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Town of
Rosendale
DRAFT
Town Board Workshop Meeting
Department Head Budget Requests
November 2, 2011
Supervisor McDonough opened the Department Head Budget Request hearing at 6:30pm at the Rosendale Community Center.
PRESENT: Councilman Robert
Gallagher
Councilwoman Manna Jo Greene
Councilman Kenneth Hassett
Councilman Richard Minissali
Supervisor Patrick McDonough
ALSO PRESENT: Doris Fleming, Bookkeeper;
Jennifer Metzger, Deputy Supervisor; Carl Hornbeck, Highway
Superintendent; Rayne Kouhout, Transfer Station Manager; Tara Burke,
Recreation Director; about 10 residents.
1. Carl Hornbeck
requested that his DA5112.2 and DA5130.2 be restored to last years
budgeted amounts (each is being reduced by $10,000) he explained that
costs are going up and he is close to the current budget
limit. DA5130.4 is being reduced by $5,000; he uses this
appropriation to repair vehicles, purchase tires and etc.; he has
maintained the same $60,000 request for the last 4 years and does not
see why it should be reduced as prices go up. DA 5140.1 is for
salaries for weed/brush control; last year the budget was reduced to
$10,000 and this year we have gone over budget by $5,567.77; the $15,000
request should stand; this is mandated by DEC. Carl also
cited DA5148.4 which is used for gas by departments other than highway
(12 vehicles); in 2011 he requested $30,000 but was cut to $20,000; as
of September $24,153 has been expended and there are three months to go;
he therefore feels that the $36,000 requested is not unreasonable since
we don’t know where fuel prices are going. Line A5010.1 (General
Fund) is salary for he and his clerk; he is requesting 3% since he is
falling behind his union men and he feels his clerk deserves the
same. DA5130.1 covers the salary for the deputy
superintendent/mechanic/HEO; when hired he was supposed to receive $1.00
more per hour than the foreman; the deputy is considered part of
management so has not joined the union but since 2004 the Town Board
starting getting from the $1.00 difference; Carl seeks restoration of
the differential.
2. Tara Burke
addressed the need for professional carpet cleaning in the Community
Center building; the carpet needs a “deep cleaning” which the in-house
machine cannot accomplish. Supervisor McDonough told Tara to look
into professional carpet cleaners and secure prices.
Councilman Hassett apologized for being unable to keep an assistant in
the budget; Tara stated that she thought that was too much to ask for;
Town Clerk suggested that a hand written monthly calendar be used in
addition to the computer generated one which could be left at the
Clerk’s Office, this way Tara could take time off and the public could
still be served making reservations to use the building; Tara and Joan
will work out something.
3. Rayne Kouhout
addressed the 1% salary increase as being unacceptable, “it’s killing
them” (she and George); most towns have three (3) employees, they only
have the two and they work very hard. Supervisor McDonough noted
that the Transfer Station receives “kudos” from the Board
each month; Rayne stated that 9869 pounds of electronics were recycled
recently which kept them out of the landfill. Rayne stated that
Carl charges her back for gasoline but she picks up the garbage and
recycling for all departments (including highway) which she gets charged
back to her department; a question was asked if the departments were
ever charged-back for garbage pick-up; the Town Clerk responded that
they were charged for pick-up about 8 years ago and it was dropped; it
all comes out of the same pot in the end.
4. Perry Soule stated
that last year he raised payroll line, he would like to see the roughly
$10,000 left, because PBA contract was not settled, he would like to
see this balance put in a contingency fund for when the contract is
settled. Perry stated that his budget request is down 12%; Perry
stated that he made a proposal to the police commission to replace the
antiquated VHS camera equipment for the cars with a digital server
system for $35,586.00 which can be paid over five (5) years; this will
assist greatly in prosecution of cases as it secures the chain of
evidence; he has $5,307.00 remains from his 2011 equipment line which he
could use as a down payment; this equipment is under State bid and is
compatible with Ulster County; A3120.2 is adjusted to include this
proposal; he can cover the November and December payments from this
year’s budget.
The department input portion of the meeting ended at 7:27pm.
Supervisor McDonough opened the Town Board Workshop
meeting at 7:28pm with the Pledge to the Flag at the Rosendale
Community Center.
PRESENT: Councilman Robert
Gallagher
Councilwoman Manna Jo Greene
Councilman Kenneth Hassett
Councilman Richard Minissali
Supervisor Patrick McDonough
ALSO PRESENT: Jennifer Metzger, Deputy Supervisor; Alex Ferguson,
Robert Ryan, Jeanne Walsh, candidates for offices; Sandy Peterson,
Environ. Com.; Jack Snyder, W/S Com.; and about fifty (50) residents.
