February 7, 2008 3437
The Town Board Meeting was held on February 7, 2008 at 7:00pm at the
Town Hall.
PRESENT:
Supervisor Chipman
Councilwoman Archer
Councilman Cilenti
Councilwoman Michailescu
Councilman Spano
Town Clerk Sommer
Attorney Christiana
Supervisor Chipman opened the meeting and Councilwoman Michailescu led
the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Supervisor Chipman asked for a moment of silence for Patti Kershaw, wife
of Wayne Kershaw, our Transfer Station Attendant.
PRESENTATIONS:
Rondout Valley Central School Representative, Mike Redmond gave a
presentation regarding the upcoming building expansion vote on March 11, 2008.
Town of Rochester Justice Babcock gave a presentation on the needs of
the Court, eg: security, size, lighting, etc.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:
Resident, Mike Miszko presented a proposal to the Board to enact a local
law to increase the Veteran’s Exemptions.
Resident, Michael Baden said he can help the Board with the background checks and procedures with a time line.
A Resident suggested grants available for the Courthouse.
A Resident said our Town was turned down from Cabela’s since we are in
a red line district, meaning we’re losing our value due to businesses leaving the area. We need jobs and industry he said.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
A Motion was made by Councilman Spano to approve the following minutes
as submitted:
January 3, 2008 Organizational Meeting
January 3, 2008 Town Board Meeting
January 24, 2008 Special Town Board Meeting re: Assessor’s position
January 24, 2008 Interviews & Audit/Workshop Meeting
Seconded by: Councilwoman Michailescu Unanimously approved
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT: Filed with the Town Clerk.
CORRESPONDENCE: Filed with the Supervisor.
LEGAL MATTERS: Attorney Christiana reported that the case of Singh
against the Town has been withdrawn.
LIAISON REPORTS:
Supervisor Chipman and the Councilpersons shared the highlights of the meetings they attended as liaisons and committee members.
February 7, 2008 3438
NEW BUSINESS:
RESOLUTIONS:
DISSOLUTION OF COMMITTEES:
Resolution #35_2008
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti that the following Standing Committees be dissolved:
Zone Code Task Force
Building Development Committee
Rural Character Committee
Planning & Zoning Committee
Economic Development Commission
Telecommunications Advisory Committee
Property Tax Committee
Seconded by: Councilwoman Michailescu
Discussion: Councilman Spano & Councilwoman Archer expressed their
feelings against the dissolution of these committees, especially the
Zone Code Task Force. Councilman Cilenti expressed his views as to why the changes should go forth.
Motion carried 3_2
Archer _ nay
Spano _ nay
CODE TASK FORCE COMMITTEE:
Resolution #36 _ 2008
A Motion was made by Councilman Spano that the Code Task Force Committee not be dissolved as he feels it is a disservice to the Town.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Archer
Councilwoman Archer nay
Councilman Cilenti aye
Councilwoman Michailescu aye
Councilman Spano nay
Supervisor Chipman aye Motion not carried 3_2
VETERANS EXEMPTION DISCUSSION:
Attorney Christiana said work has to be done on the proposed local law
before a public hearing can be scheduled.
FIRE SAFETY & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE INSPECTION FEE SCHEDULE:
Resolution #37_2008
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti that the fee for all fire safety
and property maintenance inspections are $50.00, effective immediately.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano Unanimously approved
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Archer to enter into executive session at 8:10pm to discuss pending board vacancies.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano Unanimously approved
RECONVENED:
A Motion was made by Councilman Spano to reconvene the meeting at 8:50pm with the Supervisor reporting no action was taken nor monies expended.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Michailescu Unanimously approved
February 7, 2008 3439
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS:
Resolution #38_2008
A Motion was made by Councilman Spano to appoint William Collier and
Jeanne Greene to the Historic Preservation Commission.
Seconded by: Councilman Cilenti Unanimously approved
RESOLUTION #39_2008
A Motion was made by Councilman Spano to appoint Alice Cross, Chairperson and Jeanne Greene, Vice Chair of the Historic Preservation Commission.
Seconded by: Councilman Cilenti Unanimously approved
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION COMMISSION:
RESOLUTION #40_2008
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Michailescu to appoint Lillian Green to the ECC.
