Town of Tompkins in New York's Delaware County

The Annual Meeting of the Board of Health was called to order at 6:15 PM in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY

Present:

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

Others:

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

On Motion by Buttel seconded by Backus it was moved that Peggy Backus be appointed as President and Timothy LaTourette be appointed as Secretary of the board of Health.

Vote: All AYE’s

Motion Carried

Meeting adjourned at 6:20 PM

Michelle Phoenix

Town Clerk

The Annual Audit of the Affairs (cash books, etc) for the Supervisor, Town Clerk and Town Justice was called to order at 6:20 pm at the Town Meeting Room, Trout Creek, NY

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

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

[PDFs are available for the year-end financials:

For the General Fund click – A-General Fund – Budget vs Actual-12-31-2011
For the Highway Fund click – DA-Highway Fund – Budget vs. Actual-12-31-2011
For the Balance Sheet click – Balance Sheet – 12-31-2011

The General Fund ended the year with $71,000 more than expected, and the Highway Fund ended with $67,000 more than expected. This was due to more revenue and fewer expenditures.  NR – Bookkeeper to the Supervisor]

On Motion by LaTourette seconded by Layton it was moved to take notice of the fact that the cashbooks, etc of the above mentioned officials except for the Town Justice were received and found to be in satisfactory to the best of their knowledge. The Town Justice books will be reviewed at the February Meeting.
Vote: All AYE’s
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 7:20 PM

Michelle Phoenix
Town Clerk

The Annual Reorganization meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 7:20 in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY
Present:
1. William Layton-Supervisor
2. Carl Stuendel-Councilperson
3. Peggy Backus-Councilperson
4. Howard Buttel-Councilperson
5. Timothy LaTourette-Councilperson

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

Designation of Banks: RESOLUTION # 1-2012
Resolved; on Motion by Stuendel seconded by Buttel it was moved o designate the National Bank & Trust Co and Community Bank as depositories for all funds held by the supervisor. Other depositories were designated as follows; Justice Johnson, Tax collector Merwin and Town Clerk Phoenix the National Bank of Delaware County for any and all monies they receive by virtue of their offices.
Vote: All AYEs
Motion Carried.

Official Newspaper: RESOLUTION #2-2012
Resolved; on Motion by LaTourette seconded by Stuendel it was moved to designate the Walton Reporter as the official newspaper during the year 2012 for the purpose of legal matters.
Vote: All AYEs
Motion Carried.

Appointments: RESOLUTION #3 – 2012
RESOLVED: On motion by Buttel seconded by Backus it was moved to appoint the following people to their respective positions as follows;
a. Building Inspector – Joseph Reynolds
b. Town Clerk and Registrar – Michelle Phoenix
c. Deputy Town Clerk and Deputy Registrar – Tabled until February Meeting
d. Historian – Helen Zandt
e. Dog Control Officer – Russell Sprague Jr.
f. Health Officer – Dr. Eric Dohner
g. Acting Court Clerk – Linda Scott
h. Bookkeeper – Nancy Roberts
i. Account Clerk – Linda Ramsey
Vote: ALL AYEs
Motion Carried.

Official Radio Station: RESOLUTION #4 – 2012
On motion by LaTourette seconded by Backus it was moved to designate the Walton Radio Station as the official radio during the year 2011 for the purpose of local announcement to the Town Residents.
Vote: ALL AYEs
Motion Carried.

Salaries:
On motion by LaTourette seconded by Stuendel it was moved that the Salaries of the Town officers for the year 2012 are fixed in the budget and that the Supervisor is authorized to pay the approved salaries.
Vote: All AYEs
Motion carried

Highway Expenditures:
On motion by Backus seconded by Buttel it was moved that the Highway Superintendent to be authorized to purchase items under $1,000 without a purchase order, any item over $1000 requires town purchase order and authorization by the town board.
Vote: All AYEs
Motion carried.

Delegate NYC Meeting:
On motion by Layton seconded by Stuendel, it was moved to NOT attend Annual Meeting in NYC due to high cost of attendance and this was not put in budget. No Delegate assigned.
Vote: ALL AYEs
Motion Carried

Meeting Dates:
On Motion by Buttel seconded by Stuendel it was moved to hold regular monthly meetings on the second Monday of every month at the Town Meeting Room Trout Creek, NY except for the November meeting which will be held the first Thursday following the General Election.
Vote: ALL AYES
Motion Carried

Adjourn:
On Motion by Stuendel, Seconded by Backus it was moved to adjourn.
Vote: ALL AYES
Motion Carried
The reorganization meeting was adjourned at 8:00pm

Michelle Phoenix
Town Clerk, Town of Tompkins

The regular monthly meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 8:00 pm in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY.

