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TOWN OF ROSENDALE
DRAFT
TOWN BOARD MEETING
NOVEMBER 10, 2010
The meeting was called
to order by Supervisor Patrick McDonough at 7:32 pm at the Rosendale
Community Center with the Pledge to the Flag.
PRESENT: Councilman Robert Gallagher
Councilwoman Manna Jo Greene
Councilman Kenneth Hassett
Councilman Richard Minissali
Supervisor Patrick McDonough
ALSO PRESENT: About twenty employees and residents.
PETITIONS: No petitions were presented.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Jack
Walsh had questions about the hiring of the “karst” consultant (Dr.
Ewers) for the HRVR project; who picked him; isn’t it a conflict of
interest for Dr. Ewers to use materials furnished by Paul Rubin who
represents Save the Lakes. Supervisor
McDonough responded that there was not conflict of interest, DEC
provided the material to Dr. Ewers; the decision to hire Dr. Ewers was
made by the Town Board and Tim Allred (HRVR project manager) to use
money that was deposited in escrow with the Town to hasten the review
process. Reference was
made to an original study made by Professor Burgmeister of the “karst”
in Rosendale; Phyllis Noreen stated that Professor Burgmeister was not a
“professor” at the time he did the study five to eight years ago. Ms.
Noreen noted that he lived at the Century House at the time.
Mr. Walsh asked
Supervisor McDonough if he has spoken with Father Florez again about the
possibility of renting office space; Supervisor McDonough responded
that he has not taken Carl Hornbeck up there yet to see if it could work
for us.
Mark Riccio of
Bloomington approached Supervisor McDonough about the on-going trailer
issue he has been dealing with for the last year; Supervisor McDonough
told Mr. Riccio to refer all concerns to the Building Dept.; Councilman
Hassett interjected that he understands that the owner of the trailer
has obtained a demolition permit and has two years in which to remedy
the situation. Mr. Riccio insisted that Supervisor McDonough could and should order Mr. Massimi (Code Enforcement Officer) to take action.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS
MEETINGS: A motion was made by Councilman Minissali to accept the
October minutes; seconded by Councilman Hassett.
Councilwoman Greene asked that a clarification be made on page 2 of the October 13th minutes; Town Clerk so noted and change made to draft minutes.
Roll Vote: 5 Yeses.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Councilwoman Greene reported that the Climate Smart Task Force has done
an energy audit of Town buildings and made recommendations; Supervisor
McDonough noted that some of the upgrades are eligible for 100% rebates. The Planning Board is doing some lot-line adjustments. The
Cellco (Verizon) cell tower application has community participation but
the applicant is not on the agenda; a balloon test was again done on
Election Day and residents think it was done deeper on the property than
previous test; could a community meeting be held to iron out issues
(the Planning Board can only look at the application before them,
perhaps the Town Board could look at the matter). The
ZRC met; a draft of the proposed code changes are in Board members
folders; ZBA still needs alternate volunteer members, it isn’t as taxing
as being a member of the Planning Board.
Councilman Gallagher
reported that the Highway Department is gearing up for winter; the
Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a “business roundtable” on Wednesday,
November 17th at 7:00 pm at the Community Center; some of the
businesses to be represented are Hudson River Valley Resorts,
Trataros’, USHECO.
Councilman Minissali reported that both the Youth and Water/Sewer meetings were cancelled; Water/Sewer still needs members. The Environmental Commission has their NRI maps on display in the hallway at the Community Center and on-line.
Councilman Hassett
reported that the minutes of the Recreation Commission are on file with
the Town Clerk; the Transfer Station processed 33.4tons of materials in
October and netted $3,661 for a job well done.
Supervisor McDonough
read a proclamation from Ulster County Executive Michael Heins
recognizing November 8, 2010 the services of Planning Board members,
Planners, and Consultants; the Proclamation will be forwarded to the
Planning Clerk.
CORRESPONDENCE: On file.
SUPERVISOR’S FINANCIAL
REPORT: Supervisor McDonough read the end balances for October 2010;
the report is on file with the Town Clerk.
RESIGNATIONS:
Supervisor McDonough reported that Amy Poux has resigned from the
Recreation Commission and Danielle Bradford has resigned as P/T Court
Clerk.
A motion was made by
Councilman Hassett to accept the resignations of Amy Poux and Danielle
Bradford with regret; seconded by Councilman Minissali. Roll Vote: 5 Yeses.
APPOINTMENTS: A
motion was made by Supervisor McDonough to appoint Jeffrey Boos to the
Recreation Commission for a term ending 12/31/2015; and the appointment
of Ken Oldehoff to the Climate Smart Task Force; seconded by
Councilwoman Greene. Roll Vote: 5 Yeses.
1). Discussion: Glenn
Gidaly, Jason Ballad, Don Fletcher of Barton & Logudice consultants
hired by the Town to do an analysis of the Sewer District and write a
grant. Glenn Gidaly stated they are closed to getting the report done;
he explained that the “Green Innovations Grant” is gone but NYS has a
similar green program which pays 90%; $15million is available but this
year school districts are also eligible and only 20 grants will be made
statewide. Mr. Gidaly said
they are doing multiple grants but the big one is due by 12/3/2010 so
they are in a crunch; if we don’t get the “green grant” they can come
back with two alternates. Don
Fletcher explained the differences between three alternatives; 1)
ballasted flocculation, 2) expansion of the present aeration system by
adding a third train and high efficiency blowers and clarifiers 3) SBR
aeration settling clarification.
