Town of Tompkins in New York's Delaware County

Coming soon! Sandy G., our town clerk, is back from the fair.

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. Read More »

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.

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. Brenda Thurston Dog Control Officer

.
Pledge to the flag was led by Timothy LaTourette

On motion by LaTourette   seconded by Stuendel     it was moved to approve the minutes of the           2010 meeting as each member had received a copy.

Vote: All AYEs – Motion Carried.

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

Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

Reports – Superintendent

1. Pat Hanley gets $63 per hour for repairs. This was in answer to the question about the bill on the 1995 Chevy.
2. Work done- changed pipes, cut brush, did repairs, weed eating, and painted posts.
3. Next week (19^th) will be putting down 2 inches of pug mill mix on S Dry Brook Rd should take 2 days.
4. Helped Masonville put down pug mill mix 7-12-2010.
5. Readburn Rd ditching, cutting trees and brush.
6. Put down gravel on Alger Rd, Carroll Hill Rd, Beers Rd, and Fletcher Hollow Rd.
7. Took out a gravel bar by the bridge on Carroll Hill Rd.
8. 3 Trucks went to Hanley’s to fix the AC. Broom AC needs fixing. Massey new clutch and bearings.
9. Worked on Lookout Rd. Widened the entrance from Herrick Hollow Rd, took out a stone wall for better vision. Took out trees and made the turn around bigger and put down gravel.
10. Put all brand new pipes on Lookout rd.
11. The Superintendent will take the old computer over to the Hwy Department. We will check to see if there is a wireless connection available.

Dog Control Officer – Brenda Thurston spoke about the over population of dogs. The Delhi Shelter gave us some vouchers for spay and neutering. Need to have some fund raisers for more of the vouchers .Brenda needs permission from the Board to hold the fund raisers.  On motion by LaTourette seconded by Stuendel it was moved to give Brenda permission to hold the fund raisers for additional vouchers for spay and neutering.    Vote: All AYEs       Motion carried.

The money that is raised goes to the Delhi Shelter and they give out the vouchers.

On motion by Stuendel seconded by Layton it was moved to advance to Brenda up to $200 for gas for enumeration and trouble calls if necessary. Brenda will begin using a form for Enumeration and Trouble Calls and will turn in a monthly report.

Reports- Planning Board- re Town Clerk

The reports from May 13, 2010 and June 10, 2010 were read

Reports – Supervisor

1. The Town’s Financial Statements and Budget Report were reviewed with the Board by Nancy Roberts, Bookkeeper to the Supervisor.  June Bank statements were not available as of now. There are potential shortfalls in Highway Dept income from Delaware County and NY City of an estimated $20,000 due to less snow plowing during the winter.  Potential budget overrun in Highway Equipment Repair.     On motion by Backus, seconded by LaTourette, it was moved to receive, approve and place on file the Supervisor’s report.   Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.
2. Grant for the new addition- The Court Clerk gave the Supervisor a letter about a grant that the Town can apply for the new addition and courtroom equipment.  Court Clerk Lynne Carlstrom will do the paperwork for the grant when it becomes available.  On motion by Stuendel seconded by Layton it was moved to file for a grant from the Justice Department for new addition and courtroom equipment when it becomes available.    Vote: All AYEs       Motion carried
3. Walton Fair Board sent a thank you letter to the Town for our donation towards the new horse barn.
4. Teague land- the owner paid the taxes owed.
5. The Supervisor told Mr. Wagner about what the Assessors said at our special meeting.
6. On motion by Backus seconded by Stuendel it was moved to pay Charles Koehler $25 for trying to serve a summons.    Vote: All AYEs            Motion carried.
7. Correspondence – None
8. The summons on the property (tax map #227.1-1-11) that Mr. Koehler attempted to serve was discussed at length by the Board.

On motion by Backus seconded   by LaTourette   it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for July 12, 2010 as follows:       General Fund: $ 4,933.95        Highway Fund:$23,012.82

Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

Reading back of the minutes:

On motion by LaTourette, seconded by Layton    it was moved to accept the minutes as read back.

Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

On motion by Layton seconded by Buttel the meeting was adjourned at 8:45pm.

Sandra M. Gardepe

Town Clerk

Next meeting will be on August 9, 2010 at the Town Meeting Room, Trout Creek, NY.

The special meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 7:00 pm 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. Nancy Roberts –  Bookkeeper to the Supervisor
2. Joseph Reynolds-Bldg. Inspector
3. Joyce Ottens-Assessor
4. Walt Ottens

The Board asked the Assessor Joyce Ottens several questions regarding how property is assessed. Joyce Ottens will be at the next grievance day.

a-      The assessment rate is 6%.

b-      For example 6 acres split from a 50 acre parcel. The assessment will not be a percentage it will be based on what the person paid for the 6 acres.

c-      Assessment for a new building includes cost of the building and materials used, well, septic, foundation and electric. Assessment will be what the cost to build was.

