HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-16-2008APRIL 16, 2008
5:00 P.M.
87
PUBLIC HEARING NO. 1
AQUIFER PROTECTION PERMIT
GREGORY LEACH
NYS ROUTE 13
TAX MAP #77.00-04-10.000
A Public Hearing was held by the Town Board of the Town of Cortlandville at the
Raymond G. Thorpe Municipal Building, 3577 Terrace Road, Cortland, New York, concerning
an Aquifer Protection Permit application submitted by Gregory Leach, to allow an existing
transfer station to increase its permitted annual tonnage from 5,000 to 7,499 ton, and to allow the
collection .of trash from outside Cortland County. The property is located on the east side of
NYS Route 13, approximately 400 ft. south of Loring Crossing, tax map #77.00-04-10.000.
Members present: Deputy Supervisor, Theodore Testa
Councilman, Edwin O'Donnell
Councilman, Ronal L. Rocco
Councilman, John Proud
Town Clerk, Karen Q. Snyder
Absent: Supervisor, Richard Tupper
Others present were: Town Attorney, John B. Folmer; Rev. Matthew Smith; Greg and
Barb Leach; Grace Meddaugh; Bruce and Marilyn Guyles; Nick Shilliff; Mary Dunham; Ray
Dunham; Emily Dunham; Tina Blandel; Jim and Pam Hundley; Bernie Heath; Mary and Charles
Willcox; Chad and Andrea Niggli; Wally Johnson; Sheila Jenne; Doug Staley; Gary (?); Bruce
Buchanan; and Sharon Stevans for Channel 2, Access TV.
Deputy Supervisor Testa called the Public Hearing to order.
Town Clerk, Karen Q. Snyder, read aloud the published, posted and filed legal notice.
Deputy Supervisor Testa offered privilege of the floor to those in attendance.
The applicant, Greg Leach, apprised the Board he would answer any questions that they
or the public had.
Councilman O'Donnell questioned whether the Town and County Planning Boards
recommended approval of the application.
Attorney Folmer indicated that both the Town and County Planning Boards reviewed the
application, and that Town Clerk Snyder was in receipt of the recommendations.
Deputy Supervisor Testa questioned whether Mr. Leach intended to hire additional
employees.
Mr. Leach stated he would hire additional employees if the workload increased.
Councilman Rocco stated he was in favor of approving the application, and noted that he
had never received a complaint regarding the business.
No further comments or discussion were heard.
The Public Hearing was closed at 5:05 p.m.
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APRIL 16, 2008
5:05 P.M.
PUBLIC HEARING NO. 2
AQUIFER PROTECTION PERMIT
MARVIN WINDOWS OF NY, INC.
US ROUTE 11
TAX MAP #87.00-04-01.000
A Public Hearing was held by the Town Board of the Town of Cortlandville at the
Raymond G. Thorpe Municipal Building, 3577 Terrace Road, Cortland, New York, concerning
an Aquifer Protection Permit application submitted by Marvin Windows of NY, Inc., to construct
a 25,000 sq. ft. building for use as office/warehouse space, with accessory parking, for property
located on the south side of US Route 11/NYS Route 41, approximately 1/2 mile east of the City
of Cortland, tax map #87.00-04-01.000.
Members present:
Absent:
Deputy Supervisor, Theodore Testa
Councilman, Edwin O'Donnell
Councilman, Ronal L. Rocco
Councilman, John Proud
Town Clerk, Karen Q. Snyder
Supervisor, Richard Tupper
Others present were: Town Attorney, John B. Folmer; Rev. Matthew Smith; Greg and
Barb Leach; Grace Meddaugh; Bruce and Marilyn Guyles; Nick Shilliff; Mary Dunham; Ray
Dunham; Emily Dunham; Tina Blandel; Jim and Pam Hundley; Bernie Heath; Mary and Charles
Willcox; Chad and Andrea Niggli; Wally Johnson; Sheila Jenne; Doug Staley; Gary (?); Bruce
Buchanan; and Sharon Stevans for Channel 2, Access TV.
Deputy Supervisor Testa called the Public Hearing to order.
Town Clerk, Karen Q. Snyder, read aloud the published, posted and filed legal notice.
Deputy Supervisor Testa offered privilege of the floor to those in attendance.
After there were no requests for privilege of the floor, Councilman Rocco commented
that Marvin Windows chose an excellent location and was happy that more jobs would be
created in Cortlandville.
