Existing Conditions Report Town and Village of Hermon

Existing Conditions Report Town and Village of Hermon January, 2015 Prepared for: Village/Town Dissolution Study Committee Cathy Race, Village Mayor Dave Doiron Jeff Foster Lee Carvel, Town Council Nate Young, Village Trustee Sheri Smith Tracey Woodrow Jamie Matthews

This document was prepared with funding provided by the New York State Department of State under the Local Government Efficiency Grant Program – Contract No. T1000023

Prepared by:

Dulles State Office Building 317 Washington Street Watertown, NY 13601 315.661-3200 23557 State Route 37 Watertown, NY 13601 315.661.3210 www.danc.org

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Table of Contents 1.0 1.1 2.0

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 1 BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................... 1 POPULATION TRENDS ....................................................................................................................... 3

2.1

DEMOGRAPHICS............................................................................................................................ 5

2.2

SCHOOL DISTRICTS ........................................................................................................................ 7

3.0

PROPERTY TAXES............................................................................................................................... 8

3.1

REAL PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS .................................................................................................... 9

3.2

VILLAGE OWNED REAL PROPERTY .............................................................................................. 13

4.0

TOWN AND VILLAGE MUNICIPAL SERVICES.................................................................................... 17

4.1

HIGHWAY/STREETS ..................................................................................................................... 17

4.2

STREETS & SIDEWALKS ................................................................................................................ 23

4.3

FIRE DEPARTMENT ...................................................................................................................... 24

4.4

LIGHTING ..................................................................................................................................... 27

4.5

WATER/SEWER............................................................................................................................ 28

4.6 RECREATION, COURT, ASSESSMENT, CODE ENFORCEMENT, LIBRARY AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES ..................................................................................................................... 37 5.0

BUDGETARY & FINANCIAL SUMMARY ............................................................................................ 39

6.0

FUND BALANCE ............................................................................................................................... 42

7.0

DEBT LEVELS .................................................................................................................................... 43

8.0

EMPLOYEE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................... 43

9.0

LOCAL LAWS & INTERMUNICIPAL AGREEMENT SUMMARY ........................................................... 44

Appendix A – Inventory of Village Equipment Appendix B – Inventory of Town Equipment

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Figures & Tables Figure 1 - Village and Town of Hermon Municipal Boundaries .................................................................... 2 Figure 2 - Population Trends ......................................................................................................................... 3 Figure 3 – 2010 Population Demographics Age, Sex, and Racial Makeup .................................................... 5 Figure 4 - School Districts.............................................................................................................................. 7 Figure 5 - 2014 Village and Town Property Taxes ......................................................................................... 8 Figure 6 - Trout and Cedar Lake Waterfront Parcels .................................................................................. 12 Figure 7 - Village Real Property Classifications ........................................................................................... 13 Figure 8 - Village Owned Real Property Map .............................................................................................. 15 Figure 9 - Village Owned Real Property Map Inset ..................................................................................... 16 Figure 10 - Picture of Village Culvert .......................................................................................................... 17 Figure 11 – Village Streets........................................................................................................................... 19 Figure 12 – Town Roads .............................................................................................................................. 20 Figure 13 – Town and Village Bridges and Culverts .................................................................................... 21 Figure 14 - Village DPW Budget .................................................................................................................. 22 Figure 15 - Town Highway Budget .............................................................................................................. 22 Figure 16 - Village Sidewalks ....................................................................................................................... 23 Figure 17- Fire and Rescue Service Area ..................................................................................................... 24 Figure 18 - Fire Department Revenue......................................................................................................... 25 Figure 19 - Fire Department Expense Breakdown ...................................................................................... 25 Figure 20 - Village Budget for Fire & Rescue Services ................................................................................ 26 Figure 21 - Village Public Lighting ............................................................................................................... 27 Figure 22 - Village of Hermon Spring Lot .................................................................................................... 29 Figure 23 - Village of Hermon Standpipe .................................................................................................... 30 Figure 24 - Village of Hermon Water System.............................................................................................. 31 Figure 25 - Village of Hermon Wastewater Treatment Control Building.................................................... 32 Figure 26 - Village of Hermon Sand Filters.................................................................................................. 32 Figure 27 - Sanitary Sewer System .............................................................................................................. 34 Figure 28 - Budgeted Water Expenditures.................................................................................................. 36 Figure 29 - Budgeted Sewer Expenditures .................................................................................................. 37 Figure 30 - Budgeted Expenditures & Tax Levies ........................................................................................ 39 Figure 31 - Town and Village Budgeted Expenditures ................................................................................ 40 Figure 32 - Village and Town Budgeted Revenue ....................................................................................... 41 Figure 33 - Fund Balances ........................................................................................................................... 42 Table 1 - St. Lawrence County Village Populations ....................................................................................... 4 Table 2 - Population Demographics Housing and Income ............................................................................ 6 Table 3 -Village and Town of Hermon Assessments ..................................................................................... 9 Table 4 - Village Percentage of Total Town Assessment .............................................................................. 9 Table 5 - Town Utility Assessments ............................................................................................................ 10 Table 6 - Town and Village Real Property Type .......................................................................................... 10 iii | P a g e

Table 7 - Total Seasonal Property Assessment ........................................................................................... 11 Table 8 - Seasonal Property Statistics ......................................................................................................... 11 Table 9- Village Owned Real Property Summary ........................................................................................ 13 Table 10 - Village-Owned Real Property Details ......................................................................................... 14 Table 11 – Village Streets & Town Roads.................................................................................................... 17 Table 12 - Village of Hermon Water & Sewer Account Summary .............................................................. 35 Table 13 - Budgeted Water Expenditures and Revenues ........................................................................... 36 Table 14 - Budgeted Sewer Fund Expenditures & Revenue ....................................................................... 37 Table 15 - Budgeted Expenditures & Tax Levies ......................................................................................... 39 Table 16 - Budgeted Expenditure Breakdown ............................................................................................ 40 Table 17 - Village and Town Budgeted Revenue ........................................................................................ 41 Table 18 - Village and Town Fund Balances ................................................................................................ 42 Table 19 - Village and Town Debt ............................................................................................................... 43 Table 20 - Town and Village Staffing ........................................................................................................... 44 Table 21 – Town and Village Employee Benefit Costs ................................................................................ 44 Table 22 - Summary of Local Laws .............................................................................................................. 46 Table 23 - Village Laws Recommended to Sunset if Dissolution Proceeds ................................................. 47 Table 24 - Village Laws to Be Further Considered if Dissolution Proceeds................................................. 48

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1.0

INTRODUCTION

The primary objective of this project is to develop a detailed Dissolution Study with a recommended plan and alternatives which answers questions that Village and Town of Hermon residents have about the process, impacts, and how dissolving would affect residents and local governments. The final report will provide the Village of Hermon with a document that includes the following elements: Executive Summary, Introduction, Population Trends, Local Government Tax Rates, Assets & Real Property Information, Operating Budget Summary, Fund Balances & Outstanding Debt, Municipal Program Summaries, and Legal Issues & Impediments. This information will be utilized by stakeholders to determine: 1) Potential Financial Savings; 2) Management Improvements; 3) Service Delivery Changes resulting from a local government reorganization; and 4) Alternatives to Dissolution. These items will be summarized in the Recommendations section of the Plan. The Village Board of Trustees hired the Development Authority of the North Country to oversee the dissolution study process and C2AE to provide technical assistance related to review of the Village water and sewer infrastructure, and local law review. The Village Board also appointed a Dissolution Study Committee (DSC) which has been charged with developing a study to evaluate dissolving the Village and identifying alternatives to dissolution, including fiscal impacts, provision of service and other matters as identified. The DSC is comprised of Cathy Race (Village Mayor), Dave Doiron, Jeff Foster, Lee Carvel (Town Council), Nate Young (Village Trustee), Sheri Smith, Tracey Woodrow, and Jamie Matthews. The DSC began this initiative with a kick-off meeting on June 26, 2014. Since that time the DSC has been working to develop a basis of understanding of the Village and Town services provided, the way in which these services are provided, and the cost to taxpayers to provide these services. The results of this initial phase of the project are summarized in this report, known as the EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT. This report is being funded by and prepared in accordance with the New York State Department of State Work Plan requirements, as outlined in Contract No. T1000023 with the Village of Hermon.

