February 10, 2022 Regular Board Meeting DRAFT
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 7:02pm by Supervisor Peter Shrope at the Brighton Town Hall, 12 County Road 31 (aka Jones Pond Road), Paul Smiths, New York, on Thursday, February 10, 2022 with the following:
ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS
PRESENT: Supervisor Peter Shrope
Council Members: Amber McKernan, Matthew Szeliga, Steve Tucker and Lydia Wright
ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Paul Blaine-Code Enforcement Officer, Andy Crary-Superintendent of Highways, Elaine Sater-Town Clerk and 1 resident
GUESTS: None
NOTICE OF MEETING:
Notice of this meeting was posted on the Town Clerk’s Sign Board
COVID-19 UPDATE: Supervisor Peter Shrope said the mask wearing mandate for preventing the spread of COVID-19 Virus was not renewed by the Governor as of February 9th. Town Board discussed whether the Town Hall should still require masks due to the large number of people currently testing positive in the Town.
Motion made by Amber McKernan, second by Matthew Szeliga, that the Town’s protocol to wear masks in the Town Hall to remain in place. Aye 5 (McKernan, Shrope, Szeliga, Tucker, Wright), Nay 0
REPORTS
HIGHWAY – Superintendent of Highways Andy Crary:
Plowing and sanding of roads, cut back snowbanks around Town, did loader work around Town, plowed out Fire Station and prison, had an ice problem on Wardner Road from a frozen culvert, pushed back snowbanks at Park, cleaned the shop and the trucks, ordered a new cutting edge for bucket loader, would like to purchase a “dump insert” for F350 truck instead of purchasing a small dump truck, as the cost of vehicles is high at this time. Using the smaller truck for small jobs such as needing to dump gravel or pick up downed trees/limbs will cost less for fuel and wear and tear than using the larger trucks.
RESOLUTION # 17-2022
PURCHASE OF DUMP INSERT FOR F350 PICKUP TRUCK
Motion made by Supervisor Peter Shrope, second by Amber McKernan,
RESOLVED that the Superintendent of Highways be authorized to purchase a DownEaster dump insert, 8′ steel, with cab protector for the F350 pickup truck instead of purchasing a mini dump truck from Taylor Rental Not to Exceed $5,000. One quote was accepted for $4,500 because this is the only company who makes this item.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Aye 5 (McKernan, Shrope, Szeliga, Tucker, Wright), Nay 0
Resolution #17 declared duly adopted.
TOWN CLERK – Elaine Sater: Total revenue to Supervisor as of January 31, 2022, was $482.57 from 5 dog licenses:3 renewed and 2 new (Tag#260 and 261) and 1 building permit #22-001
January 13 – Supervisor took Oaths of Office for Elaine Sater, Historian, Records Access Officer, and Records Management Officer, Steve Tucker, Deputy Supervisor, and Andy Crary Superintendent of Highways
January 20 – Received notice to post from Tax Collector concerning times and days to pay taxes, Took Oath of Office from Paul Blaine, Code Enforcement Officer, received Certificate of Completion of Continuing Judicial Education Program for 2021 from the Town Justice Nik Santagate
January 24 – Audit of Financial Records, total Revenue received and disbursed for 2021 was $15,008.50 as follows: Supervisor Town of Brighton-$14,870, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets (for Dogs) $116.00 and NYS Department of Health (For Marriage Licenses) $22.50
January 25 – Received list of revenue sent during 2021 by Franklin County Treasurer dated January 14, 2022. All amounts have been recorded on the 2021 budget.
January 27- Took Oath of Office for Deputy Superintendent of Highways Chris Reed
TOWN HALL REQUESTS: Franklin County Conservative Party, Saturday, March 12, 10am to 1pm
TOWN PARK REQUEST: None
RECORDS MANAGEMENT: Indexing Vol 12 of Minutes (1981 thru 1984), shredding documents as per the LGS-01 Records Retention and Disposition Schedule, setting up new files for 2022
RECORDS ACCESS: Received 3 FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests for records – Received an email request on January 6 Norman Carvajal (no address given) for addresses for residential property damaged by fire during December 2021 and another email request from the same person on February 3, for the same information for January 2022. On February 1, received a written request from CSEA dated January 19, for list of employees who are unrepresented by a union contract. Responded to all by email.
