The December 3, 2020 Regular Town Board meeting was held via teleconference and
Livestream Broadcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg7ykop50cWmqPFUpgDjRSQ
Listening Dial in Number 1 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 835 4118 5271 Password: 985685

Supervisor Baden opened the meeting and led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

STATEMENT FROM THE SUPERVISOR:

I have confirmed with the Town’s Counsel that tonight’s meeting has been convened in accordance with the Governor’s March 13, 2020 Executive Order 202.1 which suspends certain provisions of the Open Meetings Law to allow a municipal Board to convene a meeting via videoconferencing. In accordance with the Executive Order, the public has been provided with the ability to view tonight’s meeting via YouTube and a transcript will be provided at a later date.

The Town Clerk has completed a roll call of the Board Members and there is a quorum present for this meeting. I have also confirmed with the Town Clerk that this meeting has been duly noticed.

We have fulfilled our legal notice requirements by posting Notice on the Town Clerk bulletin board and outside door, posting legal notice in the Shawangunk Journal, and posting notice on the Town’s website.

PRESENT:

Councilwoman Erin Enouen Councilwoman Bea Haugen-Depuy
Councilman Chris Hewitt Councilman Adam Paddock
Supervisor Michael Baden Town Clerk Kathleen Gundberg
Town Attorney Marylou Christiana

Public Comment Report – Town Clerk

To all town board members

In regards to public meetings … yes more people can see them … yes more have ways of listening BUT when it comes to speaking its very limited or not at all. some have no computers some have very little tech abilities and even us back woods folk have power outages that cut off everything and if we can get to say something if you don’t like it you just could just mute us or not even open our mic also there’s no rebuttal or chance to respond to comments WAKE UP board there’s no rush to do what can wait another 3-6 months its high time the board has a OPEN mind and looks at ALL sides not just the sides you think are the solution yes your doing the best you can under the circumstances BUT at least put off non essential stuff until things get back to near normal also what’s to say the phones or computer connection on your end wont go down a voice is a voice and everyone has a right to be heard .. thank you Bill Barringer

ATTORNEY FOR THE TOWN REPORT:

Attorney Christiana stated she received information from Association of Towns regarding issuance of parking tickets. Hopefully to have things in order for the January meeting.
Regarding the Governor’s executive order a emergency plan created by the Town is due April 2021.

TOWN CLERK REPORT:

Town Clerk Gundberg stated that online payments are working well. Over $2700 payments were received the month of November. Currently working on an insert to go with the Tax Bill showing methods of payments for the 2021 tax year. And working on a project with the Recreation department on Town History within the Town of Rochester.

Supervisor Baden stated the Town History video was fantastic Ashley and Kate hit it out of the park!

Supervisor’s Report
November 2020 – Filed with the Town Clerk

Announcement of November 2020 Financials
Receipts received from the Town Clerk’s office (November) $ 41, 339.25
Receipts received from the Building Department $ 18,355.85
Receipts received from the Planning/Zoning Department $ 2,168.66
Expenditures
Abstract 11-2020
General Fund $129,324.83
Highway Fund $171,947.34
Street Lighting Fund $402.28
Grant Account $7984.66

Supervisor’s Update/Correspondence Report

Monthly Correspondence: Quarterly sales tax check was received July- Sept. $ 53,332.25 which is approximately $ 3500 more than last year, the solar lease payment was received, The Highway Department is doing well and December CHIPS payment should be coming in soon. The Building Dept. monthly was $ 18,355.85. They are very busy hitting double digits each month in revenue. The Planning Department is busy with lots of applications. We received a letter from the Ulster County Farmland protection board stating 3 Town properties have been certified for inclusion into an Ulster County Agricultural District. We received a correspondence from the Catskill Watershed Corp. Supervisor Baden sent a memo to Town Hall employees regarding cooking in the utility room.

Ulster County Dept. of Finance: there is a charge back from the county for 3 properties in the amount of $ 1,323.57

COVID-19 Report: currently there are 9 cases in our Town. The County is at 1100 cases which is record high

IT Upgrade Progress: The server is installed. Just serving as the internet function of the Town. Plan to work on the Community Center next Tuesday. We are waiting on a new proposal from Magnify that will increase out speed and lower the cost.

Courthouse Renovations: The Courthouse porch is almost completed. We did go over budget adding lighting.

