Regular Town Board Meeting of the Van Buren Town Board, held at the Van Buren Town Hall, 7575 Van Buren Road, Baldwinsville, New York on November 1, 2011 at 7:30 pm.
Ms. Mary Frances Sabin Councilor
Mr. Derek Shepard Councilor
Mr. Howard Tupper Councilor
Mr. Ronald Dudzinski Councilor
Mr. Harold Johnson Councilor
Ms. Patricia Dickman Councilor
Mr. Claude Sykes Supervisor
Mr. Jeff Brown Attorney
Mr. Jason Hoy Engineer
Mr. Greg Maxwell Comptroller
Mrs. Lynn McCormick-Precourt Town Clerk
Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call.
Citizens Comments: None
Approve minutes of the 10/18/11 Regular Town Board Meeting:
191-11-000 MOTION BY Ms. Sabin, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to approve the minutes of the 10/18/11 Regular Town Board meeting as published.
Ms. Sabin – Yes, Mr. Shepard – Yes, Mr. Tupper – Yes, Mr. Dudzinski – Yes, Mr. Johnson – Yes, Ms. Dickman – Yes, Mr. Sykes – Yes
All Ayes – Motion Carried & Adopted
7:32 pm Public Hearing on General and Special Districts 2012 budgets:
192-11-000 MOTION BY Mr. Dudzinski, seconded by Ms. Dickman, to recess the regular meeting, open the public hearing and waive reading the legal notices published in The Messenger on October 26, 2011 and the Post Standard on October 28, 2011.
Ms. Sabin – Yes, Mr. Shepard – Yes, Mr. Tupper – Yes, Mr. Dudzinski – Yes, Mr. Johnson – Yes, Ms. Dickman – Yes, Mr. Sykes – Yes
All Ayes – Motion Carried & Adopted
Mr. Maxwell said he will give a general overview of the 2012 budget and the 2% property tax cap.
Mr. Maxwell said the total budget is $5.2 Million Dollars and 2.17% more than 2011.
Mr. Maxwell said the legislation concerning the 2% property tax cap allowed for the following adjustments to be made to the budget: PILOT Agreements, growth factor, NYS Retirement contributions and consolidation adjustments. When these adjustments were factored in to the 2012 budget the total amount the tax levy could increase was 2.9% for the town. The town increase of 2.17% is under the adjusted amount of the tax cap and therefore within the parameters of the new law.
Mr. Maxwell said wages of $1.5 Million Dollars represents an increase of 2.3%, equipment infrastructure is up 6%, operating expenses have increased 1%, employee benefits have gone down 1.8%, transfers to reserves and other funds is up 63.8% and the town’s debt has decreased 4.5%.
Mr. Maxwell said the increase in wages includes a 2% increase for elected personnel, other than the Supervisor and Town Board members who are not receiving an increase, and the creation of a part time clerk position and full time mechanic position in the Highway Department.
Mr. Maxwell said the main equipment and infrastructure items are a new lawnmower, a computer, radio system for the Highway Department and $210,000 for road paving.
Mr. Maxwell said operating costs have increased due to highway equipment repairs, the cost of diesel fuel and the Baldwinsville Fire Department contract increases.
Mr. Maxwell said employee benefits have decreased mainly due to a lower health insurance premium and that offset the increase in the NYS Retirement contribution increase of 2.2% of payroll for 2012. He said the retirement contribution for the town will continue to increase each year.
Mr. Maxwell said the town raises most of the money to operate through property taxes but there are other revenues and the largest of those are the following:
Plowing county roads $224,048
Mortgage tax $176,744
Justice Fines $130,000
Franchise Fees $126,900
NYS Revenue Sharing $94,839
Highway Aid $69,763
OCRRA Host Agreement $54,933
Mr. Maxwell said the state revenue sharing amount has decreased over the years and the town has estimated the mortgage tax money for 2012 to decrease again.
