A Regular Monthly meeting was held at the Village Hall, 8892 South Street on Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
Present were: Deputy Mayor Chris Lukins (Mayor Jean B. Saroodis, absent)
Trustees: Perkins, Hinman, Swim
Also present: Susan Lamphere, Village Clerk; Diane Scheufele, Village Treasurer; Jim Saroodis, Superintendent of Public Works; David James, Fire Chief; Mark Henderson, Glyn and Etta Fritsch, Jim Sullivan, Chet Dziergas, Greg Gilfus, Police; David Fulkerson, Brenda Bach, Nancy Sweet
Prior to the Regular Meeting Deputy Mayor Lukins asked those present if they would step out of the room so the Board could talk with Glyn and Etta Fritsch, 8909 N. Willow Street and Brenda Bach, 8911 N. Willow Street regarding an on-going neighbor dispute. Also remaining in this conference: Jim Saroodis, Tim Ganey, Susan Lamphere, Diane Scheufele and Greg Gilfus.
Deputy Mayor Lukins stated that he had asked Glyn and Etta Fritsch and Brenda Bach to attend this meeting to try to explain that the Building Inspector has been called to handle issues numerous times that are not in the capacity of his job. Mr. Ganey has tried to mediate the problems with no luck. Deputy Mayor Lukins stated that the Building Inspector should only be called if there are code violations. The problems being faced by the neighbors are of a “neighbor dispute” manner and the homeowner should consult their Attorney with their issues in the future. It is not a function of the Village Board or employees of the Village to mediate or get involved in neighbor disputes.
Deputy Mayor Chris Lukins called for the regular meeting to start at 7:25 p.m. and welcomed everyone back and led those present in the Pledge to the Flag.
Trustee Hinman, made the motion to approve the minutes of the May 12th meeting with the addition of the issue of the water meter at the Weedsport School, and to approve the minutes of the Special Meeting held on June 2nd, Trustee Swim, seconded this motion all present voted aye.
CORRESPONDENCE:
VISITORS:
David Fulkerson was present and asked if the unresolved right of way for his new house has been finalized. Deputy Mayor Lukins stated he would follow up with Village Attorney Thurston. Mr. Fulkerson was instructed to contact his Attorney to find out the status on his end.
Mr. Fulkerson also asked about the repainting of the abutment on Route 31. The Clerk stated that the Mayor has spoken with Daryl Wolford in regards to the repainting and Mr. Wolford stated it would be repainted as soon as it could be scheduled. The Board instructed the Clerk to send a letter to Mr. Wolford expressing the desire to have the abutment painted a darker color, preferably black.
REPORTS:
FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Board read the Fire Chiefs monthly report. There were 67 alarms for the month. Some members of the Department in August will attend a pre-paint inspection on the new tanker. The Field Days went well. There was an issue with the Liquor License that was resolved. The Board also stated that security issues should be addressed sooner to avoid problems in that area.
The Board reviewed the Police report. There were 66 calls answered for the month. The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and Weedsport Fire Department conducted the bicycle rodeo held at Trolley Park and was well attended by the public. Yearly firearms qualifications for the officers are being conducted during the month with the Auburn Police Department. Officer Cordway has returned to work as of June 5, 2010 after completing his probationary period with the Sheriffs Office.
Officer in Charge, Greg Gilfus stated the Auburn City Police and Sheriff’s Department were applying for a JAG Grant to receive tasers for their Departments and have offered one for the Weedsport Police Department. Weedsport Officers already have the training. The Village would be responsible for maintenance and supplies. He stated Insurance Companies prefer taser use over pepper spray or the use of a baton. Trustee Hinman made the motion, second by Trustee Swim, all ayes to apply for this grant.
The Attorney reviewed a draft Mission Statement for the Planning Board and he believes it is sufficient with what other Boards use. A copy was provided to the Village Board.
The Board was given a copy of a letter sent to the Weedsport School by Attorney Thurston in regards to the water main issue at the Elementary School. The Village wants the bypass system to be locked out from use by the school. The DPW will need access to the system to make the bypass inoperable until this issue can be resolved. Should the School District choose to retain the bypass system the School will have to allow access to install a new meter on the bypass to measure the flow of water regardless of whether the standard main is used or the bypass system is employed. If the School District decides to retain the bypass system an additional meter is required the cost of the additional meter and installation shall be borne by the School District. The Clerk will call the school to arrange a meeting with Harry Hinman, Jimmy Saroodis and Phil Grome, Weedsport School Administrator and Max Applebee.
The Board read the Judges report. Activity for the month will pay $11,622.00 in fines.
The Board read the monthly report of the Building and Zoning Officer. Trustee Hinman told Tim Ganey he was doing a great job. It was asked if Real Estate signs on the streets of the village could be made to only be present on the day of “open house”. Tim said he would look into this. After a brief discussion regarding 2651 Erie Drive, the old Lofft’s business, the Inspector said he is attempting to perform an inspection on the inside but has only been able to inspect the exterior. He has been told no one lives in the camper that is located on the site.
The Board read the Superintendent’s report. The Superintendent, and Waste Water Treatment Operators, Ron Spingler and Barry Walter attended a three-day Rural Water Conference. The water tank was inspected and cleaned this month. Training on the new sewer system has started and will continue as more tanks go online. Grouttech completed camering of the storm drains. A copy of the final report was received and filed. Matt Driscoll, President, with EFC will visit the WWTP on June 18th at 9:00 a.m. to see the progress.
