Aurora Village Board
Aurora, New York 13026

Approved Minutes 
Regular Monthly Meeting 
August 19, 2009

Present – Mayor Tom Gunderson, Trustees Jim Chase, Janet Murphy, Lili MacCormick and George Farenthold
Also Present – Village Clerk Dee Nance, Treasurer Deborah Brooks
Members of the Public – David Brooks, Michael Piechuta, Tim Cappuccilli, Paddington Zwigard, Cynthia Koepp, Jean Potter, Calvin Brainard, and Felicity Chiba

Regular Monthly Meeting
Mayor Gunderson called the regular monthly meeting to order at 7:05 PM, and led the room in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Trustee Farenthold reminded those present that he is married to Lisa Marsh Ryerson, President of Wells College.

Mayor Gunderson asked for approval of the July 15, 2009 regular meeting minutes.  A motion of acceptance was made by Trustee Farenthold; seconded by Trustee MacCormick.  Motion carried 5:0.

Changes to the agenda – Mayor Gunderson added an update on the Route 90 S. water main extension project, under old business.

Announcements – Clerk Nance reported to the board that she has activated the village office’s Visa card from Tompkins Trust.  She raised the issue of creating an “authorized officer” who would have the authority to make alterations to the account.  After brief discussion the board concluded that naming an authorized officer was not necessary at this time.

Clerk Nance reported that she has attended another State Archive’s workshop, this time on “indexing minutes.”  She reported that Gail Fischer, our Region 7 representative from New York State Archives, will be visiting our office Monday, August 31, 2009 for some hands-on records management training.

Clerk Nance read a note from the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network thanking the village for their recent $50.00 donation.

Clerk Nance reported on her concerns regarding the kiosk.  The plexi-glass is yellowed, scratched and warped.  The screws holding it have pulled out of the wood frame and the kiosk is filling up with insects attracted by the interior light.  Superintendent of Public Works, Kurt Wilmot has been contacted by Ms. Brooks about the problem.  He has agreed to make repairs to the kiosk and replace the plexi-glass with new.  Replacing the windows with glass was ruled out, as it is too easily broken.
  
Visitor Recognition – Calvin Brainard stated that although he is an attorney, he was present as a friend of the Zwigards.  He wanted to know if the letter Laura Holland had sent to the Board of Trustees would be read at the meeting.  Mayor Gunderson responded that it would not be read.  Ms. Holland’s letter had been forwarded to Village Attorney, Andrew Fusco, and the mayor was awaiting his comments.  Mayor Gunderson stated that he has contacted the village’s insurance agent regarding swim restrictions at the public right-of-ways.  Mayor Gunderson said that when “no swimming” signs are posted you have the problem of enforcement, and he believes that swimming is encouraged when “swim at your own risk” signs are posted, so he is unsure what approach the village should take. 

Treasurer’s Reports – There was no monthly report for July.

Mayor Gunderson presented the budget modifications to the board. 

General Fund – Budget Modification – August 18, 2009
 
$19,420.00	FROM		A5031R – Interfund Transfers Reserve
				(A231B MM Savings – Building Repair Reserve)
		TO		A1620.2R – Buildings Repair Reserve
		
Trustee Farenthold moved the following resolution:

RESOLUTION NO. 09-15
BUDGET MODIFICATION

BE IT RESOLVED that the Village Board agrees to expend from A231B  MM Savings – Building Repair Reserve in the amount of $19,420.00, which was encumbered from the 2007 – 2008 budget, to pay Conley & Son Excavating Co., Ltd. for the repair and paving of the firehouse front parking lot.

Seconded by Trustee Chase.  
Motion carried 5:0.

Trustee Gunderson presented the bills for payment on Abstract #3.

General Fund – voucher #s 079-082, 084-085, 087, 089-092, 094-095, 097-100, 103, 105-108, 111-112, 114-115 in the amount of $69,159.52.  Trustee Farenthold moved payment of the General fund; seconded by Trustee MacCormick.  Motion carried 5:0.

Water Fund – voucher #s 076, 080, 084, 095, 099, 101, 104, 113 in the amount of $8,894.16.  Trustee Farenthold moved payment of the Water fund; seconded by Trustee Chase.  Motion carried 5:0.

Sewer Fund – voucher #s 077, 080, 083, 086, 088, 092-096, 021, 099, 101-102, 109-110 in the amount of $6,624.63.  Trustee Farenthold moved payment of the Sewer fund; seconded by Trustee Chase.  Motion carried 5:0.

Clerk Nance commented that Treasurer Brooks had provided a copy of the Sales Tax Distribution list for July 2009 for their information.

