SENECA FALLSTOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 3, 2013
The Seneca Falls Town Board held a regular monthly Meeting on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 in the Town Hall Meeting Room, 81 W. Bayard Street.
Present were Supervisor Donald Earle; Councilpersons Duane Moore, Susan Sauvageau, T.J. Casamassima and Emil Bove. Also present were Patrick Morrell, Attorney for the Town; James Spina, Commissioner of Parks and Recreation; Steven Turkett, Zoning Officer; Donald Wood, Highway Superintendent; Cynthia Loncosky, Assessor; Stuart Peenstra, Police Chief; Michael Pickard, WWTP Operator; Jeff Rowe and John Condino of Barton & Loguidice and a Member of the local media.
Supervisor Earle called the Meeting to order at 7:05 P.M.; all Board Members were present. The Pledge of Allegiance followed.
Petitioners:
William McHale - Approved Meeting Minutes: Mr. McHale was not present.
Stanley Praszkowicz - Town Finances: Stanley Praszkowicz stated the Town of Seneca Falls is in a very solid financial position. When you can have revenue of $10,942,058.00 and only spend $8,674,021.00, he says it's a pretty good stroke of business. That leaves the Town with a cash cushion of $2,268,037.00. He said these are actual figures for the year 2012. Mr. Praszkowicz stated we are doing quite well operationally, and we are efficient as a Community. He proceeded to mention some factors that could cause financial problems for the Town's taxpayers.
Mr. Praszkowicz urged the Town to exercise its fiduciary responsibility in determining whether or not tax increases or decreases are warranted. He suggested the Board stay away from accumulating debt. He said the Board should continue along the efficient path it has been on in operations, and said keep the Town in good financial health.
Approval of Minutes:
A motion was made to approve the Minutes of the Budget Workshops of October 23, 2013, October 30, 2013, November 4, 2013, and the Public Hearing and Meeting of November 7, 2013, by Emil Bove and seconded by Sue Sauvageau. No questions. Motion carried 5 ayes, 0 nayes.
Reports:
Dog Control Officer: The Dog Control Officer's report states that four dogs were impounded; one dog was adopted and three dogs are still being held. Four Appearance tickets were issued.
A motion was made to accept the Dog Control Officer's report by T.J. Casamassima and seconded by Emil Bove. No questions. Motion carried 5 ayes, 0 nayes.
Zoning Officer: Mr. Turkett referred to Mr. Praszkowicz's comments, and said that over 400 Zoning Permits totaling $20 million in improvements is another good measure of how a Community is advancing homeowner by homeowner. He stated 42 Zoning Permits have been issued during November with fees of about $600,000.00. He mentioned that Zoning and Subdivision pamphlets have been ordered and are available; they are also online in electronic format as well.
A motion was made to accept Mr. Turkett's report by Duane Moore and seconded by Emil Bove. No questions. Motion carried 5 ayes, 0 nayes.
Commissioner of Parks & Recreation: Mr. Spina stated he had nothing extra to add to his report. He mentioned the Seneca County Christmas Project will take place next week, and then It's a Wonderful Life Weekend. He added there is a lot going on in the building and programs.
Mr. Earle asked if he had anything to report on the sound system. Mr. Spina replied he spoke with Mr. Morrell about this. They reached out to four different groups, and there was only one that would give an actual quote. Mr. Morrell stated being the quote is under $10,000.00, it is subject to the Procurement Policy. He said the policy requires that vendors are contacted; we cannot be responsible as to whether or not they respond. He added Mr. Spina made contacts and they are documented, so the Procurement Policy is satisfied. Mr. Bove suggested approving this at the end of the month.
A motion was made to accept Mr. Spina's report by T.J. Casamassima and seconded by Sue Sauvageau. No questions. Motion carried 5 aye, 0 nayes.
