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 7:05 pm in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY.

Present:

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

Others:

1. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper
2. Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk
3. Carole Zandt – Deputy Town Clerk

Guest Speakers: None

Minutes Approval: Annual Audit of Books, Annual Board of Health, Annual Reorganizational and Regular monthly meeting.
On motion by LaTourette, seconded by Backus, it was moved to approve the minutes of all meetings held on January 13, 2014.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion Carried.

Monthly Financial Reports:
Town Clerk / Tax Collector Report –
On motion by LaTourette, seconded by Backus, it was moved to receive, approve and place on file the Town Clerk/Tax Collector monthly report for January 2014.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

Supervisor’s Report –
Supervisors monthly report was reviews with the Board by Nancy Roberts/Bookkeeper to the Supervisor. On motion by LaTourette, seconded by Buttel, it was moved to approve and place on file  the financial report, dated February 10, 2014.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

Other Reports:
Planning Board – None

Assessor – February’s Monthly report was provided for board to review.

Highway Superintendent –

1. Ron wanted the Board members to take note of the amount of grit that has been used this winter season and to take in to account it will need to be built back up and the budget amount of $15,000 will not cover the replacement cost. Ron expects at that point to be hauling back in about 4500 – 5000 yard to get the pile built back up for next season. This could be more depending on how the rest of the winter season goes.
2. Stone and pipe bids will need to go out.
3. Scott’s truck is at Stadium and the heating core needs to be replaced.
4. The guys have been working on trucks and replacing hydraulic hoses and replacing carbides on the wings.
5. They have unplugged some frozen pipes that go under the roads to keep from water back up into roads.
6. Been plowing and sanding.
7. The switch on the fuel pump needs replacement.
8. Ron wanted to point out the prices of diesel fuel is rising more and more each week.

Dog Control Officer –

1. 24 Summons have gone out for unlicensed dogs
2. Have received numerous calls from and unknown caller with complaints on conditions of dogs in the caller’s areas not being fed or having adequate shelter. All complains have been checked out and the dogs had adequate shelter and food.
3. Harboring letters will be sent out within the next couple of weeks for residents that are harboring unlicensed dogs.

Supervisor – None

Correspondence –

1. Received a donation check from Padmasambhava Buddhist Center in the amount of $750.00.
2. Received a request for donation in the amount of $100 for the Delaware County fair 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run. After much discussion and on Motion by Backus, Seconded by Albanese it was decided not to donate this year.
   Vote: All Aye’s – Motion Carried

Other:

1. Resolution 6-2014 – Town Supervisor and Town Attorney are hereby authorized to and directed to obtain a release of liability from Mr. Tomao and then to reimburse Mr. Tomao for the claimed in the amount of $469.40
   On Motion by LaTourette so moved; Town Board Member Buttel Seconded.
   Vote: All Aye’s – Motion Carried
2. The Sewer district budget was submitted to DEP and approved by Tim Stalter.
3. Michelle received a call from 4-H Camp Shankitunk and they stated the prices will be rising this year and they would like to see the Town of Tompkins to have more control over campers the Town sends to camp.
   After much discussion On Motion by Albanese, Seconded by Backus, the Board will have the Town of Tompkins applicants submit their application to the Town Board, the Board will review applicants and be sure they are Town Residents and it will be a first come first serve basis once funds are exhausted applications could be turned down. After the board approves the application they will be sending to Camp Shankitunk and applicants will be notified of approval.
   Vote: All Ayes – Motion Carried
   Michelle is to call Camp Shankitunk and find out what the 2014 fees are and to notify them of the process the Town will be doing for Town of Tompkins applicants.
4. On Motion by LaTourette, Seconded by Backus it was passed to approved pay application #13 for the CWMP and Stormwater Retrofit.
   Vote: All Ayes – Motion Carried.

Abstract of Claims
On motion by Buttel, seconded by Backus, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for February 10, 2014 as follows:
General Fund: $124,657.78
Highway Fund: $24,269.08
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 8:36PM

Next Meeting to be held on March 10, 2014

________________________________
Date: February 10, 2013
Michelle Phoenix
Town of Tompkins
Town Clerk

The regular monthly meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 7:02 PM in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY.
 

