TOWN OF ROSENDALE

TOWN BOARD MEETING

NOVEMBER 14, 2007

The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Gallagher at 7:30 p.m. at the Rosendale Community Center with the Pledge to the Flag.

PRESENT: Councilman Kenneth Hassett

Councilman Patrick McDonough

Councilwoman Manna Jo Greene

Councilman Kenneth Cluen

Supervisor Robert Gallagher

ALSO PRESENT: Deb Tierney & Tim Morrison, Cable Commission; Fred Greitzer, Planning Board; Councilman-elect Richard Minissali; Ron Parenti, ZBA; and about 8 residents.

PETITIONS: There were no petitions presented.

COMMUNITY EVENTS: Supervisor Gallagher reminded everyone that the International Pickle Festival will take place this Sunday (November 18^th).

MINUTES OF PRIOR MEETINGS: A motion was made by Councilman McDonough to accept the October draft minutes as revised; seconded by Councilman Hassett. Roll Vote: 5 Yeses.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: Councilman Hassett reported that the minutes of the Recreation Commission, ZBA and the Building Inspectors report are on file with the Town Clerk.

Councilman McDonough stated that the Police, Justice and Planning Board reports were on file.

Councilman Cluen reported that the Youth Department finished their "smoke cessation program" and are moving along; the minutes are on file. Environmental Commission he believes are on file.

Councilwoman Greene reported that since Rayne has returned to work, all the reports are up to date and on file; we are always in the "black" as far as revenue. Water/Sewer Commission has developed a preliminary definition of "unit"; for residential the definition is "a separate kitchen and bath", for commercial it is "a separate bath"; the definitions will be reviewed by counsel.

SUPERVISOR’S FINANCIAL REPORT: Supervisor Gallagher read the end balances for October 2007 and stated that the reports are on file at Town Hall.

APPOINTMENTS/RESIGNATIONS: Supervisor Gallagher reported that there is one appointment, David Post to the Youth Commission for a term expiring 12/31/2008 and one resignation, Claudia McEvoy as Deputy Town Clerk.

A motion by Supervisor Gallagher to appoint David Post to the Youth Commission with a term ending 12/31/2008 and to accept the resignation of Claudia McEvoy, with regrets, as Deputy Town Clerk; seconded by Councilman Hassett. Roll Vote: 5 Yeses.

1. RESOLUTION 11-2007-#1: Adopting 2008 Town of Rosendale Budget.

A motion was made by Supervisor Gallagher; seconded by Councilman McDonough to adopt the 2008 Town of Rosendale Budget of $2,151,073 reflecting a 5.81% increase. Roll Vote:

Councilman Hassett Yes

Councilman McDonough Yes

Councilwoman Greene Yes

Councilman Cluen Yes

Supervisor Gallagher Yes

2. RESOLUTION 11-2007-#2: Adopting 2008 High Falls Water District Budget.

A motion was made by Supervisor Gallagher to adopt the 2008 high Falls Water District Budget showing no revenues to be raised by taxation; seconded by Councilwoman Greene. Roll Vote:

Councilman Hassett Yes

Councilman McDonough Yes

Councilwoman Greene Yes

Councilman Cluen Yes

Supervisor Gallagher Yes

3. RESOLUTION 11-2007-#3: To Hold a Public Hearing to Consider Amending Article IV, Section 60-10© and Section 60-12(E) of Chapter 60 of the Code of Rosendale. The resolution is to set a public hearing on the aforesaid for December 5, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rosendale Community Center.

A motion was made by Supervisor Gallagher to adopt the resolution; seconded by Councilman Hassett. Roll Vote:

Councilman Hassett Yes

Councilman McDonough Yes

Councilwoman Greene Yes

Councilman Cluen Yes

Supervisor Gallagher Yes

4. RESOLUTION 11-2007-#4: To Hold a Public Hearing to Consider Whether or Not to Enact a Local Law Amending Article 2 Section 2.2.2.1(17) of Chapter 74 of the Code of Rosendale.

A motion was presented by Supervisor Gallagher to adopt the resolution; seconded by Councilman Hassett. Roll Vote:

Councilman Hassett Yes

Councilman McDonough Yes

Councilwoman Greene Yes

Councilman Cluen Yes

Supervisor Gallagher Yes

5. RESOLUTION 11-2007-#5: To Hold a Public Hearing to Consider Whether or Not to Enact a Local Law Amending Section 75-40(C-5-e) of Chapter 75 of the Code of Rosendale.