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

Others:
1. Ronald VanValkenburg-Hwy Superintendent
2. Michelle Phoenix- Town Clerk
3. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper to the supervisor
4. Brian Albanese – Vice Chair Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, Town Resident

Pledge to the flag was led by Carl Stuendel

Minutes Approval:
On motion by LaTourette, seconded by Buttel, it was moved to approve the minutes of the Board meeting held on December 12, 2011.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion Carried.

Monthly Financial Reports:
Town Clerks Report:
On motion by Buttel, seconded by Backus, it was moved to receive, approve and place on file the Town Clerk’s monthly report for December 2011.
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

Supervisor’s Report:
There was no Town monthly financial report to review due to it being the beginning of the year and no report was available.

Guest Speakers:
Brian Albanese
Brian approached the board to see if they were interested in becoming a member of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. Brian Stated that this would help promote our area and local business. Yearly cost for joining would be $125.00. A motion was made by Buttel, Seconded by LaTourette to join the membership of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. Brian will provide the application in the future.
Vote: All AYE’s – Motion Carried

Other Reports:
Report – Planning Board
None

Report – Assessor
None

Report – Highway Superintendent
1. Ron reminded the board that the Gravel Bank permit runs out August 31, 2013
2. Ron questioned items that were printed in the Walton Reporter for December’s meeting. Ron asked why it was stated that money had been transferred from one account to another and who done this, Bill explained he is the one that does the transferring of any monies.
3. Chips money has been received of 89,495.83, $60,000 went into equipment fund leaving a balance of $29,495.83 to go into the Highway fund.
4. All machinery normally stored outside is inside the creamery except for the D6 dozer.
5. Brush has been cut on numerous roads.
6. Various cleaning has been done in shop.
7. Have received $23,132.48, $1566.86 and $1646.91 in funds from FEMA from storms in 2011
8. Received $1400.98 thus far for the snow season. Ron would like the board to note that they plowed 27 times by this time last year and so far this season only 11 times and that the board needs to realize they may not receive as much from city and county for this season and would like this noted when board does 2013 budget.
9. Ron would like the board to look into start replacing the one-ton trucks.
10. Received papers from the County for the Town to complete on the expenditure.
11. Ron questioned why the percent of his health insurance keeps going up without getting a raise to replace those costs, Ron stated it is costing him another $100 out of his pay check every month, Ron feels he shouldn’t have to pay 15% and it is double what it was in last year. Bill explained to Ron that he approached Ron a while back with the option to change to cheaper insurance and at that time Ron did not want to change to the other insurance and Bill stated to Ron that by not changing and keeping the current insurance that Ron will have to pay the increase in the insurance.
12. Ron approached the board with purchasing a new International dump truck and provided a quote from Ben Funk of $232,386.86 and stated that the Board has until February 28th to decide if they want to purchase this truck. After further discussion the board stated that more quotes needed to be obtained and agreed to meet to review these quotes at a special meeting on January 18th 2012 at 6pm.

Report – Dog Control Officer
1. Received a call about a beagle chasing deer. Upon further investigation by DCO dog was not found.
2. Picked up two dogs on Abe Boice road on 12/23/2011, took to shelter and they were claimed by owners.
3. Received a call about 4 dogs running on Mormon Hollow. Owner had retrieved them.
4. Received a call from a resident on Higley Road complaining about a dog barking.
5. Received a call about a missing dog.

