Town of Preble

The regular monthly meeting addressed several key areas. The Highway Report detailed road conditions, including issues with tractor trailers cracking sidewalks, updates on seasonal roads, FEMA approval waiting for the East Hill Project, and maintenance activities such as replacing parts on the chipper and switching equipment to summer mode. Personnel matters included staff attending a chainsaw safety course and switching to 4-10 work schedules. The committee discussed the Town Clean-Up dates and the status of the NYS Volunteer Fireman's Tax Credit. County Legislature updates included information on a new pier at Dwyer Park and Cortland County opting out of the 487 Real Property Tax Law for renewable energy. Unfinished business included correspondence with National Grid regarding the utility-owned option for LED street lighting and a decision that the Board of Assessment Review members will select their own Chairman. New business focused heavily on the recent town audit, where it was determined the Town has not been audited in about 20 years, and the Board must improve oversight of financial records. The Board adopted an addendum to extend the snow plowing contract for two seasons with a 2% rate increase. Final budget amendments for 2022 for both the General Fund and Highway Fund were accepted. The Board also approved payment for General Fund and Highway Fund Vouchers. An executive session was held to discuss a personnel issue.

The meeting commenced with acknowledgment of the passing of a Cortland County Board of Elections Member and a former Preble Fire Chief. Committee reports covered Dog Control (1 stray picked up), Justice (over $6,700 in fines collected), and Highway matters. Highway discussions included the submission of a Bridge NY application, review of Electrify America plans, ongoing landowner contacts for tree removal, agreement signing, and equipment maintenance, including the rebuilding of a mower and ordering parts for a plow. Zoning and Code Enforcement provided their January report summary. The County Legislature update mentioned a vote for 15 districts, potential state changes regarding Medicaid funding, and negotiations concerning sales tax with the city. Unfinished business included inquiries about LED/5G street lighting ownership and maintenance, the need for a Board of Assessment Review member, and concerns raised regarding three short-term rentals/Airbnbs on Song Lake, which the Planning Board is addressing in the Comprehensive Plan update. Resolutions were passed to approve the Highway Monies Expenditure Agreement and to authorize payment for General Fund and Highway Fund vouchers.

The meeting covered various reports and actions. The Dog Control and Justice reports were presented. In the Highway Report, the completion of slurry-sealing, details on the sand purchase for plowing, progress on equipment repairs, and the Town Hall paving status were discussed. The Buildings and Grounds Committee addressed the replacement of cedar shakes and Belfry repair, leading to the approval of a quote for cedar shake replacement on the Town Hall. The Recreation report confirmed the park facilities are being shut down for the season. The Zoning & Code Enforcement report detailed permits, inspections, and hours worked. The Historian noted a visitor who brought pictures of local families. The Town Clerk provided a report on monies collected and disbursed. Unfinished business included a reminder to review the procurement policy before the January Organizational Meeting. New business included scheduling a budget meeting workshop. Public comments addressed the use of Community Development Grant Account funds and discussion regarding compensation for the ZBA, Planning Boards, and Recreation department, which was deferred to the budget meeting. Resolutions were passed to pay the General & Highway Fund Vouchers, and a resolution was adopted regarding Standard Work Day Hours and Reporting for Elected and Appointed Officials.

The special board meeting and public hearing focused primarily on considering the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for Electrify America charging stations located at the Mirabito gas station. Discussions involved reviewing site inspection concerns raised by a Town consultant, including the location of parking spaces relative to the right-of-way, driveway site distance, grading/drainage, and snow removal logistics, particularly concerning pedestrian safety and visibility. The Town Board also discussed signage plans, including caution signs and signs requiring Department of Transportation (DOT) approval for roadways. Following an executive session, the Board decided to withdraw opposition to the pending building permit contingent upon several modifications being addressed by the proposer, such as tree removal/planting, addressing site line issues, ensuring snow storage does not interfere with pedestrian walkways, installing safe pedestrian access from all charging areas, and confirming necessary signage installations.

The year-end meeting included the audit of the financial books for the Town Clerk's, Tax Collector's, Bookkeeper's, and Town Justice's checkbooks, as well as the storage of annual files. Key resolutions passed included the selection of Barton and Loguidice as the engineering firm for the Currie Road culvert replacement project (RESOLUTION #66). Funding adjustments were made, including moving $21,262.68 from the Miscellaneous Income Fund to Capital Projects Fund (RESOLUTION #67) and moving $145,000 from the General Fund to Capital Projects Fund (RESOLUTION #68). The board also approved payments for General Fund Vouchers (RESOLUTION #69) and Highway Fund Vouchers (RESOLUTION #70). A discussion was held regarding increased Board Member involvement in the budget process.