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TOWN OF
ROSENDALE
DRAFT
TOWN BOARD WORKSHOP MEETING
SEPTEMBER 7, 2011
The meeting was called to order at 7:42pm by Supervisor McDonough at the Rosendale Community Center with the Pledge to the Flag.
Supervisor McDonough requested a moment of silence
and remembrance for all the victims and emergency workers lost on
September 11, 2001.
PRESENT: Councilman
Robert Gallagher
Councilwoman Manna Jo Greene
Supervisor Patrick McDonough
EXCUSED: Councilman Kenneth
Hassett (arrived at 8:45pm)
Councilman Richard Minissali
ALSO PRESENT: Jennifer Metzger, Deputy
Supervisor; Carl Hornbeck, Hwy.
Superintendent; Jack Snyder, W/S
Commission; Jere Brown, Plan Board Alt.; and about five residents.
PUBLIC INPUT: Supervisor McDonough recapped the
events of Hurricane Irene and how the Town responded; for a period of
time the Town was totally isolated. He tried to thank everyone
involved in the response; the fire departments for their water rescues
and cellar pumping; the police; Mobile Life Ambulance Service for their
gratis transports; Paul Costa who worked tirelessly to coordinate the
response on his day-off from the sheriff’s department; Joan Jordan (Town
Clerk) and Tara Burke (Recreation Director) for opening and running the
shelter; Councilmen Hassett and Gallagher working as liaison with the
fire departments, securing cots from the Kripplebush Fire Department;
Carl Hornbeck and his highway crew for tree removal and road clearing;
Terry Johnson for keeping the water and sewage flowing despite crisis
after crisis; all the people who donated food; cooked meals and most of
all their time. Supervisor McDonough hoped that he had not
overlooked anyone who had assisted but was sure he had; the stated that
he “cannot say enough about the way everyone pulled together; he loves
his Town”.
Mario Restivo, Treasurer of Rondout Valley Little
League, addressed the Town Board about seeking to find land to relocate
the ball fields; they have been flooded out every year (twice last year)
and have decided that “enough is enough”, they can’t keep putting
resources into the fields to have them washed away; the fields are gone
and 200+ kids have no place to play ball.
Mr. Restivo stated that he would like to have the
Board consider allowing use of the Creek Locks property for construction
of 2-3 ball fields (approx. 5 acres total); there will be no cost to
the Town and liability insurance is provided through Little League; do
this by a legal lease; make into a sports complex and possibly add
another pavilion. Carl Hornbeck stated that the Town has also been
approached by the American Legion for ball fields so perhaps this could
be worked together to benefit everyone. Supervisor McDonough
stated that the use of the Creek Locks land was never concretely set;
low income housing and a Town Hall were proposed uses but nothing has
moved forward; Councilman Gallagher reiterated that “this is the Town of
“NO” so nothing has materialized there; it was suggested that the area
from the stream to Bianco’s could be used for recreation leaving the
remainder for a future town hall. Councilwoman Greene is not
opposed to this use but feels this is not the best use for this land,
“it’s a jewel in the Town”; could better be used for a cultural center
or art gallery that would attract people to Town. Mr. Restivo was
advised to look at alternative properties and come back next week for
further discussion when the full Board should be present.
Jack Snyder asked if building at Williams Lake
could be used for sheltering people in an emergency; Supervisor
responded that they had not come forward with an offered; Town Clerk
advised that there are no water or sewer connections at this time so it
would be unacceptable.
Councilwoman Greene stated that she would like to
see us revisit “aging in place” to assess resources for keeping and
protecting our aging population in their own homes. Ms. Greene
also questioned the safety of the dam (Binnewater Road); Supervisor
McDonough responded that an assessment is already underway; Councilman
Gallagher stated that he had both Rosendale and Bloomington Fire Depts.
reduce the water level behind the dam prior to the storm.
Robert Black from South Street addressed the water
run-off near his house; the water now runs into his house. Mr.
Black said that there used to be “speed bumps” that diverted the water
after the storm drains were removed, but the bumps are now also
gone. Carl Hornbeck responded that he was unaware there had been
storm drains on South Street; he said that all new storm drains are
needed on South Street, Brown Avenue and James Street; he suggested that
they meet and look at possible remediation solutions. Mr. Black
stated that the house across the street had the retaining wall collapse
in front of it recently; this water situation also affects Jack Snyder.
APPOINTMENT: Supervisor McDonough announced that
John Poux has volunteered to serve on the Recreation Commission; his
wife served for a short time previously so he’s familiar with the
position.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Greene to appoint
John Poux to the Recreation Commission for a term ending December 31,
2012; seconded by Councilman Gallagher. Roll Vote: 3 Yes; 2
Excused.