Mr. Maxwell said this means a house with a 100,000 assessment inside the Village of Baldwinsville will see their town tax decrease 2.1% or $3.39 and the same house outside of the Village of Baldwinsville will see their taxes increase 2.9% or $12.75.
Mr. Sykes asked if anyone had any questions on the 2012 budget.
Mr. Brown asked if there was an impact on the budget from the Warners and Memphis Fire Department merger.
Mr. Maxwell said yes, because of that merger the town was able to make a $98,000 adjustment to the 2012 budget related to the property tax cap.
Ms. Dickman asked Mr. Maxwell to explain the 2% property tax cap and how the town is under the cap even with a 2.17% increase.
Mr. Maxwell said the property tax cap at 2% is a little misleading. He said it is the tax levy that cannot increase by more than 2%. He said the state also allows towns to make adjustments for NYS Retirement contributions, PILOT agreements, consolidations and growth factor. He said once these adjustments are made, in Van Buren’s case, the percentage of increase was actually 2.9% and the town is under that percentage.
Mr. Sykes asked if anyone wanted to speak in favor of the 2012 budget. No one spoke.
Mr. Sykes asked if anyone wanted to speak against the 2012 budget. No one spoke.
193-11-000 MOTION BY Ms. Sabin, seconded by Ms. Dickman, to close the public hearing on the 2012 General and Special Districts budgets at 7:50 pm.
Ms. Sabin – Yes, Mr. Shepard – Yes, Mr. Tupper – Yes, Mr. Dudzinski – Yes, Mr. Johnson – Yes, Ms. Dickman – Yes, Mr. Sykes – Yes
All Ayes – Motion Carried & Adopted
7:34 Public Hearing on proposed Baldwinsville Fire Department 2012 budget and contract:
194-11-000 MOTION BY Ms. Sabin, seconded by Mr. Dudzinski, to open the public hearing and waive reading the legal notice published in The Messenger on October 26, 2011.
Ms. Sabin – Yes, Mr. Shepard – Yes, Mr. Tupper – Yes, Mr. Dudzinski – Yes, Mr. Johnson – Yes, Ms. Dickman – Yes, Mr. Sykes – Yes
All Ayes – Motion Carried & Adopted
Mr. Sykes said the Baldwinsville Fire Department budget for 2012 is 2% higher than 2011 and does contain an insurance clause.
Mr. Sykes asked if there was anyone to speak in favor of the budget and contract. No one spoke.
Mr. Sykes asked if there was anyone to speak against the budget and contract. No one spoke.
195-11-000 MOTION BY Ms. Sabin, seconded by Ms. Dickman, to close the public hearing and resume the regular meeting at 7:53 pm.
Ms. Sabin – Yes, Mr. Shepard – Yes, Mr. Tupper – Yes, Mr. Dudzinski – Yes, Mr. Johnson – Yes, Ms. Dickman – Yes, Mr. Sykes – Yes
All Ayes – Motion Carried & Adopted
Authorize Deputy Highway Superintendent to purchase two Harter Sander Units at a cost of $8485.00 each from STS Trailer and Truck Equipment:
Mr. Sykes aid the town received the following quotes:
STS Trailer and Truck Equipment $8485.00
Tracey Road Equipment $8613.00
LaGasse Works $9200.00
196-11-026 MOTION BY Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Dudzinski, to authorize the Deputy Highway Superintendent to purchase two Harter Sander Units at a cost of $8485.00 each from STS Trailer and Truck Equipment.
Ms. Sabin – Yes, Mr. Shepard – Yes, Mr. Tupper – Yes, Mr. Dudzinski – Yes, Mr. Johnson – Yes, Ms. Dickman – Yes, Mr. Sykes – Yes
All Ayes – Motion Carried & Adopted
197-11-034 MOTION BY Mr. Tupper, seconded by Mr. Dudzinski, to approve the Assessor’s renewal of the subscription for Marshall and Swift valuation service at a cost of $476.20.