Doug Staley apprised the Board he was concerned that he did not receive notification
from the Town Planning Board regarding the site plan review of Marvin Windows as he resides
across the street from the proposed location, and within 500 ft. to 1000 ft. of the property. He
mentioned that most towns notify properly owners within 500 ft. to 1000 ft. of a proposed
application and suggested the Town of Cortlandville do the same.
The Board indicated that the Town does not require notification to property owners for
site plan reviews.
Mr. Staley stated he was concerned that public water was not available to the Route 11
site, although public sewer is available. He apprised the Board he has a large horse farm that
depends on well water. Without the availability of public water, he was concerned about
groundwater contamination and how that would affect him.
Deputy Supervisor Testa apprised Mr. Staley that the Town was working on an inter -
municipal agreement with the City of Cortland to bring public water to Polkville. The Town also
hoped to receive a grant to help fund the waterline extension.
Mr. Staley commented that the developer should be responsible for bringing water lines
to the property rather than the Town and the taxpayers.
Councilman Rocco stated it was his hope to bring water to the Polkville area not only to
service the properties on Route 11, but also for fire protection. He stated it was unreasonable to
require Marvin Windows to bring water to the property, especially since the particular use is
allowed under the zoning code. With regard to the proposed bio-diesel plant to be located in
Polkville, Councilman Rocco apprised Mr. Staley he requested representatives from the Town
visit a bio-diesel plant before proceeding with any approvals.
No further comments or discussion were heard.
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The Public Hearing was closed at 5:15 p.m.
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APRIL 16, 2008
5:15 P.M.
TOWN BOARD MEETING
The Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Cortlandville was held at the
Raymond G. Thorpe Municipal Building, 3577 Terrace Road, Cortland, New York, with Deputy
Supervisor Testa presiding.
Members present: Deputy Supervisor, Theodore Testa
Councilman, Edwin O'Donnell
Councilman, Ronal L. Rocco
Councilman, John Proud
Town Clerk, Karen Q. Snyder
Absent: Supervisor, Richard Tupper
Others present were: Town Attorney, John B. Folmer; Rev. Matthew Smith; Greg and Barb
Leach; Grace Meddaugh; Bruce and Marilyn Guyles; Nick Shilliff; Mary Dunham; Ray Dunham;
Emily Dunham; Tina Blandel; Jim and Pam Hundley; Bernie Heath; Mary and Charles Willcox;
Chad and Andrea Niggli; Wally Johnson; Sheila Jenne; Doug Staley; Gary (?); Bruce Buchanan;
and Sharon Stevans for Channel 2, Access TV.
Deputy Supervisor Testa called the meeting to order.
The Draft Town Board Minutes of March 19, 2008 were presented to the Board for their
review.
Attorney Folmer requested the Board table discussion regarding the proposed
Amendment to Local Law No. 1 of 2007, Administration and Enforcement of the NYS Uniform
Fire Prevention and Building Code, until the May 7, 2008 Town Board Meeting to allow he and
CEO Williams more time to discuss the public's concerns.
RESOLUTION #89 TABLE ACTION REGARDING AMENDMENT TO LOCAL
LAW NO. 1 OF 2007, ADMINISTRATION AND
ENFORCEMENT OF THE NYS UNIFORM FIRE
PREVENTION AND BUILDING CODE
Motion by Councilman Proud
Seconded by Councilman Rocco
VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby table action regarding the proposed Amendment
to Local Law No. 1 of 2007, Administration and Enforcement of the NYS Uniform Fire
Prevention and Building Code, until the May 7, 2008 Town Board Meeting.
RESOLUTION #90 AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF VOUCHERS — APRIL
Motion by Councilman O'Donnell
Seconded by Councilman Proud
VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the vouchers submitted have been audited and shall be paid as follows:
General Fund A
Vouchers #204 - 228
$
19,140.86
General Fund B
B41 - B48
$
29,183.22
Highway Fund DB
D114 - D133
$
10,086.81
Water Fund
W85 - W93
$
9,229.60
Sewer Fund
S38 - S43
$
4,709.93
Deputy Supervisor Testa offered privilege of the floor to those in attendance.
Councilman O'Donnell mentioned that May 7, 2008 Town Board Meeting would be held
in the Village of McGraw at 7:00 p.m.
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APRIL 16, 2008 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 2
The monthly report of the Supervisor for the month of March 2008 was on the table for
review and is filed in the Town Clerk's office.
