JOINT MEETING ROSENDALE TOWN BOARD &
ROSENDALE PLANNING BOARD
FOR HRVR,LLC SEQRA REVIEW (JERB)
JANUARY 17, 2008
Meeting was opened at 7:08 p.m. with Supervisor McDonough calling the roll for both Boards.
PLANNING BOARD: Billy Liggan Present
Joe Havranek Present
Fred Greitzer Present
Randi Morf Present
(Alternate) Nick Mercurio Present
John McEnrue Excused
Peter Perry Excused
TOWN BOARD: Patrick McDonough Present
Manna Jo Greene Present
Ken Cluen Present
Rich Minissali Present
Bob Gallagher Excused
ALSO PRESENT: Chuck Voss, Dave Plant of C.T.Male; Mary Lou Christiana, attorney for the Planning Board; and about 40+ residents.
Supervisor McDonough advised that meeting was a workshop for discussion of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Town Board and the Planning Board for procedures involving the Joint Environmental Review Board (JERB) forming to conduct the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) for the application of Hudson River Valley Resorts, LLC; this is not the time for general input from the public but he will entertain pertinent comments. He further explained that the MOU has not been available until tonight and the Board members are viewing it for the first time.
Fred Greitzer stated that after speaking with Ms. Christiana that under #7 it should be that any motion passed must be by the majority of each Board separately.
A motion was made by Fred Greitzer; seconded by Rich Minissali to change #7 to reflect “that any proposed action shall require a majority of each Board, separately”. Roll Vote: 9 Ayes.
Item #9 had brief discussion of the responsibilities of the Town Clerk and the Planning Clerk; Town Clerk will be responsible for minutes; Planning Clerk will handle dissemination of information (Ms. Christiana will define the responsibilities).
Item #11; question was asked what happens if the applicant does not provide escrow or continue to keep it current. Ms. Christiana and Joe Havranek both concurred that the application would be considered incomplete and the process would stop.
Item #14-end; Councilwoman Greene suggested that when the JERB has a “hung vote”, before going to arbitration we should try mediation; she suggested Ulster Mediation. Ms. Christiana stated that we should not have “co-lead agency” without arbitration being in place in the MOU; JERB picks the arbitrator experienced in SEQRA.
Ms. Christiana said that there are deadlines to be met through out the process and the applicant would have to waive each process; Joe Havranek stated that the applicant said they are amenable; he said that most applicants would waive deadlines so that a thorough review is done. Randi Morf said that she feels we should keep the applicant out of the arbitration process; Ms. Christiana agreed that if we disagree, the applicant should not have to pay for the arbitration. Ms. Christiana said that all reference to the applicant should be removed.
Discussion followed about various aspects of the process; Councilwoman Greene stated that Albany said we need to forecast every step in the process and account for every step.
Ms. Christiana restated that the State sets the process; we will have DEC review the MOU before we accept it.
Question was raised if DEC doesn’t feel that co-lead agency will fly, what will happen? If after discussion DEC still wants lead agency and the DEC Commissioner has to make a decision, he can not approve co-lead agency so it would have to be Planning Board, Town Board or DEC.
Fred Greitzer asked that a memo from the Ulster County Planning Board, signed by Robert Leibowitz, dated January 14, 2008, be entered into the record; this was not the recommendation of the full Ulster County Planning Board but of Mr. Leibowitz. Fred stated that he is a representative to the Ulster County Planning Board but he can’t speak even to clarify or correct information. Fred feels that this memo is “strictly the opinion of one member and not the full board; Ms. Christiana stated that we can “challenge the opinion”.
Concern was shown for public input; the process allows for public input both at public hearings and as written comments as per Supervisor McDonough. It was stated that public input should not be part of a Town Board meeting as this can muddy the process and the input does not become part of the record for the public hearing; there is a proper time for all comments.
Discussion covered some areas pertaining to the “process” and “personal opinion”; opinion must be set aside and review on merit and application of the code. Fred suggested that members not attend any outside sessions on either side of the issue; Councilman Cluen also stated that opinions should be set aside and the “findings” are not based on opinion but merit and application to the code.