1.1

BACKGROUND

The Village of Hermon is located in the central part of St. Lawrence County near the HermonDekalb town lines. The Village was first settled in 1816; shortly thereafter, in 1828, a Post Office named Hermon was established. The Town was first organized under the name of Depau in 1830, but since there was already a Depauville in Jefferson County, the Town changed its name to Hermon in 1834. In the late 1800’s the Village was home to many types of businesses including a tannery, grist mill, distillery, butter factory, carriage making, general 1|Page

store, drug store, grocery, boots and shoe store, hardware store, meat market, furniture, blacksmith, undertaker, a local newspaper, and a hotel. The Village of Hermon was incorporated in 1887. In 1891, “water works” were built at a cost of $7,000 to give the Village a good supply of clean water. Today, the Village of Hermon is 0.4 square miles and the Town of Hermon is 54.2 miles. Figure 1 illustrates the Village and Town of Hermon municipal boundaries in relation to St. Lawrence County.

Figure 1 - Village and Town of Hermon Municipal Boundaries

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2.0

POPULATION TRENDS

The current population of the Village, according to the 2010 census, is 422. Populations in the Town and Village have declined since 1950, while St. Lawrence County’s population has remained relatively flat since 1960. Figure 2 illustrates the overall population trends in the Village and Town of Hermon and St. Lawrence County.

Figure 2 - Population Trends1

The Village of Hermon is one of twelve villages in St. Lawrence County. It has the fifth smallest population. Table 1 provides the population information for all villages in St. Lawrence County. One village in St. Lawrence County, the Village of Edwards, dissolved in 2011. The Town of Edwards borders the Town of Hermon to the south.

1

Village

Population from 2010 Census

Hammond

280

Richville

323

Rensselaer Falls

332

Morristown

395

Population, income, and household statistics are from US Census Bureau.

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Hermon

422

Heuvelton

714

Waddington

927

Norwood

1,657

Gouverneur

3,949

Canton

6,314

Potsdam

9,428

Massena

10,936

Table 1 - St. Lawrence County Village Populations

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2.1

DEMOGRAPHICS

The Village of Hermon has a comparable demographic profile to other small municipalities in the Northern New York with 93% of the population being Caucasian, and a median age of 35. The figures below illustrate some key demographics of the community and provide comparisons to nearby communities.

Sex Female Population: 229 54.3% Male Population: 193 45.7% Nearby Communities Town of Hermon: Female - 50.6% Male - 49.4% DeKalb Junction: Female - 48.2% Male - 51.8% Village of Gouverneur: Female - 51.6% Male - 48.4% Village of Richville: Female - 48.6% Male - 51.4%

Age Residents aged 0-19 years: 116 Residents aged 20-49 years: 159 Residents aged 50-85 years: 147 Median Age: 35 years Median Age in Nearby Communities: Town of Hermon: 37 DeKalb Junction: 46 Village of Gouverneur: 36 Village of Richville: 32

Figure 3 – 2010 Population Demographics Age, Sex, and Racial Makeup

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The Village’s median household income (MHI) of $40,417 is slightly below the Town of Hermon’s MHI of $44,286 and St. Lawrence County’s MHI of $42,303. The Village’s MHI is also less than the Village of Richville and the Town of Edwards and more comparable to the Town of Russell ($41,618). There are 186 housing units in the Village of Hermon with a 93% occupancy rate. This is comparable to the hamlet of DeKalb Junction (199 units) and slightly larger than the Village of Richville (123), but significantly less than the Town of Hermon and the Village of Gouverneur. Median Household Income

Percentage Below Poverty Level

Village of Hermon

$40,417

9.7%

Town of Hermon

$44,286

15.8%

St. Lawrence County

$42,303

16.9%

Edwards (former village)

$38,393

18.9%

Village of Gouverneur

$42,641

10.9%

Town of Edwards

$47,115

22.2%

Town of Russell

$41,618

18.5%

Village of Richville

$42,500

26.5%

DeKalb Junction

$31,779

12.9%

Housing Total Housing Units: 186 Occupied: 173 Vacant: 13 Nearby Communities Total Housing Units Town of Hermon: 467 DeKalb Junction: 199 Village of Gouverneur: 1,866 Village of Richville: 123 Table 2 - Population Demographics Housing and Income

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2.2

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

County Governments and school districts in New York State are separate taxing entities. The Dissolution study will have no impact on either school or County taxes, since these are separate from Village and Town taxes. Figure 4 illustrates the three school districts that serve the Town of Hermon. The Village of Hermon is entirely within the Hermon-DeKalb school district.

Figure 4 - School Districts

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3.0

PROPERTY TAXES

In 2014 the Village of Hermon residents planned to spend 21% and 13% of their total property taxes for Village and Town services, respectively. Town taxes for residents outside the Village pay 16%. The majority of property taxes are utilized to fund the Hermon-DeKalb public school. County services are the next largest expense for Town and Village residents, followed by highway and fire protection services, which together make up only 6% of total real property taxes. Figure 5 illustrates how Town and Village taxes are spent as a percent of total taxes and per $1,000 of assessed property value.

Current Tax Rates per $1,000 AV for a Village and Town Outside Village (TOV) Taxpayer (2014) Village TOV County (1) $8.95 $8.95 Townwide $5.37 $5.37 Village $8.81 ~ Highway $1.08 $1.08 Fire $1.81 $1.03 School (2) $16.76 $16.76 Total $42.78 $33.19 Source: St. Lawrence County Real Property Office Notes to the chart: (1) Includes County tax of $8.372 and County Chargebacks of $0.580. (2) Hermon-Dekalb School District 2013 rate

Figure 5 - 2014 Village and Town Property Taxes

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3.1

REAL PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS

The property assessments for the Village and Town differ significantly. The average Village assessment is $35,997 and the average Town assessment is nearly double at $66,642. The difference in the average assessment is a function of the characteristics of Town property that contribute to the higher assessment (i.e., larger lot size, newer homes, etc.). Both the Village and Town use 100% assessed value and there is no difference in the equalization rates. Assessed Values

Village of Hermon

Town of Hermon

Highest

$283,500

$399,400

Average

$ 35,977

$66,642

Table 3 -Village and Town of Hermon Assessments2

Village properties account for only 10% of the total real property taxes that are collected for the Town and Village combined. Village parcels account for 22% of the total Village/Town combined number of tax parcels. However, Village parcels are smaller in size and assessed at lower values compared to Town properties. Total Assessed Values 2014 Assessed Value

% of Total

Village

$8,814,372

10%

TOV

$75,200,090

90%

Total

$84,014,462

100%

Parcels # of Parcels

% of Parcels

Village

239

22%

TOV

856

78%

Total

1,095

100%

Table 4 - Village Percentage of Total Town Assessment

The Town of Hermon also collects taxes from utility companies that own infrastructure within the Town. This infrastructure is located on land that is not owned by the utility companies, and they have an easement to allow them to operate and maintain the utility, similar to an easement the Village would have for a water or sewer main. Utility companies are assessed by the value of the infrastructure they own within in the Town. The breakdown of assessed values 2

Assessment data and parcel breakdown data comes from St. Lawrence County Real Property 2014 records.