Community Center Filing Room: The outside is complete. Will and Pat will begin the interior work this week they are doing a great job.

NY Rising – Alligerville Firehouse: Will be going out to bid next Thursday 12/10. They will be due on 1/15/2021. It is expected to be a 9 month to a year long project.

Thanksgiving Community Luncheon: 173 meals were prepared and picked up. The food was fantastic. Kudos to the Recreation Department.

Veterans Day Ceremony: a brief ceremony was held with approximately 10 people in attendance. There was some confusion as to the time so a private ceremony was also held at 10am.

Assessor Report: new construction: started a review of the status of open permits. I will be inspecting properties and updating our records and assessments as necessary. All properties are assessed as of their status as of March 1, 2021.
Exemptions: we have sent out renewal applications for Senior Citizens, disabled persons with limited incomes, Agricultural exemptions, wholly exempt properties, Grandparents, Clergy and forest exemptions. We will be reviewing and processing the exemption application as we receive them, All exemptions are due March 1, 2021.

Dept. Updates/Liaison Reports:

Councilman Paddock: Recreation Dept.: The videos are coming out amazing! The Deck the Halls drive thru will take place on December 18, 2020 from 5-6 pm. The Board discussed that the playground equipment will have to go out for an RFP.

Councilman Hewitt: ECC: the ECC has decided to postpone the nature series until the spring so more can be in attendance. Andrew Faust is working on the mapping of the Educational Park.

Councilwoman Enouen: ZBA: has not had a full Board all year would like to see these positions filled, it’s an important job. There are 2 vacancies and an alternate position available. The Board will be discussing the renewal of the UCRRA contract later in the meeting.

Courthouse: Town Supervisor would like to thank AnnMarie Ogle for her years of service working as the Court Clerk. Ann Marie is moving to the state of Washington and we wish her the best of Luck!

Highway Supt. Report:

Supervisor Baden stated the freak rain storm earlier this week kept the Highway Dept busy fixing and cleaning culvert pipes.

ROCK HILL ROAD DISCUSSION:

Supervisor Baden wanted to clear up any miscommunication that took place over the discussion of Rock Hill Road. Supervisor Baden was approached by the Open Space Institute about opening up and abandoned road on Rock Hill Road making it accessible to access their property. They were backed by fire company stated this would be a good access to both Mohonk and Minnewaska mountains. Jeff found that the road was officially abandoned in 1998, a number of people there blocked the section with boulders and wood chips. Highway Superintendent Frey went to do some measurements to identify where the road would start and stop. This was a fact finding mission nothing is being done. Supervisor Baden spent the next two days talking to residents on the Road and clearing misinformation that was taking place.

Constabulary Report:
Court is partially open. The Constabulary answered 18 direct calls for service and other duties in November of 2020.
These included:
•10 Neighbor to Neighbor and Quality of Life Complaints
•2 Resident Traffic Complaints (Whitfield rd., Lwr. Whitfield Rd.)
•2 Environmental Complaints, ( Lake View Rd. and Queens Hwy.)
•8 Building Department Violations
•7 New Court Cases Opened*
•24 Court Proceedings Remain Open*
•0 Court Proceedings Closed*(Due to COVID-19 Court Closures, Latest Numbers are Unavailable) Interesting Occurrences: During this month, complaints regarding trespasses on residents’ properties are up again. An increase was noted in complaints regarding garbage being dumped on private properties and on several local roads. Neighbor to neighbor complaints have decreased again this month with all of them being defused successfully and without further incident. Of note were several calls from a distraught woman who hadn’t heard from her husband and was concerned he was in trouble. We worked with the NY State Police to check in on the individual multiple times, who was nowhere to be found. We finally located the individual who was found in good health. Traffic Patrols along Rt. 44/55 in the Town adjacent to Minnewaska Park have concluded. The traffic control detail was highly successful and traffic was kept flowing even during the busiest weekends. I ’d like to thank the New York State Police and Ulster County Sheriff’s Department with whom we worked cooperatively to manage the traffic volume. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to have limited direct contact with complainants with a proportional increase in direct phone calls.

