TOWN OF ROSENDALE DRAFT
TOWN BOARD MEETING
SEPTEMBER 12, 2007
The meeting was called to order by Deputy Supervisor Perry Soule at 7:36 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
ABSENT: Supervisor Robert Gallagher
ALSO PRESENT: Joan Maylie, RCCE; John Maylie, ZBA; Billy Liggan, Fred Greitzer, Planning Board; Jack Snyder, W/S Comm.; Paul Alley, Pestmaster; Eileen Comasso, Michael Redmond, RVHS Project; and about 8 residents.
PETITIONS: No petitions were presented.
COMMUNITY EVENTS: Billy Liggan reminded everyone that the 1st Annual Strongman Competition will take place on Saturday, September 15th at the Community Center.
MINUTES OF PRIOR MEETINGS: A motion was made by Councilman Hassett to accept the minutes of the August 8th Town Board Meeting; seconded by Councilman McDonough. Roll Vote: 4 Yes, 1 Absent.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Councilman Hassett stated that the August minutes of the ZBA, Recreation Commission and Building Inspector are on file at Town Hall; commented that the new Community Center sign is up but still needs some additional work. Councilman Hassett informed the Board that he and Supervisor Gallagher met two weeks ago with Kingston Mayor Sottile about the possibility of sharing their sludge drying process; it can be done but at present transportation of the sludge would be an issue. The Sewer Dept. currently spends $15,000 to $17,000 per year for sludge removal; with this option we could bring back processed fertilizer which could be used by the Town; he hopes to have more information by next month.
Councilman McDonough reported that the minutes of the Planning Board are on file at Town Hall. He asked the Town Clerk when minutes must be available; the response was that they must be available two weeks after the meeting (they can be in "draft", meaning not accepted by their board); agendas do not have to be posted, they are a courtesy. Councilman McDonough noted that the Justice Court report is on file; he further mentioned that the Court is having a back log problem with traffic tickets and would like to consider appointing a special prosecutor (contract with someone) for traffic tickets. Deputy Supervisor Soule said he believes the Town of Wawarsing does this; Councilman McDonough will have more information next month.
Councilman Cluen stated that he had no reports for August for Youth or High Falls Water; it was noted that the new High Falls Water District is coming along well.
Councilwoman Greene reported that Rosendale W/S is beginning to define "unit" (§73-18 of Rosendale Code) and are hoping to have clarification by the end of the year so they can start fresh in the New Year. They are looking at "unit" as meaning having a separate kitchen and bath. Councilwoman Greene stated that she had no report from the Transfer Station but they are always in the "black". She also wanted to make residents aware of Middle Class Star rebate on school taxes which will be sent to home owners who are enrolled in Basic Star sometime in the next week, you have to file to obtain the rebate.
SUPERVISOR’S FINANCIAL REPORT: Deputy Supervisor Soule read the end balances for August and stated that the report is on file at Town Hall.
CORRESPONDENCE: On file at Town Hall, Monday through Friday, 9-4.
APPOINTMENTS/RESIGNATIONS: Deputy Supervisor Soule stated the following resignations have been received: Joan Maylie as Environmental Chairman; Gina McGhee, recreation aide; Corey Brainard, Youth Commission; Jason Wurtz, police officer.
A motion was made by Councilman Hassett to accept the resignations of Joan Maylie (with extreme thanks), Gina McGhee, Corey Brainard and Jason Wurtz; seconded by Councilwoman Greene.
Roll Vote: 4 Yes, 1 Absent.
A motion was made by Councilman Hassett to appoint Corey Brainard as Recreation Aide at $7.50 p/h; seconded by Councilman McDonough. Roll Vote: 4 Yes, 1 Absent.
A discussion took place regarding the appointment of a Chairman for the Environmental Commission; the Commission recommended Nick Mercurio but it had also been mentioned that Deb Horowitz be considered. Joan Maylie announced that the Commission had voted for Nick and that Deb had told them she could not do the job at this time due to family commitments. Joan said that Nick was already doing the budget and other work and should be appointed.
A motion was made by Councilman McDonough to appoint Nick Mercurio as Chairman of the Rosendale Environmental Commission; seconded by Councilwoman Greene. Roll Vote: 4 Yes, 1 Absent.
Fred Greitzer asked that clarification of Nick’s position be made since he is an alternate member of the Planning Board and from time to time the Planning Board refers applications for review by the Environmental Commission. Joan Maylie said this has already been clarified but Board said that would check again due to his being chairman.