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for the utility companies is listed below and these values are included in the total assessed values for the Town of Hermon. The Village does not have any utility assessments in their tax base. Utility Company Assessed Values in Town Iroquois Gas Trans System

$14,931,276

Niagara Mohawk Power Corp.

$ 2,726,314

Edwards Telephone Co.

$

231,624

Verizon New York Inc.

$

62,925

Time Warner, North Region

$

2,033

New York Power Authority

$

200,000 (exempt)

New York State Transition Assessment

$

0 (exempt)

Total

$18,154,172

Table 5 - Town Utility Assessments

A review of the breakdown of property classifications between the Village and Town provide some insight into their differences. In the Village, 62% of the total assessment comes from nonseasonal residential properties. In the Town, only 29% of the total assessment comes from non-seasonal residential properties, and seasonal properties make up 17% of the Town’s total assessment, as shown in Table 6. There are no seasonal properties in the Village. Classification Codes

Town of Hermon

Code

Village of Hermon

Assessed Value $7,279,605

# of Parcels (%)

Assessed

100 - Agricultural

# of Parcels (%) (% of total) 80 (9%)

1 (0.4%)

$17,900

260 - Seasonal Residence

148 (17%)

$17,282,365

0

$0

200s3 –Residential (Non-Seasonal)

253 (29%)

$21,951,400

151 (62%)

$7,046,250

300s - Vacant Land

267 (31%)

$6,172,439

58 (24%)

$241,210

$3,661,854

2 (1%)

$35,300

51 (6%)

$18,852,427

33 (13%)

$1,506,512

873 (100%)

$75,200,090

245 (100%)

$8,847,172

900s – Wild, Forested, Conservation Lands & Public Parks Other Total

74 (9%)

Table 6 - Town and Village Real Property Type

3

“Residential Non-Seasonal” includes parcels with classification codes of 200 series, other than 260.

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With respect to tax exempt properties, the Town and Village have a similar total assessed value of exempt properties; $958,200 in the Village and $1,185,500 in the Town. In terms of the total number of properties that are exempt 14%, or 35 parcels, in the Village are exempt while only 3%, or 28 parcels, are exempt in the Town. Total Assessed Value of Seasonal Residences in Town of Hermon Property Classification Code

# of Parcels (% of total)

Assessed Value (% of total)

260 - Seasonal Residence

148 (17%)

$17,282,365 (23%)

Table 7 - Total Seasonal Property Assessment

The difference between Town and Village property values is also impacted by waterfront properties. The average property value of the 148 seasonal waterfront parcels on Trout Lake is $116,773, which accounts for 17% of the total parcels in the Town. Seasonal parcels are defined by the New York State Office of Real Property as those parcels that are not designed for year rounded occupancy and are often used as an indicator of the second home market. Trout Lake and Cedar Lake properties comprise 23% of the Town’s total assessed value. Only one of the 148 seasonal properties is located on Cedar Lake. As illustrated on Figure 6, approximately half of Cedar Lake is located in the Town of Edwards, and a large portion of the property in the Town of Hermon is owned by New York State. Seasonal Residences and Assessed Values Village

0 Properties

Town

148 Properties

Highest

$327,700.00

Average

$116,772.70

Table 8 - Seasonal Property Statistics

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Figure 6 - Trout and Cedar Lake Waterfront Parcels 12 | P a g e

3.2

VILLAGE OWNED REAL PROPERTY

As part of this EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT, an inventory of the real property owned by the Village was compiled from the County’s Real Property Tax Database. The inventory indicates that the Village owned 22 parcels with a total assessed value of $221,800. With the exception of two parcels (1 and 7 in Table 10), the remaining twenty properties are tax exempt. The Village paid $79.03 in 2014 taxes on the old dump site parcel, and $1,462.90 on the water system spring lot parcel.

Figure 7 - Village Real Property Classifications

The majority of Village-owned real property is vacant or classified as community service. The remaining six parcels are classified as park service, wild/forest or recreation. Details regarding Village-owned parcels follow. Village Property Classification Codes Property Class Code

# of Parcels

Assessed Value

% of Assessed Value

311, 314, 330 - Vacant

11

$36,900

17%

652, 682 - Community Services

5

$37,400

17%

963 - Wild, Forested, Conservation 822 - Public Services

2

$35,300

16%

3

$100,200

45%

592 - Recreation

1

$12,000

5%

Total

22

$221,800

100%

Table 9- Village Owned Real Property Summary

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Some of the parcels owned by the Village are no longer used, and there is no planned use for these parcels. Table 10 provides the individual tax map number, the assessed value, and whether the parcel is presently used by the Village. Regardless of the outcome of the Dissolution Process, the Village should consider selling unused properties, which would put these parcels back on the tax role, thereby increasing the overall real property tax base. Parcel ID 1 2 3 4

Property Class

116.004-1330 - Vacant 17 131.002-2314 - Vacant 2 131.036-1-13 592- Recreation and Entertainment

Used by Village? No – old dump site

$2,600

No

$12,000

No

$500 $28,100

New Water Tank (1of 2 parcels) Water Works

5

132.001-110.2 132.021-2-2

6

132.021-2-22 330- Vacant

$1,600

No

7

132.001-2-16 822- Public Services

$56,200

Water Works

8

132.029-10-26 311- Vacant

$3,300

No

9

132.029-116.2 132.029-127.1 132.029-127.3 132.029-214.1 132.029-2-15

682- Community Services

$15,300

Ball Field

963- Wild, Forested, Conservation Lands and Public Parks 340- Vacant

$25,700

WWTP

$10,000

No

963- Wild, Forested, Conservation Lands and Public Parks 330- Vacant

$9,600

Access to sewer line

$5,900

Access to sewer line

14 132.029-3-23 682- Community Services

$1,700

No

15 132.029-5-6

$15,900

Old Water Tank

$500

10 11 12 13

682- Community Services

Assessed Value $5,500

822- Public Services

822- Public Services

16 132.029-5-7.2 682- Community Services 330- Vacant

$1,100

New Water Tank (1 of 2 parcels) No

18 132.029-9-19 311- Vacant

$3,400

No

19 132.029-9-25 652- Community Services

$19,400

Municipal Office

$500

No

17 132.029-9-1

20 132.029-9-26 330- Vacant 21 132.029-9-3

311- Vacant

$1,600

No

22 132.029-9-4

330- Vacant

$1,400

No

Table 10 - Village-Owned Real Property Details

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the locations of the parcels owned by the Village. The parcel numbers on the figures correlate with the numbering in Table 10. 14 | P a g e

Figure 8 - Village Owned Real Property Map 15 | P a g e

Figure 9 - Village Owned Real Property Map Inset

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4.0

TOWN AND VILLAGE MUNICIPAL SERVICES

This section provides information on the services that are provided by the Town and Village. Each section describes how the services are provided, which municipality provides the service to the community, and the cost of the service.

