Minutes of May 19, 2010

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TOWN OF DRYDEN

TOWN BOARD MEETING

May 19, 2010

Present:                                   Supervisor Mary Ann Sumner, Cl Stephen Stelick, Cl Joseph Solomon, Cl David Makar, Cl Jason Leifer

Elected Officials:                     Bambi L. Avery, Town Clerk

                                                Jack Bush, Highway/DPW Superintendent

Other Town Staff:                    Mahlon Perkins, Town Attorney

                                                Henry Slater, Zoning Officer

                                                Melissa Bianconi, Recreation Director

                                                Andrew Sciarabba, TG Miller Engineers

            Supv Sumner opened the meeting at 7:05 p.m. and board members and guests participated in the pledge of allegiance.

            Lisa Stelick announced that she and her husband, Cl Stephen Stelick, received the Dryden Grange Annual Community Service Award this year.  Anne Grant also nominated them for the Awards for Excellence Program that is sponsored by the Tompkins County Trust Company and administered by the Legacy Foundation of Tompkins County.  Anne Grant nominated them for the many hours they have devoted to the Town of Dryden Community. A brief history of their services to the community include voluntarily running the programs that fell under the Town of Dryden Youth Sports Program for ten years or so (Flag football, tackle football, kick-off events, cheerleading, basketball in-house & travel programs, tournaments, youth wrestling, baseball travel program, track, lacrosse and a summer recreation program).  Duties included doing the signups, fundraising, purchase of equipment and uniforms, inventory, concessions, advertising, computer input and paper work, reports to the town board, attendance at league meetings, etc.

            The Stelicks divided the monetary award they received ($1,200) and distributed it among the Montgomery Park Restoration Fund, Dryden Community Center Café, Ellis Hollow Community Center, Etna Community Center, Varna Community Center, and the Southworth Library. 

            Supv Sumner said this is an amazing legacy and she is a firm believer that things like this always start at the grass roots level, and they have given it a very strong foundation.  On behalf of the town, she thanked them for their service.

Dryden Resources Awareness Coalition (DRAC) Presentation

            Judy Pierpont, 111 Pleasant Hollow Road, on behalf of DRAC, presented a petition (450 signatures) asking the board to enact an ordinance regulating industrial noise.  The petition reads:

Whereas loud and persistent industrial noise is disruptive to the well-being of people living in its vicinity and is in some cases deleterious to their health, we the undersigned residents of Dryden, in order to protect the right of Dryden residents to quiet enjoyment of our property, to safeguard our health and well-being, and further, to preserve the rural, agricultural, and quiet residential character of Dryden, request that the Town Board of Dryden enact an ordinance to regulate noise associated with industrial activities.      

            These regulations would not apply to noise generated in agricultural and recreational activities, which are generally intermittent and not cumulative.  They are concerned specifically with industrial activities when it creates unaccepted levels of noise, especially when it is uninterrupted.  This would be disruptive to residents’ lives, their well-being and health. 

            J Pierpont said, “Increased localized industry is a particular concern, since the cumulative effects of several operations occurring concurrently can lead to very high levels of noise.  Noise that is perceived as loud is annoying, disruptive to sleep and conducive to depression and psychological reactions, bodily and mental fatigue, aggravation of conditions to which a person is predisposed (for instance heart and circulatory diseases), adverse changes in social behavior, and many other problems.  It can cause permanent hearing damage.” 
She said in several documented cases in Colorado, residents have found it impossible to live in their homes and have abandoned them.  Noise will also contribute to the departure of wildlife and decrease in reproductive success. 

            Earthworks Action recommends a maximum level of 45 decibels as acceptable in rural and residential areas where industry is present.  This is 10 decibels higher than the ambient night time levels in many residential areas, and 15 decibels higher than in very quiet rural areas.  Every ten decibel increase doubles the perceived sound. 

            J Pierpont said the good news is that noise can be mitigated at the source with modern technology and dedicated barriers.  According to Earthworks there are examples that show that 40 to 45 decibels is achievable at 350’ from the source.  If companies know in advance that they will be responsible for a specific level of mitigation, they can plan for it.  An ordinance would be a tool for controlling some of the possible aggravation and disruption to our lives.  A sample noise ordinance was provided and DRAC offered their assistance.