RESOLUTION #91 ACCEPT ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR
Motion by Councilman O'Donnell
Seconded by Councilman Proud
VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Annual Report of the Supervisor for the year 2007 is hereby accepted
and shall be received and filed.
There was discussion regarding the request made by Tony Reno on behalf of the Groton
Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses for the building permit fee to be either waived or reduced
for the nonprofit organization. CEO Williams provided a memorandum to the Board indicating
that building permit fees were collected for the past three church buildings constructed in the
town over the past 13 years.
Deputy Supervisor Testa explained to Don Milton, a representative from the Church who
was in attendance, that the Town could not waive the building permit fee for the religious
organization regardless of it being a nonprofit organization.
Councilman Proud reiterated the separation between church and state. He stated that the
Board could waive the fees for all 501c or 501b nonprofit corporations that are for the benefit of
the community as a whole. However, it would be unfair for the Board to waive the fee for one
religious organization.
Attorney Folmer stated there was a constitutional prohibition against giving away Town
assets. In Town Law there is a list of organizations and functions that the Town is authorized to
participate in such as a library, a park, or a bicentennial celebration. He stated that he would be
concerned if the Board were to blanket 501 c organizations. If a determination was made to
waive the fees for all religious institutions the Board could be accused of supporting the
establishment of religion, which is not allowed.
RESOLUTION #92 DENY REQUEST OF THE GROTON CONGREGATION OF
JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES FOR RELIEF OF
BUILDING PERMIT FEES
Motion by Councilman Rocco
Seconded by Councilman O'Donnell
VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED
WHEREAS, a request was made by Tony Reno, Groton Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses,
for relief of building permit fees for its future facility, and
WHEREAS, in the past the Board has not granted such relief, with one exception being the
Cortland Sports Complex who submitted a building permit prior to the adoption of the new
Town fee schedule, which was adopted on May 1st, 2002, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby deny the request of the Groton Congregation
of Jehovah's Witnesses for relief of building permit fee of $1,760.00 for their new church to be
constructed at 530 Sears Road in the Town of Cortlandville.
Attorney Folmer and the Board reviewed the SEQR Short Environmental Assessment
Form for the Aquifer Protection Permit application submitted by Gregory Leach for property
located on Route 13 in the Town of Cortlandville.
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APRIL 16, 2008 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 3
RESOLUTION #93 DECLARE NEGATIVE IMPACT FOR AQUIFER
PROTECTION PERMIT #1 OF 2008 SUBMITTED BY
GREGORY LEACH FOR PROPERTY LOCATED ON
ROUTE 13
Motion by Councilman Rocco
Seconded by Councilman Proud
VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED
WHEREAS, an Aquifer Protection Permit application was submitted by Gregory Leach to allow
an existing transfer station to increase its permitted annual tonnage from 5,000 to 7,499 ton and
to allow the collection of trash from outside Cortland County, for property located on the east
side of NYS Route 13, approximately 400 ft. south of Loring Crossing, tax map #77.00-04-
10.000, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board as Lead Agent, duly reviewed and completed the Short
Environmental Assessment Form, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board as Lead Agent, does hereby declare the proposed project of
Gregory Leach, Aquifer Protection Permit #1 of 2008, shall have no significant environmental
impact.
RESOLUTION #94 AUTHORIZE DEPUTY SUPERVISOR TO SIGN SEQRA
APPLICATION OF AQUIFER PROTECTION
PERMIT #1 OF 2008
Motion by Councilman Rocco
Seconded by Councilman Proud
VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Deputy Supervisor is hereby authorized and directed to sign the SEQRA
application relating to Aquifer Protection Permit #1 of 2008, submitted by Gregory Leach.
RESOLUTION #95 APPROVE AQUIFER PROTECTION PERMIT 41 OF 2008
SUBMITTED BY GREGORY LEACH FOR PROPERTY
LOCATED ON ROUTE 13 SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS
Motion by Councilman Proud
Seconded by Councilman Rocco
VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED
WHEREAS, the Cortland County Planning Department and the Town Planning Board have
reviewed and recommended approval of this Aquifer Protection Permit application, and
WHEREAS, a Public Hearing was duly held by this Town Board, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby approve Aquifer Protection Permit #1 of 2008,
submitted by Gregory Leach, allowing an existing transfer station to increase its permitted
annual tonnage from 5,000 to 7,499 ton and allowing the collection of trash from outside
Cortland County, for property located on the east side of NYS Route 13, approximately 400 ft.
south of Loring Crossing, tax map #77.00-04-10.000, subject to the following conditions from
the Town and County Planning Boards:
1. The applicant provide the Town with the maximum service area of the proposed
expansion.
