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 Howard Buttel 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

_

Others:

1. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper to Supervisor
2. Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk
3. Ron VanValkenburg – Highway Superintendent
4. Shane Strong – Cobleskill Stone
5. Derek Gigliotti – Carver Stone
6. Gale Neale – Delaware County Soil & Water  
7. Josh LaTourette – Town Employee
8. Kyle McLaughlin – Deputy Supervisor

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Floor Time/Guests:
Gale Neale from Delaware County Soil & Water presented Local Flood Hazard Mitigation Program for formation of a flood commission for the Town of Tompkins. After presentation the Board will review the presentation and get back to Delaware County Soil & Water if interested.

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RESOLUTION 15–2024 Annual Audit of Books for the Town Clerk, Justice & Sewer District
On motion by Albanese, seconded by Backus, it was moved to take notice of the fact that the 2023 reports of the above-mentioned officials were received and found to be satisfactory to the best of their knowledge.
(Noted that the Supervisor report was not able to be completed due to the AUD Report for 2023 not being completed as of yet. Supervisors report will be presented at next month’s meeting.)
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION 16-2024 – STONE BID AWARD
On motion by Albanese, seconded by Backus, to accept both bids submitted by
Carver (See bid submitted) low bid and
Cobleskill (See bid submitted) if stone is not available via Carver.
All required forms were submitted with each bid.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION 17-2024 – PIPE BID AWARD
On motion by Albanese, seconded by Backus, to accept bid submitted by
Chemung supply (See bid submitted).
All required forms were submitted with the bid.
Also to use Jess F Howes for emergency purposes.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION 18–2024 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On motion by LaTourette, seconded by Backus, approving the minutes of the Regular and 2024 Reorganizational Meeting held on January 9, 2024.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.  

RESOLUTION 19-2024 ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Backus, seconded by Albanese, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for February 13, 2024 as follows:
General Fund: $14,031.91
Highway Fund: $33,073.40.
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

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Monthly Financial Reports:
RESOLUTION 20-2024 TOWN CLERK’S MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by Albanese, seconded by Backus, it was moved to receive, and place on file the Town Clerk’s monthly report for January 2024.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION 21-2024 SUPERVISOR MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
On motion by LaTourette, seconded by Buttel, it was moved to approve and place on file the Supervisor’s monthly financial reports as of January 31, 2024 dated 02/13/2024.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION 22-2024 SEWER DISTRICT ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Albanese, seconded by Layton, to approve the Sewer District’s Abstract of Claims for February 13, 2024 as follows:
$2641.03.
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION 23-2024 SEWER DISTRICT FINANCIAL
On motion by Albanese, seconded by LaTourette, it was moved to approve and place on file the Sewer District’s monthly financial reports for January 31, 2024 dated 02/13/2024.
Vote: All in favor, Motion carried.

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OLD BUSINESS
Fire Tower – David Cannata stated everything is official. The Town is authorized to begin construction of the access road. He thanked for the help to this point & to keep Chris Austin and Steve Brown of DEP Operations up to date.

UTV’s on Highway Roads – Nothing New

Walking Trail – Nothing New   

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NEW BUSINESS
On motion by Albanese, seconded by Buttel, to open an Equipment Reserve account at Wayne Bank and to put the $85,000 that is there and to put $600,000 in Wayne Bank checking and keep the rest in NBT checking (About $100,000 to cover payroll and expenses for a couple of months.)
Vote: All in favor, motion Carried

On motion by LaTourette, seconded by Albanese, to get the Highway Department a credit card with a limit of $1,000 for small purchases.
The Supervisor will be will check and obtain at NBT and Wayne to see how this is best obtained and get a credit card through one of them. . . .[sic]
Vote: All in Favor, Motion Carried.

