2008 September Town Board Minutes

September 4, 2008                                             3488

 

The Town Board Meeting was held on September 4, 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 called the meeting to order and invited Attorney Christiana to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:

 

Mary Lee, representing Little Ones Library gave an update on the Towpath Run and reported everything is going smoothly.  Mulligan is donating a bus for the day, insurance is in place and brochures ready for distribution.

 

One resident asked when the cell towers would be completed.  He was told hopefully within the next few months.  Then vendors must subscribe.

 

Also discussed was illegal dumping and the unsightly garbage on the sides
of the roads, etc.  It was strongly felt enforcement become a priority
and offenders prosecuted.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

 

A Motion wasn’t approved since the Town Clerk inadvertently left out one
page of the minutes of the 8/7/08.

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to approve the minutes of the August 28, 2008 Audit/Workshop meeting as submitted.

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Spano              Unanimously approved

 

SUPERVISOR’S REPORT: – Filed with the Town Clerk.

 

CORRESPONDENCE:

 

Letter from Michael Berg from Family re: municipality food drive.

 

Ron Bonner reported that the fund drive for the food pantry was a
success, he said demand for food is high but needs are being met. Financially, the Rochester Food Pantry is on stable footing with another fund raiser scheduled in the Fall.  He agreed with Supervisor Chipman that greater awareness in the form of fliers, websites, etc. are necessary.

 

SUPERVISOR’S UPDATE:

 

Supervisor Chipman explained that the proposed 2009 tentative budget is
in the works and workshop meeting will be set up in the near future. Winter watch meetings will also be scheduled.

 

LEGAL MATTERS:

 

Attorney Christiana reported on the tax certiorari of Glenn Pomerantz against the BOAR.  No decisions at this time.
Tri-State Capital challenged their assessment and the Judge to schedule a conference with Ms. Christiana as the first step in the process.
Mr. Breitman small claim re: fence damage went to court and a decision to be reached within 30 to 60 days.
A request from Attorney Futerfas for his client requesting a 25′ right of way on the rail trail.

 

Councilman Spano asked if there are stipulations because of grants, etc..

 

September 4, 2008                                             3489
RIGHT OF WAY REQUEST/RAIL TRAIL:

 

Resolution #114-2008

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Spano that the Town Board deny the request for a 25 foot right of way on the Rail Trail to Edward & Veronica Bustamonte.  A letter of decision to be forwarded to their attorney Mr.
Futerfas.

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Cilenti            Unanimously approved

 

LIAISON REPORTS:

 

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

 

An outreach meeting re: Bears will be hosted by the ECC on 9/11/08.

 

Mulch is available at the Transfer Station for residents.

 

Councilman Spano, liaison to the Fire Districts presented his proposal to
the Board regarding an Operations Committee.

 

OPERATIONS COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED:

 

Resolution #115-2008

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Spano to establish an Operations Committee to Coordinate with the Accord Fire District. (The proposal filed with the Town Clerk)

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Cilenti            Unanimously approved

 

DOT/AIRFIELD APPLICANTS DISCUSSION

 

Attorney Christiana explained that before any airfield, heliport or landing strip of a private nature in the state of New York, the Town Board must approve it by our zoning, then it goes to the Planning Board
and before either of those approvals is granted, the Department of Trans- portation has to investigate it as well as the FAA.  The DOT request comes from the government body which is the Town Board.  If interested in proceeding with this Planning Board request, a letter to be sent to the interested applicant explaining the requirements.

 

It was also requested that a workshop meeting be set up with the applicant after the paperwork is submitted.

 

BRIDGE REPAIR:

 

Resolution #116-2008

 

After lengthy discussion on the allocation of monies the following motion was made.

 

A Motion was made by Supervisor Chipman to increase budget line DA5120
$7,552 to $20,000 by transferring $12,448 from unaffected fund budget
for the purpose of repairing a bridge on Cherrytown Road.

 

Seconded by:  Councilwoman Michailescu      Unanimously approved
(Councilwoman Michailescu left at 8:45pm)

 

TRUCK DAY:

 

Resolution #117-2008

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti that the Board grant permission to the Highway Superintendent to show a truck at the Little One’s Library
Fair.

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Spano              Motion carried 4-0
                                                      Michailescu – absent
September 4, 2008                                             3490

 

TREES AT LANDFILL:

 

Hwy. Supt. Kelder said trees were planted by an organization at the
transfer station.  The Town Board adopted a resolution for their removal in the past and agree they still must be removed asap.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

Attorney Christiana explained the Acceptable Training for Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals Members proposed local law.

 

PROPOSED LOCAL LAW:

 

Resolution #118-2008

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to hold a public hearing on
Acceptable Training for Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals Members on 10/2/08 at 7:00pm at the Town Hall, with the Town Board Meeting immediately following, and further authorizing the Town Clerk to advertise same.

