2010 March Town Board Minutes

The February Audit/Workshop Meeting was held on March 4, 2010 at 6 pm at the Town Hall
PRESENT:
Supervisor Chipman              Councilwoman Archer     Councilman Cilenti     
Councilwoman Michailescu        Town Clerk Gundberg                
ABSENT:
Councilman Spano                
PLEDGE:
Supervisor Chipman opened the meeting; Councilwoman Archer led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
EXECUTIVE SESSION INTERVIEW:
A Motion was made by Supervisor Chipman to enter into executive session at 6:15pm to interview Thomas Ryan for a vacancy on the Historic Preservation Commission.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Archer                                                Motion carried  
                                                                                Spano- absent   

 

A Motion was made by Supervisor Chipman to reconvene the meeting at 6:25pm with the Supervisor reporting no action was taken nor monies expended.
Seconded by: Councilman Cilenti                                         Motion carried
                                                                                Spano- absent

 

APPROVAL OF BILLS:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to approve the following bills as audited this date
                        General Fund 2010 Abstract 2                    $          38,235.37
                        Highway Fund 2010 Abstract 2                    $        116,670.35
                        Highway Fund 2009 Abstract 14                   $            2,543.78
                        Street Lighting                                         $               392.21
                                                                                ______________
                                                                                $        157,841.71
Seconded by: Councilwoman Michailescu                                   Motion carried
                                                                                Spano- absent
DISCUSSION:
Councilwoman Archer suggested the Town Board should work with Dog Control Officer Jill Shufeldt on creating a town law pertaining to anti-tethering laws for dogs.
ADJOURNMENT:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to adjourn the meeting at 7pm.

 

Seconded by: Councilwoman Archer                                        Unanimously approved

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Kathleen A. Gundberg                                                                                                     
Town Clerk

 

                                                                        
The Town Board Meeting was held on March 4, 2010 at 7:00 pm at the Town Hall immediately following the Audit Workshop meeting.

 

PRESENT:
Supervisor Chipman      Councilwoman Archer     Councilman Cilenti
Councilwoman Michailescu              Town Clerk Gundberg                             Attorney Christiana
ABSENT:
Councilman Spano
PLEDGE:
Supervisor Chipman opened the meeting and Councilwoman Archer led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD:
No comments made
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Michailescu to approve the minutes of the 02/04/2010 Regular Town Board meeting.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Archer                                Motion carried
Spano- absent
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED:
Supervisor Chipman received a letter from the NYSDOT stating 3-color traffic light construction will begin shortly after April 1, 2010. The traffic lights will be installed at the intersection of Main St. Accord and Route 209 and the intersection of Kyserike Rd. and Route 209.
SUPERVISOR’S UPDATE:
Supervisor Chipman commended Highway Superintendent Wayne Kelder and his crew for all the work and effort they made during the February 25-27th snowstorm.
There was a brief discussion for the purchase of a propane generator for the Town of Rochester. Supervisor Chipman stated that $ 15,000.00 is available from member item promised by Senator Bonacic.
LEGAL MATTERSAttorney Christiana stated there is nothing to report at this time  
LIAISON REPORTS:
Councilwoman Archer: ECC is hosting a wild flower walk on 5/12/10 starting at the Town of Rochester Rail Trail and ending at Berme Rd. in High Falls followed by a tree planting ceremony. Councilwoman Archer was proud to announce the 6/12/2010 Rondout Creek cleanup day has now become a countywide effort. The ECC board discussed their mission statement and will send their recommendations for updating to the Town Board.
Councilman Cilenti: Transfer station permit sales are up but commercial garbage is down and the board should watch for decrease in revenue. Councilman Cilenti met with Town Assessor Cindy Stokes, he explained the process of the permit tracking procedures and was pleased to have positive results when he tested the procedures for accuracy.
Councilwoman Michailescu: HPC had two members resign. The HPC discussed the goals for the Veteran’s park. Supervisor Chipman stated that he is in contact with Terry Ringler from Ringler Surveying, once the survey is complete the land swap will be made. Councilwoman Michailescu was proud to announce a grant the town received from the preservation league for farm inventory. Youth Commission: The YMCA accepted the town offer of $ 260.00 per child for 2 weeks of fulltime summer camp for Town of Rochester residents. The Youth Commission is holding ½ day summer programming. On 3/17/2010 the Community Center is having a free St. Patrick’s Day corn beef and cabbage luncheon from 11am -1pm. All are welcome.
Supervisor Chipman: Ulster County Legislature appointed Mike Baden, to serve as representation for the Town of Rochester for the Ulster County Planning Board and Leon Smith to serve as the alternate with a vote of 32-0. A lengthy discussion was made in reference to shared services presented by Ulster County. Supervisor Chipman along with Highway Superintendent Wayne Kelder have attended the meetings held. These shared highway services would turn over to participating towns the responsibility of plowing county roads located within those municipalities.
OLD BUSINESS:
Queens Estate:
Attorney Christiana reported that she is waiting to hear back from the title company on the cost for the title search for Queens Estate.
GLF Road:
The Board directed Attorney Christiana to look into procedures of road abandonment, and to report back to the board.
PROJECT 32:
RESOLUTION #52 -2010
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to authorize Supervisor Chipman to hire an appraiser to appraise the town owned property located on project 32.
Seconded by Councilwoman Michailescu                            Unanimously approved
APPOINTMENT:
RESOLUTION #53 -2010
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to appoint Thomas Ryan to the Historic Preservation Commission with the term to expire 12/31/12.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Michailescu                           Unanimously approved
PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED LOCAL LAW# 2-2010:
RESOLUTION #54-2010
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Michailescu that a Public Hearing be held on 3/25/2010 at 7:00pm at the Town Hall re: proposed local law Mandating the placement of the Town Seal on all motor vehicles owned by the Town of Rochester, with the Audit Workshop meeting immediately following, and further authorizing the Town Clerk to advertise the same.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Archer                                                Motion carried
                                                                                Spano- absent
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY STOVE PERMIT FEES WAIVED:
RESOLUTION # 55-2010
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Archer to waive the permit fee for alternative energy stoves, until the Town Board authorizes otherwise.
Seconded by: Councilman Cilenti                                         Motion carried
                                                                                Spano-absent
NEW BUSINESS:
RESOLUTION #56-2010:
CRUSHED STONE BID:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to accept the bid submitted by Mombaccus Excavating for the crushing of Town owned gravel for
$ 2.94 per ton for ¾” with a min. 2,000 and max 5,000
$ 2.49 per ton for 1” with a min. 5,000 and max 15,000
$ 2.24 per ton for 1 ½” with a min 5,000 and max 15,000

