The regular monthly meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 7:10 pm in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY.
Present:
- William Layton – Supervisor
- Howard Buttel – Councilperson
- Peggy Backus – Councilperson
- Carl Stuendel – Councilperson
Others:
- Ronald VanValkenburg – Hwy Superintendent
- Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk
- Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper to the supervisor
- Kristin Janke Schneider – Del. Co. Planning Dept.
- Chris Yacobucci – Lamont Engineers
- Rob Panasci – Young/Sommers
- Erin Neale – Ermeti Law office for D & J Siniscalchi
- Rosemary Roberts – Representative for J & P Decker
- John Decker – Town Resident
Pledge to the flag was led by Carl Stuendel
April’s meeting started off with the approval of Resolutions for the Flood Damage Prevention Law.
On motion by Stuendel, seconded by Buttel, it was moved to approve Resolution 5-2012 ‑ Determining that there are no adverse impacts on the Environment from adoption of the Flood Damage Prevention Law.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion Carried.
On motion by Buttel, seconded by Stuendel, it was moved to approve Resolution 6-2012 – Adopting Local Law No. 1-2012 “Flood Damage Prevention Law” and that the Town Clerk and the Attorney of the Town are hereby directed to take such actions as necessary to implement this resolution and effect adoption of the Local Law, without attachments A & B, and with a note saying “To be determined by the Town Board at a later time.”
Vote: All AYEs – Motion Carried.
Lawn Mowing Bids
Received Lawn Mowing bids from:
All Seasons – $95.00 per mow/trim of all areas
Corey Gransbury – $74.00 per mow/trim of all areas.
Dan Gehl – $75.00 per mow/trim of all areas.
On motion by Buttel, seconded by Stuendel, it was moved to accept bid from Dan Gehl in the amount of $75.00 per mow/trim.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.
Minutes Approval:
On motion by Stuendel, seconded by Backus, it was moved to approve the minutes of the Board meeting held on March 12, 2012.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion Carried.
Monthly Financial Reports:
Town Clerk’s Report:
On motion by Backus, seconded by Buttel, it was moved to receive, approve and place on file the Town Clerk’s monthly report for March 2012.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.
Supervisor’s Report:
The Town’s monthly financial report was reviewed by the board
On motion by Stuendel, seconded by Buttel, it was moved to receive, approve and place on file the Supervisor’s April 9, 2012 Financial Report.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.
Guest Speakers:
Chris Yacobucci – Lamont Engineers
Chris presented the board with the status of the Town of Tompkins CWMP.
See attached Lamont Agenda [CFS 4-26-2012: Not included/available here.]
Rosemary Roberts – Representative for J & P Decker approached the Board, Chris Yacobucci and Rob Panasci questioning why the latest offer to the Decker’s was withdrawn. After much discussion it was found that after the survey of the Decker property that there was a NYS Right of Way and the Decker property was no longer needed. Mrs. Roberts also asked on what was going to happen with the boundary line Adjustment? Mr. Panasci stated due to the findings from the new survey this could no longer be done.
Mr. Panasci stated they would still purchase the area described but if the Decker’s did not want to sell it that was ok too.
Erin Neal – Ermiti Law office representing D & M Siniscalchi, stating the Siniscalchi’s were concerned that the easement requested will interfere with their plans to rebuild at the site of the old store and the Siniscalchis would like to go back to the plan that was originally presented. Chris Yaccobuci and Rob Panasci stated they were unsure this would once again be funded and approved by the CWC, DEC and DEP. Chris Yaccobuci stated he will look into this and questioned Erin on if the Siniscalchi’s would go along with this, Erin stated that it was her understanding they would. Rob asked Erin to contact him by Tomorrow at 12:00 with the Siniscalchi’s decision.
Resolutions were presented.
On motion by Stuendel, seconded by Buttel, it was moved to approve Resolution 17-2012 – Acquisition of certain Minor Easements and/or Fee Acquisitions for use in public projects – The Town of Tompkins and its Legal agents are authorized to acquire the lands of interests by use of Eminent Domain and the Town Board authorizes the Town of Tompkins and its Legal agents to make offers or reasonable compensation to acquire lands or interests that cannot be practically acquired by voluntary compliance.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion Carried.
On motion by Layton, seconded by Buttel, it was moved to approve Resolution 18-2012 – In the matter of a Boundary Line Adjustment for Town owned Properties. The Town’s Engineer, Lamont Engineers, is authorized to appear before the Town of Tompkins Planning Board, to present the boundary line adjustment. The Town Supervisor, William Layton is authorized to execute, on behalf of the Town, the boundary line adjustment plans and to execute any and all documents necessary to complete the transaction.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion Carried.
On motion by Stuendel, seconded by Buttel, it was moved to approve Resolution 19-2012 – Town of Tompkins authorizing the Trout Creek Sewer District to solicit bids for the construction of the wastewater management project. The Town of Tompkins authorizes the Town Supervisor to solicit bids from and review the qualifications of contractors able and willing to perform the task of constructing the sewer collection system, pump stations and community septic system for the Tompkins Sewer District.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion Carried.