A gentleman in the audience asked why DEC should not be the lead agency. Supervisor McDonough and Billy Liggan both stated that perhaps DEC would not look at issues of local concern with the same critical eye as the Planning Board or Town Board would. Supervisor McDonough said that one benefit of DEC taking the lead agency position would be that it would remove the political animus from the process; the site plan review and the zoning review will give the Town ample opportunity to have our concerns heard and reviewed. Billy Liggan said that the DEC review will primarily be the “birds, bees, and trees review”.
Joe Havranek stated that he is tired of the corruption accusations that have been made; DEC taking lead agency would remove that suspicion as would total “disclosure” when the accusations are made public. He stated that process hasn’t started yet or it can be legally challenged. He feels it is fiscally responsible to challenge DEC to have the matter resolved. Gary Jacobson asked if it would be possible for DEC to be co-lead with the Town Board and Planning Board; Ms. Christiana said that would be under a court order.
Joe said that we are an involved agency and they can’t take that away from us.
Paul Rubin, Save the Lakes, suggested using a stenographer to take the minutes; he further stated that his professional opinion would be to have DEC spearhead the SEQRA review and work together (all interested parties).
Councilwoman Greene asked where we are if the Town Board feels further study is needed and DEC turns it down; she favors scoping sessions from the outset.
Joe Havranek stated that scoping is not part of the DEC process; we could put certain conditions into the MOU (scoping, meetings being held in Rosendale, working technical group have Rosendale representation).
Ms. Greene agreed that DEC has a high level of expertise, however certain issues affecting community character such as, public access, economics and traffic, might not be looked at to the same degree as by the Town Board/Planning Board. Supervisor McDonough stated that his concern is that DEC would be looking at issues from a more regional than local aspect.
Billy Liggan stated that an Article 78 has been filed against the Belleyre project by Greene County for stoppage even though DEC is favoring the project.
Joe Havranek gave a definition of “scoping” as defined by NYS; it’s a way to focus concerns of environmental and social nature, a mechanism to bring together all issues for lead agency to consider and form the outline for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This becomes the table of contents for the EIS and the applicant has to address all the issues.
Supervisor McDonough stated that there is a tentative meeting with DEC next week; we will go to them with a revised MOU to see where we should go; he feels that DEC will not budge on a joint lead agency review process.
Questions was raised about the zoning application; Supervisor McDonough said that the present zoning does not include spa, health club and yoga center uses or for sale housing, but we are not there yet, we have to go through the SEQRA; a coordinated review will follow.
Supervisor McDonough stated that there was an “action alert” being circulated that he was very disturbed by; he read the following comment’ “Unfortunately, the dissemination of incorrect information dilutes the very real and important issues and concerns that we are attempting to address, much the same way that attempts to disparage the character of town officials does. Such tactics only tend to be divisive and counterproductive, and undermines the very important collaborative relationship between town officials and citizens that is imperative in a process such as this. Please be careful not to alienate people who agree with the legitimate concerns which are being raised”.
Question was raised as to how we guarantee that escrow money will be there to cover costs needed for the various reviews and studies; Ms. Christiana stated that we stop the review process. It is estimated that 2% of the estimated project cost is paid into escrow up front; when it is used up we have to go back to the applicant.
A discussion about updates to the comprehensive plan zoning took place and it was asked what would happen if changes were made during the process. Fred Greitzer said that nothing in the zoning change application were addressed in the current comprehensive plan; Ms. Christiana stated that a comprehensive plan will not address all issues; the comprehensive plan and zoning must be in harmony. Councilwoman Greene stated that with or without this project, our comprehensive plan and zoning need review; we did four (4) zoning changes while in the process of adopting the plan. Ms. Greene suggested a moratorium on zoning changes until a review is done.
Joe Havranek asked Noelle Damon (Save the Lakes) if she knew who was handling their web site; she responded that she did; Joe asked that the e-mail addresses of Planning Board members be removed, these are personal addresses used by their families and should not be used for town business.
Councilwoman Greene requested that before a final decision is made on the MOU that it be brought back to the JERB for discussion.
Fred Greitzer moved that the meeting adjourn at 9:20 p.m.; seconded by Joe Havranek. A unanimous “aye” vote was recorded.
Respectfully submitted,
Joan S. Jordan
Town Clerk
TOWN OF ROSENDALE
TOWN BOARD MEETING
JANUARY 9, 2008
The meeting was called to order by Supervisor McDonough at 7:30 p.m. at the Rosendale Community Center with the Pledge to the Flag.
