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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-05-2001SEPTEMBER 5, 2001 7:00 P.M. 201 1 J 11 PUBLIC HEARING NO. 1 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT A Public Hearing was held by the Town Board of the Town of Cortlandville at the Town Hall, 3577 Terrace Road, Cortland, New York, concerning the anticipation of submitting an application to New York State for funding under the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)-Economic Development Program. Members present: Absent: Supervisor, Raymond Thorpe Councilman, Theodore Testa Councilman, Edwin O'Donnell Councilman, John Pilato Town Clerk, Karen Q. Snyder Councilman, Ronal Rocco Others present were: Town Attorney, John Folmer: Water & Sewer Sup't., Peter Alteri: Highway Sup't., Carl Bush; Bernie Thoma of Thoma Development Consultants; Tom Bemis of Wilbedone, Inc.; Town Planning Board member, Nick Renzi; Dan Bilodeau and Ken Gilbert, McGraw Recreation Department; Paul Yaman representing Borg-Warner; and News Reporter, Chris Nolan. Supervisor Thorpe called the Public Hearing to order. The Town Clerk read aloud the Legal Notice, as published, posted and filed. Supervisor Thorpe offered privilege of the floor to Bernie Thoma of Thoma Development Consultants. Mr. Thoma noted that the first Public Hearing was held August 15, 2001 to discuss the Community Development Block Grant program. Tonight's Public Hearing is to discuss the specific project and the activities the town's application include. Mr. Thoma apprised the Board $200,000 of the grant would be loaned to Wilbedone, Inc. with the remaining $12,000 being for administrators and program delivery expenses. Wilbedone Inc.'s portion will be combined with an additional $300,000 loan from Cortland Savings Bank. This will expand their product line and increase employment by twenty-one individuals. Fifteen of those position being available to low or moderate income individuals. As this is the purpose of the grant program. Mr. Thoma stated he and Tom Bemis of Wilbedone, Inc. are in attendance to answer any questions. Mr. Thoma explained the program is a grant to the town. As long as the town follows the requirements for lending there will be no repayment required to the State. The grant will be the town's money. Due to the grant being Community Development Income the money can not be used for town expenses. The business being loaned the money is responsible for repayment to the town. It is the town's responsibility to take whatever actions necessary to collect that money. If the money is not collectable and the town has taken every action to collect, there is no responsibility from the town back to the State. Councilman Testa commented that Wilbedone, Inc. has met the standards for this loan. He inquired who had checked their credentials. Mr. Thoma stated Thoma Development Consultants initially investigated Wilbedone, Inc.'s background. We would not have recommended the project if there were concerns regarding creditability. The State also checks and makes the decision to continue with the grant for the town, expecting the project to be successful. Councilman Testa stated this project would not effect the town or resident's taxes. Councilman Pilato questioned the advantages for the town to be bankers. Mr. Thoma explained the State program, as it is set up, is specifically designed to make money available for municipalities to lend to businesses in their community. Z 0 2- SEPTEMBER 5, 2001 PUBLIC HEARING PAGE 2 The proposed interest rates are lower than other State programs. The real advantage is helping businesses. After repayment the town has the ability to help other businesses. If Wilbedone, Inc. applied for a loan through the State the interest rate would be greater. Repayment would be made to the State. There would be no additional benefit to the community. Another advantage is the town is under no time obligation to reuse the money. The funds can be placed in an interest bearing account. Mr. Thoma explained the terms of the loan are set at the time of the application. Usually 50% of prime with a ten-year repayment. The town may alter the terms of the loan. It is not required for the town to make further applications to the State to reloan any of the funds. The town has the ability to make it's own decision on another application based on the criteria of the terms of the grant. Attorney Folmer stated the town could make a new loan to a business