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The September Town Board Meeting was held on September 01, 2011 at 7:00 pm at the Town Hall.
PRESENT:
Supervisor Chipman Councilwoman Archer Councilman Cilenti
Councilman Spano Councilwoman Michailescu Town Clerk Gundberg
PLEDGE:
Supervisor Chipman opened the meeting and Alice Schoonmaker led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD:
Alice Schoonmaker a member of the Friends of Historic Rochester invited the board to attend their Annual Meeting scheduled for September 16, 2011 at 7:00pm at the Accord Fire Hall. She stated that this would be a fun meeting featuring Jimmy “ Jazz” Flannigan a pianist that grew up in the Town of Rochester. The theme of the evening is take a stroll down Olde Memory Lane.
Also speaking on behalf of the Friends of Historic Rochester, members discourage the Town from supporting the Greenway Grant Proposal. Members of “Friends” feel that the Valley of the Giants will take away from the true visuals of the Town and its Historical Heritage.
As a Board member of the D+ H Canal Alice invited the Town Board to a documentary exhibit of Marc Chagall an artist and former resident of High Falls scheduled for September 3, 2011 from 5-8pm.
Councilman Cilenti stated as a resident of the Town he wanted to thank Councilman Spano and Supervisor Chipman for coordinating a plan in preparation of Hurricane Irene.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to approve the minutes of the 08/04/2011 Regular Town Board Meeting
Seconded by: Councilwoman Archer 5-0aye, motion carried
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Michailescu to approve the minutes of the 08/25/2011 Public Hearing for Local Law # 1-2011, and the 08/25/2011 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 along with other Town Supervisors had a conference call on 8/31/2011 at 5:30pm with County Executive Michael Hein in reference to FEMA money being dispersed immediately. They also were told that a FEMA office is scheduled to be open in Bellayre in the near future.
SUPERVISOR UPDATE:
Supervisor Chipman stated an emergency management meeting was held on August 26, 2011 in preparation for Hurricane Irene. He thanked all that were involved, Councilman Spano for his Incident Action Plan. Supervisor Chipman gave a break down of events that took place and the downward spiral that began once the storm hit. In all the chaos the fire companies, rescue squad, emergency management and the highway department all stayed in communication and worked together. Supervisor Chipman stated he was so proud and amazed at how well everyone worked together and couldn’t praise everyone enough.
LEGAL MATTERS:
Nothing to report at this time.
LIAISON REPORTS:
Councilwoman Archer: nothing to report.
Councilman Cilenti: nothing to report
Councilwoman Michailescu: YC: Night meeting, August 17 at 7 pm. Only 2 members and the Youth Dept. Director RENT-A-KID program – three youth referred for employment in July and August. SUMMER PROGRAM (ended August 26) Very successful. 48 children enrolled for various weeks, approx. 14 attended all 7 weeks. Proposal for next year is ready – using Epworth facility 3 times per week, if available. Summer Baseball program had over 20 youth attending
JENNIE BELL PIE FESTIVAL – Sep. 23 and 24 (with the talent show at 2 pm on Sat, Sep. 24).~
Help is needed. OCT. 1 Heritage Day – pumpkin carving/painting contest. Next meeting – Sep 21, 9:30 am.
HPC: no August meeting, next meeting is September 18. I’ve visited Palentown School Museum – a jewel of dedication to historic preservation.
Councilman Spano: as liaison to the Fire Department he wanted to thank Fire District Chief Paul Rider, Assistant Chiefs Chris Rider and Ed Miller for a phenomenal job, Loretta Terwilliger for handling supplies. As a councilman and resident of the Town he also thanked Gerry Fornino, Operations Section Chief, the fire commissioners, Highway Superintendent Wayne Kelder, Deputy Jeff Frey and the highway employees, the rescue squad all for their participation, working and communicating for a job well done. Councilman Spano also thanked the community for their patience and finally thanked Town Supervisor Carl Chipman who in his eyes has redefined management and leadership in the Town.
NEW BUSINESS:
LOCAL LAW #1-2011: MUNICIPAL PARKING
Resolution # 70-2011:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti and Seconded by Councilwoman Archer that,
Section 1. There shall be added to the Code of the Town of Rochester a new Chapter 100 entitled; MUNICIPAL PARKING LOTS to read as follows:
100-1 No parking shall be allowed in municipally owned parking lots between the hours of 9pm and 6am unless the person(s) utilizing the vehicle is attending a town sponsored meeting or event at the location or has obtained the prior written permission of the Town Supervisor, due to attendance at an event that will run outside of the above hours.
100-2 For a first violation of this law, there shall be a fine of $ 100.00, for a second violation there shall be a fine of $ 200.00; for a third or subsequent violation there shall be a fine of $ 300.00.
100-3 Should a vehicle be parked in a municipal parking lot for a period of time of 24 hours or more without the prior written permission of the Town Supervisor, or be parked in such a way as to obstruct the flow of traffic through a municipally owned parking lot, the vehicle may be towed at the sole cost and expense of the vehicle’s owner.
Section 2. This law shall become effective upon filing in the office of the Secretary of State.
