Town of Rochester Town Board held the Audit/Workshop Meeting at July 29, 2021 at 6:00pm at the Harold Lipton Community Center, 15 Tobacco Road, Accord, NY
Livestream Broadcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg7ykop50cWmqPFUpgDjRSQ
6:00pm: Audit of the July vouchers
PRESENT:
Councilwoman Erin Enouen Councilwoman Bea Haugen-Depuy
Councilman Chris Hewitt Councilman Adam Paddock
Supervisor Michael Baden
Supervisor Baden called the workshop meeting at 6:55pm to order and led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
PRESENT:
Councilwoman Erin Enouen Councilwoman Bea Haugen-Depuy
Councilman Chris Hewitt Councilman Adam Paddock
Supervisor Michael Baden Town Clerk Kathleen Gundberg
Attorney Marylou Christiana (7:00pm)
RESOLUTIONS:
APPOINTMENT OF EMPLOYEE-TRANSFER STATION LABORER:
Resolution # 235-2021:
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Enouen that upon recommendation of Department Head Frey, Supervisor Baden, and Councilwoman Enouen, the Town of Rochester Town Board appoints Tara Van Leuven to fill the vacant position of Laborer/Transfer Station at a rate of pay of $16.00 per hour for 32 hours worked per week effective 8/3/2021. This employee will be designated to fill the position of laborer/clerical under the Town of Rochester job duty description.
Second: Councilman Paddock
Aye: 5 nay: 0 abstain: 0 motion carried
APPOINTMENT OF EMPLOYEE- TRANSFER STATION LABORER:
Resolution # 236-2021:
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Enouen that upon recommendation of Department Head Frey, Supervisor Baden, and Councilwoman Enouen, the Town of Rochester Town Board appoints Paul Storms to fill the vacant position of Laborer/Transfer Station at a rate of pay of $15.00 per hour for 32 hours worked per week effective 8/3/2021. This employee will be designated to fill the position of laborer/attendant under the Town of Rochester job duty description.
Second: Councilman Hewitt
Aye: 5 nay: 0 abstain: 0 motion carried
DISCUSSION:
REQUEST FOR ZONING DESIGNATION CHANGE 1819 BERME ROAD:
The Board reviewed the proposal of a request to rezone parcels from R-2 to AR-3. Based on the site visit and review of the location it was strongly and logically recommended from the Planning Board Chair and Town Code Enforcement Officer to rezone the parcels to AR3 to better suit the needs of our Town, Community and the applicant. The idea is to incorporate technology and research to small scale agriculture and micro-agri-tourism.
The Board reviewed the zoning maps & FEMA maps and reviewed some of the history of the land.
Councilman Paddock asked what kind of event space the applicant was proposing and when they go to public hearing traffic is going to be an issue, there is residential homes located all around the parcel, and this proposal is creating something unique to the Berme.
The applicants thought art events, personal events or corporate events. There is no plan for concerts or events with loud noise. Noise blankets were discussed. The proposal includes a parking area of up to 50 vehicles. The applicants reiterated that they want to be neighborly and will access the character of people and adhere to a 10 pm rule. Events are not the primary objective.
Councilman Hewitt stated it was a beautiful presentation, loves the idea of edible landscaping and as a master gardener would love to look at the pear trees. What are your ideas with pedestrians using the rail trail approaching your property?
The applicant stated that they thought of ideas of a coffee hut possibly but that’s not what their main objective is and maybe in the future think more along those lines. If anything benches or a sitting area so those that need to rest can.
Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy suggest contacting the Green family for they may know more of the history of the land seeing how they farmed the property next to the applicant.
Councilwoman Enouen: stated that the main intent is to farm and sell and that goes with our Comp plan.
ZONING DESIGNATION CHANGE:
Resolution # 237-2021:
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Enouen to consider the request of the zoning designation change and have the applicant move forward with their application.
Second: Councilman Hewitt
Aye: 5 nay: 0 abstain: 0 motion carried
LOCAL LAW 3-2021: SHORT TERM RENTALS:
The Town Board reviewed the recommendations from the Ulster County and the Town of Rochester Planning Boards and made appropriate amendments to the draft short term rental law that the Town Board has before the public. The updated law will be placed on the website on Friday.
AMERICAN RESCUE ACT FUNDING:
Supervisor Baden stated that we received the first portion of the funding. It is still unclear what exactly the money can be used for. We know for sure we can put it towards broadband and technology. The Board will discuss it further as more information becomes available. We have until 2024 to use the money.
NO PARKING REQUEST- CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER:
Supervisor Baden stated he verbally received a request from Code Enforcement officer Jerry Davis to have no parking on the Berme Rd. (High Falls) Swimmers are now parking and entering from Berme Road. The Board will discuss it further at the next Town board meeting.
NO LITTERING LAW:
Supervisor Baden put together a couple drafts for the Board to review.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Enouen to enter into executive session at 9:02pm for the purposes of discussion of
A. The proposed acquisition, sale, or lease of real property
B. Collective Bargaining Agreement amendment
C. Matter leading to the employment of particular persons
Second: Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy motion carried
A Motion was made by Councilman Hewitt to exit executive session at 10:48pm
Second: Councilwoman Enouen motion carried
ADJOURNMENT:
A Motion was made by Councilwoman Enouen to adjourn the meeting at 10 :48pm
Second: Councilwoman Haugen-Depuy motion carried
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
KATHLEEN A. GUNDBERG
TOWN CLERK