4.1

HIGHWAY/STREETS

The Village of Hermon has 3.71 miles of streets and one culvert within the Village municipal boundary. The Town provides snow plowing and maintenance for Village streets. The Village is also responsible for snow removal of banks/piles if they interfere with plowing activities performed by the Town, and the Village also performs street cleaning and temporary street maintenance (i.e., cold patching). The Table below summarizes the number of streets, roads, culverts, and bridges. No. of VILLAGE STREETS & TOWN ROADS

MILES

# of BRIDGES

# of CULVERTS

VILLAGE

17

3.71

0

1

TOWN

49

58.22

0

1

COUNTY

5

24.07

8

0

Table 11 – Village Streets & Town Roads

The Village-owned culvert was taken out of service in 2014 by New York State Department of Transportation because it did not pass a safety inspection. The Village is exploring options to repair or replace the culvert. One option would involve a shared services agreement with St. Lawrence County. The County has considered a box culvert type system that would structurally support/encapsulate existing structure and also has considered lengthening, along centerline of waterway, the culvert to provide adequate turning radius for large trucks. The Village/Town would

Figure 10 - Picture of Village Culvert

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be responsible for providing materials. The County’s preliminary estimate for the materials is $300,000. Through an Inter-Municipal Agreement, the Town and Village could pay back the County for their engineering and labor through shared service (i.e. emergency maintenance, trucking, etc.). Both municipalities and the County passed resolutions to enter into an InterMunicipal Agreement in October 2014, which would explain the details of a shared services arrangement between the County, Town and Village to repair the culvert. However, this resolution was recently rescinded by St. Lawrence County. The Village is pursuing external funding to assist with this project and to make it more affordable for tax payers. Figures 11, 12 and 13 illustrate the streets, roads, and bridges/culverts within the Village and Town.

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Figure 11 – Village Streets 19 | P a g e

Figure 12 – Town Roads

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Figure 13 – Town and Village Bridges and Culverts

Village Department of Public Works (DPW) and Town Highway Department expenditures make up a considerable portion of the overall municipal budgets. In the Village, DPW expenditures make up 44% of the overall Village budget. In the Town, Highway expenditures make up 64% of the overall budget. Other general fund expenditures include code enforcement, court, dog control, fire department contracts, and lighting in the Village. Other expenditures do not include water and sewer expenditures since these are public benefit accounts, only customers that receive service are billed, and these charges are not included on real property tax bills. Other services and expenditures are discussed in Sections 4.2 through 4.6.

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The Town highway department budget includes various categorical expenditures to keep track of snow removal, repairs and improvements, bridge maintenance, and equipment purchases. The Village tracks equipment and repairs and improvements separately also. Figures 14 and 15 illustrate Village and Town DPW and highway department budgeted expenditures versus total expenditures for FY14 (Town) and FY14/15 (Village).

Village DPW Appropriations

Village Budget = $202,500

DPW Expenses $90,000 44%

Other Expenses $112,500 56%

11%

Repairs & Improvements, $80,000 Equipment, $10,000

89%

Figure 14 - Village DPW Budget

Town Highway Appropriations Repairs & Improvements,

Town Budget = $957,402 Other Expenses $344,552 36% Highway Expenses $612,850 64%

$280,650 34%

46%

Bridges, $9,000 Equipment, $115,000

19%

Snow & Misc., $208,200 1%

Figure 15 - Town Highway Budget

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4.2

STREETS & SIDEWALKS

Most sidewalks are the responsibility of Village home owners to maintain. However, the Village has worked cooperatively with homeowners that are interested in improving the sidewalks in front of their property. Additionally, the Village has recently undertaken an improvement project to install sidewalks along Church Street to connect the Village to the local gas station, and convenience store (i.e., Woody’s) making it easier for residents to walk to the store (shown in yellow on Figure 16). This new sidewalk becomes the responsibility of property owners to maintain. The Village does provide snow Figure 16 - Village Sidewalks removal from select sidewalk areas as a public benefit, but overall, like sidewalk maintenance, snow removal from sidewalks is the property owner’s responsibility.

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4.3

FIRE DEPARTMENT The Hermon Fire Department was incorporated in 1847 as a not-forprofit corporation and provides fire and rescue services for the Town of Hermon, including the Village, and provides rescue only services for the Town of DeKalb. These services are provided in accordance with service contracts that the Fire Department has with each Town. The Fire Department is governed by a board of directors that meets monthly, and is staffed by local volunteers.

The Fire Department operates on a $130,000 annual budget. Beginning in 2014, St. Lawrence County will take over Workers’ Compensation coverage from the Village. When the County begins covering this expense it will no longer be part of local Village taxes. Fire Department revenue comes primarily from the Figure 17- Fire and Rescue Service Area contracts with the Towns and 5% of their revenue is self-generated through donations and fund raising events. The Village’s contract with the Fire Department for FY14 was $13,750. The Town of Hermon’s contract was $73,169 and the Town of DeKalb’s contract was $10,147. The Fire Department budgeted $13,510 for miscellaneous contracts which includes foreign fire tax and ambulatory services. In total, the Fire Department budgeted $110,576.14 for contracted revenue and $5,450 in donations.

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Self Generated Funds 5%

FY14 Budgeted Revenue Town of DeKalb 9%

Other Contracts 11% Village of Hermon 12%

Town of Hermon 63%

Figure 18 - Fire Department Revenue

Fire Department expenditures include costs to maintain the fire house, trucks, insurance supplies and administrative expenses. The largest annual expenditure is for the mortgage the Fire Department has on its building, which was constructed in 2011. Detailed expenditures are shown below. Building Mortgage

5% 2% 2%

3%

Vehicle Loan Payments Utilities

10% 43%

Fuel for Vehicles Repairs & Maintenance

6%

Insurance

4%

Training & Conferences Equipment Fire & Rescue

13%

Supplies

12% Figure 19 - Fire Department Expense Breakdown

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In 2014, Village residents will pay $1.81 per $1,000 of assessed value for Fire Protection services. This expense accounts for 7% of the total Village budget.

Fire & Rescue Protection, $14,000 (7%)

Other , $188,500 (93%)

Figure 20 - Village Budget for Fire & Rescue Services

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4.4

LIGHTING The Village has public lighting that covers most of the municipal boundary. In FY14/15 lighting was budgeted to cost $12,000, or 6% of the total Village budget. Figure 23 illustrates the lighted areas of the Village.

