2008 April Town Board Minutes

April 3, 2008                                                3454

 

A Special Meeting was held on April 3, 2008 at 6:00pm at the Town
Hall regarding the Assessor appointment.

 

PRESENT:

 

Supervisor Chipman               Councilwoman Archer (7:00)
Councilman Cilenti               Councilwoman Michailescu
Councilman Spano (6:30)          Attorney Christiana

 

A Motion was made by Supervisor Chipman to enter into executive
session at 6:32pm regarding the Assessor position.

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Cilenti            Motion carried 4_0
                                                       Archer _ late

 

A Motion was made by Councilwoman Archer to reconvene the meeting
at 7:14pm, with the Supervisor reporting no action was taken nor monies expended.

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Cilenti            Unanimously approved

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to close the meeting at 7:14pm.

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Spano              Unanimously approved
Respectfully submitted,
Veronica I. Sommer
Town Clerk/RMC
April 3, 2008                                                3455

 

A Public Hearing was held on April 3, 2008 at 7:15pm at the Town
Hall re: Veteran’s Exemptions.

 

PRESENT:

 

Supervisor Chipman          
Councilwoman Archer     
Councilman Cilenti
Councilwoman Michailescu    
Councilman Spano        
Attorney Christiana
Town Clerk Sommer

 

Supervisor Chipman opened the meeting and Sheriff Mackenzie led the
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

Attorney Christiana read the proposed local law amending chapter 128 of the Code of the Town of Rochester (Taxation) increasing the maximum veteran’s exemption pursuant to section 458_A of the Real Property Tax Law.

 

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:

 

A resident asked if this exemption was for Town only.

 

Another resident felt that the whole Chapter needs to be updated.

 

A resident feels this proposed law shows respect to Veterans, it’s an
issue of honor.

 

Also expressed was that any exemptions for the elderly also be implemented.

 

No further comments.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED:

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to close the public hearing at
7:22pm.

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Spano              Unanimously approved
Respectfully submitted,
Veronica I. Sommer
Town Clerk/RMC
April 3, 2008                                                3456

 

A Public Hearing was held on April 3, 2008 at 7:22pm regarding proposed local law amending chapter 17 of the Code of the Town of Rochester.

 

PRESENT:

 

Supervisor Chipman          
Councilwoman Archer     
Councilman Cilenti
Councilwoman Michailescu    
Councilman Spano        
Attorney Christiana
Town Clerk Sommer

 

Supervisor Chipman read the proposed local law that would expand the Board of Ethics to five members.

 

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:

 

The Town Board was asked why they felt it necessary to expand the membership, what is their charge and how many times has the Board of Ethics been used in the last five years.

 

Also questioned was why not have alternates, how members are chosen and
expressions of this change making it more fair to all involved.

 

No further comments.

 

PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED:

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to close the public hearing at
7:25pm.

 

Seconded by:  Councilwoman Michailescu      Unanimosuly approved
Respectfully submitted,
Veronica I. Sommer
Town Clerk/RMC

 

April 3, 2008                                                3457

 

The Town Board Meeting was held on April 3, 2008 at 7:28pm at the
Town Hall.

 

PRESENT:

 

Supervisor Chipman          
Councilwoman Archer     
Councilman Cilenti
Councilwoman Michailescu    
Councilman Spano        
Attorney Christiana
Town Clerk Sommer

 

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:

 

One resident felt that the previous public hearings were poorly advertised, and said it is disappointing that the website is not kept up to date.

 

A few residents expressed their recommendation that an Assessor of their
choice be appointed.

 

It was also mentioned that persons other than Tricia Kortright applied for the Assessor’s position and met the qualifications.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Spano to approve the following minutes
as submitted:

 

March  6, 2008  Town Board Meeting
March 24, 2008  Special Meeting re: Assessor interviews
March 24, 2008  Special Meeting re: Assessor interviews
March 26, 2008  Audit/Workshop Meeting

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Cilenti            Unanimously approved

 

SUPERVISOR’S REPORT:  Filed with the Town Clerk

 

CORRESPONDENCE:  Filed with the Supervisor.

 

SUPERVISOR’S UPDATE:

 

Supervisor Chipman said he appreciated the comments regarding the website and thanked Mike Baden for stepping up to the plate with the website.

 

The Communications Committee needs volunteers. The Building & Grounds
Assessment Commission to meet to discuss the Town’s needs and values.

