On Tuesday November 9, 2010 at 7:00 PM at the Tompkins Town Hall,
148 Bridge Street, Trout Creek, NY,
a public hearing will be held to entertain comments on the 2011 Preliminary Budget for the Town of Tompkins.
Click here for a pdf of the preliminary budget with comments.
The regular monthly meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 7:00 pm in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY.
Present:
Others:
Pledge to the flag was led by Carl Stuendel
On motion by Buttel, seconded by Stuendel, it was moved to approve the minutes of the September 13, 2010 meeting as each member had received a copy.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion Carried.
On motion by Buttel, seconded by LaTourette, it was moved to receive, approve and place on file the Town Clerk’s monthly report.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.
The Town’s Financial Statements and Budget Report were reviewed with the Board by Nancy Roberts, Bookkeeper to the Supervisor. Noteables – A partial payment CHIPS money that had been applied for in August was received; Received projected 2012 retirement figures showing an increase of $33K to $49K. All need to be aware of the ongoing increases in costs.
On a motion by Stuendel, seconded by Buttel, it was moved to receive, approve and place on file the Supervisor’s Monthly Financial Report.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.
Visitor Questions –
Craig Fritzsch – Question regarding the status of the burned out crane. Mr. Fritzsch would be willing to give the town $1000. for equipment. Bill Layton responded that the equipment had been sold by the company to India and the company that owns the crane is in process of removing it. Work on the physical removal had started earlier this week. Was decided this was a moot issue at this time.
Reports-Superintendent – Ron VanValkenburg
Dryden-Gray Rd. – replaces 3’ pipe with 5’x40’ squash and collar – cost $4150 plus headwall stone. A question was raised by Stuendel as to whether or not Stream Mgnt would pay for any of this work.
Faulkner Rd – headwall on discharge end fell over during the flood. Repair scheduled for Thursday
Rain storm – have been doing repairs to roads and have cut up and removed fallen trees
Carcass Brook – worked the road and cut the bank back. Made ditch deeper. Used 50 loads gravel
Shop – Have performed a lot of truck repairs and changing tires. Dana Wagner has been welding supports under boxes
Concrete for addition Town Hall has been poured and finished.
Violation – The Building Inspector has issued a violation on pole barn exit. A roof is needed as there is a danger to personnel as the snow/ice freezes the door and entry way.
On motion by LaTourette, seconded by Backus, it was moved to resolve/correct the building violation.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.
Emergency Assessment Form – Bill Layton asks Ron if the form was completed for the flood damages on 9-30-2010 and 10-1-2010. Ron responded that he faxed the day after the flood that minimum damage resulted with and estimated cost of $33,000 not including labor and equipment usage and cost.
Concrete pad in back of shop – Last year’s estimated price was $6,680. Ron questioned if this is to be completed now. The pad would make the washing of trucks cleaner and safer for the personnel as the area becomes very muddy and slippery. Discussion ensued as to where the money would come from. Town is awaiting response on the Court Bldg. Fund Grant Application. Bill will follow up on the status of the grant.
On motion by Layton, seconded by Buttel, it was moved to table the decision regarding work on the pad until next month after review of the financial situation.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.
Reports- Planning Board – James Fox
No report submitted. The Board asked Sandy to contact James Fox and request a report for the last few months and impress on him the importance of timely reports.
Reports – Assessor – Joyce Ottens
Bill Layton indicated the reports for September had been mailed to Town and received the day after last month’s meeting. The report for October meeting was received. Bill read both reports which seemed to be basically the same. Bill Layton is going to follow up on court case and to make sure that she include in her reports any communication with attorney Robert Bebe, who represents Town of Tompkins in its ongoing struggle with NYC over tax assessments.
Reports – Dog Control Officer – Brenda Thurston
New monthly report format – Gail Crane presented the new monthly report that Brenda, Sandy and she had created. In summary, there were 7 complaints/assistance requests from homeowners; 2 dogs removed to the shelter, no dogs relocated. Bill Layton indicated he thought it was too detailed, Carl Stuendel indicated he liked seeing the detail. Bill requested that the detailed report be emailed to the Board prior to the monthly meeting.
