The Town of Rochester Town Board held the Regular Meeting on October 10, 2024 at :pm at the Harold Lipton Community Center, 15 Tobacco Road Accord, NY 12404
To View the Meeting
Livestream Broadcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg7ykop50cWmqPFUpgDjRSQ
PRESENT:
Councilwoman Renee Ciardi Councilman Michael Coleman
Councilwoman Emily Dindial Councilwoman Charlotte Smiseth
Town Supervisor Erin Enouen Town Clerk Kathleen Gundberg
ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:
Resolution # 288 -2024:
Motion: Councilwoman Smiseth
Second: Councilman Coleman
The Town Board accepts the agenda, as prepared by the Town Supervisor with the amendment to give Former Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy the privilege of the floor and to move the public comment to the second agenda Item.
Aye: 5 nay: 0 abstain: 0 motion carried
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH:
Bea Haugen-Depuy: This I hold close to my heart as a two time survivor. I want to remind everyone that it is breast cancer awareness month and would like to encourage everyone to get checked.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
John Nedbor: I recently read in the Blue Stone Press of a speed limit reduction on Mohonk Road in High Falls. I would like to see the Town Board support a reduction in County Route 6 in High Falls. There has been an increase in traffic, there are high speeding areas in the location and a lot of blind turns, someone is going to get hurt.
Ruth Bendelius: Our past Legislator Terry Bernardo was successful in getting a reduction in speed on Lucas Ave. I encourage you to get a speed study done and support this, there is a lot more traffic on the roads now.
Several residents of the Alligerville area reiterated the plea of a reduction in speed to the area. The location has attracted many with the eagles nest, business venues and with the bridge taken out by mohonk allowing for larger trucks to pass through.
Bea Haugen-Depuy: as a member of the Ambulance committee and a resident of this Town I would like to know when is the Town Board going to sit with us to discuss the money set aside for KAFAS. There is no contract for 2024, we lost our chair to the committee and only have 3 of us left. The Board needs to meet with this committee, KAFAS has purchased an ambulance and a flycar without receiving funds from the taxpayers. You have a problem and Councilman Coleman as liaison you need to communicate better.
Gerry Fornino: Great job with Heritage Day Congratulations to Kate and all involved!
Joe Vitti: on behalf of the Marbletown First Aide squad we are submitting a quarterly report. The Agency has responded to a high rate of calls, and there is great morale at the squad. We were able to purchase a used ambulance for a great price.
Supervisor’s Financial Report
September 2024
September 2024 Financials
Revenue
General Fund $ 166,662.00
Highway Fund $ 661,441.00
Total Expenditures
General Fund $ 193,967.05
Highway Fund $ 91,163.57
Street Lighting Fund $ 433.56
Capital Fund $ 0.00
Ambulance Fund $ 5,750.00
Escrow Fund $ 1,935.51
Abstract 9-2024
General Fund $102,494.43
Highway Fund $38,617.62
Capital Fund $0
Street Lighting Fund $433.56
Ambulance Fund $5,750.00
Escrow Fund $1,935.51
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT:
Recognition of service: Supervisor Enouen presented the Pride of Rochester recognition of service
PRIDE OF ROCHESTER:
Best Team Effort: Bethany and Matt Dennin, Community Center yard clean up.
TOR Highway Dept.: for the cleanup of the kwanzit hut.
Stars of Rochester: Heritage Day!
Kate Gundberg, Amazing organizer
Incredible Community members: Friends of Historic Rochester, Accord Fire Company, Recreation Department and all the additional volunteers.
Correspondance report:
Supervisor Enouen shared with the Board correspondences received.
SUPERVISOR’S UPDATE:
Grants:
NY Rising – Alligerville Firehouse: Everything has officially been submitted.
BridgeNY – Boice Mill Road Bridge: will work on updating the work order.
County ARPA Parks- a water test must be submitted.
JCAP- no bids received
Bridge NY – Project 32 Bridge / Sundown Culvert: the deadline is 10/24, will be working with the Highway Superintendent on how we are going to assign work.
Other updates- We are in budget season and working hard on trimming down the budget, looking for alternative funding. Supervisor Enouen stated how she sat in on a 2 day accounting training and looking forward to the future.
