TOWN OF VIENNA TOWN MEETING MINUTES

March 1, 2023

PRESENT: Supervisor Michael M. Davis Sr., Councilwoman Gail Whitham, Councilman Darrin Smith, Highway Superintendent Clayton Conover, Jr., Deputy Town Clerk Kathy Pavelock

ABSENT: Councilman Jason C. Lamb, Councilman Jason Spellicy

CALL TO ORDER:

Supervisor Davis called the meeting to order at 7:00PM. Pledge of Allegiance.

NORTHERN ONEIDA CO. COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (NOCCOG): Joe Rowlands

Larry Mierek from the Town of Western is the new director to the NOCCOG Executive Board. Local Government Conference (LGC) will be April 5-6 at the Turning Stone. There is a grant writing Webinar March 9. The Tug Hill Commission meeting is scheduled for March

20 in Rodman, NY. Mohawk Valley Economic Development District (MVEDD) is continuing Municipality Mondays Zoom meetings with different topics each meeting. MVEDD is also offering an Energy Code Enforcement class on March 29. Additional information is available in the monthly NOCCOG announcements.

COUNTY LEGISLATOR: NORM LEACH

The county has approved the union contract for county nurses. A memorializing petition was sent to Governor Hochul related to the budget and the impact on county contributions for Medicare. Mike Piper thanked Norm for his assistance with the road disrepair at the end of McClanathan and Lake Shore roads. It has been determined that this strip is a town responsibility.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

The approval of the February 1, 8, and 15 minutes was tabled due to a logistical problem. Supervisor Davis requested that Deputy Town Clerk distribute the draft minutes to the council prior to this meeting each month.

AUDITED VOUCHERS:

A motion was entertained by Supervisor Davis and seconded by Councilman Smith to approve the audited vouchers pending a third signature on several vouchers with two signatures. March vouchers cover voucher #83 thru voucher #124 in the amount of $834937.58. Motion carried. Voting Record:

Supervisor Davis Aye

Councilman Spellicy Absent

Councilman Lamb Absent

Councilwoman Whitham Aye

Councilman Smith Aye

DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

The Supervisors Report for the month of February is complete and in the clerk’s
Deputy Town Clerk Pavelock read the Town Clerk’s Report for the month of February. A motion was entertained by Councilwoman Whitham and seconded by Councilman smith to approve the February Town Clerk’s Report. Motion carried.

Voting Record:

Supervisor Davis Aye

Councilman Spellicy Absent

Councilman Lamb Absent

Councilwoman Whitham Aye

Councilman Smith Aye

All other department reports are on file in the Town

Clerk’s office.

Supervisor Davis reported that Councilman Smith and Councilwoman Whitham have volunteered to work with General Clerk Patti Cook to organize the Memorial Day
Highway Superintendent Clayton Conover provided a verbal report including recommendations to the board to purchase a new skid steer and dump trailer. Superintendent Conover provided quotes as follows:
- Skid Steer – Warner Sales for $59,628.64 and White’s for $17,440.43. Superintendent Conover recommends the board approve the quote from White’s Farm
- Dump Trailer – Clinton Tractor for $15,231 and White’s

$12,700. Superintendent Conover recommends the board approve the quote from Clinton Tractor due to the dump trailer being heavy duty commercial trailer while White’s is not.

Supervisor Davis made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Whitham to approve the purchase of a Kubota SSV75PHFRC with attachments for $17,440.43 from White’s Farm Supply which includes a NYS discount of $15,076.82 and trade-in of a Bobcat 185 broom and blower of $55,000. Copies of the quotes are filed in the Town Clerk’s Office. Motion carried. Voting Record:

Supervisor Davis Aye

Councilman Spellicy Absent

Councilman Lamb Absent

Councilwoman Whitham Aye

Councilman Smith Aye

Supervisor Davis made a motion, seconded by Councilman Smith to approve the purchase of a New Bwise DLP14-15 14’ Dump Trailer for $15,231 from Clinton Tractor. Copies of the quotes are filed in the Town Clerk’s Office. Motion carried. Voting Record:

Supervisor Davis Aye

Councilman Spellicy Absent

Councilman Lamb Absent

Councilwoman Whitham Aye

Superintendent Conover provided a quote from Cell Electric to replace 10 outdoor lights around the highway garage for

$136.00. This quote includes the National Grid rebate program which provides $1,085 rebate off the total cost of

$1221. There is a 10 year warranty on these LED lights.

Supervisor Davis made a motion, seconded by Councilman Smith to purchase 10 outdoor lights at the highway garage for

$136.00 from Cell Electric. A copy of the quote is filed in the Town Clerk’s Office. Motion carried. Voting Record:

Supervisor Davis Aye

Councilman Spellicy Absent

Councilman Lamb Absent

Councilwoman Whitham Aye

Councilman Smith Aye

Mike Piper asked if there will be a bid request sent out for the old dump trailer. The board responded that this is normally done and will be done for the dump trailer.

