Welcome to Brutus, New York

Town of Brutus
Town Board Meeting
October 14, 1997

A regular monthly meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Brutus was held on October 14, 1997 at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Municipal Building, 9021 N. Seneca Street, Weedsport, New York.

Present were: Ann Petrus, Supervisor; Jeff Hinman and Tom Flynn, Councilman.
Absent: Jon Ozolins and Bob Ward.

Also present were: Ann Mlod, Theresa Leonardi, Jeff Hopson, Lisa Warnecke and Nick Colas & Diane Scheufele.

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Town Clerk & Supervisor's reports along with the minutes of September 8th and October 1st were accepted as presented after motion by Councilman Hinman, second by Councilman Flynn.
VOTE: 3 ayes, 0 nays. Carried.

The Abstracts, Number 10, were ordered paid after motion by Councilman Hinman, second by councilman Flynn as follows: General Fund vouchers 171 to 202 for $ 10,775.26 Part Town Fund vouchers 44 to 55 for $3,605.25 Highway Townwide Fund vouchers 85 to 97 for $3,918.53 Highway Part Town Fund Vouchers 40 to 48 for $5,560.40 Special Lighting District Fund Voucher 9 for $296.98
VOTE: 3 ayes, 0 nays. Carried

Supervisor Petrus welcomed Theresa Leonardi and Ann Mlod from the Weedsport Free Library who gave an update on their building project and asked the Board to consider increasing their Contract from $11900 to $13,000. They also asked the Town to consider mowing their property, to save them buying equipment and hiring it done which would have a big impact on their budget. Their total budget for 1998 is $57,691, an increase of 2.1% The Board members asked some questions and Theresa and Ann were thanked for their presentation and informed that the Budget Hearing is scheduled for Nov. 3rd, at 7:30 p.m.

Supervisor Petrus then welcomed and introduced Jeff Hopson from County Planning who has been working with us on our SARA grant. Supervisor Petrus was authorized to sign contracts with Lisa Warnecke and Nick Colas, consultants on the project. Jeff explained that this is a Pilot program to set up a digital interface between the County and Town. It is becoming a model for other Counties and has sparked a lot of interest. We hope to incorporate GIS, DEC, DOT and FEMA into this project. We are completing our needs assessment and designing our data base and user interface. Nick Colas explained that we are using new technology and ARCview software. Lisa Warnecke has discussed this with a leading software provider and the Supervisor was authorized to send a letter requesting them to donate the software and the first year of maintenance support to this project due to a limited budget and time frame for the project.

The following correspondence was submitted to the Board:
NYSDOT notification of extension for the Rt 31 Restricted Highway. NYMIR quarterly Loss Report with no losses. NYSORPS State Aid Voucher for reimbursement for administration of STAR program for $590.74. NYSEG notice of restructure and projected lower rates.

We have received notice that our application for a Grant through the NYS Canal Grant program and our HUD Canal Grant application were denied.

Supervisor Petrus read a letter to Congressman Walsh requesting grant money, if at all possible, to fund a de-contamination bay for regional use for a proposed new firehouse.

Carol Cathy, Town Clerk, explained to the Board that she and Diane had met with John Owen from Time Warner and that Time Warner had delivered a letter that states that they agree that they owe us $10,899.74 for back franchise fees from 1991 due to a coding error by Time Warner. We have the options of taking the money in cash or to use it to offset future expansion of service. We feel if we take the cash we can use it on a project that will benefit the whole Town outside. Using it for extensions would only benefit a few. After motion by Councilman Flynn, seconded by Councilman Hinman the Supervisor was authorized to notify Time Warner that the Town is requesting that they send us a check which will be credited to the Part Town Fund, B1170.
VOTE: 3 ayes, 0 nays. Carried.

Supervisor Petrus informed the Board that there is a Board of Health Order upon Shady Brook Estates that has not been met and they are asking that a petition to county court for enforcement of the order and advise Mr. McClanahan that the department is doing so. Also, that the collection of the full fine of $1000 be sought as soon as possible. Placed on file.

John Roden submitted his written Highway Superintendent's report which the Board reviewed.

After motion by Councilman Hinman, second by Councilman Flynn, the Supervisor was authorized to sign the 1997-98 Snow Removal Contract with the County of Cayuga.
VOTE: 3 ayes, 0 nays. Carried.

The bids on the 1972 International Tractor are due October 30th.

The Recreation Commission is considering sponsoring a Halloween Party for the youngsters in the Town.

The Board was officially informed of the resignation of Terri Cox, Court Clerk and Clerk to the Planning & Zoning Boards, effective October 17, 1997.
After motion by Councilman Hinman, second by Councilman Flynn it was resolved that Sharon Dodier be appointed to work Part Time at a rate of $9.00 per hour, as needed, until a decision of the whole Board can be made related to this vacancy.
VOTE: 3 ayes, 0 nays.

A discussion followed with regard to a work rule regarding unused vacation time. This will be drafted for the Board's consideration at the next meeting.

The Supervisor informed the Board that she had filed a Police Report regarding vandalism to our Flag Pole which the Clerk noticed Monday morning.

Diane Scheufele, Bookkeeper, informed the Board that we have received a check for $500 from the Court for unclaimed Bail. According to the law the Town must keep this money for 6 years which would be June 20, 2000. If it has not been claimed by that date it then becomes Town funds.
RESOLVED: that the Bookkeeper is authorized to set up a Trust and Agency Account, TA35 Bail Deposit, and deposit this $500 until the stated time limit.
Also the following Transfers were authorized:
From A5132.2 to A5132.1, $1173.00 to cover the pay for the highway department employees who painted the garage.
From A5132.2 to A5132.4, $2500.00 to cover electric, phone, etc for the remainder of the year.
Authorize setting up of A1460.4 and transferring from Fund Balance the $50,000 received for the SARA Grant's expenses.
Motion by Supervisor Petrus, second by Councilman Hinman.
VOTE: 3 ayes, 0 nays. Carried.

The Clerk reported that Mr. O'hora will be starting the painting in the meeting room soon. The Highway Department has completed their inventory and it has been placed on file. That a letter of thanks will be sent to Mr. Roger Williams of NYSEG for their help in replacing lamps at the Park.

The problem with birds and air escaping from the Highway garage was discussed and soffit supply figures from the Superintendent were reviewed. The Board decided to prepare a bid sheet and bid the work out rather than have the Highway crew do the work.

Two quotes on insulated overhead doors were reviewed and tabled until the full Board is present.

A proposal from the Village of Weedsport to share the use and maintenance, 50/50, of their tower and radio transmission frequency was reviewed and the Supervisor was authorized to sign this AGREEMENT.

A Special Meeting will be held October 27th, at 6:30 p.m. to review budget issues.

After motion by councilman Hinman, second by Councilman Flynn the meeting was closed at 10:50.
VOTE: 3 ayes, 0 nays. Carried.

Respectfully submitted, Carol J. Cathy Town Clerk

Return to the Brutus Homepage [IMAGE]