VILLAGE OF AURORA BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 17, 2007
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 7:32 PM on October 17, 2007 with Mayor Gunderson presiding.
PRESENT: Mayor Tom Gunderson, Trustees Jim Chase, George Farenthold, Janet Murphy, and Ken Zabriskie.
ALSO PRESENT: Patricia Bianconi, David Brooks, Debbie Brooks, Sheila Edmunds, CJ Koepp, Melinda Kostreva (Treasurer), Bill Maloney, John Place, and Nancy Yann (Clerk).
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
REMINDER
Trustee Farenthold reminded those in attendance that he is married to Lisa Marsh Ryerson, President of Wells College.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Trustee Farenthold moved approval of the September 26, 2007 Regular Meeting Minutes with one change, that is to correct the spelling of Ms. Dieckmann’s name. Seconded by Trustee Zabriskie, motion carried 5:0.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA: There were no changes to the Agenda.
MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Gunderson reported that the Village Board would delay in voting on the Zoning Law since the Village Attorney could not be present at tonight’s meeting.
CLERK'S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The Clerk announced that the October Association of Villages meeting would be held on Tuesday, October 23 at the Sunset Restaurant. The Guest Speaker will be Ted Kriese, Code Enforcement Officer from Meridian who will talk on hazardous material storage, open burning, and swimming pool regulations that go into effect January 1, 2008. Mr. Kriese will be open for questions. Mayor Gunderson, Trustee Farenthold, and the Clerk will attend.
The Clerk reported on the 2010 Decennial Census LUCA Program. LUCA stands for Local Update of Census Addresses, which is a decennial census geographic partnership program that will allow the Census Bureau to benefit from local knowledge in developing its Master Address File (MAF) for the 2010 Census. Tribal, state, and local governments can contribute to a more complete and accurate census for their community by reviewing and commenting on the list of housing unit and group quarters addresses that the Census Bureau will use to deliver questionnaires within their perspective communities. The Village may choose to participate from one of three options.
¬Option 1 – Full Address List with Count Review. The full Address List Review option requires that the participant sign the confidentiality Agreement in accordance with title 13, United States Code. This option is intended for those governments that have the time and resources to review and comment on the 2010 Census Address list, the Address Count List, and the maps of their jurisdiction. Participants selecting this option must have the means to secure the Title 13 address list and maps.
¬Option 2 – Local Address List Submission. The Title 13 Local Address List Submission option requires that the participant sign the Confidentiality Agreement in accordance with Title 13, United States Code. The Title 13 Local Address List Submission option is a new LUCA option for the 2010 Census. It is intended for those governments that may not have the time or resources to update the 2010 Census Address List, but wish to review and compare the list to their local address list. Participants that select this option must have the means to secure the Title 13 Census address list and maps.
¬Option 3 – Non-Title 13 Local Address List Submission. The Non-Title 13 Local Address List Submission option is a new LUCA option for the 2010 Census. Under this option, the participant chooses not to receive and review the 2010 Census Address List for their jurisdiction. The Non-Title 13 Local Address List Submission option does not require the participant to sign the Confidentiality Agreement. The participant receives the Address Count list only as a computer-readable file. Although the participant receives the Address Count List, participants can only use this list for reference purposes, they cannot challenge the address counts on this list. The participant also receives a set of Census Bureau maps or shape-files showing all features, current boundaries, and current census blocks for this jurisdiction.
The Clerk asked the Board if they had a preference on which option the Board would like to choose. The Board chose Option 2.
The Clerk reported that she had been approached by Dick Bradley from the Fire Department wanting to do a fundraiser for the Department. Mr. Bradley would like to hold a “Pizza Night” in the Meeting Room and Kitchen. Does he need to fill out the “Aurora Firehouse Special Event Application Form” since this if for the Department? Mayor Gunderson said, “Yes, since this in not a regularly scheduled event, this would have to go through the same routine as anyone else applying to use the facility”. The Board agreed. This will help to keep the lines of communication open.
The Clerk reported that she had given the Board a copy of a Letter from Laura Holland for information only.
VISITOR RECOGNITION:
Mayor Gunderson welcomed Pat Bianconi. Mrs. Bianconi is here to represent the Aurora Free Library. Mrs. Bianconi discussed the Christmas Tree for “Christmas in Aurora” and stated that it was truly missed last year, lights were missing and now in need of new ones. Will the Village purchase new lights? Mayor Gunderson stated that the Village would purchase new lights and further suggested that the lights be placed on a timer since the tree requires more power and circuitry. Trustee Zabriskie is a former Trustee of the Library who gave a little more information and suggested looking in the Archive Room to know exactly what existed. Mrs. Bianconi informed the Board that “Christmas in Aurora” would be held on Thursday, November 29.
Mrs. Bianconi thanked the Board for allowing her to attend the NYCOM Fall Training School. Mrs. Bianconi stated that the information gathered by all who attended was well worth the price to attend. Sessions on the “Open Meeting Law”, “Minute Taking,” and “FOIL” requests was particularly invaluable. Mrs. Bianconi brought back material she hopes the Village Board would review because of the recent changes.
