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March 8, 2022 Town Board Meeting Agenda

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Town Board Meeting – Feb 8, 2022 – Draft

Draft Minutes

The regular monthly meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 7:06 pm in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY. With Layton 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. Kyle McLaughlin – Deputy Highway Superintendent
  4. Brett French – SD Worker    

Floor Time/Guests: None

RESOLUTION # 18 APPROVALS OF MINUTES – January’s Regular Meeting, Yearly audit of books meeting, Health officers Meeting, and Re-organizational meeting.
A motion was made by Albanese, seconded by Buttel, approving the minutes of the Regular meeting held on December 11, 2022.
Vote: in favor – Motion carried

RESOLUTION # 19 ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Buttel, seconded by Albanese, it was moved to approve
the Abstract of Claims for February 8, 2022 as follows:
General Fund: $154,126.53
Highway Fund: $21,287.48
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

Monthly Financial Reports:
RESOLUTION # 20 TOWN CLERKS MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by Albanese, seconded by LaTourette it was moved to receive, and place on file the Town Clerks, monthly report for the January 2022.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION # 21 SUPERVISOR MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
On motion by Buttel, seconded by LaTourette, it was moved to approve and place on file the supervisor’s monthly financial reports as of January 31, 2021 dated 2/08/2022. Noting that $500.00 was placed in A1001 by mistake and was transferred into the correct account of 1620.4. findings were found in January and fixed in February. In addition, a discrepancy of $29.00 will be researched and be reported on at next board meeting
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION # 22 SEWER DISTRICT ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Backus, seconded by Buttel to approve the sewer district’s
Abstract of Claims for February 8, 2022 as follows $299.36
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION #23 SEWER DISTRICT FINACIAL
On motion by Albanese seconded by Layton it was moved to approve and place on file the sewer districts monthly financial reports as of January 31, 2021 dated 2/08/2022.
Vote: All in favor, Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS
Nate Sramek reported he has started his training as building inspector. Nate explained to the board that he is slowly in the process of taking over building inspector/ code enforcer.

Linda Scott provided the amount she collected in court fees for December 2022 for information purposes.

NEW BUSINESS – NONE

REPORTS:
Sewer District workers report – Brett reported on how things were going with SD

Assessor – None

Planning Board – None. 

Dog control Officer – None

Highway Superintendent

  1. Kyle reported that there is an ongoing issue with the fire alarm and that after many attempts to fix it the only way to have it work correctly is to go back to Frontier communications. Delhi Telephone doesn’t have the type of lines to run the alarm and Frontier does.
  2. Kyle reported on the 2013 engine. It is at allegiance and they have started working on there are hopes it will be available for use next month.
  3. Kyle reported they have been out cleaning up trees from ice storm, maintaining roads, doing small repairs.
  4. Kyle would like for the stone bid to be advertised. Board agreed stone would be advertised with submission of bids being 12:00 on March 8th at 12:00 and opened at the regular board meeting on March 8, 2022 

Supervisor –

  1. Layton reported that he spoke with owner of floor fool on the number of times they come to clean the Town and highway building. It was decided they will limit the number of times they come in a month.
  2. Layton reported During the Co Board meeting it was found we can use the American rescue plan money on anything as long as we received under 10mil
  3. Layton called insurance company and found the Town has over 2.6 mil in coverage on all buildings the Town owns. Layton is going to ask how much the premium would increase to have 3million and 5 million in coverage?
  4. Layton spoke with Tim Bennett and he is willing the take the open position on the Assessment review board. On motion by Layton, seconded by Buttel to hire Tim Bennett to fill the position on the Assessment review board. Vote: All in favor, Motion carried.
  5. Layton has received the liability insurance papers from Dale McCall. He will start roof when weather breaks
  6. A person who has commenced, but not completed, the building safety inspector basic training program during such person’s basic training period perform building safety inspector enforcement activities on behalf of the local government, county or State agency by which such person is employed. On motion by Albanese, seconded by LaTourette it was approved to allow Nathan Sramek to administer Building permits while he is in the process of receiving his basic training courses. Vote: All in favor, Motion carried.
  7. On motion by Albanese, Seconded by Buttel to employee Joe Reynolds until the end of February 2022 at his full pay. Vote: All in favor, Motion carried.
  8. Layton reported he feels the Town should keep the website. On motion by Layton, seconded by Albanese, upon further investigation and the Town being able to comply with state legislation that the town of Tompkins will keep the Website until further notice. Vote: All in favor, Motion carried.
  9. Layton reported he is still in discussing with Lawyers and Property owners on an access road for repairs to the fire tower.