Robert and Barbara Ward, 9005 Jackson Street, have agreed to take a tree down on the north side in the front of their house that was on the take down list last year. They wished the tree to remain and were given approval to allow it to remain by signing a waiver that they would be responsible for any damage that may happen. They were sent another waiver to sign this year and have decided to let the Village remove the tree. Rick LaForce, 9002 Jackson St. has signed a waiver that he does not wish a tree to come down in front of his house. The Clerk was instructed to send Mr. LaForce a letter that whatever Cranebrook’s findings are whether the tree should come down or is only in need of trimming, the Village will defer to their expertise. Also a copy of the Attorneys opinion will be included in the letter.
Judy LaForce submitted her resignation for the School Crossing Guard position effective at the end of this school year. Trustee Perkins made the motion to accept this resignation seconded by Trustee Hinman, all present voted aye. Judy has been the Crossing Guard since 1989. An advertisement will be placed in the Shopping Guide to fill this position.
Discussion was held on erecting a sign by the pavilion to show when it is rented so the public is aware. The DPW will design a sign for this purpose.
The Mortgage tax payment from the County of $11,123.58 has been received. Treasurer Scheufele informed the Board notice was received that the County agreed to reimburse the Village $40,652 for the demolition of property owned by David & Donna Coyle, 8803 South Street.
The Treasurer presented information on two NYS Retirement incentives. She will need to determine if any employees qualify and calculate the unbudgeted cost to the village and pass any required laws that must be adopted by August 31, 2010.
Trustee Perkins, made the motion, second by Trustee Hinman, all ayes to approve paying the following bills:
A Fund voucher #114-154 totaling $26,479.47
F Fund voucher # 46-58 totaling $6,792.08
G Fund voucher #45-56 totaling $30,275.44
HI Fund voucher #8-11 totaling $381,809.54
Trustee Hinman made the motion, seconded by Trustee Perkins all ayes to approve the following amendment:
Budget Journal Entries:
Debit: HI8197.229 Project Contingency $10,100.00
Credit: HI8197.210 MA Bongiovanni $10,100.00
Debit: HI8197.212 LeClaire Fleming $(2,783.53)
Credit: HI8197.229 Project Contingency $(2,783.53)
Trustee Hinman made the motion, seconded by Trustee Perkins, all ayes to approve the following amendment:
Budget Journal Entries:
Debit: HI8197.229 Project Contingency $12,919.00
Credit: HI8197.211 MEC Electric $12,919.00
Debit: HI8197.229 Project Contingency $ 4,945.00
Credit: HI8197.210 MA Bongiovanni $4,945.00
Debit:: HI8197.229 Project Contingency $1,491.07
Credit: HI8197.213 D’Amico Plumping $1,491.07
Trustee Swim made the motion, seconded by Trustee Hinman, all ayes to approve the following amendment.
Debit: G9730.710 – Debt Service Interest $7,569.73
Credit: G8120.200 – Sewer, Equipment $7,569.73
Trustee Hinman made the motion, seconded by Trustee Swim,
all ayes to approve the following resolution:
WHEREAS, The Village of Weedsport is required to hold a hearing pursuant to Section
71 of the Civil Service Law in order to terminate the employment of Lawrence Gilfus;
and
WHEREAS, the Village of Weedsport has determined that the aforementioned hearings
are to be conducted by an impartial hearing officer.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Village of Weedsport does
hereby appoint David S. Grasso, Esq., as the impartial hearing officer pursuant to Section
71 of the Civil Service Law to hold the aforementioned hearings and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, David S. Grasso, Esq. is to make a record of
such hearings which shall, with his written findings of fact and recommendations, be
referred to the Village of Weedsport for review and decisions; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, the Village of Weedsport does hereby direct
that David S. Grasso be paid his usual and customary fee for services rendered in these
matters.
Trustee Swim made the motion, seconded by Trustee Hinman, all ayes to approve Deputy Mayor Lukins to sign the letter regarding employee Lawrence Gilfus’s notice of Rights and Entitlement to a Civil Service Law Section 71 Hearing.
Trustee Hinman made the motion, second by Trustee Swim, all ayes to approve Deputy Mayor Lukins to sign the Letter of Consent for Cayuga County to act as lead agency in the upgrade to the Cayuga county Emergency Communication System.
A letter was received from the Planning Board informing the Village that Robert Mutz, 2685 Erie Drive (Tax map # 83.05-1-8) proposes to subdivide his existing parking lot and business property into two parcels. The Planning Board recommends to the Village that this is a subdivision. Mr. Mutz was given a copy of the Long Environmental Assessment Form to complete and bring to the Village to start proceedings. The Planning Board recommends the Village to check flood insurance rate maps along with state and federal wetlands maps. Copies will also be furnished to Cayuga County Planning for their review.
A letter was received from Charlotte and Stuart McLeod, 2778 E. Brutus St. to inform the Board they are interested in purchasing the vacant property behind their property (tax map # 83.06-1-14). This lot is owned by Cayuga County. The County suggested they contact the Village to see if there was any interest in the lot for the Village. Superintendent Saroodis will look at this piece of property to determine if it could be of any use to the Village. A letter will be sent to the McLeods to inform them of this and to suggest they contact the other border homeowners to determine if they would have interest in the areas directly behind them.
Trustee Hinman made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m. Trustee Perkins seconded this motion, all ayes.
Susan Lamphere
Village Clerk