Trustee Farenthold asked Mrs. Bianconi if the Aurora Arts & Merchants might be interested in purchasing the “auroranewyork.com” web site, once owned by Dave Wharton. The Village once used this site, but during the past five years, this site has been badly neglected and is now available. Mrs. Bianconi will talk to the Aurora Merchants Organization.
Mayor Gunderson recognized Mr. John Place. Mr. Place informed the Board that he had run into Mrs. Bennett, ZBA Chair, who informed him that she had asked Dan Anderson from Anderson Survey to survey the property/home that Mr. Place and Ms. Koepp own located at 327 Main Street. Mr. Place stated that this was frivolous and a waste of money. This came from a complaint of Ms. Holland regarding the height variance that the ZBA had granted. Mr. Place feels that this has become a pattern of harassment and he is disappointed that the Village has allowed this to happen. Mr. Place stated that he had referred everything to Mr. Staley and again stated that it is not right for the Village to pay for a surveyor. Mayor Gunderson stated that this is a real problem and that the Village Board does not get involved in the other Board’s deliberations (Planning, Preservation and ZBA). Mr. Place commented that he felt that the Village Attorney was not representing the Village and that he had not reviewed materials pertaining to this project. Mr. Place announced that this project has cost him and Ms. Koepp a lot of money. Again, Mr. Place commented that the Village has been poorly represented. In regards to the culvert, Mr. Place stated that he and Ms. Koepp owned the culvert and questioned the Mayor whether he knew this or not. Mayor Gunderson stated, “This sounded like a threat”. Mr. Place went on to say that he had put 90,000 pounds of gravel under the house and offered to put a 36-inch pipe for drainage. Ms. Holland wanted no part of this proposal. Mr. Place went on to say that NYS DOT wanted to put in an “open” ditch and claim Eminent Domain. Mr. Place said that DOT always prefers to have an “open” ditch. Mr. Place asked if the Village would call an “Emergency” meeting to deal with the “drainage” situation. Mayor Gunderson replied that he would contact DOT.
Trustee Farenthold commented on the height of the Holland house, stating that the height of their house was the same or higher than the Koepp/Place (Webb) house. He agreed with Mr. Place.
TREASURER'S REPORTS:
A.Monthly Reports:
The Board accepted the Monthly Reports for August 2007.
B.Budget Modifications:
There were no Budget Modifications.
C.Approval of Bills:
Trustee Farenthold moved approval of bills in the General Fund for claims #151 to #184 for $13,762.95. Motion was seconded by Trustee Murphy. Motion carried 5:0.
Trustee Zabriskie moved approval of bills in the Water Fund for claims #151 to #184 for $6,092.23. Seconded by Trustee Farenthold, motion carried 5:0.
Trustee Zabriskie moved approval of bills in the Sewer Fund for claims #151 to #184 for $8,011.52. Seconded by Trustee Farenthold motion carried 5:0.
COMMITTEE AND BOARD REPORTS:
A.Building and Grounds
Trustee Farenthold reported that there would be an Open Public Forum on Municipal Waste Truck Traffic to meet at the Aurora Inn on Thursday, October 25, 2007 at 6 PM. He would like to see everyone come. This is an important meeting, as there will be State and Federal Representatives present. Please spread the word and encourage the public to attend. Trustee Farenthold asked if the Board would approve furnishing refreshments, such as coffee, lemonade, and cookies for 150-200 people. Mayor Gunderson said that this could come from his budget (A1010.4).
Trustee Farenthold reported on the Firehouse “Punch” list. Trustee Farenthold reported that the “toilet” had finally been fixed and that he would contact a contractor to do the “big” jobs (i.e., doors, fans, painting). Trustee Farenthold asked about installing insulation in the Apparatus Room. This was briefly discussed and determined that insulating the Apparatus Room would not make any difference. Trustee Farenthold asked about the “Apron” paving. Mayor Gunderson reminded the Board that the cost of this alone was $35,000, which consisted of base, binder, and sealer.
Trustee Farenthold reported on the MRB Group Report for the Post Office Building. A “Needs Assessment” was completed and a report sent to the Village. Trustee Farenthold stated that he was against putting this much money into that building. There are other alternatives to explore and asked that they be looked into. Mayor Gunderson reminded Trustee Farenthold that the Lease runs out March 31, 2009, thus a decision must be made soon. Mayor Gunderson said that he would contact Mr. Senk from the Postal Service to get them involved. Trustee Farenthold went on to say that the Clerk, Treasurer, and Historian all need more space and said that other spaces should be considered. Ms. Edmunds spoke about the historic aspect of the Post Office building. It is her hope that this building not be destroyed. The facade should be left untouched. The building could be “prettied” up, but stated that although the building may not be as grand as some would like it to be, it was still a very significant building to the Village. Trustee Zabriskie was amazed at the cost MRB showed in their report. Trustee Murphy agreed with Trustee Zabriskie.
