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 6:03 pm in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY. with Bill Layton leading in the Flag salute.

Present:          

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

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Absent: [None]

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Others:

1. Linda Bourn – Deputy Town Clerk
2. Ron VanValkenburg – Highway Superintendent
3. Wendy Layton – Town Assessor

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Guests: [None]

The board entered executive session to discuss a personnel matter at 6:03.

Ended executive session at 6:15.

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Floor Time:
Wendy discussed the Franskevicz Road letter that we received from Mr. Gierla. Wendy brought the town maps and looked up that part of the road with the town board and highway superintendent and it is an abandoned road.

RESOLUTION # 1-2025 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Bill Layton, it was moved to approve the Meeting Minutes for December 2024. Vote: All in favor – Motion carried. Abstained – Peggy Backus

RESOLUTION # 2-2025 ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Brain Albanese, seconded by Peggy Backus, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for December 2024 as follows:
General Fund: $40,458.48
Highway Fund: $45,278.56.
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION # 3-2025 TOWN CLERKS MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by Howie Buttel it was moved to receive, and place on file the Town Clerks, monthly report for December. Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION # 4-2025 SUPERVISOR MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Tim LaTourette, it was moved to approve and place on file the Supervisor’s monthly financial reports as of December 31, 2024.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION # 5-2025 SEWER DISTRICT ABSTRACT & MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by Howie Buttell, it was moved to approve and place on file the Abstract of Claims for December of the Sewer District in the amount of $3,709.55.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

MOTIONS:  [None]

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NEW BUSINESS:

• Need bids to go out for Crush, Gravel, and Pipe. Linda and Ron will work on these.
• Need a bid to go out for the new truck. Linda and Ron will work on this.
• We received no bids for the snow removal for the sewer district. Brian would like to suggest that possible we talk about this when we go into negotiations in the fall, with reimbursement from Sewer funds.
• Tim is asking if he can get an advance on his pay if he decides to go to Africa, the boards agrees this would be okay.

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OLD BUSINESS:

Fire Tower – Hunting season is over; we can resume activities.

Walking Trail – Complete except for some cleanup, can’t be done in this weather, will be done, when weather permits.

ARPA Funds – Tell Nancy to use up the money on the trailer.

Court Clerk – Certification needs to be complete.

Subdivisions – Need to look at these and update. Bill will talk to Shelly at the County Planning Board. Brian wants to add the solar law in their as well.

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HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT REPORT:
Ron checked on the delivery time for a new truck and was told that it will still be 2 years before we get one delivered if we order it now.

Ron said we need to put out bids for Crush, Gravel & Pipe to be opened at the February meeting.

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SUPERVISOR:
Bill received the bill for the cemeteries for $2,800.00. He questioned them about how many times they mowed, and they came back and said they had a mistake on the bill, and they did send an updated bill for $1,200.00, but they didn’t do a great job, and we need to look at something else for next year.

Motion to adjourn by Tim LaTourette, seconded by Howie Buttel, all in favor, carried.
Meeting adjourned at 7:18 pm.  

Next meeting to be held on February 11, 2025, at 7: PM.
________________________________
Date: January 29, 2025
Linda Bourn
Town of Tompkins Deputy 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. with Peggy Backus leading in the Flag salute.

Present:          

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

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Others:

1. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper to Supervisor
2. Linda Bourn – Deputy Town Clerk
3. Ron VanValkenburg – Highway Superintendent

Guests:

Floor Time:

RESOLUTION # 77-2024 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On motion by Tim LaTourette, seconded by Howie Buttel, it was moved to approve the Meeting Minutes for November 2024. Vote: All in favor – Motion carried. Abstained – Peggy Backus

RESOLUTION # 78-2024 ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by Brian Albanese, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for November 2024 as follows:
General Fund: $64,293.54
Highway Fund: $216,383.46
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION # 79-2024 TOWN CLERKS MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by Tim LaTourette, seconded by Howie Buttel it was moved to receive, and place on file the Town Clerks, monthly report for November.  Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION # 80- 2024 SUPERVISOR MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Tim LaTourette, it was moved to approve and place on file the Supervisor’s monthly financial reports as of November 30, 2024, dated 11/30/24.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION # 81- 2024 SEWER DISTRICT ABSTRACT & MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Tim LaTourette, it was moved to approve and place on file the Abstract of Claims for November of the Sewer District in the amount of $11,108.34.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

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MOTIONS:
Albanese, seconded by Tim LaTourette, to complete the ARPA paperwork and use any remaining funds toward the trailer, all in favor, carried.

Motion to let Bill Layton renew CD’s by Peggy Backus, seconded by Howie Buttel, all in favor, carried.

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NEW BUSINESS:
Peggy asked what the status of the old store is because the grounds look terrible.

Bill spoke to George Heinz about getting the sign for the decker property on the walking trail. Bill asked the board if they wanted the sign to look like the sign on the schoolhouse and the board agrees that would be good.

Bill came down one day, and the furnace wasn’t working, turned out we were out of fuel, and we are on automatic delivery, we were not charged for the call.

Delaware County is talking about giving each town a percent of the sales tax that is collected. We could get as much as $100,000, more to come on this subject.

Linda suggested that we put a resolution in our organizational meeting to let Bill handle the CDs throughout the year as they come due.

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BUDGET DISCUSSION:
Nancy said there was one more change to the budget and that was just a formula in her file that was not picking up one of the figures. Delaware County called her about it so they are aware, Nancy said this does not change our bottom line at all.

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OLD BUSINESS:
Fire Tower – Nothing new.

UTV –

Walking Trail –
* We still need some quotes from anyone about the stone. Bill will check with Wagner.
* There were two change orders on the trail:
1. Under Rt 206 they had to put in 2 pipes for $1,000.
2. Behind the creamery the bank was higher than the other side, so they had to build that side up for an additional $1,000.
* Bill spoke to Scott Barnhart and told him there are a few things that need to be completed, remove the dirt behind the creamery, seed, mulch, remove to piles of trees and branches and fill in some low spots.
* The board wants to process the 3 checks for the project tonight. Pay them 75% now and the additional $2,000. After completion give them the remaining check of 25%.

