August 17, 2011 - Victory, NY - Interest and attendance at the Town of Victory’s regular monthly meetings has increased following the board’s unanimous approval in May to build and $860,000 new town hall, funded totally by Victory taxpayers through a 25-year-bond. When it was learned that the board tried to pass the building referendum without voter approval, concerned residents filed a petition to force a vote and overwhelmingly voted it down by a margin of 4 to 1. This vote followed on the heels of the same town board’s proposition several years earlier to spend approximately $1.5 million for a new town hall and highway garage, which was also voted down.
Many more citizens in Victory, myself included, are now becoming curious to know what their elected town board members are planning and to hold the board more accountable for spending taxpayer funds.
At this month’s town meeting on Aug. 8, again, the question came up: “What is the board planning to do about maintaining the town hall?” You see, it was at a public hearing and in the newspaper ad that the entire board unanimously approved a costly new building. They claim the entire building is not in compliance with code
and for 20 years violated federal law, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), by not providing a handicapped accessible bathroom and other accommodations for persons with disabilities.
There was a long pause at the board meeting, and finally Scott Bloss, who is running for re-election to the board in November, commented: “What do you want us to do?” More silence, followed by heated discussion. It seems that the board is holding to its earlier assessment proved by a hired consultant, that it would cost an estimated $600,000 to fix the town hall, and that it just might be better to tear it down and build a new one. Interested townspeople at the August meeting also learned that the town paid that consultant approximately $25,000. Also, the town had hired another consultant earlier to find building grants, but he came up empty.
Finally it was suggested, again, by those in attendance that the town board form a building committee, advertise for qualified members, contact local builders and contractors, and obtain quotes (which most professionals provide free) to begin to assess priorities and start to fix the major problems with the town hall at a cost which is acceptable to Victory taxpayers. Of course, this is the identical suggestion made at a public hearing in June, but I guess the town board just needed to hear it again before they acted to represent the voters.
In other town business, the board approved continuing the health insurance plan for town employees with an estimated 6% cost increase. The board did not consider any other plan or cost savings since new coverage must start in September. It is estimated that the town pays approximately $8,000 to $10,000 in health insurance per year for each employee; the coverage is paid 100% by the town, employees do not contribute anything for their insurance coverage.
The town board reversed itself regarding hiring a court clerk. After approving and advertising for the position, the board voted not to hire anyone. Several years ago, the board eliminated the second town justice position when Justice Joyce Beman retired. Justice Lauren Dates, who has served for over 20 years, has long advocated for a Court Clerk. Justice Dates has submitted his resignation to the board effective the end of this year. A committee will be interviewing three applicants for town justice this week and should make their recommendation for the new appointment at the next regular town meeting on Sept. 12 at 7 p.m.
And lastly, election season is fast upon us. On the ballot this November in Victory are: a new town supervisor, two town board seats (both incumbents Scott Bloss and Eleanor Pittroff are running for re-election) and town clerk (Judith Naylor is also running for re-election). Rumor has it that several new candidates will be challenging incumbents and running for town supervisor.
According to the Cayuga County Board of elections, candidates are required to submit nominating petitions no later than Aug. 23. In next month’s column, I’ll be reporting on the complete slate of candidates for the Town of Victory in the upcoming November election.
