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Monthly Archives: March 2010

Town Board Meeting Minutes – March 8, 2010

Call to Order:  The regular monthly meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 7:03 pm in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY.

Present:

  1. William Layton-Supervisor
  2. Carl Stuendel-Councilperson
  3. Peggy Backus-Councilperson
  4. Howard Buttel-Councilperson
  5. Timothy LaTourette-Councilperson

Others:

  1. Ronald VanValkenburg-Hwy Superintendent
  2. Nancy Roberts
  3. Gail Crane, Deputy Town Clerk
  4. Kenny Reynolds, Ben Reynolds Construction
  5. Shane Strong, Cobleskill Stone

Pledge to the flag was led by Peggy Backus.

Minutes Approval: On motion by Tim LaTourette, seconded by Howard Buttel  it was moved to approve the minutes of the February  meeting as each member had received a copy.

Vote: All AYEs – Motion Carried.

Monthly 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 monthly reports.

Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

BIDS –

  1. Bids reviewed for pipe from Jess Howes and Otsego.  On motion by Howard Buttel, seconded by Timothy LaTourette, it was moved to accept both bids on pipe.
  2. Bids received from Ken Reynolds, Carver Sand & Stone, and Shane Strong on stone, stone dust.    After some discussion, it was determined there were errors in the legal notice.  The legal notice needs spelling corrections, and more specific stone requirements spelled out.
    Discussion of type of stone – from Hancock (bluestone) requiring more oil.  Bill Layton will clarify with Wayne Reynolds, Commissioner of Public Works, Delaware County the differences in the stone product.

    On motion by Timothy LaTourette, seconded by Peggy Backus, it was moved to submit a new ad for the paper with criteria clarified and spelling corrected.

    On motion by Carl Stuendel, seconded by Howard Buttel, it was moved to reject the bids submitted by Reynolds, Shane and Carver Stone and resubmit bids after a new ad has been submitted to the paper.

Reports- Highway Superintendent, Ron VanValkenburg

  1. Status of  bids for stone & sluice pipe – see above BIDS
  2. Status of bids crushing gravel – see above BIDS
  3. Sealing Roads – does Town plan on sealing roads same as last year?  How many miles will Town do?   Response:  Right now only as the Chips money is budgeted for.
  4. Chips $129,573
  5. Shared agreement for working with other towns.  Does Tompkins have one?  Howard Buttel thought we had an agreement still in effect.  Bill Layton will review the Resolutions and see if one exists.  If not, he will get one made.
  6. Violence in Workplace training session on March 16, 2010 10:00 AM Town Bldg, North St. Walton.  Recommended audience is Town Clerk, Board Members, Supervisor, Highway Superintendent and crew.  Session is given by the State.  Information available from Walt Geidel, HWY Superintendent, Walton.  Board approved for Ron VanValkenburg and his crew to attend.  All the Board members have conflicts.
  7. Mandatory Hearing tests were held at County offices Friday March 5, 2010.  Town will be receiving an invoice.
  8. Snow Storms February 23rd and 25th, 2010.  Ron may have to do additional paperwork as required by Delaware County Disaster letter if the storms are declared as a disaster.
  9. Trucks – one sent to Stadium and one sent to Milton Cat for repairs.
  10. Grader – Replaced and refaced blade and serviced and repaired brakes.  Town will be getting an invoice from Dana Wagner for the repair.
  11. Regular maintenance was performed on equipment and trucks.  Cut brush, plowed and cindered,  Hauled 10 loads grit and more hauled today.
  12. Dana Wagner has been helping Highway Dept. out with problems.  Welded on grader blade.  He has been an excellent assistant to the Town.
  13. Snowplowing – We have plowed 18 fewer snows for the County and City this year than last year so we can expect less money in from the County and City than we anticipated in the 2010 budget.
  14. Press that went thru the fire is back in working order again.
  15. Boiler – United Plumbing,  who set up the system 5 years ago, sent in a sub-contractor to assist in determining the problem with the boiler.  It was determined the thermostat to run the shutters were working opposite way incorrectly.  United Plumbing changed the thermostat/shutter settings and now we have heat.
  16. John’s truck – changed bearings in drive line.  Had a vibration in transmission or somewhere.  Two more trucks were sent to Binghamton.
    Sam’s truck was sent to Milton Cat – has oil blow-by in breather pipe.  Warranty is the same of all of the trucks.
    Scott’s truck was sent to Stadium.  Called International and had to have check first.  We got the check and purchased the part, installed the replacement part but did not fix the problem.  So we took the new part back off the truck and put it into parts inventory and sent the truck in for repair.
  17. Our lawyer has been in touch with Stadium and had a discussion with Nate and Don.  Frank told Ron they are going to try to get more money from CAT.  Stadium indicated there were “too many idling hours and dirt getting into oil”.  Ron completely disagrees with that statement.   So warranty issue is not resolved and is still under discussion.

