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 Brian Albanese leading in the Flag salute.

Present:
Tim LaTourette – Councilperson
Peggy Backus – Councilperson
Brian Albanese – Councilperson
William Layton – Supervisor
Absent: Howard Buttel – Councilperson  

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Others:
Ron VanValkenburg – Highway Superintendent
Linda Bourn – Deputy Town Clerk

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Guests: Bret French, Betsy Drumm, Wendy Layton.

Floor Time:
Bret gave an update on the sewer district, the generator tested. Bret also thought it would be a good idea to send a letter to all on the town sewer and ask them to inspect their sewer caps and respond so we know if we need to replace any. Linda will draft up the letter for Bret to review. Bill will check to see if we must put out to bid for the mowing this year, if not we will ask Phil Hanley if he would like to mow again this year.

Bid Opening:
Freightliner Truck – Only 1 bid received. Discussed below.

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RESOLUTION # 20-2025 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On motion by Tim LaTourette, seconded by Bill Layton, it was moved to approve the Meeting Minutes for February 2025. Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION # 21-2025 ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Peggy Backus, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for February 2025 as follows:
General Fund: $10,653.25
Highway Fund: $24,416.44
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION # 22-2025 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 February 2025. Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION # 23-2025 SUPERVISOR MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
On motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by Tim LaTourette, it was moved to approve and place on file the Supervisor’s monthly financial reports as of February 28, 2025, Dated, 2/28/2025.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION # 24-2025 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 February 2025 of the Sewer District in the amount of $3,837.03.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

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MOTIONS:
Motion by Brian Albanese, seconded by Bill Layton to Re-code the historian personal budget line to historian contractual. All in favor, motion carried.

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NEW BUSINESS:
2026 Peterbilt bid, the bid is only good for 2 months stating that we must pay for the chassis now at $204,915.00 the balance would be due when the Tenco equipment is installed. They will keep it on their lot for the time it takes to get the Tenco truck box, which could take 2 years or more.
The Board would like to table the acceptance of the truck bid until the next meeting to get some questions answered such as what does this do to the warranty? Do we just lose 2 years of the warranty? What happens if we can’t get the box?
The board asked if there are other companies that make boxes that are not in Canada? Ron said yes but they are not as good as Tenco and he doesn’t think you want to spend this kind of money for a truck and not put the best equipment on it. If we buy this, it depletes all the equipment money for the next two years.

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OLD BUSINESS:
Fire Tower –

Walking Trail – The contractor has been working on it as weather permits, still more cleanup to do.

Court Clerk Certification – Completed

Subdivisions –

Snow removal –

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HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT REPORT:
Plowing and Sanding.
Trimming Trees.
Maintenance on Trucks.

Ron would like to start 10-hour days in April.

Ron has 18 miles of road he would like to do this year, starting with Readburn, but is unsure what the money situation is. He has no numbers from CHIPS yet.

Tim Oralls is retiring at the end of April. Brian stated the ad can be run in the paper listing the qualifications of CDL as a requirement and we should let the community know we have an opportunity for employment available. Additionally, Brian stated he would like to see the starting pay for the position have a reduced pay for a small amount of time while they learn the job, the union business agent would need to be contacted to discuss it.

There was an accident with the 2013 International Truck, Brian asked Ron if he could in the future let the board know so he does not have to find out in the community about it.

Brian asked if the accident report was filled and if the driver went to the ER. The report was filled out but, the driver did not go to the ER because the roads were bad. Brian instructed Ron that in the future to protect the workers and the town, they need to go get checked out when there is an accident.

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SUPERVISOR:
Bill received a letter from Ag and Markets, and everything is satisfactory with our Dog Program.

Letter from CDO workforce that they are not going to be mowing cemeteries anymore.

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Meeting adjourned at 8:19 pm.  

Next meeting to be held on April 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
 ________________________________
Date: March 24, 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 7:00 pm in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY. with Howie Buttel leading in the Flag salute.

