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TOWN OF
ROSENDALE
DRAFT
TOWN BOARD MEETING
AUGUST 10, 2011
The meeting was called to order by Supervisor McDonough at 7:00pm at the Rosendale Community Center with the Pledge to the Flag.
Councilman Hassett requested that a moment of
silence be observed for the 30 US military personnel lost this past week
in Afghanistan and all those lost in the two wars. Supervisor
McDonough noted that the 10th anniversary of “9/11” is coming up; a
decision as to how to observe the anniversary should be made.
PRESENT: Councilman
Robert Gallagher
Councilwoman Manna Jo Greene
Councilman Kenneth Hassett
Councilman Richard Minissali
Supervisor Patrick McDonough
ALSO PRESENT: Deputy Supervisor
Jennifer Metzger; Fred Greitzer, Jeanne Walsh, Planning Board;
Recreation Director Tara Burke, Commissioner Reta Sorge; ZRC Member Tim
Morrison; and about ten residents.
PETITIONS: No petitions were presented.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Jack Snyder observed that
the flag was at half- staff at the Memorial Park; was it in observance
of the death of former Governor Hugh Carey; Supervisor McDonough said
that he had not received any information about this or who lowered the
flag but it was likely to
pay respect to the former governor.
Glenn Debrosky stated that there is a tree stump by
the side of the “30mph” on Route 213 that is growing new shoots; it is
close to the road and should be removed before it causes damage to the
road; he also noted that there is a “20 ton limit” sign on Route 213
east of Turco’s, is it permanent; there is already cracking in the
pavement and there is a dangerous manhole cover. Supervisor
McDonough made note of the information and responded that the manhole
has been looked at and could be paved over; he will speak with DOT.
Fred Greitzer noted that on Creek Locks Road near the camp grounds
there is an “axle buster” pothole that is a real danger; Supervisor
recommended that Carl Hornbeck, Rosendale Highway Superintendent, be
told about it; Ulster County Highway seems to respond fairly well if he
contacts them.
COMMUNITY EVENTS:
1. Sun, 8/28 –
“Rosendale Together – 4:30 pm til dark, Rec Center, free swimming, movie
and popcorn for Town residents; more info call Rec Center 658-8198
2. Thurs, 9/1, Rosendale Library Budget vote – 11am to 8pm at the Library
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS: Supervisor McDonough asked to have a motion to accept the minutes of the July 6th and July 13th meetings.
A motion to accept the minutes of the July 6th and 13th meetings was made by Councilman Minissali; seconded by Councilman Hassett. Roll Vote: 5 Yes.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Councilwoman Greene
reported that the ZBA and Planning Board were doing well and processing
the usual applications; she has not attended the Energy Saver/Climate
Task Force meeting; they may need a new chairperson; the Chamber of
Commerce is quiet for the summer.
Councilman Gallagher reported that the Highway Dept. is on the agenda later.
Councilman Minissali reported that the ZRC has been
having a hard time sorting the feedback on the proposed “sign law”,
there is no public hearing being scheduled on it yet; the ZRC Committee
(Minissali, Metzger, Pryslopski, Kaye, Walsh), Dennis Doyle is a Town
resident and Chair of the Ulster County Planning Board, he has been
working with the ZRC on the PDD; it is a “home rule” issue. The
Water/Sewer Commission is still in need of a volunteer commissioner;
Jack Snyder noted that the W/S District got pipes under Route 213 by the
DOT; Supervisor McDonough responded to an inquiry about the grant
applications for the Sewer District;” we should know something before
the end of the year on where we’re going”; he will check on the USDA for
sewer grants. Councilman Minissali deferred to Jennifer Metzger
about the business of the Environmental Commission; she reported there
are a couple of events for “Creek Week”; educational film on water,
forestry workshop for large parcel owners, etc.
Councilman Hassett reported that the Recreation
Commission on 8/28 will hold their second all-day “Rosendale Together”
which will include free swimming for Town residents, a free movie in the
evening with popcorn; all are invited to come and spend the day and
meet your neighbors; the Transfer Station is as always running in the
black.
Councilwoman Greene asked how much has been spent
in legal fees related to the sign law; Supervisor McDonough stated
$8,700 which included some other ZRC reviews; Councilman Hassett stated
that he had seen a bill for $14,000; Deputy Supervisor Metzger stated
that she called Shannon LaFrance and they broke down the bill and it
came to about $8,700.
SUPERVISOR’S FINANCIAL REPORT: Supervisor McDonough
read the end balances for July 2011; the report is on file with the
Town Clerk.
Councilman Gallagher asked Supervisor McDonough for
the six (6) month accounting report; Supervisor McDonough was not sure
if it was done, he will check into it.