5-0 aye, motion carried
EMERGENCY EXPENDITURES:
Resolution # 71-2011:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to authorize emergency Expenditures by the Highway Department over and above the 2011 budgeted amount for unallocated fund balance for emergency repairs caused by damage from Hurricane Irene.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano
DISCUSSION:
Councilwoman Archer stated with concerns going into the 2012 Budget with a 2% tax cap when will an approximate of finances will be gathered so the Town is prepared.
5-0 aye, motion carried
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD:
Highway Superintendent Wayne Kelder thanked the community, the Fire Company, The Town Board and highway employees for their efforts. He reported that the Highway employees started working at 8am Sunday morning to open roads for passage and by Friday 9/2/2011 all but 2 roads will be passable. There is no approximate assessment of damage at this time two bridges were lost and many roads will need work done to them and he asked the community for their cooperation in seeing brush on the sides of the roads for sometime. As a resident of the Town he spoke on behalf of the Valley of the Giants. He wanted to clarify concerns some of the board members have with supporting the Greenway Grant putting the Town in the position of supporting private enterprise he added; that every grant results in financial benefit. He stated, “ we need something to draw people to our area, people aren’t attracted by history.”
ADJOURNMENT:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to adjourn the meeting at 8:05pm. Supervisor Chipman asked that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Max Finestone. Max was a resident of the Town, former chairman of the Town of Rochester Democratic party, former owner of Chaits hotel, he was a gentleman who served his community with dignity and a sense of fair play and never wavered in his beliefs.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano 5-0 aye, motion carried
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen A. Gundberg
Town Clerk
GOODBYE IRENE!!
The Town Board Audit /Workshop Meeting was held on September 29, 2011 at 7:00 pm at the Town Hall.
PRESENT:
Supervisor Chipman Councilwoman Archer Councilman Cilenti
Councilwoman Michailescu Councilman Spano Town Clerk Gundberg
PLEDGE:
Supervisor Chipman opened the meeting and Brooke Spano led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW:
The Town Board held an interview for the Board of Assessment Review.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Supervisor Chipman announced that Heritage day is scheduled for 10/1/2011 from
10-3pm on Main Street in Accord. Enjoy a day of fun with pumpkin judging contests, games, music, food & activities for all.
Little Ones Learning Center walk for literacy on 10/02/2011 starting at 9am.
Archival Day 10/08/2011 9-12pm at the Town Hall, we pay tribute to the history of our town brought to us by our founding fathers. These documents have been restored allowing us the opportunity to appreciate the art of scripture from centuries before.
VALLEY OF THE GIANTS:
There was a lengthy discussion on the Valley of the Giants. Clarifications of the Greenway Grant was requested by the board. Supervisor Chipman along with Maria Reidelbach clarified misinterpretations of what the purpose of both the grant and the Valley of the Giants stood for. Supervisor read e-mails between the HPC Chair Alice Cross on behalf of the HPC and Supervisor Chipman.
Resolution # 72-2011:
A Motion was made by Supervisor Chipman to send a letter of support on behalf of the Town of Rochester for the Valley of the Giants applying for the Greenway Grant.
Seconded by: Councilman Cilenti
DISCUSSION:
Councilwoman Archer felt that the HPC concerns needed to be addressed. Any misconceptions or interpretations need to be clarified with the HPC.
Councilwoman Michailescu stated this is a valley of historical places. The Valley of the Giants is a business enterprise, we would be supporting a business.
Councilman Cilenti stated we shouldn’t be fighting the concept of supporting business. We should support business that is supporting business in our valley.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
COUNCILWOMAN ARCHER NAY
COUNCILMAN CILENTI AYE
COUNCILWOMAN MICHAILESCU ABSTAIN
COUNCILMAN SPANO NAY
SUPERVISOR CHIPMAN AYE
2-2, 1- Abstain, motion not carried
WHITFIELD CEMETERY:
Supervisor Chipman stated a meeting was held on September 26,2011 at the Community Center in reference to the Whitfield Cemetery. Supervisor Chipman stated it was a very productive meeting with approximately 30 people in attendance. A meeting is scheduled for 10/17/2011 at 7pm at the Community Center to appoint trustees and discuss ideas of maintaining the cemetery.
UPDATE BUILDING REPAIR ON HIGHWAY COLUMNS:
Supervisor Chipman asked the board to please review the 3 proposals for the highway column repairs.
APPROVAL OF BILLS:
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Michailescu to approve the following bills as audited this date
General Fund 2011 Abstract 09 $ 38,830.11
Highway Fund 2011 Abstract 09 $ 153,163.85
Street Lighting $ 413.90
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$ 192,407.86
Seconded by: Councilman Cilenti Unanimously approved, motion carried
DISCUSSION:
The Town Board asked Highway Superintendent Wayne Kelder for a breakdown of the highway abstract to see what expenditures were due to hurricane Irene. Highway Superintendent Kelder stated approximately $ 65-70,000 dollars in cost but would get the exact total to the board. He also discussed the procedures of applying for funding for the detoured roads due to the flooding on the bridge on Route 209.
ADJOURNMENT:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to adjourn the meeting at 8:10pm.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano 5-0 aye, motion carried
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen A. Gundberg
Town Clerk
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