Town of Tompkins in New York's Delaware County

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. With T. LaTourette leading in the Flag salute.

Present:          

1. William Layton – Supervisor
2. Brian Albanese – Councilperson
3. Howard Buttel – Councilperson   
4. Peggy Backus – Councilperson
5. Tim LaTourette – Councilperson – Absent

Others:

1. Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk
2. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper to supervisor
3. Ron VanValkenburg – Highway Superintendent
4. Tim Oralls – Highway Employee
5. Shane Strong – Cobleskill Stone       

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Floor Time/Guests: None

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Opening of bids for stone. Received bids from Carver Stone and Cobleskill Stone 

RESOLUTION # 18 – STONE BID AWARD
On motion by Buttel, seconded by Albanese to accept both bids submitted by the aforementioned.

Cobleskill: 1a – $29.95/ton; 1b – $24.95/ton; 1st – $24.95 ton; and 1&2 mixed – $24.95/ton. Bid quote good for one year from bid date.

Carver: 1a – $34.75/ton; 1b – $30.50/ton; 1st – $31.75/ton; and 1&2 mixed – $31.75/ton. Bid prices good for one year from February 2023 – February 2024.

Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

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RESOLUTION # 19 APPROVALS OF MINUTES – January 10, 2023 Regular, Re-Organizational, and Board of Health Meetings
A motion was made by Albanese, seconded by Backus, approving the minutes of the Regular, Re Organizational, Board of Heath meeting held on January 10, 2023.
Vote: in favor – Motion carried

RESOLUTION # 20 ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Backus, seconded by Albanese, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for February 14, 2023 as follows: General Fund: $156,208.74
Highway Fund: $19,098.90
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

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Monthly Financial Reports:

RESOLUTION # 21 TOWN CLERKS MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by Layton, seconded by Buttel it was moved to receive, and place on file the Town Clerks, monthly report for January 2023.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION # 22 SUPERVISOR MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
On motion by Buttel, seconded by Layton, it was moved to approve and place on file the supervisor’s monthly financial reports as of January 31, 2023 dated 2/14/2023. Also, the change the header from “yearly” to “monthly”.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION # 23 SEWER DISTRICT ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Albanese, seconded by Buttel to approve the sewer districts Abstract of Claims for February 14, 2023 as follows $219.77
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION # 24 SEWER DISTRICT FINANCIAL
On motion by Albanese seconded by LaTourette it was moved to approve and place on file the sewer districts monthly financial reports for January 31, 2023 dated 2/14/2023. 
Vote: All in favor, Motion carried.

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OLD BUSINESS:

Resolution # 16 2023 Annual Audit of Books for the Town Clerk, Code enforcer, Tax Collector, Justice / Court, Sewer District and the Supervisor
On motion by Albanese, seconded by Buttel it was moved to take notice of the fact that the 2022 reports of the above-mentioned officials were received and found to be satisfactory to the best of their knowledge. Noted that A2610 (Court) there is 13 months on Supervisors Annual report due to the 2021 report.
Vote: – All in favor – Motion Carried

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NEW BUSINESS:

Resolution # 25 2023 Shared Services for Highway Services
On Motion by Albanese, Seconded by Buttel to approve the Shared service contract for Highway Services that was provided.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

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REPORTS:

Sewer District workers report – provided

Assessor – None

Planning Board – None. 

Dog control Officer – None

Highway Superintendent –

1. Ron Provided to Layton the 2023 Wage Statement to give to Meta Russel
2. Reported the Highway received a check in the amount of $5200.00 for the sale of the 1995 Pickup truck.
3. Reported how much the Town pays to plow County and City Roads. The Town does not get reimbursed from the County and City what they pay. It was discussed that the State Comptroller sets the reimbursement costs for each Town. The contract is a 5-year contract and is coming up soon.
4. Reported the Agreement to spend highway funds has been received and had been filled out. It was signed and will be sent back to County.
5. Reported plowing, Tree cutting, and equipment cleaned 
6. Reported that he would like to get a manlift for the guys to get higher in the air to cut trees and tree limbs. Albanese mentioned renting one, Ron will look into that option.
7. Reported Overhead doors needed repair and has been done.
8. Reported the Edwards mower has a new hydraulic pump on it
9. Reported an alarm went off this am and it took 8 minutes to get to 911.
10. Ron would like Board members to stop in and see how clean the shop is.