Other – Albanese and Layton both received a quote from Mostert, Manzanero & Scott CPA for a internal audit in the amount of $10,800. They will be contacted on clarification what the audit will cover and other quotes will be sought.

Layton brought up hiring a maintenance/janitor. Board members will ask around for an independent contractor with insurance to do the odd jobs.

Correspondence: – None

Meeting adjourned at 9:30PM

Next meeting to be held on March 8, 2022 at 7PM
________________________________
Date: February 9, 2022
Michelle Phoenix 
Town of Tompkins Town Clerk

Town Board Meeting – Jan 11, 2022

The regular monthly meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 7:17 pm in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY. With Albanese leading in the Flag salute.

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

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

Floor Time/Guests: None

RESOLUTION # 1 APPROVALS OF MINUTES – December’s Regular Meeting
A motion was made by Albanese, seconded by Buttel, approving the minutes of the Regular meeting held on December 14, 2021.
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried

RESOLUTION # 2 ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Albanese, seconded by Backus, it was moved to approve
the Abstract of Claims for January 11, 2022 as follows:
General Fund: $17,334.47
Highway Fund: $63,027.58
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

Monthly Financial Reports:
RESOLUTION # 3 TOWN CLERKS MONTHLY REPORT
On motion by Backus, seconded by Albanese it was moved to receive, and place on file the Town Clerks, monthly report for the December 2021.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION # 4 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 December 31, 2021 dated 1/11/2022.
Vote: All in favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION # 5 SEWER DISTRICT ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Albanese, seconded by Buttel to approve the sewer district’s
Abstract of Claims for January 11, 2022 as follows:
$2852.82
Vote: All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION #6 SEWER DISTRICT FINANCIAL
On motion by Backus seconded by Layton it was moved to approve and place on file the sewer districts monthly financial reports for December 31, 2021 dated 1/11/2022.  
Vote: All in favor, Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS:
RESOLUTION #17-2022 – Hiring of McCall to repair Town Hall Roof
On motion by Albanese seconded by Buttel it was moved to approved the quote received by Dale McCall pending receiving Insurance forms.
All in favor – Motion Carried

The Floor Fool will start the stripping and waxing of the Town Hall floors in January. It was found that the Highway garage has cement floors so they do not require stripping and waxing. Bill will call Floor Fool and advise them of so and to ask the to take off the quote for the Highway garage floors.

NEW BUSINESS:
A letter was received from Joe Reynolds for his resignation and was read out loud to the board.

REPORTS:
Sewer District workers report – January’s provided

Assessor – None

Planning Board – None. 

Dog control Officer – None

Highway Superintendent –
1. Kyle stated he had ordered the new motor and it will be covered under a 1 year warranty.
2. Highway crew has been out Plowing, Sanding, and cutting brush.

Supervisor –
1. Received a letter from Del Co Soil and water stated the Town has been approved for the stream bank improvement on Dryden Road.
2. Robert Gibson came and replaced the donation check he had originally donated for the fire tower with a new one in the same amount.
3. Haulers are now getting prevailing wage and this will reflect on Towns.

Other:  None

Correspondence: None

Meeting adjourned at 8:11pm                         

Next meeting to be held on February 8, 2022 at 7PM
________________________________
Date: January 11, 2022  
Michelle Phoenix
Town of Tompkins Town Clerk

ToT Appointment of Health Officers Meeting_Jan 11, 2022

The Appointment of Health Officers Meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 7:16 pm in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY.

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

Others:
Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk
Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper
Kyle McLaughlin – Deputy Highway Superintendent

RESOLUTION #16 APPOINTMENT OF HEALTH OFFICERS FOR 2022
On Motion by Albanese seconded by Layton it was moved to appoint Peggy Backus and Timothy LaTourette as the 2022 Health officers.
Vote: All AYES; Motion Carried

Meeting adjourned at 7:17 pm                        

Michelle Phoenix
Town Clerk, Town of Tompkins
________________________________
Date: January 11, 2022
Michelle Phoenix
Town of Tompkins Town Clerk

ToT Annual Audit of Books_Jan 11, 2022

The annual audit of books meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 6:14 pm in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY.

