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:
- William Layton – Supervisor
- Howard Buttel – Councilperson
- Tim LaTourette – Councilperson – Absent with permission
- Peggy Backus – Councilperson
- Carl Stuendel – Councilperson
Others:
- Ronald VanValkenburg – Hwy Superintendent
- Gail Crane ‑ Deputy Town Clerk
- Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper to the Supervisor
- Joe Reynolds ‑ Building Inspector
- Robert A. Panasci – Young & Sommer
Pledge to the flag was led by Stuendel
Minutes Approval:
On motion by Buttel, seconded by Stuendel, it was moved to approve the minutes of the Board meeting held on September 12, 2011.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion Carried.
Monthly Financial Reports:
Town Clerk’s Report:
On motion by Buttel, seconded by Stuendel, it was moved to receive, approve and place on file the Town Clerk’s monthly report for September.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.
Supervisor’s Report:
The Town’s monthly financial report was reviewed with Nancy Roberts, bookkeeper to the Supervisor. It was noted that the Highway Fund may be short by December 2011, due to delay in receiving reimbursement from the State for CHIPS projects.
On motion by Stuendel, seconded by Buttel, it was moved to receive, approve and place on file the Supervisor’s Financial Report.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.
Guest Speakers:
Robert A Panasci of Young & Sommer addressed the board regarding the sale of the property for the proposed Hamlet Sewer District that is currently owned by Kathy Layton and Sharon Gifford (Bill Layton’s wife and sister-in-law). Young & Sommer have given their assurance that the price of the property is fair and reasonable. The Board had previously given approval to purchase the property. In order to dispel any issue of irregularity/impropriety, Young & Summers recommended that an additional resolution be passed authorizing Deputy Supervisor Howie Buttel, rather than Supervisor William Layton, to execute on behalf of the Town the agreement to purchase the Property and to execute any and all documents necessary to complete the transaction.
On motion by Stuendel, seconded by Backus, it was moved to pass Resolution 16-2011 authorizing Howie Buttel to be the Town’s representative to execute any and all & documents necessary to complete the transaction for the sale property.
Vote: All AYE’s (Bill Layton recused himself) – Motion carried.
Note: Robert Panaschi will email to Michelle Phoenix the resolution with a space for Michelle to assign the resolution number [which she has done above].
Other Reports:
Building Inspector:
Joe Reynolds reported that a bad check had been received for a building permit and the cost associated with trying to collect the money is exceeding the cost of the original building permit. Additional costs have included but are not limited to: a Certified Letter from the Town Clerk, multiple site visits, and long distance phone calls. The Board discussed options. At this time, it is suggested the Permit be retracted and a violation notice be issued. Joe was asked to keep track of the costs.
Report – Planning Board
None
Report – Assessor
None
Report – Highway Superintendent
- Hydro-seeder used – did well. Grass growing quickly
- Worked on Roods Creek
- Worked on drawing grit
- Finch Hollow Road – cleared out a plugged pipe
- General maintenance work performed
- Ron asked ‘What is the status of the Grant on Chamberlain?” Bill Layton will call Kristen at County and get back to Ron with details.
- Graydon of Delaware County Soil & Water suggested we apply for a grant for Town Road – joint request by Howie Buttel and Town together. Howie and Bill will look into this and see what needs to be done.
Report – Dog Control Officer
- No issues to report this month.
- Travel of more than 900 miles has been done
Report- Supervisor:
- Preliminary Budget – Preliminary budget reviewed & discussed. 2% Cap as required has been met. Challenge areas of Health Insurance and Highway Dept. Union Contract which is at an impasse will affect the Preliminary Budget.Ron V. and Joe Reynolds both request pay increases which the Board regretfully cannot honor with the 2% Cap in effect.
On motion by Stuendel, seconded by Backus, it was moved to accept the 2012 Preliminary Budget.
Vote: All AYE’s – Motion carried
Notice of Public Hearing of Preliminary Budget to be put in the newspaper by November 1st, 2011. Notice of Public Hearing for Preliminary Budget scheduled for 11-10-2011.
- Health Insurance – Management insurance options discussed – Costs & coverage needs to be clarified. Bill to set up a meeting with Insurance Person and Ron & Sue VanValkenburg.
Correspondence
Bill read letter of resignation of Justice Lloyd Backus effective January 1, 2012. Recognition of Lloyd’s long years of service was voiced.
On motion by Stuendel, seconded by Layton, it was moved to accept the resignation of the Town Justice, Lloyd Backus.
Vote: All AYE’s – Motion Carried
Other
On motion by Buttel, seconded by Backus, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for September, 2011 as follows:
General Fund: $ 4196.56
Highway Fund: $ 24319.22
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.
Reading back of the minutes:
On motion by Backus, and seconded by Buttel, it was moved to accept the minutes as read back
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 PM
Next meeting will be at 7pm on November 10, 2011 at the Town Meeting Room, Trout Creek, NY.
Respectfully submitted:
Gail Crane
Town of Tompkins
Deputy Town Clerk
Town of Tompkins in New York's Delaware County 