Mike Piper also asked who would be installing the outdoor lights. The board responded that after the lights are purchased, we will seek bids for installation.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Water District Income Survey – Supervisor Davis reported that he executed the contract for the Water District Income Survey for a cost of $5,990 as approved at the February 15 Special Town Board meeting. There was only one resident interested from the possible Powell Road additional addition and therefore did not meet the 51% requirement for interest. The Assessment Department will provide names and address for the survey company. After receiving the information, the survey company located in Williamstown, NY will send them out and wait two weeks before following up with non-responders.

Rick Mansfield asked how town residents can request a water district. The board responded that residents may contact the Town Supervisor or attend a board meeting.

Town Hall Security – The board met on February 8 to discuss improved security measures at the town hall. Councilman Smith investigated the cost for ballistic film for windows and doors. The film is only applied to commercial

Supervisor Davis made a motion, seconded by Councilman Smith to spend $2,763.56 with Armoured One LLC for the installation of Security Film for the two front doors and the two front Sidelite windows. A copy of the quote is filed in the Town Clerk’s Office. Motion carried.

Voting Record:

Supervisor Davis Aye

Councilman Spellicy Absent

Councilman Lamb Absent

Councilwoman Whitham Aye

AEDs – Supervisor Davis reported that he obtained a quote for 2 Zoll AED units, 2 packages of pads, and 2 AED cabinets for $3,398. Rick Roberts asked if this quote included any upgrades. The board responded that the quote does have a lifetime of upgrades. The pads and batteries have a 5-year life. We should accommodate in the budget for these consumables and provide a process for monthly checks. All employees who work in the building will need

Supervisor Davis made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Whitham to purchase two complete kits for $3,398 from One Beat Medical. A copy of the quote is filed in the Town Clerk’s Office. Motion carried. Voting Record:

Supervisor Davis Aye

Councilman Spellicy Absent

Councilman Lamb Absent

Councilwoman Whitham Aye

Councilman Smith Aye

NEW BUSINESS:

Local Government Conference Attendee Approvals – Per town laws, the board needs to approve funds for training appointed boards and employees. Councilman Smith made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Whitham to approve $850 for 10 board members/employees to attend the 2023 LGC. Motion carried. Voting Record:

Supervisor Davis Aye

Councilman Spellicy Absent

Councilman Lamb Absent

Councilwoman Whitham Aye

Councilman Smith Aye

Town Website Upgrade and IT Support – Supervisor Davis reported that we are actively seeking quotes to upgrade the town website and to provide general IT support. The current IT Support, Computers with a Heart, Russ Johnson has retired and is till filling in until we can find a replacement. As previously reported the town website is in dire need of

PUBLIC COMMENTS.

Mike, Sylvan Beach Fire District Commissioner promoted the Real Property Tax Exemption for firefighters. The board explained that this was discussed at the February meeting. Phil Amway has a presentation that Mike can
Rick Mansfield asked about the Broadband status. The board responded that as Norm Leach mentioned last month a request for proposals has been sent out. The county has done an assessment and the Town of Vienna is at the top of the list for most needing broadband service. Supervisor Davis stated he has a map that can be displayed at the town

Councilman Smith asked how the franchise fee is being used. Supervisor Davis explained that we receive $12,000 per quarter and currently this is being put into the general fund. The town attorney is working with the comptroller to determine how these funds can be used for “broadband districts.”
Another resident asked why we are not using the $3.7 billion federal grant for utility upgrades. Supervisor Davis explained that first we have to wait for the $3.7 billion to trickle down to our town. This is why the county is coordinating the broadband. Rick Mansfield tagged on that there are USDA grants available. Supervisor Davis talked to the county about these grants. The USDA grants are available to Utilities and not to
Superintendent Conover asked if the new IT Support will be providing support for the security cameras at the highway garage. Supervisor Davis responded that the new IT support will provide the same level of support including the highway
Mike Piper asked if we needed to provide an AED for the post office. Supervisor Davis explained that although we own the building the federal government has full responsibility for operating the post
A resident asked how Red Flag Laws are enforced in the Town of Vienna. The board responded that these laws are not enforced at the town level. It was suggested that the resident ask the county. Supervisor Davis offered to call Norm Leach for the
Another resident was concerned there is “no regress” for the red flag law. Supervisor Davis reiterated that there is nothing that the town can
A resident asked what prompted the “emergency need” for ballistic film. Supervisor Davis explained that over the past year and as recent as last month we have had some issues. Several residents have commented that they did not feel safe. The board consulted the head constable and one of his suggestions was to install the security

The next regular town meeting will be held on April 5, 2023. The water district committee is meeting on Monday here. It is not a town public meeting, but all are welcome to attend.

A motion to adjourn was made by Councilwoman Whitham and seconded by Councilman Smith. All in favor. Motion carried at 8:53pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Kathy M. Pavelock/s/ Deputy Town Clerk