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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