The Building Inspector may pick up differences in houses when he inspects.  Property (tax map #248.-1-12.2) is assessed at $90,000 and was the subject of comparison to other homes at the Grievance Day meeting. This may have been a partial assessment and will be revisited. After July 1, 2010 when the final roll has been filed for the property cannot be changed. Class codes do not really mean a lot regarding the assessment. If a land owner takes their assessment to court, the assessor goes to represent the Town.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30pm.

Sandra M Gardepe

Town Clerk

Next meeting will be on July 12, 2010 at the Town Meeting Room, Trout Creek, NY.

Call to Order:  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.

Present:

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

Others:

1. Excused Absence – Ronald VanValkenburg-Hwy Superintendent
2. Nancy Roberts, Bookkeeper
3. Gail Crane, Deputy Town Clerk
4. Tammy Wagner
5. Richard Wagner
6. Lawrence Curtis
7. M. Hasib A.Haqq
8. Abdul-Mannaan Giles
9. Haiya A. Shahid
10. Rabbiyah Roberts

Pledge to the flag was led by Howard Buttel.

Minutes Approval: On motion by Backus seconded by Stuendel it was moved to approve the minutes of the May 10, 2010  meeting as each member had received a copy.

Vote: All AYEs – Motion Carried.

Monthly Financial Reports: Nancy Roberts went over the monthly financials with the Board.  During the review it was discussed that DA530.4 Hwy Equipment & Repairs Contractual account is higher than expected and required close monitoring and control for the balance of the year.  Bill Layton will speak with Ron VanValkenburg on this.

On motion by Buttel seconded by Stuendel it was moved to receive, approve and place on file the Supervisor’s and the Town Clerks monthly reports.

Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

Reports- Highway Superintendent, Ron VanValkenburg – Presented by Bill Layton

1. Chips monies have been approved
2. Shoulder work performed on many roads
3. Applied liquid calcium on dirt roads
4. Upgraded pipes and cut brush on multiple roads
5. Fletcher Hollow Rd. was widened at bottom, cleaned ditch, still to be done is gravel
6. Mowing of roads performed
7. Did some repair work on equipment
8. Pineswamp Rd. cleaned ditch, removed rocks and 6 tires out of end of 4 ft. tube
9. Alger Rd – cleaned ditch, still to be done is gravel
10. S. Dry Brook – cleaning out under guard rails
11. Carrol Hill – will be taking gravel bar out by bridge and gravel road
12. Hauled grit
13. Assisted Hamden stone and oil roads

Reports- Planning Board, re Town Clerk

No Report from Planning Board

Bill Layton reported we have a new rep from Delaware County Planning Board – Kristin Janke

Reports- Supervisor, Bill Layton

1. Summer help hired – Dan Gehl, Dustin VanValkenburg for 7 weeks @ 35 hrs/week
2. Delaware Watershed Program for Soil and Water Grants – application was submitted by Howie Buttel and Ron VanValkenburg on time.  Thanks for the work on this.
3. Richard Boggiano, Dryden Brook Rd. called & voiced concerns regarding the new “public access” status of the land owned by the City adjoining his.  Was/is there anything the town can do about this.  His concern is that people will be encouraged to trespass on his land.  The board felt there was nothing they could do regarding the status of the city land and they would just encourage Mr. Boggiano to post his land well with signage.
4. Tammy & Richard Wagner attended meeting to discuss the property tax grievance meeting and the tax assessment of their property.  They had questions as to how their assessment was calculated and why Joyce Ottens did not attend the grievance meeting.  Walt Ottens sat in on the meeting in her place and they questioned the status of certification of Walt Ottens.  Mr. & Mrs. Wagner stated they have comparable properties that have lower taxes than theirs.  They had obtained a permit and demolished a trailer that had previously been on their property and they expected a larger tax reduction than they received on that.  Bill Layton indicated he will schedule a meeting with Joyce Ottens and the Assessment Review Committee and get back to Mr. & Mrs. Wagner.
5. Status of new addition to Town Hall Building – Matt Lawrence has the plans for the new addition completed.  Low estimate of $8400 for material (excluding concrete and heating).
6. Bill received correspondence from Superintendent of Delaware County which indicated the county mechanics have attended a one week course on International Truck maintenance.  The Board felt this could be a cost efficient benefit to our town as our Hwy. Dept. can ask for advice/assistance from the county in future.
7. Letter was received from the Court Clerk indicating a need for a petty cash fund for the court.  Uses of this fund would enable the court to give change to people who are paying fines with cash.  On motion by Stuendel and seconded by Buttel a petty cash fund of $75.00 would be set up.  Vote:  All ayes, motion carried
8. 3 PO requisitions from Highway Superintendent reviewed and approved.

Abstract of Claims:

Question was raised by Backus as to the labor rate for brake repair.  Seemed high.  Bill will speak with Ron to get comparative pricing on future rates.

On motion by Backus seconded by Buttel it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for June 2010 as follows; General Fund:$ 8,888.95   Highway Fund:$66,646.76

Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

Reading back of the minutes:

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

Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

Adjourn:  On motion by Layton seconded by Backus it was moved to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra M Gardepe

Town Clerk

Next meeting will be on July 12, 2010, 7:00 PM at the Town Meeting Room, Trout Creek, NY.

Call to Order:  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.