with the appropriate securities. If a business defaults and foreclosure on their securities does not produce amountowned, the town is under no obligation to the State as long as the necessary steps to recover the funds were followed. Mr. Bemis stated his business continues to grow and expand. They have received numerous requests for granite counter tops. To invest in granite machinery is expensive. This machinery will give the business two more product lines to sell. It will also be a good opportunity to offer more jobs for people in Cortland County. Wilbedone, Inc. will train from the beginning anyone willing to work. No further comments or discussions were heard. Councilman Testa made a motion, seconded by Councilman Pilato, to close the Public Hearing. All voting aye, the motion was carried. The Public Hearing was closed at 7:19 p.m. 1 1 SEPTEMBER 5, 2001 7:19 P.M. Z03 n I 1 1 TOWN BOARD MEETING The Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Cortlandville was held at the Town Hall, 3577 Terrace Road, Cortland, New York, with Supervisor Thorpe presiding. Members present: Absent: Supervisor, Raymond Thorpe Councilman, Theodore Testa Councilman, Edwin O'Donnell Councilman, John Pilato Town Clerk, Karen Q. Snyder Councilman, Ronal Rocco Others present were: Town Attorney, John Folmer; Water & Sewer Sup't., peter Alteri; Highway Sup't., Carl Bush; Bernie Thoma of Thoma Development Consultants; Tom Bemis of Wilbedone, Inc.; Town Planning Board member, Nick Renzi; Dan Bilodeau and Ken Gilbert, McGraw Recreation Department; Paul Yaman representing Borg-Warner; and News Reporter, Chris Nolan. Supervisors Thorpe called the meeting to order following a Public Hearing regarding an application for a State grant. Motion by Councilman O'Donnell Seconded by Councilman Testa VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED BE IT RESOLVED, the vouchers submitted have been audited and shall be paid as follows: General Fund A Vouchers #395 -416 $ 14,341.71 General Fund B 82 - 89 $ 13,043.23 Highway Fund DB 329 -356 $175,257.13 Water Fund 194 -201 $ 1,233.96 Sewer Fund 120 -130 $ 7,489.61 Capital Projects 35 - 38 $117,298.86 Supervisor Thorpe offered privilege of the floor to Dan Bilodeau. Dan Bilodeau and Ken Gilbert with the McGraw Recreation Department expressed their appreciation to the Board and Highway Sup't., Carl Bush for their assistance with the new walking trail in McGraw. Also for the funds contributed by the town each year. Rick Williams, director of the McGraw summer program, has more children involved in the youth program every year. Mr. Bilodeau thanked town highway employee, Glenn Bassett, for all the personal time he has donated to the village programs. He thanked town employees Jeff MacLean, Fred Walker and Highway Sup't. Bush for volunteering their time. The walking trail project would not have been completed on time without their assistance. Councilman O'Donnell complimented Mr. Bilodeau on the progress of new walking trail. Mr. Bilodeau continued stating the recreation department received funding from the Cortland County Healthy Heart Coalition for the trail. This was the largest project under taken by the Coalition to date. The McGraw Recreation Department is now working on a ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication of the new gazebo in .honor. of Brian Zirbel between 11:00 and 3:00 p.m. on September 15, 2001. Councilman O'Donnell representing the town will also be speaking. Mr. Bilodeau stated a lot of hard work has gone into the trail and he hopes everyone will feel free to use it. The trail itself is eight feet wide and approximately half a mile long including the parking area. The Board thanked Mr. Bilodeau and Mr. Gilbert for their hard work and excellent job with the walking trail project. 20 9 SEPTEMBER 5, 2001 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 2 Monthly reports for the Justice for July 2001 and the Supervisor and Town Clerk for August 2001 are on the table for review and filed in the Town Clerk's office. Supervisor Thorpe open a discussion regarding the Community Development Block Grant. Attorney Folmer inquired of Bernie Thoma of Thoma Development Consultants exactly what the town's next step should be regarding the grant. Mr. Thoma stated the town is now approving submission of the application to the State for the grant. The town previously submitted a preliminary application that was approved by the State. The State then set aside $212,000 giving the town 