A motion was made by Supervisor Gallagher to adopt the resolution; seconded by Councilwoman Greene. Roll Vote:

Councilman Hassett Yes

Councilman McDonough Yes

Councilwoman Greene Yes

Councilman Cluen Yes

Supervisor Gallagher Yes

6. RESOLUTION 11-2007-#6: To Hold a Public Hearing to Consider Whether or Not to Enact a Local Law Amending Section 7-3 of Chapter 7 of the Code of Rosendale.

A motion was presented by Supervisor Gallagher; seconded by Councilman Cluen. Roll Vote:

Councilman Hassett Yes

Councilman McDonough Yes

Councilwoman Greene Yes

Councilman Cluen Yes

Supervisor Gallagher Yes

7. RESOLUTION 11-2007-#7: Supporting the Ulster Countywide Shared Service Feasibility Study and Implementation Plan. The Town of Rosendale agrees to be a co-applicant, determined that it is desirable and in the public interest to support Ulster County in submitting an application under 2007-2008 Shared Municipal Services Grant Program. Councilman Hassett cautioned about cost, Ulster County could dictate how services are shared which could cost the Town; the County needs at least one town to sign on in order to apply for the grant money. Councilman McDonough said the Town shouldn’t have to bear the brunt of any costs.

A motion was introduced by Supervisor Gallagher to adopt the resolution; seconded by Councilman McDonough. Roll Vote:

Councilman Hassett Yes

Councilman McDonough Yes

Councilwoman Greene Yes

Councilman Cluen Yes

Supervisor Gallagher Yes

8. RESOLUTION 11-2007-#8: Supporting the Ulster County Automatic Vehicle Locator System Shared Services Program. The Town of Rosendale aggress to be co-applicant under the 2007-2008 Shared Municipal Services Grant Program for Automatic Vehicle Locator System Shared Services to reduce the numbers of required equipment and vehicles and reduce the number of sub and salt stations.

Councilman Hassett expressed concern about cost of equipment and monitoring.

A motion was made by Supervisor Gallagher to adopt the resolution; seconded by Councilman McDonough. Roll Vote:

Councilman Hassett Yes

Councilman McDonough Yes

Councilwoman Greene Yes

Councilman Cluen Yes

Supervisor Gallagher Yes

9. RESOLUTION 11-2007-#9: Awarding Marbletown First Aid Unit Contract for Emergency Response Services. The contract covers emergency response services in the western portion of the Town of Rosendale, High Falls Park and Cottekill Village for the sum of $2,500.

A motion was made by Supervisor Gallagher to adopt the resolution; seconded by Councilman Hassett. Roll Vote:

Councilman Hassett Yes

Councilman McDonough Yes

Councilwoman Greene Yes

Councilman Cluen Yes

Supervisor Gallagher Yes

Ron Parenti stated that Marbletown First Aid Unit is looking for EMT’s; Supervisor Gallagher said the commitment for training is over 300 hours. Councilman Hassett noted they are also in need of volunteer drivers; they will train, this does not require as much time as to become an EMT.

10. RESOLUTION 11-2007-#10: Authorizing the Firm of Swanson Consulting Inc. to Conduct Business in Rosendale. This resolution is to authorize Swanson Consulting Inc. to perform electrical inspections of electrical installations in Rosendale on the recommendation of Thomas Fiore, Building Inspector.

A motion was presented by Supervisor Gallagher to adopt the resolution; seconded by Councilwoman Green. Roll Vote:

Councilman Hassett Yes

Councilman McDonough Yes

Councilwoman Greene Yes

Councilman Cluen Yes

Supervisor Gallagher Yes

11. RESOLUTION 11-2007-#11: Appointment of Alternate Member(s) of the Town of Rosendale Zoning Board of Appeals. A motion was made by Councilman Hassett to enter the name of Lou Muenkel for the position of alternate with a second by Supervisor Gallagher; Councilman McDonough made a motion to appoint Brian Farmer to the position with a second by Councilwoman Greene. After a brief discussion both motions were rescinded by the respective Councilmen and a new motion was introduced.

