The February Town Board Meeting was held on February 6, 2014 at 7pm at the Town of Rochester Town Hall.
PRESENT:
Supervisor Chipman Councilwoman Chachkin Councilman Cilenti
Councilman Drabkin Councilman Spano Town Clerk Sergio
Attorney Christiana
PLEDGE:
Supervisor Chipman opened the meeting and Troy Dunn led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
BOARD AND COMMISSION INTERVIEWS:
The Board held an interview with Alice Schoonmaker for a position on the Board of Ethics.
APPOINTMENT TO THE BOARD OF ETHICS:
Resolution #49 -2014:
A Motion was made by Councilman Drabkin to appoint Alice Schoonmaker to the Board of Ethics with a term to expire 12/31/2016.
Seconded by: Councilman Cilenti 5-0aye, motion carried
The Board held an interview with Chris Hewitt for a position on the Environmental Conservation Commission.
APPOINTMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION COMMISSION:
Resolution # 50-2014:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to appoint Chris Hewitt to a position on the Environmental Conservation Commission with a term to expire 12/31/2016.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano 5-0aye, motion carried
TRANSFER STATION HOURS:
Supervisor Chipman wanted to clarify the reasons for the board to make the decision to go to a 3 day operation of the transfer station. For the past 3 years the transfer station daily activity log has shown a decrease in the sale of permits, and collection of waste. It is estimated that approximately 33% of Town residents currently use the transfer station which is operating in a
$ 150,000.00 deficit each year. Because of this decline we are 67% of residents not using it are still paying for it with tax dollars. It is the responsibility of the Town Board to look at the best interest for all involved and by cutting the hours of the transfer station will cut down on electricity, fuel, heat, etc.
The employees at the transfer station are crossed hired with buildings and grounds. By closing 2 days at the transfer station this will free up approximately 40 working hours a week that can be dedicated to the building and grounds.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
One resident suggested having flex hours at the transfer station; such as staying open to 7pm one night a week to accommodate the working people that can’t get there by 4pm or even a Saturday.
Another resident asked why an employee gets to take a town vehicle home? He stated that there are 3 employees sitting at the transfer station, riding around on machines wasting fuel.
Another resident stated as a user of transfer station and a taxpayer he fully supports the decision of the town board. He also stated that some valid points of flex hours may help.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
A Motion was made by Councilman Drabkin to approve the minutes of the 01/09/2014 Organizational Meeting 01/09/2014 Town Board Meeting, and 01/30/2014 Audit Workshop Meeting.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano 4-0 aye, motion carried
SUPERVISORS REPORT: Filed with the Town Clerk
LEGAL UPDATES: discuss Rainbow Diner litigation in executive session.
SUPERVISOR’S UPDATE:
Supervisor Chipman hosted a meeting on electric transmission in the Hudson Valley. Topic of discussion at the meeting was cost zones for electric rates from Leeds, NY to Pleasant Valley, NY. Our area would be part of the New York City zone if this goes into effect. Forcing our area to pay New York City rates would cause bad effects on our economy. He will continue to update the board as more information is gathered.
LIASION REPORTS:
Councilwoman Chachkin: Court: Spoke with Judge Shaheen about the Auditors recommendations. He stated that he would be in discussion with the Court staff and get back to Councilwoman Chachkin. HPC: no meeting held. Alligerville Historic district is the next project the HPC will be working on.
Planning Board: 1/13 meeting: Site plan review for AT&T to City Hall Rd cell tower. 3 guide wires were installed without permit so the public hearing is postponed . AT&T withdrew their application for now.
Telecommunications Committee: The committee has met twice to date and is scheduled to meet again on Feb 10 and 24. It has begun reviewing a proposed revision of the telecommunications section of the town’s zoning code. The committee has also put out of survey of residents’ cell coverage, which is available on the town website. The survey will help identify the areas in the town that have inadequate or no wireless services, which is the first step in the planned process to improve the availability and quality of wireless service throughout the town.
Councilman Cilenti: nothing to report. There was a question about reducing the numbers of people on the youth commission. Attorney Christiana asked Town Clerk Sergio to look into seeing if the formation of the youth commission was completed by resolution or by local law.
Councilman Drabkin: ZBA: no meeting. Hwy: Highway Superintendent Kelder asked the public to be patient. We’ve had a lot of snow. With 9 men each on a 3 ½ hour plow cycle it is difficult to keep up with 1-2 inches of snow per hour. But we are doing our best!
Councilman Spano: nothing to report
Supervisor Chipman: Assessors office: as of 12/31/13 1330 out of 1500 property owners have re-registered for the star exemption. Renewal exemption applications need to be renewed before 3/1/14. Recent analysis completed by NYS states the equalization rate for the town will remain at 100% for the 2014 roll.
Constabulary: There was a discussion at a previous meeting on traffic and safety of those traveling on Whitfield road after race nights. The constabulary would like to see a plan in place. We can put a car on the road with flashing lights the night of races for when people are leaving.
NEW/OLD BUSINESS:
TIME WARNER CABLE COMMITTEE:
The board is looking for volunteers willing to serve on a committee to help boost broad band in the Town of Rochester.
TELECOMMUNICATION COMMITTEE/ ZONING REVISIONS:
There was a lengthy discussion as to where the board left off with the Zoning revisions. It has been a few months since the board discussed the revisions. It was agreed that the board spend the next audit workshop meeting to work on the 85% completed information and begin review of the 15% not completed.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD:
Mike Baden stated the telecommunication committee will try to have something to the board by the end of March.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
A Motion was made by Councilman Cilenti to enter into executive session at 8:15pm with Richard Miller to discuss the Rainbow Diner Litigation.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano 5-0aye, motion carried
A Motion was made by Councilman Spano to reconvene the meeting at 8:30pm stating no action taken nor monies expended.
Seconded by: Councilman Drabkin 5-0aye, motion carried
ADJOURNMENT:
A Motion was made by Councilman Drabkin to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 pm.
Seconded by: Councilman Spano 5-0aye, motion carried
Respectfully Submitted,
Kathleen A. Sergio
Town Clerk