Present: 
William Layton – Supervisor
Brian Albanese – Councilperson
Howard Buttel – Councilperson
Peggy Backus – Councilperson – Arrived at 6:54
Tim LaTourette – Councilperson – Absent  

Others:
Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk
Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper

Town Clerk

Code Enforcer

Tax Collector

Justice / Court

Sewer District

Supervisor

RESOLUTION #15 EXAMINATION / AUDIT OF OFFICE BOOKS FOR 2021
On Motion by Albanese seconded by Buttel it was moved to take notice of the fact that the 2021 reports of the above-mentioned officials were received and found to be satisfactory to the best of their knowledge.
Noted; The Town of Tompkins Court audit lacked the December 2021 report and will be added at a later date.
Vote: All AYES; Motion Carried

Meeting adjourned at 7:15 pm                        

Michelle Phoenix
Town Clerk, Town of Tompkins
_______________________________
Date: January 11, 2022
Michelle Phoenix
Town of Tompkins Town Clerk

ToT RE-ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING_Jan 11, 2022

The reorganizational meeting of the Town of Tompkins Town Board was called to order at 6:00 pm in the Town meeting room, Trout Creek, NY.

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

Others:
Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk
Nancy Roberts – Bookkeeper

RESOLUTION #7 DESIGNATION OF BANKS
On Motion by Buttel seconded by Layton it was moved to designate:
a. Supervisor Layton – NBT and Community Bank
b. Justice Johnson – Community Bank NA
c. Town Clerk/Tax Collector Phoenix – Community Bank NA
d. Trout Creek Sewer District – Community Bank NA
Vote: All AYES; Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION #8 DESIGNATION OF THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER
On Motion by Albanese seconded by Buttel it was moved to designate The Reporter as the official newspaper during the year 2022 for the purpose of publishing legal matters. 
Vote: All AYES; Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION #9 APPOINTMENT OF TOWN OF TOMPKINS POSITIONS
On motion by Albanese seconded by Buttel it was moved to appoint the following people to their respective positions as follows:
a.  Building Inspector – Nathan Sramek
b.  Deputy Town Clerk’s and Deputy Registrar – To be filled
c.   Historian – Lynne VanValkenburg
d.   Dog Control Officer – Chris Bodo
e.   Health Officer – Dr. Eric Dohner
f.    Deputy Supervisor – Howie Buttel
g.   Court Clerk – Linda Scott
h.   Bookkeeper to the Supervisor – Nancy Roberts
i.     Payroll Clerk – Linda Bourn
j.     Assessor – Wendy Layton
k.    FEMA Administrator’s – Ron VanValkenburg & Nancy Roberts
l.     Trout Creek Sewer District Administrator – Michelle Phoenix
m.   Registrar of Vital Statistics – Michelle Phoenix
n.    Planning Board – Paul Bartholomew (Chairman), Angela Porpora,
Timothy Bennett, Nancy LaTourette, and Charles Kohler (Alternate)
o.    Board of Assessment Review – Paul Bartholomew, Angela Porpora, and Vacancy to filled at later date
Vote: ALL AYES; Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION #10 – DESIGNATION OF OFFICIAL RADIO STATION
On motion by Albanese seconded by Buttel it was moved to designate the Big Cat Country /92.1 as the official radio during the year 2022 for the purpose of local announcement to the Town Residents.
Vote: ALL AYES; Motion Carried.

RESOLUTION#11 – SALARIES OF THE 2022 TOWN OFFICERS
On motion by Albanese seconded by Buttel it was moved that the Salaries of the Town officers for the year 2022 are fixed in the budget and that the Supervisor is authorized to pay the approved salaries.
Vote: All AYES; Motion carried

RESOLUTION #12 – HIGHWAY EXPENDITURES
On motion by Buttel seconded by Albanese it was moved that Highway Superintendent to be authorized make purchases in 2022 as per the procurement policy.
Vote:  All AYES; Motion carried.

RESOLUTION #13 – 2022 OFFICIAL MEETING DATES
On Motion by Buttel seconded by Albanese it was moved to hold regular monthly meetings for 202 on the second Tuesday 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

RESOLUTION #14 – MILEAGE RATE REIMBURSEMENT
On motion by Buttel seconded by Albanese it was moved to set mileage rate at .56 cents per mile for use of private vehicle on Town Business.

Meeting adjourned at 6:13 pm                        

Michelle Phoenix
Town Clerk, Town of Tompkins
________________________________
Date: January 11, 2022
Michelle Phoenix
Town of Tompkins Town Clerk

Town Board Meeting – Dec 14, 2021

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 Tim LaTourette leading in the Flag salute.

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

Others:
Michelle Phoenix – Town Clerk
Ron VanValkenburg – Highway Superintendent
Kyle McLaughlin – Highway Employee
Tim Oralls – Highway Employee
Brian Backus – Resident  

Floor Time/Guests: Tim Oralls – questioned the board as to if there was an issue with purchasing work boots and clothing at different places. Upon discussion it was decided at this time the employees would purchase the boots and submit receipts for reimbursement until an account can be set up somewhere.