RESOLUTIONS:

ACTION ON MINUTES:
Resolution # 241-2020:

A Motion was made by Councilman Paddock that the Town Board accepts the minutes of the November 5, 2020 Regular, November 5, 2020 Budget 2021 Public Hearing, November 23, 2020 Special, and November 30, 2020 Audit/Workshop meetings
Second: Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy

ROLL CALL:

Councilwoman Enouen aye
Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy aye
Councilman Hewitt aye
Councilman Paddock aye
Supervisor Baden aye 5-0, motion carried

ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS
Resolution # 242-2020:

A Motion was made by Councilwoman Enouen that the Town Board accepts the following;

Acceptance of Cash Donations
The Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor to accept donations of $150 from Alan & Arlene Levine, $45 from the Kerhonkson/Accord Jewish Senior Citizens, $50 from Maddie Oremus Palmese, $100 from Mel & Elaine Tapper, and $203 in various cash donations to assist in funding the 2020 Town of Rochester Thanksgiving Community Luncheon.

Acceptance of Material Donations
The Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor to accept donations of $150 discount in the purchase of turkeys from Jeffrey Lipton of the Bowery Dugout (Harold Lipton’s nephew) and 16 pumpkin pies from Christina Striano to assist the 2020 Town of Rochester Thanksgiving Community Luncheon.

Acceptance of Cash Donation

The Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor to accept donation of $100 from Patricia Shaw to assist in funding the Christmas Drive Thru event.
Second: Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy

ROLL CALL:

Councilwoman Enouen aye
Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy aye
Councilman Hewitt aye
Councilman Paddock aye
Supervisor Baden aye 5-0, motion carried

ACCEPTANCE OF CASH DONATIONS:
Resolution # 243-2020:

A Motion was made by Councilwoman Enouen that the Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor to accept donation of $100 from Richard & Letty Weiss of Ashburn. VA to “pay it forward”. (accompanying card filed with the Town Clerk)
Second: Councilman Hewitt
Discussion: Supervisor Baden said this donation deserved special recognition. Letty was walking on the Rail Trail and found $ 100 bill and decided to pay it forward. Her parents live in the area and she has seen such wonderful things the Recreation program does and wanted to donate it to the program. A Big thank you to The Weiss family.

ROLL CALL:

Councilwoman Enouen aye
Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy aye
Councilman Hewitt aye
Councilman Paddock aye
Supervisor Baden aye 5-0, motion carried

SCHEDULING THE 2021 ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING:
Resolution # 244-2020:

A Motion was made by Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy that the Town Board establishes the date and time for the 2021 Town of Rochester Organizational meeting as Monday January 4, 2021 at 6:30pm at the Harold Lipton Community Center, 15 Tobacco Rd, Accord, NY 12404 or via Zoom in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order 202.1 and successors and requests the Town Clerk to circulate notice.
Second: Councilwoman Enouen
Discussion: Supervisor Baden asked how the Board felt about scheduling two meetings. The organizational meeting can be lengthy and the regular scheduled meeting isn’t until the 7th. It would be better to have the scheduled fees and new salaries adopted earlier in the week.
The Board all agreed

AMEND RESOLUTION # 244-2020:

A Motion was made by Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy that the Town Board establishes the date and time for the 2021 Town of Rochester Organizational meeting as Monday January 4, 2021 at 6:30pm and the Regular Town Board Meeting for January 7, 2021 both to be held at the Harold Lipton Community Center, 15 Tobacco Rd, Accord, NY 12404 or via Zoom in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order 202.1 and successors and requests the Town Clerk to circulate notice.
Second: Councilwoman Enouen
ROLL CALL:

Councilwoman Enouen aye
Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy aye
Councilman Hewitt aye
Councilman Paddock aye
Supervisor Baden aye 5-0, motion carried

TRANSFER OF FUNDS:
Resolution # 245-2020:

A Motion was made by Councilman Hewitt that the Town Board authorizes the Budget Officer to transfer $2,861.12 from General Fund budget line A1620.440, Professional Services to the Grant Fund.
Second: Councilman Paddock
Discussion: Supervisor Baden stated that we went over budget with work at the Courthouse annex because we added some lighting to the overhang of the building.
Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy stated that it adds to the annex making it look professional and brings it all together.