2. The applicant applying for and receiving a use variance for expansion of a use not
permitted in the Highway Commercial Business District or Area I of the Aquifer
Protection District.
3. The applicant demonstrating that there are unnecessary hardships in the way of
carrying out the strict letter of the Town of Cortlandville Zoning Law as is required
before any use variance may be granted.
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APRIL 16, 2008
TOWN BOARD MEETING
PAGE 4
4. The applicant obtaining approval from the NYS Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) for the modification of the existing permit for the facility.
5. Compliance with SEQR requirements.
AND IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, the Deputy Supervisor is hereby authorized to sign the
permit.
Attorney Folmer and the Board reviewed the SEQR Full Environmental Assessment
Form for the Aquifer Protection Permit application submitted by Marvin Windows of NY, Inc.
for property located off Route 11 in the Town of Cortlandville.
RESOLUTION #96 DECLARE NEGATIVE IMPACT FOR AQUIFER
PROTECTION PERMIT #2 OF 2008 SUBMITTED BY
MARVIN WINDOWS OF NY, INC. FOR PROPERTY
LOCATED OFF ROUTE 11
Motion by Councilman Proud
Seconded by Councilman Rocco
VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED
WHEREAS, an Aquifer Protection Permit application was submitted by Marvin Windows of
NY, Inc., to permit the construction of a 25,000 sq. ft. building for use as office/warehouse
space, with accessory parking, for property located on the south side of US Route 1 l/NYS Route
41, approximately '/2 mile east of the City of Cortland, tax map #87.00-04-01.000, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board as Lead Agent, duly reviewed and completed the Full
Environmental Assessment Form, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board as Lead Agent, does hereby declare the proposed project of
Marvin Windows of NY, Inc., Aquifer Protection Permit #2 of 2008, shall have no significant
environmental impact.
RESOLUTION #97 AUTHORIZE DEPUTY SUPERVISOR TO SIGN SEQRA
APPLICATION OF AQUIFER PROTECTION
PERMIT #2 OF 2008
Motion by Councilman Proud
Seconded by Councilman Rocco
VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Deputy Supervisor is hereby authorized and directed to sign the SEQRA
application relating to Aquifer Protection Permit #2 of 2008, submitted by Marvin Windows of NY,
Inc.
RESOLUTION #98 APPROVE AQUIFER PROTECTION PERMIT #2 OF 2008
SUBMITTED BY MARVIN WINDOWS OF NY, INC. FOR
PROPERTY LOCATED OFF ROUTE 11 SUBJECT
TO CONDITIONS
Motion by Councilman O'Donnell
Seconded by Councilman Rocco
VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED
WHEREAS, the Cortland County Planning Department and the Town Planning Board have
reviewed and recommended approval of this Aquifer Protection Permit application, and
WHEREAS, a Public Hearing was duly held by this Town Board, therefore
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APRIL 16, 2008 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 5
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby approve Aquifer Protection Permit #2 of 2008,
submitted by Marvin Windows of NY, Inc., permitting the construction of a 25,000 sq. ft.
building for use as office/warehouse space, with accessory parking, for property located on the
south side of US Route 11/NYS Route 41, approximately % mile east of the City of Cortland, tax
map #87.00-04-01.000, subject to the following conditions from the Town and County Planning
Boards:
1. The applicant obtaining a curb cut permit from the NYS Department of
Transportation (DOT) for the proposed driveway access to US Route 11/NYS Route
41.
2. The applicant obtaining approval of the connection to public sewer from the County
Health Department via application to the Town.
3. The applicant obtaining a permit for the proposed private well from the County
Health Department which would include the requirement of a permanent disinfection
system as a public water supply serving at least 25 individuals.
4. The applicant obtaining approval of the final design of the stormwater pollution
prevention plan per the Town's stormwater ordinance and the NYS Phase II
stormwater regulations.
5. The applicant filing a Notice of Intent with the NYS Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) in addition to the preparation of a stormwater pollution
prevention plan per the NYS Phase II stormwater regulations.
6. The application obtaining approval of the landscaping plan for the site from the
Town.
7. Compliance with SEQR requirements.
AND IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, the Deputy Supervisor is hereby authorized to sign the
permit.