Seconded by: Councilman Cilenti Unanimously approved
RESOLUTION #41_2008
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Archer to appoint Laura Finestone to the ECC.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano
Councilwoman Archer aye
Councilman Cilenti nay
Councilwoman Michailescu nay
Councilman Spano aye
Supervisor Chipman nay
Motion not carried 3_2
RESOLUTION #42_2008
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to appoint Wendy Monk to the ECC.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano Motion carried 4_0
Michailescu _ abstained
RESOLUTION #43_2008
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti that Michael Callen be Chairman
and Kristin Marcel, Vice Chair of the ECC.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Archer Unanimously approved
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS:
RESOLUTION #44_2008
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to appoint Brian Drabkin to the
ZBA.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Michailescu
Councilwoman Archer nay
Councilman Cilenti aye
Councilwoman Michailescu aye
Councilman Spano nay
Supervisor Chipman aye
Motion carried 3_2
February 7, 2008 3440
RESOLUTION #45_2008
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to appoint Brian Drabkin Chair and Beatrice Haugen DePuy Vice Chair to the ZBA.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Michailescu
Councilwoman Archer nay
Councilman Cilenti aye
Councilwoman Michailescu aye
Councilman Spano nay
Supervisor Chipman aye
Motion carried 3_2
PLANNING BOARD:
RESOLUTION #46_2008
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Archer to appoint Michael Baden to the
Planning Board.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano
Councilwoman Archer aye
Councilman Cilenti nay
Councilwoman Michailescu nay
Councilman Spano aye
Supervisor Chipman nay
Motion not carried 3_2
RESOLUTION #47_2008
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to appoint David O’Halloran to the Planning Board.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Michailescu
Councilwoman Archer nay
Councilman Cilenti aye
Councilwoman Michailescu aye
Councilman Spano nay
Supervisor Chipman aye
Motion carried 3_2
RESOLUTION #48_2008
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Michailescu that Mel Tapper be Chair and Shane Ricks Vice Chair to the Planning Board.
Seconded by: Councilman Cilenti
Councilwoman Archer nay
Councilman Cilenti aye
Councilwoman Michailesu aye
Councilman Spano nay
Supervisor Chipman aye
Motion carried 3_2
YOUTH COMMISSION:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti that appointments be tabled until
background checks are completed.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano Motion carried 4_1
Chipman _ nay
RESOLUTION #49_2008
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti that Sue Matson be Chair and
Pamela Stocking be Vice Chair of the Youth Commission.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Michailescu Motion carried 4_1
Spano _ nay
February 7, 2008 3441
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ZONING CODE & MAP TASK FORCE:
RESOLUTION #50_2008
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti that each Councilperson submit the names of two persons of their choice to serve on the Comprehensive Plan Zoning Code & Map Task Force.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Michailescu Unanimously approved
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE & EVENT COMMITTEE:
RESOLUTION #51_2008
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to establish a committee of volunteers to work on the Memorial Day Parade and other events.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Michailescu Unanimously approved
COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT & SUPPORT COMMITTEE:
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Michailescu to develop a committee to
bring business to our area.
Seconded by: Councilman Cilenti
Discussion: Councilman Cilenti feels we would be duplicating the charge of the Chamber of Commerce. We should support them, not duplicate.
Councilwoman Archer feels we need parameters before we pursue this.
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Michailescu to rescind the previous motion until such time a charge is written and presented by the Supervisor.
Seconded by: Councilman Cilenti Unanimously approved
BUDGET REVIEW COMMITTEE:
Supervisor Chipman explained he wants a committee to help explain the budget, etc. Tabled.
ETHICS COMMITTEE:
Supervisor Chipman requested that Attorney Christiana write an amendment increasing the Ethics Board from 3 to 5 members.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR VOLUNTEER:
RESOLUTION #52_2008
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti that the Board advertise for a volunteer Emergency Management Director and further authorizing the Town Clerk to advertise same.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano Unanimously approved
ATTENDANCE RECORDS SUBMITTED:
RESOLUTION #53_2008
A Motion was made by Supervisor Chipman that all Boards and Commissions
be required to submit attendance records on a yearly basis to the Town Board.