            Hillary Lambert, presented a petition (391 signatures) asking that the town to enact regulations with respect to gas drilling.  The petition reads:

                A petition to the Town Board of the Town of Dryden in the State of New York to retrieve from the State of New York the Right to determine the use of lands in the town for the maintenance of the public good.  We the people of the Town of Dryden, New York, believe that the right to determine the ways land within our town is developed should rest with the citizens of Dryden.  The State of NY removed our right to that determination when Section 23-303(2) of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law was changed.  We therefore petition the Board of the Town of Dryden to:  Pass a Local Ordinance affirming that the people of the Town of Dryden have the right to determine rules and regulations pertaining to the use and exploitation of their own land, resources (including minerals and other extractives), water and air within the Town of Dryden for the benefit and health of the residents of the town.

            H Lambert said some people don’t believe that the State has really removed our right to our own determination, but that is being discussed and worked on right now.  They are hopeful that the Town Board will pass an ordinance or make an affirmation as to the usefulness of having additional local control over our own decision-making.  She believes that local folks are more desirous of being protective of their environment now than when the federal and state laws were enacted. 

            H Lambert noted that both petitions are still available for signature on the DRAC website.

            Joe Wilson, 75 Hunt Hill Road, has been following legislation regarding natural gas extraction in the Senate and Assembly.  DRAC understands that most of this legislation is likely to not pass.  They are focusing their efforts on affirming a ban on fracking activities and until after additional independent scientific study has been done and its effects are determined.  They are asking tonight that the Dryden Town Board pass a resolution similar to the one Tompkins County Legislature passed last night.  Copies of that resolution were distributed to board members. 

Johnson Controls – IAWWTP Improvements

            Chris Kalwara, of Johnson Controls, explained the project currently in process at the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant.  They have been developing an energy saving performance contract.  This project will reduce the energy cost to facility by 69%.  Right now about 24% of the energy consumed by the facility is from a renewable source.  After project implementation the amount of renewable energy will increase to 65%.  The cost of the project is $8.1 million and the majority is infrastructure needs.  About 5% of the cost of construction will come from stimulus money.  Over a 20-year period about 84% of the project cost will be realized in savings.  Savings result from increased efficiency of the digester units.  Life expectancy of the improvements is well over 20 years.

            Atty Perkins asked what percentage of the project was actually an energy performance contract in the traditional sense of Article 9 and C Kalwara responded that all of it could be considered part of the energy performance contract.

            Atty Perkins asked whether it would require any amendment or change to the SPEDES permit.  C Kalwara said the facility has reached out to DEC to get that clarified.

            Atty Perkins asked if there was some kind of plan and report signed by a New York Engineer that goes with this project.  C Kalwara said they have hired O’Brien & Gere to provide design documents and there is a scope in the contract that describes what will be done, together with the savings calculations. 

            Atty Perkins asked if the work done by Johnson Controls was the result of an RFP that the owners had issued, and C Kalwara replied it was not.  Atty Perkins asked how, then, we would comply with procurement policies.  C Kalwara said that is left to the owner; they don’t try to interpret procurement requirements.  Atty Perkins is concerned with the provision of Article 9 that says in lieu of other competitive procurement or acquisition process that may apply, the town or the owners could enter into or solicit an energy performance contract pursuant to an RFP.  An RFP has not been done, and Atty Perkins stated that could be an issue for approval, because it is a large amount of money and there has to be some recognition of an RFP or competitive bidding process.  C Kalwara said they have obtained bids for each component of the proposal.  Atty Perkins said the contract is with Johnson Controls so that is an issue to be resolved. 

            Atty Perkins said the Town of Dryden will be paying cash for its portion, but the Town of Ithaca and City of Ithaca will probably bond this, so there is a technical question with respect to procedure.

            Atty Perkins pointed out there is a required clause missing that will need to be included in the agreement.

            Supv Sumner thanked Mr. Kalwara for his presentation.

TOWN CLERK

            Town Clerk B Avery asked the board to approve the minutes of April 14 and April 21, 2010.