Councilman Rocco made a motion, seconded by Councilman O'Donnell, to receive and
file correspondence from Barbara Lifton, Member of Assembly, 1251h District, dated April 10,
2008, regarding support of the Town's grant application to New York State Division of Housing
and Community Renewal to fund the Cortlandville HOME Senior Housing Rehabilitation
Program. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
RESOLUTION #99 AUTHORIZE THE CORTLAND CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
USE OF THE VOTING MACHINE AND MEETING ROOM TO
CONDUCT THEIR ANNUAL SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION
ON MAY 20, 2008
Motion by Councilman Proud
Seconded by Councilman Rocco
VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby authorize the Cortland City School District
use of the town voting machine and the meeting room in the Raymond G. Thorpe Municipal
Building, to conduct their annual School Board Elections on May 20, 2008 from 12:00-9:00 p.m.
Councilman Rocco made a motion, seconded by Councilman O'Donnell, to receive and
file correspondence from John T. Helgren, P.E., Cortland County Health Department, dated
April 3, 2008, regarding the proposed United Development Group student housing project for
property located off NYS Route 13. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
Deputy Supervisor Testa announced the grand opening of the Cortlandville Starr Road
Park and Recreation Center, which would be held Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. All those
who donated to the park, as well as the general public, were invited to attend the celebration.
Deputy Supervisor Testa commented that the project took approximately 8 years of hard
work and fundraising. He thanked all those who donated to the park project, as approximately
98% of the total cost of the park ($1.4 million) was raised.
Councilman Rocco recognized Deputy Supervisor Testa for his hard work and diligence
to accomplish the park project. He thanked the community who came to the Town's rescue by
donating to the park project.
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APRIL 16, 2008 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 6
Town Clerk Snyder apprised the Board that members of both the Planning Board and
Zoning Board of Appeals attended training seminars on April 9-10, 2008 held by the Cortland
County Planning Department. The Planning Board members who attended were Kathy
Wickwire, Chris Newell, Nick Renzi, and James Bugh. Planning Board Member Nick Renzi
accomplished his 2008 training hours in 2007. The ZBA members who attended were Dave
Plew, Joann O'Rourke, Tom Bilodeau and Patty Wright.
There was a brief discussion regarding the proposed bio-diesel plant in Polkville.
Representatives from the City and the Town, including Councilman Proud and a member of the
Planning Board, would visit a similar bio-diesel plant located in Pennsylvania. Those who
planned to visit the facility would report back to the Board.
Attorney Folmer reported:
Conveyance of Land:
Attorney Folmer discussed the "swap of lands" between the Town and Dr. J. Lee
Ambrose, which entailed the Town obtaining the retention pond at the bottom of Renaissance,
and Dr. Ambrose receiving a piece of land on the side of the hill. The subdivision application
was presented to the Planning Board and approved at the March 4, 2008 meeting. According to
Assessor David Briggs, the two parcels to be conveyed were similar in value. A map was
prepared and reviewed by Assessor Briggs. Attorney Folmer requested the Board accept the
conveyance from Dr. Ambrose, and authorize the conveyance from the Town to Dr. Ambrose.
RESOLUTION #100 ACCEPT CONVEYANCE OF DEED FROM DR. J. LEE
AMBROSE TO THE TOWN AND AUTHORIZE
CONVEYANCE OF DEED FROM THE TOWN TO DR. J. LEE
AMBROSE, PROPERTIES LOCATED OFF OF
DAVINCI DRIVE
Motion by Councilman Proud
Seconded by Councilman O'Donnell
VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED
BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby accept the conveyance of a deed from Dr. J.
Lee Ambrose for property located off of Davinci Drive, portions of tax map #76.14-03-07.000,
76.14-03-08.000, 76.14-03-09.000, and 76.14-03-10.000, and it is further
RESOLVED, the Board. hereby accepts the deed subject to Town Attorney approval, and it is
further
RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby authorize the conveyance of a deed from the Town to
Dr. J. Lee Ambrose for property located off of Davinci Drive, a portion of tax map #76.14-03-
12.000.
Fire Code Violation — Unsafe Building:
Attorney Folmer reported on the violation for an unsafe building for property owned by
Daphine M. Talbot. The Board conducted a hearing on the matter on April 2, 2008. However,
subsequent to the commencement of the proceeding, a new owner acquired the building.
According the new owner, the building would be demolished as soon as weather permitted.