ROLL CALL:

Councilwoman Enouen aye
Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy aye
Councilman Hewitt aye
Councilman Paddock aye
Supervisor Baden aye 5-0, motion carried

AUTHORIZING EMPLOYMENT:
Resolution # 246-2020:

A Motion was made by Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy with the consent of Justice LaFlamme, The Town Board authorizes the employment of Michelle Dunning as Clerk to Justice LaFlamme, effective December 6, 2020 at a rate of $17.50 per hour at a maximum of 28 hours per week plus all court hours. The position shall be under the Supervision of Justice LaFlamme.
Second: Councilwoman Enouen

ROLL CALL:

Councilwoman Enouen aye
Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy aye
Councilman Hewitt aye
Councilman Paddock aye
Supervisor Baden aye 5-0, motion carried

ADVERTISING FOR VACANCIES ON BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
Resolution # 247-2020:

A Motion was made by Councilman Paddock that the Town Board authorizes the Supervisor to publish an advertisement in the Shawangunk Journal seeking interested volunteers for various Boards & Commissions. (amount and size TBD by Board)
Planning Board (1 member, 1 alternate member), Zoning Board of Appeals (1 member, 1 alternate member), Historic Preservation Commission (11 members), Environmental Conservation Commission (6 members), Youth Commission (2 members), Ethics Board (1 member), Board of Assessment Review (1 member)
Applications shall consist of a letter of interest for the position including either a resume or experience and qualifications statement. The Supervisor will contact those members whose terms have expired to request letters of interest for reappointment.
Any current member seeking reappointment has the opportunity to be interviewed, but it will not be required.
Second: Councilman Hewitt
Discussion: Supervisor Baden asked how the Board felt doing this as an advertisement?
Councilman Hewitt stated a 1/8 page would work nicely.
Councilwoman Enouen stated she was in favour of it and we should include Town of Rochester Residents only.

ROLL CALL:

Councilwoman Enouen aye
Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy aye
Councilman Hewitt aye
Councilman Paddock aye
Supervisor Baden aye 5-0, motion carried

RENEWAL OF RACING PERMIT:
Resolution # 248-2020:

A Motion was made by Councilman Hewitt that the Town Board authorizes the racing permit renewal to Accord Speedway, Inc., pursuant to Town of Rochester Code §107-4C and all other conditions as specified in Town of Rochester Code §107.
Such permit is authorized only contingent upon presentation of the following proofs to the Town prior to commencement of the 2021 racing schedule.
1. Each year an Ulster County Health Department permit shall be required for all food concessions on the racetrack premises as a condition precedent to obtaining a permit from the town to operate said racetrack.
2. The applicant shall provide proof of compliance with Ulster County Health Department regulations as they pertain to lavatories and septic facilities as a condition precedent to obtaining a permit from the town to operate said racetrack.
3. Liability insurance. The permittee shall at all times maintain in full force and effect a public liability insurance policy in amounts not less than $1,000,000 for damages in which one person is killed or injured per occurrence and not less than $2,000,000 for damages in which more than one person is killed or injured per occurrence. A certificate of insurance naming the Town of Rochester as an additional insured must be filed with the Town Clerk at least five days prior to the first date of racetrack usage specified in the permit. Said certificate shall bear the, name of the insurance company, the policy number, the term of the policy, the above-specified amounts and the name and address of the permittee’s insurance agent.
4. The permit holder shall deposit with the Town Clerk $1000 for the Town Code Enforcement Officer’s use in hiring an independent sound expert to perform sound measurements and issue report(s) to the Town Board and the Code Enforcement Officer with respect to the permit holder’s compliance with the noise requirements of this chapter. This amount is for one testing. Should additional testing be determined to be warranted for said measurements; which may be taken two times during the racing season at the sole expense of the permit holder; an additional $1000 shall be required at such time. Additional measurements above two obtained by the town during the racing season shall be at the sole expense of the town.
The Town Board grants the Supervisor the authority to review and certify these conditions have been complied with without further resolution

The Town Board further accepts the racing schedule as presented for 37 actual racing dates and 27 potential rain dates. Dates listed as rain dates may be utilized only to replace a rained out approved event date.

