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 Layton leading in the Flag salute.

Present:          

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

Others:                                                                             

1. Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk
2. Ron VanValkenburg – Highway Superintendent

Floor Time/Guests: None

RESOLUTION # 60 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On motion by Buttel, seconded by LaTourette, approving the minutes of the Regular meeting held on July 12, 2022.
Vote: All in favor, Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION # 61 ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Buttel, seconded by LaTourette, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for August 9, 2022 as follows:
General Fund: $3,297.57
Highway Fund: $222,500.63
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

Monthly Financial Reports:
RESOLUTION # 62 TOWN CLERKS MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by LaTourette, seconded by Buttel it was moved to receive, and place on file the Town Clerks, monthly report for July 2022.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION # 63 SUPERVISOR MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
On motion by LaTourette, seconded by Buttel it was moved to approve and place on file the supervisor’s monthly financial reports as of July 31, 2022 dated 8/9/2022.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION # 64 SEWER DISTRICT ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by LaTourette seconded by Buttel to approve the sewer districts Abstract of Claims for August 9, 2022 as follows:
$3,508.33
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION # 65 – SEWER DISTRICT FINACIAL
On motion by LaTourette seconded by Buttel it was moved to approve and place on file the sewer districts monthly financial reports as of July 31, 2022 dated 8/9/2022.
 Vote: All in favor, Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS –
On motion by LaTourette, seconded by Buttel to put a ¾ ton 2500 crew cab for highway out to bid.
Vote: All in favor, Motion Carried

Ron reported that a couple of his guys mowed down the bed for the stormwater retrofit located by the sewer building at the st. hwy. 206 location. It was filled with the wild parsnip and he advised it gets weed sprayed in the spring of 2023.

NEW BUSINESS –
None

REPORTS:
Sewer District workers report – Provided  

Assessor – None

Planning Board – None. 

Dog control Officer – Provided

Highway Superintendent –

1. Reported the men have hauled grindings from the st. hwy. 206 job.
2. Reported the highway crew has helped other Towns.
3. Reported they have received 3 loads of cold patch for various road repairs
4. Reported they had a pug mill come in and crush up all the grindings and it has saved the Town money for road repairs.
5. Reported they Highway crew has been out working.
6. Reported that calcium chloride has started to be put down on dirt roads.
7. Reported that the 2006 is back from repairs and hoping it won’t have any problems while using it.
8. Reported they are hoping the new 10-wheeler will be here before winter.

Supervisor –

1. Reported he spoke with Frank Morgan, and Frank stated he is back to work and will come in sometime and start repairs on Town Hall.
2. Reported he spoke with Reporter about the picture and an 8×10 will cost $20.
3. Reported that the County revised their mileage allowance to 62.5 cent a mile.
   On motion by Layton seconded by LaTourette to increase the mileage allowance to 62.5 cent a mile for all for use of private vehicle on any Town of Tompkins business.
4. Reported he read the County resolution #139 supporting cell service thought Delaware
   Co.
5. Reported summer help has cleaned the siding and done the windows on the Town Hall
6. Reported the Town has received grant money from Delaware County in the amount of $25,000 to fix the fire tower.
7. Reported he spoke with the city about getting a permit for the fire Tower and they stated that when the Town gets a right of way, they will get a permit.
8. Reported he was contacted by the city’s tree crew and they asked who to contact for access to tower property to access markers to cut trees. Layton gave them what he had.
9. Reported he was contacted by a landowner of the Town of Tompkins and was asked if the landowner builds a home, he can be tax exempt for the next 10 yrs. The board discussed this and stated that tax dollars are collected to budget for the Town. If this could be done for one it would have to be done for every owner in the Town of Tompkins resulting in catastrophic budgeting issues. The Town would cease to run.  

Other – None   

Correspondence: – None

Meeting adjourned at 8:00PM                       

Next meeting to be held on September 13, 2022 at 7PM
________________________________
Date: August 9, 2022
Michelle Phoenix 
Town of Tompkins 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 Buttel leading in the Flag salute.