Committee Reports
Buildings and Grounds – Trustee Farenthold read a letter sent to him by Laura Holland, dated July 26, 2009.  In the letter Ms. Holland was critical of events that took place at the June 17, 2009 Board of Trustees meeting, and she was critical of the characterization of her June 15, 2009 letter to the board, as reported in the board minutes.  The board discussed Ms. Holland’s letter and tried to reconstruct the events of June 17, 2009.  The board concluded that with several letters from the public to be read, they had simply passed them out so that Mayor Gunderson would not have to read them all himself.  They inadvertently failed to read Ms. Holland’s letters in the correct chronological order.  Due to this error, Trustee Farenthold felt it would be unfair to Ms. Holland to read her June 7, 2009 letter after having read the June 15, 2009 letter.  It was agreed that Trustee Farenthold had not acted alone, but had received the full support of the board when he suggested that Trustee Chase stop reading Ms. Holland’s June 7, 2009 letter.

Trustee Farenthold apologized for the misunderstanding stating, “it was not my intent—she took umbrage—I apologize.”  He then proceeded to read aloud Ms. Holland’s letter dated June 7, 2009, immediately followed by her letter dated June 15, 2009.

Trustee Farenthold reported on the fire hall parking lot project.  The new apron is complete.  Trustee Farenthold expressed satisfaction with the price and the quality of the work.  Mayor Gunderson reported that the Town of Ledyard had been willing to break up the old concrete pavement for us, but we did not have them do it as there would be a coordination and timing issue with the contractor’s work schedule.  Mayor Gunderson, however, cited this willingness to help as a good example of town/village cooperation.  Mayor Gunderson expressed gratitude to Mark Jordan for providing a place to dispose of the project debris.

Trustee Farenthold reported that earlier today he had participated in the site visit with officials from the proposed Cultural and Natural History Museum of the Finger Lakes.  They toured both the Bush farm and the Wells College site.  After speaking with the project founder, John Adamski, Trustee Farenthold felt confident that one or more of the Aurora sites will make the top five.

Trustee Farenthold reported on communications regarding the proposed Village/Wells College committee.  Planning Board member, Bill Maloney, said he was not interested in serving on this committee and he felt that it would be better if the mayor and one village trustee met periodically with a representative from the college.

Trustee Farenthold raised the issue of “pocket parking” at the cemetery off Cherry Avenue for discussion.  Trustee Farenthold would like to see this area marked out for parking.  Mayor Gunderson stated that this work had not been budgeted but we could get an estimate. Discussion ensued but no action was taken.

Trustee Farenthold asked Trustee MacCormick to consider the flat spot above the firehouse’s fire pit as a potential site for half court basketball.  Trustee MacCormick reported on her meeting with Dave Reynolds regarding placement of the court on the grassy area just east of the fire hall.  Mr. Reynolds estimated a cost of $2,900.00 to grade and pave the court.  Trustee MacCormick reported that she had asked Mr. Reynolds about both sites.  He estimated the cost for both areas to be the same.  Mr. Reynolds suggested that the board consider placing the Village Historian’s annex on the flat spot by the fire pit.  There was some discussion about the desirability of having a basketball court on the firehouse site, especially given the fact that Mayor Gunderson is entertaining the idea of selling the firehouse to the fire district.  No action was taken.

Trustee Farenthold suggested that in the future the village consider adopting a section of Main Street for clean-up.  He thought we might take over the section of Rt. 90 currently being cared for by David Kauber of Time Out Massage if he were to relinquish it.

Trustee Farenthold also recommended that the board invest in Patrick Tavern as either a tourist office or clerk’s office.  He does not think the building should be sold.

Trustee Farenthold gave an update on the trash truck legislation.  A 45-day comment period has begun and will run through October 9th.  Trustee Farenthold urged everyone to send comments to the D.O.T. in support of this legislation.  The law will require trash haulers to use Highway 34 and Routes 5 & 20.  Trustee Farenthold said that he will be posting flyers to explain how to contact the D.O.T.

Parks and Recreation – Trustee MacCormick reported that she was pleased our swim director, Carolyn Connors, had applied for, and received a one-week extension to the summer swim program.  There was discussion about extending it further, but it was determined that we would run into conflicts with Wells College.

Trustee MacCormick inquired about trimming the bushes on the east side of the firehouse back parking lot.  It was agreed that she should ask Adam Van Horn to complete this work.

Trustee MacCormick asked if a ladder could be placed on the Fire Department’s dock at the base of Dublin Hill Rd. as many people swim there.  Mayor Gunderson expressed concern over potential lawsuits and said he would seek advice from village attorney, Andrew Fusco.  David Brooks commented that the fire department bought the dock, but the fire district owns it.  He did not believe the fire department would approve of a ladder.