Enumeration project status – a 911 worksheet by street has been generated and the Dog Control Officer has begun visiting each location to count the dogs. During this process a number of dogs in violation have been found. Discussion ensued as to whether or not the violations should be addressed at the time of the violation being discovered – or after the entire enumeration project completed. Suggested process by Dog Control Officer is –
Step 1. Verbal warning, at time of violation discovery during enumeration visit
Step 2. A letter from the Town Clerk indicating violation discovered and license/rabies vaccination required within 30 days.
Step 3. Follow up by Dog Control Officer 30 days after letter sent. Issuance of summons if the violation had not been corrected.
Database status – As required by the State, Dog Licenses for renewals and control will be turned over to the Town to administer effective January 1, 2011. Renewal notices, tags, etc. Establishment of an accurate database of current dogs is in the process. As reported last month 188 letters to all previously licensed dogs that were past due were sent out. A good response has been had with the database being updated from the returned letters where the dog owners have indicated the dog is deceased or been moved.
The process that has been established at this time is:
Step 1 – Create the database from all previously issued dog licenses on file in Town Clerk’s office. COMPLETE
Step 2 – Send a letter to ALL previous dog owners where dog license is past due for renewal. COMPLETE 188 letters sent
Step 3 – Dog Control Officer to follow-up on review of the database
Step 4 – Dog Control Officer to issue corrective action for un-licensed dogs.
A discussion ensued on the pros/cons of the enumeration and dog licenses database issues.
During the process of reviewing the returned notices, there is an instance where a dog has been reported as deceased dog but the Dog Control Officer knows the dog is alive and is in violation of license. During the discussion, Gail raised the question of legal liabilities of the Town’s enforcement or lack of enforcement regarding rabies vaccinations. Can the Town be sued if a dog has not had the rabies shot as required, and by chance bites a person or if the dog is not holding a current license? A discussion of pros/cons ensued.
Further discussion ensued on the license renewal process. Should all licenses be renewed in June or on anniversary date. Sandy indicated the annual renewal in June was not working. Gail indicated the system is all set to generate automatic renewal notices. Gail also indicated that her understanding at the last Delaware Town Clerks Association meeting that most towns were renewing based on anniversary date. Bill asked that the Town Clerk contact various towns again to confirm their renewal process. We agreed to table a decision regarding dog license renewal dates until next meeting when we would have more information on whether the town might be able to provide a rabies clinic three times a year.
On motion by Stuendel, seconded by LaTourette, it was moved to pursue corrective action on all violations discovered as a result of the enumeration or database review process.
Vote: AYEs – Layton, Stuendel, Buttel, LaTourette
NAY – Backus
Motion Carried
Dog Rabies & Spay Neuter Clinic – Brenda has been working with the vet Dr. Pritze on trying to establish a rabies clinic. Dr. Pritze gets .50/mile. It is believed that fund raising or donations is legal to help support this. Brenda requests permission to hold a couple of fund raising events – Bake Sale and Penny Social in support of a rabies clinic. Rabies clinics are currently held at various times throughout the county by the Delaware County Public Health Dept.
On motion by Stuendel, seconded by Buttel, it was moved to allow Brenda to hold a fund raiser.
Vote: All AYEs
Motion Carried
Reports- Supervisor – Bill Layton
Resolution on Cannonsville Cemetery – Resolution # 10 for transferring the Cannonsville Cemetery from the Cannonsville Cemetery Association to the Town of Tompkins was reviewed and signed by the Board.
Grant Stream Mgmt Program – project clarification Rt 206 and Trout Creek stream needs refining. The County has offered their assistance in reviewing and correcting the grant application process.
Correspondence – Bill Layton
Letter of resignation effective November 1, 2010 has been received from Sandra Gardepe, Town Clerk due to health reasons. The current Deputy Town Clerk, Gail Crane, was asked if she would be able and willing to take on the job for the next few months or year. This is an appointed position. Gail indicated she was willing to assist until a new Town Clerk can be appointed or elected. The flexibility of time for Gail is a concern as she travels out of state quite often. Gail is willing to work with a replacement person to teach or assist where possible.
