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TOWN OF
ROSENDALE
DRAFT
TOWN BOARD WORKSHOP MEETING
OCTOBER 5, 2011
The meeting was called to order at 7:29 pm by
Supervisor McDonough 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:
Jennifer Metzger, Deputy Supervisor; Billy Liggan, Planning Board; Tim
Morrison, ZRC, P/B Alt; Kelleigh McKenzie, ZBA Alt; Tara Burke, Rec.
Director; Perry Soule, Police Chief; Ann Citron; Victoria Mitchell;
Phyllis Noreen; Robert Ryan; Jeanne Walsh; Alex Ferguson, Climate Task
Force.
PUBLIC INPUT: Steve Aaron, Birchez Associates, read
a letter he submitted (letter dated 10/5/11 in folders) to the Board
regarding proposed use of the Creek Locks Road property. He stated
that he realizes the need for both youth and senior housing
development; he would ask to participate in talks about the long term
use of the property. Supervisor McDonough reported that there has
been discussion with Little League for planning but nothing is final as
to how much of the property will be used. Councilman Hassett
stated that he spoke with Mr. Aaron briefly about the property; he
realizes that Mr. Aaron put a lot of time and effort into trying to do
business here in Rosendale developing this site. Councilman
Hassett stated that the Board made a unanimous decision to allow the
Little League to use the land but nothing is definite as to the amount
of land or terms of use; he would like to see the Town collaborate with
Mr. Aaron to see what could still be done to develop the land. Mr.
Aaron stated that the need is there for both youth recreation and
senior housing today and going forward; he would like to continue to
work together. Supervisor McDonough stated that he would like to
talk with Mr. Aaron more (possibly tomorrow) before the next meeting
with members of the Little League and American Legion on Monday.
Mr. Aaron said that he hope Little League could find an alternate site
(they have already exhausted those prospects) so that the Town could go
forward with the sewer expansion which was foreseen in Birchez RFP; the
land is a valuable resource. Councilwoman Greene state that
allowing the Little League to use the land will not cost the Town in
dollars but the “loss of use” could cost the Town; she would like to see
us meet the needs of the Little League and benefit from the high value
of the land. Councilman Gallagher stated that he doesn’t feel the
Little League and Legion need as much space as they are asking for; they
have retained an architect to do the planning.
Mark Williams, owner of rental property at 12
Waterside Lane (off River Road) which had flood damage from Hurricane
Irene; he had dropped off a letter (10/3/11) after learning from FEMA
about a National Flood Insurance Program that would break the cycle of
damage-rebuild-damage. The program offers to supplement the cost of
moving, elevating or demolishing a building in a flood prone area; he
was told that the local town must voluntarily participate in the
Increase Cost of Compliance (ICC) Program and that he should write to
town officials and ask them to participate; he also came before the
Board to speak about getting involved in the program. Supervisor
McDonough stated that he believed that the program was previously on the
county level; he thinks he has material on it and will look into the
program.
Chief Perry Soule announced that our part-time
officer Scott Buckinger is being deployed with the National Guard to
Afghanistan for a 14 month tour; keep him in your prayers.
COMMUNITY EVENTS: Phyllis Noreen stated that
there should have been more advertisement for the free electronics
collection at the Transfer Station for permit holders; Supervisor
McDonough responded that the Transfer Station accepts electronics for
free all the time from permit holders; this collection was for a metal
amnesty.
APPONTMENTS: A motion was made by Supervisor
McDonough to appoint Leslie Treut to the position of Clerk to the
Building Inspector; seconded by Councilman Hassett. Roll Vote: 5
Yes.
1). ANNOUNCEMENT: The Rosendale Water/Sewer
Commission is still seeking volunteers to serve on the Commission; the
Climate Task Force has an opening also. Councilwoman Greene noted
that a letter of resignation should be filed with the Town Clerk so that
a replacement member can be appointed since this was a duly formed
committee by the Town Board.
2). TENTATIVE BUDGET: The tentative 2012
budget was presented in the Board folders; Supervisor McDonough
announced that copies would also be available at Town Hall and he would
bring additional copies next week.
Jack Snyder questioned the Board about going for a
bond for Water/Sewer; Supervisor McDonough responded that we have to
bond to repay the money already expended to prepare the engineering
reports to apply for grants/low interest loans for the sewer district;
no additional money will be bonded at this time; Mr. Snyder countered
that we are looking at $600,000 or more in repair/maintenance costs that
are necessary. Supervisor McDonough added that a public hearing
will be set next week on a Local Law to exceed the 2% Tax Cap; the
additional costs for the Bloomington Fire District (LOSAP) and
Water/Sewer shortfalls will exceed the 2%; it is beneficial to have the
law in place if needed.
Tim Morrison questioned whether the land on Creek
Locks Road had been subdivided for the sewer department; Supervisor
McDonough responded that the land has been subdivided but terms have not
been finalized as to whether it can be a long term lease or sale at
market value.
