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 