VILLAGE OF AURORA BOARD OF TRUSTEE’S MEETING
March 25, 2009
Held at the Aurora Firehouse Meeting Room
Present: Mayor Thomas Gunderson
Trustees - Elisabeth MacCormick, Janet Murphy & George Farenthold
Also Present:
David Brooks
Deborah Brooks, Deputy Village Clerk/Treasurer
Kurt Wilmot, Superintendent of Public Works
Absent: Trustee James Chase
2009-2010 TENTATIVE BUDGET HEARING
Mayor Gunderson called the Public Hearing on the 2009-2010 Tentative Budget opened at 6:30 PM. Mayor Gunderson reviewed the General Fund, Water Fund & Sewer Fund Budgets line by line for the Board.
Highlighted discussion: Trustee MacCormick recommended that the salary for Mayor be increased to reflect the numerous jobs performed compared to the Trustees. Mayor Gunderson responded that he wasn’t there for the money but to help out the community. Discussion ensued.
Mayor Gunderson informed the Board that he was now basing salaries for employees on an hourly rate instead of salaried as that seems to be the common practice in today’s business world.
The Board discussed Patrick Tavern and the need to replace the front steps. Mr. Wilmot said that the steps would be finished by June, if weather permitted.
The Board discussed repaving the parking lots at the Firehouse. Mayor Gunderson noted that the current budget has money to repave the front lot and he has budgeted in the 2009-2010 for the rear lot. He added that he hoped both lots could be put to bid together so as to save on the overall cost.
Mr. Wilmot informed the Board that he has placed a new snow blower unit into this budget for the sidewalk tractor. Discussion ensued on how to maintain the sidewalks in the winter and where there might be need to do repairs.
Mayor Gunderson informed the Board that he and Mr. Wilmot have been looking into storage facilities for the Historian‘s records. He explained that he escorted Ms. Edmunds to view a unit and found that she was quite interested in the ability to store the Village records in a proper environment with an area for her to work. The unit will run about $16,000 and would need to have electrical service so as to provide for humidifying/heating air circulation.
Trustee Farenthold asked that the Board include in this budget provision of $2,500 to be given as seed money to help finance the study for the newly proposed Finger Lakes Museum. He reported that he attended a recent meeting in which Steve Lynch, Director of Cayuga County’s Planning and Economic Development presented the plan. Trustee Farenthold said that this project would house a large aquarium and historical exhibits from Native American times to the present similar to the Adirondack Museum at Blue Mountain Lake. He noted that the project needs 50 plus acres of land with waterfront property for a total cost of $40-50 million. Discussion ensued as to how this project would help the Village. Mayor Gunderson and Trustees Murphy and MacCormick felt that Cayuga County needed to come on board with the project before the Village hands out any financial support at this time. The Budget was adjusted to reflect $1,000 being moved from Community Beautification-Contractual Expense to Culture -Museum Contractual Expense.
Revenues for General Fund would remain approximately the same as this year with the exception of a decrease in Interest Earned, increase in Post Office & Firehouse Rents and the sale of the Dodge Dump Truck.
Ms. Brooks noted that the 2009-2010 General Fund Budget has been figured at the rate of $2.70/1,000, which is the same as the current year. Mayor Gunderson added that the new tax assessments by the Town of Ledyard won’t affect the Village’s Tax Roll until June of 2010.
Water & Sewer Funds expenditures have been held to the bare minimum as these funds are self sustaining. Mr. Wilmot informed the Board that the revenues for these funds are reflected in the amount of water consumed by the residents and businesses. Mr. Wilmot noted that the Village now has 42 seasonal homes and with the Aurora Inn & Dories, etc. closed; water consumption has decreased considerably. Mayor Gunderson informed the Board that there maybe the need to readjust the rates or even increase them in the very near future. Mayor Gunderson asked Mr. Wilmot and Ms. Brooks to calculate out what will be needed to maintain these funds. Discussion ensued.
Mayor Gunderson closed the Public Hearing at 8:10 PM.
MARCH 25, 2009 REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
Mayor Gunderson called the Regular Monthly Meeting to order at 8:10 PM, and then led the room in the Pledge of Allegiance. A Moment of Silence was observed in memory of our good friend and colleague, Nancy M. Yann, who passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2009.