75 days to submit a formal application after which the State will forward a state funding contract to the town. Attorney Folmer stated only the authorization of submission of the application for the grant is being requested tonight. Upon approval the town would review the contract. At this point the town is still not committed to accepting the grant. Mr. Thoma recommended if the town is submitting the formal application it should be prepared to accept the grant money. Accepting the grant is a two-part process. First the submission of the grant application to the State. After State approval, the contract regarding Wilbedone, Inc. would need to be formalized. The town should have State approval within 30 days. The closing of the loan could be within 60 to 90 days following. Mr. Bemis spoke with the Cortland County Business Development. The costs he would incur from them would be greater than a loan from the town. Councilman Pilato inquired what other State funded grant money is available. He also expressed his concerns with the town becoming a lending institution. A discussion was held regarding the number of votes needed to pass the resolution. Three votes constitute a quorum. Mr. Thoma stated the State sets aside a portion of the Community Development dollars in November of every year. Applications are accepted from communities with projects. Mr. Thoma explained the grant amount and participation requirements to qualify for grant approval. Once the town has accumulated repayments it is able to make smaller loans. There are no public programs available for businesses looking for small loans. RESOLUTION #178 AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN APPLICATION FOR FUNDS FOR SMALL CITIES UNDER THE US DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AN URBAN DEVELOPMENT'S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE Motion by Councilman Testa Seconded by Councilman O'Donnell VOTES: Testa AYE O'Donnell AYE Thorpe AYE Pilato NAY Rocco ABSENT BE IT RESOLVED, the Town of Cortlandville is hereby authorized and directed to file an application for funds from the NYS Governor's Office for Small Cities under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Community Development Block Grant Small Cities Program for Economic Development Assistance, in an amount not to exceed $212,000, to authorize the Supervisor to sign said application on behalf of the Town, and upon approval of said request to enter into and execute a project agreement with the State for such financial assistance to this Town. Councilman Testa, made a motion, seconded by Councilman Pilato, to receive and file a letter from Earl and Betty Wild, advising of their intent to renew their liquor license at Golden Lunch Restaurant, 3590 Route 281, Cortland, New York. All voting aye, the motion was carried. I I 1 205 SEPTEMBER 5, 2001 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 3 Councilman Testa, made a motion, seconded by Councilman Pilato, to receive and file a letter from Salvatore Ferro, advising of his intent to renew his liquor license at the Terrace Restaurant, 879 Tompkins Street, Cortland, New York. All voting aye, the motion was carried. Councilman Testa, made a motion, seconded by Councilman Pilato, to receive and file a letter from John Partigianoni, advising of his intent to renew his liquor license at Cort-Lanes, 928 Route 13, Cortland, New York. All voting aye, the motion was carried.. Attorney Folmer reported: Alliance Bank agreement: Attorney Folmer apprised the Board of a Third Party Custodial Agreement with Alliance Bank that is required under the General Municipal Law. Once the agreement has been completed, authorization for the Supervisor to sign will be required. Moratorium: Attorney Folmer stated his disagreement with Dan Dineen from the Cortland County Planning Department regarding the necessity that a General Municipal Law review should take place before the enactment of the Moratorium Local Law. Attorney Folmer will respond to Mr. Dineen's letter explaining his reasoning. Planning Board member, Nick Renzi requested copies of all correspondence regarding the Moratorium and Routes 281 and 13 corridor for the Advisory Committee. SPCA Easement: Attorney Folmer explained that he has received a description for a proposed easement from Highway Sup't Bush for the SPCA. Attorney Folmer will draft an easement for approval from the Board for the next meeting. Renaissance Drainage Easements: Attorney Folmer explained a map