Seconded by: Councilman Cilenti Unanimously approved
OPEN TO THE PUBIC:
A Resident volunteered to help with the Memorial Day Parade, and stated that the Chamber of Commerce supports the Town of Rochester businesses,
we didn’t receive much support from the former Board. It was suggested
a liaison would be very helpful for the Chamber and the Board.
February 7, 2008 3442
A Resident said the time line for the proposed local law is 3/1/08 and
suggested the Town amend according to the State Law for the Veterans exemptions.
It was suggested by a resident that the Veterans Park needs to be expedited, cut through the red tape and get it done.
A Resident feels we should build upon our own local and business economy.
The Board was commended for keeping up the website by providing information to local business owners. We need community development and the Board was commended for finding committees, find the best and not stack.
A Resident was disappointed in the liaison report re: the Fire Company.
It was suggested that Jerry Davis and especially Brenda Striano of the Code Enforcement Office be included in the Code committee since they were very valuable members of the former committee.
Supervisor Chipman said they are working as quickly as possible to find a new planner for the Town since Chazen withdrew their services.
Another resident volunteered for the Parade Committee and offered to teach parents and residents about gang awareness.
A Resident encouraged the new committee members to help community development and suggested streamlining ideas to the Board.
Another resident said gangs are already in our Town and we need to know how to protect our families.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
A Motion was made by Councilman Spano to enter into executive session at
9:50pm regarding the Assessor’s position.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Michailescu Unanimously approved
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to reconvene the meeting at 10:24pm with the Supervisor reporting no action was taken nor monies expended.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano Unanimously approved
ASSESSOR MATTERS:
RESOLUTION #54_2008
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti that the Assessor Aide’s
probation be extended 6 months.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Archer Motion carried 4_0
Michailescu _ abstained
RESOLUTION #55_2008
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Archer that the Board advertise for
Sole Assessor as per the guidelines of ORPS, and further authorize the
Town Clerk to advertise same.
Seconded by: Councilman Cilenti Unanimously approved
February 7, 2008 3443
ADJOURNMENT:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to adjourn the meeting at
10:27pm.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano Unanimously approved
Respectfully submitted,
Veronica I. Sommer
Town Clerk/RMC
February 21, 2008 3444
A Special Meeting of the Town Board was held on 2/21/2008 at 7:00pm at the Town Hall.
PRESENT:
Supervisor Chipman
Councilwoman Archer
Councilman Cilenti
Councilwoman Michailescu
Councilman Spano
The meeting was opened with the pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Supervisor Chipman explained that the meeting was called for the entire Town Board to meet with the Acting Assessor.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to enter into executive session at 7:08pm with Acting Assessor Michael Sommer involving personnel both past and present.
Seconded by: Supervisor Chipman Unanimously approved
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to reconvene the meeting at 9:20pm with the Supervisor reporting no action was taken, nor monies expended.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano Unanimously approved
ADJOURNMENT:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to adjourn the meeting at 9:21pm.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Michailescu Unanimously approved
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen A. Gundberg
Deputy Town Clerk
February 27, 2008 3445
The Audit/Workshop Meeting was held at 7:00pm on February 27, 2008
at the Town Hall.
PRESENT:
Supervisor Chipman
Councilwoman Archer
Councilman Cilenti
Councilwoman Michailescu
Councilman Spano
Deputy Town Clerk Gundberg
Supervisor Chipman called the meeting to order and Councilwoman Michailescu led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
APPROVAL OF BILLS:
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Archer to approve the following bills as audited this date:
General Fund Abstract 14 of 2007 $ 16,962.46
Abstract 02 of 2008 $ 205,133.44
Highway Fund Abstract 02 of 2008 $ 94,769.36
Street Lighting $ 329.54
Seconded by: Councilwoman Michailescu Unanimously approved
The Town Board held lengthy discussions on the proposed topics for the March Town Board Meeting.
I Security order in the Courthouse
II The hiring of Special Prosecutors for criminal law
III Level of background checks for the Youth Commission
IV Veterans exemptions
V Business development
VI Expansion of the Ethics Committee
VII Status of cell towers
ADJOURNMENT:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to adjourn the meeting at 8:50pm.
Seconded by: Councilman: Spano Unanimously approved
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen A. Gundberg
Deputy Town Clerk