On motion by LaTourette, seconded by Buttel, it was moved to agree to the Shared Service Contracts and to have them sent out.
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 –

• Ron handed in a reimbursement check from the Trout Creek Fire District of an item that was purchased through the Town.
• Water Heater should come out of building fund
• More road signs are missing.
• The pickup went to Albany for repairs.
• Trees have been removed out of streams
• Used boom mower
• Cleaned up trees
• Equipment has been worked on.
• Cold patch has been used
• Been out plowing
• Purchased an electric fork lift, it will need new batteries

.
Town Clerk left meeting at 9:10 PM – Albanese recorded further minutes
.

• Motion made by LaTourette, second by Buttel, to purchase Peterbilt Class 8 Truck, box and plow set up through Utica Truck under Onondaga Bid Ref # 8996. A discussion took place at the table in regards to purchasing by public bidding or piggybacking. Albanese and Backus stated the information provided by the truck committee (Buttel, LaTourette, VanValkenburg) was not sufficient in their opinion to purchase under that method. Albanese and Backus would like to see the use of public bidding process used to purchase the truck.
  Vote: Yes: Layton, Buttel, LaTourette. Vote No: Albanese, Backus. Motion Carried 3-2

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Supervisor –

• We will be making small repairs to the School House
• NBT Bank CD’s were taken, will mature 7-17-24
• Town needs to explore rules to put in place about solar farms
• Town needs to update our comprehensive plan
• Dave Stanton called about the sod being peeled up by the wing of the plow on his field edge of Higley Rd.
• MacDonald is resigning as court clerk

_

Other: None

Correspondence: None

Meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm                         

Next meeting to be held on March 12, 2024 at 7PM
________________________________
Date: February 13, 2024
Michelle Phoenix – Town of Tompkins Town Clerk
and Brian Albanese – Councilman

The regular monthly meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 6:14 pm in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY. With Howard Buttel 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

*

Others:

1. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper to Supervisor
2. Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk
3. Ron VanValkenburg – Highway Superintendent
4. Chris Bodo – DCO

Floor Time/Guests:

*

RESOLUTION # 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On motion by Layton seconded by Albanese, approving the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on December 12, 2023.
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.  

RESOLUTION # 2 ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by LaTourette, seconded by Buttel, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for January 9, 2024 as follows:
General Fund: $21,920.29
Highway Fund: $32,859.84.
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

*

Monthly Financial Reports:
RESOLUTION # 3 TOWN CLERKS MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by Albanese, seconded by Buttel it was moved to receive, and place on file the Town Clerks, monthly report for December 2023.
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION # 4 SUPERVISOR MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
On motion by Backus, seconded by LaTourette, it was moved to approve and place on file the Supervisor’s monthly financial reports as of December 31, 2023 dated 01/09/2024.
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION # 5 SEWER DISTRICT ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Backus, seconded by LaTourette to approve the Sewer Districts Abstract of Claims for January 9, 2024 as follows:
$3063.80.
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION #6 SEWER DISTRICT FINANCIAL
On motion by LaTourette, seconded by Buttel it was moved to approve and place on file the Sewer Districts monthly financial reports for December 31, 2023 dated 01/09/2024.
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

*

OLD BUSINESS
Nancy stated the board needed to address the spending of the ARPA funds and reports will need to be filed in the future.

Fire Tower – The permit for the driveway has been filled out and sent back to the city. The Town hear back on the permit.

UTV’s on Highway Roads –Supervisor Layton found out to pass a law for UTV’s to use roadways the Town would have to do a SEQRA request to have the law done correctly.  At this time the Town is going to wait to see how other Towns make out before proceeding any further. 

Walking Trail – Nothing new. County is still working on the cost and design to present.  

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NEW BUSINESS
On motion by Albanese, 2^nd by Buttel it was moved to move $50,000 building reserve checking account and $15,000 Stormwater Retrofit savings account into CD’s. Supervisor Layton will determine which bank to use (NBT or Wayne) depending on interest rates.
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

*

REPORTS:
Sewer District workers report – Provided

Assessor – None

Planning Board – None

Dog control Officer – Chris Bodo advised the board that he went to a complaint and advised the owners the dog cannot be off the property and in roadway. Chris gave the owners a warning and explained legal ramifications if they don’t comply going forward.

