Town Board Regular Meeting – January 2021

The Regular Town Board Meeting was held on January 7, 2021 at 6:30pm at via Livestream Broadcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg7ykop50cWmqPFUpgDjRSQ
Listening Dial in Number +1 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 883 8118 3093 Password: 197350

PRESENT:
Councilwoman Erin Enouen Councilwoman Bea Haugen-Depuy
Councilman Chris Hewitt Councilman Adam Paddock
Supervisor Michael Baden Town Clerk Kathleen Gundberg

ABSENT:
Attorney Marylou Christiana

PUBLIC COMMENT:
no comments made

PRESENTATION:

CT MALE- ULSTER COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL CALL FOR PROJECTS: BOICE MILL BRIDGE:

Jim Thatcher, representative for CT Male gave an overview of the project. CT Male will prepare the County grant application and an updated cost estimate for superstructure replacement. The County is aware of the long standing structural deficiencies and weight reductions for the Boice Mill Rd Bridge.
An assessment of the Bridge was done in October of 2020 at the same time Ulster County came out with a County off system local bridge funding that is filtered down from NYS. The local bridge project is similar to a mini bridge NY. After viewing the bridge rather than a replacement we are looking to do a rehabilitation which would superstructure from the top of the abutments and up. The deadline to apply for this funding is 1/15/21.

Discussion:
Supervisor Baden stated that this project will take place in 2022 or later. It can be spaced out over 2 budget cycles, we can take a bond or use fund balance.
Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy asked if the where the level of the bridge is now are we able to remain open until the funding becomes available.
Highway Superintendent Frey stated currently the limit is 9 tons with no outstanding problems. Last inspection was in 2019 and the state inspects every 18 mo. -2years.
Councilwoman Enouen asked what the lifespan of the bridge would be?

There is no major expansion being done to the bridge. The width is staying the same and using the same abutments. The average lifespan of the bridge is about 20-30 or more.

RESOLUTION # 62-2021:

A Motion was made by Councilwoman Enouen authorizing Submission Of An Ulster County Transportation Council (UCTC) Surface Transportation Program “Off System” Bridge Repair Funding Application To Support Rehabilitation Of The Boice Mill Road Bridge To Restore Load Capacity And Provide Safe Transport Of Essential Vehicles And Mobility For All Town And County Residents And To Pledge Use Of Capital Reserves and/or Local Bond Proceeds To Fund The Non-UCTC Grant Portion Of The Total Project Costs If The Proposed County Funding Is Awarded To The Town Of Rochester

WHEREAS, the Town of Rochester (Town) owns and maintains the Boice Mill Road Bridge (BIN #2224460) serving residents, businesses, and the general public within Ulster County and the Mid-Hudson Region; and

WHEREAS, the Boice Mill Road Bridge has been declared structurally deficient and its load rating has been consistently reduced through periodic inspections conducted by the NYS Department of Transportation (DOT), and said deficiencies are prohibiting the ability of emergency vehicles and other essential modes of transportation (school buses, delivery vehicles, town plow trucks) to use the Boice Mill Road Bridge, causing detours and delays that could compromise resident safety; and

WHEREAS, the Town desires to seek grant assistance through the Ulster County Transportation Council’s share of federal Surface Transportation Program “Off System” Bridge Repair funding as announced in the Notice of Funding Availability dated December 9, 2020 to help cover design and construction costs for the proposed rehabilitation of the Boice Mill Road Bridge to increase load capacity and restore the Bridge’s long-term structural
safety and viability; and

WHEREAS, the Town intends to fund the remaining non-UCTC portion of the Boice Mill Road Bridge Rehabilitation Project (20% of the Total Project Costs) through local capital reserves and/or bond proceeds to be separately authorized after grant award; and now therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Council authorizes Mike Baden, Supervisor, to sign all UCTC application documents and certifications and submit the UCTC “Off System” Bridge Repair funding application on behalf of the Town to the UCTC on or before January 15, 2021.