 

LEGAL MATTERS:  none

 

PRESENTATION/SHERIFF McKENZIE:

 

Sheriff McKenzie explained that residents can help the police in many ways just by using their gut feelings.  He said there will be a new satellite office in Wawarsing and Stone Ridge, the sub-station in Accord will be closing.  Although further away, they will still be accessible to the residents of Rochester.

 

Councilman Cilenti said he would be available to upgrade the Neighborhood Watch program.

 

LIAISON REPORTS:

 

Supervisor Chipman and the Councilpersons shared the highlights of the meetings they attended as liaisons and committee members.

 

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE UPDATE:

 

Lali Chase, co-chair, gave a detailed report on the upcoming Memorial Day Parade progress.

 

April 3, 2008                                                3458

 

LOCAL LAW #1-2008-VETERAN’S EXEMPTION:

 

Resolution #69-2008

 

A Resolution was made by Councilman Spano, seconded by Councilwoman
Archer that Local Law #1-2008 amending chapter 128 of the Code of the
Town of Rochester (Taxation) increasing the maximum veteran’s exemption pursuant to section 458-A of the Real Property Tax Law:

 

Be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Rochester as follows:

 

Section 1.  Statutory Authorization

 

This local law is enacted pursuant to the authority contained in RPTL Sections 458-a(2)(d)(ii) and (7)(b).

 

Section 2.  Town of Rochester Code Section 128-18 shall be amended to read as follows:

 

Section 128-18  Increase of Exemptions

 

The maximum exemptions allowable pursuant to paragraphs (a),(b), and (c) of subdivision 2 of Section 458-a of the Real Property Tax Law shall be equal to the maximum exemptions allowable pursuant to Real Property Tax Law Section 458-a(2)(d)(ii), and as same may be hereafter amended.

 

Section 3.  This Local Law shall be effective immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State in accordance with the Municipal Home Rule Law.
                                                   Unanimously approved

 

LOCAL LAW #2-2008-INCREASING MEMBERSHIP BOARD OF ETHICS:

 

Resolution #70-2008

 

A Resolution was made by Councilman Cilenti, seconded by Councilman Spano that Local Law #2-2008 amending chapter 17 of the Code of the Town of Rochester be enacted by the Town Board be amended as follows:

 

Section 1.  Section 17-8 is amended to read as follows:

 

A.  There shall be a Board of Ethics consisting of five members to be appointed by a majority of the Town Board, who shall serve without compensation and at the pleasure of the Town Board.  A majority of such members shall be persons other than officers or employees of the Town of Rochester, except that at least one member may be an elected or appointed officer or employee of the Town of Rochester.

 

B.  Ethics Board members shall reside in the Town and shall not hold an office in any political organization.  Members shall serve for a term of five years.

 

        The three membership positions already existing on the Town Board of Ethics shall continue, with those positions expiring at the end of the original term of appointment.  At the expiration of those terms, future appointments to those positions shall be for terms of five years.

 

        Two new members shall be appointed upon enactment of this amendment, one who shall serve until December 31, 2012 and one shall serve until December 31, 2013.

 

        Consecutive service shall not exceed two full terms.  When a vacancy occurs, it shall be filled within 60 days for the unexpired portion of the term.  However, members shall serve until their successors have been appointed.

 

Section 2.  Effective Date.  This Local Law shall take effect immediately upon filing in the Office of the Secretary of State in compliance with all applicable provisions of law.

 

                                                  Unanimously approved

 

April 3, 2008                                                3459

 

SPECIAL PROSECUTORS APPOINTMENTS:

 

Resolution #71-2008

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti that Ephie Tratoros-Kehayias, Esq., Dana Rudikoff, Esq. and Kevin Bryant, Esq. be appointed Special
Prosecutors for the Town of Rochester at $150.00 per hour.  They will
plan their schedule accordingly.

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Spano              Unanimously approved

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Councilman Cilenti said he was dissatisfied with the Assessor candidates and is not prepared to vote on an appointment at this time.

 

DATA COLLECTOR APPOINTMENT:

 

Resolution #72-2008

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to appoint a Data Collector to work with the Acting Assessor.

 

Seconded by:  Councilwoman Michailescu

 

After a brief discussion – this motion was rescinded.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Spano that the Board enter into executive session at 8:30pm regarding the hiring of a Data Collector.

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Cilenti            Unanimously approved

 

MEETING RECONVENED:

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to reconvene the meeting at 8:40pm with the Supervisor reporting no action was taken nor monies expended.