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Spano              Motion carried 4-0
                                                      Michailescu- absent

 

VETERAN’S PARK LAND SWAP:

 

The generous offer of Jack Schoonmaker to swap the land he gave to the
Town in 1995 back to him so he can give us a different piece and what we
now own to the Friends of Historic Rochester has to go through the necessary legal process.  Attorney Christiana and the Board discussed what can be done to expedite the swap process.  A meeting will be set up with Mr. Schoonmaker for his input.

 

TOWN SEAL:

 

Councilman Spano questioned that the Town Seal is not on all town owned
vehicles as per the resolution that was adopted in January.  This will be researched by Supervisor Chipman.

 

BUDGET TIME TABLE:

 

Supervisor Chipman explained that the budget process has started and
workshops will soon be scheduled with Department Heads.  The Tentative Budget will be presented by 9/30/08.

 

WINTER WATCH:

 

The County is set up for Winter Watch and Supervisor Chipman will invite experts to the Town to explain options to residents concerning heating, electric, etc.

 

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:

 

Jerry Fornino, Emergency Manager for the Town thanked Councilman Spano for his proposal with the Accord Fire District.  Backing Councilman Spano is an absolute necessity and he commended the Board for supporting this proposal.

 

Highway Superintendent Kelder said a check from the insurance company has been received for $35,000.  The State Police also spoke to him and that the file is closed, they have no leads on the theft.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Spano to adjourn the meeting at 9:20pm.

 

Seconded by:  Councilwoman Archer           Motion carried 4-0
                                                      Michailescu – absent

 

September 4, 2008                                             3491
Respectfully submitted,
Veronica I. Sommer
Town Clerk/RMC

 

September 25, 2008                                            3492

 

The Audit/Workshop Meeting was held on September 25, 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 at 7:00pm and asked Councilman Spano to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

BOAR INTERVIEWS:

 

A Motion was made by Councilwoman Archer to enter into executive session at 7:03pm with Martha Tardibuono for a BOAR interview.

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Spano              Unanimously approved

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to reconvene the meeting at 7:18pm with the Supervisor reporting no action was taken nor monies expended.

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Spano              Unanimously approved

 

The Town Board then interviewed Imre Beke, Jr. who explained his reasons for applying for the BOAR stating his experiences and why he feels he is a good candidate for the vacancy.

 

ASSESSOR’S OFFICE REPORT & PROPOSAL:

 

Assessor Stokes introduced Jim LaPlante, Regional Manager, NY State Office of Real Property Services, Dorothy Martin, County Director, Ulster County Real Property Tax Services and Jennifer Mund, Customer Relationship Manager, NY State Office of Real Property Services.
Assessor Stokes read a letter re: inventory issues in the Town and a comprehensive review of all inventory records.  Mr. LaPlante gave a presentation on the Job of the Assessor and said that inventory data is the key to good equity.  (filed with the Town Clerk along with the Data Verification Proposal submitted by Michael Dunham).

 

TASK FORCE PRESENTATION:

 

Michael Baden, Vice Chair of the Task Force and Tom Shepstone of Shepstone Associates reported on the nine meetings that were held and
the progress they made regarding schedule of uses, and the re-lettering and re-numbering of the several districts.  They are working on an official map for the website.  Mr. Shepstone said it is an excellent committee, good meetings and great balance.

 

ROCHESTER FOOD PANTRY PRESENTATION:

 

Mary Mendola gave a presentation on raising food for the food pantry and the community.  The campaign kicked off at Saunderskill Farm and will continue at Kelders Farm on 10/4/08. It is the hope to bring awareness of the need in our Town.  Volunteers are needed to pick up the food for
the distribution points.

 

RACE DATE SCHEDULE CHANGE REQUEST:

 

Resolution #119-2008

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Spano authorizing the rain date of 10/3/08 be substituted for the rain date of 11/29/08 as per Mr. Palmer’s request.

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Cilenti            Unanimously approved

 

Mr. Palmer invited the Town Board to the Speedway Dinner on 11/10/08
at 7:00pm at the Hudson Valley Resort.

 

September 25, 2008                                            3493

 

HIGHWAY SUPT./ACCOUNTANT/SUPERVISOR MEET:

 

Supervisor Chipman, Highway Superintendent Kelder and Lindley Churchill,
the Town’s Accountant met and cleared up some budgetary questions.  The FEMA budget process was also clarified.

 

COURTHOUSE REPORT:

 

Councilman Spano and Judge Babcock met with a contractor and addressed every issue of importance.  The Courtrooms and Ancillary Spaces recommendations prepared by Councilman Spano are filed with the Town Clerk.

 

CELL TOWER REPORT:

 

A check for $30,000 was received from Homeland Towers as per their agreement with the Town.  Verizon went before the Planning Board and a public hearing will be held in October.  AT&T contacted Homeland Towers
also.

 

APPROVAL OF BILLS:

 

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

 

                    General Fund       $109,291.73
                    Highway Fund         91,511.97
                    Street Lighting         733.09

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Spano              Unanimously approved

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

A Motion was made by Councilman Spano to adjourn the meeting at 10:12pm.

 

Seconded by:  Councilman Cilenti            Unanimously approved
Respectfully submitted,
Veronica I. Sommer
Town Clerk/RMC