Assuming the demolition occurred prior to the May Town Board Meeting, the matter would
become moot and no further action would be required. If the demolition does not occur,
Attorney Folmer would present a set of findings and facts to the Board and discuss the
appropriate action.
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APRIL 16, 2008
TOWN BOARD MEETING
PAGE 7
Oil and Gas Leases:
Attorney Folmer recalled discussion he had with the Board at the February 6, 2008 Town
Board Meeting concerning oil and gas leases. Mike Barlyski from the NYS DEC initially
contacted Attorney Folmer concerning oil and gas lease representatives contacting landowners
throughout Cortland County to obtain gas leases and easements. On some occasions, when a
landowner refuses to sign the lease, the developer has been getting permission from the owners
of the public highways to use the highway portion in front of the landowner's property for
drilling. The DEC discouraged such practice.
Attorney Folmer stated that many people own their property to the centerline of the road,
subject to the right of the public to use the street for highway purposes. Attorney Folmer
apprised the Board he had a proposed permit for Highway Sup't. Bush to review, stating that the
oil and gas testing may only be conducted if the landowner agreed in advance.
Tax Assessment Certiorari Proceeding:
Attorney Folmer commented on the tax certiorari proceeding commenced by Verizon
against the Town. A proposed consent order was submitted to the Town, which Attorney Folmer
reviewed with Assessor Briggs. Assessor Briggs was in the process of contacting the State to
check on a ratio utilized to determine the actual assessments of public utilities, which Verizon
was categorized as. Attorney Folmer anticipated that he and Assessor Briggs would be able to
resolve the matter by the end of May 2008.
Councilman Proud apprised the Board he had three items to discuss with the Board.
The first issue was regarding a letter from Water & Sewer Sup't. Peter Alteri concerning
sewer lines on NYS Route 13 that were old and needed to be repaired. A study was conducted
on the sewer line, in which a video camera was run through the sewer lines to investigate the
condition of the lines. Town Engineer, Hayne Smith, issued a report regarding of the findings
and submitted it to the Board. Since the initial report was submitted, the sewer line failed and
had to be repaired. The sewer line, which was at least 48 years old, is the main trunk line
coming in. from South Cortland. Engineer Smith recommended a repair to the line. A meeting
was scheduled for April 21, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. between members of the Board, Highway Sup't.
Bush, Water & Sewer Sup't. Alteri, Engineer Smith, Attorney Folmer, and Town Bookkeeper,
Marcia Hicks, to discuss what action must be taken.
The second issue Councilman Proud briefly discussed was the proposed consolidation of
the Town and City. In the draft report from the New York State Commission on Local
Government Efficiency & Competitiveness, reference was made to the Town's surplus fund
balance of $5.3 million, and assumptions were made regarding the elimination of employees.
After talking with the Town Bookkeeper, Councilman Proud indicated that the Town already had
plans for some of the surplus funds, which was not indicated in the report. With regard to the
elimination of employees, he did not agree it would be necessary to eliminate all employees if
consolidation occurred.
Lastly, Councilman Proud stated he would like the Board to discuss the length of terms
for elected officials. While some members of the Board have been in office for a long period of
time, as a new Board Member he felt that a two-year term for the Town Supervisor, Town Clerk,
and Highway Sup't. was not enough time to "get up to speed" before having to run for office
again. While an argument could be made for two-year terms, as the recent editorial in the
Cortland Standard indicated, Councilman Proud suggested the Board discuss the topic.
Deputy Supervisor Testa commented on the Town's relationship with the City of
Cortland, and cooperation that exists between the Town and other municipalities. He
commented on Town Clerk Snyder's relationship with other municipalities and how she often
assists other Town Clerk's with issues.
Councilman Proud made a motion, seconded by Councilman O'Donnell, to receive and
file correspondence from Water & Sewer Sup't., Peter Alteri, Jr., dated April 11, 2008, regarding
the sewer lines on NYS Route 13. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
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APRIL 16, 2008 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 8
No further comments or discussion were heard.
Councilman Rocco made a motion, seconded by Councilman Proud, to adjourn the
Regular Meeting. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:05 p.m.
Respec lly submitted,
Karen Q. Snyder, RMC
Town Clerk
Town of Cortlandville
*Note:
The draft version of this meeting was submitted to the Town Board for their review on MqY 21, 2008.
The final version of this meeting was approved as written at the Town Board meeting of July 16, 2008.
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