PRESENT: Councilwoman Manna Jo Greene
Councilman Robert Gallagher
Councilman Kenneth Cluen
Councilman Richard Minissali
Supervisor Patrick McDonough
ALSO PRESENT: Fred Greitzer, Billy Liggan, Nick Mercurio, Peter Perry of the Planning Board; and about 20 residents.
PETITIONS 7 PUBLIC COMMENT: Edward Williams commented on the fact that the agenda and minutes were not posted to the web site “as required by law” in a timely manner since August; Supervisor McDonough explained to Mr. Williams that the Town has had some problems with the web site but it has not been constant since August and right now there is no “webmaster”; the Town Clerk further told Mr. Williams that it is not a legal requirement to post agenda or minutes to the web site, or to have an agenda posted prior to a meeting and that minutes are available at the Town Clerk’s office within the two weeks required by law. Supervisor McDonough assured that he will endeavor to get agendas and minutes posted as soon as possible.
COMMUNITY EVENTS: Supervisor McDonough stated that on January 14th there will be a meeting for the Annual Car Show to benefit the Youth Center at 6:00 p.m. at the Community Center; volunteers are sought and welcome.
A joint meeting of the Town Board and the Planning Board (JERB) will take place on Thursday, January 17th at 7:00 p.m.
MINUTES OF PRIOR MEETINGS: A motion was made by Supervisor McDonough to accept the minutes of November 7th and 14th; December 5th and 12th; seconded by Councilman Gallagher. Roll Vote:
Councilwoman Greene Yes
Councilman Gallagher Yes
Councilman Cluen Yes
Councilman Minissali Abstained
Supervisor McDonough Yes
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Councilman Cluen stated that the Transfer Station report is on file with the Town Clerk; Youth Dept. has several new members and has a very active program. Councilman Cluen said there have been several collisions and near misses with sleds and snow boards on the hill behind the Youth Center; he said that the attorney for the town advised to discourage or not to allow those activities. Ed Maestro proposed that to mitigate possible accidents by sleds and etc. going onto James Street that we install snow fence or hay bales as stops. Councilman Minissali suggested posting signs declaring “at own risk”. Supervisor McDonough suggested bringing to the attention of the Recreation Commission, they are responsible for all parks; and he will discuss the matter with our insurance carrier.
Councilman Gallagher stated there was no Recreation meeting in December; Highway Dept. has been busy plowing from the recent storms.
Councilwoman Greene stated that the Police Commission has not yet met; the Planning Board met and voted for co-lead agency with the Town Board on the SEQRA for the HRVR review after lengthy discussion; she also wanted to complement Dave Plant of C.T.Male for his recommendation…………………………..
SUPERVISOR’S FINANCIAL REPORT: End balances for the month of December 2007 were read by the Supervisor; the report is on file with the Town Clerk.
GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING: Supervisor McDonough requested that everyone remove coffee container, water bottles and papers when they leave; these have been left behind and require removal before the building is closed for the night.
RESIGNATIONS/APPOINTMENTS: Supervisor McDonough referred to a memo from the two Town Justices requesting appointment of special traffic prosecutors, Beatrice Havranek and Sara McGinty. They prosecutors will work one at a time probably for a total of five (5) hours a month to prosecute state police tickets that would otherwise be dismissed; this will generate revenue for the Town. A letter has been sent to District Attorney Holly Carnright requesting authorization for them to prosecute State Police vehicle and traffic tickets only.
A motion was made to appoint Beatrice Havranek and Sara McGinty as special prosecutors by Councilman Gallagher; seconded by Councilman Cluen. Roll Vote:
Councilwoman Greene Yes
Councilman Gallagher Yes
Councilman Cluen Yes
Councilman Minissali Recused
Supervisor McDonough Yes
A motion was made to appoint Ann Houghtaling Recreation Clerk by Councilwoman Greene; seconded by Councilman Minissali. Roll Vote: 5 Yes.
Supervisor McDonough noted that additional applications for various committees and commissions are in folders and appointments will be made in February.