Present:          

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

Others:                                                                             

1. Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk
2. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper to supervisor
3. Ron VanValkenburg – Highway Superintendent
4. Brett French – Sewer District Worker

Floor Time/Guests: None

RESOLUTION # 54 APPROVALS OF MINUTES
On motion by Buttel, seconded by Backus, approving the minutes of the Regular meeting held on June 14, 2022. With changes to spelling error and date of next meeting to be corrected.
Vote: All in favor, Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION # 55 ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Backus, seconded by LaTourette, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for July 12, 2022 as follows:
General Fund: $5,314.67
Highway Fund: $19,944.25
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

Monthly Financial Reports:
RESOLUTION # 56 TOWN CLERKS MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by LaTourette, seconded by Backus it was moved to receive, and place on file the Town Clerks, monthly report for June 2022.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION # 57 SUPERVISOR MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
On motion by Backus, seconded by Albanese, it was moved to approve and place on file the supervisor’s monthly financial reports as of June 30, 2022 dated 7/12/2022.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION # 58 SEWER DISTRICT ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Backus seconded by LaTourette to approve the sewer districts Abstract of Claims for July 12, 2022 as follows:
$4,568.66
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION #59 – SEWER DISTRICT FINANCIAL
On motion by Albanese seconded by LaTourette it was moved to approve and place on file the sewer districts monthly financial reports as of June 30, 2022 dated 7/12/2022.  
Vote: All in favor, Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS:
Layton has spoken with the new representee for negotiations and Layton will set up a date for a negotiation meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:
The Heart of the Catskill agreement was presented.
On motion by Backus, seconded by Buttel to approve the agreement presented with the strikeout of all “cats “mentioned in the agreement.
Vote: All in Favor, Motion Carried

REPORTS:
Sewer District workers report – Brett French was present to review with the board the reports that were submitted by him and to answer any questions the board may have for him.

Assessor – None

Planning Board – None. 

Dog control Officer – None

Highway Superintendent –

1. Reported the men have been out working roads
2. Reported hauling of gravel to the roads that will be worked on, they have stopped due to the dust it was causing and will resume when it gets damper. Also, there is a delay on the liquid Magnesium they will receive.
3. Reported they have helped Walton
4. Reported that they have received all the crusher for the repairs to be done on Chamberlain Brook, upper Dryden, and Faulkner Roads.
5. Reported that the 2013 International is back from repairs and is working good so far
6. Reported that the 2006 International is still out being repaired
7. Reported that the new 10-wheeler is having items placed on it. Found they put the wrong tires on it.
8. Reported that the bidding for the 1Ton will start in the future. 

Supervisor –

1. Layton reported the Ag and Markets report was satisfactory
2. Reported that the Town has received another $58,461.00 from American rescue plan.
3. Reported he has not spoken with the lawyer on the course of the Fire Tower, after much discussion the Board agreed to have Layton call the Lawyer to see what the cost would be to pursue other options to gain access to the fire tower.
4. Layton reported that VanValkenburg would like to use the funds from the American Rescue Plan for the repair costs of the 2013 International. On Motion by LaTourette to use $53,295.81 of the American Rescue Plan funds for the repairs made to the 2013 International, Seconded by Buttel. Vote: All in Favor, Motion Carried
5. The payroll clerk has made mistakes posting payments within QuickBooks and the bookkeeper has informed her of the mistakes that need to be corrected. Supervisor Layton to follow up on the corrections that need to be made and request she attend the September Board meeting.

Other:
Backus is having trouble printing the picture of the board with the girl that made the patch. Wondered if there was another option. 

Albanese reported he would like to advertise for an auditor to come look at the Towns financials.
On motion by Albanese, seconded by Layton to advertise for an auditor in The Reporter.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

Correspondence:
Sierra Allen sent the board a Thank you letter for paying for her costs to attend the 2022 4-H Camp.  

Meeting adjourned at 8:25PM 
Next meeting to be held on August 9, 2022 at 7PM
________________________________
Date: July 12, 2022
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. With Buttel leading in the Flag salute.