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Spano              Unanimously approved

 

DATA COLLECTOR APPOINTED:

 

Resolution #73-2008

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to appoint Tricia Kortright as Data Collector at the hourly rate of $12.00 – 40 hours per week, on a contractual basis.

 

Seconded by:  Councilwoman Michailescu
Discussion:   Councilwoman Michailescu read a statement supporting this
appointment.
Councilman Spano said he feels this appointment is an injustice to the residents.
Councilman Cilenti said this job is contractual – no benefits.
Councilwoman Archer said this appointment is a disservice to the Town.
Councilman Cilenti said the Acting Assessor asked for a Data Collector and he accepts full responsibility for taking no action on this request until now.
                                                       
Councilwoman Archer      nay
Councilman Cilenti       aye
Councilwoman Michailescu aye
Councilman Spano         nay
Supervisor Chipman       aye
                                                 Motion carried 3-2

 

April 3, 2008                                                3460

 

PLANNER APPOINTMENT:

 

Resolution #74-2008

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti that the Town Board appoint
Clark Patterson Lee (CPL) Planner for the Town as recommended by the
Planning Board.  Their 2008 fee schedule is as follows:

 

Principal                                                                   $150-200
Principal Associate/Project Manager                                     100-125
Project Architect, Engineer, Landscape Architect or Planner 90-100
Jr. Architect, Engineer, Landscape Architect or Planner     65- 90
Technician, CAD Operator, Survey Crew Member                55- 80
Administrative                                              40- 60
Consultants and Direct Expenses             Actual cost (no markup)
Expenses will be processed through the applicants escrow account.

 

Seconded by:  Supervisor Chipman            Unanimously approved

 

ROAD NAME REQUEST/DENNINVILLE ROAD:

 

Resolution #75-2008

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Spano that at the request of the owners
of property located off Airport Road, Lot #3, SBL 69.3-1-17.1, building
permit #07/175 shall now be known as Denninville Road.

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Cilenti            Unanimously approved

 

APPOINTMENTS/OATHS:

 

Resolution #76-2008

 

A Motion was made by Councilwoman Archer to re-appoint Wendy Monk and Lillian Green to the Environmental Conservation Commission.

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Spano
Town Clerk Sommer was requested to send a letter notifying them to sign
their oath of office.
                                                  Unanimously approved

 

YOUTH COMMISSION GRANT:

 

Resolution #77-2008

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti that the Town Board authorize
the Supervisor to sign the identification form for the Special State Grants Through NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
at the request of the Youth Director.

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Spano              Unanimously approved

 

HIGHWAY DUMP TRUCK STATE BID:

 

Resolution #78-2008

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti that the Town Board authorize the Highway to purchase a 3500 Series Chevy Dump Truck off State contract, the price not to exceed $34,000.00.

 

Seconded by:  Councilwoman Michailescu      Unanimously approved

 

HEAVY DUTY PICKUP TRUCK BID:

 

Resolution #79-2008

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Spano authorizing the Highway Superintendent to seek bids on one new Chevrolet or GMC 3/4 ton heavy duty pickup truck, regular cab – long box 133″  4×4.  Sealed bids to be received on or before 4/21/08 at 10:00am at the Town Clerk’s Office. And,
further authorizing the Town Clerk to advertise same.

 

April 3, 2008                                                3461

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Cilenti
Discussion :  Motion was amended to include date/time & advertising by Town Clerk.
                                                    Unanimously approved

 

AUDIT/WORKSHOP DATE CHANGE:

 

Resolution #80-2008

 

A Motion was made by Supervisor Chipman that the Audit/Workshop Meeting date be changed from 4/30/08 to 4/23/08 due to a scheduling conflict.

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Cilenti            Unanimously approved

 

APPOINTMENT DATES CONFIRMED FOR ECC:

 

Resolution #81-2008

 

A Motion was made by Councilwoman Archer that the term of the ECC original appointments for Wendy Monk and Lillian Green expire 12/31/10.

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Cilenti            Unanimously approved

 

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:

 

A few residents voiced their dismay over the Data Collector appointment,
they felt the Board should have advertised and not cobbled the appointment.

 

The changes requested on the proposed Veteran’s Park was also mentioned.

 

It was also mentioned that the revaluation was put off by the last Town Board. This Board agreed that more data must be placed on the rolls in order to secure a complete and accurate assessment for the Town.

 

Highway Superintendent Kelder asked permission from the Board regarding
Parade participation.  The Board to discuss at the next workshop meeting.