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
3. Brenda Thurston – Dog Control Officer
4. Jennifer Wallens – County Planning Board
5. Gale Neale – County Soil and Water
6. Zack Thomas

Pledge to the flag was led by Ron VanValkenburg.

Minutes Approval: On motion by Buttel seconded by LaTourette, it was moved to approve the minutes of the April 12, 2010 meeting as each member had received a copy.

Vote: All AYEs – Motion Carried.

Monthly Financial Reports: On motion by LaTourette seconded by Backus it was moved to receive, approve and place on file the Supervisor’s and the Town Clerks monthly reports.

Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

Delaware Watershed Stream Management Grant Program

Gale Neale and Jennifer Wallens spoke about the grant program. The Town will be the first to file for applications. After that landowners can contact the Town with their projects.

We need a primary person and a secondary person for the Project Advisory Committee (PAC).Howard Buttel will be primary and Ron VanValkenburg will be secondary temporarily. The Town figures that we have four (4) projects. Applications a due by June 1, 2010.

Reports- Highway Superintendent, Ron VanValkenburg

1 All the gravel from the gravel bank is now behind the Highway Building

2 The sweeping of the roads is all done

3 The 2010 pickup is now on the road

4 We have been hauling grit

5  Scott’s truck went to Milton Cat, they put a new turbo on it

6 Have been cutting brush on S Dry Brook Rd

7 Ron and his crew attended a mining permit class on May 102010 for 8 Hours

8  Sealing roads $14,000 per mile

1984 Truck Bids:

Zack Thomas                                                   $361.99    Accepted

Tim Oralls                                                        $327.10

Marty Built INC                                                $265.50

Dave Sabin                                                       $250.99

Bids for Crushing gravel: Price per ton:

RMS Gravel                                                   $2.65

Carver Sand and Gravel                              $2.83

E&R Popes                                                    $3.00

Seward Sand and Gravel                             $2.40   Accepted

Alec Cole Excavating and Paving                $3.17

Reports- Planning Board, by Town Clerk:

No report

Reports- Supervisor, Bill Layton

1-      Violence in the Work place    The policy has been posted in the Highway  Building and the Town Hall

2-      Addition- had a special meeting 4-27-2010     Tabled until further no0tice

3-      Kingsbury Summons status     Subject was granted another 30 days to cleanup

4-      Sharing Agreement Policy      On motion by LaTourette seconded by Backus it was moved approve the proposed Sharing Agreement Policy    Vote: All AYEs    Motion carried

5-      On motion by LaTourette seconded by Stuendel it was moved to donate $100 to the Delaware County Fair for the 4H Horse Barn fund       Vote: All AYEs      Motion carried

6-      NYS Suit against INTEL        On motion by Stuendel seconded by Buttel it was moved that we will not participate in the suit against INTEL     Vote: All AYEs  Motion carried

7-      Walton Hospital Grant        On motion by Backus seconded by Stuendel it was moved that the Supervisor and the Board sign the letter to approve the grant for Walton Hospital     Vote: All AYEs         Motion carried

8-      Delaware County Firefighter’s Association       On motion by Buttel seconded by Backus it was moved to donate $100 to the training fund       Vote: All AYEs

Nancy Roberts went over the financials with the Board

Abstract of Claims:

On motion by Backus seconded by Layton it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for May 2010 as follows:

General Fund:    $3,733.18

Highway Fund:  $ 58,972.48

Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

Reading back of the minutes:

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

Vote: All AYEs – Motion carried.

Adjourn:  The meeting was adjourned at 9:33 PM.

Sandra M Gardepe

Town Clerk

Next meeting will be on June 14, 2010, 7:00 PM, at the Town Meeting Room, Trout Creek, NY.

Call to Order:  The special meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 7:00 pm 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. Excused – Timothy LaTourette-Councilperson

Others:

1. Ronald VanValkenburg-Hwy Superintendent
2. Nancy Roberts, Bookkeeper
3. Joe Reynolds, Bldg Inspector
4. Matt Lawrence

The Board agreed on option (C) of the Tompkins Town Hall Addition as presented by Matt Lawrence. The Judge’s Chambers and the Courtroom will be flipped and four(4) more feet will be added to both rooms. The ceilings will be ten (10) feet.

The Board requested that Matt provide them with a list of materials he gave them a rough estimate of $30 per square foot, roughly $20,000 to $30,000. Town Employees will do the digging and concrete work for the addition.

On motion by Buttel seconded by Stuendel it was moved to pay Matt Lawrence a deposit of $250 on his fee of $1000.

Lawn Mowing Bids:               per mowing and trimming:

Nathan Glerum                       $42

Nate Sramek                           $49

Dan Gehl                                 $50

Keegan Higley                        $64

Gerry Stanton                         $115

On motion by Stuendel seconded by Buttel it was moved to award the lawn mowing bid to Nathan Glerum for the year 2010. Supervisor Layton will explain the rules set down by the Board.

Vote: All AYEs                             Motion carried

Sandra M Gardepe

Town Clerk

Next meeting will be on _May 10, 2010;   7:00 PM at the Town Meeting Room, Trout Creek, NY.