Present:          

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

Others:                                                                             

1. Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk
2. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper to supervisor
3. Ron VanValkenburg – Highway Superintendent
4. Mary Cisafulli – The Reporter
5. Elliana Rodriquez – BOCES student for Web Design
6. Kerry Mack – BOCES Teacher / Web Design
   

Floor Time/Guests: Elliana Rodriguez (Teacher – Kerry Mack) was present to explain how she came up with the design for the Fire Tower Patch, she answered any questions the board had with her details for the patch and the card that will be handed out to hikers when they hike to the fire Tower.

Mary Crisafulli (The Reporter) interviewed Elliana Rodriquez and her Teacher Kerry Mack on the design of the patch and card. 

RESOLUTION # 48 APPROVALS OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Albanese, seconded by LaTourette, approving the minutes of the Regular meeting held on May 10, 2022. With changes to spelling error and date of next meeting to be corrected.
Vote: in favor, Buttel, LaTourette, Albanese, Layton – Backus, Abstain.

RESOLUTION # 49 ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Albanese, seconded by Backus, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for June 14, 2022 as follows:
General Fund: $18,738.26
Highway Fund: $34,624.80
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

Monthly Financial Reports:
RESOLUTION # 50 TOWN CLERKS MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by LaTourette, seconded by Buttel it was moved to receive, and place on file the Town Clerks, monthly report for May 2022.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION # 51 SUPERVISOR MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
On motion by Albanese, seconded by Buttel, it was moved to approve and place on file the supervisor’s monthly financial reports as of May 31, 2022 dated 6/14/2022.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION # 52 SEWER DISTRICT ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Backus seconded by LaTourette to approve the sewer districts Abstract of Claims for June 14, 2022 as follows: $3,723.09
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION #53 – SEWER DISTRICT FINANCIAL
On motion by Albanese seconded by Buttel it was moved to approve and place on file the sewer districts monthly financial reports as of May 31, 2022 dated 6/14/2022.
Vote: All in favor, Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS:
None

NEW BUSINESS:
None

REPORTS:
Sewer District workers report – Provided May’s report  

Assessor – None

Planning Board – None. 

Dog control Officer – None

Highway Superintendent –

1. Reported the men have been out working roads
2. Reported they have helped the Town of Deposit
3. Reported they have worked on breakdowns
4. Reported 2 trucks are at Allegiance for repairs
5. Reported they have been hauling gravel
6. Reported they have received two interest students for summer help and has hired them. Upon hiring them he received another interest student. The board agreed to hire the 3^rd summer help. All will be paid at a rate of $14.00/ hr.
   

Supervisor –

1. Layton reported that with the passing of Roberta Dunker from the union the new representative that is taking her place is reviewing all the files before he sets up an appointment for negation’s. 
2. Layton reported there are many electronics’ and items in the creamery laying around that have not been used for some time. The Board agreed to have summer help gather the items up for disposal.
3. Layton reported that he needs to board to decide if they want him to contact lawyer to come up with another solution for the access of repairing the fire tower. The current Land owner has changed the agreement again. The board discussed further options and will look into that before contact with the lawyer is to take place.
    

Other: On approval by LaTourette, seconded by Backus it was approved to send Danielle Miller to the 2022 4-H camp.
Vote: All in Favor – Motion Carried

Correspondence:
None

Meeting adjourned at 8:40PM
Next meeting to be held on July 12, 2022 at 7PM
________________________________
Date: June 14, 2022
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. With Layton leading in the Flag salute.

Present:          

1. William Layton- Supervisor – Supervisor
2. Brian Albanese – Councilperson   
3. Howard Buttel – Councilperson   
4. Peggy Backus – Councilperson – Absent
5. Tim LaTourette – Councilperson – Arrived at 7:25

Others:                                                                             

1. Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk
2. Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper to supervisor
3. Ron VanValkenburg – Highway Superintendent
4. Wendy Layton – Assessor

Floor Time/Guests: None

RESOLUTION # 42 APPROVALS OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Buttel, seconded by Layton, approving the minutes of the Regular meeting held on April 12, 2022.
Vote: In favor – Layton, Buttel; Abstain – Albanese – Motion carried