Present:          

• Howard Buttel– Councilperson   
• Tim LaTourette – Councilperson
• Peggy Backus – Councilperson
• William Layton- Supervisor 

Absent: Brian Albanese – Councilperson, Linda Bourn – Deputy Town Clerk

Others: Ron VanValkenburg – Highway Superintendent

Guests: Arnie & Betsy Drumm, Brenda Martin & Shane (Cobleskill Stone)

Floor Time:

Bid Opening:
Gravel Crushing – Northern Crushing – $10.25 per yard – Only Bidder
Motion by Tim LaTourette to accept the bid from Northern Crushing for gravel crushing, seconded by Howie Buttel, all in favor – Motion carried.

Limestone Bid – Bid from Carver Sand & Gravel and Bid from Cobleskill Stone Products.

                            Carver Sand & Gravel                             Cobleskill Stone Products

1^st                               $27.25                                                             $33.10

1A                               $32.45                                                             $27.60

1B                               $27.25                                                             $27.60

Mixed 1 & 2               $27.25                                                             $27.60

Motion by Howie Buttel to accept bids from both, seconded by Peggy Backus, all in favor, carried.

Pipe bid – Bid from Chemung Supply only bidder.
Motion by Tim LaTourette, seconded by Howie Buttel, all in favor, carried.

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RESOLUTION # 15-2025 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On motion by Peggy Backus, seconded by Howie Buttel, it was moved to approve the Meeting Minutes for January 2025. Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION # 16-2025 ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Tim LaTourette, seconded by Howie Buttel, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for January 2025 as follows: General Fund: $7,150.55 Highway Fund: $20,659.66.
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION # 17-2025 TOWN CLERKS MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by Tim LaTourette, seconded by Bill Layton it was moved to receive, and place on file the Town Clerks, monthly report for January 2025. Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION # 18-2025 SUPERVISOR MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
On motion by Tim LaTourette, seconded by Howie Buttel, it was moved to approve and place on file the Supervisor’s monthly financial reports as of January 31, 2025, Dated, 2/11/2025.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION # 19-2025 SEWER DISTRICT ABSTRACT & MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by Tim LaTourette, seconded by Peggy Backus, it was moved to approve and place on file the Abstract of Claims for January 2025 of the Sewer District in the amount of $2,973.64.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried.

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OLD BUSINESS:
Walking Trail – Bill ordered the sign from Holbert, like the sign at the schoolhouse. Will be in in a couple of weeks.

Court Clerk Certification – She has done half of the certification.

Subdivisions – Bill talked to Shelly Johnson; she might be able to do an addendum. Otherwise, we must hold 2 public hearings to change to whole law. Planning board will help out.

Snow removal – Bill will talk to the guy that does the plowing for the Post Office.

HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT REPORT:
Plowing and Sanding.
Minor work on trucks.
Alarm is not working. We need a price on replacement.
Road signs – just bought 13 signs for $636.00 just for the signs. We need to replace more that have been stolen.

SUPERVISOR:
Advertising:
Daily Star was $212.22 for the 3 bids.
Hancock Herald – $92.12.for the 3 bids.

Bill has the Solar Law from the Town of Merideth and is waiting for one from Deposit. We need to get something done with that.

County tax money – Discussion on does the county keep all the sales tax revenue or do they split it with us?

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Entered into Executive Session at 7:58
Entered back into regular meeting at 8:06

Meeting Adjourned at 8:06

Next meeting to be held on March 11, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
 ________________________________
Date: February 21, 2025
Linda Bourn
Town of Tompkins Deputy Town Clerk

The reorganizational meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 7:18 pm in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY.

