VILLAGE OF AURORA BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 16, 2005
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Aurora, New York was called to order in the Firehouse Meeting Room at 7:30 PM on November 16, 2005 with Mayor Gunderson presiding.
PRESENT: Mayor Tom Gunderson, Trustees Jim Chase, George Farenthold, Janet Murphy and Ken Zabriskie.
ALSO PRESENT: Grace Bates, David Brooks (8:30 PM), Debbie Brooks, G. Alan Clugston, Katie Collier, Jacci Farlow, Virgil Farlow, George Fearon (8:35 PM), Nancy Gil (Chair, Planning Board), Amber Hlywa, Ken Kabelac (Planning Board Member), David Kauber, Melinda Kostreva (Treasurer), Valerie Kostreva, Michelle Miller, Donald OíBrien, Pat Rittenhouse (Planning Board Member), Marie Taylor, Steve Taylor (Planning Board Member), Randi Zabriskie and Nancy Yann (Clerk).
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Trustee George Farenthold reminds the residents and visitors in tonight’s audience that he is married to Lisa Marsh Ryerson, President of Wells College.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Trustee Zabriskie moved approval of the October 19, 2005 Regular Meeting Minutes. Seconded by Trustee Farenthold, motion carried 5:0.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA: Mayor Gunderson noted the following changes to the agenda:
1) the board will move into Executive Session to discuss Property Negotiations;
2) update on Streets Project and
3) under New Business a discussion on parking on Village streets during the winter months.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Gunderson had no announcements.
CLERK'S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The Clerk had not announcements.
VISITOR RECOGNITION:
Mayor Gunderson recognized Marie Taylor who asked what is going to happen to the Post Office? Mayor Gunderson replied that the Board was not sure yet. They are currently waiting to hear from the Post Office to set up meetings, but wanted to assure the public that the Village Board was not dragging their feet. The Post Office said that they would follow normal procedures to solicit proposals to build a new Post Office.
Nancy Gil reported that she had met last week to discuss the Order To Remedy that Doug Staley, Building Inspector issued to Wells College and the Aurora Foundation, LLC. on the Webb House. Nothing has happened yet. At what point can the Planning Board say Move or demolish the building and bill the Foundation.
Steve Taylor reminded the Board that this was an illegal situation, as the house was moved without any authorization from the Village. Where do we now stand? Mayor Gunderson will find out tomorrow after he talks with Doug Staley and let Ms. Gil know. The question of the day - How was it authorized to get moved? Mr. Taylor commented that the fencing was also put up without a permit and feels that the Village is being strung along.
Mayor Gunderson asked the Clerk to make sure that Mr. Staley called him when he arrived tomorrow.
Mayor Gunderson recognized Randi Zabriskie who continues to have problems with the parking in the commercial district (center of town). Ms. Zabriskie complained about the cars parked in the center of the village protesting the works of the Aurora Foundation.
Ms. Zabriskie had a few suggestions: 1) have zebra stripes installed for 15 minute parking for dropping off or picking up patrons to the local businesses; and 2) have alternate parking except for the Aurora Inn and Market. Mayor Gunderson replied that he had sent Dave Smith from the Department of Transportation (DOT) a letter back in October requesting a meeting to discuss such parking issues. Mr. Smith acknowledged the letter (today) by saying that he would be available in early December to meet with the Mayor as he is trying to get a representative from the Traffic Division in Syracuse to be present as well. Ms. Gil asked to be present at this meeting. Mayor Gunderson reported that the Village controlled only the Village streets and the Village Board would be discussing these issues later.
Mr. Taylor asked about the crosswalk markings. Mayor Gunderson responded that DOT was to have scheduled this work to be done, but they have to contract the work out. The Village is still waiting for this to happen.
Ms. Gil reported that the Planning Board (she) was moving forward on the Grant application, which will help with funds to deal with parking and traffic issues. Ms. Gil informed the Mayor that he would have to sign the forms once completed.
Trustee Farenthold pushed (for the third time) for a resolution for parking infractions. The Village has a right to enforce parking in the village. Mayor Gunderson reported that while attending the Association Dinner the night before, Donna Gilberto, Council from NYCOM informed those in attendance that it was okay to make laws and resolutions, BUT that you should not enact things that you cannot enforce.
Mayor Gunderson also stated the Village Attorney, Andy Fusco, stated in a letter from October 2004 that the Village Board would need to consider several issues including who will issue the tickets, what will the fines be and what type of form/ticket will be used. A resolution for such a law will need to be presented as well as a resolution for the fees. Mr. Fusco can draw up the form/ticket. An adequate and reasonable notice must be given. Michelle Miller asked what exactly the Board was talking about as she came in late. Mayor Gunderson explained the situation at hand.
Trustee Zabriskie asked Trustee Farenthold to bring this back to the table next month for discussion, since no one was prepared to look at this proposal tonight. Trustee Murphy agreed.
TREASURER'S REPORTS:
A. Monthly Reports:
The Board accepted the Monthly Reports for October 2005.