RESOLUTION # 102 APPROVALS OF MINUTES – November’s Regular Meeting
A motion was made by LaTourette, seconded by Layton, approving the minutes of the Regular meeting held on November 4, 2021.
Vote: in favor – Motion carried

RESOLUTION # 103 ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Albanese, seconded by Backus, it was moved to approve the Abstract of Claims for December 14, 2021 as follows:
General Fund: $64,342.86
Highway Fund: $83,331.93
All in favor – Motion carried.

Monthly Financial Reports:
RESOLUTION # 104 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 the month of November 2021.
All in favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION # 105 SUPERVISOR MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
On motion by Albanese, seconded by LaTourette, it was moved to approve and place on file the supervisor’s monthly financial reports as of November 30, 2021 dated 12/14/2021.
All in favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION # 106 SEWER DISTRICT ABSTRACT OF CLAIMS
On motion by Albanese, seconded by Buttel to approve the sewer districts Abstract of Claims for December 14, 2021 as follows
$7670.60
All in favor – Motion carried.

RESOLUTION #107 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 for November 30, 2021 dated 12/14/2021.  
All in favor, Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS:
RESOLUTION #111-2021 – Hiring of Nate Sramek as building inspector / code enforcer
Received one application for Town of Tompkins Building Inspector / Code Enforcer
Application submission from Nate Sramek.
On motion by LaTourette seconded by Buttel it was moved to approved the application from Nathan Sramek and to hire him as the Town of Tompkins Building Inspector / Code enforcer.
All in favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION #112-2021 – To continue to pay Joe Reynolds on a month-to-month basis at the pay rate he currently receives to train Nathan Sramek
On motion by Layton, seconded by LaTourette to keep Joe Reynolds employed at a month-to-month basis at his current pay rate until Nathan Sramek us trained for the building inspector/code enforcer.
All in favor – Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:
RESOLUTION # 113-2021 – 2021 Sexual Harassment policy & Workplace violence policy.
On motion by Albanese, seconded by LaTourette to approve the sexual harassment & Workplace violence policy. To require all employees to receive the training and sign sheets when training is complete.
All in Favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION #114-2021 – Discontinue the Town Website.
On motion by LaTourette, seconded by Buttel to discontinue the use of the Town Website.
All in Favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION #108-2021 TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF TOMPKINS IN SUPPORT OF DELAWARE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISOR RESOLUTION NO.  162
On motion by Albanese, seconded by Layton supporting resolution #162 from Delaware County. DELAWARE COUNTY REQUESTS THAT A MORATORIUM ON NEW PURCHASE CONTRACTS FOR FEE TITLE AND DEP CONSERVATION EASEMENTS, BE IMPLIMENTED IN DELAWARE COUNTY PENDING A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE LAND ACQUISTION PROGRAM TO IDENTIFY THE NEED FOR THE CONTINUATION OF LAND ACQUISTION, THE BENEFITS OF LAND ACQUISTION, THE IMPACT OF LAND ACQUISTION ON COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY AND THE OTHER TOOLS AVAILABLE TO ACHIEVE MOA LAND ACQUISTION OBJECTIVES. (See copy of complete resolution)
All in favor – Motion Carried

RESOLUTION #109-2021 ADOPTION OF THE DELAWARE COUNTY MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL ALL-HAZARDS MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE  
On motion by Albanese, seconded by LaTourette to adopt the Delaware County Multi – jurisdictional all hazard mitigate updated plan, as this jurisdictions Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, and resolves to execute the actions in the Plan.
All in favor – Motion Carried

REPORTS:
Sewer District workers report – November and December 2021 provided for review

Assessor – None

Planning Board – None. 

Dog control Officer – None

Highway Superintendent –
1. Kyle and Ron explained that the 2013 International is back at Allegiance for loss of power and loss of antifreeze. They think it may be a head issue. They also think that a new motor or fixing the old one. Ron stated the estimate he received for the motor to be replaced is $51,450.80. The board would like to look into using the COVID funds to pay for this purchase.
RESOLUTION 110 – 2021 To replace motor on 2013 International and start bidding process for new truck
On motion by Buttel, seconded by LaTourette to have the motor replaced and for Ron to start the bidding process for a new truck.
All in favor – Motion Carried
2. Working roads.
3. Been out plowing
4. Plow equipment is ready and has been used.
5. Questioned the Shared service contracts. Michelle states they are done just need to be sent out.
6. Had a small wind damage event and some branches had gone down, all roads were cleared  