ARPA Funds –

Ambulance –

Court Clerk – Bill to check to see if training has been completed.

HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT REPORT:
Ron says the Dozer sold for $6,800.

Trailer had no bids.

Ron wants to know if we can get rid of the Jetter machine, he said we have only used it once. Bill will find out what we can do with it.

Cutting Trees.

Plowing Roads.

Kyle will be meeting with Louie Banker on the FEMA paperwork.

Ron would like to buy a lift, they cost around $30,000-$40,000. The board feels that we could rent one when we need it as we don’t use them very often.

Ron wants to order another new truck due to the delivery time of 1 to 1 ½ years for delivery. The board would like him to reach out and see exactly what delivery time now as other things is are coming in faster than before and we would hate to order it and get ourselves into financial trouble with having to pay for it before we are ready. The other truck that we have on order will be here in late spring/early summer for $380,000.

Ron will decide what roads they will be doing in 2025.

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Supervisor –
Brian received a call from a resident that said the roads are too slippery and we don’t use enough salt or cinders. Ron said we are using the same we have always used.

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Linda received a letter from Mr. Gierla who owns property on Franskievicz Road that we don’t maintain, he is going to be building a house up there at some point and has some concerns about the maintenance of the road. Ron said we have never done anything with that piece of the road in the 28 years that Ron has been here. The board asked Ron to do some research on if we even own that section of the road and we will discuss at the next meeting.

Lynne asked if the town would sponsor any other groups like they do for the 4H, the board feels that they can not start doing this or it would become a problem to give to all the others that request it. We need to stay with the one group currently.

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Motion to adjourn by Howie Buttel, seconded by Tim LaTourette, all in favor, carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:17 pm  

Next meeting to be held on January 14, 2025, at 6 PM.
 ________________________________
Date: December 23, 2024
Linda Bourn
Town of Tompkins Deputy 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. With Brian Albanese leading in the Flag salute.

Present:
1. Howard Buttel – Councilperson
2. Tim LaTourette – Councilperson
3. Brain Albanese – Councilperson
4. William Layton – Supervisor
Absent: Peggy Backus – Councilperson

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Others:
1. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper to Supervisor
2. Linda Bourn – Deputy Town Clerk
3. Ron VanValkenburg – Highway Superintendent

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Guests: Lynne VanValkenburg, Michelle Phoenix

Floor Time: Lynne spoke to someone at S & S about the stones to place at the walking trail to keep people from driving on it and it would be around $600.00 and an additional $750.00 to set them. Bill suggested that someone check with Wagner about what they used around the Golf course. There is also Dave Barnes and Schaeffer’s that we could check with, we are looking at around 2 FT x 3 FT or 2 FT x 2 FT blocks. Howie will check on some more prices with some other vendors. We clarified that phase II was quote was $28,000.00.

RESOLUTION # 72-2024 APPROVAL OF MINUTES

On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Howie Buttel, it was moved to approve the Meeting Minutes for October 2024. Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION # 73-2024 ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Howie Buttel, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for October 2024 as follows:
General Fund: $27,188.15
Highway Fund: $72,174.41
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION # 74-2024 TOWN CLERKS MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by Tim LaTourette, seconded by Howie Buttel it was moved to receive, and place on file the Town Clerks, monthly report for October.  Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION # 75-2024 SUPERVISOR MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
On motion by Howie Buttel, seconded by Bill Layton, it was moved to approve and place on file the Supervisor’s monthly financial reports as of October 31, 2024, dated 10/31/24.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION # 76-2024 SEWER DISTRICT ABSTRACT & MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Bill Layton, it was moved to approve and place on file the Abstract of Claims for November of the Sewer District in the amount of $5,161.33.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

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MOTIONS:
Motion by Tim Latourette, seconded by Howie Buttel, to accept the changes to the preliminary budget., all in favor, carried.

Motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Howie Buttel, to authorize Bill Layton renewal of the CD that is coming to maturity, all in favor, carried.

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NEW BUSINESS:
Bill talked to Josh about the new digital sign that the fire district wants to put up out along Route 206 and the cost is going to be around $28,000. It is a 9 foot sign. A study was done and, based on the speed limit, that is how big it would need to be for the notices to be read. The sign would be used for both the fire department and the Town to post any special events.

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BUDGET DISCUSSION:
Brian Albanese asked Nancy how the NYS Retirement figures out how much we owe them, Nancy said she did not know how they figured it out. She thinks it is figured based on the tiers and what the earnings are, thinks it has to do with people who have retired. Linda said she will try to find out how this is figured.

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OLD BUSINESS:
Fire Tower – Nothing new.

UTV –

Walking Trail – Tuesday Bill is meeting to sign the paperwork on the Decker property. Nancy has already made the checks out. Bill thinks the trail is almost done, Bill will get Shawn to come inspect everything and if it’s good, we will give them the check.

ARPA Funds – Nancy has a meeting next Wednesday with Kathy to discuss the ARPA fund paperwork.

Ambulance – The new ambulance is in service, but it is too big to fit in the garage, so there will need to be modifications to the garage. They measured before purchase, but they did not measure the vents.

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HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT REPORT:
Ron asked the board what was least amount we will take for the D6 Dozer and Trailer that were sent to auction, the board advised Ron to take whatever we could get for it.

Ron needs new hire paperwork for part time help.

Roads worked on: Fixed 2 driveway pipes on Higley Road; Apex Road installed new bigger pipe

Helped Town of Franklin
Got equipment ready for winter
Trimmed Trees
Plow frames
There is a lady from FEMA coming on November, 14^th.

Ron has received a call from Mr. Gierla who owns property on Franskievicz Road that we don’t maintain, he is going to be building a house up there at some point and has some concerns about the maintenance of the road. Ron said we have never done anything with that piece of the road in the 28 years that Ron has been here.

This brings up the subject of town laws that need to be updated such as the subdivision. Brian Albanese suggested that we put this on the radar to get working on these things in the slower months.