RESOLUTION #74 – APPROVE MINUTES

            Supv Sumner offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:

            RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby approves the town board meeting minutes of April 14, 2010 and April 21, 2010, as amended.

2^nd Cl Solomon

            Roll Call Vote               Cl Stelick                     Yes

                                                Cl Solomon                  Yes

                                                Supv Sumner              Yes

                                                Cl Makar                     Yes

                                                Cl Leifer                       Yes

HIGHWAY/DPW DEPARTMENT

            J Bush explained that the vendor that he usually uses for limestone is not listed in the Tompkins County bid.  In the past the board has passed a resolution allowing him to use a neighboring County’s bid.  He asked the board for a resolution to use the vendor on the Cortland county bid.

RESOLUTION #75 – AUTHORIZE USE OF NEIGHBORING COUNTY BID

            Supv Sumner offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:

            RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby authorizes the Highway Superintendent to purchase aggregate off the Cortland County bid.

2^nd Cl Stelick

            Roll Call Vote               Cl Stelick                     Yes

                                                Cl Solomon                  Yes

                                                Supv Sumner              Yes

                                                Cl Makar                     Yes

                                                Cl Leifer                       Yes

RECREATION DEPARTMENT

            Melissa Bianconi reported the Memorandums of Understanding for the Skateboard Park and Wall Street ball fields have been prepared and forwarded to the Village for their review.

RESOLUTION #76 – AUTHORIZE MEMORANDUMS OF UNDERSTANDING WITH VILLAGE OF DRYDEN

            Cl Makar offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:

            RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby approves the Memorandums of Understanding with the Village of Dryden for the Skateboard Park and Wall Street Ball Field and the Town Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute the same.

2^nd Supv Sumner

            Roll Call Vote               Cl Stelick                     Yes

                                                Cl Solomon                  Yes

                                                Supv Sumner              Yes

                                                Cl Makar                     Yes

                                                Cl Leifer                       Yes

            Dryden Lake Festival will be held August 14^th.  A resolution will be reviewed by the Recreation Commission and then presented to the Town Board for adoption in June.

            Community Garden – M Bianconi received a model lease agreement at the end of today.  That will be reviewed and put on the agenda for next month.  The community garden group will meet again on June 3.

            M Bianconi asked that the Town’s email addresses ending in frontiernet.net be deleted as it is causing confusion and communication problems.

            The first “Movie in the Park” will take place this summer, and is tentatively set for August 18.

            Spring programs are going really well, and noted that Cl Solomon has assisted with some of the lacrosse practices.

COUNTY BRIEFING

            Martha Robertson reported there is a lobby day for gas drilling in Albany on Monday and a number of local people are attending.

            Sales tax receipts for the month of April were on budget for the first month in a long time.  The city is doing better than the rest of the County. 

            County legislators are looking at a two million dollar cut in services in order to meet their budget goals.  They have asked department heads to prioritize their programs to assist the legislature in making choices.

            M Robertson noted that there were modest grievances presented this year to the Assessment Department. 

            The legislature has heard that there was an instance in Tompkins County where a potential real estate buyer was unable to get a mortgage because there was a gas lease on the property.  Supv Sumner said the assessment department has been unable to confirm that.  In another instance a purchase offer was withdrawn on a property when the potential buyer found out there was a gas lease on a neighboring property.

            Mike Lane thanked M Robertson for her work on the gas drilling issue.  There is a lot of concern in Tompkins County about the potential for water contamination. 

            M Lane thanked B Avery for information she provided on potential changes in dog licensing due to a proposal in the state budget bill.  He has shared the information with the County’s Health and Human Services Committee and M Robertson and Brian Robison.

            TC3 commencement is tomorrow.  Their full-time equivalent student population has grown as more people look for less expensive ways to continue their education.  The governor’s budget proposes a substantial cut for aid for students at community colleges, there is hope that this will be restored.  TC3 has asked Tompkins and Cortland Counties for level funding contributions this year and next, though they are dealing with the same increases in health insurance and pension costs as local government.