Highway Superintendent: Mr. Wood stated they are working on the Christmas lights. They have a problem with the Bridge lights which they hope to have fixed this week. They will be removing any snow that is left downtown, and all the walks will be cleared. A leaf pickup was held last month, and there is a lot of them out there again; people have been calling and bringing more leaves up to the Highway Garage.
A motion was made to accept Mr. Wood's report by Duane Moore and seconded by T.J. Casamassima.
Mr. Earle said there was a request relating to the lights for Christmas and It's a Wonderful Life. There needs to be discussion to plan for long term. Mr. Wood noted that the sockets and wires are old and falling apart on the angel lights, so they will probably be redoing them. Also the lights on the buildings are old and are getting brittle and worn. Brief discussion followed.
The above motion made by Duane Moore and seconded by T.J. Casamassima to accept Mr. Wood's report was carried 5 ayes, 0 nayes.
Assessor: Mrs. Loncosky noted the Board has a copy of her report, and she has nothing to add. She will be happy to answer any questions. Mr. Bove asked about sending internal drives to Utica. Mrs. Loncosky replied the software Company is in Utica. She explained when you look online on the Town's website and go to the Assessment page and view online assessments, that website has pictures, documents, survey maps of every property in Seneca Falls and Fayette. She refreshes this twice a year, and has to mail an external hard drive so that they can do that at their Office - it's too lengthy to do over the internet.
A motion was made to accept Mrs. Loncosky's report by T.J. Casamassima and seconded by Sue Sauvageau. No questions. Motion carried 5 ayes, 0 nayes.
Attorney for the Town: Mr. Morrell stated other than the matters on the Agenda, he has nothing new to report. He added there will be some matters to discuss in Executive Session.
Town Justice: No report.
Mr. Bove mentioned that the Town was cited by the Office of the State Comptroller for not having monthly reports for the Town Justice. He said it's the Board's responsibility to oversee the Court.
A motion was made directing the Town Justice to file a report with the Town by the end of the month by Emil Bove and seconded by T.J. Casamassima.
Mr. Earle stated it is on the Agenda making a resolution requiring all Department Heads to submit a written report; it's a custom that has been done, but he doesn't think it was ever made into a resolution requiring it.
The above motion made by Emil Bove and seconded by T.J. Casamassima directing the Town Justice to file a report by the end of the month was carried 5 ayes, 0 nayes.
Water & Sewer: Mr. Pickard stated he has two items to report in addition to his report. Someone hit the Fall Street Pump Station building, and they are looking at what the structural damage is; the equipment inside the building is working well. Mr. Pickard stated a mechanical float failed at the E. Bayard Street Pump Station; the pumps didn't pump so it overflowed onto the blacktop and down into the Creek. DEC was notified and the situation was remedied. He followed up with the proper letter notifying the State and the Health Department; the problem has been resolved and taken care of. Mr. Moore asked if the problem has been fixed for the future. Mr. Pickard replied yes - they found out the alarm line was not working, and notified Verizon -it has been fixed.
Mr. Pickard complimented the seven employees working with him at the WWTP who have been rebuilding pump stations, taking care of pumps, etc. He commented that they are very good workers and have done a great job.
Mr. Earle referred to the Petro station, and thanked Mr. Pickard for his efforts to get the RV dumping station shut down permanently. Discussion followed relative to the possibility of having a secondary or backup float.
A motion was made to accept Mr. Pickard's report by Duane Moore and seconded by Emil Bove. No questions. Motion carried 5 ayes, 0 nayes.
Police Chief: Chief Peenstra stated he has nothing additional to report other than what is on the Agenda later on in the Meeting.
A motion was made to accept Chief Peenstra's report by Emil Bove and seconded by Duane Moore. No questions. Motion carried 5 ayes, 0 nayes.
Barton & Loguidice: Mr. Rowe stated the high lift pumps at the WTP is operational; there are a couple of minor punch list items that the contractors are addressing. They are working with the Water Department Staff to develop a plan for adding a feed system at the Water Plant to replace the corrosion control system for ph adjustment - it will improve the water quality at the Water Plant.