On motion by LaTourette, seconded by Stuendel, it was moved to table the acceptance of the resignation at this time.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.
Budget
The tentative budget as established be previous meeting was reviewed and discussed. There had been no changes since the previous budget review meeting of September. Concern was voiced by Tim LaTourette regarding the Highway personnel budgeted amounts and lack of replacement personnel budget. Discussion of where funds would come from if and when replacement personnel is determined to be needed as it is not spelled out in the current budget.
On motion by Layton, seconded by Stuendel, it was moved accept preliminary budget and bring before a public hearing.
Vote: AYEs – Layton, Stuendel, Buttel
NAYs – LaTourette
Abstain – Backus
Motion carried
Town clerk instructed to put a notice of public hearing in paper before the Nov. 9th Board meeting.
Abstract of Claims
On motion by LaTourette, seconded by Stuendel, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for October 12, 2010 as follows:
General Fund: $ 15,518.27
Highway Fund:$ 15,885.20
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.
Reading back of the minutes:
On motion by Backus, seconded by LaTourette, it was moved to accept the minutes as read back.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 PM.
Gail Crane
Deputy Town Clerk
Next meeting will be on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at the Town Meeting Room, Trout Creek, NY.
The regular monthly meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 7:05 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 – ABSENT
Others:
1. Ronald VanValkenburg-Hwy Superintendent
2. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper to the Supervisor
3. Gail Crane – Deputy Town Clerk
Pledge to the flag was led by Peggy Backus.
On motion by Carl Stuendel, seconded by Howard Buttel, it was moved to approve the minutes of the August 9, 2010 meeting as each member had received a copy.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion Carried.
On motion by Howard Buttel, seconded by Carl Stuendel, it was moved to receive, approve and place on file the Town Clerk’s monthly report.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.
The Town’s Financial Statements and Budget Report were reviewed with the Board by Nancy Roberts, Bookkeeper to the Supervisor. Attention was given to the Highway account, the account is currently low on funds while awaiting the CHIPS payment.
On motion by Stuendel seconded by Buttel, it was moved to receive, approve and place on file the Supervisor’s report.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.
Reports-Superintendent – Ron VanValkenburg
1. South Dry Brook sealed
2. Performed cold patch and mowed roads
3. Assisted Town of Deposit seal roads
4. Readburn Mt. – working on the road, aware it is a bit slimy. Have had no complaints. Ditching, cut brush. Will cut more before winter. Changed 5 pipes
5. Have question on the snow plow contracts with the county – what is the expiration date. Bill thought they were good for 3 more years. Bill will get a copy for Ron.
6. International truck – Needs dyno testing. Milton Cat does not have tools needed to test. The truck seems to be losing power on the hills. Problem has been for over a year, truck has 80K miles on it now. Bill indicates money is low but we should get a quote before work is performed. Board agrees that we need to get it on record with CAT that problems exist before warranty expires. Ron to validate paperwork on truck regarding warranty.
7. The D6 bulldozer – very old machine – parts are falling of. Tracks and brackets are worn out. Estimate of over $12,000 for parts, not including labor, for repairs. The machine is used only during floods, then needed a lot, otherwise it has minimal use. Question is – Do we fix it or not? Bill Layton will bring up in Budget meeting.
Reports- Planning Board- by Town Clerk
No report received this month
Reports – Dog Control Officer – Brenda Thurston
No report submitted this month by Brenda.
Gail Crane gave an update on the new dog license database created. The database currently has a count of 345 dogs. Of this 345 dogs, 188 dogs are past due for license, 93 dogs are deceased or no longer valid, 64 dogs have valid licenses. Letters have been prepared and will be mailed this week to the dog owners of past due licenses. Brenda Thurston will follow up with any past due license with no response to the Town Clerk’s office.
In regards to the Dog Enumeration Program, Gail Crane has received and prepared a listing of all addresses by Street Name for Brenda to use as a worksheet.
Gail Crane has created a Summary Dog Control Monthly Report form for Brenda to use monthly in reporting to the Board. This will be used in conjunction with the current Enumeration Sheet and Trouble Call Sheet.
