ROSENDALE TOWN BOARD MEETING
PUBLIC HEARING WATER/SEWER RATE INCREASE
JANUARY 13, 2010
The meeting was called
to order by Supervisor McDonough at 7:30 pm at the Rosendale Community
Center with the Pledge to the Flag.
PRESENT: Councilman Robert Gallagher
Councilwoman Manna Jo Greene (arrived at 7:35 pm)
Councilman Kenneth Hassett
Councilman Richard Minissali
Supervisor Patrick McDonough
ALSO PRESENT: Glenn
Debrosky; Tim Morrison; Planning Board members Randi Morf, Fred
Greitzer, Billy Liggan; Joe Havranek; Water Superintendent Terry
Johnson.
PETITIONS/PUBLIC COMMENT: There were no petitions or public comment presented.
COMMUNITY EVENTS: There were no community events listed; no events were forthcoming from the audience.
MINUTES OF PRIOR MEETINGS: A motion was made by Councilman Minissali to accept the December 2nd and December 9th, 2009; seconded by Councilman Gallagher. Roll Vote: 3 Yes; Councilman Minissali, abstained; Councilwoman Greene, absent.
CORRESPONDENCE: Supervisor McDonough stated that correspondence is on file. Supervisor
McDonough advised Board members that copies of the RFQ for the Creek
Locks Road property were in their folders and to review them for
discussion in February.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Councilman
Gallagher reported that Carl Hornbeck negotiated a “sweetheart deal”
for uniform rental service for highway, transfer station, and
water/sewer departments.
Councilman Hassett
reported that the High Falls Water District is up and running after last
weeks leak scare; the problem was a small joint but the cost for
engineer services could run into money which it is hoped will be covered
by insurance.
Councilman Minissali reported that Water/Sewer and Youth Commission had no meetings.
Councilwoman Greene
reported later in the meeting that the Planning Board was still
reviewing the Aerostar application and the usual business coming before
them. The ZRC is setting goals for the future and looking for feedback from the public to incorporate with the comprehensive plan. We
still need to get a grant writer for infrastructure grants that would
be prepared and knowledgeable of what is coming “down the pike”. Ms.
Greene said that Councilman Hassett had really good suggestion for use
of the Tillson School during the election campaign of using it for our
seniors; she would like to discuss it in the future. Joe
Havranek asked if anyone knew whether the New Paltz School District was
planning to utilize the Tillson School during the renovation of the New
Paltz Middle School; Supervisor
McDonough said that he was doubtful of that because the cost to bring
it up to code would be prohibitive but he will check into it.
RESIGNATION: Supervisor
McDonough noted that he was told by the Town Clerk that Denise
Pitcher’s letter was not really a resignation; her term of office ended
December 31, 2009 and she is not interested in applying to be
reappointed to the position but will serve until appointments are made
in February.
1). Applications for all boards and commissions are still being requested; appointments will be made next month.
2). PUBLIC HEARING:
The public hearing to consider rate increases for the Rosendale
Water/Sewer Districts was opened at 7:35 pm with the Town Clerk reading
the Notice of Public Hearing. Supervisor
McDonough noted that there was a long period of time when no increases
were made in rates for usage and now both departments are running at a
deficit. Terry Johnson,
W/S Superintendent, estimates that the Water Dept. is running about
$30,000.00 in the “red” and the Sewer Dept. is running about $10,000.00
in the “red”.
Joe Havranek,
a district customer, asked what the current rates were and suggested
that the water rate increase to $55.00, the minimum remain at 4,000
gallons and increase the sewer rates from $65.00 to $70.00 for the
quarterly minimum and that the over usage rate remain at $4.50 per 1,000
gallons, this would not be such a shock to customers and could be
reviewed later.
The proposed rate
increase which Terry Johnson is recommending is option #3 which was
presented to the Town Board; he conceded that Joe’s suggestion would
increase the quarterly minimum payment for water from $45.00 to $55.00
and reduce the consumption from 5,000 gallons to 4,000 and the overage
use would remain at $4.50 per 1,000 gallons which will generate an
additional $31,900.00 for the Water Dept.. The
proposed rates for sewer would increase from $65.00 to $70.00 for the
first 4,000 gallons quarterly and the overage use rate would remain at
$4.50 per 1,000 gallons which would project a $6,300.00 increase in
revenue. Councilman
Minissali questioned Terry Johnson about the condition of the present
systems; Terry responded that the water system is 24 years old and the
sewer is 31 years old so both have about maxed out their life expectancy
and need extensive work. Councilman
Hassett asked Terry if the proposed “reed beds” will extend the life of
the sewer plant; Terry responded that they will help reduce usage but
will not extend the life.
Supervisor McDonough
interjected that putting “reed beds” on the Creek Locks property is
still up in the air as we need to establish an appraisal based upon
“fair market value” before we can proceed.