1). DISCUSSION: NYS DEC has declared intent to request Lead Agency Status on the application of HRVR, LLC for the SEQRA review. Supervisor McDonough told the Board that we have until February 8th to formulate an agreement between the Planning Board/Town Board and DEC, District #3 as to who will lead the SEQRA. DEC District #3 has seven (7) jurisdictional areas of review which are of statewide and regional impact; they therefore feel they should be Lead Agency. Supervisor McDonough said he feels this should be in the hands of the local authorities; perhaps they would not have as critical an eye; on the other hand a small part of him says let DEC handle it, we still have final approval on zoning, site plan and subdivision. Councilman Minissali asked if this will be discussed next week at the JERB meeting; Supervisor McDonough replied, yes.
Billy Liggan clarified a question that Lead Agency will either be Planning Board/Town Board jointly or DEC and if no agreement is reached, the DEC Commissioner in Albany will decide; there have been instances where DEC has decided against itself.
Councilwoman Greene said that if the decision is made by the DEC Commissioner, each party must write a brief (statement) stating their case and then a determination will be made; the DEC Commissioner is independent of District #3.
Ann Kalmbach questioned how the Town can spend the time to do the research that DEC has at their disposal.
Ed Maestro said that it is not just the Planning Board and Town Board doing the research; we will be hiring experts and working diligently to get the best resources in country, not just the region.
Ann Kalmbach asked how this would be paid for; Supervisor McDonough responded that Canopy would be paying from an escrow account set up for consultants.
Ken Oldehoff stated that we have a better understanding of the area than the DEC Region people.
Councilman Minissali asked if we can draw upon specialists if DEC takes Lead Agency; Supervisor McDonough responded for anything that we have direct authority over.
Ann Kalmbach stated that she has a lot to lose; they will virtually drive through her front yard.
Questions were asked pertaining to how scoping sessions will be handled and how the information will be disseminated; Planning Board and DEC would decide process.
Supervisor McDonough highlighted some local concerns: traffic, tax impact, schools, fire services, EMT services, Board of Health and DEC issues are all local.
Councilwoman Greene referred to MOU (Memo of Understanding) which will forecast duties of each concerned agency.
Councilwoman Greene thanked all those who put on the CHEFS dinner on Christmas Day, especially Phyllis Noreen; it was a very enjoyable afternoon and it is wonderful to know that the Community offers this to everyone.
2). RESOLUTION 01-2008-#3 Appointing Official Delegates for the NYS Association of Towns Annual Training.
The resolution named Supervisor Patrick McDonough as delegate and Councilman Kenneth Cluen as the Alternate Delegate.
A motion was made by Supervisor McDonough to adopt the resolution; seconded by Councilman Gallagher. Roll Vote:
Councilwoman Greene Yes
Councilman Cluen Yes
Councilman Gallagher Yes
Councilman Minissali Yes
Supervisor McDonough Yes
3). RESOLUTION 01-2008-#4 Authorizing Bus Transportation to the NYS Association of Towns Training Conference.
A motion was made by Supervisor McDonough to adopt the resolution; seconded by Councilman Cluen. Roll Vote:
Councilwoman Greene Yes
Councilman Cluen Yes
Councilman Gallagher Yes
Councilman Minissali Yes
Supervisor McDonough Yes
4). RESOLUTION 01-2008-#5 Authorizing Travel Allowances for Attendees to the NYS Association of Towns Training Conference.
A motion was made by Supervisor McDonough to adopt the resolution; seconded by Councilwoman Greene. Roll Vote:
Councilwoman Greene Yes
Councilman Cluen Yes
Councilman Gallagher Yes
Councilman Minissali Yes
Supervisor McDonough Yes
5). Annual Lease Renewal for Assessor’s Office. The lease will run from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008 at the annual rent of $9,000.00 ($750.00) per month.
A motion was made to extend the lease by Councilman Cluen; seconded by Councilman Gallagher. Roll Vote: 5 Yes.
6). Renewal of the Contract with Evolution Technologies for computer services at an annual fee of $2,400.00 ($200.00 per month); he has eliminated the number of hours (now unlimited); Supervisor also wanted Silas Whittaker informed that there is an additional computer at the Community Center to be serviced. Councilman Minissali has concerns about back-up issues with that particular computer, it does not reboot after power failures
A motion was made by Councilwoman Greene to renew the Contract with Evolution Technologies; seconded by Councilman Minissali. Roll Vote: 5 Yes.