Supervisor –

Meeting adjourned at 8:03 pm  

Next meeting to be held on December 10, 2024, at 7PM.
 ________________________________ 
Date: December 6, 2024
Linda Bourn
Town of Tompkins Deputy 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. With Tim Latourette leading in the Flag salute.

Present:          

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

Absent: (None)

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Others:

1. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper to Supervisor
2. Linda Bourn – Deputy Town Clerk
3. Ron VanValkenburg – Highway Superintendent
4. Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk

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Guests:
Lynne VanValkenburg, Meranda Reynolds, Brenda Martin, John Nichols & Sam Galley.

Floor Time:
John Nichols is here from The American Legion, and he is asking for members to join the legion, if they lose 1 more member they will have to disband. The meeting is held the 2^nd Friday of each month.

Sam Galley is inquiring about the building inspector position and expressing an interest.

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RESOLUTION # 67-2024 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by Bill Layton, it was moved to approve the Meeting Minutes for September 2024. Vote: All in favor – Motion carried. Brian Abstained as he was not at September Meeting.

RESOLUTION # 68-2024 ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by Howie Buttel, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for September 2024 as follows:
General Fund: $53,671.59
Highway Fund: $29,300.11
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION # 69-2024 TOWN CLERKS MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by Bill Layton it was moved to receive, and place on file the Town Clerks, monthly report for September 2024 (except for the code officer reports).  
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION # 70- 2024 SUPERVISOR MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Howie Buttel, it was moved to approve and place on file the Supervisor’s monthly financial reports as of September 30, 2024, dated 9/30/24.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION # 71- 2024 SEWER DISTRICT ABSTRACT & MONTHLY REPORT
Not approving this month, will approve next month.

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MOTIONS:
Motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Bill Layton to purchase the pipe Ron needs, all in favor, carried.

Motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Bill Layton to accept the approve the sewer district budget, all in favor, carried.

Motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Tim LaTourette to purchase the Trailer and Boom Head, all in favor, carried.

Motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by Howie Buttel to accept bid from Clinton Tractor for the Boom Mower Head and table until next meeting, all in favor, carried.

Motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Howie Buttel to approve the 2025 budget, all in favor, carried.

Motion by Tim LaTourette, seconded by Howie Buttel to accept to Decker property to be used for phase II of the walking trail, all in favor, carried.

Motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by Bill Layton to approve to pay 90% on phase I of the walking trail and to withhold 10% until completion and to ask him to begin phase II, all in favor, approved.

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NEW BUSINESS:
John Decker would like us to reimburse him for the taxes that he paid this year while waiting for the town to get this done.

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OLD BUSINESS:
Fire Tower – Nothing will probably happen until spring at this point with hunting season opening.

UTV – Assemblyman Joe Angelino would like us to put a UTV law into place at the first of the year. Bill will check and see if we need to do a law change on this.

Walking Trail – At this point we are going to hold 10% of payment back on trail until the requested problems get addressed.
Something needs to be placed so vehicles can’t drive on the trail. The Community Committee would like to know if we are committing to phase II at this time, because phase I is only .2 miles and seems really boring to walk around. Brian is concerned even with phase II he hopes the residents don’t get bored with the size of the trail.
The board agrees to have Bill talk to him and see if he can get started on phase II.

ARPA Funds – (Nothing)

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HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT REPORT:
Ron says we have the D6 Dozer that we could send to auction, because we really don’t use it that much and if we needed one for a say, we could rent one.

Roads worked on: Readburn, Rock Rift, Finch Hollow, Fletcher Hollow is getting a hole, Chase Brook Road.

Helped Town of Sidney
Repaired equipment

There was a discussion about some type of monitoring of the scrap metal bin because someone is putting trash in it. 

Ron would like a part time wing man for plowing this year.

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Supervisor – (Nothing)

Meeting adjourned at 9:16 pm  

Next meeting to be held on November 7, 2024, at 7PM.
________________________________
Date: October 24, 2024
Linda Bourne
Town of Tompkins Deputy 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 Howie Buttel leading in the Flag salute.

Present:          

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

Absent: Brian Albanese – Councilperson

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Others:

1. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper to Supervisor
2. Linda Bourn – Deputy Town Clerk
3. Ron VanValkenburg – Highway Superintendent
4. Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk

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Guests:
Lynne VanValkenburg, Tammy Wagner, Meranda Reynolds, Kathy & Mike Preston, Pam Gardepe, and Brenda Kinney.

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Motion by Bill Layton, seconded by Howie Buttel, to enter executive session to discuss a financial matter at 7:02 PM.
Out of executive session at 7:05 PM.
Entered back into regular session at 7:05 PM.

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Floor Time: Brenda came with the ambulance information that they want to purchase. They are asking the board for the agreed amount of $50,000.00, they need the check within the next 2 weeks.

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RESOLUTION # 62-2024 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by Howie Buttel, it was moved to approve the Meeting Minutes for August 2024.
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION # 63-2024 ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Howie Buttel, seconded by Tim LaTourette, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for August 2024 as follows: General Fund: $5,453.93 Highway Fund: $20,403.31.
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION # 64-2024 TOWN CLERKS MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by Howie Buttel it was moved to receive, and place on file the Town Clerks, monthly report for August 2024 (except for the code officer reports).  
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION # 65- 2024 SUPERVISOR MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
On motion by Howie Buttel, seconded by Tim LaTourette, it was moved to approve and place on file the Supervisor’s monthly financial reports as of August 31, 2024, dated 8/20/24.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION # 66- 2024 SEWER DISTRICT ABSTRACT & MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by Tim LaTourette, it was moved to approve the August 2024 Sewer District Abstract of charges & Monthly Report.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

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MOTIONS:
Motion by Howie Buttel, seconded by Peggy Backus, to take the $50,000.00 from the ARPA funds for the Ambulance, all in favor, carried.

Motion by Tim LaTourette, seconded by Howie Buttel to accept the tentative budget with changes, all in favor, carried.

Motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by Howie Buttel to accept bid from Clinton Tractor for the Trailer and table until next meeting, all in favor, carried.

Motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by Howie Buttel to accept bid from Clinton Tractor for the Mower Head and table until next meeting, all in favor, carried.

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NEW BUSINESS:
Code officer reports do not match what the clerk has, Linda & Nate will work to sort this all out.

Peggy asked Nate if we could get his report before the meeting to make sure the numbers match up.

Community Committee would like a list of Cemeteries because they would like to clean up some old headstones.

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PRELIMINARY BUDGET – Tax cap is still 2%.
General:
We are adding $6,000.00 interest that we have not budgeted in the past

Rental of Real Property will be budgeted for $200.00.

Building Equipment Fund – Dropped this by $3,000.00.

Insurance Increase $4,000.00.

Deputy Code Enforcement?

Decrease to Code Enforcement contractual by $500.00.

Historian – Add $900.00 for time capsule total would be $1,200.00.

Budget $600.00 for maintenance of the walking trail.

Highway:
Adding interest of $20,000.00

Decreasing Snow Removal by $2,000.00

Decreasing Equipment to $80,000.00

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OLD BUSINESS:
Fire Tower – Nothing new

UTV – Nothing new

Walking Trail – Getting ready to lay down the material tomorrow at 9am. The Community Committee is asking when we will do phase II. As stated before, when Phase I gets completed, we will see how it looks and then decide if we want them to do Phase II.

ARPA Funds – Bids are in for trailer and Mower.

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BIDS
Trailer – Clinton Tractor Bid $52,000.00 All required paperwork with all specs requested.

Boom Mower Head – Clinton Tractor $23,200.00 All required paperwork with all specs requested.

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HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT REPORT:
Roads done; 6 other towns helped us. We did Faulkner, Dryden, Chase Brook, Chamberlain Brook.

Cutting Trees.

Rock Rift & Readburn, road washed out in places.

Pipe in Rock Rift that needs to be replaced.

Gravel Readburn and Rock Rift.

Need to do some ditching on Rock Rift.

Apex road pipe needs replaced, we fixed it temporarily, it is a 95” x 67” cost to replace is $17,000.00 next size bigger is $18,000.00. Ron received a call from Rich Heiser, he received a call from resident and in turn called us to see what we are doing about it. We are waiting to see if the storm is declared.

We will table buying pipe until next meeting, we would like to buy the bigger one.

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Supervisor
The building has been power washed, looks good.

Meeting adjourned at 8:42 pm  

Next meeting to be held on October 8, 2024, at 7PM.
 ________________________________
Date: September 26, 2024
Linda Bourn                                                                                                                   
Town of Tompkins Deputy 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 Howie Buttel leading in the Flag salute.

Present:          

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

Absent: Tim LaTourette – Councilperson

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Others:

1. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper to Supervisor
2. Linda Bourn – Deputy Town Clerk
3. Ron VanValkenburg – Highway Superintendent

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Guests: Lynne VanValkenburg, Tammy Wagner, Meranda Reynolds, Kathy Preston & Mike Preston.

Floor Time: The board was asked if the walking trail has been started yet and Bill said they went down yesterday, and it is all laid out and they will be starting anytime now. Bill thinks this should be done before the next meeting if nothing major comes up. The board was also asked if they were going to continue with phase II, it was noted in the minutes (July) that we would let them complete phase I and see how it goes and then decide if we would have him continue to do phase II.

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RESOLUTION # 57-2024 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On motion by Howie Buttel, seconded by Brian Albanese, it was moved to approve the Meeting Minutes for July 2024.
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION # 58-2024 ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Howie Buttel, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for July 2024 as follows:
General Fund: $4,443.55
Highway Fund: $174,775.48.
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION # 59-2024 TOWN CLERKS MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Peggy Backus it was moved to receive, and place on file the Town Clerks, monthly report for July 2024.  
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried (building rpt doesn’t match code rpt)

RESOLUTION # 60- 2024 SUPERVISOR MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Howie Buttel, it was moved to approve and place on file the Supervisor’s monthly financial reports as of July 31, 2024, dated 8/20/24.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION # 61- 2024 SEWER DISTRICT ABSTRACT & MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Peggy Backus, it was moved to approve the July 2024 Sewer District Abstract of charges & Monthly Report.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

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MOTIONS:  

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NEW BUSINESS:
Brian said he received a call from Chris Bodo, Chris feels there are not enough clerk hours for dog licensing. There was discussion on how to fix this and the board feels like we may need to update our website to make it more user friendly and then we could have direct email links and the blank forms needed they could just click on. Linda will check with the company that does Masonville and get back to us with the price.

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OLD BUSINESS:
Fire Tower – Bill received the letter that we can go up to the fire tower.

UTV – Nothing new

Walking Trail

ARP Funds – Ron and Linda will put the equipment out to bid and then we can get them ready for the paperwork.

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HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT REPORT:
Ron asked if we had received any money from the fire department for the diesel, they got from us back when we had the place crash. Bill checked and we did not.

Helped other towns. Hamden, Franklin & Masonville.

Machine Repair Mower on the Massey

New Holland Tractor Starter

Dry Brook Head Wall – this side of reservoir

Dryden Road fixed Head Wall

Shoulder on Chase Brook- County machine died.

After Storm Damage

Fixed bad spots on Rock Rift and Readburn

5 Bad pipes that should be changed. 1 on Apex that is the worst. Dryden, Redburn, Dryden and Rock Rift.

On hold for the pipes for paperwork being done after declared from the storm.

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SUPERVISOR:
Lukas Hammond will be here to power wash the building for $300 to $325.

Received an email from Alan Sutherland that wants to shoot a movie on Hathaway Pond Road and was inquiring if they needed any permits. No permits are needed.

FEMA is asking our FEMA administrator to complete a survey. Nancy said she is not the Flood Plan Administrator. This is not mandatory. We are not doing it.

Bill spoke to Steve Hood, and he suggested that we don’t do peace officers. What they are doing now is good enough. Other town supervisors say the same thing, they don’t have them either.