Figure 21 - Village Public Lighting

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4.5

WATER/SEWER The Village provides municipal water and sewer services to Village residents and some Town residents. The Town does not have any water or sewer districts. If the Village dissolves, centralized water and sewer will remain in effect with administration of the services passed on to the Town. The Town would manage each infrastructure type as beneficial use districts (i.e., water and sewer). Administratively, the Town would become responsible for billing and collecting fees from customers, operating the system, regulatory reporting, and maintenance. Fund balances from the water and sewer accounts would transfer from the Village into the newly formed districts, if the Village dissolved. Districts would encompass all parcels that are receiving service and would not be limited by the Village boundary. Presently, some town residents are receiving water or sewer service from the Village but they are not in a district and there is no outside user agreement between the Village and the residents that are served. Town residents that are located outside a district would be unaffected by dissolution. Town water and sewer district formation is a legal process and requires preparation of a Map, Plan and Report by an engineer. This would be an eligible grant-funded dissolution related expense, so there would be no cost to Village or Town taxpayers to form districts. The newly formed water and sewer districts would have a water use and charge law that outlines technical elements of a water connection, protection of the system, and the method of charging frequency (i.e., rates, penalties, etc.) to manage funds for sustainable operation. Existing Village Laws could be updated and adopted by the Town as part of the district formation process. The Village of Hermon sells water to the Town of DeKalb and this arrangement is detailed in an Inter-Municipal Agreement (IMA) between the two municipalities. The original agreement was executed in 1999 and has a 20 year term. This agreement could be taken over by the Town if the Village dissolves. In New York State, the Department of Health (NYSDOH) regulates potable water systems. The Village Water System ID is No. NY4404386. The village of Hermon’s water supply system (initial construction 1891) pre-dates the 1905 Public Water Supply Program and, as such, never had a NYSDEC Water Supply Permit. There is a water supply permit for town of Dekalb W.D. #1 (WSP #9843). Under the new (2011) Water Withdrawal Program (see http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/55509.html), the village is now required to obtain a 28 | P a g e

Water Withdrawal Permit (WWP). The village’s 2013 Water Withdrawal Reporting Form indicates that they have the capacity to withdraw up to 2.88 MGD. Under the schedule in the regulations (6 NYCRR 601.7) for “Initial Permits,” the village is required to submit a Water Withdrawal Permit application by February 15, 2015. Per NYSDEC, if the village is dissolving into the town, the town is required to create a new Water District encompassing at least the existing village boundaries. Depending on timing (if and when the village dissolution becomes effective), the town would then file its own WWP application to take over the village system. The new WWP’s have a maximum ten-year term and list/authorize all external customers (e.g., Dekalb W.D. #1) on the permit for the community that has the water withdrawal source (the village or town of Hermon). The NYSDEC water supply permit allows the Village to “take” 50,000 gallons per day from its spring source for the Town of Dekalb Water District #1. At present, the spring provides adequate capacity to serve all system customers and no expansion is planned beyond the area presently served. The average Village water use is 75,000 gallons per day (gpd). The Town of DeKalb uses an average of 21,500 gpd. Per capita usage is estimated to be 150 gallons per person per day, which is about double the typical usage. Although this usage is high, it is not uncommon for communities that don’t meter their water to use twice as much as those communities that are metered. Metering provides an incentive for customers to not waste water. The Village’s Water System is comprised of a Spring Source that was established in 1891 as part of an original municipal water system. A 30,000 Gallon Clear well, chlorination and pumping system, and a 244,000 gallon standpipe were constructed in 1989 that provides water storage and fire protection. The springs were improved as part of the Dekalb Project in 1998.

Figure 22 - Village of Hermon Spring Lot

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In FY14/15 the Village is planning to take the standpipe/tank offline to complete a repair. Water is supplied to Village residents through 4, 6 and 8 inch mains along Village streets. The original mains were installed in 1891. In 1989, 2,260 feet of 6 inch main was installed along Jefferson Street, and 1,660 feet of 8 inch main was installed along High, Pleasant, and Germain Streets. In 2004, a 2 inch service was installed to serve four homes on the Miles Road Extension in the Town. The easement for this service should be reviewed to ensure that it is transferred to the Town, should dissolution occur. Residents are served off the main by a service Figure 23 - Village of Hermon Standpipe

lateral and curb stop. Lateral sizes vary but are typically ½ inch to 1.25 inch, as reported in an annual New York State Department of Health (NYDOH) water inspection report from 1995. In total there are 174 billed service connections. The system is operated by a part-time Village employee. The Operator is required to hold a Grade C NYSDOH Operator license. In addition to daily testing, the Operator maintains water system equipment. The Village utilizes the same part-time employee as their water operator and for DPW tasks. There are no capital improvement projects planned for the water system and the system has operated without any violations for the last ten years. Figure 24 illustrates the Village’s water system.

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Figure 24 - Village of Hermon Water System

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The Village of Hermon’s wastewater system is much newer than its water system and was constructed in 1996. The sewer collection system functions by gravity, with the exception of one pump station on Miles Road. Mains are constructed of 8 inch PVC and 4 foot diameter concrete manholes with cast iron frames. In 2009, seven manholes were replaced. Figure 25 - Village of Hermon Wastewater Treatment Control Building

Wastewater from the collection system travels to an Open Sand Filter system for treatment. The system has experienced high wet weather flows and exceeded the SPDES permitted limit. Flow metering data is being reviewed and, if necessary, a Capital Project could be undertaken to address the high flows. The estimated Figure 26 - Village of Hermon Sand Filters cost of the project is $228,500. Existing sewer debt will mature in 2017. The Village is permitted to discharge 60,000 average gpd. The NYSDEC also regulates discharges of treated municipal sewage to a receiving water body. The Village of Hermon owns and operates a sewer system and treatment plant on Water Street. This system is governed by a Sewer Use Law that was established in 1996. The NYSDEC has issued a State Pollution Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit to the Village that details the parameters by which the Village is allowed to discharge treated wastewater into a receiving water body (Permit No. NY0257532). This permit would have to be reassigned to the Town and the Village Sewer Use Law reviewed and adopted by the Town if the Village dissolves. 32 | P a g e

The Sewer System is operated by a part-time employee that works full-time for another municipality. The Operator’s primary responsibilities are to perform daily testing and periodic sampling that is required by the Village’s SPDES permit. Figure 29 illustrates the Village’s sanitary sewer system.

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Figure 27 - Sanitary Sewer System

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Water and Sewer customers are billed a quarterly flat rate regardless of usage. Water customers pay $55 per quarter and sewer customers pay $85 per quarter. Late fees are assessed at 5% for water and 10% for sewer. There are 211 water and 207 sewer equivalent dwelling units (EDUs) served by the systems. The Clerk has a total of 180 billing accounts. Water No. of EDUs Accounts

Sewer Accounts

Water EDU

Sewer EDU

157

156

157

156

1.5 EDU’s

1

1

1.5

1.5

2 EDU’s

9

11

18

22

3 EDU’s

5

3

15

9

9 EDU’s

1

0

9

0

16 EDU’s

0

1

0

16

6.5 EDU’s

1

1

6.5

6.5

1 EDU

Total 174 173 207 211 Table 12 - Village of Hermon Water & Sewer Account Summary

Budgeted Village water expenditures and revenues are shown in Table 13 for FY14/15. The total water system, budgeted expenditures or FY14/15 are $49,750. Village of Hermon Water Budget Appropriations