PUBLIC INPUT: Jack Snyder came before the Board
with a petition (letter) signed by what Supervisor McDonough said
appears to be about 40 residents/neighbors of James Street requesting
that the street be permanently returned to what they say was its former
dead end status; they would like to see it become a cul de sac; the
alternate that Mr. Snyder offered was that traffic lights be installed
to allow one lane access through the street and install sidewalks.
Councilman Hassett responded that he would like to
see his road (Mossy Brook) closed to through traffic as would any number
of town residents on other streets/roads that experience high volume
traffic. Bob Ryan questioned the safety of not having this as an
alternate route when Route 32 is closed.
RESIGNATION: Supervisor McDonough stated that
he was sure that everyone knew the resignation of Daniel Baker,
Assessor, was coming. Dan has been hired by the City of Kingston
as their Assessor which is advancement for him; he has done a good job
for Rosendale.
A motion was made by Councilman Hassett to accept
the resignation of Daniel Baker as Rosendale Assessor, with regret;
seconded by Councilwoman Greene also with regret. Roll Vote: 5
Yes.
Supervisor McDonough stated that he believed we
have three applicants for the position of assessor and he has started
making appointments for interviews; he asked if Councilman Hassett would
sit in on those interviews; Dan Baker has agreed to also sit in.
APPOINTMENTS: Supervisor McDonough announced
that John Poux needed to be re-appointed to the Recreation Commission
since he did not take the required oath of office within the 30 days; he
would also like to appoint Marcene Johnson and Ashlee Houghtaling to
the Ad Hoc Pool Committee; he would like to do it as one motion.
A motion was made by Councilman Minissali to
appoint John Poux to the Recreation Commission, Marcene Johnson and
Ashlee Houghtaling to the Ad Hoc Pool Committee; seconded by Councilman
Hassett. Roll Vote: 5 Yes.
1). ANNOUNCEMENT: Supervisor McDonough noted that
the Water/Sewer Commission is still seeking a volunteer member; anyone
residing in the water/sewer district is eligible to apply.
Councilwoman Greene also reminded the Board that they are still seeking two members for the Climate Task Force.
2). PUBLIC HEARING: 2012 BUDGET:
The notice of public hearing was read by the Town Clerk at
7:40pm. Supervisor McDonough stated that the over-all budget is up
11.63% but that is expected to go down.
Mr. Hubert addressed health benefits, who receives
them and do they contribute toward them. Supervisor McDonough responded
that all general employees and highway employees (full time and/or
elected) contribute toward their health care, the police do not, it’s a
contractual (union) issue which we can’t control.
Tim Morrison commended those department that have
either held the line or reduced their budget line requests; he
questioned the supervisor’s line being up 16%; Supervisor McDonough
responded that the position of assistant to the supervisor is being made
full-time rather than the present part-time; buildings .4 (contractual)
is also up 16%; the response to that was the cost of fuel has gone up
along with utilities and etc.
Phyllis Noreen questioned the $35,000 on page 13
(below SS9060.8) in the Sewer budget; does this represent the money owed
to the General Fund and if so where is it reflected in the General
Fund; Supervisor McDonough said he would have to check with the
bookkeeper and would have an answer next week; Phyllis said to be sure
to show the amount as receivable to the General Fund and payment from
the Sewer Fund.
Tim Morrison questioned the Creek Locks property;
has a decision been made yet as too whether a lease will be made with
the Little League; Supervisor McDonough stated that the Association of
Towns has offered several options which will be discussed next
week. Councilman Hassett stated that in the end proper agreements
will be in place.
Phyllis Noreen asked where the $80,000 surplus from
2010 is shown in the budget; Supervisor McDonough stated that he
couldn’t identify the appropriation; he would have to consult the
bookkeeper.
3). PUBLIC HEARING: TAX CAP LOCAL LAW:
The public hearing was opened at 8:10pm with the Town Clerk reading the
Notice of Public Hearing. Supervisor McDonough gave a brief
overview of the reasoning for enacting a local law for “cap over-ride”;
NYS set mandates for which municipalities have no control; a question
had been raised previously about the Town over-riding the “NYS 60%
majority vote” (3 of the 5 members would have to approve) to a “super
majority”; Supervisor McDonough stated that he was informed that we
cannot change NYS Law.
Mr. Hubert stated that he has concern for the
increases; do we need a “full-time” assistant to the supervisor; also
salary increases since many tax payers are not seeing any increase in
their salary.
Mr. Contini asked that the Board look at the
services being provided and see if cut backs could be made; he suggested
that the assistant to the supervisor position be eliminated, the
council members could help fill in.
A motion was made by Supervisor McDonough to close
the budget public hearing at 8:55pm; seconded by Councilman
Hassett. Roll Vote: 5 Yes.