Supervisor –
On motion by Albanese seconded by Layton; Supervisor Layton will close all accounts of the Town of Tompkins Supervisor fund at community bank and transfer monies to NBT and Wayne bank. Layton will open CD’s at Wayne Bank & NBT for the good neighbor, unemployment fund and Highway equipment reserve fund. Layton to discuss terms and amounts of the CD’s available in order to set up accounts that best benefit the town and its financial requirements.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

Received a donation letter from the Trout Creek Emergency. Board would like for squad to come to a meeting and explain what they are looking for.

Layton asked about “Safety Equipment “for the Highway employees. Nancy made up a form on what each employee is owed for Boots from the prior year. Tim Oralls was here and expressed how he had asked for 2 years of highway Abstracts to see what is owed to him. It was decided that those owed for $250 for the prior year to submit receipts as the contract states.

Layton asked if the Town should do a policy for Highway workers to return from a non-related work injury or illness for full duty. Albanese will email the Teamsters Agent Tony and confirm this does not conflict with the current agreement in place. 

Received the letter on January 27, 2022 for the Local American Legion dated Nov 2022 asking for a donation. The board agreed to pay $400 for 2023 and to advise them to send another request for 2024.

Layton provided and update on the fire tower.

Layton questioned hiring a handy-person as an employee for all the work that needs to be done to the Town of Tompkins Town Hall. Layton will speak to the guy he showed everything in the past if he received insurance. Board will go from there.

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Other:
RESOLUTION 26 – 2023 CAMP SHANKITUNK CAMPERS
Received letters from Bo Schmidt, Ella Beers, Lily Beers and Emma Beers
On motion by Albanese, Seconded by Buttel to pay for the above fore mentioned 2023 camp fees.
Vote: All in Favor, Motioned Carried.

Town of Tompkins Policies will be emailed to the board to review and accept at the next board meeting.

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Correspondence:

Meeting adjourned at 7:43 pm
Next meeting to be held on February 14, 2023 at 7PM

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Date: February 14, 2023
Michelle Phoenix
Town of Tompkins Town Clerk

The annual audit of books meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was not held due to timing of getting all bills for 2022. The audit for 2022 be held during the regular meeting to be held February 14, 2023

On motion by Albanese, seconded by Buttel
Vote: All in favor: Motion Carried

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Present:          

1. William Layton – Supervisor
2. Brian Albanese – Councilperson
3. Howard Buttel – Councilperson   
4. Peggy Backus – Councilperson
5. Tim LaTourette – Councilperson

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Others:

1. Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk
2. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper
3. Josh LaTourette – Highway Employee
4. Tim Oralls – Highway Employee

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Date: January 10, 2023
Michelle Phoenix
Town of Tompkins Town Clerk

The Appointment of Health Officers meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 8:01 pm in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY.

Present:          

1. William Layton – Supervisor
2. Brian Albanese – Councilperson
3. Howard Buttel – Councilperson   
4. Peggy Backus – Councilperson
5. Tim LaTourette – Councilperson

Others:

1. Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk
2. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper

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RESOLUTION #17 APPOINTMENT OF HEALTH OFFICERS FOR 2023
On Motion by Albanese seconded by Layton it was moved to appoint Peggy Backus and Timothy LaTourette as the 2023 Health officers.
Vote: All AYES; Motion Carried

Meeting adjourned at 8:03 pm                        

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Date: January 10, 2023
Michelle Phoenix 
Town of Tompkins Town Clerk

The reorganizational meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 7:44 pm in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY.