Mr. Rowe stated they have notified the contractor of the award for the Boat Launch Dockage Project, and they are in the process of putting together their bonds and insurance certificates. He added they will be doing the work during the winter.
A motion was made to accept the Engineer's report by Duane Moore and seconded by Emil Bove. No questions. Motion carried 5 ayes, 0 nayes.
Building Committee: Mr. Earle stated they are progressing. They will be discussing some items later on in the Agenda. He added as far as he knows, there will be no action items for this Meeting.
Communications:
A motion was made to receive and file Communications numbered 1 to 12 by Emil Bove and seconded by T.J. Casamassima. No questions. Motion carried 5 ayes, 0 nayes. Communications numbered 1 to 12 are as follows:
- Checks totaling $6,269.08 representing receipts from Boaters Facility washers, Community Center receipts, copies of Police reports, gross utility tax, Insurance premiums, Tower rent, trash tote, sale of leaf bags and grave openings.
- Check in the amount of $813,700.00 from IESI Seneca Meadows representing 3rd quarter payment as per Host Community Agreement.
- Notice to Occupant of intention to discontinue service supplied to Landlord or rental property by NYSEG.
- Copy of letter to Customers from IESI stating they will see an increase for services they provide in their December bill.
- Monthly Report for the month of October 2013, as per Town Operating License and Host Community Agreement, from Seneca Meadows.
- Copy of letter to Slate Hill Constructors, Inc. from Matthew Fuller, Barton & Loguidice, stating the Town Board has selected their bid for the Waterfront Improvement Project.
- Copy of letter to Chief Stuart Peenstra from NYS Governor's Traffic Safety Committee, Department of Motor Vehicles, stating the Town has been awarded $1,800.00 to participate in the Child Passenger Safety Program.
- Letter from Department of Agriculture & Markets inclosing copy of Dog Control Officer Inspection Report which was completed on November 5, 2013, and which states the DCO services were rated as satisfactory.
- Statement of Accounts, April 1, 2011 to October 31, 2013, from M & T Investment Group.
- Network News Newsletter from Cayuga Watershed Network.
- Checks totaling $19,088.66 representing pump out cash, Insurance premium payments, Police overtime reimbursement, trash tote payment, utility gross receipts tax, Workers' Compensation reimbursement, sale of grave site, burial fees, Vince's Park receipts, CDBG and HUD payment.
- Checks totaling $63,010.14 representing burial fees, Town Clerk's September and October Reports, fuel reimbursement, Town Justice October report, Insurance premium payment, utility gross receipts tax and HSA advance repayment.
Old Business:
Appointment of Assessor: Mr. Earle stated the Board has been asked by the Town of Fayette to give them a little more time due to the fact that their Board Meeting is not the same time as ours. His goal is to hopefully have this settled by the end of the year.
Revised Agreement - National Women's Hall of Fame: Mr. Morrell stated he sent a revised agreement to their Attorney that incorporated some of the suggestions that were made from the meetings between some of this Board's Members and some of the Board Members of the Hall of Fame. He does not have a response to say it is acceptable to them at this point. He added none of the issues seem particularly contentious; it's just a matter of getting acceptable wording to each side. He will inform the Board when he hears back from their Attorney.
New Business:
Approval of Special Events: Mr. Spina stated one Event is It's a Wonderful Run which will take place on It's a Wonderful Life Weekend (December 14th). He noted they are a separate activity under the banner of the Weekend so they have their own insurance which has been submitted. Chief Peenstra has met with the Organizers and he is all set and prepared to go.
Mr. Spina stated the other Event is Chad McDermott and the New Year's Eve Ball Drop. They have everything in place same as last year; the insurance is pending, and he will have it before the Event.
A motion was made to approve the It's a Wonderful Life Run Event and the New Year's Eve Ball Drop Event by Sue Sauvageau and seconded by Emil Bove. No questions. Motion carried 5 ayes, 0 nayes.