TOWN BOARD UPCOMING AGENDAS:
October Budget meetings: 10/14 & 10/18 will be budget meetings, we have to reschedule the Audit meeting.
The Attorney Budget is high so we have decided to only have the Town Attorney at one meeting a month and will submit a report to the Board.
ATTORNEY FOR THE TOWN REPORT:
TOWN CLERK/ TAX COLLECTOR REPORT:
For the month of September $ $38,881.28 was collected.
Office of Cannabis Management:
Notification of Microbusiness was received for LK Wellness, 5010 US Highway 209 Accord, NY 12404.
RESIGNATION:
Zachary Jarvis- Planning Board
HIGHWAY SUPT. REPORT: nothing to report.
DEPARTMENT UPDATES/ LIAISON REPORTS:
Councilwoman Dindial: nothing to report other than the northern lights can be seen outside tonight.
Councilwoman Ciardi: Ag Committee: Would like to host an open meeting event. Right to farms signs have been ordered, and an email address has been created for the committee.
Councilwoman Smiseth: Recreation Dept.: 10/11 youth pumpkin painting class, 10/21: Adult paint class. 10/25: Kids Halloween party, Basketball registration has begun. Heritage Day was a huge success.
Housing Committee: There is a survey for housing stock that we would love to see most of the residents fill out.We had a consultant here where we inspected 2 locations for potential housing stock sites.
Councilman Coleman: Spectrum: will check the status because it looks like we may have service on St. Josen Rd., Constabulary: The Constabulary answered 19 direct calls for service and other duties in September of 2024.
These included:
• 19 Neighbor to Neighbor and Quality of Life Complaints
• 3 Resident Traffic Complaints (Mettacahonts Rd., Lwr. Whitfield Rd, ,Clay Hill Rd.)
• 1 Environmental Complaints, (Cherrytown Rd.)
• 0 New Building Department Violations
• 0 New Court Cases Opened
• 8 Court Proceedings Remain Open
• 0 Court Proceedings Closed
Interesting Occurrences:
This past month, Noise and trespass complaints were foremost. Followed closely by Neighbor to Neighbor
and quality of life complaints. Short term rental properties continue to generate the majority of other
complaints, with Fridays and weekends being the most active. These are mainly comprised of trespassing,
loud noise, road/driveway blockages as well as household trash dumping. Event spaces in town continue
to generate large numbers of noise and garbage complaints as well as traffic speed and congestion. Due to
the bridge replacements and their detours overall traffic activity has increased dramatically, with several
Town road intersections becoming increasingly dangerous. We continue to monitor these, and other,
situations
Town Clerk Gundberg: HPC: HPC awards were handed out at Heritage Day. This years recipients were;
Isobel Contento and Robert Clark
53 Stony Road, Accord, NY The Mil Kill Farm
HPC Reasoning:
Isobel and Robert have worked over several decades to preserve the home, corn crib, barn and chicken coop. There is even a 2-seater outhouse that remains in place by the barn. Most recently they have worked with land conservation organizations to preserve the surrounding landscape that supports the farm.
Angela Voulegaris
170 Whitfield Road, Accord
HPC Reasoning: (Ryan Fitzgerald received the award on Angela’s behalf. He raised 1000 chickens at her farm.)
Angela removed vinyl siding from the house and returned the window pattern to the original house structure (an upstairs window had been boarded up decades ago). She also removed a swimming pool that threatened the house’s foundation and maintained the barns as functioning farm buildings and tends a family cemetery toward the back of the property. She recently approached the HPC about possible masons to restore the lime kiln that is collapsing.
Ray Camano and Don Howell
228 Dewitt Road, Olivebridge, NY (town of Rochester)
HPC Reasoning:
Ray and Don have worked on their 1830s home for decades to bring modern features into the home while maintaining an appearance of things being as they might have been in the 1830s. Even plumbing fixtures were sourced from vintage shops and windows restored rather than replaced. They’ve added insulation and a modern heating system, kept old paint where possible and stained the outside clapboards for a neat appearance.