Kristin Janke Schneider – Delaware Co. Planning Dept. – Kristin stated that there were 4 Projects from the Town of Tompkins (repairs due to flooding) that were submitted to the EWP Grant Program: one on Chamberlin Brook (inside Watershed), two areas on Readburn Road (outside watershed), and one on Rock Rift (outside Watershed). These were submitted to the EWP program through NRCS. NRCS pays 75% and the 25% left will need to be paid by a local match. If these projects are within the watershed, the NYC DEP may pay the 25%. ‑‑ The County is working on a DEC Flood Mitigation Grant through EWP to pay for the additional 25%. Kristin questioned the board wondering if they had signed off on the PWP program. The Deadline was March 31, 2012, The Board was unsure if this had been done. Kristen stated that Soil and Water said the Town has signed and she was going to proceed with submitting the grant to DEC. If unable to get match from DEC the Town will be responsible to come up with the 25% for the areas outside of the Watershed.
Other Reports:
Report – Planning Board
None
Report – Assessor
None
Report – Highway Superintendent
- If pipes that are purchased cost over $800, there will be no delivery charge from Chemung Supply.
- Questioned if anything has been heard about hiring summer help. Bill stated nothing yet.
- Finch Hollow, cutting trees, brush and chipping.
- Using Boom mower and sweeping roads.
- Sweeper stopped working and Ron is going to have Dana Wagner look at it.
- Questioned if Town has been paid by CWMP for stone yard yet. Bill stated we had not.
- Ron stated that for years he has inquired about pouring a concrete pad behind the shop in order to be able to wash the trucks there. Bill stated he had found out from Delaware County Public Works if one is put in, it will have to have proper drains with a catchable basin and filtered. Bill stated that it would be more cost effective to just continue to wash trucks inside.
- All plows and wings are off trucks, painted and in the creamery.
- Sanding and painting all black areas on trucks except for frames.
- Dana repaired the conveyer chain on truck where it takes grit off; they had made groves and new plates needed to be replaced on 4 trucks.
- This winter has caused more problems with roads than expected.
- Hauling stone
- Seward is making gravel.
- Cell phone Ron uses he don’t use and can be canceled.
- Ron provided the board with a list of Expenditures of Highway moneys (CHIPS) to be sent to the County.
Report – Dog Control Officer
- Received a call from a resident complaining about neighbor’s dog chasing his animals and running on his property. After the resident spoke with the neighbors nothing was resolved so the Resident called DCO. When DCO contacted the people with the dogs it was found the dogs were not licensed and advised them to license the dogs within 10 days. Dogs were licensed. DCO continued to receive calls about dogs running on resident’s property. Resident was advised that he could call DEC and the State Police because the Town had no leash law.
- Rob Panasci will review our local law for Dog License and Control and see what steps the Town can take against owners who refuse to license their dog(s).
Report- Supervisor
- Ethics policy – On motion by Stuendel, seconded by Backus, it was moved to approve Resolution 20-2012 – The Town of Tompkins Town board of the Town of Tompkins hereby adopts a code of ethics presented. All Ayes, resolution approved. The Board will discuss at next month’s meeting the people to put on the board of Ethics Committee.
- Bill presented the County wood policy and would like the Board members to review and come back at next month’s meeting with questions and comments.
- Printer – Nancy has inquired again with Russ Card and looked at different copiers. Russ stated he would get back to us with other quotes.
- Resident on Cemetery Road inquired about a “children at play sign” that used to be on that road and would like it put back up. Ron will look into this.
- Bill looked into the issue with John Shelton’s DWI charges after contacting the district attorney it was found John was convicted of a lesser charge of reckless endangerment and the Town does not need to do anything further.
- Bill contacted someone in Syracuse about the Gravel Permit and they will send all paperwork and applications to fill out to continue the Gravel permit.
- Bill asked what Boards thoughts were on the Hay being cut behind the store. The town now owns the lot and asked the Boards thoughts on what should be done about having it cut. Board members feel it should be advertised in the paper.
- Bill had received a call from Cliff Crouch on the issue with the property on Sands Creek. After conversation with Mr. Crouch, Mr. Crouch seemed pleased with Bills answers. Bill also talked to Del Co Planning Board about this and they too seem to feel the town was in their rights on what they did.
- Hydrofacking – Tabled until next month’s Meeting.
Correspondence
None
Other
Peggy provided Driving Record Reports for Town Highway Employees to fill out. The last time the Board had done this was 2 yrs ago. Bill will get these done.
Abstract of Claims
On motion by Backus, seconded by Buttel, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for April 9, 2012 as follows: General Fund: $4808.42, Highway Fund: $16,619.41
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.
Reading back of the minutes:
Layton requested that due to the time that we not read back the minutes and have them typed up and sent out to board members through Email for review.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:40pm
Next meeting will be at 6pm on May 14, 2012 at the Town Meeting Room, Trout Creek, NY.
Michelle Phoenix
Town of Tompkins
Town Clerk
Town of Tompkins in New York's Delaware County 