In the absence of any
more comments at this time, Supervisor McDonough said that he would hold
the public hearing open until just before time to adopt the resolution
and move on with the agenda.
3). DISCUSSION: Introduction of Rosario Agostara as new Rondout Valley Central School District Superintendent. Mr.
Agostaro introduced himself and two members of his “team”, Len Berg and
Debra Kasinski and then went on to explain his goals; he passed out a
single page flyer denoting the “four pillars of the school district
budget”; addressing class size, programs, infrastructure and contractual
obligations. Mr. Agostaro
noted that class sizes fluctuate up and down and therefore staffing
fluctuates; they do not anticipate any lay-offs at this time. He
addressed the current major construction project going on a the high
school and stated that they are on “target” for completion and also on
“budget” for costs; they expect to occupy one of the new wings sometime
in April.
Mr. Agostaro opened the floor to comments or questions.
Councilwoman Greene
commented that in terms of the budget she hoped that they would look to
put money into education and not into “fossil fuel” by continuing
“green”; she also hoped that they would continue to protect the wetlands
on the property as they are a real teaching opportunity. It
was noted that most of the Town Board’s children have either gone
through the district schools or are currently attending them.
Mr. Agostaro said that
he is always looking for grants and “freebies” to keep the budget in
check; he is also looking at the language program, he feels we start
introducing it much too late if we want it to catch on.
Tim Morrison, a
Tillson resident, questioned about the educational television channel;
he noted that Kingston High School is using Channel 20 but Rondout is
streaming from Ellenville on Channel 20 and wondered if they could exert
some pressure; Mr. Agostaro will look into the matter.
Joe Havranek asked if
we are on target with the current budget or are we looking at increases;
Mr. Agostaro responded that they have already been meeting with
representatives from the state legislature to look into state aid; they
are already starting to review the “rollover budget” and he doesn’t see
major cost projects; he also noted that enrollment at the elementary
level seems to be “status quo” but there seems to be a drop at the high
school level.
Councilman Minissali
stated that kids are able go to take courses at UCCC but perhaps there
needs to be more interaction at the school; he also noted that his son
is attending SUNY Purchase and they have eliminated trays in the
cafeteria which is helping to prevent food waste and expense for the
school in maintaining the tray system, could Rondout look into something
like this. Mr. Agostaro
stated that is looking to expand interaction with UCCC and determining
if we are “on track” preparing students for college or are we falling
short.
Glenn Debrosky suggested that the district bring adjunct teachers into the high school classrooms. Mr.
Agostaro said that he will consistently revisit, review and revise
courses to keep them up to current needs he also sees a need for
improved security, photo id’s, for all persons entering district
buildings so we know who is there and why.
Councilman Hassett
complimented Mr. Agostaro on the presentation and the quality of the
teaching staff; Mr. Hassett has two sons who are sophomores and are very
enthusiastic about their teachers.
Supervisor McDonough
thanked Mr. Agostaro for coming; Rondout is the only one of the three
school districts represented in the Town of Rosendale who consistently
come before the residents in person to present information; he asked
that Mr. Agostaro return again with budget information.
4). RESOLUTION 01-2010-#2 Renewal of Customer Service and Maintenance Agreement for Telephone System at 371 Main Street.
A resolution was presented to authorize renewal of the annual service agreement for 371 Main Street in the amount of $400.00
A motion was made by Supervisor McDonough to adopt the resolution; seconded by Councilman Gallagher. Roll Vote:
Councilman Gallagher Yes
Councilwoman Greene Yes
Councilman Hassett Yes
Councilman Minissali Yes
Supervisor McDonough Yes
5). RESOLUTION 01-2010-#3 Budgetary Transfers. The resolution authorized the following transfers:
GENERAL FUND – Transfer the sum of:
1. $548.55 from Assessors C.E. (A1355.4) to Assessors P.S. (A1355.1)
2. $2,617.01 from Justices P.S. (A1110.1) to Town Clerk P.S. (A1410.1)
3. $6,000. from Planning C.E. (A8020.4) to Legal Fees (A1421.4)
4. $2,000. from Police C.E. (A3120.4) to Police P.S. (A3120.1)
5. $5,200. from Police C.E. (A3120.4) to Police Eq. (A3120.2)
6. $85.00 from Planning C.E. (A8020.4) to Supt. Highways P.S. (A5010.1)
7. $500. from Planning C.E. (A8020.4) to Street Lighting P.S.(A5182.4)
8. $440. from Pool P.S. (A7150.1) to Playground/Rec. P.S. (A7140.1)
9. $400. from Pool P.S.(A7150.1) to Playground/Rec C.E. (A7140.4)
10. $1,700. from Planning C.E.(A8020.4) to ZBA C.E.(A8010.4)
11. $151. from Planning C.E.(A8020.4) to Planning P.S.(A8020.1)
12. $227.40 from Planning C.E.(A8020.4) to Refuse & Garbage P.S.(A8160.1)
13. $475. from Planning C.E.(A8020.4) to Refuse & Garbage C.E.(A8160.4)
14. $400. from Planning C.E.(A8020.4) to Landfill Closure (A8710.6)
HIGHWAY FUND – Transfer the sum of:
1. $3,876. from Machinery C.E.(DA5130.4) to General Repairs C.E.(DA5110.4)
2. $2,710. from Snow Removal C.E.(DA5142.4) to Gen. Maint. P.S.(DA5111.1)
3. $1,345. from Snow Removal C.E.(DA5142.4) to Machinery P.S.(DA5130.1)
4. $1,659.32 from Snow Removal C.E. to Snow Removal P.S.(DA5142.1)
WATER FUND – Transfer the sum of:
1. $1,321.56 from Administration P.S.(SW8310.1) to Supply P.S.(SW8320.1)
2. $750. from Administration P.S.(SW8310.1) to Social Security(SW9030.8)
3. $1,260.03 from Admin. C.E.(SW8310.4) to transfers to other funds (SW9901.9)
A motion was made by Supervisor McDonough to adopt the resolution; seconded by Councilman Hassett. Roll Vote:
Councilwoman Greene Yes
Councilman Gallagher Yes
Councilman Hassett Yes
Councilman Minissali Yes
Supervisor McDonough Yes
6). RESOLUTION 01-2010-#4 Amending the Fee Schedule for Recreation Department.