Present:          

1. William Layton – Supervisor
2. Brian Albanese – Councilperson
3. Howard Buttel – Councilperson   
4. Peggy Backus – Councilperson
5. Tim LaTourette – Councilperson   

Others:

1. Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk
2. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper

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RESOLUTION #8 DESIGNATION OF BANKS FOR 2023
On Motion by Buttel seconded by Backus it was moved to designate:

Supervisor Layton – NBT / Community Bank and Wayne Bank

Justice Johnson – Community Bank NA

Town Clerk/Tax Collector Phoenix – Community Bank NA

Trout Creek Sewer District – Community Bank NA

Vote: All AYES; Motion Carried.

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RESOLUTION #9 DESIGNATION OF THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER
On Motion by Albanese seconded by Buttel it was moved to designate The Reporter as the official newspaper during the year 2023 for the purpose of publishing legal matters.  
Vote: All AYES; Motion Carried.

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RESOLUTION #10 APPOINTMENT OF TOWN OF TOMPKINS 2023 POSITIONS
On motion by Albanese seconded by Buttel it was moved to appoint the following people to their respective positions as follows;

a.         Building Inspector – Nathan Sramek

b.         Deputy Town Clerk’s and Deputy Registrar – To be filled

c.         Historian – Lynne VanValkenburg

d.         Dog Control Officer – Chris Bodo

e.         Health Officer – Dr. Eric Dohner

f.          Deputy Supervisor – Howie Buttel

g.         Court Clerk – Linda Scott

h.         Bookkeeper to the Supervisor – Nancy Roberts

i.          Payroll Clerk – Linda Bourn

j.          FEMA Administrators – Ron VanValkenburg & Nancy Roberts

k.         Trout Creek Sewer District Administrator – Michelle Phoenix

l.          Registrar of Vital Statistics – Michelle Phoenix

m.        Planning Board – Paul Bartholomew (Chairman), Angela Porpora, Timothy Bennett, Nancy LaTourette, Charles Kohler

n.         Board of Assessment Review – Paul Bartholomew, Angela Porpora, Timothy Bennett

Vote: ALL AYES; Motion Carried.

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RESOLUTION #11 – DESIGNATION OF OFFICIAL RADIO STATION
On motion by Albanese seconded by Buttel it was moved to designate the Big Cat Country /92.1 as the official radio during the year 2023 for the purpose of local announcement to the Town Residents.
Vote: ALL AYES; Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION#12 – SALARIES OF THE 2023 TOWN OFFICERS
On motion by LaTourette seconded by Backus it was moved that the Salaries of the Town officers for the year 2023 are fixed in the budget and that the Supervisor is authorized to pay the approved salaries.
Vote: All AYES; Motion carried

RESOLUTION #13 – HIGHWAY EXPENDITURES
On motion by Buttel seconded by Albanese it was moved that Highway Superintendent to be authorized make purchases in 2023 as per the procurement policy.
Vote:  All AYES; Motion carried.

RESOLUTION #14 – 2023 OFFICIAL MEETING DATES
On Motion by Buttel seconded by Albanese it was moved to hold regular monthly meetings for 2023 on the second Tuesday of every month at the Town Meeting Room Trout Creek, NY except for the November meeting which will be held the first Thursday following the General Election.
Vote: ALL AYES; Motion Carried

RESOLUTION #15 – 2023 MILEAGE RATE REIMBURSEMENT
On motion by LaTourette seconded by Buttel it was moved to set mileage rate at .62 cents per mile for use of private vehicle on Town Business.

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Meeting adjourned at 7:56 pm  
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Date: January 10, 2023
Michelle Phoenix
Town of Tompkins Town Clerk

The regular monthly meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 6.05 pm in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY. With T. LaTourette leading in the Flag salute.