The Town Board further states, upon verification with the Code Enforcement Officer, there are no outstanding notices of violation issued by the Town and required sound testing for 2019 occurred on Aug. 9, 2019. There was no testing conducted in 2020 due to racing being unable to occur due to COVID.
Second: Councilwoman Enouen

ROLL CALL:

Councilwoman Enouen aye
Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy aye
Councilman Hewitt aye
Councilman Paddock aye
Supervisor Baden aye 5-0, motion carried

WAIVER OF RACING PERMIT FEE:
Resolution # 249-2020:

A Motion was made by Councilwoman Haugen Depuy
The Town Board authorizes the waiver of the racing permit renewal fee of $250 by Accord Speedway, Inc., required pursuant to Town of Rochester Code §107-5. The application of the 2020 renewal fee be applied to the 2021 permit fee due to the Governor’s Executive Order banning public racing activities in 2020.
Second: Councilwoman Enouen

ROLL CALL:

Councilwoman Enouen aye
Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy aye
Councilman Hewitt aye
Councilman Paddock aye
Supervisor Baden aye 5-0, motion carried

AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO SUBMIT A REQUEST FOR ANALYSIS:
Resolution # 250-2020:

A Motion was made by Councilman Hewitt that the Town of Rochester Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor to submit a request on behalf of the Town of Rochester to the Ulster County Transportation Council for an analysis of the intersection of US Route 209 and Boice Mill Road in Kerhonkson, NY for improvement of safety and visibility.
Second: Councilwoman Enouen

ROLL CALL:

Councilwoman Enouen aye
Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy aye
Councilman Hewitt aye
Councilman Paddock aye
Supervisor Baden aye 5-0, motion carried

AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL:
Resolution # 251-2020:

A Motion was made by Councilwoman Enouen;

Whereas; The Ulster County Transportation Council (UCTC) is the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Kingston Urbanized Area and a portion of the Poughkeepsie-Newburgh Urbanized Area. The UCTC planning area encompasses all of Ulster County. UCTC is tasked with carrying out a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive multimodal transportation planning process. UCTC is initiating a call for planning projects to be included in its Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), and

Whereas, The UCTC has the responsibility for developing, implementing, and maintaining a Long Range Transportation Plan addressing no less than a 20-year planning horizon, a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) listing the prioritized federally funded transportation projects, and the development and implementation of a Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), and

Whereas; The purpose of a Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) is to plan and implement a transportation planning work program supporting the goals, objectives, and recommendations of UCTC’s Year 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan. The type of work specified within a UPWP includes a summary of administrative, technical and transportation planning tasks to be performed by UCTC staff. For the 2021-2022 state fiscal year, which extends from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, UCTC expects approximately $200,000 to be available for planning projects, and

Whereas; The UPWP provides funding for concept-level planning, analysis, and design initiatives. UPWP funds cannot be used for property acquisition, site preparation, existing staff, preliminary engineering, detailed design, operations and management, or construction projects, and

Whereas; Project proposals must be consistent with the goals and objectives outlined in UCTC’s Year 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan or other plans of UCTC. The long-range plan is a comprehensive, performance based, multi-modal and coordinated regional plan, and

Whereas; In general, activities undertaken with UPWP funding must add to the efficiency of the regional transportation network, improve residents’ quality of life, increase safety and security of the transportation system, and enhance community character, and

Whereas; Cities, towns, or villages in Ulster County or a Non-Voting UCTC Advisory Member Organization are eligible to submit an application, and

Whereas; Project sponsors will be required to pass a resolution indicating their willingness to meet any cash match presented in the application and any public participation requirements. Approximately $200,000 in federal transportation planning funds is expected to be available for FY 2021/22 UPWP planning, analysis, and design activities, and

Whereas; the Town of Rochester Town Board and the Town of Gardiner Town Board wish to submit a joint application for an analysis of the transportation corridor of US Route 44/55 from the intersection of Route 299 to the intersection of Route 209 with particular emphasis on the traffic generated by influx of tourism generated by Mohonk Preserves, Minnewaska Preserve, and the Shawangunk Mountain Scenic Byway and accompanying scenic overlooks.

