2012 February Town Board Minutes

 

The February Town Board Meeting was held on February 2, 2012 at 7pm at the Town of Rochester Town Hall.
PRESENT:
Supervisor Chipman              Councilwoman Archer             Councilman Drabkin Town Clerk Gundberg            Attorney Christiana
ABSENT:
Councilman Spano        Councilman Cilenti      
PLEDGE:
Supervisor Chipman opened the meeting and Terry Bernardo led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
PROJECT HOPE:
Adrienne and Brynn employees of Mental Health Association in Lake Katrine presented to the Town Board a community outreach program called Project Hope. Project Hope funded by FEMA was created to assist those whose lives were impacted by tropical storm Irene.  This outreach program is to provide free crisis counseling, educational sessions to organizations, and referrals to appropriate resources.  A group of individuals associated with Project Hope are currently in the Town of Rochester area assessing & counseling residents. FEMA stated that 123 residents registered from the Town of Rochester and Project Hope representatives asked that we get the word out help them find these residents.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
One resident asked about the oil tank that is located near the bridge in Accord.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Archer to approve the minutes of the 01/05/2012 Organizational Meeting 01/05/2012, Town Board Meeting, and 01/26/2012 Audit Workshop Meeting.
Seconded by: Councilman Drabkin                         3-0 aye, motion carried
SUPERVISORS REPORT: Filed with the Town Clerk
LEGAL UPDATESMombaccus filed the appeal to the Court. Body of Truth litigation is ongoing.
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED:
Supervisor Chipman stated the Rochester Food pantry served over 30,000 meals in the past year. Supervisor Chipman also stated that during these tough times if anyone can contribute to the pantry; time, money, food it would be greatly appreciated. He also stated that he has been in contact with Family of Woodstock to discuss a soup or a preparation kitchen to help our local residents.
SUPERVISOR’S UPDATE:
Supervisor Chipman stated that he attended and was a speaker at an event hosted by County Executive Michael Hein in regards muddy water being discharged from the reservoir and flooding within the Town of Wawarsing. The audience had the opportunity to speak to NYC DEP and DEC officials. Supervisor Chipman voiced his opinion on why no one listened prior to Hurricane Irene with the reservoir was at 97 % capacity. It is time that a balance is created between NYC water needs and the safety of people in our area. The burden should not be left in the hands of our local taxpayers.
LIASION REPORTS:
Councilwoman Archer: Planning Board: minor subdivision filed, Stephanopoulos conditionally approved pending a septic question. HPC: signs for the Veteran’s Parks are in, but there was a question as to why there is no Town Hall sign on Main St. and Route 209.
TOWN HALL DIRECTIONAL SIGN:
Resolution # 31-2012:
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Archer for the Town to purchase a directional Town Hall sign to be placed at the Main St. and Route 209 intersection under the Welcome to Accord sign.
Seconded by: Councilman Drabkin                         3-0aye, motion carried
Councilman Cilenti: Absent
Councilman Spano:  Absent
Councilman Drabkin: Transfer Station: An analysis of the UCRRA for January 2012 and review of the 2011 year were discussed. Councilman Drabkin stated that we were at a loss of $ 3,000 plus last year. The Town currently charges less per ton than it cost to remove. With added fuel surcharges and RRA pull charge we cannot keep operating at a loss.
INCREASE IN C/D FEE FOR TRANSFER STATION:
Resolution # 32-2012:
A Motion was made by Councilman Drabkin to increase the tonnage fee from $ 100.00 per ton to $ 110.00 per ton.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Archer                                3-0aye, motion carried
ZBA: there was a variance application that needs to go before the building department.
RECOMMENDATION OF UC PLANNING BOARD ALTERNATE:
Resolution # 33-2012:
A Motion was made by Supervisor Chipman to send request to the Ulster County Planning Board recommending Cliff Mallory to serve as the Planning Board alternate to fill the un-expired term of Leon Smith.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Archer                                3-0 aye, motion carried
Supervisor Chipman: YC: officials from Camp Epworth sent their fees for summer program. The current enrollment fee is about double the charges from last year. Supervisor Chipman stated the youth commission is scheduled to meet and discuss their summer program options. Hwy: Supervisor Chipman stated that he along with Highway Superintendent Wayne Kelder & Highway secretary Merci Sciarrino met with FEMA to review projects completed from the aftermath of Hurricane Irene. Supervisor Chipman praised Merci Sciarrino for a fantastic job preparing the documentation, Wayne for excellence in keeping the finances down. FEMA even commented on the Lawrence Hill Bridge average cost for repairs usually around 17% and Wayne and his crew completed it at less then 4%.
NEW/OLD BUSINESS:
HIGHWAY BUILDING REPAIRS UPDATE:
Resolution # 34-2012:
A Motion was made by Councilman Drabkin to authorize the Town Clerk to advertise that the Town of Rochester is seeking sealed bids for furnishing all labor and materials necessary for repairs to an existing Town Highway garage structure located at the Town of Rochester Highway Department. Specifications and Bid documents are available for review free of charge at the office of the Town Clerk & Medenbach & Eggers. Bids to be received on or before 03/19/2012 at 11:00am at the Town Clerk’s Office, at which time they will be opened.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Archer                                3-0aye, motion carried
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS FEES:
Resolution # 35 – 2012:
A Motion was made by Councilman Drabkin to increase the fee schedule for the ZBA
Pre- application fee…. No charge
Area Variance   $ 150.00
Use Variance            $200.00
Special meetings: Appeal of the CEO determination       $ 200.00 (if applicant is successful with appeal a refund will be issued in the amount of $ 200.00)
Seconded by: Councilwoman Archer                                3-0 aye, motion carried
HIGHWAY PURCHASE:
Resolution # 36  -2012:
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Archer to permit Highway Superintendent Kelder to purchase 1 Caterpillar wheel loader 938 H from New York State Bid at
$ 140,000.00 Basic Machine, $ 9350.00 4 yard bucket, $ 7,500.00 64month warranty for a total of $ 156,850.00. The board stated they would review the warranty before making a final decision to include warranty in purchase.
Seconded by: Councilman Drabkin                         3-0 aye, motion carried
BID FOR INTERNATIONAL DUMP TRUCK & ALL PURPOSE DUMP BODY:
Resolution # 37-2012:
A Motion was made by Councilman Drabkin to authorize Highway Superintendent to bid for 1 International Dump Truck, front plow, wing and all-purpose body. & 1 all purpose Dump body.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Archer                                3-0aye, motion carried
Resolution # 38-2012:
A Motion was made by Councilman Drabkin to authorize Highway Superintendent to bid for 1 all-purpose Dump body.
Seconded by: Supervisor Chipman                         3-0aye, motion carried
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
A Motion was made by Councilman Drabkin to enter into executive session at 7:52pm to discuss a personnel matter.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Archer                                3-0aye, motion carried
A Motion was made by Councilman Drabkin to reconvene the meeting at 7:58pm stating no monies expended nor action taken.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Archer                                3-0aye, motion carried
ASSESSORS OFFICE CONSULTATION HIREE:
Resolution # 39 -2012:
A Motion was made by Councilman Drabkin to approve the hiring of Mike Dunham as a consultation at $ 20.00 per hour for 10 hrs a week until 3/01/2012.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Archer                                3-0aye, motion carried
ZBA & PLANNING BOARD TRAINING:
Resolution # 40-2012:
A Motion was made by Councilman Drabkin to approve members of the Planning and Zoning Board to be paid $ 12.50 per training hour up to 4 hours or $50.00 per year made retroactive January 1, 2012.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Archer                                3-0aye, motion carried
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD:
Terry Bernardo, Chair for the UC legislature stated she attended the NYS Association of Towns conference.  She asks that we get the word out and contact our Assemblyman and Senators about the mandated reform especially in reference to Medicaid and Education.
One resident asked who was responsible for servicing the compactor at the transfer station? The Town shouldn’t be held responsible for Indiscripencies of the RRA compactor.
ADJOURNMENT:
A MOTION was made by Councilwoman Archer to adjourn the meeting at 8:10pm.
Seconded by: Councilman Drabkin                         3-0aye, motion carried
Respectfully Submitted,
Kathleen A. Gundberg
Town Clerk
The Audit/Workshop Meeting was held on February 23, 2012 at 7:00pm at the Town Hall.
PRESENT:
Supervisor Chipman              Councilman Cilenti                      Councilman Drabkin                  Councilman Spano            Town Clerk Gundberg
ABSENT:
Councilwoman Archer
PLEDGE:
Supervisor opened the meeting and Troy Dunn led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.     
INTERVIEWS FOR BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
The Town Board held interviews for the following vacancies; 1 Youth Commission, 1 Zoning Board of Appeals, 3 Environmental Conservation Commission, 1 Planning Board. Supervisor Chipman stated letters of intent were received for those with terms that expired looking to renew their appointment. 2 alternates sent letters of intent requesting to be appointed to opening vacancies they currently serve on and one interview is scheduled for 3/01/2012.
APPROVAL OF BILLS:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to approve the following bills as audited this date
                        General Fund 2011 Abstract 14           $                  86.00
                        General Fund 2012 Abstract 02           $           35,374.32
                        Highway Fund 2012 Abstract 02           $           39,013.81
                        Street Lighting                                 $                413.18
                                                                        ______________
                                                                        