Present:          

1. William Layton – Supervisor
2. Brian Albanese – Councilperson
3. Howard Buttel – Councilperson   
4. Peggy Backus – Councilperson
5. Tim LaTourette – Councilperson

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Others:

1. Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk
2. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper to supervisor
3. Ron VanValkenburg – Highway Superintendent
4. Tim Oralls – Highway Employee
5. Josh LaTourette – Highway Employee         

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Floor Time/Guests: None

RESOLUTION # 1 APPROVALS OF MINUTES – December’s Regular Meeting
A motion was made by Backus, seconded by Buttel, approving the minutes of the Regular meeting held on December 14, 2022. Vote: All in favor – Motion carried

RESOLUTION # 2 ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Backus, seconded by Albanese, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for January 10, 2023 as follows: General Fund: $10,621.81
Highway Fund: $78,017.66
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

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Monthly Financial Reports:

RESOLUTION # 3 TOWN CLERKS MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by LaTourette, seconded by Buttel it was moved to receive, and place on file the Town Clerks, monthly report for the December 2022.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION # 4 SUPERVISOR MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
On motion by Albanese, seconded by LaTourette, it was moved to approve and place on file the supervisor’s monthly financial reports as of December 31, 2022 dated 1/10/2023. Also, the change the header from yearly to monthly.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION # 5 SEWER DISTRICT ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Backus, seconded by Albanese to approve the sewer districts Abstract of Claims for January 10, 2023 as follows $3,106.53
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION #6 SEWER DISTRICT FINANCIAL
On motion by Albanese seconded by LaTourette it was moved to approve and place on file the sewer districts monthly financial reports for December 31, 2022 dated 1/10/2023. 
Vote: All in favor, Motion carried.

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OLD BUSINESS

Sewer district Stanton Business service was returned with changes by Stanton Business. Albanese agreed to all the changes done by the Stanton Business service for this 2022/2023. Albanese advised the board the form provided to Stanton’s was not a correct form to be used as no bids were received when the work was put out for public bid. Albanese recommends the board create a form for hiring a subcontractor in the event no bids are received for work and we hire a contractor to perform the work requested.

Nothing new with Fire Tower

Albanese has been in contact with independent auditor. They will introduce themselves and answer any questions via zoom at the February 2023 meeting.

Nothing has been heard back on the contract with HANCEL. The franchise agreement will not be signed by the board until the changes agreed upon are in writing.

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NEW BUSINESS – None

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REPORTS:

Sewer District workers report – provided

Assessor – None

Planning Board – None. 

Dog control Officer – None

Highway Superintendent –

1. Reported that the Town may make less in city and county funds in 2023.
2. Reported Sue M from Delaware Co DPW called and spoke to Ron and questioned about the Towns billing for snow plowing.
3. Reported the price of stone is going up
4. Reported the Agreement to spend highway funds has been received and had been filled out. It was signed and will be sent back to County.
5. Reported shop work has been done, cleaned up trees, Sander has new parts, serviced chipper, new cutting edge went on loader
6. Reported that the wings are on the trucks
7. Reported that the 1995 Chevy is on auction site
8. Reported other stuff will go on auction site in future.
9. Reported that the highway will be putting stone and crushing bids out.

Supervisor –

Questioned 20 boxes of latex gloves for the highway crew has been purchased via Cintas.

Questioned the board if the .02 longevity for the highway crew should be given at beginning of year or the anniversary date of each employee. On motion by Albanese, seconded by Layton to give the longevity rate at the beginning of each year and not on anniversary date.
Vote – all in favor – Motion Carried

Questioned if employee personal time should be used if an employee agrees to attend to an out of Co Emergency?
Josh LaTourette explained that Delaware County contacted the FD and asked if anyone was interested to go to Buffalo with the ranger to help with the emergency they were having. Josh explained that he and 2 other men went. He asked the Town if he has to use his personal time or because it was an emergency if the Town will not take his time while he was out of work with the Town of Tompkins as personal time.
After much discussion: on motion by Layton, seconded by Buttel to not use LaTourette’s personal time while out on this emergency only and will be reviewed if this happens again in the future.
Vote – Buttel, T. LaTourette, Backus – Aye. Albanese – Nay – Motion Carried

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Other – Josh L asked if the county has contacted the town any further about the problem with the emergency communication system. Bill reported he has not heard anything back yet.

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Correspondence: – None

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Meeting adjourned at 7:43 pm                         

Next meeting to be held on February 14, 2023 at 7PM
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Date: January 10, 2023
Michelle Phoenix
Town of Tompkins Town Clerk