Ms. Sabin – Yes, Mr. Shepard – Yes, Mr. Tupper – Yes, Mr. Dudzinski – Yes, Mr. Johnson – Yes, Ms. Dickman – Yes, Mr. Sykes – Yes
All Ayes – Motion Carried & Adopted
Approval of Intermunicipal Agreement with the Town of Geddes to allow for sewer connection from Terpening Properties on Farrell Road, authorize the Supervisor to execute the documents:
Mr. Sykes said we discussed this a few months ago and the reason for it is so they can connect to the sewer line on Farrell Road as an outside user. He said there are no sewers along State Fair Boulevard and this property is on the corner of State Fair Blvd. and Farrell Road. The second part of this is the agreement between the town and Terpening to allow the town to place unpaid charges for the outside sewer usage on Terpening’s tax bill.
198-11-045 MOTION BY Ms. Sabin, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to approve the Intermunicipal Agreement with the Town of Geddes to allow for sewer connection from Terpening Properties on Farrell Road and authorize the Supervisor to execute the documents.
Ms. Sabin – Yes, Mr. Shepard – Yes, Mr. Tupper – Yes, Mr. Dudzinski – Yes, Mr. Johnson – Yes, Ms. Dickman – Yes, Mr. Sykes – Yes
All Ayes – Motion Carried & Adopted
Approval of outside sewer use agreement with Terpening Properties to allow them to connect to the North Geddes Consolidated Sewer District and authorize the Supervisor to execute the documents:
199-11-045 MOTION BY Ms. Dickman, seconded by Ms. Sabin, to approve the outside sewer use agreement with Terpening Properties to allow them to connect to the North Geddes Consolidated Sewer District and authorize the Supervisor to execute the documents.
Ms. Sabin – Yes, Mr. Shepard – Yes, Mr. Tupper – Yes, Mr. Dudzinski – Yes, Mr. Johnson – Yes, Ms. Dickman – Yes, Mr. Sykes – Yes
All Ayes – Motion Carried & Adopted
Consider approval of tax settlement case with True Enterprises with an impact of $617.00:
Mr. Sykes said this settlement allows for a decrease in assessment of $100,000. He said they have decreased the number of lots in the park.
200-11-004 MOTION BY Ms. Sabin, seconded by Mr. Dudzinski, to aprprove the tax settlement case with True Enterprises with an impact of $617.00.
Ms. Sabin – Yes, Mr. Shepard – Yes, Mr. Tupper – Yes, Mr. Dudzinski – Yes, Mr. Johnson – Yes, Ms. Dickman – Yes, Mr. Sykes – Yes
All Ayes – Motion Carried & Adopted
Adoption of General and Special Districts budgets:
201-11-007 MOTION BY Mr. Dudzinski, seconded by Mr. Shepard, to adopt the 2012 General and Special Districts budgets.
Ms. Sabin – Yes, Mr. Shepard – Yes, Mr. Tupper – Yes, Mr. Dudzinski – Yes, Mr. Johnson – No, Ms. Dickman – Yes, Mr. Sykes – Yes
Motion Carried & Adopted
Approval of liquor license for Timber Tavern, 7153 State Fair Blvd.:
Mrs. Precourt said the Code Enforcement Officer has said this project is not close to completion and he cannot complete an inspection of the property at this time to give approval for the liquor license.
Mr. Sykes said this item will remain tabled until the Code Enforcement Officer can give a positive recommendation.
Amendment of Resolution No. 202-10-034 to permit Justices to utilize remaining $1075.00 of unspent grant funds to have security glass installed:
202-11-057 MOTION BY Mr. Tupper, seconded by Mr. Dudzinski, to amend Resolution No. 202-10-034 to permit Justices to utilize remaining $1075.00 of unspent grant funds to have security glass installed.
Ms. Sabin – Yes, Mr. Shepard – Yes, Mr. Tupper – Yes, Mr. Dudzinski – Yes, Mr. Johnson – Yes, Ms. Dickman – Yes, Mr. Sykes – Yes
All Ayes – Motion Carried & Adopted
Award of quotes for electric snake for cleaning of rear yard drainage facilities:
Mr. Hoy said this equipment will be used to clean out pipes that have been installed in backyards since 2004 to correct drainage problems. He said this portable unit is small enough to get in backyards to clean out the pipes that have been compromised by tree roots and soil.