NOTE: There is a documentary about the restoration process on HBO Max, Diary of an Old Home, Season 2, Episode 5: 1830s Eyebrow Colonial. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5h9wUlJQtm8
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Motion: Supervisor Enouen
Second: Councilman Coleman
The Town of Rochester Town Board enters into executive session at 8:00pm for the purpose to hold interviews for Planning Board vacancies.
Aye: 5 nay: 0 abstain: 0 motion carried
RECONVENE THE MEETING:
Motion: Councilwoman Smiseth
Second: Councilman Coleman
The Town of Rochester Town Board reconvened the meeting at 9:42pm with no action taken nor monies expended.
Aye: 5 nay: 0 abstain: 0 motion carried
TOWN BOARD MEMBER TIME:
Councilman Coleman thanked Bea Haugen-Depuy for speaking up regarding the ambulance district and will work on commication with the Committee.
RESOLUTIONS:
ACTION ON MINUTES:
Resolution # 289-2024:
Motion: Councilwoman Smiseth
Second: Councilman Coleman
The Town of Rochester Town Board accepts the minutes of the September 5, 2024 Public Hearing, September 5, 2024 Workshop Meeting, the September 12, 2024 Regular Meeting, September 26, 2024 Public Hearing, and the September 26, 2024 Audit meeting, as presented.
Aye: 5 nay: 0 abstain: 0 motion carried
GENERAL FUND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS:
Resolution # 290 -2024:
Motion: Supervisor Enouen
Second: Councilwoman Smiseth
The Town of Rochester Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor as Budget Officer to modify the General Fund Budget,
A5010.113 HIGHWAY SECRETARY EXPENDITURE PROPOSED AMENDED
$ 30,550.00 $ -7,027 $ 23,524.00
A1410.113 DEPUTY TOWN CLERK 2 $ 38,220.00 $ 7,027 $ 45,247.00
Aye: 5 nay: 0 abstain: 0 motion carried
HIGHWAY FUND BUDGET MODIFICATIONS:
Resolution # 291 -2024:
Motion: Supervisor Enouen
Second: Councilwoman Smiseth
The Town of Rochester Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor as Budget Officer to modify the General Fund Budget, as presented.
DA5140.440 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES EXPENDITURE PROPOSED AMENDED
$ 6,000.00 $ – 6,000.00 0.00
DA5130.2 MACHINERY EQ $320,000.00 $ + 6,000.00 $ 326,000.00
DA5130.2 MACHINERY EQ $ 326,000.00 $ 64,881.89 $ 390,882.00
DA5130.2 MACHINERY EQ $ 390,882.00 $ 47,110.81 $ 437,993.00
DA2680 INSURANCE RECOVERIES REVENUE
$ 64,881.89 $ 64,881.89
3501 CHIPS REVENUES $ 630,000.00 $ 47,110.81 $ 677,110.81
Aye: 5 nay: 0 abstain: 0 motion carried
GRADE AND WAGE SCALE MODIFICATION:
Resolution # 292 -2024:
Motion: Councilwoman Smiseth
Second: Councilman Coleman
The Town of Rochester Town Board ammends the grade and wage scale for the remainder of 2024 for the following position:
Deputy Town Clerk 2 is now in grade 4 at the rate of $23.50 / hour for 40 hours a week
Aye: 5 nay: 0 abstain: 0 motion carried
DEPUTY TOWN CLERK 2 APPOINTMENT:
Town Clerk Gundberg appoints Jessica Boughton to the position of Deputy Town Clerk 2.
DESIGNATION OF ADDITIONAL DUTIES:
Resolution # 293 -2024:
Motion: Councilman Coleman
Second: Councilwoman Smiseth
With the consent of Town Clerk Gundberg, the Town of Rochester town board assigns additional duties of Highway Department clerk to the Second Deputy Clerk.
Aye: 5 nay: 0 abstain: 0 motion carried
APPOINTMENTS:
Resolution # 294-2024:
Motion: Supervisor Enouen
Second: Councilwoman Smiseth
The Town of Rochester Town Board appoints Courtney Coffey to the position of Zoning Coodinator – provisional for 35 hours a week at the rate of pay established.