RESOLUTION # 43 ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Albanese, seconded by Buttel, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for May 10, 2022 as follows:
General Fund: $8,360.95
Highway Fund: $43,576.27
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

Monthly Financial Reports:
RESOLUTION # 44 TOWN CLERKS MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by Albanese, seconded by Buttel it was moved to receive, and place on file the Town Clerks, monthly report for April 2022.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION # 45 SUPERVISOR MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
On motion by Albanese, seconded by Buttel, it was moved to approve and place on file the supervisor’s monthly financial reports as of April 30, 2022 dated 5/10/2022, with the following noted – The Town Clerk report was not included and there will be changes in codes for payrolls in the future supervisor’s reports. Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION # 46 SEWER DISTRICT ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Albanese, seconded by Layton to approve the sewer districts Abstract of Claims for May 10, 2022 as follows $608.43
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION # 47 SEWER DISTRICT FINANCIAL
On motion by Albanese seconded by Buttel it was moved to approve and place on file the sewer districts monthly financial reports as of April 30, 2022 dated 5/10/2022.  
Vote: All in favor, Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS –
Letter received from Emile Bregenborg to attend 2022 4-H Camp. On motion by Layton, seconded by LaTourette to approve Emilee Bregenborg for payment of the 2022 4-H Camp frees.
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried

NEW BUSINESS –
Wendy Layton spoke as a Town Resident as to interest into making walking trails in Trout Creek around Sewer District beds. The board discussed this and made Wendy into the chairman of a Walking Trail Committee and she will come back to the board with more information.

Layton handed out a letter that was sent to NYSERDA on the New York State Climate Action Council Draft Scoping Plan. The Town of Tompkins Board disagrees with this plan and is in Support of Delaware County Board of supervisors Resolution to submit comments. On motion by Layton, Seconded by Buttel to support Delaware County Resolution to submit comments on the New York Climate Council’s Draft Plan for New Yorker’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (The Climate Act).
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

REPORTS:
Sewer District workers report – Provided Aprils report  

Assessor – None

Planning Board – None. 

Dog control Officer – None

Highway Superintendent –

1. Ron reported a pipe has been changed on Finch Hollow
2. Ron reported that they are still cleaning up downed trees from the heavy snow storm we last had.
3. Ron Reported that the 2006 International got them through the last snow storm but started running bad. The new truck to replace it is finally on the line but it will be some time before we get it. Ron explained that he does not want to put a lot of money in the 2006 before its will be replaced.
4. Ron reported he received word on how much CHIPS money the Town will get in 2022
5. Suit Kote prices will be starting off at $21,532 but it’s expected to raise with the price in oil.

Supervisor –

1. Layton reported Tim Bennett has completed the Board of Assessment review training.
   
2. Layton reported that Roberta Dunker of the union has passed and someone will be filling her place for the negotiations.
   
3. Layton reported that the roof is complete and looks good. The board suggested that snow guards are at least put over the doors for safety purposes. A Discussion took place on replacing the court room roof so it matches the new roof, DA Construction already submitted a quote for this replacement.
   RESOLUTION # 48 – REPLACE THE COURT ROOM ROOF BY DA CONSTRUCTION
   On Motion by Albanese, seconded by LaTourette to replace the roof over the court room with metal and to have snow guards put in place by DA Construction with his quote of $2,600 for labor and the Town to purchase all materials from Jess F Howes.
   Vote: All Ayes – Motion Carried.
   
4. Layton reported that he received word from the Lawyer for the Fire Tower that the land owners want more confirmed for a right of way, Layton will contact the Lawyers office and see if they have any other ideas as to a right of way and get back to the Board.

Other: Albanese reported that he has received complains on cleanliness of properties and dangers they cause. He spoke with the board on what can be done. 

Albanese asked what opinions and the entailment of changing the Town name to “Trout Creek” from “Town of Tompkins”.

Correspondence: None

Meeting adjourned at 8:25PM                       
Next meeting to be held on June 14, 2022 at 7PM
________________________________
Date: May 10, 2022
Michelle Phoenix
Town of Tompkins 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 Layton leading in the Flag salute.