Chris explained enumeration can’t be done at this time due to cost and he could call delinquent people when he gets an updated expired dog license list. He and the town clerk will work together on the list as soon as things slow down with tax season. 

Highway Superintendent –

• Ron handed out a list with the age of the equipment the highway has.
• Ron would like to use the ARPA funds and good neighbor Funds to purchase a new tractor with mower. Ron is going to bring paperwork at next meeting. Brian will look into ARPA to see if those funds can be used for a tractor.
• Ron would like the concrete stoppers in front of Town building moved so it will be easier to plow. The board agreed to have the highway crew removed them but to have the put back them in the spring.
• Ron reported there are 6 road signs missing. He suspects they are getting stolen and it’s getting costly to replace them.
• Ron reported he received prices on a new truck from Peterbilt, International and Western Star (Haven’t received a price from Mack yet). Plow equipment will come from TENCO. The highway crew would like to get replace the 2007 with the new truck.

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Supervisor –
Layton stated he questioned other supervisors about their building inspectors and what they did.

*

Other:
Backus questioned about Town Clerk hours. It was explained to her there are posted hours taped in multiple windows, it has been advertised in the paper also Contact information is on the answering machine.  

Correspondence: None

Meeting adjourned at 8:16 pm.

Next meeting to be held on February 13, 2024 at 7PM.
________________________________
Date: January 9, 2024
Michelle Phoenix
Town of Tompkins Town Clerk

The reorganizational meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 6:00 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

*
RESOLUTION #7 DESIGNATION OF BANKS FOR 2024
On Motion by Buttel seconded by Layton it was moved to designate:

Supervisor Layton – NBT & 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.

RESOLUTION #8 DISIGNATION OF THE OFFICAL NEWSPAPER
On Motion by Albanese seconded by LaTourette it was moved to designate The Reporter as the official newspaper during the year 2024 for the purpose of publishing legal matters.
 Vote: All AYES; Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION #9 APPOINTMENT OF TOWN OF TOMPKINS 2023 POSITIONS
On motion by Buttel seconded by Albanese it was moved to appoint the following people to their respective positions for 2024 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 – Barb Macdonald

h.         Bookkeeper to the Supervisor / Budget Officer – Nancy Roberts

i.          Payroll Clerk – Linda Bourn

j.          FEMA Administrator’s – Ron VanValkenburg & Nancy Roberts

k.         Trout Creek Sewer District Administrator – Michelle Phoenix

l.          Registrar of Vital Statistics – Michelle Phoenix

m.        Health Officers – Tim LaTourette, Peggy Backus

n.         Planning Board: Paul Bartholomew (Chairman), Angela Porpora, Timothy Bennett, Nancy LaTourette, and David Bagley

o.         Board of Assessment Review: Paul Bartholomew, Angela Porpora, and Timothy Bennett

Vote: ALL AYES; Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION #10 – DESIGNATION OF OFFICAL RADIO STATION
On motion by LaTourette seconded by Buttel it was moved to designate the Big Cat Country /92.1 as the official radio during the year 2024 for the purpose of local announcement to the Town Residents.
Vote: ALL AYES; Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION#11 – SALARIES OF THE 2024 TOWN OFFICERS
On motion by Albanese seconded by LaTourette it was moved that the Salaries of the Town officers for the year 2024 are fixed in the budget and that the Supervisor is authorized to pay the approved salaries.
Vote: All AYES; Motion carried

RESOLUTION #12 – HIGHWAY EXPENDITURES
On motion by LaTourette 2^nd by Buttel it was moved that Highway Superintendent to be authorized make purchases in 2024 as per the procurement policy.
Vote:  All AYES; Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION #13 – 2024 OFFICIAL MEETING DATES
On Motion by Buttel seconded by Albanese it was moved to hold regular monthly meetings for 2024 on the second Tuesday of every month at the Town Meeting Room Trout Creek, NY except for the August meeting which will be held August 20^th at 7PM and November’s meeting which will be held the first Thursday following the General Election. 
Vote: ALL AYES; Motion Carried

RESOLUTION #14 – 2024 MILEAGE RATE REIMBURSEMENT
On motion by LaTourette seconded by Buttel it was moved to set mileage rate at 62.5 cents per mile for use of private vehicle on Town Business.
Vote:  All AYES; Motion Carried.

