Town of Cortland Board of Trustees met Aug. 24.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
Call to Order/ Pledge of Allegiance / Roll Call
Mayor Stokes called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all in attendance. Deputy Clerk Liz Peerboom called the roll and the following Trustees were in attendance: Mayor Russell Stokes, Trustees Doug Corson, Brad Stone, Charmaine Fioretto, and Jim Walker. Trustee Mike Siewierski was absent. Also present: Town Attorney Kevin Buick, Water/Waste Water Director Joel Summerhill, Wes Levy of Lauterbach and Amen.
Approval of Agenda
Trustee Robbins made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Trustee Corson. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote, with Trustee Siewierski being absent.
Public Wishing to Speak
There was no one in the audience wishing to speak.
Consent Agenda
Deputy Clerk Peerboom read the consent agenda. Trustee Stone made a motion to approve the Town Board Minutes for July 27, 2020, the Expenditure Reports for June 2020, and to accept Treasurer Reports for June 2020, seconded by Trustee Walker. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote, with Trustee Siewierski being absent.
New Business for Discussion and Possible Action
IEPA Phosphorus Study
Mayor Stokes explained that this study would be conducted by Fehr-Graham for $15,000.
Trustee Corson made a motion to approve the IEPA Phosphorus Study to be conducted by Fehr-Graham in the amount of $15,000, seconded by Trustee Walker. Water/Waste Water Director Joel Summerhill explained that the levels of phosphorus have been continually increasing, despite efforts on their part to remedy the situation. The IEPA is now requiring that the phosphorus level be remediated, and this study will allow staff to give a better picture to the Board as far as costs and what would be needed to remedy the phosphorus levels.
Trustees Stone and Robbins had questions about the high phosphorus levels. Mr. Summerhill advised that antibacterial soap is one of the things that raises the levels; and, with the COVID situation, more antibacterial soap is being used.
Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote, with Trustee Siewierski being absent. A2020-05 Authorize Mayor to enter into lease agreement with Westside Tractors for Snow Program
Rental Equipment for Public Works
Mayor Stokes advised the Board that this is a rental program for snow equipment. He added that this program has been used for a couple of years and it has been working out quite well.
Trustee Walker made a motion to authorize the Mayor to enter into a lease agreement with Westside Tractors for snow program rental equipment for Public Works, seconded by Trustee Robins. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote, with Trustee Siewierski being absent.
Worthington Properties LTD Redevelopment Agreement and General Intangible Control Agreement (dated June 30, 2020)- Authorize the Mayor to execute necessary documents Town Attorney Kevin Buick advised that with each phase these documents will need to be signed by the Mayor.
Trustee Corson made a motion to authorize the Mayor to execute necessary documents in relation to Worthington Properties, LTD Redevelopment Agreement [Unit 3 Robinson Farm Resubdivision: Lots 201, 202, 203, 206, 207, 208, and 209] and General Intangible Control Agreement dated June 30, 2020, in relation to Unit 3 stated previously, seconded by Trustee Walker. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote, with Trustee Siewierski being absent.
T2020-01 and T2020-02
Discussion regarding employee benefits - Wes Levy
Wes Levy of Lauterbach and Amen said that he wanted to discuss the possibility of adding employee benefits. He gave some examples as a 457 retirement or other retirement savings account, life insurance, and others. Mayor Stokes advised that this would not be for the police department, except for the Chief and the Commander, because the police contract would need to be negotiated.
Mr. Levy advised that there would be no cost to the Town, it would be fully funded by the employee via payroll deduction. Trustee Corson said he thinks that we should survey the employees to see if anyone is interested. Consensus was to allow Mr. Levy to explore these options, as long as there was no cost to the Town.
Mr. Levy also discussed the COVID-19 revenue for the first four months of the fiscal year. He said that revenue is down 5%, which is more that what was expected. He added that it is due mostly to a decrease in sales tax.
Department Head Reports
Department Head reports were included in the agenda packet.
Comments/Concerns
Trustee Fioretto mentioned that the grass on Loves Road is very long, making it hard to see when you turn off the side streets. Mayor Stokes advised that since Streets Director John Kocher was absent, he would relay the message to him so that he can contact the contractor that mows there.
President Report
Trustee Fioretto asked if the Town was going to have the parade. Mayor Stokes advised that he believes that it is in the best interest of the Town to cancel the parade for this year. The Board was in consensus.
Adjournment
Trustee Stone made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Trustee Robins. Motion carried with unanimous voice vote. Meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m.
https://www.cortlandil.org/vertical/sites/%7B869DC155-25BA-43FB-B05D-BD63FEA0657C%7D/uploads/August_24_2020_TB_MINS.pdf
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