HISTORIAN – Elaine Sater: More from the 1981 minutes:
December 2 – Town Board resolves to not renew contract to plow State Roads which expires in June 1982 after much discussion; approval to advertise for bids for a “material spreader”. Bids were open on December 14. Credle Equipment Co from Potsdam had the low bid at $6,292 with a $900 trade-in.
December 10 – Citizens Against More Prisons in the Adirondacks (CAMPA) attended the Dec 10 meeting to express their views on opening Camp Gabriels. A public hearing by the Adirondack Park Agency is postponed until January 1982. Board resolves to authorize a study of the current landfill and compliance with Part 360 of the Sanitary Landfill Facilities Rules and Regulations. Board adopts the NYS Fire Prevention Code of 1978. Supervisor Stanley Tyler retires at the end of 1981.
TAX COLLECTOR – Holly Huber:
Payments postmarked on or before 1.31.22 totaled $1,528,869.32
Bank interest for January was $2.99 and will be paid to Supervisor Shrope with February’s penalty income by 3.15.2022.
Paid out the following: Check #1067 to Peter Shrope in the amount of $300,000, Check #1068 to Peter Shrope in the amount of $250,000 and Check #1069 was voided.
TOWN JUSTICE – Nik Santagate: Supervisor Peter Shrope received a check in the amount of $1,805.00 for 17 cases disposed during January.
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER – Paul Blaine: Issued 1 Building Permit #22-001. Filed the annual report with NYS Office of Building and Codes. Will complete annual training for 2022 on-line.
ASSESSOR – Roseanne Gallagher: Currently only taking phone call due to a medical issue
SUPERVISOR – Supervisor Peter Shrope
Budget 2022: Received revenue of $250,000 and $148,144 from Tax Collector, Town paid in full for 2022 Taxes.
Transfer of $103,327 to Fire Protection checking account from General Fund Checking
Received $1,805 from Town Justice, $482.57 from Town Clerk, and $600 for 3 cemetery plots,
NYCLASS investments: Interest from January of $3.36 for General, Total in account $111,198.84 ($20,000 for Town Hall). Interest of $1.24 for Highway, total in account $42,377.45.
Garage Bond is not callable so to pay it off early the Town would still have to pay all the interest.
ACCEPT/AMEND MINUTES
Organizational Board Meeting January 13, 2022
Motion made by Supervisor Peter Shrope, second by Lydia Wright, to accept the minutes of the Organizational Board Meeting of January 13, 2022, as written. Aye 3 (Shrope, Tucker, Wright), Nay 0, Abstain 2 (McKernan, Szeliga)
Regular Board Meeting January 13, 2022
Motion made by Supervisor Peter Shrope, second by Steve Tucker, to accept the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of January 13, 2022, as written. Aye 3 (Shrope, Tucker, Wright), Nay 0, Abstain 2 (McKernan, Szeliga)
CITIZEN COMMENTS: None
BUSINESS
Cederwood Engineering Services, PLLC, 2022 Agreement – Supervisor Peter Shrope: Received a new contract for the Post-Closure Landfill Monitoring for 2022 and the 2021 Post-Closure Landfill Monitoring Report.
RESOLUTION #18-2022
POST-CLOSURE LANDFILL MONITORING AGREEMENT FOR 2022
Motion made by Supervisor Peter Shrope, second by Amber McKernan,
RESOLVED that the Town Board authorizes the Supervisor to sign an agreement with Cederwood Engineering Services, PLLC, of Warrensburg, NY, for Post-Closure Landfill Monitoring for 2022 in an amount Not to Exceed $6000.00
ROLL CALL VOTE: Aye 5 (McKernan, Shrope, Szeliga, Tucker, Wright), Nay 0
RESOLUTION #18-2022 declared duly adopted.