Councilman Hassett asked Supervisor McDonough about
a report that a $5.00 parking fees was being collected on Town property
(on Creek Locks Road) on Sunday during the Street Festival; Supervisor
McDonough said that there was concern about getting the most cars parked
on the lot in an orderly fashion, Ulster Corp volunteered to do the
parking and they put up the sign; Fred Greitzer said that when he went
to park was told it would be $5.00 but when challenged was told it was a
donation. Supervisor McDonough stated that when the Festival
Committee was told about the charge they said they told them to stop;
Councilman Gallagher said the sign was still up on Sunday; councilman
Hassett stated that this was not part of the site plan and could create a
liability; he also wondered how much they made. Councilwoman
Greene asked if this was a donation to Ulster Corp.; there was no
answer.
Councilman Minissali asked if there was any more
information about the car break-ins; Town Clerk Joan Jordan said that
Officer Fischer had told her that they were not “break-ins” but “crimes
of opportunity” since the vehicles were unlocked; the police think it is
the same “perp’s” that were active in the River Road earlier this year.
Jack Snyder complained about the noise emanating
from Main Street after the close of the Street Festival; why does anyone
need microphones and amplifiers for a private party; you can hear it
clear across the Creek; Councilman Minissali concurred that he could
hear it “loud and clear” at his residence. Supervisor McDonough
advised that the Police Department be contacted and let them check it
out (they should check out both sides of the Creek) since we do have a
noise ordinance.
RESIGNATION: Supervisor McDonough announced
that Nora Lane, part-time clerk to the Building Inspector, has submitted
her resignation effective September 30, 2011. Nora has been with
the Town for more than thirty years in various positions.
A motion to accept the resignation of Nora Lane,
part-time clerk, was made by Councilman Gallagher, with regret; seconded
by Councilman Minissali with “30 years of thanks”. Roll Vote:
4 Yes; Councilman Hassett voted “no”, “she’s too much a part of the Town to let her go”.
Councilwoman Greene asked if we would be
advertising the position; Supervisor McDonough stated that it is
possible we can fill the position with an “in-house” employee; perhaps
we will have an executive session next month to discuss the employee.
1). ANNOUNCEMENT: The Town is still seeking
volunteers to serve on the Recreation Commission and the Water/Sewer
Commission.
3). DISCUSSION – POOL UPGRADES. A
presentation was made by Vicky Mitchell, Ben Carr and Brian Skeets (all
three have been lifeguards/instructors at Rosendale for many years)
following the introduction of Tara Burke, the new Recreation Director,
by Councilman Hassett who complimented her for a “great job under
extreme pressure”. The presentation consisted of slides showing
the deterioration of the pool and actual chunks of the pool surfaces
that are coming up daily; they are using rubber mats to cover the bad
areas but it is a losing battle. Ben Carr had written a letter to
the Recreation Commission addressing his concerns over the five years he
has been cleaning the pool; Vicky Mitchell said that if she has been
here for eight years and unless something substantial is done she will
not return because the deterioration causes a lot of stress for the
lifeguards. Tara Burke stated that the Ulster County Health Dept.
had done an inspection and said the pool was safe; she would like to see
a committee formed to raise funds to renovate the pool so it does not
fall on the backs of the taxpayers; Jennifer Metzger, Deputy Supervisor
stated that Parks and Recreation has grants available but the deadline
is September 1st. A short discussion followed on what
course should be taken to alleviate the problems which also included
conditions in the bathhouse.
2). DISCUSSION – VALLEY OF THE GIANTS. Lisa
Kellogg and Maria Ridelbach gave an overview of how the concept started
with the Giant Garden Gnome at Kelder’s Farm five years ago; it has
become a tourist attraction much like the roadside sculptures that were
around in the 1930’s through the 1950’s. Slides were presented
showing sculpture concepts for various localities along the Route 209
corridor (Valley of the Giants) building on local
lore/culture/attractions. The concept for Rosendale is a thirteen
foot tall miner with cement barrels; placement was proposed for the west
end of Main Street; Joan Maylie stated she did not feel that placing
this along a major, narrow road was prudent, it could cause
bottle-necking and accidents. Questions were raised about:
1. The cost of the sculpture, $1,500 p/s/f (the Rosendale miner would run $25,000)
2. Funding; Marbletown has an open Greenway Grant” but the deadline is 9/9/11, this would
not cover the sculpture cost; fundraising and civic groups; some in-kind services qualify.
3. Maintenance, painting about every five
years and advertising cost of $200 per month which could be picked
up by civic organizations.
Maria stated that she will provide a copy of a
draft resolution prior to the 9/7/11 meeting. Bill Brooks stated
that the Chamber of Commerce and the PickleFest would become involved in
the project but he could not say if they would be contributing
monetarily; he said that recognition should be made of donors, perhaps
by plaques or stepping stones. Supervisor McDonough stated that
“it’s all about increasing commerce and tourism; the intent of Scenic
Byways is to spread people around the valley”.
Jack Snyder suggested that perhaps a good site for
the statue would be on the Town property on Binnewater Road across from
the Rail Trail.