Present:

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

Others:

1. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper
2. Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk
3. Wendy Layton – Assessor
4. Sarah Layton – Walton Central School Student

Guest Speakers: None.
 

Minutes Approval:
On motion by LaTourette, seconded by Backus, it was moved to approve the minutes of the December 9, 2013 Board Meeting.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion Carried.
 

On motion by Buttel, seconded by LaTourette, it was moved to approve the minutes from the special Meeting held on December19, 2013, with the change of
(Wrong billing for Sewer district being sent out). Include : Lamont and Kevin Young will pay the district the difference of the wrong bills sent to business’s and two family homes.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion Carried.

Monthly Financial Reports:
Town Clerk / Tax Collector Report:
On motion by Backus, seconded by LaTourette, it was moved to receive, approve and place on file the Town Clerk/Tax Collector monthly report for December 2013. With up to this date figures for Tax Collection
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

Supervisor’s Report: Reviewed with Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper
On motion by LaTourette, seconded by Buttel, it was moved to accept the Annual Financial Audit as December 2013 Supervisors report.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.
 

Other Reports:
Planning Board – None
 

Assessor – January’s Monthly report was provided for board to review.
 

Highway Superintendent

1. Received the agreement to spend highway funds from the County, Ron will fill it out and send it back.
2. Luther Higley stopped in and dropped off a copy of the sheet of fuel purchase by the Fire Department and stated that the Town had put the money received from the District for the purchase of the fuel in the general fund and it should of went in the highway fund. After further investigation it was found the money from the District was put in the Highway fund. The board thinks the confusion came from the Fire District and the form that had submitted with the check stated “Town of Tompkins General Fund”. This is something the Fire District had written and had nothing to do with the Town and it was assured that the reimbursement that came from the District went into the Highway fund.
3. Received a warranty extension from Milton cat. After much discussion the board feels they will not extend the warranty.
4. Ron was approached by Carver and they would like to propose crushing gravel for the same price that was paid in 2013. Ron will get estimate of cost of road repairs for 2014 and get back to board before a decision is made.
5. Hauled 3440 yards of grit costing $13,695. Had the help from Walton, Franklin, Hamden and Deposit to draw grit. Thus far we have used a bit of that grit and would like the pile to get built back up next year.
6. Have had a lot of small repairs on equipment.
7. Have plowed and sanded thus far this year 42 times.
8. The 2014 truck and all the extras to it has cost 48,062 after selling the other one we have approximately  33,000 invested in the truck.
9. Ron would like the board to look into replacing the 2005 while we can still get a good amount out of it if it were to be sold.

Report – Dog Control Officer –

1. Some tickets for non renewal dog license will be going out this week.
2. Questioned doing Enumeration in 2014. The board decided that it will not be done this year but possibly next.

Report- Supervisor

1. Received a Resignation from the Deputy Town Clerk Gail Crane.
2. Received a Resignation from James Fox for Planning Board. Paul Bartholomew stated that Tim Bennett would like to fill that position.
3. The under drain problem at Tomao’s has been fixed and a bill was received for about $469 for his furnace repair and sump pump. The new drain pipe is in and no further problem has happened. Mr. Tomao has also signed the release.
4. Discussed the Town of Tompkins Lateral agreement for the School House and the highway garage. The Board agreed they will pay the $250 fee even though the lateral letters were sent out incorrectly with the fee of $100.
5. The litigation with NYC. After the stipulation and template has been reviewed a decision has been made to come to an agreement.
   Be it Resolved, on motion by Layton seconded by Buttel, the Town of Tompkins Town Board hereby approves proposed settlement and be it further
   Resolved, that counsel is hereby authorized to sign the proposed settlement on behalf of the Town Board of the Town of Tompkins
   Vote: All AYEs – Motion Carried.

   See Resolution 5-2014 – With Stipulation

Correspondence: –
CWC Nominations – It was found that The Supervisor is to nominate. Layton will take care of it and send it in.

Other:
Received a request from Janet Aldrich from Cornell requesting the use of the Town Building on May 1, 2014 at 10:00am – 1:00pm
Board agreed to let them use the building on said day.
 

