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:
- William Layton – Supervisor
- Brian Albanese – Councilperson
- Howard Buttel – Councilperson
- Peggy Backus – Councilperson
- Tim LaTourette – Councilperson
.
Others:
- Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk
- Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper to supervisor
- Ron VanValkenburg – Highway Superintendent
- Wendy Layton – Tompkins Assessor
.
Floor Time/Guests: None
RESOLUTION # 57 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On motion by LaTourette seconded by Albanese, approving the minutes of the Regular meeting held on June 13, 2023.
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried
RESOLUTION # 58 ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Backus, seconded by LaTourette, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for July 11, 2023 as follows: General Fund: $4,549.99 Highway Fund: $18,998.77.
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.
*
Monthly Financial Reports:
RESOLUTION # 59 TOWN CLERKS MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by LaTourette, seconded by Backus it was moved to receive, and place on file the Town Clerks, monthly report for June 2023. Also Noted there was no Building Inspector report provided for June 2023.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried
RESOLUTION # 60 SUPERVISOR MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
On motion by Buttel, seconded by LaTourette, it was moved to approve and place on file the supervisor’s monthly financial reports as of July 30, 2023 dated 7/11/2023.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried
RESOLUTION # 61 SEWER DISTRICT ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Albanese, seconded by Layton to approve the sewer districts Abstract of Claims for July 11, 2023 as follows $1,893.77
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.
RESOLUTION # 62 SEWER DISTRICT FINANCIAL
On motion by LaTourette seconded by Backus it was moved to approve and place on file the sewer districts monthly financial reports for June 30, 2023 dated 7/11/2023.
Vote: All in favor, Motion carried.
*
OLD BUSINESS –
Layton, Albanese and Buttel walked and marked the area where the fire tower road will go for maintenance of the fire Tower. Layton contacted the electric company to be sure there was no underground lines and nothing will be disturbed. It was founded where road will go will not disturb any power lines.
On motion by Albanese, seconded by Buttel to have the roadway to fire tower placed on NYC land and not to use Dester’s right of way.
Vote: All in favor, Motion Carried.
The storm-water retrofit bed on State Highway 206 by the Sewer District building has been weeded and looks good. Albanese offered to bush hog down the bed by the office building due to the high amount of wild parsnip that has grown in the area. The bed will be assessed at later date for replant.
A new court clerk has applied for the position, Linda will be training her. On motion by Layton, 2nd by LaTourette the new employee will be paid the same as the current court clerk.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried
It was noted that Dawn from Mostret Mansanero and Scott did not attend the meeting to review the status as requested.
*
NEW BUSINESS –
On motion by Albanese, seconded by LaTourette to Transfer monies as needed from DA 230 Equipment Reserve to DA 200 Highway checking to cover Highway funds until CD DA – 201 matures.
Vote: All in Favor – Motion Carried
*
REPORTS:
Sewer District workers report – Provided.
Assessor – Wendy explained the assessor computer needs to be replaced. The board told her that her budget will cover a new laptop and to purchase one. On motion b LaTourette seconded by Buttel, to purchase new assessor laptop.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried
Planning Board – NONE
Dog Control Officer – NONE
Highway Superintendent –
RESOLUTION # 63-2023 AGREEMENT FOR CONTROL OF SNOW ON NYC ROAD FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2023 ENDING AUGUST 31, 2025.
On motion Layton seconded by Buttel the Town of Tompkins agreed to the agreement provided for Control of snow on NYC road from September 1, 2023 ending august 31, 2025.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried
RESOLUTION # 64-2023 AGREEMENT FOR CONTROL OF SNOW ON COUNTY ROADS BY TOWN FORCES PURSUANT TO SECTION 135-A OF HIGHWAY LAWS.
On motion Layton seconded by Buttel the Town of Tompkins agreed to the agreement provided for Control of snow on NYC road from September 1, 2023 ending august 31, 2025.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried
Ron reported:
Crushing being done,
The pug mill may start next week,
They would like another tractor to make mowing banks easier,
He is waiting for the crushing in Afton to begin.
Ron advised the board the Town needs to update the Town Law in regard to the condition of new roads for the Town to take them over in a subdivision.
.
Supervisor –
Layton stated he heard back from NYC on the letter received by a Town property owner on Wagon Wheel Road. After Layton sent NYC all the letters received, NYC stated they never wrote the letters and that DEP is not willing to have the road abandoned like was stated in the letter.
Other – More info will need to be proved to the Town in reference to the Town paying for Swimming lessons in Delhi instead of 4-H Camp.
*
Correspondence: [None]
Meeting adjourned at 8:46pm
Next meeting to be held on August 8, 2023 at 7PM
________________________________
Date: July 11, 2023
Michelle Phoenix
Town of Tompkins Town Clerk
Town of Tompkins in New York's Delaware County 
One Comment
Following the Wagon Wheel Road saga:
*The property owner must not be allowed to privatize the road and take away legal access to public land.
*This owner must not be allowed to continue attempts to lay personal claims to public land.
*The fake letters. Wow!
As a New York resident:
State and city public land belongs to us all, not to an out of state hunting club. They have their land. They have access to public land. But they have ZERO claim to public land.