Mr. Gidaly reported
that DEC seems to like the ballasted flocculation method, it innovative
and can be replicated to other sites but it costs about $1/2 million
more than the other two alternatives; Mr. Gidaly also stated that there
are USDA Loan/Grant programs which are rolling grants; they are awarded
about two months after application.
Councilwoman Greene
asked why they were not including constructed reed beds; Mr. Gidaly
responded that it was not in the scope of their study; they would need
more time and that the information on constructed reed beds was
proprietary; Councilwoman Greene responded that she never would have
voted for B&L if she knew they were not putting equal diligence into
the constructed reed beds; Mr. Gidaly asked Councilwoman Greene to
review their check list and restated that they are dealing with a
calendar.
Councilman Minissali asked if we could concurrently investigate other sources of reed bed information.
Terry Johnson was
asked his opinion as to which way to go; his recommendation was to go
with ballasted flocculation; we would achieve 3 times the flow rate;
polish it off with reed beds at the end but we would need more land;
ballasted flocculation would still meet our SPEDES permit parameters.
Supervisor McDonough
requested that B&L provide more information to the Board in the form
of comparison charts so they can weigh the costs v. options.
Councilman Gallagher said we hired B&L to do the work; do whatever makes Terry Johnson happy.
A motion was made by
Supervisor McDonough to allow Barton & Logudice to move forward on
the ballasted flocculation and get preliminary information on the four
innovations; seconded by Councilman Hassett.
Both Supervisor McDonough and Councilman Minissali requested that Mr. Gidaly get chart information to the Board by December 1st.
Roll Vote: Councilman
Gallagher, Yes; Councilwoman Greene, No, she believes that B&L have
not looked at all alternatives fairly; Councilman Hassett, Yes;
Councilman Minissali, Yes; Supervisor, Yes.
Phyllis Noreen asked a
question about the budget; she does not see any debt service for Water
or Sewer to reflect the money loaned from the General Fund for hiring
this grant writer; Supervisor McDonough said that it would not affect
the budget ‘bottom line” but he will be sure that it is included.
2). RESOLUTION 11-2010-#1 Authorizing Agreement with Heart Masters. The
Town of Rosendale has deemed it necessary to seek outside assistance in
maintaining and training for CPR and PAD (Public Access
Defibrillation); upon recommendation of Police Chief Perry Soule, an
agreement for approximately 20 hours of training at a cost of $75. Per
hour with HeartMasters is desired.
A motion was made by
Supervisor McDonough to authorize him to sign said agreement with
HeartMasters for approximately 20 hours at a rate of $20.00 per hour;
seconded by Councilman Hassett. Roll Vote:
Councilman Gallagher Yes
Councilwoman Greene Yes
Councilman Hassett Yes
Councilman Minissali Yes
Supervisor McDonough Yes
3). RESOLUTION 11-2010- Tabled; Authorizing Agreement with Kendall Stormwater Services.
4). RESOLUTION 11-2010-#2 STOP DWI Agreement. The
resolution authorizes the Supervisor to sign the agreement with Ulster
County for DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) enforcement patrols for the
period January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011.
A motion was presented
by Supervisor McDonough to sign the STOP DWI agreement with Ulster
County for the period January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011;
seconded by Councilman Gallagher. Roll Vote:
Councilman Gallagher Yes
Councilwoman Greene Yes
Councilman Hassett Yes
Councilman Minissali Yes
Supervisor McDonough Yes
5). RESOLUTION
11-2010-#3 Budget Adoption for 2011. Supervisor McDonough stated that
after review and public input the final budget is down to 5.71%
increase; trimming was done to the Police budget by eliminating a new
car but repair costs needed to be increased; some money was taken from
the sale of land to help reduce the total and other departments also
will see some reductions. Gene
Roosa voiced his opinion that the police department should be
dissolved, it’s a “no-brainer”, use the money to construct a salt shed
before DEC starts to fine us. Councilman
Hassett told the audience that dissolution of the police department is
in the hands of the public; people don’t want to take charge, they seem
to think the Council should do it but the public must start the process
with a petition. Phyllis
Noreen stated that the costs of the police department is $441,00 plus
benefits (the total comes to $1/2 million) but we should see what it
would cost the Town if we have to contract for services; Ms. Noreen
asked again about the money loaned to the Sewer District for consultant
fees of $40,000; Supervisor McDonough stated that if it is not there it
can be added by amending the budget but it will have not affect on the
tax levy.
A motion was made to
adopt the 2011 budget as presented with an increase of 5.71% which
reflects $2,449,209.00 to be raised in taxes; seconded by Councilman
Minissali. Roll Vote:
Councilman Gallagher Yes
Councilwoman Greene Yes
Councilman Hassett Yes
Councilman Minissali Yes
Supervisor McDonough Yes
Councilman Hassett
stated that he voted yes for the budget; this is the toughest year and
it has a huge impact; there is not a lot of fat; he compliments
Supervisor McDonough.