Supervisor –
1. Have spent $4,000 thus far for legal fees on the fire tower. Bill provided the board with an agreement from Pape’s for access through their property to the tower.
2. Bill had Nancy write a letter to Cintas asking them to only fill medical cabinet with OSHA required materials.
3. Bill explained that there was almost an accident on windfall road and 206 intersection. Ron will fix the stop sign at the end of Windfall Road to be in a better sight of view.
4. Bill explained it is to late to opt out of the adult use cannabis and on site consumption site. The law has to be done by December 31, 2021
5. Received quotes on roof repair for town building from Dale McCall and Greg Kole. Greg gave a quote, for shingles. Dale McCall quoted $7,000 with the Town supplying supplies. The board questioned if McCall had liability insurance.
6. Bill received a quote from Floor Fool for the Town hall floors to be waxed.
RESOLUTION #113-2021 –
On motion by Albanese, seconded by LaTourette to hire the Floor Fool to strip and wax the Town hall floors at the quote he provided.
All in favor – Motion Carried  

Other:
Brian Backus asked if the Highway crew can fence off the pile of gravel at the creamery to keep snowmobiles off the piles. Ron stated they will do something to keep them off.

He also stated he fenced off the sewer beds the best he could.

The board agreed that the January meeting will start at 6pm

Correspondence: None

Meeting adjourned at 8:42pm

Next meeting to be held on January 11, 2022 at 6PM

________________________________

Date: December 14, 2021
Michelle Phoenix 
Town of Tompkins Town Clerk

Update Regarding This Website

Carl Stuendel writes:

At the Feb 8, 2022 Town of Tompkins Board Meeting —
“Layton reported he feels the Town should keep the website.
On motion by Layton, seconded by Albanese,
Upon further investigation and the Town being able to comply with state legislation that the
town of Tompkins will keep the Website until further notice.
Vote: All in favor, Motion carried.”

To comply with NYS Regulations, Town Clerk Michelle Phoenix, will be providing a draft copy of the meeting minutes to be posted at the website “within two weeks from an open meeting and one week from an executive session.”

Michelle has provided me with the approved minutes for the Dec 2021 and Jan 2022 meetings, as well as the draft minutes for the Feb 8, 2022

Covid Home Test Kits Available

Town Supervisor Bill Layton wants Town Residents to know that Covid19 Test Kits are available at NO CHARGE at the Town Hall. Before coming please call the Town Hall to make sure someone is there.
Town Clerk: 607-865-5694, Town Supervisor: 607-865-9121.

In Place of the Dec 14, 2021 Minutes

Carl Stuendel writes:

For the last 13 years I’ve maintained and operated this blog/website.  It’s been my pleasure to make available to all of you readers news about the doings of our elected officials via the minutes of our town council meetings.  I’ve done this not only with the gratitude of the board, but also with their payment of the website’s annual fees.  (Approximately $20.00/year up until 2019.  From 2019 on it has cost ~$70.00/year — it costs extra money to keep ads from appearing.)  I have never asked the Town for money to cover my time, nor has the Town ever paid me.

I’m sorry to inform you that at the December 14, 2021 Town of Tompkins Council Meeting, the board unanimously passed a resolution (Resolution #114-2021) to discontinue the use of its “official” website.   

You ask WHY?  New York state has passed legislation demanding that towns with official websites must have certain types of content available at the website.  Of course, the state did not fund this mandate and the Town Clerk and Town Board did not feel our town had the resources to deliver this content on the time table the state required. 

[ See:  1)  https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/A1108   

2) https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-signs-two-pieces-legislation-boosting-transparency-state-and-local-government

3) https://www.nystca.com/home/news/legislation–update–nystca–legislation–chair–patty–kalba ]

There have been:

71,236 views in 13 years; an average of 5480 views/year, 457 views/month.

21,465 visitors in the past 10 years; an average of 2,146 visitors/year, 179 visitors/month.

With this viewership,  I believe we’re doing a disservice to our community by making these minutes available only to those who can come to the Town Hall in Trout Creek to read a printed set of the minutes.

I’m not an attorney, but a possible solution to this would be to recognize this “unofficial” website as a news outlet that provides the approved minutes of the town board as news items.  townoftompkins.org is a domain name registered to me.  The Town of Tompkins can certainly discontinue its funding of this personal website/news-site, and, regardless of this, would remain dedicated to matters that effect the residents of the Town of Tompkins.

Another possibility is that there will be so much blow-back from voters and public officials over this state legislation that it will be revamped and the town will once again affirm this website to be its official site without fear of fines from NY State for non-compliance.

Thank you for your attention and understanding, Carl