 

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ZONING CODES & MAP TASK FORCE MEETING SCHEDULED:

 

The following meetings have been scheduled with Tom Shepstone and the
Comprehensive Plan Zoning Codes & Map Task Force Committee:

 

April 28, 2008   7:00pm at Town Hall
May    5, 2008   7:00pm at Town Hall
May   19, 2008   7:00pm at Town Hall

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to adjourn the meeting at 9:40pm in memory of Jane Lenard who passed away suddenly.  Jane was an active member of our community and participated in many discussions at Town Board Meetings.  Always versatile, she won First Prize at the Jenny Bell Pie Festival last year.  We will miss Jane and her wonderful presence.

 

Seconded by:  Supervisor Chipman            Unanimously approved
Respectfully submitted,
Veronica I. Sommer
Town Clerk/RMC
April 23, 2008                                               3462

 

The Audit/Workshop Meeting was held on April 23, 2008 at 7:00pm at
the Town Hall.

 

PRESENT:

 

Supervisor Chipman         
Councilwoman Archer     
Councilman Cilenti
Councilwoman Michailescu   
Councilman Spano        
Town Clerk Sommer

 

Supervisor Chipman opened the meeting and Highway Superintendent Kelder led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

APPROVAL OF BILLS:

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Spano to approve the following bills as
audited this date:

 

                 General Fund             $124,259.44
                 Highway Fund Abst. XIV        568.01
                 Highway Fund               80,078.55
                 Street Lighting               335.56

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Cilenti            Unanimously approved

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

VETERAN’S PARK DISCUSSION:

 

Councilwoman Michailescu reported on the Historic Preservation’s Meeting and their future plans and groundbreaking for the Veteran’s Park.  The Town Board discussed their views and will report back to the Committee on their opinions.

 

WEBSITE:

 

Michael Baden gave a website update and requested help from the Town Board and volunteers.

 

Supervisor Chipman thanked Mr. Baden for his hard work.

 

TASK FORCE:  First meeting is 4/28/08 at 7:00pm at Town Hall.

 

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR:

 

The Town Board discussed future appointments to this important position.

 

The Town Board also discussed other items for the May agenda.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

ASSESSOR’S OFFICE:

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Spano to enter into executive session at
8:05pm inviting Michael Sommer, Acting Assessor and to discuss a personnel pay issue.

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Cilenti            Unanimously approved

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to reconvene the meeting at 9:00pm, with the Supervisor reporting no action was taken nor monies
expended.

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Spano              Unanimously approved

 

April 23, 2008                                               3463
ADJOURNMENT:

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to adjourn the meeting at 9:13pm.

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Spano              Unanimously approved

 

Respectfully submitted,
Veronica I. Sommer
Town Clerk/RMC
April 23, 2008                                               3462

 

The Audit/Workshop Meeting was held on April 23, 2008 at 7:00pm at
the Town Hall.

 

PRESENT:

 

Supervisor Chipman         Councilwoman Archer     Councilman Cilenti
Councilwoman Michailescu   Councilman Spano        Town Clerk Sommer

 

Supervisor Chipman opened the meeting and Highway Superintendent Kelder led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

APPROVAL OF BILLS:

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Spano to approve the following bills as
audited this date:

 

                 General Fund             $124,259.44
                 Highway Fund Abst. XIV        568.01
                 Highway Fund               80,078.55
                 Street Lighting               335.56

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Cilenti            Unanimously approved

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

VETERAN’S PARK DISCUSSION:

 

Councilwoman Michailescu reported on the Historic Preservation’s Meeting and their future plans and groundbreaking for the Veteran’s Park.  The Town Board discussed their views and will report back to the Committee on their opinions.

 

WEBSITE:

 

Michael Baden gave a website update and requested help from the Town Board and volunteers.

 

Supervisor Chipman thanked Mr. Baden for his hard work.

 

TASK FORCE:  First meeting is 4/28/08 at 7:00pm at Town Hall.

 

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR:

 

The Town Board discussed future appointments to this important position.

 

The Town Board also discussed other items for the May agenda.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

ASSESSOR’S OFFICE:

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Spano to enter into executive session at
8:05pm inviting Michael Sommer, Acting Assessor and to discuss a personnel pay issue.

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Cilenti            Unanimously approved

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to reconvene the meeting at 9:00pm, with the Supervisor reporting no action was taken nor monies
expended.

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Spano              Unanimously approved

 

April 23, 2008                                               3463
ADJOURNMENT:

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to adjourn the meeting at 9:13pm.

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Spano              Unanimously approved

 

Respectfully submitted,
Veronica I. Sommer
Town Clerk/RMC