Councilman Minissali
said he also voted yes and wanted to thank the gentlemen J’s that spoke
last week who said it would never happen (reduction of the bottom line).
Councilwoman Greene
questioned Supervisor McDonough about money that was used to reduce the
total amount to be raised by taxes; Supervisor McDonough responded that
$340,000.00 was received from the sale of Town owned land, $100,000.00
was used to offset the budget, $40,000.00 is supposed to go the Water
Department for maintaining the land for all the years they believed it
belonged to them; the remainder will go into a Capital Account; Ms.
Greene acknowledged that there would be less money reserved toward a new
town hall.
6). RESOLUTION 11-2010-#4 Budgetary Transfers.
A motion was made by Supervisor McDonough to transfer the following amounts; seconded by Councilman Gallagher.
GENERAL FUND – Transfer the sum of:
1. $2,500 from Independent Auditing (A1320.4) to Assessor CE (A1355.4)
2. $5,000 from Planning CE (A8020.4) to Buildings CE (A1620.4)
3. $5,000 from UC RRA (A8710.4) to Buildings CE (A1620.4)
4. $4,500 from Police EQ (A3120.2) to Police CE (A3120.4)
5. $3,000 from Employee Benefits/SS (A9030.8) to Programs/Aging CE (A6772.4)
6. $ 500 Employee Benefits/SS (A6030.8) to ZBA PS (A8010.1)
7. $4,000 from Unemployment Ins (A9050.8) to Employee Benefits/Medical (A9060.8)
8. $1,000 from Supervisor EQ (A1220.2) to Employee Benefits/Medical (A9060.8)
9. $1,000 from Independent Auditing (A1320.4) to Employee Benefits/Medical (A9060.8)
10. $9,000 from Contingency (A1990.4) to Employee Benefits/Medical (A9060.8)
Roll Vote:
Councilman Gallagher Yes
Councilwoman Greene Yes
Councilman Hassett Yes
Councilman Minissali Yes
Supervisor McDonough Yes
7). RESOLUTION
11-2010-#5 Water/Sewer Relevies. This resolution authorizes the 2010
delinquent list for water and sewer districts to be submitted to the
County of Ulster for inclusion on the 2011 Tax Levy.
A motion was made by
Supervisor McDonough to adopt the resolution authorizing delinquent
water and sewer payments to be relevied; seconded by Councilman
Gallagher. Roll Vote:
Councilman Gallagher Yes
Councilwoman Greene Yes
Councilman Hassett Yes
Councilman Minissali Yes
Supervisor McDonough Yes
8). RESOLUTION 11-2010-#6 In Support of a Grant Application for Town of Rosendale Justice Court. The resolution supports to a grant application by the Rosendale Justice Court to the NYS Unified Court System for a JCAP Grant.
A motion was presented
by Supervisor McDonough to adopt the resolution supporting application
by the Rosendale Justice Court for a JCAP Grant through NYS Unified
Court System; seconded by Councilwoman Greene. Roll Vote:
Councilman Gallagher Yes
Councilwoman Greene Yes
Councilman Hassett Yes
Councilman Minissali Yes
Supervisor McDonough Yes
9). Discussion: Town fire Prevention Law Revisions. Councilman
Hassett made a motion to table discussion on the revisions until
December to have Dave Massimi, Code Enforcement Officer, present;
seconded by Councilman Minissali. Roll Vote: 5 Yeses.
A short discussion
followed regarding the need to have a permit to burn; a small fee may be
charged which some feel is an unnecessary expense on tax payers; Rayne
Kouhout stated that Dave Massimi told her that she can not burn at the
Transfer Station unless the debris fell on the Transfer Station
property; Supervisor McDonough will speak with Mr. Massimi.
A motion was made by
Supervisor McDonough to enter Executive Session at 9:30 pm to discuss
Police Contract negotiations; seconded by Councilman Minissali. Roll Vote: 5 Yeses.
Out of Executive Session at 10:00 pm; no decisions were made.
AUDIT OF BILLS:
GENERAL FUND VOUCHER’S #1027-1065 TOTALING $21,705.77
HIGHWAY FUND “ # 237- 251 “ $ 9,466.49
WATER FUND “ # 170- 180 “ $ 3,493.38
SEWER FUND “ # 162- 172 “ $ 2,292.05
A motion was made by Councilman Hassett to pay the bills; seconded by Councilman Minissali. Roll Vote: 5 Yeses.
A motion was made by Councilman Gallagher to adjourn at 10:02 pm; seconded by Councilwoman Greene. Roll Vote: 5 Yeses.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
1. Thur Nov 11 – VETERAN’S DAY, Town Offices Closed
2. Thur Nov 25 & 26 – THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY, Town Offices Closed
3. Wed Dec 1, 7:30 pm – Town Board Meeting, Community Center
4. Mon Nov 22, 7pm, Climate Task Force Residential Energy Workshop, Community Center
Respectfully submitted,
Joan S. Jordan
Town Clerk
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