ZONING OFFICER

            ZO Slater distributed a report on the town’s weatherization program.  Funds are available to homeowners and tenants for energy efficiency improvements to their residences.  Maximum awards are $1,500.00.  Partnerships have been formed with Tompkins County Office for the Aging, Better Housing, and Tompkins Community Action to help residents in need of further assistance.  When necessary, the town’s award can be used as the owner’s contribution under programs administered by these other agencies.  Fifteen awards were made last year.  Eight have been made in 2010.  The program has been a success to date and they anticipate further success. 

            There is a vacancy on the Zoning Board of Appeals due to the resignation of Natan Huffman.   The board accepted his resignation with regret.  ZO Slater is writing a letter of appreciation noting his time on the ZBA, Planning Board and service with the fire departments and ambulance. 

            Cl Stelick thanked ZO Slater for making the weatherization program a success, and said he hopes he will stay involved after his retirement.  Cl Stelick said this is one of many things that the Town does for its residents that isn’t necessary, but very much appreciated.

ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER

            No report.  The stormwater annual report will be presented at the Conservation Board meeting next week.

ENGINEERING

            A Sciarabba said last September TG Miller provided the board with a proposal to revisit the idea of establishing a water district in the Cortland Road area.  Since that time, the Village has had a study prepared on their system, USGS has done an aquifer study, and TG Miller finished the Tompkins County Water and Sewer Study.  TG Miller is revising their proposal for a map plan and report to incorporate those studies and look at some additional options.  They will be looking at the results of the aquifer study to see if either of the two wells that were drilled could potentially be used as a public water source.  They will be working with Supv Sumner and D Kwasnowski and then preparing a proposal. 

ATTORNEY

            Atty Perkins reported he has two items for executive session, existing and potential litigation.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

            Southworth Library Funding Request – The board would like more information from the library including their long range plans and the relationship between the endowment and the operating budget.  Supv Sumner will contact Mary Ellen Rumsey and have information next month.

            Retirement Section 41(j) resolution – This has been a condition of the Teamsters contract since the very first contact, but had not been done.  The board passed a resolution approving this in concept (that you can apply accumulated sick time to years of service on retirement), but the Retirement System has a preferred resolution they would like passed.  Supv Sumner wonders if the board still wants to commit to this knowing the cost.  If not, it will have to be negotiated out of the union contract. If it is done, it applies to all staff, not just union members.  Supv Sumner will get clarification on the amount per year the Retirement System says this will cost the town and the board will discuss it again next month.

            Review of Purchasing & Procurement Policies – The board has reviewed the policies and accepts them as written.  It was noted that new limits are temporary and expire in June of 2013.

RESOLUTION #77 – ADOPT PROCUREMENT AND PURCHASING POLICIES

 

            Cl Stelick offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:

            RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby adopts the Procurement and Purchasing Policies, as follows:

Procurement Policy

This resolution sets forth the policy and procedures of the Town of Dryden to meet the requirements of General Municipal Law, section 104-b.

Purpose

Goods and services that are not required by law to be procured pursuant to competitive bidding must be procured in a manner as to assure the prudent and economical use of public moneys in the best interest of the taxpayers; to facilitate the acquisition of goods and services of maximum quality at the lowest possible cost under the circumstances; and to guard against favoritism, improvidence, extravagance, fraud, and corruption. To further these objectives, the governing board is adopting an internal policy and procedures governing all procurements of goods and services which are not required to be made pursuant to the competitive bidding requirements of General Municipal Law, section 103 or of any other general, special, or local law.

Procedures for Determining Whether Procurements are Subject to Bidding

The procedures for determining whether a procurement of goods or services is subject to competitive bidding and documenting the basis for any determination that competitive bidding is not required by law is as follows:

Procedure:

