VILLAGE OF AURORA BOARD OF TRUSTEE’S
March 19, 2008 Public Hearing
SEQR Review for Zoning Law
Present: Mayor Thomas Gunderson; Trustees - Kenneth Zabriskie, Janet Murphy
& George Farenthold
Also Present: Deborah Brooks, Deputy Village Clerk/Treasurer
Elisabeth MacCormick, Trustee-elect
Nancy Yann, Village Clerk
The Mayor called the Public Hearing to order at 6:30 PM. Mayor Gunderson asked the Board’s patience as they awaited the arrival of Attorney Andrew Fusco, before proceeding with the SEQR review for the Zoning Law.
The Board just started to review the 2008-2009 Budget when Attorney Fusco arrived. Mayor Gunderson returned to the Public Hearing regarding to the SEQR for the Zoning Law at 7 PM.
Attorney Fusco lead the Board in the review of Part 2 Project Impacts and Their Magnitude as Part 1 had been completed last year with Mr. Dave Miller. Beginning on page 11 -
#1] Will the Proposed Action result in a physical change to the project site? NO
#2] Will there be an effect to any unique or unusual land forms found on the site? NO
#3] Will Proposed Action affect any water body designated as protected? NO
#4] Will Proposed Action affect any non-protected existing or new body of water? NO
#5] Will Proposed Action affect surface or groundwater quality or quantity? NO
#6] Will Proposed Action alter drainage flow or patterns, or surface water runoff? NO
#7] Will Proposed Action affect air quality? NO
#8] Will Proposed Action affect any threatened or endangered species? NO
#9] Will Proposed Action substantially affect non-threatened or non-endangered
species? NO
#10] Will Proposed Action affect agricultural land resources? NO
#11] Will Proposed Action affect aesthetic resources? NO
#12] Will Proposed Action impact any site or structure of historic, prehistoric or paleontological importance? NO
#13] Will Proposed Action affect the quality of existing or future open spaces or recreational opportunities? NO
#14] Will Proposed Action impact the exceptional or unique characteristics of a critical environmental area (CEA) established pursuant to subdivision 6NYCRR 617.14 (g)? NO
#15] Will there be an effect to existing transportation systems? NO
#16] Will Proposed Action affect the community’s sources of fuel or energy supply? NO
#17] Will there be objectionable odors, noise, or vibration as a result of the Proposed Action? NO
#18] Will Proposed Action affect public health and safety? NO
#19] Will Proposed Action affect the character of the existing community? NO
#20] Is there, or is there likely to be, public controversy related to potential adverse environment impacts? NO
Attorney Fusco informed the Board that there was no need to do Part 3 and the next step is to return to page 1 and resolve to issue a negative declaration. He also said that he will send this information to Albany for publication in the State Bulletin then there is a waiting period of twenty (20) days before final adoption by the Board next month.
Attorney Fusco then discussed with the Board the process for the SEQR review of the Comprehensive Plan. Trustee Farenthold moved that the Board of Trustees declare themselves as “Lead Agency” for the Comprehensive Plan with the Plan and Part 1 of SEQR being sent to the Chairs of the Community Preservation Panel, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals and to the Town of Ledyard Supervisor. Seconded by Trustee Murphy. Discussion- Trustee Murphy asked why this process was necessary for a visionary plan which wasn’t an actual law. Attorney Fusco said that this is what New York State has designated municipalities to do. Mayor Gunderson called the vote. The Board unanimously approved the motion. Trustee Farenthold moved that the Board of Trustees would hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 7:00 PM to conduct a SEQR review for the Comprehensive Plan. The motion was seconded by Trustee Zabriskie. Motion Carried 4:0.
Mayor Gunderson declared the Hearing closed at 7:50 PM.