Job Description is required for the Dog Control Officer. There may be one already in the Town Book. Bill requests to have Sandy look up any existing job description. Actually, a job description for all employees of the Town should be established.
Reports- Supervisor – Bill Layton
1. West Branch Delaware River Stream AKA Delaware Watershed Stream Mgnt Program Grant – 57 projects Watershed, 10 high priority, 3 medium priority
Town got accepted for 1 grant – small project for taking trees out of creek.
Bill said this was a very good learning experience and will prepare us for future applications. Town can submit another grant application in October. Contacts – Ron is primary and Butttel is the secondary. Ron/Howie are to attend meetings and give voice. During discussion of this topic, Ron brought this item to the board’s attention: Agreement — Ron gave gravel to state from putting stream back and is supposed to receive grindings from the state highway.
2. Cannonsville Cemetery – We have a person (Sandy Jewel) who is interested in purchasing plot and burying her husband. There are many unresolved questions and procedures to be established. Question raised as to what other Towns do. It was decided to have Sandy Gardepe contact various towns for copies of their procedures and to contact Normal Carlson to find out who did the burials and grave digging. Also to find out which is the latest maps and current pricing on plots. All agree that responsibilities need to be established and procedures developed.
3. BOCES – addition to building. Ground was broke today for the addition. Footing is done. Want to make sure a timely schedule is adhered to. Also want to make sure the invoices for the addition from Jess Howes are on a separate statement.
4. Dog Licenses – effective January 2011 Town is required to take over the dog licensing issues. Budget lines need to be established for this additional expense. Gail/Sandy have been at work setting up a dog database. New town ordinance is required to be established and a public meeting will be required. There is supposed to be a transitional worksheet of info being sent in the near future to assist to setting this all up.
5. Budget items for the future – Electronic file system of sub-division laws, resolutions, local laws, etc. need to be setup on the computer and availability to the public set up on our website. Legislation is required for dog licenses. Public hearings – no changes without a public hearing
6. Kingswood – Hathaway Pond – want to establish 5-6 permanent campsites to be used by church functions. Will not house permanent trailers but travel trailers that would come and go based on various church functions. Sewer system permits have already been granted. Joe Reynolds submitted a question of what type of permit and fee is required. Ron noted that any change to driveway or road entrance may require a site plan review. Just in case roads are damaged. Would a resolution and public hearing be required for establishing a campground? Board needs to look more into this matter. Health issues checked OK. Bill will get more information and call the board members.
7. Trout Creek signs – Letter received from Hannah Wagner regarding construction of “Welcome to Trout Creek” signs. Discussion that state lands may require permission from state. Peggy volunteered to shop around for sign prices.
8. Culvert for snowmobilers on Bridge Street. May be either a bridge or a pipe. If snowmobilers purchase the pipe the town can put it in – must be at least 20 foot long. Motion was made by Peggy, seconded by Carl for the snowmobilers to purchase the pipe and the town to do the installation. Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.
9. Discussion regarding speed limit in Trout Creek. Previous letters submitted to the state attempting to get speed reduced was unsuccessful. Board suggest perhaps a petition would be able to get established and submitted to the state. Board can contact the Sheriff’s Dept. and request speed to be monitored. Bill will contact the Sheriff’s Dept.
10. Budget – Nancy has prepared tentative budgets that are ready for review. Budget meeting date Thursday, 9-16-2010 7:00 PM set up.
11. Town of Tompkins state retirement payment has increased by 30% over last year’s amount.
12. New Oath of Office cards for Howie and Peggy need to be obtained for 2011. Sandy to obtain new cards.
On motion by Backus seconded by Stuendel, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for 2010 as follows:
General Fund: $ 11,588.92
Highway Fund: $ 83,521.39
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.
Reading back of the minutes:
On motion by Layton seconded by Buttel, it was moved to accept the minutes as read back.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 pm.
Next meeting will be on Tuesday October 12, 2010 at the Town Meeting Room, Trout Creek, NY.
Gail Crane
Deputy Town Clerk
Town of Tompkins in New York's Delaware County 