AUDIT OF BILLS:
GENERAL FUND VOUCHER’S #17-43 TOTALING $16,041.22
HIGHWAY FUND “ #4-8 “ $ 2,341.65
SEWER FUND “ #3-9 “ $ 3,604.93
WATER FUND “ #3-8 “ $ 2,894.40
A motion was made by Councilwoman Greene to pay the vouchers; seconded by Councilman Cluen. Roll Vote: 5 Yes.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Greene to adjourn at 8:58 p.m.; seconded by Supervisor McDonough. Roll Vote: 5 Yes.
TOWN OF ROSENDALE
TOWN BOARD ORGANIZATIONAL/WORKSHOP MEETING
JANUARY 2, 2008
The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Patrick McDonough at 7:32 p.m. at the Rosendale Community Center with the Pledge to the Flag.
PRESENT: Councilwoman Manna Jo Greene (arrived 7:34 p.m.)
Councilman Kenneth Cluen
Councilman Robert Gallagher
Councilman Richard Minissali
Supervisor Patrick McDonough
ALSO PRESENT: Randi Morf, Joe Havranek, Peter Perry, Billy Liggan from Planning Board; Chuck Voss, Dave Plant from C.T. Male; and a half dozen residents.
PUBLIC INPUT: Supervisor McDonough welcomed the two new “rookie” councilmen, Richard Minissali and Robert Gallagher (not a rookie just a change of seat). Kenneth Hassett (former councilman) extended good wishes to Supervisor McDonough and the Board for the next two years.
ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING:
1. Deputy Town Clerk Mary Ann Tapley $12.66
2. Deputy Tax Collectors Mary Ann Tapley $12.66
Fran Jordan $10.36
3. Deputy Highway Superintendent Michael Brown *$20.12
4. Highway Foreman John Lawlor $19.56
5. Highway MEOs Joseph Craig $18.57
Stanley Galewaler $17.00
Thomas Hausmann $18.84
Gary Scriber $18.27
Timothy Sheehan $17.00
6. Laborers Ronald Whispell $16.22
Shawne Rider $15.80
7. Highway Superintendent Clerk Joy Quick $12.89
Motion made at a regular meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Rosendale, January 2, 2008 By Supervisor McDonough and seconded by Councilman Gallagher
8. Town Historian Ann Gilchrist $1,019.26 yr.
9. Dog Control Officer Edward Hintz $11.00 hr.
10. Fire Marshall David Massimi $3,156.92 yr.
11. Parking Attendant Raymond St. Rose $1,370.15 yr.
12. Handicapped Parking Enforcement Officer Edward Connelly $0.00 yr.
Motion made at a regular meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Rosendale, January 2, 2008 by Supervisor McDonough and seconded by Councilman Cluen.
#13 & 14 were omitted (no names).
15. Housekeeper Rosemary Rodriquez $9.79 hr.
16. Youth & Rec. Director Kathy Wade $15.83
17. Rec. Aide Tara Burke $9.79
18. Rec. Aide Corey Brainard $7.73
19. Rec. Aide Kyle Manner $8.13
20. Recycling Coordinator Rayne Kouhout $16.40
21. Solid Waste Attendant George Glass $12.88
22. Senior Account Clerk Doris Fleming *$18.75
23. Court Security Officer Michael Caponero $11.14
24. Security Attendants Thomas Dockery $11.14
Robert Roddy $10.82
Motion made at a regular meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Rosendale, January 2, 2008 by Supervisor McDonough and seconded by Councilwoman Greene.
25. Supervisor’s Assistant Ann Citron $13.00 hr.
26. Justice Clerk Lisa Dockery $12.72
27. Deputy Justice Clerk Trudy Harper $11.20
28. Assessor Clerk Laurie Hornbeck $11.47
29. ZBA Clerk Judy Lenz $10.36
30. Planning Clerk Heidi Haynes $11.14
31. Building Inspector Clerk Nora Lane $14.23
32. Police Clerk Lynn Waddell $17.09
33. Clerk Carol Aldridge $11.47
34. Environmental Clerk Ilonka Metsger $8.91
Motion made at a regular meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Rosendale, January 2, 2008 by Supervisor McDonough and seconded by Councilman Minissali
35. Water/Sewer Operator Roy Weimann *$19.00 hr.
36. Water/Sewer Operator Joseph Manner *$19.00
37. Water/Sewer trainee Larry Allen $11.14
38. Water/Sewer Clerk Theresa Heinitz $13.19
39. OSHA Officer Andrew Buboltz $1,291.50 yr.
40. Planning Consultant C.T. Male Assoc. $1,380.00 mo.
41. UC Planning Board Fred Greitzer
42. Alternate UC Planning Board Jeanne Walsh
Motion made at a regular meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Rosendale, January 2, 2008 by Supervisor McDonough and seconded by Councilman Gallagher.