Franklin County Board of Elections 2022 Polling Site Agreement – Supervisor Peter Shrope: Received new Polling Site Agreement for 2022
RESOLUTION #19-2022
POLLING SITE AGREEMENT FOR 2022
Motion made by Supervisor Peter Shrope, second by Amber McKernan,
RESOLVED that the Town Board authorizes the Franklin County Board of Elections to use the Town Hall as a polling site during 2022 for the State & Local Primary on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, the General Election on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, and for any Special Election if needed, dates to be announced, during 2022.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Aye 5 (McKernan, Shrope, Szeliga, Tucker, Wright), Nay 0
RESOLUTION #19-2022 declared duly adopted.
Audit of 2021 Financial Records for Supervisor, Town Justice and Town Clerk – Supervisor Peter Shrope: Audit was scheduled for Thursday, January 20, but board members were not able to attend to audit records. Audit was rescheduled for Monday, January 24, and two Board members audited the Town Clerk’s, Town Justice’s, and Supervisor’s Financial Records.
RESOLUTION #20-2022
AUDIT OF 2021 FINANCIAL RECORDS FOR SUPERVISOR, TOWN CLERK, AND TOWN JUSTICE
Motion made by Supervisor Peter Shrope, second by Amber McKernan,
RESOLVED that the Financial Records of the Town Supervisor, Town Clerk, and Town Justice were audited by Board members Lydia Wright and Matthew Szeliga on January 24, 2022, and found to be in good order.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Aye 5 (McKernan, Shrope, Szeliga, Tucker, Wright), Nay 0
RESOLUTION #20-2022 declared duly adopted.
Recertification for Retirement Record of Activities – Supervisor Peter Shrope: Three people are required to refile Record of Activities for retirement purposes.
RESOLUTION #21-2022
STANDARD WORKDAY AND REPORTING FOR ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS
Motion made by Supervisor Peter Shrope, second by Amber McKernan,
RESOLVED that the Town of Brighton, Franklin County, NY, hereby established the following standard workdays for these titles and will report the officials to the New York State and Local Retirement based on their record of activities:
Peter Shrope, Supervisor, Term:1/1/22 to 12/31/23, Standard Workday 6 hours, Record of Activities results 5.99 days
Andy Crary, Superintendent of Highways, Term 1/1/22 to 12/31/23, Standard Workday 8 hours, Record of Activities results 21.67 days
Paul Blaine, Code Enforcement Officer, Term 1/1/22 to 12/31/23, Standard Workday 6 hours, Record of Activities results 5.63 days
ROLL CALL VOTE: Aye 5 (McKernan, Shrope, Szeliga, Tucker, Wright), Nay 0
RESOLUTION #21-2022 declared duly adopted.
Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) Update for 2022 – Supervisor Peter Shrope: Received five pages for updating the EOP
RESOLUTION #22-2022
UPDATED TO EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN FOR 2022
Motion made by Supervisor Peter Shrope, second by Amber McKernan,
RESOLVED that the Town Board authorizes the updates to the Emergency Operations Plan pages 9, 1-3, 5-2, 7-2, and 9-2 to show changes in personnel as of February 1, 2022.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Aye 5 (McKernan, Shrope, Szeliga, Tucker, Wright), Nay 0
RESOLUTION #22-2022 declared duly adopted.
CSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement with Highway Employees – Supervisor Peter Shrope: Met with CSEA Union Representative and discussed terms for new contract with Highway Employees.