 

Seconded by: Councilwoman Archer                                        Motion carried
                                                                                Spano-absent
Other bids submitted were as follows:
David Lawrence Construction:
$ 3.10 per ton for ¾” with a min. 2,000 and max 5,000
$ 2.65 per ton for 1” with a min. 5,000 and max 15,000
$ 2.40 per ton for 1 ½” with a min 5,000 and max 15,000
RMC:
$ 3.20 per ton for ¾” with a min. 2,000 and max 5,000
$ 2.75 per ton for 1” with a min. 5,000 and max 15,000
$ 2.40 per ton for 1 ½” with a min 5,000 and max 15,000
Omura + Slattery:
$ 5.75 per ton for ¾” with a min. 2,000 and  $ 4.75 for a max 5,000
$ 5.75 per ton for 1” with a min. 5,000 and $ 4.95 for a max 15,000
$ 5.75 per ton for 1 ½” with a min 5,000 and$ 4.95 for a max 15,000
GOVERNOR’S BUDGET PROPOSAL
RESOLUTION # 57-2010
A Resolution was made by Councilwoman Michailescu, seconded by Councilwoman Archer that,
WHEREAS, access to the state parks and historic sites are integral to Ulster County’s tourism promotion efforts and are major portion of the tourist activity that generates $ 471,000,000 with the County while supporting business enterprises that employs 8,000 individuals in the County, and
WHEREAS, such state parks and historic destinations provide Town of Rochester residents important health and educational opportunities, and
WHEREAS, in order to meet the budget reductions proposed by the Governor, the State office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation would close or reduce hours at state parks and historic sites throughout New York State, potentially including Minnewaska State Park, Senate House in Kingston and the walkway over the Hudson in the Town of Lloyd, and
WHEREAS, these closings and reductions would dramatically impact the economic viability of many businesses with the Town of Rochester at a time when they are struggling to survive, and
WHEREAS, during these challenging times, the residents of the Town of Rochester deserve to have an affordable place to take their families, and
WHEREAS, the economic benefits of keeping parks and historic sites open far outweigh the savings achieved by the Governor’s proposed budget cuts,
WHEREAS, with Minnewaska State Park Preserve visitation of 225,000 annually with each dollar spent by New York State Minnewaska Park returning $ 5.00 or $17-35 spent visitor locally.
RESOLVED, that the Town of Rochester does herby oppose the closure or reduction in hours in any of the State Parks located within Ulster County, and support their continued operations in order to sustain tourism, local businesses, and health of our residents.
And moves its adoption
                                                                        Motion carried
                                                                        Spano- absent
REAL PROPERTY REASSESSMENT PROJECT PROPOSAL:
RESOLUTION #58- 2010
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to approve the Real Property Reassessment Project Proposal. The Proposal is available at the Office of the Town Clerk with the proposal process schedule and also available electronically. The proposals are due no later than March 26, 2010 at 11am. The Town Board has the right to reject any and all proposals.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Archer                                        Motion carried
                                                                        Spano- absent
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD:  
There were several discussions and concerns pertaining to the County’s proposal of shared services.
Highway Superintendent Wayne Kelder thanked the fire company for all their efforts during the snowstorm.
Will Farrell, Fire Chief asked the Town Board about the possibilities of cutting back the trees that are found dangerous along the roads, causing most of the problems for the February storm. He also asked that Supervisor Chipman look into the possibilities of charging back Central Hudson time used by the fire department.
The Town Board directed Attorney Christiana to send a letter to Time Warner Cable regarding their contract.
ADJOURNMENT:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to adjourn the meeting at 9:30pm.