Report- Supervisor
1. There was an accident with the crew cab costing about $1400.00. A Town employee was backing out of the building and hit another truck. Ron stated he has a report he had made up and is in his files.
2. Received a call from a member of the planning board stating they had accidently shredded a paycheck so another one was sent out to her, upon further investigation it was found that this person has cashed both checks. A letter will be sent out to this person stating they will not be paid for their next meeting due to being paid for one meeting two times.
3. There is a Delaware Co. Soil and Stream management meeting on January 12, 2012, Ron will try and attend; Howie is unable to.
4. Michelle Emailed Deb Flemming the sketches from Hanna Wagner for the Town of Tompkins signs. Deb will get back to us in the spring when there is better weather about this.
5. Wayne Reynolds advised Bill that it is almost impossible to get rid of roads that are actually long driveways unless owner agrees.
6. Bill found that the County will do whatever needs to be done to abandon a portion of Rock Rift road. Bill will contact the County to start this process.
7. A draft law needs to be completed by March 19, 2012 for the National Flood Insurance Program. Bill is going to take this to Kristin, our Delaware County Planning representative, to see what actually needs to be done.
8. Bill went to Masonville’s and looked at their new building and found that they got a lot of office furniture from Army surplus for free to minimal amounts. He was also advised they have purchased new tires from them for nearly nothing. Chuck from Masonville gave Bill information on how to apply to be able to purchase some stuff from the Army Surplus.
9. Pictures for walls of Town building. Peggy had called around to numerous people in the community and is waiting to hear back from them and will bring the information she has with her at the special meeting on the 18th.
10. The Planning Board had put 55.5 cents per mile on their vouchers. The Board did not agree to pay this amount and it was changed back to the agreed mileage rate of 50.5 cents per mile.
11. Bill had looked into finding a Lawyer to be retained for the town and had found that there is no need to put a lawyer on retainer and that the Town can pass a resolution to use any Lawyer as they are needed.

Correspondence
None

Other
None

Abstract of Claims
On motion by Backus, seconded by Layton, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for January 9, 2012 as follows: General Fund: $ 4237.23, Highway Fund: $ 38,828.81
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

Reading back of the minutes:
On motion by Backus and seconded by LaTourette, it was moved to accept the minutes as read back
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:03

Next meeting will be at 6pm on February 13, 2012 at the Town Meeting Room, Trout Creek, NY.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Michelle Phoenix
Town of Tompkins
Town Clerk

The regular monthly meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 7:35 pm in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY.
 

Present:

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

Others:

1. Ronald VanValkenburg – Hwy Superintendent
2. Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk
3. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper to the supervisor
4. Bruce Cunningham – Town Resident
5. Glenn Graves – Walton Reporter
6. Vicky Hornbeck – Town Bldg. Janitor

Pledge to the flag was led by Peggy Backus

Minutes Approval:

On motion by Buttel, seconded by LaTourette, it was moved to approve the minutes of the Board meeting held on November 14, 2011.

Vote: All AYEs – Motion Carried.

Monthly Financial Reports:
 
Town Clerks Report:

On motion by LaTourette, seconded by Buttel, it was moved to receive, approve and place on file the Town Clerk’s monthly report for November.

Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

Supervisor’s Report:

The Town’s monthly financial report was reviewed with Nancy Roberts, bookkeeper to the Supervisor.

On motion by LaTourette seconded by Buttel it was moved to receive, approve and place on file the Supervisor’s Financial Report.

Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

Guest Speakers:

Vicky Hornbeck – Vicky approached the board asking for a raise. Vicky explained that due to her having to clean the new addition and the supervisor’s office it is taking her an extra hour to complete cleaning of the building. The Board stated they would discuss this and get back to Vicky with their decision.

 
 
Other Reports:
 
Report – Planning Board
None

 
Report – Assessor
None

 
Report – Highway Superintendent

1. Ron questioned what the status is with the Trout Creek signs. Bill stated he is going to have to look into finding someone else to do them seeing how the person that was asked to do them they have not heard back from.
2. Grit is all hauled in
3. The phone line that was questioned in the Town Shed building was found to be for the alarm system.
4. Employees have been cleaning, servicing trucks and equipment.
5. Cold patching has been done.
6. Employees have been trying out boom mower and have found some other small issues with it.
7. Ron asked if the creamery can be used for cold storage.  William Layton said he would speak to our insurance agent about insurance for this building and whether items stored there would be covered on our existing policy.
8. Ron would like the board to look into purchasing a new 10 wheeler to replace the oldest one.
9. Ron would like the board to look into start replacing the 1 tons
10. A Resolution needs to be done for Seasonal maintained highways. See Resolution 21 -2011
11. In the past the board discussed abandon a portion of Rock Rift Rd. Ron was wondering what the status was with that and if the board could pursue this.  William Layton said he would talk to Wayne Reynolds about the procedure a town must follow to abandon a road.
12. Ron submitted a letter from NRCS and they would like a response by December 23, 2011 stating that the town is interested in sponsoring this.