Aye: 5 nay: 0 abstain: 0 motion carried
BOICEMILL BRIDGE CONTRACT REVISION:
Resolution # 295-2024:
Motion: Councilwoman Smiseth
Second: Councilman Coleman
The Town of Rochester Town Board authorizes the Town Supervisor to sign the contract addendum between the Town of Rochester and Hudson Valley Engineering Associates, P.C.d/b/a HVEA Engineers to include right of way mapping and acquisition services and increase the not to exceed amount by $15,000, as presesented.
Aye: 5 nay: 0 abstain: 0 motion carried
AUTHORIZATION OF PURCHASE:
Resolution # 296-2024:
Motion: Councilwoman Smiseth
Second: Councilman Coleman
The Town of Rochester Town Board authorizes the Highway Superintendent to procure a chipper by piggybacking off a state bid, per the town’s adopted procurement policy, in the amount of $69,555.20 from Westchester Tractor, Inc.
Aye: 5 nay: 0 abstain: 0 motion carried
HIGHLANDS REGION INCLUSION REQUEST:
Resolution # 297A-2024:
Motion: Councilwoman Smiseth
Second: Councilman Coleman
WHEREAS, the Highlands region, encompasses more than three million acres of Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, the Highlands region is an area of national significance, possessing substantial natural beauty, containing contiguous forest and productive farmland, numerous cultural and historic sites, plentiful recreation opportunities, and the protection and supply of important drinking water sources for over fifteen million people; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Congress, in bipartisanship, passed the Highlands Conservation Act, Public Law 10-421 that was signed into law by the President of the United States on November 30, 2004, designating the Highlands as a significant national conservation priority region; and
WHEREAS, the Highlands Conservation Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to provide financial assistance to Highlands States to preserve and protect high priority conservation land in the Highlands region; and
WHEREAS, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service manages a voluntary grant program to assist Highlands States, local units of government, and private forest and farm landowners in the conservation of land and natural resources in the Highlands region in coordination with willing sellers; and
WHEREAS, land preservation efforts in the Highlands region should link the parks, historic sites, wetlands, wildlife habitats, streams, rivers, reservoirs, watershed, trails, scenic and natural lands and other protected areas unique to the region for the enjoyment of future generations; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Rochester supports being officially included in the federal Highlands boundary, as maintained by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the Highlands Conservation Act grant program, thereby qualifying for financial and technical assistance provided by the U.S. Congress.
Aye: 5 nay: 0 abstain: 0 motion carried
ULSTER COUNTY PLANNING BOARD REQUIRED MODIFICATION:
Resolution # 297-2024:
Motion: Councilwoman Smiseth
Second: Councilman Coleman
Recommended resolution: WHEREAS, the Ulster County Planning Board has reviewed Local Law J of 2024, Amending Chapter 140, Zoning and provided recommendations requiring specific modifications; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Rochester Town Board has thoroughly considered the recommendations of the Ulster County Planning Board and deems them unnecessary for the intent set forth in the code updates;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Rochester Town Board hereby overrides the required modifications set forth by the Ulster County Planning Board regarding Local Law J of 2024.
Aye: 5 nay: 0 abstain: 0 motion carried
MEETING MODIFICATION:
Resolution # 298-2024:
Motion: Supervisor Enouen
Second: Councilwoman Smiseth
The Town of Rochester Town Board modifies the October 14, 2024 meeting at 6:30 pm at the Harold Lipton Community Center to include a special meeting in addition to the budget meeting and requests the Town Clerk circulate notice.
Aye: 5 nay: 0 abstain: 0 motion carried
BOICEMILL STOP SIGN REMOVAL REQUEST:
The Board discussed to leave the signage up until alternative solutions are made available but it is a priority.
ADJOURN IN MEMORY OF;
Motion: Councilwoman Smiseth
Second: Councilman Coleman
The Town Board adjourned the meeting at 10:10pm in the memory of the following;
Amiel Ryan Maerling
Giovanna “Jennie” Rusolo
Shana Goldberg
Larry Borzamato
Margaret Peggy St. Claire motion carried
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
KATHLEEN A. GUNDBERG
TOWN CLERK