisor Kaminski asked if the Town board wants to send a letter to Senator Seward requesting money
to maintain the school building. Stiles said that the problem with the situation is fi they get the money and they don’t get the building,
what would they do with the money? He said that it’s all tax payers dollars. Member Pelton didn’t see any harm in asking for the
money. Member Snow felt they should ask for it, but they don’t need to accept it. Member Denniston felt it was too premature. Stiles
felt it was premature as well. Stiles did say he would like to see it coming to us, rather than going somewhere else. Stiles said to submit
a letter, and make it pending on what happens.
Virgil Town Board Meeting April 11th, 2019
6 | P a g e
RESOLUTION #19-055 APPROVAL OF A 3200 FERRIS LAWN MOWER ON STATE BID: Member Stiles made a motion to approve the
State Bid price of $11,151 for a new 3200Z Ferris lawn mower. The money will come out of the General Fund. Member Snow seconded
the motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston, Stiles and Kaminski. Nays: None
RESOLUTION #19-056 SET A MEETING DATE FOR A THIRD PUBLIC HEARING ON THE SCHOOL FOR MAY: Member Pelton made a
motion to set up another Public Hearing at 6:00 PM before the next town board meeting on May 9th. Member Snow seconded the
motion. Vote: Ayes-Members Pelton, Snow, Denniston and Kaminski. Nays: Stiles
DISCUSSION ON CLEARGOV.COM: Town Clerk Van Donsel said that she had a demonstration of the website Cleargov.com. She felt
that this would be an excellent tool to help bring transparency to the community. The company would collect’s financial data form
our supervisor and then publishes it on the internet. Right now, the town has a page and they are using data from the comptroller’s
office. The board asked how much it costs. Van Donsel said $2500 a year. They didn’t see the value in spending the money. Member
Denniston said he would look at it. Community member Fitchette said he would like to see the data.
GLASS RECYCLING CONTAIONER AT THE TRANSFER STATION: Trisha Jesset said that the Transfer Station will be getting a bigger
container for the recycling glass. She said that the County is taking over the recycling center. She feels it can be run more efficiently.
She said that they are looking at the numbers and they feel there are a lot of ways that they can cut some of the fat.
DISCUSSION ON HIGH SPEED INTERNET: Community member Fitchette- Spectrum asked about Hafele working on West State Road.
He was wondering if they will be offering high speed internet to the community. Kaminski said that Spectrum had forfeited their claim
to the territory. He said that Hafele received a grant to go through out Virgil. However, the process is Going to take some time.
With no further business to discuss, Member Stiles moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 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