Adopted FY14/15

F1950.4

Taxes of Village Property

$

3,500.00

F1990.4

Contingency

$

1,000.00

F8310.1

Home and Community Services Professional Services $

1,200.00

F8310.4

Home and Community Services Contractual Expenses $

4,250.00

F8320.1

Source of Supply Professional Services

$

6,800.00

F8320.4

Source of Supply Contractual Expenses

$

11,000.00

F8340.1

Source of Supply Professional Services

$

8,000.00

F8340.4

Transmission and Distribution Contractual Expenses $

7,500.00

F90308

Social Security

$

1,500.00

F9560.9

Reserves for Repairs

$

5,000.00

Subtotal

$

49,750.00

F2142

Unmetered Water Rents

$

40,000.00

F2148

Interest and Penalties

$

750.00

Revenues

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F2401

Interest on Savings

$

5.00

F2378

Service for Other Government

$

17,000.00

Subtotal $ Table 13 - Budgeted Water Expenditures and Revenues

57,755.00

Taxes of Village Property 7%

10%

2%

2%

Contingency

3% Home and Community Services Professional Services

9%

Home and Community Services Contractual Expenses

15%

Source of Supply Professional Services 14%

Source of Supply Contractual Expenses Source of Supply Professional Services

16%

Transmission and Distribution Contractual Expenses 22%

Social Security Reserves for Repairs

Figure 28 - Budgeted Water Expenditures

Budgeted Village sewer expenditures and revenues are shown in Table 14 for FY14/15. The total sewer system budgeted expenditures for FY14/15 are $79,850. Village of Hermon Sewer Budget Appropriations

Adopted FY14/15

G1910.4 Insurance

$

800.00

G1990.4 Contingency

$

5,000.00

G8110.1 Home and Community Services Professional Services $

1,200.00

G8110.4 Home and Community Services Contractual Expenses $

4,000.00

G8120.4 Sanitation Contractual Expenses

$

4,000.00

G8330.1 Sewer Treatment Professional Services

$

16,000.00

G8330.4 Sanitation Contractual Expenses

$

14,000.00

G9030.8 Social Security

$

1,500.00 36 | P a g e

G9710.6 Debit Service

$

33,350.00

Subtotal

$

79,850.00

G2401

Interest from Savings

$

6.00

G2120

Sewer Charges

$

69,000.00

G2128

Interest & Penalties

$

2,000.00

Unexpended Balance

$

10,000.00

Subtotal

$

81,006.00

Revenues

Table 14 - Budgeted Sewer Fund Expenditures & Revenue G1910.4 Insurance

G1990.4 Contingency

$5,000.00 $800.00

$1,200.00 $4,000.00

G8110.1 Home and Community Services Professional Services

$4,000.00 G8110.4 Home and Community Services Contractual Expenses $33,350.00 $16,000.00

G8120.4 Sanitation Contractual Expenses G8330.1 Sewer Treatment Professional Services

$14,000.00 $1,500.00

G8330.4 Sanitation Contractual Expenses G9030.8 Social Security

G9710.6 Debit Service

Figure 29 - Budgeted Sewer Expenditures

4.6

RECREATION, COURT, ASSESSMENT, CODE ENFORCEMENT, LIBRARY AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES The Village’s only recreational asset is a ball-field. Annually, the Village budgets $1,500 per year for operating and maintenance expense (i.e., $500 Personal Services and 37 | P a g e

$1,000 Contractual Expenses). These expenses cover insurance, little league expenses on ball field, a seasonal porta potty, and playground repairs. The Village used to run a “Youth Program” but that was discontinued in 2013 due to lack of participation. The Youth Program provided transportation to and from recreation events for youths participating in the program. Several services are provided by the Town for Town and Village residents. These services include:  



 

Code Enforcement – is a contracted service with a FY14 budget of $7,000. Assessor – is a contracted service with a FY14 budget of $11,638 for personal services, $1,200 equipment, and $1,800 for contractual services. Total FY14 Budget is $14,638. Town Justice – is an elected position. The FY14 budget is $7,425 for personal services, $2,825 for equipment, and $3,600 for contractual services. Total FY14 Budget = $13,850. Animal Control Service – is a contracted service. The FY14 budget is $5,425. Library – The FY14 budget is $17,860 personal services and $13,810 for contractual expense. Total FY14 budget is $31,670.

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5.0

BUDGETARY & FINANCIAL SUMMARY

The Village of Hermon’s budgeted expenditures represent 26% of all budgeted expenditures in the Town and Village, and 13% of the combined tax levy for the FY14/15 fiscal year. This is comparable to the Village of Edwards, which had 21% of the total budgeted expenditures for the Town and Village and 8% of the total tax levy. Budgeted Expenditures & Tax Levies – FY2014/2015 Village & FY2014 Town Total Budgeted Expenditures

% of Total

Tax Levy

% of Total

Village

$332,100

26%

$80,543

13%

Town

$957,402

74%

$562,947

87%

Total

$1,289,502

100%

$643,490

100%

Table 15 - Budgeted Expenditures & Tax Levies

Tax Levy

Budget

13% 26% Village

Village Town

74%

Town

87%

Figure 30 - Budgeted Expenditures & Tax Levies

As Table 16 illustrates, the single largest expenditure for the Town and Village is the Highway/DPW departments, followed by general fund expenditures. Water and Sewer are the Village’s next largest expense. Water and sewer services are not billed on taxes and are considered a public benefit for which only customers that receive the utility pay for the service. Budgeted Expenditures – FY14/15 Village & FY14 Town Village

Town

Total

General

$86,000

$238,383

$324,383

Highway/DPW

$90,000

$612,850

$702,850

Fire

$14,000

$73,169

$87,169

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Library

$500

$33,000

$33,500

Street Lighting

$12,000

-

$12,000

Water

$49,750

-

$49,750

Sewer

$79,850

-

$79,850

Total

$332,100

$957,402

$1,289,502

Table 16 - Budgeted Expenditure Breakdown

Town General

Highway/DPW

Village Fire

Library

General

Highway/DPW

Fire

Library

0%

3% 8%

8% 25%

45%

47% 64%

Figure 31 - Town and Village Budgeted Expenditures

Fifty-one percent of budgeted revenues for the Town and 24% for the Village are raised by property tax. Water and sewer expenses are self-supported from customer billings. In FY14/15 the Village budgeted $10,000 to be used from the unexpended sewer fund balance and $50,000 from the unexpended general fund balance towards respective operating expenditures. Table 17 and Figure 32 detail the sources of Town and Village revenue. Budgeted Revenues – FY14/15 Village & FY14 Town Village