B.Recreation, Parks, and Public Events:
Trustee Murphy reported that she would like to order some playground equipment from Cedar Works to replace the broken and/or damaged equipment due to the vandalism that had happened at the Memorial Park on Court Street.
Trustee Murphy reported that she was ready to place the order for the “speed bumps” for Court Street. Trustee Murphy reminded the Board that signs would need to be ordered as well. Mayor Gunderson asked Trustee Murphy to talk to Mr. Wilmot.
C.Streets and Public Safety:
Trustee Chase reported on the “one-way” street proposal the Board discussed last month. This project was met with some opposition dealing with Court Street also being named as a one-way street. Letters were received from Mike and Sandy Groth and Kit Van Orman in opposition to this proposal. (Please see attached letters.) Trustees Murphy and Farenthold have reservations making Court Street one-way. Is it necessary to make this a one-way street too? Mr. Maloney commented that it is nuts to make Court Street a one-way street, as this would be penalizing the residents living in this area. Trustee Farenthold moved to make Cherry Avenue a one-way street for one block (from SR 90/Main Street to Court Street, leaving Court Street a two-way street on a trial basis for nine months to one year beginning December 1, 2007. Seconded by Trustee Chase, motion carried 4:1. It was suggested that a letter be sent to Sue Edinger at the Aurora Inn requesting employees to park on LaFayette Street and a letter to the Bank for their continued support in parking on LaFayette Street.
Mayor Gunderson reported that the company from Waterloo would be coming tomorrow for painting the stripes.
D.Water and Sewer:
Trustee Zabriskie reported that Adam had passed the first phase of school. He has estimated one-year left to go before he can become licensed.
Trustee Zabriskie reported on a request from Mrs. Bianconi for relief for the sewer portion of her water/sewer bill. Since the water did not go into the sewer line, is it possible for her to take the average of the last year, and deduct the rest of the sewer amount. Trustee Zabriskie moved this. Seconded by Trustee Chase, motion carried 5:0.
E.Community Preservation:
The Board accepted the Minutes of the Community Preservation Panel for September 3, 2007.
F.Planning Board:
There was nothing to report.
G.Zoning Board of Appeals:
There was nothing to report.
H.Zoning Officer:
The Board accepted the Zoning Officer’s Reports for September 2007.
I.Historian:
Ms. Edmunds, the Village Historian, gave her annual report for the year 2006-2007. Ms. Edmunds has been involved in many projects, attended meetings, and delivered a talk on “Local History & Aurora” at Southern Cayuga School. Ms. Edmunds has been extremely busy this year. (Please see attached report.) Ms. Edmunds requested that the Board give immediate and serious attention to the location of the archival material presently located in her house. While the material is reasonably safe, its location is not strictly appropriate (public documents in a private house).
OLD BUSINESS:
Mayor Gunderson reported that the Village had received a letter of resignation from Ms. Kostreva. Trustee Farenthold moved to accept the letter of resignation with regrets. Seconded by Trustee Murphy, motion carried 5:0.
Mayor Gunderson reported that he would like to appoint Deborah Brooks as the new Treasurer. Trustee Zabriskie moved to appoint Ms. Brooks as the new Village Treasurer. Seconded by Trustee Chase, motion carried 4:0:one with Trustee Farenthold abstaining.
Mayor Gunderson proposed appointing Ms. Kostreva as Accounts Clerk, part-time to help with training and questions that may come up. Ms. Kostreva asked to continue at the same rate of pay, $30.00 per hour. Trustee Farenthold thought that this was excessive and felt that this could add up to a lot of money that the Village did not have. Trustee Farenthold asked if this rate of pay was negotiable. Ms. Kostreva said “No”. Trustee Farenthold moved to hire Ms. Kostreva as Accounts Clerk, part-time at the rate of pay of $30.00 per hour. Seconded by Trustee Zabriskie, motion carried 5:0.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Gunderson reported that the Village should have a Contract with the Town of Ledyard for the Summer Recreation Program as Joint Participants in the New York State Youth Recreation Program with the Village acting as directors and disbursing agents for the above program. The Village is asking the Town of Ledyard to pay annually $1,500.00 (which could change) due July 1, 2008.
Trustee Farenthold moved to approve the Morgan Opera House Contract for $1,500.00. Seconded by Trustee Chase, motion carried 5:0.
Trustee Farenthold moved to approve the Aurora Free Library Contract for $2,500.00. Seconded by Trustee Murphy, motion carried 5:0.
Mayor Gunderson thanked Ms. Kostreva for her fine service and said that the Village appreciated everything she has done.
With no further business to discuss, Mayor Gunderson asked a motion to adjourn.
ADJOURNMENT:
Trustee Chase moved adjournment at 9:45 PM. Seconded by Trustee Farenthold, motion carried 5:0.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy M. Yann
Village Clerk