B. Budget Modifications
Trustee Farenthold moved to approve the Budget Modification in the General Fund as follows:
GENERAL FUND:
$25.32 FROM A 3110.2 ñ Street Maintenance ñ Equipment ñ TO A3110.4 ñ Street maintenance ñ Contractual
Seconded by Trustee Chase, motion carried 5:0.
Trustee Zabriskie moved the following Budget Modification in the Water Fund:
WATER FUND:
$3,752.56 FROM F 1990.4 - Contingent Account TO F 8340.4 - Transmission & Distribution Contractual
$774.02 FROM F 9950.9 ñ Transfer to Public Works Apparatus TO F 8340.4 - Transmission & Distribution Contractual
Seconded by Trustee Farenthold, motion carried 5:0.
C. Approval of Bills:
Trustee Farenthold moved approval of bills in the General Fund for claims #175 to #209 in the amount of $23,120.83. Seconded by Trustee Chase, motion carried 5:0.
Trustee Zabriskie moved approval of bills in the Water Fund for claims #175 to #209 in the amount of $7,941.42. Seconded by Trustee Murphy, motion carried 5:0.
Trustee Zabriskie moved approval of bills in the Sewer Fund for claims #175 to #209 in the amount of $5,730.03. Seconded by Trustee Farenthold, motion carried 5:0.
COMMITTEE AND BOARD REPORTS:
A. Buildings and Grounds:
Trustee Farenthold had nothing to report.
B. Recreation, parks and public events:
Trustee Murphy reported on the Aurora Village Park Sign. The sign will be dark brown with beige lettering and eggplant trim. The sign will be pretty. The cost for a one-sided sign will be $414.00. It was agreed to go with a two-sided sign. The Board approved the concept and Trustee Murphy will have to fill out paperwork and take it to the various Boards. It was suggested that a sister sign be made for the top of the hill in the parking lot. This was also agreed upon.
C. Streets and Public Safety:
Trustee Chase reported that he had talked with Kurt to see if the bottom of Cherry Avenue was going to be repaired. Mr. Rick Connelly was going to be asked to do the job. Trustee Chase will talk to Mr. Connolly tomorrow.
D. Water and Sewer:
Trustee Zabriskie read a letter from Katie Waller for Pleasant T. Rowland, requesting an adjustment on water meter #1126 A for 342 Main Street (the Old Leffingwell House). Trustee Zabriskie moved the adjustment as follows:
$322.05 Adjustment
$ 33.21 Penalty Adjustment
$365.26 Total Adjustment
Seconded by Trustee Farenthold, motion carried 5:0.
Ken Kabelac asked the Mayor to have the water valve checked near the driveway of the Leffingwell House located at 342 Main Street. Mayor Gunderson will have Kurt take a look at this request.
E. Community Preservation:
The Village Board accepted the Minutes of October 5, 2005.
F. Planning Board:
The Village Board accepted the Minutes of October 12 and November 9, 2005.
G. Zoning Board of Appeals:
There was nothing to report.
H. Zoning Officer:
The Village Board accepted the October 2005 Report.
Historian:
There was nothing to report.
OLD BUSINESS:
Mayor Gunderson gave an update on he Street Project. The survey work is now underway to allow for all Village Streets and Rights-of-way to be done next spring as far as money will allow. Just the survey work is being done now. The rights-of-way are being done as landowners are now cutting off access to the lake, this will allow people without lakefront property an access to the lake or benches.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Gunderson reported that the Board needed to approve the Delinquent 2005 Taxes to be submitted to the County. Please see attached list.
Mayor Gunderson reported that the Board would need to discuss winter parking on Village Streets. Mayor Gunderson suggested that there be no overnight parking on the streets to allow for snow removal. Trustee Chase asked what hours this would be effect. Mayor Gunderson suggested 11 PM to 7 AM. Trustee Farenthold suggested 12 AM to 7 AM. Trustee Zabriskie moved to have NO PARKING 11 PM to 7 AM on the Village Streets and to ask for volunteer alternate parking on Main Street during the winter months. Seconded by Trustee Murphy, motion carried 5:0.
Mayor Gunderson asked George Fearon, Cayuga County Legislature if he had anything to share. Mr. Fearon shared an article with the Board. Mayor Gunderson asked about the 4% Tax on Heating Fuel and stated that heating oil is a necessity, not a luxury. Mr. Fearon stated that this was a trade-off.
Trustee Murphy asked to leave at 8:40 PM, as she was not feeling well.
With no further business to discuss, Trustee Farenthold motioned to move into Executive Session at 9:10 PM for the purpose of discussing negotiations on property matters. Seconded by Trustee Chase, motion carried 4:0
Motion to adjourn from Executive Session was made by Trustee Farenthold at 9:35 PM. Seconded by Trustee Chase, motion carried 4:0.
ADJOURNMENT:
Trustee Farenthold moved adjournment at 9:36 PM. Seconded by Trustee Chase, motion carried 4:0.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy M. Yann
Village Clerk
Village of Aurora
Board of Trustees Meeting November 16, 2005