.
Bill made a motion to enter executive session to discuss financial matters at 7:55 pm.
The executive session ended at 8:07 pm.

Meeting adjourned at 8:07 pm                                     

Next meeting to be held on September 10, 2024, at pm.
________________________________
Date: September 6, 2024
Linda Bourn
Town of Tompkins Deputy Town Clerk

The regular monthly meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 7:04 pm in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY. With Bill Layton leading in the Flag salute.

Present:          

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

Absent: Tim LaTourette – Councilperson

.
Others:

1. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper to Supervisor
2. Linda Bourn – Deputy Town Clerk
3. Ron VanValkenburg – Highway Superintendent

.
Floor Time/Guests: Roger Barnhart, Lynne VanValkenburg, Jim Crawford, Tammy Wagner, Brenda Martin, Pam Gardepe, Meranda Reynolds & Michelle Phoenix.

.
RESOLUTION # 51-2024 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Howie Buttel, it was moved to approve the Meeting Minutes for June 2024.
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION # 52-2024 ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Howie Buttel, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for June 2024 as follows: General Fund: $10,229.67 Highway Fund: $70,298.08.
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION # 53-2024 TOWN CLERKS MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Peggy Backus, it was moved to receive, and place on file the Town Clerks, monthly report for June 2024.  
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION # 54-2024 SUPERVISOR MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
On motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by Bill Layton, it was moved to approve and place on file the Supervisor’s monthly financial reports as of June 30, 2024, dated 7/9/2024.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION # 55-2024 SEWER DISTRICT ABSTRACT
On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Bill Layton, it was moved to approve the June Sewer District Abstract of charges. Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION # 56- 2024 SEWER DISTRICT MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Peggy Backus, it was moved to approve Sewer District June Monthly Report.  
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

.
MOTIONS:
Motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Howie Buttel, to give $50,000.00 toward the new ambulance.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

Motion by Bill Layton, seconded by Howie Buttel, to raise the hourly rate of the part time help to be $18.00 per hour effective 8/1/24.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

Motion by Brian Buttel, seconded by Peggy Backus, to accept the bid from B & B Excavating providing they provide the required insurance certificate.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

Motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Howie Buttel, to have Ron put out for bid the Trailer and the Head for the mower.
Vote: All in favor- Motion Carried.

.
NEW BUSINESS:
Linda brought 3 Forms from Fire Department members wanting to be Peace Officers – Linda asked members of the fire department what these forms are all about. Bill is going to inquire with the county, but the board would like more information in regard to the responsibilities of what is required by a peace officer. Is the town held responsible for the actions of a peace officer?

.
OLD BUSINESS:
Ambulance – Roger Barnhart from the fire department is asking if we can come up with a definite dollar amount of money that we will contribute to the new ambulance, it is hard for them to shop for one without knowing a budget. They looked at the one that Brenda spoke about last month and it was not worth the money they were asking for it.

Fire Tower – Bill made the trip to the fire tower with the DEP representatives on the city land where the new road will be put, they want a gate to be installed. Bill then received a call from Mr. Pape asking what was going on up there, Bill explained that they were putting a road in to the fire tower, he told Bill he could not do that and said it was not part of their easement. He stated if the town tried to do it, he would block them. Bill called Brian to call him, Brian told him that he had spoken to him before. Brian told him he was more than willing to walk up there with him and show him exactly what they planned to do, and he insisted that they were not going to do that, and he was going to call his lawyer and then he hung up on Brian.
Bill has a draft letter from Engleman who does a lot of work for the fire tower. Bill asked the board if they would like him to have this letter sent to Pape. The board said to go ahead and send the letter.

UTV – Nothing new

Walking Trail – Bids
The bids were opened for the walking trail.
The winning bidder is B & B Excavating. The cost is $16.59 per foot, pending proof of insurance.

2^nd place bidder is A & M Excavating which is around $20,000 more total.

	Sub – Contractor’s Name	Submitted Bid Price
1	Ben Reynolds Construction	$31.50 Phase 1 & 2
2	A & M Excavating	$25.00 Phase 1 & 2
3	B & B Excavating and Landscaping	$16.59 Phase 1 $16.47 Phase 2
4	The Hubbel l Companies	$59.00 Phase 1 & 2
5	Delaware Bulldozing Corporation	$26.70 Phase 1 & $29.85 Phase 2
6	Tweedie Construction	$30.05 Phase 1 & 2
7	M & K Earthworks LLC	$31.00 Phase 1 & 2

We are going to do phase 1 and see how that goes before we agree to have the bidder do phase 2. Bill will get hold of him and see if he has the insurance and when he would like to start.
We would like Sean Leddy to oversee the project to make sure things are going as planned. Bill will get a hold of him.
Bill asked Ron to have Suite Kote to pick up that stone pile that is sitting in the way of the walking trail project path.

.
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT REPORT:
Ron has a couple of quotes for some equipment to use the leftover money on

1. Trailer – $53,000
2. Head for the Mower – 23,200

The board asks Ron to put these two items out for bid.

Roads: Cleaned ditches, Trimmed trees, Mowing, Cold Patch, Chase Brook 2 ½ inches on top [with] 23 Trucks helping from other towns.

Tomorrow the crew is going to Dryden to help them with a project.

Ron is asking if we could raise the part-time help.

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SUPERVISOR REPORT:
Bill has not heard anything back from Dan Szczesny that wanted to speak with him about the history of the fire tower.

Bill will call Nate and ask him to attend the next meeting and provide reports that have not been turned in for the last few months.

Peggy asked to go into executive session to discuss a personnel matter at 8:45 pm.
The executive session ended at 8:51 pm.

Meeting adjourned at 8:52 pm                                     
Next meeting to be held on August 20, 2024, at 7pm.
________________________________
Date: July 18, 2024
Linda Bourn
Town of Tompkins Deputy Town Clerk

The regular monthly meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 7:04 pm in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY. With Bill Layton leading in the Flag salute.