This Resolution shall take effect immediately following its adoption.
Second: Councilman Paddock

ROLL CALL:

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

ATTORNEY FOR THE TOWN REPORT: NOTHING TO REPORT

TOWN CLERK REPORT: NOTHING TO REPORT

SUPERVISOR’S REPORT:
December 2020 report – Filed with the Town Clerk

YTD General Fund
Expenditures: $1,733.584.69 Budget: $2,109,721.00
Revenue: $1,694,359.94 Budget: $2,034,721.00
Net Amounts: $ -39,224.75 Budget: $75,000.00

YTD Highway Fund
Expenditures: $1,645,089.34 Budget: $2,053,570.00
Revenue: $1,839,238.02 Budget: $1,913.570.00
Net Amounts: $197,148.68 Budget: $140,000.00

December 2020 Financials
Revenue
Receipts received from the Town Clerk’s office $31,634.08
Ulster County Mortgage Tax: 4/1/2020-9/1/2020 $128,958.77
CHIPS $46,271.71
Expenditures
Abstract 12-2020
General Fund $95,069.88
Highway Fund $37,773.06
Street Lighting Fund $416.69

SUPERVISOR’S UPDATE/ CORRESPONDENCE REPORT:
Monthly Correspondence: The Building Dept. December report: $ 9,353.30 and for the YTD: $ 120,860.98 which is a record high. There is a lot of building going on in Town. Between the Part time clerk and the extra hours given to Becky has helped the department catch up.
Planning/ ZBA: December report $ 2,200.00
Assessor Report: New Construction: the Assessor has started to review the status of open building permits and inspecting properties and updating records and assessments as necessary. All properties are assessed as of the status as of March 1, 2021. Exemption renewal applications: renewal applications for Senior Citizens, Disabled persons with limited incomes, Agricultural Exemptions, wholly exemption properties, Grandparents, Clergy and forest exemptions. The Assessor will be reviewing and processing the exemption applications as we receive them. All exemptions are due March 1, 2021. Due to recent legislation passed by the New York State legislation Senior Citizens and Persons with disabilities will not need to file renewal applications unless their income has decreased.
We received a letter from Ulster County Personnel department increasing the 2nd Deputy Clerk to full time status.
Letter was received from NY unified Court system for the internal audit. Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy and Councilwoman Enouen agreed to work on that along with Kareen’s records in the Supervisor’s office.

COVID-19 Report: The numbers are down in the County. Currently 71 cases in Rochester, 2200 in the County.

IT Upgrade Progress: 2 new computers that were ordered were for the Clerk’s office. The 2021 budget will have a bulk order of computers for various departments. The Computers are coming from the State bid.
Town Clerk Gundberg stated that they have been a pleasure to work with nothing but positive experiences with them thus far.

Courthouse Renovations: Gutters are needed for the annex. This will use up the remainder balance of the JCAP grant.

NY Rising – Alligerville Firehouse: Bids are due 1/15/21 at 2:00pm. There were approximately 8-9 contractors at the pre-bid meeting, approximately 20 that requested the bid package. Construction to begin this spring.

DEPARTMENT UPDATES/ LIAISON REPORTS:
Councilman Paddock:
Recreation Dept: the 3 part history video series was well received last I checked the first video was at almost 1,000 views.
Constabulary: Court is partially open. The Constabulary answered 18 direct calls for service and other duties in December of 2020.
These included: •8 Neighbor to Neighbor and Quality of Life Complaints •2 Resident Traffic Complaints (Whitfield Rd., Upr. Whitfield Rd., Lwr. Whitfield Rd.) •2 Environmental Complaints, ( Lake View Rd. and Queens Hwy.) •3 Building Department Violations•3 New Court Cases Opened*•27 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. However we have received multiple complaints regarding drones overflying residents’ properties. Complaints regarding garbage being dumped on private properties and on several local roads has increased again. 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 regarding ATV’s being operated upon public roads and on private property in several locations around the Town. without permission. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to have limited direct contact with complainants with a proportional increase in direct phone calls.
Councilwoman Enouen:
Transfer Station: new permits are expected to arrive in 10-14 days.
Little one’s learning center: holding a takeout dinner fundraiser.
Councilman Hewitt: ECC: working on the scheduling of the speaker series, tote bags with the ECC logo are being printed up for distribution.

PRESENTATION: WATERSHED EDUCATION PARK:

Councilman Hewitt presented phase 1 of the watershed education park.

What we discovered: This land has not been logged in over 80 years, and many of the bigger hardwood trees are
200 to 300 years old—a truly rare ecological asset for the Town to appreciate, preserve and protect. It is a north slope with at least three different identifiable perennial springs emerging on the hill and flowing down to the Mill Brook. The Forest is a rare and exceptionally mature, mostly deciduous hardwood mix with some particularly healthy specimen trees that will be highlighted in the trail system. Some of the big White Oaks are over 200 years in age. Hickories and Sycamores ranging from 150 to 200 years old along the Mill Brook, and some rare native 80 to 100-year-old Butternut trees, are thriving in a nice stand on the far side of the Mill Brook. Assess our needs for tree plantings, signage, sitting and observation areas, and where steps or switchbacks are needed.