43. Official Meetings: Workshop Meeting, 1st Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Rosendale Community Center; Town Board Meeting, 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Rosendale Community Center.
44. Official Newspaper: Daily Freeman and the Ulster County Press
45. Official Banks: Bank of America, Rosendale Branch, Orange County Trust
46. Town Health Insurance Carrier: GHI
47. Mileage reimbursement: $0.42 per mile
Motion made at a regular meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Rosendale, January 2, 2008 by Supervisor McDonough and seconded by Councilman Cluen.
Roll Vote on all motions: 5 Yes.
Supervisor’s Liaison Appointments:
Highway Department: Councilman Gallagher
Justice Department: Councilman Gallagher
Transfer Station: Councilman Cluen
Assessment Board of Review: Councilwoman Greene
Chamber of Commerce: Councilman Minissali
Economic Development Commission: Supervisor McDonough
Environmental Commission: Councilman Cluen
Planning Board: Councilwoman Greene
Police Commission: Councilwoman Greene
Recreation Commission: Councilman Gallagher
Water/Sewer Commission: Councilman Minissali
Youth Commission: Councilman Cluen
ZBA: Councilman Minissali
WORKSHOP MEETING
Resignations & Appointments:
A motion was made by Councilman Gallagher to accept with regret the resignation of Garry Ashdown from the Police Dept. and Heidi Haynes as Planning Clerk; seconded by Councilwoman Greene. Roll Vote: 5 Yes.
A motion was made by Councilman Gallagher to appoint Randi Morf to the Planning Board; seconded by Councilwoman Greene. Roll Vote: 5 Yes.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Greene to appoint Christopher Wilson as part-time Police Officer; seconded by Councilman Gallagher. Roll Vote: 5 Yes.
1). RESOLUTION 1-2008-#1 Declaring Intent for Co-Lead Agency Status on SEQRA Review Process for HRVR Petition and Application.
A motion was made by Supervisor McDonough to adopt the resolution; seconded by Councilman Cluen. Roll Vote:
Councilwoman Greene Yes
Councilman Cluen Yes
Councilman Gallagher No
Councilman Minissali Affirmative
Supervisor McDonough Yes
2). RESOLUTION 1-2008-#2 Designating Planning Board Alternates.
The resolution was appointing Gary Jacobson and Nick Mercurio as alternates to the Planning Board for a term from January 2, 2008 to January 31, 2009.
A motion was made by Supervisor McDonough to adopt the resolution; seconded by Councilman Gallagher. Roll Vote:
Councilwoman Greene Yes
Councilman Cluen Yes
Councilman Gallagher Yes
Councilman Minissali Affirmative
Supervisor McDonough Yes
3). Appointing Official Delegates for the NYS Association of Towns Annual Training.
A short discussion took place; a resolution will be presented next week naming the delegates.
4). Authorizing bus transportation for the NYS Association of Towns Annual Training in New York City, February 17-20, 2008; a resolution will be presented next week.
5). Authorizing travel allowance for the NYS Association of Towns Annual Training in New York City; February 17-20, 2008 at $180.00 per person for meals, tips. A resolution
will be presented next week.
6). Discussion took place about formation of an ad-hoc Comprehensive Plan Review Committee. Supervisor McDonough said that we are looking for people to review the zoning; hopes to have some people that served on the original committee become involved. Ken Oldehof suggested that members of the Economic Development Committee should be involved. Supervisor McDonough said he will seek applications for volunteers.
7). Discussion about requests for volunteer applications. Supervisor McDonough said that he will advertise for the Planning Board position and seek additional applicants for the other commissions and committees before making appointments.
A discussion took place regarding the planning clerk position; it has been 10 hours per week; with Canopy coming up for review that will hardly be enough time. Ken Hassett asked if additional clerical costs could be charged back to the applicant; Chuck Voss of C.T. Male as that the Town Code allows for costs “as consultants” but does not believe that we could charge back time for an employee of the Town. Mr. Hassett stated that all departments of the Town are going to feel the increased work load from this project. There was mention that a stipend for planning board members and others might be an incentive but it was not included in this years budget; we could at least possibly reimburse for ink cartridges for necessary down loads of materials pertaining to Town business. It was suggested that we inquire as to how other towns handle the situation. Councilwoman Greene noted that there is money in the budget for travel, ink and educational fees.