1). The Town of Rosendale is still seeking volunteer members for the Recreation Commission and the Water/Sewer Commission.
2). DISCUSSION: Site Plan Rosendale Pickle
Festival: The site plan was presented for this year’s festival
which will be held on Sunday, November 20, 2011. Billy Liggan
commented that people have asked why it is not a two day event; he
responds “when you volunteer it will be”, they usually just walk
away. The expected attendance should be around the usual 7,000
people and the pavilion is fast becoming the “pickle palace”.
There are no significant changes to the site plan from last year; Town
Board will review and comment later.
3). DISCUSSION: Emergency Preparedness in Rosendale. A department head review was held yesterday (September 7th);
copies of the “Emergency Plan” were distributed and comments are to be
returned to the Supervisor by next week so that we can begin to rewrite
the plan to meet current needs and duties; the Chain of Command
Flowchart” has already been updated and is in folder; review and correct
as necessary and advise Town Clerk, Supervisor or his Assistant.
Councilwoman Greene stated that she wanted to commend the Central Hudson
crews and the subcontractors for the work they did in restoring power;
she also apologized for not knowing about or responding to assisting the
residents of Rosendale that was being rendered.
4). DISCUSSION: Revised Park Heights/RUPCO
Agreement. Supervisor McDonough stated that the partnership
between Park Heights and RUPCO is being dissolved therefore the
agreement with the partnership and the Town must be rewritten; he has
recommended that they rewrite the agreement and then our attorney will
do a legal review; this does not affect the PILOT Agreement which runs
until 2017.
5). DISCUSSION: Salt Shed Bid Opening.
Supervisor McDonough announced that the bids had been opened and the
bids ranged from $64,113 down to $51,306.98; they will be reviewed
engineers at Ulster County Public Works along with Carl Hornbeck to see
that they all meet the specs set forth in the bid package; a decision
will be made and contract awarded after this review, probably in a week
or so to keep to the time schedule.
6). DISCUSSION: Support for Greenway Grant for
Valley of the Giants. Lisa Kellogg and Maria Ridelbach again came
before the Town Board to urge support for the Greenway Grant which is a
planning grant for the Route 209 Corridor Valley of the Giants as a
tourist attraction and economic stimulus; it is no cost to the
Town. Councilwoman Greene emphasized that we have issues with our
pool, little league fields and should focus on the essentials.
Lisa and Maria noted that this is a matching grant and they are donating
their time as payment; Billy Liggan noted that this could require a lot
of volunteer activity; Jack Snyder expressed concern as to whether or
not the location of the “art” would be brought before the public, he
feels Binnewater Road would be more appropriate than Main Street and
safer also. A resolution will be presented next week.
Councilwoman Greene noted that there was
correspondence from Nick Mercurio concerning truck traffic on Cottekill
Road; Supervisor McDonough stated that he has forwarded that letter
along with his own to Dave Sheeley, Ulster County Highway Superintendent
with concerns about the weight of vehicles (this is a County road).
Concern was also expressed by someone about the
lights a Stewarts; they blind drivers coming out of Creek Locks Road;
contact should be made with Dave Massimi, Code Enforcement Officer to
have it checked out.
Supervisor McDonough noted that Hudson River Valley
Resorts (HRVR) has requested an amendment to their zoning application;
they will do a presentation next week.
Councilwoman Greene again expressed the urgency of
pool repairs and asked what the next step should be; also the letter
from the Health Dept. about reconditioning the water tower. Supervisor
McDonough responded that we will have to bond; already we have to do a
tax assessment for the engineering study for the sewer to repay the
General Fund. Jack Snyder warned that delay in taking care of the
water tower could jump from $500,000 to $1,000,000 if the Health Dept.
cites it.
Supervisor McDonough announced that individuals may/should apply to FEMA for flood assistance.
Jack Snyder stated that he has approached Central
Hudson about water turbines and solar to generate power for the
water/sewer plants without much response; Councilwoman Greene
recommended that this be referred to the Climate Task Force.
AUDIT OF BILLS:
GENERAL FUND VOUCHER’S #755-809 TOTALING $17,812.41
HIGHWAY FUND
“
#213-220
“ $57,896.52
SEWER FUND
“
#132-140
“ $
4,082.20
WATER FUND
“
#135-142
“ $
3,176.44
SPECIAL
LIGHT
“
#
25-27
“ $
2,355.56
A motion to pay the bills was made by Councilwoman Greene; seconded by Councilman Hassett. Roll Vote: 4 Yes, 1 Excused.
A motion was made to adjourn at 9:05pm by
Councilman Gallagher; seconded by Councilwoman Greene. Roll Vote: 4
Yes, 1 Excused.
Respectfully submitted,
Joan S. Jordan
Town Clerk
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