Reports- Planning Board, James Fox

The minutes of the Planning Board meeting of January 14, 2010 was read by Gail Crane, Deputy Town Clerk

Reports- Supervisor, Bill Layton

    1. Treatment plant – nothing new since last meeting.   At last Board meeting Bill ran into another lawyer who indicated that it may be a community septic system rather than a sewage treatment plant.
    2. Stadium bill – lawyer status – warranty issue is not resolved and is still under discussion.
    3. Truck purchase – Truck committee reports that Tim has requirements selection lists sample and has 2 weeks to get state bid.  Bill indicated Hancock and Kortright has same problems and they are buying older trucks.  Diesels are a quality concern. Committee will meet and make determination before next meeting.
    4. Follow-up on the Feb. 16, 2010 meeting with property owners in the newly defined floodplain:  Carl reports that he will be meeting with Tom Evans and Henry Lamont to see if affected landowners have any grounds for appeal.  Rick Wote, who has been working on floodplain map issues in neighboring communities, will also be consulted.  In addition to providing personal narratives and photographs, affected property owners can expect to pay approximately $500 to a surveyor for an elevation certificate.  If Board members are asked, they can be telling people to check with their mortgage-holding bank to see if they will be required to purchase flood insurance and to check with their home-insurance company to see what the flood insurance rates will be.  Tim is running out to file a comment and/or appeal.  March 24, 2010 is the deadline.
    5. Letter from DuMond regarding employees using Town vehicles for personal use.  Bill Layton wrote a response and the Board Members approved signed it.
    6. Building Addition – drawings A/B/C reviewed – 40 ft. option would be right over the current septic system.  Bill indicated will have plans changed.  1500 sq ft. does not require an architect stamp any longer per Joe Reynolds.  Will save Town money.
    7. Tony’s Shoe Store – Regarding our program for the Highway Crew to purchase their safety boots at Tony’s Shoe Store in Walton—All members of the highway crew have now obtained their safety boots for 2010.  Frank thanked the Town for our business.
    8. Housing Permit-Delaware Opportunities –Grants to fix up places for elderly or low income families.  Uses bid process.  Question is whether the Town will waive the building permit, approx. $185 for the Housing Grant process.  Usually the permit is obtained by the contractor.  On motion by Bill Layton, seconded by Peggy Backus, it was moved to NOT waive the building permit fee.
    9. Kingsbury –  violation hearing – someone has to serve this legal paper.  Bill will check with the sheriff to see if he can serve the papers.  If not Bill will check with Tom Mills to see what the going rate is to have papers served.  Peggy will also check her contact.  We don’t have much time as the hearing is scheduled for March 18th.
    10. Bill received letter from the Chief of Fire Dept.  They have gotten a grant for a new tank truck.  Town determined it needs to establish a “Grant Committee” to see if we can garner some money for the Town.
    11. Trout Creek Cemetery – Looks like the Town is going to have to take over this maintenance function.
    12. On motion by Carl Stuendel, seconded by Tim LaTourette, it was moved to give an increase of $50 per month to Lynn (Court Clerk) as she has completed the first month of her three month training period with flying colors.  Looks as though less hours of work per month may be required than was originally planned.  We’ll have to continue to monitor the hours.