Mayor Gunderson asked for approval of the February 18, 2009 Minutes. Trustee Farenthold moved approval and Trustee Murphy seconded. Trustee Farenthold asked that on page 3 there was the need of correction of spelling for Deputy Watkin’s name. Unanimously approved with corrections. Motion Carried 4:0.
Changes to the Agenda - Mayor Gunderson added under New Business the adoption of the 2009-2010 Proposed Budgets.
Announcements - Deputy Clerk Brooks informed the Board that the office has received application renewals for Liquor Licenses from the Aurora Inn Inc. for the Village Market and from Boeff Golf, Inc. for the Wells College Golf Course.
Deputy Clerk Brooks informed the Board that Janet Murphy had won the one year Trustee seat, vacated by Ken Zabriskie, at the March 18, 2009 Special Election with 33 votes and Alan Connors had one vote for a total of 34.
Visitor Recognition - Mayor Gunderson welcomed Mr. Brooks to the meeting.
Treasurer’s Reports - Ms. Brooks reported that the she had to withdraw $8,000.00 from the Sewer Fund Checkbook Savings, so as to have enough money to pay this month’s bills and may need to do a withdrawal again for May.
Mayor Gunderson presented the Budget Modifications to the Board:
General Fund:
$ 3,869.48FROM A1990.4 - Contingency Account
$ 54.27FROM A1450.1 - Election - Personal Services
$1,942.25TO A1420.4 - Law -Contractual
$1,981.50TO A1440.4 - Engineering - Contractual
TOTAL $ 3,923.75 Rte 90 S. Water Project
$ 8.01FROM A1620.4 - Buildings - Contractual
TO A1620.43 - Buildings - Janitorial Services
$ 325.73FROM A5110.4 - Street Maintenance - Contractual
TO A5110.2 - Street Maintenance – Equipment
$ 19.87FROM A1450.1 - Election - Personal Services
TO A7310.4 - Youth Recreation - Contractual
GRAND TOTAL $4,277.36
Trustee Farenthold moved approval of the General Fund Budget Modifications; seconded by Trustee Murphy. Motion Carried 4:0.
SEWER FUND
$ 359.33FROM G1990.4 - Contingency Account
TO G8130.44 - Sewage Treatment - Equipment Repair
$ 646.64FROM G1990.4 - Contingency Account
TO G9060.8 - Hospital & Medical Insurance
TOTAL $ 1,005.97
Trustee Farenthold moved approval of the Sewer Fund Budget Modifications; seconded by Trustee Murphy. Motion Carried 4:0.
Information only:
Ms. Brooks explained that she had spoken with Ms. Kostreva pertaining to the transfer of Reserve Fund Monies and found that she needed to clarify the codes used to do the transfer from last month.
$22,265.62 FROM A231P-Public Works Apparatus Money Market Savings # 70256
+ 9,207.89FROM A233P -General Fund Checkbook
(exchange of PWA Funds in CD#1090119)
$31,473.51TO A5110.2R Streets Maintenance - Capital Reserve
The Mayor presented the bills for payment on Abstract # 10:
General Fund -voucher #s 321, 322, 324, 326-328, 330, 331, 334, 335, 337-348, 351-353, 356, 358-365, 369 & 370 in the amount of $11,533.40. Trustee Murphy moved payment of General Fund bills, seconded by Trustee MacCormick. Mayor Gunderson asked Ms. Brooks what voucher #356 for $ 701.00 to Pleasant Valley Electric was for. Trustee Farenthold responded that the bill was covering the last phase of electric outside light fixtures work started a year ago. Mayor Gunderson also noticed voucher # 359 for ink cartridges at Staples and asked Ms. Brooks if the Village had a Rewards Card so as to return empty cartridges for reimbursement. Ms. Brooks replied that Nancy Yann had set up the program sometime ago and added that Nancy had purchased a supply of ink cartridges on 2/23/09 so that the office would be covered for awhile. The Board unanimously approved payment of the General Fund bills. Motion Carried 4:0.
