Regular Meeting – March 6, 2013
Regular Meeting
March 6, 2013
The regular meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Homer held on Wednesday, March 6, 2013, in the board room of the Town Hall Building was called to order by Supervisor Frederick J. Forbes at 6:30 p.m.
PRESENT
Frederick J. Forbes, Supervisor
Barry E. Warren, Councilman
Dan A. Weddle, Councilman
Kevin M. Williams, Councilman
Brian D. Young, Councilman
Patrick M. Snyder, Attorney for the Town
John R. Phelps, Highway Superintendent
Anita W. Jebbett, Town Clerk
OTHERS PRESENT
Gary Shiffer, Town Justice
Gordon Wheelock, Cortland County Legislator
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MINUTES
The minutes of the February 6th regular meeting were approved as presented, on motion by Councilman Weddle, seconded by Councilman Young and carried unanimously.
MONTHLY REPORTS
Presented for audit by the Board:
- The Supervisor’s report of all cash receipts & disbursements for January.
- The Town Clerk’s report of all cash receipts & disbursements for February.
- The Code Enforcement Officer’s report of all activities for February.
ANNUAL REPORTS
Presented for audit by the Board:
1. The Supervisor’s accounting records for all funds as completed for the year
2012.
BILLS TO BE PAID
General bills were approved as audited on motion by Councilman Warren, seconded by Councilman Williams and carried unanimously: RESOLVED: that General Fund vouchers #30 through #53 totaling $12,871.59 be approved for payment.
Highway bills were approved as audited on motion by Councilman Young, seconded by Councilman Weddle and carried unanimously: RESOLVED: that Highway Fund vouchers #22 through #36 totaling $43,492.79 be approved for payment.
NEW BUSINESS
Justice Court grant – Justice Shiffer reported that the Town Court will be receiving a grant from the Office of Court Administration for over $600. He said that all the credit should go to Court Clerk Stacy Hall who applied for the grant for such items as a new computer monitor and printer, and locking file cabinets for the Court room. Shiffer said that these funds enable the Town Court to operate more efficiently and effectively.
NYS Comptroller webinar – Supervisor Forbes invited any interested Board members to attend a webinar on “Red Flags for Fraud” on Wednesday, March 20th, from 2-3:30 p.m. in the Town Clerk’s Office.
Repeal of NY SAFE Act – Board members discussed problems with the recent legislation passed by the State Legislature to prevent gun violence.
On motion by Supervisor Forbes, seconded by Councilman Young and carried unanimously: RESOLVED: that the Town Board hereby supports the resolution passed by the Cortland County Legislature calling for the repeal of the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act of 2013 (”NY SAFE Act”).
Risk control – Supervisor Forbes reported on a meeting he had with HCC Public Risk, a company hired by First Niagara Insurance to discuss ways the Town can manage risk. One of the suggestions was for the Town to adopt a “Prior Written Notice” policy. In order for the Town to adopt such a policy, Attorney Snyder has written the draft of a Local Law.
On motion by Supervisor Forbes, seconded by Councilman Young and carried unanimously: RESOLVED: that a public hearing be held on the Town’s proposed Local Law #1 of 2013 for the enactment of a “Prior Written Notice” policy on April 3rd, 2013, at 7:15 p.m.
Supervisor Forbes also asked that the current Employee Personnel Policy be reviewed in accordance with recommendations made by the risk management company.
Zoning Advisory Committee – Attorney Snyder reported that the Town’s Zoning Advisory Committee working on the issue of hydro-fracking should be completing part of its work next week and will be recommending changes to the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. The Committee will be recommending changes to the Zoning Law in the near future.
Time Warner contract – Councilman Williams reported that his term on the Cortland Cable Commission has expired and he does not wish to be re-appointed. He suggested that others be considered or that the Town look into negotiating with Time Warner on its own.
On motion by Supervisor Forbes, seconded by Councilman Young and carried unanimously: RESOLVED: that Councilmen Williams and Warren review the Town’s current contract and possibilities for a future contract with Time Warner.
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT
Highway Superintendent John Phelps reported on his department’s activities over the past month. The Town pickup he drives was run into while it was parked at his home. The Town has already received a check from the insurance company and he will be getting it repaired as soon as possible.
Phelps said that he is looking into purchasing sand for next winter. They are rebuilding the hopper on the Town’s street sweeper in order to sweep and recycle sand and salt left on the roadways for future use.
He reported that the risk management company visited the Highway Garage and made a recommendation that they post “Authorized Personnel Only” signs. Otherwise the Garage was found to be in compliance.
Phelps also reported that the truck to be purchased from the Town of Cazenovia is not yet available.
ATTORNEY FOR THE TOWN
Attorney Snyder reported that TCI Renewables, the company proposing to place a wind farm in Cortland County, will have a new draft environmental impact statement ready for review in the near future.
Snyder also reported that New York State has again postponed any decision on gas drilling.
COUNTY LEGISLATOR
County Legislator Gordon Wheelock reported on recent County appointments – Randy Deal as the new Director of Real Property Tax Services, and Scott Roman as the Director of the Cortland County Emergency Communications Department. He also discussed the County’s resolution requesting the repeal of the NY SAFE Act.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
On motion by Supervisor Forbes, seconded by Councilman Young and carried unanimously, it was resolved to enter into an executive session at 8:20 p.m. to discuss the employment history of a particular person.
On motion by Supervisor Forbes, seconded by Councilman Warren and carried unanimously, the executive session was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
As there was no further business, the regular meeting was also adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Anita W. Jebbett
Town Clerk