Present:          

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

.
Others:

1. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper to Supervisor
2. Linda Bourn – Deputy Town Clerk
3. Ron VanValkenburg – Highway Superintendent

.
Floor Time/Guests:
Nancy Hornbeck, Brenda Martin, Pam Gardepe and Meranda Reynolds & Michelle Phoenix.

.
RESOLUTION # 45-2024 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Bill Layton, it was moved to approve the Meeting Minutes for May 2024. Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION # 46-2024 ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by Howie Buttel, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for May 2024 as follows:
General Fund: $8,076.90
Highway Fund: $113,595.67
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION # 47-2024 TOWN CLERKS MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Bill Layton it was moved to receive, and place on file the Town Clerks, monthly report for May 2024.  Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION # 48-2024 SUPERVISOR MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
On motion by Howie Buttel, seconded by Peggy Backus, it was moved to approve and place on file the Supervisor’s monthly financial reports as of May 31, 2024, dated 6/8/2024.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION # 49-2024 SEWER DISTRICT ABSTRACT
On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Howie Buttel, it was moved to approve the May Sewer District Abstract of charges. Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION # 50-2024 SEWER DISTRICT MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Howie Buttel, it was moved to approve Sewer District May Monthly Report.  Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

.
MOTIONS:
Motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Peggy Backus to approve the advertising of the bid process for phase #1 of the walking trail.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

.
NEW BUSINESS:
Bill received a call from a gentleman named Dan Szczesny. He is the director of Griffin Free public library in New Hampshire, and he is making a booklet on fire towers and trails in New York, He would like to come out and walk to the fire tower and include any information we have on the fire tower to include in his booklet. Bill will meet with him and give him information on the fire tower.

Bill has the renewal contract with the Hearts of the Catskills. We have an invoice that Bill is going to check with the Dog Catcher because we should not have any fees from them. We should not have to pay for any fees for any dogs that are picked up. We will have to cross the section out that says we will be charged $40.00 and send it in.

There is one application for camp.
Motion by Brian Albanese, Seconded by Bill Layton, all in favor, carried to approve the camp application.

.
OLD BUSINESS:
Ambulance – Brenda said that they found a used ambulance for sale for $20,000. The circuit board does not work and does need to be replaced and would cost around $2,000, but they would drop the price by $2,000, it is in Port Laden she believes it is a 2009. Chris already checked it out, and Josh wants to test drive it.
Bill showed Brenda an ambulance he found on Facebook Marketplace for $3,500 in Vestal.

Fire Tower – Bill will be meeting with Ed Engleman with 5 others on Tuesday June 19^th at 8:15 am, they will be going up to the fire tower to look at the road and see what stumps need to be taken out.

UTV – Nothing new

Walking Trail – The community committee has received the budget for the walking trail and the total would be around $100,000 for completion. Brian Albanese made the motion to start Phase #1 of the project which would be approximately $30,000. This would be the section behind the storage building. Phase #2 would be Across the brook, phase #2 will be decided to be done later after we see what the use of phase #1 is. Linda will post the ad in the paper this week and run for 2 weeks to begin this project.

Truck Paperwork – We have the new paperwork in place with the new revised purchase agreement to purchase the truck.

.
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT REPORT:
Working on Chase Brook to get ready to pave, they put crusher run the whole length of the road and Ron got a bill today from Robinson Brothers and he would like to get it paid if the board would, it is for $37,690.80. We still have 27 loads that we have not been billed for yet. Ron said we can bill this to CHIPS so we can get this submitted.

Ron also has a bill from Kimball Midwest, this bill goes back to January, and he is pretty sure that he has processed this before.

[Roadcrew work update:]
Cleaned ditches.
Fixed the headwall that fell in.
Trimmed trees and limbs.
Getting ready to start working Readburn Road.
Mowing.
Went to Franklin and helped them haul gravel for 2 days.
Went to Colchester for the last 2 days and helped them seal roads.
Repaired equipment.
Work on the Edwards mower.

We have a truck that has been up to Allegiance for six weeks. There is an estimate for $20,000.00+ because of the salt eating away on the truck. Ron told them to start the work on it.

There is a trailer behind the shop that needs repair is a 1989 it will need $6,000 worth of repair where the salt has eaten away, either we must fix it or replace it.

The New Holland tractor that has been sitting on Rock Rift Road for 2-3 weeks, the crew went over the other day and started it up and it shut right off and there was a puff of smoke that came out from under the hood.

We are scheduled for August 6 to pave roads, Ron brought the paperwork over, we are doing Chase Brook Rd and he wants to do the center of Dryden, he has the stone, but Dryden does not qualify for CHIPS, but it must have something done. Ron gave Brian a copy of the CHIPS 10-year program paperwork.

Ron wants to know if we are going to be able to get another new tractor, Ron said the ARPA money was going to be used for it. Brian said it was never said that it was going to be done, he said we were going to see if we could use the money for that. Ron got a quote on a new John Deere tractor. Ron would still want to keep the New Holland and still use it. Brian asked if we sold the Massey, Ron said no.

The board thinks we need to decide on what to spend the ARPA money on, Bill suggested that we split it 50/50 with the Highway and General accounts. There is $116,000.00. Brian would like to see $30,000.00 go to the walking trail and the rest go to equipment, but we need to be buying something that will not spend all of the money we have, so if the tractor is bad then we bid out for a New Holland tractor, but if the boom mower is bad then bid out a new boom mower with 2 heads. Ron says that between the tractor and the mower the two are just as bad and doesn’t want to put an old beat-up mower on a brand-new tractor. Brian asks that Ron bring something more in line to what we have that we can spend equipment wise in the $100,000 range at the next meeting.

We have a replacement schedule that we are not following. The schedule was set up on how we were going to replace equipment. At the rate we are buying equipment we are going to be out of reserves money.

Bill said there is another sign missing on Higley Spur Road.

.
Meeting adjourned at 8:34 pm
Next meeting to be held on July 9, 2024, at 7PM
 ________________________________

Date: July 2, 2024
Linda Bourn
Town of Tompkins Deputy 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 Bill Layton leading in the Flag salute.