VILLAGE OF AURORA BOARD OF TRUSTEE’S
March 19, 2008 Public Hearing
2008-2009 Tentative Budget
At 7:50 PM, Mayor Gunderson announced that the Board would proceed to review the 2008-2009 Tentative Budget. The Board reviewed and discussed the General, Water & Sewer Funds for changes in appropriations and revenues. Highlights of changes included the allocation for a new position for a summer helper for Streets, the continued work to upgrade sidewalks on the East side of State Route 90, paving of the firehouse parking lot, 3.5% salary increase for regular employees, seed money to begin repair to the Post Office Building and allocating funds for continued education for WWTP Assistant. Mayor Gunderson also noted increases for all utilities due to the rising costs and marginal increases to the Aurora Free Library, the Morgan Opera House, Aurorafest and the SCAT Van programs. Trustee Farenthold moved to close the Public Hearing of the 2008-2009 Tentative Budget at 8:20 PM. Trustee Zabriskie seconded the motion. Motion Carried 4:0.
VILLAGE OF AURORA BOARD OF TRUSTEE’S MEETING
March 19, 2008
Held at the Aurora Firehouse Meeting Room
Present: Mayor Thomas Gunderson; Trustees - Kenneth Zabriskie, Janet Murphy
& George Farenthold
Also Present: Legislator George Fearon
David Brooks, Village resident
Deborah Brooks, Deputy Village Clerk/Treasurer
Elisabeth MacCormick, Trustee-elect
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 8:25 PM. He led the room in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Trustee Farenthold informed those present that he was married to Lisa Marsh Ryerson, President of Wells College.
Mayor Gunderson asked for approval of the February 20, 2008 Special Meeting Minutes with USPS Representative Paul Senk. Trustee Farenthold moved approval of the Minutes and Trustee Zabriskie seconded. Trustee Farenthold noted that there was an error on first page when referring to the square footage of Post Office space. He asked that the record show “900” square feet not “9000”. Mayor Gunderson noted on page 3, paragraph 7 that Trustee Farenthold “stated in his opinion” that the Postal Service delayed the attempts to come to an agreement. The Mayor asked that all corrections to be noted in the Minutes. He then called the vote. Unanimously approved with corrections. Motion Carried 4:0.
Mayor Gunderson asked for approval of the February 20, 2008 Regular Monthly Minutes. Trustee Zabriskie moved approval with Trustee Farenthold seconding the motion. Discussion - Trustee Farenthold noted that he moved the Resolution to hold the Election and Trustee Murphy seconded the motion. Trustee Farenthold also noted that on page 4 second to the last paragraph he reported that “Mr. Craig” Schmitt was the electrician, not “Ms”. Mayor Gunderson called the vote. The Board unanimously approved the Minutes with all corrections. Motion Carried 4:0.
Changes to the Agenda – Mayor Gunderson added the following items to New Business: Firehouse Project update, Street Lights, April meeting date, Master Plan SEQR, “315” Area Code Options, Cell Tower information and Worker’s Compensation meeting.
Announcements - The Mayor informed the Board that Wells College Golf Course Proprietor, James Boeff and The Aurora Inn, Inc through Vice president/Treasurer, Diane Hutchinson, were in the process of renewing Liquor Licenses.
Mayor Gunderson referred to a letter dated February 15, 2008 from the Cayuga County Department of Planning & Economic Development reminding the Board of their three meetings per year (April, June & October) and the desire to have the Village appoint a representative to attend those meetings.
Mayor Gunderson also referred the Board to a letter dated March 6, 2008 from Laura Holland who had spoken with Chris Covert of the NYSDOT regarding the necessary approvals needed by DOT to complete the project at 327 Main Street.
Clerk Yann asked the Board who would be available to attend the March 25, 2008 Village Association Dinner at the Sunset Restaurant. She also gave the Board a progress report of her findings on a program for the Village to present at the May 27, 2008. Clerk Yann said that the speaker is from NYMIR and the program concerns “Violence in the Work Place”. The buffet menu she is working with is “Italian Style” at the cost of $18/person including tip. She asked that the Board save the date and plan on coming.