1. Each proposed purchase must be initially reviewed to determine whether it is a purchase contract or a public works contract.
2. Upon determination, a good faith effort shall be made to determine whether it is known or can reasonably be expected the aggregate amount to be spent on the item of supply or service is not subject to competitive bidding, taking into account past purchases and the aggregate amount to be spent annually.
3. The following items are not subject to competitive bidding pursuant to Section 102 of the General Municipal Law: purchase contracts under $10,000; public works contracts under $35,000; emergency purchases; goods purchased from agencies for the blind or severely handicapped; goods purchased from correctional institutions; purchases under State and county contracts; and surplus and second-hand purchases from another governmental entity.
4. For purchases determined to be exempt from competitive bidding, documentation of this determination shall be provided in writing by the individual making the purchase. This documentation may include written or verbal quotes from vendors, a memo from the purchaser indicating how this determination was made, a copy of the contract indicating the source making the item or service exempt, a memo from the purchaser detailing the circumstances leading to an emergency purchase, or any other appropriate written documentation. 
5. This policy will apply to all equipment rentals made throughout the year.

 

Statutory Exceptions from Quotations/Proposals Requirements of This Policy and Procedures

Except for procurements made pursuant to General Municipal Law, section 103(3) (through county

contracts) or section 104 (through State contracts), State Finance Law, section 162, Correction Law, sections 184 and 186 (from “preferred sources,” including articles manufactured in correctional institutions), or the items excepted herein (see below), alternative proposals or quotations for goods and services shall be secured by use of either written requests for proposals, written quotations, verbal quotations or any other method of procurement that furthers the purposes of the General Municipal Law, section 104-b.

 

Methods of Competition to be Used for Non-Bid Procurements

The methods of procurement to be used are as follows:

The time and documentation required to purchase goods and services under $1,000.00 via this policy may be more costly than the item itself and would therefore not reflect the best interests of the taxpayer. In addition, it is not likely such de minimis contracts would be awarded based on favoritism.

All goods and services subject to this procurement policy will be secured by use of written requests for proposals, written quotations, verbal quotations, or any other method which assures favoritism will be avoided and goods will be purchased at the lowest price, except in the following circumstances: purchase contracts over $10,000 and public works contracts over $35,000; which are required to be competitively bid.

The following are the minimum requirements necessary for purchases and/or equipment rentals expected to exceed $1,000 in one year as required by this policy in order to achieve the highest savings:

 

Amount of Purchase Contract or Rental (under $10,000)                                  Method                                                 

 

Under $2,500                                                                                                                         No action required

$2,501 – $4,999                                                                                                                       2 Verbal quotations or catalog pricing AND obtain a Purchase Order from Bookkeeper

$5,000 -$9,999                                                                                                                        3 Written/fax quotations,

   or written requests for

   proposals or catalog pricings

 

Estimated Amount of Public Works Contract (under $35,000)                        Method                                                 

 

Under $2,500                                                                                                                         No action required

$2,501 – $9,999                                                                                                       2 Written/fax quotations                                                                                                                                                                     

$10,000 – $34,999                                                                                                   3 Written/fax quotations or

                                                                                                                                                   written requests  

   for proposals

A good faith effort shall be made to obtain the required number of proposals or quotations. If the purchaser is unable to obtain the required number of proposals or quotations, he or she will document all attempts made to obtain proposals.

Awards to Other than the Lowest Responsible Dollar Offerer

Whenever any contract is awarded to other than the lowest responsible dollar offerer, the reasons that such an award furthers the purpose of General Municipal Law, section 104-b, as set forth herein above, shall be documented as follows:

 

Documentation will include an explanation of how the awarded contract will achieve savings or how the lowest bidder was not responsible. Determination of a bidder being declared not responsible shall be made and documented by the purchaser.

Items Excepted From This Policy and Procedures by the Board

The board sets forth the following circumstances when, or types of procurements for which, in the sole discretion of the governing body, the solicitation of alternative proposals or quotations will not be in the best interest of Town of Dryden.

1. Professional services or services requiring special or technical skill, training or expertise. The individual or company must be chosen based on accountability, reliability, responsibility, skill, education and training, judgment, integrity, and moral worth. These qualifications are not necessarily found in the individual or company offering the lowest price and the nature of these services is such that they do not readily lend themselves to competitive procurement procedures.