Therefore; the Town of Rochester Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor to submit an application on behalf of the Town of Rochester, with accompanying resolution by the Town of Gardiner Town Board in concurrence with the application.
Second: Councilman Paddock
Discussion:

ROLL CALL:

Councilwoman Enouen aye
Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy aye
Councilman Hewitt aye
Councilman Paddock aye
Supervisor Baden aye 5-0, motion carried

AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO SUBMIT LETTER OF SUPPORT:
Resolution # 252-2020:

A Motion was made by Councilman Hewitt that the Town Board authorizes the Supervisor to submit a letter in support of the application for the UCTC Unified Planning Work Program submitted by the Town of Marbletown in support of the O&W Rail Trail Coalition of Municipalities of which the Town of Rochester is an active participating member.
The application for planning assistance by the UCTC for a Comprehensive Signage and Wayfinding Project on the O&W is timely in this time of the corona virus pandemic. Our county trails are being utilized more than ever as residents and visitors alike seek the fresh air and solitude of our county trail system. Our municipally integrated O&W trail that runs through the Esopus and Rondout valleys is in need of signage integration that supports access and connection to the O&W via all our Ulster county trails in order that our trail users may find safe direction and historic information along our O&W 27 mile trail system.
Second: Councilman Paddock
ROLL CALL:

Councilwoman Enouen aye
Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy aye
Councilman Hewitt aye
Councilman Paddock aye
Supervisor Baden aye 5-0, motion carried

CONTRACT WITH THE UCRRA:
Resolution # 253-2020:

A Motion was made by Councilwoman Enouen to authorize Supervisor Baden to sign contract with the UCRRA that is to begin 1/1/2021.
Second: Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy
DISCUSSION:
Councilwoman Enouen stated that she supports the contract and would like to see it pass and the Board can focus on the goals that we have with the transfer station. 2 changes are; that we agree that we will not install a scale and we are on a 1-year probation and then a 3-year contract after. Supervisor Baden stated he thinks we resolved the issues, we opened up the dialog.
Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy: Thank you to Councilwoman Enouen for being the voice of the Town and getting this contract. We should accept the probationary period and should be thankful we have a contract.
Attorney Christiana: We can negotiate the contract with the RRA we should be lucky to be getting it.
ROLL CALL:

Councilwoman Enouen aye
Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy aye
Councilman Hewitt aye
Councilman Paddock aye
Supervisor Baden aye 5-0, motion carried

CLIMATE SMART COMMUNITY PROGRAM Pledge:
Resolution #254 -2020:

A Motion was made by Councilman Hewitt that;

WHEREAS, the Town of Rochester (hereinafter “local government”) believes that climate change poses a real and increasing threat to our local and global environments and is primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels; and

WHEREAS, the effects of climate change will endanger our infrastructure, economy and livelihoods; harm our farms, orchards, and ecological communities, including native fish and wildlife populations; spread invasive species and exotic diseases; reduce drinking water supplies and recreational opportunities; and pose health threats to our citizens; and

WHEREAS, we believe that our response to climate change provides us with an unprecedented opportunity to save money, and to build livable, energy-independent and secure communities, vibrant innovation economies, healthy and safe schools, and resilient infrastructures; and

WHEREAS, we believe the scale of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions required for climate stabilization will require sustained and substantial efforts; and

WHEREAS, we believe that even if emissions were dramatically reduced today, communities would still be required to adapt to the effects of climate change for decades to come,

IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that Town of Rochester, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate, adopts the New York State Climate Smart Communities pledge, which comprises the following ten elements:
1) Build a climate-smart community.
2) Inventory emissions, set goals, and plan for climate action.
3) Decrease energy use.
4) Shift to clean, renewable energy.
5) Use climate-smart materials management.
6) Implement climate-smart land use.
7) Enhance community resilience to climate change.
8) Support a green innovation economy.
9) Inform and inspire the public.
10) Engage in an evolving process of climate action.
Second: Councilwoman Enouen
DISCUSSION:
Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy asked if any of the Board members have had any dealings with any foundations involved?
Councilman Hewitt stated that he received 3 years of funding through the new world foundation, he has no personal affiliation just a member of the Board that received funds.
Attorney Christiana stated that Councilman Hewitt should recuse himself from the next resolution regarding applying for the grant.
All other Board members stated they never received funds.