Streets and Public Safety – Trustee Chase reported that parking spaces have been re-lined throughout the village and slash marks had been placed in front of the Clymer’s driveway to prevent people from mistakenly parking there.  He added that there is a plan to put new lines on the front apron of the firehouse.

Water and Sewer – Trustee Murphy reported on the project to extend water lines to Sunset Beach.  It is not possible to bring the project cost below $20,000.00 so it will have to be put out to bid.  Mayor Gunderson replied that he would need to authorize MRB Group to put together a bid package. 

Trustee Farenthold moved the following resolution:

RESOLUTION NO. 09-16
BID PROCUREMENT

BE IT RESOLVED that the Village Board authorizes MRB Group – Engineering, Architecture, Surveying, P.C. to prepare a bid package on the Route 90 South Water Main Extension Project.

Seconded by Trustee Chase.
Motion carried 5:0.

Community Preservation Panel – No report.
Planning Board – July 8, 2009 draft minutes.
Zoning Board of Appeals – no report.
Zoning Officer – No report.
Village Historian – No report.

Old Business – Mayor Gunderson asked the clerk to report on her research with New York State Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) into cable television franchises.  Clerk Nance reported that she had spoken with Wade Beltramo at NYCOM.  Mr. Beltramo had nothing to offer at the moment, but said that cable franchises were on their “to do list” for the future.  He suggested we call back in three months and check on their progress.  In the meantime he suggested we contact neighboring municipalities.  Mayor Gunderson directed the clerk to contact the villages of Cayuga and Union Springs to see if they would like to work with us on a new franchise, or if they had any information to share with us.  After some discussion it was agreed that Trustee Farenthold and Trustee Murphy would work together to research this issue.

Mayor Gunderson asked the board to consider adopting a five-minute rule for public comments at village board meetings as suggested in the guidelines for meeting procedures in NYCOM’s Handbook for Village Officials. 

Trustee Farenthold moved the following resolution:

RESOLUTION NO. 09-17
MEETING PROCEDURES

BE IT RESOLVED that speakers who wish to address the village board may be asked to limit their comments to five minutes on any given topic at the discretion of the mayor.

Seconded by Trustee MacCormick.
Motion carried 5:0.

Mayor Gunderson reported that he had spoken with Bill Mullarney to begin a dialogue with the fire commissioners regarding purchasing the fire hall from the village.  He envisions a lease-to-purchase deal that would span several years.  Mayor Gunderson sought board approval to draft a letter to the fire commissioners to begin this dialogue.  After some discussion, a motion to draft this letter was made by Trustee Chase; seconded by Trustee Farenthold.  Motion carried 5:0. 

New Business – Mayor Gunderson announced that he is appointing Michael Piechuta as our interim Code and Zoning Enforcement Officer at an hourly rate of $25.00.  Mr. Piechuta addressed the board, outlining his past experience and expressing his desire to help out the village.  In addition to his hourly wage we will be paying him $20 per month towards his cell phone bill and 50 cents per mile for his travel throughout the village.  Mr. Piechuta is requesting a workspace, access to a computer, a set of code books and an identification badge.  Trustee Chase said that he would investigate getting a badge through the Wells College Security Office.  A motion was made to accept these terms of employment by Trustee Farenthold; seconded by Trustee Chase.  Motion carried 5:0.

Mr. Piechuta presented a fee schedule he uses in the town of Genoa.  A motion was made to adopt this fee schedule for the Village of Aurora by Trustee Chase; seconded by Trustee Farenthold.  Motion carried 5:0.

Mayor Gunderson asked for a motion to appoint Frank Zimdahl to fill the unexpired term on the Planning Board left by Sara Wells’ resignation.  The motion was made by Trustee Farenthold; seconded by Trustee MacCormick.  Motion carried 5:0.

Mayor Gunderson presented an estimate from Conley & Son on lowering the storm water catch basin in the firehouse east parking area.  The estimate was for $3,460.00.  After some discussion, a motion to approve was made by Trustee MacCormick; seconded by Trustee Farenthold.  Motion carried 5:0.

Trustee Farenthold moved to adjourn the regular meeting and enter an executive session to discuss a personnel matter; seconded by Trustee MacCormick.  Motion carried 5:0.

Executive Session – The board conducted a performance review with Clerk Nance who has completed her 90-day probationary period.

Trustee Farenthold moved to adjourn the executive session; seconded by Trustee Chase.  Motion carried 5:0.

The board re-opened the regular monthly meeting.

Trustee Chase moved to change Clerk Nance’s status from probationary to active; seconded by Farenthold.  Motion carried 5:0.

Trustee MacCormick moved adjournment at 9:35 PM; seconded by Trustee Chase.  Motion carried 5:0.

Respectfully submitted,

Dee Nance
Village Clerk