Report – Dog Control Officer

1. Received a call about a lost dog
2. Received a call about Dogs chasing Deer, Called Ag & Markets and they stated this is not a dog control issue. NYS DEC will handle this.
3. Come home and found a dog tied to DCO’s trailer took dog to pound
4. Had call about dog running around Sands Creek, Dry book area, retrieved dog and took to pound.
5. Deb Toth from Ag and Markets stated that all dog’s that have not be licensed and all processes to get this completed have been done the next step is the Town Justice can put out a warrant for arrest on non compliant owners.

Report – Supervisor

1. Jim Tompson, Insurance agent has come and shown prices for NYMIR, it was found that with same coverage as Town already has the town would save apx $8000 switching to NYMIR.
2. All papers were signed last Thursday for the Higley property (creamery). Tanks were dug up and everything was alright. Property is now owned by the Town.
3. Town went through a Union audit; Bill received a letter back stating everything with audit was satisfactory.
4.  The purchase of the Cannonsville Cemetery has been finalized.
5. Francis Wood town attorney will be retiring and the Town will need to replace him.
6. Received a letter from Jim Tompson asking pointing out that if people would buy American and shop locally it would create many more American Jobs.
7. Ron submitted a purchase request for the board to review, with many supplies on it for the trucks in the amount of $ 2798.

Correspondence

Carl asked fellow board members whether they had read the email from Town of Tompkins’ resident Steve Dungan which included his comments on the rdSGEIS, a document which he found “woefully inadequate” and that the result of drilling would “profit gas companies and a few land owners at the expense everyone else.”.  Steve called for the continuation of the moratorium on hydrofracking and wondered whether the board wished to endorse his comments.  If the board chose to do so, the endorsement would have to be submitted to DEC by Jan 11, 2012.
[Click HERE for Mr. Dungan’s comments.]
 

 
Other
Members of the Board and Friends and Family of Lloyd Backus were in attendance this evening prior to the Board meeting to recognize Judge Lloyd Backus retirement. Lloyd was presented with a plaque, card and a certificate of acknowledgement for years of service.

On motion by Backus, seconded by Stuendel, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for December 12, 2011 as follows: General Fund: $ 48764.41, Highway Fund: $ 31649.17
Capital Fund: $ 1538.82

Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

Reading back of the minutes:
On motion by LaTourette and seconded by Stuendel, it was moved to accept the minutes as read back

Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.
 
 
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35
 
Next meeting will be at 6pm on January 9, 2012 at the Town Meeting Room, Trout Creek, NY.
 
 
Michelle Phoenix
Town of Tompkins
Town Clerk

The Public Hearing for the 2012 Preliminary Budget for the Town of Tompkins was called to order at 7:00pm by supervisor Layton in the Town meeting room.

Present:

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

Others:

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

Pledge to the flag was led by LaTourette

Questions/Comments:

Nancy Roberts commented that she had received the Town of Tompkins Fire District and the Town of Hancock Fire Budget and their budget was added.

Ron VanValkenburg questioned the decrease of $45,000 in the highway fund for crushed gravel and questioned where that money will come from for 2012. Layton stated that this expense had not been mentioned in the tentative or preliminary budget meetings and consequently it was not in the current budget.

On motion by Layton, seconded by Stuendel it was moved to accept the 2012 Preliminary as the Adopted Budget and to place on file.

Vote:

4 AYE’s ~ Buttel, Stuendel, Backus and Layton

1 Nay ~ LaTourette

Motion Carried.

[Our Adopted Budget is within the “2% Tax Cap” mandated by NY State.  The state permitted additional allowances and when those were added to the 2012 budget, the actual increase over last year’s budget is 2.7 %.   For the summary of the Adopted Budget click here.  For details of the General Fund click here.   For details of the Highway Fund click here.    CFS]

Reading back of the minutes:

On motion by Backus and seconded by Buttel, it was moved to accept the minutes as read back

Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 PM

Michelle Phoenix

Town of Tompkins
Town Clerk

The regular monthly meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 7:05 pm in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY.

Present:

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

Others:

1. Ronald VanValkenburg – Hwy Superintendent
2. Gail Crane ‑ Deputy Town Clerk
3. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper to the Supervisor
4. Joe Reynolds ‑ Building Inspector
5. Robert A. Panasci  – Young & Sommer

Pledge to the flag was led by Stuendel

Minutes Approval:

On motion by Buttel, seconded by Stuendel, it was moved to approve the minutes of the Board meeting held on September 12, 2011.

Vote: All AYEs – Motion Carried.