ROLL CALL:

Councilwoman Enouen aye
Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy nay
Councilman Hewitt aye
Councilman Paddock aye
Supervisor Baden aye 4-1, motion carried

PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT FOR MUNICIPALITY:
Resolution # 255-2020:

A Motion was made by Councilwoman Enouen authorizing the Town Supervisor to sign the Local Champions grant and to insert Madeline Russo as the local Champion with the understanding that there will be no expenditures to the Town of Rochester.
Second: Councilman Paddock
ROLL CALL:

Councilwoman Enouen aye
Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy aye
Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy stated: I believe we should be able to get funding without having to sign a pledge and therefore I am voting yes on this pledge. I would like it shown in the record that I vote in favor of this grant.
Councilman Hewitt recused
Councilman Paddock aye
Supervisor Baden aye 4-0, motion carried

Local Champions is a new program providing grant funding and programmatic support to local
municipalities that are working on the New York State Climate Smart Communities (CSC)
program. The purpose of this document is to verify the municipality’s participation in the
application process. It is also meant to verify the municipality’s support of and willingness to
collaborate with the Local Champion applicant ______________________ (hereby “Local
Champion”) if they’re accepted into the program to do the work of leading the city, town, or
village’s efforts to reach bronze certification in the CSC program.
PAYMENT
(Village, City, or Town of) __________________ (hereby “the municipality”) agrees to receive
up to $8000 in funds from Lifeboats HV, a fiscally sponsored initiative of The New World
Foundation, if their application is one of six selected for the program. The purpose of the grant is
to assist the municipality in its efforts to achieve bronze certification in the NY State Climate
Smart Communities program.
Lifeboats HV will direct the first third of the grant to the selected municipality upfront, pending
the signing of this agreement. Halfway through the Local Champions program, in May 2021,
Lifeboats HV will send the next third. Upon completion of the Local Champions program,
Lifeboats HV will supply a check for the final third of the grant to selected municipalities.
Upon receipt of the funds, the municipality will disburse the grant. If the Local Champion is a
volunteer, the grant shall be used as an honorarium or stipend, in whatever manner and timing
the municipality and Local Champion decide. If the Local Champion is an elected official or
employee of the municipality, the municipality shall put the grant money into a designated fund
to be used specifically for charitable work related to CSC projects.
Note that municipality and Local Champion are responsible for discussing any taxes associated
with the payment.
FOCUS OF THE WORK
The pilot supports the Local Champion in performing charitable tasks related to assisting the
municipality in achieving bronze certification within the NY State Climate Smart Communities
program (CSC). CSC is a framework that guides municipalities through sustainability actions,
focused on reducing carbon emissions, building resiliency to climate change, and educating and
engaging the community around the environment. CSC assigns points to each action, and with
enough points and proper documentation, a municipality can file for bronze certification and
thereby become eligible for further NY State agency grants for sustainability projects.
www.localchampionshv.org
EXPECTATIONS OF MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT & STAFF PARTICIPATION
The Local Champion will work closely with the municipality’s elected officials and staff to
complete these tasks. Municipal officials are welcome and encouraged to participate in as much
of the Lifeboats HV programming as they can, and at the very least, they agree to provide the
Local Champion with information and support to enable their work in a timely fashion.
The local government shall have passed the Climate Smart Communities Resolution or will do
so during the course of the Local Champions program. More info on the resolution and a sample
resolution can be found here:
https://climatesmart.ny.gov/fileadmin/csc/documents/CSC_Model_Resolution/ModelResolutionC
SC-Oct2018.docx
TASKS & DELIVERABLES
After being selected for the program, in order for the municipality to receive the grant, the Local
Champion must complete the following tasks and deliverables. The Local Champions program
provides consultations and classes free of charge to the municipality, and, indeed, the grant is
meant to support the Local Champion as they accomplish their work—an estimated 10-15 hours
per week for the duration of the program—carrying out the following tasks:
(Per the COVID pandemic situation, events and meetings will be hosted via Zoom.)
● A Completed Certification Assessment –
The Local Champions program partners with Cornell Cooperative Extension staff to
provide technical assistance in the creation of a Certification Assessment, an initial step
in the CSC certification process. The Certification Assessment combs through actions
already taken by the municipality, determining how to use those to earn points towards
CSC bronze certification. Also, the Certification Assessment provides non-binding
suggestions for which potential projects are a good fit for the municipality on their “path
to bronze certification.” In order to answer questions about these potential projects and
relevant funding mechanisms, the Local Champions program provides two 1.5 hour
sessions with an experienced engineering firm. The Local Champion program covers the
full cost (approximately $5,000) of the consultation from Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Together with the engineering firm’s in-kind consultations, participating municipalities are
receiving tremendous value, both in terms of dollars saved and expertise provided.
● Attendance at Local Champions events –
The Local Champions program brings in guest speakers from other municipalities who
excelled in the CSC program, draws on content and programming to assist Local
Champions, and provides a facilitator to lead the cohort in a systems-thinking approach
to the work and to community-building. Participants are required to attend at least 75%
of scheduled programming.
● Participate in film shoots and finished videos –
The Local Champions program is engaging a filmmaker to document the progress of the
pilot. Local representatives may be invited to participate on camera for optional
interviews.
www.localchampionshv.org
● A dedicated CSC webpage on your municipality’s website –
The municipality agrees to update their official website to include a page devoted to CSC
work. Lifeboats HV will guide the Local Champion in ways to employ the webpage as a
showcase of work and tool for community engagement.
● Option for support of a stand-alone website –
Additionally, the municipality can opt into a stand-alone Squarespace website to be
designed and maintained by the Local Champion. First year domain registration and
hosting will be granted by additional Local Champion funds, if the municipality agrees to
include future domain registration and web hosting as an annual expense in the
municipal budget (approximately $165 annually). The stand-alone website enables the
volunteer to update the climate-related content without needing to request the help of
municipal staff or a third party IT vendor.
● A one year ICLEI community empowerment subscription –
ICLEI ( https://icleiusa.org ) is a highly regarded, subscription-based service that provides
technical and planning support to municipalities working on climate change. The Local
Champions program would like to extend compensation for a 1 year ICLEI Subscription
to the municipality upon completion of the Local Champions program ($600 value). This
will serve to support the municipality’s officials, staff and the volunteer going forward,
after the completion of the Local Champions program.
Signature of municipal official of ____________________in (city/town/village)______________
Print name_____________________________ Date_________________________