A motion by Councilman McDonough to appoint Brian Farmer and Lou Muenkel as alternates to the Zoning Board of Appeals for the term December 1, 2007 to November 31, 2008 to serve as an alternate in the absence of a quorum; seconded by Councilman Hassett. Roll Vote:

Councilman Hassett Yes

Councilman McDonough Yes

Councilwoman Greene Yes

Councilman Cluen Yes

Supervisor Gallagher Yes

12. RESOLUTION 11-2007-#12: Water and Sewer Levies. The Town Board hereby authorizes the 2007 delinquent list for the water and sewer districts to be submitted to the County of Ulster for inclusion on the 2007 Tax Levy. Total levies for the Water District $5,582.48. Total levies for the Sewer District.$3,637.03.

A motion was presented by Supervisor Gallagher to adopt the resolution; seconded by Councilman Hassett. Roll Vote:

Councilman Hassett Yes

Councilman McDonough Yes

Councilwoman Greene Yes

Councilman Cluen Yes

Supervisor Gallagher Yes

13. RESOLUTION 11-2007-#13: Recommending Appointment of Regular and Alternate Member of the Ulster County Planning Board.

A motion was presented by Supervisor Gallagher to appoint Fred Greitzer as a regular member and Jeanne Walsh as alternate member of the Ulster County Planning Board; seconded by Councilwoman Greene. Roll Vote:

Councilman Hassett Yes

Councilman McDonough Yes

Councilwoman Greene Yes

Councilman Cluen Yes

Supervisor Gallagher Yes

14. RESOLUTION 11-2007-#14: Budgetary Transfers.

The Town Board of Rosendale hereby authorizes the following budgetary transfers:

GENERAL FUND - transfer the sum of:

1. $60.00 from Contingency (A1990.4) into Town Board C.E. (A1010.$).

2. $2,000.00 from Contingency (A1990.4) into Data Processing C.E. (A1680.4).

3. $300.00 from Contingency (A1990.4) into Supt. Highways C.E. (A5010.4).

4. $200.00 from Contingency (A1990.4) into Publicity (A6410.4).

HIGHWAY FUND – transfer the sum of:

1.$40,622.00 from Machinery P.S. (DA5130.1) into General Repairs P.S. (DA5110.1).

WATER FUND – transfer the sum of:

1. $15,750.00 from Transmission/Distribution Eq.(SW8340.2) into Administration C.E. (SW8310.1).

2.$525.00 from Supply Eq.(SW8320.2) into Supply C.E.(SW8320.4).

3. $1,000.00 from Unemployment Ins. (SW9050.8) into Employee Benefits Med. Ins. (SW9060.8).

4. $2,000.00 from Purification Eq.(SW8330.2) into Emp. Benefits Med. Ins.(SW9060.8).

A motion was made by Supervisor Gallagher to adopt the resolution; seconded by Councilman Cluen. Roll Vote:

Councilman Hassett Yes

Councilman McDonough Yes

Councilwoman Greene Yes

Councilman Cluen Yes

Supervisor Gallagher Yes

15. RESOLUTION 11-2007-#15: Authorizing Supervisor to Sign Quitclaim Deed. The resolution is authorize the Supervisor to give a quitclaim deed to James F. Mihm to correct the boundary on a certain piece land approximately .238 acres in size.

A motion was made by Supervisor Gallagher to adopt the resolution; seconded by Councilman Hassett. Roll Vote:

Councilman Hassett Yes

Councilman McDonough Yes

Councilwoman Greene Yes

Councilman Cluen Yes

Supervisor Gallagher Yes

16. RESOLUTION 11-2007-#16: Kingston Area Public Access Commission Payment. The resolution authorizes payment to Kingston Area Public Access of $1,000.00 for maintenance and improved access by Rosendale residents without additional charge.

A motion was presented by Supervisor Gallagher to adopt the resolution; seconded by Councilman McDonough. Roll Vote:

Councilman Hassett Yes

Councilman McDonough Yes

Councilwoman Greene Yes

Councilman Cluen Yes

Supervisor Gallagher Yes

17. DISCUSSION: Ulster County Legislative Resolution on Property Tax Reform. A copy of an e-mail from Carole Kraus, forwarded from Legislator Kraft, with attached draft resolution being passed by the Ulster County Legislature supporting establishing a New York State "Blue Ribbon Commission on Property Tax Reform"; support is being asked from legislators in adjoining counties. Supervisor Gallagher stated that Rosendale was one of the original towns that started this "tax reform" movement three years ago; Glen Debrosky is currently the only member representing Rosendale; they meet monthly------------------------, anyone wishing to become involved, can obtain more information at

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A motion was made by Councilman McDonough to have the Supervisor write a letter of support for "tax reform"; seconded by Councilman Hassett. Roll Vote: 5 Yeses.