Visitor Recognition - Mr. Fearon commented on the County Legislature’s discussion pertaining to the removal of the Sales Tax on home heating oil and fuel in September. Discussion ensued.
Treasurer’s Reports - Ms. Brooks informed the Board that interest rates were dropping and there may be the need to consider where the Board would care to have the Village’s money invested. Trustee Murphy moved acceptance of the Treasurer’s reports. Seconded by Trustee Farenthold. Motion Carried 4:0.
The Mayor noted the March Budget Modifications as follows:
GENERAL FUND-
$4,281.33 from A9962.2 – budgetary provision for other uses
24.85to A1410.4 - clerk/treasurer – contractual
3,597.00 A1420.4 – law – contracual
123.60 A1620.4 - buildings – contractual
454.88 A 1620.45 – buildings – fuel oil
81.00 A5110.2 – street maintenance – equipment
517.88 A5110.4 – street maintenance - contractual
Trustee Murphy moved approval of the General Fund March Budget Modifications. Seconded by Trustee Farenthold. Motion Carried 4:0.
Sewer fund-
$2,102.96 from G1990.4 - contingent account
1,838.96 to G8130.44 - sewer administration – utilities
269.00 G8130.4 - sewer administration - contracutual
Trustee Zabriskie moved approval of the Sewer Fund March Budget Modifications. Seconded by Trustee Farenthold. Carried 4:0.
The Mayor presented the bills for payment on Abstract # 10:
General Fund voucher #s 321-323, 325- 331, 333-338, 341, 343-345, 347-350, & 353 in the amount of $10,792.20. Trustee Zabriskie moved payment of General Fund bills, seconded by Trustee Farenthold. The Board unanimously approved payment of the General Fund bills. Motion Carried 4:0.
Water Fund voucher #s 322, 333, 346, 352, 353, & 355 in the amount of $1,817.60. Trustee Zabriskie moved payment of Water Fund bills seconded by Trustee Farenthold. The Board unanimously approved payment of the Water Fund bills. Motion Carried 4:0.
Sewer Fund voucher #s 320-322, 324, 331-333, 337, 339-340, 342, 351, 353, & 354 in the amount of $7,427.87. Trustee Zabriskie moved payment of Sewer Fund bills with a second by Trustee Murphy. The Board unanimously approved payment of the Sewer Fund bills. Motion Carried 4:0
Committee Reports:
Buildings and Grounds - Trustee Farenthold reported that the Safety Task Force Committee met on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at the Fargo at 1:00 PM. He noted that the Mayor attended with other distinguished NYS representatives. Trustee Farenthold noted that the Task Force was pursuing Barbara Lifton’s help in this matter. He hoped that a change in Legislation would be forthcoming.
Trustee Farenthold reported more roof leaks in the Men’s Bathroom and that he is working with David Brong from Pleasant Valley Electric to repair the fan units in the building, added needed electrical plugs and to replace the outside light fixtures with energy efficient units. He noted that the electrical work would commence on Monday, March 24, 2008 with the Clerk’s Office. Trustee Farenthold also noted that the painters would be in to wash the walls before they painted the apparatus bay area. Mayor Gunderson reported his conversation with Aurora-Ledyard Fire Commissioner Chair, Robert Cerza regarding whether the cost for this work had been put out to bid and whether cost would be passed onto the Fire District. Discussion of the work ensued. Trustee Farenthold said that the bid for electrical changes was estimated at $1,225.00 plus the work in the Village Office. Mayor Gunderson noted that new toilet units would be order for the bathrooms at a cost of $700/2. He further informed the Board that the painting of the Apparatus Bay Area bid was $6,075.00 for a total of $8,000.00. Trustee Zabriskie questioned that all three fan units would be repaired. Mayor Gunderson said that they would be. The Mayor also questioned the need for the outside lights being on all night thus increasing budget expenses. Trustee Zabriskie asked if new fixtures would have electric eyes in them and if the high pressure sodium lights required a warm up period. Trustee Farenthold felt that the outside lights could be turned on and off when needed. Trustee Zabriskie asked where the funding to do this work was coming from out of this year’s budget. Mayor Gunderson said that he felt the Board could use A1620.23 Buildings – Firehouse (Paving) Account $12,000.00 as the Board would not be able to get the paving done within the current fiscal year at that price. Trustee Farenthold questioned replacing the Bathroom Toilets when the Village had just corrected the problems in the men’s room. Mayor Gunderson said that the new units would be ADA compliant and conserve water usage. Trustee Zabriskie noted that it was important to be within the ADA regulations and therefore both units should be changed. Trustee Farenthold agreed.