Year-End Meeting Date: A motion was made to hold the Year-End Meeting at 12:00 Noon on December 30, 2013 by T.J. Casamassima and seconded by Emil Bove. No questions. Motion carried 5 ayes, 0 nayes.
Reorganizational & January Regular Meeting: A motion was made to hold a Reorganizational and regular monthly Meeting at 7:00 P.M. on January 7, 2013 by Emil Bove and seconded by Don Earle. No questions. Motion carried 5 ayes, 0 nayes.
Approve Zoning & Subdivision Pamphlet Fees: A motion was made to set the fee for a Zoning Pamphlet at $20.00 and the fee for a Subdivision Pamphlet at $8.00 by Duane Moore and seconded by Sue Sauvageau. No questions. Motion carried 5 ayes, 0 nayes.
Levy Delinquent Water & Sewer Charges - Town/County Tax Bills: A motion was made to levy delinquent water and sewer rents in the amount of $352,810.97 on Town/County tax bills by Sue Sauvageau and seconded by T.J. Casamassima. No questions. Motion carried 5 ayes, 0 nayes.
Attendance at Newly Elected Officials Training: A motion was made authorizing the newly elected Town Councilmen to attend the Newly Elected Officials Training in January 2014 by T.J. Casamassima and seconded by Emil Bove. No questions. Motion carried 5 ayes, 0 nayes.
Attendance at Association of Towns Conference: A motion was made authorizing the Town Board, Elected Officials, Town Attorney, Court Clerks and Zoning Officer to attend the Association of Towns Conferencein February 2014 by Duane Moore and seconded by Sue Sauvageau. No questions. Motion carried 5 ayes, 0 nayes.
Appointment of Secretary to Supervisor: Mr. Earle noted this will be discussed in Executive Session because the person's name has not been mentioned or position offered yet; action will be taken after Executive Session.
Approve Advance for Expenses - Judges' Training: Mr. Earle stated this is for the required training for the two new Judges which will be held next week; the advance for expenses would be $300.00 each since it is a week long training session.
A motion was made to advance $300.00 each for expenses to the two new Judges who will be attending the required Training Session in Albany December 9-13, 2013 by T.J. Casamassima and seconded by Sue Sauvageau. No questions. Motion carried 5 ayes, 0 nayes.
Recertification of Town - State Certified Local Government Program: Mr. Bove stated the Village of Seneca Falls was certified by this program that was run by the NYS Parks & Recreation; the requirements were in place when the Village dissolved, and they are still in place. He said the Town was not aware that this program existed until Fran Carracilo brought it to our attention. NYS Parks & Recreation was contacted, and they advised the Town that it should apply to be recertified. Brief discussion followed.
A motion was made authorizing the Town Supervisor to send a letter to NYS Parks & Recreation requesting that the Town be recertified under this program by Emil Bove and seconded by Sue Sauvageau. No questions. Motion carried 5 ayes, 0 nayes.
Amend Personnel Policy - SFPD Compensation Time: Mr. Earle stated currently, the policy does not include the Police. He said the Public Safety Committee would like to review this to make sure it's ready to go.
A motion was made to table action relative to amending the Personnel Policy by T.J. Casamassima and seconded by Emil Bove. No questions. Motion carried 5 ayes, 0 nayes.
Appoint Recreation Clerk: Mr. Spina stated Esther Patti Young will be retiring December 27th. He worked with the Personnel Committee, using the County's Civil Service list. Mr. Spina said he interviewed three people, and was able to find someone that would be a great addition to their program; her name is Mary Jones (known as Missy Jones), and she has a lot of experience. Mrs. Jones is willing to take the job and will be starting tomorrow if she is appointed; her wage will be $13.26 per hour. Brief discussion followed.
A motion was made to appoint Mary Jones as Recreation Clerk at a salary of $13.26 per hour by Emil Bove and seconded by Duane Moore. No questions. Motion carried 5 ayes, 0 nayes.