HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-14-2000APRIL 14, 2000 4:00 P. M.
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SPECIAL TOWN BOARD MEETING
The Special 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, John Pilato
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Uouncuman, r✓owm IT v Donnell
Councilman, Ronal Rocco
Town Clerk. Karen Q. Snyder
Others present were: Town Attorney, John Folmer; Deputy Town Clerk, Valerie
Sclunidt; Highway Sup't., Carl Bush; town employee, Patty O'Mara; NYS Police Sot. Peter
J. Burns; from the Cortland County Sheriff Dept., Sheriff Lee Price, Lt. M. Coolidge Jr.,
Under Sheriff, J. Willis: Cortland City Police, James C. Nichols; SUNY Cortland College
students, Sonya Lieber, Erica de Jong, Nichole DiPietro, Christa Alm, and News Reporter,
Sarah Lif shin.
Supervisor Thorpe called the Special Meeting to order.
Supervisor Thorpe explained this Special Meeting is held due to a park permit
application requested by William McDermott, in order to hold an event at C.ortlandville's
Citizens Park. This morning Mr. McDermott withdrew his permit application.
Supervisor Thorpe stated this application raises questions for the Board to consider
regarding the number of people permitted at the park at one time. The concern raises
problems with security and traffic control.
Supervisor Thorpe requested Town Attorney, John Folmer to address this issue.
Attorney Folmer stated there are several problems for concern. This request is for a
picnic for college seniors and alumni of SUNY Cortland. The involvement of alcohol is
the first concern. Mr. McDermott stated on the application no alcohol would be present.
Attorney Folmer stated alcohol might not be provided by the sponsor but possibly brought
on the premises by the participants. As per town ordinance the Citizens Park is part of the
drug free zone, alcohol is not permitted. Appropriate action would need to be taken. If
800 people were to participate the crowd could be unruly and the sheriff's department
would need to respond.
Attorney Folmer expressed another concern the traffic flow with such a large
crowd. Route 281 is a main artery to the north and south. It cannot be blocked off or
rerouted.
After speaking with the town's insurance carrier, Attorney Folmer stated the
insurance carrier provides certain coverage for alcohol related incidents. The policy
excludes coverage if alcohol is involved as a financial transaction. Presently the town does
not own a piece of property to accommodate 800 people.
Attorney Folmer expressed his appreciation to Mr. McDermott for recognizing a
problem that could be created due to this kind of event. Mr. McDermott did not wish to
cause any inconvenience. He has since withdrawn his request for a park permit.
Supervisor Thorpe inquired into the jurisdiction, area police agencies would have
regarding Cortlandville's Citizens Park. Could utilization of off duty officers at the park be
adequate?
Attorney Folmer explained contracting with the sheriff's department for use of
overtime personnel. This would be billed to the town and in turn passed on to the sponsor
of the event.
Privilege of the floor was offered to the SUNY Cortland College students.
Christa Alm, a senior at. SUNY Cortland explained the picnic at the park was
planned to bring the alumni back so everyone could get together. The alumni spring picnic
was held at differentlocations in the past. and hasn't been held for a few years.
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APRIL 14, 2000 SPECIAL TOWN BOARD MEETING PAGE 2
A discussion was held concerning alumni attending this type of picnic before
commencement excersises. A reunion has been held after commencement excersises.
Ms. Alm explained this event is being organized by the Cortland Spring Picnic
Association and is independent of SUNY Cortland.
Supervisor Thorpe recommended formalizing an association with SUNY Cortland
where by the event could be held on SUNY property. This could eliminate location and
security problems. The present problems seem to stern from this being an independent
event..
Ms. Alm stated she would take the recommendations back to the association for
discussion. She explained the association is lust trying to bring back the spring alumni
picnic. As it has taken place in the past.
A discussion was held concerning alcohol being present at the past alumni picnics.
Councilman O'Donnell stated the Board would need to identify the rules concerning
use of the park when filing an application.
Attorney roliner agreed. The ordinance does not need to be changed but more
information should be specified on the permit application.
It was stated SUNY Cortland is in a drug free zone.
No further questions or comments were heard.
No action was taken.
Councilman O'Donnell made a motion, seconded by Councilman Testa, to adjourn
the Special Meeting. All voting aye, the motion was carried.
The meeting was adj otj.roed at 4:20 p.m.
Respec fully submitted,
L
Karen Q. Snyder
Town Clerk
Town of Cortlandville
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