VILLAGE OF AURORA BOARD OF TRUSTEE’S MEETING

April 30, 2008

Held at the Aurora Firehouse Meeting Room

Present:  Mayor Thomas Gunderson; Trustees - James Chase, Kenneth Zabriskie,

Elisabeth MacCormick & George Farenthold

  

Also Present:   Legislator George Fearon

Village residents:  David Brooks, Peggy Dupre, Jean Potter & Sara Wells

SCCS Representatives:   Mary Kay Worth, Ted Rejman & Martha Stevermer

Town of Ledyard Supervisor Mark Jordan

            Deborah Brooks, Deputy Village Clerk/Treasurer

The Mayor announced that the scheduled SEQRA review on the Comprehensive Plan was postponed until the May 21, 2008 Village Board meeting due to the need to publish the legal notice for a period of 14 days prior to the Public Hearing.  He further explained that due to Clerk Yann’s absence, Ms. Brooks wasn’t able to retrieve the email from Attorney Fusco’s office with the instructions for what and when to do the publication.

The Mayor reminded us that he led the room in the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:05 PM prior to the Annual Organizational Meeting (see separate Minutes).  Mayor Gunderson welcomed Trustee MacCormick to her first official meeting.

The Mayor called the Regular Monthly Meeting to order at 7:20 PM. 

Trustee Farenthold informed those present that he was married to Lisa Marsh Ryerson, President of Wells College. 

Mayor Gunderson asked for approval of the March 19, 2008 Minutes.  Trustee Farenthold moved approval and Trustee Zabriskie seconded.   Discussion - Trustee Zabriskie asked that the Clerk’s office not make copies of every item received in the office for the Board packets.  He suggested using a scanner to email letters and points of interest to the Board thus conserving paper and time.  The Board agreed with Trustee Zabriskie.  The Mayor asked Ms. Brooks to look into this.   Motion Carried 5:0.

Changes to the Agenda - none

Announcements - The Mayor informed the Board he was in receipt of two letters: 1] NYS Attorney General’s Office regarding the employment policy review of school districts, hiring of engineers, attorneys, etc.  He noted that this doesn’t affect the Village, and 2] Cayuga County Legislature Manager, Wayne Allen informing municipalities that if they should elect to leave the Worker’s Comp Program they must also take with them the fire department for their jurisdiction. Discussion followed on this issue with the Board and Legislator Fearon.

Mayor Gunderson noted that the two letters from Laura Holland (1] to her from DOT Resident Engineer Christopher P. Covert dated March 12, 2008 and the letter from her to Mr. Covert dated March 31, 2008) were for the information of the Board regarding the proposed ditch project at 327 Main Street.

Mayor Gunderson also noted that letters for the renewal liquor licenses have been received from Aurora Inn Complex & the Fargo Bar & Grill as well as the minutes for the April 22, 2008 Cayuga County Legislature.

Deputy Clerk Brooks reminded the Board that Aurora would be hosting the May 27, 2008 Cayuga County Association of Villages at the Aurora Inn.  An “Italian” buffet menu has been chosen and Roger Cuvea from NYMIR will be speaking on “Workplace Violence”.    Visitor Recognition -  Mr. Fearon reported that the County is working hard to implement a new radio system which will allow better communication between fire departments, highway departments and others dealing with the public during a crisis.  He reported that the Sales Tax prediction for April came in higher than expected considering the economy.  He recommended going on line to acquire the County Legislative Agenda as it would provide the information needed to make comments on items prior to the discussion.

Treasurer’s Reports -  Ms. Brooks reported that she has been watching interest rates on the CDs fall steady the last few months and is concern as to where the Village will be at in May when the CDs renew.

  The Mayor noted the March Budget Modifications as follows:

GENERAL FUND-

$ 101.98   from      A1450.1 – Election – Personal Services

24.17          A1450.4 – Election –Contractual

163.88        A1910.4 – Unallocated Insurance

             2,000.00        A3310.4 – Enhanced Law Enforcement – Contractual

    196.47        A6410.4 – Public Relations – Web Site

    236.59   to          A1410.4 – Clerk/Treasurer - Contractual

    123.60        A1620.4 – Buildings - Contractual

  2,031.12          A1620.45 – Buildings – Fuel Oil

     131.69          A5110.4 - street maintenace – contractual

        87.10          A9962.2 – Budgetary Provision for other uses

Total of $ 2,486.50

Trustee Farenthold moved approval of the General Fund April Budget Modifications.  Seconded by Trustee MacCormick.  Motion Carried 5:0.

Sewer fund-

  $2,719.40    from      G1990.4 - contingent account

313.01 G1910.4 – Unallocated insurance

                    1,390.19 G9962.2 – Budgetary Provision for Other Uses

       

    146.00    to           G8110.4 – Sewer Administration – Contractual

1,102.70          G8130.4 - sewer treatment - misc. contracutual

             3,174.22          g8130.41 – Sewage Treatment - Utilities

Trustee Farenthold moved approval of the Sewer Fund April Budget Modifications.  Seconded by Trustee Chase.  Carried 5:0.

The Mayor presented the bills for payment on Abstract # 11:

 

General Fund voucher #s 356, 359, 360-365, 367, 370-374, 376-378, 381-389, 391 & 395-397 in the amount of $14,840.98.   Trustee Farenthold moved payment of General Fund bills, seconded by Trustee MacCormick.  The Board unanimously approved payment of the General Fund bills.  Motion Carried 5:0.