SPEAKER: Eileen Comasso and Michael Redmond spoke on behalf of the Rondout Valley High School Capital Project. Ms. Comasso said that Rondout High School opened in 1960 and had two additions added in the 1990’s; all the original plumbing, heating, lockers, windows and gym are in still in use; these all need replacing. There will be a two part vote on October 2, 2007 to authorize expending money for the necessary repairs and to add classrooms/labs/music room to the existing campus. Proposition #1 is for Infrastructure and Site Planning which would total $21,155,000 of which the State would pick up 70% of the cost and local taxpayers would bond the remaining 30% over 15 years; Proposition #2 is for the Educational portion which totals $33,365,000. Proposition #1 must pass in order to have Proposition #2 qualify for the State funding. An informational session will be held at the High School on September 25th from 6-9:30 p.m. Councilwoman Greene empathized that if there is a "no" vote for Proposition #1 this time the cost will only go up and could be $33 million in 1-2 years; she encourages voting "yes" and said that going green will pay for itself over the fifteen years and into the future.
DISCUSSION: Pestmaster Service. Paul Alley, came to explain what has been done to remediate the bat situation at the Police/Court building and to ask that the Board consider paying an additional $525.00 for measures taken to prevent the re-entry of bats to the premises (a chimney cap and removal of an additional 1000 sq. ft. of guano). He stated that the mortar is disintegrating and bricks can be pulled out; he also said that 25%-30% of the insulation that was laid over the guano was unsalvageable, his recommendation was hire a mason to "point up" the bricks and re-insulating that portion of the attic. Councilwoman Greene said that she would favor removing all the insulation and having blown cellulose treated with boric acid which would deter all infestations. Mr. Alley said that he is ready to seal up but would leave the bat doors up until the Board has determined a solution (they don’t go the ladders after November).
A motion was made by Councilman Hassett to pay the additional $525.00 for the chimney cap and removal of additional guano; seconded by Councilman Cluen. Roll Vote: 4 Yes, 1 Absent.
RESOLUTION – 9-2007#4 Budgetary Transfers:
GENERAL FUND:
$2,987.91 FROM Central Communications (A1650.4) into Unallocated Ins.(A1910.4).
$386.47 from Schools of Instruction (A3660.4) into Fire Marshal C.E. (A3010.4).
$19.40 from Safety C.E. (A3620.4) into Safety Eq. (A3620.4).
$125.00 from Schools of Instruction (A3660.4) into Superintendent of Hwy. C.E. (A5010.4).
$4,000.00 from Playgrounds P.S. (A7140.1) into Pool P.S. (A7150.1).
$5,000.00 from Playground C.E. (A7140.4) into Pool P.S. (A71501).
$4,000.00 from Pool C.E. (A71504) into Pool P.S. (A7150.1).
$3,429.74 from Contingency (A1990.4) into Pool P.S. (A7150.1).
$1,000.89 from Youth/Summer Camp C.E. (A7320.4) into Youth/Summer Camp P.S. (A7320.1).
$600.00 from Home Relief (A6140.4) into Publicity (A6410.4).
HIGHWAY FUND:
$1,842.09 FROM Snow Removal C.E. (DA5142.4) into Brush & Weeds P.S. (DA 5140.1).
SEWER FUND:
1. $0.74 from Unemployment Ins. (SS9050.8) into Interest on Debt (SS9710.7).
A motion was made by Councilwoman Greene to authorize the budgetary transfers; seconded by Councilman McDonough. Roll Vote:
Councilman Hassett Yes
Councilman McDonough Yes
Councilwoman Greene Yes
Councilman Cluen Yes
Supervisor Gallagher Absent
DISCUSSION- Local Update of Census Addresses Program Participation: Deputy Supervisor Soule advised the Board to read and review the material in their folders.
DISCUSSION – Creek Locks Road Site: A letter, dated September 7, 2007, from Shayne Gallo, Esq., regarding placing an interim Town Hall on the Creek Locks site; he advised that the only has to obtain a building permit from the Building Inspector; this is a permitted use therefore it is exempt from Planning Board approval and probably does not have to comply with SEQRA provision; it is however recommended that the Town submit an Environmental Impact Statement defining the environmental effect upon the property sought to be subdivided. Fred Greitzer requested that a letter be sent to the Planning Board; Councilman Hassett said that would be done when the time is appropriate.
