Town Board Audit/Workshop Meeting – September 2018

The Town of Rochester Town Board Held the September 27, 2018 audit at 6:00pm and the Workshop meeting at 7:10pm
PRESENT:
Councilman Drabkin Councilman Hewitt Supervisor Baden
Town Clerk Gundberg Town Attorney Christiana

ABSENT:

Councilwoman Fornino Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy

Audit of Abstract 9-2018 was held at 6:00pm
The Public hearing on EEO District review was held at 7:04pm
The workshop meeting began at 7:10pm

DISCUSSION:

DEJAGER LANE:

Supervisor Baden met with Elbert DeJager regarding a possible land swap between the Town of Rochester and Elbert DeJager. The land swap would give the Town of Rochester a parking location for the rail trail in that area. Supervisor Baden spoke with the County and they see no issues with the land swap and the Highway department is willing to do the work. Supervisor Baden will contact Barry Medenbach for a survey to be completed and hopefully will have a price estimate by the next Town board meeting. This was a brilliant idea that Councilman Drabkin had!
Attorney Christiana stated this can be as simple as a lot line adjustment

EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK:

Supervisor Baden stated to the Board they have the most current up to date version and he would like the Town Board to vote on this at the October meeting.

PRELIMINARY BUDGET:

Will be filed with the Town Clerk no later than 9/30/2018.

CONSTABULARY:

Supervisor Baden stated that he will be meeting with the Ulster County Emergency Management team regarding the 911 service connection the Constabulary was denied.

Supervisor Baden presented a document from 3/17/2016 listing duties of the constabulary between then Supervisor Chipman and Chief Constable Miller. He would like the Board to review the duties listed and be ready to vote on it at the next Town Board meeting.

A Correspondence was received from the Rescue Squad thanking the Constabulary for their assistance on calls.

Councilman Drabkin stated once adopted the Constabulary duties should be posted on line.

Supervisor Baden stated 2 complaints were made in writing regarding the Constabulary.

Councilman Drabkin stated the Board needs to have a procedure in place to handle such situations. Would they go before the Ethics Board? Highway Superintendent Spano would be an excellent resource and can be of some assistance regarding procedures since he is in law enforcement.

Supervisor Baden stated that Highway Superintendent Spano was helpful but will not put that type of pressure on him.

Supervisor Baden suggested possibly more corrective training become required in regards of how to deal with the public.

Supervisor Baden directed the Town Clerk to see if the Constabulary handbook was ever adopted by the Town Board.

LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR TOWN COURT CASE:

Supervisor Baden received notice from Judge Babcock in regards to Town Charges for 2 individuals that required Town Representation.
Attorney Christiana explained the conversation between the Judge herself and constabulary regarding charges of an illegal automotive shop. She stated that she doesn’t represent a case unless directed to do so by the Town Board. There is no reason the Code Enforcement Officer Jerry Davis cannot attend to represent the Town.

APPROVAL OF PAYMENT OF BILLS:
Resolution # 299-2018:

A Motion was made by Councilman Drabkin to approve the following;

General Fund abstract 9 of 2018 $ 65,652.76
Highway Fund abstract 9 of 2018: $ 132,250.72
Street lighting fund $ 373.20
Second: Councilman Hewitt
Aye: 3 nay: 0 abstain: 0 motion carried
Fornino, Haugen-Depuy absent

SCHEDULE AND ADVERTISE FOR SPECIAL MEETING:
Resolution # 300-2018:

A Motion was made by Councilman Drabkin to schedule special meetings for 10/11/18 and 10/18/18 at 6:30 pm at the Town of Rochester Town Hall. The purpose of said meetings are for the 2019 budget workshop and any other Town Board business. The Town Clerk is directed to advertise the same.
Second: Councilman Hewitt
Aye: 3 nay: 0 abstain: 0 motion carried
Fornino, Haugen-Depuy absent

ADJOURNMENT:

A Motion was made by Councilman Drabkin to adjourn the meeting at 7:36pm.
Second: Councilman Hewitt motion carried
Fornino, Haugen-Depuy absent