Richard Minissali spoke on behalf of John Gunther of James Street who is asking for support to bring a national peace convocation, "US SERVAS" to Rosendale next September; the main convocation will be held at "Lifebridge Foundation" on Mountain Road; they are seeking private homes to house participants to foster the "open door" concept. Supervisor Gallagher asked if this is a world-wide organization; U.S. SERVAS, Inc. was recognized by the United Nations as an official affiliated organization in 1998. Councilman McDonough stated that they are looking to do this differently, rather than meeting in at universities they want to meet in small communities like Rosendale. John Gunther is currently chairman of the board and would be bringing about 150 people to the area.

Councilman Hassett said that he supports peace 100% but wants to be sure that the Veteran’s Memorial Park would be off-limits to any demonstrations; the veteran’s consider the park "sacred ground".

Ann Citron said she wanted to present a different view; people fought for freedom of speech; some veteran’s stand for peace, this should not be confrontational.

Fred Greitzer stated that not all people speak for veterans.

Councilman Hassett asked that the park just not be the "ground zero" of the conference.

A motion was made by Councilman McDonough for the Supervisor to write a letter to U.S. SERVAS supporting hosting the conference in Rosendale; seconded by Councilwoman Greene. Roll Vote: 5 Yeses.

FOR THE GOOD OF ROSENDALE:

John Maylie spoke about the Plattekill, Esopus and Rondout Reconnaissance Study; he has walked the area in the Town of Rosendale and this portion of the study will be done by March. The feasibility study will take 2-5 years; the flooding and environmental aspects of the Rondout in the Town will be studied.

Councilwoman Greene said that residents did an out-reach, anyone concerned about flooding; Tom Fiore, Joe Havranek and Ms. Greene coordinated the effort for remediation; Joyce Bialik took notes and wrote up a report. John Maylie said that the report was about Creekside Lane and Route 213 area, not Town wide; he also noted that the Town will have to adopt new flood maps to become effective sometime in 2009.

A question was asked about the Route 32 Bridge Project, when will it start and how will it be implemented. Various Board members noted that the project is due to start in the spring of 2008 (March or April), one lane will be closed and refurbished during that construction season. In the early winter both lanes will reopen until the following spring when the second lane will be closed for refurbishing. No formal detour will be established but people will find their own routes. We are not getting a new bridge but money is to be allocated for police patrols, traffic control, and some enhancements (sidewalks and etc.). A question was also raised about the Street Festival being held; Supervisor Gallagher said that most likely it would not be held for two years of the construction. Councilwoman Greene suggested that perhaps the Festival could be relocated; Supervisor Gallagher said that would be up to the committee; Councilman Hassett suggested that perhaps the Recreation Center and Lower James Street could be utilized.

Jane Brown of the Blue Stone Press suggested that the Town use the web site to keep residents updated on what is happening.

Councilwoman Greene stated that crossing Lucas Avenue in Cottekill has become safer; 4-way stop signs have been installed; a traffic light is to be installed sometime in 2008 but this will work in the meantime.

Sheila Brady, representing herself, read a statement about the Planning Board not posting agendas and not keeping the process transparent in connection with the Williams Lake sale and development (she is associated with Save the Lakes). Fred Greitzer stated that they try to post agendas but often impromptu items come up; this is insulting to the Planning Board (he’s a member). Ann Citron said she appreciates Sheila’s letter; she said that there was "infliction" in "good of Rosendale". Supervisor Gallagher responded that these comments are for "feel good projects to promote Rosendale".

Deb Tierney announced that the Annual Commitment to Kids Toy Drive will take place on December 2, 2007 at the Bloomington Fire House starting at noon; the parade will begin a 1:00 p.m. Last year they collected 4,585 toys which stayed in the area.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

AUDIT OF BILLS:

GENERAL FUND VOUCHER’S #1079-1132 TOTALING $23,915.52

HIGHWAY FUND " #261-283 " $11,079.26

SEWER FUND " #186-195 " $ 2,200.36

WATER FUND " #197-209 " $ 3,043.01

A motion to pay bills was made by Councilman McDonough; seconded by Councilwoman Greene. Roll Vote: 5 Yeses.

Motion to adjourn a 9:25 p.m. by Councilwoman Greene; seconded by Councilman Hassett. Roll Vote: 5 Yeses.

Respectfully submitted,

Joan S. Jordan

Town Clerk