The Regular Town of Rochester Town Board Meeting was held on September 1, 2016 at 7:03pm immediately following a Public Hearing at the Town of Rochester Town Hall.
PRESENT:
Supervisor Chipman Councilwoman Chachkin Councilwoman Fornino
Councilman Drabkin Councilman Spano Town Clerk Gundberg
Attorney Christiana
AMENDMENT TO THE PROPOSED SOLAR LAW:
Resolution # 113-2016:
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Chachkin to amend 140-37 H. (I) (1) of the proposed code. Supervisor Chipman stated the amendment to include; Large scale energy systems shall not be permitted to be constructed on areas of prime farmland of statewide importance as designated by the U.S Dept. of Agriculture.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano 5-0 aye, motion carried
PUBLIC COMMENT:
The Board thanked Mike Baden for getting the map to them and all his efforts.
COURT UPDATE:
Justice Babcock updated the Board on the transition this year with a new Court Clerk and Deputy Court Clerk. The Court is operating at high efficiency. The Board was presented with fines collected to date and a ratio of individuals who come into the court during business hours.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Chachkin to approve the minutes of 7/7/16 Public Hearing, 7/14/16 Special Meeting, 7/28/16 Audit Workshop Meeting & 8/4/16 Town Board Meeting.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Fornino 5-0aye, motion carried
CORRESPONDENCE/ SUPERVISOR UPDATES:
Supervisor Chipman read an e-mail from Ann Thomas asking for his opinion on commercial and retail building in the Town of Rochester. Supervisor read aloud his response.
Supervisor Chipman also explained that it is budget time and difficulties of remaining under a .06% tax cap while mandates keep going up.
LEGAL UPDATES:
Attorney Christiana sent a memo to the Board to review.
LIAISON/ COMMITTEE REPORT:
Councilwoman Chachkin: Planning Board: 8/8/16 meeting public hearing held on Acorn School expansion of grades. Hearing held open pending UCPB comments. Pre-applications for expansion of use at West Wind Orchards to produce hard cider, have tasting room and food.
ZRC: 8/10 & 8/31 meeting reviewed work to date. Court: Thank you for your report.
Councilwoman Fornino: The Summer Program was a huge success. 72 Child enrolled, 42 each week. Huge thank you to Carol Pugliese for driving on trips and staff to make program a success. 10/1/16: Heritage Day/ Historical pie fest. The youth commission will be doing face painting and hotdogs. Basketball registration will begin in October.
Councilman Drabkin: nothing to report
Councilman Spano: nothing to report
Supervisor Chipman: Assessor’s Office: Mike has contracted a part time worker to fill in while Angie is out on leave.
APPROVAL OF BILLS:
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Chachkin to approve the following;
Highway Abstract 8 of 2016 $ 48, 312.16
General Fund Abstract 8 of 2016 $ 51, 324.70
Street Lighting $ 418.69
_____________
$ 100, 055.55
Seconded by: Councilman Drabkin 5-0 aye, motion carried
JCAP GRANT FOR COURTHOUSE:
Resolution # 114 -2016:
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Chachkin to authorize the Court to apply for a $ 30,000 JCAP upgrade for such items like windows, AC/ Heating unit.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano 5-0 aye, motion carried
HIRE OF TOWN CONSTABLE:
Resolution # 115-2016:
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Chachkin to hire Richard Knapp to serve as Town Constable.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano 5-0 aye, motion carried
PAY/ HOURS OF CONSTABLE:
Resolution # 116-2016:
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Chachkin to establish entry level pay at $ 10.00 per hour and chargeable to the department responsible for personal service budget line at the discretion of the Supervisor.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano
DISCUSSION:
Councilman Spano asked the Court how many hours a week is a constable needed?
Chief Constable Miller stated a constable will be available to split shifts 8-12 & 1-4pm Monday thru Friday and Court Officer for Court held on Wednesday evenings. No person on the constable staff will work more than 16 hours per week for a total of week coverage being 32 hours.
5-0 aye, motion carried
UPDATE ON SOLAR ARRAY RFP:
Larry DeWitt discussed some things he is learning along the way with the RFP. Some things aren’t so cut and dry with a feeder line but would like to see the Board continue to move forward with the RFP so when the time comes we are ready to go.
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DAY:
Resolution #117-2016:
A Motion was made by Councilman Spano to hold Volunteer Appreciation Day at the Town of Rochester Town Park on 10/8/2016 from 12-4pm.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Chachkin 5-0 aye, motion carried
INSTALLATION OF SECURITY CAMERAS AT THE COURTHOUSE:
The Court asked for Board approval to install security cameras at the Courthouse from monies received from the 2013 grant. The remaining balance is $ 3, 010.03
Resolution # 188-2016:
A Motion was made by Supervisor Chipman to approve the lowest quote GO Fast Computers in the amount of $ 3,500.00 to install security cameras at the Courthouse.
Seconded by: Councilman Drabkin 5-0aye, motion carried
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Mike Baden recommended sending the new proposed solar law with said amendments made tonight to the Ulster County Planning Board and the Town Planning Board.
Richard Miller informed the Board that the Constabulary is holding a large class through the Department of City-wide services in New York City. Our Constabulary is now responsible for all the department of homeless services in New York City which consists of 1,000 officers. First class will be in December.
HIGHWAY PROPOSED AUDIT RESOLUTIONS:
The Board discussed in length resolutions Highway Superintendent Wayne Kelder is proposing in regards to the outcome of the Comptroller’s Audit Report.
It was agreed that Supervisor Chipman will discuss the matters with Michael Richardson, Town Consultant and the Board will schedule a special meeting to discuss these topics.
ADJOURNMENT:
A Motion was made by Councilman Drabkin to adjourn the meeting at 9:40pm.
Seconded by: Councilwoman Fornino 5-0aye, motion carried
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
Kathleen A. Gundberg
Town Clerk/ Tax Collector