Monthly Financial Reports:

Town Clerk’s Report:

On motion by Buttel, seconded by Stuendel, it was moved to receive, approve and place on file the Town Clerk’s monthly report for September.

Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

Supervisor’s Report:

The Town’s monthly financial report was reviewed with Nancy Roberts, bookkeeper to the Supervisor.  It was noted that the Highway Fund may be short by December 2011, due to delay in receiving reimbursement from the State for CHIPS projects.

On motion by Stuendel, seconded by Buttel, it was moved to receive, approve and place on file the Supervisor’s Financial Report.

Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

Guest Speakers:

Robert A Panasci of Young & Sommer addressed the board regarding the sale of the property for the proposed Hamlet Sewer District that is currently owned by Kathy Layton and Sharon Gifford (Bill Layton’s wife and sister-in-law).  Young & Sommer have given their assurance that the price of the property is fair and reasonable.  The Board had previously given approval to purchase the property.  In order to dispel any issue of irregularity/impropriety, Young & Summers recommended that an additional resolution be passed authorizing Deputy Supervisor Howie Buttel, rather than Supervisor William Layton, to execute on behalf of the Town the agreement to purchase the Property and to execute any and all documents necessary to complete the transaction.

On motion by Stuendel, seconded by Backus, it was moved to pass Resolution 16-2011 authorizing Howie Buttel to be the Town’s representative to execute any and all & documents necessary to complete the transaction for the sale property.

Vote:  All AYE’s (Bill Layton recused himself) – Motion carried.

Note:  Robert Panaschi will email to Michelle Phoenix the resolution with a space for Michelle to assign the resolution number  [which she has done above].

Other Reports:

Building Inspector:

Joe Reynolds reported that a bad check had been received for a building permit and the cost associated with trying to collect the money is exceeding the cost of the original building permit.  Additional costs have included but are not limited to: a Certified Letter from the Town Clerk, multiple site visits, and long distance phone calls.  The Board discussed options.  At this time, it is suggested the Permit be retracted and a violation notice be issued.  Joe was asked to keep track of the costs.

Report – Planning Board

None

Report – Assessor

None

Report – Highway Superintendent

1. Hydro-seeder used – did well.  Grass growing quickly
2. Worked on Roods Creek
3. Worked on drawing grit
4. Finch Hollow Road – cleared out a plugged pipe
5. General maintenance work performed
6. Ron asked ‘What is the status of the Grant on Chamberlain?”  Bill Layton will call Kristen at County and get back to Ron with details.
7. Graydon of Delaware County Soil & Water suggested we apply for a grant for Town Road – joint request by Howie Buttel and Town together.  Howie and Bill will look into this and see what needs to be done.

Report – Dog Control Officer

1. No issues to report this month.
2. Travel of more than 900 miles has been done

Report- Supervisor:

1. Preliminary Budget – Preliminary budget reviewed & discussed.  2% Cap as required has been met.  Challenge areas of Health Insurance and Highway Dept.  Union Contract which is at an impasse will affect the Preliminary Budget.Ron V. and Joe Reynolds both request pay increases which the Board regretfully cannot honor with the 2% Cap in effect.

   On motion by Stuendel, seconded by Backus, it was moved to accept the 2012 Preliminary Budget.

   Vote:  All AYE’s – Motion carried

   Notice of Public Hearing of Preliminary Budget to be put in the newspaper by November 1^st, 2011.  Notice of Public Hearing for Preliminary Budget scheduled for 11-10-2011.

2. Health Insurance – Management insurance options discussed – Costs & coverage needs to be clarified.  Bill to set up a meeting with Insurance Person and Ron & Sue VanValkenburg.

Correspondence

Bill read letter of resignation of Justice Lloyd Backus effective January 1, 2012.  Recognition of Lloyd’s long years of service was voiced.

On motion by Stuendel, seconded by Layton, it was moved to accept the resignation of the Town Justice, Lloyd Backus.

Vote: All AYE’s – Motion Carried

Other

On motion by Buttel, seconded by Backus, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for September, 2011 as follows:

General Fund: $ 4196.56
Highway Fund: $ 24319.22
Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

Reading back of the minutes:

On motion by Backus, and seconded by Buttel, it was moved to accept the minutes as read back

Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 PM

Next meeting will be at 7pm on November 10, 2011 at the Town Meeting Room, Trout Creek, NY.

Respectfully submitted:

Gail Crane
Town of Tompkins
Deputy Town Clerk