                                                                        $           74, 887.31
RATE CHANGES PLANNING & ZONING BOARDS:
Mike Baden Chairman of the Planning Board discussed with the Town Board increase of fees in reference to the Planning and Zoning departments. Councilman Cilenti asked when the last increase was made to the departments, which was approximately 10 years ago. Currently the fees aren’t covering additional expenses such as attorney fees, postage, legal notices & Xerox copying which becomes all town taxpayers burden. Mike stated that these fees would create a balance. Supervisor Chipman asked the board to review and a decision will be made at the next meeting.
AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 107 OF THE TOWN CODE: RACE TRACKS
Chapter 107-6 B permitting hours of racing;
Supervisor Chipman asked the board to review amendment to Chapter 107.  The change requested from the owner of Accord Speedway is to permit the start and /or completion of racing events past said curfew on not more than 4 days per racing season, and for a period of time not to exceed 20 minutes on each day, without penalty. It was agreed that Town Attorney Christiana review the documentation and submit her recommendations before any action is taken.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE PAPER REDUCTION:
It was suggested by Councilman Drabkin that once forms NCR are used entirely that purchase voucher forms become single page to help with paper reduction.
ADJOURNMENT:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to adjourn the meeting at 8:16 pm.
Seconded by: Councilman Drabkin                                 motion carried
                                                                                
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen A. Gundberg
Town Clerk