Correspondence:

None

Other Business:

On motion by Carl Stuendel, seconded by Tim LaTourette, it was moved to purchase 2 new copies of “The Office of the Town Highway Superintendent” available from the Association of Towns at cost of $10.00/each.  The copy the Town currently has is from 1990 and is obsolete.

Abstract of Claims:

On motion by Tim LaTourette seconded by Peggy Backus it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for February 2009 as follows;

General Fund: $    5,616.75

Highway Fund:$ 26,208.73

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 10:15 pm..

Respectfully submitted by

Gail Crane

Deputy Town Clerk

Next meeting will be on April 12, 2010  7:00 PM at the Town Meeting Room, Trout Creek, NY.

Planning Board Minutes – Feb 11, 2010

Present for the Board: James Fox, Paul Bartholomew, Sebastian D’Agati, Angela Porpora and Tom Evans from Delaware County Planning Department. Absent and excused: Nancy LaTourette and Russell Thurston.

Visitors:  None.

Meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chairman Fox.

Sebastian D’Agati motioned to approve the January 2010 minutes, Angela Porpora seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion carried.

The Board briefly discussed the new DFIRMs (i.e. flood maps).  Carl Stuendel from the Town Board has scheduled a Town meeting for Tuesday, February 16th to educate and assist any residents looking at protesting the new mapping with respect to their property.  Carl will contact Tom Evans after the meeting to discuss the outcome of the meeting.

The Board discussed the possible ramifications of gas exploration on emergency services in Tompkins and the surrounding area.  Sebastian D’Agati thought that local emergency services would not be prepared to deal with such an industry.  James Fox wasn’t necessarily in agreement and felt the area would adapt.  The Board discussed road preservation somewhat.  Discussion will continue on this more next month.  The Board will continue to research this too.

Meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM by motion from Paul Bartholomew, seconded by Angela Porpora, all were in favor, motion carried.

Planning Board Minutes – Jan 14, 2010

Present for the Board: Russell Thurston, Sebastian D’Agati, James Fox, Paul Bartholomew, Angela Porpora, Nancy LaTourette, and Tom Evans.

Visitors:  Bill Layton, Carl Stuendel, Sheri Oralls, Steve Fairchild, and Anthony and Craig Urciuoli.

Meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chairman Fox.

The Public Hearing for Philip and Cheryl Sheridan’s 2-lot subdivision on Sands Creek Road was opened at 7:00 PM; Sheri Oralls representing.  Bill Layton asked if the lots had been surveyed.  The Board explained that the smaller lot to be created was recently surveyed and a waiver to not survey the larger lot was accepted since an older perimeter survey of the property existed.  No other comments were raised by the public, so the public hearing was closed at 7:10 PM by the Chairman.  The 239 referral of the application was approved with the recommendation that all soils tests be plotted on the survey map regardless of a soils test location map, so the tests will get filed with the survey map.

The Public Hearing for Luther Shelton and Steve Fairchild’s 2-lot subdivision on NYS Route 206 was opened at 7:10 PM; Steve Fairchild representing.  Bill Layton asked if the lots had been surveyed.  The Board explained that the smaller lot to be created was surveyed and a waiver to not survey the larger lot was accepted due to the large size of the lot, cost to survey, and the fact that the lot was being put into the Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) Agricultural Easement Program, so it will be surveyed by WAC.  No other comments were raised by the public, so the public hearing was closed at 7:17 PM by the Chairman.