Recreation, Parks & Public Safety – Trustee Murphy asked that the Speed Bumps be installed to reduce the rate at which the cars are traveling across Court Street. Mayor Gunderson noted that the winter season hasn’t quite passed yet and it would be better to wait until after May first.
Trustee Murphy questioned the status of the playground equipment that she asked Clerk Yann to order last fall. Clerk Yann remarked that she wasn’t sure where the order stood, but would check on it.
Trustee Murphy noted that the Village Web site had an area which needed to be fixed. She said that she had emailed Jacci Farlow and asked her to correct the problem, but as of today the problem still existed.
Streets & Public Safety - Trustee Chase was absent.
Water & Sewer - Trustee Zabriskie had no report.
Community Preservation Panel - no report
Planning Board – no report
Zoning Board of Appeals - no report
Zoning Officer - February 2008 Report was accepted by the Board.
Village Historian. - no report
Old Business - Mayor Gunderson noted that the SEQR and Zoning Law were discussed earlier.
Ms. Brooks asked the Board to establish the Summer Helper position as proposed in the 2008-2009 Budget and inquired as to where this position would be paid from. Mayor Gunderson noted that this position would be included in A5110.4 Street Maintenance – Contractual for $3,200.00 plus A9030.8 social security deduction. Trustee Farenthold moved approval of the new summer position and moved to accept the 2008-2009 Tentative Budget as presented tonight. Trustee Zabriskie seconding the motion. Motion Carried 4:0.
New Business - Mayor Gunderson reminded the Board of the need to hold a Public Hearing for the SEQR review for the Comprehensive Plan on April 30, 2008 at 7:00 PM.
Trustee Farenthold moved that the Board meet on April 30, 2008 to hold the SEQR review and to be followed by the Annual Organizational Meeting then immediately followed by the Regular Monthly Board meeting. The motion was seconded by Trustee Zabriskie. Motion Carried 4:0.
Trustee Farenthold announced that the Aurorafest Committee had met and set July 12, 2008 as the date for their next event.
Mayor Gunderson informed the Board that he has added two (2) new street light fixtures into the new budget for Poplar Ridge Road near the Wells College Farm House driveway. He said that the agreement was for 15 years using 150 watt, high pressure sodium bulbs at the cost of $94.99/year for a total of $198.94. Trustee Farenthold moved the addition of the two street lights seconded by Trustee Zabriskie. Motion Carried 4:0.
Mayor Gunderson informed the Board that he had received information regarding the proposed options for the “315” Area Code changes and the recent legislation on Cell Towers. Information for both will be available in the Clerk’s Office for review. Mr. Fearon noted that option #3 has been the most favorable plan with just the north end of the state being affected.
Mayor Gunderson extended a warm thank you to Trustee Murphy for her services to the Village and her contributions to a very successful Summer Recreation Program.
Mayor Gunderson also welcomed Lili MacCormick to the Village Board and hoped to see her at the April meeting.
Trustee Murphy motioned for adjournment at 9:15 PM. Seconded by Trustee Zabriskie. Motion Carried 4:0.
Respectfully Submitted by
Deborah M. Brooks
Deputy Village Clerk