 

In determining whether a service fits into this category the Town Board shall take into consideration the following guidelines: (a) whether services are subject to State licensing or testing requirements; (b) whether substantial formal education or training is a necessary prerequisite to performance of said services; and (c) whether services require a personal relationship between the individual and municipal officials. Professional or technical services shall include but not be limited to the following: services of an attorney; services of a physician; technical services of an engineer engaged to prepare plans, maps and estimates; securing insurance coverage and/or services of an insurance broker; services of a certified public accountant; investment management services; printing services involving extensive writing, editing or art work; management of municipally owned property; computer software or programming services for customized programs, or services involved in substantial modification and customizing of pre-packaged software.

1. Repair of equipment and machinery and maintenance items i.e.: toner, ribbons, oil filters, nuts & bolts etc., as these can be specialized items. The purchaser will obtain at least two verbal, written, faxed or catalog prices. It is at the purchaser’s discretion which product(s) to purchase.
2. Emergency purchases pursuant to Section 103(4) of General Municipal Law. Due to the nature of this exception, these goods or services must be purchased immediately and any delay to seek alternate proposals may threaten the life, health, safety or welfare of the residents. This section does not preclude alternate proposals if time permits.
3. Purchases of surplus and second-hand goods from any source. If alternate proposals are required, purchaser is permitted to purchase surplus and second-hand goods at auction or via specific advertised sources where the best prices are typically obtained. Prior Town Board approval is required for amounts over $2,500
4. goods purchased from agencies for the blind or correctional institutions pursuant to Section 175-b of the State Finance Law; goods purchased from correctional institutions pursuant to Section 186 of the Correction Law; purchases under State contracts pursuant to Section 104 of the General Municipal Law; county contracts pursuant to Section 103(3) of the General Municipal Law; or pursuant to subdivision 6 of this policy.

 

Individual(s) Responsible for Purchasing

Jack Bush – Highway Superintendent

Henry Slater – Director of Zoning & Building Codes

Bambi Avery – Town Clerk

Mary Ann Sumner – Town Supervisor

Melissa Bianconi – Recreation Director

Brian McIlroy – Town Bookkeeper

 

34 Note that this is a new requirement, effective January 1, 2009 (General Municipal Law, section 104-b(2)(f)).   Division of Local Government and School Accountability (Must be updated biennially)of the State Comptroller

Input From Officers

Comments have been solicited from officers of the political subdivision or district therein involved in the procurement process prior to the enactment of this policy and procedures, and will be solicited from time to time hereafter.

Annual Review

The governing board shall annually review and, when needed, update this policy and procedures.

The Town of Dryden Town Board shall be responsible for conducting an annual evaluation of

the effectiveness of the procurement policy and procedures and an evaluation of the control procedures established to ensure compliance with the procurement policy, and shall be responsible for reporting back to the board.

Unintentional Failure to Comply

The unintentional failure to comply fully with the provisions of General Municipal Law, section 104-b shall not be grounds to void action taken or give rise to a cause of action against the Town of Dryden or any officer or employee thereof.

Town of Dryden Purchasing Policy

 

 

For department heads not monitoring their own budget; the Bookkeeper/Bookkeeper’s Assistant must be consulted to ensure sufficient funds are available prior to placing any order.

The Bookkeeper / Bookkeeper’s Assistant will first verify whether or not sufficient funds are available. 

• If funds are available, the Bookkeeper / Bookkeeper’s Assistant will notify the department that they can proceed with their order.

 

• If funds are not available the Bookkeeper / Bookkeeper’s Assistant will notify the requisitioner of such and request a budget modification form be completed to transfer funds from another account. A budget modification should only be used if another account has available funds and the requested item is necessary within current budget year. The budget modification will then be presented to the Board for approval.

 

• If a bid is necessary, the requisitioner will ask for Board approval to bid; then initiate the process of having the appropriate person prepare the bid specifications.

 

• Purchase orders are required for any purchase in excess of $2,500, with the exception of the Highway Department, where the limit shall be $10,000. Purchase orders will not be required for standard monthly purchases for parts / supplies, and vehicle / equipment repairs unless specifically requested by vendor, or for purchases of equipment or software (i.e. computers, printers, monitors, copy machines, and items that will be added to the Town’s capital asset list).

 

• The Bookkeeper will prepare the purchase order, retain a copy and return the original to the requisitioner for ordering.

