Call to order:
The regular monthly meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 6:55 pm in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY.
Present:
- William Layton-Supervisor
- Carl Stuendel-Councilperson
- Peggy Backus-Councilperson
- Howard Buttel-Councilperson
- Timothy LaTourette-Councilperson
Others:
- Ronald VanValkenburg-Hwy Superintendent
- Nancy Roberts
- Gail Crane, Deputy Town Clerk
- Joe Reynolds, Building Inspector
- Lloyd Backus, Justice
- James Fox, Planning Board
Pledge: Pledge to the flag was led by Peggy Backus.
Minutes Approval: On motion by Carl Stuendel seconded by Howard Buttel it was moved to approve the minutes of the December 14, 2009 meeting as each member had received a copy.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion Carried.
Monthly Financial Reports: On motion by Timothy LaTourette seconded by Carl Stuendel it was moved to receive, approve and place on file the Supervisor’s and the Town Clerks monthly reports.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.
Year End Financial Reports: On motion by Howard Buttel seconded by Timothy LaTourette it was moved to receive, approve and place on file the Supervisor’s and the Town Clerks year end reports.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.
Reports-Highway Superintendent – Ron VanValkenburg
- Maintenance – highway crew has been doing maintenance on equipment as well as the building. They have painted walls in office, breakroom, bathroom and shop. Bill Layton complimented the men on their job well done. Regular maintenance of equipment has been taking place.
- Garbage – need carboard boxes. Bill Layton indicated he would get “Gaylord boxes”. Another challenge of garbage removal was discussed. Who and how they would be paid – no cash payments would be done, only checks, for garbage removal. Peggy Backus assigned to obtain quotes from multiple trash handlers. In the meantime, the highway department will take the garbage to Walton when they need to go there.
- Comp time – Some employees interested to know if they can use ‘comp time’ in place of their overtime hours. Peggy Backus did not know if this was legal to do this anymore. Bill Layton indicated that there is a contract and the men can only be paid as it is spelled out in the contract. Ron to review the contract.
- Pole Barn – Highway Dept. needs pole barn – at least 6 bays. If employees were to build it, they would need crane to set the rafters. Bill Layton to check with BOCEs to see what they can or would be willing to do. Good experience and educational experience for them.
- New truck – Discussion regarding Chevy vs Ford. Howard Buttel has quotes on long bed $22K and short bed 21K but trucks do not have all the requirements of heavy duty equipment as specified by Ron. Tim LaTourette presented a price of a 4 year old diesel which has the equipment Ron specified. Discussion of gas vs diesel, old vs new, GM vs Ford ensued. Ron prefers to stay with GM as the other trucks are all GM and the past performance and maintenance was satisfactory. Purpose of the new truck is to ease the road maintenance during storms and to assist in transporting people and equipment to job sites. Ron estimates new truck will be in the neighborhood of $36,000. Committee Tim LaTourette, Howard Buttel, Ron VanValkenburg established. Committee is to obtain prices and recommendation to the board. Board has no preference of make – GM or Ford.
Reports- Planning Board, James Fox
Gas drilling – There is an immediate need of 2010 Road Protection Statute. Need the current bonding limits for roads. Sandy will call Association of Towns to see if she can get the limits.
Wind Towers – Spanish firm (Houck Mt. LLC) does not seem to be honoring current contracts. . Wind towers are very tall. Industrial towers different than personal or privately held wind towers and may have different zoning requirements. Wind seems to be a low priority with maybe 5 years before it comes active. Joe Reynolds indicated the Houck Mt. LLC renewed their permit for Rock Riff Mountain location about 6 months ago. Discussion of requirements for wind ensued. A “Wind Energy Industrial and Private Zoning” requirement will be considered for Long Term resolution.
Alternate on Planning Board – Nancy LaTourette unable to attend all meeting due to conflicting commitments. Not a problem with the Planning Board. No action is needed.