 

Seconded by: Councilwoman Archer                                Motion Carried
                                                                        Spano-absent
Respectfully submitted,

 

Kathleen A. Gundberg
Town Clerk

 

A Public Hearing was held on March 25, 2010 at 7:00pm at the Town Hall
Re: Mandating the placement of the Town Seal on all motorized vehicles owned by the Town of Rochester.

 

PRESENT:
Supervisor Chipman              Councilwoman Archer             Councilwoman Michailescu Councilman Spano               Town Clerk Gundberg

 

ABSENT:

 

Councilman Cilenti

 

PLEDGE:

 

Supervisor opened the meeting and Alice Schoonmaker led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

Supervisor Chipman read proposed Local Law as follows:

 

Proposed Local Law #2-2010 Mandating the placement of the Town Seal on all motorized vehicles owned by the Town of Rochester.

 

Section 1.

 

Each vehicle which is owned by the Town of Rochester shall have the Seal of the Town of Rochester affixed to both the passenger and driver sides of the vehicle prior to the vehicles being put into service by the Town. The Seal shall be a size to be determined by the Town Board by resolution.

 

Section 2.

 

Any Town vehicle currently in operation shall have the Seal of the Town of Rochester affixed to both the passenger and driver sides of the vehicle within thirty days of the passage of this law. Any vehicle that does not have the Seal affixed as specified herein shall be taken out of service until such vehicle is brought into compliance with the law.

 

Section 3.

 

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.

 

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:

 

One gentleman asked what prompted the Town Board to create a proposed local law. Councilman Spano explained in the past complaints have been made that employees may have used Town vehicles for personal use and not Town business, by having the Town Seal on all Town owned vehicles this would protect Town employees from these allegations. Supervisor Chipman stated this protects the Town from lawsuits.

 

PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED:

 

A MOTION was made by Councilwoman Archer to close the public hearing at 7:10pm.

 

Seconded by: Councilwoman Michailescu                           motion carried
                                                                        Absent- Councilman Cilenti
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen A. Gundberg
Town Clerk

 

The Audit/Workshop Meeting was held on March 25, 2010 at 7:10pm at the Town Hall
PRESENT:

 

Supervisor Chipman              Councilwoman Archer     Councilwoman Michailescu  Councilman Spano              Town Clerk Gundberg     

 

ABSENT:
Councilman Cilenti                

 

INTERVIEWS:

 

Juliette Graham-Hayes was interviewed for a reappointment position on the Youth Commission.

 

Alice Schoonmaker was interviewed for a reappointment position on the Historic Preservation Commission.

 

DISCUSSIONS:

 

REVAL RFP UPDATE:

 

Supervisor Chipman stated that the Reval. RFP is due 3/26/2010 at 11am. The Town Board will go into further discussion at the April Town Board meeting.

 

RVBA

 

Supervisor Chipman stated that Rondout Valley Business Association membership is due. The RVBA members are working on having the Rail Trail extend a continuous trail from Hurley to Ellenville. Supervisor Chipman stated he would like to see the Town of Rochester involved in this process.

 

APPROVAL OF BILLS:

 

A Motion was made by Councilwoman Archer to approve the following bills as audited this date
                        General Fund 2010 Abstract 3            $          82,281.11
                        Highway Fund 2010 Abstract 3            $          76,319.68
                        Street Lighting                                 $               392.34
                                                                        ______________
                                                                        
$        158,993.13

 

Seconded by: Councilwoman Michailescu                                   Motion carried
                                                                                Cilenti- absent
                                                                                
DISCUSSION:

 

TETHERING LAW:

 

There was a lengthy discussion about the Town of Rochester creating a tethering law. Supervisor Chipman searched the Internet for humane treatment of animals that the board can use for a guideline.

 

RONDOUT CREEK WATERSHED MEMBERSHIP:

 

Supervisor Chipman announced the Town RCWC membership is up for renewal.
ASSESSOR / CEO CHECKLIST:

 

The County RPS program that the Assessor uses to input data on parcels, is accessible to the Code Enforcement Office for updating building permits. Supervisor Chipman stated that Cindy Stokes the Assessor is concerned because multiple users can leave the program unprotected, and information can be lost or deleted.

 

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT:

 

Councilman Spano feels as a board they need to create an emergency management plan.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

 

A Motion was made by Supervisor Chipman to enter into executive session at 8:25pm to
discuss negotiations for shared highway contract presented by Ulster County, and current litigation pertaining to Mombaccus Excavating.

 

Seconded by: Councilwoman Archer                                                Motion carried  
                                                                                Cilenti- absent 

 

A Motion was made by Supervisor Chipman to reconvene the meeting at 9:10pm with the Supervisor reporting no action was taken nor monies expended.

 

Seconded by: Councilwoman Archer                                                Motion carried
                                                                                Cilenti- absent
ADJOURNMENT:

 

A Motion was made by Councilwoman Archer to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 pm.

 

Seconded by: Councilman Spano                                           Motion carried
                                                                                Cilenti-absent

 

Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen A. Gundberg                                                                                                                      
Town Clerk