 

Packing slips, delivery receipts, invoices, and statements should be compiled for each purchase, stapled behind the purchase order or completed voucher form and submitted to the Bookkeeper for verification and approval.  After approval, vouchers will be forwarded to the Town Clerk’s office for data entry.  After entry, purchase orders will be submitted to the Board for payment approval.

Vouchers may be submitted weekly or upon completion, but must be submitted by 12am the first Friday of the month. If Vouchers are received after this time we will try to include them in the abstract if possible.

This system will not apply to utilities, bills from other municipalities, legal and engineering services, water and sewer billing, election workers, jury expenses, law book expenses, software / hardware contracts and insurance payments. Payments of this nature will continue to use vouchers and be submitted to the Board for approval for payment.

The Bookkeeper will receive copies of all contracts entered into by the Town and all resolutions allotting funds for any service or item. 

2^nd Cl Solomon

            Roll Call Vote               Cl Stelick                     Yes

                                                Cl Solomon                  Yes

                                                Supv Sumner              Yes

                                                Cl Makar                     Yes

                                                Cl Leifer                       Yes

NEW BUSINESS

            Gas Drilling Regulation Update – Cl Leifer suggested the town use essentially the same resolution as adopted by Tompkins County.  Board members will review and address it next month.  The term “independent study” in the resolution means a study not done or paid for by the gas companies.  M Robertson urged this be done while the state legislation is still in session.

            The board has received an application from Joseph Wilson who would like to represent the Town on the Council of Governments Gas Drilling Task Force.  The board would like to recommend him for that position.

RESOLUTION #78 – RECOMMEND J WILSON TO TCCOG

 

            Supv Sumner offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:

            RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby offers the application of Joseph Wilson to the Tompkins County Council of Governments and ask that he be appointed to represent the Town of Dryden on the Council’s Gas Drilling Task Force.

2^nd Cl Stelick

            Roll Call Vote               Cl Stelick                     Yes

                                                Cl Solomon                  Yes

                                                Supv Sumner              Yes

                                                Cl Makar                     Yes

                                                Cl Leifer                       Yes

            Aquifer Protection Legislation – Cl Leifer, D Kwasknowski and Atty Perkins met to discuss this.  D Kwasnowski has met with Todd Miller and is working on a draft.  He will ask the Conservation Board to look at this also.  They hope to have something ready to review by the end of summer.

            Cl Stelick said there is a timely article in National Geographic with respect to water resources.  He is willing to do whatever it takes to protect that resource.

            With respect to Cook 1 Well, they are trying to get a handle on what the state’s stormwater plan is.  In the meantime, they are trying to get a copy of the plan from Anschutz as well as prod DEC into doing what we want them to do without having to get into a full-blown fight. 

            Time for Agenda & Abstract meetings – Will stay at 7:00 p.m.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

            Emergency Services Committee – No report.

            Personnel Committee – will meet next week to discuss the impact of H Slater’s retirement and begin succession planning.

            Finance Committee – Minutes have been provided to board members. Nothing requires action. The Committee is developing an investment plan and recommends moving some funds to CDs, keeping a minimum of three million in the money market account.  They recommend  CDs with staggered maturity rates.  Cl Stelick said this is a great idea, and suggested shorter terms (less than a year) initially because he expects interest rates to rise.  Supv Sumner said reserve funds and special benefit funds will need to treated differently and she prefers a less aggressive approach.  The board and committee will discuss this further and come back with a firm proposal in June that can be acted on in July.

            Summary of revenues and expenditures provided to board members.

            Loans & Grants Committee – No report.  Cl Makar acknowledged that when Cl Leifer joined the board he was interested in the weatherization program and authored the program.

            Technology Committee – Minutes have been provided to board members.  The personnel committee has been asked to consider an IT position.  

            Recreation/Youth/Community Centers Committee -  No report.  They are working on the Montgomery Park project with the Village of Dryden.

            On motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried, the board moved into executive session to discuss matters of litigation at 9:30 p.m.  No action was taken, and the meeting was adjourned at 10:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Bambi L. Avery

Town Clerk