Bob Ryan stated that we would see an increase in
the tax base and revenue with the HRVR project; Supervisor McDonough
responded that there is no way of knowing what the revenues would be at
this point since the project will be built in phases over ten years (it
will be re-assessed as the project develops).
Amy ? stated that HRVR should be put on the “back
burner”; we can’t anticipate the wear and tear on Carl’s (Highway
Superintendent) roads.
Phyllis Noreen asked why the Bloomington Fire
budget was not on the printed budget; response was it was an over-site,
it will be added to the web site; the budget will be voted on next week
and it will be less than the 11.68% currently shown.
The public hearing on the “tax cap local law
over-ride” was left open at this time; other agenda items would be
discussed but further comments could be made.
4). RESOLUTION: Budgetary Transfers:
Supervisor McDonough stated that a resolution would be presented next
week to make budgetary transfers to balance accounts within the Highway
Fund and Seer Fund.
5). RESOLUTION: Delinquent Water and Sewer Levies:
Supervisor McDonough stated that a resolution will be presented next
week authorizing that unpaid 2011 water/sewer levies be submitted to
Ulster County for inclusion on the 2012 Tax Levy; he noted that this is
the largest number of re-levies to be submitted, it shows how bad times
are; this is the only way the Town can be sure of collecting on these
delinquent bills.
6). RESOLUTION 11-2011-#1 Request for Proposals for
Well Drilling at the Rosendale Pool. The resolution requests a
plan and proposal for drilling a well at the Rosendale Pool by qualified
drillers; RFP’s are due to be received by 4:00pm on November 30, 2011
by the Town Clerk.
A motion was made by Supervisor McDonough to
authorize the seeking of RFP’s for drilling a well at the Rosendale
Pool; 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 Supervisor McDonough to close
the public hearing on the “Tax Cap Local Law” at 9:10pm; seconded by
Councilman Gallagher. Roll Vote: 5 Yes.
7). RESOLUTION: Police Report Contract:
Supervisor McDonough stated that the Rosendale Police Dept. wishes to
streamline its services and offer more options to the public for
acquiring accident and incident reports by entering into an agreement
with PoliceReport, US to fulfill those needs on a per report fee
basis. The resolution will be presented next week.
8). RESOLUTION: Purchase New Camera Equipment for
Police Vehicles: Supervisor McDonough stated that the resolution
will authorize the up-grade to new digital server equipment through an
agreement with Island Tech Services which will better protect the
residents and officers than the antiquated system presently in
use. A short discussion followed as to what possible financing
arrangements could be worked out to facilitate the up-grade. The
resolution will be presented next week.
9). RESOLUTION: Final Budget for 2012:
Supervisor McDonough announced that a resolution will be presented next
week to adopt the 2012 Budget after it is “fine tweaked”.
10). RESOLUTION: Tax Cap Local
Law: Supervisor McDonough stated that a resolution will be
presented next week to enact the local law to “over-ride” the NYS 2% Tax
Cap Law.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
1. Tues, Nov 8 – Election Day, Town Offices are Closed
2. Wed, Nov 9, 7:30pm – Town Board Meeting, Rec Center
3. Fri, Nov 11 – Veterans Day, Town Offices Closed
Councilwoman Greene asked where we stand with the
dam (Binnewater Road) as far as getting engineering information for
repairs; Supervisor McDonough stated that he has received two proposals;
he further stated that Terry Johnson is obtaining a proposal for the
Mountain Road dam from Brinnier and Larios for a safety engineering
study; we will also obtain proposal from them. Councilwoman Greene
stated that we had reached out to Glenn Gidaly (Barton and Lojudice) as
to why they didn’t apply for the “green grant”; the response was that
grant was available last year but not this year; she also asked if there
was any up-date of the engineering for James Street; Supervisor
McDonough responded that Carl Hornbeck met with C.T. Male and has a
meeting on Friday of this week with FEMA for all storm damage.
Councilman Hassett stated that the Army Corp of
Engineers has Rosendale in a 10 year plan for creek remediation
therefore they should have some culpability for the damage since the
shoaling pushes the water back up stream.
John Maylie said that we should ask for the FEMA “sharp team” of specialists to look into the situation.
AUDIT OF BILLS:
GENERAL FUND VOUCHER’S #920-971 TOTALING $17,262.93
SEWER
FUND
“
#171-175
“ $ 1,521.61
WATER
FUND
“
#172-177
“ $
1,528.33
SPECIAL LIGHT VOUCHER’S # 31- 33 TOTALING $ 2,291.78
A motion was made by Councilman Gallagher to pay the bills; seconded by Councilman Minissali. Roll Vote: 5 Yes.
A motion was made by Councilman Hassett to adjourn at 9:40pm; seconded by Councilwoman Greene. Roll Vote: 5 Yes.
Respectfully submitted,
Joan S. Jordan
Town Clerk
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