The October Town Board Meeting was held on October 06, 2011 at 7:00 pm at the Town Hall.
PRESENT:
Supervisor Chipman Councilwoman Archer Councilman Cilenti
Councilman Spano Councilwoman Michailescu Town Clerk Gundberg
Attorney Christiana
PLEDGE:
Supervisor Chipman opened the meeting and Terence Ward led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD:
Martha Tardibuono stated the 1917 Horse trough is falling apart and asked when it will be fixed. Supervisor Chipman stated that the Horse trough is an HPC project and they need to be made aware of its priority.
Maria Reidelbach spokesperson of the Valley of the Giants thanked the Town Board for their time and consideration. She felt that there were several distractions following the process of Valley of the Giants and at any time the Town Board or the HPC would like to have a presentation the Valley of the Giants would be willing to present.
EXCELLENCE IN EQUITY AWARD:
Supervisor Chipman read an e-mail sent from James Laplante, Real Property Services Manager.
“ Excellence in Equity Awards are given to the assessing units who have achieved the highest level of tax equity in New York State. The Town of Rochester is one of the assessing units to qualify for this award for the 2011 Assessment Roll. New York State has one of the most challenging real property tax systems in the country. At the same time we have one of the highest property taxes in the country. The Town of Rochester in maintaining an equitable assessment roll has done its part in assuring that its residents pay only their fair share of tax. Congratulations to the Assessor Cynthia Stokes and her staff along with the Town Board for their commitment to an equitable assessment roll.”
Supervisor Chipman presented the award to Cynthia Stokes, Town Assessor. “She was the person who earned it!” He thanked her for her dedication and hard work, and proud to watch her grow since she was appointed in 2008. There has been so much progress made in the Assessor’s Office that the Town Board & Cynthia should be proud working together for a job well done!
Cynthia thanked the Town Board for its support, trust and belief.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to approve the minutes of the 09/01/2011 Regular Town Board Meeting and the 9/26/2011 Audit workshop meeting.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano 5-0aye, motion carried
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT: Filed with the Town Clerk
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED:
Supervisor Chipman stated he received a check from the Mohonk Preserve Board of Directors in the amount of $ 1,000.00 to be used towards open space or to the nature conservancy. A thank you will follow.
SUPERVISOR UPDATE:
Supervisor Chipman stated an emergency management meeting was held on August 26. Pros and cons and how to communicate with the public during these catastrophic times were the topics of discussion. Supervisor Chipman stated that Art Snyder, The County’s Emergency Services Director stated “ Rochester was the most prepared municipality during Hurricane Irene and Lee.”
LEGAL MATTERS:
Attorney Christiana stated that oral arguments were heard on the Mombaccus zoning lawsuit. She doesn’t expect to hear anything new before December.
LIAISON REPORTS:
Councilwoman Archer: ECC: creek week was cancelled due to the continuous storms. Planning Board: Chairman Baden reminded members of 4 hours of training required. 1 minor subdivision was approved. The Body of Truth public hearing is still open.
Councilman Cilenti: nothing to report.
Councilwoman Michailescu: YC: 9/21/11 meeting; Events discussed (which took place already): Jennie Bell Pie Festival/Talent show and presenting the first “Mary Lee Youth Recognition Award” to Charlotte Knapp;
October 1st Heritage Day/Pumpkin Festival (rainy day but still a success!).
Other Issues discussed:~
changing the address of the Community Center to avoid the “Tobacco” name
demographic information provided by the Census.
SUMMER PROGRAM – a total of 58 children were enrolled for various weeks.
Budget was submitted for a full-time program for 2012.
RENT-A-KID program – two children referred for employment in September
10/13/2011: roaring 20’s themed community luncheon, with entertainment by Jimmy “ Jazz” Flannigan.
HALLOWEEN – help is needed for Friday Oct. 28 or Saturday October 29
OCT. 19 meeting is a night meeting, at 6:30 pm – a Suicide prevention workshop (suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for teens, issue of great interest to all of us). Trainers are:~Detective John Dickson – Town of Ulster Police and~Sherrill Silver – Four Winds Hospital Community Liaison. HPC: Veterans Park:
Plans to involve 4H in the landscaping for the Veterans Park.
Signage (from the budget still available for 2011) Letters discussed/voted on:
To Jerry Davis – regarding historic preservation documentation existing on the town’s website and also in the CEO/Planning Board’s offices (hope to have Mr. Davis present at the October 17th HPC meeting)
To the Town Board – regarding the opposition to the Valley of the Giants grant
To the Planning Board – to thank the board for the serious consideration given their letter regarding the Body of Truth Spa concerns
Councilman Spano: nothing to report.
Supervisor Chipman: ZBA: no meeting held. Incident Commander meeting held was informative topics of discussions were the right and wrongs of Hurricane Irene, the incident action plan (thanks to Councilman Spano), ways to communicate to the public.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to enter into executive session at 7:30pm to discuss a personnel matter.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano motion carried
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to reconvene the meeting at 7:50pm stating no action was taken nor monies expended.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano motion carried
NEW BUSINESS:
BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW APPOINTMENTS:
Resolution # 73-2011:
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Archer to appoint Margaret Bonner to the Board of Assessment Review with a term to expire 09/30/2016.
