Dan Walker

The Finance Committee meeting agenda covered several items. For the Investment Policy, the committee decided to review guidance from the Office of Comptroller and NYCLASS documentation, delaying final policy recommendations until after the Fund Balance Policy is addressed. The primary focus shifted to the Fund Balance Policy, where the committee reviewed resources and determined the Supervisor will ask the Town Board to schedule work meetings to watch relevant webinars and assess current Town of Enfield funds to meet policy requirements before budget season. Regarding the Income Survey, the committee noted that upcoming 2020 Census data might negate the need for a separate community survey, suggesting efforts should focus on encouraging Census participation. Open discussion addressed the management and upcoming needs associated with the General Fund, Highway Fund, and Fire Fund, including reserves and committed funds.

The meeting included public hearings on a moratorium extension and the 2018-2020 fire contract. Key discussion points included a review of monthly reports from various town departments, updates on the Enfield Community Council's activities, and reports from the Health Insurance Consortium and Cayuga Lake Watershed groups. The board also addressed the Community Building renovation, the Clean Energy Communities Grant, and the adoption of several resolutions, including those related to the moratorium extension, the fire contract, a tax bill notice, a sexual harassment policy, and the appointment of a facility manager. Budget amendments and the encumbrance of funds for various projects were also approved.

The meeting involved reviewing and correcting the minutes from the previous meeting on February 2, 2016, with extensive revisions provided via email regarding fiduciary responsibility to investors, monitoring of bird patterns by Cornell's Lab of Ornithology, turbine siting complexities, noise and flicker assessments, and the scope of the fire plan. Old business included updates on advisory committee membership appointments, securing technical experts such as a fire company representative and an acoustics expert, and discussions about consulting with Jonathan Rogers. There were deliberations on seeking presentations from GE regarding new wind turbine models and NYSEG regarding the substation placement and footprint. The committee also reviewed suggested changes to the town wind law, focusing on definitions such as 'Residence' and 'Local Law,' modification procedures, application contents, required environmental studies (including soil studies and ice throw reports), noise levels, and public hearing notice procedures. During the Privilege of the Floor segment, community members expressed views on safe energy environments, concerns about substation placement in wetlands, and the re-examination of wind turbine placement in the Supplemental EIS.

The Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan Update and GEIS aims to guide the town's growth while preserving its rural character and open spaces. Key areas of focus include heritage preservation, municipal services, agriculture, land use, environmental protection, infrastructure, housing, economic development, and community engagement. The plan outlines strategies for mitigating potential environmental impacts through measures such as protecting open spaces, promoting sustainable agriculture, managing water resources, and controlling development. The plan also addresses community services, energy, public utilities, and economic development, striving to maintain a high quality of life for residents.

The meeting included monthly reports from various town officials, covering topics such as code enforcement, the fire company, the town clerk, the planning board, the highway superintendent, and the Tompkins County Council of Governments. Key discussion points included a seniors report, a NYSERDA presentation, a councilperson appointment, and a water well survey. Several resolutions were considered, addressing topics such as a modem/router upgrade in Town Hall, advisory committee appointments, the town bookkeeper's salary, appointing a representative to the TCCOG Broadband Committee, modifying the pay schedule for the town clerk and deputy town clerk, a resolution supporting expanded local discretion in fighting COVID-19, clarifying regulatory compliance responsibilities, and updating the operations manual. Additionally, a resolution authorizing the transfer of funds to the equipment reserve account was discussed.