Water Fund voucher #s 359, 363, 366, 376, 384, 393, 394, 396 & 397 in the amount of $4,187.85.  Trustee Farenthold moved payment of Water Fund bills seconded by Trustee Chase. The Board unanimously approved payment of the Water Fund bills.  Motion Carried 5:0.

Sewer Fund voucher #s 357- 359, 363, 368, 369, 374-376, 379, 380, 390, 392, 393 & 396-398 in the amount of $12,562.11.  Trustee Zabriskie moved payment of Sewer Fund bills with a second by Trustee Farenthold. The Board unanimously approved payment of the Sewer Fund bills.   Motion Carried 5:0

Committee Reports:

Buildings and Grounds - Trustee Farenthold reported that the local Girl Scout and Brownie Troops #396 & #376  (first and second graders) did a wonderful clean up of the Memorial Park on Court Street under the watchful eyes of Trustee MacCormick, Sherri Rice & Sara Wells on Earth Day.  

Trustee Farenthold reported that the Village had an inspection of their Fire Extinguishers.  The Inspector failed two units in the firehouse which Trustee Farenthold authorized the Clerk to get replaced.  One located in the meeting room and the other just outside the AVFD Office door in the hallway.

Trustee Farenthold reported recent meeting in Albany with Assemblymen Finch & Barclay and Senators DeFrancisco and Valensky regarding re-legislating the bill for the truck traffic. Trustee MacCormick asked why there was a sign at the Homer exit on Rte 81 for truck use.  Trustee Farenthold said he would look into getting it removed.  Trustee Farenthold reported that the recent meeting with Barbara Lifton wasn’t as productive for her ideas on truck traffic, but may have help to promote the Safety Task Force’s cause.   Next Safety Task Force meeting would be held Thursday in Cornell.  Legislator Fearon noted that the upcoming roadwork at Free Bridge will reroute the truckers to Rte 89.  Trustee Zabriskie also noted the construction being done on State Rte 90 just south of Union Springs might help to divert traffic for a while, too.

Trustee Farenthold informed the Board that the work in the firehouse is almost completed.  He extended thanks to Ms. Brooks and her family for painting and rearranging the Village Clerk’s office into a user friendly space.  He noted that the fan units were being replaced and the painting of the Apparatus Bay was finished.  He further noted that the new toilets would be installed soon and the leaks in the roof still needed to be addressed.

  Recreation, Parks & Public Safety - Trustee MacCormick had no report.  Ms. Brooks extended hers thanks to Trustee MacCormick for spearheading the Summer Recreation Program needs by contacting the County Health Department, organizing with Wells College the dates to use the dock facility and getting the word out for summer employment in the absence of the Village Clerk.

Streets & Public Safety - Trustee Chase reported that no further plowing should be needed so he asked where to place the speed bumps.  Trustee Farenthold asked if it was ok to refresh the paint on the handicap parking places.  Mayor Gunderson informed the Board that Donny Stillwell has been approached to paint the crosswalks and the parking spaces.  The Mayor added the work hopefully will be done by Wells College Commencement.

  Water & Sewer - Trustee Zabriskie reported he had been in contact with Martha Congleton pertaining to their request last fall for water to their Sunset Beach property. Trustee Zabriskie read the fax he received 4/29/08 aloud, stating that Mr. & Mrs. Carpenter have notified her that they have issued a No Trespassing statement to them.  Discussion ensued with the Board and Mrs. Potter about the situation.  Trustee Zabriskie and Mayor Gunderson will approach the Carpenters on this request and will let the Potters know the results.

Community Preservation Panel – Minutes of February 6, 2008

Planning Board – Minutes of March 12, 2008

Zoning Board of Appeals - no report

Zoning Officer - no report

Village Historian. - no report

Old Business –  Mayor Gunderson asked the Board to adopt the 2008-2009 Proposed Budget as the Final Budget.  Trustee Farenthold moved the acceptance of the General Fund Budget at $375,084.00 with the amount of taxes to be raised at $81,891.03 at the rate of $2.70/$1,000; Water Fund Budget at $ 80,593.00 and the Sewer Budget at $143,500.00.  Trustee Chase seconded the motion.  Motion Carried 5:0.

New Business - Mayor Gunderson presented the renewal contract with Life Safety Consultants for April 1, 2008 - April 2, 2009. Trustee MacCormick asked the Mayor what the terms of this agreement meant for the Village.  Mayor Gunderson explained that the Village has to have a Code Enforcement Officer according to New York State Law.  He further noted that the contract also has a release clause in which the Village or Mr. Staley can give a 30 day notice. Trustee MacCormick thanked the Mayor for explaining the contract to her.  Trustee Farenthold moved accepting the contract with Life Safety Consultants at a rate of $238.00/month.  Trustee Chase seconded the motion.  Motion Carried 5:0.

At 8:05 PM, Mayor Gunderson welcomed the Southern Cayuga Superintendent of Schools, Mary Kay Worth, School Board President Ted Rejman and Business Manager, Martha Stevermer to present the 2008-2009 SCCS Budget to the public present.  Ms. Worth explained the various challenges and changes for the upcoming year.  She reminded all to vote on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 for the budget and two (2) board seats.  A question and answer period was held at the end of the presentation.  Mayor Gunderson thanked everyone for coming to this presentation.

Trustee Chase motioned for adjournment at 9:02 PM.  Seconded by Trustee Farenthold.  Motion Carried 5:0.

Respectfully Submitted by Deborah M. Brooks, Deputy Village Clerk