George Kehr approached Michelle to ask the board if they would pay to have the electric service to his barn that was taken down in 2006 by the Town during flood repair, Certified Electric Inspected.
In 2006 while repairing flood damage on the road by Mr. Kehrs home the electric was taken down and at that time the Town had paid to have it repaired. Recently NYSEG has sent Mr. Kehr a letter stating he needs to get said repairs a certified inspection.
It was decided that the electrician that repaired the service should have known this was going to have to be done and if the electrician failed to have it done in 2006 it is not the Towns responsibility now 7 years later.
 

Discussion took place on the Town of Tompkins Fire District getting their own fuel tanks. This was talked about last year and it is once again time to discuss this issue with the Commissioners to see if they have come up with any ideas on this matter.

A meeting will be set up some time in March or April to discuss again the situation with the Hancock Fire District and coverage. The Town has come up with much information on this matter and is gathering more.

Abstract of Claims
On motion by Buttel, seconded by Backus, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for December 9, 2013 as follows:
General Fund: $27073.65
Highway Fund: $36843.22
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 8:37 PM
 

Next Meeting to be held on February 10, 2014

____________________
Date: January 13, 2013
Michelle Phoenix
Town of Tompkins
Town Clerk

The Annual Audit of the Affairs (cash books, etc) for the Supervisor, Town Clerk and Town Justice was called to order at 6:12 PM at the Town Meeting Room, Trout Creek, NY

Present:

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

Others:

1. Ron VanValkenburg – Highway Superintendent
2. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper
3. Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk

On Motion by Backus seconded by Buttel it was moved to take notice of the fact that the cashbooks, etc of the above mentioned officials were received and found to be satisfactory to the best of their knowledge.
Vote: All AYE’s, Motion Carried.

 
Meeting Adjourned at 6:54 PM

 
Michelle Phoenix
Town Clerk, Town of Tompkins

The Annual Meeting of the Board of Health was called to order at 6:10 PM in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY

Present:

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

Others:

1. Ron VanValkenburg – Highway Superintendent
2. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper
3. Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk

On Motion by Layton seconded by Buttel it was moved to appoint P. Backus and T. LaTourette as the 2014 Board of Health officers.
Vote: All AYE’s, Motion Carried.
 

Meeting adjourned at 6:12 PM

Michelle Phoenix
Town Clerk, Town of Tompkins

The Annual Reorganization meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 6:00 PM in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY

Ron VanValkenburg led in the flag salute.

Present:

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

Others:

1. Ronald VanValkenburg – Hwy Superintendent
2. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper to the Supervisor
3. Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk

Designation of Banks: RESOLUTION # 1-2014
Resolved; on Motion by Backus seconded by Buttel it was moved to designate:
Supervisor Layton – The National Bank & Trust Co and Community Bank NA.
Justice Johnson – Town Clerk/Tax Collector Phoenix – The National Bank of Delaware County
Trout Creek Sewer District – Community Bank N.A
Vote: All AYEs, Motion Carried.

Official Newspaper: RESOLUTION #2-2014
Resolved; on Motion by Backus seconded by Buttel it was moved to designate the Walton Reporter as the official newspaper during the year 2014 for the purpose of legal matters.
Vote: All AYEs, Motion Carried.

Appointments: RESOLUTION #3 – 2014
RESOLVED;  On motion by LaTourette seconded by Buttel it was moved to appoint the following people to their respective positions as follows;

1. Building Inspector – Joseph Reynolds
2. Deputy Town Clerk and Deputy Registrar – Carol Zandt
3. Historian – Helen Zandt
4. Dog Control Officer – Russell Sprague Jr.
5. Health Officer – Dr. Eric Dohner
6. Deputy Supervisor – Howie Buttel
7. Court Clerk – Linda Scott
8. Bookkeeper to the Supervisor – Nancy Roberts
9. Payroll Clerk – Linda Ramsey
10. Assessor – Wendy Layton
11. FEMA Administrator’s – Ron VanValkenberg & Nancy Roberts
12. Trout Creek Sewer District Administrator – Michelle Phoenix
13. Registrar of Vital Statistics – Michelle Phoenix

Vote: ALL AYEs, Motion Carried.