Opportunities include: Educational stations at key locations can be shown on the map. for understanding hydrology, cultural legacies in the land, ecology, and their interrelationships. The suggested trail system leads visitors to the many unique areas of the park. Creating wild meadows and pollinator habitat, with hazelnuts, Nanking cherries, blueberries, and black raspberries. Fruit trees can include pear, apple, paw paw, and plum. Teach about springs, how to find them, and how they work. Create context for the larger watershed through educational opportunities.

Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy asked if the contineous landowners should be notified at this point and who is going to monitor for garbage and check the trails?
Councilman Hewitt stated the ECC is looking to act as the Steward to the park. We would like to have an entry booth free to UC residents.
Supervisor Baden stated these trails would be no different than those of the rail trail and garbage on the rail trail is almost non existent.
Councilman Hewitt stated the insurance coverage would be the biggest concern
Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy stated that before we start spending money on a park we should put it out there for the people to decide if this is what they want.
Councilman Paddock stated that is the purpose of the public meeting
Supervisor Baden stated there is an increase in the Town budget for parks & recreation.
Councilwoman Enouen stated that she is excited and a lot of time has been put into this so thank you Chris. As plans progress having a public conversation isn’t a bad idea. I love the idea of a bike trail around the solar panels.
Councilman Hewitt stated there is also a great view of the Catskills.

PRESENTATION: 2020 STATE OF THE TRAILS:

Supervisor Baden stated that the Ashokan rail trial was nominated for national award for new trails.
The 2020 state of the trails annual report shows over 20 new trials in one year. There were approximately 600,000 visitor’s in 2019.

HIGHWAY SUPT. REPORT: NOTHING TO REPORT

RESOLUTIONS:

ACTION ON MINUTES:
Resolution #63-2021:

A Motion was made by Councilwoman Enouen that the Town Board accepts the minutes of the December 3, 2020 Regular, December 9, 2020 Public Hearing, and December 29, 2020 Workshop meetings as amended.
Second: Councilman Paddock

ROLL CALL:

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

HIGHWAY FUND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS 2020:
Resolution # 64-2021:
A Motion was made by Councilman Hewitt that the Town of Rochester Town Board authorizes the Budget Officer to make budget modifications to the 2020 Highway Fund, as presented.
Second: Councilwoman Enouen

ROLL CALL:

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

BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW REAPPOINTMENT:
Resolution # 65-2021:
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy that the Town Board reappoints Ron Lapp to the Board of Assessment Review for a term to end 9/30/2025 and requests the Town Clerk notify Mr. Lapp of the oath of office requirement.
Second: Councilman Paddock

ROLL CALL:

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

ECC REAPPOINTMENT:
Resolution # 66 -2021:
A Motion was made by Councilman Hewitt that the Town Board reappoints Judith Karpova to the Environmental Conservation Commission for a term to end 12/31/2023 and requests the Town Clerk notify Ms. Karpova of the oath of office requirement.
Second: Councilwoman Enouen

ROLL CALL:

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

ESTABLISHMENT OF DRIVEWAY PERMIT FEE:
Resolution # 67 -2021:
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Enouen that the Town Board, upon recommendation of the Highway Supt., establishes an application fee of $50.00 for the review of all driveway permits, effective January 1, 2021.
Second: Councilman Paddock

ROLL CALL:

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

AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO SEEK QUOTES FOR A FIRE ALARM AND MONITORING SYSTEM IN THE TOWN HALL AND HIGHWAY GARAGE:
Resolution # 68 -2021:

A Motion was made by Supervisor Baden that the Town Board, upon recommendation of the Town insurance carrier, authorizes the Town Supervisor to advertise a Request for Bids for a vendor to design and install a fire alarm and monitoring system for the Town Hall and Highway Garage, as per the specifications. Bids to be delivered to the Town Clerk via electronic means only. Bids to be opened on February 3 at 2:00pm.
Discussion: Supervisor Baden stated he is waiting on a couple recommendations from our Fire Inspector Will Farrell to add to the specs. We are doing this at the recommendation of the insurance company.
Second: Councilman Hewitt

ROLL CALL:

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

ADJOURNMENT

A Motion was made by Councilwoman Enouen to adjourn the meeting at 8:15pm in memory of

• Sigurd Bobeck Gatland
• Nadia Sawczuk
• Charles Kelsey, Jr.
• William Morse
• Charlotte Perro
• Janice Bush
• Eleanor Subeh
• All suffering worldwide from the COVID-19 virus
Second: Councilman Hewitt motion carried

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,

KATHLEEN A. GUNDBERG
TOWN CLERK