DISCUSSION – PBA Negotiations: A letter was on the Board folders from the NYS Union of Police Associations, Inc. regarding negotiations for a new Police collective bargaining agreement which will commerce on January 1, 2008; it was explained that the current one (1) year contract expires December 31, 2007. Councilman Hassett said that new representatives must be appointed to negotiate the contract; he said that it would be advisable for the two Board members that will remain should be appointed to do this, Councilwoman Greene and Councilman Cluen. Councilwoman Greene hesitated but was assured that Councilman Hassett would make himself available and he said he hopes that Brian Goldberger will continue as legal advisor, he has done a great job to the present. Councilwoman Greene stated that she feels secure living in a community that has their own police force.
Jack Snyder asked to have the Police Commission consider holding their meetings later (usually held at 3:30 p.m.) so that more people might attend and have more in put.
Councilman Cluen asked if we can’t do something about the part-time officers who leave so quickly; Deputy Supervisor Soule said that we don’t pay for the academy (college credits are paid by the students themselves) so it’s not a huge expense (uniforms).
RESOLUTION – 9-2007-#5 - Auditing Services: The Town advertised for proposals for qualified accounting services to perform an audit of multiple funds for fiscal year January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006 and to perform an audit of the records and dockets of two town justices. Only one proposal was received; Accounting Associates, 357 North Road, Milan, NY 12571.
A motion was made by Councilman Hassett to authorize the Supervisor to obtain the services of Accounting Associates, 357 North Road, Milan, NY 12571 to provide those services; seconded by Councilman McDonough. Roll Vote:
Councilman Hassett Yes
Councilman McDonough Yes
Councilwoman Greene Yes
Councilman Cluen Yes
Supervisor Gallagher Absent
RESOLUTION – 9-2007-#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 the Town of Rosendale. This local law if enacted would readjust and designate the terms of appointment of members of the present Commission for the Conservation of the Environment. Said public hearing would be scheduled for October 3, 2007, 7:30 p.m. at the Rosendale Community Center.
A motion to adopt the resolution for public hearing was made by Councilwoman Greene; seconded by Councilman Hassett. Roll Vote:
Councilman Hassett Yes
Councilman McDonough Yes
Councilwoman Greene Yes
Councilman Cluen Yes
Supervisor Gallagher Absent
DISCUSSION – First Annual Charles Haas Golf Tournament - Councilman Hassett announced that the tournament was in memory of Charles Haas, a teenage firefighter, who died in 1981 in the line of duty. The tournament, scheduled for Saturday, October 6, 2007, will support a scholarship fund for a local person pursuing a career in firematics. Councilman Hassett proposed that the Town be a sponsor at $150.00.
A motion was made by Councilman Hassett for the Town of Rosendale to be a $150.00 sponsor of the First Annual Charles Haas Golf Tournament; seconded by Councilman Cluen. Roll Vote: 4 Yes, 1 Absent.
COMMENTS FOR THE GOOD OF ROSENDALE:
Fred Greitzer said that regardless of anyone’s faith or lack there of he would wish all a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Phyllis Noreen noted that the front doors of the Community Center were locked when she came to attend the Workshop meeting; she was told they were not locked but sometimes stick, you must pull hard. She also noted that the website was down; she was told the Town was aware of the problems and was working to correct the problem.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Tues., Sept. 18th, 12:00 – 9:00 p.m., Primary Day
Sundays 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Farmer’s Market, Recreation Center Grounds
Oct. 2-6, Metal Amnesty, all Town of Rosendale residents, only proof of residency required for metal disposal during regular operating hours.
Budget Calendar – 2008 department head budget requests due to Supervisor by 9/11.Town Board meeting with department heads 6:00 p.m. 10/3, Town Supervisor prepares budget and files with Town Clerk by 9/30, Town Clerk submits tentative budget to Town Board, 10/3, Public Hearing on Preliminary Budget 10/10, Budget Adoption 11/7.
AUDIT OF BILLS:
GENERAL FUND VOUCHER’S #892-929 TOTALING $26,664.65
HIGHWAY FUND " #220-225 " $ 938.48
SEWER FUND " #148-156 " $ 2,828.70
WATER FUND " #157-166 " $ 3,378.19
A motion was made by Councilman McDonough to pay the bills; seconded by Councilman Hassett. Roll Vote: 4 Yes, 1 Absent.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Greene to adjourn at 9:50 p.m.; seconded by Councilman Cluen.
Respectfully submitted,
Joan S. Jordan
Town Clerk
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