Mr. Hoy said he received the following two quotes for this equipment:
Taylor Rental $1969.50
Pipe Tools, Inc. $2385.00
203-11-026 MOTION BY Ms. Sabin, seconded by Mr. Shepard, to purchase an electric snake for cleaning of rear yard drainage facilities from Taylor Rental in the amount of $1969.50 with a $110.00 delivery charge.
Ms. Sabin – Yes, Mr. Shepard – Yes, Mr. Tupper – Yes, Mr. Dudzinski – Yes, Mr. Johnson – Yes, Ms. Dickman – Yes, Mr. Sykes – Yes
All Ayes – Motion Carried & Adopted
Award quote for tree removal at Erie Canal Trail:
Mr. Dudzinski said he received the following three quotes to remove three trees at the Erie Canal Trail. He said it will open up the area at the trailhead.
Tree Landers $725.00
Timber Tree $975.00
Cayuga Tree $1990.00
204-11-034 MOTION BY Ms. Dickman, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to award the quote for tree removal at the Erie Canal Trail to Tree Landers in the amount of $725.00.
Ms. Sabin – Yes, Mr. Shepard – Yes, Mr. Tupper – Yes, Mr. Dudzinski – Yes, Mr. Johnson – Yes, Ms. Dickman – Yes, Mr. Sykes – Yes
All Ayes – Motion Carried & Adopted
Councilor Committee Reports and Comments:
Ms. Sabin said she has received complaints from people about speeding on Idlewood Blvd. near the elementary school. She asked if signs could be installed letting people know this is a school zone.
Mr. Sykes said he will check the manual to see what signage may be appropriate.
Mr. Tupper congratulated Justice Van Der Water on his award from the Syracuse Visitor’s Bureau for bringing the New York State Magistrate’s conference to Syracuse.
Mr. Johnson said he voted no on the budget because the town didn’t fill one position in the department already and they have employees there who can perform mechanical work on the trucks.
Mr. Sykes said due to the size of the fleet he feels that a mechanic is appropriate and will be able to help maintain the trucks and equipment and maybe get a longer life out of them.
Mr. Shepard said he would like an Executive Session to discuss the current contract negotiations.
Mr. Shepard said his term is ending at the end of the year and he is also vacating his seat on the Greater Baldwinsville Economic Development Agency as are a few other members. He said they are having a meeting at Mohegan Manor on November 10th and anyone who is interested in serving on the agency board please contact him at the Town Hall.
Deputy Highway Superintendent Comments: None
Supervisor Comments:
Mr. Sykes congratulated Mr. Doug Foster on his joining the Baldwinsville Rotary Club.
Citizens Comments: None
Engineer Comments: None
Attorney Comments: None
205-11-014 MOTION BY Mr. Shepard, seconded by Mr. Tupper, to go into Executive Session to discuss ongoing collective bargaining negotiations.
Ms. Sabin – Yes, Mr. Shepard – Yes, Mr. Tupper – Yes, Mr. Dudzinski – Yes, Mr. Johnson – Yes, Ms. Dickman – Yes, Mr. Sykes – Yes
All Ayes – Motion Carried & Adopted
Meeting recessed 8:15 pm
Meeting resumed 8:35 pm
206-11-000 MOTION BY Mr. Dudzinski, seconded by Ms. Dickman, to adjourn to the next Regular Town Board meeting on November 15, 2011.
Ms. Sabin – Yes, Mr. Shepard – Yes, Mr. Tupper – Yes, Mr. Dudzinski – Yes, Mr. Johnson – Yes, Ms. Dickman – Yes, Mr. Sykes – Yes
All Ayes – Motion Carried & Adopted
Meeting closed 8:35 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Lynn Precourt
Dated: 11/2/11
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