Sewer Fund -voucher #s 323, 325, 329, 330, 332, 333, 339, 341, 346, 349, 350, 355, 357, 358, 366 & 367 in the amount of $7,571.33. Trustee Murphy moved payment of Sewer Fund bills with a second by Trustee MacCormick. The Board unanimously approved payment of the Sewer Fund bills. Motion Carried 4:0
Water Fund -voucher #s 321, 336, 340, 341, 354 & 368 in the amount of $2,370.34. Trustee Farenthold moved payment of Water Fund bills seconded by Trustee MacCormick. The Board unanimously approved payment of the Water Fund bills. Motion Carried 4:0.
Committee Reports:
Streets & Public Safety - Mr. Wilmot reported that he and Mayor Gunderson may need to meet with MRB representative, Ryan Colvin, to further discuss the Rte 90 South Water Project to see if there is a more cost effective plan depending upon the requirements needed by DOT & the Health Department. Mayor Gunderson noted that he has an updated report from MRB, but didn’t bring it this evening and would share it via email with the Board.
Trustee MacCormick asked why DOT was in the Village surveying. Mr. Wilmot responded that the DOT was surveying creek bed areas as they are considering whether it will be feasible to purchase the creek beds so they can maintain the water ways instead of the current property owners.
Water & Sewer - Mr. Wilmot reported for Trustee Murphy that everything was running smoothly, especially at the WWTP, as he and Mr. Reynolds have installed three (3) rebuilt pumps from the Tully Plant. Mayor Gunderson informed the Board that Mr. Wilmot obtained the pumps and other parts for free because the Tully Plant had replaced their pumps with newer models. Mayor Gunderson thanked Mr. Wilmot for attending the meeting.
Buildings and Grounds - Trustee Farenthold reported that the Regulatory Motor Transport Associates has written a report noting that the Proposed Regulations for trucks are a bad idea. Trustee Farenthold reported that GORR members recommended making a video of the trucks going through the Village as proof of the numbers for Albany to see. Truck Traffic Task Force will be back in Albany soon.
Trustee MacCormick reported on the Village Tack Force Subcommittee meeting with Wells College’s President, Lisa Marsh Ryerson last month. Trustee MacCormick noted that they were received very well, but Ms. Ryerson said that Wells College is not interested in renting or selling the Aurora Place building to the Village at this time. Trustee MacCormick added that Ms. Ryerson asked that a standing committee be formed where representatives from the Village and College could meet to keep in touch on issues of concerns. Trustee MacCormick felt the Village now needs to move forward and mentioned seeing the nice Town of Genoa Offices on Bartnick Road as a possible model the Village could use. Mayor Gunderson reminded the Board that they had to keep the USPS in mind with the yearly rental agreement in place. Trustee Farenthold also added a spot for the Historian would be nice, too. Discussion ensued on possible locations and parking issues. Trustee Farenthold again asked if parking could be placed along the edge of the Oak Glen Cemetery lot in the Village right-of-way. Mr. Brooks noted that the Village has a 50 easement on Court Street Extension. Trustee Murphy felt using the backyard of the Fargo as previously recommended by Trustee Chase was a better idea as it offered more spaces.
Trustee Farenthold asked where the Village’s Welcome signs were and if they could be put up. Mayor Gunderson responded that DOT approval was needed for locating the signs before installation. Mayor Gunderson asked for suggestions as to how they could be securely installed to prevent thief, noting that maybe architects Scott Drahos or Todd Zwigard might be able to help. Ms. Brooks noted that the Community Preservation Panel would also need to approve of installation according to Village Local law #1 of 2008, To Regulate Land Use and Provide for Historic Preservation.
Trustee MacCormick asked where the replacement for the Speed Unit on the North end of the Village was. Mayor Gunderson said that the unit would be replaced, but in a different location and that the Town of Ledyard Justice was handling the criminal charges.
Trustee Farenthold asked if the Village could install a nice public kayak entrance to Paines Creek during the Bridge work. Mayor Gunderson said that it was private property and the Village couldn’t do it there or anywhere along the lake shore at the southern end of the Village.
Trustee Farenthold informed the Board that there are several names to consider for the Custodian position, such as Trish Bennett and Marie Fenner. Discussion ensued. Mayor Gunderson recommended that Mrs. Fenner be asked first, as she was a local person and could work her schedule around the office hours. The Board agreed to have Ms. Brooks call her to fill out the application form.