Councilman Hassett commented that there has to “be a
way around this”; the land was a gift to the Town and it is adjacent to
the sewer plant. Jennifer Metzger asked if the transfer/sale
could be done by a referendum. Councilman Gallagher said that it
should be the per-view of the Town Board to do what’s right with the
land use. Mr. Morrison said that there are 44 families in the
Tillson Water District that need to buy land to expand; no one is giving
us anything.
Phyllis Noreen asked if we could sell the land to
the sewer district for $1; Councilman Gallagher responded that the law
says we need an appraisal and must sell at “fair market value”.
Jack Snyder asked if we couldn’t give the W/S a 99
year lease for the 2 acres and do the same for the Little League.
Councilman Hassett said that we could retain ownership of the 2 acres
but they would have perpetual use of the land.
Jeanne Walsh asked why only 2 acres were
subdivided; Councilman Gallagher stated that was the acreage needed to
expand the sewer plant and to install reed beds. It was pointed
out that the land under the Central Hudson lines can be used but no
permanent structures can be built on the property (a parking lot is
fine).
Phyllis Noreen asked why the Legion would need a
field of their own; Councilman Gallagher explained that this is an older
group of youth and they play at a higher level than Little League
therefore the field dimensions are greater; this could be a “mini”
Cantine Field complex (Saugerties).
3). DISCUSSION: Recreation Center Pool. Tara
Burke, Recreation Director, told the Board that Terry Johnson told the
Recreation Commission that they need to drill a well to fill the pool;
the ability to fill the pool in the spring is unpredictable depending on
the weather (rain riles the stream creating turbidity) and adds to the
cost of operating the pool due to the increased need for vacuuming,
cleaning, filtering and chemicals necessary to treat the water; the
$10,000 cost could be recouped in a couple of years. Supervisor
McDonough stated that we have looked at this before and the estimate was
$30,000 for potable water; he pointed out that it is not necessary to
have potable (drinking quality) water for the pool; it has chlorine and
other chemicals added regularly; the filters have needed to be rebuilt
every year due to the sand friction which causes wear and tear.
Ann Citron noted that we also lose revenue by always opening late.
Councilman Hassett also added that a well would help us obtain grants
for a new pool. Tim Morrison noted that there are inherent risks
with drilling a well; the number of gallons that can be produced per
minute. Councilman Hassett stated that he believed there is
$25,000 in the Capital Reserve Pool account from which the well cost
could be drawn.
A short discussion ensued as to whether purchasing
water from the Water District was feasible; it was pointed out that the
cost would be $45 for the first 4,000 gallons and $4.50 for each
additional 1,000 gallons (the pool needs 275,000 gallons); Councilman
Minissali questioned whether the books could be balanced (the $40,000
owed to the General Fund by purchasing the water from the District; this
cannot be done because they are different funds and will be in
different calendar years. Tara said that they have some volunteers
that have come forward to form a committee to investigate the well and
pool repairs.
A motion was made by Supervisor McDonough to
appoint Victoria Mitchel, Janet Mitchel and Kristina Carr to an Ad Hoc
Pool Committee; seconded by Councilman Minissali. Roll Vote: 5 Yes
A motion was made by Councilman Hassett to obtain
bids for drilling a well; seconded by Councilwoman Greene. Roll
Vote: 5 Yes.
Councilman Hassett reminded Supervisor McDonough
that a discussion and resolution are needed next week to set a Halloween
curfew.
Councilwoman Greene asked if 1) there was any news
from DEC on the HRVR project and 2) SEQRA needs be forwarded to the
Planning Board; Supervisor McDonough responded there was nothing from
DEC; there is a letter in Board folders from Tooher & Barone
(representing Save the Lakes) which should be sent along to the Planning
Board with the amendment local law.
Councilwoman Greene informed the Board that the
Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council is seeking a letter of
support or a resolution for a regional $1 million NYSERDA grant for
sustainability; they would like the 7 counties (including Ulster) to
submit one application rather than bid against each other; she will
bring more information next week.
AUDIT OF BILLS:
GENERAL FUND VOUCHER’S #852-894 TOTALING $24,705.13
HIGHWAY FUND
“
#241-248
“ $ 2,754.70
SEWER
FUND
“
#155-166
“ $ 8,557.08
WATER
FUND “
#156-168
“ $
4,609.97
SPECIAL
LIGHT
“
#
28-30
“
$ 2,290.89
CAP RES BLDG
“
# 1
“
$ 30.00
CAP RES SEWER
“ #
1
“ $
5,000.00
A motion was made by Councilman Gallagher to pay the vouchers; seconded by Councilwoman Greene. Roll Vote: 5 Yes
A motion was made by Councilman Minissali to adjourn at 9:02pm; seconded by Councilman Hassett. Roll Vote: 5 Yes
Respectfully submitted,
Joan S. Jordan
Town Clerk
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