Present:

1. Brian Albanese – Councilperson
2. Howard Buttel – Councilperson
3. Peggy Backus – Councilperson
4. Tim LaTourette – Councilperson
5. William Layton- Supervisor
   _______________________
   
6. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper to Supervisor
7. Linda Bourn – Deputy Town Clerk
8. Ron VanValkenburg – Highway Superintendent
9. Josh LaTourette
   _______________________
   Floor Time/Guests:
   Tammy Wagner, Kathy Preston, Lynne VanValkenburg, Nancy Hornbeck, Brenda Martin, and Wendy Layton.
   
   RESOLUTION # 39-2024 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
   On motion by Brian, seconded by Bill Layton, it was moved to approve the Meeting Minutes for April 2024.
   Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.
   
   RESOLUTION # 40-2024 ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
   On motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by Brian Albanese, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for
   April 2024 as follows: General Fund: $5,852.20 Highway Fund: $132,056.79.
   Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.
   
   RESOLUTION # 41-2024 TOWN CLERKS MONTHLY REPORT
   On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Tim LaTourette it was moved to receive, and place on file the Town Clerks, monthly report for April 2024.
   Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried
   
   RESOLUTION # 42- 2024 SUPERVISOR MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
   On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Howie Buttel, it was moved to approve and place on file the Supervisor’s monthly financial reports as of March 31, 2024, dated 04/09/2024.
   Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.
   
   RESOLUTION # 43- 2024 SEWER DISTRICT ABSTRACT
   On motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by Howie Buttel, it was moved to approve the April Sewer District Abstract of charges.
   Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.
   
   RESOLUTION # 44- 2024 SEWER DISTRICT MONTHLY REPORT
   On motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by Tim LaTourette, it was moved to approve Sewer District April Monthly Report.
   Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.
   
   MOTIONS:
   ROOF REPAIR
   On motion by Howie Buttel, seconded by Tim LaTourette, it was moved to accept the estimate for the roof repair on the shed provided by Josh Cutting.
   Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.
   
   NEW BUSINESS:
   Brenda Martin is here from the Fire Department to ask the Town to chip in for a new ambulance. Tim
   LaTourette says theirs has a rotting frame. They have been looking around for a good used one. They are asking if some money can be used from the Good Neighbor Fund. The fire department will put in $10,000 and the Squad will put in $20,000 toward the purchase as well. They are thinking they will need probably $20,000 – $30,000. Bill has some fear that we spend that money and then the squad gets shut down we would lose all that money. The board says they could go up to $40,000.00. They need to come back when they find one to purchase.
   The Certificate of Need for the new ambulance is ready to go in before the deadline, so they are all set there according to Brenda.
   
   .
   A quote was submitted by Brett for a replacement of a vent pipe that Domonick has run into, the cost is $490.00. We are agreeing to pay for this at this time, but in the future, we will not pay again if it gets hit.
   
   .
   Linda passed around a letter from the Board of Elections that some of the terms for offices are changing. More information to come. They want to get all the odd year positions expiring on even years.
   
   .
   OLD BUSINESS:
   Fire Tower – Nothing new because it’s hunting season.
   
   Dog Enumeration – Linda stated that she has given Chris Bodo a copy of the delinquent dog licenses and he will work on getting them up to date.
   
   Credit Card – Bill said that the credit cards have been received and he has one and Ron has one.
   
   Roof Estimate – Bill received the estimate from Josh Cutting for the two roofs of $1400 for Labor then get the shingles from Jess Howes.
   
   UTV – Bill brought a newspaper article for the board to see about the UTV laws in Colchester.
   
   Walking Trail – There was more discussion about the walking trail, and it was decided that they will map out phase I and phase II and get an estimate so that we can get some kind of budget on it so that we can go forward with applying for funds. The trail will be 6 feet wide and have crusher run for the path. There are concerns from the board that we will spend several thousand dollars on this project, and it won’t be used after the fad wears off and then the cost of maintaining it will be at the expense of the taxpayers.
   
   Truck Paperwork – A discussion took place about the process of piggybacking, the rules and paperwork needed to complete the process. The piggybacking paperwork is expected to be completed by the truck committee with the help pf the dealer by the next meeting.
   
   .
   HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT REPORT:
   Trees
   Pipes and Ditches
   Boom
   Crusher Run
   Sweeping
   Hauled Gravel
   Worked on Equipment
   Hauled Stone
   Ron says there is not going to be enough money to do the roads that they need to do this year. We are doing Chase Book and the Middle part of Dryden. Faulkner road needs to be sealed again this year because there are places that loosened up, last year was the first time they have done roads with the grindings, and they have learned from that and there are some spots they need to repair.
   
   .
   Supervisor Report:
   Bill is on the Public Works Committee in Delhi, and it was brought up about piling stone and the
   fire department wants oil and stone on their driveway, Bill said the fire department does not own that land and Tim says they do, and they have a deed to prove it. Bill said he looked it up.
   
   Bill asked about the audit that was done on the fire department. Tim said it was the district that was audited, Bill asked who the Commissioners are. The AUD report was not filed for 3 years. The audit was on the years 2021, 2022 & 2023.
   
   Bill is asking that everyone give someone all the usernames and passwords, so we don’t fall into the problem we just had.
   
   Bill asked if Ron is hiring any summer help and Ron said no one has applied.
   
   Bill made a motion to go into executive session to talk about money.
   
   .
   Meeting adjourned at 9:07 pm
   Next meeting to be held on June 11, 2024, at 7PM

---

Date: May 24, 2024
Linda Bourn
Town of Tompkins Deputy Town Clerk
Brian Albanese – Councilman

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:
William Layton – Supervisor
Brian Albanese – Councilperson
Howard Buttel – Councilperson
Peggy Backus – Councilperson
Tim LaTourette – Councilperson
.
Others:
Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper to Supervisor
Linda Bourn – Deputy Town Clerk
Ron VanValkenburg – Highway Superintendent
Josh LaTourette
.
Floor Time/Guests:
Tammy Wagner, Kathy Preston, Pam Gardepe, Lynne VanValkenburg, Michael Preston, Nancy Hornbeck, and Brenda Martin.

.

