February 11, 2009
This regular meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Supervisor Keith Batman with the following present:
Supervisor: Keith Batman Other Officials:
Council Members: Gary Goodnough Ron Walter, Scott Snyder,
Greg Rury, Gary Whitten Keith Welch, Judith Rowlands
Excused: Mark Malys
MOTION: To accept the minutes of the January 14, 2009 meeting as written. (Rury/Whitten). All in favor.
ASSESSOR’S REPORT: Scott Snyder reported on how assessment values are determined and
reported. He has renewed all agricultural exemptions automatically this year, because of the
tight timeframe. New York State does a statistical analysis of trends, and he is working with
them to make sure the assessments are fair and equitable regarding value.
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT: Keith Batman reported that George Fearon has been appointed to
Cayuga College Board of Trustees. Keith also shared the contract with the Southern Cayuga
ambulance, which has already been approved. A meeting of Town Supervisors and the
Superintendent of Schools is scheduled, and Keith plans to go. He presented a letter he plans to
send requesting that 401K penalties for early withdrawal be waived during this economic
downturn.
HIGHWAY SUPRINTENDENT: Ron Walter reported that the truck with plow should be here
in April. They have been doing routine maintenance on the trucks. There was discussion about
a truck purchase; Keith will check with the Town Attorney regarding requirements and
procedures.
OLD BUSINESS: The justice bench is scheduled to come on Friday. There was discussion
concerning the lack of heat in the Justice office. Ron will call E & V to see if there is an
inexpensive quick fix for this problem.
TRASH COMMITTEE REPORT: Gary Goodnough reported that other companies’ quotes are comparable to Casella’s rates. There was discussion regarding purchase or lease of a hook-lift truck so we could haul our own recyclables. Sharing with other towns was discussed. Ron reported that sandblasting the old box will cost about $500.00. The board approved having this done. Ron, Greg, and Gary Whitten agreed to look further into purchasing or leasing a truck. Keith expressed concern about cash flow, with CHIPS money being cut and sales tax income down. We need to be aware of the residents’ perception.
RESOLUTION: That the amount to be raised through tax levy in 2009 be reduced by $50,000 to a total of $224,000 and be it further resolved that the Supervisor pursue and develop with the County Treasurer and County Director of the Office of Real Property Services a process consistent with Comptroller opinion No. 82-358 to return to Scipio taxpayers in 2010 $50,000 by credit to the 2010 tax levy. (Whitten/Goodnough). All in favor.
MOTION: To accept and approve the following vouchers for payment:
General: Vouchers # 14-28 $17,071.99
Highway: Vouchers # 8-16 $39,698.47
TOTAL $56,770.46
(Goodnough/Rury). All in favor.
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 9:05 pm. (Rury/Goodnough). All in favor.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday March 11, 2009 at 7:00 pm.
As always, the public is welcome at all meetings.
Respectfully submitted,
Judith Rowlands, Clerk