Meeting adjourned at 6:11 pm 
________________________________
Date: January 9, 2024
Michelle Phoenix 
Town of Tompkins Town Clerk

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 Tim 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

*
Others:

1. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper to supervisor
2. Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk
3. Ron VanValkenburg – Highway Superintendent
4. Jason Waite from Mostert, Mazanero & Scott
5. Rashid Clark – Resident

*
Floor Time/Guests:
Jason Waite from Mostert, Mazanero & Scott was in attendance to present the results of our audit of the financial statements of the Town of Tompkins, New York (the “Town”) for the year ended December 31, 2022. Findings: All was found to be satisfactory, final reports will be issued. Three bound hard copies to be sent to the Town.

RESOLUTION # 92 APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR PUBLIC HEARING
On motion by LaTourette seconded by Buttel, approving the minutes of the Public Hearing held on November 9, 2023.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried 

RESOLUTION # 93 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On motion by LaTourette, seconded by Buttel, approving the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on November 9, 2023.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried  

RESOLUTION # 94 ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Backus, seconded by Layton, it was moved to approve
the Abstract of Claims for December 12, 2023 as follows:
General Fund: $80,565.65
Highway Fund: $57,309.51
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

Monthly Financial Reports:
RESOLUTION # 95 TOWN CLERKS MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by Buttel, seconded by LaTourette, it was moved to receive, and place on file
the Town Clerk’s monthly report for November 2023.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION # 96 SUPERVISOR MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
On motion by LaTourette, seconded by Albanese, it was moved to approve and place on file the supervisor’s monthly financial reports as of November 30, 2023 dated 12/12/2023.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION # 97 SEWER DISTRICT ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Albanese, seconded by Buttel to approve the sewer districts Abstract of Claims for December12, 2023 as follows:
$6,101.54
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION #98 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 November 30, 2023 dated 12/12/2023.
(It was noted there was a discrepancy in the report, it will be fixed in the January 2024 report.)
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

*
OLD BUSINESS:
Layton stated he looked into the electric sign that will go on Town Property for advertisement for the Town and Trout Creek Fire Department.
Motion made by Layton, seconded by Albanese, for the town to allow the fire department to purchase and install an electric sign on town property. The town will pay for the electric to operate the sign in return for a shared use.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

Fire Tower – Nothing New.

UTV’s on Highway Roads – Layton hopes to get the Law that was passed by Colchester so the Tompkins Town board can review it and possible follow it.

Walking Trail – Nothing new

*
NEW BUSINESS:
None

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REPORTS:
Sewer District workers report – Provided

Assessor – None

Planning Board – None

Dog control Officer – Albanese called and emailed the DCO on the dog issue on Pine swamp road as of now he has not heard back. He will Advise the Board when he hears back from the DCO.

Highway Superintendent –

• Ron reported roads have been cared for from prior wind event.
• Ron reported equipment is ready for winter
• Ron reported the truck is back from repairs and it needed a new radiator.

*
Supervisor –

• Layton stated he was told by the County Public Works that the Town will receive more money for maintaining County and city roads.  
• Some of the street lights were out and have been fixed.
• Layton received a letter from a resident about where sign was placed for advertisement of boat washing for boats entering NYC DEP reservoir. The resident explained he received a letter from NYC DEP stating the sign was on their property and needs to be removed. The resident wanted all supervisors to be aware of this issue.
• Layton stated he redid and painted the quilt at end of building.

*
Other – None

Correspondence: – None

Meeting adjourned at 8:54 pm

Next meeting to be held on January 9, 2024 at 6PM
________________________________
Date: December 12, 2023
Michelle Phoenix
Town of Tompkins Town Clerk