RESOLUTION # 30-2024 ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by Howie Buttel, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for March 2024 as follows:
General Fund: $8,374.50
Highway Fund: $23,733.24.
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION # 31- 2024 SUPERVISOR MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Howie Buttel, it was moved to approve and place on file the Supervisor’s monthly financial reports as of March 31, 2024, dated 04/09/2024.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION # 32- 2024 DEPUTY CLERK/DEPUTY REGISTRAR/SEWER DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR
On motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by Howie Buttel, it was moved to approve and place on file to appoint Linda Bourn as the Deputy Town Clerk/Registrar/Sewer District Administrator and to be paid the same rate as the current Town Clerk.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION # 33- 2024 COURT CLERK/DEPUTY BOOKKEEPER
On motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by Tim LaTourette, it was moved to approve and place on file to appoint Dystinee Rubera as the Court Clerk/Deputy Bookkeeper and to be paid rate of the current Court Clerk.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION # 34- 2024 BANK ACCOUNTS TOWN CLERK/SEWER DISTRICT
On motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by Bill Layton, it was moved to approve and place on file to add Linda Bourn and Bill Layton and to remove Pam Scofield from those bank accounts at the Community Bank these include Town Clerk Checking, Tax Collector Checking, Trout Creek Sewer District Checking & Trout Creek Sewer District Savings.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION # 35- 2024 BANK ACCOUNT COURT
On motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by Howie Buttel, it was moved to approve and place on file to add Dystinee Rubera to the Court Bank Account.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION # 36- 2024 MOVE $1,500.00 FROM A5132.4 GEN FUND GARAGE CONTRACTUAL
TO DA5010.4 HWY STREET ADMINISTRATION CONTRACTUAL
On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Tim LaTourette, it was moved to approve and place on file to move these funds.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION # 37- 2024 TO ACCEPT TO HIRE PHIL HANLEY AS MOWING 2024 FOR THE SAME PRICE AS 2023
On motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by Howie Buttel, it was moved to approve and place on file to accept.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION # 38- 2024 HIGHWAY WORKERS TO WORK 4 – 10 HOUR DAYS
On motion by Bill Layton, seconded by Howie Buttel, it was moved to approve and place on file to accept.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

.

OLD BUSINESS
Fire Tower – City cut all the trees. Patrick called last week and said they were looking at a date next week to see what material they are going to put down.
UTV’s on Highway Roads – Nothing New
Walking Trail – The walking trail was discussed, and it was asked of the town board to pass a resolution allowing the Community Committee to seek out other funding options, such as grants. There were many discussions on who would maintain the grounds and the size of the trail as well as any additional buildings. The Community Committee is asking that the town would add to the budget to plan to maintain this space and Brian wanted to make them aware that this would in fact increase taxes, over time there would be repairs that would need to be done at the expense of the town. The Community Committee stated that the water shed is willing to put in the bridges.
Bill Layton said that he spoke with John Decker and he and his wife Paula might be willing to donate the parcel of property they own to the town, providing that a plaque be installed and a bench in memory of his parents. The stipulation would be that there would never be a town building installed on that part of the property at any time in the future.
Brian wants to make sure that the town people understand that we are not using ARPA funds to create this walking trail. We are buying a piece of equipment with the ARPA funds.
The board is suggesting that they pass the resolution for them to seek other funds and see where that leads and to possibly start smaller scale and see if this is something that is going to be used before making it as big as they plan. This can be done in stages if it looks like it is being utilized.
Credit Card – Bill said that he went to NBT and signed all the paperwork for the credit card, and they told him that they would be coming in the mail in a couple of weeks. Bill will follow up with NBT.
.

NEW BUSINESS
Brian said that if we are going to do piggy backing that we need to do it correctly. NYS auditor says we can piggyback although it is not the preferred method and would prefer, we do competitive bidding. Brian asked Ron to get the paperwork on the truck that we piggybacked on almost 3 months ago and bring it to the next meeting or he will make a motion to cancel the truck order.

Bill will check with Josh Cutting on an estimate on the roof of the jail and the shed.

Peggy asked if the Dog Control Officer is doing an enumeration this year. Bill said he was waiting for a past due list from Michelle. Linda will provide him with a list.

Bill will call Bret to see if he can come and sit with Linda and show her what needs to be done with the Sewer district paperwork.
.

REPORTS:
Highway Superintendent –
[The crew has been working on] Potholes, Brush, Sweeping, Cleaning-up trees from windstorm, Working on equipment.
Boom Mower broke down.
2005 John Deere Loader sent to 5 Star because it is not shifting. A call was made to sales today and they said that there is something else wrong with it, there are 20 codes stored and 10 of them are transmission.
There was an accident with Tim plowing and a car caught the corner of the plow, they are claiming $7,500
damage, the insurance company (NYMIR) is handling the claim. Bill received a call from the insurance
company that it was our fault, and they would take care of the claim.
Ron is looking at what roads to do this year, these are some estimates:
1. Readburn Road – 4.3 Miles and would cost $500,000 with no base gravel.
2. Chase Brook Road – 1.86 Miles and would cost $137,000. Ron said when they started using millings, they didn’t realize they should have mixed something else with them to make it stronger.
3. Dryden Road -1.61 Miles $179,000. Ron says we must do something with this one this year, not due until (2026).
4. Chamberlain Brook Road – $63,000. Ron says we must do something with this one this year.
5. Faulkner Road – $41,000. Ron says we must do something with this one this year, not due until (2026).

Can’t use CHIPS money for any road except Readburn.
Can the town come up with the money to do Dryden, Chamberlain, and Faulkner Roads $232,000 we have budgeted $140,000 for regular road repairs and $50,000 for non-CHIPS roads.
.

Supervisor –
NYSEG Lights – Bill received an email from them and the cost to replace the lights with LED will be $320.00.

Meeting adjourned at 8:57 pm
Next meeting to be held on May 14, 2024, at 7PM

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Date: April 10, 2024
Linda Bourn – Town of Tompkins Deputy Town Clerk
Brian Albanese – Councilman