CODE ENFORCEMENT LETTER:

Supervisor Baden asked the Board to review the letter sent from the Code Enforcement office regarding contractor business yards. There is a particular location that wants to get in compliance but there is no real definition in the code explaining it. Attorney Christiana is going to review the letter and provide recommendations based on procedures.

PUBLIC HEARING DISCUSSION’S :

Supervisor Baden reminded the Board that the Audit workshop meeting is scheduled for 12/29/20. The public hearing on Short term rentals is scheduled for 12/9/20 and the public hearing scheduled on 12/10/20 is for the comprehensive plan which includes the open space plan ( 2015), the Historic Resources Report( 2008)

Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy asked Supervisor Baden to state what is covered in this plan. I need some clarification. You had stated at the other meeting that the critical area had been taken out correct?
Supervisor Baden stated no that is not entirely correct. The critical area mapping is still in the proposal. What’s not included is the adoption of the critical environmental area. All it will show is the map of the area that will be proposed as the designated area, until it is adopted it will remain a proposed even in the comprehensive plan. Comp plan is not laws, its direction and a concept. By including these maps it doesn’t define anything or change SEQRA in any way. In order to change SEQRA itself the designation of the Critical area has to be adopted. This is just taking these documents that have been Town documents since 2018 and placing them in the Comp plan. They do not hold anymore weight, or laws. They are just a resource. This could potentially change down the road but would have to go through another public hearing and local law process.
Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy stated there must be some kind of confusion because the recommendations from the Planning Board states;
“The recommendation to designate the Pacama Vly and the portion of the Colony Farm-Shawangunk-Catskill ‘Flyway’ as Critical Environmental Areas. This is very important to the ecology and biodiversity of the area.” So they must not be aware this option has been removed.
Supervisor Baden: that’s their wording and response if it is not accurate it doesn’t change what’s happening.
The Board agreed that this may cause further confusion for others and agreed to place the words “proposed” on the maps of the critical environmental area.
Attorney Christiana state the Board can place “this has not been designated as CEA.” It’s important to make sure it’s clear for anybody that is looking at the map understands.
Supervisor Baden stated he will respond to the Planning Board explaining this will not be adopted at this time.
Councilwoman Enouen offered to put together a couple slides as well to help with the understanding of the mapping.

ADJOURNMENT:

A Motion was made by Councilman Hewitt to adjourn the meeting at 8:39pm in memory of
Doris Miller
Deborah Slutsky
Irvin Decker
Edward Fehring
Thomas ‘ Fred’ Miller
Stuart Nelson
Evan Fraser
All suffering worldwide from the COVID-19 virus motion carried

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,

KATHLEEN A. GUNDBERG
TOWN CLERK