Official Radio Station: RESOLUTION #4 – 2014
On motion by Buttel seconded by Backus it was moved to designate the Walton Radio Station as the official radio during the year 2014 for the purpose of local announcement to the Town Residents.
Vote: ALL AYEs, Motion Carried.

Salaries:
On motion by Buttel seconded by LaTourette it was moved that the Salaries of the Town officers for the year 2014 are fixed in the budget and that the Supervisor is authorized to pay the approved salaries.
Vote: All AYEs, Motion carried.

Highway Expenditures:
On motion by Buttel seconded by Backus it was moved that Highway Superintendent to be authorized gasoline, oil, fuel, tires, salt, calcium, batteries and such items to be obtained through state bid contract, also dust oil for use on Town roads with a limit of up to $1,000. Any purchase greater than $1,000 must be done through the Town’s purchase order system.
Vote: All AYEs, Motion carried.

Meeting Dates:
On Motion by LaTourette seconded by Backus it was moved to hold regular monthly meetings on the second Monday 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.

Mileage rate:
On motion by Buttel seconded by LaTourette it was moved to set mileage rate at 50.5 cents per mile for use of private vehicle on Town Business.

 
Adjourn: At 6:09 PM
 

Michelle Phoenix
Town Clerk, Town of Tompkins

The special Budget meeting meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 6:02 pm in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY.

Present:

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

Others:

1. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper to the supervisor
2. Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk
3. Brian Albanese – Town person
4. Kevin Young – Young/Sommer Law firm

William Layton stated the discussion on the issues with Andrew Tomao under drain problems and the Water issue it is causing in Mr. Tomao’s basement.
It was decided that an agreement will be drawn up by Kevin Young stating that a drain pipe will be installed but if found in the future that it becomes an issue with Delaware County DPW the Town reserves the right to remove the pipe.

A discussion took place on the budget for the Sewer District. Some items needed to be changed with the budget that was presented in the past. After reviewing the budget and changing figures a motion was made by Buttel, Seconded by Layton to approved the O&M Budget and sewer rates for 2014.
ALL AYES – Motion Carried

Kevin also stated that there should be another person to work with the sewer district administrative paper work; the board agreed that the deputy Town Clerk would be that other person.

Kevin Young stated that the laterals that went out were made out incorrectly for the businesses and 2 family homes. They should have been charged a fee of $250 and were only charged $100.
After much discussion it was decided that a letter will be sent to those that received the wrong letter informing them that next year the fee will be the $250.00.
Kevin also stated his office and Lamont will pay the difference to the sewer district for the difference pertaining to those properties that were undercharged.

Kevin also discussed with the board the template for the litigation on the reservoir has still many unanswered questions from Beebe. Kevin stated he is still trying to get these questions answered and that until then the Town is not to sing agreement.

On motion by Layton, Seconded by Buttel to approve the purchase of the sewer Jetter with the cost of $39,690. This cost will come out of the Sewer District project.
ALL AYES – Motion Carried

Layton wanted to confirm that the FEMA hours to be paid by the Town per motion made at September 2013 was, Administration fees of $20.00 per hour after 10 hrs per event to the FEMA administrators.

Meeting adjourned at 8:10
________________________________
Date: December 19, 2013
Michelle Phoenix
Town of Tompkins
Town Clerk

The regular monthly meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 7:03 pm in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY.

Present:

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

Others:

1. Rick Ostrander – Village of Hancock Fire Commissioner
2. Jim Rotzler – Chief Hancock Fire Department

Pledge to the flag was led by Carl Stuendel.

Guest Speakers:
Rick Ostrander & Jim Rotzler questioned why the Town of Tompkins Fire District would cover their district that the Hancock Fire Department is currently being paid to cover by the Town of Tompkins. After much discussion it was decided that both parties would come up with information involving this issue and the Board would contact Mr. Ostrander and invite them to a Town Board meeting sometime in March or April 2014 to discuss this further.

Minutes Approval:
On motion by Buttel, seconded by Layton, it was moved to approve the minutes of the October 15, 2013 Board Meeting.
Vote: 4 AYEs – Buttel, LaTourette, Backus & Layton
1 Abstain – Stuendel
Motion Carried.