Town

Total

Raised by Property Tax

$80,543

$489,778

$570,321

Raised by Sales Tax

$50,000

$170,000

$220,000

$99,177

$99,177

County

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CHIPS

$13,450

$90,100

$103,550

Other Sources

$8,507

$35,178

$43,685

-

$73,169

$73,169

Water

$57,755

-

$57,755

Sewer

$71,006

-

$71,006

Unexpended Fund Balance

$60,000

Total

$341,261

Fire

$60,000 $957,402

$1,298,663

Table 17 - Village and Town Budgeted Revenue

Village Revenue

Town Revenue

Property Tax

Sales Tax

CHIPS

Property Tax

Sales Tax

County

Sewer

Fund Balance

Other

CHIPS

Fire

Other

Water

4% 8%

2%

17%

24%

9% 10%

17%

51%

15% 18% 21% 4% Figure 32 - Village and Town Budgeted Revenue

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6.0

FUND BALANCE

A municipality’s fund balance is the money that is unspent at the end of any fiscal year, provided that revenue received in a given year exceeded the expenditures. These surpluses are reported as the fund balance. The fund balances are tracked separately for water, General Water Sewer sewer and general funds. If expenditures exceed revenues then there will be $79,371 $$81,056 negative account balances in a given year and the overall fund balance will decrease $330,093 $258,643 to cover the shortfall. It is recommended by the Government Finance Officers Village Town Association (GFOA) that a municipality maintain a minimum fund balance of two Figure 33 - Fund Balances months of expenditures. For the Village, two months of expenditures is $33,750 for the general fund, $13,300 for the sewer fund, and $8,300 for the water fund .The Village of Hermon has a healthy fund balance totaling $419,070 as illustrated in Table 18, and exceeding the minimum recommended GFOA fund balance. Excess fund balances could be used towards capital improvements such as the culvert repair, and sewer and water infrastructure improvements or to pay down debt. If fund balances are used to pay down debt the municipality should consider the interest rate on their loans as some subsidized state financing may be 0% interest. Fund balances can also be used to lower taxes in subsequent years. In FY14/15 the Village budgeted $60,000 of their fund balance. The Town’s fund balance is $351,135 which also exceeds the recommended two months of expenditures (i.e., $159,567). Fund Balances – As of 5/31/14 (Village); As of 12/31/13 (Town) Village

Town

Fund/Purpose

Balance

General

$258,643

Water

$81,056

Sewer

$79,371

Total

$419,070

General

$351,135

Total

$770,205 Table 18 - Village and Town Fund Balances 42 | P a g e

7.0

DEBT LEVELS

The Town and Village of Hermon have very little debt. The Village’s only outstanding debt is on their sewer system. The Town’s total liabilities are $39,656 as of 12/31/13. The balance sheets for the Village and Town of Hermon indicate an overall positive financial position with little debt and signficant fund balances. Outstanding Debt – As of 5/31/14 (Village); As of 12/31/13 (Town) Village

Town

Fund/Purpose

Balance

General

$0

Water

$0

Sewer

$133,400

Total

$133,400

General

$39,656 Total

$133,400

Table 19 - Village and Town Debt

8.0

EMPLOYEE SUMMARY

Table 20 provides a breakdown of the Village and Town employee staffing at the time this report was prepared. In total, the Village has 8 employees, including elected officials, all of which are considered part-time (PT). The Town has 5 full-time (FT) employees and 17 PT employees. Village

Town

Total

Mayor/Supervisor

1

1

2

Trustees/Council Members

4

4

8

Clerk/Treasurer

1 PT

1 PT

2 PT

Highway/DPW

1 PT (same as water operator)

5

5 FT, 1 PT

1 PT

-

1 PT

-

Contracted – 1 PT

1 PT

Elected Officials

Employees

Sewer Code Enforcement Officer

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Assessor

-

Contracted – 1 PT

1 PT

Justice

-

Contracted – 1 PT

1 PT

Total Employees

8

14

22

Table 20 - Town and Village Staffing

Employee benefits are shown in Table 21 by department. Benefits for Village employees are 3% of total Village expenditures. For the Town, benefits are 15% of total expenditures. The difference in benefits is not surprising since the Town has nearly twice as many employees as the Village. Employee Benefit Cost By Municipality Village (FY13/14)

Town (FY2012)

Total

General Fund Employees (including Hwy Super)

$9,064

$46,650

$55,714

Water

$1,051

$1,051

Sewer

$1,037

$1,037

Highway Total

-

$83,250

$83,250

$11,152

$129,900

$141,052

Table 21 – Town and Village Employee Benefit Costs

There are currently no Village retirees receiving benefits. The Town has five retirees; one Highway Superintendent and four Highway Workers. The Town offers health insurance to its Clerk, Highway Superintendent, and Full-Time Highway Department employees. Presently, only four employees are using Town insurance. The Village does not offer health insurance to any of its employees as they are all part-time. Village employees are not represented by a Union. Town Highway Department Employees are represented by the Teamsters Local 687. The current contract is for a five year term and is due to expire 12/31/15.

9.0

LOCAL LAWS & INTERMUNICIPAL AGREEMENT SUMMARY

C2AE was contracted by the Village of Hermon as part of this study to evaluate the impacts of Village Dissolution on the local laws. When a Village dissolves, its local laws are replaced with Town laws. By comparing the Village and Town laws, stakeholders in the dissolution process can determine what differences exist between Village and Town laws. A local law review reveals which laws are approximately equivalent in terms of intent within the Village and Town and which laws are different and how they differ. The review also provides a summary of 44 | P a g e

Village ordinances. Table 22 provides a summary of the Village and Town laws. The Local laws are organized and color coded to show the laws that, based on review, cover the same intent to regulate. Table 23 provides a list of laws that have no relevancy with dissolution of the Village, and finally Table 24 lists laws that should be considered to be implemented at the town level as part of the dissolution or as part of a benefit district formation. Local Laws - Village Resolution for the Adoption of a Code of Ethics (1970)

Local Laws - Town 1972 Resolution Establishing Ethics

Local Law 1 Building Permits Procedures (1975) 1975 Building Codes - Flood Insurance Local Law 1 Accepting State Fire Prevention Code (1983) Local Law 1 Fire Prevention Building Code Admin (2005) Local Law 3 Admin of Fire Prevention Building Code (1984)

2005 No. 1 - NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code

Local Law 1 Real Property Disability Exemption (2006)

2007 - No 1 - Disabled & Low Income Property Tax Exemption

Local Law 1 Repair and Removal of Unsafe Buildings (1998) Local Law 1 Repair and Removal of Unsafe Buildings (2007) Local Law 2 Dog Leash Law (1984) Local Law 2 Firefighters Property Tax Exemption (2006) Local Law 1 (1976) Notice before Civil Action Against Village Local Law 1 Increasing Veteran Exemption (2002) Local Law 1 Junk and Junkyards (1985) Local Law 2 Junk and Junkyards (1998) Local Law 1 Open Containers (1979) Local Law 1 Open Meeting Law (1977) Local Law 1 Partial Exemption 65 Years Plus (2009) Local Law 1 Prohibiting Disability Discrimination (1994)

1998 - No. 2 - Unsafe Buildings Law

1993 - No. 2 - Dog Control Law 2010 - No. 2 - Dog Licensing Law 2006 - No. 1 Firefighter & Rescue Workers Property Tax Exemption 2005 - No. 2 Defense & Indemnification of Officers and Employees 1982 - No. 3 - Defense of Town Officers & Employees 2010 - No. 1 - Cold War Veterans Property Tax Exemption 1998 No. 1 - Establishing Sole Assessor 2011 - No. 1 - Elected Term for Town Supervisor Increased to 4 Years 2008 Inter-Municipal Agreement for Highway Dept. 2008 - No. 1 - Increasing Salary for Town Highway Superintendent Notice of Public Hearing Re Proposed Local Law 1 1993

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Local Law 1 Prohibiting Discrimination (1990) Local Law 1 Prohibiting Unnecessary Noise (2000) Local Law 1 Real Property 65+ Exemption (1974) Local Law 1 Regulate Public and Private Sewer Use (1996) Local Law 1 Sidewalk Repairs (1988) Local Law 1 Snowmobile Use (1971-1972) Local Law 1 Terminating Assessing Unit (2001) Local Law 1 Workers' Compensation (1956) Local Law 2 Authorize Bingo (1994) Water Law 01-2013 Local Law 2 Regulate Outdoor Wood Furnace (2005) Local Law 2 Regulating Outdoor Junk Storage (2005) Local Law 2 Self Insurance (1956) Local Law 3 Mobile Home Standards (1998) Local Law 3 Regulate Outdoor Wood Furnace (2006) Local Law 4 Flood Damage Prevention (1998) Resolution Authorizing the Fire Department to Borrow Resolution for Snowmobile Use (1970) Village Ordinance for the Removal of Elm Trees (1963) Latest Village Ordinances (1973) Table 22 - Summary of Local Laws

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The Following Village Laws are recommended to be sunset with the dissolution of the Village, as they are not applicable with the dissolution of the Village as a municipal entity.