The Public Hearing for Anthony and Craig Urciuoli’s 3-lot subdivision on Alger Road was opened at 7:17 PM.  No comments were raised by the public, so the public hearing was closed at 7:25 PM by the Chairman.  The 239 referral of the application was approved with the recommendation that all soils tests be plotted on the survey map regardless of a soils test location map, so the tests will get filed with the survey map.

Regular meeting was opened at 7:25 PM by the Chairman.

Sheridan Subdivision:  Paul Bartholomew motioned to issue a negative declaration for SEQR for the subdivision, Angela Porpora seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion carried.  Russell Thurston motioned to approve this subdivision and allow Paul Bartholomew to sign the mylar outside a planning board meeting, Angela Porpora seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion carried.  Paul Bartholomew signed the maps (the mylar wasn’t available) and one was kept.  Paul Bartholomew will sign the mylar when Sheri Oralls contacts him with it.  The County Planning Board’s 239 recommendation was not followed, but will be in the future.  $110 was paid in cash.

Shelton and Fairchild Subdivision:  Paul Bartholomew motioned to issue a negative declaration for SEQR for the subdivision, Russell Thurston seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion carried.  Paul Bartholomew motioned to approve this subdivision, Russell Thurston seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion carried.  James Fox signed the maps and one was kept.  $110 was paid in cash.

Urciuoli Subdivision:  Paul Bartholomew motioned to issue a negative declaration for SEQR for the subdivision, James Fox seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion carried.  Russell Thurston motioned to approve this subdivision, Paul Bartholomew seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion carried.  The County Planning Board’s 239 recommendation was not followed, but will be in the future.  James Fox signed the maps and one was kept.  $45 was paid in cash.

Paul Bartholomew motioned to approve the October, November and December 2009 minutes, James Fox seconded the motion, all were in favor, motion carried.

The Board discussed road preservation and a possible Town law, road weight limits and bonding, a per mile charge versus another way to charge users, and noise and dust regulating through road preservation.  The Board will research this more for the Town and discuss it more next month.

Meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM by motion from Paul Bartholomew, seconded by Russell Thurston, all were in favor, motion carried.

Planning Board Minutes – Dec, Nov, and Sept 2009

December 10, 2009 Town of Tompkins Planning Board Meeting

Present for the Board: Russ, Sebastian, James, Tom, Paul, and Nancy

Visitors:

Steve Fairchild, Anthony and Craig Urciuoli, and Sheri Oralls.

Meeting called to order at 7:02 by Paul.

Steve Fairchild brought a survey map for the lot he is buying from Luther Shelton for the purpose of building a storage facility. Tom will contact the state about the driveway accessing 206; they will need to take a look. Mr. Fairchild will contact adjoining property owners concerning his upcoming public hearing and intention to build a storage facility there. A public hearing was scheduled for the January meeting.  The board referred the subdivision for 239 Review.

The brothers Urciuoli submitted paperwork regarding their 3-lot subdivision, the board granted waivers for surveying only the smaller two lots proposed due to a full perimeter survey existing and not locating on their survey map soils testing on the portion of their property which is in a state logging / preservation program and will not be changed by this subdivision, Motion made by Sebastian and seconded by Russ; carried. Paul motioned to classify as a Simple Subdivision, Sebastian seconded, motion passed. A public hearing is scheduled for Jan. meeting.  The board referred the subdivision for 239 Review.

Sheri Oralls on behalf of Philip and Cheryl Sheridan of Sands Creek. Paul motioned to accept waiver to survey the smaller of the two lots proposed and to not locate on the survey map the soils tests done for the larger lot due to other mapping being provided, similar to above proposal. Paul motioned to classify as a Minor Subdivision and Sebastian seconded; carried. Public hearing scheduled for Jan. meeting.  The board referred the subdivision for 239 Review. 

James distributed a draft Road Protection Law for analysis and discussion in Jan.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm by motion from Nancy, seconded by Sebastian; carried.

November meeting of the Town of Tompkins Planning Board was called to order by James Fox on Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 8:10 pm.