8). Discussion took place regarding year end Audit Meeting; dates of January 16th, 17th or 18th; this audit must be completed by January 20th. Some member of the Board had to check calendars for conflicts; a decision on the date will be announced next week.
9). FYI – Results of the FY 2006 audit by Accounting Associates of Milan, NY for the General Fund and the Court were in Board folders for review.
10). Correspondence from Edward Williams – Letters were in members folders regarding FOIL request of November 7, 2007...
Councilwoman Greene suggested that we have an ethics committee or person to turn to for advice pertaining to these requests questioning ethics. Supervisor McDonough said that he is not doing this now based on unfounded allegations, he finds this very “distasteful”. Councilman Minissali stated that we have to avoid the perception of whether something is ethical or not.
Mr. Hassett noted that there is provision in the Town Code for an Ethics Board; he does not feel we need one, we place good people in these positions; he warned not to be led into anything be these few people. Mr. Hassett further warned that this project (HRVR) has the potential to consume the Town and its resources.
Supervisor McDonough said that he feels that conversations with developers are okay; it when there’s a perception to be more when there is a problem.
Jack Walsh read a statement addressed to the Supervisor and the Town Board questioning the participation of Councilwoman Manna Jo Greene in town board meetings that have to do with Canopy Development; can she be objective when she has hosted. Organized and participated in meetings of “Save the Lake”, a group actively trying to stop the development. The statement is on file at Town Hall.
Joe Havranek stated that there is a process called “disclosure”; it’s the first step of the discussion and process.
Ken Oldehoff stated that he doesn’t see the need for an ethics board; he trusts everyone and he doesn’t know if there’s anyone who doesn’t have or doesn’t have an opinion; don’t let this divide the Town.
Betty Phillips addressed the Board on behalf of the Senior Meals participants; the Office of Aging has discontinued the van which picked up seniors and brought them to the Community Center for congregate meals. Mrs. Phillips stated that OFA has said that it does not have another van and can’t fix the van that was being used; she asked that the Town Board check into what can be done to remedy the situation. Mrs. Phillips stated that this is very important socialization for these seniors; for some it’s the only time they get out; they could receive home bound meals but they would loose out on the social interaction. Supervisor McDonough has spoken with Alan Lomita about the matter; he also wondered if something could be worked out with Kathy Wade about use of the Youth van; that would have to be checked out carefully.
Randi Morf asked about the newest billboard in Town at the corner of Maple Hill Drive and Rte 32; on the McColgan property; she was told to contact Dave Massimi, Code Enforcement Officer.
Councilwoman Greene asked to reply to Jack Walsh’s statement. She stated that she is not a member of “Save the Lakes”; she has the “Center for Sustainable Living” o her property and has allowed it use for positive reasons but they are now meeting at the Community Center. Ms. Greene said that she recommended collaborative discussion outside ……………………………..; she has nothing to gain from the project but the Walsh’s do.
Ken Oldehoff asked that everyone to do everything carefully.
AUDIT OF BILLS:
ABSTRACT #13:
GENERAL FUND VOUCHER’S #1232-1247 TOTALING $15,390.89
HIGHWAY FUND “ #315-320 “ $12,705.05
SEWER FUND “ #234-235 “ $ 434.98
WATER FUND “ #218-219 “ $ 112.03
ABSTRACT #1:
GENERAL FUND “ #1-16 “ $10,351.19
HIGHWAY FUND “ #1-3 “ $ 3,972.86
SEWER FUIND “ #1-2 “ $ 346.49
WATER FUND “ #1-2 “ $ 660.58
A motion was made by Councilman Cluen to pay the bills; seconded by Councilman Minissali. Roll Vote: 5 Yes.
A motion was made by Councilman Gallagher to adjourn at 9:40 p.m.; seconded by Councilwoman Greene. Roll Vote: 5 Yes.
* DENOTES ADDENDUM TO THESE SALARY FIGURES AT A MEETING ON JANUARY 18, 2008; SEE ATTACHMENT.
Respectfully submitted,
Joan S. Jordan
Town Clerk
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