Trustee Farenthold asked that the Village try to purchase all the domain names pertaining to “Aurora” whether ‘.com, ‘.us’, ‘.org’ or ‘.gov’, so as not to have a web site out there with old information such as Dave Wharton’s Auroranewyork.com site. Mayor Gunderson agreed that this web page has had erroneous information for years and should be removed. Mayor Gunderson asked that the current web page have a counter on it so they would know how much it is looked at.
Trustee Farenthold asked Trustee Murphy if she had any news on the National Teachers Award Program yet. Trustee Murphy said she has submitted her application, but won’t know results until after March 27, 2009.
Recreation, Parks & Public Safety - Trustee MacCormick reported that she has picked out a picnic table from the Cortland BOCES for $100.00 and a heavy duty swing set for the playground to be purchased in this year’s budget.
Trustee MacCormick handed out a drawing prepared by local Landscape Architect, Scott Drahos, for the Court Street Playground. Discussion ensued on the various proposed additions to the site. Mayor Gunderson recommended to Trustee MacCormick that she ask Joe Marshall to survey the property for elevations and get his opinion of the proposed changes. Trustee Farenthold also asked that Ken Zabriskie be informed of the changes as the Playground area was in memory of his family.
Trustee MacCormick noted that Ms. Brooks ran an ad for the Summer Recreation Program, but there had been no applicants. She asked if the ad could be republished with the change of Head Lifeguard to Recreation Director. Trustee Murphy agreed with the change, noting that the program needs an older individual to organize the program and workers. Trustee Murphy informed the Board that several local students were just finishing up lifeguard certification classes and would now be looking for summer employment.
Community Preservation Panel - November 5, 2009 Minutes
Planning Board - no report
Zoning Board of Appeals - no report
Zoning Officer - February 2009 Report
Village Historian - no report
Old Business - none
New Business - Mayor Gunderson presented contracts for the following:
a) 2008-2009 Aurora Free Library $2,750.00. Moved approval by Trustee Murphy & seconded by Trustee MacCormick Motion Carried 4:0.
b) 2008-2009 Morgan Opera House $1,650.00. Moved by Trustee Farenthold & seconded by Trustee MacCormick. Motion Carried 4:0.
c) 2008-2009 Youth Recreation Contract with the Town of Ledyard to receive $1,500.00. Moved by Trustee Murphy & seconded by Trustee MacCormick. Motion Carried 4:0.
d) 2009 Aurora-Ledyard Fire District Lease Agreement to received $18,121.00 in rent. Move by Trustee Farenthold & seconded by Trustee MacCormick. Motion Carried 4:0.
e) 2009 SCAT VAN Agreement was tabled until next month by Mayor Gunderson as the 2009-2010 Budget needs to be passed first.
Mayor Gunderson proposed the following resolutions:
Trustee Farenthold moved that Mayor Gunderson be authorized to sign RESOLUTION #1-2009 allowing the NYS DOT temporary use of Village Property during the reconstruction of the Paines Creek Bridge for a fee of $100.00. Trustee Murphy seconded the motion. Motion Carried 4:0.
Trustee Murphy moved that Mayor Gunderson be authorized to sign RESOLUTION #2-2009 allowing the NYS DOT to perform the adjustment for the Owner and agreeing to maintain Facilities Adjusted via State-let Contract (at Paines Creek Bridge Project.) Trustee MacCormick seconded the motion. Motion Carried 4:0. (Copies of both Resolutions are attached to file copy of minutes.)
Mayor Gunderson informed the Board that a legal ad had been published for the Village Clerk’s position and that they had copies of the resumes to review. The Board asked Ms. Brooks to arrange interviews for Tuesday, March 31, 2009; one at 6:30 PM and the other for 7:30 PM at the Firehouse Meeting Room.
Mayor Gunderson asked for approval to accept the 2009-2010 Tentative Budgets as the Proposed 2009-2010 Budgets. Trustee Farenthold moved approval. Trustee MacCormick seconded the motion. Motion Carried 4:0. Mayor Gunderson reminded the Board that the April meeting was scheduled for Wednesday the 22nd at 6:30 PM so as to conduct the Annual Meeting then proceed into the Regular Monthly Board meeting.
Trustee Murphy motioned for adjournment at 9:40 PM. Seconded by Trustee Farenthold. Motion Carried 4:0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Deborah M. Brooks
Deputy Village Clerk