On motion by Backus, seconded by LaTourette, it was moved to approve the minutes from the Special Budget meeting held on October 20, 2013
Vote: 4 AYEs – Buttel, LaTourette, Backus & Layton
1 Abstain – Stuendel
Motion Carried.

Monthly Financial Reports:
Town Clerk / Tax Collector’s Report –
On motion by Stuendel, seconded by Buttel, it was moved to receive, approve and place on file the Town Clerk/Tax Collector monthly report for October 2013.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

Supervisor’s Report Reviewed with the by Nancy Roberts, Bookkeeper –
On motion by Buttel, seconded by LaTourette, it was moved to receive, approve and place on file the Supervisor’s monthly financial Audit dated November 7, 2013.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

Other Reports:
Planning Board – None
 

Assessor – November’s Monthly report was provided for board to review.
 

Highway Superintendent –

1. 2001 1 Ton is being sold at Tietsworth online auction, the bidding will run from the November 5^th to November 12^th, 2013. The board has the right to reject bids up to 4pm on November 13, 2014. The Board agreed that if the bidding is not over $15,500 to allow Ron to reject the bids.
2. 2014 1 Ton is now ready for use.
3. Work on Roods creek is completed.
4. The pipes in the area of Dry book that will be resurfaced in 2014 have been changed.
5. FEMA paperwork has all been sent in for Carrol Hill.
6. CHIPS paperwork has all been completed online.
7. All the trucks except for that spare truck that is at Milton Cat for head gasket repair are ready      for winter.
8. Equipment has been stored in Creamery.
9. Unable to draw grit until November 12^th.

Dog Control Officer –

1. No Calls
2. Summons for unlicensed dogs will be going out.

Supervisor –

1. NYMER has requested a copy of our budget and one will be sent.
2. A meeting to discuss the new sewer district budget will be set up for November 19. 2014 at 6:00 pm
3. Floor repairs have been done by Rob Reynolds at the Kelsey School house to be safe for Election Day.
4. Preliminary Budget – Discussion on changes
   A1001 – $214,451
   A3001 – $9976.00
   A599 – $20,723
   Hwy
   DA599 – $63,918
   On Motion by LaTourette, Seconded by Layton to accept preliminary budget with amended changes and to make it the Adopted budget
   Vote: All AYES – Motion Carried

   [Click HERE for a PDF of the Adopted budget.]

5. Received an Email from Wayne Reynolds stating that Sidney did not sign the County winter road maintenance Contract and this is going to make a delay with road maintenance in the County during the winter months for all county roads.

Correspondence:
Received – Del. Co. Chamber of Commerce, a Ballot for board of directors. The board will do nothing with this due the fact the town is not a member.
Received – Del. Co. Chamber of Commerce a letter regarding updating Towns information for the director. The board will do nothing with this due the fact the town is not a member.
Received – Del. Co. Historical Association, a request for a donation of $500.00 or more. The Board is unable to donate due to the fact this is not a budget item.

Other:
Motion by Layton, Seconded by LaTourette to accept and sign Change order #6 for the CWMP and Stormwater Retrofit.
Vote: All AYES – Motion Carried

Motion to pay approve and sign pay application #11 for CWMP by Layton, Seconded by Backus
Vote: All AYES – Motion Carried

Abstract of Claims:
On motion by Backus, seconded by Buttel, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for November 7, 2013 as follows:
General Fund: $8987.41
Highway Fund: $30,528.00
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 8.58PM

Next month’s meeting is December 9, 2013 at 7:00pm.
________________________________
Date: November 7, 2013
Michelle Phoenix
Town of Tompkins
Town Clerk

The special Budget meeting meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 7:12 pm in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY.

Present:

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

Others:

1. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper to the supervisor
2. Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk

Discussion took place on the 2014 Tentative Budget
–        Nancy answered any questions that were had from the Regular board meeting held on October 15, 2013
–        On Motion by Stuendel it was moved to accept the Tentative Budget that was presented tonight and that it would supersede the Budget agreed upon on, on October 9, 2013 and the budget presented this evening will now become the preliminary budget. 2^nd by Backus
Vote – All AYES
Motion Carried

Meeting adjourned at 8:22
________________________________
Date: October 15, 2013
Michelle Phoenix
Town of Tompkins
Town Clerk