4). RESOLUTION 08-2011-#1 Resolution Referring
Proposed Local Law #2 of 2011 to the Ulster County and Town of Rosendale
Planning Boards for Comment and Classifying Pursuant to SEQRA.
A motion was made by Supervisor McDonough to adopt
the resolution to send the proposed Local Law #2 concerning sign
regulations in the Town of Rosendale to the Ulster County and Town of
Rosendale Planning Boards for comment and classifying under SEQRA;
seconded by Councilman Minissali. Roll Vote:
Councilman
Gallagher
Yes “send only to the Ul Co & Rosendale Plan Brds”
Councilwoman
Greene Yes
Councilman
Hassett
Yes
Councilman
Minissali
Yes
Supervisor
McDonough Yes
Councilwoman Greene recommended that a readable
synopsis of the proposed law be made so that people, including the
Board, can read and understand it. Councilman Minissali would like
to have a written list of “druthers” and their comments from the code
enforcement officers; he believes that Shannon LaFrance has incorporated
their comments in the local law. Councilmen Hassett and Minissali
stated that we need a workable law and it’s important to have feedback
from Dave and Tom (code enforcement officers).
5). RESOLUTION 08-2011-#2 Water/Sewer Software
Support. The resolution authorizes the Supervisor to enter into
the annual contract with Williamson Law Book for software and service in
the amount of $825.
A motion was made by Supervisor McDonough to adopt
the resolution to authorize an annual contract with Williamson Law Book
for software and service for the Water/Sewer Dept. for $825.; seconded
by Councilman Hassett. Roll Vote:
Councilman
Gallagher
Yes
Councilwoman
Greene Yes
Councilman
Hassett
Yes
Councilman
Minissali
Yes
Supervisor
McDonough Yes
6). RESOLUTION 08-2011-#3 Budgetary
Transfers. A motion was made by Supervisor McDonough; seconded by
Councilman Minissali to authorize the following budgetary transfers:
GENERAL FUND – Transfer the sum of:
1. $4,269.00 from Justice CE (A1110.4) to Justices EQ (A1110.2)
HIGHWAY FUND – Transfer the sum of:
1. $1,934.76 from Snow Removal PS (DA5142.1) to Snow Removal CE (DA5142.4)
WATER FUND – Transfer the sum of:
1. $2,696.52 from Supply CE (SW8320.4) to Supply EQ (SW8320.2)
Roll Vote:
Councilman
Gallagher
Yes
Councilwoman
Greene Yes
Councilman
Hassett
Yes
Councilman
Minissali
Yes
Supervisor
McDonough Yes
7). RESOLUTION 08-2011-#4 Authorizing Agreement
with UC RRA for Sludge Removal. The agreement with Ulster County
Resource Recovery is through 12/31/2011 at the rate of $95. Per ton.
A motion was made by Supervisor McDonough to adopt
the resolution authorizing agreement with UC RRA for sludge removal
through 12/31/2011; seconded by Councilwoman Greene. Roll Vote:
Councilman
Gallagher
Yes
Councilwoman
Greene Yes
Councilman
Hassett
Yes
Councilman
Minissali
Yes
Supervisor
McDonough Yes
8). RESOLUTION 08-2011-#5 Purchase of Highway
Equipment, Dump Body. The resolution authorizes the expenditure of
$5,375 from the annual budget of the Rosendale Highway Dept. from
Machinery Equipment (DA5130.2) for the purchase of a dump body from the
lowest bidder, Hudson River Truck and Trailer.
A motion was presented by Supervisor McDonough to
authorize the purchase of a dump body from lowest bidder, Hudson River
Truck and Trailer for the sum of $5,375 from Rosendale Highway annual
budget line Machinery EQ (DA5130.2); seconded by Councilman Gallagher.
Roll Vote:
Councilman
Gallagher
Yes
Councilwoman
Greene Yes
Councilman
Hassett
Yes
Councilman
Minissali
Yes
Supervisor
McDonough Yes
Tim Morrison inquired about the parking
fees; Supervisor McDonough stated that Mary Lou Christiana has not
responded yet on the matter; he will get the information and forward it
to Tim.
AUDIT OF BILLS:
Abstract #7 Cont’d:
GENERAL FUND VOUCHER’S #664-666 TOTALING $ 735.98
Abstract #8:
GENERAL FUND VOUCHER’S #667-752 TOTALING $48,460.76
HIGHWAY FUND
“
#191-212
“ $29,027.63
SEWER
FUND
“
#117-130
“ $
7,531.63
WATER
FUND
“
#122-132
“ $ 2,343.20
SPECIAL
LIGHT
“
#
22-24
“ $ 2,186.59
SOLAR
“
#
5-7
“
$ 514.96
A motion was made by Councilman Gallagher to pay the vouchers; seconded by Councilman Hassett. Roll Vote: 5 Yes.
A motion was made by Councilman Minissali to adjourn at 9:40pm; seconded by Councilwoman Greene. Roll Vote: 5 Yes.
Respectfully submitted,
Joan S. Jordan
Town Clerk
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