Present:           James Fox, Russ Thurston, Tom Evans, Sebastian D’Agati and

Angela Porpora

Absent:            Nancy LaTourette and Paul Bartholomew

Business:

  • James Fox noted two people that were at the October meeting were to be returning in November (Calabrese and Reynolds).  They did not appear.
  • Sheri Lyn Oralls from Klimchok Realty was present and represented Mr. Sheridan from Sands Creek.

Mr. Sheridan has 225.1 acres that he wants to subdivide into 3 parcels.  One of the proposed parcels did not perc (11.37 acres). However, the 8.84 acre and +/- 204 acre parcels did.

  • An option is that Mr. Merch, the adjoining landowner buying the largest lot, can perform a boundary line adjustment.  Or Mr. Merch can purchase as standalone.  Mr. Sheridan is ok in keeping the 11 acre parcel and 8.84 acre parcel together.
  • Tom Evans provided a means for the subdivision to occur by utilizing the boundary line adjustment and he advised the client do so versus subdividing, but both would work.
  • Ms. Oralls will advise her client and he should be prepared to return on December 10th for a public hearing and approval by the Planning Board.

James led a discussion regarding roads that would be traversed and possible damages that would occur if gas drilling were to take place in the Township.  It was the feeling of the board to pursue avenues for further discussion and be one step ahead for recommendations to the Town Board.  Angela will look into the insurance ramifications.

With nothing further to discuss a motion to adjourn was made by James and seconded by Russ.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Angela Porpora

September 10, 2009   Minutes of the Town of Tompkins Planning Board

The Planning Board meeting was called to order by James Fox at 7 pm. James Fox, Paul Bartholomew, Russell Thurston, Nancy Laturrette, Angela Porpora and Tom Evans from Delaware County Planning Department were present for the planning board. Others present were Bruce Neuman, Bobbie Choate, Connie Fairchild, Ward Mack (LS), and John Lilholt (LS).

Public hearing opened at 7:04 pm for Bruce Neuman and Bobbie Choate’s simple subdivision. Final plat approval application and environmental assessment form and sketch plat review were handed in. No public comment. Public Hearing closed at 7:19 pm.

Regular meeting opened. Paul made the motion for a negative declaration for SEQRA for the Neuman and Choate subdivision, which was seconded by James Fox. All in favor. Motion carried. James made the motion to approve the simple subdivision. Paul seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion carried. $45 Fee paid.

John Lilholt representing Theodore Tarson, provided application materials regarding a Finch Hollow Rd. 2-lot subdivision, i.e. representation letter and waiver request letter for surveying only the small lot to be created. James made the motion to classify as a simple subdivision. Paul seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion carried. Angela made a motion to accept the waiver request. Russ seconded the motion.  All in favor. Motion carried. Public hearing scheduled for October 8th.

Connie Fairchild inquired on behalf of Steve Fairchild about subdividing a lot adjacent to Huff’s Tavern on Rt. 206, and was provided the requisite forms.

Angela Porpora is taking the place of Patri Backus on the planning board as Patri is moving to Sidney.

Surveyor Ward Mack presented materials on behalf of Lars Cedarholm concerning a boundary line adjustment on Buddha Highway (off Bullock Hill Rd.) Cedarholm is granting 15.06 acres of his land to Padmasambhava Buddhist Center, which owns the surrounding land. Angela motioned to classify this matter as a boundary line adjustment. Russ seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion carried. Ward was given requisite forms, and a public hearing is scheduled for October 8th. The Board asked that Ward locate all the structures on Cedarholm’s property on the final survey map.

The Board reviewed the final language updating the Town’s Subdivision Regulations for new roads and was ok with it.  It will be forwarded onto the Town Board for review.

James read the minutes to the August meeting. Angela motioned to accept the minutes and Russ seconded. All in favor. Motion carried.

9:10 pm the meeting adjourned upon completion of the agenda.