The resolution reflects an increase in fees charged for meetings only as follows:
Resident Meetings: $20.00 per 2 hour meeting; can be extended to 4 hours for $40.00.
Non-Resident Meetings: $40.00 per 2 hour meeting; can be extended to 4 hours for $80.00.
Commercial Meetings: $20.00 per hour.
A motion was made by Supervisor McDonough to adopt the resolution; seconded by Councilwoman Greene. Roll Vote:
Councilman Gallagher Yes
Councilwoman Greene Yes
Councilman Hassett Yes
Councilman Minissali Abstained
Supervisor McDonough Yes
Councilman Minissali
requested that it be noted that he abstained from voting because he is a
member of a not-for-profit group that is using the center at no fee. Supervisor
McDonough stated that the Town Board reserves the right to waive fees
for certain not-for-profit groups and Town endorsed events.
7). RESOLUTION 01-2010-5 Service Agreement with Uniforms USA, Inc. The
resolution authorizes the Supervisor to sign an agreement with Uniforms
USA, Inc. for uniform rental service for highway, transfer station,
water/sewer departments for the period from February 1, 2010 through
January 31, 2013 for the sum of $91.50 per week.
A motion was presented by Supervisor McDonough to adopt the resolution; seconded by Councilman Minissali. Roll Vote:
Councilman Gallagher Yes
Councilwoman Greene Yes
Councilman Hassett Yes
Councilman Minissali Yes
Supervisor McDonough Yes
A motion was made by
Councilman Hassett to close the public hearing for water/sewer rate
increases; seconded by Councilman Minissali. Roll Vote: % Yes.
8). RESOLUTION 01-2010-#6 Water/Sewer Rate Increases. The
resolution authorizes the increase of water and sewer rates to take
effect immediately and be reflected in the usage of the first quarter of
2010. The fees are for
water; $55.00 for the first 4,000 gallons and $4.50 per 1,000 additional
gallon; sewer; $70.00 for the first 4,000 gallons and $4.50 per 1,000
additional gallon.
A motion was made to adopt the resolution by Supervisor McDonough; seconded by Councilwoman Greene. Roll Vote:
Councilman Gallagher Yes
Councilwoman Greene Yes
Councilman Hassett Yes
Councilman Minissali Yes
Supervisor McDonough Yes
This is the point where Councilwoman Greene gave her committee report which is recorded under that heading.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A
motion was made by Supervisor McDonough to go into Executive Session at
8:45 pm to discuss the pending lawsuit, Wild Rose v. Rosendale Planning
Board; seconded by Councilwoman Greene. Roll Vote: 5 Yes.
The Town Board requested that Billy Liggan, Planning Board Chair and Joe Havranek, Planning Board Member be in attendance.
AUDIT OF BILLS:
GENERAL FUND VOUCHER’S #13-52 TOTALING $49,695.23
HIGHWAY FUND “ # 1-5 “ $ 7,513.08
SEWER FUND “ # 1-10 “ $ 3,253.57
WATER FUND “ # 1-9 “ $ 5,598.24
SPECIAL LIGHT “ # 1-3 “ $ 2,141.73
Out of Executive Session at 10:00 pm; no decisions were made.
A motion was made by Councilman Hassett to pay the bills; seconded by Councilman Minissali. Roll Vote: 5 Yes.
A motion was made to adjourn at 10:05 pm; seconded by Councilwoman Greene.
Roll Vote: 5 Yes.
Respectfully submitted,
Joan S. Jordan
Town Clerk
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