RESOLUTION#23-2022
CSEA UNION COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT FOR 2022-2023
Motion made by Supervisor Peter Shrope, second by Matthew Szeliga,
RESOLVED that the Town Board authorizes the Supervisor to sign a Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between the Town and the Civil Service Employees Association, Inc., Local 1000, AFSCME, AFL-CIO, Town of Brighton Unit 6870, Franklin County Local 817 for the period January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2023 with the following change: Motor Equipment Operator pay increase of 4% for 2022 to be $18.97/hour and pay increase of 6% for 2023 to be $20.11/hour.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Aye 5 (McKernan, Shrope, Szeliga, Tucker, Wright), Nay 0
RESOLUTION #23-2022 declared duly adopted.
Death of Former Superintendent of Highways Donald Oliver – Supervisor Peter Shrope: Discussion held on how to show Town’s appreciation for Donald Oliver, long time employee of Town, whose funeral was this same night.
RESOLUTION #24-2022
PURCHASE OF FLOWERS FOR WIFE OF DONALD OLIVER FORMER SUPERINTENDENT OF HIGHWAYS
Motion made by Amber McKernan, second by Matthew Szeliga,
RESOLVED that the Supervisor be authorized to write a note to memorialize appreciation for Donald Oliver, former Superintendent of Highways, for his service to the Town, and to send it along with flowers to his wife at an amount Not to Exceed $75.00.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Aye 5 (McKernan, Shrope, Szeliga, Tucker, Wright), Nay 0
RESOLUTION #24-2022 declared duly adopted.
Tax Warrant Correction – Supervisor Peter Shrope: It was brought to his attention in late January, when the Tax Collector tried to pay him more than the amount to be raised by taxes as listed on the Budget, that the incorrect numbers were used for the General and Highway Tax levy. The Board discussed three different options on how to correct this error. Two options listed from the County Real Property Tax Office and one from the Attorney for the Town.RESOLUTION #25-2022
OPTIONS FOR CORRECTION OF TAX WARRANT ERROR
Motion made by Matthew Szeliga, second by Lydia Wright,
WHEREAS, the Tax Warrant has the incorrect General and Highway Tax levy, and
WHEREAS, the Town was provided with three options on how to correct this error as follows:
Option 1 is to file a group application of Correction of the Tax Roll, rerun everything with the correct levy and issue refunds to those that have already paid their tax bills or
Option 2 is to keep any surplus collected and pay it to the county who shall credit the town with the amount and use it to reduce the taxes in the next year or
Option 3 is to have someone who is not a Town Official, file an application asking for a correction.
RESOLVED that the Town Board agrees to propose Option 1 as follows:
The County will issue a new or revised Tax Warrant using the correct amount to be raised by taxes (levy), print and send out new tax bills, and issue refund checks to all taxpayers who are entitled to them.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Aye 5 (McKernan, Shrope, Szeliga, Tucker, Wright), Nay 0
RESOLUTION #25-2022 declared duly adopted.
COMMITTEES: Nothing to report
CITIZEN COMMENTS: None
AUDIT OF VOUCHERS
RESOLUTION #26-2022
AUDIT OF VOUCHERS
Motion made by Lydia Wright, second by Matthew Szeliga,
RESOLVED that the Supervisor be authorized to pay the audited vouchers as listed on the abstracts as follows:
PREPAID FUNDS: Abstract #2 for Voucher #s 2A thru 2D for 2022 GENERAL FUND in the amount of $691.35 and Voucher #2C for 2022 STREET LIGHTING FUNDS in the amount of $88.07
GENERAL FUND: Abstract #2 for Voucher #24 through #39 for 2022 funds in the amount of $13,590.16
HIGHWAY FUND: Abstract #2 for Voucher #13 through #20 for 2022 funds in the amount of $14,090.36
ROLL CALL VOTE: Aye 5 (McKernan, Shrope, Szeliga, Tucker, Wright), Nay 0
RESOLUTION #26-2022 declared duly adopted.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to Adjourn at 9:04pm made by Lydia Wright, second by Steve Tucker, Aye 5 (McKernan, Shrope, Szeliga, Tucker, Wright), Nay 0
Respectfully Submitted, Elaine W. Sater, Brighton Town Clerk