Recommended Action

Local Law Local Law 1 (1976) Notice before Civil Action Against Village

Village will not exist

Local Law 1 Increasing Veteran Exemption (2002)

There are no Village Taxes to Collect

Local Law 1 Partial Exemption 65 Years Plus (2009)

There are no Village Taxes to Collect

Local Law 1 Prohibiting Disability Discrimination (1994)

Village will not exist

Local Law 1 Prohibiting Discrimination (1990)

Village will not exist

Local Law 1 Real Property 65+ Exemption (1974)

There are no Village Taxes to Collect

Local Law 1 Terminating Assessing Unit (2001)

There are no Village Taxes to Collect

Local Law 1 Workers' Compensation (1956)

Village will not exist nor its employees

Local Law 2 Self Insurance (1956) Village will not exist nor its employees Resolution Authorizing the Fire Department to Village will not exist. The contract for fire Borrow services will now be with Town Only. Table 23 - Village Laws Recommended to Sunset if Dissolution Proceeds

The Following laws regulate activities not associated with the Village directly that impact taxation or governmental operation of the Village as a municipal unit. The laws regulate activities of residents and the water and sewer laws would be reestablished with formation of each individual benefit use district. These are topics for further consideration by the Town, if the Village elects to dissolve. Local Law Local Law 1 Junk and Junkyards (1985) Local Law 2 Junk and Junkyards (1998) Local Law 1 Open Containers (1979)

Recommended Action Consider a Junk and Junkyard law throughout the Town or a specific zone Consider a Junk and Junkyard law throughout the Town or a specific zone Consider a law throughout the Town or a specific zone

Local Law 1 Open Meeting Law (1977) Local Law 1 Prohibiting Unnecessary Noise (2000) Local Law 1 Regulate Public and Private Sewer Use (1996) Local Law 1 Sidewalk Repairs (1988)

Consider a law throughout the Town or a specific zone Law would be developed as part of a Town Sewer District Formation Consider a law specific to zone or as part of a 47 | P a g e

district? Currently responsibility for repairs falls to individual home owners. Consider a law throughout the Town or a specific Local Law 1 Snowmobile Use (1971-1972) zone Consider a law throughout the Town or a specific Local Law 2 Authorize Bingo (1994) zone Law would be developed as part of a Town Water Water Law 01-2013 District Formation Local Law 2 Regulate Outdoor Wood Furnace Consider a law throughout the Town or a specific (2005) zone Local Law 2 Regulating Outdoor Junk Storage Consider a law throughout the Town or a specific (2005) zone Consider a law throughout the Town or a specific Local Law 3 Mobile Home Standards (1998) zone Local Law 3 Regulate Outdoor Wood Furnace Consider a law throughout the Town or a specific (2006) zone Consider a law throughout the Town or a specific Local Law 4 Flood Damage Prevention (1998) zone Consider a law throughout the Town or a specific Resolution for Snowmobile Use (1970) zone Village Ordinance for the Removal of Elm Trees Consider a law throughout the Town or a specific (1963) zone Consider a law(s) throughout the Town or a specific Latest Village Ordinances (1973) zone – Ordinance detail follows. Table 24 - Village Laws to Be Further Considered if Dissolution Proceeds

A review of the latest Village Ordinances published in 1973 indicates the following activities are being regulated: ARTICLE 1 – PUBLIC SAFETY AND GOOD ORDER 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Disorderly Conduct Conduct in Streets Profane Language Mobs Gambling Houses & Rooms Throwing of Balls, Stones, etc., discharge of firearms, etc. that endangers property or persons 7. Indecent or Immoral Literature 8. Bathing without Clothes 9. Obstructing Sidewalks 10. Injuring Public or Private Property 11. Lounging Upon Streets 12. Disturbing Public Meetings or Worship 48 | P a g e

13. Curfew 14. Animals 15. License for Dances ARTICLE 2 NUISANCES 1. Whatever is dangerous to human life or health 2. Buildings 3. Sewers and Drains 4. Litter, Rubbish, Etc. 5. Weeds 6. Out Houses, Cess-Pools, Etc. 7. Snow, Ice and Water ARTICLE 3 – AUTOMOBILES & OTHER VEHICLES 1. Compliance with NYS Vehicle Laws 2. Speed Limit 3. Gross Weight 4. Traffic Sign and Signals 5. Parking, Etc. ARTICLE 4 – FIRE PREVENTION CODE 1. General Code Intent 2. Application of Code 3. Authority to Enter 4. Inspections 5. Elimination of Dangerous or hazardous conditions 6. Use of Explosives, ammunition and Blasting Agents 7. Fire protection Equipment 8. Precautions against fire ARTICLE 5 – POLICE DEPARTMENT 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Village Policemen Police Force Salary Official Undertakings Head of Police Force Fire Police (209c, General Municipal Law) Repeal 49 | P a g e

ARTICLE 6 – STREETS, CARE OF BY PROPERTY OWNERS 1. Space Between Sidewalk and Curb or Gutter ARTICLE 7 – SHADE TREES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Private Trees Planting of Trees Hitching to Trees Wire Attached to Tree Wires How to Locate Removing and Trimming

ARTICLE 8 – STREETS 1. Digging of Streets, Permission Required 2. Protection of Street Openings 3. Obstructing or Hindering Repairs 4. Building Material in Streets 5. Barriers or Excavation of Street Lines 6. Removing Lamps and Danger Signs 7. Construction and Maintenance of Sidewalks 8. Obstructing Sidewalks 9. Signs and Banners 10. Telegraph & Electric Light Wires, Etc. ARTICLE 9 – STANDARDS OF CONDUCT – ETHICS 1. Village Board & Staff Conduct ARTICLE 10 – FIRE ORDINANCES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Motor Apparatus Fire Siren Activation Driving on Fire Hose Apparatus, Hose, Etc. Fire House False Alarm Fire Hydrants Conduct Building Inspection 50 | P a g e

ARTICLE 11 – AUDITING 1. Authorization of Board to Pay Village Expenses ARTICLE 12 – LICENSES 1. Garbage 2. Peddlers ARTICLE 13 – DUMPING WASTE & INFLAMMABLE MATTER

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APPENDIX A VILLAGE EQUIPMENT INVENTORY

2005 GMC Dump Truck - $60,000.00 2007 John Deere Tractor model 2520 with Loader and Bucket - $20,000 1999 Case Model 580L $65,000. Miscellaneous Equipment - includes snow blower, mower, sweeper, etc. $20,000

APPENDIX B - TOWN EQUIPMENT INVENTORY