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 Peggy Backus leading in the Flag salute.
Present:
1. Howard Buttel – Councilperson
2. Tim LaTourette – Councilperson
3. Brian Albanese – Councilperson
4. Peggy Backus – Councilperson
5. William Layton – Supervisor
Others:
1.Tania Backus – Town Clerk/Tax Collector
2. Ronda Williams – Deputy Town Clerk
3. Ron VanValkenburg – Highway Superintendent
Absent: Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper
Guests: Ashley Lakin, Lynn VanValkenburg
Motion by William Layton to enter into executive session at 7:46 pm, seconded by Howard Buttel for a personnel matter and financial. No action taken, back in regular session by motion William Layton, seconded by Howard Buttel 7:54pm.
Floor Time:
Ashley Lakin seeking more information on dog control officer position.
Lynn VanValkenburg approached the board on Community Days event. She stated that planning is coming along well. They have many events planned such as fireworks, games, bounce houses and the unveiling of the time capsule and the burial of the new time capsule. Much more to come.
RESOLUTION # 35-2026 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On motion by Howard Buttel, seconded by Timothy LaTourette, it was moved to approve the Meeting Minutes for March 10, 2026. Vote: Peggy Backus Abstained – Motion carried.
RESOLUTION # 36-2026 ABSRACT OF CLAIAMS
On motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by Brian Albanese, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for March as follows: General Fund: #71-94- $9,681.45
Highway Fund: #65-91- $221,039.61
Sewer: #10-14 $937.62
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.
RESOLUTION # 37-2026 TOWN CLERK’S MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by Timothy LaTourette, seconded by Howard Buttel, it was moved to receive, and place on file the Town Clerks, monthly report for March.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION # 38-2026 SUPERVISOR MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Tim LaTourette, tabled until next Town meeting May 12, 2026.
RESOLUTION # 39-2026 SEWER DISTRICT MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by William Layton, it was moved to approve and place on file the March monthly report for the sewer district.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION # 40-2026 TOWN OF TOMPKINS SHRED DAY IN JUNE
On motion by William Layton, seconded by Howard Buttel it was moved to approve a town shred day in June 2026 with a negotiated price for just the Town
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION # 41-2026 TOWN TO DISPOSE OF OBSOLETE RECORDS
On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Peggy Backus it was moved to approve and place on file Town to disposal of obsolete records.
Rollcall: Councilmen Albanese, Councilman Backus, Councilman Buttel, Councilman LaTourette, Supervisor Layton.
Vote: All Ayes -Motion Carried
RESOLUTION # 42-2026 TOWN TO HIRE RANDY MCLAUGHLIN FOR BROOMING
On motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by Timothy LaTourette it was moved to approve and hire Randy Mclaughlin for Town brooming.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION #43-2026 GOOD NEIGHBOR FUNDS UP TO $6500 USED FOR COMMUNITY DAYS IN JUNE
On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by William Layton it was moved to approve and use up to $6500 of Good Neighbor funds for Community Days in June.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION #44-2026 4-H CAMP SHANKITUNK CAMPERSHIP REQUEST FOR EDITH VANDERWALL
On motion by Howard Buttel, seconded by William Layton it was moved to approved Edith Vanderwall’s request for 4 H camp Shankitunk.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.
OTHER:
OLD BUSINESS
UTV-Councilman Brian Albanese to check with lawyer about costs.
NEW BUSINESS
Solar Law-Close to new Law being completed. Approximately 3 to 4 months for a public meeting to be held.
REPORTS:
SEWER DISTRICT: Monthly report provided
ASSESSOR: No report
PLANNING BOARD: No report
DOG CONTROL OFFICER: No report
CODE OFFICER: Monthly report provided
TOWN CLERK:
I am 89% collected on my tax warrant. All second notice 2026 tax bills have been mailed.
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT:
Ron advised they have been taking care of down trees, brooming roads, running boom mower and getting trucks and equipment ready for summer. FEMA projects Town is responsible for 12 ½ %. Example: A project that cost $100,000 if we can do the job the Town can keep what is under that amount. 6 projects on Carrol Hill. 2023 Chevy truck needs 4 rims. 2016 International truck at allegiance for new rear brakes and drums. New cross member. Have more parts that need to be ordered. 2005 loader down to 5 star. Stone and oil 2” pug mil1 .58 miles in June and 18 miles in July. Sewer plowing 14 times at $500 each.
SUPERVISOR:
Discussion on fire tower repairs that need to be done. Steve Brown donating a stone bench to the fire tower. Discussion on putting permanent marker posts around the sewer district. Waiting on paperwork for the Town summer help.
Motion to adjourn by William Layton, seconded by Timothy LaTourette, all in favor, carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:33 pm.
Next meeting to be held on May 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM.
________________________________
Date: April 15, 2026
Tania Backus
Town of Tompkins Town Clerk
Town of Tompkins in New York's Delaware County 