Reports- Supervisor, Bill Layton
- Dog Control Officer – status Brenda Thurston will remain with Russ Thurston as Deputy. Alternate Deputy Russell Sprague
- Scoville Meno crew cab pickup quote – see Highway Dept. section on new truck
- Motor oil – Motor oil committee reported a decision was made to stay with Kendal
- Lack of Planning Board Minutes – James Fox indicated the Planning Board will be turning minutes in this month. Secretary will approve them on Thursday.
- Town Hall addition – remain on HOLD until spring. Discussion of location of septic.
- Stadium/CAT invoice/warranty conflict – decision for Bill Layton to contact the higher up at Stadium to see if something can be worked out. Board decision to not pay $4700 invoice at this time. Town does not want to pay for Stadium education/learning on Town truck. Board still feels warranty should cover the cost. The Stadium secretary stated the original warranty should cover it.
- Court clerk position – 3 applications received. Requires special meeting of Board to establish wages and what other towns do with this position. Date set Jan. 19, 2010 6:00 PM Board member and Supervisor to attend.
- Letter on moratorium – Letter was sent to Governor Patterson and DEC Jack Dahl in December
- Pole Barn – Highway Dept. – on HOLD for now
- FEMA – Carl Stuendel brought to the attention of the Board, the letter to William Layton from Kevin C. Long of FEMA, dated 12-9-2009 outlining flood map appeal process. Distributed to each board member for review. Indicates 90 day period for individuals to disagree with flood plain and must have town submit appeal with the individual. The Town needs to decide on what they want to do regarding the Rt 206 flooding – should be a state responsibility to cleanout culvert. Will discuss with Tom Evans, Delaware County Planning Board at the Planning Board Meeting Jan. 14, 2010 6:00 PM – or – will invite Tom Evans to special meeting on January 19, 2010.
- Employee benefit – work shoes – Bill Layton indicated new benefit for Highway Dept. employees. The Town will pay an allowance of up to $175 per highway dept. employee for safety shoes. Safety shoes must be purchased at Tony’s Shoe Store, Walton. Any cost greater than $175 is the employee’s responsibility. Employee can present competitive pricing to Tony’s Shoe Store to try to obtain a better price. Bill Layton will set up an account with Frank at Tony’s Shoe Store this week.
- New computers – 2 new computers purchased. 1 Town Clerk, 1 Bookkeeper. Old computer will be moved to a secure location for use by authorized Town personnel, perhaps a locked cabinet or desk. Extended warranty 2 years cost $40/each computer. Need to purchase a printer that is compatible with current systems for Town Clerk. Estimated cost $175-200. With $20/per printer extended warranty. Peggy Backus moved to approve purchase. Seconded by Carl Stuendel. VOTE: All AYES Motion Carried
- Waste Treatment System – Bill Layton to meet with Nate Hendricks, Environmental Engineering Specialist, CWC-DEP this week to review layout of land.
- Assessor duties – Bill Layton indicated a problem brought to light that land is indicated VACANT on the tax records but has house on it. Bill indicated a discussion required with the assessor. Joe Reynolds indicated maybe a permit was not issued so would not be picked up by the assessor. Discussion of how to review properties to assure Town is getting the proper tax money was discussed. The assessor will be invited to the next Town Board meeting by Bill Layton.
- Town Clerk Deputy Training – Bill Layton asked status of training of new Deputy. Nearing the limit of the budget. Sandy indicated making progress but not done yet.
Abstract of Claims:
On motion by Peggy Backus seconded by Tim LaTourette it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for January 2010 as follows;
General Fund: $ 22,000.83__________
Highway Fund:$ _42,881.70__________
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.
Reading back of the minutes:
On motion by Tim LaTourette seconded by Howard Buttel it was moved to accept the minutes as read back.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.
Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 PM.
Next meeting will be on February 8, 2010; 7:00 PM at the Town Meeting Room, Trout Creek, NY.
Sandra M Gardepe
Town Clerk
Town of Tompkins in New York's Delaware County 