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

Others: 
Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk
Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper to supervisor
Ron VanValkenburg – Highway Superintendent

Floor Time/Guests: None

RESOLUTION # 35 APPROVALS OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Buttel, seconded by LaTourette, approving the minutes of the Regular meeting held on March 8, 2022.
Vote: in favor – Motion carried

RESOLUTION # 36 ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Backus, seconded by LaTourette, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for April 12, 2022 as follows:
General Fund: $10,652.26.78
Highway Fund: $74,136.09
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

Monthly Financial Reports:
RESOLUTION # 37 TOWN CLERKS MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by Layton, seconded by Buttel it was moved to receive, and place on file the Town Clerks, monthly report for the March 2022.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION # 38 SUPERVISOR MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
On motion by Buttel, seconded by Backus, it was moved to approve and place on file the supervisor’s monthly financial reports as of March 31, 2022 dated 4/12/2022
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION # 39 SEWER DISTRICT ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Backus, seconded by Buttel to approve the sewer districts Abstract of Claims for April 12, 2022 as follows $4,944.33
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION #40 – SEWER DISTRICT FINANCIAL
On motion by Backus seconded by Buttel it was moved to approve and place on file the sewer districts monthly financial reports as of March 31, 2022 dated 4/13/2022.
Vote: All in favor, Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS:
RESOLUTION #41 – APPROVAL OF  2022 LAWN CARE MAINTENANCE FOR TOWN AND SEWER DISTRICT.
On motion by Layton, seconded by Buttel to award the quote received by Phillip Hanley for the 2022 SD Bed and lawn care with trimming of SD Properties of $135.00 per mow and the weekly Lawn care and trimming of all the Town properties at a rate of $65 per mow. Motion Carried – All in favor

NEW BUSINESS:
Received letters of interest from Caysin Gardner, Elaine Gardner, Ella Beers, Emma Beers, Lily Beers, Levi Macdonald and Kendyll Macdonald to attend 2022 4-H Camp.
On motion by Backus seconded by LaTourette to approve payment of Caysin Gardner, Elaine Gardner, Ella Beers, Emma Beers, Lily Beers, Levi Macdonald and Kendyll Macdonald to attend 2022 4-H Camp.
Vote: All in Favor, Motion Carried

REPORTS:
Sewer District workers report – Provided March’s report  

Assessor – None

Planning Board – None. 

Dog control Officer – None

Highway Superintendent –

1. Ron reported they have been out repairing minor damages from wind and rain events.
2. Ron Reported equipment repairs have been done
3. Ron Reported the 2013 is back from repairs and in hopes of using it soon for hauling
4. Ron Reported they have been out plowing
5. Ron reported the plows have been taken off the trucks, cleaned, painted and put away.
6. Ron reported he spoke with a salesman on the status of international dump trucks and was told that the town will have to get on a waiting list. And he was told the Town does not need to bid out a truck they can just go off a bid from Onondaga county.
7. Ron reported he will be stopping at Matthews to see if and when they will have new trucks in so he can order.

Supervisor –

1. Layton reported Tim Bennett has completed the Board of Assessment review training.
2. Layton reported that the Town has agreed to accept the terms that lawyer has sent to gain access to the fire Tower, waiting to hear the response from the lawyer.
3. Layton reported that the Town has insurance coverage was raised to up to $5,000,000.
4. Layton reported that he called the union to set up negations and found that Roberta Dunker was out with medical issues.
5. Layton Reported that an application for 2 grants for the Fire Tower repairs.

Other: None

Correspondence: None

Meeting adjourned at 8:00PM 
Next meeting to be held on May 10, 2022 at 7PM
________________________________

Date: April 12, 2022
Michelle Phoenix
Town of Tompkins Town Clerk

There were no changes to the March draft minutes. They were approved at the April 12th meeting. Please read the March 8, 2022 draft minutes (posted March 15, 2022) as the approved minutes.

There were no changes to the February draft minutes. They were approved at the March 8th meeting. Please read the Feb 8, 2022 draft minutes posted Feb 18, 2022 as the approved minutes.