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

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Others:
1. Linda Bourn – Deputy Town Clerk
2. Ron VanValkenburg – Highway Superintendent

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RESOLUTION #6 DESIGNATION OF BANKS FOR 2025
On Motion by Brian Albanese seconded Bill Layton, it was moved to designate:

Supervisor Layton – NBT & Wayne Bank

Justice Johnson – Community Bank NA

Town Clerk/Tax Collector – Community Bank NA

Trout Creek Sewer District – Community Bank NA

Vote: All AYES; Motion Carried.

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RESOLUTION #7 DISIGNATION OF THE OFFICAL NEWSPAPER
On Motion by Peggy Backus seconded by Tim LaTourette it was moved to designate The Daily Star and Hancock Herald as the official newspaper during the year 2025 for the purpose of publishing legal matters.
Vote: All AYES; Motion Carried.

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RESOLUTION #8 APPOINTMENT OF TOWN OF TOMPKINS 2025 POSITIONS
On motion by Howie Buttel seconded by Brian Albanese it was moved to appoint the following people to their respective positions for 2025 as follows.

1. Building Inspector – Nathan Sramek
2. Deputy Town Clerk – Linda Bourn
3. Historian – Lynne VanValkenburg
4. Dog Control Officer – Chris Bodo
5. Health Officer – Dr. Eric Dohner
6. Deputy Supervisor – Howie Buttel
7. Court Clerk – Dystinee Rubera
8. Bookkeeper to the Supervisor / Budget Officer – Nancy Roberts
9. Payroll Clerk – Linda Bourn
10. FEMA Administrator’s – Ron VanValkenburg & Nancy Roberts
11. Trout Creek Sewer District Administrator – Linda Bourn
12. Registrar of Vital Statistics – Linda Bourn
13. Health Officers – Tim LaTourette, Peggy Backus
14. Planning Board: Chairman – Paul Bartholomew, Angela Porpora,
    Timothy Bennett, Nancy LaTourette, David Bagley
15. Board of Assessment Review: Paul Bartholmew, Angela Porpora, Timothy Bennett

Vote: ALL AYES; Motion Carried.

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RESOLUTION #9 – DESIGNATION OF OFFICAL RADIO STATION
On motion by Tim LaTourette seconded by Peggy Backus it was moved to designate WCDO in Sidney as the official radio during the year 2025 for the purpose of local announcement to the Town Residents.
Vote: ALL AYES; Motion Carried.

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RESOLUTION#10 – SALARIES OF THE 2025 TOWN OFFICERS
On motion by Howie Buttel seconded by Tim LaTourette it was moved that the Salaries of the Town officers for the year 2025 are fixed in the budget and that the Supervisor is authorized to pay the approved salaries.
Vote: All AYES; Motion carried

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RESOLUTION #11 – HIGHWAY EXPENDITURES
On motion by Brian Albanese seconded by Howie Buttel it was moved that Highway Superintendent to be authorized make purchases in 2025 as per the procurement policy.
Vote:  All AYES; Motion carried.

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RESOLUTION #12 – 2025 OFFICIAL MEETING DATES
On Motion by Howie Buttel seconded by Tim LaTourette it was moved to hold regular monthly meetings for 2025 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 19^th at 7PM and November’s meeting which will be held the first Thursday following the General Election on November 6^th.
Vote: ALL AYES; Motion Carried.

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RESOLUTION #13 – 2025 MILEAGE RATE REIMBURSEMENT
On motion by Peggy Backus seconded by Howie Buttel it was moved to set mileage rate at .70 cents per mile for use of private vehicle on Town Business.
Vote: ALL AYES; Motion Carried.

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RESOLUTION #14 – 2025 Bonds & Certificates of Deposit
On motion by Peggy Backus seconded by Howie Buttel it was moved to give authority to Town Supervisor William Layton to renew all Bonds or Certificates of Deposit as they come due in the year 2025.
Vote: ALL AYES; Motion Carried.

Meeting adjourned at 7:26 pm
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Date: January 31, 2025
Linda Bourn
Deputy Town Clerk of Tompkins

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.

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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