Seconded by: Supervisor Chipman 5-0aye, motion carried
Resolution # 74-2011:
A Motion was made by Councilman Spano to appoint Ronald Lapp Jr. to the Board of Assessment Review with a term to expire 09/30/2014.
Seconded by: Councilman Cilenti 5-0aye, motion carried
Councilman Cilenti stated as liaison to the Assessor’s Office he wanted to thank Alan Levine for his years of service and dedication on the Board of Assessment Review.
HURRICANE IRENE/ LEE REPAIRS:
Resolution # 75-2011:
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Archer that the Rochester Highway Superintendent is authorized to survey and inspect all roads, culverts, and bridges within the Town of Rochester. Highway Superintendent Kelder will provide to the Town Board a written report of their roads, culverts and bridges including work plans of improvements, conditions and necessary repairs that includes but does not limit prioritization of each project. The highway Superintendent will make available for a liaison or designee to be present for FEMA inspections of those projects at a reasonable time.
Seconded by: Councilman Cilenti 5-0aye, motion carried
Furthermore, after approval by FEMA a spreadsheet will be created showing estimated costs, what would be FEMA eligible, and completion dates for the projects.
HIGHWAY COLUMNS REPAIR:
Resolution # 76-2011:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to approve the proposal submitted by Medenbach & Eggers for the structural evaluation and design recommendation for replacing the existing concrete block columns supporting the roof beams along the west side of the garage building.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano 5-0aye, motion carried
BUDGET WORKSHOP MEETING:
Resolution # 77-2011:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti that the Town Board of the Town of Rochester will hold a Budget workshop meeting on the 2012 proposed budget on October 20, 2011 at 5:30pm at the Town Hall, Accord, NY and the Town Clerk shall advertise the same. There is no public participation at the workshop meeting.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano 5-0aye, motion carried
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD:
Carol Fischer stated that after hurricane Irene a gentleman was throwing logs into the water on Boodle Hole Rd. After a lengthy discussion Councilwoman Archer stated she would personally handle the situation.
ADJOURNMENT:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to adjourn the meeting at 8:15pm.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano 5-0 aye, motion carried
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen A. Gundberg
Town Clerk
A Budget Workshop Meeting of the Town Board was held on October 20, 2011 at 5:30pm at the Town Hall.
PRESENT:
Supervisor Chipman Councilman Cilenti Councilwoman Michailescu
Councilman Spano
ABSENT:
Councilwoman Archer
Supervisor Chipman called the meeting to order.
The Preliminary budget of the Town of Rochester for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2012, including general funds, highway funds, fire protection fire district, and light district funds, has been completed and filed in the Office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Rochester, where it is available for inspection by any interested person during office hours.
PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED FOR PRELIMINARY BUDGET:
Resolution # 78-2011:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti that the Town Board of the Town of Rochester shall hold a public hearing on said preliminary budget on 11/03/2011 at 7:00pm, showing such changes, alterations and revisions as shall have been made therein by the Town Board of the Town of Rochester, and that the Town Clerk advertise the same.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano 4-0 aye, motion carried
ADJOURNMENT:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 pm.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano motion carried
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen A. Gundberg
Town Clerk
The Town Board Audit /Workshop Meeting was held on October 27, 2011 at 7:00 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 and a gentleman in the audience led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
TIME WARNER CABLE UPDATE:
Supervisor Chipman stated no contract has been negotiated at this time and the committee is turning to Town Attorney Christiana to take over. Supervisor Chipman said some progress has been made on Schwabie Turnpike, Schroon Hill Rd. and Indian Rd.
SCHOONMAKER PROPERTY:
Property that the Schoonmaker family donated was surveyed and Supervisor Chipman stated there are two surveys for the Schoonmaker family to choose from. The property then will be donated to FRIENDS of Historic Rochester.
HIGHWAY BUILDING REPAIRS:
Supervisor Chipman stated Barry Medenbach, the engineer the Town Board chose for the Highway building repairs was inspecting the site and Supervisor Chipman hopes to get information gathered shortly so the repairs can go out for bid.
HIGHWAY REPAIRS DUE TO HURRICANE IRENE AND LEE:
Highway Superintendent Wayne Kelder stated, “ with the exception of some fine tuning, repairs are progressing nicely on two major bridges. One bridge is completed and the seconded has some minor repairs left.” Kelder further went into detail of the FEMA schedule and procedures.
PURCHASE OF TRAILER:
Resolution # 79-2011:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to authorize Highway Superintendent Kelder to purchase a 20-ton utility trailer not to exceed $ 10,000.00.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Michailescu 4-0aye, motion carried
Councilman Cilenti offered a trailer that he owns to Wayne Kelder. Wayne agreed to check out the trailer before purchasing one.
NOVEMBER AUDIT WORKSHOP MEETING SCHEDULE CHANGE:
Resolution # 80-2011:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to hold the November Audit Workshop Meeting on 11/29/2011 at 7pm at the Town Hall.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Archer 4-0 aye, motion carried
APPROVAL OF BILLS:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to approve the following bills as audited this date
General Fund 2011 Abstract 10 $ 43,183.72
Highway Fund 2011 Abstract 10 $ 160,786.07
Street Lighting $ 405.95
______________
$ 204,375.74
Seconded by: Councilwoman Archer 4-0aye, motion carried
ADJOURNMENT:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to adjourn the meeting at 7:30pm.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Michailescu 4-0 aye, motion carried
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen A. Gundberg
Town Clerk