for the proposed easements for a drainage system in the Renaissance area. The easements start on Cosmos Hill and continue through the Gilhooley, Ottenschot, Dr. Ambrose, Bonarti, and Morris properties. Attorney Folmer received this map on August 29, 2001. It lacked a method to locate the starting point distance from Cosmos Hill Road and Route 281. He will contact James Stockwin to provide these starting points. Attorney Folmer stated this is an extensive project and is expecting to solve many of the drainage problems in the Renaissance area. According to James Trasher of Clough, Harbour & Associates, the residents have been informed of this project: McDermott Water Station: Attorney Folmer explained an agreement proposed to William McDermott. If he would agree, to construct the roadway sub -grades and water system improvements by August 1, 2002 the town would provide the oil and stone treatment upon acceptance of the sub -base. This proposal was made to avoid litigation. Attorney Folmer requested an executive session following tonight's meeting regarding litigation. RESOLUTION #179 AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO TRANSFER $13,641.50 FROM THE SEWER FUND SURPLUS TO THE CAPITAL PROTECT SEMR ACCOUNT Motion by Councilman O'Donnell Seconded by Councilman Testa VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED WHEREAS, the Bookkeeper has requested a cash advance be transferred from the Sewer Fund Surplus to the Capital Project Sewer Account for the Highland Road Sewer Project, therefore zo6 SEPTEMBER 5, 2001 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 4 BE IT RESOLVED, the Supervisor is hereby authorized and directed to transfer $13,641.50 from the Sewer Fund Surplus to the Capital Project Sewer Account, and it is further RESOLVED, the Sewer Fund Surplus will be replenished when the project is bonded. ,LHSOLUTION #180 REAPPOINT GRANITO TO THE BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW Motion by Councilman O'Donnell Seconded by Councilman Pilato VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby reappoint Karen Granito, 3281 Walden Oaks' Blvd., Cortland, NY, to the Cortlandville Board of Assessment Review for a five-year term commencing October 1, 2001 and expiring September 30, 2006. Councilman O'Donnell commented that Mrs. Granito is a very capable member of the Assessment Review Board. Town Clerk Snyder explained Mrs. Granito was very helpful in the Assessor's office when the Star Program was first implemented. Mrs. Granito is also a certified assessor from the state of Massachusetts. Councilman Testa made a motion seconded by Councilman Pilato, to receive and file correspondence regarding Timothy Buhl leaving Resources Associates. All voting aye, the motion was carried. Supervisor Thorpe stated Mr. Buhl will remain with Resource Associates on a part time basis for the next thirty days. Councilman Testa made a motion seconded by Councilman O'Donnell, to receive and file correspondence, from Daniel Dineen, Director of Planning and Thomas O'Donnell of the Cortland County Planning Board. All voting aye, the motion was carried. The County Planning Board correspondence was in regards to the necessity for the town's Moratorium Local Law being referred to the County Planning Department for their review and recommendations. Planning Board member, Nick Renzi requested a copy of the correspondence for the Advisory Committee. Councilman 'Pilato made a motion seconded by Councilman O'Donnell, to receive and file correspondence from Barry Stevens, Traffic Engineer for NYS DOT to Walter Priest, Eight County Physician Organization. All voting aye, the motion was carried. Mr. Stevens responded to Mr. Priest's letter dated August 9, 2001. Mr. Stevens expressed the NYS DOT's determination of a traffic signal was not warranted at this time for the intersection of Route 281 and Commons Ave. A discussion was held regarding the correspondence and lack of cooperation with the NYS DOT regarding the request for a traffic signal. Councilman Testa made a motion seconded by Councilman O'Donnell, to receive and file correspondence from -Robert Gambitta of Lamont Circle, regarding his oppositionJo the proposed application of Rerob, LLC. for an Express Mart to be located at the comer of Lime Hollow Rd. and NYS Route 13. All voting aye, the motion was carried. Supervisor Thorpe apprised the Board of a discussion he had with Sheriff Lee Price regarding Cortlandville having full time sheriff patrol. The cost to the town would be $80,000 per year. The Board agreed to have Sheriff Price appear at a future Board meeting to discuss the proposal. 1 1 1 207 SEPTEMBER 5, 2001 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 5 Supervisor Thorpe stated Gutchess Lumber, Borg-Warner and Bestway Enterprises have proposed projects affected by the moratorium. Town Planning Board member, Nick Renzi explained their applications. Gutchess Lumber located at 150 McLean Road, requests to replace an old building due to a leaking roof with a new building. Gutchess Lumber is located approximately 500 feet from Route 281. Attorney Folmer stated the Moratorium Local Law refers to construction in the area of Routes 281 and 13. The moratorium covers Gutchess Lumber. Paul Yaman representing Borg-Warner located at 3690 Luker Road explained equipment located outside Borg -Warner's facility should not be out in the open. They are requesting to construct a building to enclose this equipment. Borg- Warner is located approximately % mile from Route 281 on Luker Road. Mr. Renzi explained Bestway Enterprises application. They are located at 3877 Luker Road and want to remove two existing buildings and replace them with one new building to be more efficient. Bestway Enterprises are located near Route 281. Attorney Folmer stated several conversations have taken place regarding the moratorium and the corridor that is effected by its enactment. The northern boundary was defined as the town line near Homer and the southern boundary as the town line at Virgil. The east -west boundaries were not included. CEO Weber felt the moratorium as written effects the entire Aquifer. Attorney Folmer recommends an east -west boundary be established. James Trasher informed Attorney Folmer the boundaries for the moratorium need not correspond with the east -west boundaries of a % mile from the centerline being used for the current study of Routes 281 and 13. A discussion was held regarding possible distances for these boundaries. Attorney Folmer requested input from the Board before he drafts an amendment to the Moratorium Local Law. A five-day notice is required before a Public Hearing is held to amend a local law. After Attorney Folmer receives the Board's input he will draft a proposed amendment in time for the September 19', -2001 Town Board meeting. RESOLUTION #181 REFER ZONE CHANGE REQUEST SUBMITTED BY WHELAN & CURRY CONSTRUCTION SERVICES TO TOWN AND COUNTY PLANNING BOARDS FOR THEIR REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS Motion by Councilman Pilato Seconded by Councilman Testa VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED BE IT RESOLVED, a Zone Change request, submitted by Whelan & Curry Construction Services, for property owned by Donald Osbeck, tax map #105.00- 01-48.000 located on Route 13 South, shall be forwarded to the Town and County Planning Boards for their review and recommendations. RESOLUTION #182 REFER AQUIFER PROTECTION PERMIT APPLICATION SUBMITTED BY SUIT-KOTE CORPORATION TO TOWN AND COUNTY PLANNING BOARDS FOR THEIR REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS Motion by Councilman Pilato Seconded by Councilman O'Donnell VOTES: ALL AYE ADOPTED BE IT RESOLVED, the Aquifer Protection Permit application submitted by Suit- Kote Corporation for property located on Route 11 in Polkville tax map #97.00-01- 31.000, shall be referred to the Town and County Planning Boards for their review and recommendations. Z.0 8 SEPTEMBER 5, 2001 TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 6 Councilman Testa made a motion seconded by Councilman Pilato, to receive and file a memo from Town Assessor, David Briggs regarding the availability of Cortlandville's web page. All voting aye, the motion was carried. Councilman Pilato, made a motion, seconded by Councilman O'Donnell, to recess the Regular Meeting to an Executive Session to discuss pending litigation. All voting aye; the motion was carried. The meeting was recessed at 8:20 p.m. The following information was received from the Supervisor's office. Councilman Testa made a motion, seconded adjourn the Executive Session and reconvene to the aye, the motion was carried. No action was taken. by Councilman O'Donnell, to Regular Meeting. All voting Councilman O'Donnell made a motion, seconded by Councilman Pilato, to adj